Apparatus and method for supplying and forming regular groups of smoking articles

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for feeding and forming regular groups of smoking articles (20) comprises a containing chamber (11) configured to contain smoking articles (20) and provided with a lower aperture (16), a plurality of conveying channels (30) each having an upper aperture (34) communicating with the lower aperture (16) of the containing chamber, and a conveying device (40) comprising a support structure (41) on which two or more elongated conveying elements (42) are mounted parallel to each other and arranged in correspondence with the upper apertures (34) of the conveying channels (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for supplying and forming an organized group of smoking articles for use in the manufacture of smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, cigarettes or the like). Background Technology

[0002] Supply devices are known for supplying smoking products and for grouping them into regular sets for transfer to one or more packaging machines.

[0003] Known feeding devices include a chamber for receiving articles, typically configured as a hopper, defining an upper chamber into which smoking articles can be inserted, then subdivided into regular groups, and then packaged. The hopper is provided with at least one lower opening communicating with multiple channels for conveying the articles. A conveying device is arranged between the lower opening of the hopper and the multiple conveying channels, the conveying device including a support structure on which multiple elongated conveying elements are mounted, the conveying elements being parallel to each other and positioned corresponding to the upper opening of the conveying channels.

[0004] The conveying elements are configured as multiple rods oriented parallel to the smoking article present in the upper chamber. The rods are capable of rotating alternately in opposite directions, each about its own longitudinal axis, to facilitate the conveying of the smoking article toward the lower conveying channel. More specifically, the conveying rods are mounted two at a time on either side of their upper openings, adjacent to the inlet of the corresponding channel, to convey the smoking article one by one toward the lower channel.

[0005] For this purpose, the conveying element has a sector designed to interfere with the smoking product. The sector has an elongated shape and typically has a hexagonal cross-section. It is made as a single piece with the cylindrical sector and inserted into the support structure of the conveying device so as to rotate alternately in two directions about its longitudinal axis.

[0006] Some solutions known in the prior art provide that, depending on the size of the smoking product to be packaged and the number of smoking products in each package to be manufactured, the rod can be disassembled so that it can be replaced with another rod of the appropriate size, or the rod can be removed if the corresponding channel is not used.

[0007] Another solution known in the prior art is described in German document DE69205797, which describes a solution in which each rod includes at least one tapered end. During rotation of the rod, the tapered end facilitates the forward movement of smoking articles, which are inadvertently arranged in a cross pattern, thus hindering the descent of other smoking articles toward the downward channel.

[0008] One drawback of the known device is the complexity of disassembling the rods, as it requires access to the interior of the device to reach the rear end and thus remove the rods from the support structure on which they are mounted. The solution described in DE69205797 is also affected by this drawback, since all the rods are fixed to the drive mechanism that rotates them, corresponding to their rear ends.

[0009] This is a lengthy and laborious operation that requires several hours of machine downtime, resulting in reduced productivity, increased fixed maintenance costs, and equipment reset.

[0010] Another drawback of the known device is that disassembly of the rod requires the intervention of a skilled technician and the use of appropriate tools. This is particularly problematic if a skilled technician is unavailable, leading to extended machine downtime.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to improve a device for supplying and forming regular groups of smoking products that can overcome at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0012] Therefore, it is necessary to solve the technical problems of simplifying the disassembly and replacement of conveying components. Summary of the Invention

[0013] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for supplying and forming regular groups of smoking articles, wherein the article conveying element can be easily, reliably and quickly disassembled.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a refined method for supplying and forming a regular assembly of smoking articles, wherein even non-professionals can perform the disassembly of the delivery elements without the need for special equipment or specific training.

[0015] The applicant has designed, tested, and embodied the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to achieve these and other objectives and advantages.

[0016] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other features of the invention or variations of the main inventive concept.

