Apparatus and method for handling flexible, large-capacity containers containing bulk materials

Abstract

A handling device (1) for handling a flexible container (30) containing bulk material, comprising a support frame (2) having at least one opening (3) and configured to support the bottom of the loaded container, and a cutter (5) at least partially protruding into the opening (3) of the support frame (2) and configured to cut the bottom of the container, wherein the cutter (5) is a rotary cutter (5) having a circular blade (6) defining a rotating surface (R). A method for handling a flexible container (30) containing bulk material is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for handling flexible large-capacity containers, such as flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) also known as big bags. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for discharging bulk material from a flexible large-capacity container.

Background Art

[0002] Although it is common to store bulk materials as powders or granules in rigid containers, flexible large-capacity containers are increasingly being used as enclosures and packages for these flowable substances. Flexible containers having a volume capacity of 0.5 m 3 or more are generally known as big bags. Big bags are usually handled mechanically, e.g., transported, because of their large weight in a filled state, which can range from several hundred kilograms to several tons.

[0003] For the same reason, not only transportation but also non-mobile handling, such as filling or emptying big bags, presents operational challenges. Furthermore, the bulk powder material can cause environmental contamination at the moment of filling or emptying the big bag, which is particularly undesirable in the case of harmful or toxic substances. Usually, the bulk material is discharged under the influence of gravity from an outlet port or cut-out provided at the bottom of the big bag.

[0004] Flexible large-capacity containers can be used, for example, in the product manufacturing industry and waste management, and also at drilling sites where it may be necessary to supply a powdered material as an additive for the preparation of drilling fluids. These additives are typically supplied in large quantities and may present issues regarding dust exposure during discharge from the large-capacity container.

[0005] In the past, efforts have already been made to improve the process of emptying large bags, and equipment has been provided to facilitate non-moving handling and reduce contamination.

[0006] For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004 / 074922 discloses a device for emptying a large-capacity container, having a lift mechanism to ensure complete emptying and a shutter mechanism to allow for gradual emptying in a clean and controlled manner. European Patent Application Publication 2644520 relates to a device for emptying a flexible container, which can be detachably fixed to the container. The device comprises a negative pressure chamber having a suction opening for essentially contamination-free discharge of the contained material. The device further optionally comprises a cutting knife having a cruciate blade arrangement and a lift mechanism for moving upward toward the container to puncture and open the container. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 074922 Specification [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 2644520 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Nevertheless, the available devices described above in the cited prior art provide relatively cumbersome handling techniques with components that require careful handling and involve considerably longer working times. Particularly in harsh environments such as the aforementioned excavation sites, there is a need for handling methods and devices that offer improvements in robustness, reliability, and working speed, and that provide enhanced dust protection for the health and safety of personnel. The present disclosure aims to provide a technology that provides improvements in one or more of the above areas, or at least forms a useful alternative to the state of the art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In one embodiment, a handling device is provided for handling a flexible container containing bulk material, comprising: a support frame having at least one opening and configured to support the bottom of a loaded container; and a cutter at least partially protruding into the opening of the support frame and configured to cut the bottom of the container, wherein the cutter is a rotary cutter having a circular blade defining a rotating surface.

[0010] In one embodiment, a method is provided for handling a flexible container containing bulk material.

[0011] The following detailed description and attached claims outline further aspects and embodiments of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] The above features and other features will become apparent from the following illustrative and non-limiting example description, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0013] [Figure 1] The first example shows a perspective front view of the handling device. [Figure 2] This shows a top view of the handling device according to the first example. [Figure 3]A cutaway side view of a handling device according to the first example is shown. [Figure 4] A cutaway side view of a handling device according to the second example is shown. [Figure 5] A front view of a handling device according to the first example is shown. [Figure 6] A perspective front view of a handling device according to another example is shown. [Figure 7] An example embodiment of a handling device having an internal sack handling mechanism is shown. [Figure 8] An example embodiment of a handling device having an internal sack handling mechanism is shown. [Figure 9] An example embodiment of a handling device having an internal sack handling mechanism is shown. [Figure 10] An example embodiment of a handling device having an internal sack handling mechanism is shown. [Figure 11] An example embodiment of a handling device having an internal sack handling mechanism is shown. [Figure 12] An example embodiment of a handling device having an internal sack handling mechanism is shown. [Figure 13] An example embodiment of a handling device having an internal sack handling mechanism is shown.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] In the following description, terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below" may be used. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations shown in the drawings and related to the normal use of the present invention. These terms are used only for the convenience of the reader and are not intended to be limiting.

