CONTROL DEVICE FOR A SEALER

Description

Control device for a closer

[0001] The invention relates to a control device for a closer and a closer for closing a container. The invention further relates to a method for closing a container.

[0002] When filling beverage cans or food cans, after being filled with the beverage or food, the cans pass through a can seamer, where the filled can bodies feed in via one feed path and can ends feed in via another feed path. The can seamer usually has several identical stations arranged in a carousel, each of which seals a can with a can end. The can ends are guided onto the can bodies and held in place by a seaming head. This holding also serves to fix the cans and prevent them from breaking out of the circular path followed by the cans in the can seamer due to centrifugal force. In the can seamer, the can bodies and can ends are seamed at the edges by a seaming roller and thus sealed.Typically, the can and its end are also rotated around their own axis of symmetry by the seaming head. The seaming rollers and heads are mounted on a respective seaming shaft for rotation.

[0003] A generic can seamer is described in DE 749636 and DE 4234115 A1. The can seamer comprises a clamping device for holding a can to be sealed. In operation, the can to be sealed is inserted into the clamping device and secured by it in the axial and radial directions. Likewise, a can end is centered over the can opening of the can to be sealed. The can has a circumferential can flange in the area of ​​the can opening, and the can end has a circumferential can end flange. To close the can opening with the can end, the can seamer additionally comprises two seaming rollers, each rotatable about an axis, which press the can flange and the can end flange together using a substantially radial force. The pressing takes place by continuous rolling in the circumferential direction along the circumference of the can opening.

[0004] Another can seamer is known from GB 2098899 A. The can seamer comprises a clamping device for holding the can to be sealed and a seaming roller. In operation, the can to be sealed is inserted into the clamping device and secured axially and radially by it. A can end is also centered over the opening of the can to be sealed. The can has a circumferential can flange in the area of ​​the can opening of the can body, and the can end has a circumferential can end flange.

[0005] Before the actual seaming process, the lid and can are joined at a defined point. The can, with the lid in place, is then clamped between a lifting station and the seaming head. The can remains clamped throughout the entire seaming process and is only released after the seaming process is complete, allowing it to enter a can exit. The actual seaming process is performed by the seaming rollers, which are mounted on a seaming lever. The seaming rollers form the seam, thus creating a tight seal.

[0006] The lifting station, seaming head, seaming lever, and seaming rollers form a single unit (also called a "station"). Numerous stations are arranged in a circle (a kind of carousel-like arrangement) within the can seamer. The higher the number of stations, the more cans can be in the seaming process at the same time, which can increase the capacity (in can closures per hour).

[0007] The seaming process consists of two operations: a pre-fold (operation one, also referred to as "OP1") and a final fold (operation two, also referred to as "OP2"). These operations are performed by sequentially pressing a first seaming roller (OP1) and a second seaming roller (OP2) against the can with the end in place, in the contact area between the can and the end. By pressing the respective seaming rollers, the material, such as the end sheet metal and the can, is folded into one another.

[0008] To control these two folding operations OP1 and OP2, known can seamers have a control device.

[0009] For a better understanding of the present invention, a control device known from the prior art is described below with reference to Fig. 1A-C described.

[0010] To better distinguish the known prior art from the present invention, reference numerals for features of known devices are indicated in this application with an apostrophe (in Fig. 1A-C ), while features relating to devices according to the invention or their components do not carry an apostrophe.

[0011] Fig. 1A-C thus show the known control device 1' for the folding process of the can seamer.

[0012] The control device 1' comprises a support element 2' and a folding curve 4' arranged on the support element 2' with a curved path 3' and curved profile 5'.

[0013] To control the folding process, a folding device with a control element attached to a support axis is arranged in the curved path 3' and the control element is moved through the curved path in the operating state.

[0014] The folding lever is attached to the other end of the support axis, with the first folding roller for the first folding operation and the second folding roller for the second folding operation being arranged on the folding lever.

[0015] The first folding operation and the second folding operation can be controlled by the movement of the control element in the cam path 3'.

