Machine and method for producing smoking products

Abstract

A machine (10) for producing smoking products (100) comprises a unit (15) for forming the products (100) and at least one feed unit (11, 12, 13) for feeding a tubular element (102), a smokable product sheet (101) and a protective sheet (103) to the forming unit (15). The forming unit (15) comprises a transport member (30) configured to receive a tubular element (102), the smokable product sheet (101) and the protective sheet (103), superimposed one upon the other, from the feed unit (11, 12, 13). The forming unit (15) comprises at least one forming member (40) configured to be moved between an engagement position and a disengagement position, wherein respectively the tubular element (102), the smokable product sheet (101) and the protective sheet (103) are respectively clamped together or released, and wherein in the disengagement position the forming member (40) is configured to rotate about a rolling axis (X) in order to form a product ( 100) by rolling the smokable product sheet (101) and the protective sheet (103) around the tubular element (102).

Description

[0001] “MACHINE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SMOKING PRODUCTS”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention concerns a machine and a method for producing products, in particular tubular-shaped products, intended to form smoking articles, comprising for example a plant origin smokable product sheet.

[0004] The machine of the present invention can, for example, be part of a packaging plant in which it is provided to arrange, downstream of the present invention’s machine, a machine for packaging the products.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is known that there are automated machines for packaging tubular products, in particular smoking articles or straws, in which there is the need to produce and package hundreds or thousands of products per minute in hermetically sealed packages.

[0007] With the growing success of smoking articles other than traditional cigarettes, there is the need to also automate the production of this type of products, which are currently produced mainly manually or handcrafted.

[0008] An example of this type of products consists of smoking articles assembled directly by the smoker, who buys the filters, the shredded tobacco and the papers to be wrapped around the tobacco and the filter separately, in order to assemble everything and obtain the smoking product.

[0009] Another type of products, similar to the previous one, which is enjoying considerable commercial success in some countries, provides that the papers mentioned above are replaced by sheets of a plant product of natural origin, such as sheets of tobacco for example. Compared to the wrapping paper, the tobacco sheet means that the product has a much stronger aroma, thus significantly improving the smoker’s sensory experience.

[0010] These sheets have a significantly larger thickness than the papers. In addition, the inherent properties of the material make these sheets very delicate to handle, because they are very fragile and therefore can easily crack or brake.

[0011] For these products it is therefore not possible to supply the user with the tobacco sheets flattened, as in the case of the papers, but they have to already be rolled because, due to their thickness and their mechanical characteristics, the smoker would not be able to roll the tobacco sheets in such a way as to give them a stable and permanent cylindrical shape. In addition, if this operation were left to the user, the sheet would disintegrate into many parts due to breaks and cracks.

[0012] By virtue of the brittleness of the tobacco sheets, it is provided to protect them by means of a wrapping sheet, which is wrapped on the rolled cylinder sheet. Furthermore, in order for the tobacco sheets to stably maintain the desired cylindrical shape, each sheet has to be rolled around a straw, which at the time of use will be disposed of by the user together with the wrapping sheet.

[0013] The tobacco sheets wrapped around respective straws, and each protected by a respective wrapping sheet, are made available to users within typically flexible packages.

[0014] The solutions known in the state of the art provide that the arrangement of the rolled tobacco sheets around the straws, and the wrapping of the wrapping sheets around them, occur exclusively through manual operations, which are long and laborious and require considerable attention and care on the part of the operator. In addition, these manual operations are also subject to a considerable waste rate of the tobacco sheets, which further reduces productivity and increases production costs.

[0015] In the traditional smoking articles packaging sector, such as cigarettes, the Chinese document CN 1375427 discloses a machine capable of associating an outer covering band with a cigarette by rolling. However, this product does not comprise the aforementioned tobacco sheets, and the machine disclosed by CN 1375427 would not be able to manage the rolling thereof.

[0016] There is therefore the need to provide a machine, and to perfect a corresponding method, for producing products, in particular tubular products, which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0017] One purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine, and to perfect a corresponding method, for the automated production of smoking products comprising a sheet of plant origin material, in particular tobacco.

[0018] One purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine, and to perfect a corresponding method, capable of rolling the tobacco sheet, which is initially flat, without damaging or fracturing the sheet itself, so as to give it the shape of a hollow cylinder, such as that of a so-called “cigarillo” for example. One purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine, and to perfect a corresponding method, for producing products with a high productivity of several hundred products per minute.

[0019] One purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine, and to perfect a corresponding method, which are able to associate an internal structural support straw and an external protective wrapping sheet with the tobacco sheet in a reliable and precise manner.

