APPARATUS FOR SEALING CANS

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an apparatus for sealing cans.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

In the filling of beverage or food cans, the cans pass through a can sealer after being filled with the beverage or food, wherein the filled can bodies enter via one feed path and can lids via another feed path. A conventional can sealer typically has several identical stations arranged in a carousel shape, in each of which a can is sealed with a can lid. The stations can be configured to be rotatable. The can lids are guided onto the can bodies and held in place, for example, by a retaining plate of a sealing head on the can body. In the can sealer, the can bodies are folded over the edges of the can lid using flanging tools (folding tools) and thus sealed. The can with the lid can also be rotated about its own central axis.

Can sealers and flanging tools are known, for example, from US 2023/0068764 A1, JP-H5-123798 A, and WO 02/067282 A1.

A disadvantage of conventional systems can be their difficulty in adjusting, assembling, and disassembling. Furthermore, the lack of suitability of the systems for particularly hygienic applications can be a disadvantage. At best, sealing systems are currently used that have to overcome considerable friction distances and therefore wear out relatively quickly, leading to leaks. Similarly, the components cannot be adequately cleaned by machine cleaning.

The invention is based upon the object of developing an improved apparatus for sealing cans, with which preferably at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages can be overcome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

One aspect concerns an apparatus for sealing cans. The apparatus has an (e.g., swivel) shaft, two flanging tools, preferably a pre-fold flanging tool and an end-fold flanging tool, and a connecting component. The connecting component connects the two flanging tools to the shaft for pivoting (swiveling) the two flanging tools (e.g., about an axis of rotation of the shaft), preferably for pivoting (swiveling) towards and away from a flanging edge of a can. The two flanging tools are each connected to the connecting component in a (e.g., individually) height-adjustable manner.

Advantageously, the apparatus enables precise and reproducible height adjustment of the flanging tools in a simple and easily accessible construction directly on the connecting component.

In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further has 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 component in a height-adjustable manner. The other of the two height adjustment elements connects the other of the two flanging tools to the connecting component in a height-adjustable manner.

In a further exemplary embodiment, at least one of the following conditions is met:

• • the two height adjustment elements are each accessible on a top side of the connecting component for adjusting the height of the respective flanging tool,
  • the two height adjustment elements are each screwed into a shank of the respective flanging tool from above, preferably into a fine thread;
  • the two height adjustment elements are each supported on the connecting component, preferably on a top side of the connecting component;
  • the two height adjustment elements are each elastically supported against the respective flanging tool, preferably by at least one compression spring;
  • the two height adjustment elements are each connected to the connecting component in a sealed manner; and
  • the two height adjustment elements each engage in an outer circumferential face of a shank of the respective flanging tool, preferably by a band- or collar-shaped engagement portion of the respective height adjustment element.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further has two elastic elements, preferably compression springs. One of the two elastic elements elastically supports one of the two flanging tools in a vertical direction against the connecting component. The other of the two elastic elements elastically supports the other of the two flanging tools in a vertical direction against the connecting component. It can therefore be advantageous to provide an elastic pre-tension for the height adjustment of the two flanging tools.

In a further embodiment, at least one of the following conditions is met:

• • the connecting component acts as a double-sided lever, wherein the two flanging tools are arranged on opposite lever arms of the double-sided lever, and the shaft is arranged in a center of the double-sided lever;
  • the connecting component is substantially block-shaped;
  • the connecting component carries the two flanging tools on the shaft;
  • the shaft and the connecting component are form-fittingly connected to each other via a shaft-hub connection, preferably a polygonal connection (e.g., square connection); and
  • the apparatus has at least one releasable shaft clamping screw that clamps the shaft and the connecting component (e.g., directly or indirectly) together in a frictionally engaged and/or form-fitting manner and is preferably connected with the connecting component in a sealed manner.

In an embodiment variant, at least one of the following conditions is met:

• • the two flanging tools are each connected to the connecting component in a sealed manner, preferably at the bottom of the connecting component (e.g., at shank outlets of the connecting component);
  • the shaft and the connecting component are connected together in a sealed manner, preferably at a shaft inlet and/or a shaft outlet of the connecting component; and
  • the shaft connected in a (e.g., hermetically) sealed manner to a housing of the apparatus, preferably by a shaft sealing ring or a torsion bellows.

