EP2644520B1 - Device for contamination-free emptying of flexible containers - Google Patents
Device for contamination-free emptying of flexible containers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2644520B1 EP2644520B1 EP20130001274 EP13001274A EP2644520B1 EP 2644520 B1 EP2644520 B1 EP 2644520B1 EP 20130001274 EP20130001274 EP 20130001274 EP 13001274 A EP13001274 A EP 13001274A EP 2644520 B1 EP2644520 B1 EP 2644520B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- chamber
- receiving opening
- disposed
- negative
- emptying
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 13
- 239000012611 container material Substances 0.000 description 11
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 9
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000003032 molecular docking Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000012858 packaging process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000009969 flowable effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000003484 anatomy Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000013590 bulk material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007872 degassing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 231100000614 poison Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001629 suppression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003440 toxic substance Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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]
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B15/00—Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area
- B08B15/02—Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area using chambers or hoods covering the area
- B08B15/026—Boxes for removal of dirt, e.g. for cleaning brakes, glove- boxes
Definitions
- the invention relates to a device for substantially contamination-free emptying of flexible containers, in particular in the form of big bags, having a chamber into which the container can be emptied, a receiving opening arranged at an upper end of the chamber and a fastening device arranged at the receiving opening, by means of which the container is releasably fixable to the receiving opening.
- Such containers are usually made of a resilient material, such as tape fabric, and often have a capacity in the range of about 100 1 to about 3 m 3 , in particular in the range of about 400 l to about 2 m 3 , on.
- the big bags mentioned often have a filling nozzle arranged on the top and an arranged on the bottom. Entleufutzen, which can be slipped for emptying the contents with its open bottom over the pipe socket of the receiving opening of an emptying device.
- a Abbindestelle of yielding container material eg manually, be solved so that the contents can flow out.
- the spout of the container must have a length which is at least about 10 cm larger than its diameter in order to pull it over the pipe socket and to be able to clamp it. If, on the other hand, the container has a shorter spout, then it can not be connected to the pipe socket and only the possibility remains of hanging the compliant spout into the receiving opening of the emptying device so as to be emptied.
- the mentioned types of containers may moreover be provided with at least one inner liner, which is usually formed in the form of an inner bag or tube made of a film material, such as plastic film, and which receives the contents directly.
- Such containers primarily serve on the one hand for the storage of the respective contents, on the other hand in particular for the transport, whereby their relatively low weight benefits them.
- the emptying device comprises a "goggles" designated holding device for the outlet of the big bag to be emptied and arranged in an outer hopper drain neck, wherein the hopper down a pipe section connects, which receives the bulk material.
- the pipe section is axially displaceable relative to a stationary pipe and arranged telescopically in the latter or out of the latter so that an annular space is formed between the inner pipe section and the outer stationary pipe, which can be pressurized via a pipe with inert gas.
- the interior of the funnel can be evacuated via another nozzle is to ensure the best possible emptying of the big bag.
- a particular disadvantage is that the "docking" denoted as possible connecting the big bag requires a prior attachment of the "glasses” to the outlet of the big bag, after which the docking of the "glasses” on the hopper of the emptying only by dense Circulation happens and thus the risk of contamination can not be safely excluded.
- the EP 1 145 999 B1 describes a device for filling or emptying of containers with flowable bulk materials, which on the one hand - an upper - supply channel, on the other hand, a top side provided with a flange-like - lower - container, to which the supply channel can be docked from above.
- a shut-off element in the form of a pivotable flap is provided in its interior, which is connected to a vacuum channel in order to apply a negative pressure on one side of the flap.
- the negative pressure is used for sucking a can be placed on the upper opening of the container, flexible lid, so that it is movable after docking of the feed channel to the container together with the flap between an open position and a closed position back and forth.
- the upper tube is firmly connected to a stationary reservoir and the docking of a flexible container to the tube or to the container in this way is not possible.
- the invention has the object of developing a device of the type mentioned in a simple and cost-effective manner to the effect that resilient container of various design in handling technology easier and more convenient way, at least as far as possible Avoidance of both contamination of the contents as well as contamination of the environment can be docked by the contents of the device and emptied into this.
- this object is achieved in a device of the type mentioned above in that the fastening device has a suction chamber extending around the circumference of the receiving opening, which has a plurality of circumferentially successively arranged suction openings to the container on the occasion of emptying by means of negative pressure at the receiving opening set.
- the inventive design ensures a simple and reliable, both dusty and largely gas-tight connection, the so-called "docking" of the flexible container to the suction openings of the receiving opening of the chamber associated vacuum chamber, so that the container on the occasion of its emptying into the chamber along the Scope of the receiving opening contamination-free can be connected to this.
- the tight connection of the container to the receiving opening of the chamber takes place in terms of handling technology in a very simple and convenient way by the above the receiving opening of the device located, for example, by means of a crane hanging out there spent, containers only in contact with the vacuum chamber - or more accurately with its suction openings - must be brought, whereby the flexible container material is sucked due to the negative pressure to the extending around the circumference of the receiving opening vacuum chamber and consequently at the receiving opening.
- the vacuum chamber expanded, in particular subjected to ambient pressure, after which the empty container can be released from the vacuum chamber.
- the sealing of the container to the environment in the device "docked" state of the container is therefore always done by the suction of the flexible container material to the vacuum chamber by means of their suction, whereby a mechanical fixation of the container is secured to the device, each independently from the particular concrete embodiment of the container, be it for example a big bag with or without a discharge on the underside, with or without a long or short spout and / or with or without an inner liner.
- the vacuum chamber preferably extends around the outer circumference of the receiving opening, so that essentially the entire inner cross section is available for receiving the filling material.
- the vacuum chamber is further preferably arranged at the free end of the receiving opening, so that a very simple contacting the suction openings of the vacuum chamber with the container is possible, which, when it is placed on the occasion of emptying above the receiving opening, practically “automatically” on the vacuum chamber is supported to be sucked by this tight.
- the suction openings are arranged in an upper side of the vacuum chamber forming annular wall, such, provided with the suction openings ring wall of the vacuum chamber can be aligned in particular with the upper end of the receiving opening.
- the suction process of Bundled is supported in this case by the gravity of the filling, which additionally presses the container against the vacuum chamber during the emptying process.
- the annular wall provided with the suction openings may in this case preferably extend in a substantially horizontal plane, whereas it is also possible for the annular wall provided with the suction openings to extend approximately obliquely, in particular from the top outwards downwards, so that it follows the receiving opening expanded substantially funnel-shaped above.
- suction openings may also be provided that they are arranged in an annular perforated plate, grid or grid, which / which is applied to the vacuum chamber; or the suction openings may be arranged in the case of a multi-part design of such a perforated plate, grate or grid in a plurality of ring segment-shaped grate or grid segments, which are applied to the vacuum chamber.
- the length of the suction openings in the radial direction of the receiving opening is greater than the width of the suction openings in the circumferential direction of the receiving opening, wherein the length of the suction openings in the radial direction of the receiving opening preferably at least twice as large, in particular at least three times , Can be like the width of the suction openings in the circumferential direction of the receiving opening.
- substantially slot-shaped suction openings with respect to the receiving opening or with respect to the vacuum chamber arranged around its circumference radial extent direction in particular Reliable way to ensure a reliable and permanent sealing of the container against the vacuum chamber by even in a local partial detachment of the container from the suction openings of the vacuum chamber, for example due to mechanical effects such as shock, vibration or the like, a complete detachment of the container over the entire radial extent of the suction openings of the vacuum chamber is prevented.
- an emptying opening is arranged on the underside of the chamber, which is able to serve for transferring contents located in the chamber into a further container or into a filler neck or funnel of a processing or packaging process of the filling material.
- Such an emptying opening should expediently be closable, which can be done by means of conventional closure devices, such as flaps, valves or the like.
- At the discharge opening may further preferably be arranged a connection means for releasably connecting the chamber during its emptying with a receiving opening of another component, such as a further container or a filler neck processing or packaging process of the contents, and in this way also for to ensure a possible contamination-free transfer of the contents.
