Installation and method for bagging free-flowing bulk material

Abstract

Plant (1) for filling free-flowing bulk material into bags, comprising a self-supporting support frame structure (2) that defines / limits a cubic space, a bulk material feed container (3), a filling nozzle (4) with a bag holder, a first conveying device (5) for transporting bulk material from the bulk material feed container (3) to the filling nozzle (4), a closing device (6), in particular a sewing machine, for closing a bag opening of a filled bag, and a second conveying device (7), in particular a conveyor belt or roller conveyor, for transporting a filled bag from the position of the filling nozzle (4) to the position of the closing device (6).The bulk material feed container (3), the filling nozzle (4), the first conveying device (5), the closing device (6) and the second conveying device (7) are supported by the support frame structure (2) in both a transport state and an operating state, and the second conveying device (7) is mounted in such a way that it can be moved between a transport position and an operating position, in which it is located at least partially outside the cubic space body.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for filling free-flowing bulk material into bags according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for filling free-flowing bulk material into bags.

[0002] The increase in extreme weather events with ever more frequent and intense rainfall is leading to more frequent and severe flooding, requiring rapid local responses. In the event of flooding or the threat of heavy rain, time is of the essence. A simple and effective flood protection measure to contain flooding and protect infrastructure is the construction of temporary, local barriers using sandbags filled with sand or fine gravel.

[0003] Producing filled sandbags on-site by filling empty bags with sand or fine gravel is a relatively simple task, but it requires considerable strength to lift the filled bags and involves numerous manual steps and handling. For individual tasks in the process, simple, semi-automated auxiliary systems already exist for on-site use, such as filling hoppers with vibrators or agitators, conveyor belts, manual filling stations, or manual sewing machines for filled bags. However, these semi-automated systems still require a significant amount of labor. Furthermore, transporting the various components is complex and time-consuming.

[0004] Furthermore, the problem is that it is often impossible to predict long-term where such a barrier needs to be erected, and the deployment location can change at short notice. Another problem is that heavy rainfall events often affect large areas, and the fallen rainwater can also affect distant areas as it flows downstream, meaning that numerous helpers are needed across a large area in a short time, and only a few helpers may be available at a specific deployment site.

[0005] One challenge, therefore, lies in providing a highly mobile support system that can be quickly relocated and put into operation, preferably without large, professional transport equipment, and that, on the other hand, requires minimal personnel for its operation and can produce a high throughput or a large quantity of filled bags as close as possible to the deployment site. The previously mentioned semi-automated support systems do not meet these combined requirements, or only to a limited extent.

[0006] A generic mobile sandbag filling machine is known from US Patent 2020 / 0369414 A1. This machine comprises a frame structure supporting a hopper for receiving sand, a retractable conveyor belt that can be configured to operate below the hopper's sand discharge point, a filling nozzle for receiving the sand discharged by the conveyor belt, and a separate sewing table with an additional sewing table conveyor belt. The sewing table can be positioned below the hopper so that sand can be loaded into sandbags and the sandbags can be sewn shut on the sewing table conveyor belt located near the filling nozzle. The separate sewing table can be folded for transport and stored within the frame structure. The mobile sandbag filling machine is sized and configured to fit into a shipping container or truck trailer for transport.Although the sandbag filling machine known from US 2020 / 0369414 A1 provides at least some improvement in terms of transportability and integration of the individual components, it still requires a relatively large number of personnel, especially for setting up the system and for operation.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a plant and a method for filling free-flowing bulk material into bags, and a method for filling free-flowing bulk material into bags, in particular but not exclusively for the production of sandbags, which achieve a further improvement in the transportability of the plant and are further improved, especially with regard to the manpower required for its construction and operation.

[0008] The invention proposes a system for filling free-flowing bulk material into bags with the features of claim 1 and a method for filling free-flowing bulk material into bags with the features of claim 15. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention specifically provides a system for filling free-flowing bulk material into bags, comprising a self-supporting support frame structure that defines / limits a cubic space, a bulk material feed container, a filling nozzle with a bag holder, a first conveying device for transporting bulk material from the bulk material feed container to the filling nozzle, a closing device, in particular a sewing machine, for closing a bag opening of a filled bag, and a second conveying device, in particular a conveyor belt or roller conveyor, for transporting a filled bag from the position of the filling nozzle to the position of the closing device.

