EP1702866A1 - Bulk container and connection assembly for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a base structure (20) with connection part (24) with intake (26), which is formed for sealed connection of a connection flange (51,52) with outlet (54) for a closure of the bulk goods container (50). The closure has an actuator (32,34,36). The connection part has a pneumatic gas outlet (28), separate from the intake, and this is formed for connection of a corresponding pneumatic gas intake (57,58) on the connection part, to the gas outlet. Pneumatic gas flows from the emptying device (10) through the outlet and the inlet into the bulk good container (50), to loosen up the contents of the container.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a bulk material container and a connection flange for filling and / or emptying the bulk material container.

State of the art

For filling a bulk goods container with bulk material, the bulk material container is usually connected to a filling station (also called docking), whereupon bulk material from the filling station is filled into the bulk material container through a bulk material opening formed in the bulk material container (also referred to as filling opening). Similarly, the bulk material container filled with bulk material for emptying is usually connected to a discharge station, whereupon the bulk material from the bulk material container is discharged or emptied into the emptying station through a bulk material opening formed therein (also referred to as outlet opening, emptying opening or outlet opening). It is known that for filling and emptying of the bulk goods container, the same bulk material opening can be used, which is then both the filling opening and the outlet opening of the bulk goods container.

In the case of a bulk material container with container walls, which are made of a flexible material, it is difficult to connect the bulk material container so close to a filling or emptying station that no bulk material is lost during filling or emptying of the bulk material container.

In the European patent application EP 04 405 150.6 (Visval AG) is described as a sack or bulk container (also referred to as "big bag", "bulk bag" or "FIBC" (flexible intermediate bulk container) trained) bulk container whose container walls are made of a flexible material. This bulk material container is provided with a connection flange, which is made of a solid material and in which the outlet opening is formed. The connection flange can be connected so close to the connection part of a discharge station that - when the connection flange is connected to the connection part, ie in a state connected to the discharge station bulk goods - bulk material through the outlet opening from the bulk material container out into the discharge station into flow (also as flowing) can. By providing the bulk goods container with a connection flange which specifically corresponds to the connection part of the emptying station, even in the case of flexible containers Container walls a tight connection of the bulk material container to the emptying station guaranteed. This prevents bulk material flowing past the emptying station through the outlet opening and being lost. Due to the complex production but the cost of such bulk containers are relatively high.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a bulk material container belonging to the technical field mentioned at the outset as well as a connecting flange, which ensure a tight connection of the bulk goods container to a filling and / or emptying station and are inexpensive.

The solution of the problem is defined by the features of the independent claims. According to the invention, a bulk material container has a container wall which has one, two or more layers. At least one of the layers has at least one part made of a flexible material. The bulk goods container further has at least one connection flange provided with a bulk material opening, which is made of a solid material. The connection flange is connected by means of a connecting device optionally releasably connected to the layer made of the flexible material layer portion of the container wall.

Overall, the bulk material container has a container wall composed of one or more than one container wall, which delimits an interior space (also referred to as a bulk material receiving space) formed for receiving bulk material from the environment of the bulk goods container. The container walls may be composed of one or more layers (sometimes referred to as shells, shells or layers). At least one of the layers has a flexible part (ie a part made of one or more flexible, especially foldable materials). The provided with the flexible lot layer can be made only partially or completely from the flexible material. In the case of further layers, these can also be partially or completely made of flexible materials or even completely made of solid (ie rigid and substantially non-flexible, non-foldable) materials.

As flexible material for the production of the flexible portion of the container wall are any flexible, foldable flat (especially sheet-like) materials suitable, as they are known for the production of bulk containers with flexible container walls (eg bags, big-bags, bulk bags or FIBCs), so eg Paper, metal foil, plastic film, plastic fabric, cardboard, textile fabrics and composite materials composed of such materials or the like.

The flexible portion of the container wall (i.e., the layer portion of the container wall made of the flexible material, hereinafter also referred to as the flexible layer portion) may be e.g. be designed as outlet pipe, outlet hose, filler neck or filling hose of the bulk material container. But it can also be designed as a floor, side wall or ceiling of a bulk material container, which is provided with a flexible bottom, a flexible side wall, a flexible ceiling and / or made exclusively of flexible material container walls.

The connecting flange can be made of any solid material, as it is known for the production of solid bulk containers and / or made of solid materials connecting flanges of bulk containers. Such materials are e.g. PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), other solid plastics, metal, glass fiber reinforced or carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin or similar. The fixed connection flange is provided with a bulk material opening which can be designed as an outlet opening for emptying bulk material received in the bulk material container and / or as a filling opening for filling bulk material into the bulk goods container.

The connecting device is used for selectively releasable connection of the connection flange with the container wall. The connecting flange is connected by means of the connecting device, which acts tensile strength in at least one direction of pull, optionally releasably connected to the tensile strength of the container wall made of the flexible material layer in the pulling direction. The connecting device is for selectively detachable connection of the connection flange with the from the formed flexible material layer portion of the container wall. The connecting device can be designed as an integral part of the connecting flange and / or the flexible layer part of the container wall that can be connected to it. As an alternative and / or in addition to a connecting device integrated in the connection flange and / or in the container wall, however, the latter can also have separate connecting elements which are arranged so as to be tensile-resistant on the connecting flange and / or on the flexible layer section.

By providing the bulk material container with a connection flange which is made of a solid material, a tight connection of the bulk material container to corresponding filling and / or emptying stations is made possible.

The connection flange is optionally detachably connected to the flexible portion of a layer of the container wall (and thus to the container wall). In other words, the connection flange can be detached from the flexible layer section in a non-destructive manner and subsequently connected to another flexible layer section. This creates the opportunity for multiple use of the connection flange by first non-destructive of a used, no longer usable flexible layer or layer part (eg in the form of an inliner or a bag) and then released for further use with a new flexible layer or layer section a container wall can be connected. A reusable connection flange can in particular be designed as a replacement unit for multiple use for different bulk material containers, which are identical or different. But it can also be designed for multiple use for a bulk material container, which has a reusable outer layer, which is equipped for each filling with a new, only once usable inliner. The possibility of multiple use of the connection flange can reduce the cost per use of the connection flange and provided with this bulk goods container.

In the case of a bulk goods container with more than one layer, the connection flange can either be detachably connected to one of the layers which does not have the flexible layer part, with which the connection flange is optionally detachably connected again fixed or optionally detachable or not connected or connectable.

A bulk container according to the invention can e.g. be a bag with a single-layered, made of a flexible material bag wall, to which the flange is optionally releasably attached again. The container wall of such a bulk container has only a single layer.

However, a bulk material container according to another variant of the invention may also be a barrel made of a solid, non-flexible material (eg a container made of plastic and referred to as "rigid intermediate bulk container" or "RIBC"), which is one of a flexible Material manufactured inliner (also referred to as inner shell) is provided. The inliner may e.g. from a tubular film, in particular a PE tubular film (i.e., a tubular film made of polyethylene). The connection flange is either detachably connected to the inliner or connectable. In other words, this means that the inliner can optionally be releasably attached to the connection flange or attachable thereto, the inliner being detachable from the connection flange without having to destroy the connection flange. The connecting flange and the entire bulk goods container, with the exception of the inliner, are thus designed for multiple reuse (i.e., multiple filling and emptying).

