A machine and method for forming segments for the industry of smoking articles

Abstract

A machine (100) for forming segments (S) for the industry of smoking articles comprising a supply station (200) for supplying a first web (N) and a processing station (300) for processing the first web (N). The machine (100) comprises a collection station (400) having a converging conduit (401) for gradually collecting the first web (N) and giving to it a substantially cylindrical collected shape. The machine (100) further comprises a wrapping station (500) configured to receive the first web (N) and wrap it with a second web (M) to obtain a continuous rod (B), and a cutting station (600) configured to cut the continuous rod (B) in segments (S) having a predefined length. The collection station (400) comprises heating means (400c) configured to perform a heating action on the converging conduit (401).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] A MACHINE AND METHOD FOR FORMING SEGMENTS FOR THE INDUSTRY OF SMOKING ARTICLES

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a machine and method for forming segments for the industry of smoking articles.

[0005] Background art

[0006] Typically, machines are known for producing segments for the industry of smoking articles, comprising a web supply station and, downstream of the supply station, a collection station, where the web is collected in a converging conduit, so as to take a substantially cylindrical collected shape. Successively, the collected web is wrapped with a further web to form a rod, which is then cut into segments.

[0007] In particular, the converging conduit is defined at the bottom by a guiding body (or forming beam), forming a longitudinal groove inside which the further web is wrapped around the collected web and it is defined at the top by a cover element (located at the initial section of the guiding body) configured to define, at least partly, the converging trend of the conduit, by means of which the web is collected into a substantially cylindrical shape. Such web may be, for example, a tobacco web or a cellulose-based web (e.g., paper-based) to which a coating or binding substance may be applied, such as vinyl glue, for example.

[0008] To date, a particularly felt need during the collection of the web is to prevent that particles, detached from the web being collected, and, in particular, from the surface or coating thereof, deposit in the converging conduit, in particular, at the cover element of the converging conduit.

[0009] In fact, normally, during the passage of the collected web through the converging conduit, some particles of the web or coating may become detached, depositing in the converging conduit, with the risk of blocking theoutlet of the converging conduit, making the passage of the collected web increasingly difficult.

[0010] In particular, it is at the cover element that said particles tend to accumulate, determining the reduction of the section of the converging duct and the difficulty of the collected web to advance along the converging duct.

[0011] In particular, this is observed in the case of webs having a plastic coating material or a binding material (e.g., glue) or nonetheless containing particles, which tend to detach.

[0012] Therefore, the technical task of the present invention is to provide a machine and method for forming segments for the industry of smoking articles, which are capable of overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0013] Object of the invention

[0014] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a machine for forming segments for the industry of smoking articles, which prevents particles from depositing in the converging duct, in particular, close to the outlet of the converging conduit.

[0015] It is thus a further object of the present invention to provide a method for forming segments for the industry of smoking articles, which is particularly efficient.

[0016] The specified technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a machine and method for forming segments for the industry of smoking articles comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.

[0017] In particular, the specified technical task and the specified objects are achieved by a machine for forming segments for the industry of smoking articles according to the present invention.

[0018] The machine of the present invention may be used for forming segments for smoking articles intended for combustion, or for forming segments for smoking articles for generating aerosols, i.e., articles intended for heatingwithout combustion.

[0019] The machine comprises a supply station configured to supply a first web of filling material along an advancing direction.

[0020] The first web may be a tobacco web or a cellulose-based web, e.g., paperbased, a web of non-woven fabric or a web of other material.

[0021] The first web may optionally be coated or impregnated, or more generally may comprise a substance capable of releasing particles suitable for accumulation, for example a binding material such as vinyl glue.

[0022] In detail, the first web may comprise an additive, such as to give the first web specific properties, for example: optical, physical or mechanical resistance. Examples of additives include PVA, polyester resins, starch, cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), pectin, micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC), polysaccharide, shellac and combinations thereof.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the first web is a cellulose-based web with a vinyl glue used as a binding material.

