EP2027994B1 - Device for treating packaging films - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for the treatment of packaging films according to the preamble of patent claim 1, and to a method for preparing a packaging film on the subsequent packaging process.

From the GB 2382341-A , of the WO 02-076716 A1 and the EP 1 437 213 A1 In each case a device for satinizing and embossing of metallized packaging films is known, which are used in particular as so-called "inner liner packaging" in cigarette boxes. When satinizing two effects are achieved. On the one hand, an optical refinement of the paper surface is brought about by the application of a fine uniform embossing pattern, whereby a diffuse optical matting is achieved on the metallized paper surface. On the other hand, a refraction of the paper fibers is generated at the same time, which facilitate the further processing, in particular the folding.

For reasons of economy and environmental protection, it is also contemplated to use a packaging film which may be of different colors but not metallized. In the case of this packaging film, the optical refinement during satinization is visible through a uniform surface roughness of the paper. The other effect, the refraction of the paper fibers, is the same as with metallized packaging film. The packaging films contemplated herein are useful not only for the caking of cigarettes, but also for cigars, as well as for foods such as confectionery, or for pharmaceutical products.

For satinizing embossing rollers are used, which have a surface structure with arranged in a homogeneous basic grid similar embossing structures. Individual areas of the roll surface and / or scattered embossed structures in their arrangement and / or geometric shape may deviate from the basic grid in order to specifically effect a deviating scattering behavior of the incident light beams in this area of the embossed paper surface. This opens up a variety of optical effects. For example, by completely omitting embossed structures in individual areas of the roll surface, it is possible to produce logos which stand out from the satined environment. Furthermore, by means of an altered geometric shape of individual embossing structures on the embossing roller, authentication features can be embedded in the satined paper surface.

An advantage of the calendering and embossing device is that said plurality of surface structures can be produced when passing through a single array of embossing rollers on the packaging film. As a result, the working cycle of the embossing unit can be synchronized with the process cycle of the packaging system with relatively little effort.

Another advantage already mentioned for the subsequent packaging process is that a refraction of the fibers of the packaging film is achieved by Satihieren, whereby to a certain extent a reproducible folding of the paper during the packaging of the cigarettes is possible. This is necessary because even a slightly faulty Falturigswinkel increases the susceptibility to failure of the packaging process rapidly. By an interaction of three embossing rollers in an embossing unit, the folding properties of the satin-finished paper are greatly improved. Such Device is from the already cited WO 02-076716 A1 of the same applicant, wherein the packaging film first passes through a first pair of rollers and then a second pair of rollers, so that reduced by the use of three rollers of the contact pressure and a better refraction of the paper content of the packaging material is achieved.

However, with regard to the packaging process, one. improves foldability of the packaging film at high processing speeds desirable. Foldability is next to a precise reproducible location of the fold also the least possible force to fold the paper and an improvement of the so-called dead-fold properties of the baggage, ie the assurance that the natural memory effects do not interfere with the packaging process by the folded points in meant to revert to their original state. For the required mechanical forces are difficult to control and forcibly affect the packaged goods, which can cause its damage or destruction. This is the case in particular in packaging processes in which a folding of the packaging film in the longitudinal direction of the cigarettes to be packaged is necessary. Another folding technical problem is the variety of commonly used Papietsorten, which in addition to location-dependent diversified quality properties also have different basis weights between 19gsm and about 115gsm. In addition, increasingly calendered paper is used whose stiffness is increased, or wants to maintain the original shape. The different foldability of these types of paper must be manageable by the packaging machine in order to avoid quality losses or rejects.

From the DE 198 59 949 A1 For example, there is known a method and apparatus for producing a cigarette packet which discloses a stamping member for producing stamping lines to pre-fold the so-called inner liner. The cutting unit is driven independently with the embossing element and synchronized directly with the process cycle of the packaging machine. In addition, the cigarette groups are driven unevenly,

From the DE 10 2005 056 627 A1 a method and an apparatus for producing blanks for an inner liner of a cigarette group is known in which the position of the prints is checked and the web speed of the web is changed to compensate for misalignments.