[0017] In accordance with the above objectives and in order to solve the aforementioned technical problems in a new and original manner, and to achieve significant advantages over the prior art, the apparatus for supplying and forming a regular group of smoking articles according to the present invention comprises: a receiving chamber configured to receive a plurality of smoking articles; one or more conveying channels disposed below and communicating with the receiving chamber; and a conveying device including a support structure on which two or more elongated conveying elements are mounted, the conveying elements being parallel to each other and configured to facilitate the descent of the smoking articles from the receiving chamber toward the conveying channels.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, each conveying element includes a first element and a second element, the first element being rotatably mounted on the support structure such that the first element can rotate about its own longitudinal axis, and the second element being coupled to the first element such that the second element can rotate together with the first element.

[0019] In doing so, the first element (i.e., the fixed part of the device) which is actually installed in the support structure is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, and the second element which is configured to interact with the smoking article to convey the smoking article toward the conveying channel can then be coupled to the first element so that it is rotatable about the same longitudinal axis, without being directly constrained to the support structure in any way.

[0020] The connection between the first element and the second element is created in such a way that the first element and the second element are constrained to rotate as a whole about the longitudinal axis, such that rotational motion assigned to one of the two elements is also transmitted to the other element.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the first element includes a first coupling end, and the second element includes a second coupling end, the first and second coupling ends being configured to create a stable mechanical-type connection therebetween without the assistance of an auxiliary attachment device.

[0022] In this way, the connection is stable in the sense that the two elements do not separate in an undesirable manner, and rigid in the sense that the rotation of one element determines the rotation of the other element.

[0023] In this sense, the device according to the invention advantageously does not require any type of auxiliary attachment device, and by that expression, we mean any other suitable attachment device other than the first and second elements.

[0024] Advantageously, in this manner, a stable connection between the first element and the second element is formed only by the corresponding first and second connection terminals, and the stable connection does not require any additional auxiliary attachment devices other than these terminals.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, a first connecting end is provided with a seat, and a second connecting end is configured to be inserted into the seat of the first element. Preferably, the seat includes a blind hole, and the second connecting end of the second element preferably has an element capable of being inserted into the seat, thus constructing a convex-concave mechanical connection.

[0026] It is clear that the opposite can be provided, i.e., the seat is disposed on the second element, and the insertable element is disposed in the first element.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, the connection is a Morse taper.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the length of the second connecting end is greater than or equal to the length of the seat of the first element.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, the first and second coupling ends are configured to create a magnetic connection between them. This allows for a stable connection to be created in a simple manner, in which the removable element can be easily disassembled. The first coupling end includes a magnetic element, which is preferably inserted into the base. The magnetic element may be, for example, a magnet. The second coupling end preferably includes an accessory configured to be inserted into the base, and the second coupling end is advantageously made of a magnetic or ferromagnetic material to create a magnetic connection with the magnet.

[0030] Preferably, even when a magnetic connection is provided, the first and second connection ends are configured to produce a connection of the same shape. This ensures that the two connection elements rotate together.

[0031] For example, a seat may be provided that includes a spout for entering the seat, the spout having a cross-section different from the shape of the seat itself. Conveniently, this inlet spout is configured to create a connection of the same shape as the second element. In particular, the inlet spout may have a cross-section with at least one straight segment, and the extractable element may also have a cross-section with at least one straight segment. Advantageously, the inlet spout has a cross-section for engaging with the cross-section of the second element, which is typically hexagonal.

[0032] According to some embodiments, both the first element and the first connecting end are substantially cylindrical in shape, and the outer diameter of the first connecting end is larger than the rest of the first element. In particular, the first connecting end is configured as a cylindrical body coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the first element, and a seat is formed within this cylindrical body. Advantageously, the latter has an inner diameter substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the first element.

[0033] This construction of the first connecting end allows for the creation of a seat dimension that ensures a stable and secure connection between the first and second elements. Furthermore, an abutment surface transverse to the axial direction is provided between the first connecting end and the remainder of the first element. This abutment surface is preferably positioned to correspond to the diameter variation between the first connecting end and the remainder of the first element.

[0034] The lateral abutment surface can, for example, serve as the end of the travel during the insertion of the first element into the corresponding seat of the conveying device.