[0024] The machine further comprises a processing station for processing the first web, arranged downstream of the supply station and configured to process the first web.

[0025] According to a processing form, the processing station may comprise a crimping station, configured to impress a plurality of longitudinal weakening lines on the first web. Such continuous or discontinuous longitudinal weakening lines serve the purpose of facilitating the subsequent collection of the first web. The crimping station preferably comprises a pair of crimping rollers. More preferably, the crimping rollers of the pair are movable towards / away from each other so as to vary the passage gap depending on the thickness of the first web and depending on the degree of deformation, which is desired to be impressed on the first web.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the processing station may comprise an embossing station configured to impress a deformation pattern on the first web. Such deformation pattern may cover the entire surface of the first web or some areas of the surface of the first web. The embossing stationpreferably comprises a pair of embossing rollers. More preferably, the embossing rollers of the pair are movable towards / away from each other so as to vary the passage gap depending on the thickness of the first web and depending on the degree of embossing, which is desired to be impressed on the first web.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the processing station may comprise a cutting station configured to cut the first web into a plurality of longitudinal strips. Such cuts made on the first web may be continuous cuts (in this case, a plurality of separate strips is obtained downstream of the cutting station) or discontinuous cuts (in this case, a web cut into strips is obtained downstream of the cutting station, having connecting bridges between one strip and the adjacent one). The cutting station preferably comprises a pair of cutting rollers. More preferably, the cutting rollers of the pair are movable towards / away from each other so as to vary the passage gap depending on the thickness of the first web.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the processing station may comprise a crimping station and / or an embossing station and / or a cutting station.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the processing station may comprise a station for dispensing a fluid onto the first web (e.g., a flavoring fluid).

[0030] The machine further comprises a collection station arranged downstream of the crimping station and having a converging conduit configured to receive the first web and gradually collect it, to give the first web a substantially cylindrical collected shape.

[0031] The converging conduit extends along the advancing direction, between an inlet opening of the first web and an outlet opening of the first web.

[0032] The converging conduit is defined at the bottom by a guiding body, forming a longitudinal groove and it is defined at the top by a cover element configured to define, at least partly, the converging trend of the conduit. The machine further comprises a wrapping station configured to receive the first web in a collected shape and wrap the first web with a second web of wrapping material, forming a continuous rod.The machine further comprises a cutting station arranged downstream of the wrapping station and configured to cut the continuous rod into segments having a predefined length.

[0033] The collection station comprises heating means configured to heat the converging conduit.

[0034] The heating means are preferably configured to heat the cover element of the converging conduit.

[0035] Advantageously, such heating action exerted on the converging conduit, and, in particular, on the cover element of the converging conduit, determines a heating of the first web, passing through the converging conduit, limiting the accumulation of particles of the first web inside the converging conduit. Therefore, the transversal section of the converging conduit is not reduced by the accumulation of particles inside the same conduit; advantageously, the machine downtimes are reduced.

[0036] In other words, the heating means are configured to raise the temperature of the converging conduit and thus of the first web passing through the converging conduit.

[0037] Preferably, the heating means are selectable from one or more heaters of the inductive type, one or more heaters of the resistive type and one or more Peltier cells.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the heating means may be of the convection heating type. In such an embodiment, the converging conduit (in particular, the cover element) may be provided with conduits for the passage of a (heating) fluid.

[0039] It is understood that different types of heating means may be combined with one another.

[0040] The heating means are preferably active on a terminal section of the converging conduit.

[0041] In particular, the heating means are active on a terminal section of the cover element facing the outlet opening.

[0042] The terminal section is preferably defined by a section of the convergingconduit, in which the dimensional ratio between the local transversal area of the converging conduit and the transversal area of the outlet opening is comprised between 1.1 and 4, preferably comprised between 1.3 and 2.9, even more preferably between 1.5 and 2.5.

