EP3216708B1

EP3216708B1 - Machine and method for making cigarette packets of the "shoulder box" type

Info

Publication number: EP3216708B1
Application number: EP17159431.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fulvio Boldrini
Original assignee: GD SpA
Current assignee: GD SpA
Priority date: 2016-03-10
Filing date: 2017-03-06
Publication date: 2019-05-08
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-06
Also published as: ITUA20161488A1; PL3216708T3; EP3216708A1

Description

This invention relates to a machine and a method for making cigarette packets of the type commonly known as "shoulder boxes".
The term "shoulder box" is used to designate a packet comprising a base and a lid which is hinged to the base by means of an adhesive label which is glued both to the base and to the lid. Both the base and the lid have the shape of a flat, open-top box. Inside the base there is a collar which protrudes from the side walls of the base towards the lid to act as a guide and reference for lid movement and, by interfering slightly with the free movement of the lid, to keep the lid in contact with the base when the lid is in the closed position. The base houses a group of cigarettes comprising two superposed layers of cigarettes.
At present, a "shoulder-box" packet of this kind is made from a first blank, which is gummed and folded to form the base, a second blank which is independent of the first blank and which is gummed and folded to form the lid, a third blank which is independent of the first and second blanks and which is folded to form the collar and then placed inside the base and glued to the side walls of the base, and, lastly, a label which is wrapped around and glued to the base and lid in order to hinge the base to the lid. The three blanks are made independently of each other and fed manually to the different wrapping units. That means making a "shoulder-box" packet is a somewhat slow and complex process because it involves not only separately handling and manually loading three distinct blanks but also having to use three independent wrapping units, each of which folds a corresponding blank. An example of a method for producing a "shoulder box" packet is known from patent document GB 2475969 A .
Moreover, production of a "shoulder-box" packet is further slowed if accessory components have to be placed inside it: for example, a spacer to be disposed on the base, or an inner frame, coupon or other insert to be disposed on top of the group of cigarettes.
This invention therefore has for an aim to provide a machine and a method for making cigarette packets of the "shoulder box" type to overcome the disadvantages described above with reference to the prior art.
More specifically, the aim of this invention is to provide a machine and a method for making cigarette packets of the "shoulder box" type capable of automating and simplifying the production of such packets and thereby reducing process times, even if accessory components need to be placed inside the packets.
These aims are achieved by a machine and a method for making cigarette packets of the "shoulder-box" type having the features set out in one or more of the appended claims.
Advantageously, thanks to the machine and method of the invention, it is possible to reduce process times and floor space required to put the machine in operation and to make both empty packets and complete packets including the necessary accessory components.
Further features and advantages of the invention are more apparent from the following exemplary and therefore non-limiting description of a preferred and hence non-exclusive embodiment of a machine and a method for making cigarette packets of the "shoulder-box" type.
The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment of it and in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a cigarette packet of the "shoulder-box" type;
Figure 1a shows a cross section of a "shoulder box" packet complete with cigarettes and accessory components;
Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the machine for making cigarette packets of the "shoulder-box" type according to the invention;
Figure 3 is a functional drawing of a machine for making cigarette packets of the "shoulder-box" type according to this invention, shown in a perspective view;
Figure 3a is an enlargement showing the detail III from Figure 3 from a different angle;
Figure 4 is a functional drawing of a part of the machine according to the invention, shown in a plan view;
Figure 5 is a functional drawing of a part of the machine according to the invention, shown in a front view and partly in cross section;
Figures 5a-5c illustrate respective enlarged details A-C from Figure 5;
Figure 6 shows a possible variant embodiment of the detail of Figure 5a;
Figure 7 shows a possible variant embodiment of the detail of Figure 5a;
Figure 8 shows a side view of a part of the machine for making cigarette packets of the "shoulder-box" type according to the invention.

