WO2010009767A1

WO2010009767A1 - A transport system for container handling machines and a method for assembling such transport system

Info

Publication number: WO2010009767A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/059742
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mart Tiismann
Original assignee: Sidel Participations
Priority date: 2008-07-24
Filing date: 2008-07-24
Publication date: 2010-01-28
Also published as: WO2010009767A8; CN102245492A; EP2318302A1

Abstract

There is described a transport system (10) for a container handling machine (1), comprising at least one star wheel (13-18) arranged to be rotated around an axis (A) on a column-shaped support casing (21, 21a', 21b', 21'', 21''', 21''''), and at least one transversal strut (22, 22b', 22'', 22'''') for connecting a connection interface (40, 40'', 40''', 40'''') of the support casing (21, 21a', 21b', 21'', 21''', 21'''') to a further transport element (21, 21a', 21b', 21'', 21''', 21''''; 11, 12) of the system (10) or to a machine chassis; the connection interface (40, 40'', 40''', 40'''') comprises a first coupling element (41, 41b', 41'', 41''', 41'''') engageable by a second coupling element (42, 42b', 42'', 42'''') of the transversal strut (22, 22b', 22'', 22'''') at a number of angular positions around the axis (A).

Description

A TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR CONTAINER HANDLING MACHINES AND A METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING SUCH TRANSPORT SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a transport system for machines designed to handle containers, in particular bottles or similar containers having a neck closed with a removable cap; the present invention also relates to a method for assembling the above-mentioned transport system.

BACKGROUND ART

As is known, many liquid or powder products, including not only liquid food products, such as milk, fruit juices or beverages in general, but also mineral lubricating oils, detergents, etc, are sold in a wide range of bottles or containers, which are sterilized, filled and closed in container handling plants typically including a plurality of processing stations or machines, such as rinsers, fillers, cappers and labeling machines. These processing stations can be defined by linear machines or, more frequently, by carousel-type machines. The following description will refer to carousel-type machines only, although this is in no way intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. The containers to be handled are generally fed to and removed from these machines by means of a transport system including star wheels and linear conveyors.

In particular, according to a typical solution shown for instance in EP-A-1316520, the containers are fed to the handling plant through a linear conveyor; the successive passages of the containers from that linear conveyor to the first handling machine, from each handling machine to the next one and from the last handling machine to the exit from the plant are carried out by a plurality of star wheels disposed in line.

The various star wheels and/or conveyors of the transport system are traditionally supported on a massive receiving table which is in turn mechanically connected to the chassis of the handling machines so as to ensure that the relative positions of the components of the plant are maintained during production.

However, the receiving table, on the one hand, represents a significant cost factor due to the complexity of its design and construction, and, on the other hand, has numerous individual surfaces, edges, corners and undercuts defining possible starting points for undesirable contamination.

Moreover, the configuration of the star wheels and conveyors on the receiving table is fixed and cannot be varied. In other words, such configuration is specifically designed and construed for a given layout of handling machines; any modification of the number, type or layout of such machines requires a complete redesign and reconstruction of the receiving table. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in WO 2006/087088 and WO 2006/087109, it has been proposed to replace the receiving table with a tubular structure formed by horizontal and vertical elements connected to each other in a removable way so as to allow modification of the transport system configuration.

In particular, the star wheels are rotatably mounted on respective column-shaped support casings, which define the vertical elements of the tubular structure and are in turn connected to each other and to the chassis of the handling machines by respective horizontal tubular struts .

More specifically, each support casing bears on the ground by means of a single foot and rotatably houses a driving shaft of the relative star wheel. Each support casing has one or more angularly spaced connection interfaces, which are adapted to receive respective horizontal struts; in greater detail, each connection interface can be releasably coupled to one end of a relative horizontal strut, the other end of which can be releasably coupled to the connection interface of another support casing or to a machine chassis.

The tubular configuration of the star wheel support casings and the horizontal struts permits the passage of signal and/or power electrical cables, e.g. for supplying electricity and/or control signals to the star wheel motors or to the handling machine motors.

