Device for sealing cans

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for sealing cans. The device (10) has a shaft (12), two flanging tools (42, 44) and a connecting member (40). A connecting member (40) connects the two flanging tools (42, 44) to the shaft (12) for pivoting the two flanging tools (42, 44). The two flanging tools (42, 44) are each connected to the connecting member (40) in a height-adjustable manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for sealing cans. Background Technology

[0002] In beverage or food can filling, cans pass through a can sealer after being filled with beverages or food. The can body enters through a feed path, and the can lid enters through another feed path. Traditional can sealers typically have several similar rotary stations, in which one can is sealed with a can lid at each station. The stations can be rotatable. The can lid is guided onto the can body and held there, for example, by a retaining plate on the sealing head. In the can sealer, the can body and can lid are folded together at the edges by a flanging tool (folding tool), thus sealing the can. Furthermore, the can with the lid can rotate about its own central axis.

[0003] For example, can sealers and flanging tools are known from US 2023 / 0068764 A1, JP-H5-123798 A and WO 02 / 067282 A1.

[0004] Disadvantages of traditional systems may include their difficulty in adjustment, assembly, and disassembly. Furthermore, the lack of adaptability to particularly hygienic applications can be detrimental. To date, the most commonly used systems are sealing systems, which must overcome considerable frictional distances, resulting in relatively rapid wear and potential leaks. Similarly, components can only be adequately cleaned through machine cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to develop an improved device for sealing cans, which preferably overcomes at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0006] This objective is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous improvements are given in the dependent claims and the description.

[0007] One aspect relates to an apparatus for sealing cans. The apparatus has an axle (e.g., a pivot), two flanging tools, preferably a pre-folding flanging tool and an end-folding flanging tool, and a connecting member. The connecting member connects the two flanging tools to the axle and is used to pivot the two flanging tools (e.g., about an axis of rotation of the axle), preferably for pivoting towards and away from the flanging edge of the can. Each of the two flanging tools is connected to the connecting member in a height-adjustable manner (e.g., individually).

[0008] Advantageously, the device enables precise and reproducible height adjustment flanging tools directly on the connecting member with a simple and easily accessible structure.

[0009] In one embodiment, the device further comprises two height adjustment elements, preferably height adjustment screws. One of the two height adjustment elements connects one of the two flanging tools to the connecting member in a height-adjustable manner. The other of the two height adjustment elements connects the other of the two flanging tools to the connecting member in a height-adjustable manner.

[0010] In another embodiment, at least one of the following is satisfied:

[0011] - Two height adjustment elements are accessible on the upper side of the connecting member in each case for adjusting the height of the corresponding flange tool;

[0012] - Two height adjustment elements are screwed into the shaft of the corresponding flanging tool from above, preferably into fine threads;

[0013] - Each of the two height adjustment elements is supported on the connecting member, preferably on the upper side of the connecting member;

[0014] - Each of the two height adjustment elements is elastically supported on the corresponding flanging tool, preferably by means of at least one compression spring;

[0015] - Each of the two height adjustment elements is sealed to the connecting member; and

[0016] - Each of the two height adjustment elements engages with the outer sheath surface of the shaft of the corresponding flanging tool, preferably by means of a collar or shaft ring-shaped engagement portion of the corresponding height adjustment element.

[0017] In one embodiment, the device further includes two elastic elements, preferably compression springs. One of the elastic elements elastically supports one of the two flanging tools on the connecting member in the vertical direction. The other elastic element elastically supports the other of the two flanging tools on the connecting member in the vertical direction. Thus, an elastic prestress can advantageously be provided for height adjustment of the two flanging tools.

[0018] In another embodiment, at least one of the following conditions is met:

[0019] - The connecting member is used as a double-sided lever, wherein two flange tools are set on the opposite lever arms of the double-sided lever, and the shaft is set at the center of the double-sided lever;

[0020] - The connecting components are basically block-shaped;

[0021] - The connecting component supports the two flanging tools on the shaft;

[0022] - The shaft and connecting components are connected via a shaft hub, preferably a polygonal connection (e.g., a square connection), and are connected to each other in a form-locking manner; and

[0023] - The device has at least one releasable shaft clamping screw, the shaft and the connecting member are clamped to each other by force locking and / or form locking (e.g., directly or indirectly), and are preferably connected to the connecting member in a sealing manner.

[0024] In another implementation variant, at least one of the following is satisfied:

[0025] - Each of the two flanging tools is connected to the connecting member in a sealed manner, preferably at the bottom of the connecting member (e.g., at the shaft outlet of the connecting member).

[0026] - The shaft and connecting member are connected to each other in a sealed manner, preferably at the shaft inlet and / or shaft outlet of the connecting member; and

[0027] - The shaft is preferably connected to the housing of the device in a sealed manner by a shaft sealing ring or a torsion bellows (e.g., airtight).

[0028] In another embodiment, two flanging tools are each adjustablely connected to a connecting member for adjusting the position of the respective flanging tool in a plane perpendicular to its central axis. Therefore, this arrangement advantageously allows for additional horizontal adjustment of the flanging tools.

[0029] In one embodiment, each of the two flanging tools includes a shaft with an eccentric portion, on which a flanging roller of the respective flanging tool is rotatably supported for adjusting the position of the flanging roller of the respective flanging tool in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the respective flanging tool.

