SEALING DEVICE AND LONGITUDINAL SEALING DEVICE WITH SUCH A SEALING DEVICE

Description

State of the art

[0001] Sealing devices for a longitudinal sealing device of a packaging machine are already known from EP 1 167 192 A2 and DE 603 07 129 T2, wherein the known sealing devices comprise at least one seal holder for fixing a sealing jaw of the longitudinal sealing device, at least one further seal holder for fixing a further sealing jaw of the longitudinal sealing device, wherein the seal holder and the further seal holder are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another, and a mechanical coupling unit on which the seal holder and the further seal holder are arranged, wherein the coupling unit comprises at least one force transmission element and a further force transmission element,wherein the force transmission element is provided for transmitting a provided sealing force to the seal holder in the form of a compressive force during sealing, and wherein the further force transmission element is provided for transmitting the provided sealing force to the further seal holder in the form of a tensile force during sealing.

[0002] Furthermore, a sealing device for a longitudinal sealing device of a packaging machine is already known from US 4 676 051 A, wherein the already known sealing device comprises at least one seal holder for fixing a sealing jaw of the longitudinal sealing device, at least one further seal holder for fixing a further sealing jaw of the longitudinal sealing device, wherein the seal holder and the further seal holder are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another, and a mechanical coupling unit on which the seal holder and the further seal holder are arranged, wherein the coupling unit comprises at least one force transmission element and a further force transmission element,wherein the force transmission element is provided for transmitting a provided sealing force to the seal holder in the form of a compressive force during sealing, and wherein the further force transmission element is provided for transmitting the provided sealing force to the further seal holder in the form of a tensile force during sealing. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] The invention is based on a sealing device for a longitudinal sealing device of a packaging machine, comprising at least one seal holder for securing a sealing jaw of the longitudinal sealing device, at least one further seal holder for securing a further sealing jaw of the longitudinal sealing device, wherein the seal holder and the further seal holder are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another, and a mechanical coupling unit on which the seal holder and the further seal holder are arranged, wherein the coupling unit comprises at least one force transmission element and a further force transmission element, wherein the force transmission element is provided for transmitting a provided sealing force to the seal holder in the form of a compressive force during sealing, and wherein the further force transmission element is provided for transmitting the provided sealing force to the further seal holder in the form of a tensile force during sealing.

[0004] It is proposed that the coupling unit comprise at least one, in particular pneumatic, piston unit with at least one piston chamber and with a piston mounted in the piston chamber, wherein the piston is operatively connected to one of the force transmission elements and the piston chamber is operatively connected to a different one of the force transmission elements than the piston. During sealing, in particular, a packaging material is sealed by pressing at least one of the sealing jaws against the packaging material with the sealing force. The sealing jaw is, in particular, rigidly connected to the seal holder, in particular fixed thereto, at least during sealing. Preferably, the further sealing jaw is rigidly connected to the further seal holder, in particular fixed thereto, at least during sealing. In particular, the sealing jaw is pressed against the packaging material with the compressive force by the coupling unit during sealing, mediated via the seal holder.In particular, the further sealing jaw is pulled against the packaging material by the coupling unit during sealing via the further seal holder with the tensile force. The sealing jaw is preferably provided for producing a longitudinal seam on the packaging material. The further sealing jaw is preferably provided for producing a further longitudinal seam on the packaging material. The longitudinal seam and the further longitudinal seam can be designed as an edge seam, which in particular forms an edge of a packaging from two adjacent regions of the packaging material, or as a closure seam, which in particular connects two opposite ends of the packaging material or two webs of the packaging material to one another. The longitudinal seam and the further longitudinal seam are preferably produced at a distance from one another. In particular, the sealing jaw and the further sealing jaw are arranged at a distance from one another during sealing.Alternatively, the sealing jaw and the additional sealing jaw are pressed against each other during sealing to create a single longitudinal seam. The sealing jaw and the additional sealing jaw are preferably designed to be electrically heated to create the longitudinal seams. Alternatively, the sealing jaw and the additional sealing jaw are designed to create the longitudinal seams using ultrasonic welding. The sealing jaws are preferably screwed to the seal holders or otherwise fixed. In particular, the sealing jaws are interchangeable, for example, depending on the longitudinal seam to be created and / or the type of packaging material.

