Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
  • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
  • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
  • B67C3/22—Details
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
  • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
  • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
  • B67C3/22—Details
  • B67C2003/228—Aseptic features

Definitions

• the invention relates to a device for treating and/or transporting containers.
• the device or system may be one for treating bottles or similar containers, in particular a system or device for cold aseptic filling, with at least one transition or gap between a rotating and a stationary machine element, as well as with a sealing device provided at the transition or gap and enabling relative movement between the machine elements.
• Devices or systems for the cold-aseptic filling of liquid contents into bottles or similar containers for example for the cold-aseptic filling of heat-sensitive beverages (e.g., fruit juices) are also known in a wide variety of designs.
• the individual machines forming such a system and connected to one another in the production or processing line, such as rinsers, sterilizers, filling machines, and cappers, are provided with enclosures in such a way that a conveyor line for the containers or bottles is created within the system in a sterile space. This enclosure seals the system from adjacent non-sterile spaces or areas, such as the surrounding area, and in particular also against the ingress of germs.
• a liquid sterilization medium is required on the rotating machine element of such devices, for example for sterilizing containers, it is supplied from a supply unit that does not rotate with the rotating machine element via at least one rotary distributor or rotary union.
• this rotary union consists of two elements or rotary union parts, of which one rotary union part is a stationary part connected to the stationary machine element and a rotating rotary union part is connected to the rotating machine element.
• flow channels are formed in the two parts of the rotary union, which are sealed from one another and also to the outside by mechanical seals and extend through the rotary union.
• barriers or buffer spaces between the rotary union parts of the respective rotary union.
• These barriers are formed as annular chambers or annular channels between the outer surface of an inner rotary union part and the inner surface of an outer rotary union part of the rotary union, as well as between two separate mechanical seals axially offset with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotary union.
• these seals are pressurized with an additional sterilization or barrier medium that is different from the treatment media.
• the barriers or buffer spaces are designed as vapor barriers, the sterilization or barrier medium is often a hot vaporous medium.
• a disadvantage of known devices for treating and/or transporting containers with a sealing device provided between the stationary machine element and the rotating machine element is the complex and thus failure-prone construction of the sealing device, which thus also makes maintenance of the sealing device more difficult.
• the device comprises a stationary machine element, a rotating machine element and a sealing device for sealing a space between the rotating and the stationary machine element.
• the device can be designed as a rotating container handling machine with a transport element in the form of a rotor that can be driven in rotation around a vertical machine axis.
• the device can also be designed as a transfer star, with gripper elements for the containers provided on the rotating machine element in the form of a rotor.
• the sealing device can seal an aseptic hygiene chamber of the device from a non-sterile surrounding space, wherein the device can in particular be a filling machine, a sterilizer, a capper, or a transfer star.
• the device can also comprise a housing, wherein the sealing device is designed to seal a transition between the rotating and stationary machine elements of the housing separating the aseptic hygiene chamber from the non-sterile surrounding space.
• the present invention according to the first alternative is characterized in that the sealing device has at least one sealing body arranged on the rotating machine element, that the sealing body has at least one first sealing section which bears at least partially against the rotating machine element and at least one second sealing section which moves in a sealing manner against the stationary machine element, wherein the second sealing section is formed at least by at least one first sealing lip and at least one second sealing lip, and wherein an annular channel for receiving a barrier medium is formed between the at least one first and the at least one second sealing lip.
• the barrier medium can be formed as steam, in particular water steam or another medium with a sterilizing effect, such as H 2 O 2 .
• the sealing device can thus form a steam barrier by means of the annular channel.
• the present invention is characterized in that the sealing device has at least one sealing body arranged on the stationary machine element, that the sealing body has at least one first sealing section which at least partially rests against the stationary machine element and at least one second sealing section which moves in a sealing manner against the rotating machine element, wherein the second sealing section is formed at least by at least one first sealing lip and at least one second sealing lip, and wherein an annular channel for receiving a barrier medium is formed between the at least one first and the at least one second sealing lip.
• the design of the sealing device according to the invention of the two equivalent alternatives with a sealing body in which at least one first sealing lip and at least one second sealing lip are provided on the second sealing section and wherein an annular channel for receiving a barrier medium is formed between the at least one first and at least one second sealing lip creates a sealing device that is not susceptible to failure and at the same time is easy to maintain.
• two separate sealing rings are no longer necessary since, according to the invention, at least one first sealing lip and at least one second sealing lip are provided on the second sealing section.
• the device according to the invention offers effective sealing and at the same time enables flexible adaptation to different structural designs of the device.
• first sealing lips and two, three, or four second sealing lips are provided on the second sealing section.
