Device for treating and / or transporting containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for treating and / or transporting containers, comprising a stationary machine element (3), a rotating machine element (2) and a sealing device (4) for sealing an intermediate space between the rotating and the stationary machine element (2, 3), wherein the sealing device (4) has at least one sealing body (5) arranged on the rotating machine element (2), characterized in that the sealing body (5) has at least one first sealing section (6) which bears at least partially against the rotating machine element (2) and at least one second sealing section (7) which moves in a sealing manner against the stationary machine element (3), wherein the second sealing section (7) is formed at least by at least one first sealing lip (8) and at least one second sealing lip (9), and wherein between the at least one first and the at least one second sealing lip (8,9) an annular channel (10) is designed to receive a barrier medium.,

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for treating and / or transporting containers.

[0002] Devices for treating and / or transporting containers have long been known to experts in the beverage industry in a wide variety of designs.

[0003] For example, in this context, those skilled in the art are familiar with devices for treating and / or transporting containers, which comprise a stationary machine element, a rotating machine element, and a sealing device for sealing a gap between the rotating and stationary machine elements. More specifically, the device or system may be one for treating bottles or similar containers, in particular a system or device for cold aseptic filling, with at least one transition or gap between a rotating and a stationary machine element, as well as with a sealing device provided at the transition or gap and enabling relative movement between the machine elements.

[0004] Devices or systems for the cold-aseptic filling of liquid contents into bottles or similar containers, for example for the cold-aseptic filling of heat-sensitive beverages (e.g., fruit juices), are also known in a wide variety of designs. The individual machines forming such a system and connected to one another in the production or processing line, such as rinsers, sterilizers, filling machines, and cappers, are provided with enclosures in such a way that a conveyor line for the containers or bottles is created within the system in a sterile space. This enclosure seals the system from adjacent non-sterile spaces or areas, such as the surrounding area, and in particular also against the ingress of germs.

[0005] Particularly in the case of rotating devices, such as rinsers, sterilizers, filling machines and / or closing machines, it is common for such an enclosure to have several transitions between a rotating or rotating part of the enclosure and a stationary part of this enclosure, so that special seals are required in these areas.

[0006] If a liquid sterilization medium is required on the rotating machine element of such devices, for example for sterilizing containers, it is supplied from a supply unit that does not rotate with the rotating machine element via at least one rotary distributor or rotary union. In the simplest case, this rotary union consists of two elements or rotary union parts, of which one rotary union part is a stationary part connected to the stationary machine element and a rotating rotary union part is connected to the rotating machine element. For the sterilization medium and the at least one other medium, flow channels are formed in the two parts of the rotary union, which are sealed from one another and also to the outside by mechanical seals and extend through the rotary union.

[0007] To prevent bacteria or other germs from penetrating the flow paths for the treatment media from the outside, it has been common practice and / or necessary to provide barriers or buffer spaces between the rotary union parts of the respective rotary union. These barriers are formed as annular chambers or annular channels between the outer surface of an inner rotary union part and the inner surface of an outer rotary union part of the rotary union, as well as between two separate mechanical seals axially offset with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotary union. During operation, these seals are pressurized with an additional sterilization or barrier medium that is different from the treatment media. When the barriers or buffer spaces are designed as vapor barriers, the sterilization or barrier medium is often a hot vaporous medium.

[0008] A disadvantage of known devices for treating and / or transporting containers with a sealing device provided between the stationary machine element and the rotating machine element is the complex and thus failure-prone construction of the sealing device, which thus also makes maintenance of the sealing device more difficult.

[0009] An object of the invention is to provide a device for treating and / or transporting containers which has a sealing device which is not susceptible to failure and at the same time easy to maintain.

[0010] This object is achieved by a device for treating and / or transporting containers according to the features of the equivalent alternatives in independent claims 1 or 2. The dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous developments of the invention.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for treating and / or transporting containers. The containers can preferably be cans and / or bottles made of metal, glass, and / or plastic, preferably PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Particularly advantageously, they can be bottles with a neck ring on the bottle neck, in particular PET bottles with a neck ring.

