EP1493339B1 - Rotary printing unit for a machine of the tobacco processing industry - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for applying printing marks on a transported along a transport direction with a predetermined conveying speed article of the tobacco processing industry, in particular wrapping strips, preferably cigarette paper strips, or a rod-shaped smoking article by means of a printing element, wherein along the transport direction during the printing process, the relative speed between the Pressure element and the article is reduced.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for applying print marks on at least one article of the tobacco processing industry, preferably wrapping strips, in particular cigarette paper strips, or a rod-shaped smoking article, with a along a transport direction with a predetermined conveying speed promoted article and with a printing element, wherein the printing element during the printing operation along the transport direction of the article is movable so that the relative speed between the pressure element and the article is reduced.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a machine of the tobacco processing industry, in particular cigarette rod or filter attachment machine.

Prior art printing units for the application of print marks on a wrapping strip of the tobacco processing industry are known. For example, an imprint on the cigarette paper strip is printed on cigarette paper strips in a cigarette rod machine with a pressure roller. In the stranding machine rod-shaped articles such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars or filter rods or the like are produced in the strand process. By means of the wrapping strip, the tobacco strands are wrapped in the cigarette rod machine, wherein the wrapping strips used have printed images, e.g. Cigarette brands, manufacturer names or other indications.

As a smoking article in the context of the invention are understood cigarettes with and without filters and all other rod-shaped smoking articles, the wrapping strip is printed, said appearing on the article imprint primarily the brand. Such a print or stamp is a conspicuous quality feature of such articles and requires special attention with regard to the components and production conditions required for its manufacture, such as the type and condition of the articles used Color and their supply, transfer and distribution through multiple rolls to the order through the wrapping strip.

The printing units according to the prior art installed in the stranding machines consist of a roll arrangement, wherein the material web to be printed is guided between the rolls. For applying the print marks or printed images, a so-called pressure roller is provided, which is synchronized with the continuously moving material web. In general, the pressure roller is in contact with a counter-pressure roller, wherein the enveloping strip is guided between the pressure roller and the counter-pressure roller.

However, the printing units have the disadvantage that as a result of the rotation of the pressure roller at higher conveying speed of the wrapping strip, the quality of the imprint is reduced or may be impossible, so that the production of cigarette strands with a print on the wrapping strip is severely limited at higher machine speeds.

Out US-A-5,207,153 a device for applying printed matter to moving objects is known. Here, the objects are placed on a roller belt in rotation and printed with simultaneous promotion and rotation of the objects. For printing, the rotating objects are guided past printheads, wherein the printheads are moved synchronized with the rotating objects in the conveying direction of the objects.

In DE-A-101 30 225 is a printing unit for the application of print marks on a wrapping strip of the tobacco-processing industry described. The printing unit has two rotating ones Pressure rollers and a counter-pressure roller, wherein the two pressure rollers are in contact with the counter-pressure roller and a web of material in the form of a cigarette paper strip is continuously guided between them. The print marks are applied by elevations or depressions of a pressure roller.

Also, in WO-A-96/32258 In general, a method and apparatus for printing using a printing device with a printhead is described. The printhead includes a plurality of printing elements for transferring a pixel of a printing medium from a carrier to an adjacent substrate. According to the teachings of the invention, relative movement between the substrate and the carrier and printhead is caused such that the printhead moves from a different position to a final print position relative to a surface of the carrier. Further, during the printing operation, the surface of the carrier and the substrate are moved at a same speed in a feeding direction.

Based on this prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to enable the printing of printed images on articles of the tobacco processing industry, in particular wrapping strips or rod-shaped articles, at high conveying speeds of the article, it should be possible at high conveying speeds of the article Immediately apply print mark.

