CLOSURE ARRANGEMENT, METHOD FOR CLOSING A CLOSURE, BULK MATERIAL CONTAINER, DOCKING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR CLOSING A DOCKING DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a seal assembly comprising: a seal for a bulk material container, having a ring-shaped connecting flange with a through opening and a first moving element; and a seal member for selectively sealing or opening the through opening. A container wall of the bulk material container can be attached to the connecting flange. The seal assembly also comprises a docking device having a housing, a second moving element, and a seal actuating device. In order to increase the tightness of the seal, one of the moving elements comprises a peripheral first stripping element, by means of which impurities are stripped from a surface of the connecting flange, in a closing process for sealing the though opening of the connecting flange.

Claims

1. A closure arrangement, comprising a closure for a bulk material container, which comprises an annular connection flange having a through-opening and a first movable element, namely a closure member for selectively closing or opening the through-opening, wherein a container wall of the bulk material container is able to be fastened to the connection flange, wherein the closure arrangement also comprises a docking device having a housing and a second movable element, namely a closure actuating device, characterized in that one of the movable elements comprises a peripheral, first stripping element such that contaminants are able to be stripped from a surface of the connection flange during a closing operation for closing the through-opening in the connection flange.

2. The closure arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein a peripheral, second stripping element is arranged on the connection flange in the region of the through-opening, contaminants being able to be stripped from a surface of the closure member by said second stripping element during a closing operation for closing the through-opening with the closure member, wherein the first and/or the second stripping element is/are configured in particular as a retaining or clamping device for retaining in its closed position in the closure flange.

3. The closure arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure member comprises a conical portion and a cylindrical portion adjoining the latter, wherein the first stripping element is arranged in an end region of the cylindrical portion that is remote from the conical portion.

4. The closure arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure actuating device comprises an adjusting device and a closure actuating element and the first stripping element is arranged on a cylindrical portion of the closure actuating element.

5. The closure arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second stripping element is arranged on the connection flange such that, in a closed position of the closure member in which the latter closes the through-opening, it is located opposite a region of the cylindrical portion which is located closer to the conical portion of the closure member than the first stripping element.

6. The closure arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in order to provide sealing between the connection flange and the closure member in a closed position of the closure member in which the latter closes the through-opening, the closure comprises an annular closure seal made of elastically deformable material, said closure seal being arranged in particular in an inner region of the annular connection flange.

7. The closure arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least the closure member or the connection flange, preferably both, consist at least partially of a material that is not elastically deformable, for example a polymer such as polypropylene or polyethylene, for instance.

8. The closure arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one, preferably both stripping elements consist of an elastically deformable material.

9. The closure arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first stripping element is configured as a seal in order to provide sealing between the housing and the closure actuating element.

10. The closure arrangement as claimed in claim 9, wherein the seal is under radial compressive stress in the closed position and without a closure of a bulk material container being connected to a connection part, such that the seal is pressed against an active region of the connection part.

11. A method for closing a closure for a closure arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure member is moved in a direction of movement perpendicular to the through-opening from an open position, leaving the through-opening open, into a closed position, closing the through-opening, of the closure member, wherein contaminants are stripped from an inner surface of the connection flange by a first stripping element arranged on one of the movable elements, and contaminants are in particular also stripped from an outer surface of the closure member by the second stripping element arranged on an inner side of the connection flange.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein, after the connection flange has been closed, the movable elements having the stripping element are moved in the direction of the open position again and then back into the closed position, and so further contaminants are stripped from a surface of the connection flange and in particular also from an outer surface of the closure member, wherein this operation is repeated in particular two or more times.

13. A bulk material container having a closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bulk material container also comprises a container wall, characterized in that the container wall is fastened to the connection flange of the closure.

14. A docking device for docking a closure of a bulk material container and for emptying bulk material from the bulk material container and filling the bulk material container with bulk material, comprising a housing, a connection part for connecting the closure, a closure actuating device for actuating the closure, wherein the closure actuating device comprises a closure actuating element and an adjusting device and the closure actuating element is movable selectively between a closed position and an open position in a direction of movement with the adjusting device, wherein the docking device comprises a seal which serves to provide sealing between the housing and the closure actuating element, characterized in that the seal is under radial compressive stress in the closed position and without a closure of a bulk material container being connected to the connection part, such that the seal is pressed against an active region of the connection part.