[0016] To adjust the first folding operation and the second folding operation, the folding cam 4' is connected to an adjustment mechanism 10'. The position of the folding cam 4' can be shifted via the adjustment mechanism 4' such that an OP2 area 52' of the folding cam 4' is positioned such that the folding rollers for the second folding operation are positioned closer or further to the fold, depending on the folding cam setting—thus, they can exert less or more pressure on the fold. This generally eliminates the need to individually adjust the folding rollers for the second folding operation to the new requirements at each station.

[0017] However, this change in position of the entire folding curve 4' by the adjustment mechanism 10' not only results in a change in position of the OP2 area 52', but inevitably also in a slight change in position of an OP1 area 51', since these areas are arranged on the same folding curve 4' (the displacement of the folding curve 4' around the pivot point 54' not only results in a change in position of the OP2 area 52', but also in a (smaller) change in position / distortion of the OP1 area 51').

[0018] The area of ​​the cam track 3', in which the OP1 area 51' is located, is slightly distorted for geometric reasons when the position of the OP2 area 52' changes. This sometimes led to the pre-fold no longer being produced correctly.

[0019] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a control device that avoids the adverse effects known from the prior art. In particular, a control device is to be provided that is simply designed and can be easily and flexibly adapted.

[0020] The object is achieved by a control device according to the invention, a closer according to the invention and by a method according to the invention.

[0021] According to the invention, a control device for a container sealer is proposed. The control device comprises a support element, a folding cam arranged on the support element with a curved path, and a folding device.

[0022] The folding device comprises a support shaft with a control end and a folding end. Furthermore, the folding device comprises a control element arranged at the control end of the support shaft and a folding lever arranged at the folding end of the support shaft.

[0023] Here, the folding device further comprises a first folding roller for a first folding operation and a second folding roller for a second folding operation, which are arranged on the folding lever.

[0024] The control element is arranged to be movable in the curved path of the folding curve in such a way that the first folding operation and the second folding operation can be controlled by the movement of the control element in the curved path.

[0025] In addition, the folding curve comprises a first curve segment and a second curve segment, wherein the curve path is formed by the first curve segment and the second curve segment.

[0026] The first curve segment and the second curve segment are movable (in particular displaceable) independently of one another in such a way that the first folding operation and the second folding operation (in particular by the movement / displacement of the first curve segment and the second curve segment) can be adjusted independently of one another.

[0027] By moving the first cam segment and / or the second cam segment, the shape of the cam track can be changed. By changing the shape of the cam track, the first folding operation and the second folding operation can be adjusted, since the shape of the cam track is responsible for controlling the first and second folding operations.

[0028] In particular, the first folding operation (hereinafter also referred to as "OP1") forms a pre-fold, and the second folding operation (hereinafter also referred to as "OP2") forms a final fold. These operations can be performed by sequentially pressing the first folding roller for the first folding operation and the second folding roller for the second folding operation against the container with a lid applied in the container-to-lid contact area.

[0029] By pressing the respective folding roller, the material is folded into each other.

[0030] Independently movable means in the context of the invention in particular that the first curve segment can be moved without moving the second curve segment and / or that the second curve segment can be moved without moving the first curve segment.

[0031] Independently adjustable means in the context of the invention in particular that the first folding operation can be adjusted without changing the second folding operation and / or the second folding operation can be adjusted without changing the first folding operation. This is made possible in particular by the fact that both the first curve segment and the second curve segment can change their position (particularly preferably their position relative to / on the support element) without the position of the other curve segment being changed. In particular, this means that the first folding roller and / or the second folding roller can be closer or further to a fold of the container in an operating state, i.e. the feed of the first and second folding rollers can be adjusted independently of one another. In particular, the folding rollers are each positioned further or closer to the fold in order to exert less or greater pressure on the fold.

[0032] Preferably, the shape of a region of the cam track responsible for the corresponding folding operation is changed by changing the position of the first or second cam segment.

[0033] The support element is, in particular, the part of the device over which the control device is mounted or arranged in a closer. The support element can be stationary, i.e., immobile. The folding cam is, in particular, the part of the device by which the movement of the folding rollers in the closer is specified, i.e., controlled. The folding device is, in particular, the part of the device with which the container is closed.

[0034] In principle, the curved path can be formed by any number of curved segments, but is formed at least by the first curved segment and the second curved segment.

