阅读说明：本技术 用于检查吸烟制品的设备 (Apparatus for inspecting smoking articles ) 是由 M·艾斯波斯蒂 D·萨尔瓦德奥 I·蒙托利昂 G·加姆博里尼 L·费迪里克 于 2018-11-28 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于杆状吸烟制品的质量控制的检查设备,该检查设备包括至少一个转移滚筒(2)和至少一个检查组件(3)。每个转移滚筒(2)具有一系列周边保持部分(4),每个周边保持部分具有至少一个保持槽(4a),该保持槽与转移滚筒(2)的旋转轴线(X)对齐,并且构造成接纳待检查的相应吸烟制品(A)。每个能围绕转移滚筒(2)旋转轴线旋转的检查组件(3)配备有一系列检测器(5)。每个检测器(5)具有腔体,该腔体构造成,可插入地接纳待检查的相应吸烟制品(A)的端部部分(T),并且配备有适于检测吸烟制品(A)内的内部结构的传感器。该检查设备还包括移动装置(6),该移动装置(6)构造成在转移滚筒(2)的旋转期间使每个周边保持部分(4)和相应的检测器(5)往复地朝向和远离彼此移动。(The invention relates to an inspection apparatus for quality control of rod-shaped smoking articles, comprising at least one transfer drum (2) and at least one inspection assembly (3). Each transfer drum (2) has a series of peripheral retaining portions (4), each having at least one retaining slot (4a) aligned with the rotation axis (X) of the transfer drum (2) and configured to receive a respective smoking article (a) to be inspected. Each inspection assembly (3) rotatable about the axis of rotation of the transfer drum (2) is equipped with a series of detectors (5). Each detector (5) has a cavity configured to insertably receive an end portion (T) of a respective smoking article (a) to be inspected, and is equipped with a sensor adapted to detect internal structures within the smoking article (a). The inspection apparatus further comprises a moving device (6), the moving device (6) being configured to move each peripheral holding portion (4) and the corresponding detector (5) reciprocally towards and away from each other during rotation of the transfer drum (2).)

1. An inspection apparatus for quality control of rod-shaped smoking articles, the inspection apparatus comprising:

-at least one transfer drum (2), said transfer drum (2) having a series of peripheral retaining portions (4), each peripheral retaining portion (4) having at least one retaining slot (4a), said retaining slots (4a) being aligned with the rotation axis (X) of said transfer drum (2) and being configured to receive respective smoking articles (a) to be inspected;

-at least one inspection assembly (3), said inspection assembly (3) being rotatable about the rotation axis (X) of the transfer drum (2) and being provided with a series of electric or electromagnetic detectors (5), said detectors (5) being arranged so that each detector (5) is aligned or alignable with a smoking article (A) held in a respective holding pocket (4a), each detector (5) having a cavity configured to insertably receive an end portion (T) of a respective smoking article (A) to be inspected and being equipped with a sensor adapted to detect defects, foreign bodies, voids or other imperfections or imperfections in a filling of said smoking article (A) in a non-destructive manner,

wherein the inspection apparatus further comprises a moving device (6), the moving device (6) being configured to move each peripheral holding portion (4) and the respective detector (5) reciprocally towards and away from each other during rotation of the transfer drum (2).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said perimetric retaining portion (4) and/or said detector (5) are associated with respective straight guides (7) parallel to the axis of the transfer drum (2), and in that said movement means (6) operate on each perimetric retaining portion (4) and/or each detector (5) to move said perimetric retaining portion (4) and/or said detector (5) along said respective straight guides (7).

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the detectors (5) of each single inspection assembly (3) are divided into groups, such that the detectors (5) of each group are moved simultaneously by the moving means (6), each group preferably comprising two detectors (5).

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said movement means (6) comprise, for each peripheral holding portion (4) and/or for each detector (5) or group of detectors (5), a driving rod (8), said driving rod (8) being slidable in a respective straight guide (7) and a respective cam mechanism (9), said cam mechanism (9) acting between said driving rod (8) and a common track defined by a fixed hub (10), so that during the rotation of said transfer drum (2) said cam mechanism (9) causes a back and forth translation movement of said driving rod (8).

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that said fixed hub (10) is arranged around said axis of said transfer drum (2) and has, inside it, an axial cavity in which a transmission shaft (11) is rotatably arranged, said transmission shaft (11) being rotatably connected to said peripheral holding portion (4) and to at least one inspection assembly (3).

6. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each detector (5) comprises at least one of the following: capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, optical sensors, microwave sensors, X-ray sensors.

7. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising two inspection assemblies (3, 3') axially spaced along the rotation axis (X) of the transfer drum (2) to operate on opposite ends of the smoking articles (A) held in the grooves of the peripheral holding portion (4).

8. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movement means (6) operate on each detector (5) to move said detector (5) towards and away from the respective peripheral retaining portion (4) during the rotation of said transfer drum (2), said peripheral retaining portion (4) being preferably axially fixed during the rotation of said transfer drum (2).

9. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movement means (6) operate on each peripheral holding portion (4) to move said peripheral holding portion (4) towards and away from a respective detector (5) during the rotation of said transfer drum (2), said detector (5) being preferably axially fixed during the rotation of said transfer drum (2).

10. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said moving means (6) are configured to move each peripheral holding portion (4) and/or each detector (5) between a pick/release position, in which said peripheral holding portion (4) is distal to each detector (5) so as to enable the pick/release of said smoking article (a), and a detection position, in which said peripheral holding portion (4) is close to said detector (5) so as to insert said smoking article (a) in said peripheral holding portion (4) at least partially in said cavity of said detector (5).

11. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:

-a first transfer drum (2), said first transfer drum (2) having a series of peripheral retaining portions (4), each peripheral retaining portion (4) having at least one retaining slot (4a), said retaining slots (4a) being aligned with the rotation axis (X) of the transfer drum (2) and being configured to receive respective smoking articles (a) to be inspected;

-a first inspection assembly (3), said first inspection assembly (3) being rotatable about the rotation axis (X) of the first transfer drum (2) and being provided with a series of detectors (5), said detectors (5) being arranged so that each detector (5) is aligned or alignable with a smoking article (a) held in a respective holding groove (4a) of the first transfer drum (2), each detector (5) having a cavity configured to insertably receive a first end portion (T) of a respective smoking article (a) to be inspected and being equipped with a sensor adapted to detect defects, foreign bodies, hollows or other imperfections or imperfections in the filling of said smoking article (a) in a non-destructive manner;

-a second transfer drum (2'), said second transfer drum (2') having a series of peripheral retaining portions (4), each peripheral retaining portion (4) having at least one retaining slot (4a), said retaining slots (4a) being aligned with the rotation axis (X) of said second transfer drum (2') and being configured to receive respective smoking articles (a) to be inspected;

-a second inspection assembly (3'), which second inspection assembly (3') is rotatable about the rotation axis (X ') of the second transfer drum (2') and is provided with a series of detectors (5), said detectors (5) being arranged so that each detector (5) is aligned or alignable with a smoking article (a) held in a respective holding slot (4a) of the second transfer drum (2'), each detector (5) having a cavity configured to insertably receive a second end portion (T') of a respective smoking article (a) to be inspected and being equipped with a sensor adapted to detect defects, foreign bodies, hollows or other imperfections or imperfections in the filling of said smoking article (a) in a non-destructive manner;

wherein the first transfer drum (2) and the second transfer drum (2') are substantially tangent to each other so as to transfer a series of smoking articles (A) from the holding pocket (4a) of the first transfer drum (2) to the holding pocket (4a) of the second transfer drum (2'),

wherein the first and second inspection assemblies (3, 3') are configured to inspect opposite ends of the smoking articles (A) held in the holding grooves (4a) and

wherein, for each transfer drum (2, 2') or each inspection assembly (3, 3'), the inspection apparatus further comprises respective moving means (6), said moving means (6) being configured to reciprocally move each perimetric retaining portion (4) and the respective detector (5) towards and away from each other during the rotation of the first transfer drum (2)/the second transfer drum (2'), respectively.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said movement means (6) operate on said perimetral holding portion (4) to move said perimetral holding portion (4) axially with respect to the respective inspection assembly (3, 3'), said inspection assembly (3, 3') preferably being axially fixed during rotation of the respective transfer drum (2, 2 ').

13. Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein each smoking article (a) is greater in length than the retaining slot (4a) and is retained in a respective retaining slot (4a) of the first transfer drum (2) at a first end portion (T) of the smoking article (a) opposite the first inspection assembly (3) and in a respective retaining slot (4a) of the second transfer drum (2') at a second end portion (T ') of the smoking article (a) opposite the first end portion (T) and the second inspection assembly (3 ').

