DE102023104660A1 - System for emptying soft containers filled with flowable solids - Google Patents

Abstract

System for emptying soft containers filled with flowable solids, comprising at least one docking system for receiving and feeding a flowable solid released from the respective soft container into a conveyor system and a frame with a soft container feed and a docking system holder for integrating a docking system that can be replaced as part of the regular operating sequence into the emptying operation and at least one conveyor system for transporting away the emptied solids.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to a system for emptying soft containers filled with flowable solids according to the preamble of claim 1, a docking system according to the preamble of claim 4 and the use of a system for emptying soft containers filled with flowable solids as well as the use of several docking systems.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Free-flowing solids, such as powder, are often shipped and delivered in soft containers. These soft containers are often so-called big bags (also known as FIBC = Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container) or simple sacks. Separate emptying stations are usually required to empty these soft containers.

Emptying stations for big bags, for example, are usually stationary systems that include a frame with a hoist or forklift traverse holder to place and/or fix the big bag in the emptying station. The big bag is thus placed on a platform using the hoist or a forklift, whereby the big bag remains suspended in its emptying position, preferably using loops at the top of the big bag, to ensure better emptying of the big bag.

The platform on which the big bag is placed has a central hole through which the big bag's outlet hose is guided. Many platforms also include milling devices or other devices for fluidizing the solids in the big bag. In the case of the milling device, the big bag and thus the solids in the big bag are periodically kneaded from below in order to encourage the solids to flow out more easily.

A docking system is installed beneath the platform, which takes up the big bag's outlet hose and preferably passes the big bag's contents via a funnel system. This docking system, or at least parts of the docking system, are therefore in direct contact with the solid and therefore come into contact with the product.

A conveyor system is usually connected to the docking system, which sucks in and/or forwards the solids and/or sucks off the solid dust. The conveyor system itself is usually in contact with the product, but can be easily cleaned and/or the connecting line between the docking system and the conveyor system can be easily replaced. A so-called inline disperser is often used as the conveyor system, which disperses powdered solids in liquids. Consequently, the conveyor system is wet and can therefore be wet cleaned there.

Such emptying stations for big bags are usually stationary and all parts described above are firmly connected to the frame.

The situation is similar with emptying stations for bags. These are also often stationary. In addition, stationary emptying stations for big bags are not compatible with separate emptying stations for bags.

With the known systems, it entails some effort if the respective emptying station is to be used to empty the loads of big bags according to type and to feed them for further processing according to type, which, when delivered one after the other, contain different materials or contain different qualities of one and the same material.

For example, as soon as a certain color pigment has been processed on this emptying station, this emptying station is and remains contaminated and can only be used for this one color and, if applicable, only for this one grain size and not for other incompatible products.

The only remedy here is a complex cleaning process, which, however, usually cannot remove all traces of the previous solid matter.

In many cases, cleaning the emptying station is not possible and usually not economically viable. The necessary cleanliness could only be achieved by completely dismantling the emptying station and thoroughly cleaning each individual part.

In practice, different production lines are often used for different, incompatible colors or products; for example, one production line each for "cyan", "magenta", "yellow" and "black", resulting in a total of four production lines. With smaller production quantities, these may not be fully utilized, which makes the entire system uneconomical.

TASK OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the object of the invention is to create an emptying station that can be used more efficiently.

INVENTIVE SOLUTION

The first main claim offers a solution to this problem.

For this purpose, a system is proposed for emptying soft containers filled with flowable solids. The flowable solids in question are often powder. The soft containers in question are preferably so-called big bags in the sense mentioned above or simple sacks.

The system comprises at least one docking system - preferably at least two docking systems - for receiving and feeding a flowable solid released from the respective soft container into a conveying system.

In addition, the system preferably comprises a substantially stationary frame with a soft container main task and a docking system holder. The docking system holder is preferably in the form of a docking system holder space enclosed on several sides by the frame under the soft container task and is preferably used for integration, in particular for physical reception of the docking system. The docking system can be replaced as part of the regular operating procedure.