Both said methods and apparatus are intended for a particular type of packaging machine and each have a one-step synchronization, and it is an object of the invention, generally for packaging films according to the preamble with satin and precisely embossed logos and / or authentication features a higher quality foldability of the packaging film during the to ensure subsequent packaging process, both the position of the folding edges is process dependent variable and the exact position of the logos and / or authentication features is maintained and the process cycle before and after the embossing units is the same.

This object is achieved by a device for the treatment of packaging films according to claim 1 and by the method according to claim 18.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention are defined by the dependent claims.

Fig. 1:

eine perspektivisch Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung mit zwei Prägeeinheiten;

Fig. 2:

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht der jeweiligen walzenanordnung der in Fig. 1 gezeigten zwei Prägeeinheiten wobei zusätzlich eine zwischen den Prägeeinheiten transportierte Verpackungsfolie dargestellt ist;

Fig. 3:

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht der Walzenanordnung der zweiten Prägeeinheit, aus der die korrespondierenden Formgebungsstrukturen auf den beiden Walzenoberflächen, hervorgehen;

Fig. 3A:

jeweils einen Querschnitt von verschiedenen Formgebungsstrukturen;

Fig. 4:

ein Schema einer Ausführungsvariante der erfindufigsgemässen Vorrichtung, die an einen anschliessenden Verpackunesprozess von Zigaretten gekoppelt ist;

Fig. 5A:

eine Draufsicht auf eine erste Form einer in der Vorrichtung gemäss Fig. 2 geprägten Bahn der Verpackungsfolie" aus der die einzelinen Prägeetappen während deren Vorbereitung auf den Verpackungsprozess erkennbar sind;

Fig. 5B:

eine Draufsicht auf eine zweite Form der in der Vorrichtung gemäss Fig. 11 geprägten Bahn der Verpeckungsfolie,

Fig. 6A:

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht von in einer Verpackungsfolie verpackten Zigaretten;

Fig. 6B:

eine perspektivische Darstellung der in Fig. 6A gezeigten Zigarettenverpackung;

Fig. 6C:

eine weitere Querschnittsansicht einer alternativen Ausführüngsform einer Zigarettenverpackung,

Fig. 6D:

eine dritte Ausführungsform einer Zigarettenverpackung in einer Querschnittsansicht,

Fig. 7:

eine Draufsicht auf die in der in Fig. 2 gezeigten Vorrichtung geprägte Verpackungsfolie;

Fig. 8:

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht der Walzenanordnüng der zweiten Prägeeinheit gemäss erstem Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 9:

ein Drehwinkel-Geschwindigkeitsdiagramm der Falzwalzen der in Fig. 8 gezeigten Vorrichtung zur Ausbildung der in Fig. 7 gezeigten Falzbrüche auf der Verpackungsfolie,

Fig. 10:

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung mit zwei Prägeeinheiten;

Fig. 11:

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht der jeweiligen Wälzenanordnungen der in Fig. 10 gezeigten zwei Prägeeinheiten,

Fig. 12:

eine aschematische Querschnittsansicht der Walzenanordnung der zweiten Prägeeinheit gemäss Fig. 10, und

Fig. 13

eine Draufsicht auf die in der in Fig. 11 gezeigten Vorrichtung geprägte Verpackungsfolie.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to drawings of exemplary embodiments. Showing:

Fig. 1:

a perspective view of a first embodiment of the inventive device with two embossing units;

Fig. 2:

a schematic cross-sectional view of the respective roller assembly of in Fig. 1 two embossing units shown wherein in addition a transported between the embossing units packaging film is shown;

3:

a schematic cross-sectional view of the roller assembly of the second embossing unit, from which emerge the corresponding shaping structures on the two roll surfaces;

Fig. 3A:

each a cross section of different shaping structures;

4:

a diagram of an embodiment of the erfindufigsgemässen device, which is coupled to a subsequent Verpackunesprozess of cigarettes;

Fig. 5A:

a plan view of a first form in accordance with the device Fig. 2 embossed web of packaging film from which the individual embossing stages can be identified during their preparation for the packaging process;

Fig. 5B:

a plan view of a second form of the device according to Fig. 11 embossed web of the lapping film,

