Horizontal strapping machine

Abstract

A stacking and strapping apparatus is configured to stack a first load layer on a pallet, horizontally strap the load, stack a second load layer on the first load layer and horizontally strap the second load layer. The apparatus includes a frame, a sealing head operably mounted to the frame, a feed head operably mounted to the frame and a strap chute mounted to the frame. The strap chute is stationary and is fixedly mounted to the frame in a generally horizontal plane and has an opening therein for receiving the sealing head. The strap chute defines the boundaries of a vertical path for movement of the pallet, the first load layer and the second load layer. A draw plate is disposed above the strap chute. The draw plate is configured to receive the first load layer or the second load layer and to move between a loading position in which the first or second load layer is loaded onto the draw plate and a withdrawn position in which the draw plate moves to position the first load layer on the pallet or to position the second load layer on the first load layer. The draw plate is configured to move back to the loading position following transfer of the first load layer or the second load layer. A lift plate is disposed below the strap chute and draw plate. The lift plate is adapted to receive the pallet and to receive a load on the pallet. The lift plate moves downwardly to position the first load layer at the strap chute, moves up to receive the second load layer and moves downwardly again to position the second load layer at the strap chute.

1 . A stacking and strapping apparatus configured to stack a first load layer on a pallet, strap the load and stack a second load layer on the first load layer and strap the second load layer, comprising: 
 a frame;    a sealing head operably mounted to the frame;    a feed head operably mounted to the frame;    a stationary strap chute mounted to the frame, the strap chute mounted to the frame in a generally horizontal plane, the strap chute having an opening therein and the sealing head being disposed within the strap chute opening, the strap chute defining boundaries of a vertical path for movement of the pallet, the first load layer and the second load layer;    a draw plate disposed above the strap chute, the draw plate configured to receive the first load layer or the second load layer and to move between a loading position in which the first or second load layer is loaded onto the draw plate and a withdrawn position in which the draw plate moves to position the first load layer on the pallet or to position the second load layer on the first load layer, the draw plate configured to move back to the loading position following transfer of the first load layer or the second load layer;    a lift plate disposed below the strap chute and draw plate, the lift plate adapted to receive the pallet and to receive a load on the pallet, the lift plate further configured to move downwardly to position the first load layer at the strap chute, move up to receive the second load layer and move downwardly again to position the second load layer at the strap chute.    
   
   
       2 . The stacking and strapping apparatus in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the sealing head and the feed head are independently operably mounted to the frame.  
   
   
       3 . The stacking and strapping apparatus in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the strap chute is fixedly mounted to the frame.  
   
   
       4 . The stacking and strapping apparatus in accordance with  claim 1  including a sensor operably connected to the draw plate for moving the draw plate from the loading position to the withdrawn position when the presence of the pallet or a load layer is sensed below and proximal to the draw plate.  
   
   
       5 . A strapper for use with a palletizer, the palletizer configured to stack a first load layer on a pallet, strap the load and stack a second load layer on the first load layer and strap the second load layer, the palletizer including a frame, a draw plate configured to receive the first load layer or the second load layer and to move between a loading position in which the first or second load layer is loaded onto the draw plate and a withdrawn position in which the draw plate moves to position the first load layer on the pallet or to position the second load layer on the first load layer, and a lift plate disposed below the draw plate, the lift plate configured to move up and down between the uppermost position and a lowermost position, the lift plate adapted to receive the pallet and to receive a load on the pallet and to move downwardly with the load and pallet thereon, the strapper comprising: 
 a stationary strap chute rigidly mounted to the frame, the strap chute mounted to the frame in a generally horizontal plane, below the draw plate and above a lowermost position of the lift plate, the strap chute defining boundaries of a vertical path for movement of the pallet, the first load layer and the second load layer, the strap chute having an opening therein and the sealing head being disposed within the strap chute opening;    a sealing head operably mounted to the frame; and    a feed head operably mounted to the frame,    wherein the first load layer on a pallet is moved downwardly into the strap chute where the first load layer is strapped and wherein a second load layer is stacked on the first load layer and is moved downwardly into the strap chute where the second load layer is strapped.    
   
   
       6 . The strapper in accordance with  claim 5  wherein the sealing head and the feed head are independently operably mounted to the frame.  
   
   
       7 . The strapper in accordance with  claim 5  wherein the strap chute is fixedly mounted to the frame.  
   
   
       8 . The strapper in accordance with  claim 5  including a sensor operably connected to the draw plate for moving the draw plate from the loading position to the withdrawn position when the presence of the pallet or a load layer is sensed below and proximal to the draw plate.