EP1911361A1 - Tobacco packaging and system consisting of tobacco packaging and tamping machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The package (3) has a tobacco discharge opening, and an adapter (7) arranged at the tobacco discharge opening. The adapter attaches the package at a complementary adapter (5) of a tobacco feeding opening and/or a tobacco retaining chamber (9) of a stuffing machine (1). The package has a plastic or a foil material, a cardboard material and a coated cardboard material. A removable lock (11), in particular a lock for hermetically sealing the package, is arranged at the discharge opening. An independent claim is also included for a tobacco package stuffing machine system.

Description

The invention relates to a tobacco packaging and a system of a tobacco packaging and a tamping machine. Specifically, the present invention is in the field of self-manufacture of smoking articles also called make-your-own smoking articles (hereafter referred to as MYO smoking articles). Such smoking articles are usually cigarettes or filter cigarettes. MYO-smoking articles are produced by the consumer himself, usually by portioning loose tobacco by hand, distributing it as homogeneously as possible in the receiving space of a tamping machine and then transferring it into a cigarette tube with the aid of the tamping machine (stuffing device). This inevitably produces cigarettes that differ significantly from the quality of a factory cigarette; There are fluctuating stuffing densities over the cigarette length and fluctuating amounts of tobacco per cigarette. In addition, the hygienic production is not always guaranteed by the manual handling of the tobacco, and tobacco crumb losses are unavoidable.

From the DE 20 2005 012 273 U1 a MYO stuffing device is known in which over the tobacco receiving area an edge is arranged to prevent the falling of tobacco crumbs.

The DE 34 15 391 A1 describes a tobacco pouch on which a tool for turning cigarettes is attached. A tamping machine is not used.

In the DE 33 12 433 A1 a device is presented, which dips into the tobacco stock during cigarette production and takes the tobacco itself.

From the DE 33 19 195 A1 a Tabakstopfgerät with two reservoirs is known, which can be attached to the stuffing device. One of the reservoirs is a tobacco container that can be closed by means of the closed bottom of the stuffing device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tobacco package which ensures that tobacco can be optimally fed to a tobacco tamping machine so as to produce high quality MYO smoking articles or cigarettes. Also, the system according to the present invention comprising a tobacco packaging and a stuffing machine is intended to be provided for this purpose.

The stated object is achieved by a tobacco packaging according to claim 1 and by a system of tobacco packaging and tamping machine according to claim 23. The subclaims define preferred embodiments of the invention.

The advantages of the solution according to the invention lie in the provision of the adapter for attaching the tobacco packaging to a complementary adapter of the tobacco introduction opening or the tobacco receiving chamber of a tamping machine. In other words, the present invention makes it possible to directly connect a commercially available closed tobacco package with tobacco contained therein without further aids to a stuffing machine, and this possibility is provided by the provision of the adapter. The tobacco can be so portioned without contact by hand and in homogeneous distribution in the tamping machine, so that under hygienic conditions, a high quality smoke product can be produced. Because the adapter can be provided in different designs, but always suitable for a particular tamping machine, a variety of applications are conceivable, and the invention allows easy and quick handling with reproducible success.

The tobacco packaging may comprise a plastic or sheet material, a cardboard material or a coated cardboard material and have a cuboid or box shape. It may be rigid or flexible, and preferably it is a sealed package which is provided as a complete unit together with the adapter and in this form is easy to handle and distribute.

• eine Perforation;
• einen Greifabschnitt, der von der Tabak-Ausbringöffnung vorsteht oder an der Verpackung ablösbar angebracht ist;
• einen Angriff für ein Öffnungsmittel einer Stopfmaschine.

In the case of an embodiment variant, a removable closure can be arranged on the tobacco discharge opening, in particular a closure which hermetically closes off the packaging and ensures that the tobacco remains fresh. The closure may be configured as a one-way closure, or as a closure that provides resealability. It will preferably substantially form the closure of the package on the side of the tobacco discharge opening. According to a preferred embodiment, the closure has an opening aid, in particular at least one of the following opening aids:

• a perforation;
• a gripping portion projecting from the tobacco discharge opening or removably attached to the package;
• an attack for an opening means of a tamping machine.

It is possible within the scope of the invention to design the closure so that it can be pulled off substantially parallel to the surface of the tobacco discharge opening, in particular by removing the closure from a guide at the tobacco discharge opening or by severing or tearing it off edge areas. This results in advantages when the closure is to be opened only after placing the tobacco packaging on the tamping machine, because it is practically pulled out sideways. Above the closure, in particular at the tobacco discharge opening, according to an embodiment variant of the invention, an airtight seal can still be arranged, especially in the case of a perforated closure. The seal can also cover the entire Packaging in all cases, the freshness of the tobacco contained in the tobacco packaging is guaranteed.

As regards the adapter to the tobacco package of the present invention, it may substantially comprise the edge of the tobacco dispensing opening, including the edge of the tobacco dispensing opening substantially to the area from which the closure is removable, or the edge of the tobacco dispensing opening essentially at discrete breakpoints or stop lines. It is important that the adapter allows a proper grip and a proper arrangement of the tobacco packaging.

