Flexible transfer tube assembly for a bag filling system

Abstract

A bag filling system for connection to a bulk material source is provided. The filling system includes a bag filler having a movable head and a flexible transfer tube assembly. The flexible transfer tube assembly includes an extendable tube, a first end of the extendable tube being adapted to connect to a discharge opening of the bulk material source, and a second end of the extendable tube being connected to the movable head. The flexible transfer tube assembly includes a plurality of guide members positioned external to the extendable tube, each guide member having a first end connected to the first end of the extendable tube and a second end connected to the second end of the extendable tube or the moveable head in a region of the second end of the extendable tube so that the guide members hold the extendable tube in a generally linear arrangement as the moveable head is raised or lowered.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/600,695, filed Aug. 11, 2004, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to filling equipment for loading material such as powdered or granular material into bulk bags. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flexible transfer tube assembly for connection between a movable head bulk bag filler and a source for powdered or granular material being loaded into the bulk bags.

A bulk bag filler which is useful for the practice of the present invention is described in applicants' prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/098,277, filed Apr. 4, 2005, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. The bulk bag filler described in application Ser. No. 11/098,277 requires a flexible transfer tube between a stationary filling source and a vertically movable bulk bag filling head. The filling head preferably has a range of motion of about 6 ft (1.8 m), and may accommodate various sizes of bulk bags (flexible intermediate bulk containers or FIBCs) and filling materials. However, the range of motion can be varied depending on the particular application and bag size. A typical flexible transfer tube, such as a bellows, especially relatively long flexible transfer tubes, may fail to extend or retract in a linear fashion during vertical translation of the bulk bag filling head. The transfer tube may bulge outwardly and dangle as the tube is compressed, presenting a potential obstruction to the bag filling operation.

It would be desirable to provide a flexible transfer tube assembly for a bulk bag discharger which expands and retracts freely without bulging and dangling, thereby ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted filling operation.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a bag filling system for connection to a bulk material source. The filling system includes a bag filler having a movable head and a flexible transfer tube assembly. The flexible transfer tube assembly includes an extendable tube, with a first end of the extendable tube being adapted to connect to the material source, and a second end of the extendable tube being connected to the movable head. The flexible transfer tube assembly includes a plurality of guide members positioned external to the extendable tube, each guide member having a first end connected to the first end of the extendable tube and a second end connected to the second end of the extendable tube or the moveable head in a region of the second end of the extendable tube so that the guide members hold the extendable tube in a generally linear arrangement as the moveable head is raised or lowered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

The foregoing Summary as well as the following detailed description will be readily understood in conjunction with the appended drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a bulk bag filling system including a flexible transfer tube assembly according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible transfer tube assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the flexible transfer tube assembly of FIG. 1 in a retracted position.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a bulk bag filling system including a flexible transfer tube assembly according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible transfer tube assembly of FIG. 4 taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a bulk bag filling system including a flexible transfer tube assembly according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a detail view of a portion of the bulk bag filling system of FIG. 6 showing a guide member connected to a bottom flange.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the bulk bag filling system of FIG. 6 taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the bulk bag filling system of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of a spout guide head of the bulk bag filling system of FIG. 6 partially broken away.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the spout guide head of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the spout guide head of FIG. 10 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart depicting a method for filling a bulk bag according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not considered limiting. Words such as “front”, “back”, “top” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. This terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. Additionally, the terms “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically noted. The phrase “at least one” followed by a list of two or more items (such as A, B, or C) means any individual one of A, B or C as well as any combination thereof. Where it is indicated that two or more elements are “connected”, it is meant that those elements may be directly attached to one another, or alternatively, one or more intermediary elements may be disposed between or among the elements in forming the connection.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawing figures where like numerals represent like elements throughout.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a bulk bag filling system 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The system 10 is connectable to a stationary discharge opening 12 from a source of material to be loaded into the bulk bags. The system includes a flexible transfer tube assembly 20 connected to a bulk bag filler 40. The stationary discharge opening 12 is located at a discharge point from a hopper for granular or powdered material, or may be an end point of a conveyor which moves such materials. When the system 10 is connected to the opening 12, powdered or granular materials can be transferred from the material source through the flexible transfer tube assembly 20 and the bulk bag filler 40 into a bulk bag 48.