- the attachment means may also be of conventional type and include, for example, a mounting flange and / or other known attachment means which are adapted for releasably securing to the further container or filler neck.
- the chamber has at least one further opening, which, for example, for connecting other devices, such as measuring devices (eg thermometers, hygrometers, pressure gauges, etc.), loading or degassing (eg for applying the chamber with inert gas and / or at least slight underpressure / overpressure, etc.) to the chamber or, for example, can only serve as a viewing window in order to visually monitor the emptying process.
- At least one further opening of the chamber can, however, preferably be equipped with a glove fixed to its circumference, in particular both dust-tight and substantially gas-tight, which extends into the interior of the chamber.
- a manual intervention in the chamber is possible, which can for example serve to manually open a, sucked by the vacuum chamber to the receiving opening of the chamber or docked thereto "container and / or inner liner of such a container, for example, rupture or - If the container and / or a liner thereof is closed by means of tapes - knot or cut open, or possibly also to re-close an opened liner of a container after the emptying process
- Such a configuration is therefore particularly - albeit not exclusively - for Containers, such as in particular big-bags or so-called "FIBCs", which comprise a, for example, by a lower discharge nozzle Malawickenden, spout and / or optionally also equipped with such a spout inner liner, for example of sheet material.
- At least two further openings of the chamber are each equipped with a glove fixed to the circumference thereof, in particular both dust-tight and substantially gas-tight, which extend into the interior of the chamber, so that an ambidextrous Manipulation inside the chamber is possible.
- a glove fixed to the circumference thereof, in particular both dust-tight and substantially gas-tight, which extend into the interior of the chamber, so that an ambidextrous Manipulation inside the chamber is possible.
- an internal lighting of the chamber is particularly useful.
- At least the further, equipped with the glove (s) opening (s) should (s) preferably be arranged in a lateral surface of the chamber in order to ensure the simplest and easiest to handle.
- the distance of the two glove-equipped openings should be adapted to the human anatomy, and in particular between about 40 cm and about 80 cm, wherein in the case of a round or circular chamber, the angular spacing of the two openings equipped with gloves less than 180 ° should be.
- a cutting device is disposed in the interior of the receiving opening in order to cut open at the receiving opening by means of vacuum or "docked" container on the occasion of its emptying.
- a configuration is particularly - albeit not exclusively - suitable for containers, such as in particular big-bags or so-called "FIBCs", in which no measures for manually opening the container are made (eg those without spout) and / or for not with a liner equipped container.
- Such a cutting device may preferably have at least one substantially vertically movable knife, which is arranged in a rest position, in particular in the interior of the receiving opening or the chamber below the vacuum chamber, while it may be displaced in its operating position, in contrast, up to a level above the vacuum chamber to cut a container sucked thereon at an outer circumferential portion thereof.
- the Schneideeiri Vietnamese may further preferably comprise a guide of the knife, which is arranged on the inner wall of the receiving opening and / or the chamber and provides for the approximately vertical displacement of the knife.
- the knife may be arranged, for example, on a substantially vertical linear guide, in particular in the form of a piston / cylinder unit, or the knife may be e.g. be arranged on a passive guide, along which it is manually displaced back and forth when it has been gripped by the user under engagement with the glove-equipped (s) opening (s) of the chamber.
- the knife itself may preferably have an arcuate-shaped, in particular a circular segment-shaped, cross-section and extend around at least part of the inner circumference of the receiving opening to the container material in the radial vicinity of the vacuum chamber, at the intake it is set or "docked” during an emptying process to be able to cut through.
- the flexible container material is not only safely cut, but at the same time ensures that, especially in a container, such as a big bag, with relative short spout latter is not cut and even get separated material parts in the contents.
- such a knife shape causes an approximately partial round, for example, about half-round, cut, so that the non-intersected side of the flexible container material is able to form a kind of hinge on which the incised bottom segment of the container material folds down, but remains there.
- the knife may also have other shapes, wherein it may in particular have a cross-shaped cross-section or eg also a star-shaped cross section with only three or five or more legs.
- the knife may further include, for example, at least two or more upwardly converging, tapered blades to provide for reliable severing of the container material.
- the vacuum chamber communicates via at least one pipe socket with a vacuum line, which is connected to a vacuum generator or to a vacuum generator, such as a vacuum pump, wherein such a vacuum line preferably with a filter device, in particular Form of a dust filter is equipped to retain from the vacuum chamber optionally sucked Gugutp Mother and collect if necessary.
- a vacuum line which is connected to a vacuum generator or to a vacuum generator, such as a vacuum pump, wherein such a vacuum line preferably with a filter device, in particular Form of a dust filter is equipped to retain from the vacuum chamber optionally sucked Gregutp
- a filter device in particular Form of a dust filter
- Fig. 7 and 14 is ever an embodiment of a device according to the invention for substantially contamination-free emptying of flexible containers 1 in the form of so-called big-bags reproduced, as they are generally used to hold flowable, especially powdered or particulate contents.
- big bags can - like out Fig. 4 by way of example - have a lower drain neck 2a and a down in this or by this downwardly extending - knotted in the present case spout 2b, or may, for example - as in Fig. 12 exemplified reproduced - have a substantially consistently made of flexible container material underside, which optionally also has an emptying neck 2a, but no spout.
- drawing liners not shown in the drawing can be provided.
- a first embodiment of an emptying device comprises a chamber 3 into which the contents of the container 1 or big-bags (FIG. Fig. 4 ) can be emptied and which in the present case has an approximately circular cross-section, but may also have any other cross-section.
- a receiving opening 4 is arranged, via which in the container 1 ( Fig. 4 ) located Contents in the chamber 3 passes, wherein the receiving opening 4 extends in the illustrated embodiment, substantially over the entire cross section of the chamber 3, but could also be arranged, for example, on one of the chamber 3 upwardly projecting pipe socket, which is one opposite the chamber lower Cross section has (not shown).
- the receiving opening 4 is provided with a fastening direction 5 for releasably securing the container 1 or big-bags ( Fig. 4 ) on the occasion of its emptying into the chamber 3, which comprises a vacuum chamber 6 extending around the outer periphery of the free end of the receiving opening 4 and the upper side of which is substantially aligned with the receiving opening 4.
- the vacuum chamber 6 has a substantially U-shaped housing which is fixed on the outer circumference of the chamber 3 at its end facing its receiving opening 4, wherein both U-legs of the vacuum chamber 6 at their free upper ends by means of a - In the present case, substantially in a horizontal plane extending - annular wall 7 are connected to each other.
- the upper ring wall 7 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially successively arranged suction openings 8 (see, in particular Fig. 2 ) to transmit the pressure prevailing in the interior of the vacuum chamber 6 vacuum at the upper annular wall 7 and the container material on the occasion of its emptying by means of this negative pressure at the receiving opening 4 tightly set or "dock" (see, in particular Fig. 4 in which the container is docked to the emptying device and the spout 2b is located in the interior of the receiving opening 4 or the chamber 3).
- the provided with the suction openings 8 ring wall.
- the suction openings 8 themselves have substantially the shape of radially in relation to the receiving opening 4 radially réelleckenden slots whose length in the radial direction of the receiving opening 4 at least twice as large, preferably at least three times as large, is their width in the circumferential direction of the receiving opening 4, for to provide a reliable and permanent connection with the container 1, as long as the vacuum chamber is supplied with vacuum or vacuum.
- the vacuum chamber 6 is supplied by means of at least one corresponding with its interior pipe socket 6a with negative pressure or vacuum.
- the pipe socket 6a preferably with the interposition of a filter device 13, such as a dust filter, to a vacuum generator 14, for example in the form of a vacuum pump connected.
- a valve 15 provides for the admission of the vacuum chamber 6 with vacuum or vacuum, if necessary, namely, when a container 1 or the big-bag is to be docked to the emptying device ( Fig. 4 ), as well as for the expansion of the vacuum chamber with ambient pressure, namely, when the container 1 or the big bag to be solved by the emptying or "undocked".