• eine Gleitführungskomponente;
• einen Steg, der in einer Schiene oder einer Nut aufnehmbar ist;
• eine Schiene oder Nut, die einen Steg aufnehmen kann;
• ein Rastmittel;
• ein lösbares Haftmittel;
• ein Kipp-Rastverschluss.

The adapter may comprise a connection component of a detachable connection, and in particular one of the following connection components may be used:

• a sliding guide component;
• a web which is receivable in a rail or a groove;
• a rail or groove that can receive a web;
• a locking means;
• a releasable adhesive;
• a tilting snap fastener.

The above-mentioned web can also be profiled, so for example have a T-profile, the rail would of course be designed according to and complementary.

In order to ensure the positionally correct arrangement of the adapter on a tamping machine, the adapter is preferably assigned a positioning aid, in particular a positioning engagement component, such as an engagement, a stop or a hinge or a hinge component. It is possible to provide the adapter with an attack or contour for engaging a moving device, to which reference will be made later.

In a special embodiment, the adapter forms part of the packaging, in particular an integral part of the packaging, especially a fold-out part of a compact packaging. In this case, the fold-out part may be the remainder of a packaging side of the packaging which can be separated over the tobacco discharge opening. This design is of particular advantage, since the packaging for distribution can initially be kept very compact and the adapter is formed only during use.

Adapter and closure may also be a unit, in particular an integral unit, if, for example, the adapter forms part of the closure or is malleable from a part of the closure, in particular when the closure is opened, a part that remains stationary can be formed into the adapter.

In a further embodiment of the tobacco packaging according to the invention, a feed element is provided on it or in it in order to advance the tobacco in the direction of the tobacco discharge opening, and the advancing element can embrace the rear part of the tobacco remote from the tobacco discharge opening and, for example, as one from outside the packaging of tangible slide be designed. In another possible form, the advancing element has a flat web element which at least partially surrounds the tobacco and has a gripping tab which protrudes from the packaging at the tobacco discharge opening or in the region of the tobacco discharge opening. By pulling on the grip tab, the tobacco is thus conveyed to the discharge opening, and if labels are attached to the web element indicating the amount of tobacco removed or contained, the user advantageously knows how many cigarettes he can still produce.

The tobacco packaging tamping system of the present invention comprises a tobacco package as described above in various embodiments, and a cigarette tamping machine having a complementary adapter counterpart for the adapter of the tobacco package at the tobacco introduction opening and the tobacco receiving chamber, respectively.

The tobacco packaging, as described above, is an inventive and self-releasable product, and its adapter allows attachment to a complementary tamping machine and thus creates already optimized uses. In conjunction with the cigarette stuffing machine described, the invention can be used even more advantageously, and of course the entire system again has the advantages that have already been listed above for the tobacco packaging.

In this case, the adapter counterpart engages the adapter in a preferred embodiment in such a way that a substantially closed, a tobacco failure preventing connection between the tobacco packaging and the tobacco-introducing opening or the tobacco-receiving chamber is formed.

• die Gleitführungskomponente;
• den Steg, der in einer Schiene oder einer Nut aufnehmbar ist;
• die Schiene oder Nut, die einen Steg aufnehmen kann;
• das Rastmittel;
• das lösbares Haftmittel;
• die Positionierungshilfe;
• den Kipp-Rastverschluss.

Also, the opening of the closure can be optimized by a suitable design, for example, if the adapter counterpart has a separating device for the closure of the package, the severing device opens the closure especially when connecting adapter and adapter counterpart, subtracts or removable. Embodiments of the invention are designed such that the adapter counterpart has a complementary counterpart for the following elements of the packaging:

• the sliding guide component;
• the bridge, which is receivable in a rail or a groove;
• the rail or groove that can receive a web;
• the locking means;
• the releasable adhesive;
• the positioning aid;
• the tilting snap fastener.

It has already been indicated above that in a preferred embodiment the adapter has an attack or a contour for the engagement of a movement device. In a complementary manner, the tamping machine or the adapter counterpart a movement device have, which is engageable with this attack or this contour of the adapter in engagement to position the tobacco packaging on the tamping machine. Such a positioning may be that the package is attached by means of the adapter to the tamping machine and transferred by the moving device in its final position where the tobacco is handed over.

In general, the tobacco packaging can be set by means of the adapter and the adapter counterpart above the tobacco insertion opening, so that the tobacco can fall into the tobacco receptacle of the tamping machine by the influence of gravity. But it is also possible to set the tobacco pack in a different position on the tobacco-introducing opening, for example laterally, in which case then also already mentioned above feed element is used to promote the tobacco to the discharge opening. Basically, of course, a mounting from below is possible.

The adapter and the adapter counterpart are preferably designed in such a form that only one adapter form fits an adapter counterpart shape and produces an effective connection. It is thus ensured that optimal smoke products can be produced by an optimal match between packaging and stuffing machine.

As for the tobacco used, which is housed in a package according to the present invention, it is useful to distinguish between two sets of application concepts, although the invention is not limited thereto. These two groups are packaging and systems for loose tobacco, on the one hand, and packaging and systems for tobacco units, for example, hereinafter referred to as tobacco cubes.

