Patent Description:
The term "smoking products" refers to bar-shaped articles of the tobacco industry such as, for example, pieces of tobacco, pieces of filtering material, cigarettes, heat-not-burn articles.

The present invention finds an advantageous application for a system for conveying cigarettes from a packaging machine to a packing machine, to which part of the following disclosure makes explicit reference without thereby losing its generality.

In the field of the smoking products manufacturing industry, plants are known comprising a first conveying system for feeding articles to a first machine, which treats them so as to obtain treated articles, and for conveying the treated articles to a second machine.

During operation, the operating speeds of the two machines can be variable in the absolute sense and one relative to the other. To compensate for the temporary variations in productivity of the two machines, a variable capacity store can be provided both between the two machines and upstream of the two machines.

However, the variable capacity stores currently on the market are relatively complex, expensive, and bulky.

For example, a non-limiting reference can be made to a conventional cigarette production plant comprising a making machine (maker) that produces individual cigarettes, a packing machine that produces packs of cigarettes, and a transport assembly that feeds the making machine and connects the making machine to the packing machine for feeding a continuous flow of cigarettes from an output of the making machine to an input of the packing machine.

Generally, the transport assembly comprises an elevator that receives the continuous flow of cigarettes from an output of the making machine and vertically lifts the continuous flow of cigarettes, a horizontal conveyor which is arranged at a relatively high elevation (generally over two and a half meters) so as not to interfere with the underlying passage of people and receives the continuous flow of cigarettes from the elevator, and a descent channel which is arranged at the end of the horizontal conveyor and feeds the continuous flow of cigarettes to an input of the packing machine (in particular at an input of a hopper of the packing machine).

To compensate for the temporary differences in productivity of the two machines, a variable capacity cigarette store can be coupled to the horizontal conveyor which stores (absorbs) a given quantity of cigarettes when the making machine is more productive than the packing machine (i.e. when the packaging machine produces a greater quantity of cigarettes than a quantity of cigarettes packed by the packing machine) and releases a given quantity of cigarettes when the packaging machine is less productive than the packing machine (i.e. when the making machine produces a smaller quantity of cigarettes compared to a quantity of cigarettes packed by the packing machine).

However, as already mentioned, the variable capacity stores for cigarettes currently on the market are relatively complex, expensive, and bulky.

<CIT> discloses a reservoir system for rod-like articles, such as cigarettes, comprising a delivery device, a receiving device, and a conveyor for conveying a multi-layer stream of articles from the delivery device towards the receiving device, the conveyor including a junction at which articles may be received from or delivered to a variable capacity reservoir. The conveyor includes a variable length portion between the delivery device and the junction. The variable length portion comprises a first-in first-out relatively small capacity buffer reservoir.

<CIT> discloses a conveyor system for rod-like articles in multi-layer stack formation, comprising: a plurality of delivery devices; a plurality of receiving devices; first conveyor means, that includes a junction to which articles from at least two delivery devices are delivered in different directions; second conveyor means including a junction from which articles are delivered to at least two receiving devices; and transfer conveyor means linking said junctions.

<CIT> discloses an accumulator used for articles that are arranged flat, or may be arranged on their edges. It uses two conveyors positioned parallel to each other. A mobile trolley is positioned on each conveyor and these two trolleys are connected by a curved conveyor that forms an angle of about <NUM> degrees. The two trolleys and curved conveyor form an assembly that can be moved along an axis.

The object of the present invention is to provide a transport assembly and a plant, which allow to overcome, at least partially, the drawbacks of the prior art and are, at the same time, easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

In accordance with the present invention, a transport assembly and a plant are provided according to what is claimed in the following independent claims and, preferably, in any one of the claims depending directly or indirectly on the aforementioned independent claims.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting example of embodiment, wherein:.

In <FIG> denotes as a whole a transport assembly of the smoking products manufacturing industry.

The transport assembly <NUM> comprises: a conveying system <NUM> for feeding (in bulk) articles <NUM> (in particular, substantially cylindrical) of the smoking products manufacturing industry along a conveying path P1 to an input station <NUM> of a (processing) machine <NUM>; and a conveying system <NUM> for conveying (in bulk) articles <NUM> (in particular, substantially cylindrical) of the smoking products manufacturing industry along a conveying path P2 from an output station <NUM> of the machine <NUM> (in particular, to an input station <NUM> of a further - processing - machine <NUM>).

The conveying system <NUM> is configured to change the length of a (variable length) stretch <NUM> of the conveying path P1. The conveying system <NUM> is configured to change the length of a (variable length) stretch <NUM> of the conveying path P2. The stretches <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged (at least partially) facing one another.

With the transport assembly <NUM> according to the present invention it is possible to reduce the overall dimension of the variable capacity storage systems.