[0020] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0021] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0023] In accordance with the above purposes, the invention concerns a machine for producing smoking products comprising a smokable product sheet wrapped around a tubular element extending along a longitudinal axis and a protective sheet that covers the smokable product sheet.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the machine comprises a feed unit for feeding the above-mentioned elements and a forming unit comprising a transport member configured to receive, from the feed unit, the tubular element, the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet, the latter preferably being already cut to format and superimposed one upon the other.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the forming unit comprises at least one forming member provided with clamping means which is configured to be moved between an engagement position closer to the transport member, wherein the tubular element, the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet are clamped together, and a disengagement position farther from the transport member, wherein the tubular element, the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet are released.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, when the forming member is in the engagement position, it is also configured to rotate about a rolling axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element in order to form a rolled smoking product by rolling the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet around the tubular element.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, each forming member is movable along a substantially linear movement over the rolling axis.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, the clamping means comprise an inner element configured to be inserted inside the tubular element in the engagement position, and an outer element acting as a jaw configured to selectively contact the protective sheet in the engagement position, wherein at least one of either the inner element or the outer element, or both, is / are movable between a spaced apart position wherein the inner element is inserted within the tubular element and the outer element does not engage with the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet, and a clamping position, wherein the outer element cooperates with the inner element placed inside the tubular element to clamp the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet against the tubular element. The outer element is hinged to a support in order to pivot between the spaced apart position and the clamping position.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, alternative to the previous one, the clamping means comprise a pair of reciprocally cooperating jaws, each one being hinged to a support structure so as to pivot between a position spaced apart from the other jaw, wherein it does not grip the tubular element and / or the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet, and a position approached to the other jaw, wherein it contacts the tubular element and / or the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, the forming member comprises a kinematic mechanism provided with a cam system comprising a plurality of control cams, each movable within respective cam follower tracks, and motion transmission members for transferring the movement of the control cams to the clamping means.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the transport member is shaped as a drum rotatable about an axis of rotation.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, the transport member comprises a cylindrical support wall provided with a plurality of housings, each housing being configured to receive a respective tubular element with the longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation, wherein the support wall is configured to receive the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet resting thereon.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, the support wall comprises a plurality of recesses, each formed at a respective housing to allow the forming member to rotate about the rolling axis without colliding against the transport member even in the engagement position.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, the transport member comprises a plurality of suction elements configured to retain by suction the tubular element within a respective housings and / or the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet against the support wall.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of suction elements comprises first suction ducts for retaining the tubular elements by suction, second and third suction ducts arranged so as to flow out, respectively, at zones of the support wall against which the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet rest, respectively, wherein the latter have different widths from each other. Preferably, the first suction ducts flow into the housings.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, alternative to the previous one, the forming unit comprises, as an alternative or in addition to the first suction ducts for the tubular element, a plurality of retaining members hinged to the transport member at each of the housings in order to pivot between a spaced apart position, in which they do not grip the tubular elements arranged in the housings, and an approached position, in which they contact the tubular elements in order to first keep them in place inside the respective housings and then retain the rolled products during the extraction of the forming member when the rolling has been completed. The retaining members are mounted on a pivoting support that is driven in movement between the spaced apart position and the approached position by means of a kinematic mechanism provided with a cam system comprising a control cams which is movable within a respective cam follower track.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present invention, the retaining member can be fixed and arranged downstream of a zone for rolling the products, in order to retain the rolled products during the extraction of the forming member.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, the machine comprises a plurality of forming members distributed to define a first set of forming members arranged on one side of the transport member and / or a second set of forming members arranged on the other side, opposite to the previous one, of the transport member with respect to its axis of rotation. In an embodiment in which both the sets of forming members are provided, a forming member of the first set is aligned along the same rolling axis with a forming member of the second set to define a pair of forming members for clamping the tubular element, the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet from opposite sides, so as to cooperate together during the rolling.

[0039] According to one aspect of the present invention, the forming unit comprises a stabilizing member configured to secure, preferably by heat-sealing, the protective sheet so as to keep a cylindrical shape of the smoking product.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing smoking products comprising the step of feeding a tubular element extending along a longitudinal axis, a smokable product sheet and a protective sheet to a transport member comprised in a forming unit that superimposes one upon the other the tubular element, the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet which, having been previously cut to format, are arranged resting on the wall in order to at least partly cover the tubular element.

[0041] According to one aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises the additional steps of:

[0042] - approaching a forming member of the forming unit to the transport member,

[0043] - clamping the tubular element, the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet by means of clamping means,

[0044] - rolling the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet around the tubular element to form a rolled smoking product, by rotating the forming member about a rolling axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element,

[0045] - disengaging the clamping means from the tubular element, the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet and moving the forming member away from the transport member to release the rolled product.

[0046] According to one aspect of the present invention, after the clamping step and before the rolling step, there is provided a step of total or partial deactivation of a suction system configured to retain by suction the tubular element and / or the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet against the transport member.

[0047] According to one aspect of the present invention, simultaneously with the approaching step and / or before the rolling step, there is provided a step of slightly raising the tubular element relative to the transport member.

[0048] According to one aspect of the present invention, during and / or after the rolling step, there is provided a step of heating the protective sheet to stabilize the rolled product by means of a heating element comprised in a stabilizing member of the forming unit.

[0049] According to one aspect of the present invention, at the end of the rolling step there is provided a step of retaining the product before the extraction of the forming member.

[0050] The machine and method according to the present invention advantageously allow to produce smoking products with a substantially tubular shape in an efficient and reliable manner.

[0051] The machine and method for producing smoking products according to the present invention advantageously allow to reach high levels of productivity, even of several hundred products per minute, for example, up to 800 products per minute or even more.

[0052] The machine and method for producing smoking products according to the present invention advantageously allow to automatically manage the movement of the smokable product sheet, the tubular element and the protective sheet, joining the latter in a firm and stable manner. This is possible thanks to the forming member’s clamping means, which grip the smokable product sheet, the tubular element and the protective sheet and roll them on top of the other in a rolling zone, at the end of which it is possible to obtain rolled products that have been given a tubular shape in a stable and durable manner.

[0053] The machine and method for producing smoking products according to the present invention advantageously allow to move and manipulate the smokable product sheet, for example a tobacco sheet, without damaging it, given that it is by its nature brittle and easily breakable.

[0054] The machine for producing tubular products according to the present invention is advantageously compact and allows to optimize the arrangement of the operating units to perform the necessary work steps to produce such products. The machine and method for producing smoking products according to the present invention allow to use tubular elements and protective sheets made of polymeric material, for example polypropylene (PP), or cellulose-based material, such as paper, cardboard, or heat-sealable paper.