This object is achieved in a method for applying print marks on a along a transport direction with a predetermined conveying speed promoted article of the tobacco processing industry, in particular wrapping strips, preferably cigarette paper strips or a rod-shaped smoking article by means of a pressure element, wherein along the transport direction during the printing process, the relative speed between the printing element and the article is reduced, in that the printing element and / or the article are moved transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the transport direction, wherein the printing operation is transverse to the transport direction of the article. During the application of the print mark on the article, the printing image-generating printing element is (co-) moved in the transport direction of the conveyed article, so that during this co-movement of the printing element with the article takes place a secure printing of the print mark by the printing element. In contrast to the prior art, the material strip to be printed is no longer unrolled on the pressure roller, but the pressure element is also conveyed in the conveying direction of the material strip.

A uniform imprint is achieved in particular when the printing element and / or the article are moved transversely, in particular vertically, to the transport direction, the printing element and the article moving in the same transport direction. As a result, two directions of movement, in and across the direction of conveyance, are superimposed. For example, if the pressure element is guided perpendicular to the transport direction, the pressure element simultaneously exerts a lifting movement.

A secure imprint on the article is achieved by moving the printing element along the direction of transport at approximately the same or the same speed as the conveying speed of the article.

In particular, the pressure element and / or the article perform a forward and a backward movement transversely, in particular vertically, to the transport direction. As a result, for example, the pressure element is returned to its original position before the start of printing, so that the pressure element after a certain period of time or at equidistant intervals applies one or more printed image on the article.

In order to carry out the process as closely as possible or limited space in a machine, the article during the printing process, in particular looped, deflected, so that this leads to a compact design of the printing device. Due to the loop-shaped deflection, a larger transport path is covered.

It is particularly advantageous if the article is conveyed on a rotary body during the printing process, since the article with one side, i. unprinted side, rests on the rotating body and is printed from the other side.

In addition, the pressing member is guided on a rotary body, so that the relative speed to the article is low when the article is conveyed on the rotary body of the article.

Preferably, a plurality of print marks are printed on the article by means of the printing element, so that in addition to a brand name, for example, product-identifying numbers are printed on surfaces of the wrapping strip, which are covered at later gluing processes, for example, from the covering paper leaflets on the filter attachment machine. In addition, imprints can be applied to these areas in the seam area of the cigarettes in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the product.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the printing element is programmed with print data for the print mark or the print marks, so that a quick format change to the printing device without changing the printing element is possible. In the case of a format change on the cigarette rod making machine, therefore, a corresponding data record for the new format must be transmitted to the printing element, so that the new print for the new tobacco format to be produced is applied to the wrapping strip.

In one embodiment of the invention, the printing element is replaced after consumption of consumable material of the printing element, so that a quick change, for example, an empty printer cartridge is performed quickly.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the printing element is adjusted for the printing process, so that the printing element is easily adapted according to the requirements of the printed image and paper or other operating conditions for an impression.

The object is further achieved by means of a device for applying print marks to at least one article of the tobacco processing industry, preferably wrapping strips, in particular cigarette paper strips, or a rod-shaped smoking article, with a conveyed along a transport direction with a predetermined conveying speed article and with a pressure element, wherein the pressure element is movable during the printing operation along the transport direction of the article such that the relative speed between the printing element and the article is reduced, which is further developed in that the printing element and / or the article transversely, in particular perpendicular, are movable to the transport direction, wherein the printing operation takes place transversely to the transport direction of the article.

For this purpose, it is provided that the pressure element along the transport direction at an approximately the same or the same speed as the conveying speed of the article is movable.

In order to carry out a lifting movement during the application of the printed image, the printing element and / or the article are transversely, in particular vertically, movable forward and backward to the transport direction.

A space-saving printing device is achieved when a device for, in particular loop-shaped, deflection of the article is provided during the printing process.

For this purpose, it is advantageous if a rotary body is provided for conveying the article during the printing process.

In addition, a rotation body for the pressure element is advantageously provided.

Furthermore, it is preferred if a plurality of printing elements are provided, so that several portions of, for example, a wrapping paper strip are provided simultaneously and side by side with a printed image during the promotion of the article.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that at least one pressure element is programmable, so that is changed in a format change on a cigarette rod machine, the imprint on the cigarette paper strip in a simple manner. This eliminates a costly change, for example, a pressure roller according to the prior art with a new typeface.