15. The docking device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the seal is configured in an annular manner and is arranged around an outer periphery of the closure actuating element.

16. The docking device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the seal comprises a seal portion having an active region, wherein the active region of the seal portion is pressed onto an active region of the connection part.

17. The docking device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the seal has a base in the form of a circular ring and the seal portion is configured in the form of a circular ring and is integrally formed on the base, and extends radially outward with regard to the direction of movement, wherein an outside diameter of the seal portion in the form of a circular ring is greater than an inside diameter of a surface portion on an inner side of the connection part, said surface portion being located opposite the seal portion in a closed position of the closure actuating element and cooperating therewith in a sealing manner.

18. The docking device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the surface portion on the inner side of the connection part is formed by a sealing element made of an elastically deformable material, wherein the sealing element comprises the active region.

19. The docking device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the active region is oriented parallel to the direction of movement.

20. The docking device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the seal comprises a stripping element such that, during a closing operation for closing the through-opening in the connection flange with the closure actuating element, contaminants are able to be stripped from a surface of the connection flange.

21. The docking device as claimed in claim 14, which comprises at least one vibration unit with which it is able to be set in vibration in order to support an emptying operation and/or a filling operation of a bulk material container connected to the docking device, wherein the vibration unit is fastened or able to be fastened in particular to the outside of the housing.

22. A method for closing a docking device as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the closure actuating element is moved in a first step from the open position in a closing direction in the direction of the closed position and beyond the closed position, and in a second step, it is moved counter to the closing direction into the closed position.

23. The method for closing a docking device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the closure actuating element is moved beyond the closed position by a distance D, wherein the distance D corresponds to at least one time and at most three times an extension in the direction of movement of a contact region between the seal and the connection part in the closed position.

24. The method for closing a docking device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the closing direction from the open position to the closed position is directed vertically from top to bottom.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0086] In the drawings used to explain the exemplary embodiment:

[0087] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a closure according to the invention in a slightly open position;

[0088] FIG. 2 shows the closure from FIG. 1 in a closed position;

[0089] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged illustration of a detail from FIG. 1;

[0090] FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of the inventive principle of mutual cleaning of the closure member and connection flange in an open position;

[0091] FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of the closure member and of the connection flange from FIG. 4 in a closed position;

[0092] FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a docking device according to the invention with a connected bulk material container and the closure closed;

[0093] FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of the docking device from FIG. 6 with the closure open;

[0094] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged illustration of a detail of the docking device from FIG. 6 with the bulk material container uncoupled;

[0095] FIG. 9 shows a schematic illustration of a further docking device according to the invention without a coupled bulk material container;

[0096] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged illustration of a detail of the docking device from FIG. 9 with the bulk material container uncoupled;

[0097] FIG. 11 shows an enlarged illustration of the same detail from FIG. 9 with a coupled bulk material container;

[0098] FIG. 12 shows an enlarged detail of the connection part of the docking device from FIG. 4 with the closure from FIG. 7 connected thereto;

[0099] FIG. 13 shows a schematic illustration of a further closure according to the invention with an uncoupling device, coupled to a docking device;

[0100] FIG. 14 shows a schematic illustration of the closure from FIG. 13 uncoupled from the blocking device;

[0101] FIG. 15 shows a schematic illustration of the inventive principle of the mutual cleaning of the closure member and connection flange in an open position with a stripping element arranged on the closure actuating element and a stripping element arranged on the connection flange;

[0102] FIG. 16 shows a schematic illustration of the closure actuating element and of the connection flange from FIG. 15 in the closed position;

[0103] FIG. 17 shows a schematic illustration of the closure with a stripping element arranged on the closure actuating element; and

[0104] FIG. 18 shows a schematic illustration of the closure with a stripping element integrated in the seal.

[0105] In principle, identical parts are provided with the same reference signs in the figures.

Ways of Implementing the Invention

[0106] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a schematic illustration of a closure 3 according to the invention in cross section. In FIG. 1, the closure 3 is illustrated in a slightly open position and in FIG. 2, it is illustrated in a closed position. FIG. 3 in turn shows an enlarged illustration of a detail showing the region of contact between the cone valve 22 and the connection flange 21.

