Method and apparatus for cutting off blanks for packets of the cigarette industry from a continuous material web

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for cutting off blanks (39) for packets of the cigarette industry from a continuous material web (27) by means of a cutting device (35), wherein the cutting device (35) has at least one cutting means (37), in particular a blade, which is arranged on a carrying means (36), in particular rotationally driven carrying means, of the cutting device (35), in particular on a roller, and wherein the cutting means (37) interacts with a counter-blade (38), in particular stationary counter-blade, and cuts off blanks (39) from the material web (27), while the material web (27) is moved continuously and at a preferably constant transport speed between the cutting means (37) and the counter-blade (38). According to the invention, a working speed of the cutting means (37), in particular a rotational speed of the roller, is synchronized with the transport speed of the material web (27) in order to cut off a blank (39). The invention further relates to an apparatus, the cutting means (37) of which can be detachably fastened to the carrying means (36) and is made of a higher-quality material than the carrying means (36).

Description

[0001] Method and device for separating blanks for packs in the cigarette industry from a continuous material web

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a method for separating blanks for packs in the cigarette industry from a continuous material web by means of a cutting device, wherein the cutting device has at least one cutting means, in particular a blade, which is arranged on a support means of the cutting device, in particular on a roller, which is driven in particular in a rotating manner, and wherein the cutting means cooperates with a counter-blade, which is arranged in particular in a stationary manner, and separates blanks from the material web, while the material web is moved continuously and at a preferably constant transport speed between the cutting means and the counter-blade, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding device according to the preamble of claim 6.

[0005] Such methods and devices can be used, for example, to separate a collar web into individual collar blanks. In addition to dividing the continuous material web (collar web) into individual collar sections, other necessary material weakenings can also be introduced into the collar blanks. The applicant uses so-called collar knife rollers for this purpose. These are designed as format-dependent and fixed components with five to eight blades that are driven to rotate at a constant speed. During one rotation of the collar knife roller, a number of blanks corresponding to the number of blades is severed from the continuous material web. A disadvantage of this solution is that the entire collar knife roller must be replaced when the format is changed. A format change can occur, for example, if the length of the blanks to be produced changes.The collar knife roller is then replaced with a corresponding one that has the appropriate spacing between the blades on the roller for the length of the blanks. However, this process is time-consuming and costly. Furthermore, the collar knife roller is difficult to access in conventional devices, which further increases the effort.

[0006] A further disadvantage may be that in the usual devices the blades are an integral part of the collar knife roller and if a single blade wears out, the entire collar knife roller has to be replaced, which is uneconomical in terms of material costs and replacement time.

[0007] The insertion of longitudinal scoring or perforations for material weakening is currently also performed via the collar knife roller. Even if the collar length remains unchanged, the entire collar knife roller must be replaced when the material weakening changes. Accordingly, a separate collar knife roller is kept in stock for each format combination.

[0008] Proceeding from this, the object of the invention is to further develop such methods and devices of the type mentioned at the outset, in particular with a view to improving at least one of the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0009] A method for solving this problem has the features of claim 1. Accordingly, it can be provided that a working speed of the cutting means, in particular a rotational speed of the roller, for separating a blank is synchronized with the transport speed of the material web.

[0010] This makes it possible to adapt the working speed of the cutting means between cuts to the format of the blanks, so that, for example, if the length of the blank changes, replacement is no longer necessary. Preferably, the working speed of the cutting means, in particular the rotation speed of the roller, and the transport speed of the material web are essentially the same during the separation of a blank.

[0011] An advantage of this solution can be that it allows for a clean cut without tearing or buckling.

[0012] Preferably, it can be provided that the working speed of the cutting means, in particular the rotational speed of the roller, and the transport speed of the material web differ in the period between two separating cuts, wherein the working speed of the cutting means, in particular the rotational speed of the roller, is adapted to the predetermined dimension of the blank in the transport direction.

[0013] One advantage of this solution, for example, with a collar-knife roller, is that it offers great format flexibility, as all possible cut lengths (in the direction of material flow) can be covered with a single roller or a single roller diameter. Since only the rotation of the roller needs to be changed between cuts, expensive and time-consuming format conversions can be eliminated.

[0014] Furthermore, it can be provided that a perforation device, in particular a pair of perforation rollers, for applying material weakenings to the continuous material web is arranged upstream of the cutting device, wherein the speed of the perforation device corresponds to the transport speed of the continuous material web.

