Equipment for conveying products along a respective

Abstract

An equipment (10) for conveying products (11) along a respective path, in particular said products consisting in corresponding articles or groups of articles, preferably the articles being in the form of containers, in particular for liquids or semi-liquids, such as vials, bottles, cans, or the like, especially 5 said groups of articles being defined by corresponding bundles of articles or of said containers, preferably to be palletized, i.e., to be packaged for transport, the equipment comprising means (12) for supporting and advancing said products, means (14), or apparatus, for guiding said products (11) on said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11), and 10 means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11). Said means to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11) are in the form of corresponding movable means (18) that support and move, or 15 displace, transversally the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] EQUIPMENT FOR CONVEYING PRODUCTS ALONG A RESPECTIVE PATH.

[0003] Field of application of the present invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an equipment for conveying products along a respective path.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Equipment are known, for conveying vials, bottles, cans, or the like, i.e. , of corresponding bundles of articles or containers, along a respective path, which comprise means for supporting and advancing these products, which extend according to a respective advancing path, means, or apparatus, for guiding said products on said supporting and advancing means, and in which said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products comprise one or more members for a side engagement and sliding of the same products.

[0007] In the already-known advancing equipment, said one or more members for a side engagement and sliding of said products are transversally movable to define one or more lanes for the passage of said products, and means to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member for a side engagement and sliding of said products are also provided for.

[0008] However, these already-known guide equipment are generally not very flexible to use, not being suitable for allowing an easy and wide adjustment of the width of the guide lanes of the products.

[0009] Conversely, when said already-known guide equipment are configured for a more flexible use, these however have an overabundant number of components, which makes them too bulky and also such as not to allow easy viewing and access to said products on the corresponding conveying means, thus creating an obstacle to the work of the personnel in charge, especially in case of having to remove products from the line, for example due to overturning or breakage of the conveyed products, or to carry out cleaning or maintenance actions of the same.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] In any case, with the present invention it is therefore intended to propose a new and alternative solution to the solutions known so far, and in particular it is intended to obviate one or more of the above referred drawbacks or problems and / or to meet one or more of the above referred needs, and / or in any case perceived in the art, and in particular evident from what has been referred herein above.

[0012] Therefore, an equipment for conveying products along a respective path is provided for; in particular said products consisting in corresponding articles or groups of articles, preferably the articles being in the form of containers, in particular for liquids or semi-liquids, such as vials, bottles, cans, or the like, and especially said groups of articles being defined by corresponding bundles of articles or of said containers, preferably to be palletized, i.e., to be packaged for transport; the equipment comprising means for supporting and advancing products, which means for supporting and advancing said products extend according to a respective advancing path of said products, means, or apparatus, for guiding said products on said means for supporting and advancing said products, said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, on said means for supporting and advancing said products, comprising one or more members for a side engagement and sliding of said products, said one or more members for a side engagement and sliding of said products extending according to the advancing direction of the same articles and being transversally movable to define one or more lanes for the passage of said products, and means to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member for a side engagement and sliding of said products; characterized in that said means to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member for a side engagement and sliding of said products are in the form of corresponding movable means that support and move, or displace, transversally the respective member for a side engagement and sliding of said products.

[0013] In this manner, a guide system for articles is obtained, which is flexible in use and has an essential, non-redundant number of components, and which is ultimately not bulky and such as to allow easy viewing and access to the same products and the conveying means.

[0014] Brief description of the drawings

[0015] This and other novel aspects, i.e., respective and specific advantageous embodiments, are, in any case, disclosed in the appended claims, the specific technical features of which can be found, together with the corresponding advantages achieved, in the following description, illustrating in detail a merely exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, and which is made with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic, perspective view of a preferred embodiment of equipment according to the present invention, using a first preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products;

[0017] Figure 2A illustrates a schematic, perspective, enlarged view of the preferred embodiment of equipment according to the present invention using the first preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products;

[0018] Figure 2B illustrates a schematic, perspective, enlarged view of a detail of the first preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products;

[0019] Figure 2C illustrates a front elevated view of a detail of the first preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products;

[0020] Figure 2D illustrates a top plan view of a detail of the first preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products;

[0021] Figure 2E illustrates a side elevated view of a detail of the first preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products;

[0022] Figure 2F illustrates a front elevated view of a detail of the first preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a first operational condition;

[0023] Figure 2G illustrates a front elevated view of a detail of the first preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a second operational condition;

[0024] Figure 2H illustrates a front elevated view of a detail of the first preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a third operational condition;

[0025] Figure 21 illustrates a front elevated view of the first preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a first working condition;

[0026] Figure 2L illustrates a front elevated view of the first preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a second working condition;

[0027] Figure 3A illustrates a schematic, perspective, enlarged view of a detail of a second preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products;

