Filter belt for a container handling apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter belt (14) for a container handling apparatus, in particular a container cleaning apparatus and / or a container filling apparatus. In order to provide a filter belt (14) which can be operated for a long period of time with only low maintenance and repair costs and which is particularly robust and by means of which long operating faults caused by maintenance due to wear occurring on the sliding elements (1) can be avoided, it is provided that the filter belt (14) has a filter belt surface for filtering a liquid of the container handling apparatus and a plurality of sliding elements (1) arranged along the course of the filter belt (14), which have a guide section (18) for the sliding guidance of the filter belt (14) movable on the container handling apparatus in the direction of extension, wherein the sliding elements (1) are replaceable and for this purpose are fixed to the filter belt (14), preferably in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a filter belt for container handling equipment, particularly container cleaning equipment and / or container filling equipment. The invention also relates to a container handling system having at least one such filter belt and a sliding element for the filter belt in the container handling system. Background Technology

[0002] Filter belts with associated sliding elements are typically used, for example, in areas of cleaning systems for bottles or containers, to filter at least one liquid, such as a washing or rinsing solution, within the cleaning system, thereby removing solids contained in the liquid, such as labels, detached dirt particles, or floating matter, from the liquid.

[0003] Here, the filter belt typically moves in a cyclic manner to transport the filtered solids out of the liquid filtration zone, where they can then be removed from the filter belt, while empty sections of the filter belt not occupied by filtered solids can be used within the filtration zone. For this required cyclic transport of the filter belt, multiple sliding elements for sliding and / or linear guidance are typically arranged on the filter belt in the relevant container handling equipment, particularly in the components of container cleaning equipment. However, during the guiding of the filter belt, the sliding elements, and especially the guiding sections of the sliding elements, wear down with increasing service life, significantly limiting the filter belt's function and ultimately requiring replacement.

[0004] Therefore, existing filter belts with sliding elements have the following disadvantages: wear of one or more sliding elements necessitates the replacement of the entire filter belt, resulting in high maintenance and repair costs and prolonged operational failures of the container handling equipment. Furthermore, from a sustainable process flow perspective, frequent filter belt replacements and the disposal of worn filter belts as waste are also detrimental. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a filter belt for a container handling system that can achieve long-term operation with only low maintenance and repair costs, is particularly durable, and can avoid long-term operational failures due to wear on sliding elements during maintenance.

[0006] This task, according to the invention, is achieved by a filter belt for a container handling apparatus as claimed in claim 1, by a container handling apparatus, particularly a container cleaning apparatus and / or a container filling apparatus, as claimed in claim 12, and by a sliding element for a filter belt for a container handling apparatus as claimed in claim 16. Advantageous extensions of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0007] The filter belt for container handling systems, particularly for container cleaning systems and / or for container filling systems according to the invention has a filter belt surface for filtering liquids in the container handling system and a plurality of sliding elements arranged along the direction of the filter belt, particularly the filter belt surface, the sliding elements having guide sections for guiding the sliding of the filter belt movable on the container handling system in the extension direction, wherein the sliding elements are replaceable and are preferably fixed to the filter belt in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner for this purpose.

[0008] The container handling system, particularly the container cleaning system and / or container filling system according to the invention, has at least one filter belt according to the invention, which is guided to extend on the container handling system via a guide rail at least on one side by means of a sliding element of the filter belt.

[0009] Finally, the invention also relates to a filter belt for a container handling system, particularly a filter belt according to the invention and / or a sliding element for a container handling system according to the invention, having a base, a guide section for guiding the sliding of the filter belt on the container handling system, and a connecting section for replacing or releasably, and for this purpose preferably, form-fitting and / or force-fitting, securing the base to the filter belt. All features of the sliding element disclosed below in conjunction with the filter belt also relate to the sliding element according to the invention and its advantageous extensions. In general, the filter belt according to the invention, the container handling system according to the invention, and the sliding element according to the invention constitute a single unit; therefore, all features disclosed in conjunction with one of these objects also relate to the other two objects.

[0010] The sliding element is configured to guide the filter belt's longitudinal movement during operation and is replaceably fixed to the filter belt. This makes the sliding element, the most worn component of the filter belt, easy to replace, and thus significantly extends the filter belt's lifespan. Correspondingly, operating costs can be advantageously reduced because the necessity of completely replacing the expensive filter belt is greatly reduced, while replacing the significantly cheaper sliding element at regular intervals is sufficient. Furthermore, this reduces the amount of waste generated, which significantly improves the sustainability of this filter belt's operation. This durable and cost-effective configuration of the operating filter belt presupposes that the sliding element is not permanently attached to the filter belt but is releasable and replaceable.

[0011] The filter belt is essentially formed for filtering media within a container handling apparatus, thereby preferably retaining solids and / or separating them from the media. The media to be filtered is preferably a liquid, particularly preferably an aqueous solution or water, and very particularly preferably a washing or rinsing solution from a container cleaning system. Furthermore, the liquid can be filtered for reuse within the container handling apparatus, and for removing solids before liquid discharge and / or treatment. Solids can be, for example, scissors, labels or label residue, packaging components, contaminants, plastic particles, plastic casting residue, container closures or portions thereof, or any other solid particles.

[0012] According to the invention, the filter belt is movably and slidably guided by means of a sliding element, and particularly by means of a guide section of the sliding element, wherein the filter belt preferably has a closed direction and / or rotates. This direction can have any number of turns. Furthermore, the filter belt can be configured for continuous and / or sustained transport, particularly during filtration, or it can be temporarily stopped and / or operated intermittently.

[0013] In principle, it is also conceivable that the filter belt, in addition to or replacing its filtration function, also has a conveying function, and accordingly, objects can be transported at least partially along the direction of the filter belt, particularly upright or flat on it. Therefore, the filter belt can additionally or exclusively function as a conveyor belt. Preferably, the filter belt is at least used to convey the filtered solids in order to transport them out of the liquid filtration area.

