EP4592071A1

EP4592071A1 - Unit for embossing a continuous web of paper of the tobacco industry and method for operating such a unit

Info

Publication number: EP4592071A1
Application number: EP25153751.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fausto Mengoli
Original assignee: GD SpA
Current assignee: GD SpA
Priority date: 2024-01-26
Filing date: 2025-01-24
Publication date: 2025-07-30
Also published as: IT202400001539A1

Abstract

A unit (100) for embossing a continuous web (N) of paper of the tobacco industry, in particular a continuous web of cork paper, comprising an embossing device (30) and first guiding means (40) for defining a first feed path (P1) of the continuous web (N), which extends through the embossing device (30). The unit (100) further comprises second guiding means (50) for defining a second feed path (P2) of the continuous web (N), which extends outside the embossing device (30).

Description

The object of the present invention is a unit for embossing a continuous web of paper of the tobacco industry, in particular a continuous web of cork paper or paper for tobacco segments.
The object of the present invention is also a method for operating such an embossing unit.
More and more frequently, cigarette manufacturers are placing greater importance on the design of cigarette filters.
In particular, to date it is usual to imprint a decorative relief design obtained by embossing the paper web wrapped around the filter.
In such a situation, it is known during cigarette manufacturing to make use of an embossing device along the production line in order to emboss the paper web and subsequently wrap the latter around the filter segments. Although the practice of embossing the paper web for wrapping the filters is increasingly used, at times there is a need to manufacture cigarettes where the paper web wrapped around the filter is not embossed. In such a situation, there is the need to have a flexible production line where it is possible to quickly adapt the production to the several types of cigarettes. In greater detail, the need is particularly felt to be able to quickly switch the production line from a production of cigarettes with embossed paper to a production of cigarettes without such embossing.
To date, in order to perform the aforesaid switching, it is known to disable the embosser, i.e., separate the embossing rollers from each other so that they cannot impart any deforming action on the paper web. In such a situation, the paper web is made to pass through the embosser so as to slide in contact with one of the rollers of the same embosser in order to exit the embosser without being deformed.
Disadvantageously, the sliding of the web against the embosser's smooth roller may cause rips and tears in the paper web, as well as undesired braking of the web.
A further disadvantage is due to the fact that the prolonged sliding of the paper web on the smooth roller causes an accumulation of paper particles which jeopardize the correct operation of the embosser.
Moreover, the path of the paper involving the passage inside the embosser is unnecessarily difficult.
Therefore, it is the technical task of the present invention to provide a unit for embossing a continuous web of paper of the tobacco industry and a method for operating such an embossing unit, which are capable of overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art.
It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a unit for embossing a continuous web of paper of the tobacco industry, which allows quickly and simply switching from the production of an embossed web to a non-embossed web, and vice versa.
It is therefore a further object of the present invention to provide a unit for embossing a continuous web of paper of the tobacco industry which avoids a sliding of the web.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an efficient method for operating an embossing unit.
The specified technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a unit for embossing a continuous web of paper of the tobacco industry and by a method for operating such an embossing unit, comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the accompanying claims. The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative and thus non-limiting description of an embodiment of a unit for embossing a continuous web of paper of the tobacco industry and of a method for operating such an embossing unit. Such a description will be presented below with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided by way of mere and thus non-limiting indication, in which:

Figure 1 shows a front view of a unit for embossing a continuous web of paper of the tobacco industry in a first operating condition;
Figure 2 shows a front view of the embossing unit in a second operating condition.