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting smoking articles, and in particular to an apparatus for quality control of rod-shaped smoking articles comprising, for example, one or more uniform or non-uniform filters and/or tobacco segments.

In the context of the present invention, the term "inspection" is used to indicate the inspection of the internal state of a rod-shaped article by passing radiation (capacitive, inductive, optical, microwave, X-ray, laser systems) through the entire cross-section of the article.

The term "radiation" means the use of electrical or electromagnetic energy and does not include testing of mechanical/pneumatic properties.

Background

During the production of smoking articles, it is highly advantageous to be able to perform in-process quality control in order to ensure that the manufactured product is free of defects, foreign bodies, voids or other imperfections or defects which, once converted into a finished product, may render the product non-marketable.

Known in the art are inspection systems capable of verifying the quality of smoking articles during their production.

However, the applicant has found that such systems have considerable operating drawbacks which make them very inefficient in their functional execution.

In particular, some prior art systems are based on stationary camera inspection systems that capture one or more external images of an article.

These systems only inspect the outer surface of the smoking article and, although capable of detecting structural defects and damage to parts of the exterior thereof, they are not able to analyze the internal structure thereof or provide any information about the internal structure thereof.

Pneumatic systems capable of making measurements of internal portions of smoking articles are also known. However, these systems work with a negative air pressure, which when applied to one end of a smoking article allows the correct permeability and ventilation performance of the smoking article to be verified.

In particular, the inhaled air flows along at least one extension of the smoking article and exits through the end to which the pneumatic suction unit is applied.

However, this type of apparatus is not versatile and is not very useful for testing other internal characteristics or contents of smoking articles.

Disclosure of Invention

On this background, the technical purpose forming the basis of the present invention is to propose an apparatus for inspecting smoking articles that overcomes at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for inspecting a smoking article which is capable of efficiently and non-destructively analysing the quality of the smoking article so that its structural integrity is not destroyed while analysing the smoking article.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for inspecting smoking articles which is versatile and capable of detecting defects, foreign bodies, cavities or other imperfections or deformities in the filling of the smoking article, independently of the particular characteristics of the elements constituting the smoking article.

The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a device for inspecting smoking articles comprising the technical features described in one or more of the appended claims.

Accordingly, disclosed herein is an inspection apparatus for quality control of smoking articles, the inspection apparatus comprising at least one transfer drum and at least one inspection assembly.

The transfer drum has a series of peripheral retaining portions, each having at least one retaining slot aligned with the axis of rotation of the transfer drum and configured to receive a respective smoking article to be inspected.

The inspection assembly is rotatable about the axis of rotation of the transfer drum and is equipped with a series of detectors.

Each detector has a cavity configured to insertably receive an end portion of a respective smoking article to be inspected and is equipped with a sensor adapted to detect internal structures within the smoking article.

The inspection apparatus further includes a moving device configured to reciprocally move each peripheral holding portion and the corresponding detector toward and away from each other during rotation of the transfer drum.

Advantageously, the particular structure of the inspection apparatus according to the invention allows the quality of the internal structure of the smoking article to be inspected in a non-invasive and non-destructive process.

The dependent claims, which are incorporated herein by reference, correspond to different embodiments of the invention.

Drawings

Further characteristics of the invention and advantages thereof will become more apparent in the following non-limiting description, with reference to a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of an apparatus for inspecting smoking articles, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

figure 1 is a cross section of an inspection apparatus according to the invention;

FIGS. 1A-1B are detailed views showing some of the components of FIG. 1;

figure 2 is a cross section of another possible embodiment of the inspection apparatus;

figure 3 is a cross section of another possible embodiment of the inspection apparatus;

figure 4 is a cross section of another possible embodiment of the inspection device.

Detailed Description

With reference to the figures, numeral 1 denotes as a whole an inspection apparatus suitable for inspecting the quality of smoking articles "a", in particular rod-shaped smoking articles.

The inspection apparatus 1 comprises at least one transfer drum 2 and at least one inspection assembly 3 rotatable about an axis of rotation "X" of the transfer drum 2.

The transfer drum 2 has a series of peripheral retaining portions 4, each having at least one retaining slot 4a, the retaining slot 4a being aligned with the rotation axis "X" of the transfer drum and being configured to receive a respective smoking article "a" to be inspected.