Under loose tobacco should be understood in this application tobacco, which was added in bulk in a packaging container and was compressed neither before nor after the packaging process on the compression by its own weight addition.

A tobacco cuboid, in contrast, has a, in particular homogeneous, tobacco density which is higher than the bulk density of loose tobacco but not substantially different from that of the finished cigarette, in particular the tobacco density of the tobacco cuboid is not higher than twice as high as in the finished cigarette and not lower than half as high as the finished cigarette. Preferably, a tobacco cuboid having a tobacco density close to that of the finished cigarette is used.

The tobacco cuboid advantageously has a height and width that correspond to the dimensions of the finished cigarette, i. the height of the tobacco cuboid corresponds to the diameter and the width of the tobacco cuboid corresponds to the length of the tobacco rod of the finished cigarette. With almost identical tobacco density of the tobacco cuboid and the finished cigarette, the corresponding dimensions are also correspondingly nearly identical. However, if the tobacco density of the tobacco cuboid deviates up or down from that of the finished cigarette, this is compensated by the corresponding adjustments of the height or width of the tobacco cuboid to produce a cigarette with good quality. The length of the tobacco cuboid corresponds to the number of portions of the multi-portion amount of tobacco in the tobacco cuboid. Preferably, the length is adjusted so that an integer number of tobacco portions is contained in the tobacco cuboid. In particular, the number of tobacco portions should be greater than 5.

The tobacco cuboid has a homogeneous tobacco density, which preferably does not specify structuring. In particular, no string-like pre-portions are present. However, it is conceivable that the tobacco cuboid at the corresponding parts of the length of the tobacco cuboid predetermines perforations of the tobacco, without the tobacco cuboid is thereby divided. Such perforations can be introduced by various methods. Particularly conceivable are knives, knife disks or water jet cutting methods. These perforations serve to facilitate the separation of a tobacco portion of the remaining tobacco cuboid.

The tobacco cuboid should preferably hold together by inherent forces. For long-fiber tobacco slices, this is easily achieved by the length of the fibers. In the case of short-fiber tobacco slices, this can be achieved by adapting the casing materials. If necessary, the surface of the tobacco cuboid can be treated accordingly, in particular sprayed.

Figur 1

ein erfindungsgemäßes Tabakverpackungs-Stopfmaschinen-System in einer Ausführungsform für losen Tabak;

Figur 2

ein Ausführungsbeispiel für eine Tabakverpackung, die insbesondere bei einem System gemäß Anspruch 1 verwendet werden kann;

Figur 3

ein Detail des ausformbaren Adapters der Verpackung gemäß Figur 2;

Figur 4

einen Längsschnitt durch eine Tabakverpackung beim Abziehen ihres Verschlusses;

Figur 5

eine weitere Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems für losen Tabak;

Figur 6

verschiedene Ansichten einer Tabakverpackung gemäß Figur 5;

Figur 7

die Verarbeitung des losen Tabaks mit einem System nach Figur 5 in verschiedenen Schritten;

Figur 8

eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Tabakverpackung gemäß der Erfindung;

Figur 9

eine luftdichte bzw. Vakuum-Verpackung;

Figur 10

eine Weiterentwicklung der Ausführungsform nach Figur 8;

Figur 11

eine Weiterentwicklung der Ausführungsform nach Figur 10;

Figur 12

eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems zur Verwendung mit einem Tabakquader;

Figur 13

alternative Gestaltungen für die Verpackung mit unterschiedlichen Tabakvorschüben und Adaptern;

Figur 14

eine andere Ausführungsform der Tabakverpackung gemäß Figur 12;

Figur 15

eine Tabakverpackung mit einem Kunststoff-Folienschlauch als Außenversiegelung;

Figur 16

eine weitere Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Systems mit einer Bewegungseinrichtung für die Tabakverpackung;

Figur 17

Einzelheiten der Tabakverpackung gemäß Figur 16;

Figur 18

eine weitere Ausgestaltung einer erfindungsgemäßen Tabakverpackung als Flow-Pack;

Figur 19

eine Ausgestaltung einer erfindungsgemäßen Tabakverpackung als Blister-Verpackung;

Figur 20

Details der Verpackung gemäß Figur 19;

Figur 21

eine Weiterentwicklung der Tabakverpackung aus Figur 19;

Figur 22

ein erfindungsgemäßes System mit eingeschobener Tabakverpackung mit zugehörigen Schnittansichten für die jeweiligen Arbeitsschritte;

Figur 23

die Verwendung einer Blister-Verpackung in einem erfindungsgemäßen System;

Figur 24

ein erfindungsgemäßes System, bei dem die Abtrenn- und Überführungseinheit der Stopfmaschine beweglich ist; und

Figur 25

ein erfindungsgemäßes System mit getrennter Abtrennung und Formgebung für eine Tabakportion.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to various embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. It may include all of the features described herein individually and in any convenient combination, and may also be defined in terms of process or use. In the drawings show:

FIG. 1

an inventive tobacco packaging tamping system in a loose tobacco embodiment;

