How to fill a package with a pack

Abstract

1. A method for filling a package with a group of pairs of packs, the method comprising: simultaneously feeding the group of pairs of packs from a transport device into the package; vertically spacing two packs of each pair of packs in the group of pairs of packs from each other within the package; and horizontally spacing each pair of packs from each other within the package. The method further comprises maintaining a horizontal spacing between each pair of packs in the group of pairs of packs while feeding the group of pairs of packs into the package by guiding a pair of packs in the group of pairs of packs along a space bar provided on the transport device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method of filling a package with a group of pairs of packs, in particular to a method of filling a package with a group of pairs of packs to form a collation of packs for tax stamp application. [Background technology]

[0002] The application of tax stamps to standard cigarette packs is an automated process. The location of the tax stamp on the pack is defined and frequently specified by national regulations. Therefore, tax stamp application machines exist that can reliably apply the tax stamp at a specific location. Such machines are therefore unable to apply the correct location of the tax stamp on non-standard packs, e.g. packs that deviate from the standard size without some machine adaptation. However, these machines are usually used remotely, close to the point of sale, so it is difficult to adapt all machines to the new format. For example, more recent products of the tobacco industry used in electronic aerosol generating devices have different sizes than traditional cigarettes. Thus, packs composed of these products also have different sizes. Therefore, known machines for the automated process of tax stamp application may not be adapted for the high-speed application of tax stamps to packs that have sizes different from the standard size.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a method to reduce the manual handling of different sized packs during the tax stamp application process, and also to allow the traditional tax application process to be used for a range of pack sizes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of filling a package with a group of pairs of packs. The method includes simultaneously feeding the group of pairs of packs from a transport device to the package, vertically spacing two packs of each pair of packs of the group of pairs of packs in the package from one another, and horizontally spacing each pair of packs from one another in the package. The method further includes maintaining a horizontal spacing between each pair of packs of the group of pairs of packs while feeding the group of pairs of packs to the package by guiding the pairs of packs of the group of pairs of packs along a space bar provided on the transport device. Preferably, one space bar is located between adjacent pairs of packs. Preferably, the vertical spacing and horizontal spacing are constant.

[0005] By filling the packages in groups with pairs of packs, a very efficient filling of the packages can be achieved. Filling in groups can be automated so that manual handling of the packs can be omitted. The filling speed of the packages can be increased. Furthermore, misalignment during manual insertion of the packs into the package can be omitted. Furthermore, by filling in groups, the risk of individual packs in a group being misaligned with respect to each other during transfer is minimized, especially when the group of packs is pushed in groups from the transport device into the package. It is desirable for the following tax stamp application process to maintain the position of the individual packs in the group, and in particular to maintain and preserve the vertical and horizontal spacing between the packs and pairs of packs in the group. Furthermore, the packs are guided along the space bar of the transport device when transferring the packs into the package. This further prevents misalignment of the packs. The space bar also defines a horizontal spacing between the pairs of packs when transferring the packs into the package. Furthermore, guiding the group of pairs of packs to the space bar also makes it possible to simplify the design of the pushing means for pushing in groups.

[0006] For example, the pushing means may be a block pusher. The block pusher may have the form of a simple plate. For example, a plate may be provided for pushing each of the packs individually or for pushing several packs of a group together. Preferably, the block pusher is in the form of a twin plate, where an upper plate may be provided for pushing an upper pack of a group of pairs of packs and a lower plate may be provided for pushing a lower pack of a group of pairs of packs. The plate, in particular the plate pushing several packs, may be provided with a longitudinal recess. A space bar may extend into the recess while the block pusher pushes the packs out of the horizontal transport device. Also, the vertical distance between the twin plates allows any spacing element to extend between the plates without interfering with the transport process of the group of packs.

[0007] The vertical and horizontal spacing between individual packs allows the packs to be positioned at specific predetermined locations within the package. The location of the packs within the package can be varied by varying the horizontal or vertical spacing between the packs, or by varying the horizontal and vertical spacing between the packs. This is particularly advantageous because the location of the packs within the package can be kept at a predetermined location that is independent of the size of the pack.

[0008] The vertical and horizontal spacing may be defined such that individual packs are positioned to be processed in a conventional tax stamp application device. The packs are preferably vertically and horizontally spaced within the package such that the location of the center of the pack is predefined and fixed independent of the size of the pack. The location of the center of the pack is preferably predefined and fixed, particularly within the package, independent of the depth and width of the pack.

[0009] The center of the pack is understood herein to define the geometric center of the pack. The center of the pack is typically understood as the longitudinal median axis of the pack or as the intersection of the median axis with the front face of the pack. The front face of the pack is defined herein as the side of the pack to which the tax stamp is applied.

[0010] The group of pairs of packs may be provided in an arrangement required for conventional pack assembly. For example, in a cigarette box, ten cigarette packs are typically assembled in five pairs next to each other. In conventional tax stamp application, two cigarette packs of a pair of cigarette packs are stacked on top of each other. Each pack is provided with a tax stamp. The position of the tax stamp on the pack is predefined and the position of the pack in the tax stamp application device is standardized for the correct stamp position on the pack. By the vertical and horizontal spacing of the packs, the positioning requirements of the pack tax stamp for the conventional tax stamp application process can be met for various pack size dimensions. The dimensions of various pack sizes refer in particular to the pack depth and pack width. In particular, packs with smaller width and depth dimensions may be positioned in the package to have the correct positioning for providing the tax stamp in a conventional tax stamp application device.

[0011] The method may include providing a pack spacer within the package for vertical spacing between packs and providing a pair spacer within the package for horizontal spacing between pairs of packs. The pack spacer and pair spacer may be individual elements of the package. The pack spacer and pair spacer may be integral to the package.

[0012] The pack spacer may be a single element that vertically separates all pairs of packs in a group of pack pairs within the package. The pack spacer may include several partial pack spacers, preferably one partial pack spacer for vertically separating each pack pair.

[0013] The pack spacers preferably extend over the group of pack pairs.

[0014] A pair spacer may be provided between each pair of two adjacent packs. A pair spacer may also be disposed between the pack pairs and the edge of the package.

[0015] Preferably the method involves providing pair spacers between pairs of packs only, and thus not at the ends of the package.

[0016] The pair spacers preferably safely horizontally space the upper and lower packs of a pack pair from the upper and lower packs of an adjacent pack, and thus the pair spacers are preferably located between the upper and lower packs of an adjacent pack pair.

[0017] The pair spacers are preferably formed by strips that extend within the interior of the package.

[0018] One or more, for example two, strips may extend into the interior of the package from one side or from opposite sides.

[0019] For example, a single strip may extend through the package from one side of the package to form a pair spacer for two adjacent pairs of packs. The strip may extend from two opposing sides of the package and into the interior of the package. Thus, the strip on one side may form a partial pair spacer for only the top or bottom pack. The strip on one side may also form a pair spacer for each pair of packs.

[0020] Preferably the method includes providing a blank of sheet material and manufacturing pack spacers and pair spacers from the blank of sheet material.

[0021] Preferably the method involves a continuous supply of blanks of sheet material.

[0022] The sheet material blank may be, for example, a sheet of paper or cardboard, a sheet of plastics material, or a metal foil.

[0023] The package, including the pack spacer and pair spacer, may be integrally formed from a blank of sheet material. This is advantageous because folding and processing of the blank of sheet material may be automated. Thus, manual handling of the blank may not be required or may be minimized. For example, cardboard blanks are a cost-effective material that may be made from recycled materials or recycled after use.

[0024] Various methods are available for forming the pack spacers and pair spacers from the sheet material blanks, as well as the sheet material blanks for packaging. For example, the spacers may be formed by folding the blank. The spacers may also be folded with portions of the blank displaced from the plane of the blank. For example, the blank may be provided with protrusions or flaps. The blank may be pre-cut to form the flaps. The pre-cut portions may be extruded from the plane of the blank forming the flaps.

[0025] Preferably, the method includes providing a strip former and forcing the strip former into the package at the location of a pre-cut strip in a blank of sheet material, thereby forming a pair spacer.

[0026] The strips may be of very simple form and may be pre-cut on a blank and may form a flap. For example, a single strip may be formed from a pre-cut in a blank in the shape of the letter U. Two strips may be formed from a pre-cut in a blank in the shape of the letter H. The strips may be extruded out of the blank by simple means. For example, a strip former may have a simple form and may perform a simple movement, for example a purely linear movement or a purely rotary movement.