With reference to the accompanying Figures, reference numeral 100 indicates a unit for embossing a continuous web "N" of paper of the tobacco industry, in particular a continuous web of cork paper or paper for tobacco segments or filter paper.
According to a possible embodiment, unit 100 is retrofitted or retrofittable to a filter tip attachment machine of the tobacco industry or to another machine suitable for employing webs of embossed paper (paper for tobacco segments or filter paper, therefore maker machines). Alternatively, unit 100 is integrated in a filter tip attachment machine of the tobacco industry or in another machine suitable for employing webs of embossed paper (paper for tobacco segments or filter paper, therefore maker machines, or alternatively combiner machines).
Preferably, unit 100 comprises a box-shaped containing frame 10 comprising at least a top wall 10a, a bottom wall 10b, and a pair of side walls 10c.
Preferably, the containing frame 10 is configured as a totally removable or repositionable part.
Even more preferably, the containing frame 10 is provided, at the top of it, with hooking means, eye bolts in particular, used for lifting the unit 100.
The containing frame 10 comprises an inlet opening 20a configured to allow feeding the continuous web "N" into unit 100, and an outlet opening 20b configured to allow the continuous web "N" to be fed out from unit 100.
Preferably, the inlet opening 20a is made on the top 10a or bottom 10b walls of the containing frame 10, while the outlet opening 20b is made on a side wall 10c of the containing frame 10.
Such an arrangement of the inlet and outlet openings 20a, 20b ensures that the continuous web "N" enters the unit 100 as positioned vertically and leaves the unit 100 as positioned horizontally.
In the embodiment shown in the accompanying Figures, the inlet opening 20a is made on the top wall 10a, while the outlet opening 20b is made on the right-side wall 10c. Therefore, in such a situation, the continuous web "N" is fed from left to right.
According to alternative embodiments, the inlet and outlet openings 20a, 20b could be located in various positions. For example, the inlet opening 20a could be positioned on the side wall 19c, while the outlet opening 20b could be located on the top 10a or bottom 10b walls.
Preferably, the inlet and outlet openings 20a, 20b are defined by elongate slots.
As shown in the accompanying Figures, unit 100 further comprises an embossing device 30.
Preferably, the embossing device 30 is inserted in the containing frame 10. Preferably, the embossing device 30 is mounted in cantilever fashion on a (vertical) rear wall 10d of the containing frame 10.
The embossing device 30 comprises a pair of rollers between which the continuous web "N" is made to pass.
The rollers of the pair are meshed or kinematically coupled with each other and define therebetween a clearance for the continuous web "N" so that when the continuous web "N" is made to pass through such an opening, it is embossed, i.e., deformed locally to define recesses and reliefs according to a predetermined pattern, e.g., a graphic design or a writing. Preferably, the rollers are mutually adjustable towards and away from each other so as to adjust the clearance according to the type of continuous web "N" to be embossed.
Unit 100 further comprises first guiding means 40, preferably inserted in the containing frame 10, for defining a first feed path "P1" of the continuous web "N", which extends through the embossing device 30. Preferably, the first path "P1" extends from the inlet opening 20a to the outlet opening 20b through the embossing device 30.
According to an optional measure, as shown in the accompanying Figures, the first guiding means 40 are configured so as to define an angle of diversion of the continuous web "N" between the inlet, where the continuous web "N" enters the embossing device 30, and the outlet, where the continuous web "N" exits the same embossing device 30. As shown in Figure 1, the continuous web "N" is indeed diverted through the embossing device 30 by an angle between 30° and 60°. In particular,
Preferably, the first guiding means 40 are configured so as to define a winding angle of the continuous web "N" onto one of the two rollers of the embossing device 30 by virtue of the mentioned angle of diversion of the web between the inlet and the outlet of the embossing device 30 and/or of the location of the embossing rollers. For example, the embossing rollers may be located in such positions to create a non-rectilinear trend of the web in the embossing device 30 but, for example, (differently from the dashed line diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 1), partially wound around one of the two embossing rollers.
As shown in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures, the first guiding means 40 are mounted in cantilever fashion on the rear wall 10d of the containing frame 10.
Preferably, the first guiding means 40 comprise a plurality of rollers 40a, 40b.