FIG. 2

an embodiment of a tobacco packaging, which can be used in particular in a system according to claim 1;

FIG. 3

a detail of the deformable adapter of the package of Figure 2;

FIG. 4

a longitudinal section through a tobacco packaging when peeling off its closure;

FIG. 5

another embodiment of a loose tobacco system according to the invention;

FIG. 6

different views of a tobacco packaging according to Figure 5;

FIG. 7

the processing of the loose tobacco with a system of Figure 5 in different steps;

FIG. 8

another embodiment of a tobacco packaging according to the invention;

FIG. 9

an air-tight or vacuum packaging;

FIG. 10

a further development of the embodiment of Figure 8;

FIG. 11

a further development of the embodiment of Figure 10;

FIG. 12

an embodiment of a system according to the invention for use with a tobacco cuboid;

FIG. 13

alternative designs for packaging with different tobacco feeds and adapters;

FIG. 14

another embodiment of the tobacco packaging according to Figure 12;

FIG. 15

a tobacco package with a plastic film tube as an outer seal;

FIG. 16

a further embodiment of the system according to the invention with a movement device for the tobacco packaging;

FIG. 17

Details of the tobacco packaging according to FIG. 16;

FIG. 18

a further embodiment of a tobacco packaging according to the invention as a flow pack;

FIG. 19

an embodiment of a tobacco packaging according to the invention as a blister packaging;

FIG. 20

Details of the packaging according to FIG. 19;

FIG. 21

a further development of the tobacco packaging of Figure 19;

FIG. 22

an inventive system with inserted tobacco packaging with associated sectional views for the respective steps;

FIG. 23

the use of a blister pack in a system according to the invention;

FIG. 24

an inventive system in which the separating and transfer unit of the tamping machine is movable; and

FIG. 25

an inventive system with separate separation and shaping for a tobacco serving.

Examples of embodiments for use preferably with loose tobacco.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a system with loose tobacco. In Figure 1 a, a stuffing machine 1 is shown schematically; only the part of the guide 5, which forms an adapter on the tamping machine, is important to the invention. Before that, a tobacco package 3 is shown. In the tamping machine 1, the guide 5 is shown, which is arranged directly above a tobacco-introducing opening or the tobacco receiving chamber 9. At the tobacco packaging 3, a guide counterpart 7 is arranged on the underside, which forms an adapter on the tobacco packaging. Guide 5 and guide counterpart 7 are designed so that they fit exactly to each other. In this embodiment, both are of convergent cut. If the tobacco packaging 3 is inserted into the tamping machine 1 in the direction of the arrow, it reaches the desired position above the tobacco receiving space (the tobacco receiving chamber 9) precisely when the end position is reached, as shown in FIG. On the underside of the tobacco packaging 3 is a peelable closure 11, which closes the contents against the environment. In order to access the tobacco in the tobacco package 3 for use in the tamping machine 1, the peelable closure 11 is removed, as shown in Figure 1 c.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the tobacco packaging 3 from FIG. 1 in detail. In particular, a way is shown to make the guide counterpart 7 so that the entire tobacco packaging 3 retains a cuboidal basic shape, which is helpful for the transport of such tobacco packaging.

For better illustration, the bottom of Figure 1 is now shown above. On a narrow side, a fold-out portion 13 is provided, which can be folded out and serves as a gripping portion or grip tab to remove a protective strip 15. As a result, two foldable tabs 17a and 17b are visible, which are unfolded and together with the thickness of the tobacco packaging 3 form the guide counterpart 7 for the guide 5. Under the foldable tabs 17a and 17b of the peelable closure 11 can be seen.

In Figure 3 is shown in more detail in three letters a-c, as evidenced by the removal of the protective strip 15 and the associated breaking up of the perforations, the foldable tabs 17 a and b only.

FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal section through the tobacco packaging 3, with the peelable closure 11 being removed from the tobacco packaging 3 in steps a-d, thereby releasing the loose tobacco 19 from the tobacco packaging 3.

The tobacco packaging 3 can be made, among other things in this embodiment, both of a plastic or film material as well as cardboard. However, other materials are also conceivable within the meaning of the invention, e.g. coated cartons, such as B. in beverage packaging use.

FIG. 5 shows a total of five illustrations (ae) of another embodiment of the invention for loose tobacco. The tobacco packaging 3 is shown above a tamping machine 1. The tobacco packaging 3 is not inserted into the stuffing machine 1, but has been placed over a guide 5. The adapter connection has been realized with a tilting axis 21 in this embodiment. Accordingly, a guide counterpart 7 is arranged on the underside of the tobacco packaging 3 in order to enable tilting about the tilting axis 21. As shown in FIG. 5 b, especially in enlarged detail, the tobacco packaging 3 can be tilted downwards, and it is preferably held in a lower end position by an automatically snap-fastening mechanism 23 (snap closure). An analog shutter mechanism is provided on the corresponding side of the tobacco package 3. In FIG. 5c, the tobacco packaging 3 is tilted further downwards and knives 25 separate the seal 27 of the tobacco packaging 3 by the tilting movement. In FIG. 5d this is clarified once more in a sectional view rotated by 90 °. FIG. 5e shows how the seal 27 is pulled out and thus the loose tobacco is released.

