EP3729975A1 - Device and method for processing a continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry - Google Patents
Device and method for processing a continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3729975A1 EP3729975A1 EP20169922.0A EP20169922A EP3729975A1 EP 3729975 A1 EP3729975 A1 EP 3729975A1 EP 20169922 A EP20169922 A EP 20169922A EP 3729975 A1 EP3729975 A1 EP 3729975A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- semi
- finished product
- pressing surface
- continuous
- guide groove
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000011265 semifinished product Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 119
- 241000208125 Nicotiana Species 0.000 title claims abstract description 14
- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 14
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 14
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 59
- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 241000826860 Trapezium Species 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000003831 antifriction material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013067 intermediate product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
- A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
- A24D3/02—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters
- A24D3/0275—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters for filters with special features
- A24D3/0287—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters for filters with special features for composite filters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
- A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
- A24D3/02—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters
- A24D3/0229—Filter rod forming processes
- A24D3/0233—Filter rod forming processes by means of a garniture
Definitions
- This invention relates to a device and a method for processing a continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry - in particular, a continuous stream of fibre material (specifically, a stream of filter tow) or a continuous succession of filter segments, for example having different properties, so as to form a succession of composite filters.
- a continuous stream of fibre material specifically, a stream of filter tow
- a continuous succession of filter segments for example having different properties, so as to form a succession of composite filters.
- Known in the prior art are devices for processing a continuous stream of filter and disposed in a zone for forming a filter rod: that is to say, a zone where the stream of filter is progressively wrapped in a paper web.
- These devices are provided with a presser element configured to progressively compress the stream in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the stream so that, when the stream is completely wrapped, its natural springback causes it to eliminate any empty spaces in and to fill the paper tube with a good degree of compression.
- This also allows optimum control over the final diameter of the paper tube formed, hence of the resulting rod, so as to give it the required diameter size more easily and reliably.
- a device of this kind is described in EP3363303 , in the name of this Applicant.
- the device has a compression finger with a curved transverse cross section and provided with suction holes.
- Document EP2767177 describes a different type of device which uses a train of rollers disposed in sequence along the longitudinal axis of the stream to progressively compact the stream.
- a device of the first type if applied to filter material, may give rise to local heating due to the sliding action between the concave section of the presser element and the outside surface of the filter material, also on account of the increased contact force caused by the pneumatic suction.
- the device of the second type has moving parts (rollers) which are very sensitive to dust and other waste particles present in the air. In effect, these particles can reach the rolling interfaces (bearings), leading to jamming or unwanted friction preventing the rollers from rolling normally.
- the basic technical purpose of this invention is to provide a device and a method for processing a continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.
- the aim of this invention is to provide a device and a method for processing a continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry which allow obtaining a high level of reliability and, at the same time, producing a filter rod of optimum quality.
- an object of this invention is a presser element used in the device according to the invention, as set out in one or more of claims 19-21.
- the numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a device for processing a continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry according to this invention.
- the expression "continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry” (labelled 100 in the accompanying drawings) is used, in the context of this invention, to denote an intermediate product of undefined length, which can, in particular, be likened to a continuous product having a main direction of longitudinal extension and which is made to advance in that direction. More specifically, in the context of a machine for making filters in a cigarette production plant, the semi-finished product 100 may be:
- the invention applies in substantially the same way to both of the above possibilities, as well as to other forms of semi-finished product falling within the concept of "continuous semi-finished product”.
- the device 1 comprises a supporting base 2 having an open-top guide groove 3 for longitudinally feeding a respective semi-finished product 100; the guide groove 3 has an arcuate or substantially semicircular shape. More specifically, the device 1 may be a single-track device or, in an embodiment not illustrated, it may be configured as a device with multiple tracks (twin-track or multi-track device) for simultaneously processing two or more continuous semi-finished products in parallel through respective guide grooves running alongside each other.
- the device 1 is a device for forming a filter rod and configured to continuously wrap the continuous semi-finished product 100 in a paper web 200 by using a supporting belt 300, according to known technology.
- the belt 300 which initially lies in a horizontal plane, receives the paper web 200 and the continuous semi-finished product and, through specific fixed guides, is progressively wrapped around the semi-finished product so as to wrap the paper web 200 around the semi-finished product 100 as the semi-finished product 100 is fed forward longitudinally.
- the belt 300 thus adopts an initial configuration where it is flat and lies in a horizontal plane and then a configuration in which it is progressively folded into a U shape and closed on itself.
- the device 1 also comprises, for each guide groove 3, a respective presser element 4 facing the guide groove 3 and shaped and/or disposed in such a way as to define a cross section of decreasing size for the passage of the semi-finished product 100 so as to apply a progressive compressive action on at least one angular portion of the semi-finished product 100 as the semi-finished product advances.