[0107] The closure 3 in turn comprises a cone valve 22 which has a conical portion 22.1 and a cylindrical portion 22.2. However, in contrast to the previous examples, the connection flange 21 comprises two flange elements, namely an inner flange element 21.1 and an outer flange element 21.2. The two flange elements are configured such that the inner flange element 21.1 can be fastened in the outer flange element 21.2, for example welded therein, such that together they form a unit. The flange elements 21.1, 21.2 can for this purpose also have for example corresponding structures which reinforce the cohesion of the two elements and make it difficult to subsequently take them apart or prevent this. Such structures can be configured for example in a similar manner to a clip closure or snap-action closure. In the embodiment illustrated, for instance, the inner flange element 21.1 comprises a peripheral groove on its outer periphery and the outer flange element 21.2 comprises a matching tongue on its inner periphery.

[0108] In a connection flange 21 configured in such a way with two flange elements 21.1, 21.2, the container wall of the bulk material container can be clamped in place (not illustrated) for example between these two flange elements 21.1, 21.2. This clamping preferably takes place such that the container wall is guided between the two flange elements 21.1, 21.2 before the two flange elements 21.1, 21.2 are mounted, and the two elements are then assembled. However, it is also possible to guide the container wall first for example from the top through the inner flange element and then from the bottom upward between the two flange elements 21.1, 21.2. There are in principle even more possible ways of fastening the container wall to or between the two flange elements, but most of them impede the flow of bulk material while the bulk material container is being emptied and therefore make less sense.

[0109] It should be noted that, in conjunction with the description of the figures, the terms bottom and top and also left and right relate to the respective illustration in the corresponding figure. They are not intended to mean that the corresponding elements always have to be arranged in this orientation.

[0110] Furthermore, a peripheral groove 35 is introduced in the inner side of the inner flange element 21.1. A peripheral tongue 36 on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 22.2 of the cone valve 22 engages in this groove 35 when, in order to close the opening in the connection flange 21, the cone valve 22 is fastened in the latter. In this way, the cone valve 22 is retained firmly in the connection flange 21 and undesired opening of the cone valve 22 is prevented.

[0111] Of course, the connection flange 21 can also consist of more than two flange elements, wherein the container wall or, in the case of a multilayer container wall, at least one, some or all of the layers can be clamped in place between two or more flange elements or otherwise fastened or attached to one or more of the flange elements in a known manner.

[0112] FIG. 3 shows in detail an embodiment in which the stripping elements according to the invention are located on the closure member 22. The lower edge of the lower end 22.3 of the cylindrical portion 22.2 of the cone valve 22 is configured as a peripheral edge 37.1 which is directed outward as seen from the cylindrical portion 22.2. In other words, it is directed in the direction of the inner surface 21.4 of the inner flange element 21.1. This edge 37.1 serves as a stripping element which, when the opening in the inner flange element 21.1 is closed, i.e. during the downward movement of the cone valve 22, frees the inwardly directed surface 21.4 of the inner flange element 21.1 of any adhering bulk material in that it strips the latter off downward. This inwardly directed surface region also includes in particular the groove 35. Furthermore, an edge 37.2 is located at the upper end of the inner side of the inner flange element 21.1, said edge 37.2, in a similar manner during the downward movement of the cone valve 22, freeing the outwardly directed surface 22.4 of the cylindrical portion 22.1 of the cone valve 22 of any adhering bulk material in that it strips the latter off as it were upward. Since, in this way, no or much less bulk material is located between the cone valve 22 and the connection flange 21, much better impermeability of the closure 3 of the bulk material container is achieved.

[0113] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a simple schematic illustration to better explain the inventive principle. What is illustrated is the lower cylindrical region 22.2 of a cone valve and the upper region of a connection flange 21. Arranged at the lower end of the cylindrical region 22.2 is a stripping element 34.1 which is configured in a triangular form in cross section in the simple case shown here. Specifically, this triangle is integrally formed on the cylindrical region 22.2 with its longest side, the shorter side is directed downward and the middle side upward. The tip of this triangle forms a peripheral edge 37.1. Similarly, a stripping element 34.2 is arranged at the upper end of the connection flange 21, wherein the whole is configured in a mirror-inverted manner. In other words, the stripping element 34.2 is in turn configured in a triangular manner, is integrally formed on the connection flange 21 with its longest side, the shorter side is directed upward and the middle side downward. The tip of this triangle forms a peripheral edge 37.2.

