Assembly for transporting different kinds of goods in smoking products manufacturing industry and related factories

Abstract

A transport assembly 1 for the smoking product manufacturing industry, comprising a first transport system 2 for supplying a first article 3 of the smoking product manufacturing industry along a first transport path P1 to a first input station 4 of a first machine 5, and a second transport system 6 for transporting a second article 7 obtained from the component 3 along a second transport path P2 from a first output station 8 of the first machine 5 to a second input station 9 of a second machine 10 (e.g., a packaging machine), wherein the first transport system 2 is configured to change the length of a first telescopic portion of the first transport path P1, and the second transport system 6 is configured to change the length of a second telescopic portion of the second transport path P2, and the telescopic portions of the first transport path P1 and the second transport path P2 are arranged so as to overlap and / or be side by side with each other.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to Italian Patent Application No. 102019000011823, filed July 16, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to transport assemblies and plants for the smoking product manufacturing industry.

[0003] The term "smoking product" refers to rod-shaped articles of the tobacco industry, such as, for example, pieces of tobacco, pieces of filtering material, cigarettes, heating articles, etc.

[0004] The present invention finds advantageous application in a system for conveying tobacco from one packing machine to another, to which parts of the disclosure below make explicit reference, without thereby prejudice to its generality. [Background technology]

[0005] In the field of smoking product manufacturing, factories are known which are equipped with a first conveying system for feeding articles to a first machine for processing them to obtain processed articles and for conveying the processed articles to a second machine.

[0006] During operation, the operating speeds of the two devices can be variable, both in an absolute sense and in a relative sense, and variable volume storage can be provided both between the two devices and upstream of the two devices to compensate for temporary productivity variations of the two machines.

[0007] However, the variable volume stores currently available on the market are relatively complex, expensive and bulky.

[0008] A conventional tobacco production plant may, for example, refer without limitation to a conventional tobacco production plant comprising a manufacturing apparatus (maker) that produces individual cigarettes, a packing machine that produces packs of cigarettes, and a transport assembly that feeds the manufacturing apparatus and connects it to the packing machine so as to deliver a continuous stream of cigarettes from an output of the manufacturing apparatus to an input of the packing machine.

[0009] Generally, the transport assembly comprises: an elevator for receiving a continuous stream of tobacco from an output of the manufacturing apparatus and for vertically lifting the continuous stream of tobacco; a horizontal conveyor located at a relatively high height (typically 2.5 meters or more) so as not to interfere with the passage of people below, and which receives a continuous stream of cigarettes from the elevator; a descending flow path disposed at an end of the horizontal conveyor and delivering a continuous stream of tobacco to an input of a packing machine (particularly the input of a hopper of the packing machine).

[0010] In order to compensate for temporary differences in the productivity of the two machines, a variable-capacity tobacco store can be connected to the horizontal conveyor, which stores (absorbs) a predetermined amount of tobacco when the production equipment is more productive than the packing machine (i.e. when the production equipment produces more tobacco than the amount of tobacco packed by the packing machine) and releases a predetermined amount of tobacco when the production equipment is less productive than the packing machine (i.e. when the production equipment produces a smaller amount of tobacco compared to the amount of tobacco packed by the packing machine).

[0011] However, as previously mentioned, the variable volume stores in cigarettes currently on the market are relatively complex, expensive and bulky. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a transport assembly and a factory which is able to at least partially overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and which is at the same time easy and cheap to manufacture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to the invention, a transport assembly and a factory are provided by what is set forth in the following independent claims, preferably in any one of the claims which depend directly or indirectly on the independent claims.

[0014] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show non-limiting examples. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective and schematic view of a factory and transport assembly according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a portion of the transport assembly of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of a portion of the transport assembly of FIG. 2 in a different operational configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of a portion of the transport assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with a further embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of a portion of the transport assembly of FIGS. 2 and 3 in a different operational configuration. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, the system of FIG. 1 in an alternative embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of a portion of the transport assembly of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of a portion of the carriage assembly of FIG. 6 in a different operational configuration. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of a portion of the transport assembly of FIG. 6 in accordance with a further embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of a portion of the transport assembly of FIGS. 7 and 8 in a different operational configuration. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows, in a schematic perspective view, an alternative embodiment of the factory of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] In FIG. 1, reference number 1 indicates the overall transport assembly of a smoking product manufacturing industry.

[0017] The transport assembly 1 comprises a conveying system 2 for supplying (in particular substantially cylindrical) articles 3 of the smoking product manufacturing industry (in bulk) along a conveying path P1 to an input station 4 of a (processing) machine 5, and a conveying system 6 for conveying (in particular substantially cylindrical) articles 7 of the smoking product manufacturing industry (in bulk) along a conveying path P2 from an output station 8 of the machine 5 (in particular to an input station 9 of a further ``processing'' machine 10).

[0018] The transport system 2 is configured to change the length of a (variable length) telescopic section 11 of the transport path P1. The transport system 6 is configured to change the length of a (variable length) telescopic section 12 of the transport path P2. The telescopic sections 11 and 12 are arranged (at least partially) opposite each other.

[0019] The transport assembly 1 according to the present invention allows the overall size of the variable volume storage system to be reduced.

[0020] In this respect, it is to be noted that the transport system 2 (more precisely, the telescopic part 11) and the transport system 6 (more precisely, the telescopic part 12) act as variable-volume stores, in particular of the FIFO ("first in, first out") type, and that their particular relative positioning allows a better utilization of the available space. In fact, the transport systems 2, 6 are mutually arranged such that the telescopic parts 11 and 12 face each other (in particular so that they at least partially overlap each other and / or lie side by side).

[0021] The elastic portions 11 and 12 are intended to be oriented (at least partially towards each other) when the longitudinal extension of the elastic portion 11 is oriented (at least partially) towards the longitudinal extension of the elastic portion 12.

[0022] In particular, the elastic portions 11 and 12 (at least partially) overlap and / or are aligned with each other, in other words, at least a part of the longitudinal extension of the elastic portion 11 and at least a part of the longitudinal extension of the elastic portion 12 (at least partially) overlap and / or are aligned with each other.

[0023] Advantageously, but not necessarily, elastic portions 11 and 12 each comprise at least a respective portion (more particularly at least two portions) that is substantially linear. In particular, the substantially linear portion of elastic portion 11 is substantially parallel to the substantially linear portion of elastic portion 12. Additionally or alternatively, the substantially linear portion of elastic portion 11 and the substantially linear portion of elastic portion 12 overlap (at least partially) and / or are aligned with each other.

[0024] Typically, the transport assembly 1 is part of a factory 13 for the production of smoke products which (in addition to the transport assembly 1) also comprises machines 5 (and in particular machine 10).

[0025] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the article 3 is a piece of a smoking product to be produced. In these cases, the machine 5 can be a device for assembling a plurality of articles 3, for example by combining and wrapping them in a wrapper to obtain the article 7 (a smoking product, i.e. a multi-component cigarette). According to a non-limiting example, the machine 5 can be a device described in the same applicant's US Patent Application No. 2015289559.

