EP2421760B1 - Device and method for producing packages for cigarettes - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for producing packages for cigarettes, comprising a continuously driven conveying means, in particular a carrier having transport belt, for transporting the packages and with a device for attaching printing media such as banderoles, coupons or the like on a side surface of the packs, wherein the Device for attaching the print carrier in the region of the conveying means is arranged for attaching the print carrier on a device side facing the pack during transport along the conveyor, according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method according to the preamble of claim. 9 ,

Basically, the attachment of print media in the form of banderoles on side surfaces of cigarette packs is known. The banderoles can be, for example, tax stamps. The present invention is particularly concerned with the attachment of such bands in the range of narrow side surfaces of cigarette packets. Legal requirements, such as the requirement to attach a health warning message to the cigarette pack, bar codes or the like, make the area available for cigarette package design smaller and smaller. In this respect, an attachment of the band is only in the area of the narrow side surfaces of advantage, because thereby the large-scale front and back of the pack is not covered by the band.

However, the problem is fundamentally the retrofitting of existing packaging machines, so that the packages can be provided in the narrow side surfaces with a band. As a rule, the layout of the system must be changed for this, which causes considerable expense and technical problems for already installed systems.

The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a device which allows a simple change of the relative position of the packages in connection with the attachment of print media and which can preferably be easily integrated into existing systems.

To achieve this object, a device according to the invention has the features of claim 1. It is therefore provided that a pivoting device for changing the relative position of the packages in the region of the conveying means or the means for attaching the print carrier is arranged, wherein the pivoting device for receiving a respective pack in a relative position corresponding to the transport on the conveyor and rotation of the pack is set up in a suitable relative position for attaching the print carrier and further rotation of the pack in a relative position corresponding to the further transport on the conveyor.

The pivoting device allows a change of the relative position of the package in adaptation to the arrangement and working position of the device for attaching the print carrier, or for adaptation to the relative position of the packages on the conveyor. In this way, it is possible to integrate the pivoting device and the device for attaching the print carrier in an existing conveyor line without the conveyor line itself or the orientation of the package must be changed during transport along the conveyor line. This is ensured by the pivoting device which feeds the packs of the device for attaching the print carrier in a positionally correct manner and places it back in the original relative position on the conveyor.

According to a preferred embodiment it is provided that the pivoting device has a receptacle for a pack, in which a single pack can be inserted through the conveyor and that the receptacle is rotatable by a gearbox such that the lateral surface of the pack of the device to be provided with the print carrier for attachment of the print carrier is zuwendbar and after attaching the print carrier in the original relative position back and rotatable and the package can be transferred to the conveyor.

The recording, for example in the form of a cassette, thus takes over the package from the conveyor and applies the corresponding side surface - preferably a narrow side surface - the means for attaching the print carrier. Thereafter, the pivoting device returns the pack to the original relative position and transfers the packaged with the print carrier to the conveyor. In this way, the pack can then be further processed in the usual way. Alternatively, the rotating device can rotate the package after attaching the print carrier in another than the original relative position on the conveyor. Integration into an existing system may require further customization. In an already new system so the pivoting device can also be used to change the relative position.

In practice, it will often be the case that the packages are arranged lying flat and with a narrow side surface pointing in the conveying direction on the conveyor and that the packages arranged by the pivoting device with a narrow side surface facing upwards of the arranged above the conveyor means for attaching the print carrier are zuwendbar.

Another special feature provides that the packs are dammed up in the region of an inlet station and can be individually fed to a turning device for rotating and separating the packs and transferring the packs to the conveying means. Further details of the turning device can be found in the description of the rest. With the help of the packing jam and the turning device is a simple connection to the conveyor with the Swivel device possible. The pack jam can also be used to control the operation of subsequent machines.

In constructive terms, it can be done so that the receptacle for the package is pivotally mounted on both sides of the conveyor to a rocker, the rocker is pivotally mounted on swing bearings and a drive along with the recording along an imaginary curve is movable, and that the recording for the packs is rotatable about the bearing point on the rocker arm via a lever.

With regard to the drive of the device can proceed so that the lever for rotation of the receptacle and a lever for moving the rocker are driven by a transmission with a common drive. Alternatively, it is conceivable that this is realized by separate drives, in particular individually operable servomotors. The control via servomotors offers some advantages with regard to the adaptation of the movement path of the rocker and the inclusion of different types of packs, in particular packs with differently positioned side surfaces positioned print carriers. Further details can be found in the rest of the description.

