Machine and method for producing a continuous tubular element having a filling with a spacer and / or filter function

Abstract

A machine (M) for producing a continuous tubular element with a filling from a web material is described. The machine (M) comprises first and second means (10, 30) for supplying respective continuous webs (A, B), a forming station (20) configured to fold and / or deform the first continuous web (A) into a shaped configuration, and a winding station (50), in which a second continuous web (B) is tubularly wound around the shaped first continuous web (A) to obtain a continuous tubular element (T). Upstream of the winding station (50) is a first bonding device configured to apply at least one longitudinal adhesive line (33) to at least one of the continuous webs (A, B) to define at least one adhesive zone. The longitudinal adhesive line (33) is positioned to coincide with the zone of overlap and contact between the two continuous webs (A, B) emerging from the winding station (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine and method for manufacturing a continuous tubular element from a web material, in particular a paper-based material, formed by a filler obtained from a web-shaped material and an outer tubular element.

[0002] More specifically, the continuous tubular elements obtained in the context of the present invention can be used to form a series of segments (e.g., filtering, spacer or cooling means) suitable for use in aerosol generators or cigarettes having spacer, filter and / or cooling functions (after cutting).

Background Art

[0003] Conventional handmade cigarettes consist of a paper tube wrapped around a paper filler, which is in the form of an insert or obtained using pieces of said paper.

[0004] In the method of making the tube by hand, the outer sheet of the paper material is rolled into the shape of a tube, and then a filling insert (usually made of a piece of paper folded by hand) is placed inside the outer tube to partially fill the cavity defined by the outer sheet.

[0005] These cigarettes, which are basically made using cut paper sheets, are very convenient for making by hand, but due to the obvious reason of incompatibility with the manufacturing process, they are not suitable for industrial production because the productivity that can be achieved, especially by processing separate sheets, is very low. Processing the inserts individually actually requires a very large amount of time and, furthermore, does not allow reproducibility of the quality results.

[0006] There is also a prior art machine that can manufacture a continuous tubular element comprising an outer tubular element and an internal filling obtained by forming a web that is also continuous. In these machines, the inner web undergoes a forming operation to form an insert, and then the outer web undergoes a wrapping operation that wraps the insert to obtain a continuous tubular element.

[0007] Unfortunately, the above-mentioned machines have some problems with regard to the step of joining the two continuous webs.

[0008] More specifically, in order to wrap the filling insert with the outer web, the prior art machines require that the filling insert completely fill the tubular element. In other words, the cross-section of the filling insert after being gathered in a tubular shape must be substantially the same as the cross-section of the resulting continuous tubular element. This restricts the types of products that can be obtained.

[0009] In this situation, it can also be prevented that the insert correctly performs a cooling and / or filtering action. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In this regard, the technical object underlying the present invention is to provide a machine and a method for manufacturing a continuous tubular element that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0011] More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a machine and a method for manufacturing a continuous tubular element having a filling with a spacer and / or filter function that enables obtaining the desired shape stability of the final product regardless of the shape of the inner insert.

[0012] The indicated technical object and the specified object are substantially achieved by a machine and a method for manufacturing a continuous tubular element having a filling with a spacer and / or filter function, comprising the technical features described in claim 1 and 10 and / or one or more of the claims dependent thereon.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description with reference to the preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of a machine and method for manufacturing a continuous tubular element having a filler with a spacer and / or filter function, as shown in the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figures 3A - 3L

Figure 4

Figure 4A

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the reference numeral "M" denotes a machine for manufacturing a continuous tubular element "T" according to the present invention, preferably obtained from two continuous webs made of paper. More specifically, the continuous tubular element "T" has an insert or filler made of a first appropriately shaped continuous web "A" and an outer cover formed by winding a second continuous web "B" around the first pre-shaped continuous web "A".

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the first continuous web "A" and the second continuous web "B" are made of a paper material. However, the materials used can be various without changing the inventive concept of the present invention, even if the thickness is made thin so as to have sufficient flexibility and bendability.

[0016] More specifically, for one or both of the above continuous webs, different materials selected from the following materials (individually or mixed together) can be used. That is, Cellulose-derived materials, such as cellulose acetate (tobacco), Tobacco, reconstituted tobacco (recon) or other plant-derived materials, such as wheat, corn, sugarcane, hemp, sugar beet, palm, papaya, Polymer plastic materials, such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Biodegradable or compostable materials, such as Mater-Bi, bioplastics that are PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), Metals, such as aluminum, stainless steel.