[0028] Figure 3B illustrates a front elevated view of a detail of the second preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a first operational condition;

[0029] Figure 3C illustrates a front elevated view of a detail of the second preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a second operational condition;

[0030] Figure 4A illustrates a schematic, perspective, enlarged view of a detail of a third preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products;

[0031] Figure 4B illustrates a front elevated view of a detail of the third preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a respective operational configuration;

[0032] Figure 5A illustrates a schematic, perspective, enlarged view of a detail of a fourth preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products;

[0033] Figure 5B illustrates a front elevated view of a detail of the fourth preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a first operational condition;

[0034] Figure 5C illustrates a front elevated view of a detail of the fourth preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a second operational condition;

[0035] Figure 6A illustrates a schematic, perspective, enlarged view of a detail of a fifth preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products;

[0036] Figure 6B illustrates a front elevated view of a detail of the fifth preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a first operational condition;

[0037] Figure 6C illustrates a front elevated view of a detail of the fifth preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a second operational condition;

[0038] Figure 6D illustrates a front elevated view of a detail of the fifth preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a third operational condition; Figure 7A illustrates a schematic, perspective, enlarged view of a detail of a sixth preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products;

[0039] Figure 7B illustrates a front elevated view of a detail of the sixth preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a first operational condition;

[0040] Figure 7C illustrates a front elevated view of a detail of the sixth preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a second operational condition;

[0041] Figure 8A illustrates a schematic, perspective, enlarged view of a detail of a seventh preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products;

[0042] Figure 8B illustrates a front elevated view of a detail of the seventh preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a first operational condition;

[0043] Figure 8C illustrates a front elevated view of a detail of the seventh preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in a second operational condition;

[0044] Figure 9 illustrates a schematic view of the preferred embodiment of equipment with means, or apparatus, for guiding said products provided with corresponding motorized drive means.

[0045] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0046] In Figure 1 , a preferred embodiment 10 of an equipment for conveying products 11 along a respective path is illustrated.

[0047] Especially, said equipment can be used inside a respective packaging and / or logistics plant.

[0048] In particular, said products may consist in corresponding articles or groups of articles, preferably the articles being in the form of containers, in particular for liquids or semi-liquids, such as vials, bottles, cans, or the like, and especially said groups of articles being defined by corresponding bundles of articles or of said containers, preferably to be palletized, i.e. , to be packaged for transport.

[0049] As illustrated, the equipment comprises means 12 for supporting and advancing said products, which means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 extend according to a respective advancing path of said products.

[0050] The equipment 10 also comprises, in particular according to a respective first preferred embodiment illustrated in the Figures 2A to 2L, means, or apparatus, 14 for guiding said products 11 on said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 , which means 14, or apparatus, for guiding said products 11 , on said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 , comprising one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 extending according to the advancing direction of the same articles 11 and being transversally movable to define one or more lanes for the passage of said products 11 , each having a respective width.

[0051] As is illustrated in said Figures 2A to 2L, said means, or apparatus, 14 for guiding said products 11 on said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 , also comprise means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0052] Advantageously, as illustrated, it is provided for said means to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 are in the form of corresponding movable means 18 that support and move, or displace, transversally the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0053] In this manner, a guide system for articles is obtained, which is flexible in use and has an essential, non-redundant number of components, and which is ultimately not bulky and such as to allow easy viewing and access to the same products and the conveying means.

[0054] As is clear from said Figures, advantageously, said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 lead, i.e. , carry, in particular directly, the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 transversally to said advancing direction of the same articles 11 on said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 , i.e., transversally to said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11.

[0055] As is clear from said Figures, with appreciable advantage, said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 displace transversally the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 to corresponding working positions, in particular defining one or more corresponding lanes 17, 17 of transit of the same articles 11 on said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 .

[0056] With advantage, for example, as is clear from Figure 2I, a first and a second conveying lanes 17, 17 can be defined on the conveying means, while, as is clear from Figure 2L, a single conveying lane can be defined on the conveying means.

[0057] Therefore, the present guide system for the products is of particularly flexible use.

[0058] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures 2F a 2H, said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , to move or displace transversally the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , are rotatable, in particular in the two opposite angular directions, to move or displace transversally the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , especially in the two opposite transverse directions.

[0059] As is clear from said Figures, advantageously, said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , to move or displace transversally the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , are rotatable with respect to a respective axis 18x transverse to said advancing direction of the same articles 11 , i.e., to said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 .

[0060] As is clear from said Figures, with advantage, said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 to move or displace transversally the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 are rotatable, in particular in the two opposite angular directions, with respect to a respective rotational axis 18x.

[0061] As is clear from said Figures, advantageously, said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 extend transversally at least across, or substantially across, the entire transverse width of said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 .

[0062] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 extend elongated transversally to said advancing direction of the same articles 11 on said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 , i.e., to said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 , in particular at least extending across, or substantially across, the entire transverse width of said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 .