In this regard, it should be noted that the conveying system <NUM> (more precisely, the stretch <NUM>) and the conveying system <NUM> (more precisely, the stretch <NUM>) act as variable capacity stores, in particular of the FIFO ("first in, first out") type and that their particular relative positioning allows to make better use of the available space. In fact, the conveying systems <NUM>, <NUM> are mutually arranged so that the portions <NUM>, <NUM> face one another (in particular, they at least partially overlap one another and/or are side by side).

It is intended that stretches <NUM> and <NUM> are (at least partially) facing (one another), when the longitudinal extension of the stretch <NUM> is (at least partially) facing the longitudinal extension of the stretch <NUM>.

In particular, the stretches <NUM> and <NUM> (at least partially) overlap one another and/or are side by side. In other words, at least part of the longitudinal extension of the stretch <NUM> and at least part of the longitudinal extension of the stretch <NUM> (at least partially) overlap one another and/or are side by side.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the stretches <NUM> and <NUM> each comprise at least a respective part (more particularly at least two parts) substantially linear. In particular, the substantially linear part of the stretch <NUM> is substantially parallel to the substantially linear part of the stretch <NUM>. In addition, or alternatively, the substantially linear part of the stretch <NUM> and the substantially linear part of the stretch <NUM> (at least partially) overlap one another and/or are side by side.

Typically, the transport assembly <NUM> is part of a plant <NUM> of the smoke product manufacturing industry which comprises (in addition to the transport assembly <NUM>) also the machine <NUM> (and, in particular, the machine <NUM>).

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the articles <NUM> are pieces of the smoking products to be made. In these cases, the machine <NUM> can be a machine for assembling said pieces, for example by combining them together and wrapping them in a wrapping sheet, and obtaining the articles <NUM> (smoking products - cigarettes - multi-components). According to a non-limiting example, the machine <NUM> can be like the one described in the patent application <CIT> of the same applicant.

According to alternative embodiments, the machine <NUM> is configured only to orient part or all of the articles <NUM> in a different way. In these cases, the articles <NUM> and <NUM> are substantially the same.

In some non-limiting cases, the machine <NUM> is a packing machine, i.e. a machine that receives the articles <NUM> and packs them so as to obtain packets of articles <NUM>. According to some alternative embodiments, the machine <NUM> is configured to further treat the articles <NUM> for example by combining them with further components (for example filters or other components).

According to the illustrated embodiment (<FIG>), the conveying system <NUM> (in particular, the stretch <NUM>) and the conveying system <NUM> (in particular, the stretch <NUM>) are arranged in a higher position relative to (above) the machine <NUM> (and, in particular, also to the machine <NUM>). Advantageously, the conveying systems <NUM>, <NUM> do not occupy any space on the ground further than that occupied by the machines <NUM>, <NUM>; in this way, the overall dimension of the system is limited due to the advantage of having conveying systems dedicated to two articles of different types.

It is understood that, according to non-illustrated embodiments, the conveying systems <NUM>, <NUM> could be arranged on the ground and/or side by side to the machines <NUM>, <NUM>.

Advantageously but not necessarily, and according to the illustrated embodiments, the conveying system <NUM> and/or the conveying system <NUM> comprise/s (each) at least one respective conveying assembly <NUM>, which is configured to convey the articles <NUM> and/or, the articles <NUM>, respectively, along at least a (variable length) portion of the stretch <NUM> and of the stretch <NUM>, respectively.

Alternatively, according to non-illustrated embodiments, the conveying system <NUM> can comprise a conveying assembly <NUM>, but the conveying system <NUM> cannot comprise a conveying assembly having the structure of the conveying assembly <NUM>. Conversely, in some cases, the conveying system <NUM> can comprise a conveying assembly <NUM>, but the conveying system <NUM> cannot comprise a conveying assembly having the structure of the conveying assembly <NUM>.

With reference to the Figures, the conveying system <NUM> and the conveying system <NUM> each comprise at least one respective conveying assembly <NUM>. In these cases, the conveying assemblies <NUM> of the conveying systems <NUM> and <NUM> can be the same or different (however they are distinct entities).

In addition, the conveying system <NUM> and/or the conveying system <NUM> can comprise (each) at least one respective conveying assembly CG and/or <NUM>' (in particular, located downstream of the conveying assembly <NUM>). The conveying assembly <NUM> is designed to move the articles <NUM> or the articles <NUM> (the articles <NUM> and/or the articles <NUM>, respectively) in a first direction A or B, respectively. The conveying assembly CG and/or <NUM> is designed to move the articles <NUM> or the articles <NUM> (the articles <NUM> and/or the articles <NUM>, respectively) along a further portion of the stretch <NUM> and of the stretch <NUM>, respectively, in a second direction B or A, respectively, which is substantially opposite the first direction A or B.

As illustrated in Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, according to some embodiments, the conveying systems <NUM> and <NUM> comprise a respective conveying assembly <NUM> and an additional conveying assembly CG (the latter formed by only a linear conveyor). In such a case, the relative conveying paths P1, P2 are "C"-shaped.

