EP1136361B1 - Method and apparatus for forming groups of tapered cigarettes - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for forming groups of tapered cigarettes Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1136361B1
EP1136361B1 EP01107107A EP01107107A EP1136361B1 EP 1136361 B1 EP1136361 B1 EP 1136361B1 EP 01107107 A EP01107107 A EP 01107107A EP 01107107 A EP01107107 A EP 01107107A EP 1136361 B1 EP1136361 B1 EP 1136361B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cigarettes
cigarette
conveyor
pattern
arrangement
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP01107107A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1136361A1 (en
Inventor
Klaus Düsseldorf
Hans-Peter Eicker
Jürgen Rainer Sakowski
Horst Hedstück
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Schmermund Verpackungstechnik GmbH
Original Assignee
Schmermund Verpackungstechnik GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Schmermund Verpackungstechnik GmbH filed Critical Schmermund Verpackungstechnik GmbH
Publication of EP1136361A1 publication Critical patent/EP1136361A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1136361B1 publication Critical patent/EP1136361B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B19/00—Packaging rod-shaped or tubular articles susceptible to damage by abrasion or pressure, e.g. cigarettes, cigars, macaroni, spaghetti, drinking straws or welding electrodes
    • B65B19/02—Packaging cigarettes
    • B65B19/04—Arranging, feeding, or orientating the cigarettes
    • B65B19/10—Arranging cigarettes in layers each comprising a predetermined number

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an apparatus and a method for forming Blocks of conical cigarettes.
  • a device having the features of the preamble of claim 1 in document EP-A-0 838 401.
  • Cigarettes that are conical in the direction of their longitudinal axis and so that they have a thicker and a thinner end, as they alternate piece or group with the thicker or thinner end to one side to achieve an essentially cuboid packing, manufactured and packaged manually.
  • the object of the invention is to provide methods and devices according to the Preambles of claims 1 and 21 to provide automation of the Allow packaging of conical cigarettes.
  • the device shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 includes a conveyor 1 a plurality of axially open cells 2, which are arranged equidistant from one another are.
  • a cell-carrying belt conveyor 1 can be used as the conveyor 1 can be used, but is also provided with axially open cells 2
  • the revolver can be used as conveyor 1.
  • the cells 2 of the conveyor 1 are corresponding to one or more cell divisions via a corresponding one Drive cycled in the conveying direction.
  • a lifting device (not shown) for is adjacent to the conveyor 1 a collar 3 is provided.
  • the lifting device is each a slant 3 ' fed via a (not shown) tray feeder and each empty trays 3 "can via a (not shown) tray discharge device be dissipated.
  • the collar 3 has a plurality of holes 4 each for receiving a cigarette.
  • the holes 4 are in groups of formations according to the desired arrangement pattern of cigarettes in one arranged to produce packaging, namely in the illustrated Embodiment in two rows of alternating with their thick and thin ends arranged cigarettes with appropriate offset of the Cigarettes in rows, cf. the first arrangement example given at the beginning. Accordingly, the holes 4 are alternately cylindrical and conical trained, cf. also Fig. 4, wherein the conical bores 4 adjacent to Conveyor 1 have the same diameter as the cylindrical bores 4. On the side facing away from the conveyor 1, each bore 4 is opposite to the Bore 4 reduced in diameter and this coaxial access opening 5 for the passage of a corresponding push-out finger 6 of a slide 7 Mistake.
  • the groups of formations can be in one or more rows be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, four rows are shown which are spaced apart according to the cell division of the cells 2.
  • each group of in Formations located a cell 2 of the upper run of the conveyor 1, so that by means of the slide 7 in each of these (four) cells 2 a formation of Cigarettes in the arrangement pattern provided for packaging over a corresponding mouthpiece 8 can be pushed over.
  • the conveyor 1 When the pushing process is complete, the conveyor 1 clocked accordingly. At the same time, the height of the tray 3 becomes Conveyor 1 adjusted by a cigarette block division, so when stopping again the conveyor 1 whose cells 2 can be filled again with cigarettes. If the tray 3 is empty, it is replaced. Even if this is done manually a considerable automation effect is still achieved.
  • the cigarette blocks thus formed can then be in a removal position in cells of a packaging device, as is common in the cigarette industry, be pushed over to be wrapped with appropriate papers and cling film to become.
  • the trays 3 are expediently by means of a Exit side of the mask 9, cf. Fig. 4, with cigarettes equipped so that these with their thick and thin ends in the correct arrangement arranged in accordance with the desired arrangement pattern in the tray 3 become, i.e. the mask 9 of FIG. 4, for example, only enables the filling of the cylindrical bores 4, after which the conical bores 4, if necessary can also be filled via a corresponding mask 9.
  • the mask 9 opposite, the access opening 5 bottom of the holes 4 the cigarettes in the holes 4 when handling the tray 3 held.
  • FIGS. 5, 6 Two Slant 3 of an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 is used with respect to the conveyor 1 on opposite sides are arranged.
  • the two trays 3 have this embodiment Bores 4, which only need to be cylindrical and only half in number Comparison to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4 are present. in this connection corresponds to the arrangement pattern of the holes 4 on the one hand the arrangement of the Cigarettes with a thin and on the other hand with a thick end, such as those in the arrangement patterns listed at the beginning. From each of the two trays 3 each one half of the cigarettes of a cigarette block in a cell 2 of the conveyor 1 is pushed over by means of a slide 7, so that by pushing it into cell 2 from both sides Cigarette block formation results.
  • cells 2 consisting of two can also be used Halves exist between which an intermediate plate 11 is clamped, Fig. 9a, 9b.
  • the axial bores 10 are provided touching each other, the Web areas adjacent to the intermediate plate 11 are removed, so that troughs form for the cigarettes on both sides of the intermediate plate 11.
  • the intermediate plate 11 can be additionally corrugated.
  • the Cells 2 of the conveyor 1 from two sides show the cigarettes as a mass flow fed.
  • cigarette conveyors 12 are provided, by means of which the conical cigarettes cigarette funnel 13 are supplied.
  • the Cigarette conveyor 12 can be provided with appropriate troughs that may be inclined according to the taper of the cigarettes, so that the central axes of the cigarettes are essentially horizontal.
  • the Cigarette funnels 13 each have a number of chutes 14 correspondingly the number of to form a sheet with its thin end first pushing cigarettes. Located on the entry side to the respective shafts 14 vibrating rollers 15 to prevent the delivered cigarettes from entering the shafts 14 to facilitate.
  • the vibrating rollers 15 are expediently also conical, This prevents the cigarettes from tipping over and ensures even conveying becomes.
  • the shafts 14 expediently have a corresponding Cigarette shape conical entry area, i.e. that their entrance area is adjacent to the conveyor 1 is narrower than on the side facing away from the conveyor 1. Are below however, the shafts 14 are delimited by parallel walls.
  • the cigarette hoppers 13 are above the chutes 14 by in accordance with the shape of the cigarettes Axial direction of the cigarettes limited conical or inclined side walls 16, of which the side wall opposite the respective cigarette funnel 12 16 is preferably curved in the direction of the cigarette conveyor 12 is. In the case of a lower cigarette funnel 13 as in the one on the right in FIG.
  • the room divider 17 which is fixed or movable, for example around his
  • the center axis can be arranged vibrating or shaking in the cigarette funnel 13 can have different cross-sectional shapes. So the latter, like shown, essentially diamond-shaped, but also essentially instead square, circular, i.e. forming a conical role, or oval or the like. his.
  • FIGS. 9a, 9b Pushing the cigarettes out of the chutes 14 into the cells 2, the preferably according to FIGS. 9a, 9b (but also an embodiment according to FIG. 8a, 8b is possible) are preferably formed with the thinner end ahead and further in layers. So the bottom layer (of 2 x 3 cigarettes according to the illustrated embodiment) and then the top layer (in this embodiment also 2 x 3 cigarettes) are pushed over. However, it is also possible to carry out the shifting offset, i.e. at the illustrated embodiment, the 2nd, 4th and 6th cigarette of the lower layer and the 7th, 9th and 11th cigarette of the upper layer and then the remaining 1st, 3rd etc. To push cigarettes.
  • the shifting offset i.e. at the illustrated embodiment, the 2nd, 4th and 6th cigarette of the lower layer and the 7th, 9th and 11th cigarette of the upper layer and then the remaining 1st, 3rd etc.
  • conveyor 1 is clocked, in each case by one Cell division.
  • Fig. 12 in which the above-described variant of the offset Pushing is shown, for which purpose the cigarettes are offset in height in the shafts 14 are arranged.
  • transmission wheels that are on the circumference conical troughs are provided to hold cigarettes therein, for example by means of Keep suction air while turning the transfer wheels, after which the Cigarettes in cells of a corresponding conveyor, for example by means of a corresponding Slider are transferred.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren zum Bilden von Zigarettenblöcken aus konischen Zigaretten. Eine Vorrichtung mit dem Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Anspruchs 1 wird im Document EP-A-0 838 401 offenbart.The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for forming Blocks of conical cigarettes. A device having the features of the preamble of claim 1 in document EP-A-0 838 401.

