JP2024506193A - Machines and methods for packaging articles of the tobacco industry - Google Patents

Abstract

A machine (1) for packaging articles of the tobacco industry, comprising a forming unit (2) for forming a group of articles (A) to be packaged, comprising a plurality of articles (A) to be packaged. an inlet section (20) for receiving, an outlet section (21) for supplying discrete groups of articles (A) to be packaged, and a plurality of channels (22) each leading from the inlet section (20) to the outlet section ( packaging for receiving from the forming unit (2) a group of articles (A) to be packaged and for packaging them with at least one wrapping material; designed to at least partially irradiate the unit (10) and the forming unit (2) for forming groups of articles (A) during the transport of the articles (A) within the forming unit (2); A machine (1) with a sterilization unit (3).

Description

The present invention relates to a machine and method for packaging articles of the tobacco industry.

The expression "articles of the tobacco industry" refers to all types of articles related to the tobacco industry, such as conventional cigarettes, filter tip cigarettes, or "heated non-burning" (HNB) where the articles are heated but not combusted. Note that it is used to mean articles of type.

Machines for packaging articles of the tobacco industry, for example cigarettes, are equipped with a forming unit for forming groups of cigarettes. The forming unit receives the mass of cigarettes fed along the feed channel and delivers a plurality of correctly aligned groups of cigarettes, which are then fed to a subsequent packaging line.

A forming unit for forming groups of cigarettes comprises a vertical hopper having an upper feeding part connected to a feeding channel for feeding a mass of cigarettes and a lower part provided with a plurality of outlet openings. Each outlet opening has a predetermined number of vertical conduits (or "veins") beneath each of which a row of cigarettes is gravity fed and aligned properly from the bottom of the hopper. and a respective extraction device for extracting a group of cigarettes to supply the group of cigarettes to the packaging unit.

The packaging unit includes a plurality of conveyors with pockets in which groups of cigarettes are placed and wrapped with one or more wrapping/packaging sheets that are folded around each group of cigarettes.

To date, there has been a need to obtain a final product (i.e. packaging of products of the tobacco industry) whose contents are as free as possible from external contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and/or bacteria. It's increasing.

The present invention aims to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks.

This object is achieved by a machine and a method for packaging products of the tobacco industry as defined in the appended claims.

Advantageously, the machine and method according to the invention make it possible to remove contaminants that may be present in the final product, ie the packaging of products of the tobacco industry.

These and other advantages will become more apparent in the following specification with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 is a partial front view of a machine according to the invention, with some parts exploded for clarity; FIG. Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, but without the disassembled parts. 1 is a side view of a machine according to the invention; FIG. 1 is a partial top view of a possible embodiment of a forming unit for forming groups of cigarettes according to the invention; FIG. 1 is a partial side view of a possible embodiment of a forming unit for forming groups of cigarettes according to the invention; FIG.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, reference number 1 designates a machine for packaging articles A of the tobacco industry.

The expression "articles of the tobacco industry" refers to all types of articles related to the tobacco industry, such as conventional cigarettes, filter tip cigarettes, or "heated non-burning" (HNB) where the articles are heated but not combusted. Note that it is used to mean articles of type.

A machine 1 for packaging articles A of the tobacco industry according to the invention comprises a forming unit 2 for forming groups of articles A to be packaged, the forming unit 2 forming a mass of articles A to be packaged. an inlet section 20 for receiving, an outlet section 21 for supplying discrete groups of articles A to be packaged, and a plurality of channels 22, each extending from the inlet section 20 to the outlet section 21 and having an inlet section 20 in each. a plurality of channels 22 for receiving the articles A to be packaged from the outlet section 21 and supplying the articles A to the outlet section 21.

The machine 1 also comprises a packaging unit 10 (only schematically shown in FIG. 1) which receives groups of articles A to be packaged from the forming unit 2 and wraps them with at least one wrapping material.

In particular, the machine 1 according to the invention comprises a sterilization unit 3 designed to at least partially irradiate the forming unit 2 with ultraviolet light for forming groups of articles A during the transport of the articles A within the forming unit 2. Equipped with

Advantageously, the sterilization unit 3 makes it possible to destroy any contaminants (viruses, bacteria, etc.) immediately before the article A is packaged. In this way, the articles A in the individual packets obtained in the machine 1 reach the end user in an optimal condition as far as the cleaning of the articles A themselves is concerned.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sterilization unit 3 is configured to irradiate each article A moving within the forming unit 2 for 1 to 3 seconds. This time interval is long enough to allow sterilization of each article A and does not increase the length of time that each article A has to be in the forming unit 2, so the production of the machine 1 Does not have a negative effect on sex.