[0030] Therefore, this device advantageously allows for particularly precise and reproducible leveling of the flanging tool.

[0031] In another embodiment, the device further comprises two screw elements (e.g., screw bolts), which are preferably connected in a sealing manner to the connecting member (e.g., on the lateral or longitudinal side of the connecting member). One of the two screw elements engages with the shear portion of the shaft of one of the two flanging tools, rotatably connecting the shaft to the connecting member. The other of the two screw elements engages with the shear portion of the shaft of the other of the two flanging tools, rotatably connecting the shaft to the connecting member. Advantageously, the screw elements allow for simple and sensitive adjustment of the eccentric position.

[0032] Preferably, each of the two screw elements can be axially secured in the connecting member by a safety bolt.

[0033] In one embodiment, the device further includes two releasable shaft clamping screws, which are preferably connected to the connecting member in a sealing manner. Preferably, one of the two shaft clamping screws can clamp the connecting member and the shaft of one of the two flanging tools together by force-locking and / or form-locking, preferably for torsionally securing the shaft of one of the two flanging tools in the connecting member. Preferably, the other of the two shaft clamping screws can clamp the connecting member and the shaft of the other of the two flanging tools together by force-locking and / or form-locking, preferably for torsionally securing the shaft of the other of the two flanging tools in the connecting member.

[0034] In another embodiment, the device also includes two (e.g., dynamic and static) sealing devices. One of the two sealing devices can seal between the connecting member and one of the two flanging tools, preferably directly above the flanging roller of the respective flanging tool. The other of the two sealing devices can seal between the connecting member and the other of the two flanging tools, preferably directly above the flanging roller of the respective flanging tool. The sealing devices can advantageously allow for dynamic and static sealing between the connecting member and the flanging tools. The sealing devices can, for example, protect the flanging tools from cleaning media and prevent lubricant from escaping from the flanging tools.

[0035] It is explicitly stated that the presence and configuration of two sealing devices are disclosed herein, independent of the presence and configuration of the height adjustability of the two flanging tools. It should be understood that aspects concerning the sealing devices can be combined with all other features disclosed herein.

[0036] Therefore, another aspect relates to an apparatus for sealing cans. The apparatus has a shaft (e.g., a pivot), two flanging tools, preferably a pre-folding flanging tool and an end-folding flanging tool, and a connecting member. The connecting member connects the two flanging tools to the shaft for pivoting the two flanging tools (e.g., about the axis of rotation of the shaft), preferably for pivoting towards and away from the flanging edge of the can. The apparatus also has two (e.g., dynamic and static) sealing devices. One of the two sealing devices seals between the connecting member and one of the two flanging tools, preferably directly above the flanging roller of the respective flanging tool. The other of the two sealing devices seals between the connecting member and the other of the two flanging tools, preferably directly above the flanging roller of the respective flanging tool.

[0037] In one implementation variation, the two sealing devices each have a first, preferably external (e.g., dynamic) sealing ring and a second, preferably internal (e.g., static) sealing ring, which preferably contact each other and / or seal the shaft of the respective flanging tool, preferably between the eccentric portion of the shaft and the connecting member.

[0038] In another implementation variant, at least one of the following is satisfied:

[0039] - The first sealing ring is an elastically deformable O-ring, preferably used to compensate for the variable clearance size caused by the eccentric portion of the shaft of the corresponding flanging tool;

[0040] - The first sealing ring and the second sealing ring together form an eccentric seal for the eccentric portion of the shaft of the corresponding flanging tool;

[0041] - The second sealing ring has an annular support, preferably a receiving groove that accommodates the first sealing ring;

[0042] -The first sealing ring contacts the connecting component;

[0043] - Only the second sealing ring contacts the corresponding flange tool; and

[0044] - Each of the two sealing devices has a third (e.g., static) sealing ring, preferably an O-ring, which seals between the sleeve portion of the respective flanging tool and the flanging roller.

[0045] In one embodiment, the second sealing ring includes at least one of the following:

[0046] - The breakwater profile on the lower surface of the second sealing ring is preferably used to prevent the medium from penetrating between the second sealing ring and the corresponding flange tool;

[0047] - A downwardly oriented sealing lip located on the inner circumferential surface of the second sealing ring is preferably used to prevent media from penetrating between the second sealing ring and the corresponding flange tool;

[0048] - A blocky profile on the inner circumferential surface of the second sealing ring, preferably used to center the second sealing ring on the axis of the corresponding flanging tool; and

[0049] - An upwardly oriented sealing lip located on the inner circumferential surface of the second sealing ring is preferably used to prevent the medium from penetrating into the flanging tool and to prevent the medium from escaping from the flanging tool.

[0050] Therefore, the second sealing ring advantageously protects the support of the flanging roll from the influence of cleaning media that penetrate from the outside. The second sealing ring also advantageously prevents lubricant leakage from the support into the production chamber. Due to its small diameter, only low friction can advantageously occur on the second sealing ring, thus resulting in only low wear.

[0051] In another embodiment, each of the two flanging tools has a bearing chamber with at least one roller bearing for pivotally supporting the flanging roller of the respective flanging tool. An internal venting path extends through the shaft, connecting member, and both flanging tools, and connects to the bearing chamber for venting the bearing chamber. The internal venting path can advantageously compensate for overpressure and underpressure without, for example, lubricant entering the production / sanitary chamber from the bearing chamber.