[0005] The packaging material is preferably film-shaped and can in particular be single-layered or multi-layered. The packaging material and / or at least one layer of the packaging material can be made of paper, a plastic, in particular polypropylene, polyester and / or polyethylene, a textile and / or a metal. In particular, the packaging material is a composite material. The packaging machine is in particular intended to form a container, in particular a tubular bag and / or a stand-up pouch, from the packaging material, to fill it with a packaged product and to close it. The packaging machine preferably comprises at least one filling tube or a filling shaft for filling the containers formed from the packaging material.The filling tube or filling shaft preferably has a longitudinal filling axis, which is intended to be aligned vertically during operation of the packaging machine and along which a packaged product is transported into the formed container during operation of the packaging machine. The packaging machine comprises, in particular, a packaging material guide, which is intended to form the packaging material, preferably a single web of packaging material, in a tubular shape around the filling tube or the filling shaft. The longitudinal sealing device is, in particular, intended to fix a shape of the packaging material that encompasses the filling shaft by sealing. In particular, the longitudinal sealing device is intended to create the longitudinal seams at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal filling axis."Substantially parallel" is to be understood here as meaning, in particular, an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°.

[0006] The sealing device comprises, in particular, a machine frame, which is particularly intended to be immovable relative to the filling tube or the filling shaft during operation of the longitudinal sealing device. The coupling unit is preferably mounted on the machine frame so as to be movable relative to the machine frame. The coupling unit is particularly intended to press the sealing jaws against the packaging material during sealing and, in particular, to move them away from the packaging material after sealing. The longitudinal sealing device comprises, in particular, at least one drive element for moving the coupling unit relative to the machine frame. The drive element is preferably a pneumatic drive element, alternatively a hydraulic drive element or an electric drive element.The coupling unit is particularly intended to distribute the sealing force provided by the drive element between the seal holder and the further seal holder, particularly preferably evenly. In particular, the seal holder and the further seal holder are connected to the same drive element via the coupling unit. Optionally, the longitudinal sealing device comprises a plurality of drive elements which jointly provide the sealing force, wherein the seal holder and the further seal holder are connected to all cooperating drive elements via the coupling unit. In particular, the seal holder is only movable together with the further seal holder relative to the machine frame. Preferably, the further seal holder is only movable together with the seal holder relative to the machine frame, in particular at least over a full range of movement of the further seal holder.In particular, in particular at least over a full range of motion, the seal holder and the further seal holder carry out a coupled movement when subjected to the sealing force.

[0007] The force transmission element and / or the further force transmission element are preferably designed as rods, alternatively as wire cables, to which the seal holder and / or the further seal holder are fixed. The force transmission element is provided in particular for displacing the seal holder along a displacement direction. Preferably, the further force transmission element is provided for displacing the further seal holder along a further displacement direction. The displacement direction and the further displacement direction run in particular at least substantially parallel to the same straight line. The displacement direction and the further displacement direction are particularly preferably aligned in opposite directions to one another due to the transmission of the sealing force as a compressive force and as a tensile force.In particular, the seal holder and the further seal holder are moved towards one another along a straight line for sealing and, in particular, are moved away from one another along this straight line after sealing. The longitudinal sealing device comprises, in particular, a transport direction along which the packaging material is conveyed by a packaging transport unit of the longitudinal sealing device and / or the packaging machine through the longitudinal sealing device. The displacement direction and the further displacement direction are preferably at least substantially perpendicular to the transport direction. The transport direction is, in particular, aligned at least substantially parallel to, in particular concentric with, the longitudinal filling axis. In particular, the sealing device encompasses the filling tube or the filling shaft in a plane perpendicular to the transport direction.Preferably, the packaging transport unit is designed to transport the packaging material between the filling tube or the filling shaft and the sealing device through the longitudinal sealing device. The term "essentially perpendicular" is intended here to define, in particular, an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, particularly viewed in a projection plane, enclose an angle of 90°, and the angle has a maximum deviation of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°.

[0008] Due to the inventive design of the sealing device, the sealing force can advantageously be distributed symmetrically across the sealing jaws. In particular, separate control of the seal holders can be dispensed with. In particular, synchronous movement of the seal holders can advantageously be achieved automatically, in particular without additional electronic measures. In particular, the risk of asymmetrical force application can advantageously be kept low. In particular, a sealing process can advantageously be carried out reliably. In particular, a portion of the sealing force that does not contribute to the sealing process can advantageously be kept low.