[0043] The term “local transversal area” is understood to mean the transversal area considered at a predetermined point of the converging conduit.

[0044] The terminal section preferably extends for a distance, measured from a terminal outlet edge of the cover element, comprised between 0 and 150 mm.

[0045] The aforesaid distance is preferably comprised between 20 mm and 100 mm and more preferably between 30 mm and 80 mm.

[0046] According to an aspect of the invention, the heating means are configured to heat the converging conduit, and, in particular, at least a part of the cover element of the converging conduit, to a temperature comprised between 50°C and 150°C.

[0047] The aforesaid temperature is preferably comprised between 70°C and 120°C.

[0048] According to a possible embodiment, the heating means are configured to apply a differential heating to the converging conduit, preferably to the cover element, so as to create an uneven distribution of the temperature along the converging conduit. Preferably, the closer you come to the outlet section of the converging conduit, the more the temperature of the converging conduit increases.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, the heating means are configured to apply a uniform heating on the converging conduit, preferably on the cover element, so as to create a uniform distribution of the temperature along the converging conduit.

[0050] The cover element preferably has an inner surface, facing the first web, defined by a series of linear sections having respective angles of inclination that are measured with respect to the advancing direction, decreasing along the same advancing direction.The heating means are preferably active at least on the linear section further downstream.

[0051] Even more preferably, the heating means are active on the entire linear section further downstream.

[0052] Advantageously, the presence of the heating means allows the first collected web to advance along the converging conduit, and, in particular, close to the outlet opening, in a facilitated manner.

[0053] Advantageously, the presence of the heating means allows significantly reducing or preventing the depositing of particles adapted to accumulate. In fact, by virtue of the heating means, the first web slides through the outlet opening of the converging conduit, meeting reduced resistance. This prevents the depositing of the particles adapted to accumulate, and consequently, the blocking the outlet opening.

[0054] According to a variant, the cover element 401b of the converging conduit 401 may provide a plurality of holes (or openings) blowing (possibly under pressure) a fluid into the converging conduit 401. The fluid is preferably air. The fluid may be heated or cooled.

[0055] The specified technical task and the specified objects are further achieved by a method for forming segments for the industry of smoking articles, according to the present invention.

[0056] The method comprises a step of supplying a first web of filling material along an advancing direction.

[0057] The first web may be a tobacco web or a cellulose-based web, e.g., paperbased, a web of non-woven fabric or a web of other material.

[0058] The first web may optionally be coated or impregnated, or more generally may comprise a substance capable of releasing particles suitable for accumulation, for example a binding material such as vinyl glue.

[0059] In detail, the first web may comprise an additive, such as to give the first web specific properties, for example: optical, physical or mechanical resistance. Examples of additives include PVA, polyester resins, starch, cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), pectin, micro-fibrillated cellulose(MFC), polysaccharide, shellac and combinations thereof.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the first web is a cellulose-based web with a vinyl glue used as a binding material.

[0061] The method further comprises a step of processing the first web.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the step of processing the first web comprises a step of crimping the first web so as to impress a plurality of longitudinal weakening lines on the first web. Such continuous or discontinuous longitudinal weakening lines serve the purpose of facilitating the subsequent collection of the first web.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the step of processing the first web comprises a step of embossing the first web so as to impress a deformation pattern on the first web.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the step of processing the first web comprises a step of cutting the first web so as to obtain a plurality of longitudinal strips. In particular, the step of cutting the first web may provide a step of making continuous cuts of the first web obtaining, downstream of the cutting, a plurality of strips that are separate from one another. Alternatively, the step of cutting the first web may provide a step of making discontinuous cuts of the first web, obtaining, downstream of the cutting, a web cut into strips having connecting bridges between one strip and the adjacent one.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the step of processing the web may comprise the step of crimping and / or embossing and / or cutting the first web.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the step of processing the first web may comprise the step of dispensing a fluid onto the first web (e.g., a flavoring fluid).