[0035] Particularly preferably, the first curve segment and the second curve segment are movable independently of one another such that a curve profile (i.e., the shape) of the curved path can be changed. The curve profile is, in particular, the profile along which the control element is movable. In particular, the first folding operation and the second folding operation can be adjusted by changing the curve profile due to the displacement of the first curve segment and the second curve segment.

[0036] Since the folding lever and thus the folding rollers are connected to the control element via the carrier shaft, the folding lever and the folding rollers are also moved accordingly when moving along the curve profile.

[0037] The control element can in particular comprise a cam roller (or a plurality of cam rollers, particularly preferably a first and second cam roller), which cam roller(s) can roll along the cam profile during movement through the cam track, i.e. can be rolled.

[0038] The cam track may have a first section for controlling the first folding operation and a second section for controlling the second folding operation (i.e., the relevant areas mentioned above).

[0039] In this case, the curved path is particularly preferably designed as a circular path, a circuit or a circulating curved path in which the control element can be moved endlessly in one direction (or along which the folding device can be moved endlessly in one direction).

[0040] The control device can comprise a plurality of folding devices which are arranged on a single folding curve, i.e. are guided in a single curved path.

[0041] In an embodiment of the invention, the first cam segment can be movable such that a position of the first section relative to / on the support element can be changed. Consequently, a first feed of the first folding roller (and thus the first folding operation) toward the container can be adjusted by changing the position of the first section.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, the second cam segment can be movable such that a position of the second section relative to / on the support element can be changed. Consequently, a second delivery of the second folding roller (and thus the second folding operation) to the container can be adjusted by changing the position of the second section. The first section can thus be moved independently of the second section and in particular relative to / on the support element. Furthermore, the second section can be moved independently of the first section and in particular relative to / on the support element.

[0043] In an embodiment of the invention, the folding device can be movable relative to the support element by the movement of the control element in the curved path.

[0044] In practice, the support shaft can extend along a support axis from the control end to the folding end, and the movement of the control element can exert a torque acting substantially perpendicular to the support axis on the support shaft, so that the folding lever can be moved with the support shaft by the control device. Alternatively, the control element can be moved along the curved path by a torque acting on the support shaft. For this purpose, either the control element or the support shaft can be coupled to a rotor of the closer, so that the movement occurs due to a rotation of the rotor in the operating state.

[0045] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and / or second folding roller is rotatably mounted on the folding lever. For this purpose, the folding rollers can each be arranged / attached to a rotatable folding roller bolt, which is fixed / clamped to the folding lever.

[0046] By means of the measures described above, the control device according to the invention not only solves the problem of the distorted OP1 area in the case of OP2 position shift, but also combines further functions which enable more diverse folding settings.

[0047] The control device according to the invention, in particular, provides complete mechanical separation of movement from the OP1 area (i.e., the first section) to the OP2 area (i.e., the second section). The control device according to the invention is designed such that the position of the OP2 area can be shifted without affecting the OP1 area.

[0048] The inventive solution no longer consists of a single curve that undergoes a change in position, but of (at least) two segments – the first and second curve segments – that can be moved completely independently of one another. In particular, the first curve segment for the first folding operation and the second curve segment for the second folding operation. Both are preferably directly connected to a curve carrier – the carrier element – ​​and can each be moved from the carrier element. Particularly preferably, the curve segments can each be moved from the carrier element via servo motors with gears, in particular by means of an eccentric cam arranged on the first and second curve segments.

[0049] According to the invention, a closer for closing the container is further proposed, which comprises the control device according to the invention.

[0050] The closer preferably comprises a closing station comprising the control device and a lifting station for receiving the container. By clamping the container between the folding head and the lifting station, the container can be rotated and closed by means of the folding rollers.

[0051] The closing station can comprise the rotor mentioned above.

[0052] Furthermore, the closer can comprise a container feed for the containers, in particular containers filled with a product, to the closing station (or for feeding the container to a work area of ​​the closer) and a feed device for guiding the lids to the container. Furthermore, the closer according to the invention can comprise an outlet for closed containers from the closing station.