Zigaretten, die in Richtung ihrer Längsachse konisch ausgebildet sind und damit ein dickeres und ein dünneres Ende besitzen, werden, da sie abwechselnd stück- oder gruppenweise mit dem dickeren bzw. dünneren Ende zu einer Seite hin zum Erzielen einer im wesentlichen quaderförmigen Packung anzuordnen sind, manuell hergestellt und verpackt.Cigarettes that are conical in the direction of their longitudinal axis and so that they have a thicker and a thinner end, as they alternate piece or group with the thicker or thinner end to one side to achieve an essentially cuboid packing, manufactured and packaged manually.

Hierbei sind beispielsweise für zweilagige Packungen mit 12 Zigaretten folgende Formationen möglich (stirnseitige Ansicht):

Figure 00020001
wobei die dickeren Konusenden durch große Kreise und die dünneren Konusenden durch kleine Kreise dargestellt sind.For example, the following formations are possible for two-layer packs of 12 cigarettes (front view):
Figure 00020001
the thicker cone ends are represented by large circles and the thinner cone ends by small circles.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, Verfahren und Vorrichtungen nach den Oberbegriffen der Ansprüche 1 und 21 zu schaffen, die eine Automatisierung der Verpackung von konischen Zigaretten ermöglichen.The object of the invention is to provide methods and devices according to the Preambles of claims 1 and 21 to provide automation of the Allow packaging of conical cigarettes.

Diese Aufgabe wird entsprechend den Ansprüchen 1 und 21 gelöst.This object is achieved in accordance with claims 1 and 21.

Weitere Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind der nachfolgenden Beschreibung und den Unteransprüchen zu entnehmen.Further refinements of the invention are as follows Description and the dependent claims.

Die Erfindung wird nachstehend anhand von in den beigefügten Abbildungen schematisch dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert.

