EP1950139B1 - Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters - Google Patents

Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1950139B1
EP1950139B1 EP08250216A EP08250216A EP1950139B1 EP 1950139 B1 EP1950139 B1 EP 1950139B1 EP 08250216 A EP08250216 A EP 08250216A EP 08250216 A EP08250216 A EP 08250216A EP 1950139 B1 EP1950139 B1 EP 1950139B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flexible
container
discharge
bulk container
support element
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EP08250216A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP1950139A1 (de
Inventor
Ivan Semenenko
Peter Wright
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ISL (R&D) Ltd
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ISL (R&D) Ltd
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Publication of EP1950139A1 publication Critical patent/EP1950139A1/de
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B69/00—Unpacking of articles or materials, not otherwise provided for
    • B65B69/0075—Emptying systems for flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC]
    • B65B69/0091—Emptying systems for flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC] using frames whereby the container is bottom supported

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a flexible container discharge apparatus for a flexible bulk container, and to a method of discharging material from such a flexible bulk container.
  • a flexible bulk container is formed from woven or non-woven material and essentially defines a large bag suitable for holding and transporting flowable particulate material, such as cement, flour, sugar, sand, powder, granular material, and pharmaceuticals.
  • a capacity of a flexible bulk container can typically range from 250 litres to 2000 litres, and a lifting device, such as a hoist, forklift truck, or crane, is generally used to manoeuvre a full flexible bulk container.
  • a flexible bulk container can have a capacity in the range of 5 litres to 100,000 litres.
  • a flexible bulk container is defined as a container formed from a woven or non-woven flexible material which has a capacity in the range of 5 litres to 100,000 litres, and more preferably 250 litres to 2000 litres, and which can hold for transportation flowable particulate material.
  • Flexible container discharge apparatus is known from, for example, Spiroflow Limited of Clitheroe, Lancashire, United Kingdom. All such known apparatuses operate in fundamentally the same way.
  • a rigid funnel-shaped hopper is provided in which the flexible bulk container can be placed.
  • a valve is located below the hopper, and a discharge pipe or duct extends from the valve to the base of the hopper.
  • a flexible discharge tube is typically incorporated in a base of the flexible bulk container, and this tube is connected to the discharge duct of the hopper, or simply runs down into its interior. If a flexible discharge tube is not provided, then the base of the flexible bulk container is cut or perforated to allow discharge.
  • a first problem which is associated with the present apparatus is that a flexible bulk container with material therein adopts a substantially flat bottom or base.
  • the flexible bulk container therefore does not seat correctly in the known hopper, until a significant amount of the material has been discharged.
  • the material is therefore often difficult to initially discharge, due to compaction, accessibility to open the discharge tube of the container is difficult and often complex, and the stability of the apparatus is reduced, due to the higher centre of gravity.
  • a further significant problem is the connection of the discharge outlet of the flexible bulk container to the discharge duct of the apparatus, since the dimensions of the flexible tubular discharge pipes of the flexible bulk containers vary widely. If the apparatus is designed so that the discharge duct of the apparatus must be connected to the flexible discharge tube of the flexible bulk container, then adapters are necessary. Even so, with a flexible tubular discharge pipe having a length which is less than or equal to its diameter, connection to a discharge pipe of the known apparatus is often difficult or impossible. Consequently, complicated sealing arrangements are required. However, this in turn then leads to complications when trying to open the flexible tubular discharge pipe in order to initiate discharge.
  • the present invention therefore seeks to solve these problems.
  • US 6 186 360 B1 discloses a flexible container discharge apparatus comprising a stationary support element with pivotable urging elements which are moved by actuators.
  • a flexible container discharge apparatus for a flexible bulk container comprising a base structure, a common movable container support element for supporting the flexible bulk container and hingedly connected to the base structure for vertical movement relative thereto, and a plurality of equi-angularly pivotable urging elements which are directly or indirectly connected to the common support element and which project in a direction away from the common support element to define an enclosure for the flexible bulk container on the support element so that, in use, the weight of the container urges the common support element downwards, thus causing the urging elements to equi-angularly pivot inwards and press on the flexible bulk container.
