WO2015075285A1

WO2015075285A1 - Machine for collecting and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods, or the like, and collecting and packing method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2015075285A1
Application number: PCT/ES2014/070795
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ismael MEZQUÍRIZ DÍAZ; Javier IMÍZCOZ GOÑI
Original assignee: Mts Tobacco, S.A.
Priority date: 2013-11-20
Filing date: 2014-10-22
Publication date: 2015-05-28
Also published as: ES2439394A1; PL3072820T3; ES2439394B1; ES2746325T3; EP3072820A1; EP3072820A4; EP3072820B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine for collecting and packing tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods, or the like, and to the collecting and packing method therefor, the machine comprising a plurality of vertical channels (5) for stacking tubes, holding means for regulating the insertion of the tubes in the vertical channels (5), a first transporting platform (7) for accompanying the stack of tubes in the lowering thereof via the vertical channels (5), and a second transporting platform (8) for transporting the stack of tubes from the vertical channels (5) to transfer means (9) which transport the stack of tubes to such a position that it is arranged on a die-cast sheet in the form of a box, above which a pressing mechanism (26) is arranged, which folds said die-cast sheet and forms a box over the stack of tubes itself.

Description

DESCRIPTION

MACHINE TO GROUP AND PACK PIPES FOR CIGARETTES,

CIGARETTES, FILTERS, FILTER BARS, OR SIMILAR AND ITS

GROUPING AND PACKAGING PROCEDURE

Technical sector

The present invention is related to the packaging of cylindrical elements such as cigarette tubes of which the consumer fills with the tobacco that is according to their preferences, the invention proposing a machine that allows grouping and creating a stack of said tubes, as well as form on the tube stack itself the box where the cigarette tubes are finally stored and distributed to the consumer. The invention is equally applicable to other cylindrical elements such as cigarettes, filters, filter rods of different formats or the like.

State of the art

Cylindrical elements in the form of tubes or rods, such as cigarette tubes, are packaged in boxes with capacity for a large number of said elements. The pipes must be placed properly arranged to take full advantage of the hollow of the housing boxes.

Cigarette tubes are hollow elements intended to be filled with the tobacco desired by the consumer. These elements have a very weak structure, so their manipulation requires a great delicacy so as not to cause deformation and deterioration.

Spanish Patent ES2301307, of the same applicant as the present invention, discloses a machine for packaging elements such as cigarette tubes, which consists of an area from which tubes from a loading hopper are fed, an area in which where the tubes are stacked in an orderly manner, and an area where the already stacked tubes are inserted into packaging boxes. The machine has vertical channels in which the tubes are stacked, so that from these vertical channels the tubes already unloaded inside a packaging box are discharged, the tubes being in the desired stacking order inside the box.

The vertical channels are closed at the bottom with a flip top, which is likely to be tilted between a closed position to retain the tubes that are stacked in the vertical channels, and an open position for the discharge of the tubes in a corresponding packaging box that is arranged below the vertical channels. In relation to the lower part of the vertical channels, a vacuum system is provided which is applied through an orifice plate to retain the tubes in their stacked position when the flip-up lid tilts to the open position, the orifice plate descends with the stacked tubes until arranged inside the packaging box.

In this solution, the tubes fed by the hopper make a free fall path until it stops butt with the flip cover arranged in the lower part of the vertical channels. This causes the tubes to tilt during their free fall path along the vertical channels, and therefore can cause blockages in the channels. In addition, when the orifice plate is lowered with the tubes to introduce them into the box, the tubes can be misaligned, or even deformed, due to their low rigidity.

Spanish Patent ES 2396522, also of the same applicant as the present invention, discloses another machine for the packaging of cigarette tubes, which solves the problem of free fall of the tubes in the vertical channels. For this, the flip top is capable of moving vertically along the vertical channels until it is located in a position close to the loading hopper, so that a controlled descent of the tubes along the vertical channels is achieved, in addition of allowing to create a stack of tubes with the desired height. However, this solution still employs an orifice plate with a vacuum system to retain the tubes when the flip lid is removed, and to insert them into the corresponding packaging box, so that the tubes can be misaligned or deformed when they are introduced into The packaging box.

It is therefore necessary a machine for stacking and packaging tubes in boxes, which is an alternative variant to existing solutions.

