Device for gripping corresponding articles

Abstract

A device (10) for gripping corresponding articles (11), preferably said articles being in the form of articles having an outer wrapping (13), for example in the form of a plastic and / or paper film, and / or in other material; in particular said articles being in the form of packages of one or more corresponding products (15) and / or being in the form of said same products (15), in particular said products being products of the so-called tissue industry. The device (10) comprise means (12) for supporting means (14) for holding the respective article (11), said holding means comprising a plurality of, in particular first and second, holding means (16, 18) for the respective article (11).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] DEVICE FOR GRIPPING CORRESPONDING ARTICLES.

[0003] Field of application of the present invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a device for gripping corresponding articles.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Devices for gripping corresponding articles are known, in particular in the form of packages of one or more corresponding products of the so-called tissue field, in particular for gripping packs containing rolls or other products, which already-known gripping devices comprise means for supporting corresponding means for holding the respective article.

[0007] A problem felt with respect to these already-known gripping devices is that they are not particularly flexible to be used.

[0008] In particular, said already-known gripping devices are adapted to take a single article or pack at a time, however resulting in an excessive lengthening of the working times.

[0009] Furthermore, with these already-known devices, it is in particular required that the articles to be take, being fed in the equipment or plant where they are used, are necessarily positioned according to preset configurations, especially using special and overabundant devices for placing said products.

[0010] In any way, in the field, it is also desirable to have devices available for gripping articles that are such as not to damage the same articles, and in particular the outer wrapping thereof.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] In any way, by the present finding it is desired to propose a new, alternative solution to the solutions known so far, and in particular it is proposed to obviate one or more of the drawbacks or problems referred to above and / or to meet one or more of the needs felt in the art, and in particular deducible from the above.

[0013] Therefore, a device is provided, for gripping corresponding articles; preferably said articles being in the form of articles having an outer wrapping, for example in the form of a plastic and / or paper film, and / or in other material; in particular said articles being in the form of packages of one or more corresponding products and / or being in the form of said same products; in particular said products being products of the so-called tissue industry, i.e., being products preferably in paper material or other material, such as fabric or a non-woven fabric, and especially said products being in the form of rolls, napkins, tissues, hand and face wipes, hand towels, bed sheets, and / or personal care sanitary pads, and in particular in which said rolls are in the form of rolls of toilet paper, kitchen paper, wiping paper of for another use, i.e., rolls for processing food, such as rolls of aluminium foil, in plastic film, in wax paper film and the like, optionally having a respective support core; especially said articles being in the form of packagings, such as packs, packets, bags, sacks, boxes, i.e., also packagings comprising, and / or consisting in, another kind of container; the device comprising support means for means for holding the respective article, characterized in that said holding means comprise a plurality of, in particular first and second, holding means for the respective article.

[0014] In this manner, it is possible to firmly hold a first and a second discrete articles, i.e., working together, even holding a single article, possibly of significant size. In practice, this results in a gripping device that is particularly flexible to be used.

[0015] Brief description of the drawings

[0016] This, as well as other novel aspects, or specific advantageous implementations, are however set forth in the claims attached below, the technical characteristics of which can be found in the following detailed description, illustrating preferred and advantageous embodiments, which are however to be considered as merely exemplary and non-limiting of the invention; said description being made with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0017] Fig. 1A illustrates a perspective, schematic view of an example of a pack of rolls preferably processed by the device according to the present invention;

[0018] Fig. 1 B illustrates a perspective, schematic view of another example of a pack of rolls preferably processed by the device according to the present invention;

[0019] Fig. 1 C illustrates a perspective, schematic view a still another example of a mono-roll pack preferably processed by the device according to the present invention;

[0020] Fig. 2A illustrates a perspective, schematic view di a package, i.e. , in the form of a sack, which can be obtained through the device according to the present invention;

[0021] Fig. 2B illustrates a perspective, schematic view of another package, i.e., in the form of a large box, which can be obtained through the device according to the present invention;

[0022] Fig. 2C illustrates a schematic, plan top view of a configuration of articles or packs, for example in consideration of a subsequent palletization, which configuration can be obtained by using the device according to the present invention;

[0023] Fig. 3A illustrates a perspective, schematic view of a first preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0024] Fig. 3B illustrates a perspective, schematic view of the first preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention, taken from the side opposite to that of Fig. 3A;

[0025] Fig. 3C illustrates a perspective, schematic view of the first preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention, taken from an angle different from that of Fig. 3B;

[0026] Fig. 3D illustrates a schematic, top plan view of the first preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0027] Fig. 3E illustrates a schematic front elevation view of the first preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0028] Fig. 3F illustrates a schematic rear elevation view of the first preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0029] Fig. 3G illustrates a schematic side elevation view of the first preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0030] Fig. 3H illustrates a perspective, schematic view of the first preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention, taken from below;

[0031] Fig. 31 illustrates a schematic plan view from below of the first preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0032] Fig. 4A illustrates a perspective, schematic view of a second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0033] Fig. 4B illustrates a perspective, schematic view of the second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention, taken from the side opposite to that of Fig. 4A;

[0034] Fig. 4C illustrates a perspective, schematic view of the second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention, taken from a different side to that of Fig. 4B;

[0035] Fig. 4D illustrates a schematic, top plan view of the second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0036] Fig. 4E illustrates a schematic front elevation view of the second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0037] Fig. 4F illustrates a schematic rear elevation view of the second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0038] Fig. 4G illustrates a schematic side elevation view of the second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0039] Fig. 4H illustrates a perspective, schematic view of the second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention, taken from below;

[0040] Fig. 41 illustrates a schematic plan view from below of the second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention.