• a plurality of first sealing lips and a plurality of second sealing lips can also be provided on the second sealing section.
• the sealing body can be designed as a single piece.
• the single-piece construction of the sealing body can further reduce manufacturing costs, as less assembly and connection effort is required.
• a single-piece design of the sealing body facilitates its maintenance and replacement, as no complex disassembly and assembly processes are necessary.
• the single-piece construction minimizes the risk of leaks at the connection points, which increases the reliability of the entire sealing device.
• the single-piece design of the sealing body also reduces or prevents assembly errors, such as a possible incorrect arrangement of the sealing lips, compared to the two-piece solution.
• the single-piece sealing body can advantageously be manufactured by molding processes, such as injection molding.
• the single-piece structure or design of the sealing body contributes to to improve the overall efficiency, maintainability and reliability of the sealing device.
• the sealing body can be designed in several parts. Complex geometries and specific requirements of the areas to be sealed are thus particularly easy to implement.
• the various parts or components of the sealing body can be designed in a modular manner and can be individually replaced, which in particular facilitates maintenance and reduces the overall costs of the sealing device if only individual parts, rather than the entire sealing body, need to be replaced.
• the multi-part design of the sealing body also enables the use of different materials for different parts or components of the sealing body, ensuring that material properties are optimized according to the specific requirements of each component of the sealing body. Furthermore, with a multi-part sealing body, precise and advantageous manufacturing and production processes can be used for the individual parts or components to ensure that each part or component of the sealing body precisely meets the specific requirements.
• the sealing body can be designed as a ring-shaped sealing profile with a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped cross-sectional shape. Due to the substantially C-shaped or U-shaped cross-sectional shape of the sealing body, it can be well adapted to different surface contours while remaining sufficiently flexible to compensate for movements between the machine elements of the device. Furthermore, due to the C-shaped or U-shaped cross-section, the sealing body can be moved against the stationary machine element with less friction, which leads to an improved service life of the sealing device.
• the ring-shaped structure of the sealing body facilitates the assembly of the sealing body, particularly in applications where the sealing body must be placed around the rotating machine element.
• the ring-shaped sealing body can be made of elastic materials such as rubber and/or plastic.
• the ring-shaped structure of the sealing body with a C-shaped or U-shaped cross-section enables effective sealing. and adaptability of the sealing device to a wide variety of applications.
• the sealing body designed as an annular sealing profile, can have an inner diameter and an outer diameter, wherein different dimensional values can be provided for the inner diameter and the outer diameter depending on the use of the sealing device.
• the dimensional values of the inner and outer diameter of the sealing body can be dimensioned such that the inner diameter is between 15 mm and 25 mm, preferably substantially 20 mm, and the outer diameter is between 25 mm and 35 mm, preferably substantially 30 mm.
• the dimensional values of the inner and outer diameter of the sealing body can be dimensioned such that the inner diameter is between 80 mm and 100 mm, preferably substantially 90 mm, and the outer diameter is between 100 mm and 120 mm, preferably substantially 110 mm.
• the dimensions of the inner and outer diameter of the sealing body when using the sealing device for sealing against a non-sterile environmental space can be dimensioned such that the inner diameter is between 260 mm and 290 mm, preferably substantially 272 mm, and the outer diameter is between 290 mm and 310 mm, preferably substantially 300 mm.
• the dimensions of the inner and outer diameter of the sealing body when using the sealing device for sealing a star shaft can be dimensioned such that the inner diameter is between 120 mm and 140 mm, preferably substantially 130 mm, and the outer diameter is between 140 mm and 160 mm, preferably substantially 150 mm.
• the dimensional values of the inner and outer diameter of the sealing body when using the sealing device for sealing a transfer star can be dimensioned such that the inner diameter is between 90 mm and 110 mm, preferably substantially 100 mm, and the outer diameter is between 110 mm and 130 mm, preferably substantially 120 mm.
• the sealing body can comprise a first lip section having the first sealing lip, a second lip section having the second sealing lip, and a base section connecting the lip sections, wherein the base section faces the rotating machine element or the stationary machine element and at least partially forms the first sealing section.
• the multiple lip sections enable optimized sealing performance, since individual lip sections can, for example, fulfill different functions.
• the first and second sealing lips can, for example, adapt more effectively to the rotating machine element or the stationary machine element, while the base section seals off movements relative to the stationary machine element or the rotating machine element. Due to the split structure of the sealing body, the sealing body can react flexibly to movements and adapt to different geometries.
• Each section of the sealing body i.e., the first and/or second lip section and/or the base section, can be made of a material with specific properties to meet the requirements for elasticity, abrasion resistance, or temperature resistance.