[0026] According to alternative embodiments, the machine 5 is configured only to orient in different ways some or all of the plurality of articles 3. In these cases, the articles 3, 7 are substantially identical.

[0027] In some non-limiting cases, machine 10 is a packaging machine, i.e., a device that accepts and packages articles 7 to obtain packets of articles 7. According to some alternative embodiments, machine 10 is configured to further process some articles 7, for example, by combining them with additional components (e.g., filters or other components).

[0028] According to the illustrated embodiment (Figure 1), the transport system 2 (in particular the telescopic part 11) and the transport system 6 (in particular the telescopic part 12) are arranged at a higher position than the machine 5 (and in particular the machine 10). Advantageously, the transport systems 2, 6 do not occupy any space on the ground other than the space occupied by the machines 5, 10, in this way the overall dimensions of the system are limited by the advantage of having transport systems dedicated to two goods of different types.

[0029] It will be understood that according to embodiments not shown, the transport systems 2,6 can be arranged on the ground and / or side-by-side with respect to the machines 5,10.

[0030] Advantageously, but not necessarily, according to the embodiment shown, the conveying system 2 and / or the conveying system 6 each comprise at least one respective conveying assembly 14 configured to convey the item 3 and / or the item 7, respectively, along at least (variable length) portions of the telescopic section 11 and the telescopic section 12, respectively.

[0031] Alternatively, according to an embodiment not shown, transport system 2 may include transport assembly 14, but transport system 6 may not include a transport assembly having the structure of transport assembly 14. Conversely, in some cases, transport system 6 may include transport assembly 14, but transport system 2 may not include a transport assembly having the structure of transport assembly 14.

[0032] Referring to the figure, transport system 2 and transport system 6 each include at least one respective transport assembly 14. In these cases, the transport assemblies 14 of transport systems 2 and 6 may be the same or different (although they are separate entities).

[0033] Furthermore, the transport system 2 and / or the transport system 6 (respectively) may comprise at least one respective transport assembly CG and / or 14' (notably located downstream of the transport assembly 14). The transport assembly 14 is designed to move the article 3 or the article 7 (respectively, the article 3 and / or the article 7) in a first direction A or B, respectively. The transport assembly CG and / or 14 is designed to move the article 3 or the article 7 (respectively, the article 3 and / or the article 7) in a second direction B or A, respectively, that is substantially opposite to the first direction A or B, along a further part of the telescopic section 11 and a further part of the telescopic section 12.

[0034] 1 to 3, according to some embodiments, the transport systems 2 and 6 comprise a respective transport assembly 14 and a further transport assembly CG (formed only by a linear conveyor). In such a case, the associated transport paths P1, P2 are "C" shaped.

[0035] 4 shows an embodiment in which transport system 2 includes transport assembly 14 and transport assembly CG, while transport system 6 includes transport assemblies 14, 14' and transport assembly CG. In such a case, transport path P1 is "C" shaped, while transport path P2 is "S" shaped.

[0036] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the transport assembly 14 of the transport system 2 moves the article 3 in direction A, the transport assembly CG of the transport system 2 moves the article 3 in direction B, the transport assembly 14 of the transport system 6 moves the article 7 in direction B, and the transport assembly CG or 14' of the transport system 6 moves the article 7 in direction A.

[0037] According to alternative embodiments and embodiments not shown, both transport assemblies 14 of transport system 2 and transport system 6 move articles in direction A, and similarly, both transport assemblies CG and / or 14' of transport system 2 and transport system 6 move articles in direction B.

[0038] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the transport assemblies 14, CG and / or 14' are arranged overlapping each other, or more precisely, the transport assembly CG is arranged below the transport assembly 14 (and possibly the transport assembly 14').

[0039] In particular, the (each) transport assembly CG comprises (is formed by) a (single) linear conveyor LC.

[0040] In particular, the(r)eport assembly 14' has a structure (and operation) similar to that of the(r)eport assembly 14 (which structure is described in more detail below). In general, the(r)eport assembly 14' includes a respective conveyor 15 and a respective conveyor 16. Advantageously, but not necessarily, a moving assembly 17 (described in more detail below) is shared (at least in part) by the(r)eport assembly 14 and by the(r)eport assembly 14'.

[0041] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the telescopic sections 11 and 12 (particularly the transport assembly 14 and possibly 14' and / or CG) are arranged (at least partially) to extend (at least partially) within the lateral dimension of the machine 5. In this way, the impact (in terms of occupied space) of the transport assembly 1 is further reduced.

[0042] The following describes the structure and operation of several non-limiting embodiments of the transport system 2 and associated transport assembly 14. The above description is believed to be applicable to the transport system 6 and associated transport assembly 14, regardless of the particular structure and operation of the transport system 2.

[0043] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the (each) transport assembly 14 comprises a conveyor 15 (linear), at least one conveyor 16 (linear), and at least one moving assembly 17; At least one moving assembly 17 includes: moving at least one of conveyors 15 and 16 relative to one another between a first configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3 ) in which conveyors 15 and 16 at least partially overlap one another, and a second configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 ) in which conveyor 16 has an actuating portion 18 that is offset from conveyor 15; Passing through at least one intermediate form (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5 ); Conveyors 15 and 16 partially overlap one another, with conveyor 16 having a second configuration (eg, as shown in FIG. 2) having a working portion 19 that is offset from conveyor 15 and that is shorter than working portion 18 .

[0044] In particular, the conveyor 15 has an end 20 disposed along said portion (having the variable length of the telescopic portion 11 of the path P1). The working portion 18 and the working portion 19 extend beyond the conveyor 15 from the end 20 (in particular along the telescopic portion 11, more precisely along the respective variable length portions).

[0045] In the first configuration (i.e. when the conveyors 15 and 16 are in the first configuration), said portion (having the variable length of the telescopic portion 11) has a first length, and in the second configuration (i.e. when the conveyors 15 and 16 are in the second configuration), the (variable length) portion extends at least along (a part of) the conveyor 15 and along (at least a part of) the working portion 18 and has a second length that is greater than the first length. In the intermediate configuration (i.e. when the conveyors 15 and 16 are in the intermediate configuration), the portion (having the variable length of the telescopic portion 11) extends at least along (at least a part of) the conveyor 15 and along (at least a part of) the working portion 19 and has a third length that is greater than the first length and less than the second length.

[0046] In particular, in use, the conveyor 15 moves the articles 3 along a first part of said portion (having a variable length of the telescopic part 11 of the path P1) up to the end 20. At this point, the articles 3 are transferred to the conveyor 16 (more precisely, to the working part 18 or 19 of the conveyor 16), which moves the articles 3 along a second part of said (variable length) portion. Advantageously, but not necessarily, they are then transferred downstream, in particular to a second conveyor assembly CG or to a further conveyor assembly 14' (same or different to conveyor assembly 14) of the conveyor system 2.

