Water jet cutting method and water jet cutting device for flexible container bag

Abstract

To provide a water jet cutting method for a flexible container bag, which effectively induces natural falling of contained items and realizes a smooth cutting process.SOLUTION: A flexible container bag 1 has a bag portion 2 and a belt portion 3. A water jet cutting method includes: a first step of moving the flexible container bag 1 with contents W packed in the bag portion 2 to a cutting location; a second step of spraying a water jet L laterally and moving the water jet L so as to surround a side peripheral surface of the flexible container bag 1, thereby cutting the bag portion 2 and the belt portion 3 while leaving at least one belt portion 3 uncut; and a third step of causing the contents W packed in the flexible container bag 1 to fall by their own weight.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water jet cutting method and apparatus for cutting flexible container bags. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, general waste, industrial waste, or other waste is packed into a flexible container bag, which is then transported to a disposal site, after which the flexible container bag is opened and the waste removed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for opening a bag in which a water jet is sprayed from below a flexible container bag being transported on a conveyor, forming intersecting cutting lines. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a bag-breaking device that cuts the bottom of a flexible container bag suspended by a crane by intersecting linear grooves. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6310241 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6310433 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2, the bottom of a flexible container bag is cut in a cross shape while the bag is placed on a conveyor or suspended by a crane, allowing the contents to fall out. Because this cutting work is performed below the flexible container bag, there is a possibility that the blades, nozzles, etc. may be damaged or deteriorated by the falling objects. Another problem is that the structure may become complicated due to the need to move the nozzles, etc.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a water jet cutting method and water jet cutting device for flexible container bags that effectively induces the contents to fall naturally and achieves a smooth cutting process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a first step of moving a flexible container bag having a bag portion and a band portion, the flexible container bag having contents packed in the bag portion, to a cutting location; a second step of spraying a water jet laterally and moving the water jet so as to surround the side peripheral surface of the flexible container bag, thereby cutting the bag portion and the strap portion while leaving at least one of the strap portions uncut; a third step in which the contents packed in the flexible container bag fall by their own weight; A method for water jet cutting a flexible container bag, comprising:

[0008] The contents are fluid, such as dewatered sludge, wood chips, or concrete pieces. In the second step, the water jet may be fixed at a fixed position and the flexible container bag may be rotated. By leaving at least one strap portion uncut, the flexible container bag is prevented from breaking apart. If the contents fall smoothly, two or more strap portions may be left uncut.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention is The device includes a flexible container bag having a bag portion and a belt portion, a pit into which contents packed in the flexible container bag fall, a circumferential rail surrounding the pit, a guide block movable along the circumferential rail, and a nozzle mounted on the guide block, a first step of placing the flexible container bag with the contents packed in the bag portion on the pit; a second step of spraying a water jet from the nozzle laterally toward a side peripheral surface of the flexible container bag while moving the guide block, thereby cutting the bag portion and the band portion while leaving at least one of the band portions uncut; a third step of lifting the flexible container bag and dropping the contents into the pit under its own weight; A method for water jet cutting a flexible container bag, comprising:

[0010] The pit is not limited to being an excavation in the floor, but may be a box placed on the floor. The pit may have a door or net on top for placing flexible container bags. The circulating rail may not be a complete circle, but may have broken sections.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention is The flexible container bag includes a bag portion and a belt portion, a pit into which contents packed in the flexible container bag fall, a turntable that covers the pit, and a nozzle, a first step of placing the flexible container bag with the contents packed in the bag portion on the turntable; a second step of spraying a water jet laterally from the nozzle toward a side peripheral surface of the flexible container bag while the turntable is in an operating state, thereby cutting the bag portion and the band portion while leaving at least one of the band portions uncut; a third step of lifting the flexible container bag and dropping the contents into the pit under its own weight; A method for water jet cutting a flexible container bag, comprising:

[0012] The pit is not limited to being an excavation in the floor, but may also be a box or the like placed on the floor. The turntable has an upper surface that is rotated by an electric motor or the like. The upper surface of the turntable is connected to the pit. The upper surface of the turntable may have a door, a net, or the like for placing the flexible container bag on. When cutting, the flexible container bag is rotated by the turntable.

