Palletizer for straw blocks

Abstract

Title: Palletizer for straw blocks The invention relates to a palletizer (11) for straw blocks (10), comprising: - a frame (21); - a cradle (31) mounted at least rotatably on the frame (21) between a lying loading position intended to allow the stacking of straw blocks (10) against a pallet (12), and a raised position allowing the removal of a pallet (12) supporting straw blocks (10); - compression means (41) for blocks (10) of straw stacked on the plate (311) against a pallet (12) in the lying position of the cradle (31); - tying means (51) for blocks (10) of straw to a pallet (12) on which they are compressed in the lying position of the cradle (31). Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Palletizer for straw blocks

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of equipment facilitating the handling and packaging of insulating straw blocks.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a straw block palletizer.

[0003] In the field of thermal insulation by straw, the straw is packaged by being compressed and tied, in a form suitable for producing thermal insulation by straw, that is to say in the form of straw blocks of rectangular parallelepiped shape of small dimensions.

[0004] To strengthen the relevance of straw as a thermal insulation solution, it is necessary to be able to package the straw blocks on pallets to allow them to be transported by truck in order to reduce the overall cost of implementing thermal insulation using straw.

[0005] For ecological reasons, it is sought to supply building professionals in workshops or on construction sites with straw blocks from local fodder production. These professionals are today mainly carpenters, but the need is also expressed in the masonry, coating, or plastering trades.

[0006] As a result, straw block production sites tend to be installed in small structures, and inexpensive, robust solutions, which tend to limit overall operating costs, are sought.

[0007] The invention aims in particular to meet this need.

[0008] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a solution for packaging blocks of straw on handling pallets.

[0009] The invention also aims to provide such a solution which is economical to implement, robust, and which makes it possible to limit the overall cost of production and supply of straw blocks for the implementation of thermal insulation using straw.

[0010] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a palletizer for straw blocks, characterized in that it comprises: - a frame; - a cradle comprising a straw block loading platform and a handling pallet support base, the support base extending from one end of the platform perpendicular to the platform, the cradle being mounted at least rotatably on the frame between a lying loading position intended to allow stacking straw blocks on the tray against a pallet carried by the support base, and a raised position in which the tray extends vertically, and in which the support base is intended to allow the removal of a pallet supporting straw blocks; - means for compressing blocks of straw stacked on the tray against a pallet in the lying position of the cradle; - means for tying straw blocks to a pallet on which they are compressed in the lying position of the cradle.

[0011] Thanks to the palletizer according to the invention, it is possible to produce a pallet of straw blocks which has a particularly high height while being stable. This makes it possible to optimize the volume available in a transport truck by producing pallets of straw blocks which have a height maximized according to the ceiling height available in a transport truck.

[0012] Indeed, the palletizer according to the invention causes the straw block pallet to be formed in a position lying on its side, on the cradle plate. A human operator simply has to position the straw blocks on top of each other, against the pallet and then in line with the blocks located against the pallet.

[0013] Human ergonomics are sought after, given that a single operator can palletize up to 4 tons of material per day. The loading platform is therefore designed at human height.

[0014] The compression means then crush all of the straw blocks against the pallet, then the tying means make it possible to maintain cohesion between the compressed straw blocks against the pallet, as well as to keep this set of compressed straw blocks associated with the handling pallet.

[0015] Finally, simply tilt the cradle from its lying position to its raised position to obtain the stable pallet of straw blocks ready to be handled.

[0016] The compression of the straw blocks and their binding tend to stabilize the loading of straw blocks on the handling pallet, despite a particularly high potential height of the pallet of straw blocks.

[0017] The palletizer forms a solution particularly suited to the packaging of straw blocks, economical to implement, robust, and which ultimately makes it possible to limit the overall cost of production and supply of straw blocks for the implementation of thermal insulation using straw.

[0018] According to a preferred design, the compression means comprise: - a carriage mounted mobile in translation on the frame; - a pressing block secured to the carriage, the pressing block having a pressing surface extending parallel to the support base in the lying position of the cradle.

[0019] The compression means are thus formed in a simple and robust manner, and the compression of the straw blocks on the cradle is produced by the translation of the carriage towards the support base.

