EP2844572B1 - Pack for cigarettes - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a pack for cigarettes.

Furthermore, the invention relates to an apparatus for producing packages for cigarettes.

In the cigarette industry, it is common for packages of cigarettes to be batch filled with a different number of cigarettes. It is also conceivable a batch different size of cigarettes. As a result, the cigarette block, which is accommodated in the box part, have different dimensions, in particular a different width and / or depth and / or height.

In order not to have to use correspondingly adapted packs for different cigarette blocks, it has become known to adapt the receiving space of the box part to the corresponding dimensions of the cigarette block.

For example, for this purpose in the EP 0 801 011 A1 proposed to equip the collar with hinged tabs. The tabs are pivoted into the interior of the box part and find there attachment to the cigarette block and support it. At the same time, they reduce the cross section of the box part according to the dimensions of the cigarette block. A disadvantage of this solution, however, is that standard blanks for collars have only a relatively low material stiffness, so that the tabs no longer provide support for the cigarette block after a short time. The cigarette block then has a corresponding clearance in the receiving space of the box part. A reduction of the cross section of the box part is also due WO 2006/012960 A1 disclosed. However, here the reduction of the cross-section is done only by an embossed label. An adaptation of the receiving space of the box part can not be achieved by this measure.

Proceeding from this, the object of the invention is to further develop packings for cigarettes of the type mentioned in the introduction.

A package for solving this problem has the features of claim 1. It is therefore provided that the collar by material deformation, in particular by embossing, formed dome-like organs for reducing the size of the receiving space, in particular the cross section, the box part corresponding to the dimensions of the cigarette block.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the organs can protrude on both sides of the collar, so for example, individual organs in the direction of the cigarette block and other organs in the direction of the wall of the box part. As a result, a larger reduction of the receiving space is made possible, as if the organs protrude only to one side.

The organs are preferably formed by embossing the material of the collar. In this way, bulges can be formed, which are particularly stable.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the organs are arranged according to the formation of the cigarettes in the cigarette block and are supported on the cigarettes of the cigarette block. In this way, the formation of the cigarette block is stabilized by the organs.

It is preferably provided that the organs have a dome-like shape, in particular in the shape of a hollow spherical cap. Conceivable, of course, are corresponding organs with a different shape, for example, with an oval basic shape.

Another aspect of the invention may be that the collar is attached by glue to walls of the box part, wherein the glue is arranged outside of the organs. One might think that the glue is applied to the organs. Preferably, however, the glue is arranged outside the region of the organs, because the position of the organs or the collar can vary due to tolerances, so that it has turned out to be easier to arrange the glue as claimed.

In order to increase the load-bearing capacity of the glue joints, provision may also be made for walls of the collar to have at least superficial scratches in areas of the glue application.

Another special feature may consist in that the organs are arranged such that the collar is inclined outwardly in the direction of its top, in particular such that a collar front wall which is arranged in the region of a front wall of the box part, in the direction of its top in Direction of the front wall is inclined, preferably arranged in the region of the collar front wall directed towards the front wall organ below a directed in the direction of the cigarette block member. This solution has the advantage that a gap between the collar and the box part, in particular in the region of the pack front wall, can be avoided.

It may be advantageous if the cigarette block is connected by means of a glue point, preferably hot melt, during the packaging process with the box part, preferably in the area of a rear wall of the box part. In this way it is prevented that the cigarette block slips in an excess of the receiving space of height in the box part. In particular, by using hot glue in the packaging process can be ensured in this way that the cigarette block is held immediately during the packaging process and can not slip.

Another special feature may be that in the region of a lower edge of the collar organs are arranged, which protrude into the edge and that the collar in the region of these organs to corresponding organs on walls of the box part rests. By the protruding members on the walls of the collar there is a risk that the collar does not remain in the intended position in the box part, but in particular slips down into the box part. This is avoided by the special organs at the bottom of the collar and the corresponding counter organs on the box part.

Further details emerge from the subclaims and the description, moreover.