[0047] It should be noted that the movement assembly 17 can move (more precisely, translate) the conveyors 15 and 16 relative to each other (more precisely, move the conveyor 16 relative to the conveyor 15) even while the article 3 is moving along the (variable length) portion of the telescopic section 11 (of the path P1). In this way, the length of the working portion of the conveyor 16 and thus the length of the (variable length) portion of the telescopic section 11 can be changed (and thus the storage capacity defined by the conveying system 2 can be modified) even while the article 3 is moving along the (variable length) portion of the telescopic section 11.

[0048] According to some non-limiting embodiments (e.g. as shown in the accompanying drawings), even in the first configuration (FIG. 3), the conveyor 16 has an actuating portion 21 that is offset from the conveyor 15 (or more precisely extends from the end 20 beyond the conveyor 15, in particular along the telescopic portion 11). Additionally or alternatively, in the second configuration (FIG. 2), the conveyors 15 and 16 partially overlap each other.

[0049] It should be noted that the transport system 2 has significantly reduced overall dimensions (especially in the frontal and vertical directions).

[0050] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the (each) conveyor 15 is mounted in a substantially fixed manner (e.g., on a frame F) and the moving assembly 17 is configured to move the (each) conveyor 16 relative to the respective conveyor 15.

[0051] In this way it is possible to maintain the lateral dimensions of the contained transport system 2. In this respect it should be noted that if both conveyors 15, 16 were movable, the width of the store 1 itself would have to be increased (to give the conveyor 15 sufficient space to move) in order to obtain the same maximum capacity as the transport system 2.

[0052] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the (each) conveyor 15 is positioned above the respective conveyor 16. This may result in easier and more efficient operation of the transport system 2.

[0053] The transport system 2 is configured to transport the articles 3 from a first end of the telescopic section 11 to a second end of the telescopic section 11, which is located at a lower position than the first end. In other words, the transport system 2 is designed to transport the articles 3 from top to bottom along (at least a part of) the telescopic section 11. In this way, it (among other things) facilitates (by using gravity) the passing of the articles 3 from the conveyor 15 to the conveyor 16 and / or between successive conveyor assemblies 14 and / or conveyor assemblies CG and / or conveyor assemblies 14'.

[0054] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the transport assembly 1 (more precisely, the conveying system 2) also comprises at least one control unit 22 (schematically illustrated) designed to coordinately adjust the speed of the (each) conveyor 15, the speed of the (each) conveyor 16 and the speed of the (each) moving assembly 17 so as to keep the height of the mass of articles 3 substantially constant (in particular along the path P1, and more particularly along the telescopic section 11).

[0055] More precisely, the (each) conveyor 15 and the (each) conveyor 16 comprises at least one respective drive motor (of a type known per se and not shown) separate from the other drive motors, and the (each) transfer assembly 17 comprises at least one transfer motor (of a type known per se and not shown) separate from the drive motors. More precisely, the control unit 22 is designed to adjust the speed of each drive motor and the speed of the transfer motor in a coordinated manner so as to keep the height of the mass of articles 15 (along the telescopic section 11 over time) substantially constant.

[0056] In particular, the control unit 22 is designed (configured) to adjust the operation of the conveyors 15 and 16 (more precisely, their drive motors) and the moving assembly 17 (particularly, its moving motors) so as to change the (storage) capacity of the conveying system 2 (and the amount of articles 3 moved through the end of the telescopic section 11) depending on the needs of the machine 5 arranged downstream of the conveying system 2 (and possibly the power of additional machines or equipment, e.g. hoppers arranged upstream of the conveying system 2). For example, if the power of the machines and / or equipment arranged upstream of the conveying system 2 is greater than the needs of the machines 5 arranged downstream of the conveying system 2, the control unit 22 can adjust the speed of the conveyors 15 and 16 (relatively high speed at the first end of the telescopic section 11 and relatively low speed at the second end of the telescopic section 11 closer to the machine 5) and thus operate the moving assembly 17, so as to increase the (storage) capacity of the conveying system 2 (by lengthening the working part of at least one conveyor 16, more precisely by lengthening the working part of each conveyor 16).

[0057] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the translation assembly 17 is designed to move each conveyor 16 independently of the other conveyors 16 (of the transport system 2). In these cases, the translation assembly 17 comprises multiple translation motors, each designed to translate a respective conveyor 16. Advantageously, but not necessarily (as illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 5), the translation assembly 17 moves multiple (all) conveyors 16 (of the transport system 2) together. In these cases, in particular, the translation assembly 17 comprises a single translation motor.

[0058] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the conveyor 15 is designed to move the articles 3 at a first speed V1, the moving assembly 17 is designed to move the conveyor 16 at a second speed V2, and the conveyor 16 is designed to move the articles 3 at a third speed V3. The control unit 22 is designed (configured) to control the operation of the conveyor 15 to adjust the third speed V3 as a function of the difference between the first speed V1 and the second speed V2, in particular such that the third speed V3 is substantially equal to the difference between the first speed V1 and the second speed V2 (V3=V1-V2).

[0059] Note that in this specification, velocity differences and / or sums refer to velocity differences and / or vector sums (in other words, velocities are considered as vectors and their positioning, i.e., direction and orientation, are related).

[0060] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the (each) conveyor 15 (of the first conveying assembly 14 or the first set of conveying assemblies 14 and 14') is a substantially linear conveyor designed to move articles 15 in direction A, and the (each) conveyor 16 (of the first conveying assembly 6 or the first set of conveying assemblies 6) is a substantially linear conveyor designed to move articles 15 in direction A.

[0061] The working portions (18, 19 and / or 21) of the conveyor 16 extend from the end 20 in a direction A. In particular, the movement assembly 17 is configured to move (translate) the (each) conveyor 16 in the direction A, and more particularly, the movement assembly 17 is configured to move (translate) the conveyor 16 in a direction B that is (equal and) opposite to the direction A. In other words, the movement assembly 17 is configured to move (translate) the conveyor 16 back and forth in the direction A.

[0062] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the (each) conveyor 15 of the first transport assembly 14 (or the first set of transport assemblies 14 and 14') is positioned offset (and in particular fixedly) from the (also fixedly mounted) conveyor 15 of the further transport assembly 14' (or the second set of transport assemblies 14').

[0063] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the conveyor 15 of the transport assembly 14 is designed to move the article 3 at a first speed V1, the moving assembly 17 is designed to move the conveyor 16 of the transport assembly 14 at a second speed V2, the conveyor 16 of the transport assembly 14 is designed to move the article 3 at a third speed V3, the conveyor 15 of the transport assembly 14' is designed to move the article 3 at a fourth speed V4, the moving assembly 17 is designed to move the conveyor 16 of the transport assembly 14' at a fifth speed V5, and the conveyor 16 of the transport assembly 14' is designed to move the article at a sixth speed V6.