In greater detail, according to a not necessarily limiting embodiment, the first guiding means 40 comprise an infeed roller 40a positioned upstream of the embossing device 30 and an outfeed roller 40b positioned downstream of the embossing device 30. In such a situation, along the first path "P1", the continuous web "N" enters the containing frame 10 through the inlet opening 20a, is made to run around the infeed roller 40a, preferably against a bottom surface portion thereof, to enter the embossing device 30 where it is embossed and diverted. At the outlet of the embossing device 30, the embossed continuous web "N" runs in contact with the outfeed roller 40b, preferably against a bottom surface portion thereof, to be guided towards the outlet opening 20b.
According to an aspect of the present invention, to facilitate the feeding of the continuous web "N" to the embossing device 30, unit 100 further comprises, preferably inside the containing frame 10, an unwinding device 60 configured to entrain the continuous web "N" in a controlled manner along the first feed path "P1".
Preferably, the unwinding device 60 is positioned upstream of the embossing device 30.
Preferably, the unwinding device 60 is positioned above the infeed roller 40a.
Preferably, the unwinding device 60 comprises a motorized and/or controlled roller (for example, with a motor and/or a braking device and related control system) onto which web "N" winds around by a prefixed angle preferably comprised between 90° and 180°, so that the feeding of web "N" may be reliably controlled in a sufficient way.
As shown for example in Figure 1, in use, the continuous web "N" enters the containing frame 10 with vertical lying and winds around the unwinding device 60. From the unwinding device 60, the continuous web "N" descends towards the infeed roller 40a, running around the infeed roller 40a which directs the same continuous web "N" towards the embossing device 30. At the outlet of the embossing device 30, the continuous web "N" is guided by the outfeed roller 40b towards the outlet opening 20b so that it takes horizontal lying so as to be able to undergo any additional processing.
Preferably, there is interposed, between the inlet opening 20a and the unwinding device 60, an auxiliary roller 70 positioned in such a position to determine - independently of the position of the inlet opening 20a - the winding angle of web "N" in the unwinding device 60. In particular, the auxiliary roller 70 is located below the unwinding device 60 so that web "N" exiting the auxiliary roller 70 ascends and winds around the unwinding device 60 by the prefixed angle (preferably between 90° and 180°) and then descends again towards the infeed roller 40a.
Unit 100 further comprises second guiding means 50.
Preferably, the second guiding means 50 are inserted in the containing frame 10.
As shown in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures, the second guiding means 50 are mounted in cantilever fashion on the rear wall 10d of the containing frame 10.
The second guiding means 50 are configured to define a second feed path "P2" of the continuous web "N", which extends outside the embossing device 30.
Preferably, the second path "P2" extends from the inlet opening 20a to the outlet opening 20b, excluding the embossing device 30.
Preferably, the second feed path "P2" further excludes the unwinding device 60.
In other words, when the continuous web "N" is made to run along the second feed path "P2", the continuous web "N" does not encounter the embossing device 30 nor the unwinding device 60.
Indeed, as shown in the embodiment of the accompanying Figures, the first and second paths "P1", "P2" have an initial common stretch, extending from the inlet opening 20a to the auxiliary roller 70. Subsequently to the initial stretch, the first and second paths "P1", "P2" extend in distinct manner. The first path "P1" brings the continuous web "N" to encounter, in order, the unwinding device 60, the infeed roller 40a, the embossing device 30 and the outfeed roller 40b. The second path "P2" instead brings the continuous web "N" to avoid the embossing device 30 so that the continuous web "N" does not undergo any deformation.
The first and second paths "P1", "P2" rejoin close to the outlet opening 20b where they have a common stretch extending between the outfeed roller 40b and the outlet opening 20b, as described below.
Preferably, the second feed path "P2" comprises a by-pass stretch "B" which at least partially extends around said embossing device (30). Preferably, the by-pass stretch "B" is positioned outside and/or along the side of the embossing device 30, in particular above or below the embossing device 30. "Along the side" means that the by-pass stretch "B" flanks the embossing device 30, therefore above, below or on any other side of the embossing device 30.
Preferably, the by-pass stretch "B" has horizontal lying.
In the preferred embodiment, the by-pass stretch "B" is interposed between the embossing device 30 and one of the top wall 10a and bottom wall 10b of the containing frame 10.
In the embodiment shown, the by-pass stretch "B" is interposed between the embossing device 30 and the bottom wall 10b of the containing frame 10 so as to be positioned below the embossing device 30.