  • the base structure includes one or more upstanding support members, and a rim on the or each support member, the movable container support element being hingably connected to the rim.
  • the movable container support clement may include a plurality of spaced arms which are pivotably engaged with the base structure.
  • each arm may preferably include a joint for articulated movement.
  • the moveable container support element includes a plate having a material discharge aperture therethrough.
  • the urging elements may define a variable-volume enclosure for receiving the flexible bulk container.
  • one or more of the said urging elements is preferably a frame.
  • a portion of one or more of the said urging elements forms part of the movable container support element.
  • one or more of the said urging elements is slidable relative to the movable container support element.
  • the flexible container discharge apparatus may further comprises releasable holding means for releasably holding the movable container support element in a first upper position.
  • the releasable holding means preferably is or includes one or more magnetic elements.
  • the flexible container discharge apparatus may further comprise a base hopper which is supported by the base structure.
  • the base hopper may be releasably connectable to the base structure.
  • the flexible container discharge apparatus may further comprise a flexible discharge duct which is connected or connectable between the movable container support element and the base hopper, and through which material from the flexible bulk container passes during discharge.
  • the flexible container discharge apparatus may further comprises a valve for closing a flow path through the flexible discharge duct.
  • the valve may include a material dislodgement device which is movable in the flexible discharge duct for projection into an interior of the flexible bulk container.
  • the valve includes a cutting device which is moveable in the flexible discharge duct for cutting a base of the flexible bulk container.
  • the flexible container discharge apparatus may further comprise a biasing element for moving the support element and/or urging elements to promote material discharge.
  • the biasing element is preferably a cage.
  • flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in combination with a flexible bulk container having a flowable material therein, the container being provided on the common movable container support element of the apparatus, and the pivotable urging elements forming a variable volume enclosure around the flexible bulk container, the urging elements equi-angularly pivoting towards each other as the material flows from the container whereby a base of the flexible bulk container forms a hopper-shape.
  • the flexible bulk container has a flexible tubular outlet with a length which is less than or equal to its diameter.
  • the combination may further comprise a flexible elongate tie element for location around a flexible tubular outlet of the flexible bulk container, the tie element having a length adapted for access from the exterior of the discharge apparatus when the flexible bulk container is seated on the discharge apparatus.
  • a method of discharging material from a flexible bulk container having a flowable material therein comprising the steps of : a) providing flexible container discharge apparatus including a base structure, a common movable container support element which is hingedly connected to the base structure, and a plurality of equi-angularly pivotable urging elements which are directly or indirectly connected to the common support element and which project away from the support element to define an enclosure for the flexible bulk container; b) locating the flexible bulk container on the common movable container support element, so that the weight of the container urges the common support element downwards, thus causing the urging elements to equi-angularly pivot inwards and press on the flexible bulk container; and c) opening the flexible bulk container so that material contained therein is discharged through its base.
  • step a) it is determined whether : i) the flexible bulk container to be emptied has a flexible discharge tube in its base which has a length which is greater than its diameter, ii) the flexible bulk container has a flexible discharge tube in its base which has a length which is less than or equal to its diameter, or iii) whether the base of the flexible bulk container must be punctured to enable discharge, in the case of option i), the flexible discharge tube is connected directly to a base hopper supported by the base structure in step b), in the case of options ii) and iii), a flexible discharge duct is provided between the base hopper and the movable container support element.
  • the discharge apparatus may be provided with a cutting device for puncturing the base of the flexible bulk container.
  • the angular displacement of the pivotable urging elements may automatically increase as the material flows out of the flexible bulk container, so that the urging elements continue to force the material in the flexible bulk container towards the opening.
  • the base of the flexible bulk container automatically adopts a hopper-shape as the material flows out of the flexible bulk container.
  • a slope of the hopper-shaped base may increase the more the material flows out of the flexible bulk container.
  • step c) occurs prior to step b).