[0114] During the closing operation, the cone valve, i.e. the cylindrical region 22.2, is now moved in the direction of the arrow 24 and of the connection flange 21, wherein the latter remains in its position. FIG. 4 shows the two elements shortly before they come into contact. If the cylindrical region 22.2 is moved further in the direction of the arrow 24, the two short sides of the triangular stripping elements 34.1, 34.2 come into contact first. These are formed from an elastic material such that they deform and/or are compressed such that they slide past one another and the cylindrical region 22.2 can be moved further downward. As soon as the two edges 37.1, 37.2 have rubbed past one another, the two stripping elements 34.1, 34.2 return to their original shape. In this case, the edge 37.1 of the stripping element 34.1 first of all frees the downwardly directed long side of the stripping element 34.2 and then the inner surface 21.4, located therebeneath, of the connection flange 21 of bulk material or other contaminants. In a corresponding manner, the stripping element 34.2 first of all cleans the upwardly directed long side of the stripping element 34.1 and then the outer surface 22.4, located thereabove, of the cylindrical region 22.2. In other words, the two surface regions 21.4, 22.4 which are located opposite one another in the closed position are cleaned simultaneously during the closing operation. In order optionally to improve the cleaning further, the cone valve can be moved upward once more and then downward again with its cylindrical region 22.2, in order to repeat the stripping off of contaminants. This operation can be repeated as often as desired. In this case, it should be noted that, during the upward movement, the closure is not opened again to such an extent that bulk material can flow out of the bulk material container, recontaminating the already cleaned surfaces.

[0115] FIGS. 6 to 8 show a schematic illustration of a docking device 1 according to the invention having a connected bulk material container 2. In FIG. 6, the closure 3 of the bulk material container 2 is illustrated in the closed state, whereas in FIG. 7 it is illustrated in the open state. Finally, FIG. 8 shows an enlarged detail of the sealing according to the invention of the docking device 1.

[0116] The docking device 1 comprises a housing 5 and a connection part 6 which comprises a connection flange 8. Arranged within the housing 5 is a closure actuating device which comprises a motor 11, a transmission unit 9, an angular gear 12, a drive spindle 13 and a lifting cone 14 as closure actuating element. The lifting cone 14 is fastened to the upper end of the drive spindle 13. It comprises a conical portion 14.1 and a cylindrical portion 14.2 adjoining the latter at the bottom.

[0117] The motor 11 is arranged horizontally and outside the housing 5. The transmission unit 9 couples the motor 11 to the angular gear 12, which is configured for example as a worm gear. The motor 11 generates a rotary movement about a horizontal axis, wherein this rotary movement is transmitted by the transmission unit 9 to the worm gear and is converted by the latter into an axial movement of the drive spindle 13—in this case in the vertical direction. In this way, the lifting cone 14 can be moved up or down in a vertical direction of movement. However, the motor can also be arranged vertically, wherein the transmission unit then transmits the rotary movement in a linear manner to the drive spindle.

[0118] The bulk material container 2 comprises a container wall 20 and also a connection flange 21 and a cone valve 22. Both the connection flange 21, the cone valve 22 and the connection flange 8 of the connection part 6 are configured in a rotationally symmetrical manner, wherein FIGS. 6-8 show a schematic section through these devices. The container wall 20 of the bulk material container 2 is fastened to the connection flange 21. In the present example, the container wall is adhesively bonded, welded, firmly clamped or fastened in some other way to the inner side of the connection flange 21. The container wall 20 can also be fastened to the end side of the connection flange 21. The cone valve 22 comprises a conical portion 22.1 and a cylindrical portion 22.2 adjoining the latter at the bottom.

[0119] The shapes of the lifting cone 14 and the cone valve 22 are in this case coordinated with one another such that the lifting cone 14 can be moved into the cone valve 22 from below so as to fit therein and the cone valve 22 can be accordingly lifted by the lifting cone 14.

[0120] In FIGS. 6 and 7, the bulk material container 2 is coupled to the closure flange 8 of the closure part 6 with its closure flange 21. In FIG. 6, the cone valve 22 is furthermore shown in its closed position, in which it is arranged within the closure flange 21 and completely closes the internal opening therein with its cylindrical portion 22.2. In this example, in which the container wall 20 is fastened to the inner side of the closure flange 21, the container wall 20 is located between the cone valve 22 and the connection flange 21 in the closed position of the cone valve 22. In other words, the cone valve 22 is in direct contact with the container wall 20 and thus closes the bulk material container 2.