If the printing ink is consumed in the printing element, it is preferred if at least one printing element is exchangeable. The replacement can be done automatically.

A preferred embodiment of the device is characterized in that at least one printing element applies a multicolored print mark to the article.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a machine of the tobacco processing industry, in particular cigarette rod machine or filter attachment machine, which is provided with a device according to the invention described above. The printing device according to the invention is preferably used on a cigarette rod machine for printing a wrapping strip. In addition, it is also possible by the printing device according to the invention to print individual ready-made filter cigarettes or other rod-shaped smoking article.

Fig.1

eine mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Druckeinrichtung ausgestattete Zigarettenstrangmaschine;

Fig. 2a bis 2c

verschiedene perspektivische Ansichten einer erfindungsgemäßen Druckeinrichtung;

Fig. 3a, 3b

schematische Ansichten der Vorderansicht und Seitenansicht einer Druckeinrichtung;

Fig. 4a, 4b

eine alternative Ausführungsform einer Druckeinrichtung in einer Vorder- und Seitenansicht;

Fig. 5

schematisch einen Ausschnitt eines bedruckten Umhüllungsstreifens und

Fig. 6a, 6b

schematisch eine Trommelanordnung in einer Zigarettenansetzmaschine in einer Vorderansicht und Seitenansicht.

The invention will now be described by way of example without limitation of the general inventive concept using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which are expressly referred to in the rest with respect to the disclosure of all in the text unspecified explained Einzeiheiten invention. Show it:

Fig.1

a cigarette rod machine equipped with a printing device according to the invention;

Fig. 2a to 2c

various perspective views of a printing device according to the invention;

Fig. 3a, 3b

schematic views of the front view and side view of a printing device;

Fig. 4a, 4b

an alternative embodiment of a printing device in a front and side view;

Fig. 5

schematically a section of a printed wrapping strip and

Fig. 6a, 6b

schematically a drum assembly in a cigarette slicer in a front view and side view.

In the figures, identical or similar elements or corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that a corresponding renewed idea is disregarded and only deviations of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in these figures from the first embodiment will be explained.

At the in Fig. 1 shown cigarette rod machine is fed from a lock 1 a pre-distributor 2 in portions with tobacco. A removal roller 3 of the pre-distributor 2 added controlled a reservoir 4 with tobacco, from which a steep conveyor 5 takes tobacco and fed a stowage 6 controlled.

From the storage shaft 6 takes a pin roller 7 a uniform stream of tobacco, which is knocked out by a rollover roller 8 of the pins of the pin roller 7 and thrown on a circulating at a constant speed spreading cloth 9. A tobacco fleece formed on the spreading cloth 9 is thrown into a sighting device 11, which consists essentially of an air curtain, the larger or heavier tobacco particles happen, while all other tobacco particles from the air in a funnel formed by a pin roller 12 and a wall 13 14th be steered.

From the pin roller 12, the tobacco is thrown into a tobacco channel 16 against a rope conveyor 17, where the tobacco held by means sucked into a vacuum chamber 18 air and a tobacco rod is aufauert.

An equalizer 19 removes excess tobacco from the tobacco rod, which is then placed on a run in synchronized cigarette paper strip 21. The cigarette paper strip 21 is withdrawn from a reel 22, passed through a printing device 23 and placed on a driven format tape 24. The format strip 24 transports the tobacco rod and the cigarette paper strip 21 through a format 26, in which the cigarette paper strip 21 is folded around the tobacco rod, so that still protrudes an edge which is glued in a known manner by a Glimapparat, not shown. Then the seam is closed and from a Tandemnahtplätte 27 dried.

A thus formed cigarette rod 28 passes through a strand density meter 29, which controls the Egalizer 19, and is cut by a knife apparatus 31 in double-length cigarettes 32. The doppeliangen cigarettes 32 are transferred from a controlled arms 33 having transfer device 34 of a transfer drum 36 of a Filteransetzmaschine 37, on the cutting drum 38, they are divided with a circular blade in single cigarettes.