The bulk bag filler 40 includes a frame 42, having two generally vertically extending posts 44 mounted on a base 46. A bag support carriage 50 is movably connected to the posts 44 and is able to translate up and down along the posts 44. A bag fill head assembly 60 is connected to the bag support carriage 50 to receive a bulk bag 48. A bulk material fill tube 62 is connected to the bag fill head assembly 60 to receive materials for filling the bulk bag 48. A bulk bag filler including these components is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/098,277 which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. It is apparent to one skilled in the art that the flexible transfer tube assembly 20 described in detail below would be compatible with various types of bulk bag fillers having a vertically movable head. The invention therefore is not limited to the configuration of the bulk bag filler 40 as described herein.

During operation, granular or powdered material is transferred from the material source to the fill tube 62 through the flexible transfer tube assembly 20. The flexible transfer tube assembly 20 includes a longitudinally extendable tube, preferably in the form of corrugated tube or bellows 22 capable of expanding and retracting with the vertical translation of the bag fill head assembly 60. Preferably, the bellows 22 are molded accordion-type bellows formed from a polymer material such as polyurethane, PVC, nylon, or fiberglass. The bellows 22 also preferably include a reinforcement member such as a convoluted wire. A first end and a second end of the bellows 22 are preferably attached to a top flange 24 and a bottom flange 26 respectively, using hose clamps 25, 27, as shown in FIG. 3, or other known attachment devices to form a substantially air-tight passageway for a flow of material. Alternatively, the bellows 22 may be attached to other suitable connection elements such as threaded connectors or other non-flanged connectors. Preferably the top flange 24 is connectable with a mating flange 14 at the discharge opening 12. The top flange 24 is preferably bolted to the mating flange 14; however, any other suitable attachment method may be used. Preferably, the bottom flange 26 is connected to a material control valve 28 which, in turn, is connected to the fill tube 62. Alternatively, the bottom flange 26 may be directly attached to the fill tube 62 using bolts or any suitable attachment device.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 (FIG. 2 shows only the flexible transfer tube assembly 20 for clarity), lugs 30 are attached to the top flange 24 to support guide members 32. The guide members 32 may be formed of any suitable material that can be extended and retracted generally linearly. The guide members 32 can be ribbons or straps located on a retractable spool assembly or can be spooled-type constant force springs, as shown. Alternatively, coiled extension springs or other suitable retracting members may also be used. The guide members 32 preferably rotate about a pivot 34 on a spool 38, and an end of each guide member 32 is attached to the bottom flange 26 on a securement plate 36. When the bag fill head assembly 60 is raised and lowered, the guide members 32 wind or unwind forming a support structure around the bellows 22 preventing the opportunity for outward movement. Preferably, four guide members are provided and form a quadrilateral support. Accordingly, the guide members 32 guide the bellows 22 through its entire compression-extension cycle constraining the bellows 22 to a generally linear motion, inhibiting bulging or dangling. Although four guide members 22 are shown, any suitable number of guide members may be provided as is required to constrain a particular type of bellows. Preferably, at least three guide members are provided.

As shown in detail in FIG. 3, preferably the spools 38 are attached to the lugs 30, arranged as a clevis, with a removable the center pin 34 that is held in place with a removable clip 35. This allows for ease of replacement and/or repair of the guide members 32, as necessary. Additionally, the second end of the guide members 32 are preferably also attached to pins 37 that extend from the securement plates 36 using removable clips 39, as shown. However, a single clip, bolt or any other suitable type of fastener or connection could be utilized at either end, if desired.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 (FIG. 5 shows only the flexible transfer tube assembly 120 for clarity), a bulk bag filling system 110 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The bag filling system 110 includes a flexible transfer tube assembly 120 having only three guide members 132 spaced evenly around a top flange 124. In this case, three guide members 132 are sufficient to prevent the bellows 122 from bulging outwardly in a horizontal direction.

Referring to FIGS. 6-12 a bulk bag filling system 210 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system 210 is connectable to a stationary discharge opening from a source of material to be loaded into a bulk bag. The system 210 includes a bulk bag filler 240 connected to a flexible transfer tube assembly 220 for connection to a discharge opening.

