WO2005023689A1

WO2005023689A1 - A device for diverting articles from a conveyor

Info

Publication number: WO2005023689A1
Application number: PCT/IB2004/002986
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dino Pedercini; Stefano Brutti; Enrico Galimberti; Stefano Cavallari
Original assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.P.A.
Priority date: 2003-09-11
Filing date: 2004-09-08
Publication date: 2005-03-17
Also published as: EP1675794A1; ITBO20030523A1

Abstract

Articles (2) advancing along a predetermined feed path (3) are diverted by a device (1) equipped with a supporting structure (4) and, actively associated with the structure, a plurality of single diverter elements (9) capable of movement between a first position, in which the advancing articles (2) can pass in succession along the feed path (3), and a second position in which the diverter elements (9) encroach on the feed path (3) so as to intercept at least one article (2). The diverter elements (9) are caused to alternate between the first position and the second position by a drive system (14) comprising a single motor (15) and at least one mechanical linkage (16) through which the diverter elements (9) are coupled to the motor (15) in such a way that they can be moved between the first and second positions in a predetermined sequence.

Description

A DEVICE FOR DIVERTING ARTICLES FROM A CONVEYOR

Technical Field The present invention relates to a device for diverting articles advancing along a predetermined feed path. In particular, the invention relates to a diverter device applicable to any given packaging machine handling articles that need to be sorted on the basis of different manufacturing specifications and/or parameters, or of structural defects that may be detected during one or more testing steps conducted in the course of the packaging cycle. More exactly, the diverter device in question finds application in machines making bottles, paperboard brick packs and the like, to be filled with a variety of liquid and/or powder products including edible or chemical or industrial substances.

Background Art Conventional packaging machines, and in particular machines for manufacturing bottles and the like, can include one or more diverter devices such as will direct one or more bottles onto paths other than the main feed path of the machine. In the case of bottles, current manufacturing systems employ methods whereby bottles filled or ready for filling with different kinds of products can be conveyed along the same single feed path. In this instance the diverter devices in question will engage the bottles advancing along the main feed path and direct them onto alternative feed paths, each coinciding with a packaging line for a given type of product . In other applications, the diverter devices are installed in such a way as to intercept bottles and/or containers presenting one or more structural defects; thus, any items considered unsuitable for sale can be directed from the main path onto other paths, coinciding in this instance with reject lines. Prior art solutions for diverting bottles in movement along a main feed path include devices that consist in one or more deflectors capable of shifting mechanically between a position of non-engagement, in which the bottles are free to pass along the main feed path, and a position of engagement in which the deflectors encroach on the feed path. In the position of engagement, the deflectors are placed in general transversely to the main feed path followed by the bottles, so that the bottles are caused to strike and then slide against the deflectors, passing ultimately onto the designated alternative path. The effect of the violent impact and concomitant sliding contact between bottle and deflector is often to cause damage to the bottles, which then need to be tested again and possibly rejected, with significant consequences in terms of cost. Other diverter devices have been proposed, such as that described and illustrated in US Patent 4,369,873 for example, utilizing a plurality of diverter elements ordered one beside the next along the main feed path in the direction followed by the bottles. The diverter elements are capable of movement, each independently of the others, between a position of non-engagement in which the bottles are free to pass along the main feed path, and a position of engagement encroaching on the main feed path in such a way as to direct the bottles onto a designated alternative path. The diversion of the bottles from the main feed path onto the alternative path is brought about by operating the diverter elements, which can vary in terms of their longitudinal dimension, increasing in length the further they are positioned along the feed direction followed by the bottles, or in terms of the distance covered by the single element when shifting between the position of non-engagement and the position of engagement, which may be different to the distance covered by the other diverter elements. In particular, each diverter element presents a free end with a tip of which the profile extends transversely to the main feed path. Accordingly, when the diverter elements are in the position of engagement, the tip of each one combines with the tips of the others to establish a common diversion barrier angled relative to the main feed path and able to direct the advancing bottles toward the designated alternative paths. Each diverter element is positioned generally by a respective fluid power actuator that can be operated singly and independently of the fluid power actuators operating the other diverter elements . Each of the fluid power actuators is mounted directly to the packaging machine and occupies an appreciable amount of space, as regards the overall dimensions both of the component itself and of the various fluid power connections required for its operation. The applicant observes that prior art diverter devices furnished with a plurality of diverter elements, as described above, are able to guarantee that the operation of redirecting articles from the main feed path to one or more alternative paths is managed effectively; nonetheless, such devices are by no means devoid of drawbacks, reflected principally in their complexity, in terms both of construction and of operation, and their high running and maintenance costs. In particular, the applicant observes that the use of one fluid power actuator for each diverter element signifies the need for a high level of precision in controlling the selfsame actuators, and a notable complexity in management of the individually and independently piloted movement of each element between the position of non-engagement and the position of engagement. The main object of the present invention is to overcome the problems connected with the prior art as outlined above, by providing a device for diverting articles advancing along a predetermined feed path in which the diverter elements are operated by a single actuating mechanism and their movement can be simply and conveniently controlled. A further object of the present invention is to achieve a notable reduction in the production costs associated typically with high expenditure attributable to the operation and maintenance of conventional diverter devices .

