Patent Description:
Packets of smoking articles with a hinged lid are known, also known in the state of the art by the English term "hinge lid". Typically, these packets are formed by a box-like body that has the shape of a parallelepiped, with an upper part thereof defining a lid, hinged on a creasing, or a folding line, made on a wall of the box-like body. This type of packet is usually made starting from a sheet material, such as paperboard, cardboard, paper or similar materials, which is suitably cut, folded and shaped. The sizes of each packet of this type define a determinate format, which for convenience of explanation here and hereafter in the description and the claims, but not restrictively, is defined as the first format. By way of example, the sizes of each packet of the first format are approximately <NUM>-<NUM> (height) x <NUM>-<NUM> (width) x <NUM>-<NUM> (thickness).

Slide-open packets are also known, also known in the state of the art by the English term "shell & slide", which comprise an internal container, usually made of cardboard, which is intended to receive one or more organized groups of smoking articles, each of which is wrapped with an internal casing, or wrapping, which is typically made of metallized paper, or tinfoil. Packets of the shell & slide type also comprise an external sheath, usually of cardboard, having the shape of a parallelepiped and without the upper and lower walls, so as to define a through cavity in which the internal container is slidably inserted. In this case, the packet is opened by means of a relative sliding movement between the internal container and the external sheath. The sizes of each packet of this second type define a certain format, which for convenience of explanation here and hereafter in the description and the claims, but not restrictively, is defined as second format, different from the first format. By way of example, the sizes of each packet of the second format are approximately <NUM>-<NUM> (height) x <NUM>-<NUM> (width) x <NUM>-<NUM> (thickness).

One disadvantage of known apparatuses is that each of them is able to automatically package packets of smoking articles of a single format, of one type, for example of the first format, or of the other, for example of the second format.

Furthermore, known apparatuses for packaging packets of the second format are generally very complex, both structurally and functionally, as well as bulky and expensive. In fact, with them it is necessary to form each organized group of smoking articles wrapped inside the respective wrapping, to form the internal container and the external sheath, but above all to be able to assemble each packet as a whole. Therefore, the insertion of the internal container into the external sheath is always a very delicate operation to perform, especially if one considers the high productivity that such packaging apparatuses have to reach, which, indicatively, are in the order of several hundreds of packets per minute. In fact, if this operation were not carried out correctly, it could generate defective packets, or packets that have to be discarded, thus entailing an increase in the general production costs.

Some solutions known in the state of the art, such as for example the one described in <CIT>, are able to produce both packets of smoking articles with a hinged lid, and also shell & slide packets of smoking articles. One disadvantage of this solution is that this apparatus is very complex and bulky. Furthermore, the packaging unit of the external casing needs long and laborious operations to replace the format parts when the format of the packet to be produced changes, depending on whether the packaging unit has to feed the collar that is typically provided in packets with a hinged lid, or an external sheath comprised in shell & slide packets.

There is therefore a need to create or improve an apparatus and to perfect a method for packaging packets of smoking articles that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

In order to do this, it is necessary to solve at least the technical problem of creating an apparatus with which it is possible to package several formats of packets of smoking articles, for example at least two, one of the first format, with a hinged lid, and the other of the second format, of the shell & slide type.

In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and to perfect a method for packaging packets of smoking articles of different formats with which it is possible to carry out rapid and effective packaging, irrespective of the format of the packets of smoking articles.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for packaging packets of smoking articles of different formats with which it is possible to switch from the packaging of one type of packet to another, simply and quickly, without performing complicated operations.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for packaging packets of smoking articles of different formats with which, in the case of packets of the second format, it is possible to insert the internal container into the external sheath in a precise and automated manner, without the internal container or the external sheath of the packet being damaged during the operation.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for packaging packets of smoking articles of different formats which is simpler, more versatile and which guarantees high productivity.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for packaging packets of smoking articles of different formats which can be easily integrated into a machine for packaging smoking articles which has high, or very high, productivity.

In accordance with the above purposes and in order to resolve the technical problem disclosed above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, there is provided an apparatus for packaging packets of smoking articles of different formats, wherein the packets have at least a first format and a second format, and wherein the apparatus comprises:.

wherein the first feed means and the collection means are disposed on a first work plane. In particular, the apparatus also comprises second feed means which are configured to feed a plurality of external sheaths of packets of the second format toward the packaging means and are disposed on a second work plane.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the packaging means can be positioned, or are mobile, to selectively assume a first work position coplanar with the first work plane, in order to package packets of the first format, or a second work position coplanar with the second work plane, in order to package packets of the second format.