[0121] In FIG. 7, the closure 3 of the bulk material container 2 is illustrated in the open state. In other words, the drive spindle 13 has been lifted with the lifting cone fastened to its upper end. As a result, the cone valve 22 has also been lifted, with the result, since the connection flange 21 of the bulk material container is coupled to the connection flange 8 of the connection part 6, that the opening in the connection flange 21 of the bulk material container 2 has been freed up and so the bulk material can flow out of the interior of the bulk material container 2 through the housing 1. It is clear to see here that, as it is being lifted by the upwardly moved drive spindle 13, the lifting cone 14 pushes the cone valve 22 out of the connection valve 21 of the bulk material container 2 and lifts it along with itself.

[0122] The seal 26 according to the invention between the lifting cone 14 and connection flange 8 of the connection part 6 is not clear to see in FIGS. 6 and 7 and therefore has been illustrated in an enlarged manner in FIG. 8. This seal 26 is attached to the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 14.2 of the lifting cone 14 and accordingly extends radially outward. A seal element 27 attached to the upper side of the connection flange 8 of the connection part 6 can also be seen in FIG. 8, the outer periphery of the seal 26, i.e. the end side thereof, cooperating with said seal element 27 in a sealing manner. In this way, in the closed position of the lifting cone 14, the particular radial stress with a corresponding sealing action is achieved between the lifting cone 14 and the connection flange 8 of the connection part 6.

[0123] Furthermore, the docking device 1 comprises a vibration unit 15 which is fastened to the housing 5. This vibration unit 15 creates vibrations which are transmitted via the housing 5 to the connection part 6 and accordingly to the connection flange 21 or the container wall 20 of a bulk material container 2 connected to the connection part 6. In this way, the bulk material container is set in vibration, this serving to fluidize the bulk material and thus supporting the emptying or filling operation.

[0124] FIG. 9 shows a schematic illustration of a further docking device 1 according to the invention without a coupled bulk material container. The housing 5 is configured in the form of a hood with a downwardly directed opening in this example. The connection part 6 having the connection flange 8 is in turn formed in the upper region of the housing 5.

[0125] The lifting cone 14 in turn substantially comprises a conical portion 14.1 and a cylindrical portion 14.2, wherein the conical portion 14.1 comprises a flattened tip and the cylindrical portion 14.2, rather than having a smooth surface, has a structured surface. Specifically, the cylindrical portion 14.2 comprises a recess for receiving the seal 26. The seal 26 can be configured both in one piece and in several pieces, i.e. consist of several annular parts which are placed concentrically against and/or in one another.

[0126] For better understanding, an enlarged illustration of the region of the docking device 1 having the seal 26 is shown in FIG. 10. The seal 26 comprises a base 28 on which several different portions are integrally formed. Integrally formed on the base 28 at the lower end is a first, substantially rectangular portion 29. This portion 29 provides the radial seal between the lifting cone 14 and the connection flange 8 of the housing 1 or the additional seal element 27 which is arranged on the connection flange 8 of the housing 1. To this end, it has an end region 30 which is located at the outer periphery of the portion 29 and thus at the outer periphery of the seal 26. This end region 30 is illustrated as being flat and parallel to the direction of movement of the drive spindle 13 and thus of the lifting cone 14. However, this does not absolutely have to be the case. The end region 30 can also have a non-flat surface and be at an angle to the direction of movement of the drive spindle 13. This radial end region 30 is located opposite an active region 32 of the seal element 27 in the closed position of the lifting cone 14, said active region 32 likewise being located parallel to the direction of movement of the lifting cone 14. The length of the portion 29 or of the entire seal 26, i.e. the length thereof in the radial direction, is in this case advantageously selected, in order to achieve the best possible sealing action, such that it is minimally longer than the distance from the sealing element 27. In the closed position of the lifting cone 14, the portion 29 is therefore very slightly compressed (not illustrated), with the result that the radial stress for the desired sealing action is achieved.

[0127] The seal 26 or the sealing element 29 is in this case configured and arranged such that, as a result of an axial displacement of the seal 26 at the end of the closing operation, the seal 26 is pressed radially against the seal element 27, resulting in the radial stress and the enhanced sealing action. During the closing operation of the closure actuating element, the latter is moved for example downward. The seal portion 29, the diameter of which is of course larger than the inside diameter of the connection flange 8, is consequently present at the upper edge of the connection flange 8 and is so to speak pushed away upward during the further downward movement. Subsequently, the closure actuating element is moved slightly upward again, wherein the free end of the seal portion 29 catches on an edge on the inner side of the connection flange and therefore cannot move further upward. Since, in this way, the free end of the seal portion 29 is retained, it is transferred into the horizontal and simultaneously compressed by the further movement of the closure actuating element, with the result that the particular sealing action is achieved. This can of course also take place in the other direction of movement. If the peripheral free end of the seal portion 29 is for example pushed away downward beforehand, the seal portion 29 can catch on a corresponding edge on the inner side of the connection flange by a further downward movement and is then correspondingly pressed into the horizontal from above. This is the case for example when a closure has been coupled beforehand, the cone valve of which has pushed the seal portion 29 downward.