[0020] After tying the compressed straw blocks against a handling pallet, the trolley can be moved back to allow the cradle to be lifted.

[0021] According to a preferred solution, the palletizer comprises a motor actuating the compression means and the cradle by means of transmission means.

[0022] The transmission means are thus configured to sequentially order the actuation of the compression means and the tilting of the cradle.

[0023] The palletizer can advantageously comprise a single motor.

[0024] The components of the palletizer are thus rationalized.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the transmission means comprise a main transmission chain driven in movement by the motor, the transmission chain describing a loop along which the carriage is secured.

[0026] In this way, the motor always works in traction either to pull the carriage towards the support base in the lying position of the cradle in order to compress the straw blocks, or to pull the carriage in the opposite direction to the support base in the lying position of the cradle after compression and binding to the pallet of the straw blocks.

[0027] Preferably, the transmission means comprise at least one lifting chain secured at one of its ends to the cradle on a lower anchoring point to be towed, the lifting chain being driven by the main transmission chain at least during a phase of lifting the cradle towards its raised position.

[0028] The lifting chain(s) enable the motor to provide traction to cause the cradle to be lifted to its raised position.

[0029] Advantageously, the lifting chain is secured at the other of its ends to the carriage.

[0030] The synchronization between the actuation of the compression means and the actuation of the cradle is thus achieved mechanically.

[0031] Indeed, once the compression of the straw blocks is achieved and after the carriage has moved back sufficiently, the latter will pull the lifting chain(s), and thus begin lifting the cradle.

[0032] According to an advantageous solution, the transmission means comprise at least one lowering chain secured at one of its ends to the cradle on an upper anchoring point to be towed to cause the cradle to move from its raised position to its lying position, the lowering chain being driven by the main transmission chain at least during a final phase of lifting the cradle to its raised position, and at least during an initial phase of laying the cradle down. towards his lying position.

[0033] In addition to serving to lower the cradle to its lying position, the lowering chain makes it possible to hold the cradle during its lifting to its raised position, after the center of gravity of the pallet loaded with its blocks of straw has passed beyond a vertical plane in which an axis of rotation of the cradle is inscribed relative to the frame, in order to prevent the cradle and the pallet from falling too abruptly to the ground and overturning.

[0034] According to a preferred characteristic, the lowering chain is secured at the other of its ends to the frame by means of elastic tensioning means, and incorporates clutch means located between the two ends of the lowering chain, at a point of switching of traction forces between the lifting chain and the lowering chain.

[0035] These elastic tensioning means and these clutch means facilitate the mechanical coupling of the lowering chain to allow its traction by the motor, and prevent damage to this lowering chain, for example due to slipping of the teeth of a sprocket on the links of this lowering chain.

[0036] Advantageously, the support base has recesses allowing the insertion of arms of a lifting fork of a pallet handling device.

[0037] In this way, the loaded handling pallet can be directly handled using a pallet truck, or a pallet lifting trolley, without intermediate handling.

[0038] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of different preferred embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings among which: • [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic perspective representation of a palletizer according to the invention, with a cradle in a lying loading position supporting a pallet with blocks of straw; • [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective representation according to a another angle of view of the palletizer according to the invention shown in [Fig.l]; • [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective representation of a pa lifter according to the invention, with a cradle in the raised position, and with a fork of a lifting device shown inserted into a support base of the cradle; • [Fig.4] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates the actuation of the cradle and compression means, at a stage where the cradle is in a lying loading position and where the compression means are capable of compressing blocks of straw against a handling pallet; • [Fig.5] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates the actuation of the cradle and compression means, at a stage where the cradle is in its lying loading position and where the compression means retract; • [Fig.6] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates the actuation of the cradle and compression means, at a stage where the cradle tilts from its lying loading position to its raised position, and where the compression means continue to retract; • [Fig.7] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates the actuation of the cradle and means of compression means, at a stage where the cradle is in its raised position, and where the compression means have reached a terminal retracted position;

[0039] With reference to Figures 1 to 3, a palletizer 11 according to the invention is shown.

[0040] This palletizer 11 is designed to allow the palletizing of blocks 10 of straw.

[0041] The straw blocks 10 each have a parallelepiped shape.