• this design variant of the device with multiple lip sections enables even more precise adaptation to the specific requirements of the sealing device, which leads to improved sealing performance and longevity of the sealing device.
• the lip sections and the base section are designed as separate, yet interconnected components.
• the separate design of the lip sections and the base section enables a modular design of the sealing device, whereby the lip sections and the base section can be manufactured and combined as independent components.
• the lip sections and the base section are made of different materials, such that, preferably, optimal properties for their specific functions can be achieved.
• the properties of the materials can be optimized with regard to different degrees of hardness, elasticity or temperature resistance.
• assembly can be simplified, especially when different materials or manufacturing processes are required.
• the lip sections and the base section can be connected by screwing, gluing, soldering, welding, and/or special plug-in connections, particularly tongue-and-groove connections.
• the first and second sealing lips are formed by respective sealing lip end sections of the sealing body, and each sealing lip has a respective free end, wherein the free ends of the sealing lips face one another.
• the first and second sealing lips are curved or angled/bent in the respective sealing lip end section.
• At least the first and second sealing lips can be made of a thermoplastic polymer, in particular PTFE or a PTFE compound.
• Thermoplastic polymers such as PTFE exhibit high chemical resistance to various media, making the sealing device particularly robust, low-maintenance, and durable.
• PTFE also exhibits high temperature resistance, which means that the sealing lips remain dimensionally stable even at high temperatures and maintain their sealing effect against the stationary machine element.
• thermoplastic polymers also have good sliding properties, which helps reduce friction and improves the service life of the sealing device.
• the use of a thermoplastic polymer such as PTFE for the sealing lips offers a robust solution with excellent chemical resistance and temperature stability, resulting in a durable and efficient sealing device.
• sealing ring elements in the area of the first sealing section thus further improves the static sealing function of the sealing device and at the same time contributes to increasing the axial stability of the sealing body.
• a supply line for supplying the sealing medium into the annular channel and a discharge line for discharging the sealing medium from the annular channel can be provided, wherein the supply line and the discharge line are connected to the annular channel in such a way that the annular channel can be flowed through by the sealing medium at least in sections, preferably completely.
• This specific fluid flow ensures that the sealing body is continuously supplied with the necessary sealing medium to optimally fulfill its sealing function.
• the discharge line enables effective regeneration and efficient replacement of the sealing medium when necessary.
• the supply line and the discharge line are formed in the stationary machine element.
• the supply line and/or the discharge line is particularly advantageously formed as a bore in the stationary machine element.
• the integration of the supply and discharge lines as bores in the stationary machine element enables a space-saving design without external supply or discharge lines. This is particularly important in order to effectively use the available installation space and to minimize the overall dimensions of the device.
• the provision of the supply line and the discharge line in the stationary machine element also enables easy access to these lines, since they are provided on a stationary component of the device.
• the supply line and the discharge line are in the circumferential Machine element.
• the supply line and/or the discharge line are formed as a bore in the rotating machine element.
• the supply line and/or the discharge line is connected to the through-bore of the first sealing section.
• FIG. 1 shows a highly simplified schematic representation of a device 1 for treating and/or transporting containers.
• the device 1 comprises a stationary machine element 3, a rotating machine element 2, and a sealing device 4 for sealing an intermediate space between the rotating and stationary machine elements 2, 3, wherein the sealing device 4 has at least one sealing body 5, preferably arranged so as to rotate with the rotating machine element 2.
• the sealing body 5 further comprises at least one first sealing section 6 which at least partially rests against the rotating machine element 2 and at least one second sealing section 7 which moves in a sealing manner against the stationary machine element 3.
• the second sealing section 7 is formed by at least one first sealing lip 8 and at least one second sealing lip 9, and an annular channel 10 for receiving a sealing medium is formed between the at least one first and at least one second sealing lip 8, 9.
• the sealing medium can preferably be steam, in particular steam suitable for food use.
• the device 1 for treating and/or transporting containers is shown, in which, unlike the Figures 1 to 3 the sealing device 4 has at least one sealing body 5 arranged on the stationary machine element 3. Furthermore, in this alternative, the Figures 3 to 6 the sealing body 5 has at least one first sealing section 6 which at least partially rests against the stationary machine element 3 and at least one second sealing section 7 which moves in a sealing manner against the rotating machine element 2.
• the sealing body 5 of the sealing device 4 can be formed in one piece.
• Figures 2 and 3 or 5 and 6 show a variant of the sealing body 5 in which it is designed in several parts.
• the sealing body 5 can be designed as a ring-shaped sealing profile with a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped cross-sectional shape.