[0053] The seamer's closing station can particularly preferably comprise the lifting station, seaming head, seaming lever, and seaming rollers as a single unit – the station. A plurality of stations can be arranged in a circle within the seamer's closing station (in a kind of carousel-like arrangement). The higher the number of stations, the more cans can be in the seaming process at the same time, which can increase the capacity (in container closures per hour).

[0054] The invention also proposes a method for closing the container with the lid. The method according to the invention comprises providing the inventive closer, placing the lid on an opening of the container, and closing the container with the lid by / in the closing station.

[0055] The container can be clamped between the seaming head and the lifting station, and the lid can be seamed onto the container using the first seaming roller, the second seaming roller, and the seaming head. Finally, the sealed container can be removed from the seamer's work area.

[0056] The working space is the area of ​​the sealer, in which the container is preferably closed with the lid, in particular the area in which the seaming process takes place. Preferably, the working space is surrounded by a housing, thus demarcating the working space of the sealer (and thus enabling the creation of a hygiene zone).

[0057] In particular, the housing can be considered a covering, enclosure, casing, or sheathing that at least partially encloses the workspace. The housing can close off and / or shield the workspace from the outside, thus hygienically separating the atmosphere in the workspace from the surroundings.

[0058] The sealer according to the invention can further comprise a lifting station (or a plurality of lifting stations) for lifting the container. The lifting stations can be arranged opposite the folding devices.

[0059] In practice, the sealer may include a container discharge system for removing the containers from the work area. A partition or screen may be arranged between the container inlet and the container outlet to prevent cross-contamination between incoming and outgoing containers.

[0060] In addition, the container feeder can be designed as an insertion table known in the prior art.

[0061] The sealer according to the invention is preferably designed as a can sealer. The can sealer typically comprises several similar stations arranged in a carousel, each of which seals a can with a can end.

[0062] The container can be a can and the lid can be a can lid, which are folded together by the can seamer.

[0063] During operation, the seaming rollers, with their respective seam profiles, are brought into contact with a can end flange of the can end and a can flange of the can. Rotation of the can then rotates the seaming roller in the circumferential direction of the can, seaming the can flange with the can end flange. To rotate the can, the can is preferably clamped between the seaming head and the lifting station, with the seaming head rotating around a seam axis with a seaming shaft. Therefore, the can is preferably fixed in the axial and radial directions for sealing and rotated in the circumferential direction.

[0064] In the context of the invention, a can can be understood as a rotationally symmetrical container that is sealed by means of the can seamer and the associated seaming roller. A can can preferably be made of a metal, in particular aluminum or steel.

[0065] In principle, the seamer can preferably comprise at least the first seaming roller and the second seaming roller as two types of seaming rollers with different seam profiles, allowing cans to be sealed according to a double seam principle, in which the cans are sealed in two stages. Each type of seaming roller is responsible for each stage. The first seaming roller creates the pre-seam (first seaming operation), while the second type of seaming roller completely seals the can / container (second seaming operation).

[0066] The can bodies are fed through the container feeder. From the container feeder, the can bodies move to one of the respective lifting stations (which are integrated into the seaming station). During one revolution of the seaming station, the lifting stations preferably perform a cam-controlled lifting movement to move the can bodies from below onto the can ends and later onto the seaming head. After a certain stroke, the can body comes into contact with the can end.

[0067] The can seamer preferably also includes an ejection element. The ejection element is attached, for example, to an ejection rod, which performs a linear movement along the axial direction within the seaming shaft of the seaming head. Preferably cam-controlled (via a separate cam of the control device), the can end is initially held in the lid guide during the downward movement. As soon as the can body is retracted into the can end, the ejection element changes the direction of the stroke and moves upwards smoothly with the lifting station. The supporting function of the ejection element ends when the can body and can end are retracted into the seaming head. From this moment on, the can is clamped between the lifting station and the seaming head. The actual seaming process then takes place.

