Channel hopper for rod-like articles, filler for loading a container with rod-like articles, and unloader for emptying of such container

A channel hopper (1, 1′) for rod-like articles (4) wherein the flow of the rod-like articles (4) through the channels (2) of the hopper takes place in the form of a mass flow under the influence of gravity, comprising:

• at least two channels (2) for storage of rod-like articles (4), the channel being provided with an inlet (2A) and an outlet (2B) for rod-like articles and with side walls (8, 9),
• whereas the channel (2) is situated between limiting regions (6), and the limiting region (6) comprises a limiting element (7, 11) having a lateral surface which limits the space of the channel (2), and
• movable supporting elements adapted to change their configuration from open configuration to closed configuration and vice versa, whereas in the open configuration the flow of rod-like articles (4) through the channels (2) is enabled, and in the closed configuration the flow of rod-like articles (4) through the channels (2) is blocked,
• characterized in that
• at least one movable supporting element in the open configuration takes a position at least partially in the limiting region (6), and in the closed configuration takes a position at least partially inside the channel (2).