JP2017536302A - Apparatus and method for the manufacture of packs for smoking articles - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (10) for producing a sealed pack (20, 34, 36, 37) of a smoking article (2) and replacing the air inside the sealed pack. The device (10) comprises an operating mechanism (13) for transporting the hermetic pack (20) of smoking articles (2) within the device (10). The operation mechanism (13) includes a support plate (24) with which the pack (20) abuts while the operation mechanism (13) is transported. The support plate (24) includes a gas flow path port (29). When the pack (20) abuts on the support plate (24) and is transported by the operating mechanism (13), the device (10) has a gas flow passage opening (29) on the valve (4) formed in the pack (20). It is configured to be able to engage and replace the gaseous air in the hermetic pack (20). Moreover, the method of manufacturing the pack (37) for smoking articles (2) with such an apparatus (10).

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the manufacture of packs for smoking articles.

  Smoking articles, usually bundled in a rectangular parallelepiped configuration, cardboard inner frames straddling the front and side of the smoking article bundle, and the exterior consisting of a film or other barrier material that contains the smoking article bundle and forms an airtight pack It is known to provide packs for smoking articles that include a wrapper. Such packs for smoking articles include an outlet for the user to remove the smoking article from the smoking article pack, and a repeatable seal that covers the outlet and allows the smoking article pack to be sealed.

  Such a known pack for smoking articles is provided in an outer box formed of a cardboard blank, and the outer box is movable so as to open and close the main body having an open upper part and the upper part attached to the main body. Includes hinged lid.

  The contents of the container can also be provided by providing a pack such as an airtight container and packing the goods by depressurizing, evacuating or filling the container with air that is less reactive than the surrounding air. It is known to prevent an object from deteriorating by reacting with oxygen in the air and extending the shelf life of the contents of the container.

  It is desirable to produce a pack for smoking articles that includes an airtight container filled with reduced pressure or less reactive air. However, there is a problem in providing a cost-effective means of manufacturing such a pack for smoking articles without the use of custom or expensive manufacturing equipment. Moreover, it is desired that such a pack for smoking articles can be reliably manufactured by a high-speed manufacturing process.

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the manufacture of packs for smoking articles, and aims to provide an alternative apparatus and method that alleviates or overcomes the above problems.

  The present invention provides an apparatus for producing a sealed pack of smoking articles and replacing the air inside the sealed pack, which apparatus comprises an operating mechanism for transporting the sealed pack of smoking articles within the apparatus. The operation mechanism includes a support plate with which the pack abuts while the operation mechanism is transported, and the support plate includes a gas flow path port. When the pack is in contact with the support plate and conveyed by the operation mechanism, the gas flow path port Engages with a valve formed in the pack so that the gas air in the hermetic pack can be replaced.

  The support plate includes one of a pair of spaced support plates configured to hold the pack between the support plates, and at least one of the support plates includes a gas flow path port.

  The apparatus may include a plurality of gas flow path ports. At least two gas channel openings may be provided on the same support plate. Each support plate may include a gas channel port.

  At least one gas channel opening includes a sealing member to facilitate the formation of a hermetic seal between the gas channel opening and the pack.

  At least one gas channel opening includes an opening penetrating the support plate.

  The at least one gas channel port may comprise a suction port connected to a vacuum source for degassing the pack via the suction port.

  At least one gas flow path port includes a filling port connected to a pressurized gas source, and the pack can be filled with gas from the pressurized gas source via the filling port.

  At least one gas channel opening is provided with a suction filling port that is selectively connected to a vacuum source and a pressurized gas source, through which the pack can be degassed and added via the gas channel port. The pack can be filled with gas from a pressurized gas source.

  The first gas channel port includes a suction port connected to a vacuum source, the pack can be degassed via the suction port, and the second gas channel port is a filling port connected to a pressurized gas source And the pack can be filled with gas from a pressurized gas source through a filling port.

  A control valve is provided between the at least one gas channel port and the vacuum source and / or the pressurized gas supply source, and the at least one control valve communicates the vacuum source and / or the pressurized gas source with the at least one gas channel port. Can be operated to control.

The at least one support plate includes a sensor member configured to detect a state in which the pack is supported against and supported by the support plate, and the at least one control valve indicates that the pack is in contact with the support plate. Configured to operate when detected.

  The apparatus of the present invention further includes a controller that is connected to at least one control valve and controls the operation of the control valve. The sensor member is connected to the controller.

  The apparatus of the present invention is configured so that a bundle of smoking articles is packed and sealed with a barrier material to form a sealed pack, a valve is provided on at least one surface of the pack, and the operating mechanism is provided with the sealed pack. Provided with a packaging station.

  The packaging station includes a continuous barrier material web having a plurality of valves spaced along it, each valve being disposed on an opening in the barrier material web, the packaging station having at least one valve. Is configured to wrap and seal a bundle of smoking articles by cutting the barrier material web into a barrier section so that it is always placed in place in each hermetic pack.

  The apparatus of the present invention further comprises a packing station configured to form an outer box around the hermetic pack, the operating mechanism being disposed between the packing station and the packing station, and being sealed between the packing station and the packing station. Transport the pack.

  The apparatus of the present invention further comprises an adhesive applicator configured to apply an adhesive to the inner surface of the sealed pack or outer box, and applying the adhesive to at least one valve of the sealed pack. Adhere to the outer box.