The use of a tubular structure instead of a massive receiving table allows to minimize the surface areas in which dirty can accumulate and to increase access to the various parts of the plant by personnel for cleaning; in this way, the risk of contamination is decreased.

Besides, the adoption of removable connections among the horizontal and vertical elements of the tubular structure permits to obtain a star wheel configuration that can be selectively and modularly varied; in practice, the same elements can be used to assemble the transport system in different configurations.

Though advantageous in many aspects, the above solution can further be improved, in particular as to the possibility to achieve a real standardization in the production of the components of the tubular structure and a higher flexibility of assembling the transport system.

In particular, the applicant has observed that the positions of the connection interfaces on the star wheel support casings shown in WO 2006/087088 and WO 2006/087109 have to be determined on account of the specific layout of the handling plant to manufacture.

In other words, each support casing is manufactured with the exact number and location of the connection interfaces for receiving the pre-determined number of transversal struts on the basis of the plant layout to build. In practice, the transport system is manufactured so as to include some support casings with a single connection interface, other support casings with a pair of connection interfaces, others more with three connection interfaces, and so on.

Therefore, the real possibilities to modify such layout or to use the same components to build another plant having a different layout are perforce limited by the already fixed positions of the connection interfaces on the star wheel support casings.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a transport system for container handling machines, whose component parts may be produced in a standardized way and allow to obtain a real modularity of assembly.

This object is achieved by a transport system for container handling machines, as claimed in claim 1.

The present invention also relates to a method of assembling a transport system for container handling machines, as claimed in claim 15.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A number of preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a container handling plant having a transport system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a larger-scale view in perspective of a transport component of the Figure 1 transport system;

Figure 3 shows a larger-scale partial section along line III-III in Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a larger-scale view in perspective of a portion of the Figure 2 component, during assembly; Figure 5 shows in perspective the same view as in Figure 2, of an alternative embodiment of a transport component in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 6 shows in perspective the same view as in Figure 2, of another alternative embodiment of a transport component in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 7 shows a view in perspective of still another alternative embodiment of a transport component in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a view in perspective of the Figure 7 transport component during assembly;

Figure 9 shows a larger-scale view in perspective of a possible variant of a part of the Figure 7 transport component;

Figure 10 shows the same view as in Figure 7, of an additional alternative embodiment of a transport component in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 11 shows a view in perspective of the Figure 10 transport component during assembly;

Figure 12 shows the same view as in Figure 7, of a further alternative embodiment of a transport component in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and

Figure 13 shows a larger-scale view in perspective of the Figure 12 transport component during assembly.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Number 1 in Figure 1 indicates as a whole a plant for handling containers 2, in particular bottles, in order to fill them with liquid or powder products and to close them with respective caps (not shown) .

More specifically, handling plant 1 basically comprises a plurality of processing stations or handling machines 3, 4, 5, known per se and schematically represented in Fig. 1, in which respective operations are carried out on containers 2, and a transport system 10 according to the present invention for feeding containers 2 to the first machine (3), for transferring them from one machine to the next and for removing them from the last machine (5) .

Handling plant 1 further comprises a central electronic control system 6, which in turn includes a process control unit 7 for monitoring and controlling the operations of the various handling machines 3, 4, 5 and the various components of transport system 10, and a power supply unit 8 for supplying electrical power to any member of the plant. In the example shown in Figure 1, machines 3, 4, 5, acting in sequence on containers 2, are respectively defined by a rinsing machine (3), to direct rinse water through the open end of containers 2, a filling machine (4), to introduce a predetermined volume of the liquid or powder product into each container 2, and a capping machine (5), to provide containers 2 with relative closing caps. Handling plant 1 may also comprise other known machines, such as a labeling machine, an inspecting machine, etc. Preferably, all machines 3, 4 and 5 are of carousel- type.

Transport system 10 comprises an infeed linear conveyor 11, to feed handling plant 1 with containers 2 at a predetermined pitch, an outfeed linear conveyor 12 to remove containers 2 from handling plant 1, and a plurality of star wheels 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 interposed among conveyors 11, 12 and machines 3, 4, 5.

