Technical Field

The present invention relates to a gripper for the grip of loads.

Background Art

Various grippers are known for the grip of loads which are widely used in picking processes to carry out automated palletizing and/or de-palletizing operations.

The companies that deal with these operations receive from a large number of suppliers a large quantity of products that have to be sorted, for example on different pallets, to be then delivered to the corresponding customers, such as e.g. supermarkets.

Generally, the products to be sorted are packaged in packs, or loads, of various kind and arranged in an orderly manner on pallets to be transported easily.

Specifically, the loads to be sorted are arranged one next to the other to form different layers of products stacked on one another so as to place the largest number of loads on an individual pallet.

The use of known grippers makes it possible to recover one or more loads from one pallet and place them in an orderly manner on one another, carrying out the palletizing and de-palletizing operations in a precise, fast and automatic way that would otherwise be performed manually for each pallet with consequent increase in work times.

Generally, the known grippers are attached to the end of an anthropomorphic robot and comprise two plate-like jaws, arranged substantially opposed and parallel to each other, and moveable with respect to each other to form a vice which is able to firmly grasp the loads to be moved.

Specifically, the robot arranges the jaws sideways with respect to the load to be moved and moves them close to each other so as to apply to the sides of the load a predefined pressure which is sufficient to allow the gripper to firmly grasp the load.

In this way, the robot can lift the load which remains trapped between the jaws of the gripper and can be arranged on another pallet in an orderly manner.

Moreover, the grippers of known type employ suction means, generally arranged between the two jaws and positioned in such a way as to face the load to be lifted upwards or laterally.

In this way, the suction means provide a higher gripping point of the load which, in conjunction with the lateral gripping points provided by the jaws, increases the maximum capacity of the gripper.

Grippers of this type are shown, e.g., in patent documents IT2014MO0054 and US20070280812.

Nevertheless, the known grippers for the grip of loads do have some drawbacks related to the maximum load carried and to the variety of moveable loads.

In fact, in the event it being necessary to de-palletize particularly heavy loads, the lateral grip of the grippers and the upper grip of the suction means are not enough to lift and move the load safely.

Moreover, the grippers of this type have difficulty in firmly grasping loads of a particular shape, such as e.g. cardboard trays open at the top, on which the suction means have no grip and the grip of the jaws is considerably reduced. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the loads positioned on the pallets are generally juxtaposed to each other so as to maximize the number of loads placed on an individual pallet.

Consequently, the robot must apply on the grippers a force which is sufficient to allow the jaws to slip between one load and the other so as to forcibly separate them and grasp the desired load.

However, the repetition of this operation ends up damaging the loads with the risk of losing their contents and with the consequent slowing down or interruption of the palletizing and de-palletizing operations.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to devise a gripper for the grip of loads that allows grasping a large variety of loads irrespective of their shape and size. Another object of the present invention is to devise a gripper for the grip of loads that allows grasping loads without damaging them.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a gripper for the grip of loads which allows overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within the scope of a simple, rational, easy, efficient to use and cost-effective solution.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present gripper for the grip of loads having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive embodiment of a gripper for the grip of loads, illustrated by way of an indicative, but non limiting example, in the attached drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the gripper according to the invention;

Figures 2 to 6 show, in a sequence of side views and axonometric views, the operation of the gripper according to the invention;

Figure 7 is an axonometric view showing the operation of some components of the gripper according to the invention.

Fmbodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these illustrations, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a gripper for the grip of loads.

The gripper 1 comprises:

at least one main frame 2 associable with a machine for the movement of loads 51 ;

a plurality of holding tops 4 of a plurality of loads 3, lying on a substantially horizontal work top A and associated with the main frame 2 in a sliding manner along respective first work directions B substantially horizontal and parallel to each other in order to be arranged below the loads 3 so as to support them, each of the holding tops 4 being moveable independently of the others to support a different load 3;

lateral suction means 5 of the loads 3, associated with the main frame 2 in a sliding manner along a second substantially vertical work direction C and adapted to lift at least one lateral portion of the loads 3 in a lifting configuration in which the holding tops 4 can be inserted in a sliding manner below the loads 3;

upper retention means 6 of the loads 3, associated with the main frame 2 in a sliding manner along a third substantially vertical work direction D and adapted to retain the top of the loads 3 supported by the holding tops 4.