In another embodiment variant, the two flanging tools are each adjustably connected to the connecting component for adjusting the position of the respective flanging tool in a plane perpendicular to a central axis of the respective flanging tool. The apparatus thus also advantageously allows for horizontal adjustment of the flanging tools.

In one exemplary embodiment, the two flanging tools each have a shank with an eccentric portion on which a flanging roller of the respective flanging tool is rotatably mounted, for adjusting a position of the flanging roller of the respective flanging tool in a plane perpendicular to a central axis of the respective flanging tool.

Advantageously, the apparatus thus enables a particularly precise and reproducible horizontal adjustment of the flanging tools.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the apparatus also has two worm elements (e.g., worm screws) which are preferably each connected in a sealed manner to the connecting component (e.g., on a transverse side or a longitudinal side of the connecting component). One of the two worm elements engages with a worm gear portion of the shank of one of the two flanging tools and rotatably connects the shank to the connecting component. The other of the two worm elements engages with a worm gear portion of the shank of the other of the two flanging tools and rotatably connects the shank to the connecting component. The worm elements advantageously allow for easy and sensitive adjustment of the eccentric position.

Preferably, the two worm elements can each be axially secured in the connecting component by a locking bolt.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further has two detachable shank clamping screws, which are preferably connected to the connecting component in a sealed manner. Preferably, one of the two shank clamping screws can clamp the connecting component and the shank of one of the two flanging tools together in a frictionally engaged and/or form-fitting manner, preferably to fix the shank of one of the two flanging tools in the connecting component in a rotationally fixed manner. Preferably, the other of the two shank clamping screws can clamp the connecting component and the shank of the other of the two flanging tools together in a frictionally engaged and/or form-fitting manner, preferably to fix the shank of the other of the two flanging tools in the connecting component in a rotationally fixed manner.

In another embodiment, the apparatus also has two (e.g., dynamic-static) sealing devices. One of the two sealing devices can form a seal between the connecting component and one of the two flanging tools, preferably directly above a flanging roller of the respective flanging tool. The other of the two sealing devices can form a seal between the connecting component and the other of the two flanging tools, preferably directly above a flanging roller of the respective flanging tool. Advantageously, the sealing devices can enable a dynamic and static seal between the connecting component and the flanging tools. The sealing devices can, for example, protect the flanging tools from cleaning media and prevent lubricant from leaking out of the flanging tools.

It is explicitly pointed out that the presence and configuration of the two sealing devices are disclosed herein independently of the presence and configuration of the height adjustability of the two flanging tools. It is understood that the aspect relating to the sealing devices can be combined with all other features disclosed herein.

Accordingly, another aspect focuses on an apparatus for sealing cans. The apparatus has an (e.g., swivel) shaft, two flanging tools, preferably a pre-fold flanging tool and an end-fold flanging tool, and a connecting component. The connecting component connects the two flanging tools to the shaft for pivoting (swiveling) the two flanging tools (e.g., about an axis of rotation of the shaft), preferably for pivoting (swiveling) towards and away from a flanging edge of a can. The apparatus also has two (e.g., dynamic-static) sealing devices. One of the two sealing devices forms a seal between the connecting component and one of the two flanging tools, preferably directly above a flanging roller of the respective flanging tool. The other of the two sealing devices forms a seal between the connecting component and the other of the two flanging tools, preferably directly above a flanging roller of the respective flanging tool.

In one embodiment variant, the two sealing devices each have a first, preferably outer, (e.g., dynamic) sealing ring and a second, preferably inner, (e.g., static) sealing ring, which preferably contact each other and/or form a seal between a shank, preferably an eccentric portion of the shank, of the respective flanging tool and the connecting component.