One advantage of the apparatus according to the present invention is that it is very versatile since, by means of simple and rapid set-up operations, it is possible to switch from one operating condition to the other, in order to carry out the packaging both of the packets of the first format and also of the packets of the second format.

Another advantage of the apparatus according to the present invention is given by the fact that both operating conditions exploit the same first feed means of the organized groups of smoking articles and the same collection means to package the packets of both formats. This means that the exit zone of the packets from the apparatus is the same, regardless of the format of the packets. This is particularly advantageous since, downstream of this exit zone, there can be several work units, such as for example a unit for checking packet quality, a unit for applying printed elements, a unit for rejecting defective packets, and others.

The apparatus according to the present invention thus avoids unnecessary and costly duplication of its parts or work units, which would also make the apparatus much more bulky and less productive in terms of hourly packet production, since all the work units downstream of the exit zone are suitable to work both packet formats.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the packaging means comprise a first packaging device provided with first seatings configured to host and interact with the packets of the first format, wherein the first packaging device can be positioned axially along a first axis of rotation perpendicular to the first work plane, in order to assume a position in which it is substantially coplanar with such first work plane.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the packaging means comprise a second packaging device provided with second seatings configured to host and interact with the external sheaths, wherein the second packaging device can be positioned axially along the first axis of rotation, perpendicular to the first work plane, in order to assume a position in which it is substantially coplanar with the second work plane.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the second packaging device is provided with clamping means operatively associated with the second seatings and configured both to selectively interact with the external sheaths and also to temporarily keep the packets of the second format housed in the respective second seatings during transport toward the collection means.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the second feed means comprise at least one rotating drum, rotatable around a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation and provided with a plurality of pick-up means each configured to manipulate a corresponding external sheath.

Furthermore, the packets of the second format also comprise an internal container in which one or several organized groups of smoking articles are disposed.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus also comprises a mobile slider disposed downstream of the first feed means and configured to allow the correct insertion of the internal container, with one or several organized groups of smoking articles, in the external sheath, when the latter is located on the second packaging device housed in one of the second seatings, in which the latter is located in the first operating position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first and second work planes are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first axis of rotation, around which the packaging means are rotatable.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus also comprises a plurality of thrust means configured to interact with the packets and/or the internal containers in order to move them between the first feed means and the packaging means, and between the packaging means and the collection means.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for packaging packets of smoking articles, wherein the packets have at least a first format and a second format, comprising:.

In particular, the method also comprises a second feeding step in which second feed means feed a plurality of external sheaths of packets of the second format toward the packaging means, the second feed means being disposed on a second work plane, and the packaging means being selectively able to be positioned, or mobile, to selectively assume a first work position coplanar with the first work plane, in order to package packets of the first format, or a second work position coplanar with the second work plane, in order to package packets of the second format.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the method also comprises a squaring and clamping step in which clamping members are driven to square each external sheath, making it assume the desired shape of a parallelepiped, and also to keep each external sheath, or each packet of the second format, temporarily housed in the corresponding second seating.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the method also comprises a displacing step in which thrust means take the packets toward the collection means after the latter have been packaged by the packaging means.

With reference to <FIG>, an apparatus <NUM> according to the present invention can be used to package packets <NUM> and <NUM> of smoking articles, which have at least two different formats, indicated respectively with F1 and F2.

The packets <NUM> (<FIG>) of the first format F1 can be of the type with a lid hinged on a box-like body <NUM>, also known by the term "hinge lid", known per se. The box-like body <NUM> usually consists of a piece of cardboard, and substantially has the shape of a parallelepiped around which an external sheath <NUM> is wrapped, for example of transparent material, such as cellophane. Normally, an organized group of smoking articles, understood as a set of a defined number of smoking articles, for example <NUM> or <NUM>, is disposed inside the box-like body <NUM>.

The packets <NUM> (<FIG>) of the second format F2, on the other hand, can be of the slide-open type, also known by the term "shell & slide", also known per se and very widespread particularly in certain countries, such as Canada for example. In particular, each packet <NUM> is provided with an internal container <NUM> which can be inserted, for packaging, in an external sheath <NUM>.

The external sheath <NUM> usually has the shape of a hollow parallelepiped, which has two larger walls, respectively a front <NUM> and a rear <NUM> one, and two smaller lateral walls <NUM> and <NUM>, but which is without the upper and lower walls so as to define a through cavity <NUM> into which the internal container <NUM> can be slidably inserted.