- the compression is applied on an "angular" portion because, as may be seen in Figures 1, 2 and 5 , the contact zone between the presser element 4 and the semi-finished product 100 affects only a small perimeter band of the circular cross section of the semi-finished product 100.
- the presser element 4 has a pressing surface 5 facing the guide groove 3 and intended to come into sliding contact with the advancing semi-finished product 100 and to apply the progressive compressive action on the semi-finished product 100.
- the pressing surface 5 is thus adapted to come into contact with the semi-finished product 100 along a longitudinal contact zone which, in particular, is ideally a contact line identified by the tangency between the tubular surface of the semi-finished product 100 and the flat pressing surface 5 but which, in actual fact, is a contact surface defined by the local deformation caused by the flattening of the compressed zone of the semi-finished product 100.
- the pressing surface 5 is oriented convergently with the guide groove 3 in such a way that its distance from the guide groove 3 decreases along the feed direction of the semi-finished product 100 to create a channel with a cross section of decreasing size for the passage of the semi-finished product 100.
- the presser element 4 is disposed at a position on the device 1 where the paper web is wrapped partly, or into a U shape, around the semi-finished product 100 in such a way that an upper portion of the semi-finished product 100 not yet wrapped in the paper web comes into contact with the pressing surface 5 of the presser element 4.
- At least the pressing surface 5 is made of stainless steel or a material having a low friction coefficient: for example, a polymeric material such as PTFE.
- the pressing surface 5 is preferably quadrangular, specifically in the shape of a rectangle or trapezium.
- the pressing surface 5 has the shape of a trapezium of width "I" variable along the feed direction of the semi-finished product 100.
- the width "I” preferably increases in the feed direction of the semi-finished product 100 so that the semi-finished product 100, as it advances, undergoes progressively increasing compression on its surface.
- the pressing surface 5 has a length "L”, measured parallel to the guide groove 3, of between 30 mm and 100 mm and/or a width "I”, measured perpendicularly to the guide groove 3, of between 2 mm and 10 mm.
- the pressing surface 5 has rounded zones at the side and/or at the front and/or at the rear.
- the pressing surface 5 is inclined at a pressure angle " ⁇ " of between 2° and 60°, preferably between 10° and 50° and still more preferably, between 20° and 30°, relative to a horizontal plane. That means a corresponding (complementary) angle, relative to a vertical plane or longitudinal symmetry of the guide groove 3, of between 30° and 88°, preferably between 40° and 80° and still more preferably, between 60° and 70°.
- ⁇ a pressure angle " ⁇ " of between 2° and 60°, preferably between 10° and 50° and still more preferably, between 20° and 30°, relative to a horizontal plane. That means a corresponding (complementary) angle, relative to a vertical plane or longitudinal symmetry of the guide groove 3, of between 30° and 88°, preferably between 40° and 80° and still more preferably, between 60° and 70°.
- the pressing surface 5 is laterally decentred relative to a vertical midplane of the guide groove 3, specifically to the left in the views of Figures 1, 2 and 5 .
- the pressing surface 5 has a longitudinal centre line which is permanently decentred relative to the vertical midplane of the guide groove 3.
- the presser element 4 is movable translationally towards and away from the guide groove 3 by means of respective actuating means (not illustrated) for varying the distance between the pressing surface 5 and the guide groove 3.
- the presser element 4 is adjustable about an adjustment axis, parallel to the guide groove 3 or to a longitudinal centre axis of the pressing surface 5, in order to vary the pressure angle " ⁇ ".
- Figures 3-5 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the presser element 4, where the presser element has a bottom portion 6 defining the pressing surface 5 and a top portion 7 rigidly connected to the bottom portion 6 and mounted on a frame (not illustrated) of the device 1 and where the bottom portion 6 and the top portion 7 are made as a monolithic part.
- the monolithic part may be made of metallic material or of another material: for example, an anti-friction material.
- the monolithic part may be made of a generic material - for example, steel - and lined, on the underside of it, with an anti-friction material defining the pressing surface 5.
- the top surface 7 may be defined by a rib or mounting plate having its own positioning plane, making with the pressing surface 5 an inclination angle " ⁇ " of between 30° and 88°, preferably between 40° and 80° and still more preferably, between 60° and 70°.
- the inclination angle " ⁇ ” is the complementary angle of the pressure angle " ⁇ " when the mounting plate is oriented vertically.
- Figure 6 illustrates a different embodiment of the device according to the invention, differing from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-5 in that the pressing surface 5 has a concave shape, with concavity directed towards the semi-finished product 100 and curvature smaller than that of the semi-finished product 100.
- the pressing surface 5 has a transverse cross section in the shape of a circular arc whose radius is larger than the radius of the semi-finished product 100.
- the pressing surface 5 has an axis of revolution (oriented longitudinally along the semi-finished product 100 and preferably parallel or substantially parallel therewith), labelled C2 in Figure 6 and the axis of revolution C2 is disposed eccentrically relative to the position plane of the mounting plate of the upper portion 7 to which the lower portion 6, defining the pressing surface 5, is fixed.