[0015] This specification is 0.5m 3Operate a flexible large-capacity container as a large bag having a capacity exceeding [specific value], and provide an improved handling device and an improved handling method, particularly for emptying. For example, in a drilling rig, these containers can accommodate powdered additives for on-site preparation of drilling fluids. The additives may tend to generate dust in the immediate vicinity of the container upon discharge. Further, due to process requirements, it may be required to quickly and effectively empty the container for a smooth operation process. Moreover, due to the harsh environment on the drilling rig, particularly when located offshore, a robust and effective handling device that reliably functions over a long period under difficult environmental conditions is required. However, other application areas of large bags may also face one or more of the above requirements, and thus, the proposed handling device and method of the present invention are not limited to use in a drilling rig.

[0016] In this regard, for example, in the above-mentioned European Patent Application Publication No. 2644520, suction means for dust suppression and cutting means for puncturing the container to initiate discharge have been proposed. However, the operating time for loading the container, raising and retracting the cutting means, and performing suction is relatively long, and the cutting and suction components may easily fail as an insufficient cutting opening or clogging. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and provide a handling device and method that operate quickly, reliably, and efficiently.

[0017] Figs. 1 to 5 show various views of a handling device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. Particularly, as will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 3 and 4, Figs. 1 to 3 and 5 show a handling device 1 according to a first example, and Fig. 4 shows a handling device 1 according to a second example.

[0018] Looking at Figures 1 and 2, perspective and direct top views are shown illustrating a handling device 1 for handling a flexible large-capacity container for holding bulk material (not shown in Figures 1 and 2, but shown in relation to Figures 7 and 8 below; see item 30). For example, the flexible large-capacity container can hold powdered material. The handling device 1 can release the powdered material from the container and feed it into a container of interest, a supply line, or another suitable container. The handling device 1 comprises a support frame 2 mounted on a rack 4. The rack 4 is configured to hold and stabilize the support frame 2 at an appropriate height. The support frame 2 is configured to support the bottom of the flexible large-capacity container loaded on the support frame 2.

[0019] The support frame 2 is provided with at least one opening 3 that allows discharging from the container through the support frame 2. The opening 3 is made small enough so as not to affect the stability of the loaded container located on the support frame 2. For example, according to the illustrated example, the opening 3 may be circular. According to another example, the opening 3 may be rectangular or have an irregular geometric shape.

[0020] As shown in the figure, the handling device 1 includes a cutter 5 that at least partially protrudes into an opening 3 in the support frame 2. The cutter 5 cuts the bottom of the container to initiate the release of bulk material from the container. In contrast to the cutter concept typically used in the type of handling device 1 described, according to the present invention, the cutter 5 is a rotary cutter 5. The rotary cutter 5 includes a circular blade 6, the contour of which defines a rotational surface R. The rotary cutter 5 enables rapid, effective, and reliable cutting of the bottom of the container. Since the cutter 5 already protrudes into the opening 3 adjacent to the bottom of the container, and the circular blade 6 cuts the container accurately and simultaneously at various points along a continuous line, the cutting time is significantly reduced. Even if there are dull spots on the blade 6 due to the effects of wear, for example, the rotational motion can compensate for this. Thus, the cutting is improved in terms of solidity and speed compared to the known cutting concepts of the handling device 1.

[0021] The rotary cutter 5 can be operated by a suitable cutter drive unit 13, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor. The rotary cutter 5 can be connected to the cutter drive unit 13 via an elongated cutter shaft 9 (see Figures 3 and 4) extending into the rack 4, and the circular blade 6 is connected to the cutter shaft 9 by at least one blade holder. The blade 6 may be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the cutter shaft 9. However, the concept of eccentric rotation may also be applicable so that the distance of the blade 6 from the bottom of the container changes during rotation.

