Method for sealing a foil cover onto a sealing flange of a can body or a frame for forming a can body

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for sealing a foil cover (9) onto a sealing flange (7) of a can body or a frame (8) for forming a can body. A can body or a frame (8) is provided which forms a first opening surrounded by a sealing flange (7) in the region of a first end (A). In a first heating step, the sealing flange (7) is heated to a temperature below the desired sealing temperature, and the temperature is determined. The sealing flange (7) is then further heated in a second heating step in which the amount of heat introduced is adjusted on the basis of the temperature of the sealing flange (7) determined after the first heating step. A foil cover (9) made of a sealable foil material is then sealed onto the sealing flange such that the first opening is tightly closed by the foil cover (9). The method according to the invention makes it possible to always ensure the desired sealing temperature even at high production speeds and varying material temperatures of the provided can bodies or frames (8) and thus promote a constantly good sealing seam quality.

Description

[0001] P191882 PC01

[0002] 1

[0003] Method for sealing a foil lid onto a sealing flange of a can body or a frame to form a can body

[0004] Field of invention

[0005] The invention relates to a method for sealing a foil lid onto a sealing flange of a can body or a frame for forming a can body, and to a device for carrying out the method according to the preambles of the independent claims.

[0006] background

[0007] Packaging with tear-off foil lids (so-called Peel Off Ends or POE) is known from many different areas, especially as food packaging.

[0008] Such packaging consists of a one- or multi-part container and a tear-off foil lid, which closes a dispensing opening in the container. The container forms a sealing flange around the dispensing opening, onto which the tear-off foil lid is sealed. In can-shaped packaging, the container is formed by a can body, which consists of a rim and a can bottom. The rim forms a can wall enclosing the interior of the can body, with the sealing flange and tear-off foil lid located at one end and the can bottom at the other. To seal the tear-off foil lid onto the sealing flange, it is pressed onto the flange using heat, which often leads to problems with the seal quality, especially at high production speeds. P191882 PC01

[0009] 2

[0010] Description of the invention

[0011] The task therefore arises to provide a technical solution that avoids the aforementioned problems.

[0012] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims.

[0013] According to this, a first aspect of the invention relates to a method for sealing a foil lid onto a sealing flange of a can body or a frame, which is provided for forming a can body by combination with a suitable can bottom.

[0014] In a first step, a preferably cylindrical can body or a preferably cylindrical frame, which forms a can wall enclosing the interior of the can body to be formed with it, is provided. The can body or frame forms a first opening according to the claim in the region of one of its two ends, surrounded by a sealing flange.

[0015] The sealing flange is heated in a first heating step to a temperature below the desired sealing temperature, and the temperature of the sealing flange after the first heating step is then determined.

[0016] The sealing flange is then heated again in a second heating step, whereby the amount of heat introduced is adjusted depending on the temperature of the sealing flange determined after the first heating step, so that the sealing flange reaches the desired sealing temperature at the end of the second heating step.

[0017] Subsequently, a foil lid made of a sealable foil material is placed over the first opening and on the heated sealing flange and sealed onto the sealing flange by pressing the foil lid against the sealing flange, so that the P191882 PC01

[0018] 3. The first opening of the foil lid is tightly closed.

[0019] Heating the sealing flange is advantageously done with one or more induction coils.

[0020] In other words, the first aspect of the invention relates to a method for sealing a foil lid onto a sealing flange of a can body or a frame for forming a can body. The sealing flange is first heated to a temperature below the desired sealing temperature, and this temperature is then determined. The sealing flange is then heated further, with the amount of heat applied being adjusted according to the previously determined temperature, so that the sealing flange reaches the desired sealing temperature. Finally, a foil lid made of a sealable material is sealed onto the sealing flange by pressing the foil lid against the heated sealing flange.

[0021] The inventive method makes it possible to ensure the desired sealing temperature even at high production speeds and varying material temperatures of the provided can bodies or frames, thereby promoting a consistently good seal quality.