A device according to the invention for producing the packages according to claim 1 has the features of claim 10. It is therefore provided that a material web can be guided between a pair of embossing rollers with attachment of dome-like members and, following the cutting device, a further pair of embossing rollers is arranged for applying further material deformations in the region of edges of the blanks, in particular in the region of machined by the cutting device edges. It has been shown that the application of embossments in the region of the cut edges of the blank is better carried out in a second working step after the separation and singulation of the embossed blanks.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the first pair of embossing rollers also has the cutting device, in particular in the form of cutting blades, which are mounted on the circumference of at least one embossing roller.

Another special feature is that both embossing rollers have embossing dies or corresponding counter punches for the formation of curvatures in the material web or the blanks which extend to one of the two sides of the material web.

Furthermore, accelerator rollers and / or conveyor belts for transporting the blanks can be provided in the further transport path of the blanks, which have clearances in the region of the material deformations, for transporting the blanks without impairing the material deformations.

Another special feature may be that the embossing rollers have hold-downs for the material web. With the help of the hold-down device, the spread of shrink folds can be limited. In particular, the hold-downs may be arranged so that the shrink folds do not extend into the visible region of the collar.

Further details are concerned with a design of embossing elements on the embossing rollers, which allow easy replacement of the same.

Further details of the device will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description otherwise.

Fig. 1

eine geöffnete Packung für Zigaretten in räumlicher Darstellung,

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf die Packung gemäß Fig. 1 mit Darstellung der Formation der Zigaretten im Zigarettenblock,

Fig. 3

einen Vertikalschnitt durch die Packung gemäß Fig. 1 entlang Schnittlinie III - III in Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

einen Vertikalschnitt durch die Packung gemäß Fig. 1 entlang Schnittlinie IV - IV in Fig. 2,

Fig. 5

einen Zuschnitt für einen Kragen der Packung gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 6

einen Schnitt durch den Kragen entlang Schnittlinie VI - VI in Fig. 5,

Fig. 7

einen Teil einer Vorrichtung zum Herstellen von Zigaretten in einer Seitenansicht.

Fig. 8

einen Vertikalschnitt durch die Vorrichtung entlang Schnittlinie VIII - VIII in Fig. 7,

Fig. 9

eine Einzelheit eines Prägeorgans in schematischer Darstellung,

Fig. 10

einen Vertikalschnitt durch die Vorrichtung entlang Schnittlinie X - X in Fig. 7,

Fig. 11

einen Vertikalschnitt durch die Vorrichtung entlang Schnittlinie XI - XI in Fig. 7, und

Fig. 12

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Kragens für eine Packung gemäß Fig. 1.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will be explained below with reference to the drawing. In this show:

Fig. 1

an opened pack for cigarettes in spatial representation,

Fig. 2

a plan view of the package according to Fig. 1 showing the formation of the cigarettes in the cigarette block,

Fig. 3

a vertical section through the package according to Fig. 1 along section line III - III in Fig. 2 .

Fig. 4

a vertical section through the package according to Fig. 1 along section line IV - IV in Fig. 2 .

Fig. 5

a blank for a collar of the package according to Fig. 1 .

Fig. 6

a section through the collar along section line VI - VI in Fig. 5 .

Fig. 7

a part of a device for producing cigarettes in a side view.

Fig. 8

a vertical section through the device along section line VIII - VIII in Fig. 7 .

Fig. 9

a detail of a stamping organ in a schematic representation,

Fig. 10

a vertical section through the device along section line X - X in Fig. 7 .

Fig. 11

a vertical section through the device along section line XI - XI in Fig. 7 , and

Fig. 12

a further embodiment of a collar for a package according to Fig. 1 ,

The invention is described using the example of a pack 10 for cigarettes of the Hinge-Lid type. The pack 10 consists of the components box part 11, cover 12 and collar 13th

The package 10 has a large area front side and an opposite rear side formed by a box front wall 14 and a lid front wall 15 and a box rear wall 16 and a lid rear wall 17, respectively. Furthermore, the package 10 has two opposite narrow sides, which are the front wall and the rear wall connect with each other. These narrow sides are formed by box side walls 18 and lid side walls 19. Furthermore, the package 10 has a lid end wall 20 and a box bottom wall 21.