[0052] In one embodiment of the device, the shaft is at least segmented and has a polygonal shape, preferably a square shape. Preferably, the device further includes a releasable shaft clamping screw that clamps the shaft and connecting member together by force-locking and / or form-locking, wherein the shaft clamping screw contacts the edge of the polygonal shape of the shaft, and wherein the shaft clamping screw is preferably connected to the connecting member in a sealing manner. Thus, a particularly backlash-free clamping can be advantageously achieved through the wedge effect generated during clamping. Backlash-free and therefore particularly precise clamping may also be advantageous if at least one lubricating fluid path for continuous lubrication (e.g., for a support in a flanging tool) is connected via a shaft hub connection.

[0053] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a rotor-type can sealer that includes at least one device as disclosed herein.

[0054] The preferred embodiments and features of the present invention described above can be combined with each other as needed. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Other details and advantages of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0056] Figure 1 A perspective view of an apparatus for sealing cans according to an embodiment is shown;

[0057] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view through an exemplary device is shown;

[0058] Figure 3 A perspective cross-sectional view through a portion of an exemplary device is shown;

[0059] Figure 4 Another perspective sectional view through a portion of the exemplary device is shown;

[0060] Figure 5 A perspective view of the adjustment mechanism of an exemplary device is shown (connecting members and shafts are not shown).

[0061] Figure 6 Another schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism of the exemplary device is shown (only the shaft and screw elements are shown).

[0062] Figure 7 Another cross-sectional view is shown through a portion of the exemplary device;

[0063] Figure 8 A side view of another device for sealing cans according to an embodiment is shown;

[0064] Figure 9 A plan view of another exemplary device is shown;

[0065] Figure 10 It shows along Figure 9 The sectional view of line AA in the middle; and

[0066] Figure 11 It shows along Figure 9 The sectional view of line BB in the middle.

[0067] The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially corresponding, so similar or identical parts are given the same reference numerals. In order to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of other embodiments or figures. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Figures 1 to 7 A device 10 for sealing cans, preferably beverage cans, is shown.

[0069] The device 10 can be included, for example, as part of a sealing station in a rotary can sealer. The can sealer can be included in container handling equipment, such as beverage filling equipment. For example, a filling device for filling cans with a preferred liquid or paste filling material can be arranged upstream of the can sealer. The filled cans can be transported to the can sealer, for example, by a conveyor, and then sealed by the can sealer.

[0070] For example, a can sealer may have multiple sealing stations, each having a device 10 for simultaneously or concurrently sealing multiple cans. Preferably, the sealing stations may be distributed around the circumference of the can sealer's turntable, for example, on the upper part of the turntable. The device 10 may be connected to a driveable rotor plate for rotating the device 10 about the main shaft of the can sealer.

[0071] The device 10 has a shaft 12, a connecting member 40, and two flanging tools 42 and 44.

[0072] Shaft 12 can be driven to rotate. Rotation of shaft 12 by an angle can cause connecting member 40 and therefore flanging tools 42, 44 to pivot about the axis of rotation of shaft 12. Therefore, shaft 12 can be referred to as a pivot shaft.

[0073] Shaft 12 is preferably connected in a sealed manner to housing 14 of device 10 (see [reference]). Figure 1 and Figure 2 Shaft 12 may, for example, be rotatably supported in housing 14. To seal between shaft 12 and housing 14, sealing element 16 may preferably be arranged between shaft 12 and housing 14 (see [link]). Figure 2 The sealing element 16 is preferably a shaft sealing ring, such as... Figure 2 As shown in the example. Alternatively, the sealing element 16 may be, for example, a sealing elastomer seal, such as a torsion bellows.

[0074] The end region of shaft 12 is preferably received in connecting member 40. Shaft 12 is preferably received centrally in connecting member 40. Shaft 12 may, for example, extend through connecting member 40.

[0075] Shaft 12 and connecting member 40 are preferably connected to each other in a form-locking manner with torsion resistance via shaft hub connection 18. Shaft hub connection 18 is preferably a polygonal connection, such as a square connection.

[0076] Shaft 12 can preferably be connected to connecting member 40 in a sealed manner. For example, shaft 12 can be connected to the preferred upper shaft inlet of connecting member 40 in a sealed manner via sealing element 20 (e.g., O-ring). For example, shaft 12 can be connected to the preferred lower shaft outlet of connecting member 40 in a sealed manner via sealing element 22 (e.g., O-ring).

[0077] Shaft 12 and connecting member 40 are preferably clamped together by force locking and / or form locking.

[0078] For example, the (shaft) clamping screw 24 can be screwed into the through hole 26 of the connecting member 40 (see...). Figure 3 The front end of the clamping screw 24 can abut against the end of the clamping bolt 28. The opposite end of the clamping bolt 28 can re-engage in the groove 30 of the shaft 12 for clamping the shaft 12 by force-locking and / or form-locking. The groove 30 can be arranged, for example, in the region of the shaft hub connection 18 of the shaft 12.

[0079] The clamping bolts 28 and / or clamping screws 24 can preferably be elastically preloaded in a direction away from the shaft 12. For elastic preload, for example, an elastic element 32, such as a helical compression spring, can be arranged in the through hole 26.