6A:

a schematic cross-sectional view of packaged in a packaging film cigarettes;

Fig. 6B:

a perspective view of in Fig. 6A cigarette pack shown;

Fig. 6C:

another cross-sectional view of an alternative Ausführüngsform a cigarette packaging,

Fig. 6D:

A third embodiment of a cigarette package in a cross-sectional view,

Fig. 7:

a top view of the in. In Fig. 2 shown device embossed packaging film;

Fig. 8:

a schematic cross-sectional view of the Walzenanordnüng the second embossing unit according to the first embodiment,

Fig. 9:

a rotation angle-velocity diagram of the folding rollers of Fig. 8 shown apparatus for training the in Fig. 7 shown fold breaks on the packaging film,

Fig. 10:

a perspective view of a second embodiment of the inventive device with two embossing units;

Fig. 11:

a schematic cross-sectional view of the respective rolling assemblies of in Fig. 10 shown two embossing units,

Fig. 12:

an asymmetrical cross-sectional view of the roller assembly of the second embossing unit according to Fig. 10 , and

Fig. 13

a top view of the in. In Fig. 11 shown device embossed packaging film.

A device 1 for the preparation of packaging films on the subsequent packaging process comprises a first embossing unit 2 and a second embossing unit 10. The first embossing unit 2 has three milling rollers 3, 4, 5, wherein the embossing roller 3 is driven by a drive 6. The design and arrangement of the embossing rollers 3, 4 and 5 is known per se and in various patents, even in the documents cited above, have become apparent. The driven embossing roller 3 has a surface structure with both axially and circularly homogeneously scored individual tooth-shaped embossed structures 7, by means of which the satin effect is achieved. This surface structure is called the basic grid. In this case, the embossed structures 7 can be pyramid-shaped with different cross sections, as truncated pyramids or cone-shaped. In the case of pyramidal embossing structures 7, these have a cross section in the form of a quadrilateral parallelogram.

Further, on the surface of the driven roller 3 individual regions 8 are provided with deviating from the basic pattern embossing structures. In doing so, 8 logo is created by omitting embossed structures in the area. Likewise isolated on the roll surface Be provided embossed structures, which are formed differently in their geometric shape and / or surface in accordance with, the disclosure of. EP-1 437 213 A1 drawing on the packaging film whose appearance changes depending on the viewing angle of the viewer and / or the type and / or location of the illumination source. These can serve as ornaments or authentication features, for example.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 1 The device 1 has a first counter roller 4 for the driven roller 3. On the surface of the counter-roller 4 are circumferentially extending and parallel to each other leading grooves 9 are provided, in which the Brägestrukturen 7 of the driven embossing roller 3 engage. A subsequent counter-roller 5 has identical embossing structures 7 as the driven roller 3.

A second embossing unit 10 is arranged after the first embossing unit 2 with a spacing which corresponds to a transport path W of the packaging film 16. The second embossing unit, 10 is used for forming fold breaks 27a-f on the surface of the packaging film and comprises two folding rollers 11 and 12, the effect of which brings about a simplification of the subsequent folding process, and thus act as pre-folding rollers. The folding roller 11 is coupled to a drive 13, while the folding rollers 12 acts as a counter-roller. The folding rollers 11 and 12 have a substantially smooth surface, wherein in each case a partial circumference with extending in the longitudinal direction of the folding rollers 11, 12 forming structures N, or K are provided, where N is generally for wells and K generally for surveys. The length of the here specific shaping structures 14a, b, c and 15a, b, c corresponds to in Essentially that of a part of the paper surface to be folded in the packaging process.

The Formgebuhgsstrukturen 14a-c and 15a-c are formed with respect to their shape and their arrangement along the respective folding rollers 11 and 12 such that they engage one another during a complete rotation of the folding roller pair 11, 12 once form-fitting manner.

According to Fig. 3A are dependent on the specific folding properties of the type of paper used. and the thereby achievable foldability different cross-sectional shapes of the shaping structures N and K used conceivable. These can be selected, for example, according to the basis weight, the Kälandriertechnik, the fibrillation, the knitting technique or other the packaging film adhering characteristic properties.