- the axis of revolution C2 of the pressing surface 5 is also disposed eccentrically relative to a vertical plane and/or a longitudinal midplane of the guide groove 3, passing, in particular, through the longitudinal axis C1 of the semi-finished product 100.
- the semi-finished product 100 is made to advance along a feed direction inside the guide groove 3 and, as it advances, the semi-finished product 100 is progressively compressed by the presser element 4, disposed above the semi-finished product 100.
- the step of applying a progressive compressive action on the semi-finished product 100 is carried out during a step of wrapping the semi-finished product (100) in a continuous paper web 200, specifically before the semi-finished product 100 is completely wrapped in the continuous paper web 200, at an instant in which the paper web 200 is wrapped partly, or in a U shape, around the semi-finished product 100 in such a way that a top portion of the semi-finished product 100 not yet wrapped in the paper web 200 comes into contact with the pressing surface 5 of the presser element 4.
- the progressive compressive action is applied on the semi-finished product 100 by disposing the pressing surface 5 in contact with the continuous semi-finished product 100 on a contact zone or line (defined by the tangency between the pressing surface 5 and the semi-finished product 100) which is eccentric relative a longitudinal (vertical) midplane of the guide groove 3: that is to say, laterally (angularly) offset relative to the longitudinal midplane.
- the contact line is angularly offset relative to a longitudinal top line of the semi-finished product 100 (or relative to a vertical plane) by an offset angle " ⁇ " that is ideally equal to the pressure angle " ⁇ ".
- this is accomplished by disposing the axis of revolution of the pressing surface 5 eccentrically relative to the position plane of the mounting plate and/or relative to a vertical plane and/or a longitudinal midplane of the guide groove 3.
- the step of applying a progressive compressive action on the semi-finished product 100 is preceded by a step of adjusting a mutual distance and/or angle between the pressing surface 5 and the respective guide groove 3.
- This invention achieves the preset aims by overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art.
- presser element or finger
- Making the presser element (or finger) in the form of a stationary part provided with a flat pressing surface enhances the reliability of the compression process (heating is reduced and there are no moving parts).
- the inclination of the surface in combination with its flat position plane has the effect of optimizing the result of the compression process, which occurs gradually on a zone of the semi-finished product laterally offset relative to the top and, thanks to the flat shape of the pressing surface, without score marks or other invasive actions on the surface of the semi-finished product.
- the inclination also has the effect of applying a lateral pushing action on the semi-finished product, opposite to the simultaneous folding action of the inner edge of the paper web being wrapped around it.
- the presence of rounded zones at the edges of the pressing surface improves the properties of the finished semi-finished product: in particular, the (convex) curvature on the trailing side prevents dust/glue residues deposited during the preceding formation process from accumulating.
Landscapes
- Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)
- Manufacturing Of Cigar And Cigarette Tobacco (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a device and a method for processing a continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry - in particular, a continuous stream of fibre material (specifically, a stream of filter tow) or a continuous succession of filter segments, for example having different properties, so as to form a succession of composite filters.
- Known in the prior art are devices for processing a continuous stream of filter and disposed in a zone for forming a filter rod: that is to say, a zone where the stream of filter is progressively wrapped in a paper web. These devices are provided with a presser element configured to progressively compress the stream in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the stream so that, when the stream is completely wrapped, its natural springback causes it to eliminate any empty spaces in and to fill the paper tube with a good degree of compression. This also allows optimum control over the final diameter of the paper tube formed, hence of the resulting rod, so as to give it the required diameter size more easily and reliably.
- A device of this kind is described in
EP3363303 , in the name of this Applicant. The device has a compression finger with a curved transverse cross section and provided with suction holes. - Document
EP2767177 describes a different type of device which uses a train of rollers disposed in sequence along the longitudinal axis of the stream to progressively compact the stream. - The Applicant has found that prior art devices can be improved to overcome certain disadvantages.
- In particular, a device of the first type, if applied to filter material, may give rise to local heating due to the sliding action between the concave section of the presser element and the outside surface of the filter material, also on account of the increased contact force caused by the pneumatic suction.
- The device of the second type, on the other hand, has moving parts (rollers) which are very sensitive to dust and other waste particles present in the air. In effect, these particles can reach the rolling interfaces (bearings), leading to jamming or unwanted friction preventing the rollers from rolling normally.
- In this context, the basic technical purpose of this invention is to provide a device and a method for processing a continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.
- More specifically, the aim of this invention is to provide a device and a method for processing a continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry which allow obtaining a high level of reliability and, at the same time, producing a filter rod of optimum quality.
- The technical purpose indicated and the aim specified are substantially achieved by a method for processing a continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry comprising the technical features set out in the appended claim 1 or in one or more of the claims dependent thereon, and by a device for processing a continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry comprising the technical features set out in claims 8 and 15 or in one or more of the claims dependent thereon.