In a further embodiment variant, at least one of the following conditions is met:

• • the first sealing ring is an elastically deformable O-ring, preferably for compensating for a variable gap dimension due to an eccentric portion of the shank of the respective flanging tool;
  • the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring together form an eccentric seal for an eccentric portion of the shank of the respective flanging tool;
  • the second sealing ring has an annular receptacle, preferably a receiving groove, in which the first sealing ring is received;
  • the first sealing ring contacts the connecting component;
  • only the second sealing ring contacts the respective flanging tool; and
  • the two sealing devices each have a third (e.g., static) sealing ring, preferably an O-ring, which forms a seal between a sleeve part and a flanging roller of the respective flanging tool.

In one exemplary embodiment, the second sealing ring has at least one of the following:

• • a breakwater contour on an underside face of the second sealing ring, preferably to prevent the ingress of a medium between the second sealing ring and the respective flanging tool;
  • a downward-facing sealing lip on an inner circumferential face of the second sealing ring, preferably to prevent the ingress of a medium between the second sealing ring and the respective flanging tool;
  • a block contour on an inner circumferential face of the second sealing ring, preferably for centering the second sealing ring on the shank of the respective flanging tool; and
  • an upwardly directed sealing lip on an inner circumferential face of the second sealing ring, preferably to prevent the ingress of a medium into the flanging tool and to prevent the escape of a medium from the flanging tool.

The second sealing ring can thus advantageously protect the bearing of the flanging roller from cleaning media penetrating from the outside. The second sealing ring can also advantageously protect against lubricant leakage from the bearing into the production area. Due to its small diameter, the second sealing ring is advantageously subject to only low friction and therefore only low wear.

In another exemplary embodiment, the two flanging tools each have a bearing space with at least one rolling bearing for rotatably supporting a flanging roller of the respective flanging tool. An internal venting path runs through the shaft, the connecting component, and the two flanging tools and is connected to the bearing spaces for venting the bearing spaces. Advantageously, the internal venting path allows for the equalization of over- and underpressures, preventing, for example, lubricant from the bearing spaces from finding its way into the production area/hygiene area.

In one embodiment of the apparatus, the shaft has at least a polygonal shape, preferably a square shape, in some portions. Preferably, the apparatus may further include a releasable shaft clamping screw that clamps the shaft and the connecting component together in a frictionally engaged and/or form-fitting manner, wherein the shaft clamping screw contacts an edge of the polygonal shape of the shaft, wherein preferably the shaft clamping screw is connected to the connecting component in a sealed manner. Advantageously, this allows for a particularly play-free locking mechanism through a wedge effect caused by clamping. The play-free and therefore particularly precise clamping can also be advantageous if at least one lubricating fluid path of a continuous lubrication system (e.g., for bearings in the flanging tools) is connected via a shaft-hub connection.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a rotary can sealer which has at least one apparatus as disclosed herein.

The preferred embodiments and features of the invention described above can be combined with one another as desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the figures:

FIG. 1 shows a perspectival view of an apparatus for sealing cans according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a sectional view through the exemplary apparatus;

FIG. 3 shows a further sectional view through a portion of the exemplary apparatus;

FIG. 4 shows a further perspectival sectional view through a portion of the exemplary apparatus;

FIG. 5 shows a perspectival schematic representation of an adjustment mechanism of the exemplary apparatus (without showing the connecting component and the shaft);

FIG. 6 shows a further schematic representation of the adjustment mechanism of the exemplary apparatus (showing only the shank and worm element);

FIG. 7 shows a further sectional view through a portion of the exemplary apparatus;

FIG. 8 shows a side view of another apparatus for sealing cans according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows a top view of the exemplary further apparatus;

FIG. 10 shows a sectional view along a line A-A in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 shows a sectional view along a line B-B in FIG. 9.

The embodiments shown in the figures correspond at least in part, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference signs, and reference is also made to the description of other embodiments or figures for the explanation thereof to avoid repetition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 7 show an apparatus 10 for sealing cans, preferably beverage cans.

The apparatus 10 can, for example, be included as part of a sealing station in a rotary can sealer. The can sealer may be comprised in a container treatment system, e.g., a beverage filling system. For example, a filling apparatus for filling the containers with a, preferably liquid or pasty, filling material can be arranged container upstream of the can sealer. The filled cans can, for example, be transported to the can sealer by a conveyor and then sealed by the can sealer.