[0015] One advantage of this solution is that the application of material weakenings can be outsourced, and the perforation device, for example, a pair of perforation rollers, is permanently driven at the same constant speed as the material web or at machine speed. This allows for easy application of the material weakenings without speed adjustments / regulations in continuous operation at a constant web speed. In particular, the transport speed of the material web can be maintained at a constant level.

[0016] A device for achieving the object mentioned above has the features of claim 6. Accordingly, it is provided that the cutting means is detachably attachable to the support means and is made of a higher-quality material than the support means.

[0017] In this way, it is possible to replace even a single cutting tool without having to replace the entire cutting device.

[0018] It is preferably provided that the material of the cutting means has a greater strength than the material of the support means, in particular a greater wear resistance.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the support means is designed as a roller, with one or more blades evenly distributed on the circumference of the roller as cutting means.

[0020] A special feature may be that the roller has a non-circular cross-section, in particular a (strongly) oval cross-section, wherein the or each cutting means, in particular the or each blade, is arranged in circumferential regions of the roller with the largest diameter, in particular radius.

[0021] An advantage of this solution may be that material and weight savings are possible compared to the circular cross-sectional shape.

[0022] In particular, it can be provided that the roller is driven in rotation and cooperates with a stationary counter-blade, in particular, to cut individual blanks from the continuous material web. The material web can be guided between the roller and the counter-blade, and a blank is cut from the material web by the or each blade. An advantage of this solution can be that a uniform length of the blanks is ensured.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be provided that the support means is driven by means of a separate, in particular separate, drive.

[0024] An advantage of this solution may be that it allows for simplified adjustment and better control of the rotation speed of the suspension element.

[0025] A further special feature may be that a perforation device is arranged upstream of the cutting device in order to apply material weakenings to the continuous material web.

[0026] Accordingly, the material weakenings are no longer inserted via the cutting device, but separately in a further step.

[0027] For this purpose, it can be provided that the perforation device is designed as a pair of perforation rollers upstream of the cutting device, or is integrated into a pair of feed rollers upstream of the knife roller.

[0028] An advantage of this solution can be that the type of material weakening can be variably adjusted without the need to adjust the cutting device.

[0029] In particular, it can be provided that the perforation of the material web and the advance of the material web are realized by a pair of rollers, or by two pairs of rollers with a common drive.

[0030] One advantage of this solution is that it allows for the simplest and most space-saving arrangement possible.

[0031] A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the drawing, in which: Fig. 1 shows a part of a device for packaging products of the cigarette industry in a schematic three-dimensional representation,

[0032] Fig. 2 a section through the device along cutting plane II - II during the separation of blanks from a material web by means of a (collar) knife roller,

[0033] Fig. 3 a section through the device along cutting plane II - II between two separating cuts, and

[0034] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the course of the rotation speed of the (collar) knife roller over time.

[0035] The invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment in which blanks for a collar of a pack for products in the cigarette industry are separated from a continuous web of material. It is understood that the device can also be used for separating other blanks and in a different context, so reference is made to the specific intended use only as an example.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a schematic overview of part of a packaging machine 10 for cigarette industry products. For the purposes of this application, cigarette industry products include tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigarillos, and the like, but also novel tobacco products, such as heat-not-burn products or liquid carriers for e-cigarettes. It is understood that the packaging machine 10 need not be limited to this application and can also be used to package other products.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows that the packaging material is pulled off from two reels 12 as the first continuous material web 11 for inner wrapping of the products, guided through a splice unit 13 and then passed over several deflection rollers 14 through an embossing device 15, in which the material web 11 is provided with embossing or the like. A web guide controller 16 is arranged upstream of the embossing device 15 and is used to align or center the material web 11. The products - here, for example, cigarettes - are fed via a magazine 17 and ejected from it by means of a ram 18 into pockets of a revolver 19. To prevent the products from becoming sideways or jammed in the shafts of the magazine 17, a magazine wall 20 is set into vibration by a vibrating unit 21.The vibrations are transmitted via the magazine wall 20 to the magazine 17 and thus to the products, for example to a filter side of the cigarettes.

[0038] The products are ejected as a group from the pockets of the turret 19 by means of carriers 22 of a conveyor 23 and conveyed along a conveyor track 24. Above the conveyor track 24 is a cutting unit 25, in which individual blanks for the inner wrapping are separated from the material web 11 emerging from the embossing device 15. The blanks are then wrapped around the product group in a known manner to form the inner wrapping. The product group with the inner wrapping forms the package contents.