The term "replacement as part of regular operations" refers to a replacement that can be carried out by the personnel responsible for the emptying operation during normal emptying operations and therefore outside of repair measures. Ideally, if there is one at all, the connection between the frame and the docking system in use can be released without tools, or with the use of tools but without special specialist knowledge and preferably in less than four minutes, particularly preferably less than one minute, e.g. by loosening a few screws, ideally less than six or three. Ideally, no screws need to be loosened at all because quick-release fasteners, clamps, latches or straps that can be operated with bare hands are used, or electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically operated locks as well as magnetic couplings, toggle lever locks, folding mechanisms or ball locking bolts. The respective docking system also preferably comprises at least one funnel for forwarding the contents of the corresponding soft container, preferably directly to a conveyor system, which is mainly used to transport away the emptied solid material.

It is preferred that the conveyor system is connected to the docking system with a hose or pipe. The conveyor system ensures that the emptied load is fed into the further processing process as intended, thus completing the emptying process.

In general, a docking system designed according to the invention can be easily and quickly separated from the respective frame and, above all, quickly removed from the respective frame in order to be able to carry out a possible cleaning process or to replace the docking system. Thus, the emptying station, which was originally stationary in its entirety, is replaced by a system for emptying soft containers filled with flowable solids, in which it is intended to remove and/or replace the docking system.

This contributes to the flexible and more efficient use of the entire system. Since only the docking system comes into contact with powder during the emptying process, only this docking system needs to be replaced for non-contaminated use.

PREFERRED DESIGNS OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment is that only one of the docking systems is accommodated by the frame at a time and the conveyor system connects to the docking system used, with each docking system containing solid residues or traces of a certain solid quality and/or color. In this way, a docking system can always be used for a certain solid quality and/or color. Together with the quick and easy exchangeability of the docking system, this contributes to the more efficient use of the system for emptying soft containers filled with flowable solids.

A further preferred embodiment of the system for emptying soft containers filled with flowable solids is that the docking system essentially preferably has no positive connection to the frame or at least no positive connection in several directions to the frame. This also ensures that the docking system can be detached quickly and easily from the frame.

Further design options, modes of operation and advantages arise from the description of the embodiment and/or from the figures.

FIGURE LIST

• The 1 shows the frame of an emptying system in three-dimensional view.
• The 2 shows analogous to 1 the frame in side view.
• The 3 shows a docking system for emptying big bags in three-dimensional view.
• The 4 shows analogous to 3 the docking system for emptying big bags in side view.
• The 5 shows a system for emptying big bags in side view.
• The 6 shows analogous to 5 the system for emptying big bags in three-dimensional view.
• The 7 shows the system for emptying big bags in a cutaway top view.
• The 8 shows a docking system for emptying bags in three-dimensional view.
• The 9 shows analogous to 8 the docking system for emptying bags in side view.
• The 10 shows a system for emptying bags in side view.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

1 and 2 show the preferred embodiment of a frame 3 which is used to construct a system for emptying soft containers filled with flowable solids.

The frame 3 is preferably essentially stationary and thus, after being initially set up on a base such as the hall floor, preferably remains unchanged in its position when emptying processes are carried out.

The frame 3 is preferably constructed as a frame made of several struts. In the upper fifth of the frame 3, preferably even at the highest point of the frame 3, there are preferably receptacles 8 which accommodate a forklift crossbar 7. These forklift crossbar receptacles 8 preferably each comprise two elevations, preferably with a triangular cross section, which protrude beyond the uppermost strut of the frame 3. The two elevations are preferably spaced apart from one another in such a way that their distance corresponds at least to the width of a support strut 18 of the forklift crossbar 7, but at most to 110% of the width of a support strut of the forklift crossbar 7. The frame 3 preferably has four forklift crossbar receptacles 8 in order to accommodate a support strut 18, preferably on two sides each. The forklift crossbar 7 can thus be easily lifted by a forklift over the forklift crossbar receptacles 8 and, as in 2 shown between the elevations. It should be mentioned that the frame 3 can have the forklift traverse function described and shown or can also be designed with a permanently installed lifting device.