[0068] In principle, the closer according to the invention can be analogous to the can closers already known from the prior art, but differs in the control device in order to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0069] In the following, the invention and the prior art are explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1A shows a first view of a control device of the prior art; Fig. 1B shows a second view of the control device of the prior art; Fig. 1C shows a third view of the control device of the prior art; Fig. 2 shows a top view of a can seamer according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows a representation of a first and second folding operation; Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the interaction of a control device according to the invention with a folding device; Fig. 5A shows a first view of a carrier element according to the invention with a first curve segment and a second curve segment; Fig. 5B shows a second view of the carrier element according to the invention with a first curve segment; Fig. 5C shows a third view of the carrier element according to the invention with a second curve segment; Fig. 6A shows a first view from below of a carrier element according to the invention with a first curve segment and a second curve segment; Fig.Fig. 6B shows a second view from below of the carrier element according to the invention with the first curve segment and the second curve segment; Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a closing station.

[0070] Fig. 1A-C have already been described previously in the presentation of the state of the art.

[0071] Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a can closer 1000 according to the invention. In principle, the closing process is analogous to the prior art, but the can closer 1000 has a control device according to the invention.

[0072] The can sealer 1000 according to Fig. 2comprises a lid supply device 11 for providing a lid 101, a gassing rotor 15 for supplying gas to the can 100 and for guiding and transporting the lid 101 to the can 100. In addition, the closer 1000 comprises a closing station 14 for closing the can 100 with the lid 101. The closing station 14 is arranged in a working space 19 of the can closer 1000 surrounded by a housing 20.

[0073] The lid 101 is introduced along arrow C through the lid supply device 11 into the working chamber 19 of the can seamer 1000. The lids 101 are placed on the gassing rotor 15. The rotation of the gassing rotor 15 transports the lids 101 further.

[0074] The cans 100 are guided by carriers of the container feed 12 arranged on a chain from a container dispenser in the direction of arrow A to the working chamber 19. There, the containers 100 are inserted into the container receptacles 17 of the gassing rotor 15. There, the can 100 is gassed with a gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen in the area D and combined with the lid 101.

[0075] The gassing is carried out along arrow B with the gas supply 16 via the gassing rotor 15. After gassing, the can 100 with the lid 101 is conveyed through the container transfer 13 from the gassing rotor 15 to the seaming process 14, where it is sealed. As an alternative to the gassing rotor 15, a lid rotor with rails can also be used to transport the lids, with the gassing being carried out via a linear gassing device that is arranged in a stationary manner.

[0076] Cans 100 are clamped with lids 101 and sealed by the seaming process 14. The sealed can is conveyed by another rotor into the can outlet 18.

[0077] During gassing, the gas is conveyed to the underside of the lid 101. This ensures that a residual volume of the can 100, in which no food is located, is essentially filled with the gas before sealing, with the air originally present in the residual volume being displaced as completely as possible by the gas. This may potentially result in a longer shelf life for the food contained in the can 100.

[0078] Fig. 3 shows a representation of a first folding operation OP1 and a second folding operation OP2.

[0079] A seaming process according to the invention consists of two operations: a pre-fold (by "OP1") and the final fold (by "OP2"). These operations OP1 and OP2 are performed by sequentially pressing the first seaming roller 81 and the second seaming roller 82 against the can 100 with the lid 101 applied in the contact area between the can 100 and the lid 101. By pressing the respective seaming rollers 81, 82, the sheet metal of the lid 101 and the can 100 are folded into each other.

[0080] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an interaction of a control device 1 according to the invention with a folding device.

[0081] The control device 1 comprises a support element 2, a folding curve 4 arranged on the support element 2 with a curved path 3 and a folding device.

[0082] The folding device comprises a support shaft 7 in the form of a lever shaft mechanism 7 with a control end and a folding end. Furthermore, the folding device comprises a control element 6 arranged at the control end of the support shaft 7 and a folding lever 8 arranged at the folding end of the support shaft 7.

[0083] The control element 6, which is designed as a cam roller 6, is movable by rolling along the cam track 3 of the folding cam 4a in such a way that the first folding operation and the second folding operation can be controlled by the movement of the control element 6 along the cam track 3. It is therefore possible to control when which folding roller 81, 82 acts on the can and lid.

[0084] The first folding roller 81 and second folding roller 82 are mounted in the folding lever 8. This lever is controlled by the lever shaft mechanism 7 and cam roller 6 via the folding cam 4. The folding cam 4 thus controls the sequential pressing of the folding rollers 81, 82 to form the fold.