In particular, star wheel 13 is used to take containers 2 from infeed conveyor 11 and to release them to the first processing station, in the example shown rinsing machine 3.

The next set of three consecutive star wheels 14, 15, 16 is used to pick up containers 2 exiting from rinsing machine 3 and to carry them to the following processing station, in the example shown filling machine 4.

Star wheel 17 is used to transfer containers 2 from filing machine 4 to the last processing station, in the example shown capping machine 5. Star wheel 18 is used to pick up sealed containers 2 exiting from capping machine 5 and to carry them to outfeed conveyor 12.

With reference to Figures 1-4, transport system 10 further comprises a support structure 20 for supporting star wheels 13-18 and conveyors 11, 12. Support structure 20 comprises a plurality of column-shaped support casings 21, on which respective star wheels 13-18 are singularly mounted, and a plurality of transversal or horizontal struts 22 for connecting support casings 21 to each other, as well as to the frame (known per se and not shown) of conveyors 11, 12 and to the chassis (known per se and not shown) of machines 3, 4, 5.

By referring particularly to Figures 2 to 4, each support casing 21 has a cylindrical outer surface 23 of axis A and bears on the floor by means of a single or multiple feet 24, which are secured to a bottom end 25 of support casing 21 in an adjustable way so as to allow, in a conventional manner, a modification of their heights. It is pointed out that any other shape of the outer surfaces 23 of support casings 21 is possible, such as a polygonal configuration.

Each star wheel 13-18 is rotatably mounted around axis A on an upper region of a relative support casing 21 and basically includes a circular plate 27 having, along its own periphery, a plurality of seats 28 for retaining respective containers 2, in the example shown bottles.

Each support casing 21 has a tubular configuration so as to define a cavity 30, which houses actuation means 31 to rotate the relative star wheel 13-18. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, actuation means 31 include an electric motor 32 housed in a bottom region of the relative support casing 21 and a driving shaft 34 rotatably mounted into cavity 30 and connecting motor 32 with the relative star wheel 13-18.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, each transversal strut 22 also has a tubular configuration and defines an internal cavity 35, whose function will be clarified hereafter . Preferably, transversal struts 22 have cylindrical outer surfaces 36; it is clear that, also in this case, any other shape of the outer surfaces 36 is possible, such as a polygonal configuration.

As illustrated in Figure 2, each support casing 21 has a plurality of connection interfaces 40 adapted to be connected in a removable way to respective transversal struts 22 so as to allow modification of the transport system configuration. It is pointed out that, for each support casing 21, even a single connection interface 40 may be provided.

Preferably, connection interfaces 40 of each support casing 21 are located at different heights along axis A so as to allow arrangement of the transversal struts 22 at the desired heights with respect to the floor. Advantageously, each connection interface 40 comprises a first coupling element 41 engageable by a second coupling element 42 of the relative transversal strut 22 at a number of angular positions around axis A.

As shown in the embodiment of Figures 2-4, each support casing 21 comprises, along axis A, a plurality of fixed drum-shaped transversal portions 43 alternated with a plurality of rotating drum-shaped transversal portions 44, which, in turn, define respective connection interfaces 40 and can be independently rotated around axis A so as to allow the respective coupling elements 41 to be engaged by corresponding coupling elements 42 of transversal struts 22 at the desired angular positions.

In particular, as visible in Figure 3, each rotating portion 44 of support casing 21 has a main annular section 45 axially interposed between adjacent fixed portions 43 so as to be visible from the exterior, and a pair of axially opposed annular flanges 46 abutting the inner sides of the respective adjacent fixed portions 43 and adapted to be secured to the latter in a removable manner by relative screws 47.

More specifically, annular flanges 46 of each rotating portion 44 and the abutting fixed portions 43 are respectively provided with radial holes 48, 49 for engagement with the corresponding screws 47 in order to lock the rotating portion 44 in the desired angular position around axis A with respect to the relative fixed portions 43.