In the following description the term load 3 is meant to indicate a bundle comprising six plastic bottles arranged adjacent to each other along two rows of three bottles each as shown in Figure 1, wherein a plurality of loads 3 are arranged on a support 8, which in this case is a pallet.

In particular, the load 3 intended in this way is considered particularly significant for the description of the gripper 1 since, in most cases, the shape of the bottles makes the shape of the load 3 particularly irregular and complicates the grip of the load 3 by the gripper 1.

It should be taken into consideration, however, that the load 3 could be of different shape and size or of a different type, e.g. such as a cardboard pack and/or packaging.

Furthermore, in the remainder of the following discussion, the terms “horizontal” and“vertical” as well as the terms“upper” and“lower” are used with reference to the conditions of normal use of the gripper 1 shown in Figure 1, i.e. those in which the main frame 2 is attached to the machine for the movement of loads 51 and in which the holding top 4 and the corresponding work top A are arranged substantially parallel to the ground.

Specifically, the gripper 1 comprises at least one attachment surface 9 obtained on top of the main frame 2 and adapted to attach to an attachment end 37 of the machine for the movement of loads 51.

Preferably, the attachment end 37 of the machine for the movement of loads 51 is inserted by interlocking in a substantially orthogonal manner to the attachment surface 9 as shown in Figure 1.

Conveniently, the gripper 1 comprises at least one guide system 7, 39 for each holding top 4 mounted on the main frame 2.

In particular, the gripper 1 comprises two guide systems 7, 39 made inferiorly to the main frame 2 side by side.

In this way, the gripper 1 comprises two holding tops 4, each associated with a corresponding guide system 7, 39 and arranged one next to the other on the work top A.

Preferably, each guide system 7, 39 comprises at least one horizontal worm screw associated with the main frame 2 along the first work direction B and at least one nut- screw member coupled to the horizontal worm screw and with which the corresponding holding top 4 is associated.

Moreover, each guide system 7, 39 comprises at least one pair of horizontal guides 7 through which the holding top 4 is guided sliding along the first work direction B and a pair of horizontal rails 39 associated with the main frame 2 and with which the holding top 4 is associated in a sliding manner along the first work direction B.

Conveniently, the attachment surface 9 and the guide systems 7, 39 are arranged substantially opposite each other with respect to the main frame 2.

In fact, the attachment surface 9 is formed on top of the main frame 2 to allow the attachment thereof with the attachment end 37, while the guide systems 7, 39 are located below the main frame 2.

Conveniently, each of the holding tops 4 is sliding in a retractable manner between a projecting configuration, in which the holding top 4 extends overhanging from the main frame 2, and a retracted configuration, in which the holding top 4 is retracted adjacent to the main frame 2.

Preferably, the holding top 4 is a substantially flat metal sheet which slides inside the corresponding pair of horizontal guides 7 so as to switch from the projecting configuration, shown in Figure 4, to the retracted configuration, shown in Figure 3.

Furthermore, the holding top 4 is substantially rectangular in shape and comprises at least one inclined side 10 for guiding the insertion under the load 3 and arranged substantially orthogonal to the first work direction B.

Conveniently, the gripper 1 comprises at least one linear motor 11 for each holding top 4.

In particular, each linear motor 11 is mounted on the main frame 2 and associated with the corresponding horizontal worm screw so as to move the holding top 4 to move it inside the pair of horizontal guides 7 between the projecting configuration and the retracted configuration.