[0064] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the control unit 22 is designed (configured) to control the movement of the transport assemblies 14 and 14'. The second velocity V2 and the fifth velocity V5 are substantially equal in absolute value (|V2|=|V5|). In particular, the second velocity V2 and the fifth velocity V5 are opposite to each other.

[0065] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the control unit 22 is designed (configured) to control the operation of the conveyor 15 of the transport assembly 14' to regulate the fourth speed V4 as a function of the sum of the third speed V3 and twice the second speed V2. In particular, the absolute value of the fourth speed V4 is substantially equal to the absolute value of the sum of the speed V3 and twice the second speed (|V4|=|V3+2×V2|). More specifically, the third speed V3 is opposite to the fourth speed V4.

[0066] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the transport system 3 comprises at least one guide device 23 (in the embodiment of FIG. 4, there are two guide devices 23), each of which is designed to allow the passage of the article 3 between two successive transport assemblies 14, 14' and / or CG (each guide device 23 is arranged between two successive transport assemblies) and deflects the article 3 so as to define the curved portion of the telescopic section 11 (of the path P1). In particular, each guide device 23 comprises a curved guide 24 (more precisely, rigid) that defines the aforementioned curved portion on the outside and, more particularly, a curved guide 25 (more precisely, rigid) that defines the aforementioned curved portion on the inside. More particularly, the curved portion of the path is about 180°.

[0067] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the curved guide 24 comprises a first telescopic section (located in the area of ​​the inlet of said curved section) designed to correct the speed of the articles 3 so as to avoid the formation of voids in the mass of articles 3. In particular, said first telescopic section of the curved guide 24 is provided with vanes (shaped to press the articles 3) designed to fill any voids (or holes) in the mass of articles 3 (and thus to compact the mass itself).

[0068] Advantageously, but not necessarily, a system is further provided for adjusting the conveying speed (upstream and / or downstream of the aforementioned curve) to ensure a homogeneous conveying flow (i.e. a homogeneous mass of articles 3).

[0069] Advantageously, but not necessarily, each guide device 23 is integral with a respective conveyor 16 and is in particular located in the region of one end of said respective conveyor 16 .

[0070] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the (each) moving assembly 17 comprises a rigid element 26, in particular a bar, to which at least one conveyor 16 (possibly multiple conveyors 16) of the transport assembly 14 is integrally connected.

[0071] In some non-limiting cases (e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 4 for the conveying system 6), the moving assembly 17 further comprises at least one rigid element 27, in particular a bar, to which at least one further conveyor 16 (possibly multiple further conveyors 16) of the conveying assembly 14' is connected, and actuators for moving the rigid elements 26 and 27, in particular in the directions A and B, respectively, and vice versa, in particular for (simultaneously) lengthening and / or shortening the active portion of the conveyor 16 of the conveying assembly 14 and / or the active portion of the further conveyor 16 of the conveying assembly 14'.

[0072] More precisely, the movement assembly 17 (in particular the aforementioned actuator) comprises a conveyor 28 (in particular linear) having at least two pulleys 29 and a belt element 30 partially wrapped around the two pulleys 29 so as to have a first branch 31 and a second branch 32 arranged on either side of the pulleys 29. A rigid element 26 is connected to the branch 31. In particular a possible rigid element 27 is connected to the branch 32. At least one of the at least two pulleys 29 is connected to a movement motor designed to generate a rotational movement on said pulley 29.

[0073] In particular, the belt element 30 comprises a belt, a belt-like element, and / or a chain (and / or similar elements).

[0074] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the conveyors 15 and 16 are belt conveyors, in particular each comprising a respective belt, a respective belt-like element, and / or a respective chain (and / or similar element).

[0075] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the conveyor 15 has a conveying section 33 and a discharge section 34 disposed between the conveying section 33 and the end 20. The telescopic section 11 extends along the conveying section 33, along the discharge section 34 and beyond the end 20, the discharge section 34 having an inclination relative to the conveying section 33 in the range of 3° to 23°.

[0076] According to some embodiments, the end portion 20 has a thickness in the range of 5 mm to 23 mm. In particular, the carrier portion 33 has a thickness in the range of 98 mm to 108 mm.

[0077] As already indicated, the above description of the structure and function of transport system 2 and associated transport assembly 14 is believed to be applicable to transport system 6 and associated transport assembly 14, regardless of the particular structure and function of transport system 2. For example, in this specification, when there is a reference to item 3, item 7 must be considered, and when there is a reference to telescoping portion 11 (of path P1), telescoping portion 12 (of path P2) must be considered.

[0078] By specifying that what is described is applicable to both conveying system 6 and associated conveying assembly 14 independent of the specific structure and operation of conveying system 2, it is understood that conveying system 6 may exhibit some (or all) of the characteristics described that differ from some (or all) of the characteristics of conveying system 2.

[0079] In any case, according to some advantageous embodiments, the transport system 2 and the transport system 6 have the same characteristics (among those mentioned above), in other words they are defined in the same way.

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 22 is designed (configured) to control both the transport system 2 and the transport system 6. In particular, the control unit 22 is configured to vary the length of the telescopic sections 11; 12 of the respective transport paths P1, P2.

[0081] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the control unit 22 is designed (configured) to control the transport systems 2 and 6 (more precisely, the respective transport assemblies 14, 14' and / or CG; even more precisely, the respective moving assemblies 17 and the conveyors 15 and 16) independently of each other. In this way, it is possible, for example, to increase the length (more precisely, its variable length portion) of the telescopic section 11 (and thus increase the storage capacity of the transport system 2) and at the same time to decrease the length (more precisely, its variable length portion) of the telescopic section 12 (and thus decrease the storage capacity of the transport system 6), and vice versa.

[0082] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the storage 1 also comprises a frame F (on which the transport system 2, more precisely its transport assembly 14 and CG, and the transport system 6, more precisely its transport assembly 14 and CG, are mounted). Advantageously, but not necessarily, the frame F comprises supports (in particular legs, known and not shown) for maintaining the transport system 2 (and the transport system 6) at a given distance from the ground. In this way (due to the compactness of the transport system 2 and the transport system 6), the output end of the telescopic part 11, which is compatible with the input station 4 of the machine 5 arranged downstream of the transport system 2, can be raised to a desired height from the ground. Moreover, in this way, the transport systems 2, 6 can be maintained at a height that does not interfere with the utilization of the space below (for example to facilitate the passage of operators).

[0083] 6 to 11, alternatively or in addition to what has been described above, according to some embodiments, a smoking article manufacturing factory 35 is described below, comprising a (processing) machine 5. This factory 35 is substantially identical to the factory 13, differing only in that only one of the conveying systems 2 and 6 has at least one telescopic part located at a higher position than the machine 5 (above the machine 5).