[0027] The method may include pushing one or more pre-cut strips of a blank of sheet material into the package from one side.The method may include pushing one or more pre-cut strips of a blank of sheet material into the package from an opposite side.

[0028] Preferably, the method includes pushing pre-cut strips of blanks of sheet material into the interior of the package from opposite sides. For example, the pre-cut strips are pushed into the package from above and below, relative to a horizontal plane. In these embodiments, the pre-cut strip pushed from above then preferably forms part of the pair spacer of the upper pack of a pair of two adjacent packs. The pre-cut strip pushed from below preferably forms part of the pair spacer of the lower pack of the same pair of two adjacent packs.

[0029] Preferably, the method includes forming multiple pair spacers simultaneously. Preferably, all pair spacers of one package are formed simultaneously. Forming multiple or all pair spacers of a package simultaneously provides a highly efficient and time-saving method of forming pair spacers.

[0030] The strip former may be embodied, for example, as a piston-like element, as a lever-like element, or as a wheel including a cam surface. These elements may be moved against a folded blank of sheet material to form pair spacers. One or two such elements may be provided to process the package from one side or from the other side.

[0031] The strip former preferably includes two counter-rotation levers. The counter-rotation levers are capable of rotating relative to one another and moving away from one another. The package may be placed between the two levers. To form the paired spacers, the counter-rotation levers rotate relative to one another. After forming the paired spacers, the counter-rotation levers rotate away from one another. The package provided with the paired spacers may then be transported for further processing.

[0032] Preferably, the strip former comprises a series of pusher heads arranged in parallel and spaced apart from one another. The pusher heads may be arranged at the end of a piston-like or lever-like element, preferably a counter-rotating lever. The pusher heads of the strip former are pushed into the blank to form paired spacers. The serial arrangement allows for simultaneous and reliably positioned formation of paired spacers.

[0033] The pusher head is preferably smaller than the width of the pre-cut strip of blank to form the pair spacers taking into account manufacturing tolerances. Using a smaller tool to manufacture the pair spacers may prevent accidental damage to the outer wrapper of the packs when inserting the pusher head between the packs. The pusher head may be, for example, 2 millimeters, more preferably 1.5 millimeters, for example 1 millimeter, or 0.5 millimeters, or 0.2 millimeters, or 0.1 millimeters smaller than the width of the pair spacers.

[0034] The group of pack pairs may be fed into the package after the pack spacers have been provided in the package. In particular, the group is fed into the package after the pack spacers have been formed, for example folded, from a blank of sheet material. The pack spacers are preferably produced by horizontally arranged folds in the blank, the horizontally arranged folds extending in the receiving direction of the group of pack pairs. Thereby, the vertical spacing of the packs can be guaranteed during and after feeding of the group of pack pairs into the package.

[0035] The paired groups of packs may be supplied to the package before or after the pair spacers are provided, in particular before the pair spacers are formed from a blank of sheet material.

[0036] Preferably, the method includes simultaneously feeding a group of pairs of packs into the package before forming the pair spacer. Feeding a group of packs into the package without a pair spacer provided therein may reduce the risk of crushing the packs or the pair spacer. After the group of pairs of packs is fed into the package, the pair spacer is formed. In particular, the pair spacer is located in the horizontal space between adjacent pairs of packs. The pair of packs is then fixed in a horizontal position in the package by the pair spacer. To better fix the packs, the horizontal extension of the pair spacer may be slightly larger than the horizontal space between adjacent pairs of packs to achieve a friction fit between the packs.

[0037] Preferably, a package includes all the spacers and is provided with the paired group of packs.

[0038] Preferably, the package forms an insert for the carton. The insert preferably includes a pair spacer and a pack spacer within the carton. The insert is preferably made from a blank of sheet material. The package may then be inserted into the carton as an insert, such that the carton may have a size corresponding to the size of a conventional packet of conventional cigarettes. The package forming insert preferably compensates for any differences in size of the individual packs compared to the pack size of conventional cigarettes, and the package and the pack preferably fill the carton.

[0039] Preferably, the vertical spacing is in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm within the package, more preferably 4 mm to 8 mm, for example 6 mm. Vertical distances in these size ranges may compensate for the difference between the depth of a conventional cigarette pack and the depth size of a pack with a smaller depth dimension.

[0040] The thickness of the pack spacer in combination with the depth of one pack of the pack pair preferably corresponds to the depth of a standard pack of 22 millimeters. Preferably, the thickness of the pack spacer makes up the difference between the depth of the standard pack and the reduced depth of the pack having the smaller depth dimension that is handled in the method of the present invention.

[0041] The horizontal spacing is at least 1.5 mm, preferably in the range of 2 mm to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of 4 mm to 12 mm, for example in the range of 4 mm to 7 mm. Preferably, the horizontal extension of the pair spacers in combination with the width of the pair of packs corresponds to the width of a standard pack of 56 mm.

[0042] The horizontal distances in these size ranges may compensate for the difference between the width of a conventional cigarette pack and the width size of a pack with a smaller depth dimension, in particular the horizontal extension of the pair spacers, or the horizontal spacing between pairs of adjacent packs, may compensate for the smaller width of the pack compared to a conventional cigarette pack.

[0043] The method may include providing paired spacers at horizontal distances from each other within the package ranging from 25 mm to 60 mm, more preferably 30 mm to 55 mm. These size ranges of paired spacer distances allow standard box size cartons to be used to supply a variety of pack sizes within the package.

[0044] The pair spacer has a horizontal extension of at least 1.5 mm, preferably in the range of 2 mm to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of 4 mm to 12 mm, for example in the range of 4 mm to 7 mm. By providing the pair spacer, adjacent packs are separated horizontally from each other in the package by at least 1.5 mm. Preferably, the horizontal extension of the pair spacer in combination with the width of either pack of the pair of packs corresponds to the width of a standard pack of 56 mm. Thus, the width of the pair spacer or the horizontal spacing between adjacent pairs of packs can be compensated for by the smaller width of the pack compared to conventional cigarette packs.

[0045] The horizontal extension of the pair spacers may be slightly greater than the horizontal spacing to create a friction fit with the packs and keep them in place. Thus, the horizontal extension of the pair spacers may be, for example, 0.5 millimeters, 0.7 millimeters, or 1 millimeter greater than the horizontal spacing between adjacent pairs of packs.

[0046] The method may include adapting the horizontal extensions of the paired spacers to maintain a distance of 56 millimeters between the center of a front surface of a pack and the center of a front surface of an adjacent pack, depending on the size of the pack.

[0047] This may be achieved, for example, by pair spacers of different sizes. For example, the strips forming the pair spacers may have different horizontal extensions. Smaller packs may be provided with wider strips and larger packs with smaller strips. For example, different precuts may be provided on the same blank of sheet material. Depending on the size of the pair spacer required, different precuts may be used to form the pair spacers.

[0048] The method may further include transporting the package to a tax stamp application device and providing a tax stamp on the front of each pack of the group of pairs of packs in the package. Typically, the filled carton is closed and several more cartons are packed into a packed shipping case and shipped to the destination, such as for import into another country, where the shipping case is opened, the cartoned packs are tax stamped, and the carton is reclosed and returned to the pack manufacturer.

[0049] The packs in a carton may all be the same size or may be different sizes, for example a pair of packs may contain two packs of different sizes, or for example adjacent pairs may contain packs having different sizes.

[0050] It is preferred that all packs in a carton are the same size.

[0051] Preferably, simultaneously feeding the group of pairs of packs in the package comprises receiving the group of pairs of packs from a horizontal transport device, wherein the vertical spacing between the two packs of each pair of packs in the horizontal transport device and the horizontal spacing between each pair of packs on the horizontal transport device are kept constant while the group of pairs of packs are fed from the horizontal transport device into the package, which may be advantageous as the transfer of the packs may take place at the same level.

[0052] The method further includes placing the first pair of packs on a horizontal transport device, transporting the first pair of packs horizontally, and placing a second pair of packs on the horizontal transport device, wherein, for each of the first and second pairs of packs, the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs are vertically spaced from one another and the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs are further horizontally spaced from one another on the horizontal transport device.