Conveyor belts 39, 41 promote excess tobacco in a arranged from the reservoir 4 container 42, from which the recycled tobacco is removed from the vertical conveyor 5 again.

At the in Fig.1 only one cigarette rod is produced, so that this is a single-lane machine of the tobacco-processing industry. Accordingly, only one web of a cigarette paper strip is printed by means of the printing device 23 according to the invention.

In the in the FIGS. 2a to 2c shown printing device 230 two tracks of a material strip 210.1, 210.2 are provided with print marks for a double-strand machine. Of course it is possible to print on only one strip of material.

In the FIGS. 2a to 2c perspectively different views of the printing device 230 are shown.

The two strips of material 210.1, 210.2 are deflected parallel and side by side by means of two deflection rollers 50, 51, so that the material strips 210.1, 210.2 abut a rotating cylinder body 60 and wrap around the cylinder body 60 with a high degree of wrap. The deflection roller 51 is arranged on an arm 52, so that the strips of material 210.1, 210.2 are well tensioned and wrinkle-free on the lateral surface of the cylinder body 60.

Around the cylinder body 60, print heads 70 are arranged on a rotary body 71 at regular intervals. The rotating body 71 rotates in the same direction as the cylinder body 60. During rotation of the cylinder body 60 and the rotating body 71, the printing heads 70 are moved perpendicular to the direction of rotation so that printing marks are printed on the material strips 210.1, 210.2 during their lifting movement. During a complete revolution of the rotating body 71, a full lifting movement of the print head 70 is carried out with a forward and backward movement. During this forward and backward movement, the print marks are completely printed on the strips of material 210.1, 210.2.

As printheads, for example, inkjet printheads are used, the ink used in particular complies with state standards or tobacco regulations. In order to ensure a good ink flow, the ink in the container of the ink cartridges, in particular a regulated, pressure exerted, which counteracts the speed-dependent centrifugal forces. Between the atmosphere and the ink there is a membrane for this purpose.

According to the invention, it is provided that the rotational speed or the conveying speed of the printing heads 70 on the rotary body 71 and the material strips 210.1, 210.2 or the rotational speed of the cylinder body 60 are the same, so that there is no relative speed between the strips of material 210.1, 210.2 and the respective print heads 70. This ensures a secure printing of the print marks even at a high conveying speed of the material strips 210.1, 210.1.

By the lifting movement of the print heads 70 it is achieved that the transport path of the material strips 210.1, 210.2 and the print heads 70 lead past each other, since the print heads 70 are conveyed in their reversal point below the strips of material 210.1, 210.2 through and past.

After complete printing of the material strips 210.1, 210.2, the two strips of material 210.1, 210.2 are each fed via a deflection roller 53 to a tobacco rod on a double-lane cigarette rod machine.

With the regularly indicated cross strokes on the strip of material 210.1, 210.2, the lengths of a tobacco rod simple length are indicated in each case.

The print marks are applied to the mouth-side end of the material strips 210.1, 210.2 of the later-formed tobacco sticks of simple length. For this purpose, the contiguous print marks are printed mirror-inverted at the later interface of a double-length tobacco stick. For this purpose, the print heads 70 have two application points arranged next to one another.

In the FIGS. 3a, 3b are shown schematically in a front view and a side view of a printing device 23 for a one-lane material strip 21. In an analogous manner to the embodiment according to the FIGS. 2a to 2c is the strip of material 21 via the pulleys 50, 51 and 53 with a high wrap around the lateral surface of the cylinder body 60 led around. The printing process is carried out transversely to the transport direction, with the simultaneous use of multiple print heads 70, the time for the application of the printed image extended to a corresponding number of cigarette cycles.

In the context of the invention, it is also possible to arrange the print heads within the cylinder body 60, so that the application of the print marks on the strips of material takes place from the inside. In this case, the stroke to be executed by the printheads is lower, since in this case only the printing area has to be covered and the paper circulates outside on the lateral surface of the cylinder body 60.