Holes 49 may be provided on the fixed portions 43 during manufacture of support casings 21 or even during assembly of handling plant 1 at the installation site.

In the first case, the region of at least one of the fixed portions 43 abutting a relative rotating portion 44 will have a number of predetermined radial holes 49 angularly spaced around axis A and defining respective angular positions for connection of the rotating portion 44 with a respective transversal strut 22; each rotating portion 44 will also have at least one radial hole 48 adapted to be positioned radially aligned with one of the holes 49 of the relative fixed portion 43 in order that both the aligned holes 48, 49 be engaged by a corresponding screw 47.

In the example shown in Figures 2-4, both the fixed portions 43 abutting opposed flanges 46 of a relative rotating portion 44 are provided with respective series of radial holes 49 arranged in such a way that one hole 49 of a first series be aligned with a corresponding hole 49 of the other series along a direction parallel to axis A; in this case, both annular flanges 46 of each rotating portion 44 are provided with respective radial holes 48 aligned to each other along a direction parallel to axis A .

In the second case, during assembly of handling plant 1, radial holes 48, 49 for engagement with locking screws 47 will be provided on the respective fixed and rotating portions 43, 44 only after the angular position/s of connection between each support casing 21 and the respective transversal strut/s 22 has/have been defined. Therefore, in this second case, each support casing 21 may be connected to a respective transversal strut 22 at any angular position around axis A, i.e. at any of the infinite angular positions around axis A.

It is pointed out that, in this second case, both holes 48 may be also provided on each rotating portion 44 during manufacture of support casings 21. With reference to Figures 2 and 4, each coupling element 41 extends along an arc-shaped portion of the outer surface of the relative connection interface 40; such arc-shaped portion has a limited extension around axis A, normally of the order of a few degrees, e.g. smaller than 15°- 20°.

Preferably, each coupling element 41 is defined by a rib 50 projecting from the outer surface of the relative connection interface 40 and having a T-shaped cross section defined by a first rectilinear portion 41a radially protruding from the connection interface 40 and a second rectilinear portion 41b extending parallel to axis A and contacting a free end of rectilinear portion 41a.

Each transversal strut 22 has both ends 51 (only one of them shown in the attached drawings) provided with relative coupling elements 42, which, in the embodiment shown in Figures 2-4, are defined by prismatic axial projections 52 having complementary shapes to those of the relative coupling elements 41. In particular, each projection 52 has the same angular extension as the one of the relative coupling element 41 and axially ends with a portion 52a having a C-shaped cross section with free edges protruding towards each other so as to substantially envelope rectilinear portion 41b of the cross section of the rib 50; due to this particular configuration, each projection 52 can be slidably engaged with the relative rib 50 as from one side thereof.

Fastening of each transversal strut 22 onto the relative support casing 21 is obtained through one or more screws 55 adapted to engage respective holes 53, 54 provided on the relative coupling elements 41, 42 and having respective axes parallel to axis A (Figures 2 and 4) . It is pointed out that transversal struts 22 may have both ends 51 engaged with respective coupling elements 41 of different support casings 21 or may have one end 51 engaged with the coupling element 41 of a relative support casing 21 and the opposite one releasably coupled to the chassis of one of machines 3, 4, 5 or to the frame of one of conveyors 11, 12.

Advantageously (Figures 3 and 4), each coupling element 41 and the corresponding coupling element 42 are provided with respective openings 56, 57, in the example shown holes, for putting in communication the cavities

30, 35 of the relative support casing 21 and the relative transversal strut 22 when they are engaged to each other.

In this way, the passage of signal and/or power electrical cables and/or fluid pipes and/or mechanical transmission means, etc. through support casings 21 and transversal struts 22 is made possible.

The operation of handling plant 1 is known and can be easily deducted from the above description.

The assembly of transport system 10, which is part of the present invention, is carried out according to the method described below.