In principle, at least three basic forms are usable, e.g. a pointed K1 and N1, a wedge-shaped N2, K2 or a cylindrical shell N3, K3 basic shape. For very delicate types of paper, the use of a rounded cylindrical shell-shaped cross-sectional shape of the forming structure is advantageous to prevent cutting of the film.

In the schematic cross-sectional view in FIG Fig. 2 the embossing rollers 3, 4 and 5 and the folding rollers 11 and 12 of the device 1, the transport path W of the packaging film 16 is shown, which extends between the location A of the first embossing unit 2 and the location B of the second embossing unit 10.

Depending on the nature of the packaging film, it is also possible to use only one folding roller with a raised shaping structure provided and as a second folding roller to use such a non-metallic material having an elastic surface such as rubber, while the folding roller is made with shaping structures made of steel.

Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of the inventive device 1 as a precursor of the packaging process 25 of cigarettes 26. The device 1 comprises a synchronization device 17, which serves to adapt the power stroke A1 of the first embossing unit 2 with the process cycle P of the packaging process. The process cycle can be defined, for example, by a length of the packaging film 16 to be supplied per unit time of the packaging machine, to which the working cycle A1 of the first embossing unit 2 must be coordinated during the pretreatment of the packaging film 16. This corresponds to a positionally accurate arrangement of embossed surface structures 28, 29 on the respectively to be supplied length portion of the packaging film 16. The surface structures may be the satin surface 28 or one or more logo (s) 29, the (the) by removing or changing of teeth on a roll or on multiple rolls is generated.

The synchronization unit 17 includes a determination device 18 for detecting the relative position of the working cycle A1 of the first embossing unit 2 with respect to the process cycle P of the packaging installation. This may include, for example, a continuous optical detection of the position of the surface structures 28, 29 that were formed in the embossing unit 2 on the packaging film 16. The detection takes place on the transport path W between the first embossing unit 2 and the second embossing unit 10. The determined working stroke A1 is adjusted in a positioning device 19 to the process cycle P.

For this purpose, a manual and / or automated adjustment method is conceivable. For example, For example, the embossing roller 3 can be temporarily decoupled from the drive so as to extend the transport path W of the packaging film 16 by a desired amount, which is then in line with the process cycle P. The need for extension of the transport path W of the packaging film 16 is absorbed by a buffer unit 23 a, which is arranged behind the first embossing unit 2.

In order to determine and control the power stroke A2 of the second embossing unit 10, the device 1 additionally comprises a control unit 20. The control unit 20 includes a comparison device 21, by which a detection of a quantitative deviation between the power strokes A1 and A2 of the first and second embossing unit 2 and. 10 is possible. This can be z-B. continuously made optically by means of a lamp which is formed in the manner of a stroboscope for regularly spaced light irradiation on the packaging film. The injection frequency preferably corresponds to the process cycle. Thus, an optical recognition of the relative position between the surface structures applied in the first embossing unit 2 and the fold breaks 27a-c formed in the second embossing unit 10 takes place on the packaging film 16.

In addition to the optical synchronization, other means are conceivable, for example a visual detection or a manual adjustment of the positioning device, by which the power stroke A1 of the control unit 17 is synchronized with the power stroke A2 of the second control unit 20. Instead of optical synchronization signals, electronic synchronization signals or mechanical synchronization means can be used, such as a plurality of gears and / or belts, which with a Angle and / or Positionsverstellmechanismus can be equipped.

Instead of a synchronization of the control unit 20 via the control unit 17 and the reverse process of an adjustment of the power stroke of the controlled by the control unit 17 first embossing unit 2 by the control unit 20 is conceivable, thereby achieving a uniform involvement in the process cycle. In both types of synchronization, a two-stage synchronization in series, in order to detect the possible deviations of the working cycles of both embossing units both from the process cycle P and with each other, whereby a finer balance is achieved.

The information thus determined is further used in a positioning device 22 in order to adapt the working cycle A2 to the working cycle A1 such that the formed folding fractures 27a-c have the desired relative position on the packaging film 16. For example, For example, the positioning device 22 may be configured to manually and / or automatically adjust the peripheral relative position of the driven folding roller 11 with respect to the packaging film 16. For this purpose, a coupling for decoupling the folding roller 11 of the roller drive 13 is conceivable. This additionally permits a change in the relative position of the fold breaks 27a-c on the packaging film 16 as needed or process-dependent.

