ITBO20070151A1 - PLANT TO PRODUCE AND PACK ITEMS. - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

"Plant for producing and packaging articles."

The present invention relates to a plant and a method for producing and packaging products of the tobacco industry.

The present invention also relates to a connection unit for the aforementioned plant and a method for identifying a processing material.

In particular, the present invention relates to a -line - plant for producing and packaging items for the tobacco industry. The plant includes at least one machine for the production, at least one machine for packaging the items, and a communication network to which a data collection computer is connected.

It should be noted that it is usual to have in a production plant the simultaneous presence of machines from different manufacturers, and, for each manufacturer, also different types of machines because they are produced at different times. In such plants it is therefore usual to have machines made with different technologies and types of control and automation systems. From this diversity it follows that there is neither a uniform management of production materials nor a uniform way to acquire and manage data relating to production materials from machines.

Known systems of the type indicated above have the drawbacks of not being able to acquire sufficient data of interest and to manage in a completely efficient way the transfer of information relating to production materials to the data collection computer.

Known plants have the further disadvantage of not being able to produce production data, from which it is possible to identify with relative ease at least one material used for production or packaging.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a plant and a method for producing and packaging products of the tobacco industry, a connection unit for the aforementioned plant and a method for identifying a processing material of the tobacco industry, which allow to overcome , at least partially, the drawbacks described above and are, at the same time, easy and inexpensive to implement.

According to the present invention, a plant and a method for producing and packaging products of the tobacco industry, a connection unit for the aforementioned plant and a method for identifying a processing material according to what is disclosed in the independent claims reported below are provided. any of the claims directly or indirectly dependent on the aforementioned independent claims.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting example of embodiment, in which:

<■> figure 1 is a perspective and schematic view of a production plant for the packaging and packing of cigarettes made in accordance with the present invention;

<•> Figure 2 is a block diagram of a portion of a data management system of the plant of Figure 1;

• Figures 3 and 4 are perspective and schematic views of details of the system of Figure 1; And

<■> figure 5 is a perspective and schematic view of a detail of the system of figure 1.

In figure 1, the number 1 illustrates a production plant for the processing of smoking articles and in particular a production plant for producing and packaging cigarettes. Plant 1 comprises a plurality of automatic machines 2 arranged in series to form a production line for producing and packaging cigarettes; in particular there is a machine 2a for the production of cigarettes, a filter-inserting machine 2b, a packing machine 2c, a cellophane wrapping machine 2d, and a sticking machine 2e. Between the filter-inserting machine 2b and the packing machine 2c there is interposed a magazine 3 a for accumulating the cigarettes; between the packing machine 2c and the cellophane wrapping machine 2d there is interposed a store 3b for accumulating the packets of cigarettes.

As a non-limiting example, the processing materials used by the machines 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e previously described consist for example of paper to make cigarettes, paper and / or aluminum to make the external and / or internal wrapping of the packets of cigarettes and such materials are usually fed to the machines on reels. Furthermore, the processing materials also consist, for example, of pre-cut sheets of paper, blanks to make the outer wrapping of rigid packets for cigarettes or cartons, and / or stamps or coupons, and these materials are usually fed to the machines in pallets and / or boxes.

In the case of processing material 8 fed to the machines in reels, each code C identifying the processing material 8 is applied either in correspondence with the core of the reel or on its outer layer; in the case of processing material fed into pallets and / or containers, each code C identifying the processing material 8 is applied to the container.

Each C code identifies the production material in the sense that it contains information about the supplier of the production material and / or the production lot.

It should be noted that each processing material 8 is initially loaded into the machine, by means of an automatic material loader or manually by an operator, to be only subsequently actually used by the same. Typically the moment in which the new material is actually used by the machine in production is managed automatically by the automation of the machine itself, but there are also machines in which the moment in which the new material is actually used is entrusted to the manual operations of a operator.