As a further alternative, a bulk goods container according to the invention may also be a big bag or a bulk bag with an outer casing made of a flexible (in particular foldable) but robust material which forms an outer layer of the container wall and also of a flexible material manufactured inliner, which forms an inner layer of the container wall and in which the bulk material is receivable. Here, the connection flange is optionally detachably connected to the inliner and / or with the outer shell. In this case, the connection flange can optionally be releasably connected only to the inliner again, while it is not connected to the outer shell at all or else inseparably connected. But it can also be the connection flange only with the outer shell optionally releasably connected, while he is not connected to the inliner or indissolubly. When Another alternative, the connection flange but also be connected to both the inliner and the outer shell optionally releasably.

The connection device for selectively releasable connection of the connection flange with the container wall or its flexible layer section may be a frictional connection device (also referred to as an adhesive or frictional connection device). In other words, the connecting device acts in the at least one pulling direction by means of frictional connection, in order to connect the connecting flange, optionally releasably tension-resistant, to the layer part made of the flexible material. The connection device may be any type of traction-connection device which is designed for selectively releasable connection of flexible sheet material to a device made of solid material. Such a force-locking connection device may in particular be a clamp connection device, in which the connection flange is connected by clamping force to the flexible layer part of the container wall. In particular, the flexible layer section can be clamped on the connection flange, i. be held by clamping force on the flange. The connection flange and the flexible layer part can even be connected to each other only by clamping force optionally releasably.

As an alternative and / or in addition to a non-positive connection device but other connection devices are possible, which are designed for selectively detachable connection of flexible sheet material with a device made of solid material, for example, form-locking connections, optionally releasable adhesive joints, etc.

In the case of a frictional connection device, this is preferably designed as at least partially load-locking clamping device. That is, the connecting device is designed as a clamping device such that the clamping force, which connects the flexible layer part with the connecting flange, at a connection of this opposing tensile load increased by the tensile load resp. is reinforced. In other words, the connecting device is designed such that an increase in a tensile load (which would solve the container wall from the flange without connecting device) a Enlargement of the clamping force has the consequence that connects the flexible layer part with the connecting flange. An at least partially load-locking clamping device of this type can be realized for example by a special design of clamping surfaces, between which the flexible layer section is clamped. The clamping surfaces can be designed and arranged for this purpose in such a way that the material web of the flexible scarf section via noses, edges or the like. Forms that divert this path once or several times. Preferably, the clamping device is designed such that the material web is deflected at least once by more than 90 degrees.

However, the connection device for selectively releasable connection of the connection flange with the flexible layer part of the container wall can also be a form-fit connection device. In other words, the connecting device acts in the at least one pulling direction by positive locking, in order to connect the connecting flange optionally releasably in a tension-resistant manner to the layer section made of the flexible material. The connection device may be any form-locking connection device which is designed for selectively releasable connection of flexible sheet material with a device made of solid material. Such a positive connection may e.g. a thickening formed as a stop (eg a bead or a seam) of the flexible layer section and a counter-stop (eg a retaining edge, a thin slot through which the flexible layer section is guided or the like), which is arranged on the connecting flange, in the case of a tensile load acting between the connecting flange and the flexible layer section, the stop abuts against the counter stop and thus prevents the flexible layer section from being detached from the connecting flange. As an alternative and / or in addition to a positive-locking connection based on the stop and counter-stop, however, it is also possible to provide a positive-locking connection of the type of a Velcro connection.

The connection flange and the flexible layer part can even be connected to each other only by positive locking either releasably. As an alternative and / or in addition to a form-fitting based connection device but also non-positively acting connection devices are possible.

According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the bulk material container is further provided with a reinforcing band, which is optionally detachably arranged along an outer circumference of the connecting flange. In the case of a large load of the bulk material received in the container, such a reinforcing band can prevent excessive deformation of the connecting flange. In particular, in the case of comparatively large bulk goods containers, bulk material with a comparatively large density (ie with a high specific weight) without reinforcing band can cause excessive deformation of the connecting flange in such a way that this deformation leads to unintentional release of the connecting flange from the container wall, with which the connecting flange is connected is. The reinforcing band may also help to meet relevant test standards by reinforcing the connection flange so that the bulk material container provided with the connection flange passes the prescribed test procedures.

The reinforcing tape may be in the form of an annularly closed band. Preferably, the reinforcing band (in particular in the case of an annularly closed band) is provided with a length adjusting device which is designed to adjust the length (or the circumference in the case of an annularly closed band) of the reinforcing band. Such a reinforcing tape may e.g. be designed in the manner of a hose or pipe clamp (also referred to as hose or pipe clamp). The reinforcing tape may e.g. be made of metal and / or of a fiber material (in particular glass or carbon fibers).

A further preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the connecting flange has at least one first and one second flange element which are each designed as separate flange elements and optionally connectable to each other and are again detachable from each other. In an interconnected state of the flange elements, the flexible layer part connected to the connection flange is held between the two flange elements and thus connected to the connection flange. In a detached state of the flange, the flexible layer portion is free from the flange, so that it can be completely detached from the flange. A connecting flange with two separate flange elements creates the possibility of one of the flange elements on the Inner side and the other flange on the outside of a container wall (or their flexible layer part) to arrange this with the container wall (or its flexible layer portion) to connect, the container wall (or its flexible layer portion) in the region of the flange completely intact ( ie without any perforations permeable to bulk material) and can be completely leak-tight for bulk material. In a connected to the connection flange state of the flexible layer part, this particular between the two flange elements held by clamping force, ie clamped, or be held by positive engagement. The two flange elements are designed as separate, separable units, which in turn can each be designed as one-piece or multi-piece elements. For example, a flange element may be substantially annular in shape, with a substantially constant cross-sectional shape along a circular line.

However, as an alternative to a connection flange composed of a plurality of separate flange elements, it can also consist only of a single flange element (which in particular may even be only one piece), which is designed for selectively detachable connection to the flexible layer section.

The first flange element of a connection flange provided with a first and a second flange element is preferably provided with at least one locking element (also referred to as a locking piece) which is designed and arranged on the first flange element such that in the interconnected state of the flange elements (ie in one state in which the first flange element is connected to the second flange element), the locking element is selectively adjustable between a first (locking position) and a second (open position) position. In the first position (locking position), the locking element engages behind a retaining part of the second flange element such that the first and the second flange element can not be detached from one another. In the second position (open position), the locking element no longer engages behind the retaining part, so that in this position of the locking element, the first and second flange element can be detached from each other.

The locking element may be formed as an integral part of the first flange and / or tensile strength connected to the first flange. The retaining portion may be formed as an integral part of the second flange and / or tensile strength connected to the second flange. The retaining portion may be a retaining edge, a detaining rod, a retaining eye or other retaining device, behind which the locking element can engage to provide a tension-tight connection between the first flange member and the second flange member.

In the first position of the locking element, the two flange elements are locked against displacement in a direction of displacement with respect to each other and thus tensile strength connected to each other in this direction of displacement. In the second position of the locking element, it is possible to move the flange with respect to each other in the direction of displacement to release them from each other.