  The at least one gas channel port is configured to be positioned over the valve when engaged with the at least one valve of the container, and the at least one gas channel port is larger in size than the at least one valve.

  The at least one gas passage port and the at least one valve are substantially circular, and the diameter of the at least one gas passage port is greater than the diameter of the at least one valve.

  The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a sealed pack of smoking articles in which the air inside is replaced using an apparatus having an operation mechanism including a support plate having a gas flow path opening. A step of transporting the sealed pack of smoking articles in the apparatus using an operation mechanism carrying the abutting sealed pack, a step of engaging the gas channel opening with a valve formed in the pack, and the gas channel opening and valve Through which the gaseous air in the hermetic pack is replaced.

  The manufacturing method of the present invention includes a step of transporting the pack held between the support plate and the second support plate simultaneously with the step of replacing the air inside the pack.

  The gas channel port includes a suction port connected to a vacuum source, and the step of replacing the gaseous air in the sealed pack includes a step of degassing the sealed pack through the suction port.

  The gas flow path port includes a filling port connected to the pressurized gas source, and the step of replacing the gaseous air in the sealed pack includes a step of filling the sealed pack with the gas from the pressurized gas source through the filling port.

  The gas channel port is provided with a suction filling port selectively connected to a vacuum source and a pressurized gas source, and the step of replacing the gas air in the hermetic pack is a step of degassing the hermetic pack through the gas channel port And filling the hermetic pack with gas from a pressurized gas source through the gas flow path port.

  The apparatus of the present invention includes a first gas flow path port including a suction port connected to a vacuum source, and a second gas flow path port including a filling port connected to a pressurized gas source, and the gas inside the pack The step of exchanging air includes a step of degassing the sealed pack through the suction port and a step of filling the sealed pack with gas from the pressurized gas source through the filling port.

  The apparatus of the present invention includes a control valve between the at least one gas passage opening and the vacuum source and / or the pressurized gas source, and controls the operation of the at least one control valve to control the vacuum source and / or the pressurized gas supply source. Controlling the communication with at least one gas channel opening.

  The method of the present invention includes the step of controlling the operation of at least one control valve by a controller connected to the at least one control valve.

  The at least one support plate includes a sensor member, and the method of the present invention detects a state where the pack is in contact with and supported by the support plate, and at least when detecting that the pack is in contact with the support plate. It includes a sensor member that operates one control valve and communicates a vacuum source and / or a pressurized gas supply source with at least one gas channel port.

  The method of the present invention further includes forming an outer box around the hermetic pack at the packing station and an operating mechanism for transporting the hermetic pack to the packing station.

  The method of the present invention uses an adhesive applicator to apply adhesive to the inner surface of the hermetic pack or outer box, and adheres the hermetic pack to the outer box by applying adhesive to at least one valve of the hermetic pack. The method further includes the step of:

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
It is a front perspective view of the pack for smoking articles manufactured using the apparatus and method by the 1st embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic of the pack manufacturing apparatus by the 1st embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a part of the apparatus outline of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the device as viewed from line XX shown in FIG. 3, showing a state in contact with a smoking article pack being manufactured. It is a front perspective view of the pack for smoking articles manufactured using the apparatus and method by the 2nd embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a pack manufacturing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6, similar to FIG.

  FIG. 1 shows a pack 1 for smoking articles produced by the apparatus and method according to the present invention (for the sake of simplicity, the smoking article 2 is hereinafter referred to as a cigarette 2). The pack 1 for smoking articles includes a bundle of cigarettes 2 packaged in an outer barrier layer 3. The outer barrier layer 3 seals the periphery of the bundle of cigarettes 2 and provides an airtight pack for accommodating the cigarettes 2. Both ends of the long side surface of the pack 1 for smoking articles are sealed in a fin-like shape as part of an airtight seal structure by the barrier layer 3. The outer barrier layer 3 also includes a one-way valve 4 configured to allow the smoking article pack 1 to be deaerated on the outer surface of the smoking article pack 1, so that a negative pressure is applied to the smoking article pack 1. And prevents the air from flowing back into the pack 1 for smoking articles. The pack 1 for smoking articles includes a cigarette outlet (not shown) which is formed by cutting the barrier layer 3 into the shape of a flap and is covered by a label 5 which can be repeatedly sealed. The label 5 that can be repeatedly sealed, together with the barrier layer 3, substantially hermetically seals.

  In the exemplary embodiment shown, the one-way valve 4 includes a pad 6 joined to cover the periphery of a small opening 7 provided in the barrier layer 3, and the surface of the barrier layer 3 under the pad 6. A movable flap 8 supported by When the vacuum source is connected to the valve 4, air is sucked from the inside of the smoking article pack 1 through the small opening portion 7 provided in the barrier layer 3, and the flap 8 is discharged from the smoking article pack 1 to the outside. Slightly lifts from the barrier layer 3 to exit. However, once the vacuum source is removed, the negative pressure inside the pack 1 for smoking goods causes the flap 8 to be drawn to the underlying barrier layer 3 without any gaps, creating a sealed state, and the surrounding air flows back to the pack 1 for smoking goods. become unable. The smoking product pack 1 is sufficiently sealed to maintain the decompressed state in the smoking product pack 1 until it is opened for the first time by repeatedly removing the sealable label 5 and opening the take-out port.