[0063] As is clear from said Figures, in an advantageous manner, said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 are in the form of an elongated rod, or shaft 180 that extends transversally, in particular at least across, or substantially across, the entire transverse width of said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 , and which rotates about its own axis of symmetry 18x.

[0064] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 have means 181 for the engagement of said member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , which are adapted to induce, a result of the movement, in particular rotational movement, of the same moving or actuating means 18, a movement or transverse displacement to the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0065] As is clear from said Figures, advantageously, said means for the engagement of said member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , of said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , are in the form of a corresponding profile 181 of the outer surface 18’ of said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , the profile 181 engages, in particular on both the opposite sides or side faces, the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., a corresponding connecting portion thereof, as will however be apparent from the following present description.

[0066] As is clear from said Figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, said profile for the engagement of said member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 is in the form of a helically developed profile 181 extending along the outer surface 18’ of the same means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0067] Advantageously, as is clear in particular from said Figures 2F to 2H, said means to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 are in the form of a corresponding lead screw, or endless screw, 18, which in particular extends transversally to the advancing direction of the same articles 11 , and preferably horizontally, and which is especially rotatable with respect to the axis 18x of the same lead screw or endless screw 181 to displace or move transversally the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , in particular being rotatable in the opposite angular directions to displace or move transversally the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 according to opposite transverse directions.

[0068] As is clear from said Figures 4A and 4B, illustrating a third preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, advantageously, said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., said lead screw, or endless screw, 18, are, or is, adapted to move or displace, in particular simultaneously, a plurality of members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0069] As is clear for example from said Figures 2A to 2L, in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, in an appreciably advantageous manner, said lead screw, or endless screw, 18 has a single start, or helicoidal profile, 181 adapted to move or displace a single side engaging and sliding member, 16, i.e., said lead screw, or endless screw, 18 has a plurality of, in particular, as is clear at least from said Figures 4A and 4B, in accordance with the third preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, a first and a second, starts, or helicoidal profiles, 181 , 181 , extending on a respective portion of said outer surface 18’ of the same lead screw, or endless screw, 18, respectively adapted to move or displace a plurality of, in particular a first and a second, side engaging and sliding members, 16, 16, of said products 11 , according to opposite transverse directions. In particular, said first and second starts, or helicoidal profiles, 181 , 181 extending in opposite orientation to move or displace said first and second side engaging and sliding members, 16, 16, of said products 11 , according to opposite transverse directions.

[0070] In the latter case, as is clear from the figures, said first and second starts, or helicoidal profiles, 181 , 181 , extend on respective portions of said outer surface 18’ of the same lead screw, or endless screw, 18 that preferably are symmetrically extending starting from the opposite ends of the endless screw and / or especially are of equal length and preferentially extend by a length almost corresponding to half the length of the same endless screw.

[0071] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 is directly connected with, or is directly carried by, said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e. , by the corresponding lead screw, or endless screw, 18.

[0072] As is clear from said Figures, advantageously, the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 is directly connected with, or is directly carried by, corresponding means 20 to guide the transverse movement of the same members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 . As is clear from said Figures, with appreciable advantage, said means 20 to guide the transverse movement of the same members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , are in the form of, or comprise, a respective guide rod 20, transversally extending, in particular across, or substantially across, the entire transverse width of said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 .

[0073] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 20 to guide the transverse movement of the same members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , or said transversally extending guide rod 20, are, or is, arranged below said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., of the respective lead screw, or endless screw, 18

[0074] Advantageously, said means 20 to guide the transverse movement of the same members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , or said transversally extending guide rod 20, are, or is, arranged vertically, or perpendicularly, aligned with said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e. , with the respective lead screw, or endless screw, 18.

[0075] In this manner, the longitudinal bulk is particularly reduced, and it is possible not to obstruct the view and to allow operator access to the products, for example in the event of inconveniences occurred to these, as well as to said same means for supporting and advancing said products in order to easily carry out cleaning, maintenance or replacement of components thereof.

[0076] As is clear in particular from Figure 1 , in a particularly advantageous manner, said means 14, or apparatus, for guiding said products 11 on said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 comprise, or comprises, a plurality of heads 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , which said heads 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 are distributed, spaced apart from one another, along the advancing path of said products defined by said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 .

[0077] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, the respective head 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , comprises means for supporting the respective means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , or for one or more lead screws, or endless screws, 18, and in particular for said means 20 to guide the transverse movement of the same members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , or for said transversally extending guide rod 20.

[0078] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, the respective head 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , comprises a plurality, in particular a first and a second, i.e. , a first, a second, and a third, lead screws, or endless screws, 18 for respective members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0079] As is clear from said Figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, the respective head 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , comprises a plurality, in particular a first and a second, i.e., a first, a second, and a third, lead screws, or endless screws, 18 for respective members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , which lead screws, or endless screws, 18 are vertically aligned with one another and vertically aligned with said transverse guide rod 201 for said members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of the same articles 11 .