[0017] These materials may also include the following. That is, Plasticizers, solvents or humectants, such as triacetin (glycerol triacetate), TEC (triethyl citrate), PEG 400 (low molecular weight polyethylene glycol), Materials that generate vapor, smoke, or aerosol, such as water, glycerol, propylene glycol, etc., Natural or artificial flavors, such as menthol, fruit extracts, sugar, licorice, liqueur flavors, cocoa, etc., Materials having a selective or adsorptive filtering effect, such as activated carbon, silica gel, etc., Materials that facilitate the bonding of web components by adhesion, usually PVA, adhesives derived from plants or animals, starch, alginate, fats, etc.

[0018] The above materials may be present simultaneously in the web of the tube or insert, or may be chemically mixed or mechanically joined, for example, by rolling, pressing, forming, compressing, extruding, coating, impregnating, sintering, bonding, wire inclusion, etc.

[0019] The web can be made using a method similar to the method used for preparing paper or recon tobacco, plastic tape (e.g., pressing), or may be a mesh, textile, or non-woven web.

[0020] Machine "M" comprises a first supply means 10 for supplying a first continuous web "A" configured to supply the first continuous web "A" along a first supply path, and a second supply means 30 for supplying a second continuous web "B" configured to supply the second continuous web "B" along a second supply path. Preferably, the first supply means 10 and the second supply means 30 comprise respective reels from which the continuous webs "A", "B" are gradually unwound, and appropriate guide rollers arranged along the supply paths.

[0021] The machines of FIGS. 1 and 2 are identical in most of their features. In the machine of FIG. 1, the second continuous web "B" (defining the outer tubular element) maintains its thickness invariant from the corresponding reel until the end of the processing step and particularly has a single-layer structure, while in the machine of FIG. 2, the second continuous web "B" is only different in that it is folded double along each longitudinal line in order to have a three-layer structure (before the tubular shape).

[0022] For this purpose, the machine "M" comprises, in particular, a folding unit 32 configured to fold longitudinal bands of a second continuous web "B" around respective longitudinal folds so as to obtain a three-layer web which is, in particular, a three-layer web having lowered zones 2a and raised joining zones 2b (shown in FIG. 4A) which are designed to be advantageous for the closure of the continuous tubular element "T", the lateral edges 2a, 2b being, respectively, as will be described in detail below.

[0023] As described above, the remainder of the machine "M" remains the same for both the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0024] The machine "M" also comprises a forming station (20) arranged in a first supply path and configured to perform folding and / or deformation of the first continuous web "A" so as to obtain a formed configuration, the first continuous web "A" being given a predetermined shape, in particular a three-dimensional shape and / or a curved shape, in a cross-section transverse to the first supply path. In the context of the present invention, the specific shape is not limiting of the invention, since it may be any shape other than circular. However, the accompanying drawings show non-limiting exemplary embodiments.

[0025] More specifically, the forming station 20 comprises a pair of pre-forming rollers 21, 22 having outer shapes which are shaped to fit together (and thus geometrically engage so as to preferably form a slit having a constant thickness), the pair of pre-forming rollers 21, 22 defining a gap therebetween, through which gap the first continuous web "A" is fed in order to receive a first permanent forming during rotation of the pre-forming rollers 21, 22.

[0026] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the pre-forming rollers 21, 22 each have an outer shape which is shaped to fit together and which includes a substantially semi-circular section arranged between two straight sections in a cross-section formed in a plane passing through their axes.

[0027] In this embodiment, the preforming rollers 21, 22 impart a first permanent forming to the first continuous web "A" that, in cross-section, has a substantially upwardly facing "U" shaped central portion 1a and two flat side portions 1b.

[0028] In a further possible embodiment, the outer shape of the preforming rollers 21, 22 may be formed by a spline that forms a shape having a series of curved sections, in particular different wavy sections.

[0029] In a further possible embodiment, the outer shape of the preforming rollers 21, 22 may be defined by straight sections alternating with curved sections or splines so as to impart an arbitrary shape to the first continuous web "A".

[0030] In another embodiment according to FIG. 7, the preforming rollers 21, 22 have an outer shape that is shaped to form slits of non-uniform thickness, i.e., that has a random convex-concave combination but no shape correspondence.

[0031] Downstream of the preforming rollers 21, 22, the machine "M" comprises a guide bar 23 around which the first continuous web "A" is at least partially formed and / or guided. Thus, the guide bar 23 forms a core around which the first, preformed continuous web "A" is supplied.

[0032] Advantageously, due to the presence of the guide bar 23, unwanted deformations and / or foldings of the first continuous web "A" are avoided, for example preventing the first continuous web "A" from deforming with respect to the forming configuration obtained during the first forming step.

[0033] The guide bar 23 is fixedly attached to the rear of the frame of the machine "M" near or at the forming station 20 and extends longitudinally along the first supply path.

[0034] Preferably, the guide bar 23 is made as a rod having a constant complete cross-section.

