Rod-shaped multi-segment article, method and machine for producing a multi-segment article

Abstract

The invention relates to a rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) and to a method and a machine (2) for producing such a multi-segment article (32). The article has at least two rod-shaped segments (34), preferably three, four, five or more rod-shaped segments, which are arranged adjacently to one another and the exterior (36) of which is surrounded by a covering material (38) at least in some areas. The covering material (38) has at least one continuous glue-free region (50) which at least partly surrounds the mutually facing segment edges (52) of the adjacent segments (34) and preferably connects the segments (34) to one another.

Description

[0001] Rod-shaped multi-segment article, method and machine for producing a multi-segment article

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a rod-shaped multi-segment article for the tobacco processing industry, comprising at least two, preferably three, four, five, or more, adjacently arranged rod-shaped segments, which are at least partially surrounded on their outer side by a wrapping material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a rod-shaped multi-segment article for the tobacco processing industry, in which at least two, preferably three, four, five, or more, rod-shaped segments are arranged adjacently, and the rod-shaped segments are at least partially surrounded on their outer side by a wrapping material.

[0004] The invention also relates to a rod-shaped multi-segment article of the tobacco processing industry with at least a first and a second rod-shaped segment which are arranged adjacent to one another, wherein at least the first segment is surrounded on its outer side at least in sections by a first wrapping material and at least the second segment is surrounded on its outer side at least in sections by a second wrapping material, wherein the first and the second wrapping material overlap one another in an overlap region in the axial direction of the multi-segment article and the second wrapping material encloses the first wrapping material in the overlap region.The invention further relates to a method for producing a multi-segment article of the tobacco processing industry, in which at least a first and a second rod-shaped segment are arranged adjacent to one another, wherein at least the first segment is surrounded on its outer side at least in sections by a first wrapping material and at least the second segment is surrounded on its outer side at least in sections by a second wrapping material, wherein the first and the second wrapping material overlap one another in an overlap region in the axial direction of the multi-segment article and the second wrapping material encloses the first wrapping material in the overlap region.

[0005] The invention further relates to a machine in the tobacco processing industry for carrying out the said method(s) and to the use of a machine in the tobacco processing industry for producing such a rod-shaped multi-segment article.

[0006] Rod-shaped multi-segment articles from the tobacco processing industry include, for example, classic smoking articles such as filter cigarettes or filter cigarillos, in which a tobacco rod is combined with a filter or filter plug, and the two elements are connected with a wrapping material, such as tipping paper. The filter used can have one or more rod-shaped segments, which can be filled or hollow filter segments made, for example, from a filter tow. Rod-shaped multi-segment articles from the tobacco processing industry are also, for example, alternative smoking products, such as HNB (heat-not-burn) articles or THP (tobacco heated product) articles. Such articles are heated but not burned during consumption. As a result of the heat, the aroma and ingredients are transferred into an air stream intended for consumption.Such products typically comprise multiple segments, such as filter, cooling, and / or spacer segments, as well as segments containing tobacco material. The tobacco material is typically treated with an aerosol-forming substance.

[0007] For example, adapted multi-filter machines are used to manufacture HNB products as multi-segment articles. In these machines, the individual rod-shaped segments are assembled, grouped, and formed into a multi-segment strand, which is wrapped with a wrapping material, such as wrapping paper. The production of multi-segment products by stringing individual segments together and then wrapping them is typically carried out in a rolling process in drum processes. In this process, a wrapping material coated with glue, such as wrapping paper, is rolled around the segment packages. The multi-segment articles produced in this way can have a usable length several times longer. They are cut to a single length for further processing, then turned multiple times and further processed. A method and a machine for manufacturing multi-segment filters are disclosed, for example, in WO 2018 / 234146 A1.

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved rod-shaped multi-segment article, an improved method for producing a rod-shaped multi-segment article and an improved machine in the tobacco processing industry for carrying out a method for producing a rod-shaped multi-segment article as well as an improved use of such a machine.

[0009] The object is achieved by a rod-shaped multi-segment article of the tobacco processing industry with at least two, preferably three, four, five or more, adjacently arranged rod-shaped segments which are surrounded on their outer side at least in sections by a wrapping material, wherein the rod-shaped article is developed in that the wrapping material has at least one continuous glue-free or glue-reduced region which at least partially encloses the mutually facing segment edges of the adjacent segments and preferably connects the segments to one another.

[0010] In the context of this description, for the sake of better readability, a glue-free area should always be understood as an alternative to a glue-reduced area. This applies both to the description of the glue-free area and to the description of process steps for creating the glue-free area. The description of a process step in which an area is left glue-free therefore always includes, as an alternative, that the area is not left glue-free, but rather that the glue-free area is a glue-reduced area in which a reduced amount of glue is applied. This applies both to the glue-free areas mentioned and to the other glue-free areas.

[0011] A wrapping material coated with glue, such as wrapping paper, tends to cling tightly to the underlying outer surfaces of the rod-shaped segments after the rolling process while the glue dries. This effect is desirable because the wrapping material stabilizes the assembly of the rod-shaped segments and gives the manufactured multi-segment article the desired strength. However, this effect also leads to irregularities present on the outer surfaces of the rod-shaped segments becoming visible on the exterior of the manufactured product. This effect occurs primarily at the segment edges of the rod-shaped segments if they have irregularities, such as cut collars or bulges, or if there are gaps between the individual segments.The details visible on the outside of the manufactured products are often perceived as a quality defect in the rod-shaped article and are therefore undesirable. The glue-free areas of the wrapping material in the rod-shaped multi-segment article are arranged in such a way that they cover the area of ​​the segment transitions. The wrapping material stretches dry over these areas and compensates for the underlying irregularities at the segment edges of the rod-shaped segments. Likewise, the glue-free areas span small gaps between the end faces of adjacent segments. The gap, as well as small irregularities, are not visible, or at least less noticeable, on the outside of the product.

[0012] In particular, the glue-free area completely encloses the facing segment edges of the adjacent segments. In this context, the term "completely" refers to the segment edges being enclosed by the glue-free area, omitting the seam seal of the wrapping material. Of course, glue must be present in the seam seal area to ensure a secure seam seal even in those longitudinal axial sections of the rod-shaped multi-segment article where the glue-free area is present.

[0013] The boundaries of the glue-free area define a volume, for example, a cylindrical volume, in the axial direction of the rod-shaped multi-segment article. The facing and, in this sense, opposite segment edges or end faces of the directly adjacent segments, in particular, are located entirely within this volume defined by the glue-free area.

[0014] The outer side of the rod-shaped segments is, in particular, a cylindrical surface. Furthermore, the rod-shaped segments are, in particular, cylindrical segments extending in the longitudinal axial direction of the rod-shaped multi-segment article. The glue-free region of the wrapping material is, in particular, not perforated or perforation-free. It therefore has, in particular, no perforations or openings through which a secondary air flow can enter an interior of the rod-shaped article during consumption. The wrapping material has no ventilation openings in the glue-free region. Perforated glue-free regions intended to allow a secondary air flow from the outside, for example, into a filter material of the rod-shaped article, are not considered in the context of the present description. They are not regarded as glue-free regions.However, this does not mean that the rod-shaped multi-segment article cannot have such perforated “glue-free areas”.

[0015] In the context of this description, the term "glue-free" does not mean that no glue is present in this area of ​​the wrapping material. During the gluing process of a wrapping material, it is only possible to create a completely glue-free area with great technical effort. In practice, therefore, a small amount of residual glue is always accepted, even in those areas that are not glued and are considered glue-free in this sense. Glue-free areas are those in which no glue is deliberately applied during the gluing process used. Thus, a glue-free area is a glue-reduced area in which only a technically unavoidable amount of residual glue is present. However, this residual glue amount is significantly reduced compared to those areas in which the wrapping material is deliberately glued.Compared to the glued areas, for example, the glue-free areas contain less than 20% of the amount of glue that is present in the glued areas. In particular, the glue-free areas contain less than 10%, and in particular less than 5% of the amount of glue that is present in the glued areas. The amount of glue or glue mass is viewed, for example, as mass per unit area, for example per square centimeter or per square millimeter. In the context of this description, a glue-free area should always be understood as an alternative to a glue-reduced area. In the glue-reduced area, unlike in the glue-free area, the application of glue is not largely avoided within the scope of what is technically possible. In the glue-reduced area, the application of glue is deliberately reduced compared to the glued area.The amount of glue applied is, for example, less than 20%, in particular less than 30%, furthermore in particular less than 40%, furthermore in particular less than 50%, and furthermore in particular less than 60% compared to the glued areas. The amount of glue or glue mass is considered, for example, as the mass per unit area, for example per square centimeter or per square millimeter.