The internal container <NUM> has a shape and sizes such as to be able to contain one or several organized groups of smoking articles, each of which is, or can be, wrapped by an internal casing or wrapping, typically made of metallized paper, such as tinfoil. In the example provided here, the internal container <NUM> comprises a pair of organized groups of smoking articles; however, it is quite clear that in other variants, not shown, the apparatus <NUM> is configured to package packets <NUM> in which the internal container <NUM> comprises a single organized group of smoking articles, or even more than two.

Furthermore, the internal container <NUM> can comprise a covering shell <NUM> which almost completely covers the organized groups, substantially leaving only a front part of the organized groups of smoking articles exposed. Furthermore, the upper wall <NUM> and the lower wall <NUM> of the covering shell <NUM>, when the internal container <NUM> is inserted inside the external sheath <NUM>, respectively constitute the upper and lower wall of the packet <NUM>.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> comprises, in sequence, a first feed device <NUM>, downstream of which there is a first packaging device <NUM> of the rotating type that is rotatable around a first axis of rotation X1, for example horizontal, and a collection device <NUM> disposed above the latter along an axis of collection Z that is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation X1 and, therefore, substantially vertical.

The first feed device <NUM> and the collection device <NUM> are disposed on a first work plane PL1, perpendicular to the first axis of rotation X1. This causes the flow of the organized groups of smoking articles first, and of the packets <NUM> of the first format F1 after, to develop entirely on a same vertical plane, consisting of the first work plane PL1, as will be evident below. As visible in <FIG> and <FIG>, in the example provided here, by way of non-limiting example, the first feed device <NUM> and the collection device <NUM> are mounted on a fixed support structure <NUM>.

The first feed device <NUM> can be, for example, a conveyor belt, a chute, a rotating member, such as a drum, or a wheel, or any other suitable device whatsoever, configured to feed and take one or several organized groups of smoking articles, possibly in sequence and regularly distanced from each other, from a first pick-up position P1 to a second delivery position P2. In the second delivery position P2 the organized groups of smoking articles are released by the first feed device <NUM> to the first packaging device <NUM>, moving along an axis of work Y, which is substantially horizontal and intersects both the first axis of rotation X1 and also the axis of collection Z.

In particular, along the first feed device <NUM> and at least up to the second delivery position P2, in the case of packets <NUM> of the first format F1 each organized group of smoking articles arrives already inserted in the box-like body <NUM>, which is at least partly wrapped with a respective external sheath <NUM>, which has two partly open tabs <NUM>. On the other hand, in the case of packets <NUM> of the second format F2, each pair of organized groups of smoking articles arrives already inserted in a respective internal container <NUM>, as will be described in detail below.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the first rotating packaging device <NUM> substantially has the shape of a drum that has a substantially cylindrical internal cavity <NUM> and is driven by a first electric motor <NUM>, mounted on the support structure <NUM> and controlled by an electronic control unit <NUM> (<FIG>).

The first electric motor <NUM> is configured to make the first packaging device <NUM> selectively rotate clockwise (arrow R1 in <FIG>), for example with angular increments of <NUM>°, around the first axis of rotation X1, and it can be, for example, of the brushless and/or stepper type.

Furthermore, the first packaging device <NUM> is configured so that it can be disposed on the first work plane PL1 and it is removably mounted on a shaft <NUM> of the first electric motor <NUM>. In particular, the first work plane PL1 can be a median axis of symmetry of the first packaging device <NUM>, as visible in <FIG>.

In addition, the first packaging device <NUM> is provided with a plurality of first peripheral seatings <NUM> configured to each temporarily host a packet <NUM> arriving from the first feed device <NUM>. In particular, each first seating <NUM> has a shape such as to support the partly formed packet <NUM>, in which the two tabs <NUM> of the external sheath <NUM> are partly open.

In the example given here, the first seatings <NUM> are four, disposed angularly offset with respect to each other by <NUM>° and capable of assuming four operating positions in sequence, by means of corresponding incremental angular rotations of <NUM>° of the first electric motor <NUM>. In particular, a first operating position PO1 is operatively aligned with the delivery position P2, a second operating position PO2, in which each first seating <NUM> is facing toward gluing devices <NUM> located below the first packaging device <NUM>, a third operating position PO3 substantially specular, with respect to the axis of collection Z, to the first operating position PO1, and a fourth operating position PO4 located below the collection device <NUM>.