[0012] The device comprises a stationary machine element, a rotating machine element and a sealing device for sealing a space between the rotating and the stationary machine element.

[0013] The device can be designed as a rotating container handling machine with a transport element in the form of a rotor that can be driven in rotation around a vertical machine axis. In particular, the device can also be designed as a transfer star, with gripper elements for the containers provided on the rotating machine element in the form of a rotor.

[0014] Advantageously, the sealing device can seal an aseptic hygiene chamber of the device from a non-sterile surrounding space, wherein the device can in particular be a filling machine, a sterilizer, a capper, or a transfer star. Likewise advantageously, the device can also comprise a housing, wherein the sealing device is designed to seal a transition between the rotating and stationary machine elements of the housing separating the aseptic hygiene chamber from the non-sterile surrounding space.

[0015] In particular, the present invention according to the first alternative is characterized in that the sealing device has at least one sealing body arranged on the rotating machine element, that the sealing body has at least one first sealing section which bears at least partially against the rotating machine element and at least one second sealing section which moves in a sealing manner against the stationary machine element, wherein the second sealing section is formed at least by at least one first sealing lip and at least one second sealing lip, and wherein an annular channel for receiving a barrier medium is formed between the at least one first and the at least one second sealing lip. Advantageously, the barrier medium can be formed as steam, in particular water steam or another medium with a sterilizing effect, such as H 2 O 2 . The sealing device can thus form a steam barrier by means of the annular channel.

[0016] In particular, according to the further alternative, the present invention is characterized in that the sealing device has at least one sealing body arranged on the stationary machine element, that the sealing body has at least one first sealing section which at least partially rests against the stationary machine element and at least one second sealing section which moves in a sealing manner against the rotating machine element, wherein the second sealing section is formed at least by at least one first sealing lip and at least one second sealing lip, and wherein an annular channel for receiving a barrier medium is formed between the at least one first and the at least one second sealing lip.

[0017] Particularly advantageously, the design of the sealing device according to the invention of the two equivalent alternatives with a sealing body in which at least one first sealing lip and at least one second sealing lip are provided on the second sealing section and wherein an annular channel for receiving a barrier medium is formed between the at least one first and at least one second sealing lip creates a sealing device that is not susceptible to failure and at the same time is easy to maintain. In particular, in contrast to the prior art, two separate sealing rings are no longer necessary since, according to the invention, at least one first sealing lip and at least one second sealing lip are provided on the second sealing section. The device according to the invention offers effective sealing and at the same time enables flexible adaptation to different structural designs of the device.

[0018] It can also be provided that two, three, or four first sealing lips and two, three, or four second sealing lips are provided on the second sealing section. In other words, a plurality of first sealing lips and a plurality of second sealing lips can also be provided on the second sealing section. By providing a plurality of first and second sealing lips, the sealing function of the sealing device can be further improved.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment variant, the sealing body can be designed in one piece. The one-piece construction of the sealing body can further reduce manufacturing costs, as less assembly and connection effort is required. In addition, a one-piece design of the sealing body makes maintenance and replacement easier, as no complex disassembly and assembly processes are necessary. Furthermore, the one-piece construction minimizes the risk of leaks at the connection points, which increases the reliability of the entire sealing device. The one-piece construction of the sealing body also reduces or prevents assembly errors, such as a possible incorrect arrangement of the sealing lips, compared to the two-part solution. The one-piece sealing body can advantageously be produced by molding processes, such as injection molding. Thus, the one-piece structure orThe design of the sealing body helps to improve the overall efficiency, ease of maintenance and reliability of the sealing device.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the sealing body can be constructed in several parts. Complex geometries and specific requirements of the areas to be sealed are therefore particularly easy to implement. The different parts or components of the sealing body can be designed in a modular manner and can be individually replaced. This particularly facilitates maintenance and reduces the overall costs of the sealing device if only individual components, rather than the entire sealing body, need to be replaced. The multi-part design of the sealing body also enables the use of different materials for different parts or components of the sealing body, which ensures that material properties are optimized to meet the specific requirements of each component of the sealing body. Furthermore, if the sealing body is constructed in several parts, different parts can be used for the individual parts or components.Components are manufactured using precise and advantageous manufacturing and production processes for each individual component to ensure that each component of the sealing body precisely meets the specific requirements.