The first step consist in defining the positions of star wheels 13-18 and linear conveyors 11, 12 as a function of the positions and type of handling machines 3, 4 and 5 present in the plant layout. Next, the various support casings 21 and the conveyors 11, 12 are mounted in the previously defined positions. Star wheels 13-18 are then mounted on the respective support casings 21. At this point, support casings 21, the frames of conveyors 11, 12 and the chassis of at least one handling machine 3, 4, 5 have to be connected together by respective transversal struts 22.

In order to perform this operation, it is necessary to define the angular position/s of connection of each transversal strut 22 with the corresponding support casing/s 21; the various connection interfaces 40, destined to be connected to the respective transversal struts 22, are then rotated around their axes A to arrange the respective coupling elements 41 in the previously defined angular positions.

The fastening of each connection interface 40 in the defined angular position is obtained through screws 47.

When holes 48, 49 have been provided on the fixed and rotating portions 43, 44 during manufacture of support casings 21, it is sufficient to insert each screw 47 into the respective radially aligned holes 48, 49.

It is clear that, in this specific case, each connection interface 40 of a support casing 21 can be locked in a predetermined number of angular positions around the relative axis A.

In a completely different manner, when at least fixed portions 43 are not provided with holes 49, the latter have to be drilled in support casings 21 at the plant installation site during assembly thereof. In particular, in the example shown in Figures 2-4, in each support casing 21, a pair of holes 49 are drilled in the regions of the two fixed portions 43 adjacent to the rotating portion 44 destined to be connected to a relative transversal strut 22; screws 47 will then connect each hole 49 with the corresponding hole 48 of such rotating portion 44.

In this second case, each connection interface 40 of a support casing 21 can be fastened to the rest of the casing at any of the infinite angular positions around axis A.

As previously mentioned, holes 48 and 49 may also be drilled contemporaneously on the respective fixed and rotating portions 43, 44 of the relative support casing 21.

Once the angular position of the rotating portion 44 to be connected to a relative transversal strut 22 has been locked with respect to the fixed portions 43 of the relative support casing 21, the coupling element 42 of such transversal strut 22 is slidably mounted on the corresponding coupling element 41 and secured thereto through relative screws 55.

The same sequence of operations is performed for connecting each support casing 21 to the respective transversal strut/s 22.

Signal and/or power electrical cables connecting central electronic control system 6 to handling machines 3, 4, 5, conveyors 11, 12 and star wheels 13-18 are arranged, along part of their paths, within cavities 30, 35 of support casings 21 and transversal struts 22, which communicate through respective openings 56, 57 of coupling elements 41, 42.

Cavities 30, 35 may also house fluid pipes and/or mechanical connection means, such as belt transmissions, for transferring motion from one star wheel to the next one/ones .

Number 21a' in Figure 5 indicates as a whole a different embodiment of a star wheel support casing in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; support casing 21a' is described below only insofar as it differs from support casing 21, and using the same reference numbers for component parts corresponding or equivalent to those already described.

In particular, support casing 21a' differs from support casing 21 only in that connection interfaces 40 or rotating portions 44 are arranged in a superimposed fashion instead of being alternated with fixed portions 43. In particular, such rotating portions 44 can define a bottom region of the relative support casing 21a' or even an upper or intermediate region thereof.

The different configuration of Figure 5 support casings 21a' does not affect the way they are assembled with transversal struts 22.

Numbers 21b' and 22b' in Figure 6 respectively indicate further embodiments of a star wheel support casing and a transversal strut in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; support casing 21b' and transversal strut 22b' are described below only insofar as they differ from support casing 21 and transversal strut 22, respectively, and using the same reference numbers for component parts corresponding or equivalent to those already described.

In particular, support casings 21b' and the relative transversal struts 22b' are connected to each other through a cylindrical contact instead of coupling elements 41, 42 of support casings 21 and transversal struts 22.

More specifically, each connection interface 40 of support casing 21b' is provided with a projecting tubular coupling element 41b' formed by a pair of cylindrical portions 70, 71 having different diameters; a first one (70) of said portions radially protrudes from the outer surface of the relative connection interface 40, whilst the other one (71) has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of portion 70 and radially protrudes therefrom.