[0022] It is preferable that the cutter shaft 9 is adjustable in length so that the height of the cutter above the ground or relative to the support frame 2 can be adjusted by the adjustable cutter shaft 9. In addition, or instead, the cutter shaft 9 may be adjustable in a set angle so that the cutter angle and, if present, the inclination angle α can be adjusted by the adjustable cutter shaft 9. In another example, the inclination angle α may be separately adjustable, for example, by an adjustable blade holder. The adjustable cutter shaft 9 allows for the implementation of individual cutting configurations, and the cutting process can be optimized to suit the characteristics of different containers, such as the thickness, weight, dimensions, or geometric shape of various containers, or the cutter may be adjustable to suit various predetermined operating parameters such as cutting speed and cutting opening size. For example, the length of the cutter shaft may be adjusted by an extension mechanism, a linear guide mechanism, or other suitable mechanical length adjustment means, and the cutter angle may be adjusted by a suitable swivel.

[0023] The blade 6 can be selectively rotated in a predetermined direction according to each power signal. Depending on the configuration, the cutter 5 may be set to rotate in only one direction, or, if necessary or useful, may be set to rotate in two opposite directions by a periodic change of direction, for example, so that the blade 6 also moves back and forth. The blade 6 may be configured, for example, as a cutting blade with a smooth edge, or as a serrated blade with a toothed edge. Furthermore, the blade 6 may be detachably connected to the blade holder of the cutter 5 to allow for replacement or maintenance of the blade due to wear, or replacement with different blade diameters or blade types according to individual requirements.

[0024] The support frame 2 can comprise columns, grids, plates, or any other mechanical structure suitable for supporting a flexible, large-capacity container. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, four converging support columns 7 arranged in a roughly cross shape are used to provide a stable and robust support frame 2. The spaces between the support columns 7 form further openings 3 in addition to the opening 3 through which the cutter 5 protrudes. Thus, swirling or floating material can fall through the support frame 2.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support frame 2 includes a circular subframe 8 from which the cutter 5 protrudes. The circular subframe 8 borders the circular blade 6, preferably around its entire circumference. The subframe 8 ensures that the bottom of the container is properly supported in the cutting area, the blade 6 is protected from the heavy weight load of the container, and thus deformation of the blade is prevented. Depending on the selected frame configuration, the subframe 8 may be centrally located on the support frame 2 or eccentrically located as shown in Figure 2. In the illustrated example, the subframe 8 connects the converging support columns 7 by forming a jointed circular frame portion.

[0026] Referring next to Figures 3 and 4, the cross-sectional side views show first and second examples of the handling device 1. As indicated by the angle indicated by the symbol α, the rotation surface R of the cutter blade 6 is inclined with respect to the support frame 2. By providing an inclined rotation surface R, it is ensured that the circular blade 6 is only partially exposed to the bottom of the container. Thus, it is prevented that the circular blade 6 cuts a complete circular portion from the container, and that this cut-off portion of the container material falls through the support frame 2, contaminating the bulk material being released or interfering with downstream equipment. The inclined rotation surface R of the circular blade 6 cuts a geometrically unclosed arc into the bottom of the container, thus providing a sufficiently large opening in the container for rapid material release. Preferably, the inclination angle α is an acute angle in the range of 1° to 15°, 2° to 10°, or 3° to 5°. With respect to the partial circumference of the circular blade 6 exposed at the bottom of the container, for example, an arc of 310° to 350°, 320° to 340°, or approximately 330° may be exposed. Blade arcs not configured to be exposed to the container may be positioned below the support height of the support frame 2 (i.e., lower vertically than the support height) so as to prevent cutting contact between the unexposed blade arcs and the bottom of the container. The inclined rotating surface R may be directed upward or downward from the support frame 2, depending on the configuration of the support frame 2, insofar as it is ensured that the circular blade 6 reaches the bottom of the container and that only a portion of the circular blade 6 contacts the bottom of the container.

[0027] Referring to Figure 3, the first example comprises a horizontal support frame 2. The term “horizontal” means that when the handling device 1 is properly installed and in its normal operating orientation, the support frame 2 extends substantially parallel to the flat ground. The support frame 2 may define a support surface by, for example, a conceptual connection of support columns 7, and the support surface may extend substantially perpendicular to vertical rack columns that lift the support frame 2 off the ground. The term “vertical” means that the rack columns extend substantially perpendicular to the ground. The support surface may define the orientation of the support frame 2 such that the horizontal support surface corresponds to the horizontal support frame 2.