  Placing the interior of the smoking article pack 1 in a partial vacuum helps keep the scent and freshness of the cigarette during transport, storage and display at the store until the consumer uses it. When the smoking article pack 1 is opened, the ambient air flows into the pack and the negative pressure becomes uniform, but the audible sound generated at this time causes the consumer to open the smoking article pack 1 for the first time. I understand that.

  The material of the barrier layer 3 is substantially gas-impermeable, in particular, impermeable to oxygen, and prevents oxygen from entering the pack 1 for smoking articles. Moreover, since the gas-impermeable material of the barrier layer 3 prevents moisture from moving to every corner of the barrier material, the moisture content in the pack 1 for smoking articles is kept constant and is not affected by the external state.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a pack manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the present invention, which includes an inner frame station 11, a barrier packaging station 12, a lift station 13, a transport wheel 14, a packaging station 15, and an outer wrapper station 16. .

  The inner frame station 11 receives a bundle of normally cigarettes 2 and a blank 17 made of thick paper for the inner frame. In the inner frame station 11, the inner frame blank 17 is folded around the bundle of cigarettes 2 to form a combined body 18 of the inner frame and the cigarette bundle. The inner frame blank 17 is folded into a bundle of cubic cigarettes so that at least part of the inner frame blank 17 straddles the front surface and the back surface with respect to the largest surface of the bundle of cubic cigarettes. The inner frame blank 17 is folded into a bundle of cubic cigarettes so as to at least partially straddle both sides of the long side of the cigarette bundle between the front and back surfaces. The combined inner frame and cigarette bundle 18 is then transported to the barrier packaging station 12.

  The barrier packaging station 12 receives the combined frame 18 of the inner frame and cigarette bundle. The barrier packaging station 12 also receives a continuous web 19 made of the material of the barrier layer 3. The web is pre-processed with a cut opening defining a cigarette take-off opening (not shown) that is repeatedly sealed with a label 5 and a small opening 7 onto which the valve 4 is joined. It is formed at regular intervals. The barrier packaging station 12 cuts a continuous web 19 made of the material of the barrier layer into sections, wraps the combined inner frame and cigarette bundle 18 with each sheet of the cut web, and folds the ends. The part is sealed to form a sealed cigarette pack 20. The packaged pack 20 includes a valve 4, which is located at the lower front, that is, below the larger rectangular surface to which the majority of the repeatable seal 5 is attached, and is repeatedly sealed at the above surface. Proximal to the end opposite the stoppable label 5.

  The packaged pack 20 is then to be transported to the packing station 15, but the apparatus 10 includes a lift station 13 and a transport wheel 14 to transfer the packaged pack 20 from the barrier packaging station 12 to the packaging station 15. Transport. The conveyance wheel 14 includes a hub 21 and a plurality of pockets 22 arranged around the hub 21. The lift station 13 includes an operating mechanism configured to transport the packed pack 20 from the barrier packaging station 12 to the pocket 22 of the transport wheel 14. When the transport wheel 14 rotates, the packed pack 20 is transported to the packing station 15. The operating mechanism is shown in more detail in FIG. 3 and includes a pair of support plates, namely a lift plate 23 and a companion plate 24. The lift plate 23 is mounted on a rotatable support arm 25, and the companion plate 24 is mounted on a rotatable support arm 26. Each arm is movable, the support arm 25 raises and lowers the lift plate 23, and the support arm 26 raises and lowers the companion plate 24. During use, while the support arm 25 and the support arm 26 rotate to lift the packaged pack 20 to the position of the pocket 22 of the transport wheel 14, the packaged pack 20 is in contact with the contact surface 27 of the lift plate 23 and the companion plate 24. It is held between the contact surfaces 28.

  The gas channel port in the form of a suction port is connected to the companion plate 24. The suction port includes a gas channel hole and operates as a suction hole 29 formed in the companion plate 24. The suction hole 29 opens at the contact surface 28, penetrates the companion plate 24, is connected to the gas flow path pipe, and operates as a vacuum hose 30 on the opposite side of the companion plate 24 with respect to the contact surface 28. The vacuum hose 30 is fluidly connected to a vacuum chamber 31 via a control valve 32, and the vacuum chamber 31 is connected to a vacuum pump 33. The control valve 32 may be a solenoid valve or actuated by an electromagnet. When the control valve 32 is in an open state, air is sucked into the vacuum chamber 31 through the suction hole 29 by the action of vacuum. The control valve 32 is connected to a controller (not shown) of the device 10 that controls the operation of the control valve.

  The device 10 is configured such that the suction hole 29 is aligned with the valve 4 when the packaged pack 20 is held between the lift plate 23 and the companion plate 24. During the process of lifting the packaged pack 20 from the barrier packaging station 12 to the transport wheel 14, opening the control valve 32 evacuates the packaged pack 20 and forms a packaged packaged vacuum pack 34. When the packaged packed vacuum pack 34 reaches the transport wheel 14, the control valve 32 is closed and the valve 4 prevents reflow of ambient air into the packaged packaged vacuum pack 34, as a result. The inside of the packaged vacuum pack 34 remains in a partial vacuum state. Inner frame 17 supports barrier material 3 across the front, back and sides of a bundle of cigarettes and protects the cigarette so that it is not crushed by vacuum forces within vacuum pack 34 in which the cigarette is packaged. To.