[0016] A glue-free area is adjacent to a glue-applied area. In particular, a glue-applied area borders a glue-free area on both sides, and furthermore, in particular, on both sides in the axial direction of the rod-shaped multi-segment article.

[0017] Rod-shaped segments are considered to be adjacent in particular if there is no other rod-shaped segment between them. The opposing end faces of adjacent segments may abut one another. However, it cannot be ruled out that a gap, even a small one or one that is technically unavoidable, may exist between the adjacent rod-shaped segments. Even if the adjacent rod-shaped segments are arranged abutting, a narrow gap may exist, possibly varying along the circumference, for example due to irregularities in the segment edges. In this case, too, the segments are considered to be adjacent.

[0018] The rod-shaped multi-segment article is particularly developed in that it has more than two, preferably more than three, four or five, segments which are arranged in pairs adjacent to one another, and the wrapping material has at least two, preferably three, four or five, glue-free regions, wherein for at least two, in particular three, four or five, transitions between the segments, a glue-free region at least partially encloses the opposite segment edges of the adjacent segments.

[0019] The rod-shaped multi-segment article has more than two segments, for example three, four, five or more segments. A rod-shaped multi-segment article constructed from n individual segments has n-1 segment transitions. A subset, in particular all of these n-1 segment transitions, can be at least partially enclosed by glue-free regions. For a rod-shaped multi-segment article comprising n segments, a wrapping material with a maximum of n-1 glue-free regions is thus provided. In particular, it can be provided that only some of the segment transitions are partially, in particular completely, enclosed by glue-free regions of the wrapping material. Depending on the segment transition at which undesirable irregularities are present in the outer side of the segments, in particular at their segment edges, glue-free regions can be specifically provided at these segment edges or segment transitions.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the rod-shaped multi-segment article, the latter is further developed in that it has at least a first, second and third segment, wherein the first segment is arranged adjacent to the second segment and the second segment is arranged adjacent to the third segment, wherein the glue-free region at least partially encloses the mutually facing segment edges of the first and second segment, the second segment and the mutually facing segment edges of the second and third segment.

[0021] The glue-free area thus extends completely across the second segment. This allows irregularities on the outside of the second segment to be concealed. Furthermore, the first and third segments can exert a force directed in the longitudinal axial direction on the second segment, creating a seal between the individual segments, thus ensuring the closest possible contact between the end faces of the individual segments.

[0022] According to further embodiments, in the case of a rod-shaped article comprising more than three segments, for example in the case of a rod-shaped multi-segment article comprising four or five segments, not only a single segment can be spanned with a glue-free region, but also two or more individual segments, provided that the overall stability of the rod-shaped article is not impaired by this generous omission of glue.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the rod-shaped multi-segment article is further developed in that the adjacent segments are arranged abutting or with gaps. In a butting arrangement, irregularities at the segment edges, in particular, can be compensated for by the glue-free areas. If the individual segments are arranged with gaps, these gaps can be bridged by the glue-free areas.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the rod-shaped multi-segment article is further developed in that a shortest distance between the segment edge and a boundary of the glue-free region, viewed in the axial direction of the rod-shaped multi-segment article, measured from the segment edge in the direction of the boundary of the glue-free region lying on this segment, is at least 0.5 mm, in particular at least 1 mm, furthermore in particular at least 2 mm and furthermore in particular at least 3 mm.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the shortest distance between the segment edge and a boundary of the glue-free or glue-reduced region, viewed in the axial direction of the rod-shaped multi-segment article, measured from the segment edge in the direction of the boundary of the glue-free region located on this segment, is a maximum of 3 mm, in particular a maximum of 2 mm, and furthermore in particular a maximum of 1 mm. The specified distances between the segment edge and the boundary of the glue-free region have proven suitable in practice. They represent a good compromise between reliable and secure fixation of the segments through appropriate application of glue to the wrapping material on the one hand, and the compensation of irregularities present, in particular, at the segment edge on the other.The distances mentioned are measured starting from the segment edge toward the edge of the glue-free area, which lies on the segment whose edge was previously examined. Therefore, the distance measurement is not taken across a segment transition.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is further provided that the wrapping material has at least one axial end edge which is at an axial distance from a terminal segment edge of an outer segment in the multi-segment article.

[0027] The axial end edge is recessed axially relative to a front side of the terminal segment or relative to the segment edge of the segment. This allows for improved connection of this end of the segment assembly with, for example, additional segments in subsequent process steps. For example, after assembly with one or more additional segments, the already simply wrapped multi-segment article is surrounded at its end with an additional wrapping material, such as a tipping paper or the like, to create a connection with the additional segment.

[0028] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is further provided that the rod-shaped article is further developed by a further glue-free region which at least partially encloses a further axial end edge of a further wrapping material.

[0029] The additional wrapping material has a certain thickness. If the wrapping material were fully glued in this area, the axial end edge of the additional wrapping material would be clearly visible on the outside of the rod-shaped multi-segment article.

[0030] However, the glue-free area allows the wrapping material to be stretched dry over the axial end edge of the additional wrapping material, so that this edge is less noticeable. According to this exemplary embodiment, the additional wrapping material surrounds, for example, a segment assembly. The wrapping material can be a type of covering paper that surrounds additional segments in addition to the transition to the segment assembly, for example, a multi-segment filter or the like.

[0031] The additional wrapping material encloses, in particular, at least one additional rod-shaped segment, i.e., the additional wrapping material surrounds this additional rod-shaped segment on its outer side, at least in sections. Furthermore, the additional wrapping material surrounds, for example, several rod-shaped segments. Non-glued regions can also be provided in the additional wrapping material. At the segment transitions of the rod-shaped segments enclosed by the additional wrapping material, the additional wrapping material can be designed or developed in the same way as previously described with regard to the wrapping material according to one or more of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0032] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the rod-shaped multi-segment article is further developed in that the further wrapping material surrounds at least one further rod-shaped segment on its outer side at least in sections, wherein the further axial end edge of the further wrapping material has an axial distance from a terminal segment edge of the further segment.

[0033] The additional wrapping material can also be recessed relative to one end face of the additional wrapped rod-shaped segment. This improves the connection of this additional rod-shaped segment to the rod-shaped segments of the multi-segment article, as described above.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, it is further provided that an axial distance between the end edge of the wrapping material and the segment edge is a maximum of 2 mm, in particular a maximum of 1 mm, furthermore in particular a maximum of 0.5 mm, or furthermore in particular a maximum of 0.2 mm. The stated values ​​by which the wrapping material recedes from the segment edge or the end face of the segments have proven suitable in practice.

[0035] In contrast to this embodiment, the wrapping of the segments by means of the wrapping material strip or the additional wrapping material strip can also extend over the entire axial length of the segment assembly. According to such an embodiment, the wrapping material strip is arranged without a recess.

[0036] A terminal segment edge is a segment edge on an outer or terminal segment of a segment assembly.

[0037] The terminal segment edge is located at a free end of this assembly, i.e., on the outside. It is arranged such that, at least in the process step under consideration, no other segments are currently located directly adjacent to the terminal segment edge.

