Conveyor and method for aligning rod-shaped items - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a conveyor (1) for aligning rod-shaped articles (A), comprising a series of grooves (2) movable along a feed path (P) and configured to hold a corresponding rod-shaped article (A) or group of rod-shaped articles (A). For each groove (2), the conveyor (1) has an abutment portion (3) arranged at at least one end of the groove so as to define an abutment surface for one end of the rod-shaped article (A) or group of rod-shaped articles (A) accommodated in the suction groove (2). The abutment portion (3) comprises at least one suction zone (4) for holding the end of the rod-shaped article (A) against the abutment portion (3) by suction. The suction zone (4) is defined by a plurality of suction perforations (4a) connected or connectable to a negative pressure source and having a lateral size of, for example, less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.8 mm, and even more preferably less than 6 mm.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveyor and method for aligning rod-shaped articles.

[0002] The term "rod-shaped article" is used to mean a finished or semi-finished product having a longitudinal axis of development and applicable in the technical field of smoking articles and related fields. By way of example, in the context of the present invention (and according to a non-exhaustive list), various types of cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, etc. can be considered as finished products, and cigarette rod segments and / or filter segments (whether single or composite) can be considered as semi-finished products. [Background technology]

[0003] In the manufacture of rod-shaped articles, conveyors configured to align the articles along a predetermined trajectory are used so that the articles can be placed at a predetermined axial location, for example in a filter tip attachment machine where multiple lengths of filter rods are subdivided into a series of single-length segments that advance laterally one after the other.

[0004] More specifically, once the rods are cut into single-length segments, the single-length segments are placed in specific suction grooves of a drum, and by means of a train of successively arranged drums, the single-length segments, offset tangentially from one another, are axially aligned with one another in successive grooves of the alignment drum, with their lateral ends aligned to define a series of single segments advancing one after the other. Usually, the alignment is achieved by a mantle of the alignment drum, which comprises an abutment portion near one or both ends of each suction groove, adapted to abut against it and receive the articles. A solution of this kind is known, for example, from patent application EP 679 345.

[0005] Other conventional drums use the same concept to hold the article close to the mantle as it is transferred axially into the groove, particularly in the zone of the machine where the article transitions from axial to lateral movement.

[0006] Disadvantageously, in both cases, a collision between the abutment part and the rod-like article risks causing the article to bounce back and damage the article, for example the filling material may be thrown out of the article. It should be noted that in fact the axially moving article may impact the abutment part with its open end, from where the filling fibres or particles (held together by mutual adhesion) may easily crumble as a result of the impact and vibration.

[0007] For this reason, the abutment portion is provided with suction openings having the function of holding the articles against the abutment portion in order to prevent the above-mentioned problems. An alignment drum manufactured according to an arrangement of this kind is described in patent application WO2014 / 155317 in the name of the applicant.

[0008] It should be noted that the above suction configurations may themselves lead to loosening of particles, fibers, or other filling components of the rod-shaped article (filters, tobacco rods or other similar components) and therefore undesirable suction, due to the suction potentially damaging to the article if set to an excessively high value. Conversely, insufficient suction may be too weak to counter the risk of damage to the article due to rebound.

[0009] As a result, the particles are sucked into the suction duct where they become trapped and over time cause clogging and blockage of the suction duct, resulting in the need to periodically clean the duct.

[0010] Patent US4287981 discloses a mantle made of a porous material, in place of the usual suction groove, particularly at the base of the suction groove, however this solution is unrelated to the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In this context, the technical object forming the basis of the present invention is to propose a conveyor and a method for aligning rod-shaped articles, which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0012] More specifically, the present invention aims to provide a conveyor and method for aligning rod-shaped articles that can prevent damage to the rod-shaped articles and / or reduction in the material that makes up the rod-shaped articles.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a conveyor and method for aligning rod-like articles that can reduce maintenance requirements.

[0014] The stated technical object and the specified object are substantially achieved by a conveyor and a method for aligning rod-shaped articles, which comprises the technical features recited in one or more of the appended claims.