  • Fig. 1 zeigt schematisch in rückwärtiger Ansicht eine Vorrichtung zum Bilden von Zigarettenblöcken aus konischen Zigaretten.
  • Fig. 2 zeigt schematisch in Seitenansicht die Vorrichtung von Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 3 zeigt schematisch eine Übergabe einer Zigarettenblockformation bei der Vorrichtung von Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 4 zeigt schematisch das Befüllen eines Schragen für die Vorrichtung von Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 5 und 6 zeigen eine Front- und eine Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Schragen für eine Vorrichtung zum Bilden von Zigarettenblöcken aus konischen Zigaretten.
  • Fig. 7a, 7b bis 9a, 9b zeigen mit Zigaretten gefüllte Zellen eine Förderers einer Vorrichtung zum Bilden von Zigarettenblöcken in Frontansicht und in Draufsicht.
  • Fig. 10 und 11 zeigen eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Bilden von Zigarettenblöcken aus konischen Zigaretten in Seitenansicht und in Draufsicht.
  • Fig. 12 zeigt in Seitenansicht eine Variante der Ausführungsform von Fig. 10, 11.
    • The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments schematically illustrated in the attached figures.
  • Fig. 1 shows schematically in rear view an apparatus for forming cigarette blocks from conical cigarettes.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of the device from FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 schematically shows a transfer of a cigarette block formation in the device from FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 4 shows schematically the filling of a tray for the device from FIG. 1.
  • 5 and 6 show a front and a side view of a further embodiment of a tray for a device for forming cigarette blocks from conical cigarettes.
  • 7a, 7b to 9a, 9b show cells filled with cigarettes of a conveyor of a device for forming cigarette blocks in a front view and in a top view.
  • 10 and 11 show a further embodiment of a device for forming cigarette blocks from conical cigarettes in side view and in plan view.
  • 12 shows a side view of a variant of the embodiment from FIGS. 10, 11.

    • Die in den Fig. 1 bis 4 dargestellte Vorrichtung umfaßt einen Förderer 1 mit einer Vielzahl von axial offenen Zellen 2, die äquidistant zueinander angeordnet sind. Als Förderer 1 kann, wie dargestellt, ein zellentragender Gurtförderer 1 verwendet werden, jedoch ist auch ein mit axial offenen Zellen 2 versehener Revolver als Förderer 1 prinzipiell verwendbar. Die Zellen 2 des Förderers 1 sind entsprechend einer oder mehrere Zellenteilungen über einen entsprechenden Antrieb getaktet in Förderrichtung beweglich.The device shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 includes a conveyor 1 a plurality of axially open cells 2, which are arranged equidistant from one another are. As shown, a cell-carrying belt conveyor 1 can be used as the conveyor 1 can be used, but is also provided with axially open cells 2 In principle, the revolver can be used as conveyor 1. The cells 2 of the conveyor 1 are corresponding to one or more cell divisions via a corresponding one Drive cycled in the conveying direction.

    Benachbart zum Förderer 1 ist eine Hubeinrichtung (nicht dargestellt) für einen Schragen 3 vorgesehen. Der Hubeinrichtung wird jeweils ein Schragen 3' über eine (nicht dargestellte) Schragenzuführeinrichtung zugeführt und der jeweils leere Schragen 3" kann über eine (nicht dargestellte) Schragenabführeinrichtung abgeführt werden.A lifting device (not shown) for is adjacent to the conveyor 1 a collar 3 is provided. The lifting device is each a slant 3 ' fed via a (not shown) tray feeder and each empty trays 3 "can via a (not shown) tray discharge device be dissipated.

    Der Schragen 3 besitzt eine Vielzahl von Bohrungen 4 jeweils zur Aufnahme einer Zigarette. Die Bohrungen 4 sind hierbei in Gruppen von Formationen entsprechend dem gewünschten Anordnungsmuster von Zigaretten in einer herzustellenden Verpackung angeordnet, und zwar im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel in jeweils zwei Reihen von abwechselnd mit ihren dicken und dünnen Enden angeordneten Zigaretten bei entsprechendem Versatz der Zigaretten in den Reihen, vgl. das erste eingangs angegebene Anordnungsbeispiel. Dabei sind entsprechend im Wechsel die Bohrungen 4 zylindrisch und konisch ausgebildet, vgl. auch Fig. 4, wobei die konischen Bohrungen 4 benachbart zum Förderer 1 gleichen Durchmesser wie die zylindrischen Bohrungen 4 aufweisen. An der dem Förderer 1 abgewandten Seite ist jede Bohrung 4 mit einer gegenüber der Bohrung 4 im Durchmesser verringerten und hierzu koaxialen Zutrittsöffnung 5 für den Durchtritt eines entsprechenden Ausschiebefingers 6 eines Schiebers 7 versehen. Die Gruppen von Formationen können in einer oder mehreren Reihen vorgesehen sein. Im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel sind vier Reihen dargestellt, die entsprechend der Zellenteilung der Zellen 2 voneinander beabstandet sind.The collar 3 has a plurality of holes 4 each for receiving a cigarette. The holes 4 are in groups of formations according to the desired arrangement pattern of cigarettes in one arranged to produce packaging, namely in the illustrated Embodiment in two rows of alternating with their thick and thin ends arranged cigarettes with appropriate offset of the Cigarettes in rows, cf. the first arrangement example given at the beginning. Accordingly, the holes 4 are alternately cylindrical and conical trained, cf. also Fig. 4, wherein the conical bores 4 adjacent to Conveyor 1 have the same diameter as the cylindrical bores 4. On the side facing away from the conveyor 1, each bore 4 is opposite to the Bore 4 reduced in diameter and this coaxial access opening 5 for the passage of a corresponding push-out finger 6 of a slide 7 Mistake. The groups of formations can be in one or more rows be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, four rows are shown which are spaced apart according to the cell division of the cells 2.

    Im Stillstand des Förderers 1 befindet sich vor jeder Gruppe von in Ausschubhöhe befindlichen Formationen eine Zelle 2 des Obertrums des Förderers 1, so daß mittels des Schiebers 7 in jede dieser (vier) Zellen 2 eine Formation von Zigaretten in dem für die Verpackung vorgesehenen Anordnungsmuster über ein entsprechendes Mundstück 8 überschiebbar ist.When conveyor 1 is at a standstill, each group of in Formations located a cell 2 of the upper run of the conveyor 1, so that by means of the slide 7 in each of these (four) cells 2 a formation of Cigarettes in the arrangement pattern provided for packaging over a corresponding mouthpiece 8 can be pushed over.