[0010] The system according to the invention is further characterized in that the bulk material feed container, the filling nozzle, the first conveying device, the closing device and the second conveying device are supported by the support frame structure in both a transport state and an operating state, and that the second conveying device is mounted in such a way that it can be moved between a transport position and an operating position, in which it is located at least partially outside the cubic body.

[0011] Because all functional components of the system required for the production of the bags filled with the respective bulk material – i.e., the bulk material feed container, the filling nozzle, the first conveying device, the closing device and the second conveying device – are supported by the frame structure in both a transport state and an operating state, the system can be transported as a whole, i.e., as a unit, and quickly set up for operation without the need to unload and set up individual components of the system with high personnel costs.

[0012] In particular, the feature that the second conveying device, which serves to transport the filled bags from the position of the filling nozzle to the position of the sealing device (and further through it), is arranged in such a way that it can be moved between a transport position and an operating position, in which it is at least partially outside the cubic volume of the system in the transport state, offers the advantage that the component for handling the filled bags can also be put into operation easily and with minimal personnel, and the handling of the heavy bags after filling, up to the finished sealing, can take place directly at the system in a continuous supported process, without, for example, having to manually lift filled but still open bags to a remote sealing station.Ultimately, the invention enables the transport, setup and operation of the system with only 1-2 people.

[0013] It is particularly advantageous if the guided movement of the second conveying unit includes translation in the longitudinal direction of the system and / or pivoting of the same, supported by mechanical guides, especially to adjust the second conveying unit in its longitudinal position and / or its height relative to the filling nozzle when it is removed from its transport state within the cubic space. This combined adjustment for removing the second conveying unit offers the advantage that the conveying unit is freed from a compact storage or transport position on the system and brought to the required distance from the filling position, taking into account that the transport of the filled bags away from the filling position always occurs in only one direction.Simply folding down or pulling out the conveyor without longitudinal translation does not meet the requirements for a highly integrated and compact system, because only a short portion of the conveyor can be located downstream of the filling position unless the system is to be lengthened with a longer conveyor. At the same time, a significant portion of the conveyor's length in the filling area is already blocked by the operator, leaving only a short section for transporting the filled bags and installing the sealing device.

[0014] Preferably, the first conveying device is a conveyor belt or a screw conveyor, which is arranged such that the bulk material can be transferred from the bulk material feed hopper to it by gravity. Transporting the bulk material by a conveyor belt or screw conveyor allows for spatial separation between the discharge from the bulk material feed hopper and the filling spout, so that, on the one hand, the bulk material, after falling out of the discharge (by gravity), can be transported to a higher level during transport, so that it can then fall into the bag again by gravity in the filling spout.

[0015] Preferably, the conveying speed of the second conveying device is matched or adjustable to the closing speed of the closing device, particularly for intermittent or continuous operation. In particular, the closing device is configured to close a bag, preferably automatically, as it moves through the second conveying device. Matching the conveying speed of the filled bags to the operating speed of the closing device enables a continuous or timed throughput of the bags without a buffer station and without the need to remove the bags from the conveying device before they are finished.

[0016] Preferably, the sealing device is associated with an inlet guide upstream of the second conveying device in the conveying direction. This inlet guide is designed to align a filled bag during transport on the second conveying device and to bring the bag opening of the filled bag together for a sealing operation and insert it into the sealing device. This design supports the continuous process of sealing the bags without the need for operator movement or lifting, thus minimizing manual intervention. Ideally, the design of the components is coordinated so that the transport and sealing of the bags can take place in a serial (continuous or regularly timed) process from the point of filling without any operator handling.

[0017] Preferably, the sealing device includes a sewing machine for automatically sewing the opening of a filled sandbag and, preferably, a thread-cutting device for automatically cutting any thread after the sealing process. Sewing the filled bags allows for more sand to be packed into each bag. It also creates a uniform bag shape for optimal use in construction. Conventional closure methods, such as cords or plastic quick-release fasteners, require more material for tying and result in a bag shape with a thick, central closure, which is disadvantageous for secure sandbag placement. This shape is also problematic for stacking and storage. By automating the sewing process, including automatic thread cutting, a filled bag can pass through the sealing station virtually independently without operator intervention and is then available as a finished product.Only at this point is personnel needed again to lift the finished bags from the transport device and bring them to the deployment site, which, due to the high mobility and limited dimensions of the system, can be very close to the installation position of the system.