[0015] The present invention discloses a conveyor for aligning rod-shaped articles, the conveyor comprising a series of suction grooves movable along a feed path and configured to hold respective rod-shaped articles or groups of rod-shaped articles.

[0016] Each rod-shaped article comprises a plurality of particles or fibers having a given transverse size, or a filler material also consisting of particles or fibers having a given transverse size, the given transverse size of the particles or fibers being preferably greater than 0.9 mm, even more preferably greater than 1 mm.

[0017] The series of suction grooves are oriented perpendicular to the feed path. For each suction groove, the conveyor has an abutment portion arranged at a corresponding end of the suction groove and defining an abutment surface for one end of the rod-shaped article or group of rod-shaped articles contained in said suction groove. The abutment portion is provided with a suction zone for holding the end of the article or group of articles at the abutment portion by suction. The suction zone is defined by a plurality of suction perforations, which are connected or connectable to a negative pressure source and have a lateral size smaller than 1 mm, preferably smaller than 0.8 mm, even more preferably smaller than 0.6 mm.

[0018] Advantageously, a lateral size smaller than 1 mm (or preferably smaller than 0.8 mm, even more preferably smaller than 0.6 mm) prevents particles or fibres of the rod-shaped article from entering the suction duct connected or connectable to the negative pressure source, thus preventing undesirable clogging.

[0019] In other words, the suction holes of the suction zone are smaller in lateral size than the particles or fibers of the rod-like article.

[0020] The present invention also provides a method for holding rod-shaped articles on the above-mentioned conveyor, the method comprising the steps of preparing a series of rod-shaped articles, inserting the series of rod-shaped articles into respective suction grooves of the conveyor, and simultaneously with or after the inserting step, moving at least some of the articles axially along the respective suction grooves until the front ends of the articles abut against the abutting portions of the corresponding suction grooves.

[0021] The method also includes holding the ends of the corresponding rod-like articles by suction provided through the abutment portions.

[0022] The step of retention by suction is achieved by a plurality of suction holes having a lateral size smaller than the lateral size of the fibers or particles of the rod-shaped article or the lateral size of the filling material of the rod-shaped article, so that these fibers or particles are not sucked through the plurality of suction holes.

[0023] The dependent claims, which are incorporated herein by reference, correspond to different embodiments of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in the illustrative, and therefore non-limiting, description of preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of a conveyor and method for aligning rod-like articles, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a conveyor of the present invention; [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a detail of the conveyor of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of a conveyor of the present invention; [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a detail of the conveyor of FIG. 2A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 generally indicates a conveyor for aligning rod-like articles A, which for ease of explanation will hereinafter be referred to as "conveyor 1".

[0026] "Rod-shaped article A" refers to any article of any kind, such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, etc. For example, the term "rod-shaped article A" may be used to refer to cigarette rods and / or filter rods (whether multi-segment or single-segment).

[0027] The conveyor 1 includes a series of grooves 2 which move along a feed path P. In the accompanying drawings, the conveyor 1 is represented in the form of a drum, so that the feed path P is defined by the rotation of the drum.

[0028] The series of grooves 2, preferably suction grooves 2, are configured to hold a corresponding respective rod-shaped article or group of rod-shaped articles A. In other words, the series of suction grooves 2 are configured to cooperate in holding the rod-shaped articles A along at least a portion of the feed path P.

[0029] The series of suction grooves 2 is oriented perpendicular to the feed path P. In other words, the development axis of the series of suction grooves 2 runs perpendicular to the feed path P and parallel to the positioning plane of the feed path.

[0030] Preferably, the series of suction grooves 2 have an arc shape and extend along a respective axis of development that is perpendicular to the feed path P of the conveyor 1. Even more preferably, the series of suction grooves 2 have a U-shape. In other words, the series of suction grooves 2 have a shape suitable for receiving and holding rod-shaped articles A.