[0022] It is advantageous to press the foil lid onto the sealing flange during the sealing process, preferably using a heated sealing tool. This further improves the seal quality.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the method, before the foil lid is pressed against the sealing flange, a support tool is moved towards or into the can body or the frame, which support tool provides one or more support surfaces for the sealing flange during the pressing of the foil lid against the sealing flange, to prevent ei- P191882 PC01

[0024] 4. The sealing flange does not give way under the pressure. When the foil lid is pressed against the sealing flange for sealing, the sealing flange is clamped between the support tool and a sealing tool applying the pressure, so that it cannot move. This helps to ensure good seal quality, especially with flat sealing flanges and high production speeds.

[0025] The sealing of the foil lid onto the sealing flange preferably takes place in several steps, e.g., in two steps (pre-sealing and final sealing). In at least one of these steps, and advantageously in all steps, a support tool is moved towards the sealing flange before the foil lid is pressed against it. This support tool provides one or more support surfaces for the sealing flange during the pressing process, preventing the sealing flange from yielding under the pressure. Dividing the sealing process into several steps allows for very high production speeds.

[0026] Furthermore, it is preferred that, when pressing the foil lid against the sealing flange, the support surfaces of the tool extend essentially over the entire circumference of the sealing flange. This ensures the best possible support.

[0027] In a first preferred method embodiment, a frame is provided for forming a can body, in which the sealing flange is radially inward from the can wall. The support tool is inserted into the frame from the second end.

[0028] In an alternative second preferred method variant, a can body or frame is provided in which or which of the Sie- P191882 PC01

[0029] The 5-point flange protrudes radially outwards beyond the can wall. The can body or frame is gripped from the outside using a multi-part support tool.

[0030] The support surfaces of the support tool are advantageously heated. This prevents the sealing flange from cooling down due to the support tool or even introduces additional heat into the sealing flange.

[0031] Advantageously, the can body or frame is transported, preferably incrementally, by a linear transport device to the position where the foil lid is sealed (sealing position). This simplifies the integration of the process into a can packaging production line and allows for high production speeds.

[0032] In process variants where the sealing flange projects radially outwards beyond the can wall and is supported, it is preferred that the support tool has two tool halves with which the can body or the frame is gripped. To grip the can body or frame, the tool halves are moved transversely, preferably perpendicular to the transport direction of the conveying device, towards the can body or frame. This allows for excellent support of the sealing flange to be achieved in a simple manner.

[0033] Preferably, when transporting the can body or frame with the transport device, a positive locking connection exists in the transport direction between the second end of the can body or frame and the drive elements of the transport device. This offers the advantage of enabling high production speeds, while the position of the can body or frame is precisely defined at all times. The can body or frame also remains laterally accessible in this way. P191882 PC01

[0034] 6

[0035] In another preferred embodiment of the method, the can body or frame is not moved in the position in which the foil lid is sealed during the sealing process. In other words, the position of the can body or frame does not change between being positioned for sealing and the actual sealing process. This ensures stable handling of the can body or frame even at high production speeds.

[0036] In yet another preferred embodiment of the method, a frame is provided which forms a second opening at its other end, surrounded by a flange projecting radially outwards beyond the can wall. Frames sealed on one side with a foil lid can be produced using such methods. These frames can then be filled through the second opening and subsequently sealed at their other end with a can bottom by crimping (folding). Such frames sealed on one side with a foil lid represent preferred process products.

[0037] During the sealing process, the foil lid is advantageously pressed onto the sealing flange using a preferably heated sealing tool. This measure allows for further optimization of the sealing quality and the process time.

[0038] If the foil lid is die-cut from a foil strip immediately before sealing, preferably using the sealing tool, then the complex and trouble-prone handling of pre-made foil lids is eliminated.

[0039] Heating the sealing flange is advantageously carried out at one or more positions located upstream of the sealing position in the transport direction. This reduces the dwell time in the sealing station P191882 PC01.

[0040] 7. These should be kept as low as possible and high production speeds will be possible.