[0014] In order to filter liquids and, in particular, retain solids, at least a portion, and preferably the entire surface of the filter belt, is formed such that liquids can flow through while solids are retained on the filter belt surface. For this purpose, the filter belt surface can be at least partially, and preferably substantially entirely, formed of porous materials and / or fibrous materials, fabrics, or filter nonwovens, or can additionally or alternatively have through-holes or be formed as a grid structure with through-holes. Accordingly, the filter belt can also be a sieve belt, which then has corresponding through-holes. Furthermore, however, it is conceivable that filter belts for filtering coarse solids can be formed of multiple components, such as rods or threads, particularly made of metal or plastic, spaced apart from each other in one or two spatial directions within the filter belt surface.

[0015] The filter belt surface preferably extends across the surface of the filter belt, and particularly preferably across substantially the entire surface of the filter belt, especially in the entire surface area between the sliding elements preferably arranged on both sides of the filter belt. Accordingly, the filter belt may have edge regions on one or both sides, which are provided for guiding the filter belt and / or not for filtering liquids, and therefore are not filter belt surfaces. In particular, sliding elements and / or other components of the filter belt, especially components of the filter belt responsible for stability and / or forming a support structure, may be arranged in these edge regions.

[0016] In the context of this invention, a container handling apparatus is understood to be an apparatus configured for the production, processing, handling, and / or use of containers. Preferably, the container handling apparatus is configured for handling and / or processing fully produced containers, and in this case, particularly for cleaning and / or filling containers. Particularly preferably, the container handling apparatus is a container cleaning apparatus, specifically for cleaning used containers and bottles in a recyclable system, or for cleaning newly produced containers or bottles before filling.

[0017] The container can be any type of container in principle, but it is preferably made of plastic or glass and / or configured to hold food, and especially beverages. Accordingly, the container is preferably a bottle. Furthermore, the container is preferably part of a recycling system, and is particularly preferably a recyclable bottle, for example made of glass or plastic, especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0018] A sliding element is understood in principle as a structural unit or component arranged for sliding guidance on a surface and / or for steering the filter belt. For this purpose, multiple sliding elements are arranged along the direction of the filter belt, wherein the sliding elements are preferably all arranged in a single row, aligned in the edge region of the filter belt, and / or aligned in the direction of the filter belt. Preferably, the sliding elements are arranged only in the outer edge region of the filter belt. Particularly preferably, sliding elements are provided on both sides of the filter belt, particularly in the region of the corresponding outer edge.

[0019] In principle, the sliding element can be formed of any material, but it is preferably formed of plastic, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide, polycarbonate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polysulfone, polyetheretherketone, or polyvinylidene fluoride. The sliding element and / or components thereof can be formed as injection molded parts. To minimize wear on the guide rails that interact with the sliding element, the sliding element preferably has a Shore D hardness of up to 100, particularly preferably up to 95, very particularly preferably up to 90, and especially preferably up to 85. For long-term operation in container handling equipment, the sliding element is preferably formed of a material, particularly a plastic material, that is temperature stable or heat-resistant at temperatures up to 30°C, particularly preferably up to 50°C, very particularly preferably up to 60°C, and especially preferably up to 80°C.

[0020] Each sliding element preferably has a guide section for guiding the sliding motion of the filter belt on the container handling equipment, and particularly in the guide rails of the container handling equipment. The guide section is essentially understood as a segment of the sliding element, configured to guide the sliding element in the guide device, on the steering element, and / or in or on the guide rail. For this purpose, the guide section preferably has a planar guide surface, which preferably extends particularly in the intended direction of movement. Also preferably, the guide section forms the outer region of the sliding element and / or the region of the sliding element arranged parallel to, and particularly parallel to, the filter belt surface. While it is conceivable that the guide section could be formed as a separate component and arranged on the sliding element, it is preferred that the sliding element and the guide section be formed as a single piece.

[0021] According to the invention, the container handling apparatus has at least one guide rail for guiding a filter belt by means of a sliding element. The guide rail is preferably formed of a material harder than the material of the sliding element of the filter belt, which interacts slidably with the guide rail, so that no wear or very little wear occurs in the area of ​​the guide rail due to the movement of the filter belt. For this purpose, the guide rail is preferably formed of metal, and particularly preferably of steel or stainless steel. The inventors have recognized that it is advantageous to guide the filter belt with wear-resistant sliding elements on the container handling apparatus by means of a wear-resistant guide rail, and hereby arrange it, in particular, on, in, or within the wear-resistant guide rail.

[0022] In order to guide the filter belt, the guide rail at least partially, and preferably at least to at least two opposing sides, surrounds the sliding element and / or the guiding section of the sliding element. Also preferably, the sliding element is guided within the guide rail on at least one side and simultaneously on a second side, wherein the two sides particularly preferably extend at right angles to each other, thereby achieving guidance in two spatial directions. Preferably, guidance is achieved by means of the guide rail in at least a direction perpendicular to the filter belt surface and / or perpendicular to the filter belt extension direction, particularly preferably simultaneously in the lateral direction, i.e., perpendicular to both the filter belt surface and the filter belt extension direction.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the filter belt of the present invention, the filter belt is formed by a plurality of belt segments arranged front to back, these belt segments forming the support structure of the filter belt and / or the filter belt surface of the filter belt, and a sliding element is arranged on each belt segment and / or at the junction of two adjacent belt segments. Besides the configuration in which each belt segment has one sliding element and / or one sliding element is arranged between two adjacent belt segments, it is also conceivable in principle that only a portion of the belt segments have one sliding element and / or only one sliding element is arranged between a portion of the belt segments. Furthermore, the number of sliding elements in each belt segment can be understood either as a whole or on each side of the filter belt; thus, in the case where the sliding elements are arranged on both sides of the filter belt, each belt segment has two sliding elements, i.e., one sliding element on each side, and / or two sliding elements are arranged between two adjacent belt segments, particularly one sliding element on each side. Preferably, all belt segments are formed identically to each other and / or arranged front to back in a repeating structure.