Disclosure of the Invention The stated objects and others besides, which will become more apparent in the course of the following specification, are realized substantially in a device for diverting articles advancing along a predetermined feed path, of which the characterizing features are as recited in claim 1 appended. The invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

-figure 1 shows a device for diverting articles in a front sectional view, cut away in part, in which each diverter element is illustrated occupying a first operating position, according to the present invention;

-figure 2 is an enlarged view of the diverter device illustrated in figure 1; -figure 3 shows the device of figures 1 and 2 in a schematic side elevation;

-figure 4 is a plan view of the device illustrated in figures 1 to 3 , in which the diverter elements are shown occupying a second operating position, according to the present invention;

-figure 5 is an enlarged view of the diverter device illustrated in figure 4; -figure 6 shows the device of figures 4 and 5 in a schematic side elevation. Referring to the accompanying drawings, 1 denotes a device according to the present invention, in its entirety, for diverting articles advancing along a predetermined feed path. The diverter device 1 illustrated in the drawings finds application in any machine for manufacturing or packaging any given type of article 2 (see figure 4) caused to advance along a main feed path denoted 3. In greater detail, the diverter device 1 is associated preferably with a production machine (not shown, being conventional in embodiment) , typically a packaging machine, a capper or the like, handling articles 2 such as paperboard brick packs, plastic or glass bottles and so forth, serving as containers for liquid and/or powder products including edible or chemical or industrial substances generally. In the example of the drawings, the aforementioned diverter device 1 comprises a supporting structure 4 that presents a first support element 5 and a second support element 6 extending substantially parallel one to another in predominantly vertical planes . The supporting structure 4 further comprises an intermediate stiffening element 7 interposed between the first and second support elements 5 and 6 and secured to these same elements by first connecting means 8 consisting in threaded fasteners or other comparable fixing elements. Still referring to the drawings, and in particular to figures 1 and 3, the intermediate stiffening element 7 extends transversely, and preferably normal to the support elements 5 and 6, so that these three elements form a rigid and stable structure. As indicated in figures 4 and 5, the supporting structure 4 is positioned in close proximity to the main feed path 3 followed by the articles 2 advancing through the machine, in such a way that the diverter device 1 can encroach when necessary on the pass line of the advancing articles. To this end, the diverter device 1 is equipped with a plurality of diverter elements 9 permanently and actively associated with the supporting structure 4 and capable of movement between a first position of non-engagement with the articles 2, which during the operation of the machine will be advancing along the main feed path 3, and a second position of engagement in which the diverter elements 9 encroach on the feed path 3 in such a way as to alter the trajectory of at least one article 2. Each diverter element 9 presents a substantially elongated appearance referable to one predominating dimension. In detail, the diverter elements 9 are arranged in sequence along the main feed path 3 followed by the articles 2, substantially parallel and in close proximity one to another. As illustrated in figures 4 and 5, each diverter element 9 presents a longitudinal dimension of length different to the length of all the other diverter elements 9. Moreover, each diverter element 9 presents an anchored end 9a connected to the supporting structure 4 of the diverter device 1, and a free end 9b, opposite to the anchored end 9a, that will occupy the main feed path 3 of the machine at least in part when the diverter device is in the second position of engagement. In particular, the anchored end 9a is connected pivotably to the supporting structure 4 in such a way that the relative diverter element 9 remains free to rotate between the first and the second position about a respective fulcrum axis 9c, moving in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane occupied by the main feed path 3. More precisely, the anchored end 9a is connected pivotably to the supporting structure 4 by way of a hinge 10 that coincides with the fulcrum axis 9c aforementioned. As discernible from figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, the hinges 10, and therefore the fulcrum axes 9c of the diverter elements 9, are aligned in a substantially rectilinear and horizontal direction coinciding with a respective common axis X about which each diverter element 9 is free to pivot singly and independently of the other elements 9 making up the device 1. Preferably, the common pivot axis X of the diverter elements 9 is provided by a substantially cylindrical shaft 11 extending horizontally between the first and second support elements 5 and 