Alternatively, <FIG> illustrates an embodiment, in which the conveying system <NUM> comprises the conveying assembly <NUM> and the conveying assembly CG whereas the conveying system <NUM> comprises the conveying assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>' and the conveying assembly CG. In such a case, the conveying path P1 is "C"-shaped whereas the conveying path P2 is "S"-shaped.

According to the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the conveying assembly <NUM> of the conveying system <NUM> moves the articles <NUM> in the direction A; the conveying assembly CG of the conveying system <NUM> moves the articles <NUM> in the direction B; the conveying assembly <NUM> of the conveying system <NUM> moves the articles <NUM> in the direction B; the conveying assembly CG or <NUM>' of the conveying system <NUM> moves the articles <NUM> in the direction A.

According to alternative and not illustrated embodiments, both the conveying assemblies <NUM> of the conveying system <NUM> and the conveying system <NUM> move the articles in the direction A; similarly, both the conveying assemblies CG and/or <NUM>' of the conveying system <NUM> and of the conveying system <NUM> move the articles in the direction B.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the conveying assemblies <NUM>, CG and/or <NUM>' are arranged one under the other. More precisely, the conveying assembly CG is arranged under the conveying assembly <NUM> (and also possibly the conveying assembly <NUM>').

In particular, the (each) conveying assembly CG comprises (is formed by) a (single) linear conveyor LC.

In particular, the (each) conveying assembly <NUM>' has a structure (and operation) like that (those) of the conveying assembly <NUM> (said structure will be described in detail in the following). In general, the (each) conveying assembly <NUM>' comprises a respective conveyor <NUM> and a respective conveyor <NUM>. Advantageously but not necessarily, the moving assembly <NUM> (described in more detail in the following) is (at least partially) shared by the (by each) conveying assembly <NUM> and by the (by each) conveying assembly <NUM>'.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the stretches <NUM> and <NUM> (in particular, the conveying assemblies <NUM> and possibly <NUM>' and/or CG) are arranged (at least partially) so as to extend (at least partially) within the lateral dimensions of the machine <NUM>. In this way, the impact (in terms of occupied space) of the transport assembly <NUM> is even less.

In the following a description is provided of some non-limiting embodiments of the structure and operation of the conveying system <NUM> and of the related transport assembly <NUM>. Said description is to be considered applicable mutatis mutandis also to the conveying system <NUM> and to the relative conveying assembly <NUM> regardless of the specific structure and operation of the conveying system <NUM>.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the (each) conveying assembly <NUM> comprises: a conveyor <NUM> (linear), at least one conveyor <NUM> (linear) and at least one moving assembly <NUM> to move at least one between the conveyor <NUM> and the conveyor <NUM> relative to one another between a first conformation (for example illustrated in <FIG>), wherein the conveyor <NUM> and the conveyor <NUM> at least partially overlap one another, and a second conformation (for example illustrated in <FIG>), wherein the conveyor <NUM> has an active portion <NUM>, which is offset from the conveyor <NUM>, passing through at least one intermediate conformation (for example illustrated in <FIG>), wherein the conveyor <NUM> and the conveyor <NUM> partially overlap one another and the conveyor <NUM> has an active portion <NUM>, which is offset from to the conveyor <NUM> and is shorter than the active portion <NUM>.

In particular, the conveyor <NUM> has an end <NUM> arranged along the aforementioned portion (with variable length - of the stretch <NUM> of the path P1). The active portion <NUM> and the active portion <NUM> extend from the end <NUM> beyond the conveyor <NUM> (in particular, along the stretch <NUM>; more precisely, along the respective variable-length portion).

In the first conformation (that is, when the conveyors <NUM> and <NUM> are in the first conformation), the aforementioned portion (with variable length - of the stretch <NUM>) has a first length; in the second conformation (that is, when the conveyors <NUM> and <NUM> are in the second conformation), the (variable length) portion extends along at least the (part of the) conveyor <NUM> and the (at least part of the) active portion <NUM> and has a second length, which is greater than the first length; in the intermediate conformation (that is, when the conveyors <NUM> and <NUM> are in the intermediate conformation), the portion (with variable length - of the stretch <NUM>) extends along the (at least part of the) conveyor <NUM> and the (at least part of the) active portion <NUM> and has a third length, which is greater than the first length and smaller than the second length.

In particular, in use, the conveyor <NUM> moves the articles <NUM> along a first part of the aforementioned portion (with variable length - of the stretch <NUM> of the path P1) until the end <NUM>. At this point, the articles <NUM> are transferred to the conveyor <NUM> (more precisely, the active portion <NUM> or <NUM> of the conveyor <NUM>), which moves the articles <NUM> along a second part of the aforementioned (variable length) portion and, advantageously but not necessarily, transfers them, in turn, downstream, in particular to a second conveying assembly CG or to a further conveying assembly <NUM>' (equal to or different from the conveying assembly <NUM>) of the conveying system <NUM>.