[0038] The object is further achieved by a rod-shaped multi-segment article of the tobacco processing industry with at least a first and a second rod-shaped segment which are arranged adjacent to one another, wherein at least the first segment is surrounded on its outer side at least in sections by a first wrapping material and at least the second segment is surrounded on its outer side at least in sections by a second wrapping material, wherein the first and the second wrapping material overlap one another in an overlap region in the axial direction of the multi-segment article and the second wrapping material encloses the first wrapping material in the overlap region, wherein this rod-shaped multi-segment article is further developed in that the second wrapping material has a glue-free region which at least partially encloses an end edge of the first wrapping material facing the second segment.

[0039] Advantageously, the wrapping material is stretched dry over the end edge of the first wrapping material, so that this edge is not visible, or at least less visible, on the outside of the rod-shaped multi-segment article. This improves the perceived quality of the rod-shaped multi-segment article.

[0040] The following embodiments relate to the rod-shaped multi-segment articles according to all the aforementioned inventive solutions and embodiments.

[0041] Accordingly, the rod-shaped multi-segment article is advantageously developed in that a width of the glue-free region, viewed in the axial direction of the rod-shaped multi-segment article, is at least 1 mm, in particular at least 2 mm, furthermore in particular at least 3 mm, furthermore in particular at least 4 mm, furthermore in particular at least 5 mm and furthermore in particular at least 6 mm.

[0042] Furthermore, it is particularly provided that a width of the glue-free area, viewed in the axial direction of the rod-shaped multi-segment article, is a maximum of 6 mm, in particular a maximum of 4 mm, furthermore a maximum of 2 mm.

[0043] The dimensions of the glue-free area mentioned above have proven to be advantageous in practice.

[0044] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the rod-shaped multi-segment article is developed in that an area of ​​the glue-free region occupies at least 5%, in particular 10%, furthermore in particular 15%, furthermore in particular 20%, furthermore in particular 30% of a total area of ​​the wrapping material.

[0045] The total area of ​​the wrapping material is the area of ​​the wrapping material that is in contact with the segments of the rod-shaped multi-segment article. Any gaps between the segments are also considered contact areas. These values ​​have proven advantageous in practice.

[0046] According to a further embodiment, it is further provided that at least one of the segments is made at least predominantly of paper and / or cardboard, in particular is a cardboard tube.

[0047] The material thickness of the paper or cardboard from which the segments are made is in particular between 30 pm and 70 pm, in particular between 40 pm and 60 pm. The material thickness of the wrapping material, the further wrapping material, and the first and second wrapping materials is in particular at least 20 pm, in particular between 40 pm and 60 pm.

[0048] Segments made of paper or cardboard often exhibit a so-called cut collar when cut. The cutting process causes the paper or cardboard material to form a collar that protrudes slightly from the outside of the segment. When fully glued wrapping material is used, this collar becomes undesirably visible on the outside of the rod-shaped multi-segment article. This effect can be advantageously avoided by providing a glue-free area at the segment transition.

[0049] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the rod-shaped multi-segment article is further developed in that at least one of the segments, in particular exactly one of the segments, a) comprises an aerosol-forming material from the tobacco processing industry, in particular reconstituted tobacco material provided with an aerosol-forming substance, or b) comprises a crimped paper web.

[0050] Aerosol-forming material is used in rod-shaped multi-segment articles, which are known as HNB articles or THP articles. Such multi-segment articles are often composed of a large number of individual rod-shaped segments, for example, four or five individual segments. Accordingly, such articles contain a comparatively high number of segment transitions, at least compared to traditional smoking articles such as cigarettes. Therefore, careful consideration of the segment transitions and the production of high-quality segment transitions are particularly important for these articles.

[0051] Rod-shaped segments having a crimped paper web are, in particular, paper filters, in particular paper filters that are used as a replacement for conventional filter segments made of filter tow.

[0052] The glue used to produce the glued areas is mainly cold glue.

[0053] The object is further achieved by a method for producing a rod-shaped multi-segment article for the tobacco processing industry, in which at least two, preferably three, four, five or more, rod-shaped segments are arranged adjacently and the rod-shaped segments are surrounded on their outer side at least in sections by a wrapping material, wherein this method is further developed in that a glue is applied to the wrapping material before the rod-shaped segments are surrounded on their outer side at least in sections, wherein at least one continuous glue-free area is left glue-free or a reduced amount of glue is applied in at least one continuous glue-reduced area, and wherein, before the rod-shaped segments are surrounded with the partially glued wrapping material,the segments and the glue-free or glue-reduced region of the wrapping material are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the wrapping material surrounds the rod-shaped segments in such a way that mutually facing segment edges of the adjacent segments are at least partially surrounded and the segments are preferably connected to one another.

[0054] As already mentioned, for the sake of readability, the term "glue-free area" will always be used in the context of this description, whereby a "reduced-glue area" is always also meant as an alternative. The description of a process step in which an area is left free of glue therefore always includes, as an alternative, that the area is not left free of glue, but rather that the glue-free area is a reduced-glue area in which a reduced amount of glue is applied.

[0055] The same or similar advantages apply to the process for producing the multi-segment article as those already mentioned with regard to the rod-shaped multi-segment article itself, so that repetition will be avoided.

[0056] According to a further embodiment, the method is further developed in that more than two, preferably more than three, four or five, segments are arranged in pairs adjacent to one another, and when gluing the wrapping material, at least two, preferably three, four or five, glue-free areas are left glue-free, wherein before the rod-shaped segments are surrounded with the partially glued wrapping material, the segments and the glue-free areas of the wrapping material are arranged relative to one another in such a way that for at least two, in particular three, four or five, transitions between the segments, a glue-free area in each case at least partially surrounds the opposite segment edges of the adjacent segments.

[0057] The method is further developed in particular in that at least a first, a second and a third segment are arranged, wherein the first segment is arranged adjacent to the second segment and the second segment is arranged adjacent to the third segment, wherein when gluing the wrapping material, the glue-free area is dimensioned and the segments and the glue-free area are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the glue-free area at least partially encloses the mutually facing segment edges of the first and second segment, the second segment and the mutually facing segment edges of the second and third segment.

[0058] According to a further embodiment, the method is further developed in that the adjacent segments are arranged abutting or gapping.

[0059] A further embodiment of the method specifies that the segments and the glue-free area are arranged relative to one another in such a way that a shortest distance between the segment edge and a boundary of the glue-free area, measured from the segment edge in the direction of the boundary of the glue-free area lying on this segment, is at least 0.5 mm, in particular at least 1 mm, furthermore in particular at least 2 mm and furthermore in particular at least 3 mm.

[0060] According to one embodiment, it is provided that the segments and the glue-free or glue-reduced region are arranged relative to one another in such a way that a shortest distance between the segment edge and a boundary of the glue-free or glue-reduced region, measured from the segment edge in the direction of the boundary of the glue-free or glue-reduced region lying on this segment, is a maximum of 3 mm, in particular a maximum of 2 mm, furthermore in particular a maximum of 1 mm.

[0061] The method is further developed in particular in that the segments and the wrapping material are arranged relative to one another in such a way that at least one axial end edge of the wrapping material is at an axial distance from a terminal segment edge of an outer segment in the multi-segment article.

[0062] According to a further embodiment, the method is further developed in that, when gluing the wrapping material, a further glue-free region is left glue-free and the further glue-free region is arranged relative to a further wrapping material in such a way that the further glue-free region at least partially encloses a further axial end edge of the further wrapping material.

[0063] Such a method can further be developed in particular in that the further wrapping material surrounds at least one further rod-shaped segment on its outer side at least in sections, wherein the further wrapping material and the further rod-shaped segment are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the further axial end edge of the wrapping material is at an axial distance from a terminal segment edge of the further segment.

[0064] Furthermore, it is particularly provided that an axial distance between the end edge of the wrapping material and the segment edge is a maximum of 2 mm, in particular a maximum of 1 mm, furthermore in particular a maximum of 0.5 mm, or furthermore in particular a maximum of 0.2 mm. The distance between the end edge of the wrapping material strip and the segment edge is dimensioned as already mentioned with regard to the corresponding embodiment of the rod-shaped multi-segment article.