The second guiding means 50 comprise a plurality of rollers 50a, 50b.
In greater detail, the second guiding means 50 comprise one or more by-pass rollers 50a, 50b located below or above the embossing device 30.
In the embodiment shown, the second guiding means 50 comprise a first and second by-pass roller 50a, 50b that are located below the embossing device 30 so that the by-pass stretch "B" is, as indicated above, positioned below the embossing device 30.
Preferably, the first by-pass roller 50a is positioned below the unwinding device 60, preferably (but not necessarily) occupying a position that is vertically aligned with the unwinding device 60.
Preferably, the first by-pass roller 50a is located in the containing frame 10 below the unwinding device 60 and the infeed roller 40a so that the infeed roller 40a is interposed, along a vertical direction, between the same unwinding device 60 and the first by-pass roller 50a.
Preferably, the second by-pass roller 50b is positioned below the outfeed roller 40b, for example, aligned vertically thereto.
In the preferred embodiment, at least part of the rollers 40a, 40b of the first guiding means 40 are different from at least part of the rollers 50a, 50b of the second guiding means 50.
In greater detail, in the preferred embodiment, the rollers 40a, 40b of the first guiding means 40 are different from the rollers 50a, 50b of the second guiding means 50, with the exception of the outfeed roller 40b, which is common to the first and second guiding means 40, 50.
The outfeed roller 40b acts therefore as rejoining point of the first and second paths "P1", "P2" to allow the continuous web "N" to exit - with horizontal lying - the containing frame 10 through the outlet opening 20b. As shown in the accompanying Figures, indeed, whether the continuous web "N" is fed along the first path "P1" or along the second path "P2", it runs, with horizontal lying, between the outfeed roller 40b and the outlet opening 20b.
In greater detail, in Figure 1, the continuous web "N" runs along the first path "P1". In such a situation, the continuous web "N" enters the containing frame 10 with vertical lying, encounters the unwinding device 60, which sends it to the infeed roller 40a, maintaining the vertical lying. From the infeed roller 40a, the continuous web "N" is diverted and enters the embossing device 30. At the outlet of the embossing device 30, the continuous web "N" is fed towards the outfeed roller 40b which diverts it so that the continuous web "N" takes a horizontal lying between the same outfeed roller 40b and the outlet opening 20.
Figure 1 shows a first configuration in which the first guiding means 40 guide the continuous web "N" along the first feed path "P1", while the second guiding means 50 are not engaged by the continuous web "N". Instead, with reference to Figure 2, a second configuration is represented in which the second guiding means 50 guide the continuous web "N" along the second feed path "P2", while the first guiding means 40 are not engaged by the continuous web "N".
Again, with reference to Figure 2, when the continuous web "N" is made to run along the second path "P2", it enters the containing frame 10 through the inlet opening 20a and runs around the first by-pass roller 50a, preferably in contact with a bottom surface portion thereof. From the first by-pass roller 50a, the continuous web "N" is made to run, along the by-pass stretch "B", reaching the second by-pass roller 50b so as to run below the embossing device 30 and head towards the outlet opening 20b. In such a situation, the continuous web "N" avoids undergoing any embossing operation, as it runs outside the embossing device 30 along the second feed path "P2".
Close to the outlet opening 20b, and in particular just before it, the continuous web "N" is made to run from the second by-pass roller 50b towards the outfeed roller 40b around which the continuous web "N" winds around to take a horizontal lying, before reaching the outlet opening 20b.
Preferably, the outfeed roller 40b is adjustable, in particular in translation, even more particularly vertically, between at least a first position and a second position.
In the first position, the outfeed roller 40b guides the continuous web "N" leaving the embossing device 30.
Preferably, the outfeed roller 40b guides the continuous web "N" leaving the embossing device 30 towards the outlet opening 20b. Since the outfeed roller 40b is located at a lower level than the embossing device 30, in this situation the continuous web "N" winds around a lower surface of the outfeed roller 40b. In order to align the outlet of web "N" from the outfeed roller 40b with the outlet opening 20b, the outfeed roller 40b in this case is adjusted to a raised position (Figure 1).
Instead, in the second position, the outfeed roller 40b guides the continuous web "N" coming from the one or more by-pass rollers 50a, 50b. Preferably, the outfeed roller 40b guides the continuous web "N" coming from the one or more by-pass rollers 50a, 50b towards the outlet opening 20b. Since the outfeed roller 40b is located at a higher level than the second by-pass roller 50b, in this situation the continuous web "N" winds around a top surface of the outfeed roller 40b. In order to align the outlet of web "N" from the outfeed roller 40b with the outlet opening 20b, the outfeed roller 40b in this case is adjusted to a lowered position (Figure 1). Preferably, the aforesaid (vertical) adjusting of the outfeed roller 40b occurs due to the presence of adjustment slots adapted to allow the translation of the outfeed roller 40b.