[0067] Subsequently, the method comprises a step of gradually collecting the first web in a converging conduit, to give the first web a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0068] The converging conduit is defined at the bottom by a guiding body, forming a longitudinal groove and it is defined at the top by a cover element configured to define, at least partly, the converging trend of the conduit.In use, once the first web has been processed, it is gradually collected, i.e., gradually compressed, so as to take a substantially cylindrical shape to form a rope.

[0069] The method further comprises a step of heating the converging conduit, in particular, the cover element of the converging conduit, in particular, by heating means.

[0070] In other words, while the first web is gradually collected and advances along the converging conduit, it is heated by the action of the heating of the converging conduit by the heating means.

[0071] The heating step is preferably carried out while the first web passes along a terminal section of the cover element facing an outlet opening.

[0072] In other words, the first web is heated when it passes close to the outlet opening of the converging duct.

[0073] The step of heating the first web is preferably carried out by heating the cover element. In such a situation, while the first web slides through the outlet opening, it passes beneath the cover element, and, in particular, beneath the terminal section of the cover element which, being heated, heats the first web.

[0074] Once the first web has been collected, the method comprises a step of wrapping the first web with a second web of wrapping material, forming a continuous rod, and a step of cutting the continuous rod into segments having a predefined length.

[0075] Advantageously, the fact of heating the converging conduit (in particular, the cover element) close to the outlet opening of the converging conduit allows limiting the accumulation of particles of the first web inside the converging conduit. Advantageously, the section of the converging conduit does not tend to narrow, and this facilitates the exit of the first web from the converging conduit. In other words, by reducing the friction between the cover element and the first web, the depositing of particles of the first web in the converging conduit is significantly reduced (or prevented).Brief description of the drawings

[0076] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the illustrative, and therefore non-limiting description of an embodiment of a machine and method for forming segments for the industry of smoking articles.

[0077] Such description will be set out below with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided merely for illustrative, and therefore, non-limiting purposes, in which:

[0078] - Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic view of the machine of the present invention;

[0079] - Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a converging conduit forming part of the machine in figure 1.

[0080] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention With reference to the accompanying figures, a machine for forming “S” segments of the smoking article industry is denoted with reference numeral 100.

[0081] The term “smoking articles” may be understood to mean smoking articles intended for combustion or smoking articles intended for heating without combustion, i.e., for generating aerosols.

[0082] The machine 100 comprises a supply station 200 configured to supply a first web “N” of filling material along an advancing direction “A”.

[0083] The first web “N” may be a tobacco web or a cellulose-based web, e.g., paper-based, a non woven fabric web or a web of other material.

[0084] The first web “N” may possibly be coated or impregnated, more generally comprising a substance, which tends to release particles adapted to accumulate, for example, a binding material, such as vinyl glue, for example.

[0085] In detail, the first web “N” may comprise an additive, so as to give the first web “N” specific properties, e.g., optical, physical or mechanical resistance. Examples of additives include PVA, polyester resins, starch, cellulose,polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), pectin, micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC), polysaccharide, shellac and combinations thereof.

[0086] According to a preferred embodiment, the first web “N” is a cellulose-based web with vinyl glue used as a binding material.

[0087] Alternatively, the first web “N” is a tobacco web.

[0088] By way of non-limiting example, in figure 1 , the supply station 200 is made in the form of a reel. Alternatively, the manufacturing station could provide the supply of the first web “N” from the bale.

[0089] The machine 100 further comprises a processing station 300, downstream of the supply station 200, for processing the first web “N”.

[0090] With reference to figure 1 , the processing station 300 comprises a crimping station 300 configured to impress a plurality of longitudinal (continuous or non-continuous, straight or broken, or curved) weakening lines of the first web “N”, to facilitate the subsequent collection of the first web “N”. In detail, the crimping station 300 comprises a pair of crimping rollers 300a, 300b. According to a non-illustrated variant, the processing station 300 comprises an embossing station configured to impress a deformation pattern on the first web “N”. Such deformation pattern may cover the entire surface of the first web “N” or some areas of the surface of the first web “N”. The embossing station preferably comprises a pair of embossing rollers.