Object of the invention

In accordance with the present invention a machine for stacking and Packing of tubes for cigarettes or similar cylindrical elements, which allows an orderly stacking of the tubes avoiding deformation of the same and by means of which on the very stacking of the tubes the box is formed where the tubes are packaged for sale.

The machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes or the like comprises a tube feeding zone, a tube stacking zone, and a tube packaging area in boxes. The tube stacking zone comprises:

- a plurality of vertical channels for stacking tubes according to a substantially horizontal arrangement thereof;

- means for retaining the tubes to regulate their entry into the vertical channels;

- a first translation platform of the stacked pipes, which has a first vertical translation movement to regulate the height of the pipe stacking and accompany the stacking of pipes in their descent through the vertical channels, and a second horizontal translation movement to withdraw and freeing the passage through the vertical channels allowing the tube stack to exit;

- a second translation platform of the stacked pipes, which has a vertical translation movement to move the stacking of pipes from the exit of the vertical channels to the bottom of the stacking area; Y

- transfer means, to transfer the stack of tubes from the second translation platform to place them on a box-shaped die cut sheet in the packaging area;

While the packaging area of the tubes in boxes comprises: - a treadmill mechanism for folding the die-cut sheet into a box and forming a packaging box on the tube stack.

The translation platforms are driven in their vertical translation movement by means of vertical spindles arranged on both sides of the tube stacking area and are guided vertically by means of guides. Thus, the platforms of translation are operated independently in their vertical translation movement, using first vertical spindles for vertical operation of the first translation platform and second vertical spindles for vertical operation of the second translation platform, while on each side of The tube stacking area provides a common guide for guiding both translation platforms, although independent guides could be used to guide each platform.

The vertical spindles on one side of the tube stacking zone are driven directly by respective motors, while the vertical spindles on the opposite side of the tube stacking zone are driven by means of a transmission mechanism, based on a transmission system. pulleys, which transmits the movement of vertical spindles driven by motors. The first translation platform is attached to the mobile part of an actuator that causes its horizontal translation movement, the fixed part of the actuator being connected to a mobile base in a vertical direction, which is mounted between two carriages that are driven in the direction of vertical displacement by the first vertical and guided spindles on the common guides on both sides of the tube stacking area. The second translation platform is mounted between two carriages that are driven vertically by the second vertical spindles and guided on the common guides on both sides of the tube stacking area.

At the exit of the vertical channels, a narrowing is defined to group the stack of tubes in a three-pin arrangement and compensate for the thickness of the dividing walls of the vertical channels where the stack has been formed. The narrowing is defined by an extension of the outer walls of the vertical channels of the ends, said extension being formed by two wall sections inclined inwards and two straight wall sections in continuation of the wall sections inclined inwards.

The transfer means, used to transfer the stack of tubes from the second translation platform to place them on a box-shaped die-cut sheet in the packaging area, are constituted by a plate that pushes the tube stack when it is in the lower part of the stacking area, the plate of the transfer means being operated horizontally, by an actuator.

The tread mechanism is constituted by a vertically movable column, which at its lower end incorporates an inverted "U" shaped piece to bend the die-cut box-shaped sheet and pass it through an opening that has corresponding dimensions with the base of the box to form. The column has a guide to slide vertically with respect to a supporting structure that is attached to the chassis of the machine and a rack in which the pinion of a motor meshes to drive the column in vertical displacement.

It is envisaged to have adjustment means in the packaging area to maintain the stacking of reinforced pipes in their transfer from the second translation platform until it is placed on the box-shaped die-cut sheet. The adjustment means are composed of two lateral adjustment arms that are arranged diametrically opposite and that are associated with respective actuators to perform a separation and approximation movement between said arms.

The packaging area has a stop plate, for the front alignment of the stacking tubes when they are arranged on the box-shaped die-cut sheet, before proceeding with the formation of the packaging box. It is envisioned that the stop plate is made of a transparent material, to allow viewing from outside the tube stack.