- a drawing unrecognizable discharge opening which by means of a drawing also not visible closure member, such as a flap, is closed and for transferring in the Chamber 3 located filling material in another container or in the filler neck of a processing or packaging process of the filling material is used.
- a connection device 9 is provided to the chamber 3 on the occasion of its emptying with a receiving opening of another component (not shown), such as an above-mentioned further container or a filler neck of a processing or packaging process of the filling material, releasably connect.
- the connection device 9 comprises a fastening flange 10 which extends radially outward from the circumference of the chamber 3 and which can be provided with bores (not shown) for receiving screws, bolts, etc.
- the chamber 3 may also be provided with one or more other openings 11, which are sealed by a lid 12 and which may serve, for example, to connect other facilities, such as measuring devices or, for example, only as a viewing window to the emptying visually to monitor. In the latter case, furthermore, interior lighting (not shown) of the chamber 3 may be expedient.
- a cutting device 18 is provided which is arranged inside the receiving opening 4 or inside the chamber 3 itself and for cutting, if necessary, with an emptying nozzle 2a provided container 1 or big bags on the underside (see. Fig. 12 ) on the occasion of the emptying process.
- the cutting device 18 a vertically movable knife 19, which is in FIGS.
- the blade extends, for example, approximately circular segment-shaped around an angle of about 180 ° parallel to the outer wall of the chamber 3 around the inner circumference of the receiving opening 4 and comprises a plurality - in the present case four - pointed upwardly tapered cutting (see. Fig. 7, 8 and 10 to 12 ).
- For displacement of the blade 19 of the cutting device 18 is a defined on the inner wall of the receiving opening 4 and on the inner jacket wall of the chamber 3 linear guide 20 which formed in the present case in the form of a piston / cylinder unit and with a pressurized fluid, such as compressed gas, is operable.
- a pressurized fluid such as compressed gas
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Description
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum im Wesentlichen kontaminationsfreien Entleeren von nachgiebigen Gebinden, insbesondere in Form von Big-Bags, mit einer Kammer, in welche das Gebinde entleerbar ist, einer an einem oberen Ende der Kammer angeordneten Aufnahmeöffnung und einer an der Aufnahmeöffnung angeordneten Befestigungseinrichtung, mittels welcher das Gebinde lösbar an der Aufnahmeöffnung festlegbar ist.The invention relates to a device for substantially contamination-free emptying of flexible containers, in particular in the form of big bags, having a chamber into which the container can be emptied, a receiving opening arranged at an upper end of the chamber and a fastening device arranged at the receiving opening, by means of which the container is releasably fixable to the receiving opening.
Zur Bevorratung von fließfähigen Materialien, wie pulver- oder partikelförmigen Substanzen, kommen neben vornehmlich starren Behältern insbesondere nachgiebige Gebinde zum Einsatz, welche auch als "Big-Bags" oder sogenannte "FIBC" ("flexible intermediate bulk containers") bezeichnet werden. Derartige Gebinde sind üblicherweise aus einem nachgiebigen Material, z.B. Bandgewebe, gefertigt und weisen häufig ein Fassungsvermögen im Bereich von etwa 100 1 bis etwa 3 m3, insbesondere im Bereich von etwa 400 l bis etwa 2 m3, auf. Insbesondere die genannten Big-Bags besitzen dabei häufig einen an der Oberseite angeordneten Befüllstutzen sowie einen an der Unterseite angeordneten.Entleerstutzen, welcher zum Entleeren des Füllgutes mit seiner offenen Unterseite über den Rohrstutzen der Aufnahmeöffnung einer Entleervorrichtung gestülpt werden kann. Sodann kann eine Abbindestelle des nachgiebigen Gebindematerials, z.B. manuell, gelöst werden, damit das Füllgut ausfließen kann. Zu diesem Zweck muss der Auslaufrüssel des Gebindes jedoch eine Länge besitzen, welche mindestens etwa 10 cm größer ist als sein Durchmesser, um ihn über den Rohrstutzen ziehen und hieran festklemmen zu können. Weist das Gebinde hingegen einen kürzeren Auslaufrüssel auf, so vermag dieser nicht an den Rohrstutzen angeschlossen zu werden und verbleibt nur die Möglichkeit, den nachgiebigen Auslaufrüssel in die Aufnahmeöffnung der Entleervorrichtung einzuhängen, um so entleert zu werden. Indes führt dies insbesondere bei relativ feinpartikulärem Füllgut zu einer erheblichen Staubentwicklung, die es insbesondere dann, wenn es sich um gesundheitsschädliche oder gar toxische Substanzen handelt, vermieden werden muss. Darüber hinaus sine Big-Bags beikannt, die gar keinen Entleerstutzen aufweisen und deren Unterseite folglich aus mehr oder minder ebenem, nachgiebigem Material besteht und bei welchen eine möglichst kontaminationsfreie Entleerung problematisch ist. Schließlich können die genannten Arten von Gebinden überdies mit wenigstens.einem innenseitigen Liner versehen sein, welcher üblicherweise in Form eines aus einem Folienmaterial, wie Kunststofffolie, gefertigten Innensackes oder -schlauches gebildet ist und das Füllgut unmittelbar aufnimmt.For the storage of flowable materials, such as powdery or particulate substances, in addition to primarily rigid containers in particular yielding containers are used, which are also referred to as "big-bags" or so-called "FIBC"("flexible intermediate bulk containers"). Such containers are usually made of a resilient material, such as tape fabric, and often have a capacity in the range of about 100 1 to about 3 m 3 , in particular in the range of about 400 l to about 2 m 3 , on. In particular, the big bags mentioned often have a filling nozzle arranged on the top and an arranged on the bottom. Entleufutzen, which can be slipped for emptying the contents with its open bottom over the pipe socket of the receiving opening of an emptying device. Then, a Abbindestelle of yielding container material, eg manually, be solved so that the contents can flow out. For this purpose, however, the spout of the container must have a length which is at least about 10 cm larger than its diameter in order to pull it over the pipe socket and to be able to clamp it. If, on the other hand, the container has a shorter spout, then it can not be connected to the pipe socket and only the possibility remains of hanging the compliant spout into the receiving opening of the emptying device so as to be emptied. However, this leads, in particular with relatively fine particulate filling material, to a considerable development of dust, which must be avoided, in particular when it concerns harmful or even toxic substances. In addition, sine big bags known that have no drainage and whose bottom therefore consists of more or less level, compliant material and in which a possible contamination-free drainage is problematic. Finally, the mentioned types of containers may moreover be provided with at least one inner liner, which is usually formed in the form of an inner bag or tube made of a film material, such as plastic film, and which receives the contents directly.
Derartige Gebinde vornehmlich dienen einerseits zur Lagerung des jeweiligen Füllgutes, andererseits insbesondere zu dessen Transport, wobei ihnen ihr relativ geringes Gewicht zugute kommt.Such containers primarily serve on the one hand for the storage of the respective contents, on the other hand in particular for the transport, whereby their relatively low weight benefits them.