The gluing devices <NUM>, operatively associated with the first packaging device <NUM>, are fundamentally of a known type, for example configured as delivery guns, and have the function of spraying glue, or other adhesive material, on the internal part of the partly open tabs <NUM> of the external sheath <NUM>.

Each first seating <NUM> (<FIG>) is provided with a central and through aperture <NUM>, the sizes of which are slightly smaller than the sizes of a larger surface of the packet <NUM>. Each aperture <NUM> extends to the internal cavity <NUM> of the first packaging device <NUM>.

Furthermore, at least one pair of closing members <NUM>, preferably two pairs of closing members <NUM>, are operatively associated with each first seating <NUM> and are configured to selectively interact with the external sheaths <NUM> in order to completely close the latter, closing the tabs <NUM> against the box-like body <NUM> and thus completing the packaging of the packets <NUM>.

In accordance with one embodiment, each closing member <NUM> comprises, or consists of, a small lever <NUM>, substantially curved, which has one end pivoted on the first packaging device <NUM>, in proximity to the respective first seating <NUM>, and another closing end <NUM> configured to contact the tabs <NUM> of the external sheaths <NUM>.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide that the closing members <NUM> can be driven by respective actuators, of a known type and not shown in the drawings, which can be driven under the control of the electronic control unit <NUM>, for example by means of cam mechanisms.

In addition, with each first seating <NUM> there are also associated retention members, of a known type and not shown in the drawings, which have the function of temporarily retaining each packet <NUM>, in the respective seating <NUM>, during transport toward the collection device <NUM>, that is, during the rotation of the first packaging device <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> also comprises a first thrust mean <NUM> and a counter-thrust mean <NUM>, opposed to each other and driven, for example, by respective actuators, of a known type and not shown in the drawings, in order to selectively take them from a resting position to an operating position, in which they interact with a corresponding packet <NUM>.

Both the first thrust mean <NUM> and also the counter-thrust mean <NUM> are provided with a head plate <NUM>, respectively <NUM>, for example rectangular, configured to contact the packets <NUM> in the operating position and having sizes such as to pass through the aperture <NUM> of each first seating <NUM> with clearance.

In particular, the first thrust mean <NUM> is disposed in correspondence with the delivery position P2 of the first feed device <NUM> and it is configured to displace each packet <NUM> from the first feed device <NUM> to the first packaging device <NUM> along the axis of work Y, and in particular from the delivery position P2 to the first operating position PO1.

The counter-thrust mean <NUM>, on the other hand, is disposed in the internal cavity <NUM> of the first packaging device <NUM>, in correspondence with the first operating position PO1, and it is configured to counteract the thrust of the first thrust mean <NUM> by positioning itself on the aperture <NUM> of the first seating <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the internal cavity <NUM> of the first packaging device <NUM>, in correspondence with the fourth operating position P04, there is disposed a second thrust mean <NUM>, which can be driven, for example, by an actuator of a known type and not shown in the drawings. The second thrust mean <NUM> is also provided with a head plate <NUM> that has the same characteristics as that of the first thrust mean <NUM> and is configured to displace each packet <NUM> along the axis of collection Z, from the fourth operating position PO4 toward the collection device <NUM>.

The collection device <NUM> substantially comprises a pair of conveyor belts <NUM> and <NUM>, opposed each other, parallel to the axis of collection Z and developing in a direction perpendicular to the first axis of rotation X1. The conveyor belts <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed at a reciprocal distance D substantially equal to the width of the packets <NUM>, for example <NUM>-<NUM>.

Furthermore, the two conveyor belts <NUM> and <NUM> are each provided with a plurality of small blocks <NUM>, which are aligned horizontally with each other and are configured to transport the packets <NUM> toward an overlying exit zone ZU. Furthermore, the two conveyor belts <NUM> and <NUM> are driven by a drive member of a known type and not shown in the drawings, for example another electric motor, preferably also controlled by the electronic control unit <NUM>.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the distance D between the two conveyor belts <NUM> and <NUM> can be adjusted, in any known way, as a function of the specific format F1 or F2 of the packets <NUM> or <NUM>.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> is configured to carry out the packaging of the packets <NUM> of the second format F2.

In this case, the apparatus <NUM> comprises a second packaging device <NUM> of the rotating type, removably mounted on the same shaft <NUM> as the first electric motor <NUM>, as a replacement for the first packaging device <NUM>, and rotatable counterclockwise (arrow R2 in <FIG>) around the first axis of rotation X1, and a second feed device <NUM> of the rotating type, mounted on the support structure <NUM> on the opposite part of the first feed device <NUM> with respect to the first axis of rotation X1.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the second packaging device <NUM> and the second feed device <NUM> are disposed on a second work plane PL2, parallel to the first work plane PL1 and, therefore, perpendicular to the first axis of rotation X1, as shown in <FIG>.