After attaching the print carrier, the packs are fed to a device for wrapping the packs in a preferably transparent outer wrapper.

A method according to the invention has the features of claim 9. Accordingly, it is provided that the packages are rotated by means of a pivoting device during transport along the conveyor with respect to their relative position such that faces to be provided with the print carrier side surface of the device for attaching the print carrier and that the pivoting device, the packages after mounting in a Relative position for further transport on the conveyor rotates, in particular in the original relative position on the conveyor.

Preferably, the method is used such that the packages are inserted from the conveyor into a receptacle of the pivoting means and the packages are moved by rotation of the receptacle relative to the conveyor in a relative position for attaching the print carrier, in particular with a corresponding side surface, preferably a narrow side surface, the Pack facing up towards the means for attaching the print carriers.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method, the receptacle is accelerated in addition to the rotation and with respect to the conveyor to move the package in the relative position for attaching the print carrier and that the receptacle after attaching the print carrier and the transfer of the packs is moved back to the conveyor a starting position for receiving a next pack.

After attaching the print carrier, the packages may be returned to the conveyor for feeding the same to an outer wrapping machine.

Further preferably, it is provided that the packages are first transported in sealing position and then separated by means of a turning device and rotated and passed to the conveyor for attaching the print carrier.

Another special feature may consist in that, for the production of packs without print carrier, the receptacle for the packs is stationarily positioned in the conveying path of the packs on the conveyor, such that the packs are conveyed by the conveyor through the stationary receptacle. In other words, the recording or the rotating device is stopped and conveyed through the packages without rotation.

Further details of the invention will become apparent from the description and the appended claims.

Fig. 1

eine Packung für Zigaretten in räumlicher Darstellung,

Fig. 2

einen Teil einer Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von Packungen für Zigaretten in räumlicher Darstellung,

Fig. 3

die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2 in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig.4

ein Getriebe zum Antrieb einer Schwenkeinrichtung der Vorrichtung in vergrößerter räumlicher Darstellung,

Fig. 5 bis

einzelne aufeinander folgende Phasen der Anbringung von Druckträgern

Fig. 10

an einer Packung im Bereich der Einzelheit V gemäß Fig. 3,

Fig. 11

ein Vertikalschnitt durch die Vorrichtung entlang Schnittlinie XI- XI in Fig. 2, und

Fig. 12

eine alternative Vorrichtung in teilweise vergrößerter Seitensicht, analog zur Darstellung in Fig. 3.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawing. In this show:

Fig. 1

a pack of cigarettes in spatial representation,

Fig. 2

a part of a device for producing packs for cigarettes in spatial representation,

Fig. 3

the device according to Fig. 2 in a side view,

Figure 4

a transmission for driving a pivoting device of the device in an enlarged spatial representation,

Fig. 5 to

single successive phases of the application of print media

Fig. 10

on a package in the region of the detail V according to Fig. 3 .

Fig. 11

a vertical section through the device along section line XI-XI in Fig. 2 , and

Fig. 12

an alternative device in a partially enlarged side view, analogous to the representation in Fig. 3 ,

The invention will be described below with reference to two exemplary embodiments. A first embodiment is in the Fig. 1 to 11 shown. In Fig. 2 an alternative embodiment is shown as a second exemplary embodiment in the essential parts.

Both embodiments are concerned with the manufacture of packs 10 for cigarettes. The packs 10 shown in the exemplary embodiments are cigarette packs of the Hinge-Lid type. The packs 10 are cuboid, with a lower box part 11 and an upper lid, which are pivotally connected to each other via line joint 13.

The packs 10 have an end wall 14 on top of the lid 12 and an opposite bottom wall 15 on the box part 11. Furthermore, a large-area front 16 is present, which is formed from the lid front wall 17 and box front wall 18. Opposite the front side 16, a rear side 19 is formed, consisting of the lid rear wall 20 and the box rear wall 21. The line joint 13 extends between the lid rear wall 20 and the box rear wall 21. Two further side faces of the pack 10 are the so-called narrow side surfaces 22, 23 which are opposed to each other and formed by lid side walls 24 and box side walls 25. In the area of the narrow side surfaces 22, 23, an obliquely directed closing edge extends between the cover 12 and the box part 11.

In the context of this application are meant with the side surfaces of the pack 10, the front 16, the back 19, the narrow side surfaces 22, 23, the end wall 13 and the bottom wall 15.