[0009] The piston chamber is in particular connected to the drive element. The drive element is in particular intended to move the piston chamber relative to the piston. Preferably, the piston chamber and the piston are each rigidly connected to at least one of the force transmission elements, in particular in at least one operating state of the sealing device. A rigid connection between two objects can be realized, for example, by screwing, riveting, locking, clamping, materially bonding, or by a one-piece construction. For example, the piston is operatively connected to the force transmission element and the piston chamber to the further force transmission element. Alternatively, the piston is connected to the further force transmission element and the piston chamber is connected to the force transmission element.In an advantageously simple embodiment, the force transmission element and / or the further force transmission element is attached directly to the piston unit. Alternatively, the sealing device comprises at least one adjusting unit with which a relative position between the piston chamber and / or the piston and the force transmission element and / or the further force transmission element can be changed. The adjusting unit comprises, for example, an actuator, a further piston in a further piston chamber, a coilover suspension, a telescopic rod, a clamping sleeve or the like in order to adjust a relative position between the piston chamber and / or the piston and the force transmission element and / or the further force transmission element. Preferably, the adjusting unit rigidly connects the piston unit to the force transmission elements, at least during sealing.

[0010] For example, the piston is rigidly connected to the force transmission element, in particular in at least one operating state of the sealing device. The force transmission element is preferably rigidly connected to the seal holder. In particular, the force transmission element transmits a movement of the piston relative to the piston chamber to the seal holder. When a force is applied by the drive element, the seal holder and the piston move in particular at least substantially by the same distance in the same direction, in particular by the same distance apart from a clearance fit with which the piston, the transmission element, the optional adjustment unit and / or the seal holder are fastened to one another. For example, the piston chamber is rigidly connected to the further force transmission element, in particular in at least one operating state of the sealing device.The additional force transmission element is preferably rigidly connected to the additional seal holder. In particular, the force transmission element transmits a movement of the piston chamber relative to the piston to the additional seal holder. When a force is applied by the drive element, the additional seal holder and the piston chamber move, in particular, at least substantially by the same distance in the same direction, in particular by the same distance apart from a clearance fit with which the piston chamber, the additional force transmission element, the optional adjustment unit, and / or the additional seal holder are fastened to one another.

[0011] Due to the inventive design of the sealing device, the sealing force can advantageously be easily converted into two opposing forces, both of which can be used.

[0012] It is further proposed that the sealing device comprises at least one further piston unit with a further piston, wherein the further piston is arranged in rows with the piston along a mechanical chain of action.

[0013] In particular, the further piston unit comprises at least one further piston chamber in which the further piston is arranged. The further piston and the further piston unit are preferably connected to a further drive element of the longitudinal sealing device, which is in particular designed separately from the drive element. The further drive element can in particular be a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric drive element. In particular, the piston unit can be actuated independently of the further piston unit. Preferably, a stroke direction of the piston unit and a stroke direction of the further piston unit are at least substantially parallel to one another, and in particular parallel to the displacement direction and / or the further displacement direction. The piston unit is in particular provided for applying the sealing force to the seal holder.The further piston unit is in particular provided for moving the seal holders, in particular for moving the seal holders back and forth between a rest position and a sealing position. In particular, a maximum stroke of the further piston unit is greater than, in particular more than 50% greater than, preferably more than 100% greater than, a maximum stroke of the piston unit. In particular, the seal holders are arranged further apart from one another in the rest position than in the sealing position. For example, the piston chamber and the further piston chamber are rigidly connected to one another. For example, the piston is rigidly connected to the further piston chamber. For example, the further piston is rigidly connected to the piston chamber. For example, the piston and the further piston are rigidly connected to one another. The piston unit and the further piston unit particularly preferably comprise a common mounting plate via which they are connected to one another.The mounting plate is preferably arranged to be movable relative to the machine frame, in particular at a distance from the machine frame. The further piston unit is preferably arranged along the mechanical chain of action between the piston unit and the further force transmission element, alternatively between the piston unit and the force transmission element. In particular, the sealing force is transmitted through the further piston unit to one of the seal holders. Preferably, a position of the further piston in the further piston chamber is fixed during sealing. The design of the sealing device according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to distinguish between a movement of the seal holders and an application of the sealing force to the seal holders. In particular, a maximum stroke of the piston unit can advantageously be kept small. In particular, the sealing force can advantageously be provided quickly by the piston unit.In particular, an advantageously high throughput of the sealing device can be achieved. Furthermore, the sealing jaws can advantageously be stored in the rest position. In particular, thermal stress, in particular damage, to the packaging material outside of the sealing process can advantageously be kept to a minimum.