[0024] In an advantageous extension of the filter belt according to the invention, the support structure is formed by rod elements arranged transversely to the extension direction of the filter belt, wherein a sliding element is arranged between each of two adjacent rod elements, and the sliding element is preferably fixed to the two rod elements or fixed to each of the two rod elements by form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. Preferably, each section of the filter belt comprises one rod element or two adjacent rod elements. Particularly preferably, each rod element or alternatively two adjacent rod elements form a section of the filter belt, wherein the section may in principle also include other components, such as clamping elements and / or filter elements.

[0025] The rod elements can be formed from any material and can have any size. The rod elements are preferably formed from plastics, fiber-reinforced composite materials, and / or plastics, carbon, and / or metals. Furthermore, the rod elements can have any cross-sectional area, with a circular cross-sectional area being preferred. Accordingly, the rod elements are preferably formed as solid rods or tubes. Moreover, the rod elements preferably extend over the entire width of the filter belt and / or are formed in one piece. Particularly preferably, all the rod elements of the filter belt are formed identically to each other.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the filter belt of the invention, the filter belt surface is formed by filter elements fixed to the rod elements and / or extending substantially over the entire intermediate space of adjacent rod elements, wherein sliding elements are preferably arranged on or laterally adjacent to the filter elements, and particularly preferably laterally defining the filter belt surface. Preferably, each filter element is fixed to an adjacent rod element of the filter belt in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner. Also preferably, the filter elements and sliding elements are fixed to the filter belt in a replaceable manner, particularly in a manner where each can be individually replaced, wherein each filter element is most preferably fixed to the rod elements in such a way that they can be replaced on the support structure of the filter belt without disassembling the filter belt. Accordingly, the filter elements preferably do not form part of the support structure and / or are not necessary for constructing the support structure. Particularly preferably, the filter elements are simply clamped between, engaged with, and / or detachably fixed to the rod elements.

[0027] While it is generally preferred that only a single filter element be arranged between two adjacent rod elements and / or in the intermediate space of the support structure in the direction of the filter belt's extension, it is also conceivable in principle that multiple filter elements may be arranged side by side and / or front to back. However, it is generally preferred that the filter element extends substantially over the entire width of the filter belt surface, over the entire width of the surface section of the filter belt designated for filtration, and / or over the entire width of the filter belt.

[0028] Furthermore, preferably, all filter elements are formed identically to each other and / or have a constant filter surface across the entire surface and / or are formed by periodically repeating structural segments. The filter surface also preferably has through-holes for liquids, these through-holes being particularly preferably sized such that solids are reliably retained to a defined size. The diameter of the through-holes is preferably between 0.1 mm and 20 mm, particularly preferably between 0.5 mm and 15 mm, very particularly preferably between 1 mm and 10 mm, and especially preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm. Preferably, a plurality of through-holes forming a screen structure are arranged on the surface of the filter element.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the filter belt according to the invention, the sliding element is formed in one piece and / or fixed to the filter belt in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner on the rod element or multiple rod elements, and in this case, it is particularly preferred to do so only on the rod element or multiple rod elements. A one-piece sliding element is understood first as a sliding element whose base is formed from a single component. In principle, it is conceivable that the sliding element has other components, however, which subsequently do not contribute to the basic structure of the sliding element and / or do not extend over the entire area between the two rod elements of the filter belt. Therefore, in principle, it is conceivable that the one-piece sliding element has other components for fixing to the support structure and, in particular, to the rod elements, such as screws, pins, sleeves, or other components. Particularly preferred, however, is that the entire sliding element is formed as a single component and / or fixed to the filter belt only by means of a sliding element formed from a portion, i.e., without other components. In principle, however, it is also conceivable that the sliding element is fixed to the support structure and, in particular, to one or two rod elements by means of fastening devices, particularly by means of screws.

[0030] However, in principle, a two-piece configuration of the sliding element is also conceivable, wherein it is then preferred that the main body of the sliding element is formed by two parts, particularly two partial main bodies. More preferably, these two partial bodies are arranged substantially on opposite sides of the filter belt and / or support structure. A preferred embodiment of such a two-piece sliding element specifies that the sliding element is formed by a first partial body having at least one first connecting section and a second partial body having at least one second connecting section, wherein the two partial bodies forming the sliding element base are releasably and preferably form-fitting and / or force-fittingly connectable or interlocking with each other by means of the connecting sections. The partial bodies are substantially formed as two connectable parts, particularly as connectable halves of the sliding element, which, when connected, preferably form the base of the sliding element.

[0031] To releasably connect the partial substrates to each other, first and second connecting sections are essentially provided. The partial substrates can be releasably connected or joined to each other, for example, through indirect or direct interaction of the connecting sections. The first connecting section is arranged on the first partial substrate, and the second connecting section is arranged on the second partial substrate. Preferably, each partial substrate also has a contact surface facing each other. The connecting sections are preferably arranged on the partial substrates such that the contact surfaces of the partial substrates abut against each other in the connected state. Particularly preferably, the releasable connection of the partial substrates is achieved solely by means of the interacting connecting sections. Also preferably, the partial substrates are formed identically and / or mirror-symmetrically, thereby advantageously reducing the manufacturing cost of the sliding element.

[0032] At least one connecting element is arranged in each connection section to allow the two component bases to be releasably connected to each other. In principle, the connecting elements can be formed and arranged on the component bases as needed. For example, each connecting element is formed with an internal thread, and they are releasably connected to each other by means of additional connecting elements, such as screws. Typically, the two component bases are preferably screwed together, particularly in the connection section region, where the fixation of the two component bases can be achieved solely by screwing, or by screwing in addition to another form-fit and / or force-fit fixation.