[0080] In this manner, the longitudinal bulk is particularly reduced and it is possible not to obstruct the view and to allow the access of the operators to said products, for example in the event of inconveniences occurred to these, as well as to said same means for supporting and advancing said products in order to easily carry out cleaning, maintenance or replacement of components thereof.

[0081] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 14, or apparatus, for guiding said products 11 on said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 comprise means 24 to drive said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e. , of the respective lead screw, or endless screw, 18.

[0082] Said drive means 24 are adapted to couple, in an engageable and disengageable manner, with a respective end of said means to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member for a side engagement and sliding of said products are in the form of a corresponding lead screw, or endless screw, 18.

[0083] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 24 to drive said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., of the respective lead screw, or endless screw, 18, are in the form of corresponding manual drive means 241 , in particular in the form of a corresponding rotary drive wheel.

[0084] In particular, as is clearly highlighted by the corresponding curved arrows in the corresponding figures, said rotary drive wheel 241 is rotatable in the opposite angular directions to transversally move the corresponding guide members 16 according to opposite transverse directions.

[0085] As is clear in particular from Figure 9, with appreciable advantage, said means 24 to drive said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e. , of the respective lead screw, or endless screw, 18, can also be in the form of corresponding motorized drive means 242, in particular in the form of a corresponding reducer 242 actuated by a corresponding motor, in particular an electric motor243.

[0086] In particular, the motorized drive means 242 are connectable with corresponding means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 at one or more, preferably a plurality of, heads 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0087] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 14, or apparatus, for guiding said products 11 on said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 comprise means 26 to transmit a motion to said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw 18.

[0088] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 26 to transmit a motion to said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw 18, are actuated by said means 24 to drive said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., of the respective lead screw, or endless screw, 18.

[0089] As is clear from said Figures, with advantage, said means 26 to transmit a motion to said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw 18, extend longitudinally between corresponding heads 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0090] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 26 to transmit a motion to said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw 18, are in the form of a corresponding elongated rotatable shaft 261 operating on respective means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., on the respective lead screw, or endless screw 18, in particular which elongated rotatable shaft 261 is adapted to rotate in the opposite angular directions, in order to allow the respective member 16 to be moved for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 in opposite transverse directions.

[0091] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 26 to transmit a motion to said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw 18 comprise a plurality of elongated rotatable transmission shafts 261 extending between corresponding heads 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0092] As is clear from said Figures, in an advantageous manner, said plurality of elongated rotatable transmission shafts 261 extending between corresponding heads 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 are vertically, or perpendicularly, aligned with one another.

[0093] In this manner, it is possible not to obstruct the view and to allow the access of the operators to said articles, for example in the event of inconveniences occurred to these, as well as to said same means for supporting and advancing said products in order to easily carry out cleaning, maintenance or replacement of components thereof.

[0094] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 26 to transmit a motion to said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw 18, are arranged laterally to said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 , in particular externally thereto.

[0095] In this manner, the bulk is particularly reduced and it is possible not to obstruct the view and to allow the access of the operators to said products, for example in the event of inconveniences occurred to these, as well as to said same means for supporting and advancing said products in order to easily carry out cleaning, maintenance or replacement of components thereof.

[0096] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 26 to transmit a motion to said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw 18, comprise a corresponding gearbox 262, in particular containing corresponding gear means, which transmits the motion to the respective means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw, 18. Said gearbox 262 receiving the motion from the respective elongated rotatable transmission shaft 261 and transmitting it to the respective means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw, 18. As is clear from said Figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, said gearbox 262 which transmits the motion to the respective means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e. , to the respective lead screw, or endless screw, 18, is also adapted to receive the motion from an elongated rotatable transmission shaft 261 , and in particular is adapted to transmit it to a corresponding other elongated rotatable transmission shaft 261 located more downstream in the respective transmission chain.

[0097] In this manner, the adjustment movement of the guides is easily transmitted, and it is therefore possible to conveniently operate the adjustment control in a centralized manner.

[0098] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 has a portion 163 for the connection to said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw 18, and to said means 20 to guide the transverse movement of the same members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0099] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 14, or apparatus, for guiding said products 11 on said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 have a plurality of portions 163 for the connection to said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw 18, and to said means 20 to guide the transverse movement of the same members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , which have different heights to connect the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 with the respective means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw 18, which is arranged at the corresponding height relative to the support surface 120 for the same articles 11 of said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 .

[0100] As is clear from said Figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 comprises an elongated portion 161 according to said advancing direction of the same articles 11 that is adapted to laterally engage said products 11 .