6 of the supporting structure 4. More exactly, the cylindrical shaft 11 is attached by way of its two respective ends 11a to the first and second support elements 5 and 6, and secured thus in a fixed position by means of conventional second connecting means 12, typically threaded fasteners. In this instance, the hinges 10 of the single diverter elements 9 can take the form of respective hollow cylindrical elements ensheathing the cylindrical shaft 11 rotatably while disallowed freedom of axial movement. It will be appreciated nonetheless that the hinges 10 might be fashioned in any other conventional manner such as will allow the single diverter elements 9 to turn on the common pivot axis X. Still referring to figures 4 and 5, the free end 9b of each diverter element 9 presents a tip 9d of which the profile extends in a direction angled relative to the main feed path 3 followed by the articles 2. Each individual tip 9d operates in conjunction with the tips 9d of the adjacent diverter elements 9, when these assume the second position of engagement, to establish a diversion barrier 13 by which the advancing articles 2 can be directed toward at least one designated alternative feed path 38. As illustrated in figures 4 and 5, the diversion barrier 13 extends in a direction transverse to the main feed path 3, and in a preferred embodiment will describe a substantially curvilinear outline. More exactly, the diversion barrier 13 presents an entry edge 13a substantially aligned with a side edge 3a of the main feed path 3, an exit edge 13b substantially aligned with a side edge 38a of the alternative feed path 38, and a diverting edge 13c extending between the entry edge 13a and the exit edge 13b. The diverting edge 13c describes a substantially curvilinear profile presenting at least one change of concavity and, coinciding in particular with the change of concavity, wide radii of curvature and a substantially soft contour, so that the diversion of the articles 2 from the main feed path 3 onto the alternative feed path 38 is accomplished without any sudden and sharp change in direction. The diverter device 1 also comprises drive means 14 actively associated with the diverter elements 9 and serving to move them between the first and second positions. The drive means 14 comprise at least one drive component 15 consisting preferably in an electric motor 15a, and at least one mechanical linkage 16 operating between the drive component 15 and the diverter elements 9 in such a way that the selfsame elements 9 can be moved between the first and second positions according to a predetermined sequence. The electric motor 15a is connected rigidly to the first support element 5 by way of third connecting means 17, typically threaded fasteners, in such a way that the frame 15b of the motor extends between the first and second support elements 5 and 6, occupying a position beneath the linkage 16 and the diverter elements 9. The shaft 15c of the motor extends substantially parallel to the common pivot axis X of the diverter elements 9, passing through a clearance hole 5a (see figures 1 and 2) afforded by the first support element 5, and operates in conjunction with the linkage 16, which comprises first, second and third transmission components 18, 19 and 20 coupled and interacting mechanically one with another. The first transmission component 18 is coupled to the shaft 15c of the electric motor 15a. The second transmission component 19 is coupled to the first transmission component 18 by way of a common drive shaft 21, whilst the third transmission component 20 is coupled to the second transmission component 19 and to the diverter elements 9 and able thus to transmit motion to the selfsame diverter elements. More exactly, the first transmission component 18 comprises a first pulley 22 keyed to the shaft 15c of the electric motor, a second pulley 23 keyed to the common drive shaft 21, and at least one flexible transmission component 24, preferably a belt 24a, by which power is transmitted from the first pulley 22 to the second pulley 23 during operation of the device. Referring to figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, the common drive shaft 21 extends substantially parallel to the motor shaft 15c and is supported in rotation by the first and second support elements 5 and 6. At least one end 21a of the shaft 21 is insertable through the first support element 5 and coupled with the second pulley 23. The second transmission component 19 comprises a plurality of cams 25, each associated with the common drive shaft 21 and engaging by way of the third transmission component 20 with a respective diverter element 9, in such a way as to move the selfsame element 9 between the first and the second position. Each cam 25 comprises a substantially disc-like element 26 keyed onto the common drive shaft 21 between the support elements 5 and 6 of the supporting structure 4. In particular, each disc-like element 26 is keyed to the common drive shaft 21 with the aid of locking means 27 that comprise suitable collars 28 fitted onto the common drive shaft 21 in predetermined positions. Each single disc-like element 26 presents a first surface 26a affording at least one curvilinear cam groove 30, and an essentially flat second surface 26b on the