[0033] However, according to an advantageous extension of the invention, the connecting sections are formed and / or arranged on the partial substrates in such a way that the partial substrates can be connected to each other by form-fitting and / or force-fitting methods and / or without the need for additional connecting elements. The partial substrates preferably each have functional surfaces, wherein the functional surfaces are particularly preferably arranged facing each other in the connected state of the partial substrates. The first connecting section is preferably arranged on a first functional surface of the first partial substrate, and the second connecting section is preferably arranged on a second functional surface of the second partial substrate. Preferably, the first and second connecting sections are arranged on a connecting axis, which is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sliding element. Particularly preferably, the connecting sections are formed for forming a press-fit and / or plug-in connection. For example, the first connecting section and / or the second connecting section are each formed as a protrusion projecting from the functional surface of the first or second partial substrate.

[0034] To form a plug-in connection, the first connecting section is preferably formed as a deformable protrusion. Deformable here means that the protrusion yields under force in a direction radial to the connecting axis, for example, in the connecting portion substrate. The first connecting section preferably has an elliptical, polygonal, or preferably circular cross-section extending in the direction of the connecting axis. Preferably, the first connecting section has a cavity for deformation, which extends in the direction of the connecting axis and is defined by an outer wall. To further improve the deformability of the first connecting section, the outer wall has, for example, slots arranged parallel to the connecting axis. Furthermore, the outer wall of the first connecting section, particularly the connecting section formed as a protrusion, preferably has an end section with a larger perimeter than the rest of the outer wall.

[0035] The second connecting section is preferably formed as a recess arranged on the second functional surface for forming a plug-in connection. The recess is understood as a free area of ​​the second functional surface, such as a blind hole. The second connecting section preferably has a cross-section extending along the connecting axis that is adapted to the cross-section of the first connecting section. The cross-section of the second connecting section is adapted to the cross-section of the first connecting section in such a way that the first connecting section is received in the second connecting section in a form-fit manner for connecting the substrate. For example, the second connecting section has an undercut for receiving an end section of the first connecting section.

[0036] The substrate portion preferably has at least two connecting sections. Preferably, two first connecting sections are arranged on the first substrate portion, and two second connecting sections are arranged at intervals on the second substrate portion.

[0037] An advantageous extension of the filter belt according to the invention specifies that the sliding element, and in particular the substrate, has at least one connecting section for securing the sliding element to the filter belt and / or for accommodating rod elements, wherein the connecting section preferably surrounds the rod element for more than half its circumference. Preferably, the sliding element and / or the substrate has one connecting section for each rod element on which the sliding element is disposed. Furthermore, the connecting section preferably surrounds the rod element for more than half its circumference, particularly preferably at least 75% of the circumference, and very particularly preferably completely surrounds it. In the case of a multi-part configuration of the sliding element, and in particular the substrate, it is preferred that the connecting section is formed by at least two, and particularly preferably exactly two partial connecting sections. Furthermore, these two partial connecting sections are preferably arranged on one of the partial substrates respectively. Equally preferably, all the partial connecting sections together surround the respective rod element for at least 75% of the circumference of the rod element, and particularly preferably completely surround it.

[0038] According to the invention, the sliding element has a connecting section for receiving a section of the filter belt and / or for securing a substrate to the filter belt. The connecting section is understood in principle as a section of the sliding element, and particularly the substrate, configured to connect the sliding element to the filter belt. For example, the connecting section is formed as a clamp in which the section can be clamped, or preferably formed as an opening for passing through or receiving filter belt components, particularly rod elements. The connecting section is preferably arranged on at least one portion of the substrate and / or between the portions of the substrate. Particularly preferably, the connecting section is arranged exactly centrally between the portions of the substrate and / or extends halfway within each portion of the substrate. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting section is preferably adapted to the cross-section of the portion of the filter belt to be received, and in this case, a circular cross-section is particularly preferred.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting section is formed by two partial connecting sections, each arranged on one of the partial substrates. According to this embodiment, the connecting section is preferably formed as an opening penetrating the sliding element substrate. The partial connecting section preferably has a semi-circular cross-section extending in the longitudinal axis direction of the sliding element, thereby the connecting section has a circular cross-section extending in the longitudinal axis direction of the sliding element. By forming the connecting section by two partial connecting sections, the sliding element can be manufactured in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0040] The partial substrate preferably has a bottom surface and a top surface spaced apart from the bottom surface along the longitudinal axis of the sliding element. The contact surface, functional area, and / or outer surface of the partial substrate preferably extend between the bottom and top surfaces of the partial substrate, respectively. Furthermore, the partial substrate can vary through the design of different connecting sections or the arrangement of the guiding sections. However, according to an advantageous extension of the invention, the partial substrates are formed identically and / or mirror-symmetrically.

[0041] According to the invention, the sliding element has at least one guide section for guiding the sliding motion of the filter belt, which is preferably arranged on one of the partial substrates. In this case, the guide section preferably forms an outer region of the sliding element and, in particular, the substrate, which is arranged at the maximum distance from the connecting section, and most preferably. Although it is conceivable that the sliding element can be formed as a separate component and arranged on the substrate or on the respective partial substrate, it is preferred that the sliding element and the substrate, and particularly preferably with the respective partial substrates, be formed as a single piece.