The soft container main task 10 is preferably located in the middle area of the frame 3 and thus preferably in the middle third of the frame 3. As already described at the beginning, the big bag to be emptied is at least partially placed on this soft container main task 10. This soft container main task 10 preferably also has flexing devices 11, which in the embodiment shown are periodically adjusted plates driven by motors, which transmit a type of shaking movement to the big bag, which partially rests on these plates of the flexing device.

Preferably in the middle of the main soft container 10 there is a through hole through which the discharge hose of the big bag is led. This will be explained in more detail later. Preferably in the lower third of the frame 3 there is also a stop strut 14, the function of which will also be explained in more detail later.

The frame 3 also comprises a docking system holder 20 in which the docking system 4 can be placed.

3 and 4 show the docking system 4, which is used for emptying big bags. The docking system 4 is also partially designed as a frame made of several struts, which preferably holds a funnel system with at least one funnel 21 in its center, which comprises a connection 16 directly or indirectly connected to it, which in turn is directly or indirectly connected to the conveyor system 5. Above this funnel system there is also preferably a clamping plate 12, which can be manually moved downwards using a lever.

The docking system 4 forms a foot 22 for the operational placement of the docking system 4 on a base, whereby the base preferably represents the hall floor. The foot 22 has preferably rollers 6 at least partially provided with a parking brake. In addition, it is preferred that the foot 22 forms a platform 15 for the worker.

In general, it is also preferred that the base forms a carriage formed by a rectangular edge piping which runs closed in the circumferential direction and which preferably forms a frame part which projects vertically upwards from it for holding the funnel 21 and which leaves the funnel 21 accessible on one side over at least 40% of its circumference.

The entire docking system 4 is thus preferably supported on at least two, particularly preferably on at least four rollers 6. With the help of these rollers, the docking system can be manually moved horizontally by a worker.

It should be mentioned here that the design of the foot 22 with rollers represents the preferred embodiment, but it is also possible to design the foot 22 in such a way that it has a holder for a forklift. The respective docking system 4 would then have to be transported with the forklift or a pallet truck and driven to its position. It is also possible to provide a holder for a forklift and rollers 6 for fine adjustment of the position.

Preferably in the lower third of the docking system 4, preferably as part of the foot 22, the docking system 4 also preferably comprises at least two stops 13, which - as shown in the preferred embodiment - are each designed as a vertical rod on a horizontal strut, for example. These stops 13 serve as a positioning aid for the manually displaceable docking system 4, which will be explained in more detail below. It is also possible for the docking system 4 to be equipped with additional fluidization devices, for example with at least one additional compressed air vibrator in the area of the funnel 21. However, other, preferably pneumatically operated fluidization aids can also be attached. These are then designed using a quick coupling for the energy supply.

The 5 until 7 show the complete system for emptying a soft container 2, whereby in these figures 5 until 7 the emptying of a big bag is shown. The docking system 4 has already been manually moved into the frame 3 - preferably with the help of the rollers 6 - whereby the docking system 4 is preferably located in the lower part of the frame 3; below the soft container main task 10. To place the docking system 4, the two stops 13 preferably serve as a positioning aid. As in 7 shown, the two stops 13 abut the stop strut 14 of the frame 3 in the intended position of the docking system 4. IN 5 and 6 The conveyor system 5 can also be seen, which is preferably also designed to be stationary, similar to the frame 3. The connection 16 of the docking system 4 is preferably connected to the connection of the conveyor system 5 via a hose or a pipe.

In order to then be able to carry out an emptying process using the system 1 mounted as intended, the soft container 2 in the form of a big bag is suspended from the forklift crossbar 9 using loops 9 and the forklift crossbar 7 is inserted into the forklift crossbar receptacles 8 using a forklift, so that the support struts 14 of the forklift crossbar 9 rest on the uppermost struts of the frame 3.