[0035] According to another aspect of the invention, the receiving chamber includes a rear wall having a plurality of through holes, each through hole being coaxial with a corresponding longitudinal axis of the first element. Each first connecting end is rotatably inserted into a corresponding through hole, while each corresponding second element protrudes within the receiving chamber. Preferably, the outer diameter of the first connecting end is equal to the inner diameter of the through hole, in order to further stabilize the conveying element and keep it parallel to the other conveying elements. Additionally or alternatively, the length of the first connecting end is equal to the length of the through hole, corresponding to the thickness of the rear wall of the receiving chamber. In this way, only the second element of the conveying element protrudes from the front surface of the rear wall of the receiving chamber, so as to interfere with the smoking article.

[0036] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for supplying and forming a regular group of smoking articles is also provided, comprising a first step, wherein a device is provided having: a receiving chamber configured to receive a plurality of smoking articles as described above; one or more conveying channels disposed below and in communication with the receiving chamber; and a conveying device comprising a support structure on which two or more elongated conveying elements are mounted, the conveying elements being parallel to each other and configured to facilitate the descent of the smoking articles from the receiving chamber toward the conveying channels.

[0037] The method includes a second step in which the conveying elements are manufactured such that each conveying element includes a first element and a second element, the first element being rotatably mounted on the support structure such that the first element can rotate about its own longitudinal axis, the second element being selectively and removably coupled to the first element such that it can rotate together with the first element about the longitudinal axis, and configured to interact with the smoking article to convey the smoking article toward one or more conveying channels.

[0038] This method provides a stable mechanical connection between a first coupling end of the first element and a second coupling end of the second element without the assistance of an auxiliary attachment device.

[0039] Preferably, the device is of the type indicated above.

[0040] Advantageously, the method further includes a third step of removing the second element from the first element, while the latter remains rotatably mounted on the support structure.

[0041] Clearly, this method implies that the conveying element is already installed in the conveying device. After the second element is withdrawn, another second element can be inserted into the empty insertion seat, which may, for example, have a different size and / or shape than the second element that was just withdrawn.

[0042] According to another aspect, the use of a conveying element in a device for supplying and forming a regular assembly of smoking articles is provided, wherein the conveying element comprises both a first element and a second element, the first element being configured to be rotatably mounted on the support structure of the device such that the first element rotates about its own longitudinal axis, and the second element being selectively and removably coupled to the first element to rotate together with the first element about the longitudinal axis, and configured to interact with the smoking articles to facilitate the flow of the smoking articles to at least one receiving chamber of the device. In particular, the device may be of the type described above. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Referring to the accompanying drawings, these and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description of some embodiments given as non-limiting examples, in which: - Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of an apparatus for supplying and forming a regular group of smoking articles according to the present invention; - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Magnified details; - Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The contour 11I-11I is intercepted by the plane. Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional plan view of the device; - Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is based on Figure 3 Plane cuts with contours IV-IV and VV respectively Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the conveying device of the apparatus; - Figure 6 and Figure 7 These are three-dimensional magnified views of the conveying element in the assembly and disassembly configuration according to the first embodiment; - Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the conveying element; - Figure 9 and Figure 10These are three-dimensional magnified views of the conveying element in the assembly and disassembly configuration according to the second embodiment; - Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Enlarged details of the rod; and - Figure 12 yes Figure 9 A longitudinal section view of the conveyor rod.

[0044] It must be clarified that the wording and terminology used in this specification serve only to better illustrate the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and are not in any way intended to limit the scope of the invention itself, or the field of protection defined by the appended claims.

[0045] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same common elements in the figures where possible. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Reference Figure 1 Smoking products 20, such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarettes, or similar products, are provided by the device 10 according to the invention for supplying and forming a regular group of smoking products 20, for example including a receiving chamber or hopper 11 of a known type, wherein the receiving chamber or hopper 11 is provided to accumulate a plurality of smoking products 20 during use, such that the smoking products are supplied in a regular and sequential manner through a series of conveying channels 30 arranged in three chambers 31, 32, 33 located below the hopper 11. Figure 1 The three chambers 31, 32, and 33 include a central chamber 32 and two lateral chambers 31 and 33.