The vertical channels are closed fontanally by doors provided with a reciprocating movement to align the pipes frontally. Each door is mounted on two guides, having a central actuator cylinder that causes the door to swing. It is planned that the doors are also made of transparent material, to allow viewing from the outside of the vertical channels. With all this, the method of grouping and packaging of tubes for cigarettes or the like, using the machine object of the invention, comprises a first phase where tubes are stacked according to a substantially horizontal arrangement for the formation of a stack of tubes and a second phase where the formed tube stack is arranged on a box-shaped die-cut sheet and by means of a treadmill mechanism the box-shaped die-folded sheet is folded to form a tube packaging box on the tube stack itself. A tube packaging machine for cigarettes or the like is thus obtained, which due to its constructive and functional characteristics is of preferential application for that function, since it guarantees a controlled and gradual dispensing of the tubes, allowing the stack of tubes to be formed on the tube itself. box where the tubes have to be packaged for commercialization, so that deformations and misalignments of the tubes in their packaging are avoided.

Description of the figures Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the machine of the invention with the conduits through which the tubes to be packaged in the machine are fed.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the machine of the previous figure without the feeding pipes of the tubes.

Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of the tube stacking area of the machine.

Figure 4 shows a rear perspective view of the tube stacking area of the machine.

Figure 5 shows a front perspective view of the tube stacking area of the machine with a tube stacking at the bottom of said zone. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the tread mechanism of the packaging area to form a box on the tube stack.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the adjustment means for maintaining the stacking of reinforced pipes in their transfer from the stacking area to the packaging area.

Figure 8 shows a plan view of the previous figure.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a stack of tubes in the transfer phase from the stacking area to the packaging area. Figure 10 shows a detailed view showing the doors that frontally close the vertical channels of the stacking area.

Figure 1 1 shows a detailed view of one of the doors of the previous figure.

Figures 12A to 121 show an operational sequence of the method of grouping and packaging tubes according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

As can be seen in Figure 1, the machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes or the like, according to the invention, comprises an area (A) from which tubes (1) to be packaged are fed, an area (B) in which the tubes (1) are stacked in vertical columns according to a substantially horizontal arrangement thereof to form a stack of tubes (1), an area (C) where the stack of tubes (1) already formed is packed in a box of packaging and an area (D) where the boxes with tubes (1) already packed inside them are extracted outside the machine. The tube feeding area (A) (1) comprises a hopper (2) in which the pipes (1) to be stacked are discharged, pipes (3) through which the tubes (1) are transported and storage units (4) of tubes (1). The tubes (1) are transported from the storage units (4) to the hopper (2) through the pipes (3), which discharge the tubes (1) from both sides of the hopper (2).

Figures 3 to 5 show the constituent elements of the area (B) of the machine, where the stacking of the tubes (1) from the hopper (2) is formed. The zone (B) for stacking tubes (1) comprises vertical channels (5) located below the hopper (2) for stacking the tubes (1), retaining means (6) for the tubes (1) ) to regulate its entry into the vertical channels (5), a first translation platform (7) to transport the tubes (1) along the vertical channels (5), a second translation platform (8) to transport the tubes (1) from the outlet of the vertical channels (5) to the bottom of the tube stacking area (B) (1), and transfer means (9) to transfer the tubes (1) from the part bottom of the zone (B) of stacking tubes (1) to the zone (C) of packaging. The first translation platform (7) has two orthogonal translation movements with each other, having a first vertical translation movement to move along the vertical channels (5) and a second horizontal translation movement to be placed, or removed, of the vertical channels (5); while the second translation platform (8) has a single vertical translation movement to move the tubes (1).

It is envisaged that at the outlet of the hopper (2), at the height of the inlet of the vertical channels (5), vibrating means (10) formed by projecting stems in cantilever are arranged, which can rotate in both directions on their respective longitudinal axes to facilitate the orderly entry of the tubes into the vertical channels (5).

The retaining means (6) of the tubes (1), shown in Figure 4, are tweezers that engage a respective tube (1) in each vertical channel (5), thus preventing, when required, from entering more tubes (1) in the vertical channels (5), which allows to regulate the number of tubes (1) that form the stack in the vertical channels (5). The retention means (6) of the tubes (1), can be a vacuum system, elements that selectively interfere with the passage in the vertical channels (5) such as a folding flap, or any other system that allows retention of the tubes (1), without altering the concept of the invention.