side opposite to the first surface 26a. The cam groove 30 presented by the first surface 26a of the disc-like element 26 (see figures 3 and 6) extends around the centre of the disc at least in part and, ideally, passes round the centre entirely. Each cam groove 30 presents at least four curvilinear segments 30a, 30b, 30c and 30d of which the geometry is significant in terms of the movement transmitted to the respective diverter element 9. A first curvilinear segment 30a, instrumental in moving the relative diverter element 9 between the first and the second position, extends in an anticlockwise direction from a peripheral area 26c of the first surface 26a toward a central area 26d of the disc-like element 26. A second curvilinear segment 30b continues further in the anticlockwise direction from the first curvilinear segment 30a, occupying predominantly the central area 26d of the disc-like element 26 and extending substantially parallel to a peripheral circular edge 26e of the element 26. A third curvilinear segment 30c continues further from the second curvilinear segment 30b, extending anticlockwise from the central area 26d back to the aforementioned peripheral area 26c of the disc-like element 26. The geometry of the third curvilinear segment 30c is preferably symmetrical to that of the first curvilinear segment 30a, considered relative to the centre of the first surface 26a, so that the third curvilinear segment 30c of each disc-like element 26 is instrumental likewise in moving the relative diverter element 9 between the first and the second position, according to the direction of rotation. The third and the first curvilinear segments 30c and 30a are interconnected by a fourth curvilinear segment 30d extending predominantly around the peripheral area 26c and substantially parallel to the peripheral circular edge 26e. Each disc-like element 26 is thus able to generate movement by way of the curvilinear segments 30a, 30b, 30c and 30d, such as will cause a respective diverter element 9 to shift between the first and second positions. Consequently, the developable length of each cam groove 30, or the angular position of the single disc-like element 26 in relation to the longitudinal dimension of the common drive shaft 21, will determine the sequence in which the diverter elements 9 are caused to move between the first and second positions. To this end, each disc-like element 26 is keyed onto the common drive shaft 21 in a position offset angularly from the position of at least one other disc-like element 26 of the diverter device 1. These positions are staggered angularly in such a way that the respective cam grooves 30 will cause the diverter elements 9 to move between the first position and the second position in a predetermined sequence. In particular, and in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the angular positions are ordered at substantially identical degrees of offset relative one to another in such a way that the movement of the diverter elements 9 between the first position and the second position is generated in cascade, with a delay between one and the next that corresponds to the width of the angle determining the offset. By increasing or reducing the width of the angle of offset between one disc-like element 26 and another, when assembling the machine, it becomes possible to increase or reduce the delay between the movement of one diverter element 9 and the next. The third transmission component 20 comprises at least one transmission rod 31 associated with each cam 25 of the second transmission component 19, engaging the cam groove 30 of the relative disc-like element 26, and at least one connecting rod 32 interposed between the transmission rod 31 and the respective diverter element 9. Each transmission rod 31 is capable of movement between a first position (figure 3), distanced from the common drive shaft 21 and with the respective diverter element 9 occupying the first position of non-engagement , and a second position (figure 6), located nearer to the common drive shaft 21 and with the respective diverter element 9 occupying the second position of engagement. The single transmission rod 31 engages the cam groove 30 of the respective disc-like element 26 by way of a respective coupling element 33 associated with one end 31a of the rod 31. As discernible in figure 2, the coupling element 33 is positioned at least partly within the relative cam groove 30. In particular, the coupling element 33 is a rolling element, preferably a ball bearing, such as will roll internally of the cam groove 30 of the respective disc-like element 26 and follow the curvilinear path described by the groove . In addition, the diverter device 1 comprises guide means 34 associated with the supporting structure 4, by which each transmission rod 31 is made to follow a predetermined trajectory when moving between the relative first and second positions. In the example illustrated, the trajectory in question imposed by the guide means 34 on each transmission rod 31 is substantially rectilinear and perpendicular to the common pivot axis X of the diverter elements 9, also to the longitudinal dimension of the common drive shaft 21. In detail, the guide means 34 comprise a cross member 7, which in the example illustrated