The collar 13 is arranged as usual in hinge-lid packs in the interior of the box part 11 and protrudes from the box part 11 open at the top. In the closed position of the lid 12, the collar 13 is covered by this. The collar 13 extends in the area of the box front wall 14 and the box side walls 18. In the area of the box rear wall 16, no collar 13 is arranged. Accordingly, the collar 13 is formed by a collar front wall 22 and collar side walls 23 which extend along corresponding walls of the box part 11.

Lid 12 and box part 11 are pivotally connected to one another in the region of a line joint 24. The line joint 24 extends in the region of the rear side of the pack 10, namely between the box rear wall 16 and the lid rear wall 17.

The box part 11 serves as a receiving space for a package contents, namely in the present case for a cigarette block 25. The cigarette block 25 is a group of cigarettes 26, which is wrapped in a common envelope or an inner liner 27.

A further special feature of the exemplary embodiment is that the package 10 is an octagonal package, that is to say a package with eight upright package edges in the area of the front side, back side or narrow sides. Accordingly, in the transition from the front to the narrow sides or in the transition from the back to the narrow sides oblique edges are formed, whereby box part 11, cover 12 and collar 13 corresponding box inclined walls 28, cover inclined walls 29 and collar inclined walls 30 have.

It is understood that the package 10 may have other planforms, in particular a rectangular in plan shape, in which then the Sloping walls 28, 29, 30 are missing and the packing edges are formed at right angles. Furthermore, the package 10 may of course also have a larger number of beveled edges 28, 29, 30.

A special feature of the pack 10 shown is measures to variably limit the receiving space of the box part 11 to differently sized cigarette blocks 25. The aim is to be able to pack differently sized cigarette blocks 25 in the same pack 10. So that the cigarette block 25 is held in the box part 11 substantially free of play, the collar 13 has special organs in the present case in order to adapt the size of the receiving space to the size of the cigarette block 25. The organs are facing the collar 13, whereby the cross section of the box part 11 is reduced.

The organs are preferably formed by embossing bulges, which protrude starting from the respective wall of the collar 13 either in the direction of the cigarette block 25 or to the other side of the collar 13, ie in the direction of the walls of the box part 11. The in the direction of Cigarette block 25 protruding bulges are hereinafter referred to as simplicity inner bulges 31 and in the direction of the walls of the box part 11 protruding bulges are called outer bulges 32. In the representation of the collar 13 according to Fig. 5 the inner bulges 31 and outer bulges 32 are marked by different symbols.

For the sake of good order, it should be noted that the collar 13 can of course also have either only inner bulges 31 or only outer bulges 32. However, preference is given to the in Fig. 5 shown variant, according to which the collar 13 has both inner bulges 31 and outer bulges 32.

The inner bulges 31 and outer bulges 32 are arranged in the region of the collar front wall 22 and the collar side walls 23, and in the region of the collar inclined walls 30 between the collar front wall 22 and the collar side walls 23. In the region of the outer collar inclined walls 30th in the Transition to the back of the pack 10, no bulges are arranged. Nevertheless, the arrangement of curvatures is also conceivable here, as well as a total of 13 bulges must not be provided on all walls of the collar.

The vaults are arranged in several mutually partially offset planes in the region of the walls of the collar. The arrangement of the bulges is expediently such that the cigarettes 26 of the cigarette block 25 are optimally supported. Correspondingly, the bulges are arranged so that they are positioned in the region of the cigarettes 26 and abut them (separated by the inner liner 27). In this way, an effective support of the cigarette block 25 is ensured or securing the formation of the cigarettes 26th

Another particularity is in the area of the box front wall 14 and the collar front wall 22 there are arranged in two rows each buckle, namely within an upper row four Innenwölbungen 31 and including four outer bulges 32. This arrangement of the inner bulges 31 above the outer curvatures In this way, the collar front wall 22 is inclined in the region of the removal opening against the box front wall 14 in this area whereby a visually disadvantageous gap between the collar front wall 22 and the box front wall 14 can be avoided.