With particular reference to Figure 2, the plant 1 comprises a data management system 4 which in turn includes a communication network 5; a data collection computer 6 connected to the network 5; a sensor device 7 for detecting a code C (Figures 3 and 4) identifying a processing material 8; a signaling device 9 for emitting a signal relating to an instant in which the material 8 begins to be used; and a connection unit 10 connected to devices 7 and 9 and to the communication network 5.

The connection unit 10 is suitable for receiving data DI and D2 from devices 7 and 9, storing and making such data DI and D2 available to the computer 6 by acting substantially as a server.

According to the form of implementation illustrated in the attached figures, the connection unit is unique and is connected to all the machines 2.

According to alternative forms of implementation, regret 1 includes a number of connection units 7 equal to the number of machines 2; in this case, each connection unit 7 is associated with a respective machine 2.

Optionally, a plurality of computers, of a known type and not illustrated, are connected to the communication network 5 so as to allow a plurality of operators to access the network. According to some embodiments, the communication network 5 is of the Ethernet type and, preferably, is adapted to operate according to the TCP / IP protocol.

According to the illustrated embodiment, regret 1 comprises two signaling devices 9: a signaling device 9a, which is mounted on a machine 2, and is adapted to automatically emit a signal relating to the instant in which the material 8 begins to be used; and a signaling device 9b, on which an operator can act to manually signal the instant in which the processing material 8 begins to be used by the plant.

According to further embodiments, regret 1 does not comprise the device 9a or 9b.

Preferably, in the case of recent automatic machines, the device 9a is connected to the connection unit 10 by means of an operator interface 11 (Human-Machine-Interface, HMI), which usually comprises an industrial computer and allows an operator to interact with one or more control units (per se known and not illustrated) of the machine (s) 2.

The operator interface 11 acquires from the control unit (not shown) cyclically information relating to the operation of the corresponding machines 2 and organizes the same information in packets, each of which is sent, in use, to the connection unit 10 when the connection unit 10 itself requires it. In other words, the transmission of information packets is carried out according to a master / slave logic in which the connection unit 10 is the master.

According to embodiments not illustrated, the device 9a is connected directly to the connection unit 10 or, alternatively, the device 9a is integrated or connected to the aforementioned control unit (not illustrated) which, in turn, is directly connected to the connection unit 10.

The device 9b includes a button 12, which the operator can press to emit a signal relating to an instant in which the material 8 begins to be used.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the sensor device 7 comprises an optical reader 13, typically a camera, adapted to read a two-dimensional bar code C (QR code) arranged on an outer layer of a coil 14 of a material 8 of processing.

In addition or alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 4, the device 7 comprises an optical reader 13 capable of reading a code C arranged on a pallet 15 of blanks 16 of a processing material 8.

According to further and not illustrated embodiments, the optical reader 13 is able to read a bar code C of the traditional type (ie one-dimensional); the device 7 comprises, in addition or as an alternative to the optical reader 13, an antenna to transmit and / or receive information from a transponder.

The system 1 comprises a manual actuation device 17, which allows an operator to manually actuate the sensor device 7 and, preferably, comprises a button 18. With particular reference to Figure 2, the manual actuation device 17 comprises a button 18 and is integrated with the device 9b so as to define a manual management device 19, in the specific case a keyboard with two buttons.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor device 7 and the operator interface 11 are connected to a communication network 20, specifically of the Ethernet type (preferably operating according to the TCP / IP protocol) by means of a switch device 21 (of the type per se known).

The connection unit 10 includes two Ethernet ports 22, two serial ports 23 (in particular, RS422), at least one digital input (input) 24 and at least one digital output (output) 25. The communication Ethernet networks 5 and 20 are each connected to the connection unit 10 by means of a respective port 22; the manual management device 19 is connected to the connection unit 10 through one of the doors 23. Figure 2 shows in hatching one of the doors 23, the entrance 24 and the exit 25 that are not used.