[0053] The method allows the packs to be positioned and transported on the horizontal transport device such that all packs are vertically and horizontally spaced apart from one another. The vertical and horizontal spacing may be determined such that individual packs are positioned to be processed in a conventional tax stamp application device. The packs are preferably vertically and horizontally spaced apart in the horizontal transport device such that the location of the center of the pack is predefined and fixed regardless of the size of the pack. The location of the center of the pack is preferably specifically predefined and fixed in the horizontal transport device, independent of the depth and width of the pack.

[0054] The method is: - Providing supply of individual packs; - placing the first pack on a vertical transport device; - placing a second pack on the vertical transport device, whereby the second pack is placed on the vertical transport device vertically spaced from the first pack; - vertically transporting the first and second packs in the vertical transport device, and then simultaneously pushing the first and second packs as a pair of packs from the vertical transport device into the horizontal transport device, wherein the first and second packs are transferred vertically spaced apart as a pair of packs to the horizontal transport device.

[0055] The vertical spacing arrangement of the first and second packs in the vertical transport device allows the packs to be transported and fed upwards or downwards. The vertical transport device also allows the two packs to be vertically arranged relative to each other, in particular regardless of the depth of the packs. Thus, the vertical spacing of the packs can be adjusted according to the depth of the packs. The vertical spacing can be adjusted in particular so that the center of the first pack has the same distance from the center of the second pack, regardless of the depth of the packs. For example, a pack with a larger depth dimension may be vertically spaced apart from each other than a pack with a smaller depth dimension in order to keep the center-to-center distance between the first pack and the second pack constant. Of course, the vertical spacing between the two packs may be adjusted relative to other reference points or lines. For example, the center of the first pack and the upper or lower side of the second pack may be kept constant.

[0056] By pushing vertically spaced pairs of packs together and maintaining the vertical spacing of the pairs of packs on the horizontal transport device, the pairs of packs may be provided in the arrangement required for conventional pack assembly. This may be particularly accomplished for packs with smaller depth dimensions, since the vertical spacing may compensate for the difference to the depth of conventional packs.

[0057] By pressing pairs of packs simultaneously or in pairs, the tax stamp positioning requirements of the required vertical distance of packs from one another for a conventional tax stamp application process can be met for various pack size dimensions, particularly various pack depths. More specifically, packs of smaller depth dimensions may be positioned to be provided with a tax stamp in a conventional tax stamp application device.

[0058] The method described herein is preferably used in a tax stamp application process. Preferably, the pack is a pack used in the tobacco industry. Preferably, the pack contains tobacco industry articles. Such articles may be, for example, aerosol-generating articles, preferably cigarettes containing aerosol-generating articles. Such articles are used in electronic aerosol generating devices, where the articles may, for example, be heated for aerosol generation.

[0059] Preferably, the method includes vertically transporting the first pack in the vertical transport device before placing the second pack in the vertical transport device. Preferably, the first pack is transported upwards in the vertical transport device and the second pack is then fed below the first pack. By vertically transporting the already fed pack, the feeding position of the second or further pack can remain the same. This can simplify the process of pack feeding and the process of the pack feeding device.

[0060] The first and second packs are preferably arranged in the vertical transport device at a vertical distance of 2 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 4 mm to 8 mm, e.g. 6 mm. Vertical distances in these size ranges may compensate for the difference between the depth of a conventional cigarette pack and the depth size of a pack with a smaller depth dimension. The pack with the smaller depth dimension may in particular contain aerosol-generating articles for use in an electronic aerosol generating device, e.g. cigarettes containing aerosol-generating articles.

[0061] Preferably, the method includes a clocked, preferably continuous, feeding of individual packs to a vertical transport device. By continuous feeding of packs, pair-wise arrangement of packs may be achieved within the vertical transport device. This may also include periodically pushing pairs of packs from the vertical transport device to the horizontal transport device. The method may then include arranging further packs in a vertically spaced manner in the vertical transport device. Preferably, the method then includes placing the first, second and further packs vertically spaced from one another, preferably pair-wise, in the vertical transport device.

[0062] The packs may undergo a continuous or discontinuous vertical movement in the vertical transport device. It is preferred that the packs undergo a discontinuous vertical movement. Preferably, the packs are transported vertically in steps. During the break, the next pack may be fed into the vertical transport device. The break may also push the pair of packs out of the vertical transport device while the pair of packs is stationary on the vertical transport device.

[0063] Preferably the method subsequently comprises pushing, preferably discontinuously, the pairs of packs from the vertical transport device onto the horizontal transport device, with subsequent ejection of the pairs to allow for a continuous supply of the pairs of packs to the horizontal transport device.

[0064] Preferably the method includes pushing the pair of packs horizontally from the vertical transport device to the horizontal transport device. Horizontal movement of the pair of packs may minimise tilting or jamming of the packs in the vertical transport device.

[0065] The vertical spacing between the first and second packs may be the same or may be different in the vertical transport device and the horizontal transport device. The vertical spacing between the first and second packs is preferably maintained during the handling of the packs, i.e. in the vertical transport device, during the transfer to the horizontal transport device and in the horizontal transport device, as well as further handling steps of the packs. The vertical spacing does not have to be constant during each transfer step or in each device. The vertical spacing once defined in the vertical transport device is preferably maintained throughout the handling of the packs. Preferably, the vertical spacing of the first and second packs in the vertical transport device corresponds to the final vertical spacing of the pair of packs for the application of the tax stamp, or the final vertical spacing in the package. Thus, the method preferably includes placing the first and second packs of the pair of packs in the horizontal transport device at the same vertical distance as in the vertical transport device. The vertical spacing between the first and second packs is preferably maintained the same when the pair of packs is pushed out of the vertical transport device into the horizontal transport device. This may be advantageous, since the transfer of the packs may take place at the same level.

[0066] The vertical transport device may include two tread belt conveyors arranged in parallel. The packs to be transported vertically are held between the two belt conveyors supported by the treads of the respective belt conveyors. Preferably, the height of the treads of the tread belt conveyors then defines a minimum vertical distance between the first pack and the second pack. Belt conveyors, in particular closed loop conveyors, are known for reliable and continuous transport of goods. The tread belt conveyor makes it possible to define the minimum distance between the individual transported packs by the size or height of the treads. Packs of different sizes are transported with the vertical transport device, which can be easily realized by changing the belt conveyors. It is also possible to provide the belt conveyors with treads of different sizes.

[0067] The pair of packs may be pushed out of the vertical transport device by a pair of pushers. The pair pushers may be in the form of pistons that push the pair of packs. The pair pushers preferably act in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the packs in the vertical transport device. If the vertical transport device comprises two tread belt conveyors, pushing the pair of packs may be achieved by inserting the pair of pushers between the two tread belt conveyors to push the pair of packs out of the vertical transport device.

[0068] A gap is preferably provided between the pairs of packs in the vertical transport device, which gap is greater than the vertical spacing between the packs of the pairs of packs. Preferably, the gap corresponds to an empty pack compartment in the vertical transport device.

[0069] The belt conveyor of the vertical transport device preferably moves at two different speeds. A first speed moves the belt to a position by the distance of the pack compartment so that the next empty pack compartment can be provided with the next pack. A second, faster speed moves the belt by the distance of the filled and empty pack compartments following a pair of packs in the vertical transport device. By the faster speed, a gap is formed after the two filled subsequent pack compartments.

[0070] The empty puck compartment can retract the pair pusher after pushing the pair of pucks out of the vertical transport device.

[0071] The speed of the pair pusher may be different when pushing and retracting the pair of pucks. Preferably, the pair pusher speed is slower when pushing and faster when retracting. Higher retraction speeds are possible because there is no interaction with the pucks when retracting the pair pusher.

[0072] The vertical transport device, in particular the two-tread belt conveyor that transports the packs, may have a capacity for an even or odd number of packs. Preferably, the capacity includes an even number of packs, e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 packs. The capacity of a pack may directly correspond to a number of pack compartments. Preferably, the capacity also includes empty space compartments, if present, to achieve the preferred capacity of the packs.

[0073] In the horizontal transport device, the vertically spaced packs of the pair of packs are maintained in a vertically spaced manner. Preferably, the method includes vertically spacing the first and second packs of the horizontal transport device by a partition element of the horizontal transport device. The partition element may be a simple means located between the packs in the horizontal transport device. The partition element may be, for example, a spacer plate, a spacer pin or a partition plate. The partition element may be a single element that vertically separates a pair of packs or several pairs of packs. Preferably, the partition element extends over several pairs of packs, for example a group of pairs of packs.