[0021] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the sealing body can be designed as a ring-shaped sealing profile with a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped cross-sectional shape. Due to the substantially C-shaped or U-shaped cross-sectional shape of the sealing body, it can be easily adapted to different surface contours while remaining sufficiently flexible to compensate for movements between the machine elements of the device. The C-shaped or U-shaped cross-section also allows the sealing body to be moved against the stationary machine element with less friction, which leads to an improved service life of the sealing device. The ring-shaped structure of the sealing body facilitates the assembly of the sealing body, particularly in applications where the sealing body must be placed around the rotating machine element.The annular sealing body can be made of elastic materials such as rubber and / or plastic. The annular structure of the sealing body with a C- or U-shaped cross-section enables effective sealing and adaptability of the sealing device to a wide variety of applications.

[0022] The sealing body, designed as an annular sealing profile, can have an inner diameter and an outer diameter, whereby different dimensional values ​​can be provided for the inner diameter and the outer diameter depending on the use of the sealing device. For example, when using the sealing device to seal an adjustment unit, the dimensional values ​​of the inner and outer diameter of the sealing body can be dimensioned such that the inner diameter is between 15 mm and 25 mm, preferably substantially 20 mm, and the outer diameter is between 25 mm and 35 mm, preferably substantially 30 mm.Alternatively, when using the sealing device to seal a media supply, the dimensions of the inner and outer diameters of the sealing body can be dimensioned such that the inner diameter is between 80 mm and 100 mm, preferably substantially 90 mm, and the outer diameter is between 100 mm and 120 mm, preferably substantially 110 mm. Alternatively, when using the sealing device to seal against a non-sterile ambient space, the dimensions of the inner and outer diameters of the sealing body can be dimensioned such that the inner diameter is between 260 mm and 290 mm, preferably substantially 272 mm, and the outer diameter is between 290 mm and 310 mm, preferably substantially 300 mm.Alternatively, the dimensions of the inner and outer diameter of the sealing body when using the sealing device to seal a star shaft can be dimensioned such that the inner diameter is between 120 mm and 140 mm, preferably substantially 130 mm, and the outer diameter is between 140 mm and 160 mm, preferably substantially 150 mm. Alternatively, the dimensions of the inner and outer diameter of the sealing body when using the sealing device to seal a transfer star can be dimensioned such that the inner diameter is between 90 mm and 110 mm, preferably substantially 100 mm, and the outer diameter is between 110 mm and 130 mm, preferably substantially 120 mm.

[0023] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the sealing body can comprise a first lip section having the first sealing lip, a second lip section having the second sealing lip, and a base section connecting the lip sections, wherein the base section faces the rotating machine element or the stationary machine element and at least partially forms the first sealing section. The multiple lip sections enable optimized sealing performance, since individual lip sections can, for example, fulfill different functions. The first and second sealing lips can, for example, adapt more effectively to the rotating machine element or the stationary machine element, while the base section seals off movements relative to the stationary machine element or the rotating machine element.The split design of the sealing body allows the sealing body to respond flexibly to movements and adapt to different geometries. Each section of the sealing body, i.e., the first and / or second lip section and / or the base section, can be manufactured from a material with specific properties to meet the requirements for elasticity, abrasion resistance, or temperature resistance. Thus, this design variant of the device with multiple lip sections enables even more precise adaptation to the specific requirements of the sealing device, resulting in improved sealing performance and longevity of the sealing device.