[0041] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0042] In the attached figures 3A to 31, a first preferred embodiment 10 of device for gripping corresponding articles 11 is illustrated.

[0043] As it is clear from the Figures 1A to 2C, preferably, said articles 11 are in the form of articles having an outer wrapping 13, e.g., in the form of a plastic and / or paper film, and / or in other material.

[0044] In particular, said articles 11 are in the form of packages of one or more corresponding products 15 and / or are in the form of said same products 15.

[0045] In particular, said products are products in the form of products of the so-called Tissue sector, i.e. , they are products preferably in paper material or other material, such as a fabric or a non-woven fabric, and especially said products being in the form of rolls, napkins, tissues, hand and face wipes, hand towels, sheets, and / or personal care sanitary pads.

[0046] Furthermore, in particular, said rolls 15 are in the form of toilet paper, kitchen paper, wiping paper, or for another use, i.e., rolls for processing food, such as rolls of aluminium foil, in plastic film, in wax paper film and the like, possibly having a respective support core 15’.

[0047] Especially, said articles are in the form of corresponding packagings, such as packs, packets, bags, sacks, boxes, i.e., also packagings comprising, or consisting in, another kind of container.

[0048] In particular, the present gripping device can be used in equipment where groups or bundles 19 of said articles 11 to be packaged are made, for example in corresponding bags 21 , as illustrated in Fig. 2A, or in large boxes 23, as illustrated in Fig. 2B, or to be arranged on a corresponding transport pallet, and in particular where the articles 11 are arranged according to a respective orientation, in particular with an rotated orientation relative to the other ones, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 2C.

[0049] As illustrated, the device 10 comprise support means 12 for means 14 for holding the respective article 11 .

[0050] With appreciable advantage, as illustrated, said holding means comprise a plurality of, in particular first and second, holding means 16, 18 for the respective article 11 .

[0051] In this manner, it is possible to firmly hold a first and a second discrete articles, i.e., working together, even holding a single article, possibly of significant size.

[0052] In practice, this results in a gripping device that is particularly flexible to be used.

[0053] In the Figs. 3A and 4A, for convenience of description, a system of reference axes is highlighted, indicating the longitudinal direction L, the transverse direction T, and the perpendicular direction P, respectively.

[0054] As is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, in a particularly advantageous way, said plurality of, in particular said first and second, holding means 16, 18 are, or can be, spaced apart from one another, in particular according to a transverse direction T, in particular to grasp a respective article or a plurality of, preferably a first and a second, discrete articles 11 .

[0055] In this manner, the device can be configured, in particular adjusted, so as to take articles however positioned.

[0056] As is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, with advantage, said plurality of, in particular said first and second, holding means 16, 18 can be displaced, in particular according to a transverse direction T, i.e., transverse to the longitudinal direction L, in particular for transferring the articles from a picking area to a destination area, with respect to said support means 12, and / or and are mutually displaceable, in particular according to said transverse direction T, i.e., transverse to the longitudinal direction L, especially for transferring the articles from a picking area to a destination area.

[0057] In this manner, it is possible to modify the gripping configuration, thus adapting it to the specific situation, in particular to the specific configuration of the article, or articles, to be taken.

[0058] With advantage, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, said plurality of, in particular said first and second, holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 are mutually displaceable, in particular in the transverse direction T, i.e., transverse to the longitudinal direction L, especially for transferring the articles from a picking area to a destination area, in a plurality of positions comprised between, and including, a mutual position of maximum approaching and a mutual position of maximum distancing.

[0059] As is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, in an appreciably advantageous manner, said support means 12 comprise common means 121 for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 .

[0060] As is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, in an advantageous manner, said common means 121 for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 extend, or are elongated, according to a transverse direction T, i.e., transverse to the longitudinal direction L, in particular for transferring the articles from a picking area to a destination area.

[0061] In an advantageous manner, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, said common means for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 comprise an elongated, partially rectilinear, bar, 121 , in particular transversally extending, i.e., especially, according to a direction T transverse to the longitudinal direction L, especially for transferring the articles from a picking area to a destination area.

[0062] As is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, with appreciable advantage, said support means 12 comprise means 122 for the attachment to means for handling said device 10, which are preferably in the form of corresponding robot means, which however are not particularly illustrated in the attached figures, and in particular that move the device 10, in particular according to a longitudinal direction L of movement of the same article from a picking area to a destination area and / or with perpendicular movements of lifting the article from the picking area and lowering the article into the destination area.

[0063] As is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, in a particularly advantageous way, said elongated bar 121 for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 extends horizontally, in particular, in use.

[0064] In a particularly advantageous way, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, said elongated bar 121 for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 has a general quadrangular sectional configuration, in particular having an upper face 121 a, a lower face 121 b, and opposite perpendicular, respectively front and back, faces 121 c, 121 d, and is preferably in a corresponding metal tubular piece.