In the region of one of the two narrow side surfaces 22, a print carrier in the form of a band 26 is attached to the package 10. The band 26 extends only in the region of the narrow side surface 22, ie in particular not (also) in the region of the front 16, back 19 or end wall 14. The band 26 extends almost over the entire width of the narrow side surface 22 in the region of the oblique closing edge between the lid 12 and box part 11. Accordingly, the band 26 is destroyed when first opening the pack 10. In order to facilitate the initial opening or first use of the pack 10, the band 26 has a weakening line 27 which is attached along the closing edge. The band 26 is glued against the pack 10, for example with glue.

It is understood that the device can also be used to attach other print media to the package 10. For example, an attachment of coupons or the like is possible.

1. 1. eine erste Transportstrecke 28 für Packungen 10,
2. 2. eine Wendeeinrichtung 29 zum Drehen und Vereinzeln der Packungen 10,
3. 3. eine Schwenkeinrichtung 30 zum Verändern der Relativlage der Packungen 10,
4. 4. eine Einrichtung 31 zum Anbringen von Banderolen 26 an den Packungen 10,
5. 5. ein Fördermittel 32 zum Transport der Packungen 10 und
6. 6. eine Einschlagmaschine 33 zum Einhüllen der Packungen 10 in eine Außenumhüllung.

In Fig. 2 and 3 are shown parts of a packaging machine for cigarette packs, as far as they are relevant to the present invention. A complete packaging line is for example in US 6,751,934 B2 the Anmelding shown. The following units are shown in the figures in the conveying direction:

1. 1. a first transport path 28 for packs 10,
2. 2. a turning device 29 for rotating and separating the packs 10,
3. 3. a pivoting device 30 for changing the relative position of the packs 10,
4. 4. a device 31 for attaching banderoles 26 to the packs 10,
5. 5. a conveyor 32 for transporting the packs 10 and
6. 6. a wrapping machine 33 for wrapping the packs 10 in an outer wrapper.

In the area of the transport path 28, an inlet station 74 is formed, to which the packs 10 are transported with the rear side 19 pointing in the conveying direction and are dammed up there. The packs 10 are transported or held by conveyor belt 34 of endless conveyors 35. The foremost in the transport direction pack 10 is entrained by driver 36 of a vertically extending transport belt 37 and the pivoting device 30, respectively. Due to the spaced arrangement of the driver 36 of the transport belt 37, the packages 10 are transported in this way from the inlet station 74 and separated.

The separated packs 10 are then moved by the conveyor belt 37 along a curved conveyor section 38 and thereby forcibly rotated so that the packages 10 are arranged with the front side 16 down and the narrow side surface 22 facing in the conveying direction. In this relative position, the packs 10 are detected by the turning device 29.

The turning device 29 has a rotating star 39 with four radially directed arms 40, which each detect a pack 10 on the back and feed the conveying means 32. Accordingly, the rotary star 39 is driven continuously and rotated about a vertical axis. In this case, the package 10 is transported along an outside guide plate 41 and rotated in this manner by 90 ° about an imaginary vertical axis. The packs 10 are thus transported with the front 16 down and with the narrow side surface 22 pointing in the conveying direction by the rotary star 39 on the conveyor 32, which supplies the packs 10 at a distance from each other continuously in the direction of the wrapping machine 33.

The conveyor 32 is formed in the present case as an endless conveyor, which transports the packages 10 in a horizontal plane. The belt 42 of the conveyor 32 in this case has spaced-apart carriers 43, which grip the packages 10 at the rear and transport them in the conveying direction according to arrow 44.

Along the conveying means 32, a device 31 known per se for attaching the banderoles 26 to the packs 10 is arranged. The structure of such a banding apparatus is for example from the WO 2007/087885 A1 known. Essential components are a banderole magazine 45, a rotationally driven removal roller 46, a rotationally driven transfer roller 47 and a glue unit 48. With the removal roller 46, the banderoles 26 are removed individually from the banderole magazine 45 and transferred to the transfer roller 47. At the periphery of the transfer roller 45, the bands 26 are then provided by means of the glue unit 48 with glue and subsequently fed to the package 10. The transfer of the banderole 26 to the packages 10 takes place when the package 10 is guided along on the underside of the transfer roller 47. The transport of the banderoles 26 and the packs 10 is coordinated so that the band 26 comes to rest at the desired position on the package 10.