  • the locating of the flexible bulk container on the apparatus in step b) occurs at a first location, and the apparatus and flexible bulk container are moved to a second location which is different from the first location for discharge of the material into a second container.
  • the flexible container discharge apparatus may be selected in step a) from amongst a plurality of flexible container discharge apparatuses.
  • the base structure includes a or the base hopper, and the base hopper is selected in step a) based on a specific material contained within the flexible bulk container, so that cross-contamination is prevented or limited.
  • the method further comprises a step d), subsequent to steps b) and c), of agitating the material within the flexible bulk container.
  • the method may further comprise a step e), subsequent to step a), of retying a flexible discharge tube of the flexible bulk container with an elongate flexible tie element having a length which is suitable for access from an exterior of the discharge apparatus when the flexible bulk container is positioned on the discharge apparatus.
  • the flexible bulk container has a flexible discharge tube with a length which is less than or equal to its diameter.
  • the flexible container discharge apparatus further comprises a biasing element, and a step f) is provided subsequent to step c) of imparting oscillation to the support element via the biasing element.
  • FIG. 1 to 9 of the drawings there is shown a first embodiment of flexible container discharge apparatus 10 which comprises a base structure 12, a single common movable container support element 14 which is hingably connected to the base structure 12 for movement relative thereto, and a plurality of pivotable urging elements 16 which upstand from the common support element 14.
  • the base structure 12 includes a ground-contactable base member 18, four upstanding elongate support members 20 positioned at four corners of the base member 18, and an endless rim 22 which is fixed to and which extends between all four support members 20.
  • extended support members 23 can be provided on the elongate support members 20 for further stabilisation.
  • the extended support members 23 include hooks 23a for connection with loops on a flexible bulk container.
  • the extended support members 23 are shown removed in the other drawings for clarity purposes.
  • the base member 18 includes a central portion 24 with a discharge aperture 26 therethrough, a base hopper 27 provided in the discharge aperture 26 and releasably engaged with the central portion 24, and a fork receiving member 28 provided on two opposing sides of the central portion 24.
  • the fork receiving members 28 are channels or tubes dimensioned to receive forks of a forklift truck.
  • a valve device 30 is provided for opening and closing a flow path (arrow X) through the base hopper 27 of the base member 18.
  • the valve device 30 is that described in the applicant's European patent application EP1038802A1 , although other kinds of valve devices can of course be utilised.
  • valve 32 of the valve device 30 is movable upwardly to open the valve device, it is convenient to provide a ring-shaped material dislodgement element 34 which is positioned above, and moves with, the valve 32.
  • the material dislodgement element 34 is thus movable relative to the base structure 12 in an upwards and downwards direction.
  • the material dislodgement element can take any shape which results dislodgement of material.
  • a cutting device (not shown), such as one or more blades, can additionally or alternatively be provided to project upwardly from the movable valve 32. This is required when a bottom of the flexible bulk container must be cut or punctured in order to discharge material.
  • the cutting device is preferably removable, and simply attached when required.
  • the movable container support element 14 includes a single support plate 36 having a centrally positioned material discharge aperture 38 therethrough.
  • the support plate 36 is centrally suspended from the rim 22 via a plurality of spaced articulated arms 40.
  • Each arm 40 is positioned adjacent to a corner of the support plate 36, and includes a joint 42 at or adjacent thereto.
  • a distal end 44 of each arm 40 furthest from the support plate 36 is pivotably and slidably engaged with the rim 22 at a position between upstanding elongate support members 20.
  • each arm 40 is pivotable about the rim 22, the rim itself or a portion of the rim can be rotatable, and thus, in this case, each arm can be angularly-displaceably fixed relative to the portion of the rim adjacent thereto.
  • the releasable holding means includes a pair of magnetic elements (generally referenced as 46 in Figures 1 and 8 ) provided within the joint 42 which contact when the arm 40 is straight.
  • Each urging element 16 is in the form of an L-shaped frame, with the urging element 16 being removable and releasably-slidably engagable at its foot-portion 48 to two respective arms 40 of the support element 14 and slightly spaced from the support plate 36 so as not to interfere with the joints 42 of the arms 40.