Note that a digital input 24 is required to connect the connection unit 10 to automatic machines which do not allow access to their production data. In this case, the machine control system is directly connected to the digital input 24 of the connection unit 10 via a signal relating to the instant in which the material 8 begins to be used.

According to further and not illustrated embodiments, the manual management device 19 is connected to the switch device 21; and / or the operator interface 11 is connected to the connection unit 10 through input 24; and / or the sensor device 7 is connected to the connection unit 10 through input 24; and / or the communication network 5 is connected to the connection unit 10 through output 25 or through one of the ports 23.

According to further and not illustrated embodiments, the number and type of doors 22 and 23 and of the entrances 24 and exits 25 is different; in particular: the connection unit 10 does not include the two ports 23; and / or the connection unit 10 does not include entrance 24 and exit 25; and / or the connection unit 10 does not include two but only one port 22; and / or the connection unit 10 does not include any port 22.

The connection unit 10 comprises a temporary memory 26 for storing and making available to the computer 6 the data D1 relating to at least the last two C codes of the material 8 read and the data D2 relating to at least two corresponding instants in which the material 8 has begun to be used.

The temporary memory 26 is suitable for storing and making the aforementioned data Di and D2 available to the computer 6 for a defined time; the defined time is greater than an acquisition time necessary for the computer 6 to acquire the data DI and D2 from the connection unit 10.

Preferably, the connection unit 10, in use, organizes the aforementioned data D1 and D2 in packets D, each of which comprises the data Di and D2 relating to the code C read of the material 8 and, respectively, to a corresponding instant in which material 8 has begun to be used.

The connection unit 10 also comprises a mass memory 27 (typically constituted by a hard-disk) suitable for cyclically storing the data D1 and D2 of the temporary memory 26, to avoid the loss of data D1 and D2 if the computer 6 is unable, for too long a period of time, to acquire the data D1 and D2 from the connection unit 10.

The connection unit 10 is also suitable for storing configurational information CI, which, for example, include: information relating to ports 22 and 23, to the inputs 24 and to the outputs 25 enabled, type and presence of the machine (s) and 2, of the sensor devices 7 and signaling devices 9 and of the manual management device 19.

The connection unit 10 is also suitable for storing operational parameters OP which, for example, include: the addresses of the sensor device 7, of the first signaling device 9 on the communication network 20 and of the connection unit 10 on the 5 and 20 communication networks; and conformations (set-up) of the machine (s) 2 and of the sensor device 7.

The connection unit 10 is also suitably equipped with an operator interface (Human-Machine-Interface, HMI), not shown, which can comprise an operator panel directly connected to the connection unit 10 or preferably can provide an application residing on the unit Connection 10 accessible remotely (in a known way) through any of the computers connected to one of the Ethernet communication networks 5 and 20, to allow an operator to interact with the connection unit 10 itself.

As shown in Figure 5, the system 1 also comprises an application device 28 for applying on each product P, specifically a container and / or an article, an E code related to the data DI and D2 relating to the code C identifying the processing material and, respectively, at the instant in which the processing material began to be used by the plant.

In the illustrated embodiment, the device 28 is adapted to apply the code E by laser. According to further embodiments, device 28 is able to apply code E by ink jet and / or by pressure printing.

Preferably, each code E indicates in clear or in encrypted manner (in particular, second-minute-hour-day-month-year) in which the product P was made and the production plant 1.

Alternatively, each E code can also be integrated into an anti-counterfeiting code, having additional features of verifiability.

In accordance with a first operating mode, we consider a system in which the material is loaded into the machine through an automatic loader and the machine automation manages the instant in which the material is actually used by the machine itself.

During each operating cycle, the sensor device 7, usually a camera, automatically detects the identification code C of the material 8 and emits a signal by sending the related data DI to the connection unit 10; the signaling device 9a acquires from the control system the material change information which is made available to the connection unit which acquires the data D2 relating to the instant in which the material 8 (for example, the reel 14 and / or the blanks 16) begins to be used by the plant 1. At this point, the connection unit 10 stores and makes the aforementioned data D2 and D2 available to the computer 6; the computer 6 can autonomously decide the most opportune moment to acquire the data DI and D2.