[0018] Preferably, the bag holder is designed to selectively and automatically clamp a bag in the area of ​​the bag opening on both sides of a filling opening of the filling nozzle. The automatic clamping of the bag (which can be controlled, for example, by a sensor or switch that detects the bag's position in the correct location) allows the operator to handle the bag with both hands, thus significantly improving occupational and process safety.

[0019] Preferably, forklift pockets and / or crane lifting eyes are provided on the support frame structure for transport. This simplifies and safely enables the unloading of the entire system as a unit, for example, from the loading platform of a truck or trailer, because these defined support points can be tailored to the weight and center of gravity of the system, for example, symmetrically to these, so that when using the defined support points (forklift pockets and / or crane lifting eyes), there is no risk of the system tipping or tilting. This also reduces the time required for unloading and commissioning the system, because no experienced operators are required and handling the system as a unit can be done intuitively despite its considerable mass when using the aforementioned points.

[0020] Preferably, the support frame structure is provided with removable, adjustable, and / or foldable support legs for setting the support frame structure down on the ground, particularly in the form of cantilevered outriggers designed to allow for ground placement even when the support frame structure is mounted on a trailer. Such outriggers or support legs enable the system to be unloaded from a trailer without the need for auxiliary machinery such as excavators, wheel loaders, or forklifts, because the support legs / outriggers can be deployed and set down on the ground while the system is still secured to the trailer. After the system has been stabilized in this manner, the trailer can be removed, for example, by lowering it slightly or letting some air out of the tires. These tasks can also be accomplished with minimal personnel.

[0021] Removing the trailer from under the system is also easy if the system can be lifted independently, for example, if the support legs have a lifting device to adjust the height and / or level the support frame structure over a base. The ability to level the system via the support legs allows for commissioning and safe operation of the system even in uneven terrain near the work site.

[0022] Preferably, the cubic volume defined / limited by the supporting frame structure is dimensioned such that, in its transport state, it can be loaded onto the loading platform of a trailer, in particular a rigid drawbar trailer, or a van and / or into a roll-off container or a container according to ISO 668, wherein the external dimensions of the cubic volume are preferably adapted to the dimensions of standard transport pallets, in particular EURO pallets. Limiting the external dimensions of the system in its transport state allows for easy transport without special trailers or equipment. For transport on a rigid drawbar trailer, the system does not need to be lifted very high. This is easily accomplished even with relatively small equipment such as forklifts or tractors. Furthermore, transport on such a trailer also allows passage under bridges or underpasses because the overall height is limited.Orienting the external dimensions towards standard transport pallets, especially EURO pallets (i.e., particularly with regard to the maximum width), allows for a reliable assessment of the suitability of the transport equipment for the system without individual measuring, thanks to the orientation towards common and standardized transport dimensions.

[0023] Preferably, the bulk material feed hopper has a vibration device, in particular a vibrating motor or an ultrasonic vibration generator, to prevent compaction / adhesion of material to the bulk material feed hopper, and / or a screw conveyor for forced conveying of the bulk material from the feed hopper, and / or a hinged baffle plate at the inlet of the bulk material feed hopper. Such enhancements are known per se, but improve the smooth operation of the system in use.

[0024] Preferably, the filling plant includes a mobile power generator, in particular a power generator and / or compressed air generator, especially for autonomous operation of the filling plant. The integrated power generator enables rapid autonomous operation independent of on-site infrastructure in crisis situations because a power supply tailored to the plant's energy requirements is already available, for example, in the form of a rechargeable battery or a fuel-powered generator. Connection options for supplying other external components, such as external lighting or pumps, can also be provided. The integration of a compressed air generator is particularly advantageous, as it can be used, for example, to actuate and operate the lifting device for the plant's support legs.