[0047] The hopper 11 includes a front wall 12 and a rear wall 13, the rear wall 13 being parallel to the front wall 12 and passing through two side walls 14 and 15. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The front wall 12, rear wall 13, and side walls 14 and 15 define a lower opening 16 at their lower ends through which the smoking article 20 can be conveyed toward the channel 30. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0048] The rear wall defines a substantially vertical plane having a front surface 17 and a rear surface 18 (4 and 5) located outside the hopper 11, along which the smoking article 20 accumulates.

[0049] The conveying channels 30 have a vertical or substantially vertical orientation and may be slightly inclined. Each conveying channel 30 includes a corresponding inlet hole 34 in the upper part, which is positioned to communicate with the hopper 11, particularly near its lower hole 16, so that the smoking article 20 can enter the channel 30 immediately after it has left the hopper 11. Alternatively, the inlet hole 34 of the channel 30 may be arranged directly inside the hopper 11.

[0050] In any case, the inlet holes 34 are arranged such that each channel 30 communicates with the hopper 11. Note that all inlet holes 34 are aligned with each other along a horizontal axis parallel to the transverse direction Y, where the smoking article 20 accumulates due to gravity, thus creating clumps or clumps 21. Figure 1 ).

[0051] The device 10 also includes a conveying device 40, which includes a linear support 41 and a plurality of conveying elements 42 configured as rods. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each conveying element has its own longitudinal axis X and is inserted due to a plurality of seats 43 created in the support 41, the seats 43 being configured as through holes ( Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Each seat 43 houses a rotatable sleeve 44, which is integral with the corresponding conveying element 42. The seats 43, and therefore also the longitudinal axis X, are evenly distributed along the support 41 and are spaced at a constant center distance from each other. ( Figure 2 ).

[0052] The support member 41 is arranged to correspond to the rear surface 18 of the rear wall 13 of the hopper 11, and the conveying element 42 protrudes from the front surface 17 of the hopper 11. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The corresponding through-hole 19 is created in the rear wall 13 of the hopper 11. The through-hole 19 is arranged directly above the inlet hole 34 of the channel 30, thus aligning with it, i.e., horizontally oriented in the transverse direction Y. The number of conveying elements 42 and the center distance separating them. This arrangement ensures that each inlet hole 34 is positioned between two adjacent conveying elements 42. Figure 2 ).

[0053] In the example shown, the three chambers 31, 32, and 33 include a total of twenty-one channels 30 and provide twenty-four conveying elements 42, each located at an inlet port 34. Figure 1 and Figure 2The corresponding side of the inlet 34. In particular, two conveying elements 42 are arranged on the side of each inlet 34. A single conveying element 42 is provided between two adjacent inlet 34, which can alternately convey the smoking article 20 in two channels 30 adjacent to the smoking article 20. In the example given here, the support 41 includes a total of thirty-four seats 43, of which ten seats remain empty.

[0054] In the example shown, the conveying element 42 is placed outside the hopper 11, immediately below its lower opening 16. Figure 2 However, it is permissible to place the conveying element 42 inside the hopper 11, i.e. above the lower hole 16. In this case, it is advantageous that the front wall 12 of the hopper 11 can be opened or removed to facilitate the removal of the conveying element 42, as will be explained in detail below.

[0055] The conveying device 40 also includes three motors 45, 46, and 47, which are located on the side of the hopper 11, behind it, at approximately the height of the conveying element 42, and mounted on the support 41. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The shafts of each motor 45, 46, and 47 are connected to corresponding racks 51, 52, and 53 via corresponding eccentric mechanisms or connecting rod-crank mechanisms 48, 49, and 50. The conveying element 42 is divided into three groups 54, 55, and 56. Figure 3 Each group engages with corresponding racks 51, 52, and 53 via toothed wheels 57, 58, and 59, and each group is integral with a corresponding sleeve 44 and coaxial with the corresponding longitudinal axis X. Each of the three groups 54, 55, and 56 includes eight consecutive conveying elements 42 arranged above the corresponding chambers 31, 32, and 33.

[0056] according to Figures 1 to 5 In the embodiment shown, in device 10, the first motor 45 and the second motor 46 are arranged side by side on the first side of the hopper 11. Figure 1 and Figure 3 And respectively drive the first rack 51 and the second rack 52. The two racks 51 and 52 are parallel to the transverse direction Y ( Figure 1 , 4 and 5) and respectively mesh with toothed wheels 57 and 58 ( Figure 3 , 4 and 5).