Wie bereits angedeutet, ist in handhabungstechnischer Hinsicht insbesondere das Entleeren solcher nachgiebiger Gebinde problematisch, wobei übliche Einrichtungen, wie Ventilklappen, miteinander koppelbare Einfüll- und Auslaufstutzen etc., wie sie bei starren Behältern verwendet werden, aufgrund der Flexibilität der Gebinde nicht eingesetzt werden können. Ein dahingehendes Problem besteht um so mehr, als das Füllgut häufig eine sehr hohe Reinheit aufweisen muss und es folglich einen Eintrag von Stoffen von außen während des Entleervorgangs zu vermeiden gilt. Umgekehrt kann das Füllgut gesundheitsgefährdend oder gar toxisch sein, so dass auch ein Kontakt mit dem Füllgut von außen, z.B. durch das mit dem Entleervorgang befassten Bedienpersonal, verhindert werden muss. Als Beispiele solchen Füllgutes lassen sich unter anderem (Zwischen)produkte aus der chemischen und pharmazeutischen Industrie oder der Lebensmittelindustrie nennen. Überdies besteht ein Bedarf an einer Entleervorrichtung, welche nicht nur für eine möglichst kontaminationsfreie Entleerung des Füllgutes aus einem jeweiligen nachgiebigen Gebinde ermöglicht, sondern auch für möglichst alle Ausführungsvarianten solcher Gebinde, wie sie vorstehend beschrieben sind, geeignet ist.As already indicated, is in handling technology in particular the emptying of such flexible container problematic, with conventional facilities, such as valve flaps, coupled together filling and outlet nozzles, etc., as used in rigid containers, due to the flexibility of the container can not be used. Such a problem is all the more so since the contents often have to have a very high degree of purity and consequently the entry of substances from the outside during the emptying process must be avoided. Conversely, the contents may be hazardous to health or even toxic, so that contact with the contents from the outside, e.g. must be prevented by the staff involved in the emptying process. As examples of such contents can be inter alia (intermediate) products from the chemical and pharmaceutical industries or the food industry call. Moreover, there is a need for an emptying device, which not only allows a possible contamination-free emptying of the filling material from a respective flexible container, but also for all possible variants of such containers, as described above, is suitable.
Um während des Entleervorgangs selbst für einen möglichst dichten Abschluss eines mit einem hinreichend langen Auslaufrüssel ausgestatteten Big-Bags an dem Einfüllstutzen bzw. an der Aufnahmeöffnung einer Entleervorrichtung zu sorgen, ist es beispielsweise aus der
Entsprechendes gilt weitgehend für die aus der
Aus der
Die
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art auf einfache und kostengünstige Weise dahingehend weiterzubilden, dass nachgiebige Gebinde verschiedener Ausgestaltung in handhabungstechnisch einfacher und bequemer Weise unter zumindest weitestgehender Vermeidung sowohl von Kontaminationen des Füllgutes als auch von Kontaminationen der Umgebung durch das Füllgut an die Vorrichtung angedockt und in diese entleert werden können.The invention has the object of developing a device of the type mentioned in a simple and cost-effective manner to the effect that resilient container of various design in handling technology easier and more convenient way, at least as far as possible Avoidance of both contamination of the contents as well as contamination of the environment can be docked by the contents of the device and emptied into this.
Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe bei einer Vorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art dadurch gelöst, dass die Befestigungseinrichtung eine sich um den Umfang der Aufnahmeöffnung erstreckende Unterdruckkammer aufweist, welche eine Mehrzahl an in Umfangsrichtung hintereinander angeordnete Saugöffnungen aufweist, um das Gebinde anlässlich des Entleerens mittels Unterdruck an der Aufnahmeöffnung festzulegen.According to the invention, this object is achieved in a device of the type mentioned above in that the fastening device has a suction chamber extending around the circumference of the receiving opening, which has a plurality of circumferentially successively arranged suction openings to the container on the occasion of emptying by means of negative pressure at the receiving opening set.
Die erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung gewährleistet einen einfachen und zuverlässigen, sowohl staub- als auch weitestgehend gasdichten Anschluss, das sogenannte "Andocken", des nachgiebigen Gebindes an die Saugöffnungen der der Aufnahmeöffnung der Kammer zugeordneten Unterdruckkammer, so dass das Gebinde anlässlich seiner Entleerung in die Kammer entlang dem Umfang der Aufnahmeöffnung kontaminationsfrei mit dieser verbunden werden kann. Der dichte Anschluss des Gebindes an die Aufnahmeöffnung der Kammer erfolgt dabei in handhabungstechnischer Hinsicht auf äußerst einfache und bequeme Weise, indem das oberhalb der Aufnahmeöffnung der Vorrichtung befindliche, beispielsweise mittels eines Krans hängend dort hin verbrachte, Gebinde lediglich in Kontakt mit der Unterdruckkammer - oder genauer: mit deren Saugöffnungen - gebracht werden muss, wodurch das nachgiebige Gebindematerial infolge des Unterdruckes an die sich um den Umfang der Aufnahmeöffnung erstreckende Unterdruckkammer und folglich an der Aufnahmeöffnung festgesaugt wird. Nach erfolgtem Entleeren des Gebindes kann die Unterdruckkammer expandiert, insbesondere mit Umgebungsdruck beaufschlagt, werden, wonach das entleerte Gebinde von der Unterdruckkammer gelöst werden kann. Die Abdichtung des Gebindes gegenüber der Umwelt im an die Vorrichtung "angedockten" Zustand des Gebindes geschieht folglich stets durch das Ansaugen des nachgiebigen Gebindematerials an der Unterdruckkammer mittels deren Saugöffnungen, wodurch auch eine mechanische Fixierung des Gebindes an der Vorrichtung sichergestellt ist, und zwar jeweils unabhängig von der jeweils konkreten Ausgestaltung des Gebindes, sei es beispielsweise eines Big-Bags mit oder ohne unterseitigem Entleerstutzen, mit oder ohne langem oder kurzen Auslaufrüssel und/oder mit oder ohne einem Innenliner.The inventive design ensures a simple and reliable, both dusty and largely gas-tight connection, the so-called "docking" of the flexible container to the suction openings of the receiving opening of the chamber associated vacuum chamber, so that the container on the occasion of its emptying into the chamber along the Scope of the receiving opening contamination-free can be connected to this. The tight connection of the container to the receiving opening of the chamber takes place in terms of handling technology in a very simple and convenient way by the above the receiving opening of the device located, for example, by means of a crane hanging out there spent, containers only in contact with the vacuum chamber - or more accurately with its suction openings - must be brought, whereby the flexible container material is sucked due to the negative pressure to the extending around the circumference of the receiving opening vacuum chamber and consequently at the receiving opening. After the emptying of the container, the vacuum chamber expanded, in particular subjected to ambient pressure, after which the empty container can be released from the vacuum chamber. The sealing of the container to the environment in the device "docked" state of the container is therefore always done by the suction of the flexible container material to the vacuum chamber by means of their suction, whereby a mechanical fixation of the container is secured to the device, each independently from the particular concrete embodiment of the container, be it for example a big bag with or without a discharge on the underside, with or without a long or short spout and / or with or without an inner liner.
Die Unterdruckkammer erstreckt sich vorzugsweise um den Außenumfang der Aufnahmeöffnung, so dass im Wesentlichen deren gesamter Innenquerschnitt zur Aufnahme des Füllgutes zur Verfügung steht.The vacuum chamber preferably extends around the outer circumference of the receiving opening, so that essentially the entire inner cross section is available for receiving the filling material.
Die Unterdruckkammer ist ferner vorzugsweise am freien Ende der Aufnahmeöffnung angeordnet, so dass ein sehr einfaches Inkontaktbringen der Saugöffnungen der Unterdruckkammer mit dem Gebinde möglich ist, welches sich, wenn es anlässlich des Entleerens oberhalb der Aufnahmeöffnung angeordnet wird, praktisch "selbsttätig" auf die Unterdruckkammer aufstützt, um von dieser dicht angesaugt werden zu können.The vacuum chamber is further preferably arranged at the free end of the receiving opening, so that a very simple contacting the suction openings of the vacuum chamber with the container is possible, which, when it is placed on the occasion of emptying above the receiving opening, practically "automatically" on the vacuum chamber is supported to be sucked by this tight.