In Fig. 5 is also indicated the course of the closing edge 33 of the pack 10. The region of the collar 13 below the closing edge 33 is not visible to the consumer. The arrangement of the bulges is therefore limited to this area or the bulges are spaced from the closing edge 33.

Another special feature is in special organs at the bottom of the collar 13 and in the region of the collar side walls 23. There are embossed outer bulges 34 provided in the lower edge of the collar 13th protrude. Consequently, the bulges are cut to form an outwardly projecting toward the walls of the box part 11 projection 35. With this projection 35, the collar 13 rests on corresponding counter-projections 36 which are embossed in the region of an inner side flap of the double-layered box side wall 18.

Another special feature is that in the area of the box rear wall 16, the cigarette block 25 or the inner liner 27 is glued to the box rear wall 16. For this purpose, a glue point 37 or a glue surface made of hot melt adhesive is provided. The glue is applied during the packaging process to ensure that the cigarette block 25 can not be displaced within the box part 11 during the packaging process.

In Fig. 7 is a part of a device for producing the collar 13 is shown. In this case, a continuous material web 38 for the production of collar 13 between a pair of transport rollers 39 along a collar web 40 is transported in the direction of the arrow 41st

At a distance from the transport rollers 39, a pair of embossing rollers 42 is arranged, between which the continuous material web 38 is passed under attachment of the organs or material deformations. According to the arrangement of the inner bulges 31 and outer bulges 32 embossing organs 43 are provided on the two embossing rollers 42 projecting beyond the circumference of the embossing rollers 42 and cooperate with corresponding clearances 44 in the corresponding counter-roller or correspond ( Fig. 8 ).

The embossing members 43 have a dome-like contour corresponding to the shape of the inner bulges 31 or outer bulges 32, with which the material web 38 is embossed while entering a corresponding franking 44.

The stamping members 43 can be exchanged in a special way. The embossing members 43 are as pin-like organs in blind holes 58 on the circumference of Embossing rollers 42 arranged. The embossing members 43 are formed as a hollow body with an internal thread 59. By grinding the dome-like upper side, the internal thread 59 can be exposed so that a tool 60 with a female thread 59 corresponding external thread 61 can be screwed into the exchanged stamping member 43, and then the stamping member 43 pulled out of the blind hole 58 and exchanged for a new stamping member 43 can be.

Furthermore, one of the two embossing rolls 42 also has cutting blades 45, which serve for separating a collar 13 from the continuous material web 38. The cutting blades 45 are arranged between the embossing members 43 on the circumference of the embossing roll 42 and sever the web of material 38 at predetermined locations by abutment with the circumference of the other embossing roll 42, which serves as a counter roll for the cutting blade 45.

Following the embossing rollers 42, the collars 13 are spaced apart by a first pair of accelerator rollers 46. It then follows in the transport direction of the collar 13, a further pair of accelerator rollers 47, the further embossing members 48 have for attaching the marginal outer bulges 34. In the region of the embossing members 48 on an accelerator 47, the other accelerator 47 again corresponding clearances 44 on.

In addition, the accelerator rollers 47 have further clearances 50 in the regions in which the collars 13 are provided with the inner convexities 31 and outer convexities 32, respectively. In this way, the collars 13 can pass through the accelerator rollers 47 without the inner bulges 31 or outer bulges 32 already mounted in the region of the embossing rollers 42 being damaged.

Furthermore, the accelerator rollers 47 have edge-side folding noses 51, for folding rear collar oblique walls 30.

