LU101292B1 - Sealing element and sealing arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure refers to a sealing element and a sealing arrangement wherein the sealing element comprises a body with a hollow torus-like shape, wherein the body comprises two opposing and circumferential edges and wherein both circumferential edges are oriented in the same direction or end in the same area and wherein one of said edges extends further than the other edge in a direction perpendicular to a middle plane P.

Description

Vertreter-Ref.: N2019/18000-LU-00 Anmelderin: Fa. BigRep, Berlin LU101292 Title: Sealing element and sealing arrangement

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to sealings. In particular, the present invention relates to a sealing element and a sealing arrangement.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of additive manufacturing an additive manufacturing apparatus is : also called a 3D-printer. In 3D-printing objects or workpieces are built/created/gener- ated by subsequent depositing layers (beads) of material onto each other. This mate- rial may be plastic material and in particular, the depositing process may be an FDM or FFF process. The material supplied to the 3D-printer may be filament or granulated material.

[0003] The 3D-printer usually comprises a printhead that moves in three dimensions. | Also, there are 3D-printers that comprise printhead that move in two dimensions and | a printbed (the surface or structure on/to which the workpiece(s) are created) that | moves in the third dimension. Also, there are printheads that are mounted to a con- | ventional industrial robot such that the printhead can realize complex trajectories. The | printhead generally comprises an extruder to apply the material to build up the work- | piece. |

[0004] In the field of FDM or FFF printing, the printhead conventionally may comprise an extruder comprising a hotend and a material feed unit. The material feed unit sup- | plies build material (the material from which the workpiece is built) to the hotend. Said | material is heated up to its melting temperature within said hotend and extruded | through a nozzle or outlet opening that is connected to the hotend. The extruded or | build or deposited material forms a deposited strand that in turn forms one layer of the | workpiece being built. The heated and plastic-state material leaves the printhead/the nozzle trough said outlet opening to build up the workpiece(s). The extruder may use any known technology such as screw extruders, gear pumps, tube liquefiers or any combination of these. 1 ee ES

Vertreter-Ref.: N2019/18000-LU-00 Anmelderin: Fa. BigRep, Berlin LU101292

[0005] In the field of gear pump extruders, the housing of the extruder is usually sep- arable to have access to the gears of the gear pump. Since there is high pressure of the material inside the extruder, the separation area or separation plane has to be sealed to prevent leakage of material to the outside.

[0006] Known filled sealing rings (e.g. manufactured by the German company Fischer & Plath) have either an undefined shape or geometry of the edges or edges that are bent inwards. Such sealing rings are known from e.g. DIN 7603 C. Some of these sealing elements are known to have a filling of minerals or ceramic fibers.

SUMMARY

[0007] It was observed that the sealing especially in a 3D-printing-extruder is critical due to the high temperature of the extrusion material and also the high pressure of said material, all in view of the desire/need to miniaturize the 3D-printing-extruder as much as possible. Especially in continuous operation said sealing is prone to failure causing downtime of the entire 3D-printer and considerable effort to clean spilt and hardened build material and replace the sealing.

[0008] It is thus the object of the present application to provide a sealing element and sealing arrangement according to the appended independent claims to overcome the above inconveniences. Selected embodiments are comprised in the dependent claims. Each of which, alone or in any combination with the other dependent claims, can rep- resent an embodiment of the present application. The advantage of a sealing element and sealing arrangement according to the appended independent claims is the tem- perature resistance and the defined sealing properties. These properties may even be chosen according to the exigences of special applications and/or extrusion materials. This means that the sealing and sealing arrangement provides predictable sealing re- sults and high reliability. The sealing element is applicable not only to the field of 3D- printing but to all applications where a sealing under high temperatures and/or high pressures is needed. | 2 Li

Vertreter-Ref.: N2019/18000-LU-00 Anmelderin: Fa. BigRep, Berlin LU101292

[0009] According to one aspect of the present application a sealing element com- prises a body having a hollow torus-like ("doughnut"-like) shape, wherein the body comprises two opposing and circumferential edges and wherein both of these edges are oriented in the same direction or end in the same area. Additionally, one (the long edge) of these edges extends further than the other edge in a direction perpendicular to a middle plane. This may have the advantage that the sealing element is a hotend sealing element. This further may have the advantage, that the sealing element de- forms in a predictable and controllable manner to seal in a reliable manner. When it is referred to the inside of the sealing element in this application, the inside refers to the middle hole of the torus-like ("doughnut"-like) sealing element. When it is referred to the outside of the sealing element in this application, the inside refers to the area sur- rounding the sealing element. There may be a gap between the ends of the circumfer- ential edges or they may be in contact with each other. Also, there may be sections where the ends of the circumferential edges are in contact with each other and other sections where there is no contact.