The second packaging device <NUM> is also substantially in the shape of a drum that has a substantially cylindrical internal cavity <NUM>, and it is provided with a plurality of second peripheral seatings <NUM> configured to each temporarily host the packets <NUM> and, in particular, to interact with the external sheaths <NUM>. In particular, each second seating <NUM> is provided with a support tooth <NUM> which has the function both of supporting and making more stable the housing of the external sheath <NUM>, or of the packet <NUM>, in the respective second seating <NUM>, and also of promoting the squaring operation, as will be explained in detail below.

Also in this case, the second seatings <NUM> are four, disposed angularly offset with respect to each other by <NUM>° and able to assume the operating positions PO1, PO2, PO3 and PO4. Unlike the first embodiment, in this case in the second operating position PO2 the second seatings <NUM> are not facing toward any gluing devices, which are necessary to package the packets <NUM> of the second format F2. Furthermore, in the third operating position PO3, the second seating <NUM> is facing toward the second feed device <NUM>. At least one clamping member <NUM>, preferably a pair of clamping members <NUM>, are operatively associated with each second seating <NUM> and are configured both to selectively interact with the external sheaths <NUM>, and also to keep the packets <NUM> in the second seatings <NUM> during transport toward the collection device <NUM>.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each clamping member <NUM> comprises, or consists of, a small lever <NUM>, substantially curved, which has one end pivoted on the second packaging device <NUM>, in proximity to the respective second seating <NUM>, and another end provided with a clamping tooth <NUM> substantially configured to contact the external sheaths <NUM> and the packets <NUM>, stably clamping them in the respective second seating <NUM>.

The second feed device <NUM> is configured to feed the external sheaths <NUM> from an accumulation zone ZA thereof toward the second packaging device <NUM>.

In one embodiment of the present invention, in the accumulation zone ZA there is a conveyor belt <NUM> configured to transport the external sheaths <NUM> toward the second feed device <NUM>. In particular, on the conveyor belt <NUM> the external sheaths are one in contact with the adjacent one and flattened, that is, with the walls <NUM> and <NUM> of each external sheath <NUM> substantially coplanar with, and parallel to, the walls <NUM> and <NUM>, which in turn are substantially coplanar.

The second feed device <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) comprises a rotating drum <NUM>, rotatable around a second axis of rotation X2, parallel to the first axis of rotation X1, and it is driven, under the control of the electronic control unit <NUM>, by a second electric motor <NUM>.

The second electric motor <NUM> is mounted on the support structure <NUM> and is capable of selectively making the second feed device <NUM> rotate clockwise (arrow R3 in <FIG>), for example with angular increments of <NUM>°. Furthermore, the second electric motor <NUM> can also be, for example, of the brushless and/or stepper type.

Four pick-up mechanisms <NUM> are pivoted on the rotating drum <NUM>, each of which is configured to pick up one external sheath <NUM> at a time from the conveyor belt <NUM>, displace it toward the second packaging device <NUM>, and then position it, in a known way, in the respective second seating <NUM> in order to perform the squaring of the external sheath <NUM>, that is, to make it assume a parallelepiped shape, with the through cavity <NUM> having a substantially rectangular cross section. This also occurs thanks to the contribution of the corresponding clamping members <NUM> associated with the second seating <NUM>, as will be described in detail below.

Furthermore, each pick-up mechanism <NUM> comprises one or several levers <NUM> articulated together and connected to a pick-up plate <NUM> of the external sheaths <NUM>, which is provided with one or several suckers <NUM> capable of cooperating with the external sheaths <NUM>.

In addition, the apparatus <NUM> comprises a substantially vertical mobile slider <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) disposed downstream of the first feed device <NUM>. The mobile slider <NUM> is mounted on guides <NUM> removably attached to the support structure <NUM> and it can selectively slide along an axis of slide X3, parallel to the two axes of rotation X1 and X2. The mobile slider <NUM> is configured to allow the correct insertion of the internal container <NUM> inside the external sheath <NUM>, and it is driven, for example, by an actuator, of a known type and not shown in the drawings, in order to pass from a position of reception PR, in which it is located substantially in correspondence with the first work plane PL1, to a position of insertion PI, in which it is located in correspondence with the second seating <NUM> in the first operating position PO1, that is, substantially in proximity to the second work plane PL2. In the lateral view of <FIG>, C indicates the travel of the mobile slider <NUM> between the two positions of reception PR and insertion PI. Furthermore, the mobile slider <NUM>, when it is located in its position of reception PR, is disposed between the first thrust mean <NUM> and the counter-thrust mean <NUM> in order to receive an internal container <NUM> with the organized groups of smoking articles inside it.