in one and the same as the stiffening element 7. The cross member 7 presents a plurality of clearance sockets 35 each slidably accommodating a relative transmission rod 31. Each connecting rod 32 presents a first end 32a connected pivotably to the respective transmission rod 31, and a second end 32b opposite to the first, connected pivotably to the respective diverter element 9. The connecting rod 32 further comprises two substantially identical lateral portions 32c (figure 1) extending predominantly in a transverse direction relative to the common pivot axis X of the diverter elements 9. The lateral portions 32c of each rod 32 are also spaced apart in a direction parallel to the common pivot axis X in such a manner as to create a gap offered to the respective transmission rod 31 and to the respective diverter element 9 for coupling purposes . The connection between the lateral portions 32c and the relative transmission rod 31 is made by way of a first linkage hinge 36 disposed substantially parallel to the common pivot axis X. The connection between the lateral portions 32c and the relative diverter element 9 is made by way of a second linkage hinge 37 substantially parallel to the first, positioned between the fulcrum axis 9c and the free end 9b of the diverter element 9. In operation, articles 2 advancing along the main feed path 3 may need to be directed onto one or more alternative paths 38, according to the products they contain or are destined to contain, or as a result of one or more structural defects being detected by relative sensing means installed on the manufacturing or packaging machines. In this type of situation, the motor 15a of the diverter device 1 is activated and rotation will be transmitted to the first pulley 22, keyed to the shaft 15c of the selfsame motor, thence by way of the belt 24a to the second pulley 23. The second pulley 23 is keyed to the common drive shaft 21, which therefore will be set in rotation together with the associated cams 25. Thus, the disclike element 26 of each cam 25 is caused to rotate about its axis and the cam groove 30 will displace the relative coupling element 33 of the third transmission component 20. It will be seen that the rotation of the single disc-like element 26 about its axis in either direction, clockwise or anticlockwise, has the effect of inducing an angular displacement of the curvilinear segments 30a, 30b, 30c and 30d presented by the respective cam groove 30. Each coupling element 33 occupying a respective cam groove 30 will follow the movement of the relative profile, drawing toward and/or away from the centre of the relative disc-like element 26. When the coupling elements 33 are displaced from the periphery of the disc-like elements 26 toward the centre, both the transmission rods 31 and the pivotably associated connecting rods 32 will be drawn toward the common drive shaft 21. In the course of the displacement in question, the connecting rods 32 will pull the respective diverter elements 9 toward the common drive shaft 21 and down into the second position of engagement, in which they are oriented in a substantially horizontal direction, encroaching on the main feed path 3. When the coupling elements 33 are displaced vertically away from the common drive shaft 21 and distanced from the centre of the respective disc-like elements 26, the respective transmission rods 31 and connecting rods 32 are pushed upwards. The diverter elements 9 are thus lifted by the connecting rods 32, rotating from the second position back to the first position of non-engagement . The angular offset between the adjacent disk-like elements 26 of the cams 25 will be instrumental in bringing about a staggered sequential movement of the diverter elements 9 between the first and the second position, that is to say, a movement of each diverter element 9 advanced and/or retarded relative to that of the adjacent diverter elements 9. It will be seen that by controlling the motor 15a appropriately, selecting clockwise or anticlockwise rotation, the diverter elements can be operated on the basis of predetermined positional sequences and in a preferred succession. Moreover, by varying the speed of rotation of the motor 15a and consequently its law of motion, the operating cycles of the diverter device 1 can be interlocked to the feed motion of the articles 2, in this instance with the aid of conventional indicating and control devices not illustrated in the drawings. The present invention succeeds in overcoming the problems associated with the prior art and achieving the stated objects. Indeed, the diverter device 1 is able to interact with any given article 2 advancing along the main feed path 3 in readiness to be directed away onto an alternative feed path 38, without adversely affecting its structural integrity, thanks both to the special profile of the diversion barrier established by the diverter elements 9 , and at the same time to a precise and reliable drive system ensuring faultless and independent guidance of the advancing articles 2. In addition, thanks to the adoption of a single transmission linkage capable of operating all the diverter elements 9, the device will be seen to offer significant structural and operational simplicity while presenting notably compact dimensions.