[0057] Alternatively, a third motor 47 is arranged on the other side of the hopper 11 and drives a third rack 53 via a third connecting rod-crank mechanism 50, the third rack being connected to a toothed wheel 59. Figure 1 and Figure 3The gears are engaged and arranged so as not to interfere with the second rack 52 of the second set 55 of the drive conveying element 42.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, each conveying element 42 is made as two interconnectable components. Specifically, each conveying element 42 includes: a support rod 60 with a seat 61 at one end; and a forming rod 62 equipped with a connecting end 63, configured to engage in the seat 61 in a stable but removable manner. Figures 6 to 12 During use, that is, when the support rod 60 and the forming rod 62 are connected, they are coaxial and along the longitudinal axis X. Figure 8 and Figure 12 Alignment. Each seat 61 is manufactured to correspond to a corresponding widened end 64, the outer diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the rest of the support rod 60. The seat 61 is configured with a blind hole formed in the widened end 64.

[0059] Each support rod 60 is equipped with a thread 65 at the opposite end of the widened end 64, the thread being configured to screw into a corresponding nut 66 to prevent axial displacement relative to the support member 41 while allowing rotation relative to the support member 41. Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0060] Each forming rod 62 has a generally hexagonal cross-section; however, other shapes, such as circular or square, can be provided for the cross-section of the forming rod 62, provided that they allow for the individual flow of the smoking articles 20 from the hopper 11 toward the channel 30 by alternating rotation in opposite directions about their own longitudinal axis X. The hexagonal shape is advantageous because during the rotation of the forming rod 62, the edge separating the two adjacent faces accompanies the smoking articles, facilitating the entry of the smoking articles one after another into the channel 30.

[0061] Because the outer diameter of each widened end 64 is larger than the outer diameter of the rest of the support rod 60, each widened end forms an abutment surface 67 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, which abuts against the corresponding end of the inserted support rod 60 of the sleeve 44. This allows the support rod 60 to remain stably inserted and axially positioned within the support member 41. In fact, any displacement in the longitudinal direction (i.e., along the longitudinal axis X) is prevented by the abutment surface 67, which abuts against the sleeve 44 on one side and against the nut 66 on the other side.

[0062] Each widened end 64 is received in a corresponding through hole 19 in the rear wall 13 of the hopper 11. For this purpose, the widened end has a length equal to the thickness of the rear wall 13 itself, so as to be fully inserted therein. Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0063] from Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen, during use, only the forming rod 62 is in contact with the smoking article 20, therefore they must be able to rotate to facilitate the descent of the smoking article 20 from the hopper 11 into the channel 30, while the support rod 60 is completely outside the hopper 11. Therefore, the forming rod 62 and the support rod 60 are rigidly connected to each other, such that the rotational motion of the support rod 60, imparted to it by the racks 51, 52, and 53 driven by motors 45, 46, and 47, is also transmitted to the forming rod 62.

[0064] Figures 6 to 8 A first embodiment of the conveying element 42 is shown, wherein the connection between the support rod 60 and the forming rod 62 is a mechanical connection with interference. In particular, the connecting end 63 of the forming rod 62 and the widened end 64 of the support rod 60 are configured as Morse cones with mutually matching shapes. The connecting end 63 of the forming rod 62 is a convex element of the Morse cone; however, it can be provided that the widened end 64 of the support rod 60 is such a convex element.

[0065] Each forming rod 62 has a convex connecting end 63 with a length greater than or equal to that of the blind hole 61. Furthermore, each forming rod 62 includes an intermediate portion 68 for a progressive connection between the connecting end 63 and the forming section, which is positioned outside the blind hole 61 of the support rod 60 during use. Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 ).

[0066] In this embodiment, the Morse taper allows for a robust and stable axial connection between each support rod 60 and its corresponding forming rod 62, ensuring that the support rod 60 and forming rod 62 will not separate during use due to the movement applied by the motors 45, 46, and 47. Simultaneously, this also guarantees a rigid connection in the rotational direction, meaning that rotation imparted to the support rod 60 is transmitted to the forming rod 62.