[0031] At least for each suction groove 2, the conveyor 1 has an abutment portion 3 arranged at at least one end of the suction groove 2 to define an abutment surface for one end of the rod-shaped goods or group of rod-shaped goods A accommodated in the suction groove 2. Preferably, the abutment surface may be defined by a central portion of the conveyor 1. In an embodiment of the conveyor 1 of the present invention, the abutment portions 3 may be arranged at both ends of the suction groove 2 to define a space for holding the rod-shaped goods or group of rod-shaped goods A.

[0032] The abutment portion 3 comprises at least one suction zone 4 for holding an end of the article or group of articles A by suction against the abutment portion 3. The suction zone 4 is connected or connectable to a negative pressure source (not shown in the accompanying drawings) so as to hold the rod-shaped article A (or a group of rod-shaped articles A) by suction. Preferably, the suction zone 4 is in fluid communication with a suction duct (not shown) which is directly connected or connectable to the aforementioned negative pressure source.

[0033] It is noted that the suction zone 4 is also connected or connectable to a compressed air source (not shown in the attached drawings) so that at any particular moment during the operation of the machine a jet of compressed air can be injected through the suction zone 4. In other words, a flow of compressed air can be released to create a flow of air in a direction opposite to that of the negative pressure source in order to clear the suction zone 4 of dust that may cause blockages.

[0034] In use, the rod-shaped article A can be accelerated to one end of the suction groove 2 so as to be axially received by the abutment portion 3. In this way, the suction zone 4 can hold the rod-shaped article A by suction against the abutment portion 3, preventing shocks or vibrations which may lead to loss of material or damage to the rod-shaped article A.

[0035] Alternatively, the rod-shaped article A may be inserted into the suction channel 2, for example through the top of the suction channel 2 itself, and aligned against the abutment surface by suction from the suction zone 4.

[0036] The suction zone 4 of each abutment portion 3 may be provided at a lower portion of the abutment portion 3 arranged adjacent to the bottom surface of the corresponding suction groove 2. In other words, the suction zone 4 may be part of the abutment surface, as shown for example in Fig. 2B.

[0037] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1B, the suction zone 4 may extend over the entire abutment surface.

[0038] The suction zone 4 is defined by a number of suction perforations generally indicated by the reference label 4a. The number of suction perforations 4a is connected or connectable to said negative pressure source. In other words, the number of suction perforations 4a is connected or connectable to a suction duct which is directly connected or connectable to said negative pressure source.

[0039] Each suction perforation 4a of the suction zone 4 is preferably a suction hole 4a and has a lateral size of less than 1 mm.

[0040] Preferably, each suction hole 4a of the suction zone 4 has a lateral size of less than 0.8 mm.

[0041] Even more preferably, each suction hole 4a of the suction zone 4 has a lateral size of less than 0.6 mm.

[0042] In other words, each suction hole 4 a has a lateral size smaller (ie less than) than the lateral size of the particles or fibers of the rod-shaped articles A processed on the conveyor 1 .

[0043] Advantageously, the lateral size of each suction hole 4a makes it possible to prevent particles or fibres forming part of the rod-shaped article A from entering a suction duct connected or connectable to a negative pressure source, thus preventing unnecessary clogging of the duct and / or of the negative pressure source.

[0044] The suction holes 4 a of the suction zone 4 are arranged in two or more rows so as to span at least one cross-sectional dimension of each corresponding suction groove 2 .

[0045] The plurality of suction holes 4a of the suction zone 4 may be arranged according to a bidirectionally distributed pattern on the abutment surface.

[0046] Alternatively, the plurality of suction holes 4a of the suction zone 4 may be arranged in two or more rows according to a bidirectionally distributed pattern on the abutment surface.

[0047] The plurality of suction holes 4 a of the suction zone 4 are arranged according to a distribution pattern so as to span at least one cross-sectional dimension of each corresponding suction groove 2 .

[0048] The plurality of suction holes 4 a of the suction zone 4 are arranged in two or more rows according to a distribution pattern so as to span at least one cross-sectional dimension of each corresponding suction groove 2 .