Each transversal strut 22b' has a completely cylindrical configuration and defines with one or both of its axial ends respective coupling element/s 42b' for connection with corresponding coupling element/s 41b' .

Numbers 21'' and 22'' in Figures 7 and 8 respectively indicate further embodiments of a star wheel support casing and a transversal strut in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; support casing 21'' and transversal strut 22'' are described below only insofar as they differ from support casing 21 and transversal strut 22, respectively, and using the same reference numbers for component parts corresponding or equivalent to those already described. In particular, support casing 21'' comprises one or more connection interfaces 40'', each defined by a drum- shaped fixed portion of the casing itself and provided with a coupling element 41'' having an extension of 360° around axis A. More specifically, coupling element 41'' is defined by an annular rib 50'' projecting from the external surface of support casing 21'' and preferably having a rectangular cross section.

In this case, transversal strut 22'' is provided, at its opposite ends 51, with respective coupling elements 42'', which are similar to coupling elements 42 and have respective shapes complementary to the one of coupling element 41''; in particular, each coupling element 42'' axially ends with a portion 52a' ' having a C-shaped cross section lacking in the protruding free edges of portions 52a so as to be adapted to frontally engage a relative rib 50' ' .

Fastening of each coupling element 42'' onto the relative coupling element 41'' at the desired angular position around axis A is obtained through one or more screws 55 in a way completely analogous to the one of the Figures 2-4; in particular, each screw 55 is adapted to engage respective holes 53, 54 provided on the engaged coupling elements 41'', 42'' and having respective axes parallel to axis A of the relative support casing 21'' .

Communication between the cavity 30 of each support casing 21'' and the cavity 35 of a relative transversal strut 22'' is obtained once again in a way similar to that one of Figures 3, 4 through respective openings 56, 57 provided on the respective coupling elements 41'', 42 ' ' .

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, each coupling element 41'' may be engaged by more than one coupling element 42'' at different angular positions around axis A. More generally, the solution disclosed in Figures 7 and 8 permits engagement between the coupling elements 41'' and 42'' at any angular position around axis A of the relative support casing 21'' .

In fact, in this case, holes 53 and openings 56 are drilled on each coupling element 41'' at the appropriate angular position/s around axis A during assembly of the relative support casing 21'' with one or more transversal struts 22' ' .

In particular, the drilling operations are performed on the coupling elements 41'' once the angular positions of connection with respective coupling elements 42'' have been chosen on the basis of the plant layout is being prepared.

The variant of Figure 9 relates to a different solution for providing the passage opening/s 56 on the coupling element 41'' .

In this case, a predetermined number of passage openings 56 are provided on the rib/s 50'' during the manufacture of each support casing 21''; each passage opening 56 could be defined by one or more pre-drilled spots .

Number 21''' in Figures 10 and 11 indicates as a whole a different embodiment of a star wheel support casing in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; support casing 21''' is described below only insofar as it differs from support casings 21, 21' and 21'', and using the same reference numbers for component parts corresponding or equivalent to those already described. In particular, support casing 21''' comprises one or more connection interfaces 40''', each defined by a drum- shaped fixed portion of the casing itself and provided with an arc-shaped coupling element 41''' having an extension smaller than 360° and bigger than 270° around axis A.

Coupling element 41''' is adapted to be engaged by coupling elements 42 of transversal struts 22.

More specifically, coupling element 41''' is defined by a circumferential rib 50''' projecting from the external surface of support casing 21''', having the same T-shaped cross section as rib 50 of coupling element 41, and interrupted along a predetermined arc to allow insertion and engagement of a coupling element 42 of a relative transversal strut 22. The other features of coupling element 41''' are completely analogous to those already described with reference to the embodiment of Figures 7, 8 and to the variant of Figure 9.

Numbers 21'''' and 22'''' in Figures 12 and 13 respectively indicate further embodiments of a star wheel support casing and a transversal strut in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; support casing 21'''' and transversal strut 22'''' are described below only insofar as they differ from support casing 21'' and transversal strut 22'', respectively, and using the same reference numbers for component parts corresponding or equivalent to those already described.