Zu demselben Zweck kann in vorteilhafter Ausgestaltung vorgesehen sein, dass die Saugöffnungen in einer die Oberseite der Unterdruckkammer bildenden Ringwandung angeordnet sind, wobei eine solche, mit den Saugöffnungen versehene Ringwandung der Unterdruckkammer insbesondere mit dem oberen Ende der Aufnahmeöffnung fluchten kann. Der Ansaugvorgang des Gebindes wird in diesem Fall von der Gravitation des Füllgutes unterstützt, welche das Gebinde gegen während des Entleervorgangs zusätzlich gegen die Unterdruckkammer drückt.For the same purpose may be provided in an advantageous embodiment that the suction openings are arranged in an upper side of the vacuum chamber forming annular wall, such, provided with the suction openings ring wall of the vacuum chamber can be aligned in particular with the upper end of the receiving opening. The suction process of Bundled is supported in this case by the gravity of the filling, which additionally presses the container against the vacuum chamber during the emptying process.
Die mit den Saugöffnungen versehene Ringwandung kann sich hierbei vorzugsweise in einer im Wesentlichen horizontalen Ebene erstrecken, wohingegen es auch möglich ist, dass sich die mit den Saugöffnungen versehene Ringwand etwa schräg, insbesondere von oben außen nach unten innen erstreckt, so dass sie die Aufnahmeöffnung nach oben im Wesentlichen trichterförmig erweitert.The annular wall provided with the suction openings may in this case preferably extend in a substantially horizontal plane, whereas it is also possible for the annular wall provided with the suction openings to extend approximately obliquely, in particular from the top outwards downwards, so that it follows the receiving opening expanded substantially funnel-shaped above.
In Bezug auf die Saugöffnungen kann überdies vorgesehen sein, dass sie in einem ringförmigen Lochblech, Rost oder Gitter angeordnet sind, welcher/welches auf die Unterdruckkammer aufgebracht ist; oder die Saugöffnungen können im Falle einer mehrteiligen Ausbildung eines solchen Lochbleches, Rostes oder Gitters in mehreren ringsegmentförmigen Rost- oder Gittersegmenten angeordnet sein, welche auf die Unterdruckkammer aufgebracht sind.With respect to the suction openings may also be provided that they are arranged in an annular perforated plate, grid or grid, which / which is applied to the vacuum chamber; or the suction openings may be arranged in the case of a multi-part design of such a perforated plate, grate or grid in a plurality of ring segment-shaped grate or grid segments, which are applied to the vacuum chamber.
In jedem Fall kann es von Vorteil sein, dass die Länge der Saugöffnungen in Radialrichtung der Aufnahmeöffnung größer ist als die Breite der Saugöffnungen in Umfangsrichtung der Aufnahmeöffnung, wobei die Länge der Saugöffnungen in Radialrichtung der Aufnahmeöffnung vorzugsweise wenigstens doppelt so groß, insbesondere wenigstens dreimal so groß, sein kann wie die Breite der Saugöffnungen in Umfangsrichtung der Aufnahmeöffnung. Derartige, im Wesentlichen schlitzförmige Saugöffnungen mit in Bezug auf die Aufnahmeöffnung bzw. in Bezug auf die um deren Umfang angeordnete Unterdruckkammer radialen Erstreckungsrichtung vermögen in besonders zuverlässiger Weise für eine zuverlässige und dauerhafte Abdichtung des Gebindes gegen die Unterdruckkammer zu sorgen, indem auch bei einem lokalen teilweisen Ablösen des Gebindes von den Saugöffnungen der Unterdruckkammer, beispielsweise infolge mechanischen Einwirkungen, wie z.B. Erschütterungen, Vibrationen oder dergleichen, ein gänzliches Ablösen des Gebindes über die gesamte radiale Erstreckung der Saugöffnungen der Unterdruckkammer verhindert wird.In any case, it may be advantageous that the length of the suction openings in the radial direction of the receiving opening is greater than the width of the suction openings in the circumferential direction of the receiving opening, wherein the length of the suction openings in the radial direction of the receiving opening preferably at least twice as large, in particular at least three times , Can be like the width of the suction openings in the circumferential direction of the receiving opening. Such, substantially slot-shaped suction openings with respect to the receiving opening or with respect to the vacuum chamber arranged around its circumference radial extent direction in particular Reliable way to ensure a reliable and permanent sealing of the container against the vacuum chamber by even in a local partial detachment of the container from the suction openings of the vacuum chamber, for example due to mechanical effects such as shock, vibration or the like, a complete detachment of the container over the entire radial extent of the suction openings of the vacuum chamber is prevented.
Gemäß einer Weiterbildung kann vorgesehen sein, dass an der Unterseite der Kammer eine Entleeröffnung angeordnet ist, welche zum Überführen von in der Kammer befindlichem Füllgut in einen weiteren Behälter oder auch in einen Einfüllstutzen oder -trichter eines Verarbeitungs- oder Verpackungsprozesses des Füllgutes zu dienen vermag. Eine solche Entleeröffnung sollte zweckmäßigerweise verschließbar sein, was mittels herkömmlicher Verschlussorgane, wie Klappen, Ventilen oder dergleichen, geschehen kann. An der Entleeröffnung kann ferner vorzugsweise eine Anschlusseinrichtung angeordnet sein, um die Kammer anlässlich ihres Entleerens mit einer Aufnahmeöffnung einer weiteren Komponente, wie eines weiteren Behälters oder auch eines Einfüllstutzens einer Verarbeitungs- oder Verpackungsprozesses des Füllgutes, lösbar zu verbinden und auf diese Weise auch insoweit für eine möglichst kontaminationsfreie Überführung des Füllgutes zu sorgen. Die Anschlusseinrichtung kann gleichfalls von herkömmlicher Art sein und beispielsweise einen Befestigungsflansch und/oder andere bekannte Befestigungsmittel umfassen, welche zum lösbaren Festlegen an dem weiteren Behälter oder Einfüllstutzen ausgebildet sind. Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Kammer wenigstens eine weitere Öffnung aufweist, welche beispielsweise zum Anschluss weiterer Einrichtungen, wie z.B. Messeinrichtungen (z.B. Thermometer, Hygrometer, Manometer etc.), Be- oder Entgasungseinrichtungen (z.B. zum Beaufschlagen der Kammer mit Schutzgas und/oder zumindest geringem Unter-/Überdruck etc.) an die Kammer oder beispielsweise auch nur als Sichtfenster dienen können, um den Entleervorgang visuell zu überwachen.According to a further development it can be provided that an emptying opening is arranged on the underside of the chamber, which is able to serve for transferring contents located in the chamber into a further container or into a filler neck or funnel of a processing or packaging process of the filling material. Such an emptying opening should expediently be closable, which can be done by means of conventional closure devices, such as flaps, valves or the like. At the discharge opening may further preferably be arranged a connection means for releasably connecting the chamber during its emptying with a receiving opening of another component, such as a further container or a filler neck processing or packaging process of the contents, and in this way also for to ensure a possible contamination-free transfer of the contents. The attachment means may also be of conventional type and include, for example, a mounting flange and / or other known attachment means which are adapted for releasably securing to the further container or filler neck. According to an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the chamber has at least one further opening, which, for example, for connecting other devices, such as measuring devices (eg thermometers, hygrometers, pressure gauges, etc.), loading or degassing (eg for applying the chamber with inert gas and / or at least slight underpressure / overpressure, etc.) to the chamber or, for example, can only serve as a viewing window in order to visually monitor the emptying process.