In accordance with a second operating mode, we consider a system in which the material is loaded into the machine manually by an operator and the machine automation manages the instant in which the material is actually used by the machine itself.

During each operating cycle, the operator manually positions the material 8 so that the code C is in correspondence with the sensor device 7 and presses the button 12 to activate the sensor device 7, which detects the identification code C of the material 4 and emits a signal sending the related data D1 to the connection unit 10; the signaling device 9a automatically emits a signal by sending to the connection unit 10 the data D2 relating to the instant in which the material 8 (for example, the reel 14 and / or the blanks 16) begins to be used by the system 1. At this point, the connection unit 10 stores and makes the aforementioned data D1 and D2 available to the computer 6; the computer 6 can autonomously decide the most opportune moment to acquire the data DI and D2.

In accordance with a third operating mode, we consider a system in which the material is loaded into the machine manually by an operator and the operator manually manages the instant in which the material is actually used by the machine itself.

During each operating cycle, the operator manually positions the material 8 so that the code C is in correspondence with the sensor device 7 and presses the button 12 to activate the sensor device 7, which detects the identification code C of the material 4 and emits a signal sending the related data D1 to the connection unit 10; the operator positions the material 8 so that the material 8 can be used by the plant 1. At this point, the operator presses the button 18 so that the signaling device 9b emits a signal sending to the connection unit 10 the data D2 relating to the instant in which the material 8 (for example, the reel 14 and / or the blanks 16) begins to be used by the plant 1. The connection unit 10 in this way stores and makes available to the computer 6 the aforementioned data DI and D2; the computer 6 can autonomously decide the most opportune moment to acquire the data DI and D2.

Once the code E has been affixed to the product P, it is possible, by comparing the code E and the data DI and D2 stored in the computer 6, to identify the material 8 used for the production of the product P itself.

In particular, when the E code indicates in clear or encrypted form the instant in which the product P was made and the production plant 1, it is sufficient to check which material 8 was used by plant 1 at that moment.

From the above it is clear that the system 1 and the connection unit 10 are absolutely versatile, allowing efficient management of a large amount of information of interest.

In this regard, it is important to underline that the presence of the connection unit 10 reduces the risk that the computer 6 will not be able to acquire the aforementioned data DI and D2 because it is engaged in other operations.

It is also important to underline that, in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to identify in a relatively simple and economical way at least one material 8 used for manufacturing or packaging.

Claims (20)