[0065] The object is further achieved by a method for producing a rod-shaped multi-segment article for the tobacco processing industry, in which at least a first and a second rod-shaped segment are arranged adjacent to one another, wherein the first segment is surrounded on its outer side at least in sections by a first wrapping material and the second segment is surrounded on its outer side at least in sections by a second wrapping material, wherein the first and the second wrapping material overlap one another in an overlap region in the axial direction of the multi-segment article and the second wrapping material encloses the first wrapping material in the overlap region, which is further developed in that the second wrapping material, before it encloses the first wrapping material in the overlap region, is glued and a glue-free region is left glue-free,and before the first wrapping material is surrounded by the partially glued wrapping material, the multi-segment article wrapped with the first wrapping material and the glue-free area are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the glue-free area at least partially encloses an end edge of the first wrapping material facing the second segment.

[0066] The same or similar advantages apply to this process as have already been mentioned with regard to a corresponding rod-shaped multi-segment article of the tobacco processing industry itself, so that repetition will be avoided.

[0067] According to further embodiments that apply to the inventive methods for producing a rod-shaped multi-segment article according to all the aforementioned embodiments, the method can be further developed as follows:

[0068] According to a further embodiment, the wrapping material is glued such that a width of the glue-free region, viewed in the axial direction of the rod-shaped multi-segment article, is at least 1 mm, in particular 2 mm, furthermore in particular at least 3 mm, furthermore in particular at least 4 mm, furthermore in particular at least 5 mm, and furthermore in particular at least 6 mm. Furthermore, the wrapping material can be glued such that a width of the glue-free region, viewed in the axial direction of the rod-shaped multi-segment article, is a maximum of 6 mm, in particular a maximum of 4 mm, furthermore a maximum of 2 mm.

[0069] According to a further embodiment, the wrapping material is glued in such a way that an area of ​​the glue-free region occupies at least 5%, in particular at least 10%, further in particular at least 15%, further in particular at least 20% and further in particular at least 30% of a total area of ​​the wrapping material.

[0070] As already mentioned with regard to the corresponding embodiment, concerning the rod-shaped multi-segment article, the total area is the area over which the wrapping material is in contact with the assembly of rod-shaped segments. Any minor gaps that may exist between the segments are included in the total area for this consideration.

[0071] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of providing at least one segment which is predominantly made of cardboard and / or paper, in particular a cardboard tube as at least one of the segments.

[0072] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the method further comprises the step of providing at least one of the segments, in particular exactly one segment, which a) comprises an aerosol-forming material from the tobacco processing industry, in particular a reconstituted tobacco material provided with an aerosol-forming substance, or b) comprises a crimped paper web.

[0073] In particular, the step of providing at least one of the segments comprises providing a paper filter as at least one of the segments. The object is further achieved by a machine of the tobacco processing industry for carrying out a method according to one or more of the aforementioned embodiments, comprising an assembly unit designed and configured to arrange the rod-shaped segments, a gluing unit designed and configured to apply glue to the wrapping material and to leave the at least one glue-free area glue-free or to apply a reduced amount of glue in the at least one glue-reduced area, wherein the gluing unit is also designed and configured in particular toto leave a further glue-free area of ​​a further wrapping material strip glue-free or to apply a reduced amount of glue in a further glue-reduced area of ​​a further wrapping material strip, and a wrapping and rolling unit which is designed and configured to arrange the segments and the glue-free or glue-reduced area relative to one another and to surround the segments with the wrapping material and preferably to connect the segments to one another.

[0074] The same or similar advantages apply to the machine used in the tobacco processing industry as those already mentioned with regard to the rod-shaped multi-segment article and the methods for producing a rod-shaped multi-segment article. The machine can also be further developed according to the embodiments mentioned therein.

[0075] The object is further achieved by using a machine in the tobacco processing industry, comprising an assembly unit which is designed and configured to arrange rod-shaped segments, a gluing unit which is designed and configured to apply glue to wrapping material and to leave at least one glue-free area glue-free or to apply a reduced amount of glue in a glue-reduced area, wherein the gluing unit is in particular also designed and configured to leave another glue-free area of ​​another wrapping material strip glue-free or to apply a reduced amount of glue in another glue-reduced area of ​​another wrapping material strip, and a wrapping and rolling unit which is designed and configuredto arrange the segments and the glue-free or glue-reduced region relative to one another and to surround the segments with the wrapping material and preferably to connect the segments to one another, for producing a rod-shaped multi-segment article according to one or more of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0076] The same or similar advantages also apply to the use of the machine in the tobacco processing industry as those already mentioned with regard to the rod-shaped multi-segment article or the methods for producing the same. Likewise, the use of the machine can be advantageously further developed according to the embodiments mentioned therein.

[0077] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments of the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention may incorporate individual features or a combination of several features.

[0078] The invention is described below, without limiting the general inventive concept, using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, whereby express reference is made to the drawings for all details of the invention not explained in more detail in the text. They show:

[0079] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a machine in the tobacco processing industry,

[0080] Fig. 2 is a detailed view of a rod-shaped article shown in longitudinal section in the region of a segment transition, Fig. 3 is a schematically simplified plan view of two rod-shaped segments of a rod-shaped multi-segment article, and of a wrapping material which is rolled around the segments,

[0081] Fig. 4 shows a further schematically simplified longitudinal section through a rod-shaped multi-segment article in the region of a segment transition,

[0082] Fig. 5 is a schematically simplified plan view of a rod-shaped multi-segment article comprising several segments and of a wrapping material with several glue-free areas, which is rolled around these segments,

[0083] Fig. 6 is a schematically simplified longitudinal sectional view through a rod-shaped multi-segment article, the individual segments of which are surrounded by a wrapping material and a further wrapping material,

[0084] Fig. 7 is a schematically simplified plan view of this multi-segment article, showing the wrapping materials to be rolled around the segments of the multi-segment article, including their glue-free areas, offset laterally,

[0085] Fig. 8 is a schematically simplified longitudinal sectional view of a rod-shaped multi-segment article surrounded by a wrapping material and another wrapping material, and

[0086] Fig. 9 is a schematically simplified flow diagram illustrating individual process steps during the manufacture of a multi-segment article of double usable length surrounded by a wrapping material and another wrapping material.

[0087] Within the scope of the invention, features marked with “in particular” or “preferably” are to be understood as optional features.

[0088] In the drawings, identical or similar elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numbers, so that a repeated presentation is omitted.

[0089] Fig. 1 shows a machine 2 in the tobacco processing industry for producing rod-shaped multi-segment articles. The machine 2 has a rod-making machine 4, for example, a crimper or the like, for producing a rod of tobacco material. This rod of tobacco material comprises, in particular, aerosol-forming tobacco material. This is, for example, reconstituted tobacco material (RECON) provided with an aerosol-forming substance, which is provided in the form of a flat web. The rod is wrapped with a wrapping material, for example, a wrapping paper, and is cut to length using a cutting unit, for example, into aerosol-forming rod-shaped segments.

[0090] The cut-to-length rod-shaped segments can be double-length and are transferred, for example, to transfer module 6. In this module, the double-length segments are divided into two single-length segments. For example, an inspection of the end faces of each segment can also be performed in this context.