  The packing station 15 receives the vacuum pack 34 packed from the transport wheel 14 and also receives a blank 35 made of cardboard for the outer box, and folds the outer box blank 35 around the packaged vacuum pack 34 for bonding. Then, a hinged lid pack 36 enclosing the packaged vacuum pack 34 is formed.

  The hinged lid pack 36 is sent to the outer wrapper station 16 where it is wrapped in an outer film wrapper by conventional methods to produce a packaged hinged lid pack 37.

  It can be seen from FIG. 4 that the contact surface 28 of the companion plate 24 includes a circular sealing material 38 around the suction hole 29. This facilitates the formation of a hermetic seal between the packaged pack 20 and the companion plate 23. As a result, the packaged pack 20 is degassed by the action of vacuum, and the surrounding air is not sucked into the vacuum hose 30. If ambient air is aspirated, it may affect the efficiency of the deaeration process. However, the circular sealing material is not an indispensable aspect of the present invention, and may be selectively omitted if the pack 20 packed in the deaeration process has a vacuum action that performs more sufficient suction than the companion plate 23. May be. Of course, in FIG. 4, the sealing material 38 and the valve 4 are shown with exaggerated dimensions for the sake of clarity. Actually, the height of the sealing member 38 and the valve 4 is lower than the height shown in the figure, and there is no gap between the packaged pack 20 and the companion plate 24, and the packaged pack 20 is in contact with the companion plate 24.

  In the above apparatus and method, the pack 1 is degassed, and a negative pressure, that is, an atmospheric pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure is provided in the pack 1 in, for example, at least a partial vacuum state. However, the pack manufacturing apparatus and method according to the present invention is not intended to be limited to such embodiments. In another embodiment of the present invention, the sealed pack may be filled with a gas other than air to produce the pack. For example, the pack may be degassed during manufacture and replaced with a less reactive gas or inert gas, or a less reactive gas or inert gas may be introduced and replaced. Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, such a gas is referred to as an inert gas. The inert gas is provided at a positive pressure, that is, an atmospheric pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

  FIG. 5 shows a smoking article pack 101 manufactured using the apparatus and method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The pack 101 is similar to the pack 1 shown in FIG. 1, and similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. However, the difference from the pack of FIG. 5 is that the one-way valve 104 is provided on the inner surface of the barrier layer 3. The one-way valve 104 is configured so that gas can be introduced into the pack 101 and is configured so as not to flow out of the pack 101.

  The one-way valve 104 includes a pad joined so as to cover the periphery of the small opening 7 provided in the barrier layer 3, and includes a movable flap supported on the inner surface of the barrier layer 3 below the pad. . When the pressurized gas source is connected to the valve 104, air flows into the smoking article pack 101 through the small opening 7 provided in the barrier layer 3, and the flap of the valve 104 is air smoking article pack. Slightly lifts from the barrier layer 3 to enter 101. However, once the gas source is removed, the smoking article pack 101 has an internal gas pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. By this high pressure, the flap is pushed in the direction of the underlying barrier layer 3 to create a sealed state, and the inert gas in the smoking article pack 101 cannot flow out of the smoking article pack 101. The smoking article pack 101 is sufficiently sealed to maintain the high-pressure state in the smoking article pack 101 until the smoking article pack 101 is opened for the first time by removing the label 5 that can be repeatedly sealed and opening the outlet.

  Filling the smoking article pack 101 with an inert gas helps to maintain the scent and freshness of the cigarette during transport, storage and display at the store until the consumer uses. When the smoking article pack 101 is opened, the inert gas flows out of the smoking article pack 101 and the high pressure becomes uniform. The audible sound generated at this time causes the consumer to open the smoking article pack 101 for the first time. I understand that

  The material of the barrier layer 3 is substantially impermeable to gas, in particular impermeable to oxygen, and prevents oxygen from entering the pack 1 for smoking articles. Moreover, since the gas-impermeable material of the barrier layer 3 prevents moisture from moving to every corner of the barrier material, the moisture content in the pack 1 for smoking articles is kept constant and is not affected by the external state.

  FIG. 6 shows an outline of a pack manufacturing apparatus 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This apparatus is similar to the apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. The difference in the apparatus 110 according to the second embodiment is that the barrier packaging station 12 has been cut from the continuous barrier web 19 so that the packaged pack 20 includes a valve 104 inside the barrier layer at the lower front. Wrapping the inner frame and cigarette bundle combination 18 in a web section. Thus, it is to be understood that the barrier material web 19 is provided with a valve 104 on the opposite side of the barrier material web 19 with respect to the repeatedly sealable label 5 (represented by the valve 104 shown by the broken line in FIG. 6). .

  In addition to the above, the device 110 includes a gas channel port in the form of a fill port that connects to the companion plate 24. The filling port is similar to the suction port of the apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, includes a gas flow path hole, and operates as a filling hole 29 (see FIG. 7) formed in the companion plate 24. The filling hole 29 opens at the contact surface 28, penetrates the companion plate 24, connects to the gas flow pipe, and operates as a filling hose 30 on the opposite side of the companion plate 24 relative to the contact surface 28. The filling hose 30 is fluidly connected to a pressurized gas supply 131 via a control valve 32. The pressurized gas source may include an inert gas or a gas that is less reactive than air. For example, the gas may include nitrogen or sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). The control valve 32 may be a solenoid valve or actuated by an electromagnet. When the control valve 32 is opened, the gas from the pressurized gas supply source 131 flows into the pack 101 through the filling hole 29. The control valve 32 is connected to a controller (not shown) of the device 110 that controls the operation of the control valve.