Preferably, a locking device is further provided for the connection flange provided with the locking element, which locking device is designed for selectively releasable locking of the locking element in the first position. In the interconnected state of the flange, the locking element can be locked or blocked by means of the locking device in its the retaining portion engages behind (first) position, an undesired adjustment of the locking element from the first position (and an undesirable release of the connection between the first and second flange ) to prevent. To lock or block the locking element, the locking device may comprise a band or other blocking means which presses on the locking element to lock it in its first position.

In the case of a bulk goods container provided with a reinforcing strip for reinforcing the connecting flange, the connecting flange of which has a flange element provided with a locking piece and a locking device for locking the locking piece, the reinforcing strip can be designed and arranged on the connecting flange such that it simultaneously serves as a blocking means of the locking device, by the reinforcing tape in its on the outer circumference of the connecting flange arranged state presses on the locking element and thereby locked in its first position.

According to a further advantageous variant of a bulk material container according to the invention comprising a connecting flange comprising at least a first and a second separate flange element, the flexible layer section optionally releasably connected to the connecting flange is designed as a portion of a first layer of the container wall, wherein the container wall further comprises a second layer , which has at least one lot made of a flexible material. In addition to the separate first and second flange elements, the connection flange also has at least one third flange element, which is likewise designed as a separate flange element and can optionally be connected to the second flange element and released again from the second flange element. In a state of the third flange element connected to the second flange element, the flexible layer section of the second layer is held between the second and the third flange element and thus connected in a tension-proof manner to the connection flange. In a state of the third flange element that is released from the second flange element, the flexible layer section of the second layer is free of the connection flange, so that the second layer can be completely detached from the connection flange.

The made of the flexible material lot of the second layer (hereinafter also referred to as flexible layer section of the second layer or as a second flexible layer section) is selectively releasably connected by means of the connecting device (or another lot of the connecting device) with the connecting flange. The further part of the connecting device is used for selectively releasable connection of the flexible layer portion of the second layer with the connection flange, wherein in a connected to the connection flange state, the second flexible layer portion between the second flange and the third flange is held. In contrast, the first flexible layer part is held in a state connected to the connection flange between the first flange member and the second flange member. This further part of the connecting device can analogously to the above-described connecting device (respectively to the above-described first lot of the Connecting device) may be formed, which serves for selectively releasable connection of the flexible layer portion of the first layer with the connection flange. Overall, therefore, the connecting flange according to this embodiment of the invention by means of the connecting device selectively releasably connectable to the flexible portion of the first layer and / or optionally releasably connectable to the flexible portion of the second layer of the container wall. The third flange element is in turn formed as a separate, separable from the second flange element unit, which in turn may be formed as a one-piece or multi-piece element. The third flange element may in turn be substantially annular, for example, with a substantially constant cross-sectional shape along a circular line.

The second flange element is preferably designed as an at least two-part unit, wherein the second flange element has at least one first flange part and one second flange part which are each designed as separate flange parts and optionally connectable to one another and again detachable from one another. In the state of the second flange element connected to the first flange element, the flexible layer part of the first layer is held between the first flange element and the first flange part of the second flange element. In the state of the third flange element connected to the second flange element, the flexible layer part of the second layer is held between the third flange element and the second flange part of the second flange element.

By the second flange element is composed of two optionally connectable and again detachable flange parts, the possibility for selectively connecting and disconnecting a first container unit of a second container unit of the bulk material container is provided, wherein the first container unit, the first layer (for example, be an outer shell of the bulk material container can), the first flange member and the first flange portion of the second flange member, while the second container unit, the second layer (which may be, for example, an inliner of the bulk goods container), the third flange member and the second flange of the second flange member. Thus, on the one hand, after a separation of the first from the second flange part of the second flange element, the first can be separated from the second container unit in order to use either the first and / or the second container unit independently of one another several times. To the other can but also optionally the first flange and the first flange of the second flange of the first layer and the third flange and the second flange of the second flange separated from the second layer and thus used several times.

The first and second flange portions of the second flange member are preferably formed such that they can be separated automatically (i.e., by means of an automatic separation device). This allows automatic (and thus safer and more efficient) operation of filling and emptying stations, provided they are equipped with a suitable separation device.

For the purpose of selectively connecting and detaching the two flange parts of the second flange element, these are advantageously provided with a form-locking connection device. Such a positive connection device may e.g. be designed in the same way as a so-called lens bayonet (also called a bayonet fitting), which is used for selectively releasably connecting an interchangeable lens with a camera body of a camera. But there are also other (preferably automatically operable) connecting means for selectively releasably connecting the two flange of the second flange possible, such. Screw connections, clip connections or similar

It goes without saying that this aspect of the invention need not necessarily be used in conjunction with the container wall, which can optionally be detachably connected to the connecting flange. Rather, a bulk goods container, which is composed of two optionally connectable and again detachable container units such that the first container unit comprises a first part of a connecting flange for connecting the container to a filling and / or a discharge station and an outer shell of the container wall during the second container unit comprises a different part of the connecting flange and an inliner of the container wall, which has at least one lot made of flexible material, are also used in an advantageous manner, if either the first part of the connecting flange fixed and insoluble with the outer shell and / or the other Part of the connection flange firmly and permanently connected to the inliner is. In this case, either the first container unit may be designed as a reusable replacement unit for use with a plurality of second container units, which may be identical and different. Or the second container unit may be designed as a reusable replacement unit for use with a plurality of first container units, which may be identical and different.

According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, a bulk goods container has a container wall which has one, two or more layers. At least one of the layers has at least one part made of a flexible material. The bulk material container further has at least one connection flange provided with a bulk material opening, which is made of a solid material, as well as a closure body designed for selectively closing and opening the bulk material opening, which likewise is made of a solid material. The connection flange is connected by means of a connecting device optionally releasably connected to the layer made of the flexible material layer portion of the container wall. The connecting flange further comprises at least one flexible material bounding the bulk material opening. The resilient portion may in particular be a wall portion which limits the bulk material opening. The resilient part interacts with the closure body. It makes it possible that the closure body can be arranged in the bulk material opening with a closure body part, the dimension of which is slightly larger than the corresponding dimension of the bulk material opening or of the bulk material opening bounding portion of the connection flange. Thus, for example, the closure body in its region in which it is arranged in the bulk material opening, have a slightly larger outer circumference than the corresponding circumference of the bulk material opening (or the bulk material opening limiting portion of the connection flange) in an open state (ie, in one state without closure body inserted into the bulk material opening). Due to the resilient portion of the connecting flange of the closure body can still be arranged in the bulk material opening of the connection flange. It is obvious that this aspect of the invention does not necessarily have to be used in connection with the container wall which can optionally be detachably connected to the connecting flange.

The resilient portion of the connecting flange may be formed as part of a spring latching device by means of which the closure body can be latched in a position closing the bulk material opening. This creates the possibility of providing a bulk material container closure comprising the connection flange and the closure body, which ensures that the bulk material opening can optionally be repeatedly opened and closed again by means of the closure body, the closure body being in its position closing the bulk material opening with the connection flange is locked and thereby closes the bulk material opening safely in this position.