[0041] Particularly preferred are variants of the method in which the sealing flange is heated initially at a first position located upstream of the sealing position in the transport direction, the temperature of the sealing flange is then determined at this first position or at a second position located downstream in the transport direction, and subsequently the sealing flange is heated again at this second position or at a third position located downstream in the transport direction, depending on the previously determined temperature of the sealing flange. This ensures an optimal sealing temperature at all times.

[0042] The force with which the foil lid is pressed against the sealing flange during sealing is preferably generated or transmitted by pneumatic actuators. This allows the contact force to be controlled very precisely and kept constant at all times.

[0043] A second aspect of the invention relates to a device for carrying out the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0044] The device comprises a first heating station and a second heating station, with which the sealing flange of the can body or frame can be heated first in the first heating station and then in the second heating station. It also includes devices with which the temperature of the sealing flange can be determined after heating in the first heating station, and with which the amount of heat introduced into the sealing flange in the second heating station can be adjusted as a function of the determined temperature of the sealing flange, so that the sealing flange has a desired sealing temperature after the second heating step. P191882 PC01

[0045] 8

[0046] The device further comprises one or more sealing stations for sealing the foil lid onto the heated sealing flange, as well as a preferably linear first transport device as claimed for the stepwise feeding of the can body or the frame to the heating and sealing stations.

[0047] With the device according to the invention, it is possible to ensure the desired sealing temperature even at high production speeds and varying material temperatures of the provided can bodies or frames, thereby promoting a consistently good sealing seam quality.

[0048] Advantageously, the sealing station(s) each have a sealing tool, preferably heated, for pressing the foil lid onto the sealing flange of the can body or frame. This further improves the sealing quality.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the device, at least one of the sealing stations, preferably all sealing stations, has a support tool which can be moved towards the sealing flange before the film lid is pressed against it, such that it provides one or more support surfaces for the sealing flange during the pressing action, preventing the sealing flange from yielding under the pressure. Thus, when the film lid is pressed against the sealing flange for sealing, the sealing flange is clamped between the support tool and a sealing tool applying the pressure, preventing it from shifting. This is particularly helpful with flat sealing flanges and high production speeds in ensuring a good seal quality.

[0050] It is preferred that the support tool is designed such that the support surfaces of the support tool align themselves when the foil lid is pressed against P191882 PC01

[0051] 9. The sealing flange should extend essentially over its entire circumference. This will ensure the best possible support.

[0052] In a first preferred embodiment, the support tool is designed in such a way that it can be inserted into the frame from the second end of the frame in order to support a sealing flange that extends radially inwards from the can wall when sealing the foil lid.

[0053] In an alternative second preferred embodiment, the support tool is multi-part and designed in such a way that it can be used to grip the can body or frame from the outside in order to support a sealing flange that extends radially outwards from the can wall of the can body or frame when sealing the foil lid.

[0054] It is preferred that the support tool has two tool halves with which the frame can be radially gripped, advantageously such that the tool halves can be moved in a direction transverse, in particular perpendicular to the transport direction of the first transport device towards the can body or the frame to grip the frame.

[0055] In another preferred embodiment of the device, the sealing station(s) are designed such that the frame remains stationary in the position in which the foil lid is sealed during the sealing process. In other words, the position of the can body or frame does not change between being positioned for sealing and the actual sealing process. This ensures stable handling of the can body or frame even at high production speeds.

[0056] Furthermore, it is preferred that the sealing station, or in the case of several sealing stations, the one in transport- P191882 PC01

[0057] 10. The first transport device according to the claim has a first sealing station comprising a punching tool by means of which the foil lid to be sealed can be punched out from a foil strip immediately before sealing. This eliminates the need for complex and error-prone handling of pre-made foil lids.

[0058] It is advantageous if the punching tool and the sealing tool are designed as a single unit.

[0059] The heating stations of the device preferably have induction coils for heating the sealing flange of the can body or the frame. Such heating devices have proven to be particularly suitable.

[0060] Furthermore, in devices with a support tool, it is preferable that the support surfaces of the support tool are heatable. This allows for optimization of the sealing quality and the process time.