  The apparatus 110 is configured so that the filling hole 29 is aligned with the position of the valve 104 and the small opening 7 provided in the barrier layer 3 when holding the packed pack 20 between the lifting plate 23 and the companion plate 24. . During the process of lifting the packaged pack 20 from the barrier packaging station 12 to the transport wheel 14, the control valve 32 is opened to fill the packaged pack 20 with an inert gas to form a gas filled pack 134. When the gas filling pack 134 reaches the conveying wheel 14, the control valve 32 is closed and the valve 104 prevents gas from flowing out of the gas filling pack 134.

  The packing station 15 receives the packed gas filling pack 134 from the transport wheel 14 and also receives a blank 35 made of cardboard for the outer box, and folds the outer box blank 35 around the packed gas filling pack 134. To form a hinged lid pack 36 that encloses the packaged gas filled pack 134. The hinged lid pack 36 is then sent to the outer wrapper station 16 and packaged with the outer film wrapper as described above.

  From FIG. 7, it can be seen that the contact surface 28 of the companion plate 24 includes a circular sealing material 38 around the filling port 29. This promotes the formation of a hermetic seal between the packaged pack 20 and the companion plate 28 and prevents the gas supplied from the pressurized gas supply 131 from leaking during the filling process. However, the circular sealing material is not an essential aspect of the present invention, and may be selectively omitted.

  In use of the device 110 according to the second embodiment, the packaged pack may include one additional valve (not shown). Thereby, the air originally in the packaged pack 20 flows out of the packaged pack 20 by replacement when the inert gas is introduced. This additional valve is configured to be permanently sealed during the process of filling the packaged pack 20 with an inert gas. For example, if pressure activated adhesive or heat activated adhesive is supplied to an additional valve and the original air is replaced once the pressurized activated gas is introduced into the container, heat or pressure is applied to the additional valve. An additional valve is activated. The support plate 23 and the support plate 24 may include a heat supply element for activating the adhesive. When the additional valve is sealed, no further inert gas flows out and the one-way valve 104 operates as described above to maintain the high pressure in the packaged gas-filled pack 134. Alternatively, the operating mechanism may include a sealing means and once the packaged pack 20 air is replaced, the additional valve may be sealed. Additional valves may be omitted, and the packaged pack may include a second opening provided in the barrier material 3. The second opening is sealed by the sealing means once the air of the packed pack 20 is replaced. With this sealing means, the additional valve or the second opening is sealed with an adhesive pad.

  The apparatus 210 according to the third embodiment of the invention is configured to degas the packaged pack 20 and then fill the vacuum pack with an inert gas. Such a device is also shown in FIG. 6 and further includes features shown in broken lines. This device includes all the functions of the device 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and the pressurized gas supply 131 of the device 110 according to the second embodiment. In a third embodiment, the device 210 includes a gas channel opening connected to the companion plate 24, which functions as a suction port and a filling port. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the term “gas channel port” includes a suction port or a filling port as described above, and includes a port functioning as a filling port and a suction port.

  The gas channel opening includes a gas channel hole 29 as in the device 10 according to the first embodiment and the device 110 according to the second embodiment. This gas channel port is connected to the gas channel tube 30 on the opposite side of the companion plate 24 with respect to the contact surface 28. The gas passage tube 30 is fluidly connected to the vacuum chamber 31 and the pressurized gas supply source 131 via the control valve 32. The vacuum chamber 31 and the pressurized gas supply source 131 are as described above. The control valve 32 may be a solenoid valve or actuated by an electromagnet. The control valve 32 can selectively operate the vacuum chamber 31 or the pressurized gas supply source 131 to the gas passage hole 29. The control valve 32 also isolates the vacuum chamber 31 and the pressurized gas supply 131 from the gas passage hole 29. The control valve 32 is connected to a controller (not shown) of the device 210 that controls the operation of the control valve.

  In the operation of the apparatus 210 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the packaged pack 20 is moved up and down with the gas passage hole 29 aligned with the valve 104 provided in the barrier layer 3 and the small opening 7. It is held between the plate 23 and the accompanying plate 24. During the process of lifting the packaged pack 20 from the barrier packaging station 12 to the transport wheel 14, the control valve 32 operates to first degas the packaged pack 20 by connecting the vacuum chamber 31 to the gas flow path hole 29. Next, the control valve 32 releases the connection with the vacuum chamber 31, connects the pressurized gas supply source 131 to the gas flow path hole 29, fills the packaged pack 20 with the inert gas, and packages the packaged gas-filled pack 134 is formed. When the gas filling pack 134 reaches the conveying wheel 14, the control valve 32 is closed and the valve 104 prevents gas from flowing out of the gas filling pack 134. The fluid passageway includes a protrusion or other function (not shown) that penetrates the small opening 7 to allow the valve 104 to evacuate the pack, thereby keeping the valve 104 open.