In particular, support casing 21'''' differs from support casing 21'' in that each coupling element 41'''' is defined by an annular groove 60 instead of annular rib 50' ' .

In order to be engaged with, and secured to, the groove 60 at the desired angular position around axis A, the transversal strut 22'''' differs from transversal strut 22'' in that the relative coupling elements 42'''' are each defined by two separate semicircular members 61, 62, one (61) integral with the transversal strut 22'''' and the other (62) adapted to be secured to the first one through a pair of screws 63. More specifically, semicircular members 61, 62 are adapted to be fitted to the relative groove 60 at the desired angular position around axis A and to be fastened to the support casing 21'''' in that specific angular position by screws 63, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. The other features of coupling element 41' ' ' ' are completely analogous to those already described with reference to the embodiment of Figures 7, 8 and to the variant of Figure 9.

The advantages of transport system 10 and the method of assembling thereof will be clear from the foregoing description.

Thanks to the fact that the coupling element (41, 41b', 41'', 41''', 41'''') of each connection interface (40, 40'', 40''', 40'''') is engageable by the respective coupling elements (42, 42b', 42'', 42'''') at a number of angular positions around the relative axis A, the same type of support casing (21, 21a', 21b', 21", 21'", 21"") is adapted to be used in any configuration of connection with the transversal struts (22, 22b', 22'', 22" " ) .

In other words, the same type of support casing (21, 21a', 21b', 21", 21'", 21"") can be used for connection with a single transversal strut (22, 22b', 22", 22""), with a pair of transversal struts (22, 22b', 22'', 22'''') or, in general terms, with any number and location of transversal struts (22, 22b', 22'', 22" " ) .

It is therefore clear that, in this way, the real possibilities to modify an existing layout or to use the same components to build another plant having a different layout are very high.

In practice, the new configuration of the support casings (21, 21a', 21b', 21", 21'", 21"") and the transversal struts (22, 22b', 22", 22"") permits the production of such transport components in a standardized way and to obtain a real modularity of assembly.

Clearly, changes may be made to transport system 10 and to the method as described and illustrated herein without, however, departing from the scope as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1) A transport system (10) for a container handling machine (1), comprising at least one star wheel (13-18) arranged to be rotated around an axis (A) on a column- shaped support casing (21, 21a', 21b', 21", 21'", 21""), and at least one transversal strut (22, 22b', 22'', 22'''') for connecting a connection interface (40, 40", 40'", 40"") of said support casing (21, 21a', 21b', 21", 21'", 21"") to a further transport element (21, 21a', 21b', 21", 21'", 21""; 11, 12) of the system (10) or to a machine chassis, characterized in that said connection interface (40, 40'', 40''', 40'''') comprises a first coupling element (41, 41b', 41", 41'", 41"") engageable by a second coupling element (42, 42b', 42", 42"") of said transversal strut (22, 22b', 22", 22"") at a number of angular positions around said axis (A) .

2) A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support casing (21, 21a', 21b', 21", 21'", 21"") has at least two connection interfaces (40, 40", 40'", 40'''') located at different heights along a direction parallel to said axis (A) .

3) A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said support casing (21, 21a', 21b', 21", 21'", 21"") and said transversal strut (22, 22b', 22", 22"") have respective internal cavities (30, 35), and wherein said first (41, 41b', 41", 41'", 41"") and second coupling elements (42, 42b', 42", 42"") are provided with through openings (56, 57) for putting in communication said internal cavities (30, 35) when said support casing (21, 21a', 21b', 21", 21'", 21"") and said transversal strut (22, 22b', 22", 22"") are coupled.

4) A system as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein said first and second coupling elements (41, 41b', 41", 41'", 41""; 42, 42b', 42", 42"") have complementary configurations.

5) A system as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein said first and second coupling elements (41, 41b', 41", 41'", 41""; 42, 42b', 42", 42"") are engageable at any angular position along a predetermined arc around said axis (A) .