[0091] According to a non-illustrated variant, the processing station 300 comprises a cutting station configured to cut the first web “N” into a plurality of longitudinal strips. Such cuts made on the first web “N” may be continuous cuts (in this case, downstream of the cutting station, a plurality of strips is obtained, separated from one another) or discontinuous cuts (in this case, downstream of the cutting station, a first web “N” is obtained, cut into strips having connecting bridges between one strip and the adjacent one). The cutting station preferably comprises a pair of cutting rollers.

[0092] According to a variant, the processing station 300 of the first web “N” may comprise the crimping station 300 and / or the embossing station of the first web “N” and / or the cutting station of the first web “N”.Downstream of the crimping station 300, the machine 100 further comprises a collection station 400 having a converging conduit 401 configured to receive the first web “N” and gradually collect it, to give the first web “N” a substantially cylindrical collected shape.

[0093] The converging conduit 401 extends along the advancing direction “A” between an inlet opening “I” of the first web “N” and an outlet opening “U” of the first web “N”.

[0094] As shown in the accompanying figures, since the conduit 401 has a converging trend, the transversal section of the inlet opening “I” has an area greater than the outlet opening “U”.

[0095] The converging conduit 401 is defined at the bottom by a guiding body 401a forming a longitudinal groove. Such longitudinal groove is configured to support the first collected web “N” at the bottom.

[0096] The converging conduit 401 is defined at the top by a cover element 401b, configured to define, at least partly, the converging trend of the conduit 401. The guiding body 401a (figure 2) is defined by the forming beam.

[0097] The guiding body 401a has a longitudinal extension along the advancing direction “A”. In particular, the guiding body 401a is configured to receive a second web “M” and wrap the second web “M” around the first collected web “N”.

[0098] The cover element 401 b is arranged at an initial section of the guiding body 401a.

[0099] The cover element 401b is arranged opposite the guiding body 401a thus defining the converging conduit 401 , in which the first web “N” is collected. Preferably, the cover element 401 b has an inner surface (i.e., facing inward within the converging conduit 401), facing the first web “N”, defined by a series of linear sections, having respective angles of inclination, which are measured with respect to the advancing direction “A”, decreasing along the same advancing direction “A”.

[0100] The collection station 400 comprises heating means 400c configured to perform a heating action on (or of) the converging conduit 401 so as toobtain a heating action of the first web “N” passing through the converging conduit 401. In particular, the heating means 400c are configured to heat the cover element 401b of the converging conduit.

[0101] The heating means 400c are preferably selectable from: one or more heaters of the inductive type, one or more heaters of the resistive type, one or more Peltier cells, or they may be of the convection type.

[0102] If the heating means are of the convection type, the converging conduit 401 (in particular, the cover element 401b) may preferably be provided with conduits for the passage of a (heating) fluid.

[0103] It is understood that various types of aforesaid heating means may be combined with one another.

[0104] In use, while the first web “N” is gradually collected in the converging conduit 401 , the heating means 400c raise the temperature of the converging conduit 401 , in particular, of the cover element 401b (and consequently, also of the first web “N” passing through the converging conduit 401 ).

[0105] The heating means 400c are preferably configured to heat the first web “N” to a temperature of between 50°C and 150°C.

[0106] Even more preferably, such temperature is comprised between 70°C and 120°C.

[0107] According to an embodiment of the invention, the heating means 400c are configured to heat the first web “N” in a uniform manner, i.e., so that the temperature is evenly distributed along the first web “N”.

[0108] Alternatively, the heating means 400c are configured to apply a differential heating to the converging conduit 401 (in particular, to the cover element 401 b), so as to create an uneven distribution of the temperature along the converging conduit 401.