Subsequent to the accelerator rollers 47, the collars 13 are transported between conveying runs of endless conveyors 52. The conveyor belts are formed in this case by flat belt 53 between which the collar 13 is held and transported in the conveying direction according to arrow 41. In this case, the endless conveyors 52 or their belts 53 are arranged such that they run outside the region of the inner bulges 31 or outer bulges 32. The location of the conveyor belt 53 is also in Fig. 5 indicated. In this way, the collars can be transported in the area of the endless conveyors 52 without the inner bulges 31 or outer bulges 32 being damaged.

Another embodiment of a collar 13 is shown in FIG Fig. 12 shown. Again, in the area of the collar front wall 22 and the adjacent collar inclined walls 30 and collar side walls 23 inner bulges 31 and outer bulges 32 are arranged, and in each case in the lower edge region of the collar side walls 23 the already described outer bulges 34. All of these curvatures are below Closing edge 33 in the area not visible to the consumer.

In order to prevent so-called shrink folds arising during the application of the embossments, which extend above the closing edge 33 into the visible region, one of the embossing rollers 42 has a hold-down 54, which in the hatched area 55 in FIG Fig. 12 is positioned. The hold-down 54 is also in Fig. 8 shown. In the region of the hold-down 54, the material web 38 is pressed against the upper side of the counter-roller, whereby the formation of shrink folds in the visible region of the collar 13 is avoided.

Further shows Fig. 12 the position of glue dots 56 for connecting the collar 13 with the box part 11. In the region of the collar side walls 23, a glue point 56 is arranged below the closing edge 33 in each case. In the region of the collar front wall 22, two glue points 56 are arranged, which are likewise located below the closing edge 33.

A special feature in the arrangement of the glue points 56 is that they are arranged outside or at a distance from the inner bulges 31 and outer bulges 32. Another peculiarity is that the material of the collar 13 in the region of the glue points 56 scorings 57 has. These scratches 57 are at least superficially mounted in the material of the collar 13 and improve the glue connection between the collar 13 and box part 12. Also conceivable is the arrangement of continuous punch cuts in the collar 13 for this purpose. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 10 pack 39 transport roller 11 box part 40 collar Bahn 12 cover 41 arrow 13 collar 42 embossing rollers 14 Box front wall 43 impressing member 15 Lid front wall 44 franking 16 Box rear wall 45 cutting blade 17 Lid rear wall 46 accelerator roller 18 Box side wall 47 accelerator roller 19 Lid sidewall 48 impressing member 20 Lid front wall 49 franking 21 Box bottom-wall 50 franking 22 Collar front wall 51 Faltnase 23 Collar side wall 52 endless conveyor 24 line joint 53 belt 25 cigarette block 54 down device 26 Cigarette 55 Area 27 inner liner 56 spot of glue 28 Box-scaling wall 57 scoring 29 Cover-scaling wall 58 blind 30 Collar scaling wall 59 inner thread 31 inner curvature 60 Tool 32 extrados 61 external thread 33 closing edge 34 extrados 35 head Start 36 counter-projection 37 spot of glue 38 web

Claims (16)