It should be noted that even while the articles <NUM> are moved along the (variable length) portion of the stretch <NUM> (of the path P1), the moving assembly <NUM> can move (more precisely, translate) the conveyors <NUM> and <NUM> one relative to the other (more precisely, the conveyor <NUM> relative to the conveyor <NUM>). In this way, the length of the active portion of the conveyor <NUM> and therefore of the (variable length) portion of the stretch <NUM> (thus modifying the storage capacity defined by the conveying system <NUM>) can be varied even while the articles <NUM> are moved along the (variable length) portion of the stretch <NUM>.

According to some non-limiting embodiments (as shown for example in the attached Figures), also in the first conformation (<FIG>) the conveyor <NUM> has an active portion <NUM> offset from the conveyor <NUM> (more precisely, which extends from the end <NUM> beyond the conveyor <NUM>, in particular along the stretch <NUM>). In addition, or alternatively, also in the second conformation (<FIG>) the conveyor <NUM> and the conveyor <NUM> partially overlap one another.

It should be noted that the conveying system <NUM> has a decidedly reduced overall dimensions (in particular, front and vertical).

Advantageously but not necessarily, the (each) conveyor <NUM> is mounted in a substantially fixed manner (for example, on a frame F) and the moving assembly <NUM> is configured to move the (each) conveyor <NUM> relative to the respective conveyor <NUM>.

In this way, it is possible to maintain the lateral dimensions of the conveying system <NUM> contained. In this regard, it should be noted that when both the conveyors <NUM> and <NUM> are mobile, to obtain the same maximum capacity as the conveying system <NUM> it is necessary to increase the width of the store <NUM> itself (so as to give sufficient movement space to the conveyors <NUM>).

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the (each) conveyor <NUM> is arranged above the respective conveyor <NUM>. This allows to obtain a simpler and more efficient operation of the conveying system <NUM>.

The conveying system <NUM> is configured to convey the articles <NUM> from a first end of the stretch <NUM> to a second end of the stretch <NUM>, which second end is arranged in a lower position than the first end. In other words, the conveying system <NUM> is designed to convey the articles <NUM> along the (at least part of the) stretch <NUM> from top to bottom. In this way, it facilitates (among other things) the passage of the articles <NUM> from the conveyor <NUM> to the conveyor <NUM> (by using gravity) and/or between successive conveying assemblies <NUM> and/or CG and/or <NUM>'.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the transport assembly <NUM> (more precisely, the conveying system <NUM>) also comprises at least one control unit <NUM> (schematically illustrated) designed to (configured to) regulate the speed of (of each) conveyor <NUM>, of (of each) conveyor <NUM> and of (of each) moving assembly <NUM> in a coordinated manner so as to maintain the height of the mass of articles <NUM> substantially constant (in particular, along the path P1; more particularly, along the stretch <NUM>).

More precisely, the (each) conveyor <NUM> and the (each) conveyor <NUM> comprise at least one respective drive motor (of a type known per se and not illustrated) separate from the other drive motors; the (each) moving assembly <NUM> is provided with at least one movement motor (per se known and not illustrated) separate from the drive motors. Even more precisely, the control unit <NUM> is designed to regulate the speed of each drive motor and of the movement motor in a coordinated manner so as to maintain the height of the mass of articles <NUM> substantially constant (both over time and along the stretch <NUM>).

In particular, the control unit <NUM> is designed to (configured to) regulate the operation of the conveyors <NUM> and <NUM> (more precisely, of their drive motors) and of the moving assembly <NUM> (in particular, of its movement motor) so as to vary the (containment) capacity of the conveying system <NUM> (and the quantity of articles <NUM> moved through the ends of the stretch <NUM>) according to the needs of the machine <NUM> arranged downstream of the conveying system <NUM> (and possibly the output of an additional machine or device - e.g. a hopper - arranged upstream of the conveying system <NUM>). For example, when the output of the machine and/or device arranged upstream of the conveying system <NUM> is greater than the needs of the machine <NUM> arranged downstream of the conveying system <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> can adjust the speeds of the conveyors <NUM> and <NUM> consequently (so as to have a higher speed at the first end of the stretch <NUM> and a lower speed at the second end - closer to the machine <NUM> - of the stretch <NUM>) and actuate the moving assembly <NUM> so as to increase the (containment) capacity of the conveying system <NUM> (by lengthening the active portion of at least one conveyor <NUM>; more precisely, by lengthening the active portion of each conveyor <NUM>).