[0067] In the second embodiment, as Figures 9 to 12 As shown, the connection between each support rod 60 and its corresponding forming rod 62 is achieved through a magnetic device configured, for example, a magnet 69 housed in the bottom of a blind hole 61 that defines a seat for the support rod 60. Therefore, the connecting end 63 of each forming rod 62 is made of a ferromagnetic material to create a connection with the magnet 69.

[0068] The connection via magnet 69 is stable because it allows the corresponding forming rod 62 to be held in place. However, in order to ensure that each forming rod 62 rotates together with its corresponding support rod 60, a connection of the same shape is also provided between each support rod 60 and its corresponding forming rod 62.

[0069] In particular, in the example shown, a connection of the same shape is created between the corresponding formed portions of the seat 60 and the forming rod 62. Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The seat has an elongated opening 70 and two parallel straight walls 71. More precisely, the distance between the two straight surfaces 71 is equal to the distance separating the two opposing faces of the hexagonal rod 62. In this way, the two straight surfaces 71 can engage with the two opposing faces of the shaped rod 62 to create a connection of the same shape. Figure 12 ).

[0070] Please note that in this case, the length of the connecting end 63 of the forming rod 62 is shorter than the length of the blind hole 61, causing the nozzle 70 to directly interfere with the forming rod 62 itself.

[0071] In this case, the connecting end 63 has a diameter smaller than that of the forming rod 62, which allows for the formation of an abutment portion 72 that abuts the abutment 70, which in turn has a diameter larger than that of the blind hole 61. Figure 11 Larger lateral extensions.

[0072] The operation of the supply device 10 is entirely similar to that of a device on which known conveying elements, each consisting of a free individual component, are mounted. It provides actuating motors 45, 46, and 47, which drive racks 51, 52, and 53 in alternating linear motion, which, due to toothed wheels 57, 58, and 59, causes sleeve 44 to rotate in opposite directions. This determines the alternating rotation of the conveying elements 42 that interact with the smoking articles 20 in contact with them, allowing regulation of their flow through the inlet orifice 34 of the channel 30. Figure 2 ).

[0073] Unlike prior art devices, with the device 10 according to the invention, if it is necessary to change a portion of the conveying element 42, for example to change the diameter, lateral dimension or specification of the conveying element, or simply to completely remove a portion of the conveying element 42, it is sufficient to pull out the relatively shaped rod 62 from the corresponding support rod 60, and it is possible to insert the new shaped rod 62 into the seat 61 of the support rod.

[0074] When the diameter and / or length of the smoking articles 20 to be supplied, or their quantity in each package to be packaged downstream of the device 10, changes in the number and / or form of the conveying elements 42 are usually necessary. In fact, if the diameter of the forming rods 62 changes, only the reciprocating distance between two adjacent forming rods 62 changes as the smoking article 20 passes through, while the center distance between two adjacent conveying elements 42 remains constant. It remains unchanged.

[0075] Clearly, since there is no need to detach the support rod 60 from the support member 41, the operation for disassembling the conveying element is greatly simplified, preventing the need to access the interior of the device 10 to remove the corresponding nut 66. In fact, it is sufficient to simply pull the forming rod 62 out of its support rod 60 in a simple and anyone-accessible manner.

[0076] In the example shown, since the conveying elements 42 are located outside the hopper 11, they are not covered by the front wall 12, and the forming rod 62 can be easily removed. If the conveying elements 42 were instead covered by the front wall 12 of the hopper 11, the front wall 12 would have to be opened or removed before the forming rod 62 could be pulled out.

[0077] Therefore, the operation of assembling and / or replacing a portion of the conveying element 42 no longer requires the intervention of a professional technician. This allows for the management and efficiency of the operations and personnel assigned to the device 10, and does not require the use of special tools, but only tools that are generally available in the space where such a device 10 is installed.

[0078] It is clear that modifications and / or additions can be made to the apparatus 10 and corresponding methods for supplying and forming regular groups of smoking articles as described above, without departing from the scope and range of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0079] It is also clear that although the invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, those skilled in the art will naturally be able to implement many other equivalent forms of the apparatus and methods for supplying and forming regular groups of smoking articles, having the features set forth in the claims and thus all falling within the scope of protection defined therein.