[0055] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0057] - fig. 1 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a product obtainable using the machine and method according to the present invention;

[0058] - fig. 2 is a three-dimensional view showing the product of fig. 1 in an intermediate working step, at the beginning of the rolling step;

[0059] - fig. 3 is a three-dimensional view of a tubular product obtainable using the machine and method according to the present invention;

[0060] - fig. 4 is a simplified, schematic front view of a machine for producing smoking products according to the present invention;

[0061] - fig. 5 is an enlarged scale, schematic three-dimensional view of a detail of the machine of fig. 4, which also shows the tubular product arranged in the intermediate working step of fig. 2;

[0062] - fig. 6 is an enlarged scale, schematic three-dimensional view of another embodiment of the machine detail shown in fig. 5;

[0063] - fig. 7 is an enlarged scale, schematic front view of the machine detail shown in fig- 5;

[0064] - fig. 8 is a partial, schematic section view of an embodiment of a device for driving a forming member comprised in the machine of fig. 4, which is configured to grip one of the smoking products, which also shows the product being retained by the forming member’s clamping means while it is in the intermediate working condition of fig. 2;

[0065] - fig. 9 is an enlarged scale, schematic front view of a variant of a forming member comprised in the machine according to the present invention, which also shows the product being retained by the clamping means while it is in the intermediate working condition of fig. 2;

[0066] - figs. 10a and 10b are enlarged scale, schematic three-dimensional views of another embodiment of forming members comprised in the machine of fig. 4;

[0067] - figs. 1 la-1 le are schematic representations of an operating sequence for rolling the tubular product of fig. 3, performed by the forming member of figs. 10a and 10b;

[0068] - figs. 12a-12d are schematic representations of an operating sequence for rolling the tubular product of fig. 3, performed by the forming member of figs. 10a and 10b, in which two forming members are provided, cooperating reciprocally in order to roll the product.

[0069] We must clarify that in the present description the phraseology and terminology used, such as for example the terms horizontal, vertical, lower, upper, high and low, with their declinations, have the sole function of better illustrating the present invention with reference to the attached drawings and must not be in any way used to limit the scope of the invention itself, or the field of protection defined by the attached claims. For example, the term horizontal is understood to indicate an axis or a plane that can be either parallel to the line of the horizon or inclined relative thereto, even by several degrees, for example up to 20°.

[0070] Furthermore, the people of skill in the art will recognize that certain sizes or characteristics in the drawings may have been enlarged, deformed, or shown in an unconventional or non- proportional way in order to provide a version of the present invention that is easier to understand. When sizes and / or values are specified in the following description, the sizes and / or values are provided for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention, unless such sizes and / or values are present in the attached claims.

[0071] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

[0072] DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0073] With reference to fig. 4, a machine 10 according to the present invention is configured to produce smoking products 100, hereafter also referred to simply as products 100 for short.

[0074] For a better understanding of the machine 10 described below, we will first describe, with particular reference to figs. 1-3, an example of a smoking product 100 suitable to be produced by such machine.

[0075] The product 100 comprises a smokable product sheet, in particular a tobacco sheet 100, a tubular element, in particular a straw 102 having a structural support function, and a protective sheet 103.

[0076] Purely by way of indication and to better frame one of the fields of application of the present invention, each product 100 can have an outer diameter comprised between about 2 mm and about 20 mm, preferably between about 4 mm and about 10 mm, and a length comprised between about 80 mm and about 200 mm.

[0077] As will be clear from the following description, the tobacco sheet 101 is unwound from a reel of such material, from which the sheet is cut to format, and initially has a flat or extended configuration, with a rectangular shape.

[0078] In some embodiments provided here, the tobacco sheet 101 can comprise one or more laminar layers of tobacco superimposed and glued one upon the other, each unwound from a respective reel and then joined to the other layers by gluing.

[0079] In some embodiments provided here, the tobacco sheet 101 can possibly comprise a layer of an aromatic substance, of synthetic or natural origin, for example deriving from a liquid in which the tobacco sheet is soaked while it travels through a unit for the application of such liquid. By way of a non-limiting example, such a substance can be given a fruity flavor, such as blueberry or cherry for example.

[0080] The protective sheet 103 is also unwound from a reel, from which it is cut to format, and it initially has a rectangular shape and a flat or extended configuration. Preferably, the extension area of the protective sheet 103 is slightly larger than that of the tobacco sheet 101, as can be seen in figs. 1 and 2.

[0081] The protective sheet 103 comprises a pair of sides 104 and 105, parallel to the axis of the straw 102 and opposing each other, and another pair of sides 106 and 107, perpendicular to the axis of the straw 102 and also opposing each other. These sides alternate each other, contiguous one after the other, to form the perimeter of the rectangle.

[0082] The protective sheet 103 can be made of a suitable polymeric material, for example polypropylene (PP), or a cellulose-based material, such as paper or heat- sealable paper.

[0083] The cylindrical-shaped straws 102 can be made of a suitable plastic material, for example polypropylene, or of a cellulose-based material, such as paper or cardboard.

[0084] The machine 10 and the method according to the present invention allow to obtain the product 100 by arranging the tobacco sheet 101 on the straw 102 and the protective sheet 103 on the tobacco sheet 101. In particular, it is provided to arrange the tobacco sheet 101 so as to at least partly cover the straw 102, and to superimpose the protective sheet 103 on the tobacco sheet 101 so that its side 104 is arranged beyond the edge of the tobacco sheet 101 , as will be described in greater detail below with reference to fig. 8c.

[0085] These working steps provide to roll the tobacco sheet 101 and the overlying protective sheet 103 around the straw 102, as indicated by the arrows F (fig. 2).

[0086] At the end of the rolling step, the result is a rolled product 100 (fig. 3) with the straw 102 inside it, on which the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103 are wrapped together, with the former placed on the inner side and the latter placed on the outer side in order to protect the smokable product sheet.

[0087] Please note that at the end of the rolling step, the side 105 of the protective sheet 103 remains exposed so as to be easily gripped by the user. During use, the user grips the side 105 and unrolls the protective sheet 103, thus being able to remove the rolled tobacco sheet 101 in order to assemble the smoking product, and at the same time throw away both the straw 102 as well as the protective sheet 103.

[0088] It is understood that, in other embodiments, the machine 10 can transfer products 100 different from those described above, such as for example other types of smoking articles, e-cigarette cartridges, cosmetic products, straws, stationery materials, or more generally any other tubular-shaped element whatsoever having a much greater extension in the longitudinal direction than its transverse bulk (diameter).

[0089] In the embodiment disclosed here, the machine 10 (fig. 4) comprises a first, second and third feed unit 11, 12, 13 configured to feed the straws 102, the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103, respectively, to a unit 15 for forming the products 100.