[0109] As shown in figure 2, the heating means 400c are active on a terminal section “T” of the converging conduit 401.

[0110] In particular, the heating means 400c are active on a terminal section “T” of the cover element 401b facing the outlet opening “U”.

[0111] Preferably, the heating means 400c are active at least on the linear sectionfurther downstream, preferably on the entire linear section further downstream of the cover element 401 b.

[0112] Therefore, in use, while the first web “N” is gradually collected and advances at the terminal section “T” of the cover element 401b, the heating means 400c heat the cover element 401b so as to facilitate the sliding of the first web “N” through the outlet opening “U” of the converging conduit 401. By doing so, the risk of particles released from the first web “N” depositing and blocking the outlet opening “U” is significantly reduced (or eliminated). According to an aspect of the invention, the terminal section “T” of the cover element 401 b is defined by a section of the converging conduit 401 , in which the dimensional ratio between the local transversal area of the converging conduit 401 and the transversal area of the outlet opening “U” is comprised between 1.1 and 4.

[0113] The aforesaid dimensional ratio is preferably comprised between 1.3 and 2.9, even more preferably between 1.5 and 2.5.

[0114] According to an aspect of the invention, the terminal section “T” of the cover element 401 b extends for a distance “d”, measured from a terminal outlet edge of the cover element 401 b, comprised between 0 and 150 mm.

[0115] Preferably, such distance “d” is comprised between 20 mm and 100 mm and more preferably between 30 mm and 80 mm.

[0116] Advantageously, the fact of positioning the heating means 400c close to the outlet opening “U” of the converging conduit 401 reduces the depositing of particles released from the coating of the first web “N”.

[0117] The machine 100 further comprises a wrapping station 500 configured to receive the first web “N” in a collected shape and wrap the first web “N” with a second web “M” of wrapping material, forming a continuous rod “B”. By way of non-limiting example, in figure 1 , the second web “M” is fed from a supply station represented as a reel.

[0118] The second web “M” is preferably a paper-based web.

[0119] At the outlet of the wrapping station 500, the first collected web “N” is wrapped by the second web “M”, forming the continuous rod “B”.In detail, the wrapping station 500 comprises the guiding body 401a, in particular, the part of the guiding body 401a not facing the cover element 401b. In other words, the guiding body 401a has a first portion facing the cover element 401b and a second portion, downstream of the first portion, defining the wrapping station 500.

[0120] The machine 100 comprises a gluing device for applying at least an adhesive substance (e.g., hot glue or vinyl glue) at an edge of the second web “M”, for allowing the mutual gluing of the two ends of the second web “M” around the first collected web “N”. Such gluing device may be provided upstream or at the wrapping station 500 (before the second web “M” is completely wrapped around the first web “N”).

[0121] Furthermore, conditioning means may be provided at the wrapping station 500 for heating or cooling the adhesive substance applied to the second web “M”, to promote the formation of the rod. The conditioning means act on the second web “M” after it has been completely wrapped around the first web “N”.

[0122] In particular, if the adhesive substance is a hot glue, then the conditioning means are provided to cool the adhesive substance; if the adhesive substance is a water-based glue, then the conditioning means are provided to heat the adhesive substance.

[0123] According to an embodiment, incorporated in the conditioning means, or downstream thereof, the machine 100 may comprise pressure means to ensure the closure of the second web “M” around the first web “N”.

[0124] The machine 100 further comprises, downstream of the wrapping station 500, a cutting station 600 configured to cut the continuous rod “B” into segments “S” having a predefined length.

[0125] The present invention further relates to a method for forming segments “S” for the industry of smoking articles.

[0126] Preferably, the method is implemented with a machine 100 according to the above description.

[0127] The method comprises a step of supplying a first web “N” of filling materialalong an advancing direction “A”.

[0128] The first web “N” may be a tobacco web or a cellulose-based web, e.g., paper-based, a non woven fabric web or a web of other material.