[0042] In principle, the guide section can be arranged at any desired location on the first or second part of the substrate. The guide section is preferably arranged on one of the parts of the substrate such that a section of the filter belt arranged in the connecting section is arranged perpendicular to the end face of the guide section. Particularly preferably, the guide section is arranged on the outer surface of the first or second part of the substrate opposite to the first and / or second connecting sections. The first part of the substrate preferably has a first outer surface spaced apart from the first functional surface. Furthermore, the second part of the substrate preferably has a second outer surface spaced apart from the second functional surface.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment of the filter belt according to the invention, a guide section of the filter belt for guiding sliding movement is arranged on the sliding element, particularly on at least one sub-base, wherein the guide section is preferably arranged on the outer surface of the first and / or second sub-base opposite to the corresponding connecting section. In the case of a one-piece configuration of the sliding element, the guide section is also preferably arranged on the outer surface, which is particularly preferably perpendicular to and / or protrudes beyond the filter belt surface. Furthermore, the guide section preferably has a guide surface that extends parallel to and / or parallel to the filter belt surface, and is particularly preferably formed as a flat and / or smooth surface.

[0044] In principle, the guide section can be arranged at any desired location on the first or second part of the substrate. The guide section is preferably arranged on one of the parts of the substrate such that a section of the filter belt arranged in the connecting section is arranged perpendicular to the end face of the guide section. Particularly preferably, the guide section is arranged on the outer surface of the first or second part of the substrate opposite to the first and / or second connecting sections. The first part of the substrate preferably has a first outer surface spaced apart from the first functional surface. Furthermore, the second part of the substrate preferably has a second outer surface spaced apart from the second functional surface.

[0045] The end face of the guide section is preferably arranged to be spaced apart from the first or second outer surface. Preferably, the guide section is formed as a tab protruding from the first or second outer surface. Preferably, the guide section has at least one sliding surface extending between the first or second outer surface and the end face for support in the track.

[0046] The sliding element, and particularly the substrate, preferably has at least two guide sections. A first guide section is preferably disposed on a first portion of the substrate, and a second guide section is preferably disposed on a second portion of the substrate. Furthermore, these two guide sections are preferably disposed on opposite sides of the sliding element. This advantageous arrangement and configuration of the guide sections enables simple and reliable guiding of the sliding element. By providing at least two guide sections, the sliding element can be guided from both sides in the guide surface and / or track, or the filter belt can be deflected in different directions.

[0047] According to an advantageous extension of the invention, the sliding element has a recess formed by two partial recesses respectively arranged on one of the partial substrates for arranging additional sliding elements. The partial recesses are essentially understood as free regions of the partial substrates. In the connected state of the partial substrates, the partial recesses form recesses in the substrate. The partial recesses preferably have an inner contour adapted to the shape of the substrate, such that additional sliding elements can be arranged for support within the recesses. For example, the partial recesses and / or the recesses have a partially circular inner contour extending in the longitudinal axis direction of the sliding element. Correspondingly, the substrate has a partially circular outer contour, which is spaced apart from the recesses and extends in the longitudinal axis direction of the sliding element. Furthermore, the partial substrate preferably has additional recesses for saving material during the manufacture of the partial substrate, for example, during injection molding. The advantageously provided partial recesses and the recesses formed therefrom enable a simple arrangement of multiple sliding elements relative to each other.

[0048] The connecting sections arranged between the partial substrates are substantially sufficient to arrange the sliding element on the belt section of the filter belt. Another advantageous embodiment of the filter belt specifies that the sliding element is formed in at least three pieces, and preferably exactly three pieces, and in this case, the sliding element or substrate preferably consists of a central piece that can be fixed to a support structure, particularly a rod element, and two partial substrates that can be fixed respectively on the outer side and / or on the opposing surfaces of the central piece. While any multi-piece configuration of the sliding element and / or the sliding element substrate can be contemplated in principle, a maximum of three pieces is preferred because the more complex assembly of more parts generally comes with excessively high production and assembly costs. The central piece is particularly preferably formed as a connecting sleeve.

[0049] In a preferred extension of the three-piece filter belt, the central member has two spaced-apart connecting sections for securing sliding elements to the filter belt and / or for accommodating rod elements. The central member is preferably configured to be permanently positioned on the rod elements, while the two sub-base sections are replaceably secured to the central member. Through the permanent fixation of the central member, it preferably forms part of the filter belt support structure and / or permanently secures the belt sections to each other. In this case, the central member can hold the individual belt sections, particularly the rod elements, together, in addition to other connecting elements (such as clamping elements or connecting clips), but may also simply hold them together. Accordingly, it is conceivable that the support structure is essentially formed by the rod elements and the central member, or that the support structure is essentially held together by means of the central member. In this configuration, it is preferred that the central member be made of metal, particularly steel, stainless steel, or aluminum.

[0050] The substrate preferably has a receiving section formed by two receiving sections respectively arranged on one of the partial substrates. The receiving section preferably describes a free region of the sliding element, which is arranged between the guide surfaces of the partial substrates and extends in the longitudinal direction of the sliding element, and a central member can be disposed therein. The central member preferably has a shape adapted to the receiving section. The central member is preferably formed of metal, such as steel, or particularly preferably of an alkali-resistant material, especially so-called stainless steel. The central member achieves a particularly stable and low-wear connection between the sliding element and the filter belt. By advantageously forming the central member of a metallic material, wear on the sliding element at the connection section is advantageously reduced.

[0051] The central component preferably has two spaced-apart connecting sections for accommodating different, preferably exactly two, and particularly two adjacent, filter belt sections, whereby the sliding element can be arranged on at least two filter belt sections. Particularly preferably, each connecting section is provided for arrangement on a rod element of the filter belt.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the filter belt, the central member has at least one recess operably connected to a first and / or second connecting section of a portion of the substrate for detachably securing the portion of the substrate to the central member. The recess preferably has a cross-section extending in the direction of the connecting axis. Furthermore, the recess is preferably configured to form a plug-in connection with the first and / or second connecting section. Preferably, the recess has an undercut in the direction of the connecting axis for form-fitting with an end section of the first connecting section in the direction of the connecting axis. According to this embodiment of the invention, the second connecting section is advantageously configured as a protrusion projecting from a second functional surface for arrangement within the recess. Preferably, the second connecting section has a larger cross-section than the recess to form a press-fit connection between the central member and the second connecting section. For example, the recess is formed as a through-hole.