For example, the can sealer can have several sealing stations, each having an apparatus 10, for sealing several cans simultaneously or overlapping in time. Preferably, the sealing stations can be arranged distributed around the circumference of a carousel of the can sealer, e.g., on a carousel upper part of the can sealer. The apparatuses 10 can be connected to a drivable rotor plate for rotating the apparatuses 10 about a main axis of the can sealer.

The apparatus 10 has a shaft 12, a connecting component 40, and two flanging tools 42, 44.

The shaft 12 can be driven to rotate. A rotation of the shaft 12 by an angular amount can lead to a pivoting (swiveling) of the connecting component 40 and thus of the flanging tools 42, 44 about the axis of rotation of the shaft 12. The shaft 12 can therefore be referred to as a pivot shaft.

Preferably the shaft 12 is connected to a housing 14 of the apparatus 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) in a sealed manner. The shaft 12 can, for example, be rotatably mounted in the housing 14. To form a seal between the shaft 12 and the housing 14, a sealing element 16 can preferably be arranged between the shaft 12 and the housing 14 (see FIG. 2). The sealing element 16 is preferably a shaft sealing ring, as shown by way of example in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the sealing element 16 can, for example, be a hermetic elastomer seal, such as a torsion bellows.

An end region of the shaft 12 is preferably incorporated into the connecting component 40. Preferably, the shaft 12 is centrally located in the connecting component 40. The shaft 12 can extend, for example, through the connecting component 40.

Preferably, the shaft 12 and the connecting component 40 are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed and form-fitting manner via a shaft-hub connection 18. The shaft-hub connection 18 is preferably a polygonal connection, e.g., a square connection.

Preferably, the shaft 12 can be connected to the connecting component 40 in a sealed manner. For example, the shaft 12 can be connected to a, preferably upper, shaft inlet of the connecting component 40 via a sealing element 20, e.g., an O-ring. For example, the shaft 12 can be connected via a sealing element 22, e.g., an O-ring, to a shaft outlet of the connecting component 40 in a sealed manner, preferably a lower shaft outlet.

Preferably, the shaft 12 and the connecting component 40 are clamped together in a frictionally engaged and form-fitting manner.

For example, a (shaft) clamping screw 24 can be screwable into a through-hole 26 of the connecting component 40 (see FIG. 3). A front end of the clamping screw 24 can rest against one end of a clamping bolt 28. An opposite end of the clamping bolt 28 can in turn engage in a groove 30 of the shaft 12 for frictionally engaged and form-fitting clamping of the shaft 12. The groove 30 can, for example, be located in the region of the shaft-hub connection 18 of the shaft 12.

Preferably, the clamping bolt 28 and/or the clamping screw 24 can be elastically pre-tensioned in a direction away from the shaft 12. For elastic pre-tensioning, for example an elastic element 32, such as a helical compression spring, can be arranged in the through-hole 26.

The clamping screw 24 is preferably connected to the connecting component 40 in a sealed manner. For example, a sealing element 34, e.g., an O-ring, can form a seal between a screw head of the clamping screw 24 and the connecting component 40—for example, a longitudinal side or a transverse side of the connecting component 40.

For example, at least one (shaft) clamping screw 36 can be directly clamped to the shaft 12 in a frictionally engaged and/or form-fitting manner (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 3). The at least one clamping screw 36 can be screwed into a respective through-hole of the connecting component 40. An end face of the at least one clamping screw 36 can directly contact the shaft 12, preferably in the region of the shaft-hub connection 18.

For example, the at least one clamping screw 36 can be screwed in to clamp the shaft 12 if the clamping screw 24 already clamps the shaft 12 via the clamping bolt 28 engaging in the groove 30.

Preferably, two clamping screws 36 are included, which can clamp the shaft 12 from different directions.

The at least one clamping screw 36 is preferably connected to the connecting component 40 in a sealed manner. For example, a sealing element 38, e.g., an O-ring, can form a seal between a screw head of the clamping screw 36 and the connecting component 40—for example, a longitudinal side or a transverse side of the connecting component 40.