- Also an object of this invention is a presser element used in the device according to the invention, as set out in one or more of claims 19-21.
- The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment of it and in which:
-
Figure 1 shows a schematic transverse cross section of a processing device according to this invention; -
Figure 2 is an even more schematic representation of the view ofFigure 1 , intended to highlight geometric aspects; -
Figures 3 and 4 show a component of the device ofFigure 1 from two different angles; -
Figure 5 shows a simplified view of the processing device according to this invention in a transverse cross section intended to better illustrate the component ofFigures 3 and 4 ; -
Figure 6 shows a schematic transverse cross section of a different embodiment of a processing device according to this invention. - With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a device for processing a continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry according to this invention. The expression "continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry" (labelled 100 in the accompanying drawings) is used, in the context of this invention, to denote an intermediate product of undefined length, which can, in particular, be likened to a continuous product having a main direction of longitudinal extension and which is made to advance in that direction. More specifically, in the context of a machine for making filters in a cigarette production plant, the
semi-finished product 100 may be: - a continuous stream of filter, (specifically, filter tow) obtained at the exit of a respective machine for processing a continuous strip of filter fed from bales; or
- a continuous succession of cylindrical filter segments, made by a machine known as "combining machine" and where the filters are aligned with their axes of symmetry along a common longitudinal feed direction; these segments, although discrete, are abutted end to end to define a continuous outer structure.
- In particular, the invention applies in substantially the same way to both of the above possibilities, as well as to other forms of semi-finished product falling within the concept of "continuous semi-finished product".
- As may be seen more clearly in the schematic illustration of
Figure 1 , the device 1 comprises a supporting base 2 having an open-top guide groove 3 for longitudinally feeding a respectivesemi-finished product 100; theguide groove 3 has an arcuate or substantially semicircular shape. More specifically, the device 1 may be a single-track device or, in an embodiment not illustrated, it may be configured as a device with multiple tracks (twin-track or multi-track device) for simultaneously processing two or more continuous semi-finished products in parallel through respective guide grooves running alongside each other. - More in detail, the device 1 is a device for forming a filter rod and configured to continuously wrap the continuous
semi-finished product 100 in apaper web 200 by using a supportingbelt 300, according to known technology. Thebelt 300, which initially lies in a horizontal plane, receives thepaper web 200 and the continuous semi-finished product and, through specific fixed guides, is progressively wrapped around the semi-finished product so as to wrap thepaper web 200 around thesemi-finished product 100 as thesemi-finished product 100 is fed forward longitudinally. During this operation, thebelt 300 thus adopts an initial configuration where it is flat and lies in a horizontal plane and then a configuration in which it is progressively folded into a U shape and closed on itself. - The device 1 also comprises, for each
guide groove 3, arespective presser element 4 facing theguide groove 3 and shaped and/or disposed in such a way as to define a cross section of decreasing size for the passage of thesemi-finished product 100 so as to apply a progressive compressive action on at least one angular portion of thesemi-finished product 100 as the semi-finished product advances. The compression is applied on an "angular" portion because, as may be seen inFigures 1, 2 and5 , the contact zone between thepresser element 4 and thesemi-finished product 100 affects only a small perimeter band of the circular cross section of thesemi-finished product 100. - Advantageously, the
presser element 4 has apressing surface 5 facing theguide groove 3 and intended to come into sliding contact with the advancingsemi-finished product 100 and to apply the progressive compressive action on thesemi-finished product 100. Thepressing surface 5 is thus adapted to come into contact with thesemi-finished product 100 along a longitudinal contact zone which, in particular, is ideally a contact line identified by the tangency between the tubular surface of thesemi-finished product 100 and the flatpressing surface 5 but which, in actual fact, is a contact surface defined by the local deformation caused by the flattening of the compressed zone of thesemi-finished product 100. - More specifically, the
pressing surface 5 is oriented convergently with theguide groove 3 in such a way that its distance from theguide groove 3 decreases along the feed direction of thesemi-finished product 100 to create a channel with a cross section of decreasing size for the passage of thesemi-finished product 100. - In order to apply compression on the outside surface of the
semi-finished product 100, thepresser element 4 is disposed at a position on the device 1 where the paper web is wrapped partly, or into a U shape, around thesemi-finished product 100 in such a way that an upper portion of thesemi-finished product 100 not yet wrapped in the paper web comes into contact with thepressing surface 5 of thepresser element 4. - In order to optimize the compression process, at least the
pressing surface 5 is made of stainless steel or a material having a low friction coefficient: for example, a polymeric material such as PTFE. - The
pressing surface 5 is preferably quadrangular, specifically in the shape of a rectangle or trapezium. In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, thepressing surface 5 has the shape of a trapezium of width "I" variable along the feed direction of thesemi-finished product 100. The width "I" preferably increases in the feed direction of thesemi-finished product 100 so that thesemi-finished product 100, as it advances, undergoes progressively increasing compression on its surface. - Preferably, the