[0074] The thickness of the separating element in combination with the depth of the first pack or the depth of the second pack is preferably equal to the depth of the standard pack of 22.5 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the separating element makes up the difference between the depth of the standard pack and the reduced depth of the pack with the smaller depth dimension, which is treated in the method of the invention. The reference position on the pack is the future position of the tax stamp, which is the center of the pack. The separating element placed between the two packs typically occupies only half the difference between the depth of the pack and the standard pack, but for each of the two packs, the separating element is placed between them.

[0075] The method may include a puck feeder feeding the individual pucks to a vertical transport device. The puck feeder may comprise a feed wheel. The method may include providing a feed of individual pucks from the feed wheel to the vertical transport device. The feed wheel comprises circumferentially arranged pockets, each pocket being provided to receive an individual puck. A feed wheel is a preferred feed device because the wheel has a simple motion. Adaptation of rotational speed and feed rate can be easily varied with the feed wheel. Additionally, the feed wheel allows loading and unloading of the feed wheel at different locations. On the way from the loading location to the unloading location, the packs on the feed wheel may pass a control station.

[0076] The method may further include controlling individual packs on the feed wheel, and determining whether or not the individual packs are in compliance with the controlled individual packs. In this case, the individual packs are not fed to the vertical transport device. Thus, if the packs do not comply with the packs with reference data, the packs can instead be fed to the vertical transport device. Such a control allows defective individual packs to be detected and removed. Individual packs can be removed before pairs or even groups of packs are formed that contain defective packs that need to be rejected. This allows material waste to be reduced. Possibly, interruptions of the pack handling process at a later stage can also be limited or avoided.

[0077] For example, the method may include controlling a bar code or dot code on each pack and checking the accuracy of the controlled bar code or dot code. The method may further include rejecting the controlled individual pack if the controlled bar code or dot code on each pack is defective. Different or additional characteristics may be controlled. Such characteristics are, for example, broken packs, deformed packs, or misaligned pack marks.

[0078] The method also allows for arranging groups of pairs of packs on a horizontal transport device in a horizontally spaced fashion. In vertically and horizontally spaced arrangement of packs on a horizontal transport device, groups of pairs of packs can be provided in an arrangement required for conventional pack assembly.

[0079] In particular, pucks of smaller width and depth dimensions may be positioned on the horizontal transport apparatus so that they have a precise location for providing the tax stamp to a conventional tax stamp application device.

[0080] Preferably, the method includes horizontally spacing the pair of first and second packs from each other on the horizontal transport device in the range of 2 millimeters to 20 millimeters, more preferably in the range of 4 millimeters to 12 millimeters, for example in the range of 4 millimeters to 7 millimeters.

[0081] The horizontal distance in these size ranges can compensate for the difference between the width of a conventional cigarette pack and the width of a smaller pack, particularly a pack that includes aerosol-generating articles, such as cigarettes, containing aerosol-generating articles for use in electronic aerosol generating devices.

[0082] The method may include providing a space bar to the horizontal transport device in the manner of a horizontal distance and placing a first or second pack of a pair of packs between the space bars. The space bar is a simple means to define the distance between the packs. By varying the width of the space bar, the distance between adjacent packs can be varied to accommodate different sized pack widths. Different sized packs have to be transported on the horizontal transport device, which can be easily achieved by providing different sized space bars to the horizontal transport device.

[0083] The space bars may be horizontally spaced apart from each other in the horizontal transport device in the range of 25 mm to 60 mm, more preferably 30 mm to 55 mm.

[0084] The space bar may have a horizontal extension of at least 1.5 mm. Preferably, the space bar has a horizontal extension in the range of 2 mm to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of 4 mm to 12 mm, for example in the range of 4 mm to 7 mm. Thus, by providing a space bar, adjacent packs are horizontally separated from each other by at least 1.5 mm in the horizontal transport device. Preferably, the horizontal extension of the space bar in combination with the width of the first or second pack of a pair of packs corresponds to a standard pack width of 56 mm. Thus, the width of the space bar or the horizontal spacing between adjacent pairs of packs can be compensated for by the smaller width of the pack compared to conventional cigarette packs.

[0085] Preferably, the method comprises vertically spacing the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs from each other on the horizontal transport device by between 2 millimeters and 10 millimeters, more preferably between 4 millimeters and 8 millimeters, for example 6 millimeters.

[0086] The vertical and horizontal spacing between pairs of packs can compensate for the smaller pack size compared to conventional cigarette packs. In particular, packs containing aerosol-generating articles for use in electronic aerosol generating devices, such as cigarettes containing aerosol-generating articles, can form packs with smaller depth dimensions.

[0087] The vertical spacing between packs of a pack pair may be achieved by different means. For example, the method may include clamping a first and a second pack of the pack pair individually to the horizontal transport device, whereby the first and second packs are held in their vertically spaced position. Alternatively, or additionally, the method may include maintaining the first pack of the pack pair and the second pack of the pack pair vertically spaced apart from each other in the horizontal transport device by providing a separator element between the first and second packs.

[0088] Clamping can be achieved, for example, by clamping the pack between two adjacent space bars provided on the horizontal transport device. However, clamping can result in deformation of the pack. The separation element can also be a simple means located between the packs in the horizontal transport device.

[0089] The method may therefore comprise providing a partition element between a first and a second pack of some pairs of packs, preferably between three to six pairs of packs, for example between five pairs of packs, of which some pairs of packs may form a group.

[0090] Preferably, the separator element allows the packs to slide on or along the separator element. Preferably, the separator element allows the packs to slide along the separator element during horizontal transport of the packs.

[0091] The horizontal transport device may comprise two belt conveyors arranged parallel and above each other. A space bar may be arranged between the two belt conveyors perpendicular to the transport direction of the two belt conveyors. The space bar is preferably arranged on each of the two belt conveyors on the sides of the belt conveyors facing each other. The first and second pairs of packs may then be arranged between the two belt conveyors and between the space bars. Thus, the pairs of packs may be guided from below and from above by the two belt conveyors, the packs being positioned and fixed by the space bar provided between the belt conveyors.

[0092] The pairs of packs may be transported continuously or discontinuously in the horizontal transport device. For the supply of pairs to the device or for further processing of groups of pairs of packs from the horizontal transport device, it is preferred that the pairs of packs are transported horizontally in a discontinuous manner. An interruption in the transport allows, for example, loading of the pairs of packs onto the horizontal transport device while the horizontal transport device is stationary. Also, if the horizontal transport device is fixed, unloading of the pairs of packs from the horizontal transport device may be performed in a well-controlled manner. In particular, a fixed belt conveyor can be used to push the pairs of packs between the space bars and out of the space bars in a controlled manner.

[0093] The method may further include providing several pack pairs on a horizontal transport device and pushing groups of pack pairs from the horizontal transport device into a package.

[0094] Preferably, the vertical spacing between the two packs of a pack pair and the horizontal spacing between the pack pairs is maintained by forcing the group of pack pairs from the horizontal transport device into the package. The vertical spacing and horizontal spacing are preferably constant.

[0095] The method may include a block pusher, whereby the groups of pairs of packs may be pushed simultaneously into the package by the block pusher.

[0096] By pushing a group of packs from the horizontal transport device, in particular by pushing the entire group, all packs of the group can be transported simultaneously.

[0097] The group of pairs of packs preferably consists of three to six pairs of packs, for example five pairs.

[0098] The pair of packs is preferably transported horizontally in stages on the horizontal transport device. During the break, the next pair of packs may be fed into the horizontal transport device.

[0099] Preferably, a gap is provided between groups of pairs of packs in the horizontal transport device, the gap being larger than a space bar disposed between the pairs of packs. Preferably, the gap corresponds to a pair of empty pack compartments in the horizontal transport device.

[0100] The belt conveyor of the horizontal transport device preferably moves at two different speeds. A first speed moves the belt the distance of a pair of pack compartments to a position where the next pair of empty pack compartments can be presented with the next pair of packs. A second, faster speed moves the belt following a group of pack pairs in the horizontal transport device the distance of a pair of filled packs and a pair of empty pack compartments. By the faster speed, a gap is formed after some of the filled subsequent pairs of pack compartments forming the group of pack pairs.

[0101] The empty pack compartment pairs allow the block pusher to be retracted after the group of pack pairs has been pushed from the horizontal transport into the package.