  • the back-portions 50 of the L-shaped frames project perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly away form the support element 14 and define a variable volume enclosure 52 for receiving flexible bulk containers of varying dimensions. Since the foot-portions 48 of the L-shaped frames are directed inwardly, they effectively form part of the support element 14.
  • the urging elements 16 are formed as frames, they can be solid plates.
  • the urging elements 16 can also be permanently fixed relative to the support plate 36, if only one type of flexible bulk container is to be used.
  • the urging elements 16 need not be removable, but can be slidably adjustable along the arms 40.
  • a flexible, typically elastic, discharge duct 54 of typically circular lateral cross-section is connected between the aperture 38 of the support plate 36 and the base hopper 27 of the base member 18, and around a movable cage 55.
  • the flow path X is thus defined between the support plate aperture 38 and the base hopper 27.
  • the cage 55 is connected to and moves with the movable container support element 14, but, upon initial opening of the valve device 30 at least, does not interfere with the valve device 30.
  • the flexible container discharge apparatus 10 can be formed integrally as part of a larger apparatus below, on or in which a further smaller or larger container can be provided into which material from the flexible bulk container is dispensed or metered.
  • the flexible container discharge apparatus 10 described above is portable, allowing removable placement on another container, such as a silo or intermediate bulk container (IBC), or apparatus which itself holds a smaller or larger flexible container. Consequently, the flexible container discharge apparatus 10 can be prepared and loaded with a flexible bulk container at a first location, before then being transported to a second location for discharge. Since the base of the flexible bulk container is seated and effectively sealed to the support plate 36, the possibility of cross-contamination at the second location is eliminated or significantly reduced.
  • IBC intermediate bulk container
  • the flexible bulk container 56 When a flexible bulk container 56 having an integrally formed flexible discharge tube 58 in its base 60 is to be discharged, the flexible bulk container 56 is raised, for example by a forklift truck or hoist, and the urging elements 16 are removed or slidably adjusted to the width of the flexible bulk container.
  • the length of the flexile discharge tube 58 is less than or equal to its diameter.
  • a suitably long length, for example 2 metres, of a flexible elongate tie element 62, such as rope, cord or string, is releasably tied around the flexible discharge tube 58 of the container at a position below an existing tie (not shown).
  • the existing tie 64 which is typically a very short piece of string or cord, can then be removed, so that the longer tie element 62 prevents discharge.
  • the re-tied flexible bulk container 56 is seated on the support element 14 such that the flexible discharge tube 58 of the container extends into the flexible discharge duct 54 of the apparatus. See Figures 6 and 9 .
  • the ends of the longer tie element 62 Prior to fully lowering the flexible bulk container 56 onto the support element 14, the ends of the longer tie element 62 are positioned to be accessible from the exterior of the apparatus 10. If sufficiently long, the free end of the flexible discharge tube 58 is also positioned over the material dislodgement element 34 to prevent possible fouling.
  • the urging elements 16 are positioned to contact the sides of the flexible bulk container.
  • the container 56 is then fully seated on the support element 14. Due to the weight of the container 56 bearing on the support plate 36, the support plate 36 is urged vertically downwards. This releases the joints 42, and the articulated arms 40 of the support element 14 flex or articulate. Since the urging elements 16 are held in position on the articulated arms 40, each urging element 16 equi-angularly pivots inwardly as the arms 40 bend, thus pressing against and gripping the flexible bulk container 56. The flexible bulk container 56 is now securely and stably held by the discharge apparatus 10.
  • the longer tie element 62 can be released and pulled free by a user, simply by tugging on one of the accessible free ends. Flowable material within the flexible bulk container 56 thus discharges into the flexible discharge duct 54 of the discharge apparatus 10, but is prevented from exiting by the closed valve device 30 in the base hopper 27.
  • the loaded flexible container discharge apparatus 10 can now be moved to the discharge site at the second location by a suitable device, such as a forklift truck.