FIG. 6 shows by way of example an embodiment of the tobacco packaging 3 from FIG. The tobacco packaging 3 is preferably made of a plastic body in which the counterparts 29 are already provided for the closure mechanism 23. On the underside, Figure 6b, the seal 27 can be seen, which can be separated by the knife 25 (Figure 5d) along the dotted lines and then withdrawn.

In Figure 7 is shown in individual representations (a-d) as an example of this embodiment, as the further processing of the loose tobacco 19 can take place. This can be transferred analogously to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1-4.

The tobacco packaging 3 (illustration 7a) connected to the tamping machine 1 is already open and ready to deliver the loose tobacco 19. By operating the slider 31, a tobacco receiving chamber 9 is released, so that the state of the representation 7b is achieved. The loose tobacco 19 falls, funded mainly by its own weight, in the tobacco receiving chamber 9 and fills it in the area below the tobacco packaging 3. Pressing the slide 31 again by pushing it back in, the loose tobacco 19 in the direction of the overpass pushed and compacted (illustration 7c). Tobacco fibers located at the boundary between the tobacco receiving chamber 9 and the tobacco package 3 are sheared by the slider 31. To facilitate this process, 9 specially designed edges or knives may be provided on the slide and / or on the housing of the tobacco receiving chamber. The final density reaches the tobacco when the slider 31 is back to its original position. The tobacco rod is then shaped and may be transferred into the cigarette tube by known means, such as a spoon-shaped pusher, as seen in Figure 7d.

The dimension of the tobacco packaging, in particular its width and length define the cross section in which loose tobacco falls into the tobacco receiving chamber 9. The height of the tobacco receiving chamber 9 defines the third dimension, and hence the volume of loose tobacco per cigarette. Preferably, the height of the tobacco receiving chamber 9 is approximately equal to the diameter of the finished cigarette. Advantageously, the length of the tobacco receiving chamber 9 as well as the length of the tobacco package 3 is approximately equal to the length of the finished tobacco rod of the cigarette. Thus, the width of the tobacco packaging ultimately defines the amount of loose tobacco 19 falling into the tobacco receiving chamber 9. This width can be adapted to the properties of the loose tobacco 19, in particular its loose bulk density, to arrive at the finished smoking article with the proper stuffing density.

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of the invention. The tobacco packaging 3 is placed or pushed onto the tamping machine 1. For this purpose, the tobacco packaging 3 has a U-shaped peripheral edge as a guide counterpart 7, which cooperates with a guide 5 on the tamping machine 1. In the simplest, drawn here variant leadership and leadership have no other profile but are formed web-like. However, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the guide can also be expanded and improved by a T-shaped or dovetailed guide as well as many other complementary shapes. For closing the tobacco packaging 3, a removable closure 11 is provided in the region of the U-shaped guide, which can be pulled off to open the tobacco packaging 3.

The tobacco packaging 3 is shown in Figure 8 as a rectangular plastic cap. However, a vacuum packaging is conceivable as shown for example in Figure 9 in the illustrations ad. In this embodiment, the guide counterpart 7 has a T-shaped profiling. In order to maintain the negative pressure in the tobacco packaging 3, it makes sense to attach an additional seal 27 on the peelable closure 11, otherwise a vacuum would not be maintained because of the perforations 33.

FIG. 10a-c shows a further development of the embodiment from FIG. In particular, the peelable closure 11 is replaced by a removable closure 35. This closure has a nose 37 which wedges when placed on the cigarette tamping machine at the edge of the guide 5, and (as clearly visible in the partial section of Figure 11), is held back when pushed, so the tobacco packaging 3 opens and the loose tobacco 19 free gives.

FIG. 11 shows a further development of the embodiment from FIG. 10 in four steps a-d. In this embodiment, the nose 37 is not quite attached to the foremost edge of the retractable closure 35, but further inside. Furthermore, the stuffing device is provided with a spur 39 which punctures the push-off closure 35 when placing the tobacco packaging 3 on the guide 5 of the stuffing machine 1 and pushes it off when the tobacco packaging is pushed on further. Preferably, the tobacco packaging is designed so that there is room for the deported closure 35 to be received.

Examples of embodiments for use preferably with compacted tobacco cubes.

Some of the examples of loose tobacco use described above may be directly transferred by the skilled artisan to use with tobacco cubes.

However, if you choose, for example, embodiments of the invention in which the tobacco is not supplied from above but from the side, a promotion by gravity is no longer possible. In these cases, the use of tobacco cuboids is more appropriate, although some of the embodiments may be adapted by the skilled person for use with loose tobacco.

In Fig. 12, u.a. in the partial view a an embodiment of the invention shown. A stuffing machine 1 has a guide 5, which is suitable for receiving the tobacco packaging 3 with the guide counterpart 7. By means of a gripping tab 41, a tobacco cuboid 43 can be pushed out of the tobacco packaging 3. The tobacco cuboid 43 thus enters the compression chamber of a conventional tamping machine and is sheared off by the stuffing machine cover 45 from the remaining tobacco cubes and formed into a tobacco rod. The transfer of the tobacco rod is again by conventional means such as spoons (not shown).