An example of a "shoulder box" packet 100 is illustrated with reference to Figure 1.
The packet 100 comprises a base 101 having the shape of a flat box which is open at the top, and a lid 102 having the shape of a flat box which is open at the bottom.
A label 103 is glued both to the base and to the lid in order to hinge the lid to the base.
A collar 104 is positioned inside the base 101 and protrudes from the side walls of the base towards the lid 102. The collar 104 constitutes a shoulder which helps keep the lid 102 in the closed position. In use, the collar 104 delimits the space occupied by a group of cigarettes intended to be contained in the packet 100.
In Figure 1a, the packet 100 is illustrated in cross section and includes accessory components such as a spacer 105, disposed on the base 101, and a coupon 106, disposed on top of the cigarettes.
Figure 2 shows a possible embodiment of a machine 1 for making cigarette packets 100 of the "shoulder-box" type according to the invention.
The machine 1 comprises a making-up unit 2 configured to make up the packets 100 along a making-up path 3. Preferably, the making-up path 3 comprises an initial portion 3a along which the base 101 and the lid 102 are made up on the collar 104 and a final portion 3b along which the label 103 is applied.
Preferably, the machine 1 comprises a feeding unit 2a, serving the making-up unit 2, for feeding the materials defining the components of the packet 100.
The numeral 4 denotes first feeding means for feeding a first continuous band 5 suitable for making the collar 104 of each packet 100. The first feeding means 4 are configured to move the first continuous band 5 along a first feed path P1, for example unwinding it from one or more rolls B1.
The numeral 6 denotes second feeding means for feeding a second continuous band 7 suitable for making the base 101 of each packet 100. The second feeding means 6 are configured to move the second continuous band along a second feed path P2.
The numeral 8 denotes third feeding means for feeding a third continuous band 9 suitable for making the lid 102 of each packet 100. The third feeding means are configured to move the third continuous band along a third feed path P3.
The first, second and third feed paths P1, P2, P3 meet the making-up unit 2 along the making-up path 3. Preferably, the first feed path P1 meets the initial portion 3a of the making-up path upstream of the second and third feed paths P2 and P3 along a direction of travel defined by the making-up path 3.
The first feeding means 4 are configured to fold the first continuous band 5 along its main direction of extension to form a flat tubular band 10. Preferably, the longitudinal edges of the first continuous band 5 are positioned at the centre of the band 5 itself and fixed by applying a longitudinal label, not illustrated here.
The numeral 11 schematically represents first cutting means located along the first feed path P1 and configured to cut the flat tubular band 10 transversely and to make a sequence of flat collars 12. The first feeding means 4 are configured to move the sequence of flat collars 12 along a final stretch P1' of the first feed path P1 towards an initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3.
The numeral 13 (Figure 3) schematically represents a retractor device located at the end of the first feed path P1 and configured to open out one flat collar 12 at a time until adopting the shape of the side walls of the base 101, thus forming the collar 104.
The numeral 14 (Figure 3) schematically represents second cutting means located along the second feed path P2 and configured to cut the second continuous band 7 transversely and to make a sequence of blanks 15 for the base 101. The second feeding means 6 are configured to move the sequence of blanks 15 along a final stretch P2' of the second feed path P2 towards the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3.
The numeral 16 schematically represents third cutting means located along the third feed path P3 and configured to cut the third continuous band 9 transversely and to make a sequence of blanks 17 for the lid 102. The third feeding means 8 are configured to move the sequence of blanks 17 along a final stretch P3' of the third feed path P3 towards the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3.
Preferably, the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3 is disposed on at least two levels 18, 19 and is provided with transfer means, preferably a pusher 20a, configured to transfer from one level 18 to the other level 19 an assembly made up of a collar 104 associated with the respective blank of the base 101 and/or of the lid 102. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the collar 104 is, by way of example, associated with the base 101.
Preferably, the making-up unit 2 comprises at least two rotary conveyors, preferably carousels 21, 22, each located on one of the levels 18, 19 and each provided with hollows 23 configured to receive the assemblies.
Preferably, to be able to transfer the assemblies from one level 18 to the other level 19 through the hollows 23, the pusher 20a is movable transversely to the initial portion 3a.
Preferably, filling means 24 are provided which are configured to dispose a group 25 of cigarettes inside each collar 104 at a filling station 27 along the making-up path 3. The filling station 27 is preferably located upstream of the second and third feed paths P2 and P3 along the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3.