Advantageously, each linear motor 11 can be activated independently of the others and, consequently, each holding top 4 slides between the projecting configuration and the retracted configuration independently of the other holding tops 4.

Conveniently, the gripper 1 comprises at least one guide assembly 12, 13, 14 which is associated with the main frame 2, extends along the second work direction C and lies on top of the work top A, the lateral suction means 5 being associated in a sliding manner with the guide assembly 12, 13, 14.

Preferably, the guide assembly 12, 13, 14 comprises at least a first worm screw 12 associated with the main frame 2 along the second work direction C and at least a first nut- screw body 13 coupled to the first worm screw 12 and with which the lateral suction means 5 are associated.

Moreover, the guide assembly 12, 13, 14 comprises at least one pair of first vertical rails 14 mounted on the main frame 2 substantially parallel to the first worm screw 12 and with which the first nut- screw body 13 is associated in a sliding manner along the second work direction C.

Conveniently, the gripper 1 comprises at least a first vertical actuator mounted on the main frame 2 and associated with the first worm screw 12 to make it rotate so as to move the first nut- screw body 13 and with it also the lateral suction means 5.

Advantageously, the gripper 1 comprises at least one guide unit 16, 17, 18 which is associated with the main frame 2, extends along the third work direction D and lies on top of the work top A, the upper retention means 6 being associated in a sliding manner with the guide unit 16, 17, 18.

Preferably, the guide unit 16, 17, 18 comprises at least a second worm screw 16 associated with the main frame 2 along the third work direction D and at least a second nut- screw body 17 coupled to the second worm screw 16 and with which the upper retention means 6 are associated.

Moreover, the guide unit 16, 17, 18 comprises at least a pair of second vertical rails 18 mounted on the main frame 2 substantially parallel to the second worm screw 16 and with which the second nut- screw body 17 is associated in a sliding manner along the third work direction D.

Conveniently, the gripper 1 comprises at least a second vertical actuator mounted on the main frame 2 and associated with the second worm screw 16 to make it rotate so as to move the second nut-screw body 17 and with it also the upper retention means 6.

Advantageously, the guide assembly 12, 13, 14 and the guide unit 16, 17, 18 coincide with each other.

In particular, the pair of first vertical rails 14 coincides with the pair of second vertical rails 18.

Furthermore, the first worm screw 12 of the guide assembly 12, 13, 14 and the second worm screw 16 of the guide unit 16, 17, 18 are arranged substantially lying onto a front plane substantially orthogonal to the first work direction B.

In this way, the first nut-screw body 13 and the second nut-screw body 17 are associated with the same vertical rails 14, 18 and are crossed by the second worm screw 16 and by the first worm screw 12 respectively, without, however, being coupled thereto.

Furthermore, it is preferable to arrange the first worm screw 12 and the second worm screw 16 close to each other so as to exploit the little space on board the main frame 2 and make the guide assembly 12, 13, 14 and the guide unit 16, 17, 18 in a compact manner.

The structure of the guide assembly 12, 13, 14 and of the guide unit 16, 17, 18 made in this way allows the second nut-screw body 17 and the first nut-screw body 13 to be arranged substantially opposite each other and facing one on top of the other, arranging the second nut- screw body 17 at a higher level than the first nut- screw body 13.

Accordingly, the lateral suction means 5 and the upper retention means 6 are mounted on the main frame 2 one below the other respectively, to make a compact arrangement of the lateral suction means 5 and the upper retention means 6.

Conveniently, the lateral suction means 5 comprise a plurality of lateral suction assemblies 19, each of which can be activated independently of the others to attach to a different load 3.

Preferably, the lateral suction means 5 comprise a lateral suction assembly 19 for each holding top 4.

In particular, each lateral suction assembly 19 comprises a plurality of lateral suction elements 20 provided with at least one substantially flat suction surface and substantially orthogonal to the first work direction B so as to fasten to the load 3.

