Thermal barrier sterile mechanical sealing mechanism

Abstract

The utility model discloses a thermal barrier sterile mechanical sealing mechanism, which relates to the technical field of food processing, and comprises a mounting shell, a transmission shaft, a fixed ring and a pair of movable rings, a mounting inner cavity is arranged in the mounting shell, and a steam inlet and a steam discharge port are respectively arranged on two sides of the mounting shell; the transmission shaft is rotatably arranged in the mounting inner cavity, a steam inlet hole and a steam discharge hole are formed in the two sides of the fixed ring respectively, the fixed ring is arranged on the outer side of the transmission shaft in a sleeving mode, a small steam cavity is formed between the fixed ring and the transmission shaft, and the small steam cavity is communicated with the steam inlet hole and the steam discharge hole respectively to form a stable steam heat barrier; the pair of moving rings are arranged in the mounting inner cavity and can rotate along with the transmission shaft, so that the problem that bacteria easily enter the inner cavity of the pot body through a gap between the rotating shaft and the sealing mechanism in a sterile packaging system of solid food and the problem that a traditional graphite mechanical sealing structure is not provided with a thermal barrier and cannot completely block the bacteria are solved. Bacteria invasion is easily caused, and strict sterile production standards are difficult to meet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food processing technology, and in particular to a thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In the food processing and pharmaceutical industries, autoclaves are crucial equipment for ensuring product quality and safety. In the food sector, canned goods, beverages, and other products undergo high-temperature, high-pressure treatment in autoclaves to kill harmful microorganisms and extend shelf life. In the pharmaceutical industry, whether it's pharmaceutical production equipment, packaging materials, or even some drugs themselves, autoclaves are essential for rigorous sterilization to meet the stringent requirements of a sterile environment for pharmaceuticals.

[0003] However, this presents a significant challenge to power transmission when performing aseptic filling and sealing of food within the sterilizer, as electrically driven systems cannot operate in high-temperature steam environments. In food and pharmaceutical production, external power is transmitted to the sterilizer or incubator via drive shafts and other components to perform operations such as stirring, filling, sealing, and conveying. However, preventing external bacteria from entering the sterilizer and causing secondary contamination, thus maintaining its sterile state, has become a critical issue that the industry urgently needs to address.

[0004] In existing technologies, traditional sealing methods, such as simple mechanical seals, are prone to wear and aging under high temperature and high pressure environments, resulting in a gradual decline in sealing performance. They can only seal media such as oil and water and cannot effectively prevent bacterial invasion. Some early power transmission designs focused solely on power transmission functions, neglecting aseptic protection, making it difficult to meet the increasingly stringent production standards of the food and pharmaceutical industries. This poses a risk of product quality defects due to bacterial contamination, necessitating innovative technological solutions to address these issues. Utility Model Content

[0005] Based on this, and in response to the above problems, this utility model proposes a thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism, which solves the problem that bacteria can easily enter the inner cavity of the pot through the gap between the rotating shaft and the sealing mechanism in the aseptic packaging system of solid food, as well as the problem that the traditional graphite mechanical seal structure does not have a thermal barrier, cannot completely block bacteria, and is prone to bacterial invasion, making it difficult to meet strict aseptic production standards.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is:

[0007] A thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism includes a mounting housing, a drive shaft, a fixed ring, and a pair of moving rings. The mounting housing has an inner cavity extending through both ends of the mounting housing. Steam inlets and steam vents communicating with the inner cavities are respectively provided on both sides of the mounting housing.

[0008] The drive shaft is rotatably installed inside the mounting cavity, with both ends of the drive shaft extending outside the mounting cavity. The fixed ring is fixedly installed inside the mounting cavity, and the fixed ring has a steam inlet hole communicating with the steam inlet and a steam vent hole communicating with the steam vent hole on both sides. The fixed ring is sleeved on the outside of the drive shaft, and there is a small steam cavity between the fixed ring and the drive shaft. The small steam cavity is communicating with the steam inlet hole and the steam vent hole respectively.

[0009] A pair of moving rings are set inside the mounting cavity and are located on both sides of the fixed ring. The pair of moving rings are sleeved on the drive shaft and can rotate with the drive shaft. One side of the pair of moving rings contacts both sides of the fixed ring and fits tightly.