The numeral 28 denotes accessory feed means configured to feed at least one continuous accessory band 29a, 29b suitable for making an accessory component for each packet 100: for example, a spacer 105 to be disposed on the base 101 or a coupon 106 to be disposed on the side of the lid 102 and/or on top of the group 25 of cigarettes.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the feed means 28 are configured to feed two continuous bands 29a, 29b to make two accessory components. Preferably, the continuous band 29a is used to make spacers 105 and the band 29b is used to make coupons 106. Other possible embodiments have only the band 29a or only the band 29b. Further possible embodiments are also imaginable where there are other uses for the band 29a and/or the band 29b.
The accessory feed means 28 are configured to move each continuous accessory band along a respective accessory feed path Pa, Pb. The accessory feed path meets the making-up unit 2 along the making-up path 3.
Preferably, the accessory feed path meets the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3 at an intermediate portion between the first feed path P1 and the second and third feed paths P2, P3.
In the case where there are two or more continuous accessory bands, each accessory feed path Pa, Pb meets the making-up path 3 preferably at a single station and, still more preferably, at the filling station 27, if provided, irrespective of whether it is activated or not.
The accessory feed path may be configured to merge into the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3 in such a way that, at least when the packet is finished, the accessory component is positioned above or below the group 25 of cigarettes. In the case of the spacer 105, the accessory feed path Pa is configured to merge into the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3 in such a way that the accessory component is positioned on the side of the base 101 which, in the example illustrated, is preferably at the top when the packet is being made up. In the case of the coupon 106, the accessory feed path is configured to merge into the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3 in such a way that the accessory component is positioned above the group 25 of cigarettes or on the side of the lid 102 which, in the example illustrated, is preferably at the bottom when the packet is being made up.
The references 30a, 30b schematically represent cutting means located along the respective accessory feed path and configured to cut the continuous accessory band 29a, 29b along a transverse direction and to make a sequence of blanks 31a, 31b of the accessory component. In this case, the accessory feed means 28 are configured to move the sequence of blanks 31a, 31b along a final portion Pa', Pb' of the accessory feed path.
Preferably, the cutting means 30a, 30b are configured to partially cut the continuous accessory band 29a, 29b along the transverse direction in such a way as to make a sequence of blanks 31a, 31b of the accessory component, where two consecutive blanks are connected by at least one bridge 32a, 32b.
Preferably, the accessory feed path Pa, Pb comprises an end stretch P' disposed transversely of the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3. If both the accessory feed path Pa and the accessory feed path Pb are present, the end stretch P' may be in common between them, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
The numeral 33 denotes transfer means, preferably a pusher, configured to transfer an end blank towards the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3, thus separating it from the sequence of blanks 31a, 31b. The transfer means are configured to tear the bridge 32a - 32b, if present. With reference to a possible example embodiment, the transfer means 33 are configured to act simultaneously on the end blank 31a, 31b and, for example in certain cases, on the cigarette packet 25 going through the filling station 27.
The numeral 34 denotes folding means for folding the blanks 31a, 31b, configured to operate while the blanks are being transferred and preferably comprising at least one loading hopper 35a, 35b for loading the respective blank 31a, 31b. The transfer means 33, for example in the form of the pusher, are movable through the respective loading hopper to transfer and fold the blanks.
If the accessory component is inserted at the filling station 27, the loading hopper may be located above or below a feed channel 36 for feeding the group 25 of cigarettes.
Figure 6 shows a possible embodiment in which the loading hopper 35a is located above the feed channel 36 for feeding the group 25 of cigarettes and is configured to receive a blank 31a, for example of a spacer 105 to be disposed on the base 101.
Figure 7 shows a possible embodiment in which the loading hopper 35b is located below the feed channel 36 for feeding the group 25 of cigarettes and is configured to receive a blank 31b, for example of a coupon 106 which, in the assembled configuration of the packet 100, is disposed on top of the cigarettes..
Figure 5 and the corresponding enlargement of Figure 5a show a possible embodiment comprising the two hoppers 35a and 35b preferably adapted to receive a blank 31a and a blank 31b, respectively.
In addition to the above, the final portion 3b of the making-up path further comprises two carousels 37 and 38 configured to receive the blanks 39 of the labels 103 and to apply them on the base 101 and lid 102 of each packet 100 using gumming means of known type not illustrated.
Transfer means, preferably a pusher 20b, are configured to transfer from the carousel 22 to the rotating carousel 37 the assembly now made up of the collar 104, the base 101, the blank 17 and the additional components previously inserted. The pusher 20b passes through the respective hollows of the rotating carousel 37, similar to the hollows 23, thereby making the lid 102.