[0061] The sealing stations preferably feature pneumatic actuators, which generate or transmit the contact force when sealing the foil lid. This allows the contact force to be controlled very precisely and kept constant at all times.

[0062] In yet another preferred embodiment of the device, the first transport device according to the claim is designed such that the can body or the frame is held at its second end, advantageously in a form-fitting manner in the transport direction, by the first transport device according to the claim during transport to the sealing station, so that the remaining part of the can body or the frame is accessible from both sides in the transport direction. This offers the advantage that high production speeds can be achieved, whereby the position of the can body or the frame is precisely defined at all times. P191882 PC01

[0063] 11

[0064] It is further preferred that the device comprises a second transport device as claimed, to which, during normal operation, the can body or the frame is transferred after the foil lid has been sealed and fed to further stations of the device. This second transport device is designed such that, during transport to the further stations, the can body or the frame is held between its first and second ends, preferably positively in the transport direction, by the transport device, so that the ends of the can body or the frame are accessible. This offers the advantage that, after the foil lid has been sealed, further process steps can follow for which access to the ends is essential, such as embossing the foil lid or a leak test.

[0065] Furthermore, it is preferred that the device is designed such that the sealing flange remains in a predetermined process plane as it passes through the device. This ensures stable handling of the can body or frame even at high production speeds.

[0066] Such devices are advantageously constructed in such a way that the components of the stations located above the process level are supported by a common superstructure of the device. For maintenance purposes, this superstructure, together with the upper components of the stations it supports, can be lifted off the rest of the device as a single unit and then returned to its original position. Such a design allows for simple and quick maintenance of the device. P191882 PC01

[0067] 12

[0068] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] Further embodiments, advantages, and applications of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the following description with reference to the figures. These figures show:

[0070] Fig. 1 a perspective top view of a sealing machine according to the invention;

[0071] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the main components of the sealing machine from Fig. 1;

[0072] Fig. 3a shows a perspective view from a slant above of one of the frames which are processed in the sealing machine;

[0073] Fig. 3b the frame from Fig. 3a after sealing a foil lid in the sealing machine;

[0074] Fig. 4 shows a perspective top view of the main components of the two sealing stations of the sealing machine;

[0075] Fig. 5a shows a perspective top view of the lower main components of the two sealing stations with the frames located therein, with the support tool open;

[0076] Fig. 5b shows a perspective top view of the lower main components of the two sealing stations with the frames located therein when the support tool is closed;

[0077] Fig. 6 shows a perspective sectional view through part of the finishing sealing station of the sealing machine;

[0078] Fig. 7 shows detail X from Fig. 6;

[0079] Fig. 8 shows a perspective top view of the two conveying devices of the sealing machine;

[0080] Fig. 9 shows a longitudinal section through the transfer area of ​​the two conveying devices; and

[0081] Fig. 10 shows a partially cut-out perspective top view of the sealing machine with the upper structure raised for servicing. P191882 PC01

[0082] 13

[0083] WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0084] Fig. 1 shows a perspective top view of a two-track sealing machine 1 according to the invention for sealing foil lids 9 onto tinplate frames 8 to form can bodies.

[0085] A perspective top view from an oblique angle of one of the frames 8, which are processed in the sealing machine 1, is shown in Fig. 3a. The cylindrical frame 8 forms a can wall 13 enclosing the interior of a can body to be formed with it, with a first end A and a second end B. In the region of its first end A, the frame 8 forms a first opening surrounded by a sealing flange 7, which, when the frame is later used as intended as part of a can body, will form the dispensing opening. The sealing flange 7 projects radially outwards beyond the can wall 13. In the region of its second end B, the frame 8 forms a second opening surrounded by a crimped flange 28, which, when the frame is later used as intended as part of a can body to be filled, will form the filling opening. Both the sealing flange 7 and the crimp flange 28 protrude radially outwards beyond the can wall 13.