In Fig. 3a With Roman numerals, the various work areas of the print heads are shown during their rotation and stroke during a complete rotation. In area I, a print head is guided next to the material strip 21, so that there is no printing in this area. In area II, a forward movement is carried out perpendicular to the plane and the print head 70 is guided laterally to the strip of material. Subsequently, in the region III while maintaining the direction of movement perpendicular from the plane of the material strip 21 printed. During the transition from region III to region IV, the print head has its end position and the reversal point for the total stroke H (see FIG. Fig. 3b ) reached. Subsequently, the printhead is moved back in area IV, wherein in this area IV also the cigarette paper 21 is printed. In area V, the printhead is retracted.

In the FIGS. 4a, 4b a further printing device 23 according to the invention is shown in a front and side view, wherein by means of a holder 54, the rollers 51, 52 perform the deflection of the cigarette paper strip 21. In this printing device 23, the print heads 70, the five working positions I to V on.

In addition to the application of a printed image, which can also be multicolored, further information or security information for the authenticity of a product can be printed.

In Fig. 5 schematically a portion of a cigarette paper strip 21 is shown, whose length corresponds to the length of two tobacco sticks. In the mouth-side area of the later tobacco sticks the printable area is hatched. Dashed line 121 represents the position of the later cutting edge of the tobacco sticks.

Since the print head 70 has a print width DB, the entire dashed area can be printed. In particular, it is possible to describe the overlapping area of a tipping paper leaflet and a tobacco rod. This area is designated by the reference numeral 122. Since the tipping paper leaflet is wrapped around this joint, the printed information on the cigarette or the manner of production, etc. is not visible. Further information about the authenticity or quality assurance may be provided near the tobacco rod seam by the printhead 70. This area is provided with the reference number 123.

In the in the FIGS. 2a to 4b shown printing devices 230, 23 are used as printing elements print heads 70 transversely or perpendicular to the transport direction of the material strips 210.1, 210.2, 21 moves. Within the scope of the invention, it is also possible that articles of the tobacco processing industry, for example rod-shaped Smoking articles, in particular filter cigarettes, are moved transversely to the transport direction. An example is in the Figures 6a and 6b shown schematically in a front and side view. The drum assembly 100 shown in these figures is for example present in a filter attachment machine.

In this case, filter cigarettes of simple use length 90 are transferred from a conveyor drum 101 to a conveyor drum 102. On this conveyor drum 102, the filter cigarettes 90 are moved transaxially and perpendicular to the transport direction and inserted into the receptacles 170 of a printing drum 160. This takes place in area II.

In the work areas III, IV imprints are applied to the cigarette paper of the filter cigarettes 90, wherein the transition from the work area III to work area IV, the filter cigarettes have reached their end point of the stroke H and reversal point. In work area IV, the filter cigarettes 90 are transported longitudinally in the opposite direction longitudinally, while the imprint on the filter cigarettes 90 is completed. In the work area V, the cigarettes are completely moved out of the receptacles of the printing drum 160 and transferred to a conveyor drum 103.

The printing drum 160 has individual print heads 170 whose number corresponds exactly to the number of recordings of the conveyor drum 102. The printing drum 160 moves at the same conveying speed as the conveying drum 102, so that there is no relative speed between the printing heads 170 and the inserted filter cigarettes 90.

The advantage achieved by the invention is that on articles of the tobacco processing industry on a clean print image the article is applied, wherein the articles are conveyed at a high conveying speed, for example in a cigarette rod maker or a filter attachment machine. In addition, multicolored print images can be realized on the articles.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

lock

2

preliminary distributor

3

out roller

4

reservoir

5

vertical conveyor

6

accumulating shaft

7

pin roll

8th

picker roller

9

stray cloth

11

OverviewAmenitiesPicture

13

tape

14

funnel

16

tobacco channel

17

line conveyor

18

Vacuum chamber

19

Egalisator

21

Cigarette paper strip

22

reel

23

print Setup

24

format tape

26

format

27

Tandemnahtplätte

28

cigarette rod

29

Strand density meter

31

knife apparatus

32

double-length cigarettes

33

poor

34

Transfer device

36

transfer drum

37

filter attachment

38

cutting drum

39

conveyor belt

41

conveyor belt

42

container

50

idler pulley

51

idler pulley

52

poor

54

bracket

12

pin roll

60

cylinder body

71

rotating body

90

filter cigarettes

100

barrel assembly

101

conveyor drum

102

conveyor drum

103

conveyor drum

121

intersection

122

overlap area

123

Area (tobacco stick seam)