Once the labels have been applied, the packets 100 thus obtained are accumulated in rows 40 to give the glue joining the label 103 to the base 101 and lid 102 enough time to dry. Cutting means might also be provided to trim the label 103.
In use, the machine 1 is suitable for implementing a method for making cigarette packets 100 of the "shoulder box" type according to this invention.
The method comprises feeding the first continuous band 5, which is suitable for making each collar 104, moving it along the first feed path P1 and preferably folding it along its main direction of extension to form the flat tubular band 10.
The flat tubular band 10 is cut transversely to make the sequence of flat collars 12 which are moved along the final stretch P1' of the first feed path P1 towards the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3.
When they enter the making-up path 3, the flat collars 12 are opened out until adopting the shape of the side walls of the base 101, and are inserted into the hollows 23 to form the collar 104.
The carousel 21 transports the open collars 104 along the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3 as far as the filling station 27 (if provided, because it is optional) where the filling means 24 place a group 25 of cigarettes inside each collar 104.
Alternatively, the filling station might not be provided or might not be enabled so as to make empty packets to be filled with groups of cigarettes at a later stage.
At the same time as this, at least one accessory band 29a, 29b is fed along the respective accessory feed path Pa, Pb and partly cut transversely to make the sequence of blanks 31a, 31b which reach the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3 at the filling station 27, if present, or at an intermediate portion located, for example, between the first feed path P1 and the second and third feed paths P2, P3.
According to the type of accessory component (for example, spacer 105 or coupon 106), the respective blanks 31a, 31b are merged into the flow in such a way that the accessory component is disposed on top of or under the group 25 of cigarettes, with reference to the full packet 100.
In the case of the spacer 105, the respective accessory feed path Pa merges into the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3 in such a way that the accessory component is disposed on the side of the base 101, preferably at the top when the packet is being made up. In the case of the coupon 106, the respective accessory feed path Pb merges into the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3 in such a way that the accessory component is disposed on the side of the lid 102, preferably at the top when the packet is being made up.
Preferably, the blanks 31a, 31b merge into the making-up path 3 in a direction transverse to the initial portion 3a of the making-up path.
During this transfer, the blanks 31a, 31b are folded to make the respective accessory component and detached from the respective sequence of blanks if the respective bridge 32a, 32b is present.
At the same time as this, the second continuous band 7 is fed along the second feed path P2 and cut transversely to make the sequence of blanks 15 which, along the final stretch P2' of the second feed path P2, reach the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3.
In the same way, the third continuous band 9 is fed along the third feed path P3 and cut transversely to make the sequence of blanks 17 which, along the final stretch P3' of the third feed path P3, reach the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3.
In the embodiment illustrated, the blanks 15, intended for example to form the bases 101, are fed along the making-up path 3 upstream of the blanks 17, intended for example to form the lids 102. For example, the blanks 15 are fed at the carousel 21 and the blanks 17 are fed at the carousel 22. It should be noted that the above procedure can be followed in reverse.
Generally speaking, all the feed paths meet the making-up unit 2 along the making-up path 3. Thus, it is possible to make up the base 101 and the lid 102 onto the collar 104 and to add the accessory components, if any, along the making-up path 3 inside the making-up unit 2.
To make up the base 101 and the lid 102, the method preferably comprises moving, along the initial portion 3a of the making-up path 3, the assembly made up of the collar 104 associated with the respective blank 15 of the base 101 (or associated with the respective blank 17 of the lid 102 - embodiment not illustrated). Each assembly is transferred from one to the other of at least two levels 18 and 19 and the blanks are folded during the passage from one level to the other. Preferably, the assemblies are transferred between the different levels by being made to pass through respective hollows 23 of rotating carousels 21 and 22.
With reference to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, each blank 15 is positioned above the respective collar 104 at the carousel 21 and folded while it is transferred from the carousel 21 to the carousel 22 by the pushing action imparted to it by the pusher 20a, thus making the base 101.
Next, each blank 17 is positioned under the respective collar 104 at the carousel 22 and folded while it is transferred from the carousel 22 to a further rotating carousel 37. The assembly now made up of the collar 104, the lid 102 and the blank 17 is transferred from the carousel 22 to the rotating carousel 37 by the action imparted to it by the pusher 20b which pushes it into a respective hollow of the rotating carousel 37, similar to the hollows 23, thus making the lid 102. Lastly, the blanks 39 of the labels 103 are applied to the base 101 and lid 102 of each packet 100.