[0053] Preferably, the center member has a plurality of spaced-apart recesses, each recess being assigned to a pair of mating connecting sections, namely, first and second connecting sections that mat with each other. For example, in the case where two pairs of connecting sections are respectively arranged on a portion of the substrate, the center member has two recesses spaced apart from each other and assigned to one of the pairs respectively. This advantageous configuration of the center member enables particularly simple and particularly quick installation or removal of the portion of the substrate on the center member arranged on the belt section, thereby further reducing maintenance time for repairing the filter belt in the event of wear.

[0054] Finally, according to a preferred extension of the filter belt according to the invention, adjacent rod elements are secured by clamping elements forming a filter belt support structure, wherein the clamping elements are preferably arranged externally on the rod elements and / or sliding elements are arranged recessed relative to the clamping elements. The clamping element is essentially understood as a component configured to secure belt segments relative to each other. For example, the clamping element is designed as a curved plate having various openings for belt segments to pass through. Preferably, the clamping element is formed as a connecting clip. Accordingly, the rod elements held together by the clamping elements or connecting clips preferably form a support structure for the filter belt, wherein it is conceivable that other components, such as the central element of the sliding element, are also part of the support structure and / or contribute to the bonding of the filter belt components.

[0055] The external arrangement of clamping elements or connecting clips is primarily understood as an arrangement where the clamping elements or connecting clips are positioned closest to the outer edge of the filter belt, where, for example, it can be envisioned that the rod element protrudes outward from the clamping elements or connecting clips or at the outer edge. However, in principle, the clamping elements or connecting clips can also form the outer edge of the filter belt. The arrangement of sliding elements recessed relative to the clamping elements or connecting clips primarily refers to the sliding element being positioned closer to the center of the filter belt than the clamping elements or connecting clips. In this case, the sliding element can be arranged directly adjacent to the clamping elements or connecting clips or spaced apart from them. However, to obtain the maximum filter belt surface area for filtering the liquid, it is preferable that the sliding element is arranged directly adjacent to and / or in direct contact with the clamping elements or connecting clips.

[0056] However, in principle, it is also conceivable to construct a filter belt support structure without clamping elements or connecting clips, especially with a sliding element, and in this case, a central member with a sliding element as part of the support structure is particularly preferred. In this case, it is preferable that the sliding element is arranged externally or at the location of the clamping element or connecting clip.

[0057] A preferred extension of the container handling system according to the invention has guide rails extending on both sides of a filter belt, wherein the filter belt is guided by means of a sliding element and two guide rails, and preferably on and / or within each of the two guide rails. Particularly preferably, the filter belt is guided by means of a sliding element on and / or within each of the two guide rails. Furthermore, the filter belt is preferably guided by means of the guide rails and / or arranged on, in, or within the guide rails such that the sliding element, and particularly the guide section arranged on the sliding element and protruding from the filter belt surface, substantially laterally seals the filter belt surface and / or prevents filtered solids and / or the liquid to be filtered from laterally escaping in the filter belt surface area. For this purpose, the sliding element is preferably formed and / or arranged within the guide rail in such a way that the sliding element extends over the entire height of the guide rail, substantially fills the interior of the guide rail, and / or laterally seals against the guide rail. This sealing arrangement of the sliding elements of the guide rail and filter belt is particularly advantageous in relation to the bilateral guidance by means of the sliding elements guided respectively within or on the guide rail, because this achieves a bilateral and complete seal, and thus solids and / or the liquid to be filtered cannot leave the filter belt surface in an undesirable manner.

[0058] The driving of a filter belt that is slidably guided and rotates can, in principle, be carried out in any desired manner. One possible configuration of such a drive specifies that the drive element for the rotational movement of the filter belt is engaged in a support structure, a rod element, a sliding element, a surface structure on the filter belt surface, particularly its underside, and / or a through-hole in the filter belt surface. In particular, such a drive element can be form-fitted into at least one component of the filter belt. In principle, however, additional or exclusive friction drive is also conceivable, particularly by means of a drive roller as the drive element, which in this case is particularly preferably extended over the entire width of the filter belt.

[0059] Finally, according to a preferred extension of the sliding element according to the invention, the base of the sliding element is formed of a first partial base having at least one first connecting section and a second partial base having at least one second connecting section, wherein these two partial bases can be joined to each other in a releasable and preferably form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner by means of the connecting sections, and in this case, it is particularly preferred to form the base. Alternatively, these two partial bases may also be connected to each other and / or to the center member respectively on the opposite surfaces of the center member that can be fixed to the rod element, particularly two adjacent rod elements, in a releasable and preferably form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, wherein, particularly preferably, either only the two partial bases form the base of the sliding element, or the two partial bases together with the center member are part of the base of the sliding element. Thus, the center member can in principle be regarded as part of the sliding element and / or as part of the filter belt, and in this case, particularly not also as part of the sliding element. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Several embodiments of the invention, and particularly the sliding element according to the invention, are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A perspective view of a sliding element for a first two-piece embodiment of a sliding guide filter belt is shown. Figure 2 A perspective view of the sliding element in the second three-piece embodiment is shown, without the connecting sleeve as the central member. Figure 3 It shows having Figure 2 A perspective view of the filter belt of the three-piece sliding element shown; and Figure 4 It shows along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the filter tape taken by line AA. Detailed Implementation

[0061] exist Figure 1The sliding element 1, schematically shown in a perspective view, is formed as a two-piece component, comprising a first base portion 2 and a second base portion 3. A first connecting section 4 is disposed on the first base portion, and a second connecting section 5 is disposed on the second base portion 3. The base portions 2 and 3 are connected to each other in a form-fitting and releasable manner through the interaction of the connecting sections 4 and 5, forming the base 6 of the sliding element 1. Furthermore, the base portions 2 and 3 are each formed as injection-molded parts made of plastic.