[0028] Referring to Figure 4, the second example includes a support frame 2, of which at least a portion is tilted with respect to the horizontal H at a predetermined tilt angle β. The tilted support frame 2 causes the bottom of a loaded flexible large-capacity container to arch or bend into the formed inclined portion, thus further improving the emptying process compared to when the support surface provided by the support frame 2 is flat. The horizontal H may be a virtual line parallel to a flat ground or a horizontally extending portion of the support frame 2 or rack 4. The tilt angle β may be an angle greater than the inclination angle α but less than 45°, preferably less than 30°. According to another example, the tilt angle β may be less than or equal to the inclination angle α. Furthermore, it is conceivable to tilt two or more portions of the support frame 2, such that these portions are tilted at equal or different tilt angles β. For example, the support frame 2 may comprise various support columns 7 tilted at different tilt angles β. As can be seen in Figure 4, the rotating surface R of the blade 6 may still be tilted with respect to the support frame 2 or at least one support column 7 at a predetermined inclination angle α, thus ensuring that only a portion of the circular blade 6 is exposed to the bottom of the container.

[0029] Depending on the selected frame configuration, the circular subframe 8 surrounding the circular blade 6 may be tilted to coincide with the rotation plane R, and its tilt angle with respect to the adjacent support frame 2 may be greater than or less than the rotation plane R, or it may not be tilted at all.

[0030] In any of the examples or embodiments described herein, the circular blade 6 may be positioned such that a portion of the blade 6 is positioned vertically higher than the directly adjacent upward surface of the support frame 2, and a portion of the blade 6 is positioned vertically lower than the directly adjacent upward surface of the support frame 2. The blade 6 may be positioned below the upper surface of the adjacent support frame 2, for example, over at least 10°, 30°, or 50° of the circumference of the circular blade. The adjacent upper surface may be formed by the upward surface of a circular subframe 8, so that a portion of the circular subframe 8 (e.g., 90° of the circumference) is positioned vertically higher than the blade 6, and another portion of the circular subframe 8 (e.g., 270° of the circumference) is positioned vertically lower than the blade 6, as shown in Figure 4, for example. This prevents the container from coming into contact with the blade 6 in the region where the blade 6 is positioned below the subframe 8.

[0031] In addition to tilting the rotation surface R of the blade 6, or as an alternative suggestion, it may be advantageous to at least partially cover the circular blade 6 toward the bottom of the loaded container. Partially covering the blade 6 also ensures that the cutter's exposure to the container is limited, and thus prevents the container from being completely cut. For example, the cover may be a shield made of metal or other suitable robust material. The cover may cover the blade 6 and protrude from the support frame 2, preferably covering at least 10, 30, or 50% of the cutting edge of the blade 6, or preferably at least 10°, 30°, or 50° of the circumference of the circular blade. In this way, when the container is placed on the support frame 2, a portion of the container will abut against the cover, preventing contact with the blade 6 in the area of ​​the cover.

[0032] As illustrated throughout the drawings, the handling device 1 further comprises a reservoir 10 mounted on a support frame 2. The reservoir 10, which may have, for example, a truncated pyramidal shape, can collect bulk material discharged from a flexible large-capacity container and guide it to an outlet designated at the bottom of the reservoir 10. The outlet of the reservoir 10 forms an interface with downstream processing equipment and may have a simple outlet opening 11 (see Figure 4) for direct discharge, or it may have an outlet port, valve, or dosing screw that is selectively closable or variable to allow control of the discharge of material. The interface may be located above a container of interest, an intermediate reservoir, or a supply line for further transport or processing of the discharged material. For this purpose, a separate collector 15 may be mounted on the underside of the reservoir 10.

[0033] For example, as shown in Figure 5, the reservoir 10 preferably includes a shaft opening 12 that allows the cutter shaft 9 to protrude into the interior of the reservoir 10 toward the support frame 2. The cutter drive unit 13 for driving the cutter shaft 9 and the rotary cutter 5 may be located outside and below the reservoir 10 to achieve a compact arrangement.