[0080] In the claims, references in parentheses are used solely for ease of reading and should not be considered as limiting factors regarding the scope of protection defined by the same claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for supplying and forming a regular assembly of smoking articles (20), comprising: A receiving chamber (11) configured to accommodate a plurality of the smoking articles (20); One or more delivery channels (30) are arranged below and communicate with the receiving chamber (11); and a delivery device (40) includes a support structure (41) on which two or more elongated delivery elements (42) are mounted, the delivery elements being parallel to each other and configured to facilitate the descent of the smoking article (20) from the receiving chamber (11) toward the delivery channel (30), wherein each delivery element (42) includes a first element (60) and a second element (62), the first element being rotatable. The first element is mounted on the support structure (41) such that it can rotate about its own longitudinal axis (X), and the second element (62) is coupled to the first element (60) such that it can rotate together with the first element. The first element (60) includes a first coupling end (64), and the second element (62) includes a second coupling end (63). The first coupling end and the second coupling end (64, 63) are configured to create a stable mechanical and magnetic connection between them without the assistance of an auxiliary attachment device.

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanical connection is created in such a way that it constrains the overall rotation of the first and second elements (60, 62) about the longitudinal axis (X).

3. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mechanical type connection is a Morse taper.

4. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connection end (64) includes a magnetic element (69), and the second connection end (63) is made of a magnetic material.

5. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connection end (64) includes a magnetic element (69), and the second connection end (63) is made of a ferromagnetic material.

6. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connection end (64) includes a seat (61), and the second connection end (63) includes an accessory configured to be inserted into the seat (61).

7. The apparatus (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first connecting end (64) includes an inlet (70) for entering the seat (61), the cross-section of which is different from the cross-section of the seat (61), and is configured to form a connection of the same shape with the second element (62).

8. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first element (60) and the first connecting end (64) have a cylindrical shape, and are characterized in that the outer diameter of the first connecting end (64) is larger than the rest of the first element (60), and are characterized in that there is an adjacent surface (67) between the first connecting end (64) and the rest of the first element (60) transverse to the longitudinal axis (X).

9. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving chamber (11) includes a rear wall (13) having a plurality of through holes (19) therein, each through hole being coaxial with a corresponding longitudinal axis (X) of the first element (60), and characterized in that the connecting end (64) of each first element (60) of the conveying element (42) is rotatably inserted into a corresponding one of the through holes (19), while each corresponding second element (62) protrudes into the receiving chamber (11).

10. A method for supplying and forming a regular group of smoking articles (20), comprising: In the first step, an apparatus (10) is provided, the apparatus (10) having: a receiving chamber (11) configured to receive a plurality of the smoking articles (20); one or more delivery channels (30) disposed below and communicating with the receiving chamber (11); and a delivery device (40) including a support structure (41) on which two or more elongated delivery elements (42) are mounted, the delivery elements being parallel to each other and configured to facilitate the descent of the smoking articles (20) from the receiving chamber (11) toward the delivery channel (30); the method further includes a second step, in which... The method is characterized in that it provides a stable mechanical and magnetic connection between a first connection end (64) of the first element (60) and a second connection end (63) of the second element (62), wherein each of the conveying elements (42) includes a first element (60) and a second element (62), the first element being rotatably mounted on the support structure (41) such that the first element can rotate about its own longitudinal axis (X), and the second element (62) being coupled to the first element (60) such that the second element can rotate together with the first element.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes a third step in which the second element (62) is extracted from the first element (60), while the latter remains rotatably mounted on the support structure (41).

12. Use of the conveying element (42) in a device (10) for supplying and forming a regular assembly of smoking articles (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The delivery element (42) includes a first element (60) and a second element, the first element being configured to be rotatably mounted on the support structure (41) of the device (10) such that the first element rotates about its own longitudinal axis (X), the second element (62) being coupled to the first element to rotate together with the first element about the longitudinal axis, and configured to interact with the smoking articles (20) to facilitate their flow to at least one receiving chamber (11) of the device (10).

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