[0090] The machine 10 also comprises a transfer unit 16 for transferring the products 100 formed by the forming unit 15 toward other work stations, not shown, such as for example a station for packaging the products into flexible packages. These other working stations are not part of the machine 10 according to the present invention, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0091] The feed units 11, 12, 13, the forming unit 15 and the transfer unit 16 define working units that are mounted on a same support structure 18, for example a frame of the machine 10, configured to be rested on a horizontal plane, for example defined by a floor, by means of its own rest feet 19.

[0092] The working units 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16 are controlled by a central control unit, not shown, which controls and commands the operation of the drive members, such as for example engines, gearmotors or servomotors, particularly of the brushless or stepper type, in a coordinated manner, in order to set in motion the various mobile members comprised in the working units according to laws of motion suitable to allow the correct interaction between reciprocally cooperating members.

[0093] The first feed unit 11 of the straws 102 comprises a storage container 20 configured to contain a plurality of straws 102, arranged in bulk. The storage container 20 can comprise an aperture to allow an operator to refill the storage container 20 with the straws 102.

[0094] The first feed unit 11 comprises a first cylindrical member 21, rotatable about a first axis of rotation XI in a first direction of rotation Rl, which in the example given here is clockwise.

[0095] The first feed unit 11 comprises a first conveyor 22 for transporting the straws 102 from the storage container 20 to the first cylindrical member 21. The first conveyor 22 can comprise a belt 23 closed in a loop around at least two pulleys 24.

[0096] The first cylindrical member 21 and the first conveyor 22 are provided with a plurality of seatings, not shown, whose longitudinal extension is arranged parallel to the first axis of rotation XI, and each of which is mating in size and shape with the straws 102 to be transported, having a transverse size proportional to the outer diameter of each straw 102.

[0097] The seatings are configured to temporarily and individually accommodate the straws 102 coming from the storage container 20.

[0098] Two adjacent seatings of the first conveyor 22 are spaced apart by a linear pitch Pl which is correlated to the angular pitch PA that separates two adjacent seatings of the first cylindrical member 21. The passage of the straws 102 from the first conveyor 22 to the first cylindrical member 21 can take place according to modes known in the state of the art. For example, mechanical holding members 21a, in particular grippers, attached to the first cylindrical member 21 and each configured to pick up one of the straws 102 arriving from the first conveyor 22 can be provided.

[0099] The second and third feed unit 12 and 13 provide to unwind the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103, respectively, from respective reels A, B.

[0100] In the example shown, the second feed unit 12 comprises two reels A from which respective layers of tobacco are unwound, which are then joined together by gluing before the strip reaches the corresponding cutting device 25. It is clear that in other embodiments a number of reels other than two, for example even three or more, or a single reel, can be provided.

[0101] Each of the second and third feed unit 12 and 13 comprises a cutting device 25 configured to cut both the tobacco sheet 101 and also the protective sheet 103 to format, separating a flat portion thereof with desired sizes from the continuous strip unwound from the respective reel A, B.

[0102] One or more tensioning rollers, of a known type and not shown, can be provided on the path between the reels A, B and the corresponding cutting device 25, which are configured to keep the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103 flattened with a suitable tension as they advance.

[0103] The cutting device 25 in turn comprises a movable member 26 provided with one or more cutting blades and rotatable about its own axis of rotation, and cooperating with a fixed member 27 provided with a counter-blade so that the interaction of the latter with the blades of the movable member 26 allows the protective sheet 103 and the tobacco sheet 101 to be cut to format.

[0104] The second feed unit 12 can comprise a second cylindrical member 28, rotatable about a second axis of rotation X2 in a first direction of rotation Rl, that is, clockwise, to transfer the tobacco sheets 101 to the forming unit 15 after they have been separated from the strip unwound from the reel A by the cutting device 25.

[0105] The second cylindrical member 28 can comprise a suction system configured to retain by suction the tobacco sheets 101, cut to format by the cutting device 25, resting against a lateral surface 29 of the second cylindrical member 28. To this end, a plurality of holes communicating with the suction system can be provided on the lateral surface 29 to allow the carrier fluid, for example air at a pressure other than atmospheric, to reach the surface and guarantee an effective action of retention of the tobacco sheets.

[0106] The forming unit 15 comprises a transport member 30 that receives the straws 102, the tobacco and protective sheets 101 and 103 cut to format from the respective feed units 11, 12, 13.

[0107] In the example given here, the transport member is shaped as a drum 30 rotatable about a third axis of rotation X3 and parallel to the first and second axis of rotation XI, X2. In the example shown, the drum 30 rotates in the second direction of rotation R2, that is, counterclockwise.

[0108] It is clear that in other embodiments, not shown, the drum 30 can be configured as a linear conveyor, or other similar means of transport suited to the purpose.

[0109] The drum 30 comprises a plurality of housings 32, nine in the example shown, formed on a cylindrical support wall 33 of the drum 30, better visible in the enlargements of figs. 5 and 6. Each of these housings 32 has sizes correlated to those of the straws 102, being configured to receive a respective straw.

[0110] A plurality of recesses 34 can be provided in the support wall 33 of the drum 30, which are aligned with the housings 32 and formed at their opposite ends.

[0111] In other embodiments, not shown, the support wall 33 of the drum 30 does not have the housings 32 and / or recesses 34, and the straws 102 are arranged resting directly on the support wall.

[0112] In another embodiment, shown in fig. 6, the forming unit 15 comprises a plurality of retaining members 35, each associated with a respective housing 32 to interact with the respective straw 102 received therein. Each retaining member 35 can pivot between a position spaced apart from the straw 102 (not shown) and a position approached to the straw, shown in fig. 6, in which it contacts the straw 102 in order to keep it in place inside the housing 32.

[0113] By way of a non-limiting example, the retaining member 35 is mounted on a pivoting support 36, dashed line in fig. 6, attached to the drum 30.