  • the discharge apparatus 10 with flexible bulk container 56 securely held thereon can then be placed on a suitable discharge station (shown in Figures 4 and 5 ), which is prepared for discharge into a suitable secondary container (not shown).
  • a suitable discharge station shown in Figures 4 and 5
  • the valve 32 of the valve device 30 in the flexible discharge duct 54 is moved upwards, thus opening, and the flowable material begins discharging.
  • the material dislodgement element 34 is forced into the interior of the flexible bulk container 56, dislodging and breaking up any compacted material.
  • the valve 32 can include vibration, pulsation or oscillation means for imparting vibration, pulsation or oscillation to the material dislodgement element 34. This is disclosed in EP1038802A1 .
  • valve device 30 can include an inflatable and deflatable pneumatic actuator which pneumatically controls the movement of the valve 32.
  • Control circuitry can thus impart pulsation, vibration or oscillation to the material dislodgement element via the actuator.
  • the actuator can be operated to lift the valve 32 higher.
  • the valve 32 thus contacts and lifts the cage 55.
  • the cage 55 acting as a biasing element, thus lifts the support plate which presses into the base of the flexible bulk container.
  • the valve 32 can be vibrated, pulsed, or oscillated by the actuator to impart movement to the contents of the flexible bulk container. This results in promotion of the flow of the material.
  • valve device 30 any pulsation or vibration.
  • the urging elements 16 are able to pivot further inwards by equal degrees, decreasing the volume of the enclosure 52 defined thereby, and the support plate 36 vertically descends. This beneficially results in the automatic formation of the base 60 of the flexible bulk container 56 into a funnel-shaped hopper 65. As more material is discharged, the urging elements 16 pivot further towards each other, forcing more material towards the discharge opening. The slope of the hopper-shaped base 60 also continues to steepen as the support plate 36 lowers, again resulting in more flowable material moving towards the discharge opening.
  • FIG. 10 A second embodiment of the flexible container discharge apparatus 10 is shown in Figures 10 to 15 of the drawings, and like references refer to like parts.
  • a flexible bulk container 156 having an elongate flexible discharge tube 158 in its base is provided.
  • the flexible discharge tube 158 has a length which is greater than its diameter. Consequently, the flexible discharge duct 54 is removed.
  • the base hopper 27 is released from its engagement with the central portion 24 of the base member 18.
  • a raising member 166 typically in the form of a cage, is provided, and the discharge apparatus 10 is raised and lowered onto the raising member 166 so that it is accommodated within the discharge aperture 26 of the central portion 24. This results in the raising member 166 raising the base hopper 27 up towards the movable container support element 14.
  • the flexible bulk container 156 With the urging elements 16 adjusted to accommodate the flexible bulk container 156, the flexible bulk container 156 is lowered so that it is almost seated on the movable container support element 14.
  • the flexible discharge tube 158 of the flexible bulk container 156 is then releasably clamped to the up-raised base hopper 27.
  • the base hopper 27 is provided with a rim 168 around and over which is provided a circular elastic cover 170.
  • a ring-shaped clamping band 172 is provided as a close-fit around the rim 168.
  • the cover 170 With the cover 170 rolled downwards, the flexible discharge tube is fed inside the clamping band 172, out and back on itself to encompass the clamping band 172 therewithin.
  • the elastic cover 170 is then rolled back up and over the rim 168, thus releasably securing the clamping band 172, and consequently the flexible discharge tube 158, to the base hopper 27, as seen in Figures 13 and 14 .
  • the flexible bulk container 156 is fully seated on the movable container support element 14, and the raising member 166 is removed. With the raising member 166 removed, the base hopper 27 re-seats in the discharge aperture 26, and is reengaged with the central portion 24. The flexible discharge tube 158 is thus stretched, and forms a duct between the movable container support element 14 and the base hopper 27.
  • urging elements 116 include a plate-like foot-portion 148. This enables the urging element to be independently pivotable relative to the respective supporting arms 40. The urging elements 116 can be releasably engaged to the arms 40.