    Wenn der Vorgang des Überschiebens abgeschlossen ist, wird der Förderer 1 entsprechend getaktet. Gleichzeitig wird der Schragen 3 in seiner Höhe zum Förderer 1 um eine Zigarettenblockteilung verstellt, damit beim erneuten Anhalten des Förderers 1 dessen Zellen 2 wieder mit Zigaretten gefüllt werden können. Wenn der Schragen 3 leer ist, wird er ersetzt. Selbst wenn dies manuell vorgenommen wird, wird noch ein erheblicher Automatisierungseffekt erzielt.When the pushing process is complete, the conveyor 1 clocked accordingly. At the same time, the height of the tray 3 becomes Conveyor 1 adjusted by a cigarette block division, so when stopping again the conveyor 1 whose cells 2 can be filled again with cigarettes. If the tray 3 is empty, it is replaced. Even if this is done manually a considerable automation effect is still achieved.

    In einer Entnahmeposition können dann die so gebildeten Zigarettenblöcke in Zellen einer Verpackungseinrichtung, wie sie in der Zigarettenindustrie üblich ist, überschoben werden, um mit entsprechenden Papieren und Klarsichtfolie umhüllt zu werden.The cigarette blocks thus formed can then be in a removal position in cells of a packaging device, as is common in the cigarette industry, be pushed over to be wrapped with appropriate papers and cling film to become.

    Die Schragen 3 werden hierbei zweckmäßigerweise mittels einer auf die Austrittsseite der Zigaretten aufgesetzten Maske 9, sh. Fig. 4, mit Zigaretten bestückt, so daß diese mit ihren dicken und dünnen Enden in korrekter Anordnung enstprechend dem gewünschten Anordnungsmuster im Schragen 3 angeordnet werden, d.h. die Maske 9 von Fig. 4 ermöglicht beispielsweise nur das Befüllen der zylindrischen Bohrungen 4, wonach die konischen Bohrungen 4, gegebenenfalls ebenso über eine entsprechende Maske 9, befüllt werden. Infolge des der Maske 9 gegenüberliegenden, die Zutrittsöffnung 5 aufweisenden Bodens der Bohrungen 4 werden die Zigaretten in den Bohrungen 4 bei der Handhabung des Schragen 3 gehalten.The trays 3 are expediently by means of a Exit side of the mask 9, cf. Fig. 4, with cigarettes equipped so that these with their thick and thin ends in the correct arrangement arranged in accordance with the desired arrangement pattern in the tray 3 become, i.e. the mask 9 of FIG. 4, for example, only enables the filling of the cylindrical bores 4, after which the conical bores 4, if necessary can also be filled via a corresponding mask 9. As a result of the mask 9 opposite, the access opening 5 bottom of the holes 4 the cigarettes in the holes 4 when handling the tray 3 held.

    Anstelle eines Schragen 3 auf einer Seite des Förderer 1 können auch zwei Schragen 3 einer Ausführungsform, wie sie in Fig. 5, 6 dargestellt sind, verwendet werden, die bezüglich des Förderers 1 auf gegenüberüberliegenden Seiten angeordnet sind. Die beiden Schragen 3 dieser Ausführungsform besitzen Bohrungen 4, die nur zylindrisch zu sein brauchen und nur in der halben Anzahl im Vergleich zu der Ausführungsform der Fig. 1 bis 4 vorhanden sind. Hierbei entspricht das Anordnungsmuster der Bohrungen 4 einerseits der Anordnung der Zigaretten mit dünnem und andererseits mit dickem Ende, wie sie beispielsweise in den eingangs aufgeführten Anordnungsmustern dargestellt sind. Aus jedem der beiden Schragen 3 wird jeweils eine Hälfte der Zigaretten eines Zigarettenblocks in eine Zelle 2 des Förderers 1 jeweils mittels eines Schiebers 7 überschoben, so daß sich durch das Einschieben von beiden Seiten in die Zelle 2 die gewünschte Zigarettenblockformation ergibt.Instead of a tray 3 on one side of the conveyor 1, two Slant 3 of an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 is used with respect to the conveyor 1 on opposite sides are arranged. The two trays 3 have this embodiment Bores 4, which only need to be cylindrical and only half in number Comparison to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4 are present. in this connection corresponds to the arrangement pattern of the holes 4 on the one hand the arrangement of the Cigarettes with a thin and on the other hand with a thick end, such as those in the arrangement patterns listed at the beginning. From each of the two trays 3 each one half of the cigarettes of a cigarette block in a cell 2 of the conveyor 1 is pushed over by means of a slide 7, so that by pushing it into cell 2 from both sides Cigarette block formation results.

    Gegenüber der Ausführungsform gemäß den Fig. 1 bis 4 mit einem Schragen 3 hat die Ausführungsform der Fig. 5, 6 mit zwei auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten des Förderers 1 angeordneten Schragen 3 den Vorteil, daß das Befüllen der Schragen 3 immer gleich ist (das Ende mit dem großen Durchmesser zuerst), keine Maske benötigt wird und die Bohrungen 4 sämtlich zylindrisch sind, wodurch die Schragenherstellung erleichtert wird. Dafür benötigt man aber die doppelte Anzahl von Schragen 3 und zwei Entleerungsstationen für die Schragen 3. Außerdem sind hierbei die Zellen 2 des Förderers 1 mit einem Muster von Axialbohrungen 10 zur Aufnahme der Zigaretten entsprechend dem Anordnungsmuster des Zigarettenblocks zu versehen (vgl. Fig. 8a, 8b im Vergleich zu Fig. 7a, 7b, die eine gefüllte Zelle 2 für die Ausführungsform der Fig. 1 bis 4 zeigen), wobei dann allerdings, da die Zigaretten beim Überschieben vom Schragen 3 zur Zelle 2 nicht bereits zu einem Block zusammengeführt werden, kein Mundstück benötigt wird.Compared to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 4 with a Schragen 3 has the embodiment of FIGS. 5, 6 with two on opposite Side of the conveyor 1 arranged trays 3 the advantage that the filling of the Schragen 3 is always the same (the end with the large diameter first), none Mask is needed and the holes 4 are all cylindrical, which the Making slants is made easier. But you need twice that number of trays 3 and two emptying stations for trays 3. Also here the cells 2 of the conveyor 1 with a pattern of axial bores 10 for Recording of the cigarettes according to the pattern of the arrangement To provide cigarette blocks (see. Fig. 8a, 8b compared to Fig. 7a, 7b, the one filled cell 2 for the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4), then then however, since the cigarettes are not pushed over from tray 3 to cell 2 can already be merged into a block, no mouthpiece is required.

