Containment device for packages to be palletized

Abstract

A containment device (1) for packages or SKUs to be palletised comprises a perimeter containment structure (2) with a substantially hollow parallelepiped shape, a fixed base (3) on which the perimeter structure (2) is supported and centred, which is equipped with four closing walls, a mobile base (4), smaller in size than the fixed base (3), arranged and vertically movable inside the perimeter structure (2) and designed to support a pallet with the packages or SKUs in a load unit or UDC in the process of being formed; the perimeter structure (2) is separable from the fixed base (3) to allow automatic wrapping of the palletised packages or SKUs whilst maintaining their stability.

Description

[0001] “CONTAINMENT DEVICE FOR PACKAGES TO BE PALLETIZED”

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a containment device for packages to be palletized, in particular packages of different shapes and sizes which form combined load units. The device according to the present invention has a substantially hollow parallelepiped shape and has the function of containing and improving the stabilization of packages, for example packages of different shapes and sizes, during palletization and the subsequent wrapping operation.

[0004] For the description of the present invention the following definitions are established. UDC or load unit: a set of packages or SKUs of finished products, both intended directly for the market and intended as auxiliary materials for production plants, grouped in such a way as to optimise volumes according to transport and to guarantee the necessary stability.

[0005] SKU: within the scope of warehouse management, a stock keeping unit, acronym SKU, or warehouse managed item, or package, indicates a specific item, or package, stored in the warehouse in a specific position; in an inventory, a SKU is the least aggregated level: all the units that are part of the same SKU are to be understood as interchangeable; the SKUs consist of boxes, cartons, or other similar containers, but they could also be of other types, for example, bundles of bottles or the like, or packages of paper rolls, packages of products of the ceramic industry, and others; the dimensions and dimensional proportions of the product packages can be any, without particular limitations; in the embodiments of the present invention, for the sake of representation simplicity, the SKUs have a substantially parallelepiped shape.

[0006] Mother UDC: a load unit made up of packages, or SKUs, that are all uniform with respect to each other.

[0007] Combined or mixed UDC: a load unit composed of non-uniform packages or SKUs, made according to a shipment order.

[0008] Layer picking or picking of a layer: method for creating combined UDCs composed of non-uniform layers, but composed of uniform packages or SKUs, within a single layer.

[0009] Case picking or picking of a warehouse managed package or SKU: method for creating combined UDCs made up of non-uniform SKUs even within single layers.

[0010] DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0011] In production plants there is a need to combine different packages or SKUs in the same UDC in order to send that UDC directly to the end use, for example to a distribution center or for retail, creating such combination automatically or semi- automatically.

[0012] The most critical situation is when the UDC is made up of packages or SKUs that are different from each other even in the same layer, up to the extreme case of having a UDC made up of packages or SKUs that are all different from each other.

[0013] Palletizing with mixed packages or SKUs requires that sequence orders be respected when creating a combined UDC. Palletization of mixed packages or SKUs is possible if the stackability, stability and overlapping requirements of the different packages or SKUs are met.

[0014] Specific criteria can be added, relating to the usability of the products on the pallet for subsequent logistical steps, for example columnar palletization, or on demipallets, etc.

[0015] The strong variability of the physical and dimensional characteristics of the packages or SKUs influences the ability to create stable layers or sequences of palletizations, especially during the pallet handling operations until reaching the wrapping station where the final stabilization is carried out by applying the containment film.

[0016] Furthermore, there is a demand to optimize logistics processes while respecting specific height values of the combined UDCs, as well as the need to maximize the density of products within the combined UDC; both of the aforementioned factors contribute to destabilizing the combined UDC.

[0017] The problem of the lack of stability of loads with mixed packages or SKUs is present in both manual and automatic processes, and there is a need to obtain a palletization and movement of the UDC that is stable even in the presence of packages or SKUs that are different from each other.

[0018] Patent EP1386864B1 describes a stacking aid for goods on a load carrier, such as a pallet; the stacking aid of this patent does not include a mobile base on which to load the carrier or pallet with the goods, therefore the stacking aid must always match with and be suitable for the load carrier or pallet on which the goods are being stacked.