[0024] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the lip sections and the base section can be designed as separate, yet interconnected components. The separate design of the lip sections and the base section enables a modular design of the sealing device, whereby the lip sections and the base section can be manufactured and combined as independent components. Furthermore, the lip sections and the base section can be made of different materials, such that optimal properties can preferably be achieved for their specific functions. For example, the properties of the materials can be optimized with regard to different degrees of hardness, elasticity, or temperature resistance.By manufacturing and connecting the components separately, assembly can be simplified, especially when different materials or manufacturing processes are required. For example, the lip sections and the base section can be connected by screwing, gluing, soldering, welding, and / or special plug-in connections, particularly tongue-and-groove connections.

[0025] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the first and second sealing lips are formed by respective sealing lip end sections of the sealing body, and each sealing lip has a respective free end, wherein the free ends of the sealing lips face one another. In more detail, it can be provided that the first and second sealing lips are curved or angled / bent in the respective sealing lip end section. By designing the free ends of the sealing lips, for example in a curved or angled shape, effective sealing with respect to the stationary machine element can be achieved by optimizing contact with the stationary machine element. This is particularly true because the curved or angled shape of the sealing lip end sections enables better adaptation to the contours of the stationary machine element, which contributes to improved sealing.The shape of the free ends of the first and second sealing lips contributes to further improving the efficiency of the sealing device and adapting it to different conditions.

[0026] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the free ends of the sealing lips can be supported under preload against a circumferential surface of the rotating machine element or the stationary machine element. The preload of the free ends of the sealing lips against the circumferential surface of the stationary machine element further contributes to effective sealing. The preload ensures continuous contact between the sealing lips and the stationary or rotating machine element, even under dynamic operating conditions. The preload also minimizes possible manufacturing- or operation-related gaps or gaps between the sealing lips and the circumferential surface of the stationary or rotating machine element, which further reduces the risk of leakage.The implementation of a pre-tension of the free ends of the sealing lips thus effectively ensures that the sealing device provides a more effective and reliable seal under different conditions.

[0027] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the multi-part sealing body can have a reinforcing element, wherein the reinforcing element is arranged in particular in the region of the first sealing section. The reinforcing element contributes to improving the structural rigidity of the sealing body, in particular in the region of the first sealing section. The reinforcing element increases the service life of the sealing device by also helping to minimize deformation or wear in a critical area of ​​the sealing device. The structural support provided by the reinforcing element can also contribute to improving the sealing function of the first sealing section.

[0028] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the reinforcing element can form the base section connecting the lip sections. The reinforcing element forming the base section offers particularly robust structural rigidity, particularly in the area connecting the lip sections. The reinforcing element can be made, in particular, of a metallic material, and thus of a material with high mechanical strength.

[0029] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, at least one through-bore penetrating the sealing section can be provided in the first sealing section for supplying and / or removing the barrier medium into / from the annular channel. The through-bores enable a controlled supply and / or removal of the barrier medium in the region of the first sealing section, even during operation of the device for treating and / or transporting containers. Furthermore, a media supply from the stationary machine part can advantageously also occur via the through-bores. The size, shape, and number of through-bores are preferably adapted depending on the requirements of the barrier medium, for example the quantity per unit of time of the barrier medium flowing through the annular channel, i.e. the circulation of the barrier medium.The integration of through holes in the first sealing section thus enables easy supply and / or removal of the barrier medium from the annular channel.

[0030] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that at least the first and the second sealing lip are made of a thermoplastic polymer, in particular of PTFE or a PTFE compound. Thermoplastic polymers such as PTFEThey exhibit high chemical resistance to various media, making the sealing device particularly robust, low-maintenance, and durable. PTFE also exhibits high temperature resistance, allowing the sealing lips to remain dimensionally stable even at high temperatures and maintain their sealing effect against the stationary machine element. Finally, thermoplastic polymers also have good sliding properties, which helps reduce friction and improves the service life of the sealing device. The use of thermoplastic polymers such as PTFE for the sealing lips offers a robust solution with excellent chemical resistance and temperature stability, resulting in a durable and efficient sealing device.