The bulk bag filler 240 includes a frame 242, having two generally vertically extending posts 244 mounted on a base 246. A bag support carriage 250 is movably connected to the posts 244 and is able to translate along the posts 244. A bag fill head assembly 260 is connected to the bag support carriage 250 to receive a bulk bag. Preferably, a control valve 228 with a bulk material fill tube 262 is connected to the bag fill head assembly 260 to receive materials for filling the bulk bag. A top frame 270 is connected to an end of the posts 244, and a spout guide head 276 is preferably rigidly connected to the top frame 270. Preferably, the spout guide head 276 includes an inlet tube 278 for removable connection to a discharge opening of a bulk material source. Optionally, the top frame 270 can be adjustably connected to the posts 244 to permit vertical, horizontal, and/or angular adjustment, allowing the system 210 to be connected to bulk material sources located at various positions. Also optionally, the posts 244 and/or the base 246 can permit vertical horizontal, and/or angular adjustment. The flexible transfer tube assembly 220 is preferably connected between the spout guide head 276 and the control valve 228.

During operation, the system 210 is positioned under the opening from a bulk material source, and the inlet tube 278 is preferably sealably connected to the discharge opening of the material source. Granular or powdered material is transferred from the material source through the inlet tube 278, and into the flexible transfer tube assembly 220, and then through the fill tube 262, and finally into a bulk bag.

The flexible transfer tube assembly 220 includes a longitudinally extendable tube, preferably in the form of corrugated tube or bellows 222 capable of expanding and retracting with the vertical translation of the bag fill head assembly 260, similar to the tube or bellows 22 described above. A first end of the bellows 222 is preferably attached to a bottom portion of the inlet tube 278, and a second end of the bellows 222 is preferably attached to a bottom flange 226 which is connected to an inlet to the control valve 228. In the case where a control valve is not used, the bottom flange 226 can be connected directly to the fill tube 262. Clamps such as hose clamp 227 are preferably used to secure the bellows 222 to the inlet tube 278 and the bottom flange 226, as shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, other known attachment devices can replace the hose clamps 227 to form a substantially air-tight passageway for a flow of material.

Referring now also to FIGS. 10-12, the spout guide head 276 is shown in greater detail. Lugs 230 are attached to a top plate 224 to support three guide members 232. The guide members 232 may be formed of any suitable material that can be extended and retracted generally linearly. The guide members 232 can be ribbons or straps located on a retractable spool assembly or can be spooled-type constant force springs, as shown. Alternatively, coiled extension springs or other suitable retracting members may also be used. The guide members 232 preferably rotate about a pivot 234 on a spool 238, and an end of each guide member 232 is attached to the bottom flange 226 on a securement plate 236. When the bag fill head assembly 260 is raised and lowered, the guide members 232 wind or unwind forming a trilateral support structure around the bellows 222 preventing the opportunity for outward movement. Accordingly, the guide members 232 guide the bellows 222 through its entire compression-extension cycle constraining the bellows 222 to a generally linear motion, inhibiting bulging or dangling.

As shown in detail in FIG. 12, preferably the spools 238 are attached to the lugs 230, arranged as a clevis, with a removable the center pin 234. This allows for ease of replacement and/or repair of the guide members 232, as necessary. Additionally, the second end of the guide members 232 are preferably also attached to pins 237 that extend from the securement plates 236.

Since during use the inlet tube 278 is preferably sealably connected to a discharge opening, air may become trapped in the bellows 222 when the control valve 228 and the discharge opening are closed. Preferably, a vent tube 280 is provided connected to the inlet tube 278 to allow air trapped in the bellows 222 to escape when the bag fill head 260 is raised and the bellows 222 are retracted. A filter 282 is preferably provided over the vent tube 280 to prevent material trapped in the bellow 222 from being discharged into the air.

Preferably a housing 284 is provided around the spout guide head 276 so that the spools 238 are not exposed during operation in order to prevent injury to a user and to contain the guide member 232 and spool 238 in the event of breakage.