Preferably, the closure body is designed such that it can be inserted from the outside (i.e., from the external environment of the bulk material container) into the bulk material opening of the bulk goods container provided with the connection flange in order to bring the closure body into a position suitable for selectively closing and opening the bulk material opening. This creates the possibility to use the closure provided with the closure body and the connection flange closure in a simple way also for filling the bulk goods container with bulk material. In order to facilitate insertion of the closure body into the closure (or into the bulk material opening formed therein), the closure is advantageously conical in its portion arranged in the bulk material opening so that the circumference of the closure body becomes smaller in this area in the direction of the bulk material interior becomes.

From the following detailed description and the totality of the claims, further advantageous embodiments and feature combinations of the invention result.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

Einen Schüttgutbehälter gemäss einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsart der Erfindung in einer vereinfachten, teilweise vertikal geschnittenen Teildarstellung, mit einer abgedeckten Austrittsöffnung;

Fig. 2

den Schüttgutbehälter aus Fig. 1 in einer vereinfachten, teilweise vertikal geschnittenen Teildarstellung, mit von der Austrittsöffnung entfernter Abdeckung;

Fig. 3

einen Schüttgutbehälter gemäss einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsart der Erfindung in einer vereinfachten, teilweise vertikal geschnittenen Teildarstellung;

Fig. 4

ein erstes Flanschelement eines Anschlussflansches des Schüttgutbehälters aus Fig. 3 in einer vereinfachten Ansicht von oben;

Fig. 5

ein weiteres Flanschelement des Anschlussflansches des Schüttgutbehälters aus Fig. 3 in einer vereinfachten Ansicht von unten;

Fig. 6

einen Schüttgutbehälter gemäss einer dritten bevorzugten Ausführungsart der Erfindung in einer vereinfachten, teilweise vertikal geschnittenen Teildarstellung.

The drawings used to explain the embodiment show:

Fig. 1

A bulk container according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention in a simplified, partially vertically sectioned partial representation, with a covered outlet opening;

Fig. 2

1 in a simplified, partially vertically sectioned partial view, with the cover removed from the outlet opening;

Fig. 3

a bulk container according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention in a simplified, partially vertically sectioned partial representation;

Fig. 4

a first flange of a flange of the bulk material container of Figure 3 in a simplified top view.

Fig. 5

a further flange of the connecting flange of the bulk material container of Figure 3 in a simplified view from below.

Fig. 6

a bulk container according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention in a simplified, partially vertically sectioned partial representation.

Basically, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

Ways to carry out the invention

FIG. 1 shows a bulk material container 50 in the form of a bag 50, with a flexible container wall 53 or bag wall 53, which is made of a synthetic material and which has the form of a casing which is closed on all sides except for the closure described below. In the lowest, the bottom of the bag 50 forming portion of the bag wall 53, a closure is used. The closure has a substantially annular connection flange 51, 52 and a closure body 60.

The connection flange is composed of a first, outer flange element 52 and a second, inner flange element 51, both of which are substantially annular in shape and are arranged in the illustration of FIGS. 1 and 2 such that their ring axes coincide and extend substantially vertically, wherein the connecting flange 51, 52 substantially at the bottom at Bulk container is arranged. The inner (second) flange member 51 has a substantially circular cylinder jacket lower (ie, located in the vicinity of the outer side of the bag 50) lot and a substantially funnel-shaped upper portion which rises from the upper end of the lower portion of obliquely upwards and outwards. The upper side 19 of the inner flange member 51 is located farther from the outside of the bag 50 in the interior of the bag 50 and forms part of the bottom thereof. This upper side 19 drops in the direction of the outlet opening 54 described below in order to assist the outflow of the bulk material.

Centrally in the lower (i.e., outer) portion of the inner flange 51 is formed a substantially vertically extending, circular cylindrical passage whose mouth in the bottom of the inner flange 51 serves as an outlet 54 for in the bag 50 received bulk material (not shown). The outer (first) flange member 52 has substantially the shape of a thick ring having a central passage whose diameter is substantially equal to or even slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the lower portion of the inner flange member 51.

In order to connect the connecting flange comprising the two flange elements 51, 52 to the bag wall 53, the lower part of the inner flange element 51 is pressed into the central passage in the outer flange element 52 with the bag wall 53 arranged between the inner flange element 51 and the outer flange element 52 plugged. In the illustrations of FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner flange member 51 is inserted from above into the central passage in the outer flange member 52, so that the two flange members 51, 52 and the bag wall 53 clamped between them are connected to each other by clamping force in that even when the bag 50 is completely filled with bulk material, it remains sufficiently connected to each other by the load of the bulk material and can not be separated from each other.

In order to release the connecting flange 51, 52 again from the bag wall 53, the two flange elements 51, 52 are pulled apart using a considerable tensile force, wherein in the arrangement shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the inner Flange member 51 upwards and the outer flange member 52 are pulled down until the two flange elements are detached from each other. In this state, the bag wall 53 is no longer connected to the connecting flange 51, 52, so that it can be removed from the bag wall 53 and used for a new bag.

At the lowermost outer edge of the outer (first) flange element 52 (which at the same time also forms the lowermost outer edge of the entire connecting flange), an annular collar 56 is formed, which protrudes radially outwards in a horizontal plane from the inside and the upper part of the outer flange element 52 and for coupling the flange element 52 or the bag 50 provided with the connection flange 51, 52 to a filling or emptying station (not shown).

Fig. 1 shows the bag 50 during transport between a filling and a discharge station. In this state, the entire underside of the inner flange 51 is covered by a covering member formed as an integral part of the bag wall 53. In Fig. 2, the bag 50 is shown in a ready for emptying state, as it is achieved after connecting the bag 50 to a drainage station. In this state, the portion of the bag wall 53 covering the inner flange element 51 at the bottom has been cut away in order to release the bulk material opening 54 formed in the inner flange part 51 and the annular channel 57 described below.

In the underside of the inner flange 51, an annular channel 57 is formed, which opens at the top into a plurality of passages 48, 49, which obliquely upward through the upper (ie inner with respect to the bag 50) lead lot of the inner flange 51 therethrough , In order to support the emptying of bulk material from the bag 50, during the emptying process compressed air can be blown through the annular channel 57 serving as the compressed air inlet of the bag 50 and the compressed air passages 48, 49 into the interior of the bag 50. The opening into the interior of the bag 50 upper ends of the passages 48, 49 are covered by a shut-off body 65 which is made of a flexible, elastic plastic material and the shape of a flat, annular disc Has. If there is no overpressure or only a slight overpressure in the compressed air passages 48, 49, they are sealed off by the shut-off body 65. However, if a greater overpressure prevails in the compressed air passages 48, 49, the shut-off body 65 made of a flexible material is somewhat deformed by the compressed air, so that compressed air can flow from the passages 48, 49 into the interior of the sack 50. Overall, the shut-off body 65 serves at the same time as shut-off and closing spring of non-return valves, which close the compressed air passages 48, 49 to the interior of the bag 50 and allow compressed air flow into the bag 50, a compressed air and / or bulk flow in the reverse direction from the bag However, prevent 50 out.