However, the sterilization unit 3 may irradiate each article A moving within the forming unit 2 at time intervals of more than 3 seconds without damaging the article A. For example, this may be the case if the machine 1 is operating at low speed.

In one embodiment, as a precautionary measure, the irradiation by the sterilization unit 3 may be stopped after a certain time after the machine 1 has stopped. This avoids unnecessary heating, saves energy and reduces associated costs.

As is known, an article A of the tobacco industry (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) extends longitudinally mainly along an axis H, and when in use (i.e. when the article is used) a first end P that is proximal to the user's mouth (i.e., when it is "smoked" by the user) (e.g., the end of a filter, if present); a second end S opposite the second end S, the second end S being distal from the user's mouth in use (e.g., the lit end of a conventional cigarette). .

Preferably, the sterilization unit 3 is configured to irradiate at least the first end P of each article A.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the sterilization unit 3 is configured to also irradiate the second end S of each tobacco industry article A.

In a preferred embodiment, the forming unit 2 comprises in its outlet section 21 a plurality of ducts 4 (“veins” in technical terminology) extending longitudinally and adjacent to each other, the plurality of ducts 4 being arranged in a row. Adjacent ducts 4 receive from the channels 22 articles A arranged one above the other, with partition walls 5 (see details shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) making it possible to individualize the articles A in each duct 4. ) are separated from each other by

In a preferred embodiment, the septum 5 comprises a transparent material and/or one or more openings 50 (the latter shown for example in FIG. 5).

Advantageously, therefore, the radiation emitted by the sterilization unit 3 irradiates a larger surface of each article A.

It is understood that the partition walls 5 may be of different construction from one another, ie may be provided with different openings 50 and/or may be partially transparent at different points.

Preferably, the machine 1 further comprises at least one reflective surface 31 configured to reflect the radiation emitted by the sterilization unit 3 (shown by way of example by arrows in FIGS. 5 and 4). Advantageously, this aspect makes it possible to deflect the radiation emitted by the sterilization unit 3 and to irradiate areas other than those directly facing the sterilization unit 3 itself.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the septum 5 may be provided with a reflective surface 31 (see FIG. 4, where the reflective surface 31 is schematically shown). The reflective surface 31 may be a mirror, for example a mirror made of aluminum.

Preferably, the sterilization unit 3 is configured to irradiate at least two-thirds of the longitudinal dimension of each duct 4. This feature is sufficient to ensure that article A is optimally sterilized.

Referring to the preferred embodiment shown, the sterilization unit 3 comprises at least one UV lamp 30 arranged opposite the ducts 4 of the outlet section 21 of the forming unit 2 .

Referring again to the accompanying drawings, each UV lamp 30 has a longitudinal dimension (ie, a "height") at least equal to the longitudinal dimension of the duct 4 that it faces. Obviously, the longitudinal dimension of each UV lamp 30 may be smaller than the longitudinal dimension of each duct 4 and is preferably equal to at least two-thirds of the longitudinal dimension of the duct 4. In another variant, the UV lamp 30 may have a longitudinal dimension larger than the longitudinal dimension of the duct 4 and may e.g. illuminate a part of the channel 22.

In the accompanying drawing, several groups of ducts 4 (groups of three ducts 4) and the same number (three) of UV lamps 30 are shown in the outlet section 21 of the forming unit 2.

Preferably, each UV lamp 30 is configured to emit UVC having a wavelength between 100 and 280 nanometers. In fact, these wavelengths can modify the DNA or RNA of microorganisms and thus prevent them from regenerating and/or causing damage.

Preferably, the main peak wavelength is between 240 and 260 nm and the second peak wavelength is between 175 and 190 nm. Advantageously, these peak wavelengths allow UV radiation to break molecular bonds in DNA and generate thymine dimers within DNA, destroying DNA and rendering it harmless, or inhibiting DNA growth and reproduction. prevent.

This feature therefore optimizes the cleaning of the article A during its movement within the forming unit 2.

In one embodiment, the machine 1 according to the invention further comprises at least one cover panel (not shown) which is used to cover the sterilization unit 3 and which can be opened to provide access for the operator. The panel is made of an opaque, ie absorbent, ie non-transparent material in order to prevent the radiation emitted by the sterilization unit 3 from escaping outside the machine 1. The machine 1 further comprises at least one sensor 32 (shown in FIGS. 1 to 3), which monitors the operating (ultraviolet radiation) or inactive state of the sterilization unit 3 and emits a corresponding signal. to a control and command unit, the control and command unit being configured to receive the signal from the sensor 32 and, as a result, prohibit or permit opening of the cover panel. Advantageously, therefore, the cover panel can only be opened when the sterilization unit 3 is not in operation (ie, in this particular case, when the UV lamp 30 is off).