[0086] As can be seen in conjunction with Fig. 2, which shows a side view of the isolated main components of a track of the sealing machine 1, the frames 8 (for clarity, only some are labeled with the reference number 4) pass through the sealing machine 1 in the transport direction S of the two transport devices 6, 17 from left to right. After being transferred to the first transport device 6 at a loading station 19, they successively pass through various stations of the sealing machine 1.

[0087] First, the frames 8 pass a first heating station 2 at position PI, with which the sealing flange 7 of the frame 8 is heated by means of an induction coil P191882 PC01

[0088] The sealing flange 7 is heated at position P2. Then, at position P2, the temperature of the sealing flange 7 after heating in the first heating station 2 is determined using an infrared camera 14. Subsequently, at position P3 in a second heating station 3, the sealing flange 7 is heated with another induction coil until it reaches the desired temperature upon exiting the second heating station 3. For this purpose, the amount of heat introduced into the sealing flange 7 in the second heating station 3 is adjusted depending on the temperature of the sealing flange 7 determined by the infrared camera 14.

[0089] After the sealing flange 7 has been heated to the desired temperature, the frames 8 enter a first sealing station 4 (pre-sealing station) at position P4. In this station, a foil cover 9 is punched out from a foil strip and pressed against the hot sealing flange 7 using a heated sealing tool 10, thereby sealing it onto the flange. This first sealing step in the pre-sealing station primarily serves to fix the foil cover 9 to the sealing flange 7. Subsequently, at position P5, the sealing process is completed in a second sealing station 5 (final sealing station) so that the seal has the desired strength and width.

[0090] A perspective top view from an oblique angle of one of the frames 8 with a sealed foil lid 9, as it appears when leaving the second sealing station 5, is shown in Fig. 3b. As can be seen, the tear tab 19 of the foil lid 9 is pointing vertically upwards.

[0091] After leaving the second sealing station 5, the frames 8, fitted with sealed foil lids 9, are transferred to a second conveying device 17, which feeds them to further stations of the sealing machine 1, where the tear tab 19 is folded over and glued down and the foil lid 9 is sealed with P191882 PC01

[0092] 15 is provided with a diamond pattern embossing. Subsequently, the frames 8, fitted with foil lids 9, leave the sealing machine 1 and are filled with a product from their second end B in a subsequent process as intended, and then closed at this filling end with a crimped lid made of tinplate, so that afterwards a filled closed tinplate can with a tear-off foil lid is available.

[0093] The main components of the two sealing stations 4, 5 of the sealing machine 1 are shown in a perspective top view in Fig. 4.

[0094] As can be seen, both sealing stations 4 and 5 each have a heated sealing tool 10 in their upper area for pressing the foil lid 9 against the sealing flange 7 of the frame 8. This tool is moved up and down by a drive unit 20 comprising a servo motor 21 and a crank mechanism 22. At the bottom dead center of the crank mechanism 22, the tool is pressed against the foil lid 9 and the sealing flange 7. The contact force generated by the drive units 20 is transmitted via pneumatic supports 16 (pneumatic actuators as required) to the sealing tools 10, which compress at the bottom dead center and pneumatically limit the contact force to a specific value.

[0095] The first sealing station 4 also has a punching tool 15 in the upper area, which is also actuated via the drive unit 20 and punches out the foil lid 9 to be sealed from a foil strip (not shown) when the sealing tool 10 is actuated.

[0096] In the lower area, the two sealing stations 4, 5 each have a console 23, which carries on its upper side a pincer-like support tool 11, which is temporarily positioned on the frame 8 for pressing the foil lid 9 onto the sealing flange 7. P191882PC01

[0097] 16. It is stated that during the pressing of the foil lid 9 onto the sealing flange 7, it provides support surfaces for the sealing flange 7 to prevent the sealing flange 7 from yielding under the pressing force.

[0098] The support tools 11 of both sealing stations 4, 5 are opened and closed by a common servomotor 24 via gear units 25 arranged in the consoles 23.