The closure body 60 is designed and arranged for selectively closing and opening the outlet opening 54. It is made of a solid plastic and substantially as an axially symmetrical, hollow, thin-walled and one-piece molded part 60 formed below (ie in the region of the outside of the bag 50 side facing the closure body 60) has a circular cylinder shell-shaped lot, which subsequently above a cone-shaped tip is placed, the latter being arranged completely in the interior of the bag 50. In the illustration shown in FIG. 1, the closure body 60 is arranged such that the axis of symmetry of the closure body 60 is vertical and is arranged coaxially with the ring axes of the first and second flange elements 52, 51. The diameter of the lower (ie outer), cylinder jacket-shaped portion of the closure body 60 (which coincides with the maximum diameter of the upper (ie inner), conical portion of the closure body 60) is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the formed in the inner flange 51, the outlet opening 54, see the bottom part of the closure body 60 can be press-fitted in the outlet opening 54 in order to close it tightly, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The closure body 60 is in relation to the connecting flange 51, 52 in the vertical direction upwardly and downwardly displaceable and upwardly from the connection flange 51, 52 can be lifted to selectively close the outlet opening 54 or release and thereby the closure for emptying of bulk material from the Sack 50 to open. The position with the closure body 60 displaced maximally downwards (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) is referred to as the closed position of the closure body 60 or of the closure.

FIG. 3 shows a bulk goods container 150 embodied as FIBC (flexible intermediate bulk container) 150, the container wall of which comprises a first layer in the form of an outer casing 153 made of a flexible, solid material and a second layer in the form of an inliner 133 made of a flexible material , The two layers 133, 153 comprehensive container wall has the shape of a shell which is closed on all sides except for the closure described below. In the lowest, the bottom of the FIBC 150 forming portion of the container wall 133, 153, a closure is used. The closure has a substantially annular connection flange 120, 151, 152 and a closure body 160.

The connection flange is composed of a first, outermost flange element 152, a second, middle flange element 151 and a third, innermost flange element 120, all of which are substantially annular in shape and are arranged in the illustration of FIG. 3 such that their ring axes coincide and extend substantially vertically, wherein the connecting flange 120, 151, 152 is disposed substantially at the bottom of the FIBC 150. The flange members 120, 151 and 152 are made by injection molding of a solid plastic.

4 shows the first (outermost) flange element 152 of the connecting flange 120, 151, 152 shown in FIG. 3, together with a reinforcing strip 141 mounted on the first flange element 152 alone, in a simplified view from above, with the cross-sectional line additionally being shown in FIG. 4 II, along which the first flange element 152 is cut in the cross-sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 5 shows the third (innermost) flange element 120 of the connection flange 120, 151, 152 shown in FIG. 3 alone, in a simplified view from below, the cross-section line II being additionally drawn along FIG. 5 which the third flange element 120 is cut in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 3.

The innermost (third) flange member 120 of the FIBC 150 shown in FIG. 3 is similar in shape and has a similar function to the inner (second) flange member 51 of the bag 50 shown in FIGS. 1-2. The innermost flange member shown in FIG 120 has a substantially funnel-shaped upper portion, which is disposed substantially within the interior of the FIBC 150 enclosed by the outer shell 153 and the inliner 133, and a lower portion, which is arranged closer to the outside of the FIBC 150. Centrally in the lower (i.e., outer) portion of the innermost flange member 120 is formed a substantially vertically extending passage whose mouth in the bottom of the innermost flange member 120 serves as a bulk material opening 154 for bulk material (not shown) received in the FIBC 150.

In contrast to the inner flange element 51 shown in FIGS. 1-2, in the innermost flange element 120 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the boundary wall 121 defining the bulk material opening 154 formed in the lower (outer) section of the innermost flange element 120 is such formed innenkonisch that the inner circumference of the bulk material opening 154 comprising passage increases slightly towards the interior of the FIBC. Further, the substantially annular boundary wall 121 is formed as a resilient wall 121, so that they at least in their lower (ie outer with respect to the FIBC 150) area in the sense of a circumferential enlargement of the bulk material 154 in the direction of resiliently pushed outward in the radial direction can be. In addition, a bulge 122 protruding toward the passage is formed on the inner side of the boundary wall 121 facing the passage, said bead extending in the vicinity of the bulk material opening 154 along its circumference. This bead 122 is part of a spring locking device, by means of which the closure body 160 can be latched in a position closing the bulk material opening 154.

The closure body 160 is designed and arranged for selectively closing and opening the bulk material opening 154. It is similarly designed and arranged as the closure body 60 shown in FIGS. 1-2. In contrast to however, the closure body 160 shown in FIG. 3 has a lower part (ie arranged in the vicinity of the outer side of the FIBC 150) which is not formed in the shape of a circular cylinder shell, but outside such that the circumference of the closure body 160 in this part is directed towards the interior of the FIBC 150 decreases slightly. Further, in the outer side of the lower portion of the closure body 160, which faces the boundary wall 121 of the innermost flange element 120, a groove 161 is formed, which extends in the vicinity of the underside of the closure body 160 along its circumference. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 161 formed in the outer side of the closure body 160 substantially corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the bead 122 formed on the boundary wall 121 of the innermost flange element 120.

Subsequently, a cone-shaped tip which is arranged completely in the interior of the FIBC 150 is again placed on top of the lower part of the closure body 160.

The closure body 160 is displaceable upwardly and downwardly in the vertical direction with respect to the connection flange 120, 151, 152. In the position shown in Fig. 3, the closure body 160 is displaced downwards so that its lower edge is arranged in the bulk material 154 and is substantially flush with the underside of the innermost flange 120. In this position (also referred to as closing position) closes Furthermore, in this position, the bead 122 is received in the groove 161, so that the closure body 160 is latched by a spring latching device 121, 122, 161 in the closed position, wherein the spring latching device 121, 122, 161 from the resilient resilient boundary wall 121, the bead 122 and the groove 161 is formed. The diameter of the closure body 160 at its lowermost edge is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the bulk material opening 154 formed in the innermost flange portion 120 when it is open and the boundary wall 121 is not pressed outwards. Thus, in the closed position, the lowest part of the closure body 160 is received with a press fit in the bulk material opening 154 in order to close it tightly, as shown in FIG.

In order to open the bulk material opening 154 for emptying bulk material from the FIBC 150, the closure body 160 is displaced upward (ie, into the bulk goods container) from its closed position shown in FIG. 3, so that it is lifted off the connection flange 120, 151, 152 and the bulk material opening 154 releases. In this case, the groove 161 is displaced past the bead 120, wherein the boundary wall 121 resiliently yields to allow this. To close the bulk material opening 154, the closure body 160 is then moved back downwards (ie, out of the FIBC 150) back, wherein the bead 122 in turn engages in the groove 161 due to the spring force of the boundary wall 121 to the closure body 160 in the manner of a Clip connection with the connection flange 120, 151, 152 to lock.

In order to open the bulk material opening 154 for filling the FIBC 150, the entire FIBC 150 can first be rotated from its position shown in FIG. 3 through 180 degrees about a horizontal axis so that the connection flange 120, 151, 152 is now at the top of the FIBC 150 is arranged. Subsequently, the closure body 160 can be pulled completely out of its closed position upwards out of the FIBC 150 and removed therefrom. In this case, the groove 161 is displaced past the bead 120 past, wherein the boundary wall 121 in turn yields resiliently to allow this. To close the bulk material opening 154 after filling the FIBC 154 with bulk material, the closure body 160 can then be inserted again from the outside into the bulk material opening 154, whereby it is moved back downwards (ie into the FIBC) until the closure position of the closure body 160 is reached is. In the closed position, the bead 122 in turn engages in the groove 161.