[0019] Consequently, when changing the type and / or size of the load carrier or pallet, the stacking aid must be modified and adapted to the type and size of the load carrier or pallet.

[0020] The stacking aid of this patent comprises walls, formed by portions, which surround the stack of goods stacked on the load carrier; it is possible to change the height of at least one of the wall portions and to remove the stacking aid from the load carrier after the completion of the stacking process of the goods.

[0021] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The task of the present invention is to improve the state of the art in the field of devices for the palletization of load units, in particular combined load units, or UDCs, made up of different packages or SKUs.

[0023] Within the scope of this technical task, it is an object of the present invention to develop a containment device for the formation and movement (towards wrapping islands, manual islands, etc.) of combined load units, or UDCs, which allows the previously mentioned drawbacks to be overcome.

[0024] A purpose of the present invention is to create a containment device that guarantees the stability of the UDC during the automated palletization of packages or SKUs, even of different types.

[0025] Yet another purpose of the present invention is to provide a package containment device that allows the automatic wrapping of palletized packages or SKUs, while maintaining their stability.

[0026] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a containment device that is simple and economical to manufacture.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention a containment device is presented for making combined load units or UDCs, according to claim 1.

[0028] Dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The features of the invention will be better understood by any technician skilled in the art from the following description and accompanying drawings, provided by way of non-limiting example, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a containment device for the formation of load units according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 is another axonometric view of the containment device for the formation of load units shown in figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 3 is an axonometric view of a part of the containment device for the formation of load units shown in the previous figures;

[0034] Figures 4 and 5 are axonometric views of the fixed base of the containment device for the formation of load units shown in the previous figures;

[0035] Figure 6 is an axonometric view of the mobile base of the containment device for the formation of load units shown in the previous figures;

[0036] Figure 7 illustrates a formation step of the load unit with packages of different types using the containment device for the formation of load units according to the present invention;

[0037] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate, in an axonometric view, a gripping tool for the containment device shown in the previous figures;

[0038] Figure 10 illustrates, in an axonometric view, a vertical lift comprising the gripping tool of Figures 8 and 9;

[0039] Figure 11 illustrates a wrapping island with a turntable wrapper in which the containment device according to the present invention is used;

[0040] Figure 12 illustrates a wrapping island with a fixed table wrapper in which the containment device according to the present invention is used; and

[0041] Figures 13 to 15 illustrate, in an axonometric view, a decoupling device for decoupling the pallet with the wrapped UDC exiting the wrapping island from some parts of the containment device according to the present invention.

[0042] EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0043] With reference to the attached figures, a containment device for packages or SKUs to be palletized according to the present invention is generally indicated by reference 1.

[0044] The containment device 1 for packages or SKUs to be palletized allows the perimeter packages or SKUs of a UDC to be contained during a palletization phase of the packages or SKUs on a pallet, or on a similar load support element.

[0045] The containment device 1 has a cage structure equipped with side walls with a hollow parallelepiped shape, of dimensions such as the distance between the walls of the containment device 1 and the external surface of the perimeter packages or SKUs of the UDC being formed is minimal.

[0046] In particular, the containment device 1 according to the present invention allows the aforementioned distance between the walls of the containment device 1 and the external surface of the packages or SKUs to be kept lower than a limit value, beyond which the packages or SKUs may fall, and / or allows the inclination of the packages or SKUs to be of an acceptable amount for subsequent wrapping.

[0047] The containment device 1 comprises a perimeter containment structure 2, equipped with four closing walls, a fixed base 3 on which the perimeter structure 2 is supported and centered and a smaller mobile base 4 which can be moved vertically within the same perimeter structure 2 and is designed to support a pallet with the perimeter packages or SKUs of the UDC being formed.

[0048] The base 3 is therefore fixed with respect to the perimeter structure 2, while the mobile base 4 can slide vertically inside the perimeter structure 2 to adjust the height of the layers of packages or SKUs during the formation of the UDC.