[0102] The speed of the block pusher may be different when pushing and retracting the group of pairs of pucks. Preferably, the speed of the block pusher is slower when pushing and faster when retracting. Higher retraction speeds are available because there is no interaction with the group of pucks when the block pusher is retracted.

[0103] The packs in the group of pairs of packs are preferably vertically separated in the horizontal transport device by a partition element, which is removed during transport of the group of pairs of packs. The method preferably comprises removing a partition element provided between two packs of the pair of packs in the horizontal transport device when forcing the group of pairs of packs into the package. Preferably, a partition element is removed from each pair of packs of the group during forcing into the package.

[0104] The separation element provided between the two packs of a pack pair in the horizontal transport device can be replaced by a pack spacer in the package, for example, when the group of pack pairs is pushed into the package, the pack spacer preferably maintaining the vertical spacing between the packs of the group of pack pairs in the package.

[0105] In this application, the side of the pack intended for application of the tax stamp is the "front" side. The side of the pack is defined as facing the opening of the carton where the pack is placed for application of the tax stamp. In particular, in conventional hinged lid cigarette packs, the side of the pack normal to the longitudinal extension of the cigarettes is the "front" side. Aerosol-generating articles may have a significantly shorter length than conventional cigarettes and are therefore often packaged in different packs, for example in a relatively wide hinged lid box with two bundles with a 5-5 stick collation (or a 10-10 collation if only a single bundle is provided) next to each other. The "front" side of such a pack containing the aerosol-generating articles may therefore be represented by one of the two opposing long small sides. In such packs, the aerosol-generating articles are arranged perpendicular to the direction of the hinge but parallel to the direction of the "front" side of the pack.

[0106] Unless expressly specified otherwise, the packs of the present invention are arranged with one of their major sides facing downwards and their opposite major side facing upwards. When two packs are arranged above each other, one major side of the first pack faces one major side of the second pack.

[0107] The total distance within the package includes a tolerance ranging from 0.3 mm to 1 mm, typically 0.5 mm. Thus, when referring to a pack size and a spacer corresponding to a particular number, this includes the tolerance such that the pack size and spacer size may correspond exactly to that number, but generally includes the tolerance within a given range. For example, packs and pair spacers, packs and package walls, packs and pack spacers generally include a gap between two objects ranging from 0.3 mm to 1 mm, typically 0.5 mm.

[0108] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0109] Example 1: 1. A method of filling a package with a group of pairs of packs, comprising the steps of: - simultaneously feeding groups of pairs of packs from a transport device into a package; - vertically spacing the two packs of each pair of packs of a group of pairs of packs in the package from each other; - horizontally spacing each pair of packs from one another in the package, the method further comprising maintaining the horizontal spacing between each pair of packs of the group of pack pairs while feeding the group of pack pairs into the package by guiding the pairs of packs of the group of pack pairs along space bars provided on the transport device. Example 2: The method of example 1, wherein pack spacers are provided within the package for vertical spacing between packs and pair spacers are provided within the package for horizontal spacing between pairs of packs. Example 3: The method of example 2, further comprising providing a blank of sheet material and fabricating pack spacers and pair spacers from the blank of sheet material. Example 4: The method of example 3, comprising providing a strip former and forcing the strip former into the package at the location of the pre-cut strip in the blank of sheet material, thereby forming a pair spacer. Example 5: The method of example 4, comprising pushing a blank pre-cut strip of sheet material into the interior of the package from the opposite side. Example 6: The method according to any one of Examples 2 to 5, wherein a pair spacer is provided only between pairs of packs. Example 7: The method according to any one of Examples 3 to 6, comprising forming several pair spacers simultaneously. Example 8: The method of Example 7, wherein all pair spacers of the package are formed simultaneously. Example 9: The method of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the strip former comprises at least one rotating lever. Example 10: The method of any one of claims 4-9, wherein the strip former includes two counter-rotating levers. Example 11: The method of any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the strip former comprises a series of pusher heads arranged in parallel and spaced apart from one another. Example 12: 12. The method according to any one of Examples 2 to 11, comprising simultaneously providing a group of pairs of packs in a package prior to forming the paired spacers. Example 13: The method of any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the package forms an insert for a carton, the insert including all pair spacers and pack spacers within the carton. Example 14: The method according to any one of embodiments 3 to 13, wherein the pack spacer is produced by horizontally oriented folds in the blank, the horizontally oriented folds extending in a receiving direction of the group of pairs of packs. Example 15: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the vertical spacing is in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm, more preferably in the range of 4 mm to 8 mm, for example 6 mm, of the package. Example 16: The method of any one of claims 2-15, wherein the thickness of the pack spacer combines with the depth of one of the packs of the pair to provide a standard pack depth of 22 millimeters. Example 17: The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the horizontal spacing is at least 1.5 mm, preferably in the range of 2 mm to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of 4 mm to 12 mm, for example in the range of 4 mm to 7 mm. Example 18: The method of any one of claims 2 to 17, wherein the horizontal extension of the pair spacers combined with the width of the pair of packs results in a standard pack width of 56 millimeters. Example 19: The method according to any one of Examples 2 to 18, wherein the pair spacers are provided in the package at a horizontal distance relative to each other ranging from 25 mm to 60 mm, more preferably from 30 mm to 55 mm. Example 20: The method according to any one of Examples 2 to 19, wherein the pair spacers have a horizontal extension of at least 1.5 millimeters, preferably in the range of 2 millimeters to 20 millimeters, more preferably in the range of 4 millimeters to 12 millimeters, for example, in the range of 4 millimeters to 7 millimeters. Example 21: The method of any one of claims 2 to 10, comprising adapting the horizontal extension of the pair spacers and maintaining a distance between the center of the front face of a pack and the center of the front face of an adjacent pack at 56 millimeters, depending on the size of the pack. Example 22: 22. The method of any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising transporting the package to a tax stamp application device and providing a tax stamp on the front of each pack of a group of pairs of packs in the package. Example 23: The method of any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the transport device is a horizontal transport device, and the vertical spacing between the two packs of each pair of packs in the horizontal transport device and the horizontal spacing between each pair of packs in the horizontal transport device are kept constant, while the group of pairs of packs are fed from the horizontal transport device to the package. Example 24: placing a first pair of packs on a horizontal transport device; transporting a first pair of packs in a horizontal direction; placing a second pair of packs on the horizontal transport device; 24. The method of claim 23, wherein for each of the first and second pairs of packs, the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs are vertically spaced from one another, and on the horizontal transport device, the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs are further horizontally spaced from one another. Example 25: Providing a supply of individual packs; Placing the first pack on a vertical transport device; and placing the second pack on the vertical transport device. whereby a second pack is placed on the vertical transport device vertically spaced from the first pack; vertically transporting the first and second packs in a vertical transport device; and then 25. The method of example 24, further comprising simultaneously pushing the first and second packs as a pack pair from the vertical transport device to the horizontal transport device, wherein the first and second packs are transferred as a pack pair to the horizontal transport device in a vertically spaced relationship. Example 26: Use of a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 25 in a tax stamp application process.

[0110] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0111] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a package arranged within a carton such as a box. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic top view of a filled package using the method according to the invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a group of packs of smoking articles of a type known in the art. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a design variant of a prepared blank of sheet material for forming a package. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a design variant of a prepared blank of sheet material for forming a package. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a method for verifying packs. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the transfer of a pair of packs from a vertical transport to a horizontal transport. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows the transfer of a pair of packs from a vertical transport to a horizontal transport. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates the group-wise insertion of groups of pairs of packs into a package. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates the group-wise insertion of groups of pairs of packs into a package. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a cutaway side view of a portion of the insertion process of FIGS. 9 and 10, as well as the pair spacer formation process. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a cutaway side view of a portion of the insertion process of FIGS. 9 and 10, as well as the pair spacer formation process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0112] 1 shows a filled insert 10 configured to be introduced into a carton 23, shown in dotted lines. The carton has a body 24 configured to receive the filled insert 10 containing a group of packs 100. The carton can be closed in a reclosable manner by a lid 25 consisting of two flaps 250, 251 hinged to the body 24.

[0113] The flaps 250, 251 can be opened to access the inside of the carton 23, for example to collect the packs 100 or to perform one or more processes on them, such as applying a tax stamp, after which the flaps can be closed again to close the carton 23 like a box.

[0114] The filled insert 10 includes a blank insert 11 and multiple packs 100 for aerosol-generating articles.