Claims

1) A device for diverting articles advancing along a predetermined feed path (3), typically a device (1) comprising: - a supporting structure (4);

- a plurality of diverter elements (9) arranged side by side along the feed path (3), actively associated with the supporting structure (4) and capable of movement between a first position of non-engagement with the articles (2), and a second position of engagement, encroaching on the feed path (3) followed by at least one of the articles (2); drive means (14) actively associated with the diverter elements (9), by which the selfsame elements are caused to move between the first position and the second position, characterized in that the drive means (14) comprise at least one drive component (15), and at least one mechanical linkage (16) interposed actively between the drive component (15) and the diverter elements (9) in such a way that the diverter elements can be moved between the first position and the second position in a predetermined sequence.

2) A device as in claim 1, wherein each diverter element (9) presents a longitudinal dimension of length different to the length of the other diverter elements (9) . 3) A device as in claim 1 or 2, wherein the mechanical linkage (16) is coupled actively to the diverter elements (9) in such a way that the movement of each diverter element (9) between the first position and the second position is described in a respective plane substantially perpendicular to a plane occupied by the feed path (3) along which the articles (2) advance.

4) A device as in claims 1 to 3, wherein each diverter element (9) is anchored rotatably to the supporting structure (4) and free thus to pivot about a respective fulcrum axis (9c) between the first position and the second position.

5) A device as in claim 4, wherein each diverter device (9) is hinged to the supporting structure (4) by way of an anchored end (9a) that coincides with the respective fulcrum axis (9c) .

6) A device as in claim 4 or 5 , wherein the fulcrum axes (9c) of the diverter elements (9) are aligned in a substantially rectilinear direction establishing a respective common axis (X) about which the diverter elements (9) are free to pivot.

7) A device as in claim 5 or 6, wherein each diverter element (9) comprises a free end (9b) opposite to the respective anchored end (9a) , presenting a tip (9d) of which the profile is angled relative to the feed path (3) followed by the advancing articles (2).

8) A device as in claim 7, wherein the angled tip (9d) of the single diverter element (9) combines with the angled the tips (9d) of the diverter elements (9) alongside, when at least two diverter elements (9) occupy the second position, to create a diversion barrier (13) presented to the advancing articles (2) and describing a substantially curvilinear contour relative to the feed path (3) .

9) A device as in claim 8, wherein the diversion barrier (13) presents an entry edge (13a) substantially aligned with a side edge (3a) of the feed path (3) followed by the articles (2), an exit edge (13b) substantially aligned with a side edge (38a) of an alternative feed path (38) , and a diverting edge (13c) extending between the entry edge (13a) and the exit edge (13b), of which the diverting edge (13c) describes a curved profile presenting at least one change of concavity.

10) A device as in claims 1 to 9 , wherein the drive component (15) comprises at least one motor (15a) , and a shaft (15c) extending from the motor.