In illustration b of FIG. 12b, a possible design of the tobacco packaging 3 is shown. On a narrow side of the guide counterpart 7 is attached to the closing of the tobacco packaging 3, a peelable closure 11 is applied. In Figure 12c, the function of the handle 41 is shown. After peeling off the closure 11, this is palpable by the consumer (shown here a little longer). However, the gripping tab 41 continues inside the tobacco packaging 3 as a web-like advancing element and comprises the rear end of the tobacco cuboid 43 in this embodiment in the form of a U-fold. If the consumer pulls on the pull tab 41, the tobacco cuboid 43 is pulled out of the tobacco pack 3. As can be seen very clearly in this illustration, the guide counterpart 7 is an asymmetrical guide, which only allows the tobacco packaging 3 to be inserted into the guide 5 in one way. This is preferred, since it is thus ensured that the consumer can operate the grip tab 41 even after insertion into the guide 5 of the tamping machine 1.

The material of the grip tab 41 and also the entire web-like feed element can be both plastic and cardboard or stiffer paper.

Representations a and b of FIG. 13 show alternative configurations of the guide counterparts 7. However, many others are skilled in the art Shapes conceivable that can be used in the context of the invention. In addition, it can be seen in FIG. 13 a that in one possible embodiment the gripping tab can also be guided through an aperture 47. Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide markings 49 on the web element of the grip tabs, which represents the consumption of the tobacco cuboid or its residual quantity either by symbols or by legible lettering.

FIG. 14 shows a further development of the tobacco packaging 3 from FIGS. 12 to 13, but the representation of a guide counterpart has been dispensed with, since any shape described above can be used. The essence of the further development is that the grip tab is replaced by a slider 51, which can be operated through a breakthrough 47 in the tobacco packaging. In the partial view 14 a of the slider is designed so that it surrounds the tobacco cuboid 43 on the rear side U-shaped. By pushing the slider 51 to the open side of the tobacco package 3 and the tobacco cuboid 43 is conveyed to the open side. However, it is also conceivable that, as shown in Figure 14 b, the slider is designed so that an elastic slider tongue 53 is deflected at the back of the package and from the back of the tobacco cuboid 43 is supported. If the slide 51 is pushed from the open side of the tobacco packaging 3 to the rear, the tobacco cuboid is conveyed to the open side by the deflection of the slide tongue 53.

In both sub-figures 14a and 14b 47 markings 49 are shown in the breakthrough, which reflect the consumption of tobacco. The marking distances preferably correspond to an integer multiple of the quantity of tobacco for a cigarette, in particular exactly one cigarette. In a further preferred embodiment, the slider 51 engages in the markings 49 and thus defines for the consumer mechanically and sensory the amount of a cigarette.

The described tobacco packages 3 from FIGS. 12-14 can also be produced from different materials: plastic, cardboard, coated cardboard, etc.

However, a special embodiment should still be illustrated in FIGS. 15a and 15b. There, the tobacco packaging 3 is configured with a plastic film tube. At both ends the tube is welded at 55. Opening means may be provided on the openable side (e.g., notches or tear tapes) or, as indicated, a marker for slicing the tobacco package 3. The tobacco package 3 is provided with, in particular welded, guide counterparts 7, here formed in T-shape. The promotion of the tobacco cuboid 43 can again be done by a gripping tab 41.

FIG. 16 shows in partial representations a-d a further embodiment of the invention. In the guide 5 of the tamping machine 1, a tobacco packaging 3 is introduced with the guide counterpart 7. In this case, the tobacco packaging in the use state substantially represents a frame 59 around the tobacco cuboid 43. In this case, the guide counterpart is shown as a wavy web on both sides of the frame. The tobacco cuboid 43 in the frame-like tobacco packaging is moved by a feed wheel 57. Through the stuffing machine lid 45, a part of the tobacco cuboid is separated and transferred to the pressing chamber of a conventional stuffing machine in which the tobacco rod is molded and fed by conventional means, e.g. a spoon, into the cigarette tube is transferred. Preferably, the wavy web of the guide counterpart 7 is designed so that in cooperation with the feed wheel 57, a mechanical screening is felt, which corresponds to the feed for the amount of tobacco for a cigarette. In addition to this preferred embodiment of the guide counterpart 7, the effect of conveying and portioning can also be achieved by indentations, perforated strips, webs, beads, etc.

In FIGS. 17a and 17b, the tobacco packaging 3 according to the invention is shown again in greater detail. To the tobacco cuboid is a frame part 59 with the guide counterpart 7. On the top there is a film as peelable closure 11. On the bottom is located in this Embodiment a mitrauchbares nonwoven 61, which completes the tobacco packaging 3 and also supports the tobacco cuboid 43 down. Before inserting the tobacco packaging 3 in the guide 5 of the tamping machine 1, the film of the upper peelable closure 11 is removed. By closing the Stopfmaschinenoberteils both a part of the tobacco cuboid 43 and a part of the mitrauchbaren nonwoven 61 is transferred into the tobacco press chamber. If this is not desirable for reasons of taste, it is also possible to replace the mitrauchbare nonwoven 61 by a likewise peelable film. It is then only necessary to provide a corresponding support surface on the tamping machine, as after the removal of the film, the supporting effect down no longer exists.