[0114] The forming unit 15 comprises a plurality of suction elements connected to a suction system S (schematized in fig. 7) provided with a source of air having a pressure lower than atmospheric, to retain both the straw 102 inside the respective housing 32, and also the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103 against a support wall 33 of the drum 30.

[0115] Specifically, the drum 30 comprises first suction elements 37 configured to retain the straws 102, second suction elements 38 configured to retain the tobacco sheets 101 by suction, and third suction elements 39 to retain the protective sheets 103 by suction (figs. 5 and 6).

[0116] To this end, each of the first suction elements 37 ends in a respective housing 32. In the example shown, it is provided that three first suction elements 37 flow into each housing 32, but in general their number can even be different.

[0117] The arrangement of the second suction elements 38 and of the third suction elements 39 is such that they flow out, respectively, at the zones of the support wall 33 against which the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103 rest, respectively. In particular, the second suction elements 38 end in a zone of the support wall 33 having an approximately rectangular shape, which is arranged in the vicinity of a centerline plane Y of the drum 30, while the third suction elements 39 end in zones of the support wall 33 that are adjacent to the housings 32 and the circular outer edges of the wall itself, that is, where the sides 104-107 of the protective sheet 103 are positioned (fig. 5). In this way, thanks to the fact that the third suction elements 39 flow out in the zones of the support wall 33 against which the protective sheet 103 is in direct contact, it is possible to also retain the protective sheet 103 by suction, despite the interposition of the tobacco sheet 101.

[0118] The forming unit 15 comprises at least one forming member 40 for forming the products 100 by rolling. A plurality of forming members 40 can be provided, driven simultaneously by means of a cam system, in a suitably coordinated manner.

[0119] Each forming member 40 is configured to rotate about its own rolling axis X to determine the rolling of the product 100.

[0120] As schematized in fig. 5, the forming member 40 comprises an inner element 41 that engages the straw 102 and acts as an internal abutment therefor, and an outer element configured as a jaw 42 configured to selectively press the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103 against the straw 102. Preferably, the inner element 41 ends with a tapered tip, having a truncated conical shape to facilitate its introduction inside the straw 102.

[0121] The inner element 41 and the jaw 42 cooperate together to define the clamping means said above. With reference to fig. 8, an embodiment of the forming member 40 and a possible schematic example of a kinematic mechanism for its movement are shown by way of a non-limiting example.

[0122] In this embodiment, two forming members 40 are provided, structurally and functionally similar to each other, arranged to cooperate reciprocally and positioned on opposite sides with respect to the drum 30. Each forming member 40 is configured to engage with the product 100 at one end thereof.

[0123] In one variant, only one forming member 40 is provided, as shown in fig. 5.

[0124] Each forming member 40 is equipped with three degrees of freedom of movement:

[0125] - a substantially linear translational movement to approach / move away from the drum 30, along the rolling axis X (arrow T in fig. 8);

[0126] - a rotary movement about the rolling axis X (arrow R in fig. 8);

[0127] - a bi-directional pivoting movement of the jaw 42 relative to the inner element 41, between a position spaced apart from this element and a position approached thereto (arrow O in fig. 8).

[0128] The inner element 41 is attached to a shaft 43, to which there is connected an end flange 44 to which a support 45 is hinged which carries the jaw 42.

[0129] The kinematic mechanism provides a cam system in which a control cam is movable within a respective cam follower track, it is suitably shaped according to the geometries of the mechanism and the amplitude of the three aforementioned movements to be imparted to the forming member 40.

[0130] In particular, the kinematic mechanism comprises three control cams 48 movable within as many cam follower tracks 49, wherein each cam is configured to control each of the aforementioned movements.

[0131] Motion transmission members, of a known type and indicated as a whole with reference number 50, are provided to transform the movement of the control cams 48 into the translation T of the inner element 41 along the rolling axis X, its rotation about this axis, and the pivoting of the jaw 42 relative to the inner element 41, respectively. The motion transmission members 50 comprise mechanical members, such as for example shafts, hubs, fastening keys, rolling bearings, gears, in particular bevel gears, etc.

[0132] It is understood that the kinematic mechanism 50 shown in fig. 8 is schematic and exemplary, and that the person of skill in the art would certainly be able to provide a kinematic mechanism suitable for the circumstances, based on the spaces available and the design constraints of each specific case. For ease of representation, only one kinematic mechanism 50 is shown in fig. 8 (on the left in the drawing) that controls the movement of the respective forming member 40 (on the left in the drawing); it is however evident that since two forming members 40 are provided, another kinematic mechanism 50 is provided, not shown but completely similar to the one described above, to control the actuation of the other forming member 40 (on the right in the drawing).

[0133] With reference to fig. 9, a variant of the forming member 40 is shown, which in this case does not have the inner element 41. This variant provides that each forming member 40 comprises two jaws 42, both hinged to the end flange 44 in order to pivot between a spaced apart position and an approached position relative to the product to be formed. In this case, the forming member 40 comprises two supports 45, each connected to a respective jaw 42 and hinged to the end flange 44.

[0134] With reference to figs. 10a and 10b, two different operating positions of another embodiment of the forming member 40 are shown. Unlike the embodiments described above with reference to figs. 8 and 9, in which the jaw is hinged and performs a pivoting movement, in this embodiment the jaw 42 moves linearly relative to the inner element 41, for example parallel to a vertical direction.

[0135] The jaw 42 is mounted on a movable element 46 parallel to a vertical axis between a position spaced apart from the inner element 41 (fig. 10a) and a position approached to the inner element 41 (fig. 10b). By way of a non-limiting example, the movable element 46 is sliding on support columns 47 attached to a frame 60, which can be C-shaped.

[0136] In the approached position, the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103 are interposed between the inner element 41 and the jaw 42, so that they are firmly gripped by the forming member 40, as will be described in greater detail below with reference to the operation of the machine 10.