[0099] As can be seen in conjunction with Figures 5a and 5b, which show the lower main components of the two sealing stations 4, 5 with the frames 8 contained therein in a perspective top view, namely in Fig. 5a with the support tool 11 open and in Fig. 5b with the support tool 11 closed, the support tools 11 are each formed by two identical pincer-shaped tool halves 11 with heated, annular segment-shaped support surfaces 12a, 12b, with which the frame 8 is gripped from the outside in order to support the sealing flange 7, which projects radially outwards from the can wall 13, when the foil lid 9 is sealed.

[0100] For this purpose, the pincer-shaped tool halves 11 are moved in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction S of the first transport device 6 towards the frame 8.

[0101] With the support tool 11 (Fig. 5b) closed, the support surfaces 12a, 12b extend essentially over the entire circumference of the sealing flange 7.

[0102] The situation during sealing in the finishing sealing station is best illustrated by Figures 6 and 7, which show perspective cross-sectional views through a part of the finishing sealing station during the sealing process. Figure 7 shows detail X from Figure 6. For better visibility of the elements shown, the cross-sectional surfaces of components 10 and 29 are hatched in Figure 7.

[0103] As can be seen, the support surfaces 12a, 12b are formed by ring-segment-shaped components 29 of the P191882 PC01

[0104] 17

[0105] Support tool 11 is provided, which can be replaced when worn. During sealing, the sealing flange 7 of the frame 8 with the pre-sealed foil cover 9 is clamped between component 29 of the support tool 11 and the sealing tool 10.

[0106] Fig. 8 shows a perspective top view of the two linear conveying devices 6, 17 of the sealing machine 1, and Fig. 9 shows a longitudinal section through the transfer area of ​​the two conveying devices 6, 17.

[0107] As can be seen, the first transport device is a conveyor belt 6, which is designed such that the frames 8 are held at their lower ends B in the transport direction S by magnetic carrier elements 26 of this transport device 6 during transport to the heating and sealing stations ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ), so that the remaining part of the frames 8 is accessible from both sides in the transport direction S.

[0108] The second transport device 17, to which the frames 8 are transferred after the foil lid 9 has been sealed onto the sealing flange 7 and which then feeds them to further stations of the sealing machine 1, consists of two vertical, parallel conveyor belts opposite each other, between which the frames 8 are held. It is designed such that, during transport, the frames 8 are positively engaged in the transport direction S between the upper end A and the lower end B by drive elements 27 of the conveyor belts, so that both ends A, B of the frames 8 are accessible.

[0109] As can be seen further in Fig. 8, the frames 8 remain in a predetermined process plane as they pass through the sealing machine 1; that is, they are neither raised nor lowered in the sealing machine 1 with respect to their longitudinal axes. P191882 PC01

[0110] 18

[0111] Fig. 10 shows a partially cut-out perspective top view of the sealing machine 1 with the upper structure 18 raised for servicing.

[0112] As you can see, the ones above the

[0113] The 5 process level components of stations 2, 3, 4, 5 of the sealing machine 1 are supported by a common upper structure 18 of the machine 1, which can be lifted off as a unit together with these components from the lower components of the stations for revision purposes and then returned to its original position.

[0114] While preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the present application, it should be clearly pointed out that the invention is not limited to these and can also be carried out in other ways within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

P191882PC01 19 Patentansprüche 1. Method for sealing a foil lid (9) onto a sealing flange (7) of a can body or a frame (8) to form a can body, comprising the following steps: a) providing a can body or a frame (8), in particular cylindrical, which forms a can wall (13) enclosing the interior of a can body to be formed therewith, with a first end (A) and a second end (B), wherein the can body or frame (8) is in the area of ​​its orits first end (A) forms a first opening surrounded by a sealing flange (7), b) heating the sealing flange (7) in a first heating step and then c) determining the temperature of the sealing flange (7) after the first heating step; d) further heating the sealing flange (7) in a second heating step, whereby the amount of heat introduced is adjusted as a function of the temperature of the sealing flange (7) determined after the first heating step, and then e) sealing a foil lid (9) made of a sealable foil material onto the heated sealing flange (7) by pressing the foil lid (9) against the sealing flange (7).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the foil lid (9) is pressed onto the sealing flange (7) during sealing with a sealing tool (10) which is in particular heated.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein before pressing the foil lid (9) on P191882PC01 20 the sealing flange (7) a support tool (11) is moved towards the can body or the frame (8) or inserted into the frame (8), which provides one or more support surfaces (12a, 12b) for the sealing flange (7) during the pressing of the foil lid (9) onto the sealing flange, to prevent the sealing flange (7) from yielding under the pressing force.