Furthermore, the comparison device can also be used for detecting the relative deviation of the working cycle A2 from the process cycle P, for the renewed verification of the synchronization with the subsequent packaging process. Furthermore, also on these whites indirect conclusions be obtained on an unwanted deviation of the power stroke A2 with respect to the power stroke A1, since the power stroke A1 is already synchronized by means of the synchronization unit 17 with the process cycle P.

In order to change the transport path W of the packaging film 16 when the positioning device 22 intervenes, a further buffer unit 23 b is provided after the second embossing unit 10.

In the subsequent packaging process 25, the packaging film 16 equipped with fold breaks 27a-c is fed continuously to the packaging machine in the process cycle P. After a cut of the required paper length by the cutter head of the packaging machine is a direct folding of the blank 32 to be packaged cigarettes 26. In this case, thanks to the fold breaks 27a-c only a small force required, whereby destruction of the packaged good is effectively avoided. The fold breaks 27a-c are preferably located at the bottom of the package thus formed, where two folds are made along the fold edges 30a and 30b.

In Fig. 5A the packaging film 16 is shown in a schematic plan view, wherein the different embossing structures are shown in stages before and after passing through the individual embossing units 2, 10. Here, the satin-finished in the first embossing unit 2 surface 28 and a generated logo 29, as well as the formed in the second embossing unit 10 folding edges 27a-c can be seen.

Fig. 6A shows the fully packaged in the packaging film blank, short blank 32 ', packaged cigarettes 26 in a sectional view. In this case, a total of six Falzbrüche 27a-f formed along the bottom of the package, including folding rollers 11, 12 are provided with each, six shaping structures 14, 15. A folding 30a, 30b in the packaging machine takes place between the two outer fold fractures 27a and 27b or 27e and 27f respectively arranged on the outside.

The number and design of the shaping structures N and K on the folding rollers 11, 12 and thus the formed fold breaks 27a-f is material or process-related, depending on the grade of the packaging film used 16. For example, in the embodiment six fold fractures 27a-f with about 0.2 mm depth with a paper thickness of 0.05 mm.

Furthermore, the formation of fold breaks 27a-f not only on the packaging bottom, but also on other areas of the blank 32 'is conceivable, for example in the lid area. For this purpose, additional shaping structures 14, 15 may be present on the folding rollers 11, 12. Alternatively, the arrangement of further shaping structures on the Falzwalzenpaar 11, 12 conceivable. The position of the additional upper fold breaks thus created is in Fig. 6A indicated by the arrows PO1 and PO2. Furthermore, the folding process can also be facilitated by folding fractures arranged in the middle side region of the packaging.

The Fig. 6B shows the package described in a perspective view. In this type of package, a single blank 32 is used, the closure of the package being formed by an upper overlapping area 31a of respective bordering paper ends.

For another type of packaging, which is in Fig. 6C is shown, two blanks 32 "are used, the closure is ensured by an upper and lower overlap region 31a and 31b. Also in this type of packaging is a formation of fold breaks in the lower packing area makes sense, as in the in Fig. 6a as shown by the arrows PU1 and PU2, as well as in the symbolized by the arrows PO1 and PO2 upper packing area and optionally in the central packaging area.

A third type of packing, as used in a so-called "shoulder box", is in Fig. 6D shown. The pack closure takes place here by a lateral overlap region 31c arranged in the lower third of the pack. Prior to folding, the formation of fold breaks preferably takes place in the upper and lower packing areas, according to the arrows PO1 or PO2 and PU1 or PU2.

The Fig. 7 shows a concrete embodiment of a blank 32 after passing through the first and second embossing units 2 and 10 according to the Figures 2 and 4 with folding breaks, so that in the subsequent packaging process 25 its high-quality foldability is guaranteed. The blank 32 is an embodiment of the in Fig. 6B schematically illustrated one-piece packaging type for cigarettes.