[0065] As is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, with advantage, said means for the attachment to means for handling said device 10 comprise, are in the form of, a corresponding head 122 for the attachment of a corresponding end of the handling means of the device 10.

[0066] As is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, in an appreciably advantageous manner, said means, or head, 122 for the attachment to means for handling said device 10 is integral with said common means, or bar, 121 for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 .

[0067] In an appreciably advantageous manner, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, said means, or head, 122 for the attachment to means for handling said device 10 supports, in particular in a hanging condition, said common means, or bar, 121 for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11.

[0068] In an advantageous manner, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, said means, or head, 122 for the attachment to means for handling said device 10 are, or is, provided, at the centerline of said common means, or bar, 121 for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 .

[0069] As is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, with appreciable advantage, said means, or head, 122 for the attachment to means for handling said device 10 project, or projects, in particular anteriorly relative to said common means, or bar, 121 for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 , in particular being attached to a projecting plate, in particular anteriorly, and integral with the upper face of the same common means, or bar, 121 for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 .

[0070] With appreciable advantage, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, said plurality of, in particular said first and second, holding means 16, 18, comprise respective support means 161 , 181.

[0071] In a particularly advantageous way, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, said support means 161 , 181 of the respective holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 are connected with, and / or supported by, said common means, or bar, 121 for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 , in particular in symmetrical positions, especially in symmetrical transversally positions, relative to said means, or head, 122 for the attachment to means for handling said device 10.

[0072] As is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, with advantage, said holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 , especially said plurality of, in particular said first and second, holding means 16, 18, comprise a plurality of, in particular first 20 and second 22, means for grasping the respective article 11 , respectively.

[0073] With advantage, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, said holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 , especially said plurality of, i.e., in particular said first and second, holding means 16, 18, comprise respectively at least one corresponding surface, in particular a plurality of surfaces, or preferably a first and a second surfaces 201 , 202, for engaging said article 11.

[0074] In an appreciably advantageous manner, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, said plurality of, in particular said first 20 and second 22, means for grasping the respective article 11 of the respective holding means 16, 18, especially of the respective one of said plurality of, in particular of said first and second, holding means 16, 18, comprise respectively a corresponding surface 201 , 202 for engaging said article 11 .

[0075] As is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, in an advantageous manner, said plurality of, in particular said first 20 and second 22, means for grasping the respective article 11 of the corresponding holding means 16, 18, of the respective holding means 16, 18, especially of the respective one of said plurality of, in particular of said first and second, holding means 16, 18, are defined by corresponding bodies, in particular by a first and a second bodies 202, 222. In an advantageous manner, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 31, said bodies, in particular said first and second bodies 202, 222, of said plurality of, in particular of said first 20 and second 22, means for grasping the respective article 11 , are in the form of mutually separated and discrete bodies.

[0076] With appreciable advantage, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, said first 20 and said second 22 means for grasping the respective article 11 are angularly positioned, or positionable, i.e. , the respective engaging surfaces 201 , 221 are angularly positioned, or positionable, so as to engage respective faces of said article 11 , preferably faces 111 , 112 defining an angle equal, or substantially equal, to 90° therebetween.

[0077] As is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, in a particularly advantageous way, said first 20 and said secondi 22 means, or respective bodies 202, 222, for grasping the respective article 11 are angularly positioned, or positionable, to one another, in particular defining an angle equal, or substantially equal, to 90° therebetween, i.e., the respective engaging surface 201 , 221 are angularly positioned, or positionable, in particular defining an angle equal, or substantially equal, to 90° therebetween.

[0078] In a particularly advantageous way, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, said first means 20 for grasping the respective article 11 are in the form of a transverse body 202 that is adapted to engage the upper face 111 of said article 11 .

[0079] With advantage, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, said first means 20 for grasping the respective article 11 are in the form of a transverse body 202 having a transverse width that is larger than the longitudinal length, in particular, as illustrated, by an extent that is slightly less than twice the longitudinal length of the same body 202.

[0080] As is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, in an appreciably advantageous manner, said first means 20 for grasping the respective article 11 are in the form of a transverse body 202 having a peripheral edge with opposite, arched ends 202a, 202a connected to one another by corresponding parallel, transversally extending, stretches, 202b, 202b.

[0081] In this manner, it is possible to best grab a pack containing corresponding round articles or rolls, in particular having at least two rolls side by side.

[0082] In the following Figs. 4A to 4G, a second preferred embodiment 100 of a device according to the present invention is illustrated.

[0083] In this second preferred embodiment 100, those components that are similar or equivalent to those of the first preferred embodiment 10 are marked with the same numeral references that were used in the previous preferred embodiment and, in order not to excessively burden the present description, are not commented again in detail.

[0084] In an appreciably advantageous manner, as is clear from said Figs. 4A to 4I, in this second preferred embodiment 100, it is provided for that the first means 20 for grasping the respective article 11 are in the form of a transverse body 202’ having a transverse width that is equal, or substantially equal, to the longitudinal length of the same body 202’.

[0085] In an advantageous manner, as is clear from said Figs. 4A to 4I, said first means 20 for grasping the respective article 11 are in the form of a transverse body 202 having a peripheral edge 202a’ that is circular or substantially circular.

[0086] In this manner, it is possible to best grab a pack containing a corresponding round article or roll.