In the embodiment shown, the outfeed roller 40b is applied in cantilever fashion to the bottom wall 10d of the containing frame 10 so as to be movably mounted thereon. Moreover, the outfeed roller 40b is preferably substantially aligned in vertical direction with the second underlying by-pass roller 50b. In such a situation, the continuous web "N", along the second path "P2", runs along a substantially vertical lying stretch comprised between the second by-pass roller 50b and the outfeed roller 40b to then run along the horizontal lying stretch between the outfeed roller 40b and the outlet opening 20b.
Preferably, to make the unit 100 even more efficient and accurately control the feed of the continuous web "N", the infeed roller 40a is movable and adopts a working position such as to divert the continuous web "N" towards the embossing device 30 when the continuous web "N" is running along the first path "P1", and a rest position distant from the working position when the continuous web "N" is running along the second path "P2".
In other words, when the continuous web "N" runs along the second path "P2", the infeed roller 40a is not intercepted by the continuous web "N" and remains in the rest position; reversely, when the continuous web "N" runs along the first path "P1", the infeed roller 40a facilitates feeding the continuous web "N".
Preferably, the infeed roller 40a is movable between the working position and the rest position and vice versa by a rocking movement around a preferably horizontal axis.
Even more preferably, the infeed roller 40a is mounted on an end of an arm 80 hinged, at the other end, to the bottom wall 10d (preferably in cantilever fashion) of the containing frame 10 so as to be able to rock between the two positions. Moreover, the infeed roller 40a is usually kept pushed in the rest position by means of a counter action and brought to the working position by an action applied by tensioning the web. Preferably, such a counter action is achieved by means of gravity and/or by means of an elastic return part.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the unit 100 comprises a sensor associated with the infeed roller 40a and configured to detect a positional data item representing the position of the infeed roller 40a.
The unit 100 further comprises a control terminal configured to receive, as input from a user, a processing data item representing the presence or absence of embossing in the current format, therefore representing the activation of the embossing device 30, and a control unit connected to the sensor and to the terminal and configured to receive the positional data item and the processing data item and, based on these data, derive a state of congruency or malfunctioning of unit 100.
In greater detail, if for example, the processing data item represents an activation of the embossing device 30 but the positional data item represents the rest position of the infeed roller 40a, the control unit will derive a state of malfunctioning.
Conversely, if for example, the processing data item represents an activation of the embossing device 30 and the positional data item represents the working position of the infeed roller 40a, the control unit will derive a state of congruency.
Another object of the present invention is a method for operating an embossing unit 100 according to the above description.
The method comprises a step of feeding a continuous web "N" along the first feed path "P1" through the embossing device 30, thereby embossing the continuous web "N".
The method then comprises a step of interrupting the feeding of the continuous web "N" along the first feed path "P1".
Then, the method comprises a step of positioning the continuous web "N" along the second feed path "P2" and a step of feeding the continuous web "N" along the second feed path "P2", excluding the embossing device 30. Preferably, the method further comprises a step of acquiring a processing data item representing the activation of the embossing device 30 and a step of detecting, by means of a sensor, a positional data item representing the position of the infeed roller 40a.
In such a situation, the method comprises a step of deriving, based on the data, a state of operating congruency or malfunctioning of unit 100.
The present invention achieves the preset objects, eliminating the drawbacks of the prior art.
In particular, the present invention allows simply and effectively switching the path of the continuous web depending on whether it is to be embossed or not.
The present invention avoids any undesired sliding of the continuous web, thus facilitating the feeding and running of the latter.
The present invention allows controlling the operation of the embossing unit in efficient and secure manner.