[0025] Overall, the system according to the invention is not limited to a sandbag filling system, but can be designed more generally to process / fill free-flowing bulk materials, particularly in the municipal supply sector, especially sand, gravel, road salt, grit, or bark mulch, and / or can be designed more generally to fill free-flowing bulk materials into bags, in particular standard bags of size 30x60, 40x60 or a special size, and / or silo bags, and / or tubular bags, in particular woven plastic bags, PP woven bags, jute bags, paper bags, or film bags. The term "bag" used in the disclosure is intended to encompass all these typical types and sizes of containers that are suitable for mobile packaging of the aforementioned bulk materials outdoors into smaller containers that can still be handled manually.

[0026] Depending on the specific bag type and dimensions being processed, the type of bag holder, the filling nozzle, the height position of the second conveying unit in the unfolded operating position, and the sealing device, for example, must be adapted. However, with the open design, this only requires minor adjustments.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for filling free-flowing bulk material, particularly in the municipal supply sector, especially sand, gravel, road salt, grit or bark mulch, into bags, in particular standard bags of size 30x60, 40x60 or a special size and / or silo bags and / or tubular bags, preferably using a filling system according to the invention, comprising: Filling the free-flowing bulk material into a bulk material feed container, attaching an empty bag to a bag holder of a filling nozzle, transporting the bulk material from the bulk material feed container to the filling nozzle with a first conveying device, filling the bag attached to the bag holder with the bulk material, releasing the filled bag from the bag holder and lowering it onto a second conveying device (in particular a conveyor belt / roller conveyor) and transporting the filled bag from the position of the filling nozzle to a position of a closing device, in particular a sewing machine, and automatically closing a bag opening of the filled bag, in particular by sewing, while the bag is transported on the second conveying device into and through the closing device.

[0028] The method allows the advantages previously explained based on the description of the plant's characteristics to be achieved.

[0029] The invention will now be explained with reference to a preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 a highly schematic representation of a plant with its essential components in a side view and in an operating position, and Fig. 2 a highly schematic representation of the facility of Fig. 1 in a front view.

[0030] The system 1 for filling free-flowing bulk material into bags, shown only schematically in the figures, comprises a self-supporting support frame structure 2 that defines / bounds a cubic volume. The support frame structure 2 can, for example, be composed of metal profiles that are bolted or welded together.

[0031] The cubic volume defined / limited by the supporting frame structure 2 is dimensioned such that, in its transport state, it can be loaded onto the loading platform of a trailer, in particular a rigid drawbar trailer, or a van and / or into a roll-off container or a container according to ISO 668, wherein the external dimensions of the cubic volume are preferably adapted to the dimensions of standard transport pallets, in particular EURO pallets. Accordingly, all essential components of the system are housed within the volume during transport.

[0032] The system 1 further comprises a bulk material feed hopper 3, which occupies the upper area of ​​the support frame structure 2, is firmly attached to it, and tapers downwards to a discharge 9 for the bulk material. In operation, the bulk material is filled, for example, with a wheel loader, an excavator, or a tractor with a bucket, into a side of the bulk material feed hopper 3 that is open at the top and accessible for filling.

[0033] Below the outlet 9, a first conveying device 5 begins to transport bulk material that automatically trickles from the bulk material feed hopper 3 through the outlet 9 onto the conveying device 5, leading to a filling nozzle 4 at a slightly higher position. The first conveying device 5, which can be a conveyor belt or a screw conveyor, is thus arranged so that the bulk material can be transferred from the bulk material feed hopper 3 onto it by gravity. The outlet can have a type of valve in the form of a flap or a selectively opening closure to regulate the amount of bulk material exiting onto the first conveying device 5. If there is a lateral offset between the outlet 9 and the conveying device 5, this can be compensated for, for example, by a passive chute, a discharge pipe, or another conveyor.

[0034] In the operating position shown in the figures, the first conveying device 5 and the filling nozzle 4 project beyond the outer boundary of the cubic volume. This serves to provide sufficient space for filling the bags in front of the system. In the transport position, however, the front end of the conveying device 5 and the filling nozzle 4 is located within the outer boundary of the cubic volume. These components can be moved, slid, and / or pivoted on the support frame structure 2, as indicated by the double arrow in the figure. Fig. 2 as schematically indicated at the funding facility 5.