As already explained above, the folding process of the packaging and the introduction of the packaged goods into the same take place in a simultaneous process section, so that damage or destruction of the packaged goods through the forces required for folding is to be prevented.

In Fig. 8 is a corresponding roller assembly of the second embossing unit 10 for generating the fold breaks 37a, b and 38a, b on the blank 32 in a schematic Cross-sectional view shown. In this case, the respective circumference of the folding rollers 11, 12 corresponds to the total length L of the blank 32. In the circumferential direction, four otherwise spaced-apart groups 40, 42, 44, 46 and 41, 43 are on the otherwise substantially smooth surface of the folding rollers 11, 12 , 45, 47 of shaping structures. The arrangement and formation of the respective corresponding groups 40 and 41, 42 and 43, 44 and 45, 46 and 47 of shaping structures is chosen such that they engage in each case once in pairs by matrix Patrix type during a roll rotation. Accordingly, the shaping structures of the groups 40, 42, 44, 46 are formed on the folding roller 11 as isolated recesses and the shaping structures of the groups 41, 43, 45, 47 on the folding roller 12 as corresponding to each isolated peaks.

The method for generating the in Fig. 7 shown fold breaks 37a, b and 38a, b on the blank 32 begins with the successive meshing of the individual shaping structures of the groups 40, 41 during the rotational movement of the roller pair 11, 12 by a rotation angle α1. In this case, each of the groups 40, 41 in each case has three shaping structures whose mutual spacing substantially corresponds to the mutual spacing of the fold breaks 38a at the position PU1 of the packaging film 32. After forming these fold breaks 38a, the packaging film 32 is further transported by continuing the rotational movement of the pair of rollers 11, 12 by the rotation angle β1 along the smooth Walzendberfläche. As a result, the packaging film 32 arrives at the position PU1 by further rotation about the angle of rotation α2 in successive contact with the respective pairwise corresponding shaping structures of the groups 42, 43, whose mutual spacing in FIG Substantially corresponds to the distance of the fold breaks 37a. After generating the fold breaks 37a and by further rotation of the pair of rollers 11, 12 by the rotation angle β2, α3, β3, α4, the fold breaks 37b and 38b are produced at the corresponding positions PU2 and PO2 of the packaging film 32 in an analogous manner. In this case, the groups 44, 45 have a shape corresponding to the groups 42, 43, and the groups 46, 47 are identical to the groups 40, 41. After renewed rotation about the rotation angle β4, the method described begins again with the subsequent length L of the continuously supplied packaging film.

Thus, by suitable arrangement of the groups 40 to 47 along the Walzenobeflächen and suitable spacing of individual shaping structures within the respective groups 40 to 47, the desired foldability of the packaging film at the intended folding positions PU1, PU2 and PO1, PO2 achieved and at the same time the undesirable disturbance of the aesthetic Appearance by the 'fold breaks 37a, b and 38a, b minimized. Thus, the number or spacing of individual shaping structures is varied as a function of the folding positions PU1, PU2 or PO1, PO2 in the top, bottom or side region in order to achieve the desired effect. This corresponds to a complementary measure to the already mentioned suitable selection of the cross-sectional shape of the shaping structures.

In addition to the shape of the individual shaping structures, as well as their number and mutual spacing, the rotational speed of the folding rollers 11, 12 also represents an important influencing variable with respect to the formation of the fold breaks 37a, b, 38a, b and the resulting foldability of the packaging film 32 The quality of the folding breaks, it is advantageous at this time one To slow down the rotational movement in order to increase this after folding back to the standard speed.

This is possibly associated with technical difficulties, since the synchronizing with the working cycle A1 of the first embossing unit 2 and with the process cycle P tuned thereto is disturbed by a speed change of the folding rollers 11, 12. The problem is solved by the above-described continuous synchronization of the working stroke A2 of the second embossing unit 20 with respect to the working stroke A1 of the first embossing unit 2 by the control units 20 and 17, whereby a simple restoration of the correct operating cycle of the second embossing unit 20 with respect to the process cycle even with transient deviations within a clock interval is enabled.