[0013] The cutting position of the flexible container bag may be below the midpoint in the height direction of the bag portion, but it is preferable to cut the flexible container bag as close to the bottom as possible.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the present invention is A pit into which contents packed in flexible container bags fall, a circumferential rail surrounding the pit; a guide block movable along the circulating rail; a nozzle that is placed on the guide block and that laterally sprays a water jet toward a side peripheral surface of the flexible container bag that is placed on the pit; A water jet cutting device having:

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present invention is A pit into which contents packed in flexible container bags fall, a turntable covering the pit; a nozzle that sprays a water jet laterally toward a side surface of the flexible container bag placed on the turntable; A water jet cutting device having: [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The side periphery of the flexible container bag is cut with a water jet to induce the free-fall of the contents. By leaving at least one strip uncut during the water jet cutting, separation of the bottom of the flexible container bag is prevented, and the free-fall of the contents is not impeded. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of the cutting method according to the present invention [Figure 2] Flowchart of the cutting method according to the present invention [Figure 3] A water jet cutting device that moves the nozzle along a rotating rail [Figure 4] The flexible container bag in Figure 3 after cutting [Figure 5] Water jet cutting device using a turntable [Figure 6] The flexible container bag in Figure 5 is being cut. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] (Structure of flexible container bag) The flexible container bag 1 (hereinafter referred to as FIBC 1) of the present invention has a bag portion 2, a band portion 3, and a bottom portion 4. The bag portion 2 is a cover that covers the FIBC 1, and it is sufficient that the contents W, such as waste, do not leak out. The band portions 3 are bands that support the bag portion 2, and four of them are arranged at approximately 90-degree intervals when viewed from directly above. Note that the number of bands does not have to be four, and two, three, or any other number that can support the FIBC 1 will suffice. The bottom portion 4 closes the lower end surface of the FIBC 1, and it is sufficient that it can withstand the weight of the contents W.

[0020] (Water jet cutting equipment for flexible containers) The water jet cutting device M includes a nozzle 17 that sprays high-pressure water supplied from a pump 11 as a water jet L. The pump 11 may be a reciprocating pump, such as a triple plunger pump, and pressurizes the water to 100 to 245 MPa. The water jet cutting device M may also include an abrasive supply device (not shown) that sprays the water jet L mixed with an abrasive. The abrasive supply device supplies garnet or the like to the high-pressure water via power such as air. The pump 11 and the nozzle 17 are connected by a hose 13.

[0021] The water jet cutting device M may be a gun-type device that is operated manually, or one that has a moving mechanism for automation. In the case of a gun-type device that is operated manually, the high-pressure water supplied from the pump 11 is turned on and off with a grip 15 to switch the water jet L on and off. In the case of a device with a moving mechanism, the nozzle 17 can be moved back and forth and left and right by a power source such as a motor, allowing the nozzle 17 to be remotely controlled.

[0022] (Water jet cutting method for flexible containers) The flexible container water jet cutting method of this embodiment includes the following steps: (A) a step of packing waste or other contents W into a flexible container 1; (B) a process of lifting the flexible container 1 and moving it to a cutting location; (C) a step of leaving at least one of the plurality of band portions 3 arranged on the side peripheral surface of the flexible container 1 and cutting the others with a water jet L from the side; (D) A process in which the contents W packed in the flexible container 1 fall by its own weight; It has.

[0023] As described above in (A), the process of stuffing the contents W into the flexible container 1 involves dropping the contents W from the opening at the top of the bag portion 2 of the flexible container 1. The contents W can be stuffed manually, but can also be stuffed continuously automatically. When stuffing the contents W, the top of the bag portion 2 of the flexible container 1 is held open, and the contents W are scooped up with a cup or the like and then dropped inside. Since the flexible container 1 has an appropriate capacity, the capacity can be maintained uniformly by measuring the weight appropriately.