  • This feature is beneficial, since it allows at least manual pivoting of the urging elements during discharge by a user in order to promote discharge. It is envisaged that the pivoting, alternatively or additionally to being manual, could be via a controllable actuator.
  • the plates can be removable from the apparatus and simply positioned on the arms relative to the flexible bulk container as necessity dictates.
  • the longer extended support members can replace the shorter upstanding support members.
  • the rim is mounted on the extended support members.
  • valve device of EP1038802A1 is particularly advantageous, since it can be readily closed and opened during discharge, without cross-contamination. This allows straightforward and simple accurate metering or dispensing of the material into one or more secondary containers.
  • the urging elements due to their point contact with the sides of the flexible bulk container, break up compacted material and so-called 'rat holes' formed by the material dislodgement element.
  • Electric, hydraulic or pneumatic pulsators or vibrators can be provided to contact the flexible bulk container to further break up and dislodge material therewithin.
  • an actuator can be utilised to vibrate or pulsate the support element and thus also the urging elements, or vice versa.
  • the support element includes a support plate, this can be replaced with a frame to which the flexible discharge duct is connected.
  • the flexible discharge duct can be connected to the material dislodgment element, so that it is extended upwards to seal to the flexible bulk container or the support element as the valve is raised to open the valve device.
  • the discharge apparatus of the present invention can accommodate any type of flexible bulk container without the requirement for an adaptor.
  • the discharge apparatus can accept a flexible bulk container with an elongate flexible discharge tube which is longer than its diameter, a flexible bulk container with a flexible discharge tube having a length which is less than or equal to its diameter, and also a flexible bulk container with not discharge tube.
  • the cutting device must be provided to form a discharge outlet or opening in the base, and the flexible bulk container is typically disposed of following discharge.
  • the main advantage of the above-described flexible container discharge apparatus is that it can operate solely under gravity, without reliance on electrical energisation of any kind.
  • the urging elements are automatically moved or tilted inwards by equal amounts and the hopper-shaped base of the container automatically steepens. Both actions act to force material towards the outlet, thus promoting fast and effective discharge.
  • the discharge apparatus Since the discharge apparatus is portable, it is possible to provide a specific discharge apparatus for use only with a specific material. Consequently, the discharge apparatus can be selected from amongst a plurality of discharge apparatuses. This prevents or limits the possibility of cross-contamination.
  • the base hopper, valve device, and the flexible discharge duct are the only parts of the discharge apparatus to contact the material being discharged. Consequently, these parts can be designed for use with specific materials, and interchanged as necessity dictates. This further reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
  • the flexible container discharge apparatus automatically accommodates for any change in material characteristics from free flowing to cohesive and sticky.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Or Emptying Of Bunkers, Hoppers, And Tanks (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
  • Control And Other Processes For Unpacking Of Materials (AREA)
  • Loading Or Unloading Of Vehicles (AREA)

Claims (20)

  1. Vorrichtung (10) zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters für einen flexiblen Schüttgutbehälter (56; 156), die eine Basisstruktur (12) umfasst, wobei die Vorrichtung (10) dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass sie ein gemeinsames bewegliches Behälterstützelement (14) zum Stützen des flexiblen Schüttgutbehälters (56; 156) und das für eine vertikale Bewegung im Verhältnis zu derselben schwenkbar mit der Basisstruktur (12) verbunden ist, und mehrere in gleichem Winkel schwenkbare Druckelemente (16; 116), die unmittelbar oder mittelbar mit dem gemeinsamen Stützelement (14) verbunden sind und die in einer Richtung, weg von dem gemeinsamen Stützelement (14), vorspringen, um eine Hülle (52) für den flexiblen Schüttgutbehälter (56; 156) auf dem Stützelement zu definieren, umfasst, so dass bei Anwendung das Gewicht des Behälters das gemeinsame Stützelement (14) nach unten drückt, was folglich bewirkt, dass die Druckelemente (16; 116) in gleichem Winkel nach innen schwenken und auf den flexiblen Schüttgutbehälter pressen.