[0049] In detail, the perimeter structure 2 is made up, for example, of profiles bolted together in order to obtain a stable and robust structure and essentially comprises: a lower frame 5 having the shape of a rectangular frame with length and width dimensions slightly greater than the dimensions of the pallet to be loaded or the dimensions of the UDC to be formed inside the containment device 1; an upper frame 6, also in the shape of a rectangular frame with dimensions corresponding to those of the lower frame 5; a set of vertical uprights 7 connecting the lower frame 5 and the upper frame 6; and panels 8 closing the open portions between one upright 7 and the other.

[0050] At the bottom, at least the four vertical uprights 7 arranged at the corners of the perimeter structure 2 comprise blocks 7.1 equipped with respective first centering holes 7.2.

[0051] At the top, on the upper frame 6 of the perimeter structure 2, two first insertion plates 11 are provided, adjacent to each other, and two second insertion plates 12 of a more limited height, also adjacent to each other.

[0052] The two first insertion plates 11, having a greater height than the two second insertion plates 12, serve as a support for the packages or SKUs during the UDC formation phase, while the two second insertion plates 12, having a smaller height, serve as a guide for the packages or SKUs during the descent phase of the same; this guiding function is also performed by the two first insertion plates 11.

[0053] It should be noted that the two second insertion plates 12 have a lower height than the two first insertion plates 11 so as not to constitute an obstacle to the gripper for gripping the packages or SKUs during the UDC formation phase.

[0054] Furthermore, always at the top, the upper frame 6 includes some attachment brackets 6.1, provided with holes, and an arrangement for a centering and safety pin of a gripping tool of a lift for the perimeter structure 2 of the containment device 1.

[0055] The aforementioned arrangement may comprise, for example, a second hole 6.2, for example a second hole 6.2 arranged in a central position with respect to the brackets 6.1; the brackets 6.1 and the second hole 6.2 being located on two opposite sides of the upper frame 6 so as to cooperate with the corresponding portions of the lift gripping tool of the containment device 1.

[0056] The two lower and upper frames 5, 6 are connected to each other by a set of vertical uprights 7, at least four uprights 7 of which are positioned in the four lateral corners of the containment perimeter structure 2; other uprights 7 may be provided in an intermediate position in the walls to prevent the closing panels 8 from bending. Furthermore, to improve the stability of the perimeter structure 2, crosspieces 9 can also be provided, arranged between the uprights 7.

[0057] The frames 5, 6 can be made with welded steel tubes, while the vertical uprights 7 and the crosspieces 9 can be made with aluminium profiles; furthermore, the closing panels 8 can be made of sheet metal or plastic material, for example honeycomb polycarbonate.

[0058] According to a version of the present invention, the closing panels 8 can be made of transparent plastic material in order to carry out palletization tests and visually check the UDC being formed.

[0059] The materials the containment device 1 is constructed with, may also be different, according to the characteristics of the packages of finished products or SKUs forming the load unit; for example, if the packages are rather heavy, the perimeter structure 2 may be made entirely of steel and the panels 8 may be of considerable thickness, for example the panels 8 may be made of honeycomb polycarbonate and may have a thickness of 20 mm.

[0060] At least one of the walls of the perimeter structure 2 has vertical openings 10 delimited laterally by respective uprights 7; as illustrated in the example in figures 2 and 3, there are two openings 10, but the opening could also be a single vertical opening, or the openings could also be more than two according to the characteristics (essentially dimensions and / or weights) of the packages or SKUs to be palletised.

[0061] Figure 3 illustrates in detail the perimeter structure 2, seen from the side where the openings 10 are positioned.

[0062] A vertical conveyor 30 can be inserted through the openings 10, inside the containment device 1, partially visible in figure 7, and it can slide vertically along the entire height of the containment device 1.

[0063] The mobile conveyor has the function of gripping the mobile base 4 by lifting and lowering it during the formation phase of the load unit; the vertical conveyor 30 can be made in a similar way to the gantry device equipped with forks, illustrated in figures 13 and 14, at least as regards the lifting part which is located in the gantry structure. The base 3, illustrated in detail in figures 4 and 5, is made of sheet metal, for example steel of an adequate thickness of a few millimetres, from approximately 5 to 10 mm, with a box-type structure that makes it particularly rigid.