160

print drum

170

printheads

210.1

strips of material

210.2

strips of material

230

print Setup

I

Workspace

II

Workspace

III

Workspace

IV

Workspace

V

Workspace

H

stroke

DB

print width

Claims (21)

1. Method of applying printed marks by means of a printing element (70, 170) onto an article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90) of the tobacco processing industry, in particular a wrapping strip (21, 210.1, 210.2), preferably a cigarette paper strip or a rod-shaped smoker's article (90), which is being fed at a predetermined feed rate along a conveying direction, wherein along the conveying direction during the printing operation the relative speed between the printing element (70, 170) and the article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90) is reduced, characterized in that the printing element (70, 170) and/or the article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90) are moved transversely of, in particular at right angles to, the conveying direction, wherein the printing operation is effected transversely of the conveying direction of the article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90).
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing element (70, 170) is moved along the conveying direction at an approximately identical rate or at the identical rate to the feed rate of the article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90).
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the printing element (70, 170) and/or the article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90) executes a forward- and a backward movement transversely of, in particular at right angles to, the conveying direction.
4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90) is deflected, in particular in a loop-shaped manner, during the printing operation.
5. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90) during the printing operation is fed on a rotational body (60).
6. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the printing element (70, 170) is guided on a rotational body (71, 170).
7. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that by means of the printing element (70, 170) a plurality of printed marks are printed onto the article (21, 210.1, 210.2).
8. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the printing element (70, 170) is programmed with printing data for the printed mark and/or printed marks.
9. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the printing element (70, 170) is exchanged after consumables of the printing element (70, 170) have been consumed.
10. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the printing element (70, 170) is adjusted for the printing operation.
11. Device (23, 230) for applying printed marks onto an article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90) of the tobacco processing industry, in particular a wrapping strip (21, 210.1, 210.2), preferably a cigarette paper strip or a rod-shaped smoker's article (90), comprising an article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90) that is fed at a predetermined feed rate along a conveying direction and comprising a printing element (70, 170), wherein the printing element (70, 170) during the printing operation is movable along the conveying direction of the article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90) in such a way that the relative speed between the printing element (70, 170) and the article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90) is reduced, characterized in that the printing element (70, 170) and/or the article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90) are movable transversely of, in particular at right angles to, the conveying direction, wherein the printing operation is effected transversely of the conveying direction of the article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90).
12. Device (23, 230) according to claim 11, characterized in that the printing element (70, 170) is movable along the conveying direction at an approximately identical rate or at the identical rate to the feed rate of the article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90).
13. Device (23, 230) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the printing element (70, 170) and/or the article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90) are movable forwards and backwards transversely, in particular at right angles.
14. Device (23, 230) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that a device is provided for deflecting the article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90), in particular in a loop-shaped manner, during the printing operation.
15. Device (23, 230) according to one or more of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that a rotational body (60, 102) is provided for feeding the article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90) during the printing operation.
16. Device (23, 230) according to one or more of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that a rotational body (71, 160) is provided for the printing element (70, 170).
17. Device (23, 230) according to one or more of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that a plurality of printing elements (70, 170) are provided.
18. Device (23, 230) according to one or more of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that at least one printing element (70, 170) is programmable.
19. Device (23, 230) according to one or more of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that at least one printing element (70, 170) is exchangeable.
20. Device (23, 230) according to one or more of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that at least one printing element (70, 170) applies a multi-coloured printed mark onto the article (21, 210.1, 210.2; 90).
21. Machine of the tobacco processing industry, in particular a cigarette rope machine or a filter attachment machine, having a device (23, 230) according to one or more of claims 11 to 20.

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