[0035] More preferably, the outer surface of the guide bar 23 is smooth so as to prevent the shaking of the first continuous web "A" during the slide / molding of the first continuous web "A" around the guide bar 23.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in the attached drawings, the machine M comprises a single guide bar 23 having a substantially circular cross-section so as to support the central portion 1a of the first continuous web "A" in a molding configuration according to the first molding.

[0037] According to a further embodiment in which the preforming rollers 21, 22 apply a first molding to a first continuous web "A" different from that shown in the attached drawings, the machine "M" can comprise two or more guide bars 23, which are arranged parallel and / or side by side or otherwise arranged such that respective portions of the first continuous web "A" around them are at least partially molded and / or guided. In that case, the two or more guide bars 23 may also have a cross-section different from circular, in particular a shape that conforms to the conforming shape imparted by the preforming rollers 21, 22.

[0038] Examples of different arrangements of the guide bar 23 and different conforming shapes imparted by the preforming rollers 21, 22 are shown in FIG. 6, where two guide bars 23 are arranged parallel to each other so as to receive a first continuous web "A" that is substantially M-shaped.

[0039] Operably, at the outfeed from the preforming rollers 21, 22, the first continuous web "A" is adapted to the guide bar 23 such that the preformed (central) portion 1a of the first continuous web "A" rests on and at least partially wraps around the guide bar 23.

[0040] Downstream of the pair of preforming rollers 21, 22, in order to prevent the elastic return of the first continuous web "A", the guide bar 23 can operate in conjunction with a pair of guide elements 24, 25 formed, for example, in the form of metal bars or blocks extending parallel to the first supply path.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3B, the pair of guide elements 24, 25 define the range of a gap for the passage of the first continuous web "A" such that the longitudinal portions of the first continuous web "A" slide in substantial contact with the guide elements 24, 25.

[0042] Thus, the pair of guide elements 24, 25 define a passage with a fixed width to maintain the first continuous web "A" in the configuration taken after the first forming, for example, preventing the relevant longitudinal portions from moving away from each other due to the elastic recovery of the material of the first continuous web "A".

[0043] Downstream of the preforming rollers 21, 22 and downstream of the guide elements 24, 25 (if present), the forming station 20 also comprises a pair of forming elements 26, 27 that act in conjunction with the guide bar 23 and face each other to produce a second permanent forming of the first continuous web "A".

[0044] Preferably, the pair of forming elements 26, 27 comprises two fixed bending units defined by respective plates that rotate with respect to the frame of the machine "M", and the two fixed bending units have respective bending edges 26a, 27a configured to converge and move towards each other to permanently deform the respective longitudinal portions of the first continuous web "A".

[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, the forming elements 26, 27 push the longitudinal portions of the first continuous web "A" towards each other such that the cross-section of the first continuous web "A" substantially takes an "omega" shape ("Ω"). More specifically, while the first continuous web "A" passes between the forming elements 26, 27, the flat side portions 1b move towards each other and the central portion 1a curves so as to further wrap around the guide bar 23.

[0046] The forming station 20 enables the continuous forming of the first web "A" such that when the first web "A" is fed out from the station, it is ready to be formed into the continuous tubular element "T" as an insert.

[0047] The forming process that causes the first continuous web "A" to take the configured shape is achieved by gradually bending and / or wrapping the first continuous web "A" around the guide bar 23. Here, there are a first step in which the first permanent forming is imparted by the pre-forming rollers 21, 22, and a second step in which the second permanent forming is performed by the forming elements 26, 27, respectively.

[0048] According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the forming station 20 may be configured to perform only one of the above-described pre-forming and forming steps, and thus may have only one of the corresponding forming means (more specifically, only one of the pair of pre-forming rollers 21, 22 and one of the pair of forming elements 26, 27).

[0049] According to an embodiment not shown, the machine M may comprise a sensor, for example an optical sensor, arranged downstream of the preliminary forming rollers 21, 22 in order to detect defects of the first continuous web "A" and / or to control the centering of the first continuous web "A" downstream of the preliminary forming rollers 21, 22. Substantially, the sensor is arranged to detect the first continuous web "A" at one end of the guide bar 23. The machine M may also comprise a control unit that receives the data measured by the sensor and controls the first supply means 10 based on this data (by feedback).

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, downstream of the forming station 20, the machine M comprises a superimposing zone 40, in which the first and second supply paths are in contact with each other such that some parts of the first continuous web "A" overlap the corresponding respective parts of the second continuous web "B".

[0051] Advantageously, this superimposition occurs in a pre - adhered zone of the first continuous web "A" and / or the second continuous web "B". More specifically, the adhesion is preferably carried out on the second continuous web "B" upstream of the superimposing zone.