[0115] Each pack 100 has a parallelepiped shape and comprises two opposing major side walls 101, two opposing elongated minor side walls 102, a bottom wall 103 and a top wall 104. The top wall forms the front face in the transport and collation process, as will be further explained below.

[0116] The size of the pack 100 suitable to be supported by the insert 11 is preferably equal to 15.5 mm by 48 mm, these values ​​corresponding to the width and height of the upper wall 102. The width of the upper wall 102 corresponds to the width of the pack 100. The height of the upper wall 102 corresponds to the depth of the pack 100.

[0117] According to some embodiments described herein, the insert 11 includes two chambers 12 disposed adjacent to one another. Each chamber 12 defines a housing for a corresponding row of packs 100.

[0118] The chamber 12 extends in a longitudinal direction indicated in the figure by reference numeral 700 .

[0119] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, each row contains five packs of aerosol-generating articles 100 .

[0120] Each chamber 12 includes a bottom wall 14 and a pair of side walls 15 extending from the bottom wall 14. The side walls 15 are adjacent the bottom wall 14 and are joined to the bottom wall 14 by fold lines 16. The fold lines 16 extend parallel to the longitudinal direction 700.

[0121] Each wall of the chamber 12 , the bottom wall 14 and the pair of side walls 15 , is configured to contact a respective wall of the puck 100 .

[0122] For example, the side walls 15 of the two chambers 12 are located inside the insert 11 for the pack spacer 27 and contact the large side wall 101 of the pack 100. The bottom wall 14 contacts the lower wall 103 of the pack. In the example shown in Figure 1, the pack 100 contained in the insert 11 is oriented such that the direction of greatest extension of the pack is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 700. Furthermore, the pack 100 is oriented such that the top wall 102 is located opposite the bottom wall 14 of the insert 11.

[0123] The chamber 12 includes an access opening 17 through which the puck 100 can be introduced, accessed, and extracted from the insert 11 .

[0124] The bottom wall 14 and the side walls 15 are arranged one against the other so that each chamber 12 is U-shaped, the open end of the U defining an access opening 17. The pack 100 is oriented so that the top wall 102 is arranged near the access opening 17. In particular, the top wall 102 projects beyond an edge 150 of the side wall 15 arranged opposite to the bottom wall 14. In this way, the top wall 102 of the pack 100 remains exposed and easily accessible for carrying out any necessary processes, such as the application of a tax stamp. The top wall 102 of the pack may also be arranged at the same level as an edge 105 of the insert 11. This ensures that the top wall side of the pack is also protected by the insert 11.

[0125] At least one of the side walls 15 includes a plurality of pair spacers 18 that protrude toward the inside of the insert 11. The pair spacers 18 are configured to separate the pack compartments 26, such that each of the packs 100 is stably positioned and held in a defined manner in the longitudinal direction 700 relative to the insert 11. The pair spacers 18 prevent movement of the packs in the longitudinal direction 700. The side walls 15 and pair spacers 27 prevent movement or displacement in the 701 direction.

[0126] The pack 100 may be introduced into and removed from the pack compartment 26 via the access opening 17 previously described.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment, pair spacers 18 are fabricated as pre-cut fins 19 integrated into sidewall 15 .

[0128] 1, each pair spacer 18 comprises a pair of fins 19. Each fin 19 is bonded to the sidewall 15 by a respective bond line 20. The fins are separated from one another by cut lines 21 (visible in the blank shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). The bond lines 20 and cut lines 21 are parallel to one another and to the longitudinal direction 700.

[0129] In an alternative embodiment not shown, each pair spacer 18 consists of a single fin 19. In this case, the fin 19 may extend from the bond line 20 connecting the fin to the sidewall 15 to the edge 150.

[0130] In Fig. 1, each chamber is intended to accommodate a row of five packs 100, and six pair spacers 18 are provided. Four pair spacers 18 are sandwiched between two adjacent packs 100. The remaining two pair spacers 18 are located at opposite ends of the sidewall 15 to hold the outermost packs 100 located at the ends of the row. The spacing separating two adjacent packs 100 is defined by the pair spacers 18. This spacing may be equal to, slightly greater than, or slightly less than the width of the fins 19, measured parallel to the longitudinal direction 700.

[0131] In preferred embodiments, pair spacers 18 are provided only between the packs. Thus, in these embodiments, pair spacers are not provided at opposite ends of the longitudinal side walls 15.

[0132] The two inner side walls 15 forming the pack spacer 27 are not provided with pair spacers 18. Pair spacers 18 are provided on the side walls 15 of the chamber 12, which remain visible and accessible from the outside.

[0133] The inner surfaces of the inwardly facing side walls 15 of the insert 11 are arranged according to a mutually symmetrical configuration relative to a centerline axis 920 of the bottom wall 14 that extends parallel to the longitudinal direction 700 .

[0134] In one embodiment, the center distance 910, measured in a transverse direction 701, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 700, has a predetermined and constant value. The center distance 910 is defined between centerlines 920 of the bottom walls 14 of the chambers 12. For example, the center distance 920 may be approximately equal to 22.5 mm, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0135] FIG. 2 shows the use of blank inserts 11 and filled inserts 10 according to the present invention, briefly illustrated with reference to the step of application of a tax stamp 110 on pack 100 .

[0136] Figure 3 shows an ordered group of packs of conventional smoking articles ordered according to two overlapping rows of five packs each, with adjacent packs in direct contact with each other.

[0137] Figures 2 and 3 make it possible to compare the situation presented by the use of an insert 11 (Figure 3), which accommodates a number of non-standard packs 100 having a size smaller than the standard size of a conventional pack, with the recurring situation in the prior art, where a tax stamp 110 has to be applied to a group of conventional packs of smoking articles, without the insert shown in Figure 2.

[0138] As can be seen from a comparison of these figures, the outermost profile of the insert 11 defines an area that is identical to the total area occupied by the group of conventional packs. In other words, the insert 11 is shaped and sized to compensate for the smaller amount occupied by the non-standard packs, such that when received in the insert 11, it occupies substantially the same amount as the group of conventional packs.

[0139] Furthermore, in both cases the location of the tax stamp is unchanged: due to the presence of the insert 11, the two-dimensional spatial coordinates in the longitudinal direction 700 and lateral direction 701 of the tax stamp 110 applied to the pack 100 remain identical to the corresponding coordinates of a similar tax stamp applied to a conventional pack of smoking articles as shown in Figure 3.

[0140] The tack stamps 110 are arranged one after the other with a stamp distance 900 measured in the longitudinal direction 700. The stamp distance 900 is equal to a predetermined and constant value and is measured between the centers of two tack stamps 110 applied on two adjacent packs 100 in the direction 700. In a preferred embodiment, the stamp distance 900 is at least equal to the characteristic size of the pack 100 and is preferably defined as the width of the larger side wall 101 and the top wall 101 and bottom wall 102. The stamp distance 900 is preferably equal to the width of a standard pack, which corresponds to 48 millimeters.

[0141] 2, the pair spacers 18 are also arranged sequentially at a stamp distance 900. The stamp distance 900 is equal to a predetermined constant value so as to position and hold the packs 100 in their respective pack compartments 26 at a constant pitch relative to one another that correlates to the stamp distance 900.

[0142] It will be appreciated that the shapes, dimensions and thicknesses described herein are merely exemplary and may vary depending on the size and shape of the pack of aerosol-generating articles to be contained within the insert 11. In particular, the insert 11 has an associated size and thickness that particularly complements the size and depth of the pack 100 that it must support in order to maintain the same total volume of a group of conventional packs and to position the packs in place, thereby allowing the tax stamp to be applied at the same location (or coordinates) as would be the case conventionally.

[0143] 4 and 5 show two alternative embodiments of a blank of sheet material 13 for forming the insert 11. FIG.

[0144] In Figure 4, a blank material is shown for forming the insert 11 of Figure 1. In the embodiment of Figure 4, two chambers 12 are assembled into a single body. The two side walls 15 of the two chambers 12 are joined along a fold line 22 that defines a hinge that allows each chamber 12 to rotate an angle relative to the other chamber 12.

[0145] The chamber 12 begins with a sheet of material 13, for example made from paper, cardboard or paperboard, having a suitable thickness to ensure the necessary mechanical strength.

[0146] The blank 13 is preferably cardboard having a uniform thickness of about 3 millimeters to about 3.5 millimeters. The blank 13 may also be made of materials other than those mentioned above, such as, for example, plastic.