  2. Vorrichtung (10) zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Basisstruktur (12) ein oder mehrere hochstehende Stützglieder (20) und einen Rand (22) an dem oder jedem Stützglied (20) einschließt, wobei das bewegliche Behälterstützelement (14) schwenkbar mit dem Rand (22) verbunden ist.
  3. Vorrichtung (10) zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, wobei das bewegliche Behälterstützelement (14) mehrere mit Zwischenraum angeordnete Arme (40) einschließt, die schwenkbar mit der Basisstruktur (12) in Eingriff gebracht sind.
  4. Vorrichtung (10) zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters nach Anspruch 3, wobei jeder Arm (40) ein Gelenk (42) für eine Gelenkbewegung einschließt.
  5. Vorrichtung (10) zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das bewegliche Behälterstützelement (14) eine Platte (36) einschließt, die eine Materialentleerungsöffnung (26) durch dieselbe hat.
  6. Vorrichtung (10) zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei eines oder mehrere der Druckelemente (16; 116) im Verhältnis zu dem beweglichen Behälterstützelement (14) verschiebbar ist.
  7. Vorrichtung (10) zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die ferner einen Basistrichter (27) umfasst, der durch die Basisstruktur (12) getragen wird.
  8. Vorrichtung (10) zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters nach Anspruch 7, die ferner eine flexible Entleerungsleitung (54) umfasst, die zwischen dem beweglichen Behälterstützelement (14) und dem Basistrichter (27) verbunden ist oder verbunden werden kann und durch die während der Entleerung das Material aus dem flexiblen Schüttgutbehälter (56; 156) hindurchgeht.
  9. Vorrichtung (10) zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters nach Anspruch 8, die ferner einen Schieber (32) zum Verschließen einer Durchflussbahn (X) durch die flexible Entleerungsleitung (54) umfasst, wobei der Schieber (32) eine Materialentfernungseinrichtung (34) einschließt, die in der flexiblen Entleerungsleitung (54) bewegt werden kann, um in ein Inneres des flexiblen Schüttgutbehälters (56; 156) vorzuspringen.
  10. Vorrichtung (10) zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters nach Anspruch 9, wobei der Schieber (32) eine Schneideinrichtung einschließt, die in der flexiblen Entleerungsleitung (54) bewegt werden kann, um eine Basis (60) des flexiblen Schüttgutbehälters (56; 156) abzuschneiden.
  11. Vorrichtung (10) zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die ferner ein Vorspannelement (55) umfasst, um das Stützelement (14) und/oder die Druckelemente (16; 116) zu bewegen, um die Materialentleerung zu fördern.
  12. Vorrichtung (10) zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters nach Anspruch 11, wobei das Vorspannelement (55) ein Käfig ist.
  13. Vorrichtung (10) zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, in Kombination mit einem flexiblen Schüttgutbehälter (56; 156), der ein fließfähiges Material in demselben hat, wobei der Behälter (56; 156) auf dem gemeinsamen beweglichen Behälterstützelement (14) der Vorrichtung (10) bereitgestellt wird und die schwenkbaren Druckelemente (16; 116) eine Hülle mit veränderlichem Volumen um den flexiblen Schüttgutbehälter (56; 156) bilden, wobei die Druckelemente (16; 116) in gleichem Winkel zueinander hin schwenken, wenn das Material aus dem Behälter fließt, wodurch eine Basis des flexiblen Schüttgutbehälters (56; 156) eine Trichterform bildet.
  14. Kombination nach Anspruch 13, wobei der flexible Schüttgutbehälter (56; 156) einen flexiblen röhrenförmigen Auslass (58; 158) hat, mit einer Länge, die geringer als sein Durchmesser oder gleich demselben ist.
  15. Kombination nach Anspruch 13 oder Anspruch 14, die ferner ein flexibles längliches Bindeelement (62) für eine Anordnung um einen flexiblen röhrenförmigen Auslass (58; 158) des flexiblen Schüttgutbehälters (56; 156) umfasst, wobei das Bindeelement (62) eine Länge hat, die für einen Zugang von außerhalb der Entleerungsvorrichtung (10) eingerichtet ist, wenn der flexible Schüttgutbehälter (56; 156) auf die Entleerungsvorrichtung (10) gesetzt ist.