[0039] Another component of the package is the so-called collar. The packaging material required for this is drawn off as a (second) continuous material web 27 from a (single) reel 28 and fed via deflection rollers to a so-called collar device 29. A pendulum is used to regulate the web tension. In the collar device 29, which will be described in detail later, individual collars are cut out of the material web 27 as blanks 39 and fed to a platform 30, from which the blanks 39, together with the products contained in the inner wrapping, are transferred into a pocket of a folding turret (not shown). The collar device 29 and its components are described in detail below:

[0040] The continuous material web 27 is conveyed at a constant speed v kto the collaring device 29. This speed is maintained throughout the further process in the collaring device 29. First, the material web 27 is fed into an infeed channel 31. The infeed channel 31 has a guide plate 32 for guiding the material web 27 in the infeed channel 31. A pair of feed rollers 33 is positioned adjacent to the infeed channel 31, which further conveys the material web 27 in the transport direction. Downstream of the pair of feed rollers 33 is a pair of perforation rollers 34 for applying material weakenings to the material web 27.

[0041] Next, the material web 27 reaches a collar knife roller, which in the present embodiment serves as a cutting device 35. The cutting device 35 has a roller as a support means 36 and blades arranged on the outside of the roller or the support means 36 as cutting means 37. The roller or the support means 36 are continuously rotated at a rotation speed v R driven in rotation. The collar knife roller cooperates with a counterpart on the other side of the material web 27, which in this case is a solid (hard metal) rod or a hard metal disc as the counter-blade 38.

[0042] In this case, two blades or cutting means 37 are arranged on the collar knife roller. It is understood, however, that the number of blades can naturally vary.

[0043] In this case, the roller or support element 36 has an approximately oval cross-section. Other cross-sectional shapes, such as conventional round rollers, are also conceivable. Completely different shapes are also conceivable, such as a rotating rod or a corresponding plate with blades at both ends.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the blades or cutting elements 37 are designed as so-called inlays that can be replaced separately. This prevents the entire collar knife roller from having to be replaced or repaired in the event of blade wear or a change in the collar contour (e.g., changing the collar window). This facilitates accessibility and reduces conversion times when changing parts.

[0045] Another advantage is that only the removable blades need to be made of a higher-strength material (in this application, for example, ASP, an expensive special steel), not the entire roller. This can be made of a cost-effective material such as C45 or similar simple steels, as it doesn't have to meet any special requirements.

[0046] In the present embodiment with two cutting means 37, two blanks 39 are severed from the material web 27 with each rotation of the roller. These blanks are conveyed successively and at a distance from one another in the transport direction by another pair of feed rollers 40, where they are conveyed further in the transport direction between subsequent slalom belts 41, 42 and finally fed for further processing.

[0047] During the cutting operation, the rotation speed VR corresponds to the speed of the material web vK In this way, tearing or compression of the material web 27 during the separating cut is prevented and a clean cut through the material web 27 is carried out.

[0048] While Figure 2 shows the state during the cutting process, Figure 3 shows a moment in the period in which the material web 27 is not in contact with one of the two blades. During this period, the rotation speed of the knife roller (v R ) from the constant transport speed (v K ) of the collar web, since no cutting of the material web is performed. During this period, the rotation speed (VR) of the knife roller is adjusted to the desired cutting length in the preferred direction. The higher the rotation speed (v R) of the knife roller, the shorter the length of the cuts 39. This has the advantage that no format change is required to change the cut length; instead, only the rotation speed of the roller needs to be adjusted in the control system.

[0049] To perform the separating cut, the rotational speed of the roller is synchronized or adjusted with the transport speed of the material web 27, so that a clean separating cut can be performed. Fig. 4 shows the corresponding adjustment of the rotational speed v R to the transport speed v K . t d refers to the time period in which the collar knife roller rotates between the cuts and t srefers to the time period in which the cut is made. Another special feature is the upstream perforation roller pair 34. This is used to create cuts and perforations in the longitudinal direction (in the preferred direction of the material), which ensures further format flexibility of the entire device. Such cuts and perforations (e.g. collar brake) were previously also created via the collar knife roller. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to combine the perforation roller pair with the first feed roller pair, which has a positive effect on the space required and the number of drives. Finally, it should be noted that synchronizing the working speed of the cutting unit with the transport speed can be used not only with rotating knife rollers, but also with punches or other cutting devices.