    Gegebenenfalls können auch Zellen 2 verwendet werden, die aus zwei Hälften bestehen, zwischen denen ein Zwischenblech 11 eingespannt ist, Fig. 9a, 9b. Hierbei sind die Axialbohrungen 10 einander berührend vorgesehen, wobei die Stegbereiche benachbart zum Zwischenblech 11 entfernt sind, so daß sich Mulden für die Zigaretten zu beiden Seiten des Zwischenblechs 11 bilden. Gegebenenfalls kann hierbei das Zwischenblech 11 zusätzlich gewellt sein.If necessary, cells 2 consisting of two can also be used Halves exist between which an intermediate plate 11 is clamped, Fig. 9a, 9b. Here, the axial bores 10 are provided touching each other, the Web areas adjacent to the intermediate plate 11 are removed, so that troughs form for the cigarettes on both sides of the intermediate plate 11. Possibly the intermediate plate 11 can be additionally corrugated.

    Bei der in den Fig. 10 und 11 dargestellten Ausführungsform werden den Zellen 2 des Förderers 1 von zwei Seiten her die Zigaretten als Massenstrom zugeführt. Hierzu sind Zigarettenförderer 12 vorgesehen, mittels denen die konischen Zigaretten Zigarettentrichtem 13 zugeführt werden. Die Zigarettenförderer 12 können hierbei mit entsprechenden Mulden versehen sein, die gegebenenfalls entsprechend der Konizität der Zigaretten geneigt sein können, so daß die Mittelachsen der Zigaretten im wesentlichen horizontal verlaufen. Die Zigarettentrichter 13 besitzen jeweils eine Anzahl von Schächten 14 entsprechend der Anzahl von zur Bildung einer Lage mit ihrem dünnen Ende voran zu überschiebenden Zigaretten. Eintrittsseitig zu den jeweiligen Schächten 14 befinden sich Rüttelrollen 15, um einen Eintritt der angelieferten Zigaretten in die Schächte 14 zu erleichtern. Die Rüttelrollen 15 sind hierbei zweckmäßigerweise auch konisch, damit ein Kippen der Zigaretten vermieden und ein gleichmäßiges Fördern erzielt wird. Die Schächte 14 haben zweckmäßigerweise einen entsprechend der Zigarettenform konischen Eintrittsbereich, d.h. daß ihr Eintrittsbereich benachbart zum Förderer 1 enger als an der dem Förderer 1 abgewandten Seite ist. Unten sind die Schächte 14 jedoch von parallelen Wandungen begrenzt. Die Zigarettentrichter 13 sind oberhalb der Schächte 14 durch entsprechend der Form der Zigaretten in Axialrichtung der Zigaretten konische oder geneigte Seitenwandungen 16 begrenzt, von denen die dem jeweiligen Zigarettentrichter 12 gegenüberliegende Seitenwand 16 vorzugsweise in Richtung auf den Zigarettenförderer 12 gekrümmt ausgebildet ist. Bei einem tieferen Zigarettentrichter 13 wie bei dem rechts in Fig. 12 dargestellten befindet sich zweckmäßigerweise zudem mit Abstand über den Schächten 14 in einer im wesentlichen mittleren Position angeordnet ein Raumteiler 17 zur gleichmäßigeren Verteilung der Zigaretten über den Zigarettentrichter 12 und zum Vergleichmäßigen der Zigarettenzulaufs zu den Schächten 14, der ebenfalls entsprechend der Form der Zigaretten in Axialrichtung der Zigaretten konisch ist. Der Raumteiler 17, der feststehend oder beweglich, beispielsweise um seine Mittelachse schwingend bzw. rüttelnd im Zigarettentrichter 13 angeordnet sein kann, kann verschiedene Querschnittformen aufweisen. So kann letztere, wie dargestellt, im wesentlichen rautenförmig, aber auch statt dessen im wesentlichen quadratisch, kreisförmig, d.h. eine konische Rolle bildend, oder oval od.dgl. sein.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the Cells 2 of the conveyor 1 from two sides show the cigarettes as a mass flow fed. For this purpose, cigarette conveyors 12 are provided, by means of which the conical cigarettes cigarette funnel 13 are supplied. The Cigarette conveyor 12 can be provided with appropriate troughs that may be inclined according to the taper of the cigarettes, so that the central axes of the cigarettes are essentially horizontal. The Cigarette funnels 13 each have a number of chutes 14 correspondingly the number of to form a sheet with its thin end first pushing cigarettes. Located on the entry side to the respective shafts 14 vibrating rollers 15 to prevent the delivered cigarettes from entering the shafts 14 to facilitate. The vibrating rollers 15 are expediently also conical, This prevents the cigarettes from tipping over and ensures even conveying becomes. The shafts 14 expediently have a corresponding Cigarette shape conical entry area, i.e. that their entrance area is adjacent to the conveyor 1 is narrower than on the side facing away from the conveyor 1. Are below however, the shafts 14 are delimited by parallel walls. The cigarette hoppers 13 are above the chutes 14 by in accordance with the shape of the cigarettes Axial direction of the cigarettes limited conical or inclined side walls 16, of which the side wall opposite the respective cigarette funnel 12 16 is preferably curved in the direction of the cigarette conveyor 12 is. In the case of a lower cigarette funnel 13 as in the one on the right in FIG. 12 shown is also conveniently located at a distance above the Wells 14 arranged in a substantially middle position, a room divider 17 for more even distribution of the cigarettes over the cigarette funnel 12 and for comparing the cigarette inflow to the chutes 14, which also is conical in the axial direction of the cigarettes according to the shape of the cigarettes. The room divider 17, which is fixed or movable, for example around his The center axis can be arranged vibrating or shaking in the cigarette funnel 13 can have different cross-sectional shapes. So the latter, like shown, essentially diamond-shaped, but also essentially instead square, circular, i.e. forming a conical role, or oval or the like. his.