[0031] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that at least two sealing ring elements are arranged in the region of the first sealing section, which sealingly bear against the rotating machine element or the stationary machine element. The sealing ring elements in the region of the first sealing section contribute to creating an additional static seal by ensuring that no media can escape between the sealing body and the rotating or stationary machine element. The arrangement of sealing ring elements also increases the axial stability and provides axial support for the sealing device on the rotating or stationary machine element. This can improve the structural integrity and ensure that the sealing lips maintain their optimal position. The sealing ring elements can be designed as O-ring seals that are pressed into the first sealing section.

[0032] The use of sealing ring elements in the area of ​​the first sealing section thus further improves the static sealing function of the sealing device and at the same time contributes to increasing the axial stability of the sealing body.

[0033] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the annular channel of the sealing body can be designed, with respect to its geometric shape and size, such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the annular channel occupies between at least 25% and at most 90% of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing body. It has been found that this allows a sufficient amount of barrier medium to be provided through the annular channel for the sealing device, while at the same time ensuring high mechanical strength and effective sealing performance, even in the long term.

[0034] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the rotating machine element can be a rotating media distributor to which a plurality of preferably pivotably mounted supply pipes for introducing a medium into the containers are connected. The media distributor can be designed to guide various media to the containers. For this purpose, the media distributor can be designed to supply a sterilization medium, in particular H 2 O 2 , which serves to sterilize containers. Furthermore, the media distributor can be designed cumulatively or alternatively to supply sterile gas, in particular sterile air, which serves to activate and / or dry the sterilization medium in the containers. The rotating media distributor can be connected to a plurality of supply pipes, which can be pivotably designed.These supply pipes are preferably mounted so that they can be pivoted, which allows flexibility in the positioning and alignment of the supply pipes connected to the media distributor.

[0035] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the rotating machine element can be provided with a plurality of holding elements for supporting the containers at their neck rings and / or for supporting the containers at the base. The holding elements can be designed as active and / or passive gripper elements. The holding elements can also be designed as neck ring holders, preferably as forked neck ring holders. The holding elements are preferably designed for suspended support of the containers on a container neck forming the container opening and / or on a ring or flange (neck ring) there. The holding elements can also be designed as pockets, preferably frustoconical pockets, in a star element. The holding elements are therefore designed to hold and / or support the containers.

[0036] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, a supply line for supplying the sealing medium into the annular channel and a discharge line for discharging the sealing medium from the annular channel can be provided, wherein the supply line and the discharge line are connected to the annular channel in such a way that the annular channel can be flowed through by the sealing medium at least in sections, preferably completely. This specific fluid flow ensures that the sealing body is continuously supplied with the necessary sealing medium to optimally fulfill its sealing function. At the same time, the discharge line enables effective regeneration and efficient replacement of the sealing medium when necessary.

[0037] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the supply line and the discharge line are formed in the stationary machine element. Particularly advantageously, the supply line and / or the discharge line is formed as a bore in the stationary machine element. The integration of the supply and discharge lines as bores in the stationary machine element enables a space-saving design without external supply or discharge lines. This is particularly important in order to effectively use the available installation space and to minimize the overall dimensions of the device. The provision of the supply line and the discharge line in the stationary machine element also enables easy access to these lines, since they are provided on a stationary component of the device. According to an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that the supply line and the discharge line are formed in the rotating machine element.Particularly advantageously, the supply line and / or the discharge line are designed as a bore in the rotating machine element. In a further advantageous embodiment, the supply line and / or the discharge line can be connected to the through-bore of the first sealing section.

[0038] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. They show: Fig. 1 shows, by way of example and in a highly simplified manner, an embodiment of a sealing device of a device according to the invention for treating and / or transporting containers of the first alternative of the invention; Fig. 2 shows, by way of example and in a highly simplified manner, a further embodiment of a sealing device of a device according to the invention for treating and / or transporting containers of the first alternative of the invention; Fig. 3 shows, by way of example and in a highly simplified manner, yet another embodiment of a sealing device of a device according to the invention for treating and / or transporting containers of the first alternative of the invention; Fig. 4 shows, by way of example and in a highly simplified manner, an embodiment of a sealing device of a device according to the invention for treating and / or transporting containers of the further alternative of the invention;5 shows, by way of example and in a highly simplified manner, a further embodiment of a sealing device of a device according to the invention for treating and / or transporting containers of the further alternatives of the invention; Fig. 6 shows, by way of example and in a highly simplified manner, yet another embodiment of a sealing device of a device according to the invention for treating and / or transporting containers of the further alternative of the invention; Fig. 7 shows, by way of example and in a highly simplified manner, yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention for treating and / or transporting containers; Fig. 8 shows, by way of example and in a highly simplified manner, yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention for treating and / or transporting containers.