The temporary deceleration of the folding roller rotation is compensated by a subsequent increase in speed within the same clock unit, wherein the amount of speed increase based on the determined by the comparator 21 deviations between the working cycles of the first and second embossing unit 2 and 10 can be determined. The clock compensation is then achieved by the speed increase by means of appropriate control signals between the control units 17, 20. As a result, a uniform process cycle is possible despite transient speed deviations within one cycle section.

The basic procedure is in Fig. 9 schematized, in which a rotational angle Geshcwindigkeitsdiagramm the folding rollers 11, 12 according to Fig. 8 is shown. During the Rotational movement of the roller pair 11, 12 by the rotation angle α1, within which the groups of shaping structures 40, 41 come into contact with the packaging film 32 at the position PO1, slows down the rotational speed to a speed amount v1, thereby ensuring a high quality of the fold breaks 38a , However, the processing speed v1 of the second embossing unit 10 remains behind that of the first embossing unit 2 and that of the overall process. To compensate for this, in the subsequent rotational movement of the roller pair 11, 12 by the rotational angle β1, the amount of rotational speed increases to the value v3, wherein in this section small quality losses occur because the packaging film 32 only with the smooth surface portion of the roller pair 11, 12 in Contact kicks. During the subsequent generation of the fold breaks 37a at the position PU1 of the packaging film 32 within the angle of rotation α2, the rotational speed is again lowered to an amount v2, so that the desired high quality of the fold breaks 37a is achieved.

The rotational speed is constant within the rotation angle α3 until the fold breaks 37b are produced. Only in the rotation angle range β3 is a renewed increase in speed to the value v3 to restore the process cycle and a subsequent deceleration to the value v1, so that in the rotation angle α4 the folding breaks 38b are formed in the desired quality. The whole process corresponds to the process cycle P.

The first embodiment, in particular according to the Figures 1 - 3 . 5A . 7 - 9 refers to the case that the filling material, eg cigarettes, are packed in the longitudinal direction of the current packaging film. In the case that the filling material is wrapped transversely to the direction, which is Implement analog device, as is known from the FIGS. 10 to 13 evident.

The apparatus 50 has the same first embossing unit 2 as in the first example, while the second embossing unit 51 has two folding rollers 52 and 53 on which the interlocking forming structures 54 and 55 and 56 and 57 are arranged circular rather than longitudinal. The shape and nature of these shaping structures N and K may be the same as previously. Drive and synchronization of these folding rollers are the same as before.

Fig. 11 is analog Fig. 2 designed so that here too the scheme according to Fig. 4 Validity applies, whereby appropriate measuring and control variables are used. The packaging film 60 passes through the two embossing units 2 and 51 and has a transport path W1 therein. With this arrangement, the strip is according to Fig. 5B generated, with the fold breaks 58 and 59. In Fig. 12 is shown in cross section, the interlocking of the shaping structures 54, 55 with 56, 57.

In Fig. 13 is, analog Fig. 7 , the blank 61 of the packaging film 60 is shown in which the fold breaks 58 and 59 can be seen. The rotation angle velocity diagram 9 can be applied to this embodiment by analogy.

Starting from the two examples shown with forming structures extending longitudinally or transversely to the roll axis, it is also possible to use any combination of both arrangements and any number of structural elements, whereby the parameters necessary for the synchronization of the embossing units with the working cycle of the installation can be calculated according to given examples.

Claims (18)