[0010] Preferably, a pair of rotating bearings are provided in the mounting cavity, with the pair of rotating bearings located on both sides of the mounting cavity, and the two ends of the drive shaft are rotatably connected to the mounting cavity through the pair of rotating bearings.

[0011] Preferably, the inner cavity is provided with mounting grooves on both sides for mounting rotating bearings. A pair of rotating bearings are respectively installed in the mounting grooves on both sides of the inner cavity. The outer ring of the rotating bearing is fixedly connected to the mounting groove, and the inner ring of the rotating bearing is sleeved on the drive shaft and fixedly connected to the drive shaft.

[0012] Preferably, a pair of first sealing rings are provided at the connection between the fixed ring and the mounting cavity. The pair of first sealing rings are embedded in the inner wall of the mounting cavity, and the steam inlet and steam vent on the mounting housing are both located between the pair of first sealing rings.

[0013] Preferably, the moving ring is slidably mounted on the drive shaft, and a pair of locking elements are provided in the mounting cavity. The pair of locking elements are fitted on the drive shaft and are located on one side of the pair of moving rings respectively, so that one side of the pair of moving rings contacts and fits tightly with both sides of the fixed ring.

[0014] Preferably, the locking component includes a locking nut and an elastic connector. The elastic connector is sleeved on the outside of the drive shaft, and one side of the elastic connector contacts the side of the rotating ring. The locking nut is sleeved on the drive shaft and threadedly connected to the drive shaft, and the locking nut contacts the other side of the elastic connector.

[0015] Preferably, the elastic connector includes a spring and a pair of mounting seats. The spring and the pair of mounting seats are both sleeved on the outside of the drive shaft and are slidably connected to the drive shaft. The spring is disposed between the pair of mounting seats, and both ends of the spring are fixedly connected to the pair of mounting seats respectively.

[0016] Preferably, a second sealing ring is provided at the connection between the pair of moving rings and the drive shaft, the second sealing ring is embedded in the drive shaft, and the steam chamber is located between the pair of second sealing rings.

[0017] Preferably, both the fixed ring and the pair of moving rings are made of ceramic material.

[0018] Preferably, a connecting flange is provided on the outside of the mounting housing, and the connecting flange is fixedly connected to the mounting housing.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0020] When the sterilizer requires power transmission, the drive shaft begins to rotate within the mounting cavity, and a pair of rotating rings fitted onto the drive shaft rotate synchronously. During rotation, the rotating rings come into close contact with the fixed rings, forming a dynamic sealing surface that prevents some external bacteria from entering the sterilizer through the gap between the drive shaft and the mounting shell. Simultaneously, steam flows in from the steam inlet of the mounting shell, enters the steam chamber through the steam inlet hole of the fixed ring, creating a high-temperature steam environment within the steam chamber, and then exits through the steam vent. The high-temperature steam continuously circulates, sterilizing the steam chamber. Even if external bacteria enter the steam chamber, they will be killed by the high temperature, further ensuring the sterile environment within the sterilizer. Throughout the entire power transmission process, the dynamic sealing between the rotating and fixed rings and the high-temperature sterilization of the steam chamber work together to achieve reliable aseptic power transmission. This invention solves the problem that bacteria can easily enter the inner cavity of the container through the gap between the rotating shaft and the sealing mechanism in the aseptic packaging system of solid food, as well as the problem that the traditional graphite mechanical seal structure does not have a thermal barrier and cannot completely block bacteria, making it easy for bacteria to invade and difficult to meet strict aseptic production standards. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism as described in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a partial exploded structural diagram of a thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism described in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic connector described in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism described in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism as described in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 1-Mounting housing, 2-Drive shaft, 3-Fixed ring, 4-Moving ring, 5-Mounting inner cavity, 6-Steam inlet, 7-Steam vent, 8-Steam inlet hole, 9-Vent hole, 10-Steam chamber, 11-Rotating bearing, 12-Mounting groove, 13-First sealing ring, 14-Locking element, 15-Locking nut, 16-Elastic connector, 17-Spring, 18-Mounting base, 19-Second sealing ring, 20-Connecting flange, 21-Groove, 22-Limit rod. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Example:

[0030] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in order to solve the above problems, this embodiment discloses a thermal barrier sterile mechanical seal mechanism, including a mounting housing 1, a drive shaft 2, a fixed ring 3 and a pair of moving rings 4. The mounting housing 1 is provided with a mounting cavity 5 that runs through both ends of the mounting housing 1. The mounting housing 1 is provided with a steam inlet 6 and a steam vent 7 on both sides that communicate with the mounting cavity 5.