pressing surface 5 has a length "L", measured parallel to theguide groove 3, of between 30 mm and 100 mm and/or a width "I", measured perpendicularly to theguide groove 3, of between 2 mm and 10 mm. - Preferably, also, the
pressing surface 5 has rounded zones at the side and/or at the front and/or at the rear. - As may be seen in particular in
Figure 2 , thepressing surface 5 is inclined at a pressure angle "α" of between 2° and 60°, preferably between 10° and 50° and still more preferably, between 20° and 30°, relative to a horizontal plane. That means a corresponding (complementary) angle, relative to a vertical plane or longitudinal symmetry of theguide groove 3, of between 30° and 88°, preferably between 40° and 80° and still more preferably, between 60° and 70°. In effect, it is assumed that the base 2 defining theguide groove 3 lies in a horizontal plane or, in any case, that theguide groove 3 has a vertical plane of symmetry. - Further, the
pressing surface 5 is laterally decentred relative to a vertical midplane of theguide groove 3, specifically to the left in the views ofFigures 1, 2 and5 . In effect, in this situation, thepressing surface 5 has a longitudinal centre line which is permanently decentred relative to the vertical midplane of theguide groove 3. - In an embodiment, the
presser element 4 is movable translationally towards and away from theguide groove 3 by means of respective actuating means (not illustrated) for varying the distance between thepressing surface 5 and theguide groove 3. - In another embodiment, the
presser element 4 is adjustable about an adjustment axis, parallel to theguide groove 3 or to a longitudinal centre axis of thepressing surface 5, in order to vary the pressure angle "α". -
Figures 3-5 illustrate a preferred embodiment of thepresser element 4, where the presser element has abottom portion 6 defining thepressing surface 5 and atop portion 7 rigidly connected to thebottom portion 6 and mounted on a frame (not illustrated) of the device 1 and where thebottom portion 6 and thetop portion 7 are made as a monolithic part. - The monolithic part may be made of metallic material or of another material: for example, an anti-friction material. In an embodiment, the monolithic part may be made of a generic material - for example, steel - and lined, on the underside of it, with an anti-friction material defining the
pressing surface 5. - The
top surface 7 may be defined by a rib or mounting plate having its own positioning plane, making with thepressing surface 5 an inclination angle "β" of between 30° and 88°, preferably between 40° and 80° and still more preferably, between 60° and 70°. The inclination angle "β" is the complementary angle of the pressure angle "α" when the mounting plate is oriented vertically. -
Figure 6 illustrates a different embodiment of the device according to the invention, differing from the embodiment illustrated inFigures 1-5 in that thepressing surface 5 has a concave shape, with concavity directed towards thesemi-finished product 100 and curvature smaller than that of thesemi-finished product 100. In a preferred embodiment, thepressing surface 5 has a transverse cross section in the shape of a circular arc whose radius is larger than the radius of thesemi-finished product 100. - In this embodiment, also, the
pressing surface 5 has an axis of revolution (oriented longitudinally along thesemi-finished product 100 and preferably parallel or substantially parallel therewith), labelled C2 inFigure 6 and the axis of revolution C2 is disposed eccentrically relative to the position plane of the mounting plate of theupper portion 7 to which thelower portion 6, defining thepressing surface 5, is fixed. - Considering the device 1 as a whole, in the cross section view of
Figure 6 , the axis of revolution C2 of thepressing surface 5 is also disposed eccentrically relative to a vertical plane and/or a longitudinal midplane of theguide groove 3, passing, in particular, through the longitudinal axis C1 of thesemi-finished product 100. - In use, the
semi-finished product 100 is made to advance along a feed direction inside theguide groove 3 and, as it advances, thesemi-finished product 100 is progressively compressed by thepresser element 4, disposed above thesemi-finished product 100. - The step of applying a progressive compressive action on the
semi-finished product 100 is carried out during a step of wrapping the semi-finished product (100) in acontinuous paper web 200, specifically before thesemi-finished product 100 is completely wrapped in thecontinuous paper web 200, at an instant in which thepaper web 200 is wrapped partly, or in a U shape, around thesemi-finished product 100 in such a way that a top portion of thesemi-finished product 100 not yet wrapped in thepaper web 200 comes into contact with thepressing surface 5 of thepresser element 4. - Furthermore, the progressive compressive action is applied on the
semi-finished product 100 by disposing thepressing surface 5 in contact with the continuoussemi-finished product 100 on a contact zone or line (defined by the tangency between thepressing surface 5 and the semi-finished product 100) which is eccentric relative a longitudinal (vertical) midplane of the guide groove 3: that is to say, laterally (angularly) offset relative to the longitudinal midplane. More specifically, the contact line is angularly offset relative to a longitudinal top line of the semi-finished product 100 (or relative to a vertical plane) by an offset angle "γ" that is ideally equal to the pressure angle "α". - This, in the embodiment of
Figures 1-5 , is accomplished by disposing thepressing surface 5 so it lies in a plane that is inclined at the pressure angle "α" to the vertical plane and/or by laterally offsetting thepressing surface 5 relative to the vertical midplane of theguide groove 3. - In the embodiment of
Figure 6 , this is accomplished by disposing the axis of revolution of thepressing surface 5 eccentrically relative to the position plane of the mounting plate and/or relative to a vertical plane and/or a longitudinal midplane of theguide groove 3. - The step of applying a progressive compressive action on the
semi-finished product 100 is preceded by a step of adjusting a mutual distance and/or angle between thepressing surface 5 and therespective guide groove 3. - This invention achieves the preset aims by overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art.