[0064] The fixed base 3 comprises a lower part 3.1 comprising a frame 3.2 and one or more crosspieces 3.3 welded together; the frame 3.2 and the crosspieces 3.3 may comprise steel boards of adequate width and adequate thickness.

[0065] The aforementioned lower part 3.1 therefore allows the entire containment device 1 to be placed, with or without load, on rollers or chains for being moved from one area of the warehouse to another.

[0066] The base 3 comprises an upper part 13 comprising a flat sheet 14 of rectangular shape equipped with some lightening openings 15 and a set of tubular elements 16, generally with a quadrangular section, connecting the flat sheet 14 to the lower part 3.1.

[0067] Among the tubular elements, at least two first tubular elements 17 have a rectangular section with an internal section of dimensions and shape suitable for accommodating the forks of a forklift or similar vehicle.

[0068] Thanks to this, a forklift, or a similar vehicle, for example an automatic guided vehicle (AGV), can transport and position the containment device 1, gripping it from the base 3 according to load formation requirements; the at least two first tubular elements 17 extending from opposite sides so that the containment device 1 can be forklifted from both opposite sides.

[0069] In the figures, the fixed base 3 also includes four stalls 18 and four pegs 19, mounted and positioned in the four corners of the flat sheet 15 of the fixed base 3.

[0070] The pegs 19 are arranged externally to the stalls 18; the stalls 18 have an angular shape that allows the mobile base 4 to be centered; the stalls 18 can be mounted in different positions on plate 5 to accommodate mobile bases 4 of different sizes on pallets of different sizes.

[0071] The pegs 19 have a first portion 20 of a substantially conical shape with a rounded tip and a second portion 21 of a cylindrical shape; the aforementioned pegs 19 serve to center the perimeter containment structure 2. It should be noted that the stalls 18 and the pegs 19 can only be two, in particular arranged diagonally, since two stalls 18 and two pegs 19 can be sufficient for centering the mobile base 4 in the fixed base 3 and the perimeter structure 2 with respect to the fixed base 3, respectively.

[0072] To center the perimeter structure 2 with respect to the fixed base 3, the perimeter containment structure 2 is provided with the corresponding first centering holes 7.2 into which the pegs 19 of the fixed base 3 are inserted.

[0073] The fixed base 3 may also include magnets 22 to retain the perimeter containment structure 2. These magnets 22 have the function of preventing the perimeter structure 2 from overturning or accidentally detaching from the base 3.

[0074] Figure 6 shows the mobile base 4, which essentially comprises a rectangular support surface 23 with chamfered corners 24, made of a steel sheet of adequate thickness, for example approximately 10-15 mm, so as to be able to effectively support the UDC with its pallet.

[0075] Under the chamfered comers 24, the mobile base 4 comprises four supports 25 equipped with feet 26 which can be adjusted in height, for example by means of threaded pins positioned on each foot 26; thanks to the possibility of independently adjusting the feet 26, the support surface 23 of the base 4 can be placed in a perfectly horizontal or level position.

[0076] This possibility promotes and improves the stability of the packages or SKUs when the combined UDC has been completed with all the packages or SKUs, but it is not yet wrapped, for example during the transfer from the palletizing island to the wrapping island.

[0077] The mobile base 4 has two second tubular elements 27 welded under the support surface 23, the aforementioned second tubular elements 27 serve to insert the forks of the vertical conveyor 30 for the vertical lifting of the mobile base 4 during the formation phase of the load unit.

[0078] The length and width dimensions of the mobile base 4 are a function of, and substantially correspond to, the dimensions of the pallet or UDC to be formed and, as stated above, for this reason the stalls 18 can be mounted in different positions on plate 5, so as to center the mobile base 4 of different dimensions inside the fixed base 3; to facilitate the sliding and centering of the mobile base 4 inside the stalls 18, the supports 25 include anti-friction pads 28, for example made of polyethylene or polyzene.