  In the exemplary embodiment of the device 10, device 110 and device 210 of the present invention, the gas channel hole 29 and the gas channel tube 30 are provided in the companion plate 24, but the present invention is intended to be limited to this configuration. Instead of this, the gas flow passage hole 29 and the gas flow passage tube 30 may be provided in the lifting plate 23 instead. In such an alternative configuration, the packaged pack 20 is delivered face-down to the lift station 13, that is, the valves 4 and 104 face the lift plate 23. The gas passage hole 29 is provided in the lifting plate 23 and is arranged to engage with the valve 4 and the valve 104 when the packaged pack 20 is held between the lifting plate 23 and the companion plate 24. The pack 20 packaged separately is aligned with the valve 4 and the valve 104 arranged on the opposite side of the pack, that is, on the back face, that is, facing the gas flow passage hole 29 provided in the lifting plate 23. It may be configured as follows.

  In addition to the above, in another embodiment, a gas channel opening may be provided in the companion plate 23 and the lifting support plate 24 within the scope of the present invention. As a result, the packed pack 20 can be transported between the support plates in an upward or downward direction, but one of the two gas flow path openings is positioned at the valve 4 or the valve 104 of the packed pack 20. It is still possible to work together, either degassing the packed pack 20 or filling the packed pack 20 with an inert gas. The packaged pack 20 supplied to the operating mechanism may also include two valves, valve 4 and valve 104, with the valve 4 on one side of the packaged pack 20 and the valve 104 on the opposite side. . The valve 4 is provided at a predetermined position of the container so as to correspond to the position of the gas flow path port of the support plate 23 and the valve 104 corresponds to the position of the gas flow path port of the support plate 24. While the packaged pack 20 is transported by being placed between the support plate 23 and the support plate 24 by an operating mechanism, the packaged pack 20 is evacuated or packaged via the valve 4 and the valve 104. Fill 20 with inert gas.

  The above alternative embodiment has two gas flow path ports, one for each of the support plate 23 and the support plate 24, but in a further modified embodiment, one gas flow path port has one suction port. And one gas passage port includes one filling port. During operation, the air inherent to the pack 20 packaged through one gas channel port is degassed, and at the same time, an inert gas is introduced into the packaged pack 20 through another gas channel port. The packaged pack 20 includes two valves: valve 4 and valve 104. An inert gas is introduced through the first valve 104 and degassed through the second valve 4. During the deaeration process / filling process, the second valve 4 is sealed by the sealing means as described above, and the container is filled with an inert gas to be in a high pressure state exceeding the atmospheric pressure. When the second valve is sealed by this sealing means, the inert gas can no longer flow out through the valve.

  The device 10, device 110 and device 210 of the present invention include a packing station 15. The packing station receives the packaged vacuum pack 34 or packaged gas-filled pack 134 from the transport wheel 14 and glues the outer box blank 35 around the packaged vacuum pack 34 or packaged gas-filled pack 134. . The packaged vacuum pack 34 or packaged gas-filled pack 134 is adhered to the inside of the hinged lid pack 36 and held in place. Device 10, device 110 and device 210 include an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to packaged vacuum pack 34 or packaged gas-filled pack 134. The adhesive applicator is the second valve provided on the barrier material 3 of the valve 4, the valve 104, the additional valve, the second valve 4, or the packaged vacuum pack 34 or the packaged gas-filled pack 134 in the above embodiment. Apply an adhesive to the opening. Thus, once the packaged vacuum pack 34 or packaged gas-filled pack 134 is glued into the hinged lid pack 36, the individual valves or openings are sealed by the adhesive. As a result, the adhesive functions as the sealing means. The adhesive also further increases and ensures the integrity of the hermetic seal of valve 4 and valve 104.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the packaged pack 20 is evacuated to form a partial vacuum in the container. As a matter of course, although the degree of deaeration of the packaged pack 20 changes, the inside of the packaged pack 20 is depressurized to a negative pressure, that is, an atmospheric pressure lower than the surrounding atmospheric pressure. Also, as a matter of course, not only the air is extracted from the packed pack 20, but all the gas present in the container at that time can be extracted.

  When the packaged vacuum pack 34 is partially vacuumed, the air pressure inside the pack is less than 1 bar. In some cases, at partial vacuum, the atmospheric pressure is less than 500 mbar, for example between 40 mbar and 300 mbar. In another embodiment, the atmospheric pressure is less than 150 mbar, desirably about 80 mbar when in partial vacuum. However, as a matter of course, when the inside of the packed pack 20 is in a partial vacuum state, the pressure inside the pack may be any value as long as it is less than 1 bar.

  The apparatus 110 and method according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the apparatus 210 and method according to the third embodiment produce the gas-filled pack 134 using a high pressure inert gas as described above. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited to such an embodiment, and the pack 20 packaged by this apparatus and method is made of an inert gas having an atmospheric pressure equal to or close to atmospheric pressure. May be satisfied. A valve provided in the pack allows for gas filling and optionally allows the pack to be degassed prior to filling. This valve is sealed with the above-mentioned sealing means after filling the packed pack 20 with an inert gas having a pressure equal to or close to the atmospheric pressure.

  The present invention is not intended to limit the gas flow path port provided in the support plate to a specific position, and the gas flow path port is within the scope of the present invention if the container valve is aligned with the position of the gas flow path port of the support plate. It may be arranged at any position within.