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the moving assembly <NUM> is designed to move each conveyor <NUM> independently of the other conveyors <NUM> (of the conveying system <NUM>). In these cases, the moving assembly <NUM> comprises a plurality of movement motors each of which is designed to translate a respective conveyor <NUM>. Advantageously but not necessarily (as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>), the moving assembly <NUM> moves a plurality of (all the) conveyors <NUM> (of the conveying system <NUM>) together. In these cases, in particular, the moving assembly <NUM> has a single movement motor.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the conveyor <NUM> is designed to move the articles <NUM> at a first speed V1; the moving assembly <NUM> is designed to move the conveyor <NUM> at a second speed V2; and the conveyor <NUM> is designed to move the articles <NUM> at a third speed V3. The control unit <NUM> is designed to (configured to) control the operation of the conveyor <NUM> so as to adjust the third speed V3 as a function of the difference between the first speed V1 and the second speed V2, in particular so that the third speed V3 is substantially equal to the difference between the first speed V1 and the second speed V2 (V3 = V1-V2).

Note that in the present text, with difference and/or sum speed is meant a difference and/or a vector sum of speeds (in other words, speeds are considered vectors and their positioning - direction and orientation - becomes relevant).

Advantageously but not necessarily, the (each) conveyor <NUM> (of a first conveying assembly <NUM> or of a first series of conveying assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>') is a substantially linear conveyor and is designed to move the articles <NUM> in the direction A; the (each) conveyor <NUM> (of a first conveying assembly <NUM> or of a first series of conveying assemblies <NUM>) is a substantially linear conveyor designed to move the articles <NUM> in the direction A.

The active portion (<NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM>) of the conveyor <NUM> extends from the end <NUM> in the direction A. In particular, the moving assembly <NUM> is configured to move (translate) the (each) conveyor <NUM> in the direction A; more specifically, the moving assembly <NUM> is also configured to move (translate) the conveyor <NUM> in a direction B (equal and) opposite to the direction A. In other words, the moving assembly <NUM> is also configured to move (translate) forward and backward the conveyor <NUM> in the direction A.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the (each) conveyor <NUM> of the first conveying assembly <NUM> (or of a first series of conveying assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>') is arranged offset (and, in particular, fixed) from the conveyor <NUM> (which is also fixed mounted) of the further conveying assembly <NUM>' (or of a second series of conveying assemblies <NUM>').

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the conveyor <NUM> of the conveying assembly <NUM> is designed to move the articles <NUM> at a first speed V1; the moving assembly <NUM> is designed to move the conveyor <NUM> of the conveying assembly <NUM> at a second speed V2; the conveyor <NUM> of the conveying assembly <NUM> is designed to move the articles <NUM> at a third speed V3; the conveyor <NUM> of the conveying assembly <NUM>' is designed to move the articles <NUM> at a fourth speed V4; the moving assembly <NUM> is designed to move the conveyor <NUM> of the conveying assembly <NUM>' at a fifth speed V5; the conveyor <NUM> of the conveying assembly <NUM>' is designed to move the articles at a sixth speed V6.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the control unit <NUM> is designed to (configured to) control the operation of the conveying assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>'. The second and fifth speeds V2 and V5 are substantially equal in absolute value (|V2| = |V5|). In particular, the second and fifth speeds V2 and V5 are opposite to one another.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the control unit <NUM> is designed to (configured to) control the operation of the conveyor <NUM> of the conveying assembly <NUM>' so as to adjust the fourth speed V4 as a function of the sum of the third speed V3 and two times the second speed V2. In particular, the absolute value of the fourth speed V4 is substantially equal to the absolute value of the sum of the speed V3 and twice the second speed (|V4| = |V3 + <NUM> × V2|). More specifically, the third speed V3 is opposite to the fourth speed V4.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the conveying system <NUM> comprises at least one guide device <NUM> (in the embodiment of <FIG>, the guide devices <NUM> are two), each of which is designed to allow the passage of the articles <NUM> between two successive conveying assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>' and/or CG (each guide device <NUM> is arranged between two successive conveying assemblies) and deflects the articles <NUM> so as to define a bend of the stretch <NUM> (of the path P1). In particular, each guide device <NUM> comprises a curved guide <NUM> (more precisely, rigid) externally delimiting the aforementioned bend and, more particularly, a curved guide <NUM> (more precisely, rigid) internally delimiting said bend. Even more particularly, the bend of the path is of approximately <NUM>°.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the curved guide <NUM> comprises a first stretch (arranged in the area of the entrance of the aforementioned bend) designed to correct the speed of the articles <NUM> so that no voids are formed within the mass of articles <NUM>. In particular, the aforementioned first stretch of the curved guide <NUM> is provided with a vane designed (shaped so as to push the articles <NUM> in order to) to fill any voids (or holes) of the mass of articles <NUM> (and therefore compact the mass itself).

Advantageously but not necessarily, a system for adjusting the conveying speeds (upstream and/or downstream of the aforementioned bend) is also provided, so as to guarantee a homogeneous conveying flow (i.e. a homogeneous mass of articles <NUM>).