It should be noted that the adjective "aligned" is used to mean that the axis of each peripheral retaining portion is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation "X" of the transfer drum 2.

In other words, the transfer drum 2 is configured to receive and retain a series of smoking articles "a" in respective retaining slots 4a arranged radially, preferably equidistantly, around the rotation axis "X" of the transfer drum 2.

More specifically, each holding pocket 4a is configured to receive a smoking article "a" from a station of the production line upstream of the inspection apparatus 1 and to hold it at least until the quality control procedure has been completed, for example by means of suitable suction means located on the surface of the holding pocket 4a itself, and then to release it to a station of the production line downstream of the inspection apparatus 1.

The inspection assembly 3 is provided with a series of electrical or electromagnetic detectors 5 arranged such that each detector 5 is aligned or alignable with a smoking article "a" held in a respective holding slot 4 a.

In particular, the term "electrical or electromagnetic detector" 5 is used to refer to a detector 5 capable of checking the internal state of the article "a" by making the whole transverse cross section of the article "a" pass through by radiation (capacitive, inductive, optical, microwave, X-ray, laser systems).

The term "radiation" means the use of electrical or electromagnetic energy and does not include testing of mechanical/pneumatic properties. Each detector 5 has a cavity configured to insertably receive an end portion "T" of a respective smoking article "a" to be inspected.

Preferably, the end portion to be inspected is a filter, in particular a filter of a single or double sized cigarette, as shown in the different embodiments of the invention. It is also preferred that the cavity of each detector 5 is sufficiently deep to fully or almost fully accommodate the respective filter to be inspected.

More specifically, each detector 5 is equipped with a sensor (sensor emitter unit) suitable for detecting, in a non-destructive manner, defects, foreign bodies, cavities or other imperfections or flaws in the filling of the smoking article "a".

Preferably, each detector 5 comprises at least one of: capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, optical sensors, microwave sensors, X-ray sensors.

The inspection apparatus 1 further comprises moving means 6, which moving means 6 are configured to reciprocally move each perimetral retention portion 4 and the respective detector 5 towards and away from each other during the rotation of the transfer drum 2.

The movement means 6 allow each peripheral holding portion 4 and/or each respective detector 5 to be moved towards or away from each other, so that the end portion "T" of the smoking article "a" is inserted into the cavity of the detector 5, or withdrawn from the cavity of the detector 5.

The perimetral retaining portions 4 and/or the detectors 5 are also associated with respective straight guides 7 parallel to the axis "X" of the transfer drum 2, and movement means 6 operate on each perimetral retaining portion 4 and/or each detector 5 to move them along the respective straight guides 7.

This means that each perimetral retaining portion 4 and the corresponding detector 5 move towards and away from each other in a direction parallel to the axis "X" of the drum 2.

Preferably, the detectors 5 are divided into groups such that the detectors 5 of each group are moved simultaneously by the moving means 6, each group still more preferably comprising two detectors 5.

In other words, the detector 5 is divided into groups, each group moving independently of the other groups, which feature makes it possible to simplify the structure of at least one inspection assembly 3 and also to reduce the size of the drive components required to move the detector 5.

This feature also makes it possible to simplify the structure of the transfer cylinder 2; in other words, the transfer drum may be made in such a manner that two or more holding grooves 4a can be moved simultaneously.

In practice, each transfer section 4 may comprise a plurality of holding grooves 4a, so that moving a single holding section 4 simultaneously moves a plurality of smoking articles "a" held in the respective holding grooves 4a of the holding section 4.

More specifically, each peripheral retaining portion 4 has at least two retaining grooves 4a, the retaining grooves 4a being aligned with the rotation axis "X" of the transfer drum 2 and being configured to receive a respective smoking article "a" to be inspected.

Structurally, for each peripheral holding portion 4 and/or for each detector 5 or group of detectors 5, the movement means 6 comprise a driving rod 8, which driving rod 8 is slidable in a respective straight guide 7 and a respective cam mechanism 9, preferably housed in the respective inspection assembly 3, which cam mechanism 9 acts between the driving rod 8 and a common track defined by a fixed hub 10.

Due to this structure, the cam mechanism 9 causes the back-and-forth movement of the drive lever 8 while the transfer drum 2 rotates.

More specifically, each driving rod 8, which extends parallel to the rotation axis "X" of the drum 2, is stably connected to one or more cam follower elements (rollers 9a) engaged in the above-mentioned common track according to a cam coupling method.