[0050] List of reference symbols

[0051] 10 packaging machines

[0052] 11 first continuous material web

[0053] 12 reels

[0054] 13 Splice unit

[0055] 14 pulley

[0056] 15 Embossing machine

[0057] 16 web guide controllers

[0058] 17 Magazine

[0059] 18 tappets

[0060] 19 revolvers

[0061] 20 Magazine wall

[0062] 21 Vibration unit

[0063] 22 drivers

[0064] 23 sponsors

[0065] 24 Transport track

[0066] 25 cutting unit

[0067] 27 second continuous material web

[0068] 28 reels

[0069] 29 Collar apparatus

[0070] 30 Stage

[0071] 31 insertion channel

[0072] 32 guide plate

[0073] 33 pair of feed rollers

[0074] 34 pairs of perforation rollers

[0075] 35 Cutting device

[0076] 36 load-bearing means

[0077] 37 Cutting agents

[0078] 38 Counter blade

[0079] 39 Cutting

[0080] 40 pairs of feed rollers

[0081] 41 Slalom belt

[0082] 42 Slalom belt

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for separating blanks (39) for packs in the cigarette industry from a continuous material web (27) by means of a cutting device (35), wherein the cutting device (35) has at least one cutting means (37), in particular a blade, which is arranged on a support means (36) of the cutting device (35), in particular on a roller, which is driven in particular in a rotating manner, and wherein the cutting means (37) cooperates with a counter-blade (38) which is arranged in particular in a stationary manner and separates blanks (39) from the material web (27), while the material web (27) is moved continuously and at a preferably constant transport speed between the cutting means (37) and the counter-blade (38), characterized in that a working speed of the cutting means (37), in particular a rotational speed of the roller,for cutting off a blank (39) is synchronized with the transport speed of the material web (27).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the working speed of the cutting means (37), in particular the rotation speed of the roller, and the transport speed of the material web (27) during the separation of a blank (39) substantially coincide.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the working speed of the cutting means (37), in particular the rotational speed of the roller, and the transport speed of the material web (27) differ in the period between two separating cuts, wherein the working speed of the cutting means (37), in particular the rotational speed of the roller, is adapted to the predetermined dimension of the blank (39) in the transport direction.

4. Method according to claim 1 or one of the other preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting device (35) is provided with a perforation device, in particular a pair of perforation rollers (34), for applying of material weakenings on the continuous material web (27), wherein the speed of the perforation device corresponds to the transport speed of the continuous material web (27).

5. Method according to claim 1 or one of the other preceding claims, characterized in that the transport speed of the material web (27) is constant.

6. Device for separating blanks (39) for packs in the cigarette industry from a continuous material web (27) by means of a cutting device (35), wherein the cutting device (35) has at least one cutting means (37), in particular a blade, which is arranged on a support means (36) of the cutting device (35), in particular for carrying out the method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting means (37) can be detachably fastened to the support means (36) and is made of a higher quality material than the support means (36).

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the material of the cutting means (37) has a greater strength than the material of the support means (36), in particular a greater wear resistance.

8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the support means (36) is designed as a roller, with one or more blades distributed uniformly on the circumference of the roller as cutting means (37).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the roller has a non-circular cross-section, in particular a (strongly) oval cross-section, wherein the or each cutting means (37), in particular the or each blade, is arranged in circumferential regions of the roller with the largest diameter, in particular radius.

10. Device according to claim 6 or one of the other preceding claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the roller is driven in rotation and cooperates with a particularly stationary counter-blade (38) in order to cut individual blanks (39) from the continuous material web (27), wherein the material web (27) can be guided between the roller and the counter-blade (38) and a blank is severed from the material web (27) by the or each blade.

11. Device according to claim 10 or one of the other preceding claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the support means (36) is driven by means of a separate, in particular separate, drive.

12. Device according to claim 6 or one of the other preceding claims 7 to 11, characterized in that a perforation device is arranged upstream of the cutting device (35) for applying material weakenings to the continuous material web.

13. Device according to claim 6 or one of the other preceding claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the perforation device is designed as a pair of perforation rollers (34) arranged upstream of the cutting device (35), or is integrated into a pair of feed rollers (33) arranged upstream of the cutting device (35).

14. Device according to claim 13 or one of the other preceding claims, characterized in that the perforation of the material web (27) and the advance of the material web (27) is realized by a pair of rollers, or by two pairs of rollers with a common drive.

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