Advantageously but not necessarily, each guide device <NUM> is integral with a respective conveyor <NUM> and, in particular, is arranged in the area of one end of said respective conveyor <NUM>.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the (each) moving assembly <NUM> comprises a rigid element <NUM>, in particular a bar, to which at least one conveyor <NUM> of the conveying assembly <NUM> is connected in an integral manner (in some cases, a plurality of conveyors <NUM>).

In some non-limiting cases (as illustrated for example in <FIG>, regarding the conveying system <NUM>), the moving assembly <NUM> also comprises at least one rigid element <NUM>, in particular a bar, to which at least one further conveyor <NUM> of the conveying assembly <NUM>' (in some cases, a plurality of further conveyors <NUM>) is connected; and an actuator for moving the rigid elements <NUM> and <NUM>, in particular in the direction A and, respectively, in the direction B and vice versa, in particular so as to lengthen and/or shorten (simultaneously) the active portion of the conveyor <NUM> of the conveying assembly <NUM> and/or of the further conveyor <NUM> of the conveying assembly <NUM>'.

More precisely, the moving assembly <NUM> (in particular, the aforementioned actuator) comprises a conveyor <NUM> (in particular, linear) having at least two pulleys <NUM> and a belt element <NUM> partially wrapped around the two pulleys <NUM> so as to have a first and a second branch <NUM> and <NUM> arranged on opposite sides of the pulleys <NUM>. The rigid element <NUM> is connected to the branch <NUM>. In particular, the possible rigid element <NUM> is connected to the branch <NUM>. At least one of the pulleys <NUM> is connected to a movement motor designed to create a rotation motion to said pulley <NUM>.

In particular, the belt element <NUM> comprises (is) a belt, a belt-like element and/or a chain (and/or a similar element).

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the conveyors <NUM> and <NUM> are belt conveyors and, in particular, each comprise a respective belt, a respective belt-like element and/or a respective chain (and/or a similar element).

Advantageously but not necessarily, the conveyor <NUM> has a conveying portion <NUM> and an unloading portion <NUM> arranged between the conveying portion <NUM> and the end <NUM>. The stretch <NUM> extends along the conveying portion <NUM>, along the unloading portion <NUM> and beyond the end <NUM>; the unloading portion <NUM> has an inclination ranging from <NUM>° to <NUM>° relative to the conveying portion <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, the end <NUM> has a thickness ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>. In particular, the conveying portion <NUM> has a thickness ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>.

As already indicated, the above description of the structure and functioning of the conveying system <NUM> and of the relative conveying assembly <NUM> is to be considered applicable mutatis mutandis also to the conveying system <NUM> and to the relative conveying assembly <NUM> regardless of the. specific structure and functioning of the conveying system <NUM>. In this context, for example, where there is a reference to the articles <NUM>, the articles <NUM> must be considered, and where there is a reference to the stretch <NUM> (of path P1), the stretch <NUM> (of path P2) must be considered.

By specifying that what described is also applicable to the conveying system <NUM> and to the relative conveying assembly <NUM> independently from the specific structure and operation of the conveying system <NUM>, it is understood that the conveying system <NUM> can present a part of (or all) the characteristics, among those described, different from the characteristics of the conveying system <NUM>.

In any case, according to some advantageous embodiments, the conveying system <NUM> and the conveying system <NUM> have the same characteristics (among those described above); in other words, they are defined in the same way.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the control unit <NUM> is designed (configured to) control both the conveying system <NUM> and the conveying system <NUM>. In particular, the control unit <NUM> is configured to change the length of the stretches <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective conveying paths P1, P2.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the control unit <NUM> is designed (configured to) control the conveying systems <NUM> and <NUM> (more precisely, the respective conveying assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>' and/or CG; still more precisely, the respective moving assemblies <NUM> and conveyors <NUM> and <NUM>) independently of one another. In this way, for example, it is possible to increase the length of the stretch <NUM> (more precisely of its variable-length portion - thus increasing the storage capacity of the conveying system <NUM>) and simultaneously reduce the length of the stretch <NUM> (more precisely of its variable length portion - thus reducing the storage capacity of the conveying system <NUM>) and vice versa.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the store <NUM> also comprises the frame F (on which the conveying system <NUM>, more precisely its conveying assemblies <NUM> and CG, and the conveying system <NUM>, more precisely its conveying assemblies <NUM> and CG, are mounted). Advantageously but not necessarily, the frame F comprises supports (in particular, legs - known and not illustrated) to maintain the conveying system <NUM> (and the conveying system <NUM>) at a given distance from the ground. In this way (also thanks to the compactness of the conveying system <NUM> and of the conveying system <NUM>), it is possible to have an output end of the stretch <NUM> lifted from the ground to a desired height compatible with the input station <NUM> of the machine <NUM> arranged downstream of the conveying system <NUM>. Furthermore, in this way, it is possible to maintain the conveying systems <NUM> and <NUM> at a height that does not prevent the use of the space below (for example, in order to allow easy passage of the operators).