[0084] More precisely, the factory 35 comprises a machine 5 (of the processing type, in particular as defined above in relation to Figures 1 to 5), a conveying system 2 for supplying (in bulk) (in particular substantially tubular) articles 3 of the smoking product manufacturing industry to an input station 4 of the (processing) machine 5 along a conveying path P1, and a conveying system 6 for conveying (in bulk) (in particular substantially tubular) articles 7 of the smoking product manufacturing industry from an output station 8 of the machine 5 along the conveying path P2 (from downstream) (in particular at an input station 9 of a further processing machine 10, which is part of the factory 35 as defined above).

[0085] Optionally, the factory 35 further comprises a machine 10 .

[0086] In particular, FIGS. 3 and 7 are defined as described above with reference to what has been explained with reference to FIGS.

[0087] In these cases, the machine 5 can be, for example, a machine that assembles pieces of smoking products by combining them together and wrapping them in a wrapper to obtain an article 7 (smoking product, i.e. a multi-component cigarette). By way of non-limiting example, this machine 5 can be like the machine described in commonly assigned US Patent Application No. 2015289559.

[0088] Alternatively, according to some embodiments not shown, the articles 7 are packets (in particular packets of articles 3 which are smoking articles, and more particularly in these cases the articles 3 are cigarettes). In these cases, for example, the machine 10 is a cellophane packing machine (and the machine 5 is a packing machine).

[0089] Advantageously, but not necessarily, only one of the conveying systems 2 and 6 is configured to change the length of the (variable length) telescopic section 11 of path P1 or the length of the (variable length) telescopic section 12 of path P2, respectively.

[0090] According to some non-limiting embodiments (as illustrated in FIG. 6), the transport system 2 is configured to change the length of the telescopic portion 11 of the transport path P1. In contrast, the length of the transport path P2 (particularly of the transport system 6) is substantially fixed.

[0091] Advantageously, at least the telescopic part 11 of the path P1 is arranged at a higher position (i.e. at a higher height) than the machine 5 (and in particular the machine 10). In particular, the transport system 2 does not occupy any space on the ground above the space occupied by the machine 5 (and possibly the machine 10). In this way, the overall dimensions of the system are limited, in view of the advantage of having a transport system 2 which can also perform a storage function (buffering function).

[0092] According to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, at least the telescopic part 11 of the path P1 (in particular the conveying system 2) is arranged above (on top of) the machine 5. In this way, the overall dimensions are further reduced.

[0093] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the transport system 2 is as described above (particularly in relation to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5).

[0094] More precisely, although not necessarily, the transport system 2 comprises at least one respective transport assembly 14 configured to transport the articles 3 along at least a (variable length) portion of the telescopic section 11 .

[0095] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the transport system 2 comprises at least one respective transport assembly CG and / or 14' (in particular arranged downstream of the transport assembly 14). The transport assembly 14 is designed to move the article 3 in a first direction A. The transport assembly CG and / or 14' is designed to move the article 3 along a further part of the telescopic section 11 in a second direction B that is substantially opposite to the first direction A or B.

[0096] 6 to 9 an embodiment is shown in which the transport system 2 comprises a transport assembly 14 and a further transport assembly CG (formed by only one linear conveyor), in which the associated transport path P1 is "C" shaped.

[0097] 10 shows an embodiment in which the transport system 2 includes the transport assemblies 14, 14' and the transport assembly CG. In this case, the transport path P1 has an "S" shape.

[0098] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 9, the transport assembly 14 moves the article 3 in direction A, the transport assembly 14' moves the article 3 in direction B, and the transport assembly CG moves the article 3 in direction A.

[0099] In particular, the (each) transport assembly CG comprises (is formed by) a (single) linear conveyor LC.

[0100] In particular, the(r)eport assembly 14' has a structure (and operation) similar to that of the (r)eport assembly 14. In general, the(r)eport assembly 14' includes a respective conveyor 15 and a respective conveyor 16. Advantageously, but not necessarily, a moving assembly 17 (described in more detail below) is shared (at least in part) by the(r)eport assembly 14 and the(r)eport assembly 14'.

[0101] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the telescopic section 11 (particularly the transport assembly 14 and possibly the transport assembly 14' and / or CG) is arranged (at least partially) to extend (at least partially) within the lateral dimension of the machine 5. In this way, the impact (in terms of occupied space) of the transport assembly 1 is further reduced.

[0102] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the structure and operation of the transport assembly 14 is as described above (particularly with reference to Figures 1-5).

[0103] More precisely, the conveyor 15 and / or the conveyor 16 and / or the moving assembly 17 and / or the working part 18 and / or the working part 19 and / or the end part 20 and / or the working part 21 and / or the working part 22 and / or the guide device 23 and / or the curved guide 24 and / or the curved guide 25 and / or the rigid element 26 and / or the rigid element 27 and / or the conveyor 28 and / or the pulley 29 and / or the belt element 30 and / or the branch part 31 and / or the branch part 32 and / or the conveying part 33 and / or the conveying part 33 and / or the discharge part 34 have the structure and operation as described above (in relation to Figures 1-5).

[0104] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the storage 1 also comprises a frame F (on which the transport system 2 is mounted), more precisely its transport assemblies 14, CG and possibly 14'). Advantageously, but not necessarily, the frame F comprises supports (in particular legs, known and not shown) for maintaining the transport system 2 at a given distance from the ground. In this way (due to the compactness of the transport system 2), the output end of the telescopic part 11, which is compatible with the input station 4 of the machine 5 arranged downstream of the transport system 2, can be raised to a desired height from the ground. Moreover, in this way, the transport system 2 can be maintained at a height that does not interfere with the use of the space below (for example to facilitate the passage of workers).

[0105] According to some non-limiting embodiments (as illustrated in FIG. 11), the transport system 6 is positioned higher (i.e., at a higher height) than the machine 5 (and, in particular, the machine 10).

[0106] More precisely, in these cases at least the telescopic part 12 of the path P2 is arranged higher (i.e. at a higher height) than the machine 5 (and in particular the machine 10). More specifically, the transport system 6 does not occupy any space on the ground other than the space occupied by the machine 5 (and possibly the machine 10). In this way, the overall dimensions of the system are limited, in view of the advantage of having a transport system 6 which can also perform a storage function (buffering function).

[0107] According to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, at least the telescopic part 12 of the path P2 (in particular the conveying system 6) is arranged above (on top of) the machine 5. In this way, the overall dimensions are further reduced.

[0108] Alternatively (according to an embodiment not shown), at least the telescopic part 12 of the path P2 (in particular the conveying system 6) is arranged above (on top of) the machine 10.

[0109] Advantageously, but not necessarily (particularly in this case with reference to FIG. 11), the transport system 6 is configured to vary the length of the (variable length) telescopic section 12 of the transport path P2, whereas the length of the transport path P1 (particularly the transport system 2) is substantially fixed.

[0110] In these cases, what has been described above and illustrated (in FIGS. 6 to 10) with respect to the transport system 2 is also valid (applicable) for the transport system 6.