[0035] A bag holder 8 is located below the filling nozzle 4 and is designed to selectively and automatically secure, in particular clamp, an initially empty bag in the area of ​​the bag opening on both sides of a filling opening of the filling nozzle 4. The fastening mechanism and process can be triggered, for example, by a sensor or a switch when the bag or its upper open edge is in a holding position. This automatic triggering or activation of the fastening allows the operator to handle the bag with both hands in order to insert it into a receptacle of the bag holder 8. A safety shutdown can also be provided in this area, which is activated automatically in the event of incorrect operation or can be triggered manually by the operator, thus stopping the system.The flow rate / fill level through the filling nozzle 4 can be variably adjusted to adapt the system to different fill levels and / or bag sizes depending on requirements.

[0036] Annex 1 further comprises a closing device 6 mounted on the support frame structure 2, in particular in the design of a sewing machine, for closing a bag opening of a filled bag, and a second conveying device 7, in particular a conveyor belt or a roller conveyor, for transporting a filled bag from the position of the filling nozzle 4 to the position of the closing device 6 and through it in a substantially horizontal conveying direction (see Fig. 1 If necessary, the closing device 6 can also be mounted in such a way that it can be moved between a transport position inside the room body and an operating position outside the room body and above the second conveying device 7.

[0037] The bulk material feed container 3, the filling nozzle 4, the first conveying device 5, the closing device 6 and the second conveying device 7 are thus supported by the support frame structure 2 in both a transport state and an operating state, whereby, as explained in connection with the first conveying device 5 and the filling nozzle 4, these may nevertheless be movably mounted, for example by guide rails and / or swivel supports, in order to be able to move between a transport position within the boundary of the space body and an operating position outside the space body.

[0038] The second conveying device 7 is specifically arranged such that it is guided and movable between the transport position and the operating position, in which it is located at least partially outside the cubic volume. This guided movement can include one or more translational movements and / or a pivoting motion, whereby the second conveying device 7, in addition to moving out of the volume (as indicated by the horizontal double arrow in the figure), can also move in a specific direction. Fig. 2 as indicated by the horizontal double arrow in their longitudinal position Fig. 1 is indicated, and / or its height position (in the direction of transport) relative to the filling nozzle 4 can be adjusted, as indicated by the vertical double arrow in Fig. 2 as indicated.

[0039] The adjustability, particularly of the longitudinal position relative to the filling nozzle 4, causes the rear (i.e., the right) section of the conveying device 7 to be shifted towards the filling nozzle 4, and the front section to be shifted towards the sealing device 6. This makes it possible, despite limiting the overall axial length of the conveying device 7 to a length that can be guided and supported within the cubic space during transport, to transport the entire load of bags from the position of the filling nozzle 4 to the position of the sealing device 6 and through it, with continuous support from the conveying device 7 during operation.

[0040] The adjustable height position of the conveying device 7 serves to adapt it to the size or height of the bags to be processed, so that a freshly filled bag, which is attached to the bag holder 8, hangs a certain distance above the conveying device 7 during the entire filling process and does not hinder its transport, and when fully filled, is lowered onto the conveying device 7 by opening or releasing the bag holder 8 under the influence of gravity.

[0041] The opening or release of the bag holder 8 can be triggered automatically once the set fill quantity is reached, for example, based on weight or time. In this case, the first conveying unit 5 stops and / or the closure at the outlet 9 of the bulk material feed container 3 closes until the next bag is secured in the bag holder 8 and this condition is detected. For a new filling cycle, the transport of the next bulk material can then be started automatically by starting the first conveying unit 5 and / or opening the closure at the outlet 9.

[0042] The conveying speed of the second conveying device 7 is matched or adjustable to a working or closing speed of the closing device 6, in particular for intermittent / cyclic or continuous operation, and the closing device is designed to close the bag, preferably automatically, during its movement through the second conveying device 7, particularly for sewing an upper open opening in the transverse direction.