The soft container 2 in the form of a big bag therefore preferably rests partly on the soft container main task 10 and partly on the rolling devices 11, with part of the weight of the big bag still being borne by the forklift traverse 9. The outlet hose of the big bag runs downwards through the hole in the soft container main task 10, where it protrudes into the docking system 4. The outlet hose of the big bag is preferably pulled over a pipe of the docking system 4 and fixed there using the clamping plate 12. The clamping plate 12 is pressed downwards manually by a worker using a lever.

The solid material from the big bag can then flow downwards through the funnel of the docking system 4 to and/or through the conveyor system 5, from where the solid material is forwarded.

It is also preferred that the worker stands on a platform 15 at least for certain activities during the emptying process in order to be able to carry out the work that has to be carried out manually. This platform 15 can be designed as a loose additional part or preferably as a part that is permanently installed on the docking system 4 or the frame 3 and is preferably pivotable, which can be folded down so that the worker can stand on the platform 15 without additional positioning work after the platform 15 has been pivoted into position.

In addition, it is preferred that the frame 3 is at least partially vibration-proof and/or that buffers, preferably rubber buffers, are provided between the frame 3 and the docking system 4 to absorb vibrations. Since during the emptying process - especially due to If vibrations occur during the movement of the walking devices 11, this prevents uncontrolled vibration of the entire system 1.

Analogous to the docking system 4 for emptying big bags, the second preferred embodiment relates to a docking system 4 for emptying bags (see 8 and 9 ) and the corresponding system 1 for emptying bags (see 10 ).

This docking system 4 also comprises a frame made of struts and is preferably supported by at least two, particularly preferably at least four rollers 6 and is thus mounted on the installation base so that it can be moved horizontally manually. This docking system 4 also preferably has two stops 13 and a connection 16 to the conveyor system 5. The docking system 4 for emptying bags, on the other hand, has a soft container secondary feed 19 in which a grid 17 is provided. The grid 17 is also preferably partially covered and the roof is closed at the back. The bag to be emptied is thus emptied on or above the soft container secondary feed 19 and not on or above the soft container main feed 10.

10 shows the entire system 1 equipped with this docking system 4. For this purpose, the stationary frame 3 can preferably be used, which was also used for the system for emptying big bags. However, the upper part of the frame 3 with the stacker crossbar 7 and the walking devices for actively carrying out an emptying process is not used. Instead, the bag to be emptied is lifted by the worker onto the soft container secondary feed 19 of the docking system 4 and opened there. From there, the solid material flows through the grid 17 via a funnel 21 back to the conveyor system 5. Here, too, analogous to the first embodiment, a platform 15 is preferably used.

In both of the preferred embodiments discussed, the main focus is on the docking systems 4 which are positioned so that they can be moved relative to the frame 3. This offers the possibility of changing the docking system 4 quickly and easily. It is therefore particularly preferred if an entire system for emptying soft containers 2 comprises several docking systems 4.

To change the color and/or quality of the flowable solid to be emptied, the docking system 4 that is currently present is removed from the frame 3, if applicable, and the new docking system 4, which is assigned to the new color and/or quality of the flowable solid to be emptied, is inserted into the frame 3 - preferably manually and without tools using the rollers 6. To remove the docking system 4 from the frame 3, all that is required is to disconnect the connection to the conveyor system 5 and to loosen any existing connections to the frame 3. These connections must be reestablished accordingly after the docking system 4 has been inserted into the frame 3.

After a further change in color and/or quality of the flowable solid to be emptied, the currently existing docking system 4 can again preferably be removed from the frame 3 without tools and the new docking system 4, which is assigned to the new color and/or quality of the flowable solid to be emptied, can again preferably be introduced into the frame 3 without tools.