The connecting component 40 connects the two flanging tools 42, 44 and the shaft 12 to each other for pivoting (swiveling) the two flanging tools 42, 44. The flanging tools 42, 44 can thus be pivoted one after the other towards a flanging edge of a can. A swiveling of one of the two flanging tools 42, 44 toward the flanging edge of the can may preferably be accompanied by a swiveling away of the other of the two flanging tools 42, 44 from the flanging edge.

Preferably, the connecting component 40 can carry the two flanging tools 42, 44 on the shaft 12. The connecting component 40 can therefore also be referred to as a flanging tool holder or support component.

Preferably, the connecting component 40 can act as a two-sided lever. Therefore, the connecting component 40 may also be referred to as a lever component. The two flanging tools 42, 44 can be arranged on opposite lever arms of the double-sided lever/connecting component 40. The shaft 12 can be arranged in a center of the two-sided lever/connecting component 40.

Preferably, the connecting component 40 can be substantially block-shaped. The shaft 12 can, for example, protrude from above into the block-shaped connecting component 40. The flanging tools 42, 44 can, for example, protrude from the bottom of the block-shaped connecting component 40.

The flanging tools 42, 44 are used for flanging/folding a flanging edge of the can. One of the flanging tools 42, 44 can, for example, be a pre-fold flanging tool for forming a pre-fold on the flanging edge of the can. The other of the two flanging tools 42, 44 can, for example, be an end-fold flanging tool for forming the pre-fold into an end fold.

The flanging tools 42, 44 are each height-adjustable and connected to the connecting component 40. Preferably, the two flanging tools 42, 44 can be individually adjusted in height.

For example, each flanging tool 42, 44 can include a height adjustment element 46 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). A height adjustment element 46 can connect a respective flanging tool 42, 44 to the connecting component 40 in a height-adjustable manner.

The height adjustment elements 46 are preferably configured as height-setting screws (height adjustment screws). Preferably the height adjustment elements 46 can be screwed into a shank 48 of the respective flanging tool 42, 44 from above, preferably into a respective fine thread.

Preferably, the height adjustment elements 46 are accessible and supported on a top side of the connecting component 40 for adjusting the height of the respective flanging tool 42, 44. For example, the screw heads of the height adjustment elements 46 can be arranged on the top side of the connecting component 40.

Preferably, the height adjustment elements 46 can be elastically supported against the respective flanging tool 42, 44. For example, the elastic support can be provided by a compression spring 50, e.g., a disc spring assembly (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

It is possible that the flanging tools 42, 44, e.g., their shanks 48, are each elastically supported against the connecting component 40. For example, this can include two elastic elements 52 (see FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 7). The elastic elements 52 can, for example, be configured as compression springs.

The elastic elements 52 can, for example, be arranged in a lower portion of the connecting component 40. The elastic elements 52 can be supported, for example, on a respective shoulder on the connecting component 40 and on a shoulder of the shank 48 of the respective flanging tool 42, 44.

The height adjustment elements 46 are preferably each connected to the connecting component 40 in a sealed manner. For example, a sealing element 54, e.g., an O-ring, can form a seal between a head of the respective height adjustment element 46 and the connecting component 40—for example, at an inlet opening for the respective height adjustment element 46.

In addition to the height adjustment of the flanging tools 42, 44, it is also preferably possible to adjust the flanging tools 42, 44 in a plane perpendicular to the height adjustment. Specifically, the flanging tools 42, 44 can each be adjustably connected to the connecting component 40 for adjusting a position of the respective flanging tool 42, 44 in a plane perpendicular to a central axis of the respective flanging tool 42, 44.

Preferably, the shanks 48 of the flanging tools 42, 44 can each have an eccentric portion 56. A flanging roller 58 of the respective flanging tool 42, 44 can be rotatably mounted on the eccentric portion 56. By means of the eccentric portion 56, the position of the flanging roller 58 of the respective flanging tool 42, 44 can be adjusted in a plane perpendicular to a central axis of the respective flanging tool 42, 44 by rotating the shank 48 of the respective flanging tool 42, 44.

Two worm elements 60 can be included to rotate the shanks 48 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and 6). The worm elements 60 are preferably embodied as worm screws.