[0042] As detailed below, this palletizer 11 is designed to allow the rea assembly of pallets of 10 straw blocks.

[0043] A pallet of straw blocks 10 corresponds to a handling pallet 12 on which straw blocks 10 are arranged and stacked.

[0044] According to the example illustrated by figures 1 and 2, the palletizer 11 allows the production of a pallet comprising seven levels stacked on the handling pallet 12, with four blocks 10 of straw per level.

[0045] Using the palletizer 11, the pallet of straw blocks is formed by lying on one of its lateral sides, then is straightened vertically so that it rests on the handling pallet 12.

[0046] For this purpose, the palletizer 11 comprises: - a frame 21; - a cradle 31 mounted movably on the frame 21 between a lying loading position illustrated in particular by figures 1 and 2, and a raised position illustrated in particular by [Fig.3]; - means 41 for compressing blocks 10 of straw stacked on the tray 311 against a pallet 12 in the lying position of the cradle 31; - means 51 for tying blocks 10 of straw to a pallet 12 on which they are compressed in the lying position of the cradle 31.

[0047] With reference to [Fig.3], an orthonormal spatial reference frame is represented.

[0048] This benchmark includes: - an X axis defining a longitudinal direction; - a Y axis defining a lateral direction; - a Z axis defining a transverse direction.

[0049] These three axes extend orthogonally to each other.

[0050] As illustrated by figures 1 to 3, the frame 21 corresponds to a mechanically welded assembly of profiles, in particular metal profiles.

[0051] The frame 21 comprises a frame 211 extending parallel to a plane defined by the X and Y axes. It is conceivable that this frame 211 is formed using a metal panel or another material such as wood.

[0052] The frame 21 also comprises legs 212 defining a plane for placing the frame on a ground. These legs 212 may be provided with adjustment means in order to ensure the stability of the frame 21, or even to ensure that the frame 211 extends in a horizontal plane.

[0053] With reference to Figures 1 to 7, the cradle 31 is now described.

[0054] This cradle 31 comprises a tray 311 for loading blocks 10 of straw and a support base 312 for a handling pallet 12.

[0055] The plate 311 also corresponds to a mechanically welded assembly of metal profiles. It is also conceivable that this plate 311 is formed using a metal panel or another material such as wood.

[0056] The support base 312 extends from the plate 311.

[0057] More specifically, the support base 312 extends from one end of the plate 311 perpendicular to the plate 311.

[0058] With more specific reference to [Fig. 3], the support base 312 comprises a main element 3121 extending orthogonally relative to the plate 311, and two secondary elements 3122 extending perpendicularly to the main element 3121, in a plane orthogonal to the plate 311.

[0059] The support base 312 further comprises two extensions 3123 extending perpendicularly from the plate 311.

[0060] This support base 312 is designed to be able to carry a pallet 12.

[0061] For this purpose, the support base 312 defines a support plane for a pallet 12.

[0062] This support plane is defined by upper faces of the two secondary elements 3122, and extensions 3123.

[0063] This support base 312 also has recesses allowing the insertion of arms of a lifting fork 13 of a pallet handling device, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0064] These recesses are notably formed between the secondary elements 3122, and between the extensions 3123 and the proximal secondary element 3122.

[0065] With reference to figures 1 to 7, the cradle 31 is mounted at least rotatably on the frame 21 around a pivot point 310. This pivot point 310 extends parallel to the Y axis.

[0066] According to the present embodiment, the cradle 31 is only mounted to move at rotation on the frame 21, however it is conceivable according to other embodiments that the cradle 31 is mounted mobile in rotation and has at least one other degree of freedom. For example, the pivot could be sliding.

[0067] The cradle 31 is movable between a lying loading position (illustrated by figures 1, 2, 4, 5) intended to allow the stacking of blocks 10 of straw on the tray 311 against a pallet 12 carried by the support base 312, and a raised position (illustrated by figures 3, and 7).

[0068] In the lying position of the cradle 31, the support base 312 extends vertically, parallel to a plane defined by the Z and Y axes.

[0069] In the raised position of the cradle, the plate 311 extends vertically, parallel to a plane defined by the Z and Y axes, and the support base 312 is intended to allow the removal of a pallet 12 supporting blocks 10 of straw.