[0043] The closing device 6 is preferably designed as a sewing machine for automatically sewing the opening of a fed, filled sack and also includes a thread-cutting device for automatically cutting any fed thread after the closing process. This allows the sewing machine to operate intermittently / cyclically or continuously without manual handling and to automatically close the filled sacks serially until they can be removed from the second conveying device 7.

[0044] Upstream of the sealing device 6 (relative to the conveying direction of the second transport device 7) is an inlet guide (not shown), for example in the form of guide plates or rails, which is designed to align a filled bag brought upright on the transport device 7 and to bring any still open opening of the bag together during transport on the second transport device 7 for a sealing operation in the transverse direction (along the transport direction) and into the sealing device 6. A sensor or switch may also be provided in the area of ​​the inlet guide, which detects the presence of a bag and automatically starts and stops the sealing operation of the sealing device 6.

[0045] To facilitate the transport of system 1 as a unit, the support frame structure can be equipped with two forklift pockets (into which the fork arms of a forklift can be inserted) and / or crane eyes (into which shackles or hooks for suspended transport can be attached). The support points are preferably positioned and aligned with the system's center of gravity, for example, symmetrically to it, so that when using the defined support points (forklift pockets and / or crane eyes), there is no risk of the system tipping or tilting.

[0046] The support frame 2 is further equipped with several removable, adjustable, and / or foldable support feet 10 for setting the support frame 2 down on the ground. These support feet 10 are preferably designed, as indicated in the illustration, as cantilevers projecting laterally beyond the body of the support frame, at least in the operating position, so that setting the support frame 2 down on the ground is possible even when it is still mounted on a trailer. In their operating position, the cantilever-like support feet 10 extend on all sides beyond the support frame 2 and, if applicable, the loading platform of the trailer.

[0047] The support feet 10 can also have a lifting device to adjust the height position and / or leveling of the support frame structure 2 above a base surface, for example via hydraulic cylinders or mechanical actuating cylinders or spindle drives that can be operated manually or via a motor or hydraulic pump.

[0048] The bulk material feed container 3 may further include a vibration device, in particular a vibrating motor or an ultrasonic vibration generator, to prevent compaction / adhesion of material to the bulk material feed container 3 and / or a screw conveyor for forced conveying of the bulk material from the feed container 3 to the first conveying device and / or a hinged hopper plate at the inlet of the bulk material feed container 3 to enlarge a filling opening at the upper circumferential edge.

[0049] Finally, the filling system 1 can also include a permanently installed mobile power generator, in particular a power generator or storage unit and / or a compressed air generator, within the support frame structure 2. This enables the filling system 1 to operate autonomously and is / are permanently connected to the components requiring power. The operating controls can be located on a control panel in the filling area, i.e., near the filling nozzle 4, or at the end of the second conveying unit 7 in the area of ​​the capping device 6, since an operator is essentially only required at these locations. Emergency stop switches, which are known per se, can also be provided at other critical positions to trigger an immediate shutdown of the system if necessary.

[0050] In a further extension, the system can also include a counter or scale, for example at the outgoing (left) end of the second conveyor unit 7, to record the weight of each sealed bag and, if desired, to store and log it. If the system is used for marketable products, a filled, sealed bag can also be marked with relevant data about the filling process, including date, time, fill quantity, or the like (for example, by a sticker, tag, or spray directly onto the bag).

Claims

1. Plant (1) for filling free-flowing bulk material into bags, comprising a self-supporting support frame structure (2) that defines / bounds a cubic volume, a bulk material feed container (3), a filling nozzle (4) with a bag holder (8), a first conveying device (5) for transporting bulk material from the bulk material feed container (3) to the filling nozzle (4), a closing device (6), in particular a sewing machine, for closing a bag opening of a filled bag, and a second conveying device (7), in particular a conveyor belt or roller conveyor, for transporting a filled bag from the position of the filling nozzle (4) to the position of the closing device (6), characterized by the fact thatthe bulk material feed container (3), the filling nozzle (4), the first conveying device (5), the closing device (6) and the second conveying device (7) are supported by the support frame structure (2) in both a transport state and an operating state, and the second conveying device (7) is attached in such a way that it can be moved between a transport position and an operating position in which it is located at least partially outside the cubic space body.