1. Device for treating a packaging film (16, 32, 60, 61), comprising a first embossing unit (2), which has at least one embossing roll (3, 4, 5) with embossing structures (7) that are arranged in a basic grid for satinizing the packaging film (16, 60) and/or with embossing structures (8) that deviate from the basic grid for creating authentication features and/or logos on the packaging film, the operating cycle (A1) of the first embossing unit being synchronizable with the process cycle (P) of the packaging process (25), characterized by a second embossing unit (10, 51), to which the packaging film can be fed at the rate of the operating cycle (A1) of the first embossing unit (2) after passing through the latter, the second embossing unit comprising at least two folding rolls (11, 12, 52, 53) for applying folds (27a-f, 58, 59) to the packaging film, wherein the device comprises a first control unit (17) of the first embossing unit (2), which is synchronizable with the process cycle (P) of the packaging installation, and a second control unit (20) of the second embossing unit (10, 51), the second control unit serving for the synchronization of the operating cycle (A2) of the second embossing unit with the operating cycle (A1) of the first embossing unit.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the second control unit (20) includes a positioning device (22) for setting the relative circumferential position of the folding rolls (11, 12, 52, 53) in relation to the packaging film (16, 60).
3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second control unit comprises a comparing device (21) for detecting a quantitative deviation between the operating cycles (A1, A2) of the first embossing unit (2) and the second embossing unit (10, 51).
4. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the synchronization of the operating cycles is achieved by mechanical synchronizing means, more particularly gearwheels and/or belts and/or angular adjusting means, or by electronic and/or optical synchronizing means.
5. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one buffer unit (23a, 23b) for deflecting the packaging film as and when required is arranged before and/or after the second embossing unit (2, 51).
6. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one of the folding rolls (11, 12; 52, 53) of the second embossing unit (10, 51) has on its surface at least one shaping structure (N, N1, N2, N3, K1, K2, K3; 14a-c, 15a-c; 54-56) for forming the folds (27a-f) on the packaging film (16, 32).
7. Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the shaping structure (N, N1, N2, N3, K1, K2, K3; 14a-c, 15a-c) extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the roll (11, 12).
8. Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the shaping structure (N, N1, N2, N3, K1, K2, K3; 54-56) extends at least partially around the roll (52, 53) substantially in the circumferential direction.
9. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the shaping structure includes at least one elevation (K1, K2, K3; 14a-c; 54, 55) on one folding roll (11, 52) and the other folding roll is a non-metallic roll with an elastic surface.
10. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that shaping structures are arranged on the at least two folding rolls and are formed by elevations (K, K1, K2, K3; 14a-c; 54, 55) on one folding roll (12, 52) and corresponding depressions (N, N1, N2, N3; 15a-c, 56, 57) on the other folding roll (11, 53), which engage in one another to form the folds (27a-f, 58, 59).
11. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cross section of the shaping structures (14a-c, 15a-c, 54-56) is formed as pointed or wedge-shaped (K1, K2; N1, N2) or is in the form of the shell of a cylinder (K3, N3).
12. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cross-sectional height of the shaping structures (N, N1, N2, N3, 14a-c, K, K1, K2, K3, 15a-c; 54-56) is in a range between 0.05 mm and 1 mm.
13. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a number from one to eight, preferably three, elevations and/or depressions arranged next to one another are provided on the respective folding roll.
14. Device according to Claim 13, characterized in that the spacing of respectively adjacent elevations and/or depressions of the shaping structures is in a range between 0.3 mm and 5 mm.
15. Device according to Claim 14, characterized in that the elevations and/or depressions are arranged in groups, the elevations, and the corresponding depressions, having equal or different spacings, dimensions, and shapes.
16. Device according to Claim 7 for packaging cigarettes that are being packaged in the travelling direction of the packaging film (16, 32), characterized in that the shaping structures are arranged substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the folding rolls (11, 12).
17. Device according to Claim 8 for packaging cigarettes that are being packaged transversely to the travelling direction of the packaging film (60, 61), characterized in that the shaping structures (54-56) are arranged substantially in the circumferential direction of the folding rolls (52, 53).
18. Method for preparing packaging films (16, 60) for the subsequent packaging process (25), in which the packaging film (16, 32) is satinized and/or provided with logo(s) and/or authentication feature(s) in a first embossing unit (2), the operating cycle (A1) of the first embossing unit being synchronized with a process cycle (P) of the packaging installation (25), characterized in that, after passing through the first embossing unit (2), the packaging film (16, 60) is fed at the rate of the operating cycle (A1) of the same to a second embossing unit (10, 51), and in the second embossing unit folds (27a-f, 58, 59) are formed in the packaging film (16, 32; 60, 61), wherein the operating cycle (A2) of the second embossing unit (10, 51) is synchronized with the operating cycle (A1) of the first embossing unit (2) in such a manner that the packaging film leaves the embossing units at the rate of the process cycle (P) of the packaging installation.

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