[0052] In order to bond the continuous webs "A", "B", the machine "M" comprises a first bonding device 31 arranged upstream of the superimposing zone 40 along the first and / or second supply paths and configured to apply at least one longitudinal adhesive line 33 on the first continuous web "A" and / or the second continuous web "B" respectively.

[0053] In the case of the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the first bonding device 31 is arranged along the second supply path so as to apply the adhesive line 33 along the second continuous web "B".

[0054] The position of each of the longitudinal adhesive lines 33 defines a respective bonding zone, and on each of said respective bonding zones, a portion of the first continuous web "A" is applied such that the continuous tubular element "T" has individual contact lines and / or surfaces extending longitudinally (along the tubular element "T") between the continuous webs "A", "B". In other words, the number and / or arrangement of these longitudinal adhesive lines 33 is selected such that they correspond to respective individual overlapping zones between the two continuous webs "A", "B". The term "individual" means longitudinal lines or surfaces that are laterally separated from and / or spaced apart from each other.

[0055] Preferably, the first bonding device 31 is adjustable at least in a relative lateral position, in particular perpendicular to the second supply path, in order to enable adaptation of the longitudinal adhesive lines 33 in case of size changes.

[0056] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the bonding device 31 comprises two supply nozzles and applies two longitudinal (and parallel) adhesive lines 33 to the second continuous web "B" so as to define two bonding zones designed to receive the flat lateral portions 1b of the first continuous web "A" shaped in the form of an "Ω". In this situation, the second continuous web "B" is in a flat configuration and is arranged under the first continuous web "A" and then comes into contact with at least a part of the flat lateral portion 1b to define an individual contact surface between the webs "A", "B" present inside the continuous tubular web "T". It will be understood that the number of nozzles of the bonding device 31 can vary depending on the longitudinal lines to be formed.

[0057] In a further possible embodiment not shown, the first bonding device 31 is arranged upstream of the overlapping zone 40, preferably along the first supply path, more preferably downstream of the forming station 20, and applies a longitudinal adhesive line 33 to the first continuous web "A". More specifically, in this embodiment, the longitudinal adhesive line 33 is applied to a part of the lateral portion 1b of the first continuous web "A", defining two bonding zones designed to receive the corresponding respective parts of the second continuous web "B".

[0058] During the bonding step, in order to prevent the first continuous web "A" from being bent and / or deformed so as to change its formed configuration, the guide bar 23 also extends through the overlapping zone 40 so as to be inserted between the first continuous web "A" and the second continuous web "B".

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, there is a first pair of rollers 41, 42 arranged in the overlapping zone 40. More specifically, the lower roller 42 of the pair of rollers 41, 42 drives the guide belt 51 of the forming beam 50a of the winding station 50, which will be described in more detail below. Roller 42 has a substantially smooth side surface. The second continuous web "B" is fed along the second supply path until the roller 42 is partially rotated (in contact with the guide belt 51) for the second continuous web "B" to pass from the overlapping zone 40 to the winding station 50.

[0060] The upper roller 41 of the pair of rollers 41, 42 is shaped to allow the guide bar 23 and the formed continuous web "A" to pass through the upper roller 41. The upper roller 41 is preferably made of rubber. More specifically, the outer surface of the roller 41 is rubber-coated.

[0061] The first pair of rollers 41, 42 acts in conjunction with the guide bar 23 to maintain the first continuous web "A" in its formed configuration and prevent the first web "A" from flattening during bonding to the second continuous web "B".

[0062] The machine M may also include a second pair of rollers 43, 44 located upstream of the overlapping zone 40 along the first transport path. This second pair of rollers 43, 44 acts on the first pre-formed continuous web "A", keeping at least a longitudinal portion of the first continuous web "A" partially wound around the guide bar 23, which prevents flattening of the central portion 1a of the first continuous web "A" and thus facilitates maintaining the formed configuration. Further, the second pair of rollers 43, 44 contributes to unwrapping and tensioning of the first continuous web "A" in the forming zone 20.

[0063] Downstream of the overlapping zone 40, the machine "M" includes a winding station 50 where the second continuous web "B" is wound around the first pre-formed continuous web "A" until it takes a closed tubular shape, particularly with a circular cross-section. More specifically, the overlapping zone 40 is at the infeed of the winding station 50 such that the second continuous web "B" can be disposed between the roller 42 and the above-described guide belt 51.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 3E and 3F, the winding station 50 preferably includes a forming beam 50a configured to gradually wind the second continuous web "B" around the first continuous web "A" of the formed configuration by using a guide and folding belt 51 for the second continuous web "B".