[0091] The aerosol-forming rod-shaped segments contain, for example, a susceptor strip that can be inductively heated using a suitable heater. The machine 2 further comprises, for example, three feed modules 8a, 8b, 8c, which are generally designated by reference numeral 8. The number of feed modules 8a, 8b, 8c is arbitrary; it can be increased or decreased. The feed modules 8 each have a supply, for example designed as a hopper magazine or funnel, from which rod-shaped segments are removed using a removal drum 12. If the rod-shaped segments in the supply 10 are twice their usable length, they are cut to single usable length using a cutting drum 14 and transferred, for example, via a pushing drum 16 and a staggering drum 18, to a feed drum 20. The aforementioned units are each constructed identically in the feed modules 8a, 8b, 8c.For reasons of clarity, they are not provided with reference numerals in all feed modules 8. The rod-shaped segments travel from the feed drum 20 to the conveyor drums 22. When the rod-shaped segments are transferred from the feed drum 20 to the conveyor drum 22, the rod-shaped segment is combed out of the receptacle of the feed drum 20 by the conveyor drum 22 and conveyed further transversely axially on the conveyor drum 22 together with other rod-shaped segments already present on the conveyor drum 22. The rod-shaped segments are assembled on the conveyor drums 22. For example, a rod-shaped segment that is transferred from the transfer module 6 to the first conveyor drum 22 of the feed module 8c and which, for example, comprises an aerosol-forming tobacco-containing material is assembled with another segment. This additional segment is provided by the feed module 8c.This results in successive assembly with further segments, as provided by the feed modules 8b and 8a, so that at the output of the feed module 8a, for example, an assembly of four rod-shaped segments is present. The assembly of the rod-shaped segments takes place in the feed modules 8a, 8b, 8c. For this reason, the feed modules 8a, 8b, 8c are also referred to collectively as the first assembly unit 24a. In general, an assembly unit should also be designated by reference numeral 24. From the first assembly unit 24a, the assembly of rod-shaped segments is transferred to a first wrapping unit 26a. A wrapping unit should also be designated generally by reference numeral 26. The first wrapping unit 26a has a storage unit for, for example, web-shaped wrapping material such as wrapping paper or the like.Furthermore, the first wrapping unit 26a comprises, for example, a cutting device for dividing the wrapping material. The cutting device is, for example, a knife roller that interacts with a suction roller arranged opposite. The cut-to-length and spaced-apart wrapping material strips are fed, for example, to a roller drum, and the provided assembly of rod-shaped segments is wrapped with the wrapping material on the roller drum.

[0092] Further downstream of the first wrapping unit 26a, the machine 2 comprises, by way of example and optionally, a second assembly unit 24b, which also has, by way of example, a single feed module 8. This is structurally identical to the feed modules 8a, 8b, or 8c already described. In the second assembly unit 24b, the wrapped segment assembly, which is also already regarded as a rod-shaped multi-segment article, is assembled with another rod-shaped segment. Further downstream, in a second wrapping unit 26b, this additional rod-shaped segment is connected to the already wrapped rod-shaped multi-segment article or assembly of rod-shaped segments. For this purpose, the wrapped assembly of rod-shaped segments and the additional segment are partially wrapped with another wrapping material in the second wrapping unit 26b.This additional wrapping material can, for example, connect the segment assembly, as it leaves the first wrapping unit 26a, to the rod-shaped segment fed into the assembly unit 24b, in the manner of a tipping paper. The second wrapping unit 26b is practically identical in construction to the first wrapping unit 26a. It processes, for example, narrower wrapping material and wraps the segment assembly in sections. Downstream of the second wrapping unit 26b, for example, is an inspection unit 28, in which the rod-shaped multi-segment article is inspected. It can then be transferred for further processing.

[0093] The wrapping unit 26 has a gluing unit 30 designed and configured to apply glue to the wrapping material. The gluing unit 30 applies glue to the wrapping material in such a way that a glue-free area is left free of glue. The conveyor drums 22 and the gluing unit present in the wrapping unit 26 are designed and configured such that the area left free of glue by the gluing unit 30 and the rod-shaped segments of the segment assembly, as provided by the assembly unit 24, are arranged relative to one another such that a segment transition between two adjacent segments and the glue-free area are arranged relative to one another such that, during the wrapping process, the glue-free area surrounds the segment transition. For example, the units are suitably aligned with one another.

[0094] The alignment of the glue-free region is not limited to alignment with a segment transition. The machine 2, or more precisely the wrapping unit 26, can further be designed and configured to align multiple glue-free regions with multiple segment transitions. Furthermore, the glue-free region can be aligned such that it encloses an entire rod-shaped segment, including the segment transitions adjacent to this segment. Such functionality can also be provided for multiple rod-shaped segments arranged one behind the other. The wrapping unit 26, for example the second wrapping unit 26b, can further be designed and configured to surround an end edge of a first wrapping material, which is wrapped around the segment assembly, for example, in the first wrapping unit 26a, with a corresponding glue-free region of a further wrapping material strip.The glue-free area of ​​the additional wrapping material is adjusted so that the end edge of the previously processed wrapping material is surrounded by the glue-free area of ​​the additional wrapping material.

[0095] In other words, the glue-free area(s) span(s), for example, a segment transition, multiple segment transitions, a complete rod-shaped segment (or multiple segments) including the adjacent segment transitions, or even an end edge of an underlying wrapping material. This measure ensures that neither the segment boundaries nor an end edge of a wrapping material are visible on the outer side of the respective wrapping material, as is often the case when using fully glued wrapping materials. This can improve the perceived quality of a rod-shaped multi-segment article produced with machine 2.

[0096] Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of a rod-shaped multi-segment article 32 shown in longitudinal section. The multi-segment article 32 has two adjacently arranged rod-shaped segments 34a, 34b. In general, the rod-shaped segments should also be designated by reference numeral 34. The segment 34a is, for example, a cardboard tube. The segment 34b is, for example, a filter element. The two segments 34a, 34b are surrounded on their outer side 36 by a wrapping material 38. The outer side 36 of the segments 34a, 34b is, for example, at least approximately a cylindrical surface. For example, the cardboard tube (segment 34a) has a cutting collar 40, which is due to its manufacturing process. The outer side 36 of this segment 34a is therefore irregular. Furthermore, the opposing end faces 42a, 42b of the segments 34a, 34b do not directly abut one another. A small gap 44 is located between the end faces 42a, 42b.The end faces should also generally be designated by reference numeral 42.

[0097] When using a fully glued wrapping material, the irregularities on the outer side 36 of the rod-shaped segments 34, as well as the gaps 44 between the segments 34a, 34b, would be visible on an outer side 46 of the multi-segment article 42. This is avoided by gluing the wrapping material 38 in such a way that it has a glue-free area. This glue-free area is placed over the segment transitions, for example, over the transition between segment 34a and segment 34b, so that the irregularities present on the outer side 36 of the segments 34a, 34b are compensated.

[0098] For the sake of better readability, the following detailed description will also refer to a glue-free area 50. However, as before, this also always refers to a glue-reduced area 50.

[0099] Fig. 3 shows a schematically simplified top view of the two rod-shaped segments 34a, 34b, between which a small gap 44 exists. The segments 34a, 34b can also be deliberately arranged with a gap. The wrapping material 38 is also shown in a schematically simplified top view. The wrapping material 38 has a glued area 48 and a glue-free area 50. The two segments 34a, 34b (or just one of the two segments 34) should have a cutting collar 40 (see Fig. 2) on their segment edges 52a, 52b. In order to compensate for this irregularity on the outer side 36 of the segments 34a, 34b, the wrapping material 38 or the layer of the glue-free area 50 is arranged such that it encloses the segment edges 52a, 52b, which are also generally designated by reference numeral 52.The wrapping material 38 stretches dry over the segment transition and conceals the underlying irregularities on the outside of the segments 34. The glued area 48 extends into the areas of a seam bond 54. The area in which the seam bond 54 is applied overlaps the segment transition. The segment transition is therefore not completely glue-free, as otherwise the seam of the wrapping material 38 could not be reliably created. Despite this fact, in the context of the present description, the arrangement of the glue-free area 50 shall be referred to as enclosing the segment edges 52.

[0100] Fig. 4 shows a schematically simplified longitudinal section through a rod-shaped multi-segment article 32, between whose segments 34a, 34b there is a gap 44. The wrapping material 38 spans this gap 44 so that it is not visible or only very slightly visible on an outer side 46 of the multi-segment article 32.