[0085] If different can and / or lid materials (material type, wall thickness) are closed on a closer, the second folding rollers 82 for the second folding operation (and in rare cases the first folding rollers 81 for the first folding operation) of all closing stations must be adjusted to the changed can / lid materials each time the can and / or lid material is changed.

[0086] Fig. 5A-C show views of the carrier element 2 according to the invention with a first curve segment 41 and a second curve segment 42.

[0087] The curved path 3 is formed by the first curved segment 41 and the second curved segment 42. The first curved segment 41 and the second curved segment 42 are displaceable independently of one another in such a way that the first folding operation and the second folding operation can be adjusted independently of one another by displacing the first curved segment 41 and the second curved segment 42, since a curved profile 5 of the curved path 3 can change at different sections.

[0088] In this case, independently displaceable means in particular that the first curve segment 41 can be moved without moving the second curve segment 42 and that the second curve segment 42 can be moved without moving the first curve segment 41, since the curve segments 41, 42 are fastened to the support element 2 independently of one another.

[0089] In one operating state, the first folding roller or the second folding roller can be positioned closer or further to a fold of the container, meaning that the feed of the first and second folding rollers can be adjusted independently of each other.

[0090] All settings described here can be operated electrically with servo motors via gears. The servo motor 22 can move the second cam segment 42 via the eccentric cam 21.

[0091] The solution according to the invention therefore consists of two segments 41, 42, which can be moved completely independently of each other.

[0092] Fig. 6A-B show views from below of a carrier element 2 according to the invention with a first curve segment 41 and a second curve segment 42.

[0093] The device according to the invention not only solves the basic problem of the distorted OP1 area, i.e. a first section 51 in the case of an OP2 area position shift (i.e. a shift of a second section 52), but also combines further functions which enable more diverse folding settings.

[0094] The invention provides a completely mechanical separation of movement from the OP1 area 51 to the OP2 area 52. The system is designed so that the position of the OP2 area 52 can be shifted without affecting the OP1 area 51.

[0095] In addition, it is possible to move the position of the OP1 area 51 in addition to the position of the OP2 area 52 - and this completely independently of the movement of the OP2 area 52.

[0096] An OP2 adjustment mechanism (in the form of an eccentric cam 21) not only adjusts an OP2 fold (i.e., the finished fold), but also enables a so-called "disengagement function" of the OP2 area 52. This means that the OP2 area 52 is moved outward so far that the second folding roller can no longer exert any force on the fold.

[0097] This disengagement of the OP2 area 52 now enables pre-fold analysis and pre-fold adjustments of the first folding rollers, despite the second folding rollers being installed (since these now have no influence on the fold). A pre-fold (i.e., OP1 fold) can now be inspected separately for adjustment if necessary.

[0098] By combining these two functions (OP2 setting and disengaging) as made possible by the invention, costs, number of parts and time required for commissioning can be reduced.

[0099] The displacement of the second cam segment 42 around the pivot point 24 via the OP2 eccentric cam 21 results in a change in the position of the OP2 area 52 and is used for the global adjustment / setting of the OP2 fold (i.e., for any number of folding devices arranged on the folding cam) without the need for the extensive separate adjustment / adjustment of the second folding rollers of each station. The cam path 3 of the OP1 area 51 of the first cam segment 41 is not affected by this adjustment of the OP2 area 52 due to the mechanical movement separation inherent in this invention.

[0100] The displacement of the first cam segment 41 around the pivot point 26 via the OP1 eccentric cam 25, driven by a servo motor with a gear, results in a change in the position of the OP1 area 51 and is used for the global adjustment / setting of the OP1 fold (i.e., for any number of folding devices arranged on the folding cam) – without the need for the extensive adjustment / setting of the first folding rollers of each station. The OP1 fold is controlled via the first cam segment 51. The cam path 3 of the OP2 area 52 of the second cam segment 42 is not affected by this adjustment of the OP1 area 51 due to the mechanical movement separation inherent in this invention.

[0101] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a closing station 1001 with a can 100 to be closed and a can lid 101, in which the control device according to the invention is not shown with the individual components.