[0031] The drive shaft 2 is rotatably installed in the mounting cavity 5. Both ends of the drive shaft 2 extend to the outside of the mounting cavity 5. The fixed ring 3 is fixedly installed in the mounting cavity 5. The fixed ring 3 has a steam inlet hole 8 communicating with the steam inlet 6 and a steam vent hole 9 communicating with the steam vent hole 7 on both sides. The fixed ring 3 is sleeved on the outside of the drive shaft 2. There is a small steam cavity 10 between the fixed ring 3 and the drive shaft 2. The small steam cavity 10 is connected to the steam inlet hole 8 and the steam vent hole 9 respectively.

[0032] A pair of moving rings 4 are installed in the mounting cavity 5 and are located on both sides of the fixed ring 3. The pair of moving rings 4 are sleeved on the transmission shaft 2 and can rotate with the transmission shaft 2. One side of the pair of moving rings 4 contacts both sides of the fixed ring 3 and fits tightly.

[0033] The above structure forms a stable steam thermal barrier, effectively preventing bacterial invasion.

[0034] During use, the contact sealing design between the rotating ring 4 and the fixed ring 3 can better adapt to the rotation of the drive shaft 2 compared to traditional mechanical seals. Under high temperature and high pressure environments, it can effectively avoid the problem of seal failure caused by wear and aging, greatly improve the reliability of the seal, and significantly reduce the risk of bacteria invading the interior of the sterilization vessel.

[0035] Meanwhile, the aseptic mechanical sealing mechanism described in this utility model not only relies on the sealing structure of the moving ring 4 and the fixed ring 3 to physically block bacteria, but also uses the high-temperature steam sterilization of the steam chamber 10 to form a dual guarantee system of physical sealing and high-temperature sterilization treatment, which makes up for the deficiency of insufficient aseptic guarantee in the existing power transmission design and meets the strict aseptic production standards of the food and pharmaceutical industries.

[0036] It should be noted that the fixed ring 3 and the mounting housing 1 can be fixedly connected by bolts.

[0037] In order to improve the transmission of the drive shaft 2, this embodiment is modified based on the above embodiment. The difference from the above embodiment is that a pair of rotating bearings 11 are provided in the mounting cavity 5. The pair of rotating bearings 11 are located on both sides of the mounting cavity 5, and the two ends of the drive shaft 2 are rotatably connected to the mounting cavity 5 through the pair of rotating bearings 11.

[0038] The inner cavity 5 has mounting grooves 12 on both sides for mounting rotating bearings 11. A pair of rotating bearings 11 are respectively installed in the mounting grooves 12 on both sides of the inner cavity 5. The outer ring of the rotating bearing 11 is fixedly connected to the mounting groove 12, and the inner ring of the rotating bearing 11 is sleeved on the drive shaft 2 and fixedly connected to the drive shaft 2.

[0039] The rotary bearing 11 enables a rotatable connection between the drive shaft 2 and the mounting cavity 5, effectively reducing friction between them and thus minimizing wear on the mounting housing 1 and the drive shaft 2. Simultaneously, the rotary bearing 11 facilitates the input of external power. The mounting groove 12 facilitates the installation of the rotary bearing 11.

[0040] To improve the sealing of the connection between steam inlet 6 and steam inlet hole 8, and the connection between steam vent 7 and steam vent hole 9, this embodiment is modified based on the above embodiment. The difference from the above embodiment is that a pair of first sealing rings 13 are provided at the connection between the fixed ring 3 and the mounting cavity 5. The pair of first sealing rings 13 are embedded in the inner wall of the mounting cavity 5, and the steam inlet 6 and steam vent 7 on the mounting housing 1 are both located between the pair of first sealing rings 13.

[0041] By setting a pair of first sealing rings 13, and simultaneously placing the steam inlet 6 and the steam vent 7 between the pair of first sealing rings 13, the connection between the steam inlet 6 and the steam inlet hole 8, and the connection between the steam vent 7 and the vent hole 9, can be located between the pair of first sealing rings 13. Then, the contact between the first sealing rings 13 and the fixed ring 3 can form a better seal, thereby increasing the sealing performance.