Claims

A machine for making packets (100) of the "shoulder box" type for cigarettes, the packet (100) comprising:
- a base (101) having the shape of a flat, open-top box,

- a lid (102) having the shape of a flat, open-bottom box,

- a label (103) glued to both the base (101) and the lid (102) to hinge the lid (102) to the base (101),

- a collar (104) protruding from the side walls of the base (101) towards the lid (102);
the machine being characterized in that it comprises:
- first feeding means (4) for feeding a first continuous band (5) suitable for making the collar (104) and configured to fold the first continuous band (5) along its main direction of extension to form a flat tubular band (10);

- second feeding means (6) for feeding a second continuous band (7) suitable for making the bottom (101);

- third feeding means (8) for feeding a third continuous band (9) suitable for making the lid (102);

- a making-up unit (2) configured to make up the base (101) and the lid (102) onto the collar (104) along a making-up path (3), which at least a first feed path (P1) of the first continuous band (5) defined by the first feeding means (4), a second feed path (P2) of the second continuous band (7) defined by the second feeding means (6) and a third feed path (P3) of the third continuous band (9) defined by the third feeding means (9) merge into;

- first cutting means located along the first feed path (P1) and configured to cut the flat tubular band (10) transversely and to make a sequence of flat collars (12); the first feeding means (4) being configured to move the sequence of flat collars (12) along a final stretch (P1') of the first feed path (P1) towards an initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3);

- second cutting means located along the second feed path (P2) and configured to cut the second continuous band (7) transversely and to make a sequence of blanks (15) for the base (101); the second feeding means (6) being configured to move the sequence of blanks (15) along a final stretch (P2') of the second feed path (P2) towards the initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3);

- third cutting means located along the third feed path (P3) and configured to cut the third continuous band (9) transversely and to make a sequence of blanks (17) for the lid (102); the third feeding means (8) being configured to move the sequence of blanks (17) along a final stretch (P3') of the third feed path (P3) towards the initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3);

- accessory feed means (28) configured to feed at least one continuous accessory band (29a, 29b) suitable for making an accessory component (105, 106) for each packet (100), the accessory component being a spacer (105) and/or a coupon (106), the accessory feed means (28) being configured to move the continuous accessory band (29a, 29b) along an accessory feed path (Pa, Pb) wherein the accessory feed path (Pa, Pb) merges into the making-up unit (2) along the making-up path (3) so that, with reference to the full packet (100), the accessory component is disposed on the side of the base (101) and/or on the side of the lid (102);

- accessory cutting means (30a, 30b) located along the accessory feed path and configured to cut the continuous accessory band (29a, 29b) along a transverse direction and to make a sequence of blanks (31a, 31b) of the accessory component;
said accessory feed means (28) being configured to move the sequence of blanks (31a, 31b) of the accessory component along the accessory feed path (Pa, Pb).
The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the making-up path (3) comprises an initial portion (3a) along which the base (101) and the lid (102) are made up onto the collar (104) and a final portion (3b) along which the label (103) is applied, in that the first feed path (P1) merges into the initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3) upstream of the second and third feed paths (P2, P3) in a travelling direction defined along the making-up path (3), and in that the accessory feed path (Pa, Pb) merges into the initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3) at an intermediate portion between the first feed path (P1) and the second and third feed paths (P2, P3).
The machine according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises filling means (24) configured to place a group (25) of cigarettes inside each collar (104) at a filling station (27) of the making-up path (3) upstream of the second and third feed paths (P2, P3), and characterized in that the accessory feed path (Pa, Pb) merges into the initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3) at the filling station (27).
The machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the accessory feed path (Pa, Pb) is configured to merge into the initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3) in such a way that the accessory component (105, 106) is positioned on top of the group (25) of cigarettes at least in the assembled and filled configuration of the packet (100).
The machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the accessory feed path (Pa, Pb) is configured to merge into the initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3) in such a way that the accessory component (105, 106) is positioned under the group (25) of cigarettes at least in the assembled and filled configuration of the packet (100).
The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting means (30a, 30b) are configured to partially cut the continuous accessory band (29a, 29b) along a transverse direction in such a way as to make a sequence of blanks (31a, 31b) of the accessory component, where two consecutive blanks are connected by at least one bridge (32a, 32b).
The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the accessory feed path (Pa, Pb) comprises a final stretch (P') disposed transversely of the initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3), and in that it comprises transfer means (33) configured to separate an end blank from the sequence of blanks (31a, 31b) and to transfer it towards the initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3).
The machine according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises folding means (34) for folding the blanks (31a, 31b) and configured to operate while the blanks are being transferred.
The machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the folding means (34) comprise:
- at least one blank loading hopper (35a, 35b) located above or below a feed channel (36) by which a group (25) of cigarettes is fed to a filling station (27) of the making-up path (3),
at least one pusher which is movable through the loading hopper to transfer and fold the blanks (31a, 31b).
A method for making packets (100) of the "shoulder box" type for cigarettes to be performed by a machine according to any of the preceding claims, the packet (100) comprising:
- a base (101) having the shape of a flat, open-top box,