[0087] As is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, with appreciable advantage, said second means 22 for grasping the respective article 11 are in the form of a perpendicular body 222 that is adapted to engage the side face 112 of the article 11 .

[0088] With appreciable advantage, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, said perpendicular body 222 that is adapted to engage the side face 112 of said article 11 , of said second means 22 for grasping the respective article 11 , extends arranged posteriorly to said transverse body 202 that is adapted to engage the upper face 111 of said article 11 , of said first means 20 for grasping the respective article 1 1 , in particular so that the engaging surface 221 of said perpendicular body 222 extends perpendicularly starting from said engaging surface 201 of said transverse body 202.

[0089] In a particularly advantageous way, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, said perpendicular body 222 that is adapted to engage the side face 112 of said article 11 , of said second means 22 for grasping the respective article 11 , extends inferiorly starting from said transverse body 202 that is adapted to engage the upper face 111 of said article 11 , of said first means 20 for grasping the respective article 1 1 , in particular so that the engaging surface 221 of said perpendicular body 222 extends substantially from a corresponding longitudinal rear end of said engaging surface 201 of said transverse body 202.

[0090] As is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, with advantage, as illustrated, in the first preferred embodiment 10 of device, said second means 22 for grasping the respective article 11 are in the form of a perpendicular body 222 having a perpendicular height that is larger than the transverse width, in particular, by an extent that is slightly more than the transverse width of the same body 222.

[0091] With advantage, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 3I, in the present first preferred embodiment 10 of device, said second means 22 for grasping the respective article 11 are in the form of a perpendicular body 222 having a transverse width that is less than the transverse width, of said transverse body 202 that is adapted to engage the upper face 111 of said article 11 , of said first means 20 for grasping the respective article 11 .

[0092] In this manner, it is possible to best grab a pack containing corresponding round articles or rolls, in particular having at least two rolls side by side.

[0093] In an appreciably advantageous manner, as is clear from said Figs. 3A to 31, in the present first preferred embodiment 10 of device, said first means 20 for grasping the respective article 11 are in the form of a perpendicular body 202 having a peripheral edge with opposite, perpendicular outermost stretches222a, 222a, respectively an upper and a lower one, preferably mutually parallel, and that are connected to one another by corresponding perpendicularly extending, side stretches, 222b, 222b, also preferably mutually parallel.

[0094] As is clear from said Figs. 4A to 4I, in an advantageous manner, in accordance with the second preferred embodiment 100 of device, said second means 22 for grasping the respective article 11 are in the form of a perpendicular body 222 having a perpendicular height that is larger than the transverse width by an extent that is slightly less than twice the transverse width of the same body 222.

[0095] In an advantageous manner, as is clear from said Figs. 4A to 4I, in accordance with the second preferred embodiment 100 of device, said second means 22 for grasping the respective article 11 are in the form of a perpendicular body 222 having a transverse width that is slightly less than the transverse width, of said transverse body circular 202 that is adapted to engage the upper face 111 of said article 11 , of said first means 20 for grasping the respective article 11 .

[0096] In this manner, it is possible to best grab a pack containing a corresponding round article or roll.

[0097] With appreciable advantage, as can be seen from said Figures, said first means 20, or transverse body 202, for grasping the respective article 11 are anteriorly positioned relative to said common means, or bar, 121 for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 . As can be seen from said Figures, in a particularly advantageous way, said second means 22, or perpendicular body 222, for grasping the respective article 11 are inferiorly positioned relative to said common means, or bar, 121 for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11.

[0098] In a particularly advantageous way, as can be seen from said Figures, means 24 are provided, for retaining the respective article 11 to said holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 .

[0099] With advantage, as can be seen from said Figures, said means 24 for retaining the respective article 11 to said holding means 16, 18 comprise a plurality, in particular first and second, means 26, 28 for retaining the respective article 11 , in particular each being provided for respective holding means 16, 18 of the plurality of, in particular of said first and second, holding means 16, 18.

[0100] As can be seen from said Figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, said plurality, in particular said first and second, means 26, 28 for retaining the respective article 11 , are simultaneously activable and deactivable, in particular during a coupling action and / or during a releasing action of the respective article 11 .

[0101] In an appreciably advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures, said plurality of, in particular said first and second, means 26, 28 for retaining the respective article 11 , are activable and / or deactivable independently of each other.

[0102] In an advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures, the respective means 26, 28 for retaining the respective article 11 define a plurality of, in particular first 271 and second 272, means for securing the respective article 11 to the respective engaging surfaces 201 , 221 of said first 20 and second 22 means for grasping the respective article 11 of the respective holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11. As can be seen from said Figures, with appreciable advantage, said means for retaining the respective article 11 are in the form of corresponding suctioning means 26, 28 of the respective article 11 on the corresponding engaging surface 201 , 221 .

[0103] With appreciable advantage, as can be seen from said Figures, said suctioning means 26, 28 of the respective article 11 on the corresponding engaging surface 201 , 221 comprise duct means 241 , 242 for the connection to a corresponding suctioning source, which however is not particularly illustrated in the attached figures.

[0104] In a particularly advantageous way, as can be seen from said Figures, said duct means for the connection to a corresponding suctioning source comprise a first and a second ducts 241 , 242.