[0010] The middle plane is essentially parallel to the both sealing surfaces of the seal- ing element. In case of a conventional O-ring this is for example and explanation the surface on which the O-ring lies flat on a surface or plane and the plane that runs parallel to this surface and touches the upper part of the flat lying O-ring. See also below with reference to the figures.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present application the two opposing and circumferential edges of the sealing element are at least partially in contact with each other. Alternatively. there is a gap between the two opposing and circumferential edges. This may have the advantage that in case of a contact of the circumferential edges, the inside of the hollow body of the sealing element is not exposed to the me- dium to be sealed off. Also, alternatively, the further extending circumferential edge may not end flush with the other edge. Such that the further extending circumferential edge has an overlap or stands out from the other edge. This may have the advantage that the medium to be sealed off can press against this overlap and thus press the further extending circumferential edge against a sealing surface. Consequently, in- creasing the sealing capabilities of the sealing element.

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[0012] According to another aspect of the present application a sealing element fur- . ther comprises a filling being located within the body, wherein the filling is chosen from at least one of: thermo plastic filling, elastic filling, chemical reactive filling, adhesive filling. The thermo plastic filling may exhibit a thermal behaviour such that the essen- tially solid filling enters a flowable state from a certain temperature on. This tempera- ture may be dependent on the temperature of the hotend and thus dependent from the build material. The (glass) temperature of the thermo plastic filling beyond which the filling is flowable may be higher than the operating temperature (melting temperature) of the hotend for a specific build material. When the sealing element is installed, the hotend will be heated up to a temperature higher than the operating temperature. The filling then enters the flowable state and due to the pressure on the sealing element in its installed position within the hotend, the filling may at least partially exit the sealing element and filling up a groove in which the sealing element is located. After that the hotend may cool down to the operating temperature for the specific build material and the filling solidifies within the groove and outside the sealing element thus increasing the sealing capabilities of the sealing element. The filling may be adhesive, either in its state having room temperature or in the temperature range the sealing element is de- signed for in operation.

[0013] The filling may be an elastic filling that exerts an additional force or pressure against an outside surface of the sealing element. This force or pressure may be in- creased by tightening the connection between which the sealing element is placed and consequently gets squeezed. Increasing the force or pressure exerted by the elastic filling on the outside surface of the sealing element may increase the sealing capabili- ties of the sealing element since the outside surface and in particular, the long edge will be pressed with a higher force or pressure against a sealing surface.

[0014] The filling may be a chemical reactive filling that reacts with the specific mate- rial to be sealed off. This material to be sealed off may be a build material being used in the hotend. This may have the advantage that if the material to be sealed off enters the hotend sealing element or the sealing arrangement, the filling may react with the material in a way that increases the sealing capabilities of the sealing element. This 4

Vertreter-Ref.: N2019/18000-LU-00 Anmelderin: Fa. BigRep, Berlin LU101292 may be a reaction that solidifies the build material and/or increases the viscosity of the respective build material and/or the filling expands and/or becomes adhesive.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present application a sealing element may comprise a body made from metal. The metal may be steel or a non-ferrous metal. This may have the advantage that the controlled deformation of the sealing element within a sealing arrangement may be controlled better and also a lower force has to be applied to the sealing element in order to achieve a controlled deformation of the seal- ing element within a sealing arrangement.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present application a sealing element may comprise a body that is made from a unitary piece of material. This may have the advantage that the sealing element deforms more controllably within a sealing arrange- ment. This may have the further advantage that the sealing element is easier to man- ufacture also having an increased precision.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present application a sealing element may comprise at least one sensor within the body. This may have the advantage that the sealing element can communicate with a control unit and for example wear or malfunc- tion of the sealing can be predicted or detected. Further, the data collected from the sensor may be used to control a process. For example, in the case of 3D-printing, the data of the sensor may be used to control a hotend into which the sealing element is integrated. For example, a temperature and/or pressure in the hotend or extruder may be controlled dependent on the data of the sensor. The sensor(s) may detect at least one of the following: pressure, temperature, humidity, connectivity. The at least one sensor may be at least partially be embedded in the filling or may be within the body without any contact to a filling or in a sealing element having no filling. The at least one sensor may comprise a detecting part and a transmitting part. The detecting part may be any of the known technologies (piezo, stress-strain gauges, bimetal, etc.) The transmitting part may be e.g. a wire on the side (i.e. inside or outside of the sealing element) that in operation of the sealing element is not exposed to the medium to be sealed off. Also, the transmitting part may be a wireless transmitting part.

