Device for applying cover sheets on palletized loads

Abstract

A device for applying cover sheets on palletized loads, including at least one support for at least one palletized load, means for unwinding at least one reel of cover film from which a plurality of sheets to be applied on the palletized loads can be obtained, and at least one applicator member suitable for positioning, one-by-one, the cover sheets obtained from said reel on the top of respective palletized loads. The applicator member includes at least one robotic arm having at least one operative end with which at least one grip member is associated, said grip member being suitable to pick up each cover sheet unwound from said reel at least one edge, and to position it on the top of a respective palletized load.

1 . A device for applying cover sheets on palletized loads, comprising at least one support for at least one palletized load, means for unwinding at least one reel of cover film from which a plurality of sheets to be applied on the palletized loads can be obtained, and at least one applicator member adapted to one-by-one position the cover sheets obtained from said reel on the top of respective palletized loads, wherein said applicator member comprises at least one robotic arm having at least one operative end with which at least one grip member is associated, said grip member being adapted to pick up each cover sheet unwound from said reel at at least one edge, and to position it on the top of a respective palletized load, wherein said robotic arm comprises a base, opposite the operative end, positioned alongside the support of the palletized load, and wherein said robotic arm can follow the load while said load advances. 
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said unwinding means comprise at least one seat for at least one respective reel of cover film, comprising at least two unwinder rollers with parallel axes, said unwinder rollers being idle, or at least one of these being associated with respective friction means or with respective rotation actuation means. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein said seat is made in a manner so as to house said reel with axis that is vertical during use. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 3 , wherein said seat is movable between at least one operative position and one substitution/maintenance/waiting position, at which protections are provided for the operators. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein said unwinding means comprise at least two side-by-side or superimposed seats for respective reels, so as to be able to ensure operating continuity of the device in the case of wearing out or jamming of one of these seats. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said robotic arm comprises a base, opposite said operative end, positioned alongside said support of the palletized load. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said grip member comprises a support element for at least one first gripper and one second gripper, adapted to selectively grasp the edge of each sheet in at least two respective separate points. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 7 , wherein said support element has elongated shape and comprises at least one portion of connection to said operative end, said first gripper and second gripper being positioned at the opposite ends of said support element. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 8 , wherein said grip member comprises at least one third gripper, associated with said support element, and interposed between said first gripper and second gripper. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said unwinding means comprise means for the selective locking of the edge of each cover sheet unwound from said reel, adapted to maintain said edge in the correct position in order to allow said grip member to grasp it. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 10 , wherein said selective locking means comprise at least one first element and one second element mutually movable between a position of free passage of the edge of the reel, in which they are separate from each other, and position of locking the edge of the reel B, in which they are in mutual contact so as to shut the edge between them. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 11 , wherein said first element and second element are covered with respective corresponding first openings and second openings in order to allow said grip member to grasp the edge of the reel. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 11 , wherein said first element and second element have substantially plate-like shape, said first element being fixed and said second element being movable with respect to said first element. 
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 13 , wherein said second element is rotatable around a rotation axis parallel to the symmetry axis of said reel, and is associated with at least one actuator adapted to rotate said second element between said position of free passage of the edge of the reel and said position of locking the edge. 
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein said unwinding means comprise at least one tightener roller having axis that coincides with said rotation axis, around which the cover film unwound from said reel is wound and held in position by said selective locking means. 
     
     
         16 . A machine for wrapping palletized loads, comprising at least one device for applying cover sheets according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         17 . The machine according to  claim 15 , comprising a line for advancing palletized loads between an inlet and an outlet, said advancement line comprising said support for said palletized load, at least one winding apparatus carrying at least one winding head which in turn supports at least one reel for wrapping film around the palletized loads. 
     
     
         18 . The machine according to  claim 16 , wherein said winding apparatus and said robotic arm are positioned on the same side with respect to said advancement line, or on opposite sides. 
     
     
         19 . The machine according to  claim 17 , wherein said robotic arm and said unwinding means are positioned on the same side with respect to said advancement line, or on opposite sides. 
     
     
         20 . A method for wrapping a palletized load, comprising the steps of providing at least one support for at least one palletized load, providing means for unwinding at least one reel of cover film, from which a plurality of sheets to be applied on the palletized load can be obtained, providing at least one winding apparatus adapted to wind a wrapping film around the lateral surface of the palletized load,
 comprising the steps of   providing at least one applicator member adapted to position a sheet obtained from said reel on the top of the palletized load, said applicator member comprising at least one robotic arm having at least one operative end, with which at least one grip member is associated, and a base opposite the operative end and positioned alongside the support of the palletized load,   grasping the edge of the reel by means of said grip member, so as to pick up a sheet,   positioning said sheet on the top of the palletized load by means robotic arm, said robotic arm having the possibility of following the load while said load advances,   wrapping the film around the palletized load so as to block the sheet.