[0049] In other words, the plurality of suction holes 4a are arranged in the suction zone 4 (i.e., the contact surface) so as to enable the rod-shaped article A, particularly the end of the rod-shaped article A, to be effectively held.

[0050] In the embodiment of the conveyor 1, the suction zone 4 is integral with the abutment portion 3. More specifically, the plurality of suction holes 4a are formed directly in the monoblock wall defining the abutment portion 3 itself (i.e. the abutment surface). These holes may also be formed directly in the monoblock element defining the abutment portion 3 and at least the associated suction groove 2.

[0051] In a further embodiment of the conveyor 1, the suction zone 4 is made in the form of a perforated insert which is removably insertable into the abutment part 3 (i.e. the abutment surface). Alternatively, the perforated insert is removably applicable to the abutment part 3 (i.e. the abutment surface).

[0052] In a further embodiment, the suction zone 4 is made in the form of a porous element which is removably insertable into the abutment part 3 (i.e. the abutment surface). Alternatively, the porous element is removably applicable to the abutment part 3 (i.e. the abutment surface).

[0053] In a further embodiment, not shown, the suction zone 4 is made in the form of a mesh (eg a metal or plastic mesh), which allows the suction to pass through said mesh.

[0054] In any case, removability is particularly advantageous in the case of format switching, where the rod-shaped article may be formed from particles or fibers of different sizes and the size of the suction holes can be adapted to said different sizes by replacing the inserts or porous elements.

[0055] Described below with reference to Figures 1A and 1B is a first embodiment of a conveyor 1 of the invention.

[0056] 1A shows a conveyor 1 made in the form of a drum. The drum comprises a mantle M with suction grooves 2 and an abutment portion 3. The abutment portion 3 may be formed integrally with the mantle M.

[0057] The drum is a brake drum and each suction groove 2 has a first end with an abutment portion 3 and a second end opposite the first end, which is open to receive an axially fed rod-shaped article A. Preferably, the second end of the suction groove 2 has a configuration that converges towards the first end.

[0058] In other words, each suction groove 2 may comprise a receiving portion 2d configured to receive a rod-shaped article A to be fed thereto. The receiving portion 2d is also configured to associate the rod-shaped article A with a longitudinal portion of the suction groove 2 (defining a main portion of the suction groove 2 itself).

[0059] The receiving portion 2d is shaped to converge from the peripheral edge of the mantle M (i.e. of the conveyor 1) to the longitudinal portion of the suction groove 2. In use, the rod-shaped article A is accelerated axially towards the suction groove 2 and as the drum (i.e. of the conveyor 1) moves, the receiving portion 2d accompanies the rod-shaped article A to the main portion of the suction groove 2, ensuring that it is correctly inserted axially.

[0060] The abutment part 3 with the suction zone 4 is arranged at the end of the suction groove 2 opposite the end with the receiving part 2d. In the attached figures, the suction zone 4 extends over the entire abutment part. Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the suction zone 4 extends, for example, only over the bottom part of the abutment part.

[0061] Furthermore, although the suction zone 4 shown in the accompanying drawings is made integral with the abutment part, other embodiments can be envisaged, such as a perforated insert or a porous element.

[0062] Advantageously, in this embodiment, when the rod-shaped article A is accelerated towards the suction groove 2, the suction zone prevents a collision of the rod-shaped article A against the abutment portion 3 from causing the rod-shaped article A to fall out of the suction groove 2 or resulting in vibrations that could damage the rod-shaped article A. Furthermore, following a collision, the multiple suction holes 4a advantageously prevent particles, fibres or other components that make up the rod-shaped article A from being sucked into the suction zone 4 and causing undesirable clogging.

[0063] Described below with reference to Figures 2A and 2B is another embodiment of the conveyor 1 of the present invention.

[0064] 2A shows a conveyor 1 made in the form of a drum. The drum comprises a mantle M with suction grooves 2 and an abutment portion 3. The abutment portion 3 may be formed integrally with the mantle M.