Preferably, the lateral suction elements 20 are of the type of a pneumatic sucker. Conveniently, the gripper 1 comprises a pneumatic assembly for each lateral suction assembly 19 and which can be actuated to activate the corresponding lateral suction elements 20.

In particular, each pneumatic assembly is mounted on the main frame 2 and is associated with an individual lateral suction assembly 19.

In this way, it is possible to operate each pneumatic assembly independently and consequently activate the desired lateral suction assembly 19 independently of the other lateral suction assemblies 19.

Advantageously, the upper retention means 6 comprise at least one counteracting member 21 which projects overhanging from the guide unit 16, 17, 18 and having at least a lower portion 23 which can be placed in contact with the top of the loads 3 and is adapted to press the loads 3 against the holding tops 4, applying a predefined pressure value.

Preferably, the counteracting member 21 extends along the first work direction B starting from the guide unit 16, 17, 18 and is provided with a first end associated with the second nut-screw body 17 and with a second suspended end which is opposed to the first end and comprising the lower portion 23, which is oriented towards the ground and facing the work top A.

Furthermore, the lower portion 23 is substantially flat and substantially opposed and parallel to any holding top 4 in a projecting configuration.

Advantageously, the upper retention means 6 comprise a plurality of upper suction elements 22, each of which can be activated independently of the others to attach to the top of a different load 3.

Conveniently, the gripper 1 comprises a pneumatic system for each upper suction element 22 and which can be actuated to activate the corresponding upper suction element 22.

In particular, each pneumatic system is mounted on the main frame 2 and is associated with an individual upper suction element 22. In this way, it is possible to operate each pneumatic system independently and consequently activate the desired upper suction element 22 independently of the other upper suction elements 22.

Furthermore, each upper suction element 22 is preferably of the sucking top type and comprises a substantially flat abutment portion which is adapted to contact the upper face of the load 3.

In particular, the upper suction elements 22 are made of an elastically deformable material to adapt to the shape of the loads 3 when pressed against the loads 3.

Preferably, the loads 3 comprise two first sides 24 and two second sides 25 adjacent to each other and interposed between a lower face 26 adapted to hold the load 3 on the support 8 and an upper face 27 substantially opposed and parallel to the lower face 26.

In particular, the lower face 26 is of substantially rectangular shape and substantially equal to the upper face 27 and the first sides 24 and the second side 25 are arranged in two by two substantially opposed and parallel to each other so as to form a closed body with a substantially rectangular cross-section with the lower face 26 and the upper face 27.

With reference to the type of load 3 taken into account for the description of the gripper 1, the term first side 24 is meant to indicate the side of the load 3 substantially defined by the extension of two bottles placed side by side, the term second side 25 is meant to indicate the side of the load 3 substantially defined by the extension of three bottles aligned one next to the other, while the term lower face 26 is meant to indicate the base of the load 3 substantially defined by the supporting surface of the six bottles and the term upper face 27 is meant to indicate the top of the load 3 substantially defined by the necks of the six bottles.

It is in fact underlined that, given the nature of the load 3, the first sides 24, the second sides 25, the upper face 27 and the lower face 26 are substantially irregular, i.e. they are not perfectly flat.

In particular, given the shape of the bottles, the load 3 comprises various protrusions 38, above all at the necks of the bottles which define the upper face Moreover, the upper suction elements 22 coincide with the lower portion 23 of the counteracting member 21.

This allows the upper suction element 22 to contact the upper face 27 and to fasten to the load 3 despite the protrusions 38 produced by the necks of the bottles.

Moreover, the upper suction elements 22 are arranged side by side in such a way that each of them is arranged facing on top of an individual holding top 4. Conveniently, the upper retention means 6 comprise a plurality of lateral containment elements 28 of the loads 3, each of the lateral containment elements 28 being moveable independently of the others to retain a different load 3.

Moreover, the lateral containment elements 28 are associated with the counteracting member 21 in a sliding manner along respective sliding directions E substantially horizontal and parallel to the first work direction B.