[0111] According to some alternative embodiments not shown, the transport assembly 1 is substantially identical to the transport assembly 1 described above with reference to Figure 1, with the only difference that it comprises (only) a conveying system 2 and does not involve a conveying system 6. In these cases, in particular, an operator can manually remove the articles 7 from the output station 8.

[0112] According to several different alternative embodiments, the transport assembly 1 is substantially identical to the transport assembly 1 described above with reference to Figure 1, with the only difference that it comprises only a (sole) conveying system 6 and without the conveying system 2. In these cases, in particular, an operator can bring the articles 3 to the input station 4 by hand.

[0113] The contents of all references (articles, books, patent applications, etc.) herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0114] The following aspects are provided by the present invention, without being particularly limited to those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11 and described above in relation thereto.

[0115] 1. A factory for the manufacture of smoking products, said factory (13; 35) comprising: The apparatus comprises a first machine (5) configured to process a first article (3) of smoking product manufacturing and to obtain a second article (7) of smoking product manufacturing, and a transport assembly (1), The transport assembly (1) comprises: a first conveying system (2) for feeding first articles (3) of said first smoking product manufacturer along a first conveying path (P1) to a first input station (4) of a first machine (5); and / or a second conveying system (6) for conveying second articles (7) of the second smoking product manufacturer from a first output station (8) of the first machine (5) along a second conveying path (P2), in particular to a second input station (9) of a second machine (10); The transport assembly (1) comprises: at least one of the first conveying system (2) and / or the second conveying system (6) is configured to vary the length of a variable-length telescopic section (11; 12) of the first conveying path (P1) and / or the second conveying path (P2), respectively; A factory for the manufacture of smoking products, wherein the variable length telescopic section (11; 12) of the first conveying path (P1) and / or the second conveying path (P2) is located at a higher position than the first machine (5). 2. The factory according to aspect 1, wherein the variable length telescopic section (11; 12) of the first conveying path (P1) and / or the second conveying path (P2) is arranged above (on top of) the first machine (5). 3. only one of the first conveying system (2) and the second conveying system (6) is configured to change the length of the variable-length telescopic section (11; 12) of the first conveying path (P1) or the second conveying path (P2), respectively; The factory according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the variable-length telescopic section (11; 12) of the first conveying path (P1) or the second conveying path (P2) is positioned at a higher position than the first machine (5). 4. The factory according to aspect 3, wherein the variable length telescopic section (11; 12) of the first conveying path (P1) or the second conveying path (P2) is arranged above (on top of) the first machine (5). 5. The factory according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the first conveying system (2) is configured to change the length of a variable-length extension section (11) of the first conveying path (P1). 6. A factory according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the factory comprises a control unit (22) configured to control the first conveying system (2) and / or the second conveying system (6), in particular to vary the length of the variable-length telescopic sections (11; 12) of the first conveying path (P1) and / or the second conveying path (P2). 7. At least one of the first conveying system (2) and the second conveying system (6) comprises at least a first conveying assembly (14) configured to convey the first item (3) or the second item (7) along at least a first portion of the variable length telescopic section (11; 12); The first transport assembly (14) comprises a first conveyor (15), a second conveyor (16) and at least one moving assembly (17); The at least one moving assembly (17) comprises: a first configuration in which the first conveyor (15) and the second conveyor (16) at least partially overlap one another; and a second configuration in which the second conveyor (16) has a first working portion (18) that is offset from the first conveyor (15); moving at least one of the first conveyor (15) and the second conveyor (16) relative to each other; passing through at least one intermediate configuration in which the first conveyor (15) and the second conveyor (16) at least partially overlap each other and the second conveyor (16) has a second working portion (19) that is offset from the first conveyor (15) and that is shorter than the first working portion (18); The factory according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the first transport assembly (14) is arranged at a higher position than (above) the first machine (5); 8. The factory according to embodiment 7, wherein only one of the first transport system (2) and the second transport system (6) (in particular, only the first transport system) comprises at least the first transport assembly (14). 9. In the first embodiment, the first portion has a first length; In the second configuration, the first portion extends along at least a portion of the first conveyor (15) and at least a portion of the first working portion (18) and has a second length greater than the first length; 9. The factory according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, in the intermediate configuration, the first portion extends along at least a portion of the first conveyor (15) and at least a portion of the second working portion (19) and has a third length greater than the first length and less than the second length. 10. The moving assembly (17) is designed to move the second conveyor (16) relative to the respective first conveyor (15); said first conveyor (15) being mounted in a substantially fixed manner; The variable-length stretchable portion (11;12) has a first end and a second end located lower than the first end of the variable-length stretchable portion (11;12), In particular, the factory according to any one of aspects 7 to 9, wherein the first conveying assembly (14) is configured to convey the first item (3) or the second item (7) from a first end of the first variable length telescopic section (11; 12) to a second end of the variable length telescopic section (11; 12). 11. A factory according to any one of aspects 7 to 10, wherein the first conveyor (15) is positioned above the second conveyor (16), and the first working portion (18) and the second working portion (19) extend starting from one end (20) of the first conveyor (15). 12. The first conveyor (15) is a substantially linear conveyor designed to move the first article (3) or the second article (7) in a first direction (A); the second conveyor (16) is a substantially linear conveyor designed to move the first article (3) or the second article (7) in a first direction (A); The factory according to any one of aspects 7 to 11, wherein the moving assembly (17) is designed to move the second conveyor (16) in a first direction (A) and in a second direction (B) opposite to the first direction (A). 13. At least one (in particular only one) of the first transport system (2) and the second transport system (6) comprises at least the first transport assembly (14) and the second transport assembly (CG); a first transport assembly (14) designed to move the first article (3) or the second article (7) in a first direction (A); A factory according to any one of aspects 7 to 12, wherein a second conveying assembly (CG) is designed to move the first item (3) or the second item (7), respectively, along the second portion of the first telescopic portion (11) and the second portion of the second telescopic portion (12) in a second direction (B) opposite to the first direction (A). 14. At least one (in particular only one) of the first transport system (2) and the second transport system (6) comprises at least the first transport assembly (14) and at least one respective further first transport assembly (14'), the first transport assembly (14) is designed to move the first item (3) or the second item (7) in a first direction (A); The factory according to any one of aspects 7 to 13, further comprising: the first conveying assembly (14') designed to move the first item (3) or the second item (7) along a further portion of the first telescopic section (11) or a further portion of the second telescopic section (12), respectively, in a second direction (B) that is substantially opposite to the first direction (A). 