- Making the presser element (or finger) in the form of a stationary part provided with a flat pressing surface enhances the reliability of the compression process (heating is reduced and there are no moving parts).
- Also, the inclination of the surface in combination with its flat position plane has the effect of optimizing the result of the compression process, which occurs gradually on a zone of the semi-finished product laterally offset relative to the top and, thanks to the flat shape of the pressing surface, without score marks or other invasive actions on the surface of the semi-finished product. The inclination also has the effect of applying a lateral pushing action on the semi-finished product, opposite to the simultaneous folding action of the inner edge of the paper web being wrapped around it.
- Moreover, the presence of rounded zones at the edges of the pressing surface improves the properties of the finished semi-finished product: in particular, the (convex) curvature on the trailing side prevents dust/glue residues deposited during the preceding formation process from accumulating.
Claims (21)
- A method for processing a continuous semi-finished product (100) of the tobacco industry, specifically a continuous stream of filter or a continuous succession of filter segments, comprising the step of feeding at least one continuous semi-finished product (100) along a feed direction in an open-top guide groove (3) and, as the semi-finished product (100) advances, applying a progressive compressive action on the semi-finished product (100) by means of a presser element (4) which is located above the semi-finished product (100) and which has, on the underside of it, a pressing surface (5) facing the guide groove (3) and intended to come into sliding contact with the advancing semi-finished product (100) and to apply the progressive compressive action on the semi-finished product (100), characterized in that the pressing surface (5) is stationary and shaped or disposed in such a way as to come into contact with the continuous semi-finished product (100) along a longitudinal contact band or line that is eccentric relative to a longitudinal top line or portion of the semi-finished product (100).
- The method according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal contact band or line is angularly spaced by an offset angle (γ) of between 2° and 60°, preferably between 10° and 50° and still more preferably, between 20° and 30°, relative to a vertical plane of symmetry of the semi-finished product (100) and/or of the guide groove (3).
- The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing surface (5) is planar.
- The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing surface (5) has a concave shape, with concavity facing towards the semi-finished product (100) and preferably having a cross section in the shape of a circular arc whose radius is greater than the radius of the semi-finished product (100).
- The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the step of applying a progressive compressive action on the semi-finished product (100) is carried out during a step of wrapping the semi-finished product (100) in a continuous paper web (200), specifically before the semi-finished product (100) is completely wrapped in the continuous paper web (200), at an instant in which the paper web (200) is wrapped partly, or in a U shape, around the semi-finished product (100) in such a way that a top portion of the semi-finished product (100) not yet wrapped in the paper web (200) comes into contact with the pressing surface (5) of the presser element (4).
- The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the step of applying a progressive compressive action on the semi-finished product (100) is carried out by positioning the pressing surface at a pressure angle (α) of between 2° and 60°, preferably between 10° and 50° and still more preferably, between 20° and 30°, relative to a horizontal plane.
- The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the step of applying a progressive compressive action on the semi-finished product (100) is preceded by a step of adjusting a mutual distance and/or angle between the pressing surface (5) and the respective guide groove (3).
- A device (1) for processing a continuous semi-finished product (100) of the tobacco industry, specifically a continuous stream of filter or a continuous succession of filter segments, comprising a supporting base (2) having at least guide groove (3) for longitudinally feeding a respective continuous semi-finished product (100) and, associated with the at least one guide groove (3), a respective stationary presser element (4) facing the guide groove (3) and shaped and/or disposed in such a way as to define a cross section of decreasing size for the passage of the semi-finished product (100) so as to apply a progressive compressive action on at least a portion of the semi-finished product (100) as the semi-finished product (100) advances, wherein the presser element (4) has a pressing surface (5) facing the guide groove (3) and intended to come into sliding contact with the advancing semi-finished product (100) and to apply the progressive compressive action on the semi-finished product (100), characterized in that the pressing surface (5) is stationary, planar and inclined at a pressure angle (α) of between 2° and 60°, preferably between 10° and 50° and still more preferably, between 20° and 30°, relative to a horizontal plane.
- The device according to claim 8, wherein the pressing surface (5) has a quadrangular shape, preferably rectangular or trapezium shaped, and is provided at the side and/or at the front and/or at the back with rounded edge zones.