2. Filling plant (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the guided mobility includes translation and / or pivoting, in particular to adjust the second conveying device (7) in its longitudinal position and / or in its vertical position relative to the filling nozzle (4).

3. Filling plant (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact thatthe first conveying device (5) is a conveyor belt or a screw conveyor which is arranged in such a way that the bulk material can be transferred from the bulk material feed container (3) to this container by the action of gravity.

4. Filling plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that a conveying speed of the second conveying device (7) is matched or adjustable to a closing speed of the closing device (6), in particular for intermittent or continuous operation, and in particular the closing device is designed to close a bag preferably automatically during its movement through the second conveying device (7).

5. Filling plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact thatThe closing device (6) is associated with an inlet guide upstream of the conveying direction of the second transport device (7), which is designed to align a bag and to bring together the bag opening of a filled bag during its transport on the second transport device (7) for a closing operation and to introduce it into the closing device (6).

6. Filling plant (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that the closing device (6) comprises a sewing machine for automatically sewing the opening of a supplied filled sack and preferably a thread-cutting device for automatically cutting off a supplied thread after the closing process.

7. Filling plant (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact thatthe bag holder (8) is designed to selectively and automatically fix, in particular to clamp, a bag in the area of ​​the bag opening on both sides of a filling opening of the filling nozzle (4).

8. Filling plant (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that The supporting frame structure (2) is provided with forklift pockets and / or crane eyes for transport.

9. Filling plant (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that The support frame structure is provided with removable and / or adjustable and / or foldable support feet (10) for placing the support frame structure (2) on the ground, in particular in the form of cantilevered outriggers designed so that placement on the ground is possible even when the support frame structure (2) is placed on a trailer.

10. Filling plant (1) according to claim 9, characterized by the fact thatthe feet (10) have a lifting device to adjust the height position and / or level the support frame structure (2) above a base.

11. Filling plant (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the fact that the cubic space body defined / limited by the supporting frame structure (2) is dimensioned in such a way that it can be loaded in the transport state for transport on a loading platform of a trailer, in particular a rigid drawbar trailer, or of a transporter and / or into a roll-off container or a container according to ISO 668, wherein the external dimensions of the cubic space body are preferably adapted to the dimensions of standard transport pallets, in particular EURO pallets.

12. Filling plant (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the fact thatthe bulk material feed container has a vibration device, in particular a vibrating motor or an ultrasonic vibration generator, to prevent compaction / adhesion of material to the bulk material feed container (3) and / or a screw conveyor for forced conveying of the bulk material from the feed container and / or a hinged hopper plate at the inlet of the bulk material feed container (3).

13. Filling plant (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by the fact that the filling plant (1) has a mobile energy generator, in particular a power generator and / or compressed air generator, especially for self-sufficient operation of the filling plant (1).

14. Filling plant (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the fact thatthe filling plant (1) is designed to process / fill free-flowing bulk material, in particular in the municipal supply sector, especially sand, gravel, road salt, grit or bark mulch, and / or that the filling plant (1) is designed to fill free-flowing bulk material into bags, in particular standard bags of size 30x60, 40x60 or a special size and / or silo bags and / or tubular bags, in particular plastic woven bags, PP woven bags, jute bags, paper bags, film bags.

15. Method for filling free-flowing bulk material, particularly in the municipal supply sector, especially sand, gravel, road salt, grit or bark mulch, into bags, in particular standard bags of size 30x60, 40x60 or a special size and / or silo bags and / or tubular bags, preferably using a filling system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising: filling the free-flowing bulk material into a bulk material feed container (3), attaching an empty bag to a bag holder (8) of a filling nozzle (4), transporting the bulk material from the bulk material feed container (3) to the filling nozzle (4) with a first conveying device (5), filling the bag attached to the bag holder (8) with the bulk material, releasing the filled bag from the bag holder (8) and lowering it onto a second conveying device (7), in particular in the form of a Conveyor belt / roller conveyor,and transporting the filled sack from the position of the filling nozzle (4) to a / the position of a / the closing device (6), in particular a sewing machine, and automatically closing a sack opening of the filled sack, in particular by sewing, while the sack is transported on the second conveying device (7) into and through the closing device (6).

Images