  16. Verfahren zum Entleeren von Material aus einem flexiblen Schüttgutbehälter (56; 156), der ein fließfähiges Material in demselben hat, wobei das Verfahren die folgenden Schritte umfasst: a) Bereitstellen einer Vorrichtung (10) zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters, die eine Basisstruktur (12), ein gemeinsames bewegliches Behälterstützelement (14), das schwenkbar mit der Basisstruktur (12) verbunden ist, und mehrere in gleichem Winkel schwenkbare Druckelemente (16; 116), die unmittelbar oder mittelbar mit dem gemeinsamen Stützelement (14) verbunden sind und weg von dem Stützelement (14) vorspringen, um eine Hülle (52) für den flexiblen Schüttgutbehälter (56; 156) zu definieren, einschließt, b) Anordnen des flexiblen Schüttgutbehälters (56; 156) auf dem gemeinsamen beweglichen Behälterstützelement (14), so dass das Gewicht des Behälters das gemeinsame Stützelement (14) nach unten drückt, was folglich bewirkt, dass die Druckelemente (16; 116) in gleichem Winkel nach innen schwenken und auf den flexiblen Schüttgutbehälter (56; 156) pressen, und c) Öffnen des flexiblen Schüttgutbehälters (56; 156), so dass das in demselben enthaltene Material durch dessen Basis (60) entleert wird.
  17. Verfahren nach Anspruch 16, wobei in Schritt a) bestimmt wird, ob i) der zu entleerende flexible Schüttgutbehälter (56; 156) eine flexible Entleerungsröhre (58; 158) in seiner Basis (60) hat, die eine Länge hat, die größer ist als sein Durchmesser, ii) der flexible Schüttgutbehälter (56; 156) eine flexible Entleerungsröhre in seiner Basis (60) hat, die eine Länge hat, die geringer als sein Durchmesser oder gleich demselben ist, oder iii) ob die Basis (60) des flexiblen Schüttgutbehälters (56; 156) durchstochen werden muss, um eine Entleerung zu ermöglichen, wobei im Fall der Option i) in Schritt b) die flexible Entleerungsröhre (58; 158) unmittelbar mit einem Basistrichter (27) verbunden wird, der durch die Basisstruktur (12) getragen wird, wobei im Fall der Optionen ii) und iii) eine flexible Entleerungsleitung (54) zwischen dem Basistrichter (27) und dem beweglichen Behälterstützelement (14) bereitgestellt wird.
  18. Verfahren nach Anspruch 17, wobei in Option iii) die Entleerungsvorrichtung (10) mit einer Schneideinrichtung versehen ist, um die Basis (60) des flexiblen Schüttgutbehälters (56; 156) zu durchstechen.
  19. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 16 bis 18, wobei das Anordnen des flexiblen Schüttgutbehälters (56; 156) auf der Vorrichtung (10) in Schritt b) an einer ersten Position geschieht und die Vorrichtung (10) und der flexible Schüttgutbehälter (56; 156) für die Entleerung des Materials in einem zweiten Behälter zu einer zweiten Position bewegt werden, die von der ersten Position verschieden ist.
  20. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 16 bis 19, wobei die Vorrichtung (10) zur Entleerung eines flexiblen Behälters ferner ein Vorspannelement (55) umfasst und anschließend an Schritt c) ein Schritt f) bereitgestellt wird, um dem Stützelement (14) über das Vorspannelement (55) eine Schwingung mitzuteilen.
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US20080173373A1 (en) 2008-07-24
EP1950139A1 (de) 2008-07-30
CN101318596A (zh) 2008-12-10
ATE459538T1 (de) 2010-03-15
AU2008200210A1 (en) 2008-08-07
DE602008000722D1 (de) 2010-04-15
GB0701208D0 (en) 2007-02-28
JP2008179419A (ja) 2008-08-07

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