[0128] Furthermore, two lips 31 are integrally formed on the base 28, said lips serving to provide sealing between the lifting cone 14 and the cone valve 22 of a closure coupled to the connection flange 8. This is illustrated in FIG. 11. The lifting cone 14 is likewise located still in its closed position but, in contrast to FIG. 10, FIG. 11 additionally shows the cylindrical portion 22.2 of the cone valve 22 of a coupled closure. Among other things, the cone valve 22 is held against the lifting cone by the seal 26 when said lifting cone is adjusted. For this purpose, it is also possible to provide further active or passive retaining or clamping means, however.

[0129] The specific configuration and arrangement of the seal 26 or of the portion 29 are in this case selected such that the lower end 22.3 of the cylindrical portion 22.2 of a closure coupled to the connection flange 8 pushes the portion 29 away downward. This can likewise be readily seen in FIG. 11. Specifically, if a closure is coupled, it is no longer necessary to provide sealing between the lifting cone 14 and the connection flange 8, in particular for emptying the bulk material container, i.e. when the lifting cone 14 is in an open position. It is even the case that the portion 29 would impede the emptying of the bulk material if it were not pushed away downward but rather, as illustrated in FIG. 10, protruded radially from the lifting cone. It would then project into the flow area of the bulk material, this being undesired.

[0130] However, the seal element 27 serves not only to provide sealing between the lifting cone 14 and the connection flange 8 without a coupled closure, but also to provide sealing between the connection flange 8 and a closure, coupled thereto, of a bulk material container. To this end, the seal element 27 comprises for example a thickened portion which is located in a corresponding groove in the connection flange 8 and acts in the same way as or in a similar way to a sealing ring introduced separately into this groove. The seal element 27 can also have further structuring for improving the sealing between the connection flange 8 and a closure coupled thereto.

[0131] FIG. 12 shows an enlarged illustration of the connection part of the docking device 1 from FIG. 9 with the closure 3 from FIG. 1 connected thereto. In addition to the elements already illustrated before, FIG. 12 also shows three further aspects. Firstly, the seal element 27 comprises a thickened portion 39 which extends upward and downward and extends in corresponding grooves in the connection flange 8 and the outer flange element 21.2 and in this way improves the sealing between the connection flange 8 and the outer flange element 21.2 in the coupled state. Secondly, FIG. 12 shows a retaining device 40 which is arranged on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 14.2 of the lifting cone 14, for example has been introduced into a corresponding groove. This retaining device serves to retain the valve cone 22 on the lifting cone 14 during the opening and closing of the closure 3. And thirdly, a further seal element 25 is illustrated, which serves to provide sealing between the connection flange 21 of the closure 3 and the cone valve 22 in its closed position, as is shown in FIG. 12. This seal element 25 is advantageous in particular when gaseous or liquid bulk material is intended to be processed. In addition, this seal element 25 is produced from an elastically deformable material, such as an elastomer for example. In the case of a two-part connection flange 21, as is the case in the present example, the seal element 25 is consequently arranged on the inner side of the inner flange element 21.1. Preferably, it is arranged at the lower end of the flange element 21.1. However, it can also be attached to the outwardly directed surface 22.4 of the cylindrical portion 22.1. In the first-mentioned position, this seal element 25 can not only provide sealing between the connection flange 21 and the cone valve 22, but also between the connection flange 21 of the closure 3 and the connection flange 8 of the docking device, when the closure 3 has been coupled to the connection part 6.

[0132] FIGS. 13 and 14 show a schematic illustration of a further closure 3 according to the invention. In this example, the closure 3 comprises an uncoupling device 41. FIG. 13 shows the closure 3 coupled to a docking device and FIG. 14 shows it in the state uncoupled therefrom.