[0080] The clamping screw 24 is preferably connected to the connecting member 40 in a sealing manner. For example, a sealing element 34, such as an O-ring, can seal between the screw head of the clamping screw 24 and the connecting member 40, such as the longitudinal or transverse side of the connecting member 40.

[0081] For example, at least one (shaft) clamping screw 36 can be directly clamped to the shaft 12 by force-locking and / or form-locking (see example). Figure 1 and Figure 3 At least one clamping screw 36 can be screwed into a corresponding through hole in the connecting member 40. The front end of at least one clamping screw 36 can directly contact the shaft 12, preferably in the region of the shaft hub connection 18.

[0082] For example, if the clamping screw 24 has already clamped the shaft 12 by the clamping bolt 28 engaged in the groove 30, then at least one clamping screw 36 can be screwed in to clamp the shaft 12.

[0083] Preferably, it includes two clamping screws 36, which can clamp the shaft 12 from different directions.

[0084] At least one clamping screw 36 is preferably connected to the connecting member 40 in a sealing manner. For example, a sealing element 38, such as an O-ring, can seal between the screw head of the clamping screw 36 and the connecting member 40, for example, on the longitudinal or transverse side of the connecting member 40.

[0085] Connecting member 40 connects the two flanging tools 42, 44 and shaft 12 to each other for pivoting of the two flanging tools 42, 44. Therefore, the flanging tools 42, 44 can pivot one after the other toward the flanging edge of the can. The pivoting of one of the two flanging tools 42, 44 toward the flanging edge of the can is preferably accompanied by the pivoting of the other of the two flanging tools 42, 44 away from the flanging edge.

[0086] Preferably, the connecting member 40 can carry two flanging tools 42, 44 on the shaft 12. Therefore, the connecting member 40 can also be referred to as a flanging tool holder or a support member.

[0087] Preferably, the connecting member 40 can be used as a double-sided lever. Therefore, the connecting member 40 can also be referred to as a lever member. Two flange tools 42, 44 can be arranged on the two levers / opposite lever arms of the connecting member 40. The shaft 12 can be arranged at the center of the two levers / connecting member 40.

[0088] Preferably, the connecting member 40 can be substantially block-shaped. The shaft 12 can project from above into the block-shaped connecting member 40, for example. The flanging tools 42, 44 can project from the bottom of the block-shaped connecting member 40, for example.

[0089] Flanging tools 42 and 44 are used to fold / flang the edge of a can. One of the flanging tools 42 and 44 may be, for example, a pre-folding flanging tool for forming a pre-fold on the edge of the can. The other of the two flanging tools 42 and 44 may be, for example, an end-folding flanging tool for shaping the pre-fold into an end fold.

[0090] Flanging tools 42 and 44 are each connected to the connecting member 40 in a height-adjustable manner. Preferably, the height of the two flanging tools 42 and 44 can be adjusted independently.

[0091] For example, each flanging tool 42, 44 may include a height adjustment element 46 (see Figure 2 and Figure 4 The height adjustment element 46 can connect the corresponding flanging tools 42, 44 to the connecting member 40 in a height-adjustable manner.

[0092] The height adjustment element 46 is preferably designed as a height adjustment screw. Preferably, the height adjustment element 46 can be screwed into the shaft 48 of the corresponding flange tool 42, 44 from above, preferably into the corresponding fine thread.

[0093] Preferably, the height adjustment element 46 is accessible and supported on the upper side of the connecting member 40 for adjusting the height of the corresponding flanging tools 42, 44. For example, the screw head of the height adjustment element 46 may be arranged on the upper side of the connecting member 40.

[0094] Preferably, the height adjustment element 46 can be elastically supported on the corresponding flanging tools 42, 44. For example, the elastic support can be achieved in each case by means of a compression spring 50, such as a disc spring assembly (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 4 ).

[0095] The flanging tools 42 and 44, for example, their shafts 48, can each be elastically supported on the connecting member 40. For example, two elastic elements 52 can be included for this purpose (see...). Figure 2 , 4 (5 and 7). The elastic element 52 can be, for example, in the form of a compression spring.

[0096] The elastic element 52 may be arranged, for example, in the lower part of the connecting member 40. The elastic element 52 may be supported, for example, on the corresponding shoulder of the connecting member 40 and on the shoulder of the shaft 48 of the corresponding flanging tools 42, 44.

[0097] Each height adjustment element 46 is preferably connected to the connecting member 40 in a sealed manner. For example, a sealing element 54, such as an O-ring, may be sealed between the head of the respective height adjustment element 46 and the connecting member 40, for example at the inlet opening of the respective height adjustment element 46.

[0098] In addition to height adjustment, the flanging tools 42 and 44 can also be adjusted in a plane perpendicular to the height adjustment. Specifically, the flanging tools 42 and 44 can be adjustablely connected to the connecting member 40 in each case to adjust the position of the respective flanging tools 42 and 44 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the respective flanging tools 42 and 44.

[0099] Preferably, the shafts 48 of the flanging tools 42 and 44 may each have an eccentric portion 56. The flanging rollers 58 of the respective flanging tools 42 and 44 may be rotatably supported on the eccentric portions 56. By means of the eccentric portions 56, the position of the flanging rollers 58 of the respective flanging tools 42 and 44 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the respective flanging tools 42 and 44 can be adjusted when the shafts 48 of the respective flanging tools 42 and 44 are rotated.