[0065] Advantageously, the guide bar 23 extends up to the winding station 50, particularly until the second continuous web "B" is completely wound around the first pre-formed continuous web "A".

[0066] The winding station 50 also includes a fixed former 52 disposed between the guide bar 23 and the forming beam 50a, at least in the section where the winding station 50 is located, the fixed former 52 forming a contact portion for bending the second continuous web "B" around the first pre-formed continuous web "A". More specifically, the fixed former 52 is configured to be disposed around the guide bar 23 by a predetermined overlapping angle that is preferably greater than 180°, and more preferably greater than 270°, as shown in FIGS. 3E and 3F.

[0067] It should be noted that the fixed former 52 is shown in detail in FIG. 5 and includes a first portion 52a having a supporting function and a second portion 52b having a guiding and bending function.

[0068] The first portion 52a has a substantially plate-like shape that extends vertically for fixing to an upper support structure (not shown). For example, it has a trapezoidal shape. The second portion 52b has a cylindrical tubular shape with an open bottom cross-section and is configured to give the second continuous web "B" a tubular shape while being gradually bent around the outer surface of the second portion 52b. The second portion 52b has an inner surface facing the guide bar 23 and an outer surface around which the continuous web "B" is gradually bent.

[0069] In another embodiment not shown, the second portion 52b of the fixed former 52 can have various shapes (e.g., elliptical, multi-leaf, irregular, etc.) depending on the shape of the guide bar 23 and thus on the shape given to the first continuous web "A" at the forming station 20.

[0070] Operably, in the outfeed from the overlapping zone 40, the first continuous web "A" and the second continuous web "B" are adhered at the flat side portion 1b of the first continuous web "A" and slide along the first supply path such that the second continuous web "B" is placed on the belt 51 while the first continuous web "A" is supported by the guide bar 23.

[0071] In the first section of the winding station 50 (Figure 3E), the belt 51 begins to wind the second continuous web "B" around the outer surface of the fixed former 52, in particular around the second part 52b. At the same time, the first continuous web "A" of the formed configuration is supported and guided by the guide bar 23 in the second part 52b of the former 52 so as to be arranged in the gap defined by the guide bar 23 and the inner surface of the former 52, in particular the second part 52b of the former 52.

[0072] In this situation, the central part 1a of the first web "A" is fed into the gap so as to prevent deformation or elastic recovery, and one or more end flaps represented in the attached drawing by the straight part 1b are fed outside the gap and gradually bent around the outer surface of the former 52.

[0073] More specifically, as shown in the order of Figures 3D - 3F, during the progressive winding of the second continuous web "B", the belt 51 compresses the first continuous web "A" and the second continuous web "B" against each other at least at the longitudinal adhesive line 33, that is, at the contact surface between the end flap 1b of the first continuous web "A" and the second continuous web "B".

[0074] In this way, as shown in Figure 3F, the fixed former 52 forms a support contact element for compressing the individual contact surfaces between the two webs "A" and "B" with the second continuous web "B" overlapping the end flap 1b.

[0075] Advantageously, due to the combined action of the fixed former 52 and the belt 51, it is ensured that the webs "A" and "B" are adhered even while the second continuous web "B" is being wound around the first web "A".

[0076] Machine "M" also comprises a second adhesive device 60 upstream of and / or in proximity to the winding station 50, the second adhesive device 60 being configured to apply an adhesive, such as glue, onto a second continuous web "B" along one or more lines preferably parallel to each other and designed to close the outer tubular element.

[0077] More specifically, as shown in Figure 3G, during the progressive winding of the second continuous web "B", the second adhesive device 60 applies at least one adhesive line along the lateral band 2b of the second continuous web "B" in the outfeed section of the winding station 50 such that the lateral band 2b of the second continuous web "B" is overlapped onto a further lateral band 2a for closing the tubular element "T".

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the second adhesive device 60 applies an adhesive line along the raised joining zone 2b so as to be able to form a smooth continuous tubular element "T" without interruption created by the overlapping of the lateral edges 2a, 2b by placing the lowered zone 2a on top of the raised joining zone 2b. More generally speaking, the second adhesive device 60 applies an adhesive line along the first lateral band 2a of the second continuous web "B" onto which the second lateral band 2b is to be overlapped.

[0079] Advantageously, the second adhesive device 60 enables the progressive adhesion of the lateral edges 2a, 2b of the second continuous web "B" so as to attach the adhesive line in a more controlled manner.

[0080] Advantageously, the second adhesive device 60 enables the progressive adhesion of the lateral edges 2a, 2b of the second continuous web "B" and minimizes the irregular edges of the adhesive line on the outer wall of the continuous tubular element "T".