As in particular from Fig. 3 can be seen, the means 31 for attaching the banderoles 26 at a distance above the lying flat on the conveyor 32 transported packs 10 positioned. In other words, the distance is selected so that the packs 10 can be transported freely below the device 31. This can be z. B. be advantageous if the packs 10 should not be provided with a band 26.

Accordingly, for the attachment of a band 26, the distance of the packs 10 to the device 31 must be reduced. In addition, to attach the banderole 26 on the narrow side surface 22, the relative position of the packs 10 must be changed such that the side face of the packs 10 to be provided with the banderole 26 faces the transfer element 47. For this purpose, the pivoting device 30 is provided.

The pivoting device 30 has a receptacle 49 for a pack 10, which by a gear 50 along a in Fig. 5 to 10 shown web is movable while pivoting or rotatable.

The receptacle 49 is formed cassette-like, with a cross section corresponding to the outer dimensions of the packs 10. The dimensions of the interior of the receptacle 49 are selected so that a pack 10 can be inserted into the receptacle 49 and is held by this. Accordingly, the package 10 is applied to walls of the receptacle 49. Furthermore, the receptacle 49 has on its underside a recess 51 for the passage of the belt 42 of the conveying means 32.

The operation of the pivoting device 30 is with reference to Fig. 5 to 10 as follows:

First, a pack 10 is inserted through the conveyor 32 into the receptacle 49. In this case, the receptacle 49 is arranged such that it is aligned is aligned with the transport path of the packs 10 on the belt 42. The receptacle 49 has a smaller dimension than the pack 10 in the conveying direction, the pack 10 protruding from the receptacle 49 in the transport direction on the front side.

After the insertion of the pack 10, the receptacle 49 is moved in the conveying direction of the packs 10 according to arrow 44 and thereby pivoted about a horizontal axis, in an upright position according to Fig. 7 , In the erected position to be provided with the banderole 26 narrow side surface 22 faces the transfer member 47 which has transported the banderole 26 in a corresponding position, so by contact of the narrow side surface 22 with the banderole 26 on the circumference of the transfer member 47, the banderole 26 against the Narrow side surface 22 is pressed and attached there. Another special feature of this process is that the receptacle 49 is accelerated relative to the belt 42 in order to have enough time for the pivoting of the receptacle 49.

After attaching the banderole 26, the receptacle 49 is transported further in the conveying direction of the packs 10 and thereby rotated back to the original relative position until they are in accordance with Fig. 8 aligned again to the transport path of the packs 10 is aligned. The trajectory of the receptacle 10 is adjusted so that the package 10 in the position according to Fig. 9 Rear again taken by the driver 43 and transported further in the conveying direction.

Thereafter, the recording 49 according to Fig. 10 against the conveying direction of the packs 10 in the starting position according to Fig. 5 moved back while the next pack 10 inserted.

To control the movement of the cassette-like receptacle 49, the transmission 50 is provided, which in Fig. 4 and 11 shown in enlarged scale. Of importance in this regard, too Fig. 3 showing a side view. A majority of the transmission 50 is in a housing 52 below the conveyor 32 arranged. Central part of the drive for the receptacle 49 are two plate-like wings 53rd

The wings 53 in the present case have an approximately triangular shape, wherein in the corner areas bearing points are provided for connection to other organs.

The receptacle 49 is connected in two points with the wings 53. On one side, the receptacle 49 is connected in a corner region thereof directly with a rocker 53, namely in the region of an upper corner point thereof. On the opposite side, the receptacle 49 is connected via a short lever piece 54 with a corresponding corner region with the other rocker 53. The lever piece 54 in turn is pivotally connected to a lever 55 which is coupled to the gear 50, for pivoting the receptacle 49 about an axis passing through the two upper vertices of the wings 53.

In the area of the lower two corner points, the rockers 53 are each pivotally mounted. Serve for this purpose, two rocker bearings 56 which are pivotally mounted on the one hand on the housing 52 and on the other hand to each corner of the two wings 53. In this way, the rockers 53 on both sides in the conveying direction of the pack back and forth about the swingarm bearings 56 on the housing 52nd stored.

The rockers 53 extend upright to laterally on either side of the conveyor 32, for connection to the above the conveyor 32 movable receptacle 49. Accordingly, the rockers are positioned in openings 75 of the housing 52.