Claims

A unit (100) for embossing a continuous web (N) of paper of the tobacco industry, in particular a continuous web of cork paper, comprising:
- an embossing device (30);

- first guiding means (40) for defining a first feed path (P1) of a continuous web (N), said first path (P1) extending through the embossing device (30);

- second guiding means (50) defining a second feed path (P2) of the continuous web (N), said second path (P2) extending outside the embossing device (30) so as to bypass the embossing device (30), wherein said first guiding means (40) and said second guiding means (50) are selectable alternatively to guide the continuous web (N) along the first feed path (P1) or the second feed path (P2).
The unit according to claim 1, wherein the second feed path (P2) comprises a bypass stretch (B) which extends at least partly around and/or along the side of the embossing device (30), preferably positioned above or below the embossing device (30) and, more preferably, lying in a horizontal plane.
The unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the guiding means (40, 50) comprises a plurality of rollers (40a, 40b, 50a, 50b), at least some of the rollers (40a, 40b) of the first guiding means (40) being different from at least some of the rollers (50a, 50b) of the second guiding means (50).
The unit according to claim 3, wherein said first guiding means (40) comprise an infeed roller (40a), located upstream of the embossing device (30), and an outfeed roller (40b), located downstream of the embossing device (30), and wherein said second guiding means (50) comprise one or more bypass rollers (50a, 50b) positioned outside and/or along the side of the embossing device (30), preferably above or below the embossing device (30).
The unit according to claim 4, wherein said outfeed roller (40b) is adjustable, in particular in translation and, still more particularly, vertically, between at least a first position, suitable for guiding the continuous web (N) leaving the embossing device (30), and a second position, suitable for guiding the continuous web (N) coming from said one or more bypass rollers (50a, 50b).
The unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an unwinding device (60) configured to entrain the continuous web (N) in a controlled manner along the first feed path (P1) and located preferably upstream of the embossing device (30).
The unit according to claim 6, wherein the second guiding means (50) are configured in such a way that the second feed path (P2) bypasses the unwinding device (60).
The unit according to one or more of claims 4 to 7, wherein said infeed roller (40a) is movable and adopts a working position such as to divert the continuous web (N) towards the embossing device (30) when said continuous web (N) is running along the first path (P1), and a rest position when said continuous web (N) is running along the second path (P2).
The unit according to claim 8, wherein said infeed roller (40a) is movable between the working position and the rest position and vice versa by a rocking movement about a preferably horizontal axis.
The unit according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said unit comprises:
- a sensor associated with the infeed roller (40a) and configured to detect a positional data item representing the position of the infeed roller (40a);

- a control terminal configured to receive, as input from a user, a processing data item representing the activation of the embossing device (30);

- a control unit connected to the sensor and to the terminal and configured to receive said positional data item and said processing data item and, based on these data items, to derive a state of congruency or malfunctioning of the unit (100).
The unit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a box-shaped containing frame (10) comprising at least a top wall (10a), a bottom wall (10b), and a pair of side walls (10c), said containing frame (10) comprising an inlet opening (20a) configured to allow feeding the continuous web (N) into the unit (100), and an outlet opening (20b) configured to allow the continuous web (N) to be fed out from the unit (100).
The unit according to claim 11, wherein said inlet opening (20a) is made in the top wall (10a) or the bottom wall (10b) of the containing frame (10), and wherein said outlet opening (20b) is made in a side wall (10c) of the containing frame (10), said inlet and outlet openings (20a, 20b) being preferably defined by elongate slots.
The unit according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said first and second guiding means (40, 50) and said embossing device (30) are mounted in cantilever fashion on a rear wall (10d) of the containing frame (10).
The unit according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein said containing frame (10) is configured as a totally removable or repositionable part, preferably said containing frame (10) being provided, at the top of it, with hooking means, eye bolts in particular, used for lifting the unit (100).
The unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first guiding means (40) are configured so as to define an angle of diversion of the continuous web (N) between the inlet where the continuous web (N) enters the embossing device (30) and the outlet where the continuous web (N) exits the embossing device (30); the embossing device (30) preferably comprising a pair of rollers between which the continuous web (N) is made to pass and said first guiding means (40) being configured so as to define an angle of winding the continuous web (N) onto one of said two rollers of the embossing device (30).
The unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in a first configuration, the first guiding means (40) guide said continuous web (N) along the first feed path (P1) while at least some of said second guiding means (50) are not engaged by said continuous web (N).
The unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in a second configuration, the second guiding means (50) guide said continuous web (N) along the second feed path (P2) while at least some of said first guiding means (40) are not engaged by said continuous web (N).
The unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said unit (100) is retrofitted or retrofittable to a filter tip attachment machine of the tobacco industry.
A method for operating an embossing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps:
- feeding a continuous web (N) along the first feed path (P1) through the embossing device (30), thereby performing embossing on said continuous web (N);

- interrupting feed of the continuous web (N) along the first feed path (P1);

- disposing the continuous web (N) along the second feed path (P2);

- feeding the continuous web (N) along the second feed path (P2) to bypass the embossing device (30).