[0101] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 has a corresponding portion 162, in particular perpendicularly extending relative to said portion 161 elongated according to said advancing direction, from which a respective portion 163 extends superiorly for the connection to said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw 18, and to said means 20 to guide the transverse movement of the same members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0102] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, the respective head 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 has corresponding support means 221 , 222.

[0103] As is clear from said Figures, with appreciable advantage, said support means 221 , 222 of the respective head 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 comprises a first and a second opposite uprights 221 , 222, between which said means 18 extend to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., the respective lead screw, or endless screw 18, and / or said means, or rod, 20 to guide the transverse movement of the same members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , and which in particular are at the opposite side edges of said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 .

[0104] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said first and second opposite uprights 221 , 222, carry on their respective outer side said means 24 to drive said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e. , of the respective lead screw, or endless screw, 18 and / or said means 26 to transmit a motion to said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw 18.

[0105] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, means 30 are provided for, to detect the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0106] As is clear from said Figures, with advantage, said means to detect the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 are in the form of a respective device 30 to count the rotations of the corresponding lead screw, or endless screw, 18.

[0107] Advantageously, the respective device 30 to count the rotations of the corresponding lead screw, or endless screw, 18 is carried by the corresponding upright 222, on the respective outer side, i.e., by the same upright 222 carrying said means 24 to drive said means 18 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0108] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 comprise, or define, a resting surface 120 for the same articles 11 , i.e., for a surface or lower face thereof. Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 are in the form of a corresponding conveyor belt 121 , which defines said resting surface 120 for the same articles 11 , which is in particular, as illustrated, supported by a respective stationary support frame 12’.

[0109] As is clear from said Figures, in an advantageous manner, in particular as is clear from the Figures 3A to 3C illustrating a second preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, according to a respective configuration, the respective head 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 comprises a first lead screw, or endless screw, 18a, to transversally move a respective first member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , and a second lead screw, or endless screw, 18a, to transversally move a respective second member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0110] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, in particular as is clear from the Figures 2A to 2L, illustrating a first preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, according to a respective configuration, the respective head 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 comprises a first lead screw, or endless screw, 18a, to transversally move a respective first member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , a second lead screw, or endless screw, 18b, to transversally move a respective second member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 and a third lead screw, or endless screw, 18c, to transversally move a respective third member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0111] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, in particular as is clear from the Figures 4A and 4B, illustrating a third preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, according to a respective configuration, the respective head 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 comprises a single lead screw, or endless screw, 18d, having a double start, or having two opposite helicoidal profiles, to transversally move, according to opposite directions, a respective first and a second members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0112] As is clear from said Figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, in particular as is clear from the Figures 5A and 5B, illustrating a fourth preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, according to a respective configuration, the respective head 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 comprises a first lead screw, or endless screw, 18d, having a double start, or having two opposite helicoidal profiles, to transversally move, according to opposite directions, a respective first and a second members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 and a second lead screw, or endless screw, 18e, having a double start, or having two opposite helicoidal profiles, to transversally move, according to opposite directions, a respective third and a fourth members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0113] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, in particular as is clear from the Figures 6A a 6D, illustrating a fifth preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, according to a respective configuration, the respective head 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 comprises a first lead screw, or endless screw, 18a, to transversally move a respective first member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , a second lead screw, or endless screw, 18b, to transversally move a respective second member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , and a lead screw, or endless screw, 18d, having a double start, or having two opposite helicoidal profiles, to transversally move, according to opposite directions, a respective third and a fourth members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0114] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, in particular as is clear from the Figures 7A and 7B, illustrating a sixth preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, according to a respective configuration, the respective head 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 comprises a lead screw, or endless screw, 18a, to transversally move a respective first member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , and a lead screw, or endless screw, 18d, having a double start, or having two opposite helicoidal profiles, to transversally move, according to opposite directions, a respective second and a third members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0115] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, in particular as is clear from the Figures 8A to 8C, illustrating a seventh preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, a respective member 16 is provided for, for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 that is stationary, in particular in a transversally intermediate, preferably central, position of said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 , and having a corresponding stationary portion 164, in particular located in a transversally intermediate, preferably central, position of said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 , and is especially supported, preferentially directly, by said means, or rod, 20 to guide the transverse movement of the same members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 .

[0116] As is clear from said Figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, in particular as is clear from the Figures 8A to 8C, illustrating a seventh preferred embodiment of said means, or apparatus, for guiding said products, according to a respective configuration, the respective head 22 to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 comprises a first lead screw, or endless screw, 18d, having a double start, or having two opposite helicoidal profiles, to transversally move, according to opposite directions, a respective first and a second members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 and a second lead screw, or endless screw, 18e, having a double start, or having two opposite helicoidal profiles, to transversally move, according to opposite directions, a respective third and a fourth members 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 , as well as a respective member 16 for a side engagement and sliding of said products 11 that is stationary, in particular in a transversally intermediate, preferably central, position of said means 12 for supporting and advancing said products 11 .