- The device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the presser element (4) has a bottom portion (6) defining the pressing surface (5) and a top portion (7) rigidly connected to the bottom portion (6) and mounted on a frame of the device (1) and wherein the bottom portion (6) and the top portion (7) are made as a monolithic part.
- The device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the shape of the pressing surface (5) has a width (I) that is variable along the feed direction of the semi-finished product (100), the width (I) preferably increasing in the feed direction of the semi-finished product (100) so that the semi-finished product (100), as it advances, undergoes compression over a progressively increasing extent.
- The device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the pressing surface (5) has a length (L), measured parallel to the guide groove (3), of between 30 mm and 100 mm and/or a width (I), measured perpendicularly to the guide groove (3), of between 2 mm and 10 mm.
- The device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the presser element (4) is movable translationally towards and away from the guide groove (3) by means of respective actuating means for varying the distance between the pressing surface (5) and the guide groove (3).
- The device according to one or more of claims 8 to 13, wherein the presser element (4) is adjustable about an adjustment axis, parallel to the guide groove (3) or to a longitudinal centre axis of the pressing surface (5), in order to vary the pressure angle (α).
- A device (1) for processing a continuous semi-finished product (100) of the tobacco industry, specifically a continuous stream of filter or a continuous succession of filter segments, comprising a supporting base (2) having at least one guide groove (3) for longitudinally feeding a respective continuous semi-finished product (100) and, associated with the at least one guide groove (3), a respective stationary presser element (4) facing the guide groove (3) and shaped and/or disposed in such a way as to define a cross section of decreasing size for the passage of the semi-finished product (100) so as to apply a progressive compressive action on at least a portion of the semi-finished product (100) as the semi-finished product (100) advances, wherein the presser element (4) has a pressing surface (5) facing the guide groove (3) and intended to come into sliding contact with the advancing semi-finished product (100) and to apply the progressive compressive action on the semi-finished product (100), characterized in that the pressing surface (5) is stationary, has a concave shape, with concavity facing towards the semi-finished product (100) and having a cross section preferably in the shape of a circular arc, and disposed in such a way as to come into contact with the continuous semi-finished product (100) along a longitudinal contact band or line that is eccentric relative to a vertical plane and/or a longitudinal midplane of the guide groove (3).
- The device according to claim 15, wherein the pressing surface has an axis of revolution and wherein the axis of revolution is disposed at a position that is eccentric relative to a vertical plane and/or a longitudinal midplane of the guide groove (3).
- The device according to any one of claims 8 to 16, configured as a multi-line device and comprising two or more parallel guide grooves (3) for feeding respective continuous semi-finished products (100) and, for each guide groove (3), a respective presser element (4) facing the respective guide groove (3) and shaped and/or disposed in such a way as to apply a progressive compressive action on at least a portion of the semi-finished product (100).
- A machine for making filters in a cigarette production plant, comprising a unit for forming a continuous semi-finished product (100), specifically a continuous stream of filter or a continuous succession of filter segments and, downstream of the unit for forming a continuous semi-finished product (100), a device (1) according to one or more of claims 8 to 17, wherein the device is a device for forming at least one filter rod and configured to continuously wrap the continuous semi-finished product (100) in a paper web (200), the presser element (4) being disposed on the device (1) at a position where the paper web (200) is wrapped partly, or in a U shape, around the semi-finished product (100) in such a way that a top portion of the semi-finished product (100) not yet wrapped in the paper web (200) comes into contact with the pressing surface (5) of the presser element (4).