In Figure 18, in the views A and B, a further embodiment of the tobacco packaging 3 is shown, which comes close to that of Figure 15. Here, the guide counterparts 7 are not shown, since only the body of the tobacco packaging should be discussed here. The tobacco packaging 3 is designed here as a flow pack. The tobacco packaging can be opened by means of a peelable closure 11. As a result, the consumer can grip a gripping tab 41 and pull the tobacco cuboid 43 out of the tobacco packaging 3. Similar to the above-mentioned embodiments, differently shaped guide counterparts 7 may be applied (stuck, welded, etc.) to the package.

The representations A and B of Figure 19 show a further embodiment of the tobacco packaging according to the invention 3. The tobacco packaging 3 is realized here as a blister packaging. The parts which make up the packaging are to be seen: the blisters 63 with the guide counterparts 7, an airtight sealing foil 65 and, in between, a perforated insert paper 67 with a gripping tab 41 attached thereto.

The function of the elements of the tobacco packaging 3 of FIG. 19 become clearer in FIG. In blister 63 a tobacco cuboid 43 is inserted. On the underside of the blister is closed by the airtight sealing film 65. The tobacco cuboid 43 is surrounded by the perforated insert paper 67 and the handle 41 U-shaped. The airtight sealing film 65 can be opened on one side, whereby the front end of the grip tab 41 becomes tangible (illustration a). By pulling on the grip tab 41, perforations of the perforated insert paper 67 are broken and the tobacco cuboid 43 is conveyed to the open side (illustration b and c). Preferably, the perforations of the perforated insert paper 67 are designed so that with each perforation, which is broken a conveyor line is released, which corresponds to the amount of tobacco for a cigarette.

FIG. 21 shows a further development of the tobacco packaging from FIG. 19. In it, the blister 63 is provided with a perforation 69, which can be broken in order to grip the grip 41. In this case, however, it is advantageous to provide a seal 71 over the perforation in order to store the tobacco cuboid 43 in a sealed atmosphere until it is used.

In FIGS. 12-15, the tobacco packages 3 are each fed in a similar manner from the side of the stuffing device 1. A possible, preferred embodiment of the mode of operation and the construction of the stuffing device 1 will be clarified again below. FIG. 22 shows, in the representations a to f, a spatial representation of the stuffing device and next to it a section along the longest axis of the tobacco cuboid 43 and across the tobacco rod to be produced (a-d) or parallel to the stuffing direction (e-f). On the representation of the leadership counterparts was omitted here.

FIG. 22 a shows the inserted tobacco packaging 3. By pulling on the grip tab 41, the tobacco cuboid 43 is pushed forward and portioned, for example, by a stop on the housing of the stuffing device 1 (FIG. 22 b).

By closing the stuffing machine cover 45, the portioned amount of tobacco is separated from the tobacco cuboid 43 and formed as a tobacco rod. (Figure 22c + d). Finally, a filter cigarette sleeve 73 is attached (Figure 22 e) and transferred by a known sliding mechanism of the molded tobacco rod into the filter cigarette tube (Figure 22f).

An inventive stuffing device 1 for the use of a blister pack is shown in Figure 23a-c. The opened tobacco package 3 is inserted with the guide counterparts 7 in the guide 5 of the tamping machine 1 and pushed into the processing position. Especially with this packaging type, it is possible and useful to provide an additional locking bolt 75, which positions the tobacco packaging 3 in the tamping machine. The further processing is carried out essentially in a known manner and as described for Figure 22.

So far, all stuffing devices have been shown so that moves the tobacco cuboid to the transfer. For the purposes of the invention, however, it is also possible that the tobacco cuboid is no longer moved after the introduction into the stuffing device, but the separating and transfer unit shifts in each case by the distance that corresponds to a tobacco portion. This mechanism is shown schematically in FIG. 24, where the individual steps in the illustrations a-c become recognizable. Again, the representation of the leadership counterparts 7 has been omitted.

Finally, it is also within the meaning of the invention also possible to use a stuffing device 1, which can be done the separation of the tobacco portion and the shaping in two steps and by separate device parts. This is shown in Figures 25 a to f in various stages and in perspective and associated sectional view. A cutting wheel 77 separates tobacco from the tobacco cuboid 43 and this is transferred after the opening of the stuffing machine lid in the press chamber and formed into a strand.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1:

tamping machine

3:

tobacco packaging

5:

guide

7:

Guiding counter-part

9:

Tobacco receiving chamber

11:

removable closure

13:

fold-out section

15:

protective strip

17a and b:

fold-out tabs

19:

loose tobacco

21:

tilt axis

23:

locking mechanism

25:

knife

27:

sealing

29:

counterparts

31:

pusher

33:

perforations

35:

removable closure

37:

nose

39:

spur

41:

grip tab

43:

tobacco cuboid

45:

Stopfmaschinendeckel

47:

breakthrough

49:

marks

51:

pusher

53:

elastic slider tongue

55:

welds

57:

feed gear

59:

frame

61:

mitrauchbares fleece

63:

Blister

65:

airtight sealing foil

67:

perforated insert paper

69:

perforation

71:

seal

73:

Filter cigarette tube

75:

locking latch

77:

cutting wheel

Claims (29)

Tobacco packaging (3) for accommodating tobacco for the self-production of cigarettes, the packaging (3) having a tobacco discharge opening, characterized in that an adapter (7) for attaching the tobacco packaging to a complementary adapter (5 ) of the tobacco-introducing opening (9) and the tobacco-receiving chamber of a tamping machine (1) is arranged. Tobacco packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plastic or foil material, a cardboard material or a coated cardboard material. Tobacco packaging according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a cuboid or box shape. Tobacco packaging according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has a rigid shape or is designed to be flexible. Tobacco packaging according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a removable closure (11) is arranged on the tobacco discharge opening, in particular a closure airtight closing the packaging. Tobacco packaging according to claim 5, characterized in that the closure substantially forms the conclusion of the packaging on the side of the tobacco discharge opening. Tobacco packaging according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the closure has an opening aid, in particular at least one of the following opening aids: - a perforation; - A gripping portion (13) projecting from the tobacco discharge opening or removably attached to the packaging; - An attack on an opening means of a tamping machine. Tobacco package according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the closure is substantially parallel to the surface of the tobacco discharge opening removable, in particular by the removal of the closure of a guide on the tobacco discharge opening or by a separation or tearing off at his edge areas. Tobacco packaging according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that above the closure (11), in particular at the tobacco discharge opening, nor an airtight seal (27) is arranged, especially in a perforated closure. A tobacco package according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the adapter substantially comprises the edge of the tobacco discharge opening, or comprises the edge of the tobacco discharge opening substantially up to the area from which the closure is removable, or the edge the tobacco discharge opening substantially at discrete breakpoints or stop lines comprises. Tobacco packaging according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the adapter comprises a connection component of a detachable connection. Tobacco package according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the adapter comprises one or more of the following components: a sliding guide component; - A web which is receivable in a rail or a groove; a rail or groove which can receive a web; - A locking means; a releasable adhesive; - A tilt-locking latch (23). Tobacco packaging according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the adapter has a positioning aid, in particular a positioning engagement component, such as. B. an engagement, a stop or a hinge or hinge component. Tobacco packaging according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the adapter has an attack or a contour for engaging a movement device. Tobacco package according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the adapter forms part of the package, in particular an integral part of the package, especially a fold-out part of a compact package. Tobacco packaging according to claim 15, characterized in that the fold-out part is the remainder of a packaging side of the packaging which can be separated over the tobacco discharge opening. Tobacco packaging according to one of claims 5 to 16, characterized in that the adapter forms part of the closure or can be formed from a part of the closure, wherein, in particular when the closure is opened, a part which remains stationary can be formed into the adapter. Tobacco packaging according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that a feed element is provided on or in the packaging in order to advance the tobacco in the direction of the tobacco discharge opening. Tobacco packaging according to claim 18, characterized in that the advancing element surrounds the rear part of the tobacco remote from the tobacco discharge opening. Tobacco packaging according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the advancing element comprises a gripper which can be grasped from outside the packaging. Tobacco packaging according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the advancing element has a flat web element which surrounds the tobacco at least partially and has a tab at the tobacco discharge opening or in the region of the tobacco discharge opening protruding from the package. Tobacco packaging according to claim 21, characterized in that on the web member markings (49) are attached, which indicate the amount of the withdrawn or still contained tobacco. A tobacco packaging tamping system comprising a tobacco package according to any one of claims 1 to 22 and a cigarette tamping machine having a complementary adapter counterpart (7) for the adapter of the tobacco package at the tobacco introduction opening and the tobacco receiving chamber (9), respectively. A system according to claim 23, characterized in that the adapter mating piece engages the adapter so as to provide a substantially closed, tobacco fouling-preventing connection between the adapter Tobacco packaging and the tobacco-introducing opening or the tobacco-receiving chamber (9) is formed. A system according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the adapter counterpart comprises a separating device (25) for the closure of the package, wherein the severing device opens, withdraws or removes the closure, in particular when connecting adapter and adapter counterpart. System according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the adapter counterpart for the following elements of the packaging has a complementary counterpart: - The Gleitführungskomponente; - The bridge, which is receivable in a rail or a groove; - the rail or groove, which can receive a bridge; - The locking means; - the releasable adhesive; - the positioning aid; - The tilt-locking latch (23). A system according to any one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the tamping machine or adapter counterpart has a movement means engageable with the turret attack or the turret contour of the adapter to position the tobacco wrapper on the tamping machine. System according to one of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that the tobacco packaging is attached by means of the adapter and the adapter counterpart on the tobacco-introducing opening or laterally to the tobacco-introducing opening. System according to one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that the adapter and the adapter counterpart in shape are designed so that fits only one adapter shape to an adapter counterpart shape and makes an effective connection.

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