1. A pack for cigarettes (26), having a box part (11) and a lid (12) which is pivotably arranged on the box part (11), wherein the box part (11) forms a receiving space for a cigarette block (25), and wherein a collar (13) which protrudes from the box part (11), which is open at the top, and which, in the closed position of the lid (12), is encompassed by said lid (12), is arranged in the box part (11), and wherein the collar (13) displays means for reducing the size of the receiving space, in particular of the cross section, of the box part (11), characterized in that the collar (13) displays cupola-type elements (31, 32) for reducing the size of the receiving space, which are formed by material deformation, in particular by embossing, in particular of the cross section of the box part (11), so as to correspond to the dimensions of the cigarette block (25).
2. The pack for cigarettes, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the elements (31, 32), in relation to the respective wall of the collar (13), project in each case toward the cigarette block (25) and/or toward a wall of the box part (11).
3. The pack for cigarettes, as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elements (31, 32) are formed from the embossing of the material of the collar (13).
4. The pack for cigarettes, as claimed in claim 1 or in one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that the elements (31, 32) are arranged so as to correspond to the formation of the cigarettes (26) in the cigarette block (25) and are supported on the cigarettes (26) of the cigarette block (25).
5. The pack for cigarettes, as claimed in claim 1 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that the collar (13) is fastened by means of glue (56) on walls of the box part (11), wherein the glue (56) is arranged outside the elements (31,32).
6. The pack for cigarettes, as claimed in claim 1 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that the elements (31, 32) are arranged in such a manner that the collar (13) is outwardly inclined toward its upper side, in particular in such a manner that a collar front wall (22), which is arranged in the region of a front wall (14) of the box part (11), toward its upper side is inclined toward the front wall (14), preferably in that, in the region of the collar front wall (22), an element (32) directed toward the front wall (14) is arranged below an element (31) directed toward the cigarette block (25).
7. The pack for cigarettes, as claimed in claim 1 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that the cigarette block (25), during the packaging process, preferably in the region of a rear wall (16) of the box part (11) is connected to the box part (11) by means of a glue spot (37), preferably of hot glue.
8. The pack for cigarettes, as claimed in claim 1 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that elements (34) are arranged in the region of a lower periphery of the collar (13) and protrude into the periphery, and that the collar (13), in the region of these elements (34) bears on corresponding elements (36) on walls of the box part (11).
9. The pack for cigarettes, as claimed in claim 1 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of a pack (10) having oblique edges, the collar (13) displays elements (31, 32) also in the region of corresponding walls (30) which are arranged in the region of the oblique edges.
10. A device for manufacturing packs (10) for cigarettes (26), having a pair of embossing rollers (42) for applying elements (31, 32) formed by material deformations to a material web (38) for manufacturing blanks for a collar (13) of the packs (10), wherein the material web (38) is conveyable through the pair of embossing rollers (42) as the material deformations (31, 32) are being applied, and wherein individual blanks, by means of a cutting unit (45), are singularizable from the material web (38) by being severed therefrom, characterized in that the material web (38) can be conveyed through the pair of embossing rollers (42) as cupola-type elements (31, 32) are being applied, and for applying further material deformations (34) in the region of peripheries of the blanks, in particular in the region of peripheries which have been processed by the cutting unit (45), a further pair of embossing rollers (47) is arranged so as to follow on from the cutting unit (45).
11. The device as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the first pair (42) of embossing rollers also displays the cutting unit, in particular in the form of cutting blades (45) which are attached on the circumference of an embossing roller (42).
12. The device as claimed in claim 10 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that both embossing rollers (42) display embossing elements (43) or corresponding counterpunches, respectively, in particular clearances (44), for the configuration of bulges (31, 32) in the material web (38) or the blanks, respectively, which extend on both sides of the material web (38).
13. The device as claimed in claim 10 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that a pair of accelerator rollers (46, 47) for singularizing the blanks severed from the material web (38) is arranged so as to follow on from the first pair of embossing rollers (42), wherein the accelerator rollers (46, 47), in the region of the material deformations (31, 32), display clearances (50) for conveying the blanks without compromising the material deformations (31, 32).
14. The device as claimed in claim 10 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that the embossing rollers (42), for limiting the dissemination of shrink folds, display holding-down units (54) for the material web (38), wherein the holding-down units (54) are arranged in such a manner that the material web (38) is held down in a region which, within the finished pack, lies in a region which is not visible to the consumer.
15. The device as claimed in claim 10 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that the embossing rollers (42) display embossing elements (43) which protrude beyond the circumference of the embossing rollers (42), wherein the embossing elements (43) are arranged in depressions (58) of the embossing rollers (42) and are replaceable, preferably in such a manner that the embossing elements (43) are partially milled down and pulled out of the embossing roller (42) and are replaced with new embossing elements (43).
16. The device as claimed in claim 10 or one of the further preceding claims, characterized in that the singularized collars (13) are conveyable between conveyor belts (53) of endless conveyors (52), wherein the conveyor belts (53) are arranged in such a manner that they are arranged between the material deformations (31, 32), without compromising the material deformations (31, 32).

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