[0100] To rotate shaft 48, two screw elements 60 may be included (see example...). Figure 1 , 4 (5 and 6). Preferably, the screw element 60 is designed as a screw.

[0101] In each case, the screw element 60 engages with the wheel portion 62 of the shaft 48 of the corresponding flanging tool 42, 44. The screw element 60 can rotatably connect the shaft 48 to the connecting member 40.

[0102] Preferably, the wheel portion 62 may allow the height of the flanging tools 42, 44 to be adjusted via the height adjustment element 46, without disengaging the screw element 60 from the engagement of the wheel portion 62. For example, the height of the wheel portion 62 may be ≥1.5 * the screw portion diameter of the screw element 60 or ≥2 * the screw portion diameter of the screw element 60.

[0103] Preferably, the screw elements 60 can be axially secured in the connecting member 40. For example, two securing bolts 64 may be included (see...). Figure 1 , 3 (and 5). The safety bolt 64 can engage in the circumferential groove of the screw element 60, thereby axially securing the screw element 60 in the connecting member 40.

[0104] The screw elements 60 are preferably connected to the connecting member 40 in a sealing manner. For example, the sealing element 66 (see, for example, see...) Figure 5 For example, an O-ring can be used to seal between the head of the corresponding screw element 60 and the connecting member 40, for example at the inlet opening of the corresponding screw element 60.

[0105] Preferably, the screw element 60 can be accessed and optionally supported on the opposite lateral or longitudinal side of the connecting member 40 to adjust the corresponding flanging tools 42, 44. For example, the head of the screw element 60 can be arranged on the lateral or longitudinal side of the connecting member 40.

[0106] Preferably, the shaft 48 and the connecting member 40 can be clamped together by force locking and / or form locking, respectively.

[0107] For example, it may include two (shaft) clamping screws 68 (see...) Figure 1 , 4 5). The clamping screw 68 can be screwed into the corresponding through hole of the connecting member 40 (see...). Figure 4 The front end of the clamping screw 68 can rest against one of the two clamping blocks 70. The clamping block 70 can again abut against the shaft 48 of the corresponding flanging tools 42, 44 for force-locking the clamping shaft 48, for example, in the area below the screw portion 62 and / or above the eccentric portion 56.

[0108] The clamping screw 68 is preferably connected to the connecting member 40 in a sealing manner. For example, a sealing element 72, such as an O-ring, may be used to seal between the screw head of the corresponding clamping screw 68 and the connecting member 40, for example, on the lateral or longitudinal side of the connecting member 40.

[0109] The clamping screw 68 is preferably accessible and supported on the lateral or longitudinal side of the connecting member 40 for screwing in and out. For example, the head of the clamping screw 68 may be located on the lateral or longitudinal side of the connecting member 40.

[0110] Preferably, the two flanging tools 42, 44 are each sealed to the connecting member 40, preferably at the bottom of the connecting member 40. For example, two sealing devices 74 may be included, which seal between the flanging tools 42, 44 and the connecting member 40.

[0111] The sealing device 74 is preferably arranged directly above the flanging roller 58 of the corresponding flanging tools 42, 44.

[0112] For example, a sealing device 74 may be arranged at the corresponding shaft outlet of the connecting member 40, from which the shaft 48 extends.

[0113] The sealing device 74 may preferably be supported and / or axially secured by a corresponding elastic element 52.

[0114] As an example, in Figure 7 One of the sealing devices 74 is shown in detail. Both sealing devices 74 preferably have the same structure.

[0115] The sealing device 74 may include a first, preferably external, sealing ring 76 and a second, preferably internal, sealing ring 78. The sealing rings 76 and 78 may contact each other and seal between the shaft 48 (e.g., its eccentric portion 56) and the connecting member 40.

[0116] Preferably, the first sealing ring 76 can contact the connecting member 40 on one side and the second sealing ring 78 on the other.

[0117] The first sealing ring 76 can preferably be an O-ring that can elastically (strongly) deform. The first sealing ring 76 can compensate for the variable gap size between the eccentric portion 56 and the connecting member 40. Therefore, the first sealing ring 76 can preferably seal the eccentric adjustment movement. Thus, the first and second sealing rings 76, 78 can together form an eccentric seal for the eccentric portion 56.

[0118] Preferably, the first sealing ring 76 can retain the second sealing ring 78 by friction with the connecting member 40, for example, by being supported by the elastic element 52.

[0119] Preferably, the second sealing ring 78 can contact the first sealing ring 76 on one hand and the corresponding flanging tools 42, 44 on the other. For example, the second sealing ring 78 can contact the eccentric portion 56 and / or the sleeve portion 80 surrounding the eccentric portion.

[0120] The second sealing ring 78 may have an annular support, such as a receiving groove, in which the first sealing ring 76 is held. The support is preferably arranged on the outer circumference of the second sealing ring 78.

[0121] Preferably, the circumferential breakwater profile 82 can be arranged on the lower surface of the second sealing ring 78. The breakwater profile 82 can provide protection from the high pressure of the cleaning jet, thereby preventing the cleaning medium from penetrating between the second sealing ring 78 and the corresponding flange tool.

[0122] Preferably, a downward-oriented, preferably circumferential, sealing lip 84 can be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the second sealing ring 78. The sealing lip 84 also prevents media penetration.