[0024] As shown in (B) above, in the process of moving the FIBC 1 in a lifted state to the cutting location, first, the center of the band portion 3 of the FIBC 1 is hooked onto the crane hook F. Next, the crane is moved back and forth and left and right, and after the FIBC 1 arrives at the cutting location, the height of the FIBC 1 is adjusted. A water jet L is sprayed from the nozzle 17 from the side onto the lifted FIBC 1 to cut the bag portion 2. If the nozzle 17 is sprayed too high relative to the height of the FIBC 1, the contents W will be prevented from falling after the FIBC 1 is cut. Therefore, by cutting below the midpoint between the top and bottom of the bag portion 2, the contents W can be smoothly allowed to fall. It is preferable to cut the FIBC 1 closer to the bottom portion 4.

[0025] As in (C) above, in the step of leaving at least one of the multiple strap portions 3 arranged on the side peripheral surface of the flexible container 1, the height of the nozzle 17 is fixed and the strap portions 3 are cut row by row. To cut the strap portions 3 sequentially with the water jet L, the flexible container 1 is rotated or the jet of the water jet L is moved so as to circle the outside of the flexible container 1. When the strap portions 3 are cut sequentially, the bag portions 2 in between are also cut.

[0026] While rotating in this manner, the flexible container 1 is cut laterally in the order of strap portion 3a, bag portion 2a, strap portion 3b, bag portion 2b, strap portion 3c, and bag portion 2c. In the area adjacent to the strap portion 3 that remains uncut, the bag portion 2 may also remain uncut. When cutting, the flexible container 1 may be in a lifted state, or may be allowed to land.

[0027] The distance from the nozzle 17 to the flexible container 1 can be freely adjusted according to individual conditions. For example, if the water jet L is pressurized to 245 MPa, the work can proceed smoothly by maintaining the distance from the nozzle 17 to the flexible container 1 at approximately 100 mm.

[0028] As shown in (D) above, in the process where the contents W packed into the flexible container 1 falls under its own weight, the bottom 4 opens under the weight of the contents W. As shown in (C) above, the flexible container 1 is cut from the side, focusing on the strap 3, and when the strap 3 has been cut in three places, as shown in the lower right of Figure 1, approximately 270 degrees of the total 360 degrees of the bottom 4 are cut. From this point on, the contents W falls smoothly under its own weight. The bottom 4 remains integrated with the flexible container 1 via the strap 3 that remains uncut. When the contents W falls, the bottom 4 is lifted up together with the flexible container 1. The bottom 4 does not hinder the contents W from falling.

[0029] Actual flexible containers 1 have various shapes and configurations. Accordingly, the number of strips 3 cut by the water jet L may vary. The number of strips 3 that remain uncut is not limited to one.

[0030] 3 shows a specific example of a water jet cutting device used to cut flexible containers 1. This device has a circulating rail 31, legs 33, guide blocks 35, a reciprocating rail 37, a base block 38, and a holder 39. At the center of the circulating rail 31 is a pit 21 into which the contents W of the flexible container 1 are dropped. The top of the pit 21 is closed by a lattice-shaped loading net 23. The flexible container 1 is placed on the loading net 23.

[0031] The circulating rail 31 is placed on legs 33. The guide block 35 is movable along the circulating rail 31. The advance / retract rail 37 is fixed to the guide block 35. The advance / retract rail 37 extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the circulating rail 31. The base block 38 is movable along the advance / retract rail 37. The holder 39 is attached to the base block 38. The base portion of the nozzle 17 is held by the upper part of the holder 39. By moving the base block 38, the distance between the nozzle 17 and the flexible container 1 changes.