[0137] Once the products 100 have been formed by the forming unit 15, the transfer unit 16, shown in fig. 4, transfers them toward the machine 10 exit. In the example described here, the transfer unit 16 comprises a fourth cylindrical member 55 rotatable about a fourth axis of rotation X4 in the first direction of rotation R1. The fourth cylindrical member 55 comprises a plurality of gripping members 56 to each grasp a rolled product 100 from the drum 30 and bring them toward the machine 10 exit. In the example shown there are provided, specifically, six gripping members 56; it is however clear that a higher or lower number thereof can also be provided. The gripping members 56 are equally spaced apart from each other angularly, and can be shaped as pliers. The opening and closing of the gripping members 56 is controlled by a cam system, of a type known in the art, integrated in the fourth cylindrical member 55.

[0138] The transfer unit 16 also comprises a second conveyor 57, also possibly equipped with seatings (not shown) for the products 100, onto which the gripping members 56 of the fourth cylindrical member 55 deposit the products 100.

[0139] The operation of machine 10 is as follows.

[0140] The first, second and third feed units 11, 12, 13 feed a straw 102, a tobacco sheet 101 and a protective sheet 103, respectively, to the drum 30. Before reaching the drum 30, the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103 have been cut to format by the respective cutting device 25.

[0141] The straw 102 is fed at a first delivery position PCI, the tobacco sheet 101 is fed at a second delivery position PC2, and the protective sheet 103 is fed at a third delivery position PC3.

[0142] In the example given here, based on the relative arrangement between the feed units 11, 12, 13 and the forming unit 15, the drum 30 receives a straw 102 first, then the tobacco sheet 101 and finally the protective sheet 103.

[0143] The straw 102 is received within a respective housing 32, while the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103 are arranged on the support wall 33 of the drum 30.

[0144] The straw 102, the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103 are all held in their respective positions by the first, second and third suction elements 37, 38 and 39, so as to be stably associated with the drum 30, as described above. The retaining member 35, if present, is also brought into the approached position to block the straw 102 within the respective housing 32.

[0145] The rolling zone ZA is provided downstream of the third delivery position PC3, with reference to the second direction of rotation R2, in which the products 100 are formed by rolling the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103 onto the straw 102 by rotating about the rolling axis X.

[0146] The rolling of the products 100 will be explained in detail with reference to the operating sequences shown in figs. 1 la-1 le and 12a-12c, in which the forming member 40 is provided according to the embodiment of figs. 10a- 10b.

[0147] At the beginning of the rolling zone ZA, the components able to form the product 100 are in the arrangement of figs. 5 and 6, in which the forming member 40 is spaced apart from the drum 30 and the jaw 42 is spaced apart from the inner element 41 (figs. 5 and 11a).

[0148] After this, the forming member 40 translates linearly along the rolling axis X so that the inner element 41 penetrates inside the straw 102 arranged in the respective housing 32 (figs. 8 and l ib).

[0149] We must clarify that prior to the insertion of the inner element 41 into the straw 102, the retaining member 35 is brought into the approached position in order to keep the straw 102 locked in place during passage of the inner element 41 between the position of fig. I la and that of fig. 1 lb, preventing any contact with the straw 102 of the forming member 40 that is approaching from bringing the straw into a position other than that intended.

[0150] Furthermore, simultaneously with the translational movement, or immediately after such movement, the jaw 42 approaches the inner element 41 to press the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103 against the straw 102 (figs. 1 lb and l ie). After the approach of the jaw 42, the retaining member 35 can be brought into the spaced apart position, since the straw 102 and the sheets 101 and 103 are firmly retained by the forming member 40.

[0151] The relative arrangement between the jaw 42 and the protective sheet 103 is such that the side 104 protrudes beyond the jaw 42 in such a way that it can be folded back onto the jaw 42, as shown with a dashed line in fig. l ie. This detail prevents the jaw 42 from coming into contact with the tobacco sheet 101 during the subsequent rotation, so as to protect the latter and prevent it from being damaged due to direct contact with the jaw 42.

[0152] In some embodiments, another movement of the forming member 40, indicated by the arrow Z in figs, l ib and l ie, can be provided, which raises the straw 102 slightly so as to move it away from the walls of the respective housing 32 containing it. We must clarify that the extent of the rise in fig. 11c has been significantly emphasized for clarity. This additional movement facilitates the subsequent rotation of the forming member 40 about the rolling axis X, to prevent it from accidentally colliding with the walls of the housing 32 during the rotation.

[0153] Alternatively, this rising movement can be avoided in the event that the recesses 34 are formed in the support wall 33 of the drum 30.

[0154] In this case, the presence of the recess 34 allows to prevent the forming member 40 from accidentally colliding with the walls of the housing 32 during its rotation, even in the absence of the upward rising movement indicated by the arrow Z.

[0155] Preferably, but not necessarily, before the rolling step it is provided to deactivate the suction system S so that the air in depression exiting from the suction elements 37, 38 and 39 ceases its retaining action, so as to facilitate the detachment of the straws 102 and the sheets 101, 103 from the respective housing 32 and from the support wall 33, respectively, and thus facilitate the correct execution of the subsequent rolling step.

[0156] At this point, the forming member 40 completes one or more rotations about the rolling axis X in order to completely roll the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103 around the straw 102 and thereby form the product 100 of fig. 3.

[0157] Subsequently, the forming member 40 is moved away from the drum 30 so that the inner element 41 exits the straw 102, possibly after a lowering opposite to the previous rise, in order to return the straw inside the respective housing 32, as shown in fig. 1 Id. Preferably, during the translational movement along the rolling axis X, which occurs in the opposite direction to the previous approaching movement, the jaw 42 is kept half-closed so as to allow the disengagement of the forming member 40 without the jaw dragging on the protective sheet 103 (fig. 1 le).

[0158] To prevent the disengagement of the forming member 40 from also moving the rolled product 100, before moving the forming member 40 away, the retaining member 35 can return to the approached position in order to hold the rolled product 100 locked in place.

[0159] The operating sequence described above with reference to figs. 1 la-1 Id occurs during the rotation of the drum 30, specifically approximately within the circular sector delimited by dashed lines in fig. 4, which defines the rolling zone ZA.