[0065] The drum is a centering drum with at least a first suction groove 2a and a second suction groove 2b, each with an abutment portion 3, arranged alternately with each other along the feed path P. The abutment surface of the first suction groove 2a and the abutment surface of the second suction groove 2b face in opposite axial directions. The abutment portion 3 of each first suction groove 2a is axially offset with respect to the abutment portion 3 of each second suction groove 2a, whereby the first suction groove 2a performs longitudinal alignment of the corresponding front end of the rod-like article A in a first direction and at the first abutment surface, and the second suction groove 2b performs longitudinal alignment of the corresponding front end of the rod-like article A in a second direction opposite to the first direction and at a second abutment surface parallel to and spaced from the first abutment surface. The abutment surfaces of the first and second suction grooves 2a, 2b are provided with suction holes 4a.

[0066] For example, in this conveyor 1, the series of suction grooves 2 includes a first series of suction grooves 2 and a second series of suction grooves 2 arranged alternately with each other, with the free end of each first suction groove 2a being arranged along a first peripheral edge of the conveyor 1 (i.e., of the mantle M), and the free end of each second suction groove 2b being arranged along a second peripheral edge of the conveyor 1 opposite the first peripheral edge of the conveyor 1 (i.e., of the mantle M).

[0067] The mantle M comprises abutment portions 3 each provided with a suction zone 4, the suction zones 4 being arranged in a central portion C of the mantle M itself, the abutment portions 3 defining the aforementioned first and second abutment surfaces.

[0068] The centering drum also has a third suction groove 2c arranged alternately with the first and second suction grooves 2a and 2b and extending between a pair of corresponding abutment portions 3 each axially aligned with the abutment surfaces of the first and second suction grooves 2a and 2b.

[0069] In other words, a series of suction grooves 2 may be provided with abutment portions 3 at both ends thereof, thus defining, in the central portion C of the mantle M, a storage space V (open at the top) for storing a rod-shaped object A.

[0070] In this manner, the third suction groove 2c can receive the rod-shaped object A that is already axially aligned at a position between the first and second abutment surfaces.

[0071] Preferably, the abutment surface of the third suction groove 2c is not provided with suction holes 4a. In other words, the abutment portion 3 may not have a suction zone 4.

[0072] On the other hand, if a suction zone 4 is provided, it is depicted as extending over only a portion of the abutment portion, or alternatively, the suction zone 4 may extend over the entire abutment portion.

[0073] Furthermore, although the suction zone 4 shown in the accompanying drawings is made integral with the abutment part, other embodiments can be envisaged, such as a perforated insert or a porous element.

[0074] In use, a number of rod-shaped articles are placed into a series of suction grooves 2 through the top opening, offset with respect to one another in the different suction grooves 2. The suction zone 4 is thus configured to move the rod-shaped articles A within the suction grooves 2 and align them all with a central portion C of the drum (i.e. of the conveyor 1).

[0075] The third suction grooves 2c, into which the rod-shaped article A does not slide, are alternately arranged between the two first and two second suction grooves 2a and 2b, but not between the two second suction grooves 2b and the next two first suction grooves 2a, because the drum is configured to receive at least five segments (four side and one central) obtained by cutting one rod along four perpendicular cutting planes. The change in the number of segments into which the initial rod is cut changes the distribution of the first and second suction grooves 2a and 2b (and determines whether a third suction groove 2c is required).

[0076] Advantageously, after the rod-shaped article A collides with the abutment portion 3, the suction holes 4a prevent particles, fibers or other components constituting the rod-shaped article A from being sucked into the suction zone 4 and causing undesirable clogging.

[0077] It is emphasized that the two above mentioned embodiments are only a small selection of the possible embodiments of the conveyor 1 of the invention.

[0078] For example, even a conveyor 1 as shown in Figures 2A and 2B may be provided with a receiving portion 2d.

[0079] Alternatively, the conveyor 1 may be formed in the form of a conveyor belt.

[0080] The invention also has for this purpose a method for holding rod-like articles, said method being carried out on a conveyor 1 as described above.