A third thrust mean <NUM>, operatively associated with the mobile slider <NUM>, is sliding along the axis of slide X3 in order to pass from a resting position, in which it is set back with respect to the mobile slider <NUM> and not interfering therewith, to an advanced position in which, by means of a head plate <NUM> thereof, it can take the internal container <NUM> present on the mobile slider <NUM>, with the organized groups of smoking articles inside it, in the respective external sheath <NUM> housed in the second seating <NUM>, which is located in the first operating position PO1.

Furthermore, between the second packaging device <NUM> and the collection device <NUM>, in correspondence with the fourth operating position PO4, there is a guide <NUM> which has the function of guiding each packet <NUM> during the displacement from the second packaging device <NUM> to the collection device <NUM>. The guide <NUM> is removably mounted on the support structure <NUM> and has a substantially U-shaped cross section, with a base surface substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation X1. The guide <NUM> is provided with an aperture <NUM> (<FIG>) through which the head <NUM> of the second thrust mean <NUM> can pass. In this embodiment, the second thrust mean <NUM> has the function of thrusting each packet <NUM> from the guide <NUM> to the collection device <NUM>.

In addition, a fourth thrust mean <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) is operatively associated both with the second packaging device <NUM> and also with the guide <NUM>, and it is disposed substantially in correspondence with the fourth operating position PO4 of the second seating <NUM> in order to selectively displace, by means of a head plate <NUM> thereof, each packet <NUM> from the second seating <NUM> to the guide <NUM> and, therefore, toward the second thrust mean <NUM>.

Both the third thrust mean <NUM> and also the fourth thrust mean <NUM> can be driven, for example, by a respective actuator, of a known type and not shown in the drawings.

The slider <NUM>, the third <NUM> and the fourth thrust mean <NUM> allow to take the organized groups of smoking articles from the first work plane PL1 to the second work plane PL2, and, vice versa, to take back the packets <NUM> of the second format F2 from the second work plane PL2 to the first work plane PL1, so that the packets <NUM> can leave the apparatus <NUM> in the same exit zone ZU, through the collection device <NUM>.

Please note that in this case the conveyor belts <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed at a distance D equal to the width of the packets <NUM>, for example <NUM>-<NUM>.

We must clarify that the first feed device <NUM>, the second feed device <NUM>, the collection device <NUM>, the pick-up mechanism <NUM>, the thrust means <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> which have been previously described with reference to the attached drawings define non-limiting examples of embodiments of the first feed means, the second feed means, the collection means, the pick-up means and the thrust means, respectively, comprised in the apparatus <NUM>.

The operation of the apparatus <NUM> described heretofore, which corresponds to the method according to the present invention, comprises the following steps.

Initially, the electronic control unit <NUM> is set and programmed in order to carry out one of the possible packaging modes, depending on the format F1 and F2 of the packets <NUM>, <NUM>.

Please note that the electronic control unit <NUM> commands the drive, even simultaneous, of the first electric motor <NUM>, of the second electric motor <NUM> and of the various actuators, mentioned here, even if these are not shown in the drawings, which drive the thrust means <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, the counter-thrust mean <NUM> and the mobile slider <NUM>.

Let us assume that the apparatus <NUM> operates according to a first operating condition, in which the mode of packaging the packets <NUM> is that of the first format F1 (<FIG> and <FIG>).

In this case, the method comprises a first feeding step in which the first feed device <NUM> transports the packets <NUM> to take them one at a time from the pick-up position P1 to the delivery position P2. Please note that the packets <NUM> are transported already partly packaged in the external sheaths <NUM>, which have two tabs <NUM> still partly open.

For clarity of disclosure, the work steps relating to a single packet <NUM> are described below, it being understood that all the other packets <NUM> will be cyclically subjected to the same working.

In a subsequent first displacing step, while the first packaging device <NUM> is stationary with the first seatings <NUM> positioned two along the axis of work Y and two along the axis of collection Z, the first thrust mean <NUM> is driven to displace a corresponding packet <NUM> from the delivery position P2 to the first seating <NUM> which is located in the first operating position PO1. Simultaneously, the counter-thrust mean <NUM> is driven to accompany the entry of the packet <NUM> into the first seating <NUM>, and thus contrast the thrust of the first thrust mean <NUM>.