[0147] In FIG. 5, blank 13 is shown where pair spacers 18 are provided only within the blank such that pair spacers are located only between packs. The same reference numbers are used for the same or similar elements. Exemplary sizes of blank 13 are shown as follows: Pack spacer thickness or width 920: 5 mm Blank extension in direction 700 940: 274.6 mm Blank extension in direction 701 925: 277 mm Pack spacer height 930 / sidewall 15 height 931: 74.6 mm Thickness of chamber 15 915: 15.9 mm Distance between adjacent pairs of spacers 18 935: 49.5 mm Distance between pair spacer 18 and the end of the blank 936 (direction 700): 50.05 mm Pair spacer 18 width 937: 5.6 / 6.5 mm Pack size: 74.5x48.5x15.8mm

[0148] Forming the insert 11 from the blank 13 essentially involves the following steps:

[0149] In a first step, the two chambers 12 are formed. In this step, the blank 13 is folded in opposite directions along the fold lines 22 and 16. The side walls 15 are folded against the bottom wall 14 along the fold lines 22 and 16 to obtain the shape of two adjacent chambers in the shape of the letter U. The two inner side walls form a pack spacer 27.

[0150] In a second step, the inserts 11 are placed into cartons 23 .

[0151] In a third step, the ordered group of packs 100 is placed into an insert.

[0152] In a fourth step, pair spacers 18 are formed, fixing the pack 100 to the insert 11 against displacement in the longitudinal direction 700 .

[0153] Figure 6 shows a schematic of a system which includes the supply, collation and packing of individual packs 100 in preparation for tax stamp application. The system includes pack supply 3, various pack collation preparation stations 4, 5, insert supply 6 and insert formation 7, as well as packaging and transport during, during and after pack collation and packing.

[0154] The feed wheel 30 comprises a number of pockets 31 arranged around the circumference of the feed wheel. The packs 100 are fed from the pack provider 29 to the pockets 31 at a receiving position of the feed wheel 30. After being received in the pockets 31, the packs are transported to a feeding position by counterclockwise rotation of the feed wheel 30. The feeding position is located opposite the receiving position. At the feeding position, the packs 100 are fed from the feed wheel 30 to the vertical transport device 40. This pushes the packs 100 out of the pockets 31 of the feed wheel 30 and into the pack space 42 of the vertical transport device 40.

[0155] A control station 28 is provided next to the feed wheel 30 for controlling the packs 100 passing through the control station 28. For example, the packs 100 may be optically inspected for correct code application, damaged wrappers, or the like. The control station 28 may detect non-conforming packs 100 and may be connected to a removal mechanism of the feed wheel 30. The removal mechanism prevents the transfer of non-conforming packs to the vertical transport device 40. Instead, such non-conforming packs may be ejected along a slide 280 located below the feed wheel 30.

[0156] The vertical transport device 40 comprises two closed-loop conveyor belts 41 arranged perpendicularly and parallel to each other. The belts 41 include treads 410 arranged at equal distances. The treads 410 of both conveyor belts 41 are arranged perpendicular to the vertical movement direction of the belts 41. Furthermore, the treads 410 of the belts face each other and are arranged at the same vertical level. The belts 41 with their treads 410 define individual pack spaces 42 for the accommodation of one pack. The drive wheels 411 move the belts 41 in opposite directions such that the formed pack spaces 42 are moved vertically upwards between the two belts and between two adjacent treads of each belt 41.

[0157] The belt 41 is moved stepwise by the distance of one pack space 42 so that the next pack space is located in the feed position fed by the packs from the feed wheel 30. The two packs 100 fed to the vertical transport device 40 are vertically separated from each other by at least the height of a step 410 arranged between the packs. When the two packs 100 are fed to the vertical transport device 40, the drive wheel accelerates so that the belt 41 moves upwards by the distance of two pack spaces. This leaves the pack space 42 empty. Each of the two packs 100 is received in the next pack space, forming a pair of packs 200. The packs in the vertical transport device 40 are moved upwards until the pair of packs 200 reaches the transfer position 45. The pair 200 at the transfer position 45 is transferred to the horizontal transport device 50. The pair of packs 200 is pushed horizontally by a pair pusher 47 into the space between the two conveyor belts 51 of the horizontal transport device 50. The packs are thereby guided along the treads 410 of the conveyor belt 41 of the vertical transport 40 and are held horizontally sideways by the belt 41. The pair pusher 47 performs a linear movement. The empty pack space 42 of the vertical transport 40 serves to either retract the pair pusher 47 without interfering with the belt 41 or the packs 100, or to slow down the processing speed of the vertical transport 40, so that the pair pusher 47 can return to its initial position as shown in FIG. 1.

[0158] The pair of packs 200 transferred to the horizontal transport device 50 is then moved horizontally (left side in FIG. 1 ) so that the next pair of packs 200 can be transferred from the vertical transport device 40 to the horizontal transport device 50. The pairs of packs 200 are separated horizontally by space bars 510 provided on the belt conveyor 51 of the horizontal transport device 50.

[0159] The transfer of pairs of packs 200 to the horizontal transport device 50 is shown in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0160] When the group 300 of pairs of packs is formed in the horizontal transport device 50, the group is pushed into the insert by the block pusher 57 (not shown in FIG. 1). At this stage, the insert is partially formed from a blank of sheet material 13 with crease lines 22 and precuts 18 as described above. In the system of FIG. 1, a blank of sheet material 13 is fed from the right. The blank is folded along crease lines 22 and 16 to form an empty insert with a pack spacer 27. After the group 300 of pairs of packs is pushed into the insert, a pair spacer 18 is formed in a strip former 70 (located behind the horizontal transport device 50). The filled insert 10 is then transported further along the carton station where the filled insert 10 is placed into a carton 23 or a carton is folded around the filled insert 10.

[0161] All supply, transfer, transportation and manufacturing steps are synchronized in the system. The drive wheels of the vertical transport device 40 preferably define the clock of the system.

[0162] 7 and 8, the arrangement of packs 100 on the vertical transfer device 40, the transfer of pairs of packs 200, and the arrangement of pairs of packs on the horizontal transfer device 50 are shown in more detail.

[0163] In the vertical transport device 40, the packs 100 are arranged in pairs in pack spaces 42 formed between two vertical conveyor belts 41 and treads 410 periodically arranged over the length of the conveyor belts 41. The packs 100 are arranged in two pack spaces 42 following one another, the following pack spaces 42 remaining empty, and the following two pack spaces being given empty pack spaces after the packs. When the pair of packs 200 arrives at the transfer position 45 at the top of the vertical transport device 40, the conveyor belt 41 is stopped. The pair pusher 47 simultaneously pushes the two packs 100 of the pair of packs 200 out of the pack spaces 42 and between the two belts 51 of the horizontal transport device 50, as shown in FIG. 8. When the pair 200 has been transferred, the vertical transport device 40 is activated again and the next pair of packs is arranged in the transfer position 45. The pair pusher 47 is retracted and the empty pack spaces 42 pass the transfer position 45. The pair pusher 47 is preferably retracted at a faster rate so that when the aforementioned pair 200 reaches the transfer position 45, it is safely positioned again in its starting position for pushing the next pair 200 of packs into the horizontal transport device.

[0164] The horizontal transport device 50 includes two closed-loop conveyor belts 51 arranged horizontally and parallel to and above each other. The belts 51 include space bars 510 arranged at equal distances. The space bars 510 of both conveyor belts 51 are arranged perpendicular to the horizontal movement direction of the belts. Furthermore, the space bars 510 of the belts face each other and are arranged at the same horizontal position. The belts 51 with their space bars 510 define individual pair spaces 52 for the adjustment of pairs 200 of packs. A drive wheel (not shown) moves the belts 52 in opposite directions such that the pair spaces 52 formed between the two belts 51 are moved horizontally to the left in FIG. 7.

[0165] The pairs of packs 200 fed to the horizontal transport device 50 are horizontally separated from each other by the width of space bars 510 located between the pairs of packs 200. The space bars 510 of the upper conveyor belt 51 maintain the distance between the upper packs 100 of a pair of packs 200 horizontally, while the space bars 510 of the lower conveyor belt 51 hold the lower packs 100 of the same pair of packs 200 horizontally at the same distance.