The pivotal movement of the rocker 53 is generated via the coupling of a lever 57 with two lever pieces 58 which are arranged on a common axis 59. The axis 59 connects the two wings 53 and is arranged at the bottom of the wings 53, approximately in the longitudinal center. The Lever pieces 58 are fixedly arranged on the axis 59 and are connected by an axis 60, with which the lever 57 is coupled.

The lever 55 for rotating the receptacle 49 and the lever 57 for pivoting the rockers 53 are each driven by pivoting levers 61, 62. The pivot levers 61, 62 are each mounted on shafts 63, 64 which extend through a wall of the housing 52 therethrough. The rotation of the pivot lever 61, 62 about the shafts 63, 64 via two cams 65, 66 which are coupled via cam levers 67, 68 with the pivot levers 61, 62. The cams 65, 66 lie on a common drive shaft 69, which can be coupled to the central machine drive.

How out Fig. 2 and 3 the packs 10 provided with the band 26 can be seen to be transported further away in the conveying direction according to arrow 44 on the conveying means 32 and fed to a folding turret 70. The packs 10 are transported through a strip of material 71 for the outer envelope of the pack 10, under U-shaped entrainment of a corresponding print carrier. Thereafter, the folding is completed in a known manner in Faltrevolver 70.

It is understood that not only the narrow side surface 22 can be provided with a banderole 26, but also the opposite narrow side surface 23 with the apparatus described above in essential parts. If necessary, the bearing points of the receptacle 49 must be rebuilt on the wings 53. It is conceivable in particular that the bearing points are not arranged at the edge, but approximately centrally on the sides of the receptacle 49. By replacing the cams 65, 66, the direction of rotation of the receptacle 49 can be changed so that not the narrow side surface 22 but the opposite narrow side surface 23 of the device 31 for applying the bands 26 faces. Also conceivable is a corresponding attachment of the band 26 on the front side 16 or rear side 19 of the packs 10, wherein by appropriate configuration of the lever and cams only a larger rotation of the receptacle 49 must be effected.

The second embodiment according to Fig. 12 differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 11 only by the drive of the pivot lever 61, 62. These are namely in the second embodiment by a respective servo motor 72, 73 driven.

Each servomotor 72, 73 can be individually controlled so that the trajectory of the receptacle 49 and the rotation of the receptacle 49 can be controlled. It is conceivable z. As a control panel on which an operator can specify which side surface of the packs 10 should be provided with the band 26. Accordingly, suitable programs for controlling the servomotors 72, 73 can be used in each case to provide either the packs 10 on one of the narrow side surfaces 22, 23 or the front side 16 with the band 26.

Furthermore, the pivoting device 30 can be shut down as in the first embodiment, to produce packs 10 without banderole 26. It is also conceivable that in such a configuration, the backs 19 of the packages 10 are provided with a band 26 by the means 31 for attaching the bands 26 is lowered in order to bridge the distance to the packages 10. This variant is also conceivable in the first embodiment.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

pack

11

box part

12

cover

13

line joint

14

bulkhead

15

bottom wall

16

front

17

Lid front wall

18

Box front wall

19

back

20

Lid rear wall

21

Box rear wall

22

Edge face

23

Edge face

24

Lid sidewall

25

Box side wall

26

banderole

27

weakening line

28

transport distance

29

turning device

30

Pivot means

31

Facility

32

funding

33

wrapping machine

34

conveying

35

endless conveyor

36

takeaway

37

Conveyor belt

38

conveyor section

39

rotary star

40

poor

41

guide plate

42

belt

43

takeaway

44

arrow

45

band magazine

46

out roller

47

Transfer roll

48

glue assembly

49

admission

50

transmission

51

recess

52

casing

53

wing

54

lever piece

55

lever

56

bearing System

57

lever

58

lever piece

59

axis

60

axis

61

pivoting lever

62

pivoting lever

63

wave

64

wave

65

cam

66

cam

67

cam lever

68

cam lever

69

drive shaft

70

folding turret

71

strips of material

72

servomotor

73

servomotor

74

infeed station

75

breakthrough

Claims (14)