Referring to FIG. 13, a method 300 for filling a bulk bag according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided. The method includes providing a bag filling system with a movable fill head and a flexible transfer tube assembly including an extendable tube and a plurality of guide members (step 302). A bag is further provided (step 304). The movable fill head is positioned in a first position for connecting the bag to the fill head (step 306), and the bag is connected to the fill head (step 308). Subsequently, the movable fill head is positioned in a second position for transferring the material to the bag (step 310). Material from a material discharge opening above the fill head is transferred through a path defined by the extendable tube, through the fill head, and into the bag (step 312). The path of the extendable tube is constrained using the plurality of guide members arranged outside of the extendable tube (314). Preferably, the extendable tube is extended or retracted during positioning of the fill head, and the extendable tube is vented using a filtered vent.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described, which should be considered as merely exemplary. Further modifications and extensions of the present invention may be developed, and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bag filling system for connection to a bulk material source, the filling system comprising:

a bag filler including a movable head; and

a flexible transfer tube assembly comprising: an extendable tube, a first end of the extendable tube adapted to connect to a discharge opening of the bulk material source, and a second end of the extendable tube connected to the movable head; and a plurality of guide members positioned external to the extendable tube, each guide member having a first end connected to the first end of the extendable tube and a second end connected to the second end of the extendable tube or the moveable head in a region of the second end of the extendable tube so that the guide members hold the extendable tube in a generally linear arrangement as the moveable head is raised or lowered.

2. The bag filling system of claim 1, the bag filler further comprising a fill tube connected to the movable head in communication with the second end of the extendable tube for receiving material therefrom.

3. The bag filling system of claim 1, the bag filler further comprising a spout guide head connected to the first end of the extendable tube and the first end of the guide members, the spout guide head including an inlet tube for connection to the material source.

4. The bag filling system of claim 1, the bag filler further comprising:

a base;

at least one vertically extending post connected to the base;

a top frame adjustably connected to the at least one post spaced from the base; and

the movable head is slideably connected to the at least one post between the top frame and the base, and the first end of the extendable tube and the first end of the guide members are connected to the top frame.

5. The bag filling system of claim 1, the extendable tube comprising accordion-type bellows capable of expanding and retracting with raising and lowering of the movable head.

6. The bag filling system of claim 1, the flexible transfer tube assembly further comprising a flange connected to the first end of the extendable tube for connection to the discharge opening of the material source, and each of the guide members is connected to the flange at the first ends of the guide members.

7. The bag filling system of claim 1, the bag filler further comprising a material control valve having an input end connected to the second end of the flexible transfer tube assembly.

8. The bag filling system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of guide members comprise at least three spooled-type constant force springs.

9. The bag filling system of claim 1, further comprising a vent connected to the flexible transfer tube assembly for releasing air trapped in the expandable tube.

10. The bag filling system of claim 9, further comprising a filter connected to the vent.

11. A flexible transfer tube assembly comprising:

an extendable tube; and

a plurality of extendable guide members, a first end of each of the guide members being connected to a first end of the extendable tube, and a second end of each of the guide members being connected to a second end of the extendable tube.

12. The flexible transfer tube assembly of claim 11, further comprising a first connector connected to a first end of the extendable tube and a second connector connected to the second end of the extendable tube, wherein the first end of each of the guide members is attached to the first connector, and the second end of each of the guide members is attached to the second connector.

13. The flexible transfer tube assembly of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and second connectors is a flange.

14. A bag filling system comprising:

a frame with at least one vertically extending post;

a fill head slideably connected to the at least one vertically extending post;

a spout guide head, adapted to connect to a discharge opening of a material source, connected to the at least one vertically extending post;

an extendable tube connected to the spout guide head at a first end of the extendable tube, and connected to the fill head at a second end of the extendable tube; and

a plurality of guide members positioned outside of the extendable tube, a first end of each of the plurality of guide members connected to the spout guide head, and a second end of each of the plurality of guide members connected to the fill head.

15. The bag filling system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of guide members include a plurality of springs.

16. The bag filling system of claim 14, further comprising a filtered vent in communication with the extendable tube connected to the spout guide head.

17. The bag filling system of claim 14, wherein the spout guide head is at least vertically adjustable relative to the at least one vertically extending post.

18. A method for filling a bag, the method comprising:

providing a bag filling system with a movable fill head and a flexible transfer tube assembly including an extendable tube and a plurality of guide members;

providing a bag;

positioning the fill head in a first position for connecting the bag to the fill head;

connecting the bag to the fill head;

positioning the fill head in a second position for transferring material to the bag;

transferring material from a material discharge opening above the fill head, through a path defined by the extendable tube, through the fill head, and into the bag; and

constraining the path of the extendable tube using the plurality of guide members arranged outside of the extendable tube.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising venting the extendable tube using a filtered vent in communication with the extendable tube.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the positioning of the fill head in the first and second positions comprises at least one of extending and retracting the extendable tube and at least one of extending and retracting the plurality of guide members.