After the insertion of the packet <NUM> in the respective first seating <NUM>, a step of clamping the packets <NUM> then occurs by driving the corresponding retention members, not shown in the drawings, which come into contact with the packet <NUM> in order to keep it temporarily housed in the first seating <NUM>.

Subsequently, in a first transport step, the first packaging member <NUM> is made to rotate <NUM>° clockwise (<FIG>), so that another first seating <NUM> free to accommodate another packet <NUM> is disposed in the first operating position PO1 and so that the packet <NUM>, with the tabs <NUM> of the sheath <NUM> partly open, is taken into the second operating position PO2, where the gluing devices <NUM> are positioned.

In a subsequent gluing step, the gluing devices <NUM> spray glue, or other adhesive material, on the internal part of the tabs <NUM> so as to prepare them for the subsequent closure against the box-like body <NUM>.

Then, in a second transport step, the first packaging device <NUM> is made to rotate clockwise by another <NUM>°, so that the seating <NUM> in question, with the packet <NUM> inside it, reaches the third operating position PO3.

Therefore, in a subsequent closing step, the closing members <NUM> are driven in order to close the tabs <NUM> of the sheath <NUM>, thus completing the packaging of the packet <NUM>.

Please note that the combination of the first and second transport steps, with the gluing step and the closing step, substantially define the step of packaging the packets <NUM> of the first format F1.

At this point, by means of a third transport step, by rotating the first packaging device <NUM> by a further <NUM>° clockwise, the packet <NUM> is located in the fourth operating position PO4.

In this latter position, a second displacing step is performed in which the closing members <NUM> are driven in order to open and thus release the packet <NUM> and, immediately afterward, the second thrust mean <NUM> is driven which, by passing through the aperture <NUM> of the first seating <NUM>, takes the packet <NUM> in an upward direction so that it can be held between a pair of small blocks <NUM> of the conveyor belts <NUM> and <NUM>.

Subsequently, in a fourth transport step, the conveyor belts <NUM> and <NUM>, by means of the small blocks <NUM>, transport the packets <NUM> toward the exit zone ZU.

Let us assume that the apparatus <NUM> is in a second operating condition, in which it is provided to package packets <NUM> of the second format F2 (<FIG> and <FIG>).

In this case, it is first of all necessary to carry out a preparation step, in which the first packaging device <NUM> is removed from the shaft <NUM> of the first motor <NUM> and the guides <NUM>, the corresponding mobile slider <NUM> and the guide <NUM> are mounted on the fixed structure <NUM>.

Subsequently, instead of the first packaging device <NUM>, the second packaging device <NUM> is mounted on the same shaft <NUM>, positioning it axially so that it lies on the second work plane PL2.

Subsequently, in an alternative first feeding step, the first feed device <NUM> transports the internal containers <NUM>, with the organized groups of smoking articles inside them, from the pick-up position P1 to the delivery position P2.

In an alternative first displacing step, the first thrust mean <NUM> is driven in order to displace a corresponding internal container <NUM>, with the organized groups of smoking articles inside it, from the delivery position P2 to the mobile slider <NUM>, which is in a position of reception PR. If necessary, in this first displacing step, the counter-thrust mean <NUM> can also be driven in order to contrast the thrust of the first thrust mean <NUM>.

Simultaneously with the alternative first feeding step and alternative first displacing step as above, a second feeding step is also performed in which the second feed device <NUM>, which is initially stationary with the pick-up plates <NUM> positioned two along the axis of work Y and two perpendicular to them, performs, by means of the suckers <NUM>, the pick-up of one external sheath <NUM> at a time from the accumulation zone ZA (<FIG>), and then takes it, rotating twice clockwise by <NUM>°, in front of a respective second seating <NUM> of the second packaging device <NUM> which is located in the third operating position PO3. Once this position has been reached, the second feed device <NUM> positions, in a known way, the external sheath <NUM> in a respective second seating <NUM>, and a squaring and clamping step is provided in which the clamping members <NUM>, associated with the second seating <NUM>, are driven in order to both square the external sheath <NUM> making it assume the desired shape of a parallelepiped, and also to then keep it temporarily housed in the same second seating <NUM>. In particular, in this last squaring and clamping step, the squaring operation is facilitated by the presence, in each second seating <NUM>, of the support tooth <NUM> which substantially provides a rest point and a squaring angle for the external sheath <NUM>.