R I V E N D I C A Z I O N I 1) Plant - line - to produce and package items of the tobacco industry; regret (1) including at least one machine (2a; 2b) for production; at least one machine (2c; 2d; 2e) for packaging said articles; at least one data collection computer (6); a first communication network (5) to which the data collection computer (6) is connected; and at least one sensor device (7) for detecting an identification code (C) of a processing material (8) and emitting a relative signal; regret (1) being characterized by the fact of including at least a first signaling device (9a; 9b) to emit a signal relating to an instant in which the processing material (8) begins to be used by the plant (1); and a connection unit (10) connected to the first communication network (5), to the sensor device (7) and to the signaling device (9a; 9b); the connection unit (10) being able to receive and store data (D1, D2) relating to the identification code (C) of the processing material (8) and the instant in which the processing material (8) has begun to be used by the plant (1); the connection unit (10) being adapted to make the said data (DI, D2) stored available to allow the data collection computer (6) to acquire the data (DI, D2) themselves through the first network (6) of communication. 2) Plant according to claim 1, comprising an application device (28) for applying on each product (P), in particular a container and / or an article, a code (E) related to said data (DI, D2). 3) System according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the connection unit (10) comprises a temporary memory (26) for storing and making available to the collection computer (6) the data (DI) relating to at least the last two codes (C) of the read processing material (8) and the data (D2) relating to at least two corresponding instants in which the processing material (8) begins to be used. 4) System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the connection unit (10) comprises a temporary memory (26) for storing said data for a defined time and making it available to the computer (6) for collecting (DI, D2); the defined time being greater than an acquisition time necessary for the collection computer (6) to acquire the data (DI, D2) from the connection unit (10). 5) Plant according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the connection unit (10) is adapted to organize the data (DI, D2) in packets (D), each of which comprises the data (DI) relating to a code (C) identifying the processing material (8) and to a corresponding instant in which the processing material (8) has begun to be used. 6) System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the connection unit (10) includes at least one Ethernet port (22). 7) System according to claim 6, in which the connection unit (10) includes at least two Ethernet ports (22). 8) System according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the connection unit (10) includes at least one serial port (23), in particular an RS422 serial port. 9) System according to any of claims 1 to 8, in which the connection unit (10) includes at least one digital input (24) and one digital output (25) (output). 10) System according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the connection unit (10) is suitable for storing configurational information (CI). 11) System according to claim 10, in which the configurational information (CI) includes information relating to ports (22; 23; 24; 25) enabled of the connection unit (10). 12) System according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in which the connection unit (10) is suitable for storing operating parameters (OP) relating to the sensor device (7), to the first signaling device (9a; 9b) and to the connection unit (10) itself. 13) System according to claim 12, comprising a second communication network (20) to which the sensor device (7) and the first signaling device (9a; 9b) are connected; the operating parameters (OP) include the addresses of the sensor device (7), of the first signaling device (9a; 9b) on the second communication network (20) and the connection unit (10) on the first and second network ( 5, 20) of communication. 14) Plant according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a manual actuation device (17), on which an operator can act to manually actuate the sensor device (7). 15) Plant according to any one of claims 1 to 14, in which the first signaling device (9a) is able to automatically emit the signal relating to the instant in which the processing material (8) begins to be used by the 'plant (1). 16) Plant according to claim 15, comprising a second signaling device (9b), on which an operator can act to manually signal the instant in which the processing material (8) begins to be used by the plant (1); the connection unit (10) being connected to the second signaling device (9b). 17) System according to claim 16, wherein the second signaling device (9b) comprises at least one push button (12). 18) System according to any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising a manual actuation device (17), on which the operator can act to manually actuate the sensor device (7); the manual actuation device (17) and the second signaling device (9b) being integrated with each other so as to define an interface device (19). 19) System according to claim 18, wherein the interface device (19) comprises a keyboard equipped with at least two buttons (12, 18). 20) Connection unit defined according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising at least one inlet (22; 23; 24) for connecting the sensor device (7) and the first signaling device (9) to the unit (10 ) of connection; and at least one output (22; 23; 25) to connect the first communication network (5) to the connection unit (10). 19) Method for producing and packaging articles of the tobacco industry; the method comprising a reading step for detecting an identification code (C) of a processing material (8); the method being characterized in that it comprises a signaling step for emitting a signal relating to an instant in which the processing material (8) begins to be used in the processing; a storage step for storing data (D1, D2) acquired during the signaling and reading steps; an application phase to apply on each product (P), container and / or article, a code (E) relating to when the product (P) was made. 20) Method for identifying at least one processing material used in the production of a product (P), in particular a container and / or an article, of the tobacco processing industry; the method comprising a reading step for detecting an identification code (C) of a processing material (8); the method being characterized in that it comprises: a signaling step for emitting a signal relating to an instant in which the processing material (8) begins to be used in the processing; a storage step for storing data (D1, D2) acquired during the signaling and reading steps; an application phase to apply on the product (P) a code (E) relating to when the product (P) was made; a second reading phase, subsequent to said reading, signaling and application phases, to read the code (E) applied to the product (P); an analysis phase to compare the read code (E) with the stored data (D1, D2) so as to identify the processing material (8) used in the production of the product (P).