[0101] Fig. 5 shows a further schematically simplified top view of an assembly of individual segments 34 forming a multi-segment article 32, and of the associated wrapping material 38. Four rod-shaped segments 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d are provided as an example. Between these four segments 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, three segment transitions 56a, 56b, and 56c, each indicated by a line, are formed. A segment transition is also generally designated by reference numeral 56. The associated wrapping material 38 provided for this segment assembly accordingly has three glue-free regions 50a, 50b, 50c. Each of these glue-free areas 50 encloses a segment transition 56. It may further be provided, as indicated by a dashed line, that a glue-free area 50 is provided that completely spans or encloses a segment 34. In Fig.5, for example, the glue-free areas 50a and 50b could be connected, as indicated by the dashed line. In this case, not only the segment transition 56a and the segment transition 56b, but also the entire segment 34b would be surrounded by the glue-free area 50a, 50b realized in this way.

[0102] The glue-free region 50 can be dimensioned, for example, as follows. A shortest distance is measured between a segment edge 52 and a boundary 58 of the glue-free region 50. This is shown as an example in Fig. 3 for the segment edge 52b and the right boundary 58 of the glue-free region 50. The shortest distance is designated by reference symbol D. This distance D is measured in the axial direction A, indicated by a dotted line, of the multi-segment article 32. The distance D is not measured across a segment transition 56. The measurement is taken starting from the segment edge 52b in the axial direction A up to the boundary 58 of the glue-free region 50 lying on this segment 34b. The distance D is, for example, at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, or at least 3 mm.

[0103] The wrapping material 38 has an axial end edge 60 on each side. In Fig. 3, the axial end edges 60 are shown in the rolled-up state, while in Fig. 4 the axial end edge 60 is shown in the wrapped state. It can now be provided that the axial end edge 60, as indicated in Fig. 4, has an axial distance DX from a terminal segment edge 52x of an outer segment 34x in the multi-segment article 32. The axial distance DX therefore leaves an area of ​​an outer side 36 of the terminal segment 34x free of wrapping material 38. Thus, when such a segment group is put together with a further segment and connected to this further segment using a further wrapping material, a direct connection to the outer side 36 of the terminal segment 34x can be created. This improves the stability of the rod-shaped article produced. For this purpose, a4, a further wrapping material (not shown) may be provided, which has a further glue-free region that encloses the axial end edge 60 of the wrapping material. Conversely, the wrapping material 38 described in the context of the previously described embodiments may also have a further glue-free region 50 that partially encloses an axial end edge of another wrapping material.

[0104] Fig. 6 shows a schematically simplified longitudinal section through a rod-shaped multi-segment article 32, the individual segments 34 of which are surrounded by a wrapping material 38 and by a further wrapping material 62. By way of example, the multi-segment article 32 has five rod-shaped segments 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e. The further wrapping material 62 has a first glue-free region 50a that bridges the segment transition between the segment 34a and the segment 34b. Furthermore, the further wrapping material 62 has a second glue-free region 50b that bridges the segment transition between the segment 34b and the segment 34c. By way of example, at this segment transition between the segments 34b and 34c there is a gap 44 that is bridged by the glue-free region 50b. The further wrapping material 62 ends at the axial end edge 60. This end edge 60 is also arranged at a distance DX from the terminal segment edge 52x of the segment 34c.The rod-shaped article 32 further comprises a wrapping material 38 having glue-free regions 50c and 50d. The glue-free region 50c bridges not only the segment transition between segments 34c and 34d, but also the axial end edge 60 of the further wrapping material 62. The glue-free region 50d bridges the segment transition between segments 34d and 34e.

[0105] Fig. 7 shows a schematically simplified plan view of a segment assembly from which the multi-segment article 32 is formed, as shown in longitudinal section in Fig. 6. In addition, the further wrapping material 62 and the wrapping material 38 are shown in the rolled-up state, so that the glue-free regions 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d and the respective glued regions 48 are visible. The axial end edge 60 should also be referred to as the further axial end edge 60, since it is an end edge of the further wrapping material 62. The axial distance DX between the end edge 60 of the wrapping material 38 and the segment edge 52x is a maximum of 2 mm, in particular a maximum of 1 mm, in particular a maximum of 0.5 mm, or furthermore in particular a maximum of 0.2 mm.

[0106] Fig. 8 shows a further schematically simplified longitudinal sectional view of a rod-shaped multi-segment article 32, which is constructed similarly to the rod-shaped multi-segment article 32 already shown in Fig. 6. In contrast to the multi-segment article 32 known from Fig. 6, in the multi-segment article 32 shown in Fig. 8, three glue-free regions 50c, 50d, and 50e are provided in the wrapping material 38. The glue-free region 50c merely bridges the axial end edge 60 of the additional wrapping material 62. The glue-free region 50d is provided to bridge the transition between the segment 34c and the segment 34d. The glue-free region 50e bridges the segment transition between the segment 34d and the segment 34e, analogous to the glue-free region 50d in Fig. 6.

[0107] The exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 8 further serves, but not exclusively, as an exemplary embodiment of a rod-shaped multi-segment article 32, which in itself represents an independent solution to the problem according to the invention. This rod-shaped multi-segment article 32 comprises at least a first and a second rod-shaped segment, which can be regarded as the segments 34c and 34d. These two segments 34c, 34d are arranged adjacent to one another. The first segment 34c is surrounded on its outer side 36, at least in sections, by a first wrapping material, which can be regarded as the further wrapping material 62. The second segment 34d is surrounded on its outer side 36, at least in sections, by a second wrapping material, which can be regarded as the wrapping material 38.The first and second wrapping materials 62, 38 overlap one another in the axial direction A of the multi-segment article 32 in an overlap region 64. The second wrapping material 38 encloses the first wrapping material 62 in the overlap region 64. The second wrapping material 38 has a glue-free region 50c which at least partially encloses an end edge 60 of the first wrapping material 62 facing the second segment 34d.

[0108] The following features of various embodiments relate to all solutions according to the invention or embodiments of the rod-shaped multi-segment article 32. For example, a width B of the glue-free region 50 (cf. Fig. 3) viewed in the axial direction A of the multi-segment article 32 is at least 1 mm, in particular at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm or further in particular at least 6 mm.

[0109] The area of ​​the glue-free region 50 is at least 5%, in particular at least 10%, 15%, 20%, and further in particular at least 30% of a total area of ​​the wrapping material 38. The total area of ​​the wrapping material 38 is considered to be the area in which the wrapping material 38 is in contact with an outer side 36 of the segments 34. Any gaps 44 present between the segments 34 are also considered a contact area.

[0110] As already mentioned in connection with Fig. 3, at least one of the segments 34 of the segment assembly from which the multi-segment article 32 is produced can be made at least predominantly of paper or cardboard. For example, as mentioned in connection with Fig. 2, it is a cardboard tube. At least one of the further segments 34, in particular exactly one of the segments 34, contains, for example, an aerosol-forming material from the tobacco processing industry, for example a reconstituted tobacco material (RECON) provided with an aerosol-forming substance. Furthermore, at least one of the segments 34, in particular exactly one of the segments 34, can have a crimped paper web; for example, it can be a paper filter.

[0111] Fig. 9 shows a schematically simplified flow diagram illustrating individual process steps during the production of a multi-segment article 32 surrounded by the wrapping material 38 and the additional wrapping material 62. The process is carried out, for example, on a machine 2, as explained in connection with Fig. 1. In step A, for example, a double-length filter segment rod 66 is provided. In the subsequent process step B, two aerosol-forming segments 68 are placed on this rod, spaced longitudinally axially from one another, at the outer ends of the filter segment rod 66. The combination of the filter segment rod 66 and the aerosol-forming segments 68 takes place, for example, in the feed module 8c, which is part of the assembly unit 24a. In the subsequent process step C, for example, a spacer segment 70 made of paper or cardboard is applied to the outer free ends of the aerosol-forming segments 68.The assembly of the segment arrangement, comprising the filter segment rod 66, the aerosol-forming segments 68 and the spacer segments 70, takes place, for example, in the feed module 8b, which is part of the assembly unit 24a.

[0112] To produce the multi-segment article 32 explained in connection with Fig. 9, the machine 2 shown in Fig. 1 does not include an additional feed module 8a. Instead, the assembly goes directly to the first wrapping unit 26a.