Vertreter-Ref.: N2019/18000-LU-00 Anmelderin: Fa. BigRep, Berlin LU101292

[0018] According to another aspect of the present application an outside surface of a body of a sealing element may have a defined roughness. This may have the ad- vantage that the sealing properties may be adapted to special needs and e.g. material combinations of the parts to be sealed and the sealing element. Also, in case there is an adhesive filling, the adhesive may attach better to the outside surface of the sealing element in case there it has a defined roughness and consequently improve the seal- ing.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present application the further extending edge of a sealing element is either orientated towards the middle (inside) of the sealing element or away from the middle (to the outside) of the sealing element. This may have the advantage that the orientation of the sealing element in a sealing arrangement may be chosen according to a specific sealing situation. Also, the deformation of the sealing element in such specific sealing situation may thus advantageously be influenced by this orientation of the further extending edge (the long edge).

[0020] According to another aspect of the present application a sealing arrangement comprises a housing part having a groove and a housing part having a sealing surface, wherein a sealing element according to any of the above aspects is inserted into the groove. An inside surface of the groove may also be considered a groove sealing sur- face. This arrangement may have the advantage that the further extending (long) edge of the sealing element gets into contact with either the sealing surface or the groove sealing surface. By tightening the arrangement, the sealing element is squeezed be- tween both housing parts in a conventional manner. The sealing element is conse- quently deformed in a controlled and intended manner, in particular bringing the long edge into contact with one of the sealing surfaces.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present application a sealing arrangement is disclosed, wherein the sealing element is inserted into the groove such that the fur- ther extending circumferential edge (the long edge) of the sealing element is facing towards the sealing surface. This may have the advantage that the long edge of the 6

Vertreter-Ref.: N2019/18000-LU-00 Anmelderin: Fa. BigRep, Berlin LU101292 sealing element gets into contact with the sealing surface of the housing part and is controllably deformed on the sealing surface, sealing at a critical area of the sealing.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present application a sealing arrangement is disclosed, wherein the sealing element is inserted into the groove such that the fur- ther extending circumferential edge (the long edge) of the sealing element is facing towards the groove sealing surface. This may have the advantage that the long edge of the sealing element gets into contact with the groove sealing surface of the housing part and is controllably deformed on the groove sealing surface, increasing the sealing ' capability within the groove.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present application a sealing arrangement is disclosed, wherein at least one of the sealing surface or the groove sealing surface comprises at least one depression for the sealing element to sit in. This may have the advantage, that the sealing element may have an enlarged contact surface with the respective sealing surface having the depression and thus providing increased sealing capabilities.

[0024] The above sealing elements and/or sealing arrangements may be comprised in a 3D-printing-hotend.

[0025] Each of the above aspects is to be considered an invention on its own. The aspects can be combined freely with each other and each feature not described as being dependent on another feature may also be freely combined with each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] Further advantages and features of the present disclosure will be apparent from the appended figures. The figures are of merely informing purpose and not of limiting character. The figures schematically describe several embodiments and/or al- ternatives of the present application. Hence, the appended figures cannot be consid- ered limiting for e.g. the dimensions of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1a shows a perspective cross sectional view of a sealing element. 7

Vertreter-Ref.: N2019/18000-LU-00 Anmelderin: Fa. BigRep, Berlin LU101292

[0028] Figure 1b shows a perspective view of the sealing element of figure 1a.

[0029] Figure 2 shows a possible orientation of an exemplary sealing element.

[0030] Figure 3 shows another possible orientation of an exemplary sealing element.

[0031] Figure 4 shows a sealing element in a sealing arrangement having specially formed sealing surfaces.

[0032] Figures 5a to 5h show examples of differently shaped grooves.