[0062] The first connecting section 4 is arranged on the first functional surface 7 of the first base 2, and the second connecting section 5 is arranged on the second functional surface 8 of the second base 3. Furthermore, connecting sections 4 and 5 are arranged in a connecting axis LK perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LG of the sliding element 1. Each of the bases 2 and 3 has a contact surface 9 that faces and abuts against each other. The functional surfaces 7 and 8 are arranged parallel to the contact surfaces.

[0063] The first part of the substrate 2 has a first outer surface 10 spaced apart from the first functional surface 7, and the second part of the substrate 3 has a second outer surface 11 spaced apart from the second functional surface 8.

[0064] The sliding element 1 has a connecting section 12 for accommodating the rod element 13 of the filter belt 14. The connecting section 12 is formed by two partial connecting sections 15 respectively arranged on one of the partial substrates 2 and 3. The partial connecting section 15 has a semi-circular cross section 16 extending in the longitudinal axis direction of the sliding element 1, thereby making the connecting section 12 have a circular cross section 17 extending in the longitudinal axis direction of the sliding element 1.

[0065] Furthermore, the sliding element 1 has a guide section 18 disposed on the second part of the base 3. The guide section is disposed on the second outer surface 11 of the second part of the base 3 opposite to the first and second connecting sections 4, 5. The guide section 18 has an end face 19 spaced apart from the second outer surface 11 and a sliding surface 20 extending between the second outer surface 11 and the end face 19 for guiding in the guide surface or guide rail of the container handling device.

[0066] Furthermore, the sliding element 1 has a recess 22 in the base 6 formed by two partial recesses 21 respectively arranged on one of the partial bases 2 and 3, and a section 23 for arranging another sliding element 1. The partial recesses 21 form the recesses 22 in the base 6 when the partial bases 2 and 3 are connected. The recesses 21 and 22 each have a partially circular inner contour 24 extending in the longitudinal axis direction of the sliding element 1. Correspondingly, the section 23 of the base 6 has a partially circular outer contour 25 arranged at intervals from the recesses 22 and extending in the longitudinal axis direction of the sliding element 1.

[0067] Figure 2The second embodiment of the sliding element 1a shown is similar to Figure 1 The difference in the first embodiment of the sliding element 1 lies in the different configuration of the connecting sections 4a and 5a and the three-piece configuration with a connecting sleeve 26 arranged between the partial bases 2a and 3a as a central member. In addition, the sliding element 1a has an additional guide section 18 arranged on the first partial base 2.

[0068] The substrate 6a has a receiving section 28 formed by two partial receiving sections 27 respectively arranged on one of the partial substrates 2a and 3a. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the connecting sleeve 26 can be arranged in the receiving section 28 between the functional surfaces 7 and 8 of the partial substrates 2a and 3a. Furthermore, the connecting sleeve 26 has two connecting sections 12a arranged at intervals between each other for accommodating different rod elements 13 of the filter belt 14, these rod elements being, for example, in… Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the image.

[0069] The first sub-base 2a has two spaced-apart first connecting sections 4a, and the second sub-base 3a has two spaced-apart second connecting sections 5a. Furthermore, the connecting sleeve 26 has two recesses 29, which are respectively assigned to the first and second connecting sections 4a and 5a that cooperate with it.

[0070] The first connecting section is formed as a deformable protrusion 4a and has a cavity 31 defined by an outer wall 30 extending in the direction of the connecting axis LK for deformation. To further improve the deformability of the protrusion 4a, the outer wall 30 has a slot 37 arranged parallel to the connecting axis LK. In addition, the outer wall 30 of the protrusion 4a has an end section 32, which has a larger perimeter than the rest of the outer wall 30. The second connecting section is formed as a protrusion 5a protruding from the second functional surface 8 for arrangement in the recess 29.

[0071] Each recess 29 is configured to form an insertion connection with the deformable protrusion 4a and a press-fit connection with the protrusion 5a. Each recess 29 has an undercut 33 for forming a form fit with the end section 32 of the protrusion 4a in the direction of the connection axis LK. Furthermore, each recess 29 has a cross-section 34 extending in the direction of the connection axis LK. The protrusion 5a has a larger cross-section 35 than the cross-section 34 of the recess.

[0072] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As schematically shown, the filter belt 14 has retaining elements 36 for fixing the rod elements 13 relative to each other.

[0073] The sliding elements 1 and 1a, which are formed as two or three parts with two base parts 2, 2a, 3, 3a that can be loosely connected to each other through connecting sections 4, 4a, 5, 5a, can be easily and quickly replaced in case of wear by loosening the plug-in and pressing-fit connection.

[0074] All the features explained in connection with the various embodiments of the present invention can be provided in different combinations for the sliding elements 1, 1a or the filter belt 14 in order to achieve their advantageous effects simultaneously, even though they have been described in different embodiments. For example, the partial substrates 2a and 3a of the sliding element 1a can be formed identically, wherein first and second connecting sections 4a and 5a spaced apart from each other are respectively arranged on the partial substrates 2a and 3a.

[0075] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Sliding element 2.2a First part matrix 3, 3a Part Two Matrix 4, 4a First connecting section / deformable protrusion 5, 5a Second connecting section / protrusion 6. Matrix 7 First Functional Surface 8 Second functional surface 9. Contact surface 10 First outer surface 11 Second outer surface 12, 12a connecting sections 13-bar element 14 Filter belt 15 Connecting Sections Cross-section of 16 connecting sections 17. Cross-section of the connecting section 18. Guiding Section 19 End face 20 Sliding Surface 21 Partial recess 22 recess 23. Section of the sliding element 24 Inner contour 25 Outer contour 26 Connecting sleeve as the central component 27 Partial Accommodation Sections 28 Accommodation Sections 29 recess 30 outer wall 31 Cavity 32 End Section 33. Undercut 34 Cross section of recess 35. Cross-section of the second connecting section / protrusion 36 Clamping elements 37. Slot The longitudinal axis of the LG sliding element LK connecting axis.