[0070] As detailed below, the cradle 31 is actuated by a motor 61.

[0071] With reference to Figures 1 to 7, the compression means are now described.

[0072] As a reminder, these compression means 41 are designed to compress blocks 10 of straw stacked on the tray 311 against a pallet 12 in the lying position of the cradle 31.

[0073] The compression action of these support means is carried out along the X axis.

[0074] The compression means 41 comprise: - a carriage 411 mounted mobile in translation on the frame 21; - a pressing block 412 secured to the carriage 411.

[0075] The carriage 411 is more precisely mounted movably on the frame along the X axis. This carriage 411 comprises for example a mechanically welded frame provided with wheels engaged in longitudinal passages presented by the frame 21 and extending parallel to the X axis.

[0076] The pressing block 412 is formed in this case by an assembly of metal tubes of rectangular section, and more specifically of square section.

[0077] The pressing block 412 has a pressing surface 413 which extends parallel to the support base 312 in the lying position of the cradle 31.

[0078] As detailed below, the compression means 41 are actuated by the motor 61.

[0079] With reference to [Fig. 1], the ligation means 51 are now described.

[0080] These ligature means 51 (only shown in [Fig.l]) are designed for binding the straw blocks 10 to a pallet 12 on which they are compressed in the lying position of the cradle 31.

[0081] In their simplest form, these ligature means 51 can take the form of at least one support for spools 512 of ligature wires 511 which constitute a consumable.

[0082] In this case, the tying means 51 shown comprise three supports supporting three reels 512, but may also comprise four supports with four reels. From these reels are drawn tying threads 511, prior to positioning the straw blocks 10, to a length sufficient for the tying threads 511 to surround the pallet of straw blocks which is intended to be formed.

[0083] Horizontal 511 binding wires are also used to group blocks of straw together.

[0084] With reference to [Fig.l] to 3, the palletizer 11 comprises a motor 61 (illustrated schematically) which actuates the compression means 41 and the cradle 31. The motor 61 is in particular an electric motor.

[0085] This actuation by the motor 61 is carried out by means of transmission means.

[0086] The motor 61 is integrated within a control and actuation assembly 60 provided with motor control means, allowing a human operator to start or stop the motor, to control its direction of rotation, or even to control its speed of rotation.

[0087] With reference to Figures 4 to 7, the transmission means are described more precisely below.

[0088] The transmission means comprise, according to the present embodiment: - a main transmission chain 711; - at least one lifting chain 712, and in this case two lifting chains 712 (only one shown) of the cradle 31; - at least one lowering chain 713, and in this case two lowering chains 713 (only one shown) of the cradle 31.

[0089] The main transmission chain 711 is driven into motion by the motor 61.

[0090] For this purpose, the palletizer 11 comprises: - a motor pinion 91, mounted to rotate on the frame 21, and coupled to the motor 61 to be able to transmit the rotational movement produced by the motor 61; - a return shaft 92, mounted to rotate on the frame 21.

[0091] The main transmission chain 711 is meshed with the engine pinion 91 as well as with a pinion carried by the countershaft 92.

[0092] A rotation of the motor pinion 91 thus drives the main transmission chain 711 into movement and also the rotation of the countershaft 92.

[0093] The main transmission chain 711 describes a loop along which the carriage 411 is secured.

[0094] More specifically, the main transmission chain 711 is coupled at its two ends to the carriage 411 to form the loop.

[0095] The upper part of the transmission chain between the motor pinion 91 and the shaft return 92 extends parallel to the X axis so that the progression of the main transmission chain 711 causes a relative movement of the carriage 411 along the X axis.

[0096] The lifting chain 712 is designed to lift the cradle 31 from its lying position to its raised position.

[0097] According to the present embodiment, the lifting chain 712 is secured at one of its ends to the cradle 31 on a lower anchoring point 33 to be towed, and is driven by the main transmission chain 711 at least during a phase of lifting the cradle 31 towards its raised position.

[0098] As illustrated by the figures, the lifting chain 712 is meshed on an intermediate shaft 94 provided with a pinion adapted to the lifting chain 712, and partially winds around a free positioning pinion 93 to direct the traction force that it exerts to lift the cradle 31.