[0079] The presence of a mobile base 4 in the load containment device 1 according to the invention allows to have a component with predefined characteristics and an interface that is always the same, regardless of the type and size of the pallet and / or UDC to be formed.

[0080] Figure 7 illustrates the phase of formation of the load unit with packages or SKUs of different types using the containment device 1 which is the object of the present invention.

[0081] It can be observed that a gripper 29, fixed to the arm of an anthropomorphic robot, is depositing a package or SKU into a UDC being formed inside the containment device 1.

[0082] It can be noted that the first two insertion plates 11, having a greater height, can be used to support the SKUs, while the second two insertion plates 12. Having a lower height, serve as a guide for the SKUs during the descent phase of the layer of packages or SKUs when the layer is complete.

[0083] On the right of figure 7, the vertical conveyor 30 is also visible, which has the function of gripping the mobile base 4, lifting and lowering it during the UDC formation phase.

[0084] The vertical conveyor 30 has a gantry structure comprising a movable frame 31, which can be moved vertically within the gantry structure, and which in turn is equipped with forks (not visible).

[0085] The forks are fixed to the vertically movable frame 31 and the forks themselves can be inserted into the two second tubular elements 27 of the base 4.

[0086] For this purpose, the forks are equipped with movement means that allow a horizontal movement of the forks themselves, or the vertical conveyor 30 includes horizontal movement means that allow the vertical conveyor 30 to move towards or away from the mobile base 4, thus achieving the forking of the base 4 itself by inserting the forks into the two second tubular elements 27 of the base 4.

[0087] Figures 8 and 9 show a gripping tool 32 that allows the lifting and rotation of the containment device 1.

[0088] The gripping tool 32 essentially comprises: a rotation assembly 33, which allows the rotation of the same tool 32 around a first substantially vertical Z-axis; and at least two opposing gripping assemblies 34 that move horizontally towards or away from each other and are arranged on sliding guides 35, along a second X-axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first Z-axis.

[0089] Each of the two gripping assemblies 34 comprises a respective support frame 36, equipped with two centering and safety pins 37, each of the support frames 36 is operated, for example, by a double-acting pneumatic cylinder 38 which allows the movement of the assembly 34 along the second X-axis.

[0090] Each support frame 36 includes safety sensors 39 which verify the correct insertion of the pegs 37 into the brackets 6.1 of the containment device 1, and a locking device 40 with a locking pin to be inserted into the corresponding second hole 6.2 of the containment device 1.

[0091] The rotation assembly 33 comprises a gearmotor 41 provided with a further reduction in the number of revolutions by means of a pair of cylindrical gears 42; one of these gears is fixed to a coupling and safety plate 43 equipped with some sensors 44, for example at least three sensors 44, which allow to check the correct grip of the containment device 1.

[0092] When, during the gripping phase of the containment device 1, all the sensors 44 detect the same height, then the attachment and safety plate 43 is in a horizontal position and the containment device 1 has been correctly gripped.

[0093] If, however, one of the sensors 44 detects a different height, then the attachment and safety plate 43 is in an inclined position and the containment device 1 has not been correctly gripped, therefore the gripping procedure is interrupted.

[0094] Figure 10 shows a vertical lift 45 on which the gripping tool 32 is mounted.

[0095] This installation is part of a wrapping island 50, illustrated in figure 11, in which there is also a wrapping device 51, which comprises a wrapping head 52 with a reel 53 of a film of material to be wrapped.

[0096] This wrapping solution involves applying the film of material to be wrapped with a fixed positioning, i.e. the wrapping head 52 does not rotate around the UDC to be wrapped and only moves vertically during wrapping.

[0097] The relative motion between the UDC and the wrapping head 52, due to the rotation of the UDC, determines the unwinding of the reel 53 and it is obtained through the rotation of the UDC which is located on a rotating table 46.

[0098] Consequently, there must also be a progressive extraction of the containment device 1 to allow the film to wrap the UDC, therefore a roto-translation movement of the containment device 1 itself must be provided.