Wenigstens eine weitere Öffnung der Kammer kann indes vorzugsweise mit einer an deren Umfang - insbesondere sowohl staub- als auch im Wesentlichen gasdicht - festgelegten Handschuh ausgestattet sein, welcher sich in das Innere der Kammer erstreckt. Auf diese Weise ist ein manueller Eingriff in die Kammer möglich, welcher beispielsweise dazu dienen kann, ein mittels der Unterdruckkammer an die Aufnahmeöffnung der Kammer angesaugtes bzw. hieran angedocktes" Gebinde und/oder einen inneren Liner eines solchen Gebindes manuell zu öffnen, beispielsweise aufzureißen oder - sofern das Gebinde und/oder ein Liner desselben mittels Bändern verschlossen ist - aufzuknoten oder aufzuschneiden, oder gegebenenfalls auch dazu, einen geöffneten Liner eines Gebindes nach dem Entleervorgang wieder zu verschließen. Eine solche Ausgestaltung bietet sich demnach insbesondere - wenn auch nicht ausschließlich - für Gebinde, wie insbesondere Big-Bags oder sogenannte "FIBCs" an, welche einen, sich beispielsweise durch einen unteren Entleerstutzen ersteckenden, Auslaufrüssel und/oder einen gegebenenfalls ebenfalls mit einem solchen Auslaufrüssel ausgestatteten Innenliner, z.B. aus Folienmaterial, umfassen.At least one further opening of the chamber can, however, preferably be equipped with a glove fixed to its circumference, in particular both dust-tight and substantially gas-tight, which extends into the interior of the chamber. In this way, a manual intervention in the chamber is possible, which can for example serve to manually open a, sucked by the vacuum chamber to the receiving opening of the chamber or docked thereto "container and / or inner liner of such a container, for example, rupture or - If the container and / or a liner thereof is closed by means of tapes - knot or cut open, or possibly also to re-close an opened liner of a container after the emptying process Such a configuration is therefore particularly - albeit not exclusively - for Containers, such as in particular big-bags or so-called "FIBCs", which comprise a, for example, by a lower discharge nozzle ersteckenden, spout and / or optionally also equipped with such a spout inner liner, for example of sheet material.
In diesem Zusammenhang ist es von Vorteil, wenn wenigstens zwei weitere Öffnungen der Kammer mit je einem an deren Umfang - insbesondere sowohl staub- als auch im Wesentlichen gasdicht - festgelegten Handschuh ausgestattet sind, welche sich in das Innere der Kammer erstrecken, so dass eine beidhändige Manipulation im Innern der Kammer möglich ist. In diesem Fall ist insbesondere auch eine innenseitige Beleuchtung der Kammer zweckmäßig.In this connection, it is advantageous if at least two further openings of the chamber are each equipped with a glove fixed to the circumference thereof, in particular both dust-tight and substantially gas-tight, which extend into the interior of the chamber, so that an ambidextrous Manipulation inside the chamber is possible. In this case, an internal lighting of the chamber is particularly useful.
Zumindest die weitere(n), mit dem Handschuh ausgestattete(n) Öffnung(en) sollte(n) vorzugsweise in einer Mantelfläche der Kammer angeordnet sein, um eine möglichst einfache und bequeme Handhabung zu gewährleisten. Zu demselben Zweck sollte der Abstand der beiden mit Handschuhen ausgestatteten Öffnungen an die menschliche Anatomie angepasst sein und insbesondere zwischen etwa 40 cm und etwa 80 cm betragen, wobei im Falle einer runden oder kreisrunden Kammer der Winkelabstand der beiden mit Handschuhen ausgestatteten Öffnungen kleiner als 180° sein sollte.At least the further, equipped with the glove (s) opening (s) should (s) preferably be arranged in a lateral surface of the chamber in order to ensure the simplest and easiest to handle. For the same purpose, the distance of the two glove-equipped openings should be adapted to the human anatomy, and in particular between about 40 cm and about 80 cm, wherein in the case of a round or circular chamber, the angular spacing of the two openings equipped with gloves less than 180 ° should be.
Gemäß einer weiterhin vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung kann alternativ oder zusätzlich zu den vorgenannten, mit Handschuhen ausgestatteten Öffnungen vorgesehen sein, dass im Innern der Aufnahmeöffnung eine Schneideeinrichtung angeordnet ist, um ein an der Aufnahmeöffnung mittels Unterdruck festgelegtes bzw. "angedocktes" Gebinde anlässlich seines Entleerens aufzuschneiden. Eine solche Ausgestaltung bietet sich demnach insbesondere - wenn auch nicht ausschließlich - für Gebinde, wie insbesondere Big-Bags oder sogenannte "FIBCs" an, bei welche keine Maßnahmen zum manuellen Öffnen des Gebindes getroffen sind (z.B. solche ohne Auslaufrüssel) und/oder für nicht mit einem Innenliner ausgestattete Gebinde.According to a further advantageous embodiment may be provided alternatively or in addition to the aforementioned, equipped with gloves openings that a cutting device is disposed in the interior of the receiving opening in order to cut open at the receiving opening by means of vacuum or "docked" container on the occasion of its emptying. Accordingly, such a configuration is particularly - albeit not exclusively - suitable for containers, such as in particular big-bags or so-called "FIBCs", in which no measures for manually opening the container are made (eg those without spout) and / or for not with a liner equipped container.
Eine derartige Schneideeinrichtung kann vorzugsweise wenigstens ein im Wesentlichen vertikal verfahrbares Messer aufweisen, welches in einer Ruhestellung insbesondere im Innern der Aufnahmeöffnung bzw. der Kammer unterhalb der Unterdruckkammer angeordnet ist, während es in seiner Betriebsstellung demgegenüber nach oben verlagert sein kann, insbesondere bis auf ein Niveau oberhalb der Unterdruckkammer, um ein hieran angesaugtes Gebinde an einem derrigegenüber inneren Abschnitt desselben aufzuschneiden.Such a cutting device may preferably have at least one substantially vertically movable knife, which is arranged in a rest position, in particular in the interior of the receiving opening or the chamber below the vacuum chamber, while it may be displaced in its operating position, in contrast, up to a level above the vacuum chamber to cut a container sucked thereon at an outer circumferential portion thereof.
Die Schneideeiririchtung kann ferner vorzugsweise eine Führung des Messers umfassen, welche an der Innenwand der Aufnahmeöffnung und/oder der Kammer angeordnet ist und für die etwa vertikale Verlagerung des Messers sorgt. Hierbei kann das Messer beispielsweise an einer im Wesentlichen vertikalen Linearführung, insbesondere in Form einer Kolben-/Zylindereinheit angeordnet sein, oder das Messer kann z.B. an einer passiven Führung angeordnet sein, entlang welcher es manuell hin und her verlagerbar ist, wenn es von dem Benutzer unter Eingriff in die mit Handschuhen ausgestattete(n) Öffnung(en) der Kammer ergriffen worden ist.The Schneideeiririchtung may further preferably comprise a guide of the knife, which is arranged on the inner wall of the receiving opening and / or the chamber and provides for the approximately vertical displacement of the knife. In this case, the knife may be arranged, for example, on a substantially vertical linear guide, in particular in the form of a piston / cylinder unit, or the knife may be e.g. be arranged on a passive guide, along which it is manually displaced back and forth when it has been gripped by the user under engagement with the glove-equipped (s) opening (s) of the chamber.
Das Messer selbst kann vorzugsweise einen bogensegmentförmigen, insbesondere einen kreissegmentförmigen, Querschnitt aufweisen und sich um wenigstens einen Teil des Innenumfangs der Aufnahmeöffnung erstrecken, um das Gebindematerial in radialer Nähe zu der Unterdruckkammer, an deren Ansaugöffnungen es während eines Entleervorgangs festgelegt bzw. "angedockt" ist, durchtrennen zu können. Auf diese Weise wird das nachgiebige Gebindematerial nicht nur sicher durchtrennt, sondern zugleich sichergestellt, dass insbesondere bei einem Gebinde, wie einem Big-Bag, mit relativ kurzem Auslaufrüssel letzterer nicht zerschnitten wird und gar abgetrennte Materialteile in das Füllgut gelangen. Darüber hinaus verursacht eine solche Messerform einen näherungsweise teilrunden, z.B. etwa halbrunden, Schnitt, so dass die nicht durchschnittenen Seite des flexiblen Gebindematerials eine Art Scharnier zu bilden vermag, an dem das eingeschnittene Bodensegment des Gebindematerials nach unten klappt, aber dort verbleibt. Indes kann das Messer auch andere Formen aufweisen, wobei es insbesondere einen kreuzförmigen Querschnitt oder z.B. auch einen sternförmigen Querschnitt mit nur drei oder fünf oder mehr Schenkeln besitzen kann. Das Messer kann ferner beispielsweise wenigstens zwei oder mehrere nach oben konvergierende, spitz zulaufende Schneiden aufweisen, um für eine zuverlässige Durchtrennung des Gebindematerials zu sorgen.The knife itself may preferably have an arcuate-shaped, in particular a circular segment-shaped, cross-section and extend around at least part of the inner circumference of the receiving opening to the container material in the radial vicinity of the vacuum chamber, at the intake it is set or "docked" during an emptying process to be able to cut through. In this way, the flexible container material is not only safely cut, but at the same time ensures that, especially in a container, such as a big bag, with relative short spout latter is not cut and even get separated material parts in the contents. In addition, such a knife shape causes an approximately partial round, for example, about half-round, cut, so that the non-intersected side of the flexible container material is able to form a kind of hinge on which the incised bottom segment of the container material folds down, but remains there. However, the knife may also have other shapes, wherein it may in particular have a cross-shaped cross-section or eg also a star-shaped cross section with only three or five or more legs. The knife may further include, for example, at least two or more upwardly converging, tapered blades to provide for reliable severing of the container material.