FIG. 3 shows the FIBC 150 during transport between a fill station and a dump station. In this state, the lower surface of the innermost flange member 120 is covered by a part of the liner 133 and the outer shell 153, while the lower surface of the middle flange member 151 is covered only by a part of the outer shell 153. In a state ready for emptying (not shown), the parts of the inliner 133 and the outer sheath 153 covering the underside of the connecting flange 120, 151, 152 are cut away, to release the bulk material opening 154 and the annular channel 157 described below.

In the underside of the innermost flange 120, an annular channel 157 is formed, the upper (of which removed from the bottom) lot with a plurality of radially extending reinforcing walls 123, 124 is provided. The formed in the bottom of the innermost flange 120 annular channel 157 opens at the top into a plurality of passages 146, 147, 148, 149, which obliquely ascending upward through the innermost flange 120 pass and open in the interior of the FIBC 150, where they from a Shut off 165 are covered. Shut-off 165 allows compressed air flow through annular channel 157 and passageways 146, 147, 148, 149 into FIBC 150 while preventing reverse flow of compressed air and / or bulk material out of FIBC 150.

The outermost (first) flange element 152 of the connecting flange 120, 151, 152 illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 has essentially the shape of a thick ring with a central passage into which the middle (second) flange element 151 can be inserted. At the lowermost outer edge of the outermost (first) flange element 152 (which at the same time also forms the lowermost outer edge of the entire connecting flange), an annular collar 156 is formed, which protrudes radially outward in a horizontal plane from the inside and the top adjacent section of the outermost flange element 152 and for coupling the flange element 152 or the FIBC to a filling or emptying station (not shown).

In an upper portion, which occupies approximately half the height of the outermost flange element 152, a plurality (namely, sixteen) of planar cuts are formed at regular intervals along the circumference of the outermost flange element, parallel to radial planes passing through the ring axis of the outermost flange element run to the ring axis. As a result, a plurality (namely sixteen) of blades 171, 172, 173 are formed between the incisions, which are formed identical to one another, and due to the elasticity of the plastic material from which the outermost flange element 152 is made, resiliently in the direction of the ring axis away to the outside and back and forth are pivotally.

In the area where the wings 171, 172, 173 are hinged to the lower, non-notched portion of the outermost flange member (ie in the region of the lower ends of the sipes between the wings 171, 172, 173) is in the middle flange member 151 facing inner (with respect to the annular axis of the outermost flange 152) peripheral side of the outermost flange 152 a retaining groove 178 formed. The retaining groove 178 extends with a constant cross section along an inner circumferential line of the outermost flange element 152 and serves to receive a retaining lug 135 of the middle flange element 151 together with the outer shell 153 arranged between the outermost flange element 152 and the middle flange element 151.

The middle (third) flange element 151 of the connecting flange 120, 151, 152 shown in FIGS. 3-5 has substantially the shape of a ring with a central passage into which the innermost (third) flange element 120 can be inserted. On the outer flange member 152 facing the outer (with respect to the ring axis of the central flange 151) peripheral side of the central flange 151, the above-mentioned retaining lug 135 is formed. The retaining lug 135 runs with a constant cross section along an outer circumferential line of the central flange element 151. Further, in the outer peripheral side of the middle flange member 151, a retaining edge 131 is formed. The retaining edge 131 runs along an outer circumferential line of the central flange element 151 and serves to retain a thickening 159, formed as a seam, of the outer shell 153 arranged between the outermost flange element 152 and the middle flange element 151.

In the inner flange member 120 facing inner (with respect to the annular axis of the central flange 151) peripheral side of the central flange 151 a retaining groove 132 is formed. The retaining groove 132 extends with a constant cross section along an inner circumferential line of the central flange member 151 and serves to receive a retaining lug 126 of the innermost flange member 120 together with that between the middle flange member 151 and the innermost flange 120 arranged inliner 133. On the inner peripheral side of the central flange 151 further made of a resilient sealing material Halterungsdichtring 136 is arranged. The retainer seal ring 136 extends with a constant cross section along an inner circumferential line of the middle flange member 151 and serves to seal the gap formed between the middle flange member 151 and the innermost flange member 120 and to hold the inliner 133 disposed in this gap.

On the outer flange side facing the central flange element 151 (with respect to the ring axis of the innermost flange element 120) circumferential side of the lower portion of the innermost flange 120, the above-mentioned retaining lug 126 is formed. The retaining lug 126 runs with a constant cross section along an outer circumferential line of the lower part of the innermost flange element 120. Further, a Halterungsdichtnut 125 is formed in the outer peripheral side of the lower portion of the innermost Flanschelements 120, in which the above-mentioned Halterungsdichtring 136 together with the arranged between the central flange 151 and the innermost flange 120 Inliner 133 is receivable. The Halterungsdichtnut 125 extends with constant cross-section of an outer circumferential line of the lower portion of the innermost flange 120 along.

In the state shown in FIG. 3, the connection flange 120, 151, 152 is optionally releasably connected to the container wall of the FIBC 150 formed from the inliner 133 and the outer casing 153. In this state, the outer shell 153 is selectively releasably retained between the outermost flange member 152 and the middle flange member 151, while the inliner 133 is selectively releasably held between the middle flange member 151 and the lower portion of the innermost flange member 120. In addition, since the height of the middle flange member 151 is smaller than the heights of the outer flange member 152 and the innermost flange member 120, in a comparatively small uppermost height portion of the connecting flange 120, 151, 152, both the outer sheath 153 and the inliner 133 are between the outermost flange member 152 and the upper portion of the innermost flange 120 held.

In order to connect the connecting flange 120, 151, 152 comprising the three flange elements 120, 151 and 152 to the container wall of the FIBC 150 formed by the inliner 133 and the outer casing 153, first the lower part of the innermost flange element 120 with between the innermost flange element 120 and the middle flange 151 arranged inliner 133 inserted from above into the central passage in the middle flange 151 in or. pushed into it. During the insertion of the innermost flange 120 into the central flange 151, the retaining lug 126 of the innermost flange 120 is slid downwardly from above the inner peripheral side of the middle flange 151 and past the bracket seal 136. In this case, initially an upper part of the middle flange element 151 is yieldingly resiliently pushed outward, away from the ring axis of the middle flange element 151. As soon as the retaining lug 126 of the innermost flange element 120 reaches the retaining groove 132 formed in the middle flange element 151, the upper part of the middle flange element 151 snaps back in the direction of the ring axis. At the same time, the retaining lug 126 is received in the retaining groove 132 and the retaining ring 136 in the retaining seal groove 125. In this sliding position of the innermost flange element 120 with respect to the middle flange element 151 shown in FIG. 3, these two flange elements are interconnected with respect to each other by means of a positive clip connection, while the inliner 133 is clamped between the innermost flange element 120 and the middle flange element 151.