15. The further first transport assembly (14') is defined as the first transport assembly (14'), In particular, said further first transport assembly (14') comprises a further first conveyor (15), a further second conveyor (16) and a further moving assembly (17); The further moving assembly (17) comprises: a first configuration in which the first further conveyor (15) and the second further conveyor (16) at least partially overlap one another; and a second configuration in which the further second conveyor (16) has a further first working portion (18) that is offset from the further first conveyor (15); moving at least one of the first further conveyor (15) and the second further conveyor (16) relative to each other; said further first conveyor (15) and said further second conveyor (16) pass through at least one further intermediate configuration in which they at least partially overlap each other; the further second conveyor (16) has a further second working portion (19) that is offset from the further first conveyor (15) and that is shorter than the further first working portion (18); A factory according to aspect 14, wherein a further first transport assembly (14) is (at least partially) arranged at a higher position (above) than said first machine (5). At least one of the first transport system (2) and the second transport system (6) (in particular only one of them) comprises at least the first transport assembly (14) and a guide device (23); said guide device (23) being designed for the first article (3) or the second article (7) to move between said first conveying assembly (14) and said second conveying assembly (CG) or said further first conveying assembly (14') and defining a curved portion of said first telescopic section (11) and a curved portion of said second telescopic section (12), respectively; In particular, each guide device (23) is provided with a first curved guide (24) that defines the curved portion on the outside, and in particular, the curved portions of the first telescopic portion (11) and / or the second telescopic portion (12) are each approximately 180°, a factory according to any one of aspects 7 to 15. 17. The factory according to embodiment 16, wherein each guide device (23) is integral with a respective second conveyor (16) and is arranged in the region of one end of said respective second conveyor (16). The present disclosure also includes the following inventions. The first aspect is A transport assembly for transporting different types of articles of the smoking product manufacturing industry, comprising: The transport assembly (1) comprises: a first conveying system (2) for supplying a first article (3) of said smoking product manufacturing industry along a first conveying path (P1) to a first input station (4) of a first machine (5); a second conveying system (6) for conveying said second article of smoking product manufacturing (7) along a second conveying path (P2) from a first output station (8) of said first machine (5) to a second input station (9) of a second machine (10), The first transport system (2) is configured to change the length of a first extension / retraction portion (11) of the first transport path (P1); The second transport system (6) is configured to change the length of the second telescopic portion (12) of the second transport path (P2), The first conveying system (2) and the second conveying system (6) are transport assemblies characterized in that the first telescopic section (11) and the second telescopic section (12) are arranged relative to each other so as to at least partially overlap and / or be side-by-side with each other. The second aspect is The transport assembly is the transport assembly in the first embodiment, comprising a frame (F) on which the first transport system (2) and the second transport system (6) are mounted. The third aspect is The transport assembly is a transport assembly in the first or second aspect, comprising a control unit (22) configured to control the first transport system (2) and the second transport system (6), in particular configured to change the length of the first telescopic section (11) of the first transport path (P1) and the length of the second telescopic section (12) of the second transport path (P2). The fourth aspect is the first transport system (2) and / or the second transport system (6) each comprise at least one respective first transport assembly (14), the first transport assembly (14) being configured to transport the first item (3) and the second item (7) along at least a first portion of the first telescopic section (11) and at least a first portion of the second telescopic section (12), respectively; The first transport assembly (14) comprises a first conveyor (15), a second conveyor (16) and at least one moving assembly (17); The at least one moving assembly (17) comprises: a first configuration in which the first conveyor (15) and the second conveyor (16) at least partially overlap one another; and a second configuration in which the second conveyor (16) has a first working portion (18) that is offset from the first conveyor (15); moving at least one of the first conveyor (15) and the second conveyor (16) relative to each other; A transport assembly in any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first conveyor (15) and the second conveyor (16) at least partially overlap each other and the second conveyor (16) passes through at least one intermediate form in which the first conveyor (15) and the second conveyor (16) have a second operating portion (19) that is offset from the first conveyor (15) and is shorter than the first operating portion (18). The fifth aspect is In the first configuration, the first portion has a first length; In the second configuration, the first portion extends along at least a portion of the first conveyor (15) and at least a portion of the first working portion (18) and has a second length greater than the first length; In the intermediate configuration, the first portion extends along at least a portion of the first conveyor (15) and at least a portion of the second working portion (19) and has a third length greater than the first length and less than the second length, which is a transport assembly in a fourth aspect. The sixth aspect is the movement assembly (17) is designed to move the second conveyor (16) relative to the respective first conveyor (15); the first conveyor (15) being mounted in a substantially fixed manner; The first stretchable portion (11) has a first end portion and a second end portion that is positioned lower than the first end portion of the first stretchable portion (11), the first conveying system (2) is configured to convey the first item (3) from the first end of the first telescopic section (11) to the second end of the first telescopic section (11); The second stretchable portion (12) has a first end and a second end that is located at a lower position than the first end of the second stretchable portion (12), The second conveying system (6) is a transport assembly in the fourth or fifth aspect configured to convey the second article from the first end of the second telescopic section (12) to the second end of the second telescopic section (12). The seventh aspect is This is a transport assembly in any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, wherein the first conveyor (15) is positioned above the second conveyor (16), and the first working part (18) and the second working part (19) extend starting from an end (20) of the first conveyor (15). The eighth aspect is the first conveyor (15) is a substantially linear conveyor designed to move the first article (3) or the second article (7) in a first direction; the second conveyor (16) is a substantially linear conveyor designed to move the first article (3) or the second article (7) in the first direction; The moving assembly (17) is a transport assembly in any one of the fourth to seventh aspects designed to move the second conveyor (16) in a first direction (A) and in a second direction (A) opposite to the first direction (A). The ninth aspect is the first transport system (2) and / or the second transport system (6) each comprise at least one respective second transport assembly (CG); the first transport assembly (14) is designed to move the first item (3) or the second item (7) in a first direction (A); The second conveying assembly (CG) is a transport assembly in any one of the fourth to eighth aspects designed to move the first item (3) or the second item (7), respectively, along the second portion of the first telescopic portion (11) and the second portion of the second telescopic portion (12) in a second direction (B) opposite to the first direction (A). A tenth aspect is the first transport system (2) and / or the second transport system (6) each comprise at least one respective further first transport assembly (14'); the first transport assembly (14) is designed to move the first item (3) or the second item (7) in a first direction (A); The further first conveying assembly (14') is a transport assembly in any one of the fourth to ninth aspects, designed to move the first article (3) or the second article (7) along a further portion of the first telescopic section (11) and a further portion of the second telescopic section (12), respectively, in a second direction (B) substantially opposite to the first direction (A). An eleventh aspect is the first conveying system (2) and / or the second conveying system (6) each comprises at least one respective guide device (23), the guide device (23) is designed for the first object (3) or the second object (7) to move between the first conveying assembly (14) and the second conveying assembly (CG) or the first conveying assembly (14') to define a curved portion of the first telescopic section (11) and a curved portion of the second telescopic section (12), respectively; In particular, each of the guide devices (23) includes a first curved guide (24) that defines the curved portion on the outer side, In particular, the transport assembly according to the ninth or tenth aspect, wherein the curved portion of the first telescopic portion (11) and / or the second telescopic portion (12), respectively, is approximately 180°. A twelfth aspect is Each of the guide devices (23) is integral with a respective second conveyor (16) and is arranged in the region of one end of the respective second conveyor (16), in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the transport assembly. A thirteenth aspect is In a smoking product manufacturing factory, The factory (13) A transport assembly (1) according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, said first machine (5) adapted to process said first article (3) of smoking product manufacturing and to obtain said second article (7) of smoking product manufacturing; and the second machine (10). A fourteenth aspect is A thirteenth aspect of the present invention relates to a factory, wherein the first conveying system (2) and the second conveying system (6) are arranged at a higher position than the first machine (5) and / or the second machine (10).