1. An apparatus for producing packs (10) for cigarettes, having a continuously driven conveying means (32), in particular a transporting belt (42) with drivers (43), for transporting the packs (10), and having an arrangement (31) for applying printing carriers, such as labels (26), coupons or the like, to a side surface of the packs (10), wherein the arrangement (31) for applying the printing carriers is arranged in the region of the conveying means (32), for the purpose of applying the printing carriers to a side surface of the pack (10), this side surface being directed toward the arrangement (31), during transportation along the conveying means (32), characterized in that a pivoting arrangement (30) for altering the relative position of the packs (10) is arranged in the region of the conveying means (32) and/or of the arrangement (31) for applying the printing carriers, wherein the pivoting arrangement (30) is set up for receiving a respective pack (10) in a relative position appropriate for transportation on the conveying means (32), and for rotating the pack (10) into a relative position suitable for applying the printing carrier, and for further rotating the pack (10) into a relative position appropriate for further transportation on the conveying means (32).
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the pivoting arrangement (30) has a holder (49) for a pack (10). into which the pack (10) can be pushed by the conveying means (32), and in that the holder (49) can be rotated by a gear mechanism (50) such that that side surface of the pack (10) which is to be provided with the printing carrier can be directed toward the arrangement (31) for applying the printing carriers and, once the printing carrier has been applied, can be rotated back into the original relative position, and the pack (10) can be transferred onto the conveying means (32).
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the packs (10) are arranged on the conveying means (32) in a state in which they lie flat and have a narrow side surface (22) oriented in the conveying direction, and in that, by means of the pivoting arrangement (30). the packs (10) can be directed, with a narrow side surface (22) oriented upward, toward the arrangement (31) for applying the printing carriers, this arrangement being arranged above the conveying means (32).
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that the packs (10) are accumulated in the region of an entry station (74) and can be fed individually to a turning arrangement (29) for rotating and separating the packs (10) and transferring the packs (10) onto the conveying means (32).
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the holder (49) for the pack (10) is mounted on a rocker (53) such that it can be pivoted on either side of the conveying means (32), wherein the rocker (53) is mounted in a pivotable manner on rocker bearings (56) and can be moved along an imaginary curve together with the holder (49), via a drive, and in that the holder (49) for the packs (10) can be rotated about the bearing point on the rocker (53) via a lever (55).
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the lever (55) for rotating the holder (49) and a lever (57) for moving the rocker (53) can be driven by a gear mechanism (50) with a common drive.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the lever (55) for rotating the holder (49) and a lever (57) for moving the rocker (53) can be driven by separate drives, in particular individually actuable servomotors (72, 73).
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that, once the printing carrier has been applied, the packs (10) can be fed to an arrangement (33) for wrapping the packs (10) in a preferably transparent outer wrapper.
9. A method of producing packs (10) for cigarettes, wherein the packs (10) are transported continuously along a conveying means (32) and, in the region of an arrangement (31) for applying printing carriers, such as labels (26), coupons or the like, to side surfaces of the packs (10), are provided with printing carriers, characterized in that the packs (10) are rotated in respect of their relative position in the region of a pivoting arrangement (30), during transportation along the conveying means (32), such that the side surface which is to be provided with the printing carrier is directed toward the arrangement (31) for applying the printing carriers, and in that the pivoting arrangement (30) rotates the packs (10), once the printing carriers have been applied, into a relative position for further transportation on the conveying means (32), in particular into the original relative position on the conveying means (32).
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the packs (10) are pushed from the conveying means (32) into a holder (49) of the pivoting arrangement (30) and, by virtue of the holder (49) being rotated in relation to the conveying means (32), the packs (10) are moved into a relative position for applying the printing carriers, in particular with a corresponding side surface, preferably a narrow side surface (22), of the pack (10) oriented upward in the direction of the arrangement (31) for applying the printing carriers.
11. The method as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the holder (49), in addition to being rotated, is also accelerated in relation to the conveying means (32) in order to move the pack (10) into the relative position and location for applying the printing carriers, and in that, once the printing carriers have been applied and the packs (10) have been transferred onto the conveying means (32), the holder (49) is moved back into a starting position for receiving the next pack (10).
12. The method as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, once the printing carriers have been applied, the packs (10) are transferred once again onto the conveying means (32) in order to be fed to a wrapping machine (33) for an outer wrapper.
13. The method as claimed in claim 9 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the packs (10) are transported closely together in the first instance and then, by means of a turning arrangement (29), are separated and rotated and transferred onto the conveying means (32) for applying the printing carriers.
14. The method as claimed in claim 9 or one of the further claims, characterized in that, for the purpose of producing packs (10) without printing carriers, the holder (49) for the packs (10) is positioned on the conveying means (32) at a fixed location in the conveying path of the packs (10) such that the packs (10) are conveyed through the fixed-location holder (49) by way of the conveying means (32).

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