[0166] A partition element 53 (schematically shown only by dotted lines in FIG. 8 ) is provided to keep the packs 100 of the pack pair 200 vertically spaced apart within the horizontal transport device 50. The partition element 53 is a plate that is horizontally positioned between the two belts 51 of the horizontal transport device 50 and between the two packs 100 of the pack pair 200. The thickness of the partition element 53 is preferably the same as the height of the treads 410 of the vertical transport device 40. The pack pairs 200 are vertically spaced apart from each other at least by the height of the treads 410 in the vertical transport device so that when the pack pairs are transferred to the horizontal transport device 50, the upper pack is located above the partition element 53 and the lower pack is located below the partition element.

[0167] The belt 51 is moved stepwise by the distance of one pair space 52 so that the next pair space 52 is located in the transfer position 45 for providing the pack pairs 200 from the vertical transport device 40. This is repeated until a group 300 of pack pairs, for example five pack pairs, has been transferred to the horizontal transport device 50 and transferred to the subsequent pair space 52. The separating element 53 is preferably arranged fixedly in the horizontal transport device 50. Preferably, the packs 100 glide along the surface of the separating element 53 while being transported horizontally.

[0168] When a group 300 of pairs 200 of packs 100 is transferred to the horizontal transport device 50, the drive wheels accelerate the belt 51 so that it moves horizontally the distance of two pair spaces 52. This creates an empty pair space 52.

[0169] In Figures 9 and 10, a group 300 of pairs of packs has been formed in the horizontal transport device 50 and transported to the insertion position 75. A block pusher 57 is also placed in the insertion position 75. The block pusher 57 comprises two identical plates 570 arranged above each other and extending on the horizontal extension of the group 300 of pairs of packs. Each plate comprises five pusher ends 571 separated by longitudinal recesses 572. The five upper packs of the group 300 are respectively pushed by the five pusher ends 571 of the upper plates 570 and the five lower packs of the group 300 are respectively pushed by the five pusher ends 571 of the lower plates 570 of the block pusher 57. All ten packs 100 are simultaneously pushed into the previously formed empty inserts 11 and positioned in the insertion positions 75 on the opposite sides of the block pusher 57.

[0170] The block pushers are arranged at horizontal and vertical levels such that the pusher ends 571 each push one pack 100 of the group of pack pairs 300. The block pushers 57 are horizontally and linearly movable to perform the pushing action.

[0171] 10, pusher end 571 passes next to space bar 510 of horizontal conveyor belt 51. However, recess 572 in plate 570 of block pusher 57 ensures that pushing and retracting operations of the block pusher can be performed without interference with the space bar of the block pusher.

[0172] The space bar 510 acts as a guide for the packs 100 and ensures horizontal spacing between the packs as they are transferred to the empty insert 11.

[0173] The vertical distance between the plates of the block spacer 57 allows the space bar 510 as well as the separator element 53 to extend between the plates 570 without interfering with the transport process of the group 300 of pairs of packs.

[0174] Vertical spacing between packs 100 of pack pair 200 is maintained by pack spacers 27 of the insert, which can be better seen in the cross-sectional view of the insertion process shown further below in FIG.

[0175] The strip former 70 is positioned against the block pusher 57 on the opposite side of the horizontal transport device 50. The strip former 70 includes two counter-rotating levers 71 (only the upper lever is shown in Figs. 9 and 10). Each lever is equipped with six pusher heads 710, the four pusher heads 710 in the center of the lever 71 being used to form the pair spacers 18 of the inserts. As can be best seen in Fig. 10, the first and last pusher heads 710 of the strip former 70 are the pusher heads located most upstream and most downstream as seen in the transport direction of the inserts and are located next to the inserts. The pusher heads 710 located most upstream and most downstream thus fix the most upstream and most downstream pairs 200 of the pack of pairs 300 housed in the inserts 11 against horizontal displacement while the pair spacers 18 are formed.

[0176] The inserts 11, which are provided with pack spacers 27 but without pair spacers, that is, inserts folded from blanks of sheet material, are guided parallel to the conveyor belt 51 of the horizontal transport device 50 to an insertion position 75. The empty inserts 11 at the insertion position 75 are fed into a pack pair group 300. Pair spacers 18 are then formed with a strip former 70, shown in more detail with reference to FIG. 11 below. The so filled inserts 10 are then transported further along the cartoning station where the filled inserts 10 are placed into cartons 23.

[0177] In the center of Figure 11, the two plates 570 of the block pusher 57 are in a position to push the pair of packs 200 off the conveyor belt 51 of the horizontal transport device 50. The two packs of the pair are then guided by the spacer bar 510. The packs 100 are inserted into the insert 11 and are held vertically spaced apart by the pack spacers 27. The pack spacers 27 space the packs 100 vertically approximately the same distance as the previous separation elements of the horizontal transport device 50.

[0178] On the left side of Figure 11, the strip former 70 is shown with the pair spacers 18 formed in the opposing sidewalls 15 of the insert and the pusher head 710 still in its forming position. In Figure 12, the pusher head 710 is shown in the retracted position.

[0179] Pre-cut fins 19 of the sheet material blank are pushed into the filled insert 10 from opposite sides of the insert by a pusher head 710. Each two fins form a partial pair spacer for the upper and lower packs 100 of the pack pair.

[0180] The counter rotating levers 71 are rotatable in opposite directions about two axes 712. In the forming position, the levers 71 are arranged parallel to each other so that the pusher heads 710 perform symmetrical movements on the pre-cut fins 19 of the partial pair spacer. The pusher heads 710 are small plates with triangular ends. The plane of the plate is arranged parallel to the long minor side 102 of the puck. The configuration of the triangular ends defines the final position of the fins 19 that will form the pair spacer 18.

[0181] The thickness of the pusher head 710 is preferably less than the width of the pre-cut fins 19 so that it only pushes the pre-cut fins without contacting the puck 100 .

[0182] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, and the like are to be understood in all instances as being modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, as well as any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is to be understood as ±2 percent of A.

Claims

1. 1. A method of filling a package with a group of pairs of packs, comprising the steps of: - simultaneously feeding groups of pairs of packs from a transport device into a package; - vertically spacing the two packs of each pair of packs of the group of pairs of packs in said package from one another; - horizontally spacing each pair of packs in said package from each other; - maintaining a horizontal spacing between each pair of packs of the group of pairs of packs while feeding the group of pairs of packs into the package by guiding the pairs of packs of the group of pairs of packs along space bars provided on the transport device; providing a blank of sheet material and producing pack spacers and pair spacers from said blank of sheet material, said pack spacers being provided in said package for vertical spacing between pairs of packs and said pair spacers being provided in said package for said horizontal spacing between pairs of packs, wherein providing a strip former and forcing said strip former into said package at the location of a pre-cut strip in said blank of sheet material, thereby forming said pair spacers; and providing a group of pairs of said packs simultaneously into said package prior to forming said pair spacers.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising pushing the pre-cut strips of the sheet material blank into the interior of the package from opposite sides.

3. 3. The method of claim 1, comprising forming several paired spacers simultaneously.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the strip former comprises two anti-rotation levers.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the strip former comprises a series of parallel, spaced apart pusher heads.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the package forms an insert for a carton, the insert including all pair spacers and the pack spacers in the carton.

7. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pack spacers are produced by horizontally oriented folds in the blank of sheet material, the horizontally oriented folds extending in a receiving direction of the group of pairs of packs.

8. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the transport device is a horizontal transport device and the vertical spacing between the two packs of each pair of packs in the horizontal transport device and the horizontal spacing between each pair of packs on the horizontal transport device is kept constant while the group of pairs of packs is fed from the horizontal transport device to the package.

9. placing a first pair of packs on the horizontal transport device; transporting the first pair of packs horizontally; 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: placing a second pair of packs on the horizontal transport device, wherein for each of the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs, a first pack of the pair of packs and a second pack of the pair of packs are vertically spaced apart from each other, and further wherein the first pair of packs and the second pair of packs are horizontally spaced apart from each other on the horizontal transport device.

10. Providing a supply of individual packs; placing the first pack in a vertical transport device and placing the second pack in the vertical transport device, thereby positioning the second pack vertically spaced within the vertical transport device from the first pack; 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising vertically transporting the first pack and the second pack into the vertical transport device, and then simultaneously extruding the first pack and the second pack from the vertical transport device to the horizontal transport device as a pack pair, wherein the first pack and the second pack are transferred to the horizontal transport device in a vertically spaced apart manner as the pack pair.

11. Use of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 in a tax stamp application process.

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