In general, it is therefore particularly preferred if several docking systems 4 are used, whereby each docking system 4 is at least partially inserted into a frame 3 and a separate docking system 4 is used for each solid color and/or solid quality. The docking systems 4 can thus be changed depending on the solid quality and/or solid color used, without the respective docking system 4 having to be freed of solid traces and/or solid residues before being used again.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1

Emptying system

2

Soft container

3

Frame

4

Docking system

5

Conveyor system

6

role

7

Forklift traverse

8

Forklift traverse holder

9

loop

10

Soft container main task

11

Walk facility

12

Clamping plate

13

stop

14

Stop strut

15

Podium

16

Connection

17

Grid

18

Support strut of the forklift traverse

19

Soft container secondary task

20

Docking system mount

21

funnel

22

Foot

Claims (12)

System (1) for emptying soft containers (2) filled with flowable solids, comprising at least one docking system (4) for receiving and feeding a flowable solid released from the respective soft container (2) into a conveyor system (5) and a frame (3) with a soft container main task (10) and a docking system holder (20) for integrating a docking system (4) that can be replaced as part of the regular operating sequence into the emptying operation and at least one conveyor system (5) for transporting away the emptied solids. System (1) for emptying soft containers (2) filled with flowable solids after Claim 1 , characterized in that only one of the docking systems (4) is received by the frame (3) and the conveyor system (5) connects to the docking system (4) used in each case, wherein one docking system (4) contains solid residues or traces of a certain solid quality and/or color. System (1) for emptying soft containers (2) filled with flowable solid material according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the docking system (4) is at least partially enclosed by the frame (3) and is positioned displaceably relative to the frame (3). System (1) for emptying soft containers (2) filled with flowable solid material according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the docking system (4) preferably has no positive connection to the frame (3) or at least no positive connection in several directions to the frame (3). Docking system (4) for receiving and feeding a flowable solid released from a soft container (2) into a conveyor system (5), with a frame (3) which holds a funnel (21) for receiving flowable solid in position and a connection (16) associated therewith to a conveyor system (5) for transporting away the flowable solid, wherein the docking system (4) forms a foot (22) for the operational placement of the docking system (4) on a base. Docking system (4) to Claim 5 with one or more features relating to the docking system (4) of the Claims 1 until 4 . Docking system (4) according to one of the preceding claims with at least one connection for a conveyor system (5), wherein the docking system (4) can be at least partially enclosed by a stationary frame (3), characterized in that the docking system (4) is positioned displaceably relative to the frame (3). Docking system (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the docking system (4) has several rollers (6) with which the docking system (4) is in contact with the base. Use of a system (1) for emptying soft containers (2) filled with flowable solids, the system (1) comprising a frame (3), several docking systems (4) and a conveyor system (5), characterized in that when carrying out an emptying process, one docking system (4) is used in each case, each docking system (4) being assigned to a specific solid quality and/or solid color and being separated from the frame (3) and - preferably without tools - being removed from the frame (3) and/or preferably being inserted into the frame (3) without tools. Use of a system (1) for emptying soft containers (2) filled with flowable solids, the system (1) comprising a frame (3), several docking systems (4) and a conveyor system (5), characterized in that for a color change and/or quality change of the flowable solid to be emptied, the docking system (4) which may be currently present is removed from the frame (3) and the new docking system (4), which is assigned to the new color and/or quality of the flowable solid to be emptied, is preferably inserted into the frame (3) without tools, wherein in the event of a further color change and/or quality change of the flowable solid to be emptied, the currently present docking system (4) is again preferably removed from the frame (3) without tools and the new docking system (4), which is again assigned to the new color and/or quality of the flowable solid to be emptied, is preferably inserted into the frame (3) without tools. Use of several docking systems (4) for forwarding a flowable solid from a soft container (2) to be emptied to a conveyor system (5), wherein in each case a docking system (4) is at least partially retracted into a frame (3), characterized in that a separate docking system (4) is used for each solid color and/or solid quality, so that the docking systems (4) can be changed depending on the solid quality and/or solid color used, without the respective docking system (4) having to be freed of solid traces and/or solid residues before being used again. Use of a system (1) for emptying soft containers (2) filled with flowable solids and/or use of several docking systems (4) with one or more features of the docking system (4) relating to the Claims 1 until 8 .

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