[0099] Still according to the present embodiment, the lifting chain 712 is secured at the other of its ends to the carriage 411.

[0100] Consequently, when the carriage moves backward, passing from its position illustrated by [Fig.4] to its position illustrated by [Fig.7], the lifting chain 712 is tensioned and then pulled, thus causing the cradle 31 to be lifted.

[0101] The lowering chain 713 is secured at one of its ends to the cradle 31 on an upper anchoring point 34 to be pulled to cause the cradle 31 to move from its raised position to its lying position.

[0102] This lowering chain 713 is driven by the main transmission chain 711 during a final phase of lifting the cradle 31 towards its raised position.

[0103] The lowering chain 713 is also driven by the main transmission chain 711 during an initial phase of laying the cradle 31 towards its lying position.

[0104] For this purpose, the lowering chain 713 is secured at the other of its ends to the frame 21 by means of elastic tensioning means 81, and incorporates clutch means 82 located between the two ends of the lowering chain 713, at a point of switching of traction forces between the lifting chain 712 and the lowering chain 713.

[0105] The elastic tensioning means 81 correspond for example to a strip of elastic material, such as rubber, and is fixed to a fixed attachment point 810 of the frame 21.

[0106] The clutch means 82 are formed by an elongated chain link on which the teeth of a pinion cannot mesh.

[0107] The lowering chain 713 is meshed with the intermediate shaft 94. Accordingly, when the intermediate shaft 94 is rotated by the traction of the lifting chain 712, this intermediate shaft 94 drives the traction of the lowering chain 713.

[0108] The tipping point of tensile forces between the lifting chain 712 and the lowering chain 713 corresponds to a location along the lowering chain 713 that is in contact with the intermediate shaft 94 when the tipping of the cradle 31 from its lying position to its raised position reaches a stage where the estimated or calculated center of gravity is expected to be at the pivot point 310 along the X axis.

[0109] With reference to Figures 1 to 7, the implementation and operation of the palletizer 11 are now described.

[0110] Initially, the palletizer 11 is in its configuration illustrated by [Fig.5], that is to say with the cradle 31 in its lying position, and with the carriage 411 slightly moved back relative to its position adopted in [Fig.4].

[0111] The compression means 41 do not prevent the positioning of blocks 10 of straw on the cradle 31.

[0112] A human operator can then position a handling pallet 12 against the support base 312.

[0113] When positioning this pallet 12, care must be taken to orient the pallet 12 so that it can be gripped by a lifting fork after the cradle 31 has been lifted to its raised position.

[0114] The human operator then uses the tying means 51 by taking sufficient lengths of tying wires 511 to rest them on the loading tray 311, to pass them inside the handling pallet 12, and to have sufficient free lengths as illustrated by [Fig.l].

[0115] The operator can then load the blocks 10 of straw in the manner illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

[0116] The operator then operates the motor 61 so that the motor pinion 91, illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, is driven in a counterclockwise rotation.

[0117] This causes the traction of the carriage 411 and the compression by the compression surface 413 of the straw blocks against the pallet 12.

[0118] The relative configuration of the elements of the palletizer 11 illustrated by [Fig.4] is achieved.

[0119] In this situation, the operator proceeds to tie the blocks 10 of straw using the tie wires 511.

[0120] The compression applied during the ligation allows the operator to tie the ligature without forcing.

[0121] If there are 4 blocks of straw per row, before compressing, it is important to place the horizontal ligatures, and to tighten the blocks in bundles of 4, in order to secure the blocks together and avoid gaps in the middle of the bundles. Good compaction ho The rhizomatous structure allows for loading optimization. This operation is done manually, using a slip knot for example. This must be done before mechanical vertical compression to prevent the package from opening in the middle when pressing.

[0122] At this stage, the operator can operate the motor 61 so that the motor pinion 91 is driven in a clockwise rotation.

[0123] At this point, the straw blocks decompress, the binding tightens, the knots tighten, and the straw blocks help to hold the assembly together. The binding being passed through the frame of the pallet, a stable assembly is then created.

[0124] Gradually, the palletizer 11 will pass through its configurations illustrated by [Fig.5], then by [Fig.6], and finally reach its configuration reached in [Fig.7].