[0014] It is further proposed that the coupling unit comprises at least one additional piston unit with an additional piston, which is arranged parallel to the piston and / or the further piston, wherein the additional piston unit, the piston unit and / or the further piston unit are arranged on a common mounting plate, in particular the already mentioned common mounting plate of the piston units. The additional piston is in particular arranged in an additional piston chamber. The additional piston unit is preferably at least substantially identical in construction to the piston unit or the further piston unit, in particular except for mirror symmetry. A stroke direction of the additional piston unit is preferably at least substantially parallel to the stroke direction of the piston unit or the further piston unit, and in particular parallel to the displacement direction and / or the further displacement direction.The additional piston unit can be connected to an additional, in particular pneumatic, hydraulic or electric, drive element or to the drive element or the further drive element. The additional piston unit is in particular intended for synchronous movement with the piston unit or the further piston unit. In particular, the additional piston unit is intended to transmit the sealing force to the seal holders and / or to move the seal holders back and forth between the rest position and the sealing position. Due to the inventive design of the sealing device, the necessary displacement of the piston unit or the further piston unit can advantageously be kept small. Furthermore, the sealing device can advantageously be kept compact, in particular while maintaining a symmetrical force distribution.

[0015] It is further proposed that the sealing device comprise a bearing unit for floatingly supporting the coupling unit, which, during operation of the coupling unit, is designed to absorb at least substantially the entire weight of the coupling unit and the seal holder. The bearing unit preferably comprises at least one bearing element in which the force transmission element or the further force transmission element is mounted. The bearing element encompasses the force transmission element or the further force transmission element, in particular in a plane perpendicular to the displacement direction or the further displacement direction.The bearing element supports the force transmission element or the further force transmission element, in particular, such that the force transmission element or the further force transmission element can perform a linear movement through the bearing unit, in particular without thereby moving the bearing element relative to the machine frame. The bearing element is designed, in particular, as a sliding bush, a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or the like. In particular, the bearing unit transfers the weight of the coupling unit, the seal holder, and in particular the sealing jaws into the machine frame. "Substantially the entire weight" is to be understood, in particular, as at least 50%, preferably more than 75%, particularly preferably more than 90% of the total weight.Alternatively or additionally, the machine frame comprises a guide rail or a suspension or the like, which absorbs part of the weight of the coupling unit, the seal holders, and in particular the sealing jaws, in particular without rigidly connecting any component of the coupling unit or the seal holders to the machine frame. The inventive design of the sealing device allows the sealing force to be advantageously distributed symmetrically among the seal holders.

[0016] It is further proposed that the further force transmission element be arranged so as to protrude through a material recess of the seal holder. In particular, the seal holder is arranged between the further seal holder and the piston unit in a plane parallel to the transport direction and the further displacement direction, which plane intersects the seal holder and the piston unit. An opening width of the material recess of the seal holder in a plane perpendicular to the further displacement direction is preferably large enough to prevent physical contact between this material recess and the further force transmission element during movement of the further force transmission element along the further displacement direction. The bearing unit preferably comprises at least one seal holder bearing element, which is arranged in the material recess of the seal holder and which accommodates the further force transmission element.The seal holder bearing element encompasses the further force transmission element, in particular in a plane perpendicular to the further displacement direction. The seal holder bearing element supports the further force transmission element, in particular such that the further force transmission element can execute a linear movement through the seal holder and in particular such that the seal holder can execute a linear movement along the further force transmission element, in particular in a direction opposite to the further force transmission element. The seal holder bearing element is designed, in particular, as a sliding bush, a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or the like. The inventive design of the sealing device allows the coupling unit to be advantageously designed to be stable.In particular, the relative alignment of the seal holder and the additional force transmission element relative to the machine frame can be stabilized with advantageously few components. In particular, the degree of tilting of the seal holder or the additional force transmission element can be advantageously kept low.