    Das Überschieben der Zigaretten aus den Schächten 14 in die Zellen 2, die vorzugsweise entsprechend Fig. 9a, 9b (aber auch eine Ausbildung gemäß Fig. 8a, 8b ist möglich) ausgebildet sind, erfolgt vorzugsweise mit dem dünneren Ende voran und ferner lagenweise. So kann zuerst die untere Lage (von 2 x 3 Zigaretten entsprechend dem dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel) und dann die obere Lage (in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel ebenfalls 2 x 3 Zigaretten) überschoben werden. Jedoch ist es auch möglich, das Überschieben versetzt vorzunehmen, d.h. beim dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel die 2., 4. und 6. Zigarette der unteren Lage und die 7., 9. und 11. Zigarette der oberen Lage und danach die restlichen 1., 3. usw. Zigaretten zu überschieben.Pushing the cigarettes out of the chutes 14 into the cells 2, the preferably according to FIGS. 9a, 9b (but also an embodiment according to FIG. 8a, 8b is possible) are preferably formed with the thinner end ahead and further in layers. So the bottom layer (of 2 x 3 cigarettes according to the illustrated embodiment) and then the top layer (in this embodiment also 2 x 3 cigarettes) are pushed over. However, it is also possible to carry out the shifting offset, i.e. at the illustrated embodiment, the 2nd, 4th and 6th cigarette of the lower layer and the 7th, 9th and 11th cigarette of the upper layer and then the remaining 1st, 3rd etc. To push cigarettes.

    Auch hier wird der Förderer 1 getaktet, und zwar jeweils um eine Zellenteilung.Here, too, conveyor 1 is clocked, in each case by one Cell division.

    Anstatt zwei bezüglich des Förderers 1 auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten befindliche Zigarettenförderer 12 zu verwenden, können diese auch an einer Seite des Förderers 1 übereinander angeordnet sein und jeweils zum Anliefern von Zigaretten mit ihrem dicken bzw. dünnen Ende dem Förderer 1 zugekehrt dienen, vgl. Fig. 12, bei der zusätzlich die oben geschilderte Variante des versetzten Überschiebens dargestellt ist, wozu die Zigaretten höhenversetzt in den Schächten 14 angeordnet sind.Instead of two with respect to the conveyor 1 on opposite sides to use existing cigarette conveyors 12, these can also be on one side of the conveyor 1 may be arranged one above the other and in each case for the delivery of Serve cigarettes with their thick or thin end facing the conveyor 1, see. Fig. 12, in which the above-described variant of the offset Pushing is shown, for which purpose the cigarettes are offset in height in the shafts 14 are arranged.

    Anstelle von ein oder zwei Schächten, aus denen Zigaretten überschoben werden, ist es auch möglich, Übertragungsräder zu verwenden, die am Umfang mit konischen Mulden versehen sind, um darin Zigaretten aufzunehmen, etwa mittels Saugluft während des Drehens der Übertragungsräder zu halten, wonach die Zigaretten in Zellen eines entsprechenden Förderers etwa mittels entsprechender Schieber überführt werden.Instead of one or two shafts from which cigarettes are pushed over , it is also possible to use transmission wheels that are on the circumference conical troughs are provided to hold cigarettes therein, for example by means of Keep suction air while turning the transfer wheels, after which the Cigarettes in cells of a corresponding conveyor, for example by means of a corresponding Slider are transferred.

    Claims (25)