[0129] The first web “N” may possibly be coated or impregnated, more generally comprising a substance, which tends to release particles adapted to accumulate, for example, a binding material, such as vinyl glue, for example.

[0130] In detail, the first web “N” may comprise an additive, so as to give the first web “N” specific properties, e.g., optical, physical or mechanical resistance. Examples of additives include PVA, polyester resins, starch, cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), pectin, micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC), polysaccharide, shellac and combinations thereof.

[0131] According to a preferred embodiment, the first web “N” is a cellulose-based web with vinyl glue used as a binding material.

[0132] The method further comprises a step of processing the first web “N”.

[0133] According to an embodiment, the step of processing the first web “N” comprises a step of crimping the first web “N” so as to impress, on the first web “N”, a plurality of longitudinal weakening lines. These continuous or discontinuous longitudinal weakening lines serve to facilitate the subsequent collection of the first web “N”.

[0134] According to an embodiment, the step of processing the first web “N” comprises a step of embossing the first web “N” so as to impress, on the first web “N”, a deformation pattern.

[0135] According to an embodiment, the step of processing the first web “N” comprises a step of cutting the first web “N” so as to obtain a plurality of longitudinal strips. In particular, the step of cutting the first web “N” may provide a step of making continuous cuts of the first web “N”, thus obtaining, downstream of the cutting, a plurality of strips that are separate from one another. Alternatively, the step of cutting the first web “N” may provide a step of making discontinuous cuts of the first web “N”, obtaining, downstream of the cutting, a web cut into strips that have connectingbridges between one strip and the adjacent one.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the step of processing the first web “N” may comprise the step of crimping and / or embossing and / or cutting the first web “N”.

[0137] According to an embodiment, the step of processing the first web “N” may comprise the step of dispensing, on the first web “N”, a fluid (e.g., a flavoring fluid).

[0138] Following the step of processing the first web “N”, the method further comprises a step of gradually collecting the first web “N” in a converging conduit 401 , to give the first web “N” a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0139] The converging conduit 401 is defined at the bottom by a guiding body 401a forming a longitudinal groove and it is defined at the top by a cover element 401 b configured to define, at least partly, the converging trend of the conduit 401.

[0140] In such a situation, during its sliding in the converging conduit 401 , the first web “N” is gradually collected until it takes a substantially cylindrical shape. The method further comprises a step of heating the converging conduit 401 , in particular, the cover element 401 b of the converging conduit 401 , by the heating means 400c.

[0141] The heating step is preferably carried out while the first web “N” passes along a terminal section “T” of the cover element 401b facing an outlet opening “U”.

[0142] In other words, at the inlet in the converging conduit 401 , the first web ”N” is gradually collected (i.e. , compressed). With the advancing of the first web “N” along the converging conduit 401 , the cover element 401 b is heated and the heat is transferred to the first web “N”.

[0143] In other words, the cover element 401 b and in particular the terminal section “T” thereof, is heated so as to proceed with heating the first web “N” passing therethrough.

[0144] In particular, the converging conduit 401, in particular the cover element 401b, is heated to a temperature of between 50°C and 150°C, preferablysaid temperature being between 70°C and 120°C.

[0145] Following the collection step and the heating step, the method comprises a step of wrapping the first web “N” with a second web “M” of wrapping material thus forming a continuous rod “B”.

[0146] Following the wrapping step, the method comprises a step of cutting the continuous rod “B” into segments “S”, having a predefined length.

[0147] Such segments “S” may be segments intended for manufacturing smoking articles intended for combustion or intended for heating without combustion. The present invention achieves the intended objectives by eliminating the drawbacks encountered in the prior art.