  The present invention is not intended to limit the control valve 32 to a particular position. At least one control valve 32 may be disposed on each support plate, and may be provided inside or proximal to each gas passage hole 29.

  Although it has been illustrated that the device 10, device 110 and device 210 of the present invention include a gas flow passage opening through a support plate such as a companion plate 24, the present invention is intended to be limited to such a specific configuration. Not what you want. In another embodiment, the gas channel opening is provided adjacent to one of the support plates so that the gas channel holes do not penetrate the support plate. For example, the gas channel port is fixedly connected to the support plate, but the support plate abuts part of the surface of the container and the gas channel port adjacent to the support plate engages with another part of the surface of the container. A support plate is configured to deaerate the container. In such an embodiment, by reducing the size of the support plate, the support plate does not cover the entire surface area of the surface of the container against which the support plate abuts.

  In any embodiment of the device according to the present invention, at least one of the support plate 23 and the support plate 24 includes one sensor member and holds the packaged pack 20 or is packaged. A state in which the pack 20 is in contact with the support plate 23 and the support plate 24 is detected. The sensor member includes, for example, an electronic sensor or a mechanical button that is depressed by the container when the packaged pack 20 contacts each of the support plate 23 and the support plate 24. This sensor member is connected to the control valve 32 and activates the control valve 32 when it is detected that the packed pack 20 is held between the lift plate 23 and the accompanying plate 24. For example, when the control valve 32 is connected to an electromagnet, the electromagnet operates to open the control valve 32 in response to detection of the container by the sensor member. This connection may use means of electrical contacts actuated by the sensor member. Alternatively, the controller can activate the control valve 32 by connecting the sensor member to the controller and providing a signal to the controller when the container abuts the lift plate 23 and the companion plate 24. By using such a sensor member, the degassing of the packaged pack 20 by connection of a vacuum source and / or the filling of the packaged pack 20 by the supply of an inert gas is maintained in the operating mechanism. Control can be limited to operations linked to the state.

  In a beneficial embodiment of the device 10, device 110 and device 210 of the present invention, the gas flow path opening has a larger opening than the valve 4 and valve 104. For example, in embodiments where the valve 4, valve 104, and gas flow path port are circular, the gas flow path port is larger in diameter than the valve 4 and valve 104. For example, the sealing member 38 and / or the gas passage hole 29 has a diameter larger than that of the valve 4 and the valve 104. When the valve 4 and the valve 104 have other configurations such as a square or a rectangle, the outer dimension of the gas flow path port is larger than the outer dimension of the valve 4 and the valve 104. Such an adjustment advantageously helps to ensure that the gas channel opening is always positioned over the valve 4 and the valve 104 and is in the position of the packed pack 20 between the support plate 23 and the support plate 24. A predetermined degree of tolerance can be provided. When there is such a predetermined allowable range, it is not necessary to accurately align the positions of the packed pack 20 with respect to the support plate 23 and the support plate 24 in each operation of the operation mechanism, and the processing speed of the apparatus is increased. At the same time, the cost of the mechanical control system can be reduced.

  As used herein, the term “smoking article” refers to tobacco, cigarette derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or cigarettes, cigars, and cigarillos that use alternative tobacco, heat, And other nicotine delivery products such as aerosol generating devices including electronic cigarettes. The smoking article may be provided with a filter that allows a gas stream to be drawn in by the smoker.

  As used herein, the term “partial vacuum” means reducing the pressure by removing at least a portion of the gas from a space such as a container within the barrier material 3 of the packaged pack 20, for example. To do.

  In order to address various issues and advance the technology, this disclosure illustrates various embodiments, which are better for carrying out the claimed invention and producing smoking article packs. Provided apparatus and method. The advantages and features in this disclosure are merely exemplary of embodiments and are not exhaustive or exclusive. They are presented solely for the purpose of helping to understand and communicate the features of the claims. It will be appreciated that advantages, embodiments, examples, features, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the disclosure are limited to the disclosure or equivalents of the claims. However, it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modified without departing from the scope and / or intent of the present disclosure. The various embodiments may comprise various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, processes, means, etc. as appropriate, or may consist solely of them. May be. Furthermore, this disclosure includes other inventions that are not currently claimed but that may be claimed in the future.

Claims (32)

