CHANNEL HOPPER FOR ROD-LIKE ARTICLES, FILLER FOR LOADING A CONTAINER WITH ROD-LIKE ARTICLES, AND UNLOADER FOR EMPTYING OF SUCH CONTAINER

The object of the application is 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).