11) A device as in claim 10, wherein the mechanical linkage (16) comprises a first transmission component

(18) coupled to the shaft (15c) of the motor (15a), a second transmission component (19) coupled to the first transmission component (18) by way of a common drive shaft (21) , and a third transmission component (20) coupled to the second transmission component (19) and to the diverter elements (9), of which the second transmission component (19) is interposed actively between the first and third transmission components (18, 20) and operates in conjunction with these same components in such a way as to move the diverter elements (9) sequentially between the first position and the second position in a predetermined order .

12) A device as in claim 11, wherein the first transmission component (18) comprises a first pulley (22) keyed to the motor shaft (15c), a second pulley

(23) keyed to the common drive shaft (21), and a further transmission component (24) looped around the first and second pulleys (22, 23) in such a way that when one pulley (22, 23) is set in rotation, the other will be set in rotation likewise.

13) A device as in claim 11, wherein the second transmission component (19) comprises a plurality of cams (25), each associated with the common drive shaft (21) and linked by way of the third transmission component (20) to a respective diverter element (9) in such a way as to move the selfsame element (9) between the first and second positions. 14) A device as in claim 13, wherein each cam (25) comprises a substantially disc-like element (26) keyed onto the common drive shaft (21) and presenting a first surface (26a) affording at least one cam groove (30) , also a substantially flat second surface (26b) on the side opposite to the first surface (26a) .

15) A device as in claim 14, wherein the cam groove (30) of each disc-like element (26) presents a first curvilinear segment (30a) extending in an anticlockwise direction from a peripheral area (26c) of the first surface (26a) toward a central area (26d) of the surface.

16) A device as in claim 15, wherein the cam groove (30) of each disc-like element (26) presents a second curvilinear segment (30b) occupying predominantly the central area (26d) of the first surface (26a) and extending further in the anticlockwise direction from the first curvilinear segment (30a) , substantially parallel to a peripheral circular edge (26e) of the disc-like element (26) .

17) A device as in claim 16, wherein the cam groove (30) of each disc-like element (26) presents a third curvilinear segment (30c) extending further in the anticlockwise direction from the second curvilinear segment (30b) , between the central area (26d) and the peripheral area (26c) of the first surface (26a) , and presenting a geometry symmetrical to the first curvilinear segment (30a) considered in relation to the centre of the first surface (26a) .

18) A device as in claim 17, wherein the cam groove (30) of each disc-like element (26) presents a fourth curvilinear segment (30d) interconnecting the first and third curvilinear segments (30a, 30c), extending predominantly around the peripheral area (26c) of the first surface (26a) on a line substantially parallel to the peripheral circular edge (26e) of the disclike element (26) .

19) A device as in claims 14 to 18, wherein each disc-like element (26) is keyed onto the common drive shaft (21) in a position offset angularly from the position of at least one other disc-like element (26) of the diverter device (1) .

20) A device as in claims 14 to 19, wherein the disc-like elements (26) are keyed onto the common drive shaft (21) in positions displaced angularly in such a way that the diverter elements (9) can be moved by the respective cam grooves (30) between the first position and the second position according to a predetermined sequence.

21) A device as in claims 14 to 20, wherein the disc-like elements (26) are keyed onto the common drive shaft (21) in positions offset angularly from the positions of the adjacent elements (26) , staggered one relative to another at substantially identical angles of offset so that the movement of the diverter elements (9) between the first position and the second position is generated in cascade, with a delay between one and the next corresponding to the width of the respective angle of offset.

22) A device as in claims 14 to 21, wherein the third transmission component (20) comprises: - at least one transmission rod (31) associated with each cam (25) of the second transmission component (19), actively engaging the cam groove (30) of the relative disc-like element (26) and capable of movement between a first position of proximity to the common drive shaft (21) , in which the relative diverter element (9) occupies the first position of non-engagement , and a second position distanced from the common drive shaft (21) , in which the relative diverter element (9) occupies the second position of engagement ; at least one connecting rod (32) interposed actively between the respective transmission rod (31) and the respective diverter element (9) .

23) A device as in claim 22, wherein the third transmission component (20) further comprises guide means (14) associated with the supporting structure (4) , by which each transmission rod (31) is made to follow a predetermined trajectory when moving between the first position and the second position.