Claims

1. A filter belt (14) for container handling equipment, particularly container cleaning equipment and / or container filling equipment, comprising: Filter belt surface for filtering liquids in the container processing equipment; and Multiple sliding elements (1) are arranged along the direction of the filter belt (14), each sliding element having a guide section (18) for slidingly guiding the filter belt (14) on the container handling equipment to move along the direction. Its features are, The sliding element (1) is replaceable and is therefore preferably fixed to the filter belt (14) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

2. The filter belt for container processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter belt (14) is formed by a plurality of front-to-back supporting structures and / or belt segments of the filter belt surface, and a sliding element (1) is arranged on each belt segment and / or arranged to connect each two adjacent belt segments.

3. The filter belt for container handling equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support structure is formed by rod elements (13) arranged transversely to the direction of the filter belt (14), wherein a sliding element (1) is arranged on the rod element (13) and / or arranged to connect two adjacent rod elements (13) and preferably fixed on the rod element (13) in a form fit and / or force fit manner.

4. The filter belt for a container handling device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The filter strip surface is formed by filter elements fixed to the rod element (13) and / or extending substantially over the entire intermediate space of adjacent rod elements (13), wherein sliding elements (1) are arranged above, below and / or laterally adjacent to the filter element and here preferably laterally define the filter strip surface.

5. A filter belt for a container handling device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sliding element (1) is formed in one piece, and preferably, the one-piece sliding element (1) is fixed on the filter belt (14) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner on the rod element (13).

6. The filter belt for a container handling device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sliding element (1) is formed in two parts and is preferably formed by a first part base (2, 2a) having at least one first connecting section (4, 4a) and a second part base (3, 3a) having at least one second connecting section (5, 5a), wherein the two part bases (2, 2a, 3, 3a) form the base (6) of the sliding element (1) and are connected to each other by means of the connecting sections (4, 4a, 5, 5a) in a releasable and preferably form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

7. The filter belt for a container handling device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sliding element (1) has at least one connecting section (12, 12a) for fixing the sliding element (1) to the filter belt (14) and / or for accommodating the rod element (13), wherein the connecting section (12, 12a) preferably surrounds the rod element (13) for more than half the circumference of the rod element.

8. A filter belt for a container handling device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A guide section (18) for guiding the sliding motion of the filter belt (14) is arranged on the sliding element (1) and particularly on at least one part of the substrate (2, 2a, 3, 3a), wherein the guide section (18) is preferably arranged on the outer surface (10, 11) of the first and / or second part of the substrate (2, 2a, 3, 3a) opposite to the corresponding connecting section (4, 4a, 5, 5a).

9. A filter belt for a container handling apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sliding element (1) is formed in three parts, and preferably, the sliding element (1) is formed by a central part (26) that can be fixed to the rod element (13) and two partial bases (2a, 3a) that can be fixed to the opposite surface of the central part (26) on the outside, respectively.

10. The filter belt for container handling equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The central member (26) has two connecting sections (12a) arranged at intervals between each other for fixing the sliding element (1) to the filter belt (14) and / or for accommodating the rod element (13), wherein the central member (26) is preferably configured to be permanently arranged on the rod element (13) and the two partial bases (2a, 3a) are replaceably fixed to the central member (26).

11. A filter belt for a container handling apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each adjacent rod element (13) is fixed by a clamping element (36) to form a support structure for the filter belt (14), wherein the clamping element (36) is preferably arranged externally on the rod element (13) and / or the sliding element (1) is arranged in a recessed manner relative to the clamping element (36) toward the center of the filter belt.

12. A container handling apparatus, particularly a container cleaning apparatus and / or a container filling apparatus, having a filter belt (14) according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, wherein the filter belt (14) is extended in a guided manner on the container handling apparatus by means of a sliding element (1) via a guide rail.

13. The container handling apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that... Guide rails extending on both sides of the filter belt (14), wherein the filter belt (14) is guided by a sliding element (1) on each of the two guide rails.

14. The container handling apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The filter belt (14) is guided by means of a guide rail such that the sliding element (1) and, in particular, the guide section (18) arranged on the sliding element (1) protruding from the filter belt surface, substantially laterally seals the filter belt surface and / or prevents the filtered solids and / or the liquid to be filtered from laterally leaving the area of ​​the filter belt surface.

15. The container handling apparatus according to at least one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The drive element for rotating the filter belt (14) is engaged in the rod element (13), in the surface structure of the filter belt surface, and / or in the through holes of the filter belt surface.

16. A filter belt (14) for a container handling apparatus, particularly a sliding element (1) of a filter belt according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, comprising: Matrix (6); A guide section (18) for sliding and guiding the filter belt (14) on a container handling device; and Connection sections (12, 12a) are used to replaceably and preferably shape-fit and / or force-fit the substrate (6) onto the filter belt (14).

17. The sliding element for a filter belt according to claim 16, characterized in that, The base (6) of the sliding element (1) is formed by a first portion base (2, 2a) having at least one first connecting segment (4, 4a) and a second portion base (3, 3a) having at least one second connecting segment (5, 5a), wherein, The two sub-substrates (2, 2a, 3, 3a) can be connected to each other by means of connecting sections (4, 4a, 5, 5a) in a releasable and preferably form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, or wherein, The two partial bases (2, 2a, 3, 3a) can be arranged on the opposite surface of the center member (26) that can be fixed to the rod element (13) in a releasable and preferably form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner on the outside.

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