[0105] As can be seen from said Figures, with advantage, said first and second ducts 241 , 242 are respectively adapted to define said first and second means 271 , 272 for securing the respective article 11 to the respective engaging surfaces 201 , 221 of said first 20 and second 22 means for grasping the respective article 11 of the respective holding means 16, 18.

[0106] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figs. 4A to 4I, in accordance with the second preferred embodiment 100 of device, a first duct 24T that is adapted to define said first 271 means for securing the respective article 11 to the respective engaging surfaces 201 of the first 20 means for grasping the respective article 11 , and a second duct 242’ that is adapted to define said second 272 means for securing the respective article 11 to the respective engaging surfaces 221 of the secondi 22 means for grasping the respective article 11 are provided.

[0107] In an appreciably advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures, the respective suctioning duct 241 , 242, 24T, 242’ is defined by a corresponding flexible hose in plastic material.

[0108] As can be seen from said Figures, in an advantageous manner, means 29 are provided, for detaching the respective article 11 from the corresponding engaging surface 201 , 221.

[0109] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures, said means 29 for detaching the respective article 1 1 from the corresponding engaging surface 201 , 221 are in the form of corresponding means 291 for the connection to a pressurized air source.

[0110] With appreciable advantage, as can be seen from said Figures, said means for the connection to a pressurized air source comprise a respective small tube 291 for each of said first 20 and second 22 means for grasping the respective article 11 of the respective ones of said corresponding holding means 16, 18 of the article 11 .

[0111] As can be seen from said Figures, in a particularly advantageous way, the respective body 202 defining said first means 20 for grasping the respective article 11 has a large suction opening 280, defined by a corresponding peripheral rim 20I, at which opening a corresponding, and in particular metal, grid 281 , is provided for the passage of a corresponding suctioning air.

[0112] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures, the respective product engaging and retaining surface, in particular said first product engaging and retaining surface, is defined by a corresponding annular rim 282, in particular with an elongated or circular configuration, preferably defined by a corresponding body 13 in elastic material provided for at the front fae of the corresponding one, or first, support body 202 and defining said suction opening 180.

[0113] As can be seen from said Figures, in a particularly advantageous way, the respective body 222 defining said second 22 means for grasping the respective article 11 has a layer 23 defining the respective engaging surface 221 , which layer 23 is elastic and / or air-permeable or perforated.

[0114] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures, the respective body 222 defining said second 22 means for grasping the respective article 11 has a large suctioning port 21 , in particular superimposed by the layer 23 defining the respective engaging surface 221 that is elastic and / or air- permeable or perforated.

[0115] With advantage, as can be seen from said Figures, the respective body 202, 222 defining said first 20 and second 22 means for grasping the respective article 11 has a suctioning chamber 25 upstream the respective engaging surface 201 , 221 and preferably opening to said suctioning port 21 .

[0116] As can be seen from said Figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, the respective body 202, 222 defining said first 20 and second 22 means for grasping the respective article 11 has an opening 27, provided at a respective projection 20’, 22’ of the respective rear wall, for the connection to the duct means 241 , 242 of the suctioning means, which opening 27 is communicating with said suctioning chamber 25.

[0117] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures, the respective body 202, 222 defining said first 20 and second 22 means for grasping the respective article 11 has a hole 270, provided at a respective projection 20’, 22’ of the respective rear wall, for the connection to the means 29 for detaching the respective article 11 , which hole 270 is communicating with said suctioning chamber 25.

[0118] In an advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures, the respective body 202, 222 defining said first 20 and second 22 means for grasping the respective article 11 has a general flattened shape, having a rear wall and a peripheral edge, in particular defining said suctioning port 21 .

[0119] As can be seen from said Figures, with appreciable advantage, said support means of the respective holding means 16, 18 are in the form of corresponding bracket means 161 , 181 for a connection to said common support means 121 .

[0120] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures, said bracket means 161 , 181 for a connection to said common support means 121 extend from the rear wall of the respective grasping body 202, 222, in particular from said rear projection 20’, 22’ thereof.

[0121] In a particularly advantageous way, as can be seen from said Figures, means 125 are provided, for the engageable and disengageable attachment of said holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 to the common support means 121 .

[0122] As is clear from said Figs. 4A to 4I, with advantage, as can be seen in particular with reference to the second preferred embodiment 100 of device, said means 125 for the attachment of said holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 comprise a plurality of respective attachment seats 125’, on said body, or bar, 121 for supporting said holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 , in particular said attachment seats 125’ being transversally distributed along said body, or bar, 121 for supporting said holding means 16, 18 of the respective article 11 , and especially being equidistant from each other.

[0123] In this manner, it is possible to position the plurality of, in particular the first and the second, holding means 16, 18 in appropriate and desired relative positions.

[0124] As illustrated, in both the first and the second preferred embodiment, a tracer, 20t is provided, in particular supported by and / or projecting from corresponding grasping means, in particular the first grasping means 20, and movable, in particular perpendicularly movable, and which is preferably adapted to signal that the engagement position has been attained, and in particular to signal the activation of the retaining action, by the same grasping means.