Suitably, the upper retention means 6 comprise a lateral containment element 28 for each holding top 4.

Moreover, the lateral containment elements 28 are metal plates arranged side by side, substantially orthogonal to the first work direction B and defining a retention top substantially opposed and parallel to the suction surface of the lateral suction elements 20.

In particular, each of the lateral containment elements 28 is arranged facing on top of an individual holding top 4.

Advantageously, the gripper 1 comprises a plurality of linear actuators 29 each of which is arranged between the counteracting member 21 and the lateral containment elements 28 and is moveable independently of the others to move one of the lateral containment elements 28 along the sliding direction E.

Specifically, the gripper 1 comprises at least two linear actuators 29 for each lateral containment element 28, arranged in series, between the counteracting member 21 and a respective lateral containment element 28.

The term“series” used with reference to the arrangement of the two linear actuators 29 interposed between the counteracting member 21 and a corresponding lateral containment element 28 is meant to indicate that a first linear actuator 30 is associated with the counteracting member 21 while a second linear actuator 31 is associated with a lateral containment element 28. Specifically, the first linear actuator 30 is provided with a fixed element associated with the counteracting member 21 and with a moveable element associated with the second linear actuator 31 which, in turn, is provided with a fixed member associated with the moveable element of the first linear actuator 30 and with a moveable member associated with the lateral containment element 28.

Furthermore, the first linear actuator 30 and the second linear actuator 31 are each provided with two predefined limit switches, however the mechanical stroke defined by the two limit switches of the first linear actuator 30 is of a different length with respect to the mechanical stroke of the second linear actuator 31.

In this way, each lateral containment element 28 can be positioned, by an operator, independently of the others along the corresponding sliding direction

E.

Specifically, each lateral containment element 28 can be positioned in four separate positions defined by the length of the limit switches of the first linear actuator 30 and of the second linear actuator 31.

Advantageously, the upper retention means 6 comprise two vertical adjustment base boards 32 interposed between a second linear actuator 31 and a lateral containment element 28 respectively.

Moreover, the gripper 1 comprises vertical adjustment means 33, 35 for adjusting the lateral containment elements 28, interposed between the lateral containment elements 28 and the respective vertical adjustment base boards 32. In particular, the vertical adjustment means 33, 35 comprise a plurality of vertical rectilinear openings 33 formed on the lateral containment elements 28 and horizontal circular holes formed on the vertical adjustment base boards 32. Furthermore, the vertical adjustment means 33, 35 comprise a plurality of horizontal pins 35, each of which is inserted through a vertical rectilinear opening 33 and a horizontal circular hole 34 so as to fix the lateral containment elements 28 to the corresponding vertical adjustment base board 32.

The operation of the invention is as follows.

Conveniently, the horizontal pins 35 are arranged inside the corresponding horizontal circular holes through the corresponding vertical rectilinear openings 33, which slide along the horizontal pins themselves.

In this way, once the position of the vertical rectilinear openings 33 has been set, the horizontal pins 35 are fixed to the vertical adjustment base board 32 and to the lateral containment element 28 so as to block the mutual position thereof and, in other words, adjust the position of the lateral containment elements 28 vertically along the third work direction D.

In particular, the adjustment of the lateral containment elements 28 carried out in this way is made beforehand, e.g. by an operator, according to the characteristics of the loads 3 to be palletized or de-palletized and is substantially fixed, i.e. it cannot be changed during the operation of the gripper 1.

Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled in which the adjustment of the lateral containment elements 28 can be carried out by means of the vertical adjustment means 33, 35 in an automated manner also during the operation of the gripper 1, e.g. by using one or more motors associated with the lateral containment elements 28.