[0081] Downstream of the winding station 50, particularly downstream of the second bonding device 60, the continuous tubular element "T" is fed, preferably by the lower support 45 that defines the deployment or part thereof of the forming beam 50a, so as to slide under the press unit 70. The press unit 70 is configured to maintain the second lateral band 2a superimposed on the first lateral band 2b of the second continuous web "B" so as to maintain the closure of the continuous tubular element "T".

[0082] As shown in Figure 3H, the press unit 70 functions as a contact element for the first and second lateral edges 2a, 2b, preventing the risk that the lateral bands 2a, 2b separate from each other and the continuous tubular element "T" opens.

[0083] Preferably, in order to prevent the continuous tubular element "T" from being flattened so as to change its cross-sectional shape while sliding under the press unit 70, the guide bar 23 extends up to the press unit 70. In that case, the guide bar 23 functions as a support contact of the press unit 70 that prevents the flattening of the cross-section of the continuous tubular element "T".

[0084] As shown in Figure 3H, the machine "M" also comprises an activation device 80 configured to promote the change in temperature of the adhesive line discharged by the second bonding device 60, downstream of the winding station 50 and preferably downstream of the second bonding device 60.

[0085] More specifically, when the adhesive line is made of an adhesive of the "hot melt" type, the activation device 80 promotes the cooling of the adhesive line itself.

[0086] On the other hand, when the adhesive line is made of a different adhesive, for example a PVA adhesive, the activation device 80 promotes the heating of the adhesive line itself.

[0087] The activation device 80 is integrated with the pressing unit 70 so as to activate the adhesive properties of the adhesive line and at the same time promote and maintain the mutual adhesion of the lateral edges 2a, 2b of the second continuous web "B".

[0088] Advantageously, the combined action of the activation device 80 and the pressing unit 70 enables better control of the bonding process. This is because the adhesive line is activated to promote rapid drying between the lateral edges 2a, 2b and is immediately compressed between the lateral edges 2a, 2b of the second adhesive web "B".

[0089] In another possible embodiment, the activation device 80 is separate from the pressing unit 70 so that the adhesive properties of the adhesive line can be activated at a later stage.

[0090] The machine "M" also includes a cooling / heating station 90 downstream of the winding station 50 and, in particular, downstream of or in the position of the pressing unit 70 and / or the activation device 80. In particular, when the adhesive line is made of a "hot melt" type of adhesive, similar to that described above with respect to the activation device 80, the station 90 is a cooling station and cools the adhesive line itself. In contrast, when the adhesive line is made of a different adhesive, such as a PVA adhesive, the station 90 is a heating station and the adhesive line is heated.

[0091] The cooling / heating station 90 includes a cooling / heating element 91 disposed facing a continuous tubular element "T" in which the lateral edges 2a, 2b of the second continuous web "B" are overlapped.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 3I, the cooling / heating element 91 has an integrated cooling / heating system and has the shape of a plate formed to fit a continuous tubular element "T". The plate has a concave portion with a concave surface facing downward so as to face the continuous tubular element "T". More specifically, the concave portion is shaped to fit the continuous tubular element "T" to be cooled / heated so as to facilitate the sliding of the continuous tubular element "T" and prevent the risk of flattening at the portion where it contacts the plate.

[0093] Advantageously, the presence of the cooling / heating station 90 makes it possible to ensure the fixing of the lateral bands 2a, 2b.

[0094] Advantageously, the cooling / heating element 91 makes it possible to rapidly dry the adhesive line so as to avoid problems related to possible openings in the continuous tubular element "T".

[0095] In one embodiment, the cooling / heating element 91 is integrally made. In other words, the cooling / heating element 91 consists of a single plate formed to fit the continuous tubular element "T". In an alternative embodiment, the cooling / heating element 91 may comprise a plurality of plates formed to fit the continuous tubular element "T" and arranged in sequence.

[0096] Advantageously, the use of a plurality of plates enables optimization of the cooling / heating.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, downstream of the winding station 50, and preferably downstream of the cooling / heating station 90, the machine "M" also comprises a compression device 100 configured to shape the cross-section of the continuous tubular element "T".

[0098] In practice, during the step of manufacturing the continuous tubular element "T" through the various stations of the machine "M", the continuous tubular element "T" may be slightly deformed, for example flattened or slightly convex in the transverse direction.

[0099] The compression device 100 includes first and second compression rollers 101, 102 each having an outer shape formed so as to face each other and define a gap for the passage of the continuous tubular element "T".

[0100] More specifically, the compression rollers 101, 102 are adjustable to move closer to / away from each other, preferably independently, by, for example, an actuator 103, to vary the passage for the continuous tubular element "T" so as to form the cross-section of a continuous tubular element "T" of a desired shape, particularly circular.

[0101] Preferably, the compression rollers 101, 102 are in an idle state.