[0039] Where appropriate, identical reference numerals are used in the figures for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. Furthermore, the invention is shown in the figures only as a schematic view to explain its operation. In particular, the representations in the figures serve only to explain the basic principle of the invention.

[0040] In the Figures 1 to 3 The first alternative of the invention is shown, while the Figures 4 to 6 represent the further, equivalent alternative of the invention.

[0041] More details can be found in the Figures 1 to 31 shows a highly simplified schematic representation of a device 1 for treating and / or transporting containers. The device 1 comprises a stationary machine element 3, a rotating machine element 2, and a sealing device 4 for sealing an intermediate space between the rotating and stationary machine elements 2, 3, wherein the sealing device 4 has at least one sealing body 5, preferably arranged so as to rotate with the rotating machine element 2.

[0042] The sealing body 5 further comprises at least one first sealing section 6 which at least partially rests against the rotating machine element 2 and at least one second sealing section 7 which moves in a sealing manner against the stationary machine element 3.

[0043] The second sealing section 7 is formed by at least one first sealing lip 8 and at least one second sealing lip 9, and an annular channel 10 for receiving a sealing medium is formed between the at least one first and at least one second sealing lip 8, 9. The sealing medium can preferably be steam, in particular steam suitable for food use.

[0044] As already mentioned, compared to the Figures 1 to 3 the Figures 3 to 6 the further, equivalent alternative of the invention. In more detail, the device 1 for treating and / or transporting containers is shown, in which, unlike the Figures 1 to 3 the sealing device 4 has at least one sealing body 5 arranged on the stationary machine element 3. Furthermore, in this alternative, the Figures 3 to 6the sealing body 5 has at least one first sealing section 6 which at least partially rests against the stationary machine element 3 and at least one second sealing section 7 which moves in a sealing manner against the rotating machine element 2.

[0045] If individual features of the invention are explained below by way of example only with reference to one alternative, these explanations naturally also apply mutatis mutandis to the further, equivalent alternative.

[0046] As from the Figure 1 or 4, the sealing body 5 of the sealing device 4 can be formed in one piece. Figures 2 and 3 or 5 and 6 show a variant of the sealing body 5 in which it is designed in several parts.

[0047] The sealing body 5 can advantageously be designed as a ring-shaped sealing profile with a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped cross-sectional shape. The sealing body 5 can comprise a first lip section 12 having the first sealing lip 8, a second lip section 13 having the second sealing lip 8, and a base section 14 connecting the lip sections 12, 13, wherein the base section 14 corresponds to the rotating machine element 2 (cf. Figures 1 to 3 ) or the stationary machine element 3 (cf. Figures 4 to 6 ) and at least partially forms the first sealing section 6. The lip sections 12, 13 and the base section 14 can be designed as separate, but interconnected components

[0048] In more detail, the first and second sealing lips 8, 9 are formed by respective sealing lip end sections 8.1, 9.1 of the sealing body 5, and each sealing lip 8, 9 has a respective free end 8', 9'. These free ends 8', 9' of the sealing lips 8, 9 can face one another. The sealing lip end sections 8.1, 9.1 of the sealing body 5 can be curved, angled, or kinked. The free ends 8', 9' of the sealing lips 8, 9 can also be prestressed against a circumferential surface of the rotating machine element 2 (cf. Figures 4 to 6 ) or the stationary machine element 3 (cf. Figures 1 to 3 ). At least the first and second sealing lips 8, 9 can also be made of a thermoplastic polymer, in particular of PTFE or a PTFE compound.