Claims

1. A transport assembly for transporting different types of articles of the smoking product manufacturing industry, comprising: The transport assembly (1) comprises: a first conveying system (2) for feeding a first article (3) of said smoking product manufacturing industry along a first conveying path (P1) to a first input station (4) of a first machine (5); a second conveying system (6) for conveying said second article of smoking product manufacturing (7) along a second conveying path (P2) from a first output station (8) of said first machine (5) to a second input station (9) of a second machine (10), The first transport system (2) is configured to change the length of a first expandable portion (11) of the first transport path (P1); The second transport system (6) is configured to change the length of a second telescopic section (12) of the second transport path (P2); A transport assembly, characterized in that the first transport system (2) and the second transport system (6) are arranged with respect to each other such that the first telescopic portion (11) and the second telescopic portion (12) at least partially overlap and / or are side-by-side with each other.

2. 2. The transport assembly of claim 1, comprising a frame (F) on which the first transport system (2) and the second transport system (6) are mounted.

3. 3. The transport assembly according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a control unit (22) configured to control the first transport system (2) and the second transport system (6).

4. 4. The transport assembly of claim 3, wherein the control unit (22) is configured to vary a length of the first telescopic portion (11) of the first transport path (P1) and a length of the second telescopic portion (12) of the second transport path (P2).

5. the first transport system (2) and / or the second transport system (6) each comprise at least one respective first transport assembly (14), the first transport assembly (14) being configured to transport the first item (3) and the second item (7) along at least a first portion of the first telescopic section (11) and at least a first portion of the second telescopic section (12), respectively; The first transport assembly (14) comprises a first conveyor (15), a second conveyor (16) and at least one moving assembly (17); The at least one moving assembly (17) comprises: a first configuration in which the first conveyor (15) and the second conveyor (16) at least partially overlap each other; and a second configuration, in which the second conveyor (16) has a first working portion (18) that is offset from the first conveyor (15); moving at least one of the first conveyor (15) and the second conveyor (16) relative to one another; A transport assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first conveyor (15) and the second conveyor (16) at least partially overlap each other and the second conveyor (16) passes through at least one intermediate configuration in which the second conveyor (16) has a second working portion (19) that is offset from the first conveyor (15) and that is shorter than the first working portion (18).

6. In the first configuration, the first portion has a first length; In the second configuration, the first portion extends along at least a portion of the first conveyor (15) and at least a portion of the first working portion (18) and has a second length greater than the first length; 6. The transport assembly of claim 5, wherein in the intermediate configuration, the first portion extends along at least a portion of the first conveyor (15) and at least a portion of the second working portion (19) and has a third length greater than the first length and less than the second length.

7. the movement assembly (17) is designed to move the second conveyor (16) relative to the respective first conveyor (15); said first conveyor (15) being mounted in a substantially fixed manner; The first elastic portion (11) has a first end and a second end that is located at a lower position than the first end of the first elastic portion (11), the first conveying system (2) is configured to convey the first item (3) from the first end of the first telescopic section (11) to the second end of the first telescopic section (11); The second elastic portion (12) has a first end and a second end that is located at a lower position than the first end of the second elastic portion (12), 7. The transport assembly of claim 5 or 6, wherein the second conveying system (6) is configured to convey the second article from the first end of the second telescopic section (12) to the second end of the second telescopic section (12).

8. A transport assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first conveyor (15) is arranged above the second conveyor (16), and the first working portion (18) and the second working portion (19) extend starting from an end (20) of the first conveyor (15).

9. the first conveyor (15) is a substantially linear conveyor designed to move the first article (3) or the second article (7) in a first direction; the second conveyor (16) is a substantially linear conveyor designed to move the first article (3) or the second article (7) in the first direction; The transport assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the movement assembly (17) is designed to move the second conveyor (16) in a first direction (A) and in a second direction (A) opposite to the first direction (A).

10. said first transport system (2) and / or said second transport system (6) each comprises at least one respective second transport assembly (CG); the first transport assembly (14) is designed to move the first item (3) or the second item (7) in a first direction (A); The transport assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the second conveying assembly (CG) is designed to move the first item (3) or the second item (7), respectively, along the second portion of the first telescopic section (11) and the second portion of the second telescopic section (12) in a second direction (B) opposite to the first direction (A).

11. 11. The transport assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first transport system (2) and / or the second transport system (6) each comprise at least one respective further guide device (23), which is designed for the first item (3) or the second item (7) moving between the first transport assembly (14) and the second transport assembly (CG) to define a curved portion of the first telescopic section (11) and a curved portion of the second telescopic section (12), respectively.

12. said first transport system (2) and / or said second transport system (6) each comprise at least one respective further first transport assembly (14'); the first transport assembly (14) is designed to move the first item (3) or the second item (7) in a first direction (A); The transport assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the further first conveying assembly (14') is designed to move the first article (3) or the second article (7) along a further portion of the first telescopic section (11) and a further portion of the second telescopic section (12), respectively, in a second direction (B) substantially opposite to the first direction (A).

13. the first conveying system (2) and / or the second conveying system (6) each comprise at least one respective guide device (23), 13. The transport assembly of claim 12, wherein the guide device (23) is designed such that the first item (3) or the second item (7) moves between the first transport assembly (14) and the first transport assembly (14') and defines a curved portion of the first telescopic section (11) and a curved portion of the second telescopic section (12), respectively.

14. 14. A transport assembly according to claim 11 or 13, wherein each of the guide devices (23) comprises a first curved guide (24) which defines the curved portion on the outside.

15. 15. A transport assembly according to claim 11, 13 or 14, wherein the curvature of the first telescopic section (11) and / or the second telescopic section (12), respectively, is approximately 180°.

16. 16. A transport assembly according to any one of claims 11, 13, 14 and 15, wherein each of the guide devices (23) is integral with a respective second conveyor (16) and is arranged in the region of one end of the respective second conveyor (16).

17. In a smoking product manufacturing factory, The factory (13) A transport assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, said first machine (5) adapted to process said first article (3) of smoking product manufacturing and to obtain said second article (7) of smoking product manufacturing; and the second machine (10).

18. Factory according to claim 17, characterized in that the first conveying system (2) and the second conveying system (6) are arranged at a higher position than the first machine (5) and / or the second machine (10).

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