[0133] The connection flange 8 of a docking device is illustrated, as is the lifting cone 14 in its closed position in which it closes the through-opening in the connection flange 8. Fastened to the underside of the lifting cone 14 is the drive spindle 13, with which the lifting cone 14 is movable in the axial direction of the drive spindle 13. Also illustrated is the closure 3, which comprises a connection flange 21 made of two flange elements 21.1, 21.2, and also the cone valve 22, which is likewise illustrated in its closed position, i.e. completely closes the interior of the inner flange element 21.1.

[0134] The uncoupling device 41 is a mechanism which is arranged entirely in the interior or on the inner side of the lifting cone 14. It comprises one or more plungers 43 which are movable relative to the lifting cone 14 in the same direction of movement as the lifting cone 14, i.e. in the direction of the drive spindle 13 and thus perpendicularly to the through-opening in the connection flange 8. The plungers 43 are guided for example in the housing of the lifting cone 14 such that they can move exclusively in the direction of movement. They are also arranged such that they are normally located in a passive position in which they have been moved inward (downward according to the illustration) and are located entirely in the lifting cone 14. When they are moved outward (upward according to the illustration), the plungers 43 pass with their upper end out of the lifting cone 14 and in this way push the cone valve 22 together with the entire closure 3 away from the lifting cone 14 and thus also from the connection flange 8 or the entire docking device. In other words, the docking device and closure 3 are uncoupled from one another in this way.

[0135] FIG. 13 shows the plungers 43 in their passive position in which they have been retracted. The cone valve 22 rests directly on the lifting cone 14. In FIG. 14, the plungers 43 have, by contrast, been extended and the cone valve 22 has been lifted from the lifting cone 14.

[0136] The plungers 43 are moved by a drive which is configured in a pneumatic, hydraulic, electric or some other suitable way. A pneumatic drive is appropriate, since a pneumatic gas device is often already present in such docking devices.

[0137] FIGS. 15 and 16 show a simple schematic illustration of a variant embodiment in which the stripping element 34.1 is arranged on the cylindrical region 14.2 of the lifting cone 14. A stripping element 34.2 is in turn arranged at the upper end of the connection flange 21. The manner in which the stripping elements 34.1, 34.2 with the respective edges 37.1 and 37.2 function is the same as in the variant embodiment in which the stripping element 34.1 is arranged on the cone valve, illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0138] FIG. 17 shows a detail view of an embodiment as is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. The stripping element 34.1 is located on the lifting cone 14 directly beneath the seal 26 having the seal portion 29 directed radially outward. The stripping element 34.1 has a triangular shape in the front region directed toward the inner side 21.4 of the connection flange 21.1. The tip of this triangle forms a peripheral edge 37.1. In contrast to the above-described embodiment, this triangle has two equally long sides. Arranged at the upper end of the connection flange 21.1 is a second stripping element 34.2, in turn having a peripheral edge 37.2.

[0139] The function of the stripping element 34.1 is the same as in the variant embodiment in which the stripping element 34.1 is arranged on the cone valve 22, as illustrated in FIG. 3. When the lifting cone 14 is moved downward, the stripping element 34.1 frees the inwardly directed surface 21.4 of the inner flange element 21.1 of any adhering bulk material in that it strips the latter off downward. The stripping element 37.2 frees the outwardly directed surface 22.4 of the cone valve 22 of any adhering bulk material in that it strips the latter off from bottom to top.

[0140] FIG. 18 shows a further variant embodiment in which the stripping element 34.1 is integrated in the seal 26, or is part thereof. This means that the front part of the seal portion 29 of the seal 26 assumes the stripping function. The front part is preferably produced from a more rigid material than the rest of the seal 26. For example, the front part consists of a hard plastics material and has been cast in the elastic steel material of the seal 26. It is not absolutely necessary for the seal portion 29 to assume the stripping function. The stripping element can also be arranged in some other part of the seal 26.

[0141] It is possible, in a further variant embodiment, for no stripping element to have been attached to the flange element 21.1, and thus for only the stripping element 34.1 attached to the lifting cone 14 to be present.

[0142] In summary, it can be stated that the invention makes it possible to further improve a closure for a bulk material container and also a device for emptying or filling bulk material, in that the impermeability thereof is improved. This being the case both when no bulk material container has been connected to the device and when this is the case. Improved impermeability is in particular important in the case of increased demands made of hygiene or cleanliness, as is the case for instance in toxic or food-containing bulk material or in the case of pharmaceuticals or when particular circumstances apply for some other reason.