[0017] It is further proposed that the sealing device comprises at least one packaging transport unit, in particular the one already mentioned, for conveying a packaging material, in particular the one already mentioned, through the longitudinal sealing device, wherein the further force transmission element is arranged so as to protrude through a material recess of the packaging transport unit. The packaging transport unit comprises in particular a contact conveying element for a frictional and / or force-locking connection with the packaging material. The contact conveying element is in particular designed as a closed belt. The packaging transport unit comprises in particular at least one guide element, in particular a plurality of guide elements, on which the contact conveying element is arranged. In particular, the contact conveying element spans the at least one guide element, in particular the guide elements, in a plane perpendicular to the direction of displacement.The guide elements can be rigidly connected to the machine frame or mounted on the machine frame so as to be rotatable relative to the machine frame. For example, the contact conveyor element is designed as a smooth belt or as a toothed belt. For example, the at least one guide element is designed as a guide roller, in particular a deflection roller, or as a pin. The contact conveyor element spans, in particular, an inner surface in a plane perpendicular to the direction of displacement. In particular, the at least one guide element is arranged within the inner surface. Optionally, the packaging transport unit comprises at least one structural element, in particular a transport unit mounting plate, which, together with the at least one guide element, fills the inner surface at least substantially, in particular at least 25%, preferably more than 50%, based on a total surface area of the inner surface.

[0018] The further force transmission element is preferably arranged so as to protrude through the inner surface. In particular, the contact conveying element completely surrounds the further force transmission element in the plane perpendicular to the further displacement direction, wherein the contact conveying element is arranged at a distance from the further force transmission element. Preferably, the material recess of the packaging transport unit, through which the further force transmission element protrudes, is arranged within one of the conveyor elements. An opening width of the material recess of the packaging transport unit in a plane perpendicular to the further displacement direction is preferably large enough to avoid physical contact between this material recess and the further force transmission element during movement of the further force transmission element along the further displacement direction.Particularly preferably, the bearing element is arranged in the material recess of the packaging transport unit. In particular, the bearing unit comprises at least one transport bearing element, by means of which the at least one guide element is mounted, in particular rotatably. The transport bearing element is designed in particular as a rotation axis and is arranged in the material recess of the packaging transport unit. The transport bearing element for mounting the at least one guide element and the bearing element for mounting the further force transmission element can be formed as a single piece, connected to one another by a material fit, or formed separately from one another. Preferably, the bearing element is arranged within the transport bearing element. In particular, the bearing element, the transport bearing element, and the further force transmission element are arranged concentrically to one another.Alternatively, the material recess of the packaging transport unit is arranged within the structural element. The inventive design of the sealing device allows the packaging transport unit and the sealing holders with the sealing jaws to be arranged together in an advantageously small installation space.

[0019] It is further proposed that the sealing device comprise at least one, in particular immovable, counterseal holder unit, which forms a pressing surface for pressing one of the sealing jaws, wherein the further force transmission element is arranged so as to protrude through a material recess of the counterseal holder unit. The counterseal holding unit preferably comprises a counterseal holder for fixing the counterseal holder unit relative to the machine frame and a counterseal element which forms the pressing surface. The counterseal element is preferably arranged on the counterseal holder, in particular rigidly connected to the counterseal holder, or formed integrally therewith. The pressing surface is arranged opposite the seal holder along the displacement direction.In particular, the seal holder presses the sealing jaw against the pressing surface during sealing, with the packaging material arranged between the sealing jaw and the pressing surface. The counter-seal holder unit is immobile relative to the machine frame, at least during sealing, at least up to a predetermined maximum adjustable sealing force of the sealing device. The material recess is arranged, in particular, in the counter-seal holder. An opening width of the material recess of the counter-seal holder in a plane perpendicular to the further displacement direction is preferably large enough to avoid physical contact of this material recess with the further force transmission element during movement of the further force transmission element along the further displacement direction.The bearing unit preferably comprises at least one counterseal holder bearing element, which is arranged in the material recess of the counterseal holder and which receives the further force transmission element. The counterseal holder bearing element encompasses the further force transmission element, in particular in a plane perpendicular to the further displacement direction. The counterseal holder bearing element supports the further force transmission element, in particular such that the further force transmission element can execute a linear movement through the counterseal holder, in particular without thereby moving the counterseal holder relative to the machine frame. The counterseal holder bearing element is designed, in particular, as a sliding bush, as a ball bearing, as a roller bearing, or the like. The counterseal holder bearing element is preferably formed integrally with the transport bearing element.Preferably, the counterseal holder unit is non-destructively releasably fixed, in particular clamped, to the storage unit. In particular, the counterseal holder unit is displaceable along the storage unit when the longitudinal sealing device is at rest in order to carry out a format change of the container to be produced. Preferably, the sealing device comprises a similarly designed further counterseal holder unit, which forms a further pressing surface arranged opposite the further seal holder along the displacement direction. In particular, the packaging transport unit is arranged in a plane parallel to the transport direction and the further displacement direction between the counterseal holder unit and the further counterseal holder unit. The counterseal element of the counterseal holder unit and a counterseal element of the further counterseal holder unit can be formed separately from one another or can be formed as one piece.In particular, the counter-sealing element of the counter-seal holder unit and the counter-sealing element of the further counter-seal holder unit can be displaced independently of one another or only jointly in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, in particular for adjusting the format of a container to be produced. The design according to the invention makes it possible to provide an advantageously compact sealing device.