[0123] For example, a preferred circumferential block profile 86 may be arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the second sealing ring 78. The block profile 86 can serve as a stop block, centered the second sealing ring 78. The block profile 86 can also serve as additional protection, such as preventing cleaning jets that have overcome the breakwater profile 82 and the sealing lip 84. Permeated media may preferably flow again through the sealing lip 84.

[0124] Preferably, an upwardly oriented, preferably circumferential, sealing lip 88 can be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the second sealing ring 78. The sealing lip 88 can serve as a final barrier against penetrating media. The sealing lip 88 can also serve as a protective lip against media (grease, oil, gas) from the bearing chambers of the respective flange tools 42, 44.

[0125] The second sealing ring 78 may preferably have a breakwater profile 82, a sealing lip 84, a block profile 86 and a sealing lip 88, arranged vertically one on top of the other in this order.

[0126] Optionally, the sealing device 74 may include a third sealing ring 90, preferably an O-ring. The third sealing ring 90 can seal between the sleeve portion 80 and the flanging roller 58. Preferably, the third sealing ring 90 can be received in a circumferential groove on the outer circumference of the sleeve portion 80.

[0127] Preferably, the sleeve portion 80 may also have a preferred circumferential breakwater profile 92 on its outer circumference, for example, in the form of a circumferential groove. The breakwater profile 92 may, for example, be substantially at the same level as the lower end of the second sealing ring 78.

[0128] Refer again Figure 2It also schematically shows that an internal venting path 94 can extend through the shaft 12, the connecting member 40, and the two flanging tools 42, 44, such as their shaft 48. The venting path 94 can vent together with the bearing chamber, in which roller bearings for rotatably supporting the flanging roller 58 are arranged.

[0129] Figures 8 to 11 An improved embodiment of the device 10' for sealing cans is shown, wherein, for clarity, only one of the two flanging tools 42, 44 is shown.

[0130] It should be understood that the features explained below for device 10' can also be integrated into device 10, and vice versa.

[0131] For example, a (shaft) clamping screw 36' can be provided.

[0132] The clamping screw 36' can be directly clamped to the shaft 12 by force-locking and / or form-locking (see, for example, see...). Figure 10 The clamping screw 36' can be screwed into the corresponding through hole of the connecting member 40. The front end of the clamping screw 36' can directly contact the shaft 12, preferably in the area of ​​the shaft hub connection 18.

[0133] The shaft 12 may have, for example, a polygonal shape, preferably a square shape. The front end of the clamping screw 36' may contact the polygonal edge of the shaft 12 for clamping.

[0134] Preferably, it includes only one clamping screw 36'.

[0135] The clamping screw 36' is preferably connected to the connecting member 40 in a sealing manner. For example, a sealing element 38, such as an O-ring, can seal between the screw head of the clamping screw 36 and the connecting member 40, such as the longitudinal or transverse side of the connecting member 40.

[0136] For example, a (shaft) clamping screw 24' can be provided.

[0137] The clamping screw 24' can be screwed into the through hole 26 of the connecting member 40 (see...). Figure 10 The front end of the clamping screw 24' can engage in the hole or groove 30 of the shaft 12 for force-locking and / or form-locking clamping of the shaft 12. The hole or groove 30 can be arranged, for example, in the area of ​​the shaft hub connection 18 of the shaft 12.

[0138] The clamping screw 24' is preferably connected to the connecting member 40 in a sealing manner. For example, a sealing element 34, such as an O-ring, can seal between the screw head of the clamping screw 24' and the connecting member 40, such as the longitudinal or transverse side of the connecting member 40.

[0139] For example, each flanging tool 44 ( Figures 8 to 11 Only one is shown in the image) and may include a height adjustment element 46' (see [image]). Figure 8 , 9 (and 11). The height adjustment element 46' can connect the corresponding flange tool 44 to the connecting member 40 in a height-adjustable manner.

[0140] The height adjustment element 46' is preferably designed as a height adjustment screw. Preferably, the height adjustment element 46' can be screwed into the connecting member 40 from below, preferably into a corresponding fine thread, and extends from the connecting member 40 on the upper side of the connecting member 40.

[0141] Preferably, the engaging portion 96 of the height adjusting element 46' can be arranged on the lower side of the connecting member 40. The engaging portion 96 can be arranged, for example, on the bottom of the height adjusting element 46'. The engaging portion 96 can be formed, for example, a circumferential collar or a shaft collar. The engaging portion 96 can engage with the engaging portion 98 of the movable shaft 48, preferably in a form-locking manner. The engaging portion 98 can be, for example, in the form of a circumferential groove. The engaging portion 98 can preferably be arranged on the outer sheath surface of the shaft 48. Therefore, the shaft 48 can be axially secured to the engaging portion 96 of the height adjusting element 46'. Therefore, during the height adjustment of the height adjusting element 46, the height of the shaft 48 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the height of the flanging tool 44.

[0142] Preferably, each height adjustment element 46' is located on the upper side of the connecting member 40 for height adjustment of the corresponding flange tool 44. For example, the tool engagement portion, such as the polygonal portion, of the height adjustment element 46' may be arranged on the upper side of the connecting member 40.

[0143] Each height adjustment element 46' is preferably connected to the connecting member 40 in a sealing manner. For example, a sealing element 54, such as an O-ring, may seal between the height adjustment element 46' and the upper side of the connecting member 40. For example, a sealing element 100, such as an O-ring, may seal between the height adjustment element 46' and the lower side of the connecting member 40. Preferably, the sealing element 100 may also apply axial prestress to the height adjustment element 46', for example, to eliminate thread clearance.