  An apparatus for manufacturing a sealed pack of smoking articles and replacing the air inside the sealed pack, the apparatus comprising an operating mechanism for transporting the sealed pack of smoking articles within the apparatus, the operating mechanism comprising an operating mechanism Including a support plate against which the pack abuts during transport, the support plate having a gas flow path opening, and the apparatus has a valve in which the gas flow path opening is formed in the pack when the pack contacts the support plate and is transported by the operating mechanism A device configured to be able to engage with and replace the gaseous air in the hermetic pack.   2. One of a pair of spaced apart support plates configured to hold the pack between the support plates, wherein at least one of the support plates includes a gas channel opening. The device described in 1.   The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of gas flow path openings.   The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least two gas passage openings are provided on the same support plate.   Device according to claim 3, when dependent on claim 2, characterized in that each support plate comprises a gas channel opening.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one gas flow path opening includes a sealing member to promote formation of an airtight seal between the gas flow path opening and the pack.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one gas flow path opening includes an opening penetrating the support plate.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one gas flow path port includes a suction port connected to a vacuum source, and the pack can be degassed via the suction port.   The at least one gas flow path port is provided with a filling port connected to a pressurized gas source, and the pack can be filled with the gas from the pressurized gas source through the filling port. The apparatus according to item 1.   At least one gas channel opening is provided with a suction filling port that is selectively connected to a vacuum source and a pressurized gas source, through which the pack can be degassed and added via the gas channel port. 8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pack can be filled with gas from a pressurized gas source.   The first gas channel port includes a suction port connected to a vacuum source, the pack can be degassed via the suction port, and the second gas channel port is a filling port connected to a pressurized gas source 6, wherein the pack can be filled with a gas from a pressurized gas source via a filling port. Or the apparatus of any one of Claim 7.   A control valve is provided between the at least one gas channel port and the vacuum source and / or the pressurized gas supply source, and the at least one control valve communicates the vacuum source and / or the pressurized gas source with the at least one gas channel port. 12. Device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that it can be operated to control.   The at least one support plate includes a sensor member configured to detect a state in which the pack is supported against and supported by the support plate, and the at least one control valve indicates that the pack is in contact with the support plate. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus is configured to operate when detected.   14. The apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a controller connected to at least one control valve and controlling operation of the control valve.   15. Apparatus according to claim 14, when dependent on claim 13, wherein the sensor member is connected to a controller.   A packaging station configured to package and seal a bundle of smoking articles with a barrier material to form a sealed pack, provide a valve on at least one side of the pack, and provide a sealed pack for the operating mechanism. 16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising:   The packaging station includes a roll of barrier material web having a plurality of valves arranged at regular intervals along the barrier material web, each valve arranged to close each opening from the beginning to the end of the barrier material web The station is configured to wrap and seal a bundle of smoking articles by cutting the barrier material web into sections of the barrier material so that at least one valve is always in place in each hermetic pack. The apparatus of claim 16.   Further comprising a packing station configured to form an outer box around the hermetic pack, wherein the operating mechanism is disposed between the packing station and the packing station, and conveys the hermetic pack between the packing station and the packing station The apparatus according to claim 17.   An adhesive applicator configured to apply adhesive to the inner surface of the hermetic pack or outer box is further provided to adhere the hermetic pack to the outer box by applying an adhesive to at least one valve of the hermetic pack The apparatus according to claim 18.   The at least one gas flow path port is configured to be positioned over the valve when engaged with at least one valve of the container, and the at least one gas flow path port is larger in size than the at least one valve. An apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 19.   21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one gas channel port and the at least one valve are substantially circular, and the diameter of the at least one gas channel port is greater than the diameter of the at least one valve.   A method of manufacturing a sealed pack of smoking articles in which the air inside is replaced using an apparatus including an operating mechanism including a support plate having a gas flow path opening, and the operation mechanism including the sealed pack abutting on the support plate A step of transporting the sealed pack of smoking articles in the apparatus using the step, a step of engaging the gas flow path port with a valve formed in the pack, and the gas air in the sealed pack through the gas flow path port and the valve. Replacing the step.   The method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of transporting the pack held between the support plate and the second support plate simultaneously with the step of replacing the air inside the pack.   The gas flow path port includes a suction port connected to a vacuum source, and the step of replacing the gas air in the hermetic pack includes a step of degassing the hermetic pack through the suction port. 24. The method of claim 23.   The gas flow path port has a filling port connected to the pressurized gas source, and the step of replacing the gaseous air in the sealed pack includes a step of filling the sealed pack with the gas from the pressurized gas source through the filling port. 24. A method as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23.   The gas channel port is provided with a suction filling port selectively connected to a vacuum source and a pressurized gas source, and the step of replacing the gas air in the hermetic pack is a step of degassing the hermetic pack through the gas channel port 24. A method according to claim 22 or claim 23, comprising filling the hermetic pack with gas from a pressurized gas source via a gas flow path opening.   The apparatus includes a first gas flow path port including a suction port connected to a vacuum source, and a second gas flow path port including a filling port connected to a pressurized gas source, and replaces the gaseous air inside the pack. 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the step includes a step of degassing the sealed pack through the suction port and a step of filling the sealed pack with gas from a pressurized gas source through the filling port. 24. The method according to 23.   The apparatus includes a control valve between the at least one gas flow passage and the vacuum source and / or the pressurized gas source to control the operation of the at least one control valve and to at least one of the vacuum source and / or the pressurized gas supply source. 28. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 27, including the step of controlling communication with the gas flow path port.   30. The method of claim 28, comprising controlling the operation of at least one control valve by a controller connected to the at least one control valve.   At least one support plate includes a sensor member that detects when the pack is in contact with and supported by the support plate and activates at least one control valve when detecting that the pack is in contact with the support plate 30. A method according to claim 28 or claim 29, comprising a sensor member for communicating a vacuum source and / or a pressurized gas supply source with the at least one gas channel port.   32. The method of claim 30, comprising forming an outer box around the hermetic pack at the packing station, wherein the operating mechanism transports the hermetic pack to the packing station.   The method further includes the step of applying the adhesive to the inner surface of the sealed pack or the outer box using an adhesive applicator and bonding the sealed pack to the outer box by applying the adhesive to at least one valve of the sealed pack. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein:

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