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein the sealing of the foil lid (9) onto the sealing flange (7) takes place in several steps, in particular in two steps, wherein at least in one of the steps, in particular in all steps, before pressing the foil lid (9) onto the sealing flange (7) a support tool (11) is moved towards the sealing flange (7), which provides one or more support surfaces (12a, 12b) for the sealing flange (7) during the pressing of the foil lid (9) onto the sealing flange (7), to prevent the sealing flange (7) from yielding under the pressing force.

5. Method according to one of claims 3 to 4, wherein when the foil lid (9) is pressed onto the sealing flange (7) the support surfaces (12a, 12b) of the support tool (11) extend substantially over the entire circumference of the sealing flange (7).

6. Method according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the sealing flange is radially inwards from the can wall (13) and the support tool is inserted into the frame (8) from the second end (B) of the frame (8).

7. Method according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the sealing flange (7) projects radially outwards beyond the can wall (13), and wherein the can body or frame (8) is gripped from the outside with a multi-part support tool (11). P191882PC01 21 8. Method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the support surfaces (12a, 12b) of the support tool (11) are heated.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the can body or the frame (8) is transported by a particularly linear first transport device (6), in particular stepwise, into the position in which the foil lid (9) is sealed onto the sealing flange (7).

10. Method according to claim 7 and claim 9, wherein the support tool (11) has two tool halves with which the can body or the frame (8) is gripped, wherein the tool halves for gripping the can body or frame (8) are moved in a direction transverse, in particular perpendicular to the transport direction (S) of the transport device (6) towards the can body or frame (8).

11. Method according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein, when transporting the can body or the frame (8) with the transport device (6), a positive locking in the transport direction (S) is present between the second end (B) of the can body or the frame (8) and the drive elements (21) of the transport device (6).

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the can body or the frame (8) is in the position in which the sealing of the foil lid takes place. (9) on the sealing flange (7), which is essentially not moved during the sealing process.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step a) a frame (8) is provided which forms a second opening at its second end (B) which is surrounded by a flange (28) projecting radially outwards beyond the can wall (13). P191882PC01 22 14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the foil lid (9) is die-cut from a foil strip immediately before sealing.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the foil lid (9) is punched out of the foil strip using the sealing tool (10).

16. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating of the sealing flange (7) is carried out with one or more induction coils.

17. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating of the sealing flange (7) takes place at one or more positions located upstream in the transport direction (S) from the sealing position.

18. Method according to claim 17, wherein the first heating of the sealing flange (7) takes place at a first position (PI) located upstream of the sealing position in the transport direction (S), the temperature of the sealing flange (7) is then determined at this first position (PI) or at a second position (P2) located downstream of it in the transport direction (S), and subsequently the further heating of the sealing flange (7) takes place at this second position (P2) or at a third position (P3) located downstream of it in the transport direction (S), depending on the previously determined temperature of the sealing flange (7).

19. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact force is generated or transmitted when sealing the foil lid (9) by means of pneumatic actuators (18).

20. Device (1) for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: P191882PC01 23 a) a first heating station (2) and a second heating station (3) with which the sealing flange (7) of the can body or the frame (8) can be heated first in the first heating station (2) and then in the second heating station (3), b) devices (14) with which the temperature of the sealing flange (7) can be determined after the sealing flange (7) has been heated in the first heating station (2) and with which the amount of heat introduced into the sealing flange (7) in the second heating station (3) can be adjusted depending on the determined temperature of the sealing flange (7), c) one or more sealing stations (4, 5) for sealing the foil lid (9) onto the sealing flange (7), and d) a first transport device (6), in particular a linear one, for the stepwise feeding of the can body or the frame (8) to the heating stations (2, 3) and to the sealing station(s) (4, 5) .