[0081] The method comprises the steps of preparing a series of rod-shaped articles A, and inserting the series of rod-shaped articles A into corresponding respective suction grooves 2 of a conveyor 1. The inserting step can be performed by accelerating the rod-shaped articles A into corresponding respective suction grooves 2 or by inserting them through an open top of the suction grooves 2.

[0082] Simultaneously with or after the inserting step, the method includes axially moving at least a portion of the article along each suction groove 2 until a front end of the article abuts against an abutment portion 3 of the corresponding suction groove 2.

[0083] At this point, the method includes holding one end of each rod-like article or group of rod-like articles A by suction applied via an abutment portion 3 of the conveyor 1 which is provided with a suction zone 4. The step of holding by suction is achieved by a number of suction holes 4a formed in the abutment portion 3 and having a lateral dimension smaller than the maximum lateral dimension of the fibres or particles of the rod-like articles A or of the filler material of the rod-like articles A.

[0084] Each suction hole 4a of the suction zone 4 has a lateral size of less than 1 mm.

[0085] Preferably, each suction hole 4a of the suction zone 4 has a lateral size of less than 0.8 mm.

[0086] Even more preferably, each suction hole 4a of the suction zone 4 has a lateral size of less than 0.6 mm.

[0087] More specifically, the step of holding by suction is performed such that no fibres or particles are sucked through the plurality of suction holes 4a.

[0088] In other words, stating that the step of retaining by suction is carried out such that the fibers or particles are not sucked through the multiple suction holes 4a must also be interpreted to mean that the multiple suction holes 4a do not axially move individual fibers or particles or groups of fibers or particles from their position within the rod-shaped article A.

[0089] Advantageously, this method makes it possible to hold the rod-like article A while preventing the abutment portion 3 from causing undesirable vibrations or shocks.

[0090] The present invention is able to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0091] Advantageously, the suction holes 4a or suction perforations 4a, which are smaller in lateral size than the particles or fibers that define the rod-shaped article A, make it possible to prevent clogging of the suction zone 4. The smaller size of the suction holes 4a also prevents the suction from causing undesired loss of material from the rod-shaped article A.

[0092] It should be noted that the suction zone 4 of the conveyor 1 may be at different positions on the conveyor 1, so that the alignment is performed in a different way from one groove 2 to another groove 2. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0093] [Patent Document 1] EP679345 [Patent Document 2] WO2014 / 155317 [Patent Document 3] US4287981

Claims

1. A conveyor (1) for aligning rod-shaped objects (A), comprising: Each rod-shaped article (A) comprises a plurality of particles or fibers or filler material having a given lateral size; said conveyor (1) being moved along a feed path (P) and comprising a series of grooves (2) adapted to hold respective rod-shaped articles or groups of rod-shaped articles (A); said series of grooves (2) being oriented perpendicular to said feed path (P); said conveyor (1) has at least for each groove (2) at least one abutment portion (3) arranged at an end of said groove (2) to define an abutment surface for one end of said rod-shaped goods or group of rod-shaped goods (A) accommodated in said groove (2), said abutment portion (3) comprising at least one suction zone (4) for holding said one end of said rod-shaped goods or group of rod-shaped goods (A) by suction against said abutment portion (3); The suction zone (4) is defined by a plurality of suction perforations (4a) connected or connectable to a negative pressure source and having a lateral size smaller than 1 mm and smaller than the lateral size of the particles or fibers of the rod-shaped article (A) or of the filling material of the rod-shaped article (A).

2. 2. A conveyor (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lateral size of the suction perforations (4a) is less than 0.8 mm.

3. 3. A conveyor (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lateral size of the suction perforations (4a) is less than 0.6 mm.

4. A conveyor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the suction zone (4) of each abutment portion (3) is provided in a lower part of the abutment portion (3) arranged close to the bottom surface of the corresponding groove (2), preferably of the corresponding suction groove (2).

5. 5. A conveyor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of suction perforations (4a) of the suction zone (4) are arranged in two or more rows and / or according to a bidirectionally distributed pattern on the contact surface.