With particular reference to Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, according to some embodiments, which are not in accordance with the invention, a plant <NUM> of the smoking article manufacturing industry which comprises a (processing) machine <NUM> is described in the following, which is substantially identical to the plant <NUM> and differs from it exclusively in that only one between the conveying system <NUM> and the conveying system <NUM> has at least one stretch arranged in higher position relative to (in particular, above) the machine <NUM>.

More precisely, the plant <NUM> comprises a machine <NUM> (of the processing type; in particular, as defined above in relation to <FIG>); the conveying system <NUM> for feeding (in bulk) articles <NUM> (in particular, substantially cylindrical) of the smoking products manufacturing industry along the conveying path P1 to an input station <NUM> of the (processing) machine <NUM>; and the conveying system <NUM> for conveying (in bulk) articles <NUM> (in particular, substantially cylindrical) of the smoking products manufacturing industry along the conveying path P2 from (downstream) an output station <NUM> of the machine <NUM> (in particular, at an input station <NUM> of a further processing machine <NUM> - which is part of the plant <NUM> - e.g. as defined above).

Optionally, the plant <NUM> comprises, furthermore, the machine <NUM>.

In particular, the articles <NUM> and <NUM> are, as defined above referring to what is described with reference to <FIG>.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the articles <NUM> are pieces of the smoking products to be made. In these cases, the machine <NUM> can be a machine for assembling said pieces, for example by combining them together and wrapping them in a wrapping sheet, and obtaining the articles <NUM> (smoking products - cigarettes - multi-components). According to a non-limiting example, the machine <NUM> can be like the one described in patent <CIT> of the same applicant.

Alternatively, according to some non-illustrated embodiments, the articles <NUM> are packets (of articles <NUM> which, in particular, are smoking articles; more particularly, in these cases, the articles <NUM> are cigarettes). In these cases, for example the machine <NUM> is a cellophane wrapper (and the machine <NUM> is a packing machine).

Advantageously but not necessarily, only one between the conveying system <NUM> and the conveying system <NUM> is configured to change the length of the (variable length) stretch <NUM> of the path P1 or of the (variable length) stretch <NUM> of the path P2, respectively.

According to some embodiments, which are not in accordance with the invention (as illustrated in <FIG>), the conveying system <NUM> is configured to change the length of the stretch <NUM> of the conveying path P1. On the contrary, the length of the conveying path P2 (in particular, of the conveying system <NUM>) is substantially fixed.

Advantageously, at least the stretch <NUM> of the path P1 is arranged in a higher position relative to (i.e. at a higher height relative to) the machine <NUM> (and, in particular, also to the machine <NUM>). In particular, the conveying system <NUM> does not occupy any space on the ground beyond that occupied by the machine <NUM> (and possibly by the machine <NUM>). In this way, the overall dimension of the system is limited in view of the advantage of having a conveying system <NUM> that can also perform a storage function (buffer).

According to preferred but not limiting embodiments, at least the stretch <NUM> (in particular, the conveying system <NUM>) of the path P1 is arranged above (over) the machine <NUM>. In this way, the overall dimensions are further reduced.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the conveying system <NUM> is as described above (in particular, in relation to the embodiments of <FIG>).

More precisely but not necessarily, the conveying system <NUM> comprises at least one respective conveying assembly <NUM>, which is configured to convey the articles <NUM> along at least a (variable length) portion of the stretch <NUM>.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the conveying system <NUM> comprises at least one respective conveying assembly CG and/or <NUM>' (in particular, arranged downstream of the conveying assembly <NUM>). The conveying assembly <NUM> is designed to move the articles <NUM> in a first direction A. The conveying assembly CG and/or <NUM>' is designed to move the articles <NUM> along a further portion of the stretch <NUM> in a second direction B, which is substantially opposite the first direction A or B.

In Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, embodiments, which are not in accordance with the invention, are illustrated in which the conveying system <NUM> comprises a conveying assembly <NUM> and a further conveying assembly CG (the latter formed by only one linear conveyor). In this case, the relative conveying path P1 is "C"-shaped.

In <FIG>, an embodiment, which is not in accordance with the invention, is illustrated in which the conveying system <NUM> comprises the conveying assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>' and the conveying assembly CG. In this case, the conveying path P1 is "S"-shaped.

In accordance with the embodiments illustrated in Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, the conveying assembly <NUM> moves the articles <NUM> in the direction A; the conveying assembly <NUM>' moves articles <NUM> in direction B; the conveying assembly CG moves articles <NUM> in direction A.