[0099] The roto-translation takes place via the vertical lift 45, as regards the vertical movement along the Z axis.

[0100] The vertical lift 45 being equipped with the gripping tool 32 in axis with the rotating table 46 also allows the synchronous rotation of the containment device 1 with the pallet and the UDC to be wrapped which are supported on the rotating table 46.

[0101] It should be noted that the gripping tool 32, provided with the rotation assembly 33, which is rotated by means of the gearmotor 41, can be rotated around the Z-axis by synchronizing it with the rotation of the rotating table 46; such synchronization can be obtained by means of a so-called electric axis of the type illustrated in patent EP1514800B1.

[0102] Of course, as illustrated in figure 12, the containment device 1 can also be applied to a fixed table wrapper with rotating wrapping reel around the UDC to be wrapped.

[0103] This wrapping solution involves the application of the film via a reel 53 that rotates around the pallet with the UDC to be wrapped; a wrapping unit 54 with the reel 53 is mounted on a ring support 55 with a drive that rotates the unit itself around the pallet with the UDC, which in this case do not rotate.

[0104] The ring support 55 is mounted on a gantry structure 56 which has a first drive that allows a vertical displacement of such support 55 along the vertical Z axis.

[0105] A second support 57, mounted on the gantry structure 56 as well, presents the possibility of being moved vertically by means of second actuation means.

[0106] The second support 57 comprises two opposing and horizontally movable gripping assemblies 34, like those previously described for the gripping tool 32, in this case there is no rotation assembly because it is not necessary to rotate the containment device 1 during wrapping.

[0107] Figures 13 to 15 illustrate a decoupling device 60 for decoupling the pallet with the wrapped UDC exiting the wrapping island 50 with respect to the fixed base 3 with the mobile base 4 of the containment device 1.

[0108] When, at the end of the wrapping phase, the pallet with the UDC is wrapped and is freed from the perimeter containment structure 2, it is still supported on the fixed base 3 with the mobile base 4 of the containment device 1.

[0109] Therefore, the decoupling device 60 provides for lifting the wrapped UDC with its supporting pallet with respect to the fixed base 3, with the mobile base 4.

[0110] For this purpose, the decoupling device 60 comprises a gantry structure 61 provided with a movable and vertically actuated frame 62 inside it.

[0111] The frame 62 comprises forks 63 which can in turn be operated horizontally so as to fork and insert themselves into the pallet openings located at the base of the wrapped UDC.

[0112] At the front of the gantry structure 61, the decoupling device 60 also comprises a conveyor 64 equipped, for example, with three belts or chains 65, the latter allowing the fixed base 3, with the mobile base 4, to be moved away from the gantry structure 61 in a direction B perpendicular to the gantry structure 61.

[0113] The conveyor 64 also includes two roller conveyors 66 inserted between the belts or chains 65; the roller conveyors 66 can be raised and lowered and determine a direction of movement A parallel to the gantry structure 61.

[0114] In use, the pallet with the wrapped UDC arrives from the wrapping island 50 onto the conveyor 64 which in this case has the roller conveyors 66 raised to allow the passage of the pallet with the UDC.

[0115] The forks 63 are then inserted into the UDC pallet, the frame 62 lifts the pallet with the wrapped UDC for a certain height. The lifting section height is such as to allow the fixed base 3, with the mobile base 4, to be uncoupled from the pallet with the wrapped UDC; at this stage, the roller conveyors 66 are lowered and the fixed base 3 rests on the belts or chains 65.

[0116] The latter are therefore able to move away the fixed base 3 with the mobile base 4 in a direction B towards a subsequent station where the fixed base 3, with the mobile base 4, will be loaded again with another pallet for a new UDC formation cycle.

[0117] Then, the pallet with the UDC can be lowered onto the conveyor 64, while the roller conveyors 66 are raised again.

[0118] The roller conveyors 66 are therefore able to move away the pallet with the UDC in a direction A towards subsequent stations for shipping operations.

[0119] Therefore, it is shown how the invention achieves the intended purposes.