[0049] As can be seen from the Figures 2 and 3, or 5 and 6, the multi-part sealing body 5 can also have a reinforcing element 11, wherein the reinforcing element 11 is arranged in particular in the region of the first sealing section 6. In this case, the reinforcing element 11 can form the base section 14 connecting the lip sections 12, 13.

[0050] According to a study published in particular in the Figures 3 and 6 In the embodiment shown, at least one through-bore 15 penetrating the sealing section 6 can be provided in the first sealing section 6 for supplying and / or removing the blocking medium into / from the annular channel 10.

[0051] In the area of ​​the first sealing section 6, at least two sealing ring elements 16 can also be arranged, which sealingly engage with the rotating machine element 2 (cf. Figures 1 to 3 ) or the stationary machine element 3 (cf. Figures 4 to 6 ) issue.

[0052] The annular channel 10 of the sealing body 5 can be designed, with respect to its geometric shape and size, such that a cross-sectional area of ​​the annular channel 10 occupies between at least 25% and at most 90% of a total cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing body 5. A supply line 17 for supplying the sealing medium into the annular channel 10 and a discharge line 18 for discharging the sealing medium from the annular channel 10 can be provided, wherein the supply line 17 and the discharge line 18 are connected to the annular channel 10 in such a way that the sealing medium can flow through the annular channel 10.

[0053] In the Figures 1 and 3 An example of a supply line 17 is shown and in the Figures 4 and 6a discharge line 18. In the figures, the flow direction of the barrier medium is indicated by arrows in the supply and discharge lines 17 and 18. As can be seen from the figures, the supply line 17 can be formed in the stationary machine element 3 or in the rotating machine element 2. The discharge line 18 can also be formed in the stationary machine element 3 or in the rotating machine element 2. Particularly advantageously, both the supply line 17 and the discharge line 18 are provided in the stationary machine element 3. As is particularly evident in the embodiment of the Figures 7 and 8As shown, the supply line 17 and / or the discharge line 18 can be formed as a bore in the respective machine element, i.e., in the stationary machine element 3 or in the rotating machine element 2. If the first sealing section 6 has at least one through-bore 15 penetrating the sealing section 6, the supply line 17 and / or the discharge line 18 can be connected to the annular channel 10 via the through-bore 15.

[0054] The Figure 7shows a variant of the device 1, in which the rotating machine element 2 has a plurality of holding elements 20, only very roughly schematically indicated, for supporting the containers at their neck ring and / or for supporting the containers at the bottom. The device 1 can be designed as a container treatment machine of rotating design with a transport element in the form of a rotor RT, which can be driven in rotation about a vertical machine axis MA, as the rotating machine element 2. In particular, a sealing device 4 is provided, which has an annular sealing body 5 arranged on the stationary machine element 3.

[0055] The Figure 8 shows a variant of the device 1, in which the rotating machine element 2 is a rotating media distributor, to which several, preferably pivotally mounted and in Figure 8Only roughly schematically indicated supply pipes 22 for introducing a medium into the containers are connected. For example, the rotating media distributor can be a component of a sterilizer. As shown in particular in the Figure 8 As can be seen, a sealing device 4 can be provided in the lower region of the device 1, which has an annular sealing body 5 arranged on the stationary machine element 3, while in the upper region of the device 1, a further sealing device 4 is provided, which has an annular sealing body 5 arranged on the rotating machine element 2. Thus, the rotating machine element 2 designed as a rotating media distributor is sealed in the lower and upper regions with respect to a stationary machine element 3. As can be seen from the example of the rotating media distributor of the Figure 8As can also be seen, the sealing device 4 seals an aseptic hygiene space H of the device 1 from a non-sterile surrounding space U.

[0056] The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous changes or modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concept underlying the invention.