[0042] To facilitate the installation of the moving ring 4, this embodiment is modified based on the above embodiment. The difference from the above embodiment is that the moving ring 4 is slidably mounted on the transmission shaft 2, and a pair of locking members 14 are provided in the mounting cavity 5. The pair of locking members 14 are fitted on the transmission shaft 2 and are respectively located on one side of the pair of moving rings 4, so that one side of the pair of moving rings 4 respectively contacts and fits tightly with the two sides of the fixed ring 3.

[0043] The locking component 14 includes a locking nut 15 and an elastic connector 16. The elastic connector 16 is sleeved on the outside of the drive shaft 2, and one side of the elastic connector 16 contacts the side of the moving ring 4. The locking nut 15 is sleeved on the drive shaft 2 and threadedly connected to the drive shaft 2. The locking nut 15 contacts the other side of the elastic connector 16.

[0044] The elastic connector 16 includes a spring 17 and a pair of mounting seats 18. The spring 17 and the pair of mounting seats 18 are both sleeved on the outside of the drive shaft 2 and are slidably connected to the drive shaft 2. The spring 17 is disposed between the pair of mounting seats 18, and both ends of the spring 17 are fixedly connected to the pair of mounting seats 18 respectively.

[0045] During installation, the rotating ring 4 and the fixed ring 3 can be pressed together by rotating the locking nut 15 through the elastic connector 16. When the rotating ring 4 and the fixed ring 3 are pressed together, the spring 17 in the elastic connector 16 is in a compressed state, so both ends will apply force to the mounting base 18. A pair of mounting bases 18 are pressed together with the rotating ring 4 and the locking nut 15 respectively, so that the elastic connector 16 can rotate with the drive shaft 2.

[0046] In order to increase the sealing between the moving ring 4 and the drive shaft 2, thereby increasing the sealing of the steam chamber 10, this embodiment is modified based on the above embodiment. The difference from the above embodiment is that a second sealing ring 19 is provided at the connection between the pair of moving rings 4 and the drive shaft 2. The second sealing ring 19 is embedded in the drive shaft 2, and the steam chamber 10 is located between the pair of second sealing rings 19.

[0047] The second sealing ring 19 can effectively increase the sealing between the moving ring 4 and the drive shaft 2, thereby increasing the sealing of the steam chamber 10.

[0048] To extend the service life of this invention, this embodiment is modified from the above embodiment. The difference is that both the fixed ring 3 and the pair of moving rings 4 are made of ceramic material. Ceramic materials have the advantages of wear resistance, high temperature resistance, and low surface roughness, which can greatly extend the service life of the aseptic mechanical seal mechanism described in this invention.

[0049] To facilitate installation, a connecting flange 20 is provided on the outer side of the mounting housing 1, and the connecting flange 20 is fixedly connected to the mounting housing 1. The connecting flange 20 facilitates the installation of the aseptic mechanical seal mechanism described in this invention onto the sterilization autoclave.

[0050] To facilitate the rotation of the moving ring 4 with the transmission shaft 2, this embodiment is modified based on the above embodiment. The difference from the above embodiment is that the moving ring 4 is provided with a groove 21 on the side away from the fixed ring 3, and the transmission shaft 2 is provided with a limiting rod 22 that cooperates with the groove 21. When the moving ring 4 and the fixed ring 3 are pressed together, the limiting rod 22 is located in the groove 21.

[0051] When the drive shaft 2 rotates, the moving ring 4 rotates with the drive shaft 2 through the cooperation of the limiting rod 22 and the groove 21.

[0052] Working principle of this utility model:

[0053] When the sterilizer requires power transmission, the drive shaft 2 begins to rotate within the mounting cavity 5, and a pair of moving rings 4, fitted onto the drive shaft 2, rotate synchronously. During rotation, the moving rings 4 come into close contact with the fixed rings 3, forming a dynamic sealing surface that prevents some external bacteria from entering the sterilizer through the gap between the drive shaft 2 and the mounting shell 1. Simultaneously, steam flows in from the steam inlet 6 of the mounting shell 1, enters the steam chamber 10 through the steam inlet 8 of the fixed ring 3, creating a high-temperature steam environment within the steam chamber 10, and then exits through the steam vent 9 and steam vent 7. The high-temperature steam continuously circulates, sterilizing the steam chamber 10. Even if external bacteria enter the steam chamber 10, they will be killed by the high temperature, further ensuring the sterile environment within the sterilizer. Throughout the entire power transmission process, the dynamic sealing of the moving rings 4 and fixed rings 3 and the high-temperature sterilization of the steam chamber 10 work together to achieve reliable aseptic power transmission.