[0120] Thanks to the containment device 1 according to the present invention, it is possible to get a combined or mixed load unit, composed of non-uniform packages or SKUs, in a completely automatic manner and it is also possible to automatically wrap the combined or mixed load unit by means of wrapping machines provided both with rotating table and fixed table.

[0121] The present invention has been described according to preferred embodiments, but various equivalent versions are possible still within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Containment device (1) for packages to be palletized and wrapped, in particular packages or SKUs of different types, to form a UL, comprising a perimeter containment structure (2) with a substantially hollow parallelepiped conformation, a fixed base (3) on which said perimeter structure (2) equipped with four closing walls is supported and centered, characterized by the fact that it includes a mobile base (4), smaller in size than said fixed base (3), arranged and movable vertically in the internal of said perimeter structure (2), that said mobile base (4) is configured for supporting a pallet with the packages or SKUs in said UL being formed and that said perimeter structure (2) is separable from said fixed base (3) to allow automatic wrapping of palletized packages or SKUs while maintaining their stability.

2. Containment device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said perimeter structure (2) has vertical openings (10) for the insertion of a vertical conveyor (30), which has the function of taking the mobile base (4) by raising and lowering it during the formation phase of said UL.

3. Containment device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said perimeter structure (2) includes a lower frame (5) in the shape of a rectangular frame with length and width dimensions slightly greater than the dimensions of the pallet to be loaded, or slightly greater than the dimensions of the UL to be formed inside the containment device (1), an upper frame (6), also in the shape of a rectangular frame with dimensions corresponding to those of the lower frame (5), a series of verticals uprights (7) which connect said lower frame (5) and said upper frame (6) and panels (8) closing the open portions between one upright (7) and the other.

4. Containment device (1) according to claim 3, wherein said upper frame (6) of said perimeter structure (2) comprises two first leading sheets (11), adjacent to each other, and two second leading sheets (12) of smaller height, also adjacent to each other.

5. Containment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, whereinsaid perimeter structure (2) includes first centering holes (7.2) designed to cooperate with respective pegs (19) of said fixed base (3), for the centering of said perimeter structure (2) with said fixed base (3).

6. Containment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said perimeter structure (2) includes hooking brackets (6.1), equipped with holes, said brackets (6.1) being arranged for lifting said perimeter structure (2) by means of a vertical lift (45) equipped with a gripping tool (32) for said brackets (6.1) of said perimeter structure (2).

7. Containment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said perimeter structure (2) includes a second hole (6.2) designed to cooperate with a locking pin of a locking device (40) of said gripping tool (32).

8. Containment device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said gripping tool (32) comprises a rotation assembly (33), which allows the rotation of the same tool (32) around a first axis (Z) substantially vertical and at least two gripping assemblies (34), arranged on sliding guides (35), opposed and moving horizontally towards or away along a second axis (X) substantially perpendicular to said first axis (Z).

9. Containment device (1) according to claim 8, wherein said at least two gripping assemblies (34) each include at least two centering and safety pegs (37) designed to be inserted into the corresponding holes of said hooking brackets (6.1).

10. Containment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fixed base (3) includes two first tubular elements (17), said first tubular elements (17) being arranged for the insertion of forks of a forklift or a similar vehicle.

11. Containment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fixed base (3) includes at least two stalls (18) of angular shape which allows said mobile base (4) to be centered, said stalls (18) being adjustable in different positions to accommodate mobile bases (4) of different sizes with pallets of different sizes.

12. Containment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said mobile base (4) includes two second tubular elements (27), said second tubular elements (27) being arranged for the insertion of forks of a vertical conveyor (30) for the vertical lifting of said mobile base (4) during the formation phase of said UL.

13. Containment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said mobile base (4) includes four supports (25) equipped with feet (26) adjustable in height, so that the support surface of the base (4) can be placed in a perfectly horizontal or level position, favoring and improving the stability of the packages or SKUs, for example when the combined UL has been completed with all the packages or SKUs, but is not yet wrapped.

14. Containment device (1) according to claim 13, wherein said four supports (25) include anti-friction pads (28), for example made of polyethylene or polyzene.

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