    1. Apparatus for forming cigarette blocks, having at least one arrangement (3, 13) which is intended for providing a supply of cigarettes and is provided with a multiplicity of push-out openings (4, 14) for cigarettes in accordance with the pattern in which the cigarettes are arranged in the cigarette pack which is to be produced, having a conveyor (1) which has a multiplicity of axially open cells (2) and can be moved in a stepwise manner in each case by one or more cell spacings, and having a pusher (7) which can be moved back and forth in step with the conveyor (1) and is intended for transferring into an adjacent cell (2) of the conveyor (1) in each case a number of cigarettes corresponding to a cigarette block, it being the case that the arrangement (3, 13) for providing a supply of cigarettes comprises cigarette hoppers (13) which have shafts (14) which are arranged, in the push-out region of the cigarettes, in accordance with the pattern in which the cigarettes are arranged in the cigarette pack which is to be produced, the shafts (14) being bounded in the outlet region by parallel walls extending transversely to the cigarette end sides, characterized in that the walls on the inlet side of the shafts (14) taper conically in accordance with the shape of the cigarettes in the axial direction of the latter.
    2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that, on the inlet side, the shafts (14) have vibratory rollers (15), which are preferably conical.
    3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cigarette hoppers (13) are supplied via cigarette conveyors (12).
    4. Apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the cigarette conveyor (12) has cigarette hollows.
    5. Apparatus according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the cigarette hollows are inclined in accordance with the conicity of the cigarettes.
    6. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, above the shafts (14), the cigarette hopper (13) has walls (16) which are inclined in accordance with the conicity of the cigarettes in the axial direction of the cigarettes.
    7. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a partition (17) which is conical in accordance with the conicity of the cigarettes is arranged in the cigarette hopper (13), above the shafts (14).
    8. Apparatus according to Claim 7, characterized in that the partition (17) is fixed or moveably drivable.
    9. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that cigarette hoppers (13) are arranged on both sides of the conveyor (1), the cigarette hoppers (13) accommodating the cigarettes with their thick or thin ends directed towards the conveyor (1).
    10. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cigarette hoppers (13) are arranged on one side of the conveyor (1) and can be supplied by two cigarette conveyors (12) which, arranged on different levels, accommodate cigarettes with their thick or their thin end directed towards the conveyor (1).
    11. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 10, characterized in that the cells (2) of the conveyor (1) are provided with a pattern of holes in the form of axial bores (10) in accordance with the pattern in which the cigarettes are arranged.
    12. Apparatus according to Claim 11, characterized in that the pattern of holes is formed by axial bores (10) and/or separating plates (11) which, if appropriate, are of hollowed design.
    13. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the at least one arrangement for providing a supply of cigarettes is a tray (3) which is provided with a multiplicity of bores (4) for accommodating in each case one cigarette, the bores (4) being arranged in a pattern of holes corresponding to the pattern in which the cigarettes are arranged in the cigarette pack which is to be produced, and it being possible for the at least one tray (3) to be height-adjusted by in each case one cigarette spacing in step with the conveyor (1).
    14. Apparatus according to Claim 13, characterized in that the bores (4) are cylindrical.
    15. Apparatus according to Claim 13, characterized in that the bores (4), individually or in groups, are alternately cylindrical and conical in accordance with the pattern in which the cigarettes are arranged, the conical bores (4) widening to the diameter of the cylindrical bores (4) in the push-out direction of the cigarettes.
    16. Apparatus according to one of Claims 13 to 15, characterized in that a feeding arrangement is provided for full trays (3') and/or a discharging arrangement is provided for empty trays (3").
    17. Apparatus according to one of Claims 13 to 16, characterized in that there are provided two trays (3) which are located on opposite sides of the conveyor (1) and have associated pushers (7).
    18. Apparatus according to Claim 17, characterized in that the two trays (3) have bores (4) in a multiplicity of patterns corresponding to respectively half the number of an arrangement pattern for the cigarettes, which are each to be arranged in one direction in the cigarette pack which is to be formed.
    19. Apparatus according to one of Claims 13 to 16, characterized in that a mask (9) is provided for filling the tray (3).
    20. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 19, characterized in that mouthpieces (8) for transferring the cigarettes are arranged between the at least one arrangement (3, 13) for providing a supply of cigarettes and the conveyor (1).
    21. Process for forming cigarette blocks from conical cigarettes, characterized by the following steps:
      filling with cigarettes at least one arrangement (3, 13) which is intended for providing a supply of cigarettes and comprises cigarette hoppers (13) which have shafts (14) which are arranged, in the push-out region of the cigarettes, in accordance with the pattern in which the cigarettes are arranged in the cigarette pack which is to be produced, the shafts (14) being bounded on the inlet side, in accordance with the shape of the cigarettes, by conically tapering walls and in the outlet region by parallel walls,
      axially transferring into an axially open cell (2) of a conveyor (1), in one or more batches, in each case a number of cigarettes corresponding to a cigarette block which is to be packaged,
      moving the conveyor (1) in a stepwise manner, in each case by one or more cell spacings, and
      simultaneously height-adjusting the at least one tray (3) in a stepwise manner by in each case one cigarette-block spacing in step with the conveyor (1), and
      transferring one or more cigarette blocks into cells of a packaging arrangement.
    22. Process according to Claim 21, characterized in that the arrangement used for providing cigarettes is at least one tray (3) which is provided with a multiplicity of bores (4) for accommodating in each case one cigarette, the bores (4) being arranged in a pattern of holes corresponding to the pattern in which the cigarettes are arranged in a cigarette pack which is to be produced.
    23. Process according to Claim 22, characterized in that the tray (3) is filled, by means of a mask (9), with cigarettes on the one hand with their thick end in the direction of introduction and on the other hand with their thin end in the direction of introduction.
    24. Process according to one of Claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the cigarettes are transferred from the shafts (14) in layers in accordance with the arrangement of the cigarettes in the cigarette block.
    25. Process according to one of Claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the cigarettes are transferred from the shafts (14) on the one hand with their thick end in front and on the other hand with their thin end in front, in accordance with the arrangement of the cigarettes in the cigarette block.
    EP01107107A 2000-03-23 2001-03-22 Method and apparatus for forming groups of tapered cigarettes Expired - Lifetime EP1136361B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    DE10014369 2000-03-23
    DE10014369A DE10014369A1 (en) 2000-03-23 2000-03-23 Method and device for forming cigarette blocks from conical cigarettes

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP1136361A1 EP1136361A1 (en) 2001-09-26
    EP1136361B1 true EP1136361B1 (en) 2004-09-15

    Family

    ID=7636005

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP01107107A Expired - Lifetime EP1136361B1 (en) 2000-03-23 2001-03-22 Method and apparatus for forming groups of tapered cigarettes

    Country Status (3)

    Country Link
    EP (1) EP1136361B1 (en)
    DE (2) DE10014369A1 (en)
    ID (1) ID29698A (en)

    Families Citing this family (5)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE102014000350A1 (en) * 2014-01-16 2015-07-16 Focke & Co. (Gmbh & Co. Kg) Method and apparatus for packaging conical cigarettes
    DE112015001721T5 (en) * 2014-04-09 2017-01-19 Sasib S.P.A. A unit for forming an ordered group of frustoconical cigarettes and tray for containing frusto-conical cigarettes for feeding frusto-conical cigarettes into the forming unit
    WO2015155721A1 (en) * 2014-04-09 2015-10-15 Sasib S.P.A. Unit for forming an ordered group of frustum-shaped cigarettes
    EP2995206A1 (en) * 2014-09-12 2016-03-16 International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. z o.o. Conveyor system with channel having nonparallel walls
    IT201700121008A1 (en) * 2017-10-25 2019-04-25 Gd Spa Hopper for smoking items

