Device and method for transferring foldable blanks from a transfer station to a processing station

Abstract

A device and method are provided for transferring foldable blanks used in the tobacco-processing industry for cigarette hard-shell packs that are pre-embossed or pre-stamped along folding lines, from a transfer station to a processing station. At least one fixing element is movable from a transfer position to a fixing position during the transfer to secure a collar on a block-shaped article group deposited on the foldable blank.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for transferring foldable blanks used in the tobacco-processing industry for cigarette hard-shell packs that are pre-embossed or pre-stamped along folding lines, from a transfer station to a processing station, comprising: 
 means for transferring the foldable blanks from the transfer station, at which a block-shaped article group at least partially surrounded by a collar is deposited on each of the foldable blanks, to the processing station; and    at least one fixing element arranged on the transferring means and movable from a transfer position to a fixing position to secure the collar on the block-shaped article group.    
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fixing element comprises two fixing elements, at least one of which is indirectly movable.  
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1 , further including at least one lever arranged on the transferring means and being pivotal around a rotational axis, wherein the at least one fixing element is arranged on the at least one lever.  
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 3 , wherein the at least one fixing element is arranged to be pivotal relative to the at least one lever.  
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 3 , further including a side holder for holding one side of the foldable blank, the side holder being attached to the at least one lever.  
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 4 , wherein the side holder is arranged to be pivotal relative to the at least one lever.  
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 3 , further including a bottom holder for holding a bottom of the block-shaped article group, the bottom holder being attached to the at least one lever.  
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 7 , wherein the bottom holder is arranged to be pivotal relative to the at least one lever.  
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 3 , further including: a side holder for holding one side of the foldable blank, the side holder being attached to the at least one lever; and a bottom holder for holding a bottom of the block-shaped article group, the bottom holder being attached to the at least one lever, wherein the at least one fixing element, side holder and bottom holder are each arranged to be pivotal relative to the at least one lever.  
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fixing element comprises a pressing element.  
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 10 , wherein the pressing element has a foot-shaped design.  
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one coupon is arranged between the collar and the block-shaped article group, and the fixing element is adapted to secure the coupon in the fixing position.  
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the transferring means comprises a rotary table.  
     
     
         14 . A method for transferring foldable blanks used in the tobacco-processing industry for cigarette hard-shell packs that are pre-embossed or pre-stamped along folding lines, from a transfer station to a processing station, comprising the steps of: 
 transferring the foldable blanks, which at least partially surround a block-shaped article group, wherein the block-shaped article group is at least partially surrounded by a collar, from the transfer station to the processing station; and    securing the collar on the block-shaped article group with the aid of at least one fixing element during the transferring step.    
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the securing step includes pressing the collar with the at least one fixing element against the block-shaped article group.  
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 14 , further including arranging at least one coupon between the collar and the block-shaped article group, and wherein the securing step additionally secures the coupon during the transfer.