[0125] In practice, as is clear, technical characteristics illustrated above allow, individually or in a respective combination, to achieve one or more of the following advantageous results: - it is possible to firmly hold a first and a second discrete articles, i.e. , working together, even holding a single article, possibly of significant size;

[0126] - a gripping device is achieved, which is particularly flexible to be used;

[0127] - the device can be configured, in particular adjusted, so as to take corresponding articles however positioned;

[0128] - it is possible to modify the gripping configuration, thus adapting it to the specific situation, in particular to the specific configuration of the article, or articles, to be taken;

[0129] - it is possible to best grab a pack containing corresponding round articles or rolls, in particular having at least two rolls side by side;

[0130] - it is possible to best grab a pack containing a corresponding round article or roll;

[0131] - it is possible to have a gripping device available that is such as not to damage the same articles, in particular the wrapping inside which they are packaged.

[0132] The present invention is susceptible of clear industrial application. Those skilled in the art are also able to devise a number of modifications and / or variations to be made to the same invention, while remaining within the scope of the inventive concept as broadly disclosed. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will be able to devise further preferred embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the above-mentioned features of the above-mentioned preferred implementation, in particular as set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, it should also be understood that all the details of the invention can be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A device (10) for gripping corresponding articles (11 ), preferably said articles being in the form of articles having an outer wrapping (13), for example in the form of a plastic and / or paper film, and / or in other material; in particular said articles being in the form of packages of one or more corresponding products (15) and / or being in the form of said same products (15); in particular said products being products of the so-called Tissue sector, i.e. , they are products preferably in paper material or other material, such as a fabric or a non-woven fabric, and especially said products being in the form of rolls, napkins, tissues, hand and face wipes, hand towels, sheets, and / or personal care sanitary pads, and especially wherein said rolls (15) are in the form of rolls of toilet paper, kitchen paper, wiping paper, of for another use,1.e., rolls for processing food, such as rolls of aluminium foil, in plastic film, in film of parchment or wax paper and the like, possibly having a respective support core (15’); especially said articles being in the form of packagings, such as packs, packets, bags, sacks, boxes, i.e., also packagings comprising, or consisting in, another kind of container; the device (10) comprising means (12) for supporting means (14) for holding the respective article (11 ), characterized in that said holding means comprise a plurality of, in particular first and second, holding means (16, 18) for the respective article (11 ).

2. The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that said plurality of, in particular said first and second, holding means (16, 18) are, or can be, spaced apart from one another, in particular according to a transverse direction (T), in particular to grasp a respective article or a plurality, preferably a first and a second, discrete articles (11 ).

3. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said plurality of, in particular said first and second, holding means (16, 18) can be displaced, in particular according to atransverse direction (T), relative to said support means (12), and / or and are mutually displaceable, in particular according to said transverse direction (T).

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said plurality of, in particular said first and second, holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ) are mutually displaceable, in particular in the transverse direction, in a plurality of positions comprised between, and including, a mutual position of maximum approaching and a mutual position of maximum distancing.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said support means (12) comprise common means (121 ) for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ).

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that said common means (121 ) for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ) extend, or are elongated, according to a transverse direction.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 5 and 6, characterized in that said common means for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ) comprise an elongated bar (121 ), in particular transversally extending.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that said elongated bar (121 ) for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ) extends horizontally, in particular, in use.

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said support means (12) comprise means (122) for the attachment to means for handlingsaid device (10).

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that said means for the attachment to means for handling said device (10) comprise, are in the form of, a corresponding head (122) for the attachment of a corresponding end of the handling means of the device (10).

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 9 and 10, characterized in that said means, or head, (122) for the attachment to means for handling said device (10) is integral with said common means, or bar, (121 ) for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ).

12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 11 , characterized in that said means, or head, (122) for the attachment to means for handling said device (10) supports, in particular in a hanging condition, said common means, or bar, (121 ) for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ).

13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said plurality of, in particular said first and second, holding means (16, 18), comprise respective support means (161 , 181 ).

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that said support means (161 , 181 ) of the respective holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ) are connected to, and / or supported by, said common means, or bar, (121 ) for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ), in particular in symmetrical positions, especially in symmetrical transversally positions, relative to said means, or head, (122) for the attachment to means for handling said device (10).

15. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said holdingmeans (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ), especially said plurality of, in particular said first and second, holding means (16, 18), comprise respectively a plurality of, in particular first (20) and second (22), means for grasping the respective article (11 ).

16. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ), especially said plurality of, i.e., in particular said first and second, holding means (16, 18), comprise respectively at least one corresponding surface, in particular a plurality of surfaces, or preferably a first and a second surfaces (201 , 202), for engaging said article (11 ).

17. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 15 and 16, characterized in that said plurality of, in particular said first (20) and second (22), means for grasping the respective article (11 ) of said respective holding means (16, 18), especially of the respective one of said plurality of, in particular of said first and second, holding means (16, 18), comprise respectively a corresponding surface (201 , 202) for engaging said article (11 ).

18. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 17, characterized in that said plurality of, in particular said first (20) and second (22), means for grasping the respective article (11 ) of the respective holding means (16, 18), especially of the respective one of said plurality of, in particular of said first and second, holding means (16, 18), are defined by corresponding bodies, in particular by a first and a second bodies (202, 222).

19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that said bodies, in particular said first and second bodies (202, 222), of said plurality of, in particular of said first (20) and second (22), means for grasping the respective article (11 ), are in the form of mutually separated and discrete bodies.

20. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 19, characterized in that said first (20) and said second (22) means for graspingthe respective article (11 ) are angularly positioned, or positionable, i.e., the respective engaging surfaces (201 , 221 ) are angularly positioned, or positionable, so as to engage respective faces of said article (11 ), preferably faces (111 , 112) defining an angle equal, or substantially equal, to 90° therebetween.

21. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 20, characterized in that said first (20) and said second (22) means, or respective bodies (202, 222), for grasping the respective article (11 ) are angularly positioned, or positionable, to one another, in particular defining an angle equal, or substantially equal, to 90° therebetween, i.e., the respective engaging surface (201 , 221 ) are angularly positioned, or positionable, in particular defining an angle equal, or substantially equal, to 90° therebetween.

22. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 21 , characterized in that said first means (20) for grasping the respective article (11 ) are in the form of a transverse body (202) that is adapted to engage the upper face (111 ) of said article (11 ).

23. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that said first means (20) for grasping the respective article (11 ) are in the form of a transverse body (202) having a transverse width that is larger than the longitudinal length.

24. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 22 and 23, characterized in that said first means (20) for grasping the respective article (11 ) are in the form of a transverse body (202) having a peripheral edge with opposite, arched ends (202a, 202a) connected to one another by corresponding parallel, transversally extending, stretches, (202b, 202b).

25. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the first means (20) for grasping the respective article (11 ) are in the form of a transverse body (202’) having a transverse width thatis equal, or substantially equal, to the longitudinal length of the same body (202’).

26. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that said first means (20) for grasping the respective article (11 ) are in the form of a transverse body (202) having a peripheral edge (202a’) that e circular or substantially circular.

27. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 26, characterized in that said second means (22) for grasping the respective article (11 ) are in the form of a perpendicular body (222) that is adapted to engage the side face (112) of the article (11 ).

28. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that said perpendicular body (222) that is adapted to engage the side face (112) of said article (11 ), of said second means (22) for grasping the respective article (11 ), extends arranged posteriorly to said transverse body (202) that is adapted to engage the upper face (111 ) of said article (11 ), of said first means (20) for grasping the respective article (11 ), in particular so that the engaging surface (221 ) of said perpendicular body (222) extends perpendicularly starting from said engaging surface (201 ) of said transverse body (202).

29. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 27 and 28, characterized in that said perpendicular body (222) that is adapted to engage the side face (112) of said article (11 ), of said second means (22) for grasping the respective article (11 ), extends inferiorly starting from said transverse body (202) that is adapted to engage the upper face (111 ) of said article (11 ), of said first means (20) for grasping the respective article (11 ), in particular so that the engaging surface (221 ) of said perpendicular body (222) extends substantially from a corresponding longitudinal rear end of said engaging surface (201 ) of said transverse body (202).

30. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 27 to 29, characterized in that said second means (22) for grasping the respectivearticle (11 ) are in the form of a perpendicular body (222) having a perpendicular height that is larger than the transverse width, in particular, by an extent that is slightly more than the transverse width of the same body (222) ].31 . The device according to any one of the preceding claims 27 to 30, characterized in that said second means (22) for grasping the respective article (11 ) are in the form of a perpendicular body (222) having a transverse width that is less than the transverse width, of said transverse body (202) that is adapted to engage the upper face (111 ) of said article (11 ), of said first means (20) for grasping the respective article (11 ).

32. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 27 to 31 , characterized in that said first means (20) for grasping the respective article (11 ) are in the form of a perpendicular body (202) having a peripheral edge with opposite, perpendicular outermost stretches (222a, 222a), respectively an upper and a lower one, preferably mutually parallel, and that are connected to one another by corresponding perpendicularly extending, side stretches, (222b, 222b), also preferably mutually parallel.

33. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 27 to 32, characterized in that said second means (22) for grasping the respective article (11 ) are in the form of a perpendicular body (222) having a perpendicular height that is larger than the transverse width by an extent that is slightly less than twice the transverse width of the same body (222).

34. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 27 to 33, characterized in that said second means (22) for grasping the respective article (11 ) are in the form of a perpendicular body (222) having a transverse width that is slightly less than the transverse width, of said transverse body circular (202) that is adapted to engage the upper face (111 ) of said article (11 ), of said first means (20) for grasping the respective article (11 ).

35. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 34,characterized in that said first means (20), or transverse body (202), for grasping the respective article (11 ) are anteriorly positioned relative to said common means, or bar, (121 ) for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ).

36. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 35, characterized in that said second means (22), or perpendicular body (222), for grasping the respective article (11 ) are inferiorly positioned relative to said common means, or bar, (121 ) for supporting said plurality, in particular for said first and second, holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ).

37. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that means (24) are provided, for retaining the respective article (11 ) to said holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ).

38. The device according to claim 37, characterized in that said means (24) for retaining the respective article (11 ) to said holding means (16, 18) comprise a plurality, in particular first and second, means (26, 28) for retaining the respective article (11 ), in particular each being provided for respective holding means (16, 18) of the plurality of, in particular of said first and second, holding means (16, 18).

39. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 37 and 38, characterized in that said plurality, in particular said first and second, means (26, 28) for retaining the respective article (11 ), are simultaneously activable and deactivable, in particular during a coupling action and / or during a releasing action of the respective article (11 ).

40. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 37 to 39, characterized in that said plurality of, in particular said first and second, means (26, 28) for retaining the respective article (11 ), are activable and / or deactivable independently of each other.41 . The device according to any one of the preceding claims 37 to 40,characterized in that the respective means (26, 28) for retaining the respective article (11 ) define a plurality of, in particular first (271 ) and second (272), means for securing the respective article (11 ) to the respective engaging surfaces (201 , 221 ) of said first (20) and second (22) means for grasping the respective article (11 ) of respective holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ).

42. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 37 to 41 , characterized in that said means for retaining the respective article (11 ) are in the form of corresponding suctioning means (26, 28) of the respective article (11 ) on the corresponding engaging surface (201 , 221 ).

43. The device according to claim 42, characterized in that said suctioning means of the respective article (11 ) on the corresponding engaging surface (201 , 221 ) comprise duct means (241 , 242) for the connection to a corresponding suctioning source.

44. The device according to claim 43, characterized in that said duct means for the connection to a corresponding suctioning source comprise a first and a second ducts (241 , 242).

45. The device according to claim 44, characterized in that said first and second ducts (241 , 242) are respectively adapted to define said first and second means (271 , 272) for securing the respective article (11 ) to the respective engaging surfaces (201 , 221 ) of said first (20) and second (22) means for grasping the respective article (11 ) of the respective holding means (16, 18).

46. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 44 and 45, characterized in that a first duct (24V) is adapted to define said first (271 ) means for securing the respective article (11 ) to the respective engaging surfaces (201 ) of the first (20) means for grasping the respective article (11 ), while a second duct (242’) is adapted to define said second (272) means for securing the respective article (11 ) to the respective engaging surfaces (221 )of the second (22) means for grasping the respective article (11 ).

47. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that means (29) are provided, for the detachment of the respective article (11 ) from the corresponding engaging surface (201 , 221 ).

48. The device according to claim 47, characterized in that said means (29) for detaching the respective article (11 ) from the corresponding engaging surface (201 , 221 ) are in the form of corresponding means (291 ) for the connection to a pressurized air source.

49. The device according to claim 48, characterized in that said means for the connection to a pressurized air source comprise a respective small tube (291 ) for each of said first (20) and second (22) means for grasping the respective article (11 ) of the respective one of said corresponding holding means (16, 18) of the article (1 1 ).

50. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 49, characterized in that the respective body (202) defining said first means (20) for grasping the respective article (11 ) has a large suction opening (280), defined by a corresponding peripheral rim (20I), and in particular at which opening a corresponding, in particular metal, grid (281 ), for the passage of a corresponding suctioning air, is provided.

51. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 50, characterized in that the respective body (222) defining said second means (22) for grasping the respective article (11 ) has a layer (23) defining the respective engaging surface (221 ), which layer 23 is elastic and / or air- permeable or perforated.

52. The device according to claim 51 , characterized in that the respective body defining said second means (22) for grasping the respective article (11 ) has a large suctioning port (21 ), in particular superimposed by said layer (23) defining the respective engaging surface (221 ) that is elastic and / or air-permeable or perforated.

53. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 52, characterized in that the respective body defining said first (20) and second (22) means for grasping the respective article (11 ) has a suctioning chamber (25) upstream the respective engaging surface (201 , 221 ) and preferably opening to said suctioning port (21 ).

54. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 53, characterized in that the respective body defining said first (20) and second (22) means for grasping the respective article (11 ) has an opening (27), provided at a respective projection (20’, 22’) of the respective rear wall, for the connection to the duct means (241 , 242) of the suctioning means, which opening (27) is communicating with said suctioning chamber (25).

55. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 54, characterized in that the respective body defining said first (20) and second (22) means for grasping the respective article (11 ) has a hole (270), provided at a respective projection (20’, 22’) of the respective rear wall, for the connection to the means (29) for detaching the respective article (11 ), which hole (270) is communicating with said suctioning chamber (25).

56. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 55, characterized in that the respective body defining said first (20) and second (22) means for grasping the respective article (11 ) has a general flattened shape, having a rear wall and a peripheral edge, in particular defining said suctioning port (21 ).

57. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 13 to 56, characterized in that said support means of the respective holding means (16, 18) are in the form of corresponding bracket means (161 , 181 ) for a connection to said common support means (121 ).

58. The device according to claim 57, characterized in that said bracket means (161 , 181 ) for a connection to said common support means (121 )extend from the rear wall of the respective grasping body (202, 222), in particular from said rear projection (20’, 22’) thereof.

59. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 13 to 58, characterized in that means (125) are provided, for the engageable and disengageable attachment of said holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ) to the common support means (121 ).

60. The device according to claim 59, characterized in that said means (125) for the attachment of said holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ) comprise a plurality of respective attachment seats (125’), on said body, or bar, (121 ) for supporting said holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ), in particular said attachment seats (125’) being transversally distributed along said body, or bar, (121 ) for supporting said holding means (16, 18) of the respective article (11 ), and especially being equidistant from each other.61 . The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that a tracer, (20t), is provided, in particular supported by and / or projecting from corresponding grasping means, in particular the first grasping means (20), and movable, in particular perpendicularly movable, and which is preferably adapted to signal that the engagement position has been attained, and in particular to signal the activation of the retaining action, by the same grasping means.

62. The device, 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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