Each worm element 60 is engaged with a worm gear portion 62 of the shank 48 of the respective flanging tool 42, 44. The worm element 60 can rotatably connect the shank 48 to the connecting component 40.

Preferably, the worm gear portion 62 can have a height that allows the flanging tools 42, 44 to be adjusted in height by the height adjustment elements 46, without the worm elements 60 disengaging from the worm gear portions 62. For example, the height of a worm gear portion 62 can be 1.5*worm portion diameter of the worm element 60 or ≥2*worm portion diameter of the worm element 60.

Preferably, the worm elements 60 can each be axially secured in the connecting component 40. For example, two locking bolts 64 can be included (see FIGS. 1, 3, and 5). A locking bolt 64 can engage in a circumferential groove of a worm element 60 and thus axially secure the worm element 60 in the connecting component 40.

The worm elements 60 are preferably each connected to the connecting component 40 in a sealed manner. For example, a sealing element 66 (see, e.g., FIG. 5), e.g., an O-ring, can form a seal between a head of the respective worm element 60 and the connecting component 40—for example, at an inlet opening for the respective worm element 60.

Preferably, the worm elements 60 are accessible and optionally supported on opposite transverse or longitudinal sides of the connecting component 40 for adjusting the respective flanging tool 42, 44. For example, heads of the worm elements 60 can be arranged on the transverse or longitudinal sides of the connecting component 40.

Preferably, the shanks 48 and the connecting component 40 can each be clamped together in a frictionally engaged and form-fitting manner.

For example, two (shank) clamping screws 68 can be included (see FIGS. 1, 4, 5). The clamping screws 68 can be screwed into a respective through-hole of the connecting component 40 (see FIG. 4). The clamping screw 68 can rest with its end face against one of two clamping blocks 70. The clamping block 70 can in turn rest against the shank 48 of the respective flanging tool 42, 44 for frictionally engaged clamping of the shank 48, e.g., in a region below the worm gear portion 62 and/or above the eccentric portion 56.

The clamping screws 68 are preferably connected to the connecting component 40 in a sealed manner. For example, a sealing element 72, e.g., an O-ring, can form a seal between a screw head of the respective clamping screw 68 and the connecting component 40—for example, a longitudinal side or a transverse side of the connecting component 40.

Preferably, the clamping screws 68 are accessible and supported on a longitudinal or transverse side of the connecting component 40 for screwing in and out. For example, heads of the clamping screws 68 can be arranged on the transverse or longitudinal side of the connecting component 40.

Preferably, the two flanging tools 42, 44 are each connected to the connecting component 40 in a sealed manner, preferably at the bottom of the connecting component 40. For example, two sealing devices 74 can be included, which form a seal between the flanging tools 42, 44 and the connecting component 40.

The sealing devices 74 are preferably arranged directly above the flanging roller 58 of the respective flanging tool 42, 44.

For example, the sealing devices 74 can be arranged at a respective shank outlet of the connecting component 40, from which the shanks 48 protrude.

Preferably, the sealing devices 74 can be supported and/or axially secured by a respective elastic element 52.

One of the sealing devices 74 is shown in detail as an example in FIG. 7. Both sealing devices 74 are preferably of the same construction.

The sealing device 74 can have a first, preferably outer, sealing ring 76 and a second, preferably inner, sealing ring 78. The sealing rings 76 and 78 can contact each other and form a seal between the shank 48, e.g., its eccentric portion 56, and the connecting component 40.

Preferably, the first sealing ring 76 can contact the connecting component 40 on one side and the second sealing ring 78 on the other.

The first sealing ring 76 can preferably be an elastically (highly) deformable O-ring. The first sealing ring 76 can compensate for a variable gap between the eccentric portion 56 and the connecting component 40. The first sealing ring 76 can therefore preferably seal an eccentric adjustment movement. Together, the first and second sealing rings 76, 78 can thus form an eccentric seal for the eccentric portion 56.

Preferably, the first sealing ring 76 can hold the second sealing ring 78 by friction against the connecting component 40, e.g., supported by the elastic element 52.