6. 6. A conveyor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the suction zone (4) is integral with the abutment portion (3) and the plurality of suction perforations (4a) are made in particular directly in the abutment portion (3) and in the monoblock portion defining at least the associated groove (2).

7. A conveyor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suction zone (4) is made in the form of a perforated insert which is removably insertable or applicable to the abutment part (3).

8. A conveyor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suction zone (4) is made in the form of a porous element which is removably insertable or applicable to the abutment part (3).

9. A conveyor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suction perforations (4a) are holes (4a).

10. A conveyor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the conveyor (1) is made in the form of a drum comprising a mantle (M) with said series of grooves (2) and said abutment portion (3), said abutment portion (3) being preferably made integral with said mantle (M).

11. 11. A conveyor (1) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the drum is a brake drum, each groove (2) having a first end with the abutment portion (3) and a second end opposite the first end and open to receive a corresponding rod-shaped article (A) fed axially, the second end of the groove (2) preferably having a configuration converging towards the first end.

12. The drum is a centering drum, the centering drum comprising at least a first suction groove (2a) and a second suction groove (2b), each of which comprises abutment portions (3) arranged alternately with one another along a feed path (P), 11. The conveyor (1) according to claim 10, wherein the abutment surfaces of the first suction groove (2a) and the second suction groove (2b) face in opposite axial directions, and the abutment portion (3) of each first suction groove (2a) is axially offset with respect to the abutment portion (3) of each second suction groove (2b), so that the first suction groove (2a) effects longitudinal alignment of the corresponding front ends of the rod-shaped articles (A) in a first direction and in the first abutment surface, and the second suction groove (2b) effects longitudinal alignment of the corresponding front ends of the rod-shaped articles (A) in a second direction opposite to the first direction and in a second abutment surface parallel to and spaced apart from the first abutment surface, and the abutment surfaces of the first suction groove (2a) and the second suction groove (2b) are provided with the plurality of suction perforations (4a).

13. 13. A conveyor as claimed in claim 12, wherein the centering drum also has third suction grooves (2c) alternating with the first suction grooves (2a) and the second suction grooves (2b), each extending between a pair of corresponding abutment portions (3) axially aligned with the abutment surfaces of the first suction grooves (2a) and the second suction grooves (2b) so as to receive a respective rod-shaped article (A) already axially aligned in a position between the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface, the abutment surface of the third suction groove (2c) preferably being free of the suction perforations (4a).

14. A method for holding rod-shaped objects (A) on a conveyor (1), comprising the steps of: said conveyor (1) being moved along a feed path (P) and comprising a series of grooves (2) adapted to hold respective rod-shaped articles or groups of rod-shaped articles (A); said series of grooves (2) being oriented perpendicular to said feed path (P); The conveyor (1) has at least for each groove (2) at least one abutment portion (3) arranged at an end of the groove (2) to define an abutment surface for one end of the rod-shaped article or group of rod-shaped articles (A) accommodated in said groove (2), said abutment portion (3) comprising at least one suction zone (4) for holding said one end of the rod-shaped article or group of rod-shaped articles (A) by suction against said abutment portion (3), the method comprising the steps of: Providing a series of rod-shaped articles (A), each article (A) comprising a plurality of particles or fibers or filler material having a given lateral size; inserting said series of rod-shaped articles (A) into corresponding respective grooves (2) of said conveyor (1); Simultaneously with or after said step of inserting, moving at least a portion of said series of articles axially along said respective corresponding grooves (2) until a front end of said article abuts against said abutment portion (3) of said respective corresponding groove (2); and holding the end of each rod-shaped article (A) by suction provided through said abutment portion (3), The method, wherein the step of retaining by suction is achieved by a plurality of suction perforations (4a) defining the suction zone (4) whose lateral size is smaller than the lateral size of the fibers or particles of the rod-shaped article (A) or of the filling material of the rod-shaped article (A), so that the fibers or particles are not sucked through the plurality of suction perforations (4a).

15. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the lateral size of the suction perforations (4a) is smaller than 1 mm, preferably smaller than 0.8 mm, even more preferably smaller than 0.6 mm.

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