The common track extends in the entire circumference around the rotation axis "X" of the drum 2 and is of non-planar shape, so that at least a portion thereof is axially offset and the rollers 9a move axially when each roller 9a reaches the axially offset region.

To facilitate sliding in the straight guide 7, the portion of the driving rod 8 coupled to the straight guide 7 comprises a plurality of ball bearings 8a, defining a rolling guide.

The fixed hub 10 is arranged around the axis of the transfer drum 2 and has, inside it, an axial cavity in which the transmission shaft 11 is rotatably arranged.

The drive shaft 11 is rotatable integrally with the transfer drum 2 and the at least one inspection assembly 3.

In other words, the transfer drum 2 and each inspection assembly 3 are attached to the drive shaft 11 such that, when the drive shaft 11 rotates, the transfer drum 2 and each inspection assembly 3 are driven to rotate about the axis "X" of the transfer drum 2.

On the other hand, the fixed hub 10 is fixed, i.e. non-rotating even and in particular during the rotation of the transmission shaft 11, so as to form a fixed common track for the cam mechanism 9, in which the roller 9a can slide so as to produce the above-mentioned back-and-forth translational movement.

Structurally, the fixed hub 10 and the transmission shaft 11 are therefore rotationally uncoupled by means of a plurality of bearings 12 interposed between them, to allow the transmission shaft 11 to rotate while the fixed hub 10 remains fixed.

Thus, in general, the moving means 6, which are activated when the drive shaft 11 rotates, are configured to move each peripheral holding portion 4 and/or each detector 5 or group of detectors 5 between a pick-up/release position, in which the peripheral holding portion 4 is located distally of each detector 5, so as to be able to pick up/release the smoking article "a", for example from/to a processing station located upstream/downstream of the inspection apparatus 1, and a detection position, in which the peripheral holding portion 4 is close to at least one detector 5, so as to insert the smoking article "a" in this supporting portion 4 at least partially into the cavity of the detector 5.

Advantageously, the inspection apparatus 1 may further comprise a control unit "C" configured to receive the signal generated by the sensor of the detector 5 when the end portion "T" of the smoking article "a" is inserted into its cavity.

In other words, when the end portion "T" is inside the cavity, the sensor takes a measurement value containing data about the internal composition of the end portion "T" and sends the collected data to the control unit "C".

The control unit "C" may in turn perform an initial analysis of the received signals to assess the quality of the smoking article "a" to determine whether it meets a plurality of predetermined quality parameters, or it may retransmit the collected data to another processing unit configured to process and analyze the data.

This transmission of data from the control unit "C" to the stationary processing unit is done by means of at least one rotary signal transmission coupling "S" (or slip ring) mounted coaxially to the shaft 11.

Advantageously, this and/or the further swivelling coupling "S" also allows at least one detector 5 to be powered.

In a first embodiment of the invention, shown in detail in fig. 1, the inspection apparatus 1 comprises two inspection assemblies 3, 3 'axially spaced along the rotation axis "X" of the transfer drum 2 to operate on opposite ends "T", "T'" of the smoking articles "a" held in the retaining grooves 4 a.

In other words, the inspection apparatus 1 is provided with two inspection assemblies 3, 3 'facing each other on opposite sides of the transfer drum 2, so that the peripheral retaining portion 4 is interposed between each pair of detectors 5 belonging to the respective inspection assembly 3, 3'.

Thanks to this structure, when the smoking article "a" is retained in the respective retaining groove 4a, there are always two detectors 5 aligned or alignable with this retaining groove 4a on opposite sides of the retaining groove 4a, so as to allow the insertion of the first end portion "T" in the respective detector 5 of the first checking assembly 3 and the insertion of the second end portion "T '" in the respective detector 5 of the second checking assembly 3'.

Also in this embodiment, the movement means 6 operate on each detector 5 to move towards and away from the respective peripheral holding portion 4 during the rotation of the transfer drum 2, preferably the peripheral holding portion 4 is axially fixed during the rotation of the transfer drum 2.

More specifically, during the rotation of the inspection apparatus 1, the transmission shaft 11 simultaneously drives the transfer drum 2 and the two inspection assemblies 3, 3' in rotation.

A movement device 6 is associated with each detector 5 of the inspection assembly 3, 3' and the relative cam mechanism 9 slides in a path delimited by a common track defined by a fixed hub 10, moving the detector 5 towards/away from the transfer drum 2.

