Automated system for handling, in particular for overturning, containers such as trays of cages for housing laboratory animals

An automated system for handling containers or component parts, the automated system comprising:

• a first transport means suitable to receive the containers or the component parts;
• and
• a second transport means arranged in succession to the first transport means, the arrangement defining a transport direction of the containers or the component parts from the first transport means to the second transport means,
• wherein the first transport means define a first transport surface of the containers or component parts and the second transport means define a second transport surface of the containers or component parts,
• wherein the first transport means are switchable between a first position and a second position,
• wherein the first transport means are equipped with first stop means suitable for stopping the containers in a predefined position,
• wherein, with the containers in the predefined position, the switching of the first transport means from the first position to the second position results in the fall of the containers on the second transport surface of the second transport means in an overturned position with respect to the position on the first transport surface of the first transport means,
• wherein the first transport means comprise a first conveyor belt and the second transport means comprise a second conveyor belt, and
• wherein the first conveyor belt is switchable between the first position and the second position by rotation or rototranslation around an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being fixed or mobile, which is substantially transversal to the transport direction, and
• wherein the axis of rotation of the first conveyor belt is positioned proximate to an end portion of the second conveyor belt adjacent to the first conveyor belt.