[0054] The embodiments described above merely illustrate specific implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism, characterized by, It includes a mounting housing (1), a drive shaft (2), a fixed ring (3) and a pair of moving rings (4). The mounting housing (1) has an inner cavity (5) that runs through both ends of the mounting housing (1). The mounting housing (1) has a steam inlet (6) and a steam vent (7) that communicate with the inner cavity (5) on both sides. The drive shaft (2) is rotatably installed in the mounting cavity (5). Both ends of the drive shaft (2) extend to the outside of the mounting cavity (5). The fixed ring (3) is fixedly installed in the mounting cavity (5). The fixed ring (3) has a steam inlet (8) communicating with the steam inlet (6) and a steam vent (9) communicating with the steam vent (7) on both sides. The fixed ring (3) is sleeved on the outside of the drive shaft (2). There is a small steam cavity (10) between the fixed ring (3) and the drive shaft (2). The small steam cavity (10) is connected to the steam inlet (8) and the steam vent (9) respectively. A pair of moving rings (4) are set in the mounting cavity (5) and are located on both sides of the fixed ring (3). The pair of moving rings (4) are sleeved on the transmission shaft (2) and can rotate with the transmission shaft (2). One side of the pair of moving rings (4) contacts both sides of the fixed ring (3) and fits tightly.

2. A thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The mounting cavity (5) is provided with a pair of rotating bearings (11). The pair of rotating bearings (11) are located on both sides of the mounting cavity (5). The two ends of the drive shaft (2) are rotatably connected to the mounting cavity (5) through the pair of rotating bearings (11).

3. A thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The inner cavity (5) is provided with mounting grooves (12) on both sides for mounting rotating bearings (11). A pair of rotating bearings (11) are respectively installed in the mounting grooves (12) on both sides of the inner cavity (5). The outer ring of the rotating bearing (11) is fixedly connected to the mounting groove (12). The inner ring of the rotating bearing (11) is sleeved on the drive shaft (2) and fixedly connected to the drive shaft (2).

4. A thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism as claimed in claim 3, wherein, A pair of first sealing rings (13) are provided at the connection between the fixed ring (3) and the mounting cavity (5). The pair of first sealing rings (13) are embedded in the inner wall of the mounting cavity (5). The steam inlet (6) and steam vent (7) on the mounting housing (1) are both located between the pair of first sealing rings (13).

5. A thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism as defined in claim 4, wherein, The moving ring (4) is slidably mounted on the transmission shaft (2). A pair of locking parts (14) are provided in the mounting cavity (5). The pair of locking parts (14) are mounted on the transmission shaft (2) and are respectively located on one side of the pair of moving rings (4) to make one side of the pair of moving rings (4) contact the two sides of the fixed ring (3) respectively and fit tightly.

6. A thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism as defined in claim 5, wherein, The locking component (14) includes a locking nut (15) and an elastic connector (16). The elastic connector (16) is sleeved on the outside of the drive shaft (2), and one side of the elastic connector (16) contacts the side of the moving ring (4). The locking nut (15) is sleeved on the drive shaft (2) and threadedly connected to the drive shaft (2). The locking nut (15) contacts the other side of the elastic connector (16).

7. A thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism as defined in claim 6, wherein, The elastic connector (16) includes a spring (17) and a pair of mounting seats (18). The spring (17) and the pair of mounting seats (18) are both sleeved on the outside of the drive shaft (2) and are slidably connected to the drive shaft (2). The spring (17) is disposed between the pair of mounting seats (18), and the two ends of the spring (17) are fixedly connected to the pair of mounting seats (18) respectively.

8. A thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism as defined in claim 7, wherein, A second sealing ring (19) is provided at the connection between a pair of moving rings (4) and the drive shaft (2). The second sealing ring (19) is embedded in the drive shaft (2), and the steam chamber (10) is located between a pair of second sealing rings (19).

9. A thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism as defined in claim 8, wherein, Both the fixed ring (3) and the pair of moving rings (4) are made of ceramic material.

10. A thermal barrier aseptic mechanical seal mechanism as defined in claim 9, wherein, The mounting housing (1) is provided with a connecting flange (20) on the outside, and the connecting flange (20) is fixedly connected to the mounting housing (1).

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