- a lid (102) having the shape of a flat, open-bottom box,

- a label (103) glued to both the base (101) and the lid (102) to hinge the lid (102) to the base (101),

- a collar (104) protruding from the side walls of the base (101) towards the lid (102);
the method being characterized in that it comprises the steps of:
- feeding a first continuous band (5), which is suitable for making the collar (104) of each packet (100), along a first feed path (P1)

- folding the first continuous band (5) along its main direction of extension to form a flat tubular band (10);

- cutting the flat tubular band (10) transversely to make a sequence of flat collars (12);

- moving the sequence of flat collars (12) along a final stretch (P1') of the first feed path (P1) towards an initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3);

- feeding a second continuous band (7), which is suitable for making the base (101) of each packet (100), along a second feed path (P2);

- cutting the second continuous band (7) transversely to make a sequence of blanks (15) for the base (101);

- moving the sequence of blanks (15) for the base (101)along a final stretch (P2') of the second feed path (P2) towards the initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3);

- feeding a third continuous band (9), which is suitable for making the lid (102) of each packet (100), along a third feed path (P3);

- cutting the third continuous band (9) transversely to make a sequence of blanks (17) for the lid (102);

- moving the sequence of blanks (17) for the lid (102) along a final stretch (P3') of the third feed path (P3) towards the initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3);

- making up the base (101) and the lid (102) onto the collar (104) along the making-up path (3), which at least a first feed path (P1) of a first continuous band (5) suitable for making the collar (104), a second feed path (P2) of a second continuous band (7) suitable for making the base (101) and a third feed path (P3) of a third continuous band (9) suitable for making the lid (102) merge into;

- feeding at least one continuous accessory band (29a, 29b) suitable for making an accessory component (105, 106) for each packet (100) by moving it along an accessory feed path (Pa, Pb), the accessory component being a spacer (105) and/or a coupon (106);

- cutting the continuous accessory band (29a, 29b) along a transverse direction to make a sequence of blanks (31a, 31b) of the accessory component;

- moving the sequence of blanks (31a, 31b) of the accessory component along the accessory feed path (Pa, Pb);
wherein the accessory feed path (Pa, Pb) merges into the making-up unit (2) along the making-up path (3) so that, with reference to the full packet (100), the accessory component is disposed on the side of the base (101) and/or on the side of the lid (102).
The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the making-up path (3) comprises an initial portion (3a) along which the base (101) and the lid (102) are made up onto the collar (104) and a final portion (3b) along which the label (103) is applied, in that the first feed path (P1) merges into the making-up path (3) upstream of the second and third feed paths (P2, P3) in a travelling direction defined by the feed path (3), and in that the accessory feed path (Pa, Pb) merges into the making-up path (3) at an intermediate portion between the first feed path (P1) and the second and third feed paths (P2, P3).
The method according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises the step of feeding groups (25) of cigarettes by placing each group (25) of cigarettes inside each collar (104) at a filling station (27) of the making-up path (3) located upstream of the second and third feed paths (P2, P3), and characterized in that the accessory feed path (Pa, Pb) merges into the initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3) at the filling station (27).
The method according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises the step of feeding the continuous accessory band (29a, 29b) into the initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3) in such a way that the accessory component is positioned on top of the group (25) of cigarettes at least in the assembled and filled configuration of the packet (100).
The method according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises the step of feeding the continuous accessory band (29a, 29b) into the initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3) in such a way that the accessory component is positioned under the group (25) of cigarettes at least in the assembled and filled configuration of the packet (100).
The method according to one or more of the preceding claims10-14, characterized in that the continuous accessory band (29a, 29b) is cut partially along the transverse direction in such a way as to make a sequence of blanks (31a, 31b) of the accessory component, where two consecutive blanks are connected by at least one bridge (32a, 32b).
The method according to one or more of the preceding claims 10-15, characterized in that it comprises the step of transferring an end blank towards an initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3), separating it from the sequence of blanks (31a, 31b) and moving it along a final stretch (P') of the accessory feed path (Pa, Pb) disposed transversely of the initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3).
The method according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises the step of folding the blanks (31a, 31b) while the blanks are being transferred towards the initial portion (3a) of the making-up path (3).