[0034] The handling device 1 may have a modular configuration, that is, it may be divided into smaller modules for, for example, transport, maintenance, or replacement of components. For example, the handling device 1 may include a frame module comprising a rack 4 and a support frame 2, a cutting module comprising a cutter 5, a blade 6, a cutter shaft 9, and a cutter drive unit 13, and a collection module comprising a reservoir 10 and a collector 15.

[0035] Although not illustrated in a single method step, the following steps are taken: Steps to prepare the handling device 1, A step of mounting a flexible, large-capacity container containing bulk material onto a support frame 2 such that the support frame 2 supports the bottom of the container, Steps to operate the rotary cutter 5, The steps include cutting an arc into the bottom of the container with the rotary cutter 5, and Step of releasing bulk material from the container Related handling methods for flexible, large-capacity containers, including those mentioned above, can be derived from Figures 1 to 5.

[0036] The described method may further include a step of stopping the rotary cutter 5 after the step of cutting an arc at the bottom of the container for unobstructed material flow and reduced energy consumption. The described method may further include a step of collecting the discharged bulk material into the reservoir 10 and / or collector 15 for controlled discharge of bulk material to downstream equipment. The described method may further include a step of adjusting the height or angle of the cutter shaft before or after loading the flexible large-capacity container onto the support frame 2 to suit individual configurations.

[0037] According to the above description of the handling apparatus and method, rapid, effective, and reliable cutting of the container bottom can be achieved.

[0038] Figure 6 shows a handling device 1 for handling a flexible, large-capacity container containing bulk material, according to another example. The handling device 1 comprises a support frame 2 having at least one opening 3. The support frame 2 is mounted on a rack 4 configured to hold and stabilize the support frame 2 at an appropriate height. The support frame 2 is configured to support the bottom of the flexible, large-capacity container loaded onto the support frame 2. In other respects, the handling device 1 may have any or a combination thereof of the further features described above in relation to Figures 1 to 5.

[0039] As shown in the figure, rack 4 further comprises a casing 16 mounted on rack 4. The casing 16 is configured to substantially cover the sides and top of the handling device 1. Furthermore, the casing 16 comprises a selectively openable and closable loading section 17. The selectively openable and closable loading section 17 can provide temporary access to the support frame 2 for loading flexible large-capacity containers into or out of the handling device 1. Preferably, the loading section 17 is intended to be closed when material is released from the container. The casing 16 and the closed loading section 17 provide a contamination-free or dust-free release of bulk material, thus protecting personnel and machinery in the direct environment. Also, material from outside the casing 16 cannot enter the released material, thus preventing contamination. A substantially closed handling system allows for high flow rates of material to be released without contamination-based limitations or dust generation issues.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, the handling device 1 may be equipped with a rotary cutter 5, a puncture tool, or another suitable mechanism for opening a flexible large-capacity container at its bottom.

[0041] The selectively openable and closable loading section 17 may be equipped with a movable door, such as a pivotable door, to provide selective access to the internal volume of the casing 16. According to a convenient embodiment shown in Figure 6, the casing 16 is equipped with a roller shutter 18. The roller shutter 18 enables clearly defined, high-speed, reliable, and controllable opening and closing of the loading section 17. Appropriate collision prevention or contamination sensors may be provided to monitor the area of ​​the loading section for significant objects or particles and, accordingly, prevent the opening or closing of the roller shutter 18.

[0042] Because the casing 16 exhibits a seal that can affect the pressure state of the internal volume of the casing 16 when the loading section 17 is closed, it may be preferable for the casing 16 to be equipped with an air exchange unit 19. The air exchange unit 19 may have a filter assembly or, optionally, may be connected to a ventilation system. The air exchange unit 19 is configured to exchange the air inside the casing 16 with ambient air to prevent environmental pollution while enabling pressure compensation. The pressure can be monitored by a differential pressure gauge (not shown). The air exchange unit 19 may provide passive air exchange by natural airflow through ventilation slots or may be configured to provide active air exchange with the assistance of a fan, at least temporarily. Active air exchange in particular can rapidly reduce dust present in the internal volume of the casing 16, thus enabling faster removal and loading of the container between discharge processes, resulting in reduced working time. The filter assembly may include a replaceable filter cassette. The air exchange unit 19 may further include a purge air source for quickly purifying the dust-containing air in the internal volume of the casing 16.