More specifically, the movement towards is such that the end portions "T", "T '" of the smoking articles "a" held in the holding grooves 4a of the transfer drum 2 are inserted into the cavities of the respective facing sensors 5 belonging to the two inspection assemblies 3, 3', so that the two end portions "T", "T '" of the smoking articles "a" can be inspected simultaneously.

More specifically, it is preferable that the two detectors 5 associated with each of the periphery holding portions 4 are simultaneously moved toward and away from the periphery holding portion 4, thereby simultaneously performing the inspection.

Alternatively, in the embodiment shown in more detail in fig. 2 and 3, the movement means 6 operate on each peripheral retaining portion 4 to move it towards and away from the respective detector 5 during the rotation of the transfer drum 2, in such an embodiment each detector 5 is preferably axially fixed during the rotation of the transfer drum 2.

More specifically, in the embodiment shown in more detail in fig. 2, the inspection apparatus comprises two axially fixed inspection assemblies 3, 3' and a transfer drum 2, the peripheral holding portion 4 of which is alternatively axially movable.

A movement device 6 is associated with each peripheral retaining portion 4 of the transfer drum 2 to move them axially so as to insert each end "T", "T '" of the smoking article "a" retained in the respective retaining groove 4a sequentially first into the cavity of the sensor 5 of the first inspection assembly 3 and then into the cavity of the sensor 5 of the second inspection assembly 3'.

As shown in more detail in figure 3, in particular cases, only one end portion "T" of the smoking article "a" needs to be inspected, the inspection apparatus may comprise only one axially fixed inspection assembly 3, which is aligned or alignable with the end portion "T" of the smoking article "a" to be inspected.

According to this embodiment, the moving means 6 move each perimetral retaining portion 4 closer to the corresponding sensor 5, so as to insert the end portion "T" to be inspected into the cavity of the sensor 5.

Once the measurements have been taken, the moving means 6 move each peripheral retaining portion 4 away from the corresponding sensor 5, so as to extract the end portion "T" being inspected from the cavity of the sensor 5.

Thus, with reference to the use configuration generally applicable in the embodiments described hereinbefore, the inspection apparatus is configured to receive at least one smoking article "a" from the transfer drum 2 and more precisely from the holding tank 4 a.

Next, the moving means 6 move the peripheral holding portion 4 provided with the holding groove 4a holding the smoking article "a" and the detector 5 aligned therewith toward each other during the rotation of the transfer drum 2, so that the end portion "T" of the smoking article "a" is inserted into the cavity of the detector 5.

This relative movement can be obtained by moving each peripheral holding portion 4 with respect to the corresponding axially fixed detector 5, or by moving each detector 5 with respect to the corresponding axially fixed peripheral holding portion 4.

At this point, the sensor of the detector 5 analyses the internal structure of the end portion "T" of the smoking article "a" in order to detect, in a non-destructive manner, defects, foreign bodies, cavities or other imperfections or flaws in the filling of the smoking article "a".

Whether processed directly by the control unit "C" installed on the inspection device 1 or used by an external processing unit, the information received from the sensors allows to decide whether the smoking article "a" meets one or more predetermined quality parameters and is therefore suitable for sale, or must be rejected because it does not meet these quality parameters.

The quality parameter may be selected from at least one of: the presence and/or integrity of additional elements within the filter, the fill factor (no voids), density, humidity or other parameters.

Thereafter, the peripheral holding portion 4 provided with the holding groove 4a holding the smoking article "a" and the detector 5 aligned therewith are moved away from each other by the moving means 6 to withdraw the end portion "T" of the smoking article "a" from the cavity of the detector 5.

At this point, the smoking article "a" may be transferred from the transfer drum 2 to a subsequent processing station located downstream of the inspection apparatus 1, in which it will be rejected or will be processed in the production process to become part of a saleable finished product, depending on the measurement obtained by the detector 5.

On the other hand, fig. 4 shows a possible alternative embodiment comprising two transfer drums 2, 2 'and two inspection assemblies 3, 3'.

More specifically, in this embodiment, the inspection apparatus 1 comprises a first transfer cylinder 2 and a second transfer cylinder 2 'associated with a first inspection assembly 3 and a second inspection assembly 3', respectively.