• the sealing body 5 can have a first lip section 12 having the first sealing lip 8, a the second lip section 13 having the second sealing lip 8 and a base section 14 connecting the lip sections 12, 13, wherein the base section 14 corresponds to the rotating machine element 2 (cf. Figures 1 to 3 ) or the stationary machine element 3 (cf. Figures 4 to 6 ) and at least partially forms the first sealing section 6.
• the lip sections 12, 13 and the base section 14 can be designed as separate, but interconnected components
• first and second sealing lips 8, 9 are formed by respective sealing lip end sections 8.1, 9.1 of the sealing body 5, and each sealing lip 8, 9 has a respective free end 8', 9'. These free ends 8', 9' of the sealing lips 8, 9 can face one another.
• the sealing lip end sections 8.1, 9.1 of the sealing body 5 can be curved, angled, or kinked.
• the free ends 8', 9' of the sealing lips 8, 9 can also be prestressed against a circumferential surface of the rotating machine element 2 (cf. Figures 4 to 6 ) or the stationary machine element 3 (cf. Figures 1 to 3 ).
• At least the first and second sealing lips 8, 9 can also be made of a thermoplastic polymer, in particular of PTFE or a PTFE compound.
• the multi-part sealing body 5 can also have a reinforcing element 11, wherein the reinforcing element 11 is arranged in particular in the region of the first sealing section 6.
• the reinforcing element 11 can form the base section 14 connecting the lip sections 12, 13.
• At least one through-bore 15 penetrating the sealing section 6 can be provided in the first sealing section 6 for supplying and/or removing the blocking medium into/from the annular channel 10.
• At least two sealing ring elements 16 can also be arranged, which sealingly engage with the rotating machine element 2 (cf. Figures 1 to 3 ) or the stationary machine element 3 (cf. Figures 4 to 6 ) issue.
• the annular channel 10 of the sealing body 5 can be designed, with respect to its geometric shape and size, such that a cross-sectional area of the annular channel 10 occupies between at least 25% and at most 90% of a total cross-sectional area of the sealing body 5.
• a supply line 17 for supplying the sealing medium into the annular channel 10 and a discharge line 18 for discharging the sealing medium from the annular channel 10 can be provided, wherein the supply line 17 and the discharge line 18 are connected to the annular channel 10 in such a way that the sealing medium can flow through the annular channel 10.
• a supply line 17 is shown and in the Figures 4 and 6 a discharge line 18.
• the flow direction of the barrier medium is indicated by arrows in the supply and discharge lines 17 and 18.
• the supply line 17 can be formed in the stationary machine element 3 or in the rotating machine element 2.
• the discharge line 18 can also be formed in the stationary machine element 3 or in the rotating machine element 2.
• both the supply line 17 and the discharge line 18 are provided in the stationary machine element 3.
• the supply line 17 and/or the discharge line 18 can be formed as a bore in the respective machine element, i.e., in the stationary machine element 3 or in the rotating machine element 2. If the first sealing section 6 has at least one through-bore 15 penetrating the sealing section 6, the supply line 17 and/or the discharge line 18 can be connected to the annular channel 10 via the through-bore 15.
• the Figure 7 shows a variant of the device 1, in which the rotating machine element 2 has several, only very roughly schematically indicated holding elements 20 for supporting the containers at their neck ring and/or for supporting the containers at the bottom.
• the device 1 can be designed as a container treatment machine of rotating design with a transport element in the form of a rotor RT, which can be driven in rotation about a vertical machine axis MA, as the rotating machine element 2.
• a sealing device 4 is provided, which has an annular sealing body 5 arranged on the stationary machine element 3.
• the Figure 8 shows a variant of the device 1, in which the rotating machine element 2 is a rotating media distributor, to which several, preferably pivotally mounted and in Figure 8 Only roughly schematically indicated supply pipes 22 for introducing a medium into the containers are connected.
• the rotating media distributor can be a component of a sterilizer.
• a sealing device 4 can be provided in the lower region of the device 1, which has an annular sealing body 5 arranged on the stationary machine element 3, while in the upper region of the device 1, a further sealing device 4 is provided, which has an annular sealing body 5 arranged on the rotating machine element 2.
• the rotating machine element 2 designed as a rotating media distributor is sealed in the lower and upper regions with respect to a stationary machine element 3.
• the sealing device 4 seals an aseptic hygiene space H of the device 1 from a non-sterile surrounding space U.

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• Sealing Devices (AREA)
• Sealing With Elastic Sealing Lips (AREA)

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• 2024
  • 2024-02-20 DE DE102024104612.0A patent/DE102024104612A1/de active Pending
• 2025
  • 2025-01-20 EP EP25152716.4A patent/EP4606761A1/fr active Pending

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