[0043] The handling device 1 may have a modular configuration, that is, it may be divided into smaller modules for, for example, transport, maintenance, or replacement of components. For example, the handling device 1 may include a frame module comprising a rack 4, a casing 16 having a roller shutter 18, and a support frame 2; a cutting module comprising a cutter 5; an air exchange module comprising an air exchange unit 19 and a filter assembly; and a collection module comprising a reservoir 10 and a collector 15.

[0044] Although not illustrated in a single method step, the following steps are taken: Steps to prepare the handling device 1, Steps to open the loading section 17 of the casing 16, A step of mounting a flexible, large-capacity container containing bulk material onto a support frame 2, The steps of closing the loading portion 17 of the casing 16, Step of releasing bulk material from the container Related handling methods for flexible, large-capacity containers, including the one shown, can be derived from Figure 6.

[0045] The described method may further include the step of removing a prior flexible large-capacity container from the support frame 2 before loading a new flexible large-capacity container onto the support frame. The described method may further include the step of cutting or puncturing the bottom of the flexible large-capacity container before releasing bulk material from the container. The described method may further include the step of activating the air exchange unit 19. The described method may further include the step of approving the opening and closing of the loading section 17 with the help of a sensor.

[0046] According to the above description of the handling apparatus and method, it is possible to achieve clean, rapid, and effective discharge of bulk material from flexible, large-capacity containers without environmental contamination.

[0047] It is clear that the handling apparatus 1 and associated handling methods described in relation to Figures 1 to 5 above can be combined with one or more features or steps of the handling apparatus 1 and handling methods described in relation to Figure 6 in order to beneficially realize the advantages of improved cutting with improved dust prevention. The handling apparatus 1 and methods according to these examples include a coordinated synergistic approach to provide a handling apparatus 1 and methods that operate quickly, reliably, and efficiently. For example, in some applications, the operating cycle time between loading and unloading of flexible large-capacity containers can be reduced to a range of 5 to 10 minutes, for example, 7 or 8 minutes.

[0048] Figures 7 to 13 show embodiments of a handling device having an internal sack handling mechanism. The features shown in Figures 7 to 13 may be used in combination with one or more of the examples described above, or used independently.

[0049] The handling device 1 is configured to receive a container 30 containing bulk material. The device 1 includes a loading section 17 that can be selectively opened and closed, as described above in relation to Figure 6. The container 30 can be moved into the device 1 and positioned for delivery to the reservoir 10.

[0050] The gripping assembly 31 is movably positioned within the casing 16. In Figures 7 and 8, the gripping assembly 31 is positioned in the retracted position when the container 30 is loaded into the casing 16.

[0051] In Figure 9, the gripping assembly 31 moves to a forward position where it can operate to contact the top of the container 30. The gripping assembly 31 may be arranged to pivot between a retracted position and a forward position, for example, as shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0052] The gripping assembly 31 may include a gripping drum that contacts the container 30, as will be described in more detail later. The blade 6 (or another type of cutting mechanism) is then activated and the material is released from the container 30 into the reservoir 10, as shown in Figure 10. The gripping assembly 31 holds the container 30 during this process. After a certain amount of time, the container 30 can be considered empty. For example, a weight sensor (not shown) may be used to determine when the container 30 should be considered empty, and / or this determination may be based on the elapsed time since the start of cutting the container 30.

[0053] Next, as shown in Figure 11, the gripping assembly 31 can be retracted toward the retracted position while pulling the substantially empty container 30 away from the reservoir 10.

[0054] As shown in Figure 12, when the gripping assembly 31 is in the retracted position, it may be positioned above the waste unit 32 for empty containers 30, such as a sack compressor. In this position, the gripping drum (if used) can be rotated to feed the substantially empty containers 30 to the waste unit 32.

[0055] Figure 13 shows an example of a gripping drum 33. The gripping drum 33 may be powered to rotate the gripping drum 33 or a portion of the gripping drum 33 relative to the rest of the gripping assembly 31, and may have, for example, a motor 34 in a housing.