[0020] It is further proposed that the coupling unit comprise at least one adjusting element with which an initial position of the seal holder and / or the further seal holder relative to the force transmission element and / or the further force transmission element can be adjusted without tools. The adjusting element is in particular part of the aforementioned adjusting unit. The coupling unit comprises in particular a deflection unit which mechanically connects the piston unit, in particular indirectly via the further piston unit, to the further force transmission element. The deflection unit is preferably rigidly connected to one of the piston units. The deflection unit is preferably arranged on the further force transmission element in a non-destructively detachable manner. In particular, the deflection unit comprises two opposing projections which together encompass the further force transmission element.The adjustment element is particularly designed as a coil spring, which is provided for clamping or releasing the additional force transmission element by means of the projections. Alternatively, the force transmission element comprises a hole pattern through which an adjustment element designed as a pin or screw can be fixed to the deflection unit. Due to the inventive design of the sealing device, the sealing device can advantageously be easily adapted to containers of different formats to be produced.

[0021] Furthermore, a longitudinal sealing device with at least one sealing device according to the invention and with at least one further sealing device according to the invention is proposed. The further sealing device is preferably at least substantially identical in construction to the sealing device. In particular, the further sealing device comprises a coupling unit, a seal holder, a further seal holder and / or a packaging transport unit in a manner analogous to that described for the sealing device. The longitudinal sealing device preferably has the machine frame as a single machine frame, on which the sealing device and the further sealing device are mounted, in particular in a floating manner. Alternatively, the sealing device and the further sealing device each comprise their own machine frame.The components of the sealing device and the additional sealing device are preferably arranged mirror-symmetrically, in particular with respect to a mirror plane parallel to the displacement direction and the transport direction. The sealing device and the additional sealing device are in particular arranged at a distance from one another or are connected to one another only via the common machine frame and / or common hydraulic, electrical, or pneumatic supply lines. The design according to the invention makes it possible to provide an advantageously compact longitudinal sealing device which advantageously produces synchronous longitudinal seams on a packaging material with little effort, particularly in terms of control technology.

[0022] The sealing device according to the invention and / or the longitudinal sealing device according to the invention should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the sealing device according to the invention and / or the longitudinal sealing device according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a function described herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily. Drawings

[0023] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations.

[0024] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a longitudinal sealing device according to the invention with a sealing device according to the invention and a further sealing device according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the longitudinal sealing device according to the invention when viewed against a transport direction of the longitudinal sealing device according to the invention, and Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the longitudinal sealing device according to the invention in a sectional plane parallel to the transport direction. Description of the embodiment

[0025] Figure 1shows a perspective view of a longitudinal sealing device 12 for a packaging machine. The longitudinal sealing device 12 comprises at least one sealing device 10. The longitudinal sealing device 12 comprises at least one further sealing device 60. The sealing device 10 and the further sealing device 60 are preferably constructed with mirror symmetry. The sealing device 10 and the further sealing device 60 comprise, in particular, the same components. For the sake of clarity, the components of the further sealing device 60 are only occasionally provided with reference numerals, wherein the reference numerals of the further sealing device 60 bear the same numbers as the reference numerals of the sealing device 10, wherein the reference numerals are marked with an apostrophe for differentiation. The sealing device 10 is provided for sealing a packaging material 50. The sealing device 10 comprises at least one packaging transport unit 48.The packaging transport unit 48 is provided for conveying the packaging material 50 along a transport direction 70 between sealing jaws 16, 20, in particular between the sealing device 10 and the further sealing device 60. The transport direction 70 is preferably aligned vertically during operation of the longitudinal sealing device 12 and points in particular from top to bottom.