[0032] The guide block 35 and the base block 38 may be moved manually. When moving manually, the water jet L is sprayed while maintaining a constant distance between the nozzle 17 and the flexible container 1, and the guide block 35 is moved along the circular rail 31. The guide block 35 and the base block 38 may be moved using a power source such as electricity. Remote control of these is expected to improve the working environment. The circular rail 31 may not be a complete circle, but may have interrupted sections. The interrupted sections of the circular rail 31 allow workers and others to approach the flexible container 1 without difficulty.

[0033] The cutting of the flexible container 1 progresses by moving the guide block 35 along the circumferential rail 31 while spraying the water jet L. As mentioned above, it is not necessary to cut the entire circumference of the flexible container 1, and it is acceptable to leave one of the multiple band portions 3 intact. Because the flexible container 1 is placed on the loading net 23, its shape does not change significantly even during the cutting operation. During the cutting operation, the hook F prevents the flexible container 1 from tipping over.

[0034] Figure 4 shows the state after the guide block 35 in Figure 3 has been moved and the flexible container 1 has been cut. In the figure, the single band 3 located on the back side of the flexible container 1 and the adjacent area remain uncut. When the flexible container 1 is then lifted using the hook F, the weight of the contents W causes the cutting line C to open wide, and the contents W falls smoothly into the pit 21 under its own weight. The bottom 4 is lifted together with the flexible container 1 via the single band 3. The bottom 4 does not prevent the contents W from falling.

[0035] Figure 5 shows a water jet cutting device of a different type from that shown in Figure 3. This device has a turntable 25, a base 41, a reciprocating rail 43, a base block 45, a movable holder 47, a contact means 49, a plate 51, and a slider 53. The top surface of the turntable 25 can be rotated by a motor or the like. A flexible container 1 is placed in the center of the top surface of the turntable 25. Directly below the turntable 25, a pit 21 is provided for dropping the contents W of the flexible container 1. The top surface of the turntable 25 is covered with a lattice-shaped loading net 23.

[0036] The base 41 is rod-shaped. The base 41 is arranged along the radial direction of the rotating part of the turntable 25. The advance / retract rail 43 is attached to the upper surface of the base 41. The base block 45 moves along the advance / retract rail 43. The movable holder 47 is cylindrical and can accommodate the nozzle 17. The movable holder 47 is inserted so as to penetrate the side of the base block 45. The movable holder 47 is movable relative to the base block 45. The base portion of the nozzle 17 is held by the movable holder 47.

[0037] The contacting means 49 has the function of biasing the nozzle 17 so that it approaches the flexible container 1. The contacting means 49 is, for example, an elastic material such as a spring, or an air cylinder. The contacting means 49 in the figure is assumed to be an air cylinder. The contacting means 49 is disposed parallel to the movable holder 47. The rod of the contacting means 49 is connected to the movable holder 47 via a plate 51. Pressure-adjusted air is supplied to the contacting means 49.

[0038] The slider 53 is attached to the tip of the nozzle 17. The slider 53 comes into contact with the flexible container 1 and maintains a generally constant distance from the nozzle 17 to the flexible container 1. The slider 53 has a round hole 53b in the center for inserting the nozzle 17. The slider 53 has semicircularly curved outer edge portions 53c on both sides. The outer edge portions 53c allow the slider 53 to move smoothly along the surface of the flexible container 1. The upper left part of Figure 5 shows a cross section of the slider 53 passing through the center of the round hole 53b.

[0039] Before the cutting operation begins, the base block 45 is advanced. After the slider 53 comes into contact with the flexible container 1 and the sealing means 49 has been pushed in to a certain extent, the base block 45 is fixed. Thereafter, the turntable 25 is rotated. Even if the side surface of the flexible container 1 is uneven, the sealing means 49 expands and contracts accordingly during rotation, thereby maintaining a roughly constant distance from the nozzle 17 to the flexible container 1. The slider 53 can also be used with the nozzle 17 shown in Figures 1 and 3. The sealing means 49 can also be introduced into the device shown in Figure 3.