[0056] A gripping member 35, such as a projection extending radially outward on the surface of the gripping drum 33, may be provided to enhance the engagement of the container 30.

[0057] The gripping assembly 31 may comprise two gripping drums that can engage the container 30 between them. In any example or embodiment having two gripping drums, one gripping drum 33 may be powered, as shown in Figure 13, for example, and the other may be passive, or both may be powered. In addition to this, or alternatively, one of the gripping drums may be spring-driven so that any lumps or residues present in the container 30 can pass between the gripping drums when the substantially empty container 30 is sent to the waste unit 32.

[0058] The present invention is not limited by the embodiments and examples described above, and the appended claims should be referenced. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] JPEG2026515202000002.jpg94101

Claims

1. A handling device (1) for handling a flexible container (30) containing bulk material, A support frame (2) having at least one opening (3) and configured to support the bottom of the loaded container, A cutter (5) that protrudes at least partially into the opening (3) of the support frame (2) and is configured to cut the bottom of the container It is equipped with, The handling device (1) is a rotary cutter (5) having a circular blade (6) that defines a rotating surface (R).

2. The handling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the rotating surface (R) of the blade (6) is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle (α) with respect to the support frame (2).

3. The handling device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the support frame (2) is tilted to a predetermined tilt angle (β) with respect to the horizontal (H).

4. The handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the circular blade (6) at least partially covers the bottom of the loaded container.

5. The handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support frame (2) comprises at least one support column (7).

6. A handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least two support columns (7) are arranged in a substantially cross shape.

7. The handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the support frame (2) comprises a circular subframe (8) from which the cutter (5) protrudes.

8. The handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cutter height and / or cutter angle are adjustable by an adjustable cutter shaft (9).

9. The handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a reservoir (10) attached to the support frame (2).

10. A method for handling a flexible container (30) containing bulk material, A step of preparing a handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The steps include: mounting a flexible container containing bulk material onto the support frame (2) such that the support frame (2) supports the bottom of the container; The steps include operating the rotary cutter (5), The steps include cutting an arc into the bottom of the container with the rotary cutter (5), The steps include releasing the bulk material from the container (30) and A method that includes this.

11. A handling device (1) for handling a flexible container (30) containing bulk material, A support frame (2) having at least one opening (3) and configured to support the bottom of the loaded container, The rack (4) to which the support frame (2) is attached and It is equipped with, A casing (16) is attached to the rack (4) and has a selectively openable and closable loading section (17). A handling device (1) further equipped with the following.

12. The handling device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the loading section (17) of the casing (16) is equipped with a shutter such as a sliding shutter or a roller shutter (18).

13. The handling device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the casing (16) comprises an air exchange unit (19), for example, an air exchange unit (19) having a filter assembly, connected to the internal volume of the casing (16) with respect to the fluid.

14. Sack handling mechanism having a gripping assembly (31) disposed within the casing (16) Furthermore, The handling device (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the gripping assembly (31) is movable between a retracted position and a forward position that is operable to contact the upper part of the container (30) positioned on the support frame (2).

15. The handling device (1) according to claim 14, wherein the retracted position is adjacent to the waste unit (32) for the container (30), such as above the waste unit (32) for the container (30).

16. The handling device (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the gripping assembly (31) comprises at least one gripping drum (33).

17. The handling device (1) according to claim 16, wherein the gripping drum (33) is powered, for example, by a motor (34) located in the housing of the gripping drum (33), to rotate the gripping drum (33) or a portion of the gripping drum (33) relative to the rest of the gripping assembly (31).

18. The handling device (1) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the gripping drum (33) is provided with a gripping member (35), such as a projection, that extends radially outward on the surface of the gripping drum (33).

19. The handling device (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the gripping assembly (31) comprises two gripping drums that can engage the container (30) between them.

20. A handling device (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 19, further configured as a handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

21. A method for handling a flexible container, A step of preparing a handling device (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 19, The steps include opening the loading section (17) of the casing (16), The steps include: mounting a flexible container containing bulk material onto the support frame (2); The steps include closing the mounting portion (17) of the casing (16), The steps include releasing the bulk material from the container (30) and A method that includes this.

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