Packing machine and method for producing a rigid packet of cigarettes

摘要

A packing machine (17) and method for producing a rigid packet (1) of cigarettes having an inner package (3) defined by a group (4) of cigarettes wrapped in a sheet (25) of flexible wrapping material; an outer container (2) housing the inner package (3) and formed by folding a rigid blank (42) about the inner package (3); and a collar (13) located between the inner package (3) and the outer container (2) and folded at least into a U about the inner package (3). The packing machine has a first packing wheel (27) having at least one peripheral first pocket (29); a feed station (30), in which the collar (13) is fed, flat, to the first pocket (29); a transfer station (31) located downstream from the feed station (30) to transfer the inner package (3) into the first pocket (29) while at the same time folding the collar (13) into a U about the inner package (3); and a gumming device (63) located at the transfer station (31) to apply gum to a wall (66) of the inner package (3) that rests on a corresponding wall of the collar (13) when the collar (13) contacts the inner package (3).