[0033] Figures 6a to 6e show examples of differently shaped sealing elements in their cross section.

| [0034] In the following description same reference signs refer to same or similar parts, sections or elements of the present application. For the sake of brevity an explanation will only be given once.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Referring to figure 1b a perspective view of a sealing element 10 is depicted. The sealing element 10 comprises a body 11 and a filling 14. Here, a middle plane P is located in the middle of the filling 14. The body has a torus-like shape (see also fig. 1b) and is made form a unitary piece of material. The body 11 comprises two circum- ferential edges 12 and 13. One edge 13 is extending further than the other edge 12 with respect to the middle plane P. Or in other words, the edge 12 ends in the area of the further extending or long edge 13, however, the edge 12 ends nearer to the middle plane P than the further extending edge 13. There is a gap between the edges 12 and 13, however, the edges may also be in contact with each other.

[0036] Fig. 1a depicts a perspective view of the sealing element 10 depicted in figure 1a. In particular, the circumferential edges 12 and 13 are depicted as well as the middle 8

Vertreter-Ref.: N2019/18000-LU-00 Anmelderin: Fa. BigRep, Berlin LU101292 plane P. The body 10 has a torus-like shape, as depicted. The filling 14 visible in fig. 1b is not visible in fig. 1a.

[0037] Fig. 2 depicts a cross sectional view of a sealing arrangement comprising a sealing element 10 essentially as depicted in figures 1a and 1b, however, without the filling 14. The sealing arrangement comprises a housing part 21 having a groove 22 and a housing part 25 having a sealing surface 26. The sealing element 10 comprises the body 11 and the further extending circumferential edge 13 and the circumferential edge 12. The sealing element 10 is inserted into the groove 22 which in turn is covered by the sealing surface 26 of the housing part 25. Hence, the sealing element 10 is in contact with all surfaces (the sealing surfaces) of groove 22 and the sealing surface

25. Also, as can be seen in fig. 2 the further extending circumferential edge 13 is in contact with the other edge 12 and does not end flush with said other edge 12 but has an overlap to the left in fig. 2.

[0038] In fig. 2 the further extending circumferential edge 13 of the sealing element is facing / orientated towards the sealing surface 26 (thus downwards in fig.2). Also, the further extending circumferential edge 13 of the sealing element 10 is orientated to the left in fig. 2. This may be advantageous in case the medium to be sealed off is located in an area on the left in fig.2. There is a gap between the edges 12 and 13. The medium to be sealed off may enter the gap between the further extending circum- ferential edge 13 and the circumferential edge 12 and push the further extending cir- cumferential edge 13 downwards in fig. 2 against the sealing surface 26 and thus in- creasing the sealing capabilities of the sealing arrangement 30. In general, it may be advantageous that the long edge 13 is oriented towards the area of the sealing ar- rangement 30 in which the medium is located that is to be sealed off.

[0039] The sealing arrangement depicted in fig. 3 is almost identical to the sealing arrangement 30 depicted in fig. 2. In fig. 3 the long edge 13 and the circumferential edge 12 are facing the groove 22. Also, the further extending circumferential edge 13 is orientated to the left in fig. 3.

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Vertreter-Ref.: N2019/18000-LU-00 Anmelderin: Fa. BigRep, Berlin LU101292

[0040] The sealing arrangement depicted in fig. 4 depicts a sealing arrangement sim- ilar to the one depicted in fig. 3. However, here the groove 22 comprises a depression 29 and the sealing surface 26 comprises also a depression 28. Both depressions are facing each other and the sealing element 10 sits in the depressions 28 and 29. This increases an area of contact between the sealing element 10 and the housing parts 21 and 25.

[0041] The sealing arrangement depicted in fig. 5a depicts a sealing arrangement similar to fig. 2 with a sealing element 10 with the long edge 15 orientated down and leftwards in fig. 5a. Differently from the groove 22 in fig. 2, the groove 22a in fig. 5a has in the cross section two rectangular protrusions 31a contacting the sealing element

10. There can be only one protrusion 31a on either side of the sealing element 10 and/or one or two protrusions 31a may also be located on the sealing surface 26a.

[0042] The sealing arrangement depicted in fig. 5b depicts a sealing arrangement similar to fig. 3 with a sealing element 10 with the long edge 15 orientated up and leftwards in fig. 5b. Differently from the groove 22 in fig. 3, the groove 22b in fig. 5b has in the cross section a wedge-shaped protrusion 31b contacting the sealing element

10. The wedge-shaped protrusion 31b can alternatively be located on the sealing sur- face 26 and on either side or both sides of the sealing element 10.