[0102] According to another aspect of the present invention, following the machine "M", an apparatus can be continued for cutting the continuous tubular element "T" into individual tubular segments provided with a formed insert formed using a part of the first continuous web "A" of the formed configuration. In this situation, the machine "M" is configured as a machine for manufacturing individual segments.

[0103] The present invention achieves the above object and eliminates the drawbacks emphasized in the prior art.

[0104] The first bonding device 31 is flexible and accurate in applying the longitudinal adhesive line 33 so as to bond the two continuous webs "A", "B" along the required individual contact lines and / or surfaces inside the continuous tubular element "T".

[0105] The first bonding device 31 is also flexible in the case of size change of the first continuous web "A" or the second continuous web "B". This is because its position (and, if necessary, the number of adhesive lines applied) is adjustable along the second supply path.

[0106] The second bonding device 60 and the activation device 80 coupled to the press element 70 enable optimization of the bonding of the continuous tubular element "T".

[0107] The cooling / heating unit 91 enables the acceleration of the operations for manufacturing the continuous tubular element "T" and shortens the time associated with the drying of the adhesive line.

[0108] Generally speaking, the method for manufacturing the continuous tubular element "T" enables the reduction of the costs and time associated with the manufacturing of the continuous tubular element "T".

[0109] The method for manufacturing the continuous tubular element "T" carried out using the machine "M" is efficient and reliable, particularly during the step of winding the second continuous web "B" around the first continuous web "A". This is because the maintenance of the shape of the continuous tubular element "T" and the associated cut pieces is guaranteed over time.

[0110] The present invention described above can tolerate variations that fall within the scope of the concept of the invention. More specifically, the shape of the first continuous web "A" may be arbitrary and not circular, and thus may be different from the shape (circular) taken by the second continuous web "B". Preferably, in cross-section, the first continuous web "A" has a shape such that it passes laterally through the second wound continuous web "B" (i.e., it traverses laterally the internal space defined by the final tubular element formed by the winding of the second continuous web "B" between two or more opposing contact points).

Claims

1. A machine (M) for manufacturing a continuous tubular element (T) having a filling with spacer and / or filter function, a first supply means (10) for supplying a first continuous web (A), the first supply means (10) being configured to supply the first continuous web (A) along a first supply path, a second supply means (30) for supplying a second continuous web (B), the second supply means (30) being configured to supply the second continuous web (B) along a second supply path, and the first supply path and the second supply path merging towards a superposition zone (40), the second supply means (30), a forming station (20) arranged on the first supply path and configured to perform bending and / or deformation of the first continuous web (A) to a formed configuration, wherein the first continuous web (A) takes a predetermined non-circular shape, the forming station (20), a winding station (50) downstream of the superposition zone (40), wherein the second continuous web (B) is wound tubularly around the formed first continuous web (A) to obtain a continuous tubular element (T), the winding station (50), a first adhesive device (31) arranged on the first supply path and / or the second supply path upstream of the superposition zone (40) and configured to apply at least one longitudinal adhesive line (33) on the first continuous web and / or the second continuous web (B) so as to define at least one adhesive zone, the at least one longitudinal adhesive line (33) being arranged to coincide with the superposition and contact zone between the first continuous web (A) and the second continuous web (B) delivered from the winding station (50), the first adhesive device (31), a machine (M) comprising.

2. The machine (M) according to claim 1, wherein in the forming station (20), the first continuous web (A) takes a three-dimensional shape and / or a curved shape in a cross-section transverse to the first supply path.

3. A second adhesive device (60) arranged at the winding station (50) and configured to apply at least one adhesive line along a first lateral edge (2a) of the second continuous web (B); and a pressing element (70) downstream of the second adhesive device (60), the pressing element (70) being configured to overlap and maintain a second lateral edge (2b) of the second continuous web (B) on the first lateral edge (2a) of the second continuous web (B) to close the continuous tubular element (T). The machine (M) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising.

4. The machine (M) according to claim 3, further comprising an activation device (80) downstream of the second adhesive device (60) and configured to promote heat exchange with the continuous tubular element (T) so as to change the temperature of the at least one adhesive line discharged by the second adhesive device (60).

5. The machine (M) according to claim 4, wherein the activation device (80) is integrated with the pressing element (70).

6. Downstream of the winding station (50), a cooling / heating station (90) is provided, the cooling / heating station (90) comprising a cooling / heating element (91) arranged facing at least a part of the continuous tubular element (T) having overlapping lateral edges (2a, 2b) of the second continuous web (B). The machine (M) according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The machine (M) according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 4 or 5, wherein the cooling / heating station (90) is provided downstream of the pressing element (70) and / or the activation device (80), or in the pressing element (70) and / or the activation device (80).