[0160] This evidently means that the forming member 40 advances integrally with the drum 30, rotating together therewith at least in the rolling zone ZA.

[0161] The forming unit 15 also comprises a stabilizing member 52, in turn comprising a heating element, schematized with a dashed rectangle indicated with reference number 53 in fig. 4, for example configured as an electrical resistance or another suitable equivalent heating member capable of reaching the required temperatures. In some embodiments, in which the protective sheet 103 is made of heat-sealable material, for example polypropylene (PP), the heating element 53 allows to reciprocally heat-seal some portions of the rolled protective sheet 103, so as to stabilize the cylindrical shape given to the product 100.

[0162] The stabilizing member 52 arranged at the rolling zone ZA is configured to stabilize the rolled shape of the tobacco sheet 101 and of the protective sheet 103, once the rolling has ended.

[0163] Once the products 100 reach the end of the rolling zone, the transfer unit 16 (fig. 4) transfers them toward the machine 10 exit. In the example described here, the transfer unit 16 comprises a fourth cylindrical member 55 rotatable about a fourth axis of rotation X4 in the first direction of rotation Rl . The fourth cylindrical member 55 comprises a plurality of gripping members 56 to each grasp a rolled product 100 from the drum 30 and bring them toward the machine 10 exit. In the example shown there are provided, specifically, six gripping members 56; it is however clear that a higher or lower number thereof can also be provided. The gripping members 56 are equally spaced apart from each other angularly, and can be shaped as pliers. The opening and closing of the gripping members 56 is controlled by a cam system, of a type known in the art, integrated in the fourth cylindrical member 55.

[0164] The transfer unit 16 also comprises a second conveyor 57, also possibly equipped with seatings (not shown) for the products 100, on which the gripping members 56 of the fourth cylindrical member 55 deposit the products 100.

[0165] We must clarify that before the gripping member 56 has picked up a respective rolled product 100, the retaining member 35 has been brought into the spaced apart position.

[0166] With reference to figs. 12a-12d, another embodiment of the present invention is described, in which two forming members 40 are provided, both cooperating with the products 100 in a coordinated manner in order to roll them, according to the configuration shown in fig. 8.

[0167] The second forming member 40, additional relative to the single forming member 40 provided in fig. 5 and in the sequence of figs. 1 la-1 le, is arranged on the opposite side of the other forming member with reference to the drum 30.

[0168] In this case, the drum 30 comprises the recesses 34 on both sides (front and rear), as seen in figs. 12a and 12b, so that there is a recess facing each of the two forming members 40.

[0169] In this embodiment, the two forming members 40 move toward the drum 30 in a coordinated manner from opposite sides, with a substantially linear translational movement along the rolling axis X, until the inner elements 41 are arranged inside the straw 102. Subsequently, it is provided to approach the jaws 42 to the respective inner element 41 (figs. 12b and 12c), make the forming members 40 rotate about the rolling axis X in order to form the products 100 by rolling (fig. 12c), and finally move the forming members 40 away from the drum 30 so as to disengage them from the rolled products 100 (fig. 12d).

[0170] Preferably, this embodiment does not provide the slight upward rising movement of the straw 102 relative to the housing 32. In this case, accidental collisions between the forming members 40 and the drum 30 are prevented thanks to the presence of the recesses 34.

[0171] Also in this case, it is provided to bring the retaining member 35 into the approached position at least during the approaching and spacing apart movement of the forming members 40, so as to avoid accidentally displacing the straw 102 and the product 100 from the intended position.

[0172] With reference to the embodiment described above, we must clarify that by the term “cylindrical member” or “drum” we mean a mechanical member, even complex and possibly comprising many parts and elements, which as a whole has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0173] Each cylindrical member / drum is driven in rotation by a respective drive member, of a known type or one that will be developed in the future, for example a brushless or stepper type electric motor, not shown in the drawings, which is also controlled by the central control unit. The latter controls the operation of all the drive members in a coordinated manner to guarantee that the various operating units can interact correctly with each other to produce the products 100. Finally, we must clarify that all the axes of rotation XI, X2, X3, X4 of the cylindrical members / drums 21, 28, 30, 55, as well as the rolling axis X, are all substantially parallel to each other. As can be seen in fig. 4, it is evident that the arrangement of the cylindrical members / drums 21, 28, 30 and 55 on the support structure 18 is such as to guarantee a relationship of tangency between the different members, so that the components intended to form the products 100, that is, the straws 102, the sheets 101 and 103, and the products themselves, can be easily transferred from one cylindrical member to another, according to the description as above.

[0174] Furthermore, although the suction system S has been described only with reference to the drum 30, it is evident that also the other cylindrical members 21, 28 and 55, as well as the components of the cutting devices 25, can provide similar suction systems to retain the straws 102 and / or the sheets 101 and 103 and / or the products 100 against them, during their respective advance.

[0175] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts or steps may be made to the machine and method as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

[0176] For example, the retaining member 35 can be fixed in position relative to the drum 30. In this case, the retaining member 35 can be installed in proximity to the end of the rolling zone ZA, for example adjacent to the stabilizing member 52. According to this variant, the retaining member 35 is placed in a position such as to constrain the rolled product 100 in transit in position, exactly at the point where the forming members 40 move away from the rolled product 100. According to this embodiment, there is therefore provided a single retaining member 35 mounted on the pivoting support 36 attached to the drum 30, but it is not necessary to provide a plurality of retaining members, and corresponding supports, in a number equal to that of the housings 32.