[0113] In this process, shown in Fig. 9 as part of process step C, the segment assembly is surrounded by the wrapping material 38. The wrapping material 38 has a glued region 48 and glue-free regions 50a, 50b. The glue-free regions 50 are arranged such that the glue-free region 50a encloses the segment transition between the spacer segment 70 and the aerosol-forming segment 68, and the glue-free region 50b encloses the segment transition between the aerosol-forming segment 68 and the filter segment rod 66. For reasons of clarity, only some of the glue-free regions 50a, 50b are provided with reference numerals. The wrapping of the segment assembly is shown as step D. At the end of this step, the wrapped segment assembly 72 is twice its usable length.In the subsequent process step E, this wrapped article segment group is separated into a first and second segment assemblies 72a, 72b by a central cut 74. The cut is made, for example, using a cutting knife. Cut 74 transforms the filter segment rod 66 into a filter segment 66a or 66b, respectively, located at the inner end of the segment assemblies 72a, 72b.

[0114] In process step F, the first and second segment assemblies 72a, 72b are each simultaneously turned by 180° using a corresponding turning device. After turning, the segment assemblies 72a, 72b are transferred back to a conveyor drum 22 and further conveyed transversely. Subsequently, in process step G, another filter segment rod 76 is arranged between the turned segment assemblies 72a, 72b. This step takes place, for example, in the feed module 8, which is part of the second assembly unit 24b. The now present segment assembly 72 is wrapped with the additional wrapping material 62, which is shown as part of process step G. The additional wrapping material 62 again has a glued area 48 and unglued areas 50c.

[0115] In the subsequent process step H, the segment assembly 72 is partially surrounded with the additional wrapping material 62. The glue-free region 50c is arranged such that it encloses both the segment transition between the spacer segment 70 and the additional filter segment rod 76 and an axial end edge 60 of the wrapping material 38. This additional wrapping step is carried out, for example, in the second wrapping unit 26b. This is shown as process step H. The result of this process step is a wrapped segment assembly 72 with twice the usable length. In the subsequent process step I, the wrapped segment assembly 72 is again separated in the middle with a cut 74, which is carried out, for example, with a cutting knife. In this way, further filter segments 76a and 76b are created from the additional filter segment rod 76.Two rod-shaped multi-segment articles 32a, 32b are now present, of which, for example, the second multi-segment article 32b is rotated by 180° and axially displaced. The two multi-segment articles 32a, 32b can then be fed transversely axially for further processing, which is shown in step K.

[0116] All mentioned features, including those revealed solely in the drawings as well as individual features disclosed in combination with other features, are considered essential to the invention, both individually and in combination. Embodiments according to the invention may be fulfilled by individual features or a combination of several features.

[0117] List of reference symbols

[0118] 2 Machine of the tobacco processing industry

[0119] 4 strand machine

[0120] 6 Transfer module

[0121] 8, 8a, 8b, 8c Feed module

[0122] 10 stock

[0123] 12 removal drum

[0124] 14 Cutting drum

[0125] 16 sliding drum

[0126] 18 relay drum

[0127] 20 feed drum

[0128] 22 conveyor drum

[0129] 24 assembly unit

[0130] 24a first assembly unit

[0131] 24b second assembly unit

[0132] 26 Envelope unit

[0133] 26a first wrapping unit

[0134] 26b second wrapping unit

[0135] 28 Inspection Unit

[0136] 30 gluing unit

[0137] 32 multi-segment articles

[0138] 32a first multi-segment article

[0139] 32 b second multi-segment article

[0140] 34, 34a, 34b, 34x rod-shaped segment

[0141] 36 Outside (segment)

[0142] 38 Wrapping material

[0143] 40 cutting collars

[0144] 42a, 42b front side

[0145] 44 gap

[0146] 46 Outside (Article)

[0147] 48 glued area

[0148] 50, 50a - 50e glue-free area / glue-reduced area

[0149] 52, 52a, 52b, 52x Segment edge 45 Seam bonding, 56a, 56b, 56c Segment transition

[0150] 58 border

[0151] 60 axial end edge

[0152] 62 additional wrapping material

[0153] 64 Overlap area

[0154] 66 filter segment rod

[0155] 66a, 66b filter segment

[0156] 68 aerosol-forming segment

[0157] 70 distance segment

[0158] 72 Segment compilation

[0159] 72a first segment compilation

[0160] 72 b second segment compilation

[0161] 74 cut

[0162] 76 additional filter segment rods

[0163] 76a first additional filter segment

[0164] 76b second additional filter segment

[0165] A axial direction

[0166] B Width

[0167] D Distance

[0168] DX axial distance

Claims

Rod-shaped multi-segment article, method and machine for producing a multi-segment article Patent claims 1. Rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) of the tobacco processing industry with at least two, preferably three, four, five or more, adjacently arranged rod-shaped segments (34) which are at least partially surrounded on their outer side (36) by a wrapping material, characterized in that the wrapping material (38) has at least one continuous glue-free or glue-reduced region (50) which at least partially encloses the mutually facing segment edges (52) of the adjacent segments (34) and preferably connects the segments (34) to one another.

2. Rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) has more than two, preferably more than three, four or five, segments (34) which are arranged in pairs adjacent to one another, and the wrapping material (38) has at least two, preferably three, four or five, glue-free or glue-reduced regions (50), wherein for at least two, in particular three, four or five, Transitions (56) between the segments (34) in each case a glue-free area at least partially encloses the opposite segment edges (52) of the adjacent segments (34).

3. Rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) has at least a first, second and third segment (34a, 34b, 34c), wherein the first segment is arranged adjacent to the second segment (34a) and the second segment (34b) is arranged adjacent to the third segment (34c), wherein the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50a, 50b) at least partially encloses the mutually facing segment edges (52) of the first and second segments (34a, 34b), the second segment (34b) and the mutually facing segment edges (52) of the second and third segments (34b, 34c).

4. Rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the adjacently arranged segments (34) are arranged abutting or gapping (44).

5. Rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a shortest distance (D) between the segment edge (52) and a boundary (58) of the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50), viewed in the axial direction (A) of the rod-shaped multi-segment article (32), measured from the segment edge (52) in the direction of the boundary (58) of the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50) lying on this segment (34), is at least 0.5 mm, in particular at least 1 mm, furthermore in particular at least 2 mm and furthermore in particular at least 3 mm.

6. Rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a shortest distance (D) between the segment edge (52) and a boundary (58) of the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50), viewed in the axial direction (A) of the rod-shaped multi-segment article (32), measured from the segment edge (52) in the direction of the boundary (58) of the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50) lying on this segment (34), is a maximum of 3 mm, in particular a maximum of 2 mm, furthermore in particular a maximum of 1 mm.

7. Rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the wrapping material (38) has at least one axial end edge (60) which has an axial distance (DX) from a terminal segment edge (52x) of an outer segment (34x) in the multi-segment article (32).

8. Rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by a further glue-free or glue-reduced region (50c) which at least partially encloses a further axial end edge (60) of a further wrapping material (62).

9. Rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) according to claim 8, characterized in that the further wrapping material (62) surrounds at least one further rod-shaped segment (34) on its outer side (36) at least in sections, wherein the further axial end edge (60) of the further wrapping material (62) has an axial distance (DX) from a terminal segment edge (52x) of the further segment (34c).

10. Rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) according to claim 7 or 9, characterized in that an axial distance (DX) between the end edge (60) of the wrapping material (38) and the segment edge (52x) is a maximum of 2 mm, in particular a maximum of 1 mm, furthermore in particular a maximum of 0.5 mm or furthermore in particular a maximum of is 0.2 mm.