Preferably, the second sealing ring 78 can contact the first sealing ring 76 on one side and the respective flanging tool 42, 44 on the other. For example, the second sealing ring 78 can contact the eccentric portion 56 and/or a sleeve part 80 surrounding the eccentric portion.

The second sealing ring 78 can have an annular receptacle, e.g., a receiving groove, in which the first sealing ring 76 is held. The receptacle is preferably arranged on an outer circumference of the second sealing ring 78.

Preferably, a breakwater contour 82, preferably circumferential, can be arranged on an underside face of the second sealing ring 78. The breakwater contour 82 can provide protection against the high pressure of the cleaning jets and thus prevent the cleaning medium from penetrating between the second sealing ring 78 and the respective flanging tool.

Preferably, a downwardly directed, preferably circumferential, sealing lip 84 can be arranged on an inner circumferential face of the second sealing ring 78. The sealing lip 84 can also prevent the medium from penetrating.

For example, a block contour 86, preferably circumferential, can be arranged on an inner circumferential face of the second sealing ring 78. The block contour 86 can serve as a starting block so that the second sealing ring 78 sits centered. The block contour 86 can also serve as additional protection against, for example, cleaning jets that have overcome the breakwater contour 82 and the sealing lip 84. Any media that have penetrated can preferably drain away again via the sealing lip 84.

Preferably, an upwardly directed, preferably circumferential, sealing lip 88 can be arranged on an inner circumferential face of the second sealing ring 78. The sealing lip 88 can serve as a final barrier against intruding media. The sealing lip 88 can also serve as a protective lip against media (greases, oils, gases) from the bearing space of the respective flanging tool 42, 44.

Preferably, the second sealing ring 78 can have the breakwater contour 82, the sealing lip 84, the block contour 86, and the sealing lip 88 arranged vertically one above the other in this order.

Optionally, the sealing devices 74 can each have a third sealing ring 90, preferably an O-ring. The third sealing ring 90 may create a seal between the sleeve part 80 and the flanging roller 58. Preferably, the third sealing ring 90 can be received in a circumferential groove on the outside of an outer circumference of the sleeve part 80.

Preferably the sleeve part 80 can also have a breakwater contour 92 on an outer circumference of the sleeve part 80, preferably circumferential, e.g., in the form of a circumferential groove. The breakwater contour 92 can, for example, be substantially at the same level as a lower end of the second sealing ring 78.

With further reference to FIG. 2, it is shown schematically by way of example that an internal venting path 94 can run through the shaft 12, the connecting component 40, and the two flanging tools 42, 44, e.g., their shanks 48. The venting path 94 can be vented with bearing spaces in which rolling bearings are arranged for rotatably supporting the flanging roller 58.

FIGS. 8 to 11 show a modified exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10′ for closing cans, wherein, for clarity, only one of the two flanging tools 42, 44 is shown.

It is understood that the features explained below for the apparatus 10′ can also be integrated into the apparatus 10, and vice versa.

For example, a (shaft) clamping screw 36′ may be provided.

The clamping screw 36′ can be directly clamped to the shaft 12 in a frictionally engaged and/or form-fitting manner (see, e.g., FIG. 10). The clamping screw 36′ can be screwed into a respective through-hole of the connecting component 40. A front end of the clamping screw 36′ can directly contact the shaft 12, preferably in the region of the shaft-hub connection 18.

The shaft 12 can, for example, have a polygonal shape, preferably a square shape. Afront end of the clamping screw 36′ can contact an edge of the polygonal shape of the shaft 12 for clamping.

Preferably, only one clamping screw 36′ is included.

The clamping screw 36′ is preferably connected to the connecting component 40 in a sealed manner. For example, a sealing element 38, e.g., an O-ring, can form a seal between a screw head of the clamping screw 36 and the connecting component 40—for example, a longitudinal side or a transverse side of the connecting component 40.

For example, a (shaft) clamping screw 24′ may be provided.

The clamping screw 24′ can be screwed into a through-hole 26 of the connecting component 40 (see FIG. 10). Afront end of the clamping screw 24′ can engage in a bore or groove 30 of the shaft 12 for frictionally engaged and form-fitting clamping of the shaft 12. The bore or groove 30 can, for example, be located in the region of the shaft-hub connection 18 of the shaft 12.