Additionally, a sensor 32 (the same as described above or a different one) may detect the open or closed state of the panel. For example, if a failure of the control and command unit allows the panel to be opened while the sterilization unit 3 is on, the sensor 32 can issue an alarm signal.

Furthermore, the sterilization unit 3 may be automatically shut down when an alarm condition occurs. In this way, operator safety is advantageously further ensured.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the machine 1 includes at least one sensor 32 configured to detect that the sterilization unit 3 is functioning properly and to issue a signal in response to a malfunction. (which may be the same as the above or may be different). In this case, the machine 1 can be stopped if, for example, the sterilization unit 3 breaks down.

The invention also relates to a method for packaging articles A of the tobacco industry, the method comprising:
- starting from a mass of articles A, forming a group of articles A to be packaged;
- wrapping each of the groups of formed articles (A) with at least one sheet of wrapping material.

In particular, the method includes, during the step of forming the group of articles A, sterilizing the articles A of the tobacco industry, preferably by means of ultraviolet light.

The method according to the invention ensures that the article A is packaged in an optimally sterile state, ie free from contaminants such as viruses and/or bacteria.

The proposed method can be implemented by the machine 1 according to the invention described above.

The method preferably includes irradiating the article A with ultraviolet light for 1 to 3 seconds while the group of articles is being formed.

The radiation is preferably UVC and more preferably has a primary peak wavelength of 240 to 260 nm and a secondary peak wavelength of 175 to 190 nm.

Claims (13)

A machine (1) for packaging articles of the tobacco industry, comprising:
- a forming unit (2) for forming a group of articles (A) to be packaged, comprising an inlet section (20) for receiving a plurality of articles (A) to be packaged; an outlet section (21) feeding the individual groups, and a plurality of channels (22), each extending from said inlet section (20) to said outlet section (21) and in each said inlet section (20). a forming unit (2) comprising a plurality of channels (22) for receiving said articles (A) to be packaged from ) and supplying said articles (A) to said outlet section (21);
- a packaging unit (10) receiving from the forming unit (2) a group of said articles (A) to be packaged and packaging them with at least one wrapping material;
The machine (1) is
- designed to at least partially irradiate said forming unit (2) with ultraviolet light for forming groups of articles (A) during the transport of said articles (A) within said forming unit (2); Machine (1) with a sterilization unit (3). Each article (A) has a first end (P) that is proximal to the user's mouth in use, and a second end (S) that is opposite said first end (P). ) and a second end (S) distal to the user's mouth in use, said sterilization unit (3) comprising at least a first end (P) of each article (A). 2. The machine (1) according to claim 1, configured to irradiate ). Machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sterilization unit (3) is configured to irradiate each article (A) in the forming unit (2) for 1 to 3 seconds. In order to receive the articles (A) arranged one above the other from the plurality of channels (22), the forming units (2) extend longitudinally and adjacent to each other in the outlet section (21). Machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a plurality of ducts (4), adjacent ducts (4) being separated from each other by partitions (5). Machine (1) according to claim 4, wherein the sterilization unit (3) is configured to irradiate at least two-thirds of the longitudinal dimension of each duct (4). Machine (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the partition wall (5) comprises a transparent material and/or one or more openings (50). Machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising at least one reflective surface (31) configured to reflect radiation emitted by the sterilization unit (3). Machine (1) according to claim 4 and 5 or 6, wherein at least one partition (5) comprises the reflective surface (31). 4 . The sterilization unit ( 3 ) comprises at least one UV lamp ( 30 ) arranged opposite the plurality of ducts ( 4 ) of the outlet section ( 21 ) of the forming unit ( 2 ). 4 . The machine (1) according to any one of 8 to 8. 10. The UV lamp (30) is configured to emit UVC, preferably having a primary peak wavelength of 240 to 260 nm and a secondary peak wavelength of 175 to 190 nm. Machine described (1). Claim further comprising at least one sensor (32) configured to detect that the sterilization unit (3) is functioning properly and to issue a signal in response to a malfunction. Machine (1) according to any one of 1 to 10. a cover panel of said sterilization unit (3), which can be opened by an operator; a sensor (32) for monitoring the activated or inactive state of said sterilization unit (3) and transmitting a corresponding signal; a control and command unit configured to receive the signal from 32) and, as a result, prohibit or permit opening of the cover panel. machine (1). 1. A method for packaging tobacco industry articles (A), comprising:
- starting from a mass of articles (A), forming a group of articles (A) to be packaged;
- packaging each formed group of articles (A) with at least one wrapping material;
The method includes, during said step of forming a group of articles (A),
- A method comprising the step of sterilizing said article (A), preferably by means of ultraviolet light.

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