In particular, the (each) conveying assembly <NUM>' has a structure (and an operation) like that (those) of the conveying assembly <NUM>. In general, the (each) conveying assembly <NUM>' comprises a respective conveyor <NUM> and a respective conveyor <NUM>. Advantageously but not necessarily, the moving assembly <NUM> (described in the following in more detail) is (at least partially) shared by the (by each) conveying assembly <NUM> and by the (by each) conveying assembly <NUM>'.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the stretch <NUM> (in particular, the conveying assemblies <NUM> and possibly <NUM>' and/or CG) are arranged (at least partially) so as to extend (at least partially) within the lateral dimensions of the machine <NUM> In this way, the impact (in terms of space occupied) of the transport assembly <NUM> is even smaller.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the structure and operation of the conveying assembly <NUM> are as described above (in particular, in relation to <FIG>).

More precisely, the conveyor <NUM> and/or the conveyor <NUM> and/or the moving assembly <NUM> and/or the active portion <NUM> and/or the active portion <NUM> and/or the end <NUM> and/or the active portion <NUM> and/o the control unit <NUM> and/or the guide device <NUM> and/or the curved guide <NUM> and/or the curved guide <NUM> and/or the rigid element <NUM> and/or the rigid element <NUM> and/or the conveyor <NUM> and/or the pulleys <NUM> and/or the belt element <NUM> and/or the branch <NUM> and/or the branch <NUM> and/or the conveying portion <NUM> and/or the unloading portion <NUM> have a structure and an operation as described above (in relation to <FIG>).

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the store <NUM> also comprises the frame F (on which the conveying system <NUM> is mounted; more precisely, its conveying assemblies <NUM>, CG and possibly <NUM>'). Advantageously but not necessarily, the frame F comprises supports (in particular, legs - known and not illustrated) to maintain the conveying system <NUM> at a given distance from the ground. In this way (also thanks to the compactness of the conveying system <NUM>), it is possible to have an output end of the stretch <NUM> lifted from the ground to a desired height compatible with the input station <NUM> of the machine <NUM> arranged downstream of the conveying system <NUM>. Furthermore, in this way, it is possible to maintain the conveying system <NUM> at a height such as not to prevent the use of the space below (for example, so as to allow easy passage of the operators).

According to some non-limiting embodiments (as illustrated in <FIG>), the conveying system <NUM> is arranged in higher position relative to (i.e. at a higher height relative to) the machine <NUM> (and, in particular, also to the machine <NUM>).

More precisely, in these cases, at least the stretch <NUM> of the path P2 is arranged in higher position relative to (i.e. at a higher height relative to) the machine <NUM> (and, in particular, also to the machine <NUM>). More specifically, the conveying system <NUM> does not occupy any space on the ground further than that occupied by the machine <NUM> (and possibly by the machine <NUM>). In this way, the overall dimension of the system is limited in view of the advantage of having a conveying system <NUM> capable of also performing a storage function (buffer).

According to preferred but not limiting embodiments, at least the stretch <NUM> of the path P2 (in particular, the conveying system <NUM>) is arranged above (over) the machine <NUM>. In this way, the overall dimensions are further reduced.

Alternatively (according to embodiments not illustrated), at least the stretch <NUM> of the path P2 (in particular, the conveying system <NUM>) is arranged above (over) the machine <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, which are not in accordance with the invention (also in this case with particular reference to <FIG>), the conveying system <NUM> is configured to change the length of a (variable length) stretch <NUM> of the conveying path P2. On the contrary, the length of the conveying path P1 (in particular of the conveying system <NUM>) is substantially fixed.

In these cases, what above described and illustrated (<FIG>) with regard to the conveying system <NUM>, is valid for (applicable to) the conveying system <NUM>.

According to some alternatives not illustrated, which are not in accordance with the invention, the transport assembly <NUM> is substantially identical to the transport assembly <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG> with the only difference that it comprises (only) the conveying system <NUM> and is devoid of the conveying system <NUM> In these cases, in particular, an operator can manually remove the articles <NUM> from the output station <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A transport assembly for transporting different types of articles of the smoking products manufacturing industry; the transport assembly (<NUM>) comprises: a first conveying system (<NUM>) for feeding first articles (<NUM>) of the smoking products manufacturing industry along a first conveying path (P1) to a first input station (<NUM>) of a first machine (<NUM>); and a second conveying system (<NUM>) for conveying second articles (<NUM>) of the smoking products manufacturing industry along a second conveying path (P2) from a first output station (<NUM>) of the first machine (<NUM>) to a second input station (<NUM>) of a second machine (<NUM>);
the transport assembly (<NUM>) is characterized in that:
the first conveying system (<NUM>) is configured to change the length of a first stretch (<NUM>) of the first conveying path (P1);
the second conveying system (<NUM>) is configured to change the length of a second stretch (<NUM>) of the second conveying path (P2) ;
the first conveying system (<NUM>) and the second conveying system (<NUM>) are mutually arranged so that the first stretch (<NUM>) and the second stretch (<NUM>) at least partially overlap one another and/or are side by side.