8. The machine (M) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the cooling / heating element (91) has an integrated cooling / heating system and has a shape having at least one plate shaped to fit the continuous tubular element (T).

9. The machine (M) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one plate has a concave surface facing downward and facing the continuous tubular element (T).

10. The machine (M) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first adhesive device (31) is adjustable at least in relative lateral positioning so as to be adaptable in case of size change.

11. The machine (M) according to claim 10, wherein the first bonding device (31) is adjustable perpendicular to the first supply path or the second supply path.

12. The machine (M) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first bonding device (31) comprises two or more supply nozzles for applying two or more longitudinal adhesive lines (33) onto the second continuous web (B) so as to define two or more bonding zones.

13. The machine (M) according to claim 12, wherein the two or more longitudinal adhesive lines (33) are parallel.

14. The machine (M) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the winding station (50) comprises at least one guide bar (23), the at least one guide bar (23) extending longitudinally along the first supply path, and the first continuous web (A) being guided around the at least one guide bar (23) during winding of the second continuous web (B).

15. The machine (M) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the winding station (50) comprises a formed body (52) having a hollow structure, the formed body (52) having a forming beam (50a) configured to gradually wind the second continuous web (B) around the first continuous web (A) in the formed configuration, an internal cavity for receiving the pre-formed first continuous web (A), and an outer surface forming a bending reference surface for the second continuous web (B) wound around the first continuous web (A) in the formed configuration, and the second bonding device (60) being arranged to dispense an adhesive line corresponding to a zone of the second continuous web (B) designed to be pressed against the outer surface of the formed body (52).

16. The machine (M) according to claim 15, wherein the forming beam (50a) is configured to gradually wind the second continuous web (B) around the first continuous web (A) in the formed configuration using a guide and bending belt for the second continuous web (B).

17. A method for manufacturing a continuous tubular element (T) having a filling with a spacer and / or filter function, comprising: supplying a first continuous web (A) along a first supply path; Supplying a second continuous web (B) along a second supply path; Forming the first continuous web (A) so as to impart a non-circular shaped configuration to the first continuous web (A); A winding step of obtaining a continuous tubular element (T) defined by a tubular cover that wraps the second continuous web (B) around the formed first continuous web (A) to accommodate the formed first continuous web (A); Before the winding step, at least one longitudinal adhesive line (33) is applied to the first continuous web (A) and / or the second continuous web (B) at a position corresponding to at least one zone of overlap and contact between the first continuous web (A) and the second continuous web (B) in the continuous tubular element (T). A method comprising steps. **Claim 18**: The method according to claim 17, wherein the forming step forms the first continuous web (A) so as to impart a three-dimensional shaped configuration and / or a curved shaped configuration to the first continuous web (A). **Claim 19** The continuous tubular element (T) has a plurality of individual longitudinal lines and / or longitudinal contact surfaces separated and / or spaced apart from each other between the formed first continuous web (A) and the wound second continuous web, and the step of applying at least one adhesive line (33) to the first continuous web (A) and / or the second continuous web (B) is carried out in a plurality of zones of the first continuous web (A) and / or the second continuous web (B) corresponding to at least a part of the plurality of individual lines and / or contact surfaces. The method according to claim 17 or 18. **Claim 20** The step of winding the second continuous web (B) around the formed first continuous web (A) is carried out while the formed first continuous web (A) of the formed configuration is guided in a configuration at least partially wound around at least one guide bar (23). The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19. **Claim 21** The step of winding the second continuous web (B) around the first continuous web (A) of the formed configuration is carried out using a guide belt (51) for the second continuous web (B), and using the guide belt (51), at least at the plurality of individual lines and / or the contact surface, the method according to claim 20 when dependent on claim 19, comprising the step of performing mutual compression between the first continuous web (A) and the second continuous web (B).

22. The step of winding the second continuous web (B) around the first continuous web (A) of the formed configuration is carried out by depositing an additional adhesive line at least on a first lateral edge (2a) of the second continuous web (B), and then defining a tubular wrap by overlapping the first lateral edge (2a) onto a second lateral edge (2b) of the second continuous web (B) facing each other, the method also comprising a subsequent step of compressing the opposing lateral edges (2a, 2b) using a pressing element (70) while the opposing lateral edges (2a, 2b) are resting on the at least one guide bar (23), the method according to claim 20 or 21.

23. After the step of compressing, the method according to claim 22 further comprises the step of cooling or heating a part of the continuous tubular element (T) having the opposing lateral edges (2a, 2b) by means of a cooling / heating plate having a recess formed substantially to fit the part of the continuous tubular element (T) facing the continuous tubular element (T) and being cooled or heated.

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