[0040] Figure 6 shows the state after Figure 5, in which the flexible container 1 is being cut. When the turntable 25 is rotated, the base block 45 is fixed. Any irregularities on the side surface of the flexible container 1 are absorbed by the contact means 49. The slider 53 maintains contact with the flexible container 1 without being affected by the irregularities on the side surface of the flexible container 1. When the rotation of the turntable 25 leaves only one strip 3 uncut, the pump 11 and turntable 25 are stopped. The flexible container 1 is then lifted up via the hook F, and the weight of the contents W causes the cutting line C to open wide. The contents W then falls smoothly into the pit under its own weight.

[0041] The base block 45 can be moved manually, or alternatively, it may be moved using a power source such as electricity. By moving the base block 45 using a power source and operating the sealing means 49, reliable cutting is possible even when operated remotely. When the slider 53 comes into contact with the flexible container 1, it is sufficient if the distance from the nozzle 17 to the flexible container 1 is approximately 100 mm.

[0042] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention, and all technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims are subject to the present invention. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements from the contents disclosed in this specification, and these are included in the technical scope described in the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1 Flexible container bag (FIBC) 2, 2a, 2b, 2c bag section 3, 3a, 3b, 3c band 4 Bottom 11 Pump 13 Hose 15 Grip 17 nozzles 21 Pit (cutting place) 23 Deposited Net 25 Turntable 31 Circular Rail 33 legs 35 Guide Block 37 Advance / retreat rail 38 Base Block 39 Holder 41 Pedestal 43 Advance / retract rail 45 Base Block 47 Movable holder 49 Adhesion Method 51 Plate 53 Slider 53b Round hole 53c outer edge C cutting line F hook L Water Jet M Water Jet Cutting Machine W Container (waste, etc.)

Claims

1. a first step of moving a flexible container bag having a bag portion and a band portion, the flexible container bag having contents packed in the bag portion, to a cutting location; a second step of spraying a water jet laterally and moving the water jet so as to surround a side peripheral surface of the flexible container bag, thereby cutting the bag portion and the strap portion while leaving at least one of the strap portions uncut; a third step in which the contents packed in the flexible container bag fall by their own weight; A method for water jet cutting a flexible container bag, comprising:

2. The flexible container bag includes a flexible container bag having a bag portion and a belt portion, a pit into which contents packed in the flexible container bag fall, a circumferential rail surrounding the pit, a guide block movable along the circumferential rail, and a nozzle mounted on the guide block, a first step of placing the flexible container bag with the contents packed in the bag portion on the pit; a second step of spraying a water jet from the nozzle laterally toward a side peripheral surface of the flexible container bag while moving the guide block, thereby cutting the bag portion and the band portion while leaving at least one of the band portions uncut; a third step of lifting the flexible container bag and dropping the contents into the pit under its own weight; A method for water jet cutting a flexible container bag, comprising:

3. The flexible container bag includes a bag portion and a belt portion, a pit into which contents packed in the flexible container bag fall, a turntable that covers the pit, and a nozzle, a first step of placing the flexible container bag with the contents packed in the bag portion on the turntable; a second step of laterally spraying a water jet from the nozzle toward a side peripheral surface of the flexible container bag while the turntable is in an operating state, thereby cutting the bag portion and the band portion while leaving at least one of the band portions uncut; a third step of lifting the flexible container bag and dropping the contents into the pit under its own weight; A method for water jet cutting a flexible container bag, comprising:

4. The water jet cutting method for a flexible container bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutting position of the flexible container bag is set below the midpoint in the height direction of the bag portion.

5. A pit into which contents packed in flexible container bags fall, a circumferential rail surrounding the pit; a guide block movable along the circulating rail; a nozzle that is placed on the guide block and that laterally sprays a water jet toward a side peripheral surface of the flexible container bag that is placed on the pit; 1. A water jet cutting device comprising:

6. A pit into which contents packed in flexible container bags fall, a turntable covering the pit; a nozzle that sprays a water jet laterally toward a side surface of the flexible container bag placed on the turntable; 1. A water jet cutting device comprising:

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