The transfer drums 2, 2' each have a series of peripheral retaining portions 4, each peripheral retaining portion 4 having at least one retaining groove 4a, the retaining groove 4a being aligned with the axis of rotation "X", "X '" of the respective transfer drum 2, 2' to which it belongs and being configured to receive a respective smoking article "a" to be inspected.

The inspection assemblies 3, 3' are rotatable about the axes of rotation "X", "X '" of the respective transfer drums 2, 2' and each is provided with a series of detectors 5, the detectors 5 being arranged such that each detector 5, 5' is aligned or alignable with a smoking article "a" held in a respective holding slot 4 of the respective transfer drum 2, 2 '.

Each detector 5 has a cavity configured to insertably receive an end portion "T" of a respective smoking article "a" to be inspected, and is equipped with a sensor adapted to detect, in a non-destructive manner, defects, foreign bodies, cavities or other imperfections or deformities in the filling of the smoking article "a".

Furthermore, the first drum 2 and the second drum 2 'are substantially tangent to each other, so as to transfer a series of smoking articles "a" from the holding flutes 4 of the first transfer drum 2 to the holding flutes 4 of the second transfer drum 2'.

More specifically, the first and second inspection assemblies 3, 3' are arranged to inspect opposite ends of smoking articles (a) held in the peripheral holding grooves 4.

In order to enable it to move and function correctly, for each transfer cylinder 2, 2', the inspection apparatus 1 further comprises respective movement means 6, the movement means 6 being configured to move each perimetric retention portion 4 and the respective detector 5 aligned or alignable therewith reciprocally towards and away from each other during the rotation of the transfer cylinder 2, 2'.

More specifically, the movement means 6 operate on the peripheral retaining portion 4 to move them axially with respect to the respective inspection assembly 3, 3', the inspection assembly 3, 3' preferably being axially fixed during the rotation of the respective transfer drum 3, 3 '.

In more detail, in use, the first transfer drum 2 receives in one of its retaining grooves 4a smoking articles "a" from a processing station located upstream of the inspection apparatus.

The moving means 6 associated with the peripheral retaining portion 4 are provided with a retaining groove 4a which retains the smoking article "a", which begins to move the peripheral retaining portion 4 towards the first checking assembly 3, causing the insertion of the first end portion "T" of the smoking article "a" into the cavity of the corresponding sensor 5 belonging to the first checking assembly 3.

At this point, the first end portion "T" of the smoking article "a" may thus be inspected.

Subsequent movement of the peripheral retaining portion 4 away from the first inspection assembly 3 causes the first end portion "T" of the smoking article "a" to be withdrawn from the cavity of the sensor 5, thereby bringing the peripheral retaining portion back to the pick/release position.

The smoking article "a" is then transferred from the first transfer drum 2 to the second transfer drum 2', entering the other holding pocket 4a, which is also at the pick/release position.

Next, the peripheral holding portion 4 provided with a holding groove 4a is moved by the moving means 6 of the second transfer drum 2', the holding groove 4a holding the smoking article "a" to be inspected, and the peripheral holding portion 4 is brought to the inspection position: i.e. towards the second checking assembly 3'.

In this way, the second end portion "T '" of the smoking article "a" is inserted into the cavity of the respective sensor 5 belonging to the second inspection assembly 3'.

Once the inspection of the internal structure of the second end portion "T" of the smoking article "a" has been completed, the moving means 6 move the perimetral retaining portion 4 away from the second inspection assembly 3', causing the second end portion "T'" of the smoking article "a" to be extracted from the cavity of the sensor 5, bringing the perimetral retaining portion 4 back to the pick/release position.

When the inspection procedure is finished, the inspected smoking article "a" may be released to a processing station located downstream of the inspection apparatus 1.

In order to optimize the inspection process and increase the efficiency of the transfer process, each smoking article "a" is greater in length than the retaining groove 4 and is retained in the corresponding retaining groove 4a of the first transfer drum 2 at a first end portion "T" of the smoking article "a" opposite the first inspection assembly 3.

Likewise, the smoking article "a" is retained in the respective retaining groove 4a of the second transfer drum 2' at a second end portion "T '" of the smoking article "a" opposite to the first end portion "T" and the second inspection assembly 3 '.

Advantageously, the inspection device 1 according to the invention allows to verify the quality of the internal structure of the smoking article "a" in a non-invasive and non-destructive manner.

Moreover, the apparatus is versatile in that it can perform a wide range of inspections, and is suitable for inspecting several parameters and/or characteristics of smoking articles.