In an alternative first transport step, the second packaging device <NUM>, by rotating twice counterclockwise by <NUM>°, transports each already squared external sheath <NUM> from the third operating position PO3 to the first operating position PO1.

Subsequently, in an alternative packaging step, the mobile slider <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) is driven in order to pass from the position of reception to the position of insertion PI, after which the third thrust mean <NUM> is driven in order to take it to its advanced position, whereby the internal container <NUM> is thrust inside a respective external sheath <NUM>, which is located in the first operating position PO1, thus completing the packaging of the packet <NUM>.

An alternative second transport step then takes place, in which the second packaging device <NUM> (<FIG>), by rotating counterclockwise by <NUM>°, transports the packet <NUM> from the first operating position PO1 to the fourth operating position PO4.

Subsequently, in an alternative second displacing step, the clamping members <NUM> are driven in order to open and thus release the packet <NUM>, and immediately afterwards the fourth thrust mean <NUM> is driven in order to thrust and displace the packet <NUM> on the guide <NUM> in such a way that it is positioned in correspondence with the aperture <NUM>, below which the second thrust mean <NUM> is located.

Then, in a subsequent third displacing step, the second thrust mean <NUM> is driven which, by passing through the aperture <NUM> of the guide <NUM>, displaces each packet <NUM> upward along the axis of collection Z, so that it can be taken between a pair of small blocks <NUM> of the conveyor belts <NUM> and <NUM>.

Subsequently, in an alternative third transport step, the conveyor belts <NUM> and <NUM>, by means of the small blocks <NUM>, transport the packets <NUM> toward the exit zone ZU.

From the method just described it is evident that, in the case in which the apparatus <NUM> packages packets <NUM> of the second format F2, the internal containers <NUM> containing the organized groups of smoking articles are fed into the first work plane PL1 while the external sheaths <NUM> are fed into the second work plane PL2. Thanks to the mobile slider <NUM> and to the third thrust mean <NUM>, the internal containers <NUM> are displaced from the first work plane PL1 to the second work plane PL2, in correspondence with which their contextual insertion inside respective external sheaths <NUM> occurs. Then, thanks to the fourth thrust mean <NUM>, the packaged packets <NUM> return from the second work plane PL2 to the first work plane PL1 in order to reach the conveyor belts <NUM>, <NUM> thanks to the action of the second thrust mean <NUM>, so that the packets <NUM> of the second format F2 are also made to exit in the same exit zone ZU from which the packets <NUM> of the first format F1 also leave the apparatus <NUM>.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts or steps may be made to the apparatus <NUM> and to the method as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

For example, in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus <NUM> can be configured to package only the packets <NUM> of the second format F2.

Or, in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus <NUM> could comprise a single packaging device in which the seatings for housing the packets are configured to be replaceable, or alternatively to have adjustable sizes, as a function of the format of the packets to be packaged.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of apparatus and method for packaging packets of smoking articles of different formats, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Claim 1:
Apparatus (<NUM>) for packaging packets (<NUM>, <NUM>) of smoking articles, wherein said packets (<NUM>, <NUM>) have at least a first format (F1) and a second format (F2), and wherein said apparatus (<NUM>) comprises:
- first feed means (<NUM>) configured to take one or several organized groups of said smoking articles from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2);
- packaging means (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the rotating type, disposed downstream of said first feed means (<NUM>) and having a plurality of peripheral seatings (<NUM>, <NUM>) which are configured to each accommodate at least one of said organized groups of said smoking articles and capable of assuming a plurality of operating positions angularly offset with respect to each other, wherein a first operating position (PO1) is aligned with said second position (P2) of said first feed means (<NUM>); and
- collection means (<NUM>) disposed downstream of said packaging means (<NUM>, <NUM>) and configured to take said packets (<NUM>, <NUM>) toward an exit zone (ZU);
- second feed means (<NUM>) configured to feed a plurality of external sheaths (<NUM>) of said packets (<NUM>) of said second format (F2) toward said packaging means (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein said first feed means (<NUM>) and said collection means (<NUM>) are disposed on a first work plane (PL1),
and wherein said second feed means (<NUM>) are disposed on a second work plane (PL2),
said apparatus (<NUM>) being characterized in that said packaging means (<NUM>, <NUM>) can be positioned, or are mobile, to selectively assume a first work position coplanar with said first work plane (PL1), in order to package packets (<NUM>) of said first format (F1), or a second work position coplanar with said second work plane (PL2), in order to package packets (<NUM>) of said second format (F2).