[0117] In practice, as is apparent, the technical characteristics illustrated above allow, individually or in a respective combination, to achieve one or more of the following advantageous results:

[0118] - a guide system for articles is obtained, which is of a flexible use;

[0119] - a guide system for articles is obtained, which has an essential, non- redundant, number of components;

[0120] - a guide system for articles is obtained, which ultimately is not bulky;

[0121] - a guide system for articles is obtained, which is such to allow easy viewing and access to the same products and the conveying means;

[0122] - the longitudinal bulk is particularly reduced, and it is possible not to obstruct the view and to allow the access of the operators to said products, for example in the event of inconveniences occurred to these, as well as to said same means for supporting and advancing said products in order to easily carry out cleaning, maintenance or replacement of components thereof;

[0123] - it is possible not to obstruct the view and to allow the access of the operators to said products, for example in the event of inconveniences occurred to these, as well as to said same means for supporting and advancing said products in order to easily carry out cleaning, maintenance or replacement of components thereof;

[0124] - the adjustment movement of the guides is easily transmitted, and it is therefore possible to conveniently operate in a centralized manner.

[0125] The present invention is susceptible of clear industrial application. Those skilled in the art may furthermore envisage a number of modifications and / or variations to be applied to the same invention, while remaining within the scope of the inventive concept, as extensively disclosed. Moreover, those skilled in the art may envisage further preferred embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the above illustrated features of the above referred preferred embodiment, in particular as disclosed in the appended claims. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that all the details of the invention may be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An equipment (10) for conveying products (11 ) along a respective path; in particular said products consisting in corresponding articles or groups of articles, preferably the articles being in the form of containers, in particular for liquids or semi-liquids, such as vials, bottles, cans, or the like, and especially said groups of articles being defined by corresponding bundles of articles or of said containers, preferably to be palletized, i.e. , to be packaged for transport; the equipment (10) comprising means (12) for supporting and advancing said products, which means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ) extend according to a respective advancing path of said products, means, or apparatus, (14) for guiding said products (11 ) on said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ), said means (14), or apparatus, for guiding said products (11 ), on said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ), comprising one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) extending according to the advancing direction of the same articles (11 ) and being transversally movable to define one or more lanes for the passage of said products (11 ), and means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ); characterized in that said means to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) are in the form of corresponding movable means (18) that support and move, or displace, transversally the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).

2. The equipment according to claim 1 or according to the precharacterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for aside engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) lead the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) transversally to said advancing direction of the same articles (11 ) on said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ), i.e., transversally to said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ).

3. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) displace transversally the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) to corresponding working positions, in particular defining one or more corresponding lanes of transit of the same articles (11 ) on said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ).

4. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), to move or displace transversally the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), are rotatable, in particular in the two opposite angular directions, to move or displace transversally the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), especially in the two opposite transverse directions.

5. The equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), to move or displace transversally the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), are rotatable with respect to a respective axis (18x) transverse to said advancing direction of the same articles (11 ),i.e., to said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ).

6. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 4 and 5, characterized in that said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) to move or displace transversally the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) are rotatable, in particular in the two opposite angular directions, with respect to a respective rotational axis (18x).

7. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) extend transversally at least across, or substantially across, the entire transverse width of said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ).

8. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) extend elongated transversally to said advancing direction of the same articles (11 ) on said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ), i.e., to said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ).

9. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) are in the form of an elongated rod, or shaft (180) that extends transversally, in particular at least across, or substantially across, the entire transverse width of said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ), and which rotates about its own axis of symmetry (18x).

10. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) have means (181 ) for the engagement of said member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), which are adapted to induce, a result of the movement, in particular rotational movement, of the same moving or actuating means (18), a movement or transverse displacement to the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).11 . The equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that said means for the engagement of said member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), of said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), are in the form of a corresponding profile (181 ) of the outer surface (18’) of said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), the profile (181 ) engages, in particular on both the opposite sides or side faces, the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., a corresponding connecting portion thereof.

12. The equipment according to claim 11 , characterized in that said profile for the engagement of said member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) is in the form of a helically developed profile (181 ) extending along the outer surface (18’) of the same means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).

13. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that saidmeans to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) are in the form of a corresponding lead screw, or endless screw, (18), which in particular extends transversally to the advancing direction of the same articles (11 ).

14. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., said lead screw, or endless screw, (18), are, or is, adapted to move or displace a plurality of members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).

15. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 13 and 14, characterized in that said lead screw, or endless screw, (18) has a single start, or helicoidal profile, (181 ) adapted to move or displace a single side engaging and sliding member (16), i.e., a plurality of, in particular a first and a second, starts, or helicoidal profiles, (181 , 181 ), extending on a respective portion of said outer surface (18’) of the same lead screw, or endless screw, (18), respectively adapted to move or displace a plurality of, in particular a first and a second, side engaging and sliding members, (16, 16), in particular said first and second starts, or helicoidal profiles, (181 , 181 ) extending in opposite orientation to move or displace said first and second side engaging and sliding members, (16, 16), of said products (11 ), according to opposite transverse directions.

16. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) is directly connected with, or is directly carried by, said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members(16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., by the corresponding lead screw, or endless screw, (18).

17. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) is directly connected with, or is carried by, corresponding means (20) to guide the transverse movement of the same members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).

18. The equipment according to claim 17, characterized in that said means (20) to guide the transverse movement of the same members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), are in the form of, or comprise, a respective guide rod (20), transversally extending, in particular across, or substantially across, the entire transverse width of said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ).

19. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 17 and 18, characterized in that said means (20) to guide the transverse movement of the same members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), or said transversally extending guide rod (20), are, or is, arranged below said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., of the respective lead screw, or endless screw, (18)20. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 19, characterized in that said means (20) to guide the transverse movement of the same members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), or said transversally extending guide rod (20), are, or is, arranged vertically, or perpendicularly, aligned with said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., with the respective lead screw, or endless screw, (18).

21. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said means (14), or apparatus, for guiding said products (11 ) on said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ) comprise, or comprises, a plurality of heads (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), which said heads (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) are distributed, spaced apart from one another, along the advancing path of said products defined by said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ).

22. The equipment according to claim 21 , characterized in that the respective head (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), comprises means for supporting the respective means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), or for one or more lead screws, or endless screws, (18), and in particular for said means (20) to guide the transverse movement of the same members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), or for said transversally extending guide rod (20).

23. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 21 and 22, characterized in that the respective head (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), comprises a plurality, in particular a first and a second, i.e. , a first, a second, and a third, lead screws, or endless screws, (18) for respective members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).

24. The equipment according to claim 23, characterized in that therespective head (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), comprises a plurality, in particular a first and a second, i.e., a first, a second, and a third, lead screws, or endless screws, (18) for respective members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), which lead screws, or endless screws, (18) are vertically aligned with one another and vertically aligned with said transverse guide rod (201 ) for said members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of the same articles (11 ).

25. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said means (14), or apparatus, for guiding said products (11 ) on said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ) comprise means (24) to drive said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., of the respective lead screw, or endless screw, (18).

26. The equipment according to claim 25, characterized in that said means (24) to drive said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., of the respective lead screw, or endless screw, (18), are in the form of corresponding manual drive means (241 ), in particular in the form of a corresponding rotary drive wheel.

27. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 25 and 26, characterized in that said means (24) to drive said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., of the respective lead screw, or endless screw, (18), are in the form of corresponding motorized drive means (242), in particular in the form of a corresponding reducer (242) actuated by a corresponding motor, in particular an electric motor(243).

28. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims oraccording to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said means (14), or apparatus, for guiding said products (11 ) on said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ) comprise means (26) to transmit a motion to said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw (18).

29. The equipment according to claim 28, characterized in that said means (26) to transmit a motion to said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw (18), are actuated by said means (24) to drive said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., of the respective lead screw, or endless screw, (18).

30. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 28 and 29, characterized in that said means (26) to transmit a motion to said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw (18), extend longitudinally between corresponding heads (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).31 . The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 28 to 30, characterized in that said means (26) to transmit a motion to said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw (18), are in the form of a corresponding elongated rotatable shaft (261 ) operating on respective means(18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e. , on the respective lead screw, or endless screw (18), in particular which elongated rotatable shaft (261 ) is adapted to rotate in the opposite angular directions, in order to allow the respective member (16) to be moved for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) in opposite transverse directions.

32. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 28 to 31 , characterized in that said means (26) to transmit a motion to said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw (18) comprise a plurality of elongated rotatable transmission shafts (261 ) extending between corresponding heads (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).

33. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 28 to 32, characterized in that said plurality of elongated rotatable transmission shafts (261 ) extending between corresponding heads (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) are vertically, or perpendicularly, aligned with one another.

34. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 28 to 33, characterized in that said means (26) to transmit a motion to said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw (18), are arranged laterally to said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ), in particular externally thereto.

35. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 28 to 34,characterized in that said means (26) to transmit a motion to said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw (18), comprise a corresponding gearbox (262), in particular containing corresponding gear means, which transmits the motion to the respective means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw, (18).

36. The equipment according to claim 35, characterized in that said gearbox (262) which transmits the motion to the respective means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw, (18), is adapted to receive the motion from an elongated rotatable transmission shaft (261 ), and in particular is adapted to transmit it to a corresponding other elongated rotatable transmission shaft (261 ) located more downstream in the respective transmission chain.

37. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) has a portion (163) for the connection to said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw (18), and to said means (20) to guide the transverse movement of the same members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).