[0144] The height adjustment element 46' can be guided twice in the connecting member 40, for example in the portion adjacent to the sealing element 54 and the sealing element 100.

[0145] Regarding the two variations detailed here ( Figures 1 to 7 and Figures 8 to 11 According to requirements, the bearing in the flanging tool 58 can be lubricated once or continuously.

[0146] This invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Instead, numerous variations and modifications are possible, which also utilize the concepts of this invention and thus fall within the scope of protection. In particular, this invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of dependent claims independent of the cited claims. Specifically, the various features of independent claim 1 are disclosed independently of each other. Furthermore, features of dependent claims may also be disclosed and claimed independently of all features of independent claim 1, and for example, independently of the presence and / or configuration of the shaft, connecting member, and / or two flanging tools of independent claim 1. All scope details herein should be understood to be disclosed in such a way that all values ​​falling within the corresponding scope can be individually disclosed and claimed, for example, as a preferred narrower outer boundary of the corresponding scope.

[0147] List of reference numerals

[0148] 10. Apparatus for sealing cans

[0149] 12-axis

[0150] 14 shell

[0151] 16 sealing elements

[0152] 18-axis hub connection

[0153] 20 sealing elements

[0154] 22 Sealing elements

[0155] 24 clamping screws

[0156] 26 through holes

[0157] 28 clamping bolts

[0158] 30 grooves

[0159] 32 elastic elements

[0160] 34 sealing elements

[0161] 36 clamping screws

[0162] 38 sealing elements

[0163] 40 connecting components

[0164] 42 (First) Flanging Tool

[0165] 44 (Second) Flanging Tool

[0166] 46 height adjustment elements

[0167] 48 axes

[0168] 50 compression spring

[0169] 52 elastic elements

[0170] 54 Sealing Elements

[0171] 56 Eccentric parts

[0172] 58 Flanging Roller

[0173] 60 screw element

[0174] 62 screw section

[0175] 64 safety bolt

[0176] 66 sealing elements

[0177] 68 clamping screws

[0178] 70 clamping blocks

[0179] 72 Sealing Element

[0180] 74 Sealing Equipment

[0181] 76 First sealing ring

[0182] 78 Second sealing ring

[0183] 80 sleeve section

[0184] 82 Breakwater Outline

[0185] 84 sealing lip

[0186] 86 outlines

[0187] 88 sealing lip

[0188] 90 Third sealing ring

[0189] 92 Breakwater Outline

[0190] 94 Internal Exhaust Path

[0191] 96 joint parts

[0192] 98 joint parts

[0193] 100 sealing element.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for sealing cans, wherein, The device (10) includes: Axis (12); Two flanging tools (42, 44), preferably a pre-folding flanging tool and an end-folding flanging tool; and A connecting member (40) connects the two flanging tools (42, 44) to the shaft (12) for pivoting the two flanging tools (42, 44), preferably for pivoting towards and away from the flanging edge of the can. in: The two flanging tools (42, 44) are each connected to the connecting member (40) in a height-adjustable manner.

2. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, further comprising: Two height adjustment elements (46), preferably height adjustment screws, in: One of the two height adjustment elements (46) connects one of the two flanging tools (42, 44) to the connecting member (40) in a height-adjustable manner, and the other of the two height adjustment elements (46) connects the other of the two flanging tools (42, 44) to the connecting member (40) in a height-adjustable manner.

3. The apparatus (10) according to claim 2, wherein, Meet at least one of the following: The two height adjustment elements (46) are accessible on the upper side of the connecting member in each case for height adjustment of the corresponding flange tools (42, 44); The two height adjustment elements (46) are screwed into the shafts (48) of the corresponding flanging tools (42, 44) from above, preferably into fine threads; The two height adjustment elements (46) are each supported on the connecting member (40), preferably on the upper side of the connecting member (40); The two height adjustment elements (46) are each elastically supported on the corresponding flanging tools (42, 44), preferably by means of at least one compression spring (50). The two height adjustment elements (46) are each sealed to the connecting member (40); and The two height adjustment elements (46') each engage with the outer sheath surface of the shaft (48) of the corresponding flanging tool (42, 44), preferably by means of the collar or shaft ring engagement portion of the corresponding height adjustment element (46').

4. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Two elastic elements (52), preferably compression springs, in: One of the two elastic elements (52) elastically supports one of the two flanging tools (42, 44) on the connecting member (40) in the vertical direction; and The other of the two elastic elements (52) elastically supports the other of the two flanging tools (42, 44) on the connecting member (40) in the vertical direction.

5. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following is satisfied: The connecting member (40) serves as a double-sided lever, wherein, The two flanging tools (42, 44) are set on the opposite lever arms of the double-sided lever, and the shaft (12) is set at the center of the double-sided lever; The connecting member (40) is essentially block-shaped; The connecting member (40) supports the two flanging tools (42, 44) on the shaft (12); The shaft (12) and the connecting member (40) are connected by a shaft hub (18), preferably a polygonal connection, and are connected to each other in a shape-locking manner; and The device (10) has at least one releasable shaft clamping screw (24, 36), the shaft (12) and the connecting member (40) are clamped to each other by force locking and / or form locking, and are preferably connected to the connecting member (40) in a sealing manner.

6. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following is satisfied: The two flanging tools (42, 44) are each connected to the connecting member (40) in a sealed manner, preferably at the bottom of the connecting member (40); The shaft (12) and the connecting member (40) are connected to each other in a sealed manner, preferably at the shaft inlet and / or shaft outlet of the connecting member (40); and The shaft (12) is preferably connected to the housing (14) of the device (10) in a sealed manner by means of a shaft sealing ring or a torsion bellows.

7. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The two flanging tools (42, 44) are each adjustablely connected to the connecting member (40) for adjusting the position of the respective flanging tool (42, 44) in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the respective flanging tool (42, 44).

8. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The two flanging tools (42, 44) each include a shaft (48) with an eccentric portion (56), on which the flanging roller (58) of the respective flanging tool (42, 44) is rotatably supported for adjusting the position of the flanging roller (58) of the respective flanging tool (42, 44) in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the respective flanging tool (42, 44).

9. The apparatus (10) according to claim 8, further comprising: Two screw elements (60) are preferably connected to the connecting member (40) in a sealed manner. in: One of the two screw elements (60) engages with the wheel portion (62) of the shaft (48) of one of the two flanging tools (42, 44), and rotatably connects the shaft (48) to the connecting member (40); and The other of the two screw elements (60) engages with the wheel portion (62) of the shaft (48) of the other of the two flanging tools (42, 44) and rotatably connects the shaft (48) to the connecting member (40).

10. The apparatus (10) according to claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising: Two releasable shaft clamping screws (68) are preferably connected to the connecting member (40) in a sealing manner. in: One of the two shaft clamping screws (68) clamps the shaft (48) of one of the connecting member (40) and the two flanging tools (42, 44) together by force locking and / or form locking, preferably for torsionally securing the shaft (48) of one of the two flanging tools (42, 44) in the connecting member (40); and The other of the two shaft clamping screws (68) clamps the shaft (48) of the connecting member (40) and the other of the two flanging tools (42, 44) together by force locking and / or form locking, preferably for torsionally fixing the shaft (48) of the other of the two flanging tools (42, 44) in the connecting member (40).

11. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Two sealing devices (74). in: One of the two sealing devices (74) seals between the connecting member (40) and one of the two flanging tools (42, 44), preferably directly above the flanging roller (58) of the respective flanging tool (42, 44); and The other of the two sealing devices (74) is sealed between the connecting member (40) and the other of the two flanging tools (42, 44), preferably directly above the flanging roller (58) of the respective flanging tool (42, 44).

12. The apparatus (10) according to claim 11, wherein, The two sealing devices (74) each have a first, preferably external sealing ring (76) and a second, preferably internal sealing ring (78), which contact each other and seal the shaft (48) of the corresponding flanging tool (42, 44), preferably between the eccentric portion (56) of the shaft (48) and the connecting member (40).

13. The apparatus (10) according to claim 12, wherein, Meet at least one of the following: The first sealing ring (76) is an elastically deformable O-ring, preferably used to compensate for the variable clearance size caused by the eccentric portion (56) of the shaft (48) of the corresponding flanging tool (42, 44); The first sealing ring (76) and the second sealing ring (78) together form an eccentric seal for the eccentric portion (56) of the shaft (48) of the respective flanging tools (42, 44); The second sealing ring (78) has an annular support, preferably a receiving groove that accommodates the first sealing ring (76); The first sealing ring (76) contacts the connecting member (40); Only the second sealing ring (78) contacts the corresponding flanging tool (42, 44); and Each of the two sealing devices (74) has a third sealing ring (90), preferably an O-ring, which seals between the sleeve portion (80) of the respective flanging tool (42, 44) and the flanging roller (58).

14. The apparatus (10) according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein, The second sealing ring (78) includes at least one of the following: The breakwater profile (82) on the lower surface of the second sealing ring (78) is preferably used to prevent the medium from penetrating between the second sealing ring (78) and the corresponding flange tools (42, 44); The downwardly oriented sealing lip (84) located on the inner circumferential surface of the second sealing ring (78) is preferably used to prevent the medium from penetrating between the second sealing ring (78) and the corresponding flange tool (42, 44); The blocky profile (86) on the inner circumferential surface of the second sealing ring (78) is preferably used to center the second sealing ring (78) on the shaft (48) of the corresponding flanging tool (42, 44); and The upwardly oriented sealing lip (88) located on the inner circumferential surface of the second sealing ring (78) is preferably used to prevent the medium from penetrating into the flanging tool (42, 44) and to prevent the medium from escaping from the flanging tool (42, 44).

15. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each of the two flanging tools (42, 44) has a bearing chamber with at least one roller bearing for pivotally supporting the flanging roller (58) of the respective flanging tool (42, 44); and An internal venting path (94) extends through the shaft (12), the connecting member (40), and the two flange tools (42, 44) and connects to the bearing chamber for venting the bearing chamber.

16. The apparatus (10') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The shaft (12) has at least segmented polygonal shapes, preferably square shapes; and The device (10') further includes a releasable shaft clamping screw (36') that clamps the shaft (12) and the connecting member (40) together in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner, wherein the shaft clamping screw (36') contacts the edge of the polygonal shape of the shaft (12), and wherein the shaft clamping screw (36') is preferably connected to the connecting member (40) in a sealing manner.

Images