Claims

1. Device for treating and / or transporting containers, comprising a stationary machine element (3), a rotating machine element (2) and a sealing device (4) for sealing an intermediate space between the rotating and the stationary machine element (2, 3), wherein the sealing device (4) has at least one sealing body (5) arranged on the rotating machine element (2), characterized in thatthe sealing body (5) has at least one first sealing section (6) which bears at least partially against the rotating machine element (2) and at least one second sealing section (7) which moves in a sealing manner against the stationary machine element (3), wherein the second sealing section (7) is formed at least by at least one first sealing lip (8) and at least one second sealing lip (9), and wherein an annular channel (10) for receiving a blocking medium is formed between the at least one first and the at least one second sealing lip (8, 9).

2. Device for treating and / or transporting containers, comprising a stationary machine element (3), a rotating machine element (2) and a sealing device (4) for sealing an intermediate space between the rotating and the stationary machine element (2, 3), wherein the sealing device (4) has at least one sealing body (5) arranged on the stationary machine element (3), characterized in thatthe sealing body (5) has at least one first sealing section (6) which bears at least partially against the stationary machine element (3) and at least one second sealing section (7) which moves in a sealing manner against the rotating machine element (2), wherein the second sealing section (7) is formed at least by at least one first sealing lip (8) and at least one second sealing lip (9), and wherein an annular channel (10) for receiving a blocking medium is formed between the at least one first and the at least one second sealing lip (8, 9).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sealing body (5) is formed in one piece.

4. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sealing body (5) is made up of several parts.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe sealing body (5) is designed as a ring-shaped sealing profile with a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped cross-sectional shape.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing body (5) comprises a first lip section (12) having the first sealing lip (8), a second lip section (13) having the second sealing lip (8), and a base section (14) connecting the lip sections (12, 13), wherein the base section (14) faces the rotating machine element (2) or the stationary machine element (3) and at least partially forms the first sealing section (6).

7. Device according to claim 4 and 6, characterized in that the lip sections (12, 13) and the base section (14) are designed as separate but interconnected components.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe first and second sealing lips (8, 9) are formed by respective sealing lip end sections (8.1, 9.1) of the sealing body (5) and each sealing lip (8, 9) has a respective free end (8', 9'), wherein the free ends (8', 9') of the sealing lips (8, 9) face one another.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the free ends (8', 9') of the sealing lips (8, 9) are supported under prestress against a circumferential surface of the rotating machine element (2) or the stationary machine element (3).

10. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the multi-part sealing body (5) has a reinforcing element (11), wherein the reinforcing element (11) is arranged in particular in the region of the first sealing section (6).

11. Device according to claim 7 and 10, characterized in that the reinforcing element (11) forms the base section (14) connecting the lip sections (12, 13).

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first sealing section (6) at least one through-bore (15) penetrating the sealing section (6) is provided for supplying and / or removing the blocking medium into / from the annular channel (10).

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the first and second sealing lips (8, 9) are made of a thermoplastic polymer, in particular of PTFE or a PTFE compound.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the region of the first sealing section (6) at least two sealing ring elements (16) are arranged, which bear sealingly against the rotating machine element (2) or the stationary machine element (3).

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe annular channel (10) of the sealing body (5) is designed in relation to its geometric shape and size such that a cross-sectional area of ​​the annular channel (10) occupies between at least 25% and at most 90% of a total cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing body (5).

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotating machine element (2) is a rotating media distributor to which several, preferably pivotably mounted, feed pipes (22) are connected for introducing a medium into the containers.

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotating machine element (2) has a plurality of holding elements for supporting the containers at their neck ring and / or for supporting the containers at the bottom.

18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thata supply line (17) for supplying the blocking medium into the annular channel (10) and a discharge line (18) for discharging the blocking medium from the annular channel (10) are provided, wherein the supply line (17) and the discharge line (18) are connected to the annular channel (10) in such a way that the annular channel (10) can be flowed through by the blocking medium at least in sections.

19. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the supply line (17) and the discharge line (18) are formed in the stationary machine element (3).

20. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the supply line (17) and the discharge line (18) are formed in the rotating machine element (2).

21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe sealing device (4) seals an aseptic hygiene space (H) of the device (1) from a non-sterile surrounding space (U), wherein the device (1) is in particular a filling machine, a sterilizer, a capper or a transfer star.

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