More in detail, this type of adjustment allows adapting the position of the lateral containment elements 28 according to the size of the loads 3 to be grasped, for example in the case wherein the loads 3 comprise six half-liter bottles or six two-liter bottles, and/or according to the shape of the loads 3 to be grasped, for example in the case wherein the bottles are provided with a very narrow and elongated neck or a very wide and short neck.

In particular, the lateral containment elements 28 are preferably used to retain bundles of bottles or loads 3 having shapes and size similar to those of bundles of bottles.

It cannot however be ruled out that the lateral containment elements 28 are adjustable by using the vertical adjustment means 33, 35 so as to also be used to grip loads 3 having a substantially different shape from those of the type of a bundle of bottles. Once the lateral containment elements 28 have been adjusted, the gripper 1 is moved close to two loads 3 by the machine for the movement of loads 51.

In particular, each of the two lateral suction assemblies 19 is arranged facing a second side 25 of one of the loads 3 which are positioned side by side resting on the support 8.

At the same time, given the mutual position of the holding top 4 and of the attachment surface 9 with respect to the main frame 2, the work top A is arranged at the lower face 26 of both loads 3 as shown in Figure 2.

When this position has been reached, the machine for the movement of loads 51 approaches the gripper 1 to the loads 3 until these come into contact with the lateral suction elements 20 of each lateral suction assembly 19 at a second side 25, respectively.

In this way, when the lateral suction elements 20 come into contact with the load 3, the pneumatic assemblies are activated and the lateral suction assemblies 19 attach to the corresponding second sides 25.

After having attached the lateral suction elements 20, the first vertical actuator moves the lateral suction means 5 along the second work direction C away from the work top A.

In this way, both lateral suction assemblies 19 slide upwards and raise the loads 3, the lower face 26 of which lifts, even only partially, and reaches a substantially higher level than the level of the work top A.

In this position, the linear motors 11 move the holding tops 4 which slide from the retracted configuration to the projecting configuration.

In particular, each holding top 4 is inserted below one of the lower faces 26 so as to support the load 3 retained by the lateral suction means 5.

Advantageously, the sliding of the holding top 4 below the load 3 is facilitated by the inclined sides 10 which act as a guide for the lower face 26.

When this configuration has been reached, the second vertical actuator moves the upper retention means 6 along the third work direction D close to the loads 3 attached to the lateral suction assemblies 19.

In particular, the upper retention means 6 lower until pressing each of the upper suction elements 22 against a corresponding upper face of the loads 3. In this way, the upper suction elements 22 and the holding tops 4 form a mechanism of the vice type and block the upper face 27 and the lower face 26 of the loads 3 respectively.

Moreover, the upper suction elements 22 deform to adapt to the protrusions 38 of the loads 3 caused by the necks of the bottles so as to ensure a firm grip on the upper faces 27 when pressed against the corresponding loads 3.

In fact, when the upper suction elements 22 adhere to the corresponding upper faces 27, the pneumatic systems are activated and attach the upper suction elements 22 to the corresponding loads 3.

In this position, each first linear actuator 30 and each second linear actuator 31 are activated to move the corresponding lateral containment element 28 close to the corresponding load 3.

In particular, each lateral containment element 28 is approached to the necks of the bottles so as to retain on top the second side 25 of the corresponding load 3. In this position, each pair composed of upper suction element 22 and holding top 4 operates in conjunction to retain the upper face 27 and the lower face 26 of a corresponding load 3 respectively.

At the same time, each lateral suction assembly 19 retains at least partly a second side 25 of the corresponding load 3, while each lateral containment element 28 retains the other second side 25 of the corresponding load 3 at the necks of the bottles.

In this way, the lower faces 26, the upper faces 27 and the second sides 25 of each load 3 are retained by the gripper 1 which simultaneously grasps two loads

3.

Once the gripper 1 has gripped two loads 3, the machine for the movement of loads 51 arranges the holding tops 4 resting on a target surface on which placing the loads 3.

In this position, the pneumatic systems are deactivated and the upper suction elements 22 detach from the upper faces 27 and allow the upper retention means 6 to lift up so as to free the loads 3.