[0102] The closing station 1001 comprises a can support with a lifting station 23, a seaming head 9, and a seaming roller 81 rotatably mounted around a seaming shaft with a seaming roller profile 111. The can end 101 is arranged centered above the opening of the can 100. The can 100 has a circumferential can flange in the area of ​​the can opening, and the can end 101 has a circumferential can flange.

[0103] During the closing process, the seaming roller 81 is brought into contact with the can flange and the can end flange via the seaming roller profile 111. The can flange and the can end flange are pressed together by means of a substantially radially acting force via the seaming roller 81. The pressing takes place by continuously rolling the seaming roller 81 in the circumferential direction along the circumference of the can opening. By seaming the can 100 with the can end 101, a double seam is preferably created. However, a second seaming roller (not shown here) is used for this purpose.

[0104] For folding, the can 100 is rotated by a clamping device consisting of lifting station 23 and folding head 9, in that the folding head 9 is rotated with the folding shaft around the folding axis X.

[0105] The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0106] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are repeated in different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of those measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A control device for a sealer (1000) for sealing a container (100), comprising a carrier element (2); and a seaming curve (4) arranged at the carrier element (2) and having a curve track (3); and a seaming device comprising a carrier shaft (7) having a control end and a seaming end, wherein the seaming device further comprises a control element (6) arranged at the control end and a seaming lever (8) arranged at the seaming end, wherein a first seaming roller (81) for a first seaming operation (OP1) and a second seaming roller (82) for a second seaming operation (OP2) are arranged at the seaming lever (8), wherein the control element (6) is arranged in a movable manner in the curve track (4) in such a way that the first seaming operation (OP1) and the second seaming operation (OP2) can be controlled by the movement of the control element (6) in the curve track (3); characterized in that the seaming curve (4) comprises a first curve segment (41) and a second curve segment (42), wherein the curve track (3) is formed by the first curve segment (41) and the second curve segment (42), and the first curve segment (41) and the second curve segment (42) can be moved independently of each other in such a way that the first seaming operation (OP1) and the second seaming operation (OP2) can be adjusted independently of each other.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the first curve segment (41) and the second curve segment (42) can be moved independently of each other in such a way that a curve profile (5) of the curve track (3) can be changed.

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the control element (6) comprises a curve roller (6), which curve roller (6) can be unrolled during the movement through the curve track (3) along the curve profile (P).

4. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the curve track (3) has a first section (51) for controlling the first seaming operation (OP1) and a second section (52) for controlling the second seaming operation (OP2).

5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the first curve segment (41) can be moved in such a way that a position of the first section (51) on the carrier element (2) can be changed.

6. The control device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a first feed of the first seaming roller (81) to the container (100) can be adjusted by changing the position of the first section (51).

7. The control device according to any one of the claims 4 to 6, wherein the second curve segment (42) can be moved in such a way that a position of the second section (52) on the carrier element (2) can be changed.

8. The control device according to any one of the claims 4 to 7, wherein a second feed of the second seaming roller (82) to the container (100) can be adjusted by changing the position of the second section (51).

9. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seaming device can be moved relative to the carrier element (2) by the movement of the control element (6) in the curve track (3).

10. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier shaft (7) extends along a carrier axis from the control end to the seaming end and a torque acting substantially perpendicular to the carrier axis can be exerted on the carrier shaft (7) by the movement of the control element (6), so that the seaming lever (8) can be moved by the carrier shaft (7) by means of the control device (1).

11. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second seaming roller (81, 82) are arranged in a rotatable manner on the seaming lever (8).

12. A sealer for sealing a container (100), comprising a control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. The sealer according to claim 12, further comprising: a sealing station (1001) comprising the control device (1) and having a lifting station (23) for receiving the container (100); a container feed (12) for containers (100), in particular containers filled with a product, to the sealing station (1001); a feeding device (15) for guiding the lids (101) to the container (100); and an outlet (13) for sealed containers from the sealing station (1001).

14. A method for sealing a container (100) with a lid (101), comprising: providing a sealer (1000) according to any one of the claims 12 or 13; and placing the lid (101) on an opening of the container (100); and sealing the container (100) with the lid (101).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the sealing of the container (100) comprises: positioning the container (100) between a seaming head (9) and a lifting station (23); seaming the lid (101) to the container (100) by means of the first and second seaming roller (81, 82).