[0125] First, the main transmission chain 711 will pull the carriage 411 and tension the lifting chain 712. At this stage, the compression means 41 no longer limit the lifting of the cradle 31.

[0126] The continuation of the drive generated by the motor 61 will begin the lifting of the cradle 31.

[0127] In fact, the lifting chain 712 exerts traction on the lower anchoring point 33 which begins the lifting of the cradle 31.

[0128] The palletizer then reaches the configuration illustrated by [Fig.6].

[0129] At this stage, a point of balance is supposed to be reached by the cradle 31 with respect to the pivot point 310. The progression of the lifting chain 712 has also caused the traction of the lowering chain 713 which has accompanied the lifting of the cradle 31. At the stage illustrated, and at this point of balance, in order to avoid degradation of the lowering chain 713, the clutch means 82 prevent the teeth of the intermediate shaft 94 from slipping on the links of the lowering chain 713.

[0130] Once this stage is passed, the lowering chain 713 meshes again with the teeth of the intermediate shaft 94 and the lowering chain 713 then carries out an effort aimed at progressively accompanying the final lifting phase of the cradle 31 in order to prevent the latter from striking the ground in a potentially destructive manner.

[0131] The configuration illustrated by [Fig.7] is finally achieved, and the operator can use a lifting device to handle the pallet of formed straw blocks.

[0132] The human operator, after removing the pallet of straw blocks, can operate the motor again in the opposite direction in order to return the cradle 31 to its lying position.

[0133] The palletizer described above has a simple, robust, economical design.

Claims

Claims

1. Palletizer (11) for blocks (10) of straw, characterized in that it comprises: - a frame (21); - a cradle (31) comprising a tray (311) for loading blocks (10) of straw and a support base (312) for a handling pallet (12), the support base (312) extending from one end of the tray (311) perpendicular to the tray (311), the cradle (31) being mounted at least rotatably on the frame (21) between a lying loading position intended to allow the stacking of blocks (10) of straw on the tray (311) against a pallet (12) carried by the support base (312), and a raised position in which the tray (311) extends vertically, and in which the support base (312) is intended to allow the removal of a pallet (12) supporting blocks (10) of straw; - means (41) for compressing blocks (10) of straw stacked on the tray (311) against a pallet (12) in the lying position of the cradle (31);- means for tying (51) blocks (10) of straw to a pallet (12) on which they are compressed in the lying position of the cradle (31).;

2. Palletizer (11) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the compression means (41) comprise: - a carriage (411) mounted movable in translation on the frame (21); - a pressing block (412) integral with the carriage (411), the pressing block (412) having a pressing surface (413) extending parallel to the support base (312) in the lying position of the cradle (31).

3. Palletizer (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a motor (61) actuating the compression means (41) and the cradle (31) by means of transmission means.

4. Palletizer (11) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the transmission means comprise a main transmission chain (711) driven in movement by the motor (61), the main transmission chain (711) describing a loop along which the carriage (411) is secured.

5. Palletizer (11) according to any one of claims 3 and 4, ca- characterized in that the transmission means comprise at least one lifting chain (712) secured at one of its ends to the cradle (31) on a lower anchoring point (33) to be towed to cause the cradle to move from its lying position to its raised position, the lifting chain (712) being driven by the main transmission chain (711) at least during a phase of lifting the cradle (31) to its raised position.

6. Palletizer (11) according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the lifting chain (712) is secured at the other of its ends to the carriage (411).

7. Palletizer (11) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the transmission means comprise at least one lowering chain (713) secured at one of its ends to the cradle (31) on an upper anchoring point (34) to be pulled to cause the cradle (31) to move from its raised position to its lying position, the lowering chain (713) being driven by the main transmission chain (711) at least during a final phase of lifting the cradle (31) to its raised position, and at least during an initial phase of laying the cradle (31) to its lying position.

8. Palletizer (11) according to claim 7, and any one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the lowering chain (713) is secured at the other of its ends to the frame (21) by means of elastic tensioning means (81), and incorporates clutch means (82) located between the two ends of the lowering chain (713), at a point of switching of traction forces between the lifting chain (712) and the lowering chain (713).

9. Palletizer 11 according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support base 312 has recesses allowing the insertion of arms of a lifting fork 13 of a pallet handling device.

Images