[0043] The sealing arrangement depicted in fig. 5¢ depicts a sealing arrangement similar to fig. 2 with a sealing element 10 with the long edge 15 orientated down and leftwards in fig. 5c. Differently from the groove 22 in fig. 2, the groove 22c in fig. 5c has in the cross section two protrusions 31c, contacting the sealing element 10. The pro- trusions 31c have a flat contacting surface that is in contact with the sealing element

10. The protrusions 31c may also be in the shape of a segment of a circle in the cross section. There may be only one protrusion 31c on either side of the sealing element

10.

[0044] The sealing arrangement depicted in fig. 5d depicts a sealing arrangement similar to fig. 3 with a sealing element 10 with the long edge 15 orientated up and leftwards in fig. 5d. Differently from the sealing surface 26 in fig. 3, the sealing surface

Vertreter-Ref.: N2019/18000-LU-00 Anmelderin: Fa. BigRep, Berlin LU101292 26d in fig. 5d has in the cross section two protrusions 31d, contacting the sealing ele- ment 10. The protrusions 31d have a triangular shape contacting the sealing element

10. There may be only one triangular protrusion 31d on either side of the sealing ele- ment 10. Also, the protrusions 31d may additionally or alternatively be located in the groove 22d.

[0045] The sealing arrangement depicted in fig. 5e depicts a sealing arrangement similar to fig. 2 with a sealing element 10 with the long edge 15 orientated down and leftwards in fig. 5e. Differently from the groove 22 in fig. 2, the groove 22e in fig. 5e has in the cross section two protrusions 31e, contacting the sealing element 10. The protrusions 31e have triangular shape and are located in the corners of the groove 22 in fig. 2 such as to form the depicted groove 22e in fig. 5e. The protrusions 31e may also or alternatively be located on the sealing surface 26e. There may be only one protrusion 31e on either side of the sealing element 10.

[0046] The sealing arrangement depicted in fig. 5f depicts a sealing arrangement sim- ilar to fig. 3 with a sealing element 10 with the long edge 15 orientated up and leftwards in fig. 5f. Differently from the sealing surface 26 in fig. 3, the sealing surface 26f in fig. 5f has in the cross section a C-shaped protrusion 31f, contacting or at least partially encompassing the sealing element 10 (similar to fig. 4). The protrusion 31f has an overall rectangular shape in the cross section, with a depression in which the sealing element 10 is located. There may be located additionally or alternatively a protrusion 31f in the groove 22f.

[0047] The sealing arrangement depicted in fig. 5g depicts a sealing arrangement similar to fig. 2 with a sealing element 10 with the long edge 15 orientated down and leftwards in fig. 5g. Differently from the groove 22 in fig. 2, the groove 22g in fig. 5g has in the cross section a protrusion 31g in the shape of a segment of a circle. The protrusion 31g is located in the middle of the groove 22g, contacting the sealing ele- ment 10. The protrusion 31g may also or alternatively be located on the sealing surface 26g.

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Vertreter-Ref.: N2019/18000-LU-00 Anmelderin: Fa. BigRep, Berlin LU101292

[0048] The sealing arrangement depicted in fig. 5h depicts a sealing arrangement similar to figs. 3 and 5g with a sealing element 10 with the long edge 15 orientated up and leftwards in fig. 5h. Differently from the sealing surface 26 in fig. 3, the sealing surface 26h in fig. 5h has in the cross section a triangular shaped protrusion 31h in the middle of a sealing area, contacting the sealing element 10 (similar to fig. 5g). There may be located additionally or alternatively a protrusion 31h in the groove 22h similar to the sealing arrangement depicted in fig. 5g.

[0049] In figs. Ga to 6e several alternative forms for the sealing element 10 and in particular, for the body 11 are depicted. The body 11a in fig.6a has a in its cross section a heart-shaped form with a gap between the circumferential edges 12 and 13. Also, the further extending circumferential edge 13 is extending farthest in downwards in fig. Ga.

[0050] In fig. 6b a D-shaped body 11b is depicted. There is a gap between the edges 12 and 13. Also, the further extending circumferential edge 13 is extending farthest in downwards in fig. 6b.

[0051] In fig. 6c a Q-shaped body 11c is depicted. There is a gap between the edges 12 and 13. The further extending circumferential edge 13 has a sharp bend in the area in which the other edge 12 ends. Also, the further extending circumferential edge 13 is extending farthest in downwards fig. 6c.