11. A rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) for the tobacco processing industry, comprising at least a first and a second rod-shaped segment (34c, 34d) arranged adjacent to one another, wherein the first segment (34c) is surrounded on its outer side (36) at least in sections by a first wrapping material (62) and the second segment (34d) is surrounded on its outer side (36) at least in sections by a second wrapping material (38), wherein the first and second wrapping materials (62, 38) overlap one another in an overlap region (64) in the axial direction (A) of the multi-segment article (32), and the second wrapping material (38) encloses the first wrapping material (62) in the overlap region (64), characterized in that the second wrapping material (38) has a glue-free or glue-reduced region (50c),which at least partially encloses an end edge (60) of the first wrapping material (62) facing the second segment (34d).

12. Rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a width (B) of the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50), viewed in the axial direction (A) of the rod-shaped multi-segment article (32), is at least 1 mm, in particular at least 2 mm, furthermore in particular at least 3 mm, furthermore in particular at least 4 mm, furthermore in particular at least 5 mm and furthermore in particular at least 6 mm.

13. Rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a width (B) of the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50), viewed in the axial direction (A) of the rod-shaped multi-segment article (32), is a maximum of 6 mm, in particular a maximum of 4 mm, furthermore a maximum of 2 mm.

14. Rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that an area of ​​the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50) occupies at least 5%, in particular 10%, furthermore in particular 15%, furthermore in particular 20%, furthermore in particular 30% of a total area of ​​the wrapping material (38).

15. Rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least one of the segments (34) is made at least predominantly of paper and / or cardboard, in particular is a cardboard tube.

16. Rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that at least one of the segments (34), in particular exactly one of the segments, a) comprises an aerosol-forming material from the tobacco processing industry, in particular reconstituted tobacco material provided with an aerosol-forming substance or b) comprises a crimped paper web.

17. A method for producing a rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) of the tobacco processing industry, in which at least two, preferably three, four, five or more, rod-shaped segments (34) are arranged adjacently and the rod-shaped segments (34) are surrounded on their outer side (36) at least in sections by a wrapping material (38), characterized in that a glue is applied to the wrapping material (38) before the rod-shaped segments (34) are surrounded on their outer side (36) at least in sections, wherein at least one continuous glue-free area (50) is left glue-free or in at least one continuous a reduced amount of glue is applied to the glue-reduced region (50), and wherein, before the rod-shaped segments (34) are surrounded by the partially glued wrapping material (38), the segments (34) and the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50) of the wrapping material (38) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the wrapping material (38) surrounds the rod-shaped segments (34) in such a way that mutually facing segment edges (52) of the adjacent segments (34) are at least partially surrounded and the segments (34) are preferably connected to one another.

18. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that more than two, preferably more than three, four or five, segments (34) are arranged in pairs adjacent to one another, and when gluing the wrapping material (38), at least two, preferably three, four or five, glue-free areas (50) are left glue-free or in at least two, preferably three, four or five, glue-reduced areas (50) a reduced amount of glue is applied, wherein before the rod-shaped segments (34) are surrounded by the partially glued wrapping material (38), the segments (34) and the glue-free or glue-reduced areas (50) of the wrapping material (38) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that for at least two, in particular three, four or five, transitions (56) between the segments (34), a glue-free or glue-reduced area (50) each surrounds the opposite segment edges (52) of the adjacent segments (34) at least partially surrounds.

19. Method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that at least a first, a second and a third segment (34a, 34b, 34c) are arranged, wherein the first segment (34a) is arranged adjacent to the second segment (34b) and the second segment (34b) is arranged adjacent to the third segment (34c), wherein during the gluing of the wrapping material (38) the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50a, 50b) are dimensioned in such a way and the segments (34) and the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50a, 50b) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50a, 50b) at least partially encloses the mutually facing segment edges (52) of the first and second segments (34a, 34b), the second segment (34b) and the mutually facing segment edges (52) of the second and third segments (34b, 34c).

20. Method according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the adjacent segments (34) are arranged abutting one another or with a gap (44).

21. Method according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the segments (34) and the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that a shortest distance (D) between the segment edge (52) and a boundary (58) of the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50), measured from the segment edge (52) in the direction of the boundary (58) of the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50) lying on this segment (34), is at least 0.5 mm, in particular at least 1 mm, furthermore in particular at least 2 mm and furthermore in particular at least 3 mm.

22. Method according to one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the segments (34) and the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that a shortest distance (D) between the segment edge (52) and a boundary (58) of the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50), measured from the segment edge (52) in the direction of the boundary (58) of the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50) lying on this segment (34), is a maximum of 3 mm, in particular a maximum of 2 mm, furthermore in particular a maximum of 1 mm.

23. Method according to one of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that the segments (34) and the wrapping material (38) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that at least one axial end edge (60) of the wrapping material (38) has an axial distance (DX) from a terminal segment edge (52x) of an outer segment (34x) in the multi-segment article (32).

24. Method according to one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that when gluing the wrapping material (38), a further glue-free region (50c) is left glue-free or a reduced amount of glue is applied in a further glue-reduced region (50c) and the further glue-free or glue-reduced region (50c) is arranged relative to a further wrapping material (62) in such a way that the further glue-free or glue-reduced region (50c) at least partially encloses a further axial end edge (60) of the further wrapping material (62).

25. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the further wrapping material (62) surrounds at least one further rod-shaped segment (34) on its outer side (36) at least in sections, wherein the further wrapping material (62) and the further rod-shaped segment (34c) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the further axial end edge (60) of the wrapping material (62) is at an axial distance (DX) from a terminal segment edge (52x) of the further segment (34c).

26. A method for producing a rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) of the tobacco processing industry, in which at least a first and a second rod-shaped segment (34c, 34d) are arranged adjacent to one another, wherein the first segment (34c) is surrounded on its outer side (36) at least in sections by a first wrapping material (38) and the second Segment (34d) is surrounded on its outer side (36) at least in sections by a second wrapping material (62), wherein the first and the second wrapping material (38, 62) overlap one another in an overlap region (64) in the axial direction (A) of the multi-segment article (32) and the second wrapping material (62) encloses the first wrapping material (38) in the overlap region (64), characterized in that the second wrapping material (62), before it encloses the first wrapping material (38) in the overlap region (64), is glued and a glue-free region (50c) is left glue-free or a smaller amount of glue is applied in a glue-reduced region (50c), and before the first wrapping material (38) is surrounded with the partially glued wrapping material (64), which with the first Wrapping material (38) wrapped multi-segment articles (32) and the glue-free or glue-reduced area (50c) are arranged relative to each other in such a way thatthat the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50c) at least partially encloses an end edge (60) of the first wrapping material (38) facing the second segment (34d).

27. A machine (2) of the tobacco processing industry for carrying out a method according to one of claims 17 to 26, comprising an assembly unit (24) which is designed and configured to arrange the rod-shaped segments (34), a gluing unit (30) which is designed and configured to apply glue to the wrapping material (38) and to leave the at least one glue-free area (50) glue-free or to apply a reduced amount of glue in the at least one glue-reduced area (50), wherein the gluing unit (30) is in particular also designed and configured to leave a further glue-free area (50) of a further wrapping material strip (38) glue-free or to apply a reduced amount of glue in a further glue-reduced area (50) of a further wrapping material strip (38), and a wrapping and rolling unit (26) which is designed and is configured to arrange the segments (34) and the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50) relative to one another and to surround the segments (34) with the wrapping material (38) and preferably to connect the segments (34) to one another.

28. Use of a machine (2) in the tobacco processing industry, comprising an assembly unit (24) designed and configured to arrange rod-shaped segments (34), a gluing unit (30) designed and configured to apply glue to wrapping material (38) and to leave at least one glue-free area (50) free of glue or to apply a reduced amount of glue in a glue-reduced area (50), wherein the gluing unit (30) is also designed and configured in particular to leave another glue-free area (50) of another wrapping material strip (38) free of glue or to apply a reduced amount of glue in a another glue-reduced area (50) of another wrapping material strip (38), and a wrapping and rolling unit (26) designed and configured,to arrange the segments (34) and the glue-free or glue-reduced region (50) relative to one another and to surround the segments (34) with the wrapping material (38) and to preferably connect the segments (34) to one another, for producing a rod-shaped multi-segment article (32) according to one of claims 1 to 16.

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