[0177] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of machines and methods, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0178] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Machine (10) for producing smoking products (100), said machine comprising at least a feed unit (11, 12, 13) for feeding a tubular element (102) extending along a longitudinal axis, a smokable product sheet (101) and a protective sheet (103), respectively, and a forming unit (15), wherein the forming unit (15) comprises a transport member (30) configured to receive said tubular element (102), said smokable product sheet (101) and said protective sheet (103), superimposed one upon the other, from said at least one feed unit (11, 12, 13), characterized in that said forming unit (15) comprises at least one forming member (40) provided with clamping means (41 , 42) configured to be moved between an engagement position closer to the transport member (30), wherein said tubular element (102), the smokable product sheet (101) and the protective sheet (103) are clamped together, and a disengagement position farther from the transport member (30), wherein said tubular element (102), the smokable product sheet (101) and the protective sheet (103) are released, and in that said forming member (40), when in said engagement position, is also configured to rotate about a rolling axis (X) which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of said tubular element (102) to form a rolled smoking product (100), by rolling said smokable product sheet (101) and said protective sheet (103) around said tubular element (102).

2. Machine (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said forming member (40) is movable along a substantially linear movement (T) over said rolling axis (X).

3. Machine (10) as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said clamping means (41, 42) comprise an inner element (41) configured to be inserted inside said tubular element (102) in said engagement position, and an outer element (42) configured to selectively contact said protective sheet (103) in said engagement position, wherein at least one of either said inner element (41) or said outer element (42), or both is / are movable between a spaced apart position wherein said inner element (41) is inserted within said tubular element (102) and the outer element (42) does not engage with the smokable product sheet (101) and the protective sheet (103), and a clamping position, wherein said outer element (42) cooperates with the inner element (41) placed inside the tubular element (102) to clamp the smokable product sheet (101) and the protective sheet (103) against said tubular element (102).

4. Machine (10) as in claim 3, characterized in that said outer element (42) is hinged to a support to pivot between the spaced apart position and the clamping position.

5. Machine as in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said forming member (40) comprises a kinematic mechanism provided with a cam system comprising a plurality of control cams (48), each movable within respective cam follower tracks (49), and motion transmission members (50) for transferring the movement of said control cams (48) to said clamping means (41, 42).

6. Machine as in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transport member (30) is shaped as a drum rotatable about an axis of rotation (X3).

7. Machine as in claim 6, characterized in that said transport member (30) comprises a cylindrical support wall (33) provided with a plurality of housings (32), each housing (32) being configured for receiving a respective tubular element (102) with the longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation (X3), wherein said support wall (33) is configured to receive said smokable product sheet (101) and said protective sheet (103) resting thereon.

8. Machine as in claim 7, characterized in that said support wall (33) comprises a plurality of recesses (34), each formed at a respective housing (32) to allow said forming member (40) to rotate about said rolling axis (X) without colliding against said transport member (30) even in the engagement position.

9. Machine as in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said transport member (30) comprises a plurality of suction elements (37, 38, 39) configured to retain by suction said tubular element (102) within a respective housing (32) and / or the smokable product sheet (101) and the protective sheet (103) against said support wall (33).

10. Machine as in any of the preceding claims 6 - 9, characterized in that said forming unit (15) comprises a plurality of retaining members (35), each interacting with a respective tubular element (102) and hinged to said transport member (30) to pivot between a spaced apart position, in which said tubular element (102) is not engaged, and an approached position, in which the respective tubular element (102) is contacted to be kept in place.

11. Machine as in any of preceding claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said forming unit (15) comprises at least one retaining member (35) for exerting apressure on the rolled product (100) and holding it in place during the movement of said forming member (40) from the engagement position to the disengagement position at the end of the rolling process.

12. Machine as in any of the preceding claims 6 - 10, characterized by comprising a plurality of forming members (40) distributed to define a first set of forming members (40) arranged on one side of said transport member (30) and / or a second set of forming members (40) arranged on the other side, opposite to the previous one, of said transport member (30) with respect to its axis of rotation (X3), wherein, if both said sets of forming members (40) are provided, each forming member (40) of the first set is aligned along the same rolling axis (X) with a respective forming member (40) of the second set to define a pair of forming members (40) for clamping said tubular element (102), said smokable product sheet (101) and said protective sheet (103) from opposite sides, so as to cooperate together during the rolling.

13. Machine as in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said forming unit (15) comprises a stabilizing member (52) configured to secure, preferably by heat-sealing, said protective sheet (103) so as to keep a cylindrical shape of said smoking product (100).

14. Method for producing smoking products (100) comprising the step of feeding a tubular element (102) extending along a longitudinal axis, a smokable product sheet (101) and a protective sheet (103) to a transport member (30) of a forming unit (15) superimposing one upon the other the tubular element (102), the smokable product sheet (101) and the protective sheet (103), said method being characterized by comprising in succession the further steps of:- approaching a forming member (40) of said forming unit (15) to said transport member (30),- clamping said tubular element (102), said smokable product sheet (101) and said protective sheet (103) by means of clamping means (41, 42),- rolling said smokable product sheet (101) and said protective sheet (103) around said tubular element (102) to form a rolled smoking product (100), by rotating said forming member (40) about a rolling axis (X) which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element (102),- disengaging said clamping means (41, 42) from said tubular element (102), saidsmokable product sheet (101) and said protective sheet (103) and moving said forming member (40) away from said transport member (30) to release said rolled product (100).

15. Method as in claim 14, characterized in that the step of approaching and the step of moving away the forming member (40) from the transport member (30) comprise moving the transport member (30) along a substantially linear movement over the rolling axis (X).

16. Method as in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that after the clamping step and before the rolling step, it further comprises a step of total or partial deactivation of a suction system (S) configured to retain by suction said tubular element (102) and / or said smokable product sheet (101) and said protective sheet (103) against said transport member (30).

17. Method as in any claims from 14 to 16, characterized in that before the rolling step, possibly simultaneously with the approaching step, it further comprises a step of raising said tubular element (102) relative to said transport member (30).

18. Method as in any of the preceding claims 14 to 17, characterized in that during and / or after the rolling step, it further comprises a step of heating the protective sheet (103) to stabilize the rolled product (100) by means of a heating element (53) comprised in a stabilizing member (52) of the forming unit (15).

19. Method as in any of the preceding claims 14 to 18, characterized in that said transport member (30) is shaped as a drum rotatable about an axis of rotation (X3), and in that during the rolling step, the transport member (30) rotates about its axis of rotation (X3).

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