Next, the composite formed of the inner flange member 120, the inliner 133 and the middle flange member 151 is inserted from above into the central passage in the outer flange member 152 with the outer cover 153 disposed between the middle flange member 151 and the outer flange member 152. pushed into it. During the insertion of the central flange 151 into the outer flange 152, the retaining lug 135 is slid down from above the inner peripheral side of the outer flange 152 and down the wings 171, 172, 173. In this case, the vanes 171, 172, 173 are initially resiliently pushed outward, away from the ring axis of the outer flange element 152. As soon as the retaining lug 135 of the central flange member 151 reaches the retaining groove 178 formed in the outermost flange member 152, the wings 171, 172, 173 snap back toward the ring axis, simultaneously receiving the retaining lug 135 in the retaining groove 178. In this sliding position of the middle flange element 151 with respect to the outer flange element 152 shown in FIG. 3, these two flange elements are interconnected with respect to each other by means of a positive clip connection, while the outer cover 153 is clamped between the middle flange element 151 and the outermost flange element 152.

Overall, the wings 171, 172, 173 lock pieces, which in conjunction with the retaining lug 135 and the retaining groove 178 provide a locking device for selectively releasably locking the outermost flange 152 with respect to the central flange 151.

The middle flange element 151 and the outermost flange element 152 are formed in the region of the retaining lug 135 and the retaining groove 178 such that the outer shell 153 arranged between them is deflected by approximately 150 degrees. It is thereby achieved that the outer shell is clamped in partially load-closing function between the central flange 151 and the outer flange 152.

Further, in the area of the retaining edge 131 formed in the outer peripheral side of the middle flange member 151, the clearance between the middle flange member 131 and the outermost flange member 152 is sized such that the outer shell 153 but not the thickening 159 thereof has room in this space. The retaining edge 131 and the thickening 159 thus act as a stop and counter stop, which in this area the outer shell 153 and the connecting flange 120, 151, 152 by positive engagement tensile strength connect together.

Finally, the outer circumference of the outermost flange element 152 is finally mounted along a metal band 141 in an arrangement comprising the wings 171, 172 173 in such a way that it supports the wings 171, 172, 173 in the direction of the ring axis of the outermost one Flange member 152 holds together. Thus, the state shown in Fig. 3 of the bulk material container 150 is reached.

On the one hand, the metal strip 141 mounted on the outer flange element 152 prevents the wings 171, 172, 173 from pivoting outwards away from the ring axis. As a result, the metal strip acts as a locking device which selectively locks the wings 171, 172, 173 which engage behind the retaining lug 135 with the flanks of the retaining groove 178 (in which the outermost flange element 152 is locked with respect to the central flange element 151) can. On the other hand, the metal strip 141 acts as a reinforcing strip 141, which prevents excessive deformations of the connecting flange 120, 151, 152 at high loads.

In order to release in the FIBC 150 in its state shown in FIG. 3 the connecting flange 120, 151, 152 comprising the three flange elements 120, 151 and 152 from the container wall of the FIBC 150 formed by the inliner 133 and the outer casing 153, the above-mentioned Steps are performed in reverse order and in the opposite direction. First, the metal band 141 is released from the outer flange member 152. Then, by means of a suitable tool, the wings 171, 172, 173 are pushed outwardly away from the ring axis of the outermost flange element 152 and the outer flange element 152 is pulled downwardly away from the middle flange element 151 and removed from the remainder of the FIBC 150. Subsequently, it is now also possible to remove outer shell 153 detached from the rest of FIBC 150 from the rest of FIBC 150. Thereafter, by means of a suitable tool, the upper portion of the central flange member 151 is pushed outwardly away from the annular axis of the outermost flange member 152 and the middle flange member 151 is pulled downwardly away from the innermost flange member 120 and removed from the remainder of the FIBC 150. After that, the innermost flange element 102 and the inliner 133 can still be separated from one another, since they are no longer connected to one another. The connection flange 120, 151, 152 is now completely detached from the container wall of the FIBC 150 formed by the inliner 133 and the outer casing 153 and can be mounted on the container wall of another FIBC and reused together with it.

FIG. 6 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 3 of a FIBC 250 according to a further preferred variant of the invention. Of the FIBC 150 shown in FIG. 3-5, the FIBC 250 shown in FIG. 6 essentially differs in that the middle flange element 251 is not formed as a one-piece molded part but as a two-part unit and a first flange part 210 and a second flange part 211, each formed as a separate flange 210, 211 and optionally connectable to each other and are again detachable from each other.

The remaining components of the FIBC 250 shown in FIG. 6 are similarly constructed and arranged as the corresponding components of the FIBC 150 shown in FIGS. 3-5. The container wall of the FIBC 250 shown in FIG. 6 includes an outer shell 253 and an inliner 333. In the bottom of the FIBC 250, a closure is used which comprises an annular connecting flange 220, 251, 252 and a closure body 260. The connecting flange 220, 251, 252 is composed of a first, outermost flange element 252, a second, middle flange element 251 and a third, innermost flange element 220, in which latter the bulk material opening 254 is formed. The FIBC 250 is further provided with a shut-off body 265 and a metal band 241.

The middle flange element 251 shown in FIG. 6 is composed of a first, outer flange part 210 and a second, inner flange part 211, which are both substantially annular in shape and are arranged in the illustration of FIG. 6 such that their ring axes coincide and essentially vertical.

The outer flange portion 210 has substantially the shape of a ring with a central passage. The outer peripheral side facing the outermost flange element 252 of the outer flange part 210 shown in FIG. 6 is designed analogously to the outer circumferential side of the middle flange element 151 shown in FIG. 3, so that the outer flange part 210 can be inserted into the central passage of the outermost flange element 252 , In the inner peripheral side of the outer flange part 210 facing the inner flange part 211, a plurality of grooves 212 are formed.

The inner flange part 211 has substantially the shape of a ring with a central passage. The inner flange portion 211 is receivable in the central passage of the outer flange portion 210. At the outer peripheral side of the inner flange part 211 facing the outer flange part 210, a plurality of projections 213 are integrally formed. The projections 213 on the inner flange part 11 and the grooves 212 in the outer flange part 210 are arranged and formed such that they form a form-fitting connection, by means of which the outer flange part 210 and the inner flange 211 are selectively releasably connectable to each other, said positive Connection can be actuated only by sliding and rotating movements of the two flange parts 210, 211 with respect to each other in order to separate or connect the flange parts 210, 211 from each other. Overall, by the grooves 212 and in these receivable projections 213 a positive connection of the type of a bayonet closure is provided. This positive connection is easily operated with a relatively small amount of force to selectively solve the flange 210, 211 from each other and / or to connect with each other.

The inner flange part 211 is further provided with a few recesses 214, which are accessible from the underside of the connecting flange 220, 251, 252 ago. In these recesses 214 grippers of a tool of an actuating device (not shown) can be inserted, by means of which the two flange 210, 211 can be automatically optionally separated from each other or connected to each other to allow automatic filling and / or emptying of the FIBC 250.

The inner peripheral side facing the innermost flange element 220 of the inner flange part 211 shown in FIG. 6 is formed analogously to the inner peripheral side of the middle flange element 151 shown in FIG. 3, so that the lower part of the innermost flange element 220 into the central passage of the inner flange 220 can be plugged into it.