In weiterhin vorteilhafter Ausgestaltung kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Unterdruckkammer über wenigstens einen Rohrstutzen mit einer Unterdruckleitung in Verbindung steht, welche an einen Unterdruckerzeuger bzw. an einen Vakuumerzeuger, wie eine Vakuumpumpe, angeschlossen ist, wobei eine solche Unterdruckleitung vorzugsweise mit einer Filtereinrichtung, insbesondere in Form eines Staubfilters, ausgestattet ist, um von der Unterdruckkammer gegebenenfalls angesaugte Füllgutpartikel zurückzuhalten und gegebenenfalls zu sammeln.In a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the vacuum chamber communicates via at least one pipe socket with a vacuum line, which is connected to a vacuum generator or to a vacuum generator, such as a vacuum pump, wherein such a vacuum line preferably with a filter device, in particular Form of a dust filter is equipped to retain from the vacuum chamber optionally sucked Füllgutpartikel and collect if necessary.
Weitere Merkmale und Vorteile der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnungen. Dabei zeigen:
- Fig. 1
- eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Entleervorrichtung;
- Fig. 2
- eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Entleervorrichtung gemäß
Fig. 1 von oben; - Fig. 3
- eine schematische Schnittansicht der Entleervorrichtung gemäß
Fig. 1 und 2 entlang der Schnittlinie A-A gemäßFig. 2 ; - Fig. 4
- eine der
Fig. 1 entsprechende, schematische perspektivische Ansicht der Entleervorrichtung gemäßFig. 1 mit einem an deren Unterdruckkammer mittels Unterdruck festgelegten Liner eines zu entleerenden Behälters;bis 3 - Fig. 5 2;
- eine schematische, abgebrochen dargestellte Detailansicht der Entleervorrichtung gemäß
Fig. 1 entlang der Schnittlinie B-B gemäß Fig.bis 4 - Fig. 6
- eine schematische Seitenansicht der Entleervorrichtung gemäß
Fig. 1 zur Veranschaulichung der fluidischen Kontaktierung deren Unterdruckkammer;bis 5 - Fig. 7
- eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Entleervorrichtung mit einer Schneideeinrichtung, deren vertikal verfahrbares Messer sich in einer Ruhestellung befindet;
- Fig. 8
- eine der
Fig. 7 entsprechende, schematische perspektivische Ansicht der Entleervorrichtung gemäßFig. 7 mit in eine Betriebsstellung verlagertem Messer; - Fig. 9
- eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Entleervorrichtung gemäß
Fig. 7 und 8 von oben; - Fig. 10
- eine schematische Schnittansicht der Entleervorrichtung gemäß
Fig. 7 entlang der Schnittlinie C-C gemäßbis 9Fig. 9 , deren Messer sich in der inFig. 7 gezeigten Ruhestellung befindet; - Fig. 11
- eine der
Fig. 10 entsprechende, schematische Schnittansicht der Entleervorrichtung gemäßFig. 7 entlang der Schnittlinie C-C gemäßbis 10Fig. 9 , deren Messer sich in der inFig. 8 gezeigten Betriebsstellung befindet; - Fig. 12
- eine der
Fig. 8 entsprechende, schematische perspektivische Ansicht der Entleervorrichtung gemäßFig. 7 mit einem an deren Unterdruckkammer mittels Unterdruck festgelegten Liner eines zu entleerenden Behälters, deren Messer sich in der inbis 11Fig. 8 gezeigten Betriebsstellung befindet;und 11 - Fig. 13
- eine schematische, abgebrochen dargestellte Detailansicht der Entleervorrichtung gemäß
Fig. 7 entlang der Schnittlinie D-D gemäßbis 12Fig. 9 und - Fig. 14
- eine schematische Seitenansicht der Entleervorrichtung gemäß
Fig. 7 zur Veranschaulichung der fluidischen Kontaktierung deren Unterdrückkammer.bis 13
- Fig. 1
- a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an inventive emptying;
- Fig. 2
- a schematic plan view of the emptying device according to
Fig. 1 from above; - Fig. 3
- a schematic sectional view of the emptying device according to
Fig. 1 and 2 along the section line AA according toFig. 2 ; - Fig. 4
- one of the
Fig. 1 corresponding, schematic perspective view of the emptying device according toFig. 1 to 3 with a liner of a container to be emptied fixed to its vacuum chamber by means of negative pressure; - Fig. 5 2;
- a schematic, broken away detailed view of the emptying device according to
Fig. 1 to 4 along the section line BB according to FIG. - Fig. 6
- a schematic side view of the emptying device according to
Fig. 1 to 5 to illustrate the fluidic contacting their vacuum chamber; - Fig. 7
- a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of an emptying device according to the invention with a cutting device whose vertically movable knife is in a rest position;
- Fig. 8
- one of the
Fig. 7 corresponding, schematic perspective view of the emptying device according toFig. 7 with knife displaced to an operating position; - Fig. 9
- a schematic plan view of the emptying device according to
FIGS. 7 and 8 from above; - Fig. 10
- a schematic sectional view of the emptying device according to
Fig. 7 to 9 along the section line CC according toFig. 9 whose knives are in the inFig. 7 shown rest position is; - Fig. 11
- one of the
Fig. 10 corresponding, schematic sectional view of the emptying device according toFig. 7 to 10 along the section line CC according toFig. 9 whose knives are in the inFig. 8 is shown operating position; - Fig. 12
- one of the
Fig. 8 corresponding, schematic perspective view of the emptying device according toFig. 7 to 11 with a liner of a container to be emptied, which is fixed to its vacuum chamber by means of negative pressure, the knife of which is in the in8 and 11 is shown operating position; - Fig. 13
- a schematic, broken away detailed view of the emptying device according to
Fig. 7 to 12 along the section line DD according toFig. 9 and - Fig. 14
- a schematic side view of the emptying device according to
Fig. 7 to 13 to illustrate the fluidic contacting of the suppression chamber.
In den
In sämtlichen Zeichnungen sind identische und wirkungsgleiche Bauteile der im nachfolgenden mit "Entleervorrichtung" bezeichneten erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit denselben Bezugszeichen versehen.In all drawings, identical and equivalent components of the invention hereinafter referred to as "emptying device" are provided with the same reference numerals.