Figure 4 shows the rear part of the zone (B) for stacking tubes (1), where the respective actuation means of each of the elements of said zone are arranged. The first translation platform (7) and the second translation platform (8) are driven independently in their vertical translation movement, by respective first motor (11) and second motor (12). For the vertical guidance and translation of said translation platforms (7 and 8), a spindle-driven drive system driven by the motors (11 and 12) is used. On each side of the rear part of the tube stacking zone (B) (1), the nut-spindle drive system is formed by a first vertical spindle (13) that drives the first translation platform (7), a second vertical spindle (14) that drives the second translation platform (8) and a guide (15) arranged between the first vertical spindle (13) and the second vertical spindle (14), which acts as a common guide in the movement vertical of both translation platforms (7 and 8). Although it would be possible for each of the translation platforms (7, 8) to have an independent guide element, in which case two guides (15) would be available on each side of the tube stacking area (B) (one). The first vertical spindle (13) on one side of the tube stacking zone (B) (1) is rotated by the first motor (1 1), while the second vertical spindle (14) on the same side of the tube stacking zone (B) (1) is rotated by the second motor (12). The vertical spindles (13 and 14) on the opposite side of the tube stacking area (B) (1) are indirectly rotated by means of a transmission mechanism (16), based on a pulley system, which transmits the movement of vertical spindles (13, 14) driven by motors (1 1, 12). Thus, the vertical spindles (13 and 14) on one side of the tube stacking zone (B) (1) are drive spindles, while the vertical spindles (13 and 14) on the opposite side of the zone (B) of Pipe stacking (1) are spindles driven through the transmission mechanism (16).

The first translation platform (7) has a comb-shaped configuration, to be introduced and moved vertically along the vertical channels (5). Said first translation platform (7) is connected to an actuator (17) that causes its horizontal translation movement. The mobile part of the actuator (17) is connected to the first translation platform (7) and the fixed part of that actuator (17) is connected to a mobile base (18) that can be moved vertically. The mobile base (18) is mounted between two first carriages (19) that are driven in the direction of vertical displacement by the first vertical spindles (13) on both sides of the tube stacking area (B) (1), the two first carriages (19) guided on the guides (15) on both sides of the tube stacking zone (B) (1). Thus, the rotation of the first vertical spindles (13) on both sides of the tube stacking area (B) (1) causes the vertical movement of ascent and descent of the first translation platform (7) and the actuator (17 ) causes its horizontal movement. The second translation platform (8) is mounted between two second carriages (20) that are driven in the direction of vertical movement by the second vertical spindles (14) on both sides of the tube stacking zone (B) (1), going these two second cars (20) guided on the same guides (15) that lead to the first translation platform (7). Thus, the rotation of the second vertical spindles (14) causes the vertical movement of ascent and descent of the second translation platform (8).

Figure 4 also shows how the transfer means (9) used to transfer the tubes (1) from the bottom of the tube stacking area (B) (1) to the packaging area (C), are formed by a plate (21) that is driven horizontally by an actuator (22) located in the lower part of the tube stacking area (B) (1). With all this, the tubes (1) are discharged into the hopper (2) and through the operation of the vibrating means (10) are introduced into the vertical channels (5), where they are retained inferiorly by the first platform of translation (7). When a stack of tubes (1) with the desired height in the vertical channels (5) has been completed, the retention means (6) are activated by stopping the entry of more tubes (1) into the vertical channels (5), then the first translation platform (7) is removed leaving the passage in the vertical channels (5) free, so that the tubes (1) rest on the second translation platform (8), which lowers the tube stack ( 1) already formed, to the bottom of the zone (B) of pipe stacking (1).

In order to compensate for the thickness of the walls that divide the vertical channels (5) and for the tubes (1) to be stacked in an arrangement to the tresbolillo optimizing the space, a narrowing (23) is provided from the exit of the vertical channels ( 5), whereby the total output width of said vertical channels (5) is reduced. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 5, the narrowing (23) is defined by an extension of the outer walls of the vertical channels (5) of both ends of the tube stacking area (B) (1). Specifically, the narrowing (23) is defined by two wall sections (24) inclined inwards, which are an extension of the outer walls of the vertical channels (5) of the ends, and two straight wall sections (25) in continuation of the wall sections (24) inclined inwards. Thus, the tube stack (1) that is formed in the lower part of the tube stack area (B) (1), is retained in its rear part by the plate (21) of the transfer means (9) , on its sides by the straight wall sections (25) and in its lower part by the second translation platform (8).

Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 show the different elements that make up the area (C) for packaging the tubes (1) in boxes. Thus, in figure 6 a tread mechanism (26) is shown, which is used to bend a die-cut sheet (27) in the form of a box that is arranged directly below the tread mechanism (26). As can be seen in figures 1 and 2, at the end of the machine opposite to the area (D) for the extraction of container boxes from the tubes (1), a die (28) is provided that punches cardboard sheets to form the sheets (27) die-cut in the form of a box, which by means of dragging means, such as a carriage that slides on guides, or a conveyor belt, are carried until they are located below the treadmill mechanism (26).

The tread mechanism (26) is formed by a column (29), which at its lower end It has an inverted "U" shaped piece (30) to fold up the side edges of the sheet (27) die-cut in the form of a box. The column (29) is mounted in vertical sliding with respect to a supporting structure (31) that is attached to the chassis of the machine, said column (29) presented on one side a guide (32) to slide with respect to the supporting structure (31 ) and on the other hand a rack (33) where a pinion associated with a motor (34) that causes the movement of ascent and descent of the column (29) and, therefore, of the piece in the form of "U""inverted (30) from its lower end. The tread mechanism (26) causes the die-cut sheet (27) to pass through a substantially rectangular opening (35) that coincides with the shape of the base of the box to be formed. Thus, when the inverted "U" shaped piece (30) descends, it causes the side edges of the die-cut sheet (27) to bend upwards, while the rest of the edges of the sheet (27 ) fold as it passes through the rectangular opening (35). Figures 7 to 9 show adjustment means (36) of the tube packing area (C) (1), which are used to maintain the stacking of tubes (1) armed in their transfer from the exit of the zone (B) stacking tubes (1), on the second translation platform (8), until they are placed on the sheet (27) die-cut in the form of a box below the treadmill mechanism (26).

The adjustment means (36) are composed of two diametrically opposite lateral adjustment plates (37) that make a separation and approximation movement between them, to laterally adjust the stacking of tubes (1) and prevent it from disassembling during its transfer between the tube stacking zone (B) (1) and the tube packing zone (C) (1). Each side adjustment plate (37) is associated with a respective actuator (38), for its advance and recoil, so that with said plates (37) the pipe stacking (1) is adjusted laterally, performing a vibratory movement so that the tubes (1) are correctly located in the stack optimizing space. A stop plate (39) is arranged in the zone (C) of tube packing (1), to align the stacking tubes (1) frontally before the tread mechanism (26) conforms to the packaging box. It is envisaged that the stop plate (39) is made of a transparent material, for example methacrylate, to allow the stacking of tubes (1) to be observed from outside.

As shown in the figures, in the zone (C) of tube packaging (1) a space (40) where tube stacking (1) is positioned prior to packaging. Said space (40) is immediately above the opening (35) and below the tread mechanism (26), so that at the time of packaging of the tube stack (1) the space (40) is closed on its back by the stop plate (39), on the sides and on the top by the inverted "U" shaped piece (30), and on the bottom by the box-shaped sheet (27) , allowing the stacking of tubes (1) into that space (40) only through its front part. With this arrangement, in the transfer from the bottom of the tube stacking area (B) (1) to the tube packing area (C) (1), the tube stacking (1) is pushed by the plate (21) of the transfer means (9), the tubes (1) being retained laterally first by the plates (37) of the lateral adjustment means (36) and then by the inverted "U" shaped part (30) ), finally, when the stacking of tubes (1) is correctly located in the space (40) on the sheet (27), causing the sheet (27) to form in a downward motion of the tread mechanism (26) of box.

In the partial view of the machine shown in Figure 10, it can be seen that the vertical channels (5) of the stacking area (B) are closed frontally by doors (41). It is envisaged that said doors (41) are made of a transparent material, such as methacrylate, polycarbonate or other similar material, to allow the formation of tube stacking (1) to be monitored from outside the machine, without the need to open those doors (41).

The doors (41) are provided with a reciprocating movement, to align the tubes (1) frontally within the vertical channels (5). For this, as seen in Figures 10 and 1 1, each door (41) is mounted on two guides (42), having a central actuator cylinder (43) disposed between the guides (42). The set of guides (42) and central actuator cylinder (43) is mounted on the hinged area of the respective door (41) or in the vicinity thereof. Thus, by means of an alternative forward and reverse movement of the central actuator cylinders (43), the doors (41) are caused to adjust the stacking of the pipes (1) frontally.