[0148] In particular, the presence of the heating means 400c and the position thereof that is such as to heat the converging conduit 401 , and, in particular, the cover element 401 b, allows a facilitated sliding of the first web “N” in the converging conduit 401 , preventing the release and / or depositing of particles in the converging conduit 401.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A machine (100) for forming segments (S) for the industry of smoking articles, comprising:- a supply station (200), configured to supply a first web (N) of filling material along an advancing direction (A);- a processing station (300) for the first web (N) arranged downstream of the supply station (200) and configured to process the first web (N);- a collection station (400), arranged downstream of the processing station (300) and having a converging conduit (401) configured to receive the first web (N) and gradually collect it to give the first web (N) a substantially cylindrical collected shape, said converging conduit (401) extending, along the advancing direction (A), between an inlet opening (I) of the first web (N) and an outlet opening (U) of the first web (N);- a wrapping station (500) configured to wrap the first web (N) in a collected shape with a second web (M) of wrapping material forming a continuous rod (B);- a cutting station (600), arranged downstream of the wrapping station (500) and configured to cut the continuous rod (B) in segments (S) having a predefined length;wherein said converging conduit (401 ) is defined at the bottom by a guiding body (401 a) forming a longitudinal groove and defined at the top by a cover element (401b) configured to define, at least partly, the converging trend of the conduit (401);said machine (100) being characterized in that the collection station (400) comprises heating means (400c) configured to perform a heating action on the converging conduit (401), preferably the cover element (401b) of the converging conduit (401).

2. A machine (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said heating means (400c) are active on a terminal section (T) of the converging conduit (401), in particular they are active on a terminal section (T) of the cover element(401b).

3. A machine (100) according to claim 2, wherein said terminal section (T) is defined by a section of the converging conduit (401) in which the dimensional ratio between the local transversal area of the converging conduit (401 ) and the transversal area of the outlet opening (U) is comprised between 1.1 and 4, preferably comprised between 1.3 and 2.9, even more preferably between 1.5 and 2.5.

4. A machine (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said terminal section (T) extends for a distance (d) measured from the outlet opening (U), in particular from an outlet terminal edge of the cover element (401b), comprised between 0 and 150 mm, said distance (d) preferably being comprised between 20 mm and 100 mm and more preferably between 30 mm and 80 mm.

5. A machine (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said heating means (400c) are configured to heat the converging conduit (401 ), preferably at least part of the cover element (401 b), at a temperature comprised between 50°C and 150°C, said temperature preferably being comprised between 70°C and 120°C.

6. A machine (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said heating means (400c) are selectable from:- one or more heaters of the inductive type;- one or more heaters of the resistive type;- one or more Peltier cells;- convection heating.

7. A machine (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said heating means (400c) are configured to apply a differential heating tothe converging conduit (401 ), preferably to the cover element (401 b), on the first web (N) so as to create an uneven distribution of the temperature along the converging conduit (401).

8. A machine (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element (401b) has an inner surface, facing the first web (N), defined by a series of linear sections having respective angles of inclination, measured with respect to the advancing direction (A), decreasing along the same advancing direction (A), and wherein the heating means (400c) are active at least on the linear section further downstream, preferably on the entire linear section further downstream.

9. A method for forming segments (S) of the industry of smoking articles, comprises the steps of:- supplying a first web (N) of filling material along an advancing direction (A);- performing a processing on said first web (N);- gradually collecting, in a converging conduit (401 ), the first web (N) to give the first web (N) a substantially cylindrical shape, said converging conduit (401) being defined at the bottom by a guiding body (401a) forming a longitudinal groove and defined at the top by a cover element (401b) configured to define, at least partly, the converging trend of the conduit (401);- heating the converging conduit (401), in particular the cover element (401 b) of the converging conduit (401 );- wrapping said first web (N) with a second web (M) of wrapping material forming a continuous rod (B);- cutting the continuous rod (B) in segments (S) having a predefined length.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein said step of performing the heating is carried out while said first web (N) passes along a terminal section(T) of the cover element (401 b) facing an outlet opening (U).

11. A method according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the first web (N) of filling material is a web made of a non-woven fabric.

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