21. Device according to claim 20, wherein the sealing stations (4, 5) each have a sealing tool (10) which is in particular heatable for pressing the foil lid (9) onto the sealing flange (7) of the can body or the frame (8).

22. Device according to one of claims 20 to 21, wherein at least one sealing station (4, 5) has a support tool (11) which can be temporarily positioned on the can body or on the frame (8) for pressing the foil lid (9) onto the sealing flange (7) such that, during the pressing of the foil lid (9) onto the sealing flange (7), one or more P191882PC01 24 provides support surfaces (12a, 12b) for the sealing flange (7) to prevent the sealing flange (7) from yielding under the pressure force.

23. Device (1) according to claim 22, wherein the support tool (11) is designed such that the support surfaces (12a, 12b) of the support tool (11) extend substantially over the entire circumference of the sealing flange (7) when the foil lid (9) is pressed against the sealing flange (7).

24. Device (1) according to one of claims 22 to 23, wherein the support tool is designed such that it can be inserted into the frame (8) from the second end of the frame (8) in order to support a sealing flange extending radially inwards from the can wall (13) when sealing the foil lid (9).

25. Device (1) according to one of claims 22 to 23, wherein the support tool (11) is multi-part and designed in such a way that it can be used to grasp the can body or the frame (8) from the outside in order to support a sealing flange (7) extending radially outwards from the can wall (13) when sealing the foil lid (9).

26. Device (1) according to claim 25, wherein the support tool (11) has two tool halves with which the can body or the frame (8) can be radially grasped, and in particular, wherein the tool halves (11) can be moved towards the frame (8) in a direction transverse, in particular perpendicular to the transport direction (S) of the first transport device (6) for the purpose of grasping the frame (8). P191882PC01 25 27. Device (1) according to one of claims 20 to 26, wherein the sealing station or sealing stations (4, 5) is or are designed such that the can body or the frame (8) is not moved in the position (P4, P5) in which the foil lid (9) is sealed onto the sealing flange (7) during the sealing process.

28. Device (1) according to one of claims 20 to 27, wherein the sealing station or, in the case of several sealing stations (4, 5), the first sealing station (4) in the transport direction (S) of the first transport device (6) has a punching tool (15) by means of which the foil lid (9) to be sealed can be punched out of a foil strip immediately before sealing.

29. Device (1) according to claim 28, wherein the punching tool (15) and the sealing tool (10) are designed as a unit.

30. Device (1) according to one of claims 20 to 29, wherein the heating stations (2, 3) have induction coils for heating the sealing flange (7) of the can body or the frame (8) .

31. Device (1) according to one of claims 22 to 30, wherein the support surfaces (12a, 12b) of the support tool (11) are heatable.

32. Device (1) according to one of claims 20 to 31, wherein at least one sealing station (4, 5) has pneumatic actuators (16) by means of which the contact force can be generated or transmitted when sealing the foil lid (9). P191882PC01 26 33. Device (1) according to one of claims 20 to 32, wherein the first transport device (6) is designed such that the can body or the frame (8) is held at its second end (B) during transport to the sealing station or sealing stations (4, 5), in particular positively in the transport direction (S), by the first transport device (6), so that the remaining part of the can body or the frame (8) is accessible from both sides when viewed in the transport direction (S).

34. Device (1) according to claim 33, wherein the device (1) comprises a second transport device (17) to which, in the intended operation, the can body or the frame (8) is transferred after the foil lid (9) has been sealed onto the sealing flange (7) and is fed to further stations of the device, wherein the second transport device (17) is designed such that the can body or the frame (8) is held by the transport device (17) between the first end (A) and the second end (B) during transport to the further stations, in particular positively in the transport direction (S), so that the ends (A, B) of the can body or the frame (8) are accessible.

35. Device (1) according to one of the claims 20 to 34, wherein the device (1) is designed such that the sealing flange (7) remains in a predetermined process level when passing through the device.

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