The invention relates to a flexible container and to a filling device for such a flexible container and a corresponding filling method.
A device for guiding plastic sacks at a filling station is known from G 88 05 713. That device fails to take into account or at least does not satisfactorily take into account a vacuum often prevalent in a process unit to be connected to the container.
The filling process of a flexible container from a process unit to which a vacuum is applied fails, in that no material falls into the flexible container, because known containers collapse as soon as the vacuum is present. For this reason, to date flexible containers are not used in such case or can only be used at great cost and effort.
The problem addressed by the invention is to provide an improved flexible container for connection to a process unit operating with a vacuum, and if possible, to provide a suitable filling method and an advantageous filling device.
The problem is solved according to the invention by a flexible container, a filling device and a filling method.
The flexible container and the process unit comprise chambers opening into one another, to which a vacuum is applied. The flexible container according to the invention includes a receptacle for a support apparatus and/or the support apparatus itself in or on the wall of the container.
The support apparatus assumes at least in this region, and in advantageous embodiments far into the inside of the container, a support function from the inside to the outside, and counteracts the otherwise imminent collapse.
According to one exemplary embodiment of the container according to the invention, the receptacle for the support apparatus extends in the circumferential direction and/or in the axial direction, viewed from a perspective having an axial direction oriented in the filling direction.
According to another advantageous embodiment of the container according to the invention, the support apparatus is an elongated pipe socket, around which the flexible container is gathered. In this arrangement, the entire container accommodates the support apparatus.
According to another advantageous embodiment of the container according to the invention, the receptacle for the support apparatus extends in pockets formed in or on the wall.
According to another advantageous embodiment of the container according to the invention, the wall is designed at least in sections as a double wall. The wall is intended to accommodate the support apparatus between an inner wall and an outer wall.
According to another advantageous embodiment of the container according to the invention, the pockets are formed by welding sections of the inner wall to the outer wall in the circumferential direction or radial direction.
A filling device according to the invention for such a flexible container is equipped with a support apparatus, which can be accommodated in the flexible container.
A filling method according to the invention for such a flexible container includes the following method features. The container may be connected to a process unit operated with a vacuum. A support apparatus holds the container open against the forces of the vacuum acting inwardly on the wall of the container.
Other objects, advantages and salient features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the present invention.
Referring to the drawings that form a part of this disclosure and that are schematic:
In this arrangement, the flexible container 10.1 according to the first embodiment encompasses a first support apparatus 30.3 at the top. That support apparatus is a pipe socket of the process unit 20 designed of sufficient length and protruding further than normal into the inside of the container. The solution to the connection problem, in which reciprocally interlocking plastic closure strips are used, is particularly advantageous.
The base of the flexible container according to the first exemplary embodiment includes axial pockets 16.1, i.e. oriented along a filling direction E. The axially extending pockets accommodate rods of a second support apparatus 30.1. The rods are distributed over or around the circumference of the container. The pockets 16.1 are formed inside the wall 14.1. For this purpose, the wall 14.1 includes a laterally closed inner well, especially clearly visible in
When manufacturing a container according to the second exemplary embodiment, is the spiral-shaped configuration can be welded to the inner wall 18.2 continuously to the outer wall 19.2.
While various embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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10 2013 204 602 | Mar 2013 | DE | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2014/055067 | 3/14/2014 | WO | 00 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
WO2014/140249 | 9/18/2014 | WO | A |
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
5417039 | Hansson et al. | May 1995 | A |
6220755 | Brown | Apr 2001 | B1 |
20120024419 | Behar | Feb 2012 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
88 05 713 | Jun 1988 | DE |
0 567 743 | Nov 1993 | EP |
2 241 220 | Aug 1991 | GB |
Entry |
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International Search Report (ISR) dated Jun. 12, 2014 in International (PCT) Application No. PCT/EP2014/055067. |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20160031586 A1 | Feb 2016 | US |