- A presser element (4) for processing a continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry, specifically a continuous stream of filter or a continuous succession of filter segments, comprising:- a bottom portion (6) having on the underside of it a stationary pressing surface (5) which is planar and intended to come into sliding contact with the advancing semi-finished product (100) and to apply a progressive compressive action on the semi-finished product (100) as the semi-finished product (100) advances; and- a top portion (7) rigidly connected to the bottom portion (6) and mounted on a supporting frame;
characterized in that the top portion (7) is at least partly defined by a mounting plate having a main position plane and in that the pressing surface (5) is inclined, relative to the main position plane of the mounting plate, at an inclination angle (β) of between 30° and 88°, preferably between 40° and 80° and still more preferably, between 60° and 70°. - A presser element (4) for processing a continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry, specifically a continuous stream of filter or a continuous succession of filter segments, comprising:- a bottom portion (6) having on the underside of it a pressing surface (5) intended to come into sliding contact with the advancing semi-finished product (100) and to apply a progressive compressive action on the semi-finished product (100) as the semi-finished product (100) advances;and- a top portion (7) rigidly connected to the bottom portion (6) and mounted on a supporting frame;
characterized in that the top portion (7) is at least partly defined by a mounting plate having a main position plane and in that the pressing surface (5) is stationary and has a transverse cross section in the shape of a circular arc whose concavity faces towards the semi-finished product (100), the pressing surface (5) being also shaped and/or disposed in such a way as to have an axis of revolution disposed at a position that is eccentric relative to the main position plane of the mounting plate. - The presser element according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the bottom portion (6) and the top portion (7) are made as a monolithic part.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT102019000005856A IT201900005856A1 (en) | 2019-04-16 | 2019-04-16 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF A CONTINUOUS SEMI-FINISHED PRODUCT IN THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3729975A1 true EP3729975A1 (en) | 2020-10-28 |
EP3729975B1 EP3729975B1 (en) | 2023-07-05 |
Family
ID=67513627
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20169922.0A Active EP3729975B1 (en) | 2019-04-16 | 2020-04-16 | Device and method for processing a continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3729975B1 (en) |
IT (1) | IT201900005856A1 (en) |
PL (1) | PL3729975T3 (en) |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2057908A1 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2009-05-13 | Japan Filter Technology, Ltd. | Rod forming machine |
EP2767177A1 (en) | 2013-02-15 | 2014-08-20 | International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. z o.o. | Method, mechanism and apparatus for momentary compression of filter material |
WO2014199284A1 (en) * | 2013-06-11 | 2014-12-18 | International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. Z O.O. | Method and shoe for pressing segments of multi-segment filter |
EP3363303A1 (en) | 2017-02-17 | 2018-08-22 | G.D. S.p.A | Machine for making at least one continuous rod of filter material or tobacco |
-
2019
- 2019-04-16 IT IT102019000005856A patent/IT201900005856A1/en unknown
-
2020
- 2020-04-16 EP EP20169922.0A patent/EP3729975B1/en active Active
- 2020-04-16 PL PL20169922.0T patent/PL3729975T3/en unknown
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2057908A1 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2009-05-13 | Japan Filter Technology, Ltd. | Rod forming machine |
EP2767177A1 (en) | 2013-02-15 | 2014-08-20 | International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. z o.o. | Method, mechanism and apparatus for momentary compression of filter material |
WO2014199284A1 (en) * | 2013-06-11 | 2014-12-18 | International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. Z O.O. | Method and shoe for pressing segments of multi-segment filter |
EP3363303A1 (en) | 2017-02-17 | 2018-08-22 | G.D. S.p.A | Machine for making at least one continuous rod of filter material or tobacco |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
IT201900005856A1 (en) | 2020-10-16 |
EP3729975B1 (en) | 2023-07-05 |
PL3729975T3 (en) | 2023-10-23 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11076635B2 (en) | Method, mechanism and apparatus for momentary compression of filter material | |
EP3469923B1 (en) | Machine for making rod-shaped smoking articles | |
NZ231978A (en) | Process and apparatus for the continuous production of tampons | |
EP3086938B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for treating continuous sheet material | |
US9681684B2 (en) | Apparatus, method and machine for producing an endless filter rod of the tobacco processing industry | |
JP6553038B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for use in the manufacture of a variable crimp web material | |
EP4295707A2 (en) | Machine and method for making rod-shaped smoking articles | |
EP3729975B1 (en) | Device and method for processing a continuous semi-finished product of the tobacco industry | |
CN1132735C (en) | Apparatus for the production of blanks for collars in hinge-LID packs with rounded or polygonal long itudinal edges | |
WO2005069973A2 (en) | Pleating system | |
EP1358808B1 (en) | A curling device | |
US5339836A (en) | Cigarette-making machine with transfer device | |
EP3363303B1 (en) | Machine for making at least one continuous rod of filter material or tobacco | |
CN110520002B (en) | Method and apparatus for forming rods for aerosol-generating articles from a sheet of material | |
US3813996A (en) | Continuous filter rod making machines | |
US4092987A (en) | Cigar-like product | |
EP3473112B1 (en) | Crimping unit | |
EP3589143B1 (en) | A method for reducing stress of a garniture belt in a tobacco industry machine, a method for reducing rejection in a tobacco industry machine and a garniture device for a tobacco industry machine | |
CN115884868A (en) | Machine and method for manufacturing a continuous tubular element comprising a filler with spacing and/or filtering function | |
EP0743020A1 (en) | A method and a unit for the formation of a continuous cigarette rod in a cigarette manufacturing machine | |
CN1461613A (en) | Rolling device | |
RU2772254C1 (en) | Method and device for making rods | |
EP3723521B1 (en) | Compacting unit for the tobacco industry | |
EP4074193B1 (en) | Machine and method for producing a continuous rope of the tobacco industry | |
US3799041A (en) | Apparatus for obtaining rounded filter plugs for cigarettes |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20210209 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20210727 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20230302 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230528 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1583965 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20230715 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602020013177 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: FP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG9D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1583965 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20230705 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231006 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230705 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231105 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230705 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230705 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231106 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231005 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230705 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230705 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231105 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230705 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231006 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230705 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230705 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230705 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602020013177 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230705 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230705 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230705 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230705 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230705 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230705 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Payment date: 20240426 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230705 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20240408 |