The clamping screw 24′ is preferably connected to the connecting component 40 in a sealed manner. For example, a sealing element 34, e.g., an O-ring, can form a seal between a screw head of the clamping screw 24 and the connecting component 40—for example, a longitudinal side or a transverse side of the connecting component 40.

For example, each flanging tool 44 (only one shown in FIGS. 8 to 11) can include a height adjustment element 46′ (see FIGS. 8, 9, and 11). The height adjustment element 46′ can connect a respective flanging tool 44 to the connecting component 40 in a height-adjustable manner.

The height adjustment elements 46′ are preferably configured as height-setting screws (height adjustment screws). Preferably the height adjustment elements 46′ can be screwed into the connecting component 40 from below, preferably into a respective fine thread, and extend out of the connecting component 40 on a top side of the connecting component 40.

Preferably, an engagement portion 96 of the height adjustment element 46′ can be arranged on a bottom side of the connecting component 40. The engagement portion 96 can, for example, be located at the bottom of the height adjustment element 46′. The engagement portion 96 can, for example, be shaped as a circumferential band or collar. The engagement portion 96 can engage in an engagement portion 98 of the movable shank 48, preferably in a form-fitting manner. The engagement portion 98 can, for example, be configured as a circumferential groove. The engagement portion 98 may preferably be arranged on an outer circumferential face of the shank 48. The shank 48 can thus be axially secured to the engagement portion 96 of the height adjustment element 46′. By adjusting the height of the height adjustment element 46, the height of the shank 48 and thus of the flanging tool 44 can be adjusted.

Preferably, the height adjustment elements 46′ are accessible on a top side of the connecting component 40 for height adjustment of the respective flanging tool 44. For example, a tool engagement portion, e.g., a polygonal portion, of the height adjustment element 46′ can be arranged on the top side of the connecting component 40.

The height adjustment elements 46′ are preferably each connected to the connecting component 40 in a sealed manner. For example, a sealing element 54, e.g., an O-ring, can form a seal between a height adjustment element 46′ and a top face of the connecting component 40. For example, a sealing element 100, e.g., an O-ring, can form a seal between a height adjustment element 46′ and an underside of the connecting component 40. Preferably, the sealing element 100 can additionally exert a pre-tension in the axial direction on the height adjustment element 46′, e.g., to eliminate thread play.

It is possible that the height adjustment elements 46′ are each guided twice in the connecting component 40, e.g., in portions that adjoin the sealing element 54 and the sealing element 100.

For both variants disclosed in detail herein (FIGS. 1 to 7 and FIGS. 8 to 11), depending upon the requirements, a one-time lubrication or a continuous lubrication of the bearings in the flanging tools 58 can be implemented.

The invention is not limited to the preferred exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, a plurality of variants and modifications are possible which likewise make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the dependent claims, irrespective of the claims to which they refer. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed and can be claimed independently of all of the features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of the features relating to the presence and/or the configuration of the shaft, the connecting component, and/or the two flanging tools of independent claim 1. All ranges specified herein are to be understood as disclosed and claimable in such a way that all values falling within the respective range are individually disclosed, e.g., also as the respectively preferred, narrower outer limits of the respective range.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

10	apparatus for sealing cans
12	shaft
14	housing
16	sealing element
18	shaft-hub connection
20	sealing element
22	sealing element
24	clamping screw
26	through-hole
28	clamping bolt
30	groove
32	elastic element
34	sealing element
36	clamping screw
38	sealing element
40	connecting component
42	(first) flanging tool
44	(second) flanging tool
46	height adjustment element
48	shank
50	compression spring
52	elastic element
54	sealing element
56	eccentric portion
58	flanging roller
60	worm element
62	worm gear portion
64	locking bolts
66	sealing element
68	clamping screw
70	clamping block
72	sealing element
74	sealing device
76	first sealing ring
78	second sealing ring
80	sleeve part
82	breakwater contour
84	sealing lip
86	block contour
88	sealing lip
90	third sealing ring
92	breakwater contour
94	inner venting path
96	engagement portion
98	engagement portion
100	sealing element