[0052] In fig. 6d an octagonal-shaped body 11d is depicted. There is a gap between the edges 12 and 13. The further extending circumferential edge 13 is extending far- thest in downwards in fig. 6d. The depicted octagonal-shaped sealing element 11d has flat outside surface that at least partially contact the housing parts. However, the sur- faces may also be at least curved (concave or convex). Also, not all surfaces on the octagonal-shaped sealing element 11d have to be the same. Curved and flat surfaces may be present as needed and/or desired. All combinations of flat, concavely or con- vexly curved outside surfaces of the octagonal-shaped sealing element 11d are explic- itly disclosed.

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[0053] In fig. 6e a rectangular shaped body 11e is depicted. There is a gap between the edges 12 and 13. The further extending circumferential edge 13 extending circum- ferential edge 13 extends farthest in downwards in fig. 6e. The sealing element 11e sits diagonally in the groove of fig. 6e such that only the outside edges are in contact with the housing parts. However, the sealing element 11e may also be oriented within the groove such that the flat surfaces are in contact with the housing parts. Also, the flat surfaces may be curved as described above with respect to fig. 6d.

[0054] In all the above examples/figures the orientation (left, right, upwards, down- | wards) of the sealing element 10 and/or the further extending circumferential edge 13 is exemplary and may be changed as needed or desired. All possible combinations between the orientations, groove forms and sealing element forms are explicitly dis- closed. All the protrusions may be separate parts of the respective housing part they are attached (e.g. inserts for the sealing surface and/or the groove) to or unitary with it. A gap between the edges 12 and 13 is optional for the entire disclosure. However, there may be additional advantages if a gap between the edges is present (e.g. the medium to be sealed off can enter the sealing element at least partially and further press the long edge 13 against a sealing surface). For the above description a filling 14 is optional. Optionally, a sensor may be included in the hollow body 11 together or separately from an optional filling 14. 13 a

Vertreter-Ref.: N2019/18000-LU-00 Anmelderin: Fa.

BigRep, Berlin LU101292 List of reference signs sealing element 11 a-e body 12 circumferential edge 13 further extending circumferential edge (long edge) 14 filling 21 housing part having a groove 22 a-g groove housing part having a sealing surface 26 a-f sealing surface 28, 29 depression sealing arrangement 31 a-g protrusion 14

Claims (12)

Vertreter-Ref.: N2019/18000-LU-00 Anmelderin: Fa. BigRep, Berlin LU101292 CLAIMS

1. Sealing element (10) comprising a body (11) having a hollow torus-like shape, wherein the body comprises two opposing and circumferential edges (12, 13) and wherein both circumferential edges are oriented in the same direction or end in the same area and wherein one (13) of said edges extends further than the other edge (12) in a direction perpendicular to a middle plane (P).

2. Sealing element (10) according to claim 1, wherein the two opposing and cir- cumferential edges (12, 13) are at least partially in contact with each other or | wherein there is a gap between the two opposing and circumferential edges (12, 13).

3. Sealing element (10) according to claims 1 or 2, further comprising a filling (14) being located within the body (11), wherein the filling is chosen from at least one of: thermo plastic filling, elastic filling, chemical reactive filling, adhe- sive filling.

4. Sealing element (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body (11) is made from metal.

5. Sealing element (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body is made from a unitary piece of material.

6. Sealing element (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further com- prising a sensor within the body (11).

7. Sealing element (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the further extending edge (13) is either orientated towards the middle of the seal- ing element or away from the middle of the sealing element.

8. Sealing arrangement (30), comprising a housing part (21) having a groove (22) and a housing part (25) having a sealing surface (26), wherein a sealing element (10) according to any of the above claims is inserted into the groove (22) and in contact with the groove and also with the sealing surface (26). 15

Vertreter-Ref.: N2019/18000-LU-00 Anmelderin: Fa. BigRep, Berlin LU101292 |

9. Sealing arrangement (30) according to claim 8, wherein the sealing element (10) is inserted into the groove such that the further extending circumferential edge (13) of the sealing element (10) is facing towards the sealing surface : (26).

10. Sealing arrangement (30) according to claim 8, wherein the sealing element (10) is inserted into the groove (22) such that the further extending circumfer- ential edge (13) of the sealing element (10) is facing towards the groove (22). |

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11.Sealing arrangement (30) according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein at least | © one of the sealing surface (26) or the groove (22) comprises at least one de- ) pression (28, 29) and/or at least one protrusion (31) for the sealing element (10) to at least partially contact said depression and/or protrusion. :

12. 3D-printing-hotend comprising one of the above sealing elements (10) or seal- : ing arrangements (30). ; © | 2 16