Figures 12A to 121 show an operative sequence of the procedure for grouping and creating the stacking tubes (1), and the subsequent formation on the tube stacking itself (1) of the box where they have to be packaged for marketing. Thus, as seen in Figure 12A, at first the retention means (6) are deactivated and the first translation platform (7) is located in a position according to the height of the tube stack (1 ) that is required. In this way the tubes (1) coming from the hopper (2) are entering the vertical channels (5) with the help of the vibrating means (10) and are stacked in said vertical channels (5) according to a substantially horizontal arrangement , the stacks being retained in their lower part by the first translation platform (7). The first translation platform (7) can remain in a position according to the height of the pipe stacking (1) that is required, or it can accompany the tubes (1) in their descent through the vertical channels (5) until complete the stacking height required.

As can be seen in Figure 12B, when the required height of the tube stack (1) has been completed, the retention means (6) are activated to prevent the entry into the vertical channels (5) of more tubes (1) from the hopper (2), the retention means (6) being activated during the stacking and packaging process of the tubes (1), until a new stacking occurs.

As can be seen in Figure 12C, the first translation platform (7) vertically lowers the stack of tubes (1) formed, to the exit of the vertical channels (5), where the second translation platform (8) is it is in its elevated position waiting to receive the stack of tubes (1). Then, as seen in Figure 12D, the first translation platform (7) moves horizontally by withdrawing from the vertical channels (5), so that the pipe stack (1) is supported on the second translation platform (8 ).

As seen in Figure 12E, the second translation platform (8) vertically lowers the tube stack (1) to a lower position where the tube stack (1) faces the transfer means (9) . In this descent, it is forced to pass the tube stack (1) through the narrowing (23) of Figure 3, to compact said tube stack (1), optimizing the space.

Figure 12F shows how the transfer means (9) move horizontally, causing the stack of tubes (1) to be located above the box-shaped sheet (27). During the transfer the tube stack (1) is retained laterally by the plates (37) of the lateral adjustment means (36), according to figure 9, to prevent the stack from being disassembled. In addition, pipe stacking (1) It is retained on its back by the stop plate (39), on the sides and on the top by the inverted "U" shaped part (30) of the treadmill mechanism (26), and at the bottom by the sheet (27) die cut in box form.

As seen in Figure 12G, the treadmill mechanism (26) descends vertically by bending the sheet (27) and forcing it to pass through the opening (35), so that it is formed on the tube stack itself (1). box in which the packed tubes (1) must be housed. Subsequently, as seen in Figure 12H, the treadmill mechanism (26) returns to its initial position, while the first translation platform (7) is already located in its initial position to perform a new stacking of tubes ( 1), the retention means (6) being deactivated to allow the entry of new tubes (1) into the vertical channels (5), while the second vertical translation platform (8) is placed in the initial position just at the output of the vertical channels (5). Finally, as shown in Figure 121, a new die-cut sheet (27) is placed in the form of a box (27), above the opening (35), to receive a new stacking of tubes (1) and repeat the process .

Claims

1. - Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, which includes a tube feeding area (A) (1), a tube stacking area (B) (1), and an area (C) for packaging tubes (1) in boxes, characterized in that the area (A) for stacking tubes (1) comprises:

- a plurality of vertical channels (5) for stacking tubes (1) according to a substantially horizontal arrangement thereof;

- retaining means (6) for the tubes (1) to regulate the entry of the tubes (1) into the vertical channels (5);

- a first translation platform (7) that makes a first vertical translation movement to regulate the height of the stack of tubes (1) and accompany the stack of tubes (1) in its descent through the vertical channels (5), and a second horizontal translation movement to withdraw and leave the passage free in the vertical channels (5) allowing the exit of the stack of tubes (1);

- a second translation platform (8) that presents a vertical translation movement to move the stack of tubes (1) from the exit of the vertical channels (5) to the bottom of the tube stacking area (A) ( 1); and - transfer means (9) to transfer the stack of tubes (1) from the second translation platform (8) until placing it on a sheet (27) die-cut in the shape of a box in the tube packaging area (C). (1); and because the area (C) for packaging tubes (1) in boxes includes:

- a pressing mechanism (26) to fold the die-cut sheet (27) into a box and form a packaging box on the stack of tubes (1).

2. - Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to the first claim, characterized in that the first translation platform (7) and the second translation platform (8) are driven to their vertical translation movement by respective vertical spindles (13 and 14) arranged on both sides of the tube stacking area (B) (1) and are guided vertically by means of guides (15).

3. - Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to the first and second claims, characterized in that the first translation platform (7) and the second translation platform (8) are independently driven in their vertical translation movement, using first vertical spindles (13) for the vertical drive of the first translation platform (7) and second vertical spindles (14) for the vertical drive of the second translation platform (8).

4. - Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to the first and second claims, characterized in that on each side of the tube stacking area (B) there is arranged a common guide (15) for guiding both first and second translation platforms (7,8) in their vertical translation movement.

5.- Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to the second claim, characterized in that the vertical spindles (13, 14) on one side of the area (B) for stacking tubes (1) are driven directly by respective motors (1 1, 12) while the vertical spindles (13, 14) on the opposite side of the tube stacking area (B) (1) are driven by means of a mechanism of transmission (16) that transmits the movement of the vertical spindles (13, 14) driven by the motors (11, 12).

6. - Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to the first, third and fourth claims, characterized in that the first translation platform (7) is attached to the mobile part of a actuator (17) that causes its horizontal translation movement, the fixed part of the actuator (17) being attached to a mobile base (18) in a vertical direction that is mounted between two carriages (19) that are driven in the direction of vertical displacement by the first vertical spindles (13) and guided on the common guides (15) on both sides of the tube stacking area (B) (1).

7. - Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to the first, third and fourth claims, characterized in that the second translation platform (8) is mounted between two cars (20) which are driven in the direction of vertical movement by the second vertical spindles (14) and guided on the guides (15) common on both sides of the stacking area (B). tubes (1).

8. - Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to the first claim, characterized in that at the exit of the vertical channels (5) a narrowing (23) is defined to group the stacking tubes (1) in a staggered arrangement and compensating for the thickness of the walls that divide the vertical channels (5).

9. - Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim eight, characterized in that the narrowing (23) is defined by an extension of the outer walls of the vertical channels (5 ) of the ends, said extension being formed by wall sections (24) inclined inwards and straight wall sections (25) in continuation of the wall sections (24) inclined inwards.

10- Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to the first claim, characterized in that the transfer means (9) are constituted by a plate (21) that is driven horizontally. by an actuator (22) to push the stack of tubes (1).

1 1- Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to the first claim, characterized in that the pressing mechanism (26) is constituted by a vertically movable column (29), which incorporates at its lower end an inverted "U"-shaped piece (30) to fold the die-cut sheet (27) into the shape of a box and make it pass through an opening (35) that coincides with the shape of the base of the box. to form.

12- Machine for grouping and packaging cigarette tubes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim eleven, characterized in that the column (29) has a guide (32) to slide vertically with respect to a supporting structure (31). ) that is attached to the chassis of the machine and a rack (33) in which a pinion associated with a motor (34) engages to drive said column (29) in vertical displacement.

13- Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to the first claim, characterized in that the tube packaging area (C) (1) has adjustment means (36) to maintain the stacking of tubes (1) assembled in their transfer from the second translation platform (8) until they are placed on the sheet (27) punched in the shape of a box.

14- Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim thirteen, characterized in that the adjustment means (36) are formed by diametrically opposed lateral adjustment plates (37), which are associated with respective actuators (38) to perform a separation and approximation movement between them.

15- Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to the first claim, characterized in that the tube packaging area (C) (1) has a stop plate (39) for the front alignment of the stacking tubes (1) before forming the packaging box.

16- Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim fifteen, characterized in that the stop plate (39) is made of a transparent material, to allow the stacking of tubes (1).

17- Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to the first claim, characterized in that the vertical channels (5) are closed frontally by doors (41) provided with a movement of back and forth to align frontally the tubes (1) that are stacked in said vertical channels (5).

18- Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim seventeen, characterized in that each door (41) is mounted on a guide (42), incorporating a central actuating cylinder (43). ) that causes the back and forth movement of the respective door (41).

19- Machine for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, according to claim seventeen, characterized in that the doors (41) are made of transparent material, to allow the formation of the stacking of tubes (1) in the vertical channels (5).

20.- Procedure for grouping and packaging tubes for cigarettes, cigarettes, filters, filter rods or similar, using the machine of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first phase in which tubes (1) are stacked according to a substantially horizontal arrangement to form a stack of tubes (1). and a second phase in which the stack of tubes (1) formed is arranged on a sheet (27) die-cut in the shape of a box, which is folded by means of a stepping mechanism (26) to form on the stack of tubes (1) itself. ) a packaging box.