    Family Cites Families (12)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US1587418A (en) * 1925-01-24 1926-06-01 Havana Commercial Co Cigarette and cigar wrapping machine
    US3444981A (en) * 1965-06-23 1969-05-20 Hauni Werke Koerber & Co Kg Apparatus for building blocks of rod-shaped articles
    DE2347781C3 (en) * 1973-09-22 1981-02-26 Hauni-Werke Koerber & Co Kg, 2050 Hamburg Device for forming multi-layer blocks, consisting of a defined number of cigarettes or other rod-shaped objects in the tobacco processing industry
    IT1124082B (en) * 1979-05-18 1986-05-07 Cir Spa Divisione Sasib IMPROVEMENT OF ORDERED CIGARETTE COLLECTION CONTAINERS FOR PACKAGING
    DE3304131A1 (en) * 1982-08-04 1984-02-09 Focke & Co, 2810 Verden Device for the transport of cigarettes or the like to a packaging machine
    US4571917A (en) * 1983-09-28 1986-02-25 Philip Morris Incorporated Apparatus for packing oval cigarettes
    DE8431522U1 (en) * 1983-10-28 1985-02-14 Fabriques de Tabac Réunies S.A., Neuchâtel Device for producing a pack of tobacco products
    DE3512445A1 (en) * 1984-04-19 1985-10-31 Hauni-Werke Körber & Co KG, 2050 Hamburg Method and apparatus for forming multi-layered blocks of rod-shaped articles in the tobacco processing industry
    GB8529341D0 (en) * 1985-11-28 1986-01-02 Molins Plc Forming rows of cigarettes
    DE4343803A1 (en) * 1993-12-22 1995-06-29 Schmermund Maschf Alfred Device for forming cigarette groups
    IT1278168B1 (en) * 1995-01-27 1997-11-17 Gd Spa METHOD AND LINE FOR THE FORMATION AND ADVANCEMENT OF ORDERED GROUPS OF ELONGATED PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR CIGARETTES
    IT1286269B1 (en) * 1996-10-22 1998-07-08 Gd Spa METHOD AND UNIT FOR THE FORMATION OF CONICAL CIGARETTE GROUPS

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    EP1136361A1 (en) 2001-09-26
    DE10014369A1 (en) 2001-09-27
    ID29698A (en) 2001-09-27
    DE50103582D1 (en) 2004-10-21

    Similar Documents

    Publication Publication Date Title
    DE1757195C3 (en) Device for forming and transporting groups of cigarettes
    DE2938613C2 (en)
    DE1432720B2 (en) Device for producing filter rods from extruded parts and granulated filter material
    DE3120674C2 (en) Device for removing rod-shaped objects, in particular cigarettes, from a container, namely a cigarette magazine with adjacent shafts
    DE60221509T2 (en) DEVICE FOR DELIVERING CIGARETTES TO A PACKAGING MACHINE
    EP3578157A1 (en) Capsule filling machine for filling capsules and cleaning unit for use in a capsule filling machine
    DE1164904B (en) Cross conveyor for turning cigarettes or other rod-shaped objects
    EP2636322A2 (en) Device for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod and machine for the tobacco processing industry
    DE112015001721T5 (en) A unit for forming an ordered group of frustoconical cigarettes and tray for containing frusto-conical cigarettes for feeding frusto-conical cigarettes into the forming unit
    EP1136361B1 (en) Method and apparatus for forming groups of tapered cigarettes
    DE1178755B (en) Method and device for stacking cigarettes or other stick-shaped objects
    EP1108650A1 (en) Method and device for making and transferring groups of cigarettes in a plural line packaging machine
    DE19902597A1 (en) Process and assembly for preparation of groups of cigarettes for wrapping optimizes formation of block of cigarettes prior to packing
    DE3509711C2 (en) Device for supplying cigarettes to the wrapping line of a packaging machine
    DE69925442T2 (en) Device for feeding cigarettes in a packaging machine with two packaging lines
    WO1999045347A1 (en) Product-discharging device for a product supply system
    DE2716823C2 (en)
    EP2653044B1 (en) Device for compiling filter segment groups
    DE2614350C3 (en) Device for conveying cylindrical rod-shaped objects in the tobacco industry
    DE102010035050B4 (en) Tube lifting device in a tube filling machine
    AT154027B (en) Device for arranging sleeves, coils and. like
    DE2347781C3 (en) Device for forming multi-layer blocks, consisting of a defined number of cigarettes or other rod-shaped objects in the tobacco processing industry
    DE4419500A1 (en) Vibratory feed device for elongated products, esp. for printing press, packaging or sorting machine
    DE2453200C3 (en) Device for the introduction of deposits in groups, such as nuts, almonds, raisins or the like. in molded, pourable confectionery or the like
    DE112015001738T5 (en) Unit for forming an ordered group of frustoconical cigarettes

    Legal Events

    Date Code Title Description
    PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: A1

    Designated state(s): DE GB IT

    Kind code of ref document: A1

    Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

    AX Request for extension of the european patent

    Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

    17P Request for examination filed

    Effective date: 20011205

    AKX Designation fees paid

    Free format text: DE GB IT

    17Q First examination report despatched

    Effective date: 20030204

    GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

    GRAS Grant fee paid

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

    GRAA (expected) grant

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: B1

    Designated state(s): DE GB IT

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: IT

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

    Effective date: 20040915

    Ref country code: GB

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

    Effective date: 20040915

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: GB

    Ref legal event code: FG4D

    Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

    REF Corresponds to:

    Ref document number: 50103582

    Country of ref document: DE

    Date of ref document: 20041021

    Kind code of ref document: P

    GBV Gb: ep patent (uk) treated as always having been void in accordance with gb section 77(7)/1977 [no translation filed]

    Effective date: 20040915

    PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

    STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

    Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

    26N No opposition filed

    Effective date: 20050616

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: DE

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20051001