Wie aus
Die Aufnahmeöffnung 4 ist mit einer Befestigungsrichtung 5 zum lösbaren Festlegen des Gebindes 1 oder Big-Bags (
Wie am besten aus
An der Unterseite der Kammer 3 ist diese ferner mit einer zeichnerisch nicht erkennbaren Entleeröffnung versehen, welche mittels eines zeichnerisch ebenfalls nicht erkennbaren Verschlussorgans, wie beispielsweise einer Verschlussklappe, verschließbar ist und zum Überführen von in der Kammer 3 befindlichem Füllgut in einen weiteren Behälter oder auch in den Einfüllstutzen eines Verarbeitungs- oder Verpackungsprozesses des Füllgutes dient. Um auch insoweit für eine kontaminationsfreie Überführung des Füllgutes aus der Kammer 3 zu sorgen, ist im Bereich der Entleeröffnung, d.h. am unteren Ende der Kammer 3, überdies eine Anschlusseinrichtung 9 vorgesehen, um die Kammer 3 anlässlich ihres Entleerens mit einer Aufnahmeöffnung einer weiteren Komponente (nicht dargestellt), wie eines oben erwähnten weiteren Behälters oder eines Einfüllstutzen eines Verarbeitungs- oder Verpackungsprozesses des Füllgutes, lösbar zu verbinden. Die Anschlusseinrichtung 9 umfasst beim vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel einen sich vom Umfang der Kammer 3 radial nach außen ersteckenden Befestigungsflansch 10, welcher mit Bohrungen (nicht gezeigt) zur Aufnahme von Schrauben, Bolzen etc. versehen sein kann.At the bottom of the
Wie aus
Während die in
Die in
Claims (15)
- Device for substantially contamination-free emptying of flexible containers (1), in particular in the form of big bags, having a chamber (3) into which the container (1) can be emptied, a receiving opening (4) which is disposed on an upper end of the chamber (3), and a fastening unit (5) which is disposed on the receiving opening (4) and by means of which the container (1) is releasably securable on the receiving opening (4), characterized in that the fastening unit (5) comprises a negative-pressure chamber (6) which extends around the circumference of the receiving opening (4) and which comprises a plurality of suction openings (8) which are disposed behind one another in the circumferential direction in order to secure by means of negative pressure a lower side of the container (1) on the receiving opening (4) during emptying.
- Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the negative-pressure chamber (6) extends around the outer circumference of the receiving opening (4).
- Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the negative-pressure chamber (6) is disposed on the free end of the receiving opening (4).
- Device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the suction openings (8) are disposed in an annular wall which forms the upper side of the negative-pressure chamber (6), wherein the annular wall which is provided with the suction openings (8), in particular, extends in a substantially horizontal plane.
- Device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the suction openings (8)- are disposed in an annular perforated plate, grill, or grid which is attached onto the negative-pressure chamber (6); or- are disposed in a plurality of ring-segment shaped perforated plate segments, grill segments or grid segments which are attached onto the negative-pressure chamber (6).
- Device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the length of the suction openings (8) in the radial direction of the receiving opening (4) is greater than the width of the suction openings (8) in the circumferential direction of the receiving opening (4), wherein the length of the suction openings (8) in the radial direction of the receiving opening (4) is in particular at least double, preferably at least triple, the width of the suction openings (8) in the circumferential direction of the receiving opening (4).
- Device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an, in particular lockable, emptying opening is disposed on the lower side of the chamber (3), wherein, in particular, a connector unit (9) is disposed on the emptying opening in order to releasably connect the chamber (3) to a receiving opening of a further component during emptying.
- Device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the chamber (3) comprises at least one further opening (11, 16a, 16b).
- Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that at least one further opening (16a, 16b) of the chamber (3) is equipped with a glove (17a, 17b) which is secured on the circumference of said further opening (16a, 16b) and which extends into the interior of the chamber (3), wherein, in particular, at least two further openings (16a, 16b) of the chamber (3) are equipped with one glove (17a, 17b), respectively, being secured on the circumference of said further openings (16a, 16b) and which extend into the interior of the chamber (3).
- Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the further opening(s) (16a, 16b) which is/are equipped with the glove (17a, 17b) is/are disposed in a lateral surface of the chamber (3).
- Device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a cutting unit (18) is disposed in the interior of the receiving opening (4), in order to cut open a liner (2) which is secured by means of negative pressure on the receiving opening (4) during emptying.
- Device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the cutting unit (18) comprises at least one cutter (19) which is displaceable in a substantially vertical manner, wherein a guide (20) of the cutter (19) is disposed, in particular, on the inner wall of the receiving opening (4) and/or of the chamber (3).
- Device according to Claim 12, characterized in that the cutter (19) is disposed on a substantially vertical linear guide (20).
- Device according to Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the cutter (19)- comprises an arc-segment shaped, in particular a circle-segment shaped, cross section and extends at least around part of the inner circumference of the receiving opening; or- comprises a cruciform cross section; or- comprises at least two blades which converge and taper in an upward direction.
- Device according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the negative-pressure chamber (6) is connected via at least one pipe connector to a negative-pressure line which is connected up to a negative-pressure generator (14), wherein the negative-pressure line, in particular, is equipped with a filter unit (13).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE201220003109 DE202012003109U1 (en) | 2012-03-28 | 2012-03-28 | Device for the contamination-free emptying of flexible containers |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2644520A1 EP2644520A1 (en) | 2013-10-02 |
EP2644520B1 true EP2644520B1 (en) | 2014-10-29 |
Family
ID=47912845
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20130001274 Active EP2644520B1 (en) | 2012-03-28 | 2013-03-13 | Device for contamination-free emptying of flexible containers |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2644520B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE202012003109U1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102020127213B4 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-11-02 | Hecht Technologie Gmbh | Device for filling and/or emptying a container |
Family Cites Families (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SE410427B (en) * | 1978-05-29 | 1979-10-15 | Carlsson Sune Justus Roland | DEVICE FOR TEMPING OF BAGS |
DE4011698C1 (en) * | 1990-04-11 | 1991-09-12 | Hans-Josef 5010 Bergheim De Licher | Conveyor for powder container - has powder suction tube attached to injector and mounted on fluidiser |
DE9107768U1 (en) * | 1991-06-25 | 1992-08-13 | Alfred Bolz Gmbh & Co Kg, 88239 Wangen | Filling system for dangerous pourable or flowable media |
US5458450A (en) * | 1993-05-07 | 1995-10-17 | Exxon Chemical Patents Inc. | Pressure-vacuum rated flexible connector for use in material handling systems |
DE29917419U1 (en) * | 1999-10-04 | 2000-03-23 | GEL-Gesellschaft für Entwicklung lufttechnischer Anlagen und Verfahrenstechniken mbH, 32758 Detmold | Emptying device for large containers |
CA2304916A1 (en) * | 2000-04-07 | 2001-10-07 | Control And Metering Limited | Material discharge apparatus |
DE50106164D1 (en) * | 2000-04-10 | 2005-06-16 | Anutec Gmbh Duedingen | Device for decanting a container, as well as container and lid for this purpose |
DE10025595C2 (en) | 2000-05-24 | 2003-08-14 | Sturm Gmbh R | Docking device for dust-free connection of the outlet of a big bag |
NL1017697C2 (en) * | 2001-03-26 | 2002-09-27 | Solid Proc Systems Holding B V | Valve extraction. |
AU2002303705A1 (en) * | 2001-05-09 | 2002-11-18 | Flexicon Corporation | Atmospherically controlling a bulk bag in unloader |
DE102004005961B4 (en) | 2003-12-11 | 2005-11-24 | Hecht Anlagenbau Gmbh | Method for emptying bulk materials from big bags comprises clipping bag mouth to tubular film fitted over inlet pipe so that contamination form the material is reduced |
WO2008011740A1 (en) * | 2006-07-27 | 2008-01-31 | Water-Line Sa | Method for the production of packaging bags having a reinforced base region and device for carrying out the method |
DE102006057760B3 (en) | 2006-12-07 | 2008-07-10 | Hecht Anlagenbau Gmbh | Liner connection device and Linerbefüllvorrichtung |
ITFI20090081A1 (en) * | 2009-04-17 | 2010-10-18 | Abc Pharmatech S R L | EQUIPMENT FOR THE TRANSFER OF INCOERENT MATERIAL OR LIQUID |
-
2012
- 2012-03-28 DE DE201220003109 patent/DE202012003109U1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2013
- 2013-03-13 EP EP20130001274 patent/EP2644520B1/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE202012003109U1 (en) | 2013-07-08 |
EP2644520A1 (en) | 2013-10-02 |
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