In the state of the FIBC 250 shown in FIG. 6, the connection flange 210, 251, 252 is optionally releasably connected to the container wall formed by the outer casing 253 and the inliner 233. In this state, the outer shell 253 between the outermost flange member 252 and the outer flange portion 210 of the middle flange member 251 while the inliner 233 is held between the inner flange part 211 of the middle flange member 251 and the innermost flange member 220. In addition to the holder seal ring 136 disposed on the inner peripheral side of the inner flange portion 210, another holder seal 215 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the lower portion of the innermost flange member 120, which serves to additionally seal the space formed between the middle flange member 251 and the innermost flange member 120, and the additional holding of the arranged in this space inline 233 serves.

By assembling the central flange member 251 of the two selectively connectable and detachable flange members 210, 211, the ability to selectively connect and disconnect a first container unit from a second container unit of the FIBC 250 is provided. In this case, the first container unit comprises the outer casing 253, the outermost flange element 252 and the outer flange part 210 of the middle flange element 251, while the second container unit comprises the inliner 233, the inner flange part 211 of the middle flange element 251, the innermost flange element 220 and the closure body 265.

In summary, it should be noted that bulk material containers and a connection flange are provided by the invention, which ensure a tight connection of the bulk material container to a filling and / or emptying station and are inexpensive.

Claims (15)

A bulk material container (50, 150, 250) having a container wall which has one or more layers (53, 133, 153, 233, 253), at least one of the layers (53, 133, 153, 233, 253) at least one made of a flexible material has lot (53, 133, 153, 233, 253), and with a bulk material (54, 154, 154) provided connecting flange (51, 52, 120, 151, 152, 220, 251, 252) , which is made of a solid material, characterized in that the connecting flange (51, 52, 120, 151, 152, 220, 251, 252) by means of a connecting device optionally detachable again with the made of the flexible material layer portion (53, 133 , 153, 233, 253). Bulk container (50, 150, 250) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting device is a frictional connection device. Bulk material container (50, 150, 250) according to claim 2, characterized in that the adhesion-connection device is designed as at least partially load-locking clamping device (135, 178). Bulk material container (150) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connecting device is a form-locking connection device (151, 159). A bulk material container (150, 250) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is further provided with a reinforcing strip (141, 241) which is optionally releasably detachable to an outer circumference of the connecting flange (120, 151, 152, 220, 251, 252) is arranged along. Bulk material container (50, 150, 250) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connecting flange (51, 52, 120, 151, 152, 220, 251, 252) at least a first and a second flange (51, 52, 151, 152, 251, 252) each formed as a separate flange (51, 52, 151, 152, 251, 252) and selectively connectable to each other and are again detachable in order, in an interconnected state of the flange elements (51, 52, 151, 152, 251, 252), the layer part (53, 133, 153, 233) connected to the connecting flange (51, 52, 151, 152, 251, 252). 253) between the two flange elements (51, 52, 151, 152, 251, 252) and thus to connect to the connecting flange (51, 52, 120, 151, 152, 220, 251, 252) and in one another dissolved state of the flange (51, 52, 151, 152, 251, 252) to release the layer part (53, 133, 153, 233, 253) so that it completely from the connection flange (51, 52, 120, 151, 152, 220 , 251, 252) can be solved. A bulk material container (150, 250) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first flange element (152, 252) is provided with at least one locking element (171, 172, 173) which is designed and arranged on the first flange element (152, 252) in that, in the interconnected state of the flange elements (151, 152, 251, 252), the locking element (171, 172, 173) optionally engages between a first position in which it engages behind a retaining part (135) of the second flange element (151, 251) , and a second position is adjustable, in which it does not engage behind the retaining part (135). Bulk container (150, 250) according to claim 7, characterized in that it is further provided with a locking device (141, 241) which is designed for selectively releasable locking of the locking element (171, 172, 173) in the first position. Bulk goods container (150, 250) according to claim 8 and claim 5, characterized in that the reinforcing strip (141, 241) is formed and arranged on the connecting flange (120, 151, 152, 220, 251, 252), that it simultaneously the locking device (141, 241). Bulk goods container (150, 250) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that with the connection flange (120, 151, 152, 220, 251, 252) selectively releasably connected layer portion (133, 153, 233, 253) as Part of a first layer (153, 253) of the container wall is formed and the container wall further comprises a second layer (133, 233) having at least one made of a flexible material lot (133, 233), wherein the connecting flange (120, 151 , 152, 220, 251, 252) further comprises at least one third flange element (120, 220) formed as a separate flange element (120, 220) and selectively connectable to the second flange element (151, 251) and again from the second flange element (151 , 251) is releasable, in a state connected to the second flange element 151, 251) of the third flange element (120, 220), the flexible layer part (133, 233) of the second layer (133, 233) between the second (151, 251 ) and the third flange (1 20, 220) and thus to connect to the connection flange (120, 151, 152, 220, 251, 252), and in a state of the third flange element (120, 220) detached from the second flange element (151, 251) Layer part (133, 233) of the second layer (133, 233) release, so that it can be completely detached from the connection flange (120, 151, 152, 220, 251, 252). Bulk material container (250), in particular according to claim 10, characterized in that the second flange element (251) has at least one first flange part (210) and one second flange part (211) each formed as separate flange parts (210, 211) and optionally connectable to each other and are again detachable from one another, wherein in the state of the second flange element (251) connected to the first flange element (252) the flexible layer part (253) of the first layer (253) is arranged between the first flange element (252) and the first flange part (210). in the state of the third flange member (220) connected to the second flange member (251), the flexible layer part (233) of the second sheet (233) is interposed between the third flange member (220) and the second one Flanged portion (211) of the second flange (251) is held. A bulk material container (150, 250), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 11, having a container wall which has one or more layers (133, 153, 233, 253), wherein at least one of the layers (133, 153, 233, 253) has at least one section made of a flexible material (133, 153, 233, 253), a connecting flange (120, 151, 152, 220, 251, 252) provided with a bulk material opening (154, 254) and made of a solid material Material is made, as well as a made of a solid material closure body (160, 260) for closing and optionally opening the bulk material opening (154, 254), characterized in that the connecting flange (120, 151, 152, 220, 251, 252) at least a, the bulk material opening (154, 254) limiting, yielding resilient portion (121). Bulk goods container (150, 250) according to claim 12, characterized in that the resilient portion (121) of the connecting flange (120, 151, 152, 220, 251, 252) is formed as part of a spring locking device (121, 122, 161) by means of which the closure body (160, 260) can be latched in a position closing the bulk material opening (154, 254). Bulk goods container (150, 250) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the closure body (160, 269) from the outside into the bulk material opening (154, 254) of the connection flange (120, 151, 152, 220, 251, 252 ) provided bulk goods container (150, 250) can be used to bring the closure body (160, 260) in a suitable for selectively closing and opening the bulk material opening (154, 254) suitable position. Connecting flange (51, 52, 120, 151, 152, 220, 251, 252) for a bulk material container (50, 150, 250) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the connecting flange (51, 52, 120, 151 , 152, 220, 251, 252) is designed as a replacement unit for multiple use for various bulk containers (50, 150, 250), which are identical or different.

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