38. The equipment according to claim 37, characterized in that said means (14), or apparatus, for guiding said products (11 ) on said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ) have a plurality of portions (163)for the connection to said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw (18), and to said means (20) to guide the transverse movement of the same members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), which have different heights to connect the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) with the respective means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., with the respective lead screw, or endless screw (18), which is arranged at the corresponding height relative to the support surface (120) for the same articles (11 ) of said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ).

39. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 37 and 38, characterized in that the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) comprises a portion (161 ) that is elongated according to said advancing direction of the same articles (11 ) that is adapted to laterally engage said products (11 ).

40. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 37 to 39, characterized in that said member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) has a corresponding portion (162), in particular perpendicularly extending relative to said portion (161 ) elongated according to said advancing direction, from which a respective portion (163) extends superiorly for the connection to said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw (18), and to said means (20) to guide the transverse movement of the same members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).41 . The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 21 to 40, characterized in that the respective head (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) has corresponding support means (221 , 222).

42. The equipment according to claim 41 , characterized in that said support means (221 , 222) of the respective head (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) comprises a first and a second opposite uprights (221 , 222), between which said means (18) extend to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., the respective lead screw, or endless screw (18), and / or said means, or rod, (20) to guide the transverse movement of the same members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), and which in particular are at the opposite side edges of said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ).

43. The equipment according to claim 42, characterized in that said first and second opposite uprights (221 , 222), carry on their respective outer side said means (24) to drive said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., of the respective lead screw, or endless screw, (18) and / or said means (26) to transmit a motion to said means (18) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), i.e., to the respective lead screw, or endless screw (18).

44. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that means (30) are provided for, to detect the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products(11 ).

45. The equipment according to claim 44, characterized in that said means to detect the transverse displacement of the respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) are in the form of a respective device (30) to count the rotations of the corresponding lead screw, or endless screw, (18).

46. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) is stationary, in particular in a transversally intermediate, preferably central, position of said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ), and has a corresponding stationary portion (164), in particular positioned in an intermediate, preferably central, transversal position of said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ), and is especially supported, preferentially directly, by said means, or rod, (20) to guide the transverse movement of the same members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).

47. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ) comprise, or define, a resting surface (120) for the same articles (11 ).

48. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ) are in the form of a corresponding conveyor belt (121 ), which defines said resting surface (120) for the same articles (11 ).

49. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 21 to 48, characterized in that the respective head (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) comprises a first lead screw, or endless screw, (18a), to transversally move a respective first member (16)for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), and a second lead screw, or endless screw, (18a), to transversally move a respective second member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).

50. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 21 to 48, characterized in that the respective head (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) comprises a first lead screw, or endless screw, (18a), to transversally move a respective first member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), a second lead screw, or endless screw, (18b), to transversally move a respective second member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) and a third lead screw, or endless screw, (18c), to transversally move a respective third member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).51 . The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 21 to 48, characterized in that the respective head (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) comprises a single lead screw, or endless screw, (18d), having a double start, or having two opposite helicoidal profiles, to transversally move, according to opposite directions, a respective first and a second members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).

52. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 21 to 48, characterized in that the respective head (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) comprises a first lead screw, or endless screw, (18d), having a double start, or having two opposite helicoidal profiles, to transversally move, according to opposite directions, a respective first and a second members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) and a second lead screw, or endless screw,(18e), having a double start, or having two opposite helicoidal profiles, to transversally move, according to opposite directions, a respective third and a fourth members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).

53. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 21 to 48, characterized in that the respective head (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) comprises a first lead screw, or endless screw, (18a), to transversally move a respective first member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), a second lead screw, or endless screw, (18b), to transversally move a respective second member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), and a lead screw, or endless screw, (18d), having a double start, or having two opposite helicoidal profiles, to transversally move, according to opposite directions, a respective third and a fourth members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).

54. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 21 to 48, characterized in that the respective head (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) comprises a lead screw, or endless screw, (18a), to transversally move a respective first member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), and a lead screw, or endless screw, (18d), having a double start, or having two opposite helicoidal profiles, to transversally move, according to opposite directions, a respective second and a third members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ).

55. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 21 to 48, characterized in that the respective head (22) to move or actuate the transverse displacement of said one or more members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) comprises a first lead screw,or endless screw (18d), having a double start, or having two opposite helicoidal profiles, to transversally move, according to opposite directions, a respective first and a second members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) and a second lead screw, or endless screw (18e), having a double start, or having two opposite helicoidal profiles, to transversally move, according to opposite directions, a respective third and a fourth members (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ), as well as a respective member (16) for a side engagement and sliding of said products (11 ) that is stationary, in particular in a transversally intermediate, preferably central, position of said means (12) for supporting and advancing said products (11 ).

56. An apparatus for guiding articles (11 ), characterized in that it is according to any one of the corresponding preceding claims.

57. An equipment and apparatus, each respectively characterized in that it is made according to any one of the preceding claims and / or as described and illustrated with reference to the attached drawings.

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