6) A system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said arc has an extension of 360° around said axis (A) .

7) A system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said support casing (21, 21a', 21b') comprises, along said axis (A) , at least one fixed portion (43) and at least one rotating portion (44), defining the connection interface (40) for connecting said support casing (21, 21a', 21b') to a further transport element (22, 22b', 11, 12) or to a machine chassis, and wherein said rotating portion (44) is provided with said first coupling element

(41, 41b') and can be rotated around said axis (A) so as to allow said first coupling element (41, 41b') to be engaged by said second coupling element (42, 42b') of said transversal strut (22, 22b') at the desired angular position .

8) A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said support casing (21, 21b') comprises a plurality of independently rotating portions (44) alternated with a plurality of fixed portions (43) .

9) A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said support casing (21') comprises a plurality of superimposed independently rotating portions (44) .

10) A system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first coupling element (41'', 41'''') and the relative connection interface (40'', 40'''') have an annular extension around said axis (A) , and wherein said second coupling element (42'', 42'''') can be slidably engaged with said first coupling element (41'', 41'''') and locked by releasable fastening means (55, 63) at the desired angular position around said axis (A) .

11) A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said first coupling element (41'') comprises one annular rib (50'') projecting from the external surface of said support casing (21'') . 12) A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said first coupling element (41'''') comprises one annular groove (60) provided on the external surface of said support casing (21'''') . 13) A system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said arc has an extension bigger than 270° and smaller than 360°.

14) A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first coupling element (41''') comprises one rib (50''') extending around said axis (A) and interrupted along a predetermined arc to allow insertion and engagement of said second coupling element (42) .

15) A method of assembling a transport system (10) for container handling machines (1), said method comprising the steps of: - mounting a star wheel (13-18) on a column-shaped support casing (21, 21a', 21b', 21", 21'", 21"") in a rotatable manner around an axis (A) ; and connecting a connection interface (40, 40'', 40'", 40"") of said support casing (21, 21a', 21b', 21", 21'", 21"") to a further transport element (21, 21a', 21b', 21", 21'", 21""; 11, 12) or to a machine chassis through a transversal strut (22, 22b', 22", 22" " ) ; characterized in that said step of connecting comprises the steps of: considering a first coupling element (41, 41b',

41'', 41''', 41'''') of said connection interface (40,

40'', 40''', 40'''') and a second coupling element (42,

42b', 42'', 42'''') of said transversal strut (22, 22b', 22" , 22" " ) ; choosing at which one of a number of angular positions around said axis (A) to engage said second coupling element (42, 42b', 42", 42"") with said first coupling element (41, 41b', 41", 41'", 41""); and - engaging said first and second coupling elements (41, 41b', 41", 41'", 41""; 42, 42b', 42", 42"") at said chosen angular position.

16) A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein said step of engaging comprises the step of rotating said connection interface (40) around said axis (A) to move said first coupling element (41, 41b') to the chosen angular position.

17) A method as claimed in claim 15 for assembling a transport system in which said first coupling element (41", 41'", 41"") has an extension of at least 270° around said axis (A) , wherein said step of choosing comprises the step of defining at which portion of said first coupling element (41'', 41''', 41'''') to engage said second coupling element (42, 42' ' , 42' ' ' ' ) . 18) A method as claimed in claim 17 for assembling a transport system in which said support casing (21'',

21'", 21"") and said transversal strut (22, 22",

22"") have respective internal cavities (30, 35), wherein said step of connecting comprises, after the step of choosing, the further step of drilling the necessary passage opening or openings (56) at said chosen angular position to put in communication said internal cavities

(30, 35) when said support casing (21", 21'", 21"") and said transversal strut (22, 22", 22"") are connected.

19) A method as claimed in any one of claims 15-18, wherein said step of connecting comprises the further step of choosing which connection interface (40, 40'', 40''', 40'''') to engage with said second coupling element (42, 42b', 42", 42"") between at least two connection interfaces (40, 40", 40"") located at different heights along a direction parallel to said axis (A) .