Subsequently, the holding tops 4 slide from the projecting configuration to the retracted configuration and allow the lower face 26 of the loads 3 to rest at least partly on the target surface.

When this position has been reached, the lateral suction means 5 are lowered until the loads 3 are moved to rest on the target surface.

Alternatively, the machine for the movement of loads 51 can lower the gripper 1 so as to arrange the loads 3 resting on the target surface.

Conveniently, the pneumatic assemblies deactivate the lateral suction assemblies 19 which detach from the second sides 25 of the loads 3.

In this way, the load 3 is free from the grip of the gripper 1 which gripper can be moved by the machine for the movement of loads 51 in the proximity of other loads 3 to be grasped.

Conveniently, the gripper 1 can discharge only one of the loads 3 it has gripped, that is, once the machine for the movement of loads 51 has placed the two holding tops 4 on the target surface, only one pneumatic system is deactivated in order to detach an individual upper suction element 22.

Likewise, only one linear motor 11 is operated in order to move the holding top 4 underlying the deactivated upper suction element 22 from the projecting configuration to the retracted configuration.

In this position, the pneumatic assembly associated with the lateral suction assembly 19 overlying the top in the projecting configuration is deactivated and, subsequently, the lateral suction means 5 are lowered.

In this way, the load 3 overlying the holding top 4 in the retracted configuration remains attached to the corresponding lateral suction assembly 19 and is moved resting with the lower face 26 on the target surface, while the second lateral suction assembly 19 is free to lower since it is detached from the corresponding load 3.

When this configuration has been reached, the other suction assembly 19 is also deactivated to detach the load 3 resting on the target surface.

Subsequently, the lateral suction means 5 are raised so as to re-attach the lateral suction assembly 19 to the load 3 which has remained resting on the top in a projecting configuration.

Advantageously, the gripper 1 can grip an individual load 3.

In fact, when the gripper 1 moves the lateral suction assemblies 19 in contact with the two second sides 25, it is possible to activate only one pneumatic assembly so as to attach an individual load 3.

In this way, the activation of the first linear actuator 30 raises both lateral suction assemblies 19, but lifts only one load 3.

When this configuration has been reached, the holding top 4 underlying the operating lateral suction assembly 19 i.e. the one to which the load 3 is attached, is moved from the retracted configuration to the projecting configuration.

Subsequently, the upper retention means 6 are lowered which move an upper suction element 22 in abutment against the upper face 27 of the load 3 arranged on the holding top 4.

In this position, only the suction system is activated corresponding to the upper suction element 22 resting on the load 3 positioned on the holding top 4.

Similarly, the first linear actuator 30 and the second linear actuator 31 which overhang the upper suction element 22 attached to the upper face 27 of the load 3 are activated so as to arrange the lateral containment element 28 at the necks of the bottles to retain the second side 25.

Conveniently, after having gripped only one load 3, the gripper 1 can be moved by the machine for the movement of loads 51 to grip another load 3 placed resting on a support different from the support 8, e.g. a conveyor belt.

It has in practice been found that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

In particular it is emphasized that the use of the lateral suction means allows the holding top to be positioned below the load without the latter being damaged. Moreover, the use of a substantially horizontal holding top on which resting the load allows significantly simplifying the grip of the loads with respect to known grippers.

Furthermore, the use of the lateral retention element allows retaining loads of various shapes and size and generally difficult to be grasped, such as e.g. bundles of plastic bottles.

In addition, the use of two holding tops, two suction assemblies, two upper suction elements and two lateral containment elements allows speeding up the palletizing and de-palletizing operations thanks to the possibility of grasping and discharging two loads at the same time.

Furthermore, the possibility of independently moving the holding tops, the suction assemblies, the upper suction elements and the lateral containment elements makes the gripper particularly versatile when performing the palletizing and de-palletizing operations.