[0026] The packaging transport unit 48 is designed in particular mirror-symmetrically to a packaging transport unit 48' of the further sealing device 60, which, due to perspective, is Figure 1can be seen. The packaging transport unit 48 comprises at least one contact conveyor element 62 for frictional and / or force-locking engagement with the packaging material 50 (cf. contact conveyor element 62' of the further sealing device 60). The packaging transport unit 48 comprises at least one guide element 64 (cf. guide element 64' of the further sealing device 60). The packaging transport unit 48 comprises at least one further guide element 66 (cf. further guide element 66' of the further sealing device 60). The guide elements 64, 66 are provided for guiding the contact conveyor element 62 along the transport direction 70. The packaging transport unit 48 comprises a gear element 68 for transmitting force and / or torque to the contact conveyor element 62 (cf. gear element 68' of the further sealing device 60).The gear element 68 is arranged at a distance from the guide element 64 and the further guide element 66 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction 70.

[0027] Figure 2shows a view of the longitudinal sealing device 12 opposite to the transport direction 70, in particular an underside of the longitudinal sealing device 12. The sealing device 10 comprises the sealing jaw 16. The sealing device 10 comprises the further sealing jaw 20. The sealing device 10 comprises at least one seal holder 14 for fixing the sealing jaw 16. The sealing device 10 comprises at least one further seal holder 18 for fixing the further sealing jaw 20. The seal holder 14 and the further seal holder 18 are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another. The sealing device 10 comprises a mechanical coupling unit 22. The seal holder 14 and the further seal holder 18 are arranged on the coupling unit 22. The coupling unit 22 comprises at least one force transmission element 24 (cf. Fig. 3). The coupling unit 22 comprises at least one further force transmission element 26, 28, in particular two further force transmission elements 26, 28, one of which is referred to below as an additional force transmission element 28, if a distinction is necessary (cf. Fig. 1 and 3). The force transmission element 24 is provided during sealing to transmit a provided sealing force to the seal holder 14 in the form of a compressive force. The further force transmission elements 26, 28 are provided during sealing to transmit the provided sealing force to the further seal holder 18 in the form of a tensile force. The sealing device 10 comprises at least one, in particular immovable, counter-seal holder unit 52. The sealing device 10 comprises at least one, in particular immovable, further counter-seal holder unit 54. The counter-seal holder unit 52 forms a pressing surface for pressing on the sealing jaws 16. The further counter-seal holder unit 54 forms a pressing surface for pressing on the further sealing jaws 20. The counter-seal holder units 52, 54 comprise in particular a common counter-seal holder element 84, which forms the pressing surfaces of both counter-seal holder units 52, 54.The counterseal holder unit 52 comprises in particular a counterseal holder and the further counterseal holder unit 54 preferably comprises a further counterseal holder to which the common counterseal holder element 84 is fastened, in particular screwed.

[0028] The contact conveying element 62 is arranged at least partially between the seal holders 14, 18. In particular, the contact conveying element 62 is arranged between the counter-seal holder units 52, 54. In particular, the counter-seal holder units 52, 54, together with the contact conveying element 62, are arranged between the seal holders 14, 18. The sealing jaw 16, the further sealing jaw 20, and the contact conveying element 62 are arranged at least substantially flush with respect to a plane perpendicular to the transport direction 70. The seal holders 14, 18 are in particular mounted such that they can be displaced relative to one another along a displacement direction 82. Preferably, the seal holder 14, the counter-seal holder unit 52, the packaging transport unit 48, the further counter-seal holder unit 54, and / or the further seal holder 18, in particular in this order, are arranged on the further force transmission elements 26, 28.An axis of rotation of the guide element 64 or of the further guide element 66 runs at least substantially parallel to the displacement direction 82 of the seal holder 14 and / or the further seal holder 18.

[0029] Figure 3shows a sectional view of the longitudinal sealing device 12 in a sealing plane 72. The sealing plane 72 runs in particular perpendicular to the transport direction 70. The coupling unit 22 comprises at least one, in particular pneumatic, piston unit 30 with at least one piston chamber 32 and with a piston 34 mounted in the piston chamber 32. The piston 34 is operatively connected to the force transmission element 24. The piston chamber 32 is operatively connected to the further force transmission elements 26, 28. The coupling unit 22 comprises at least one further piston unit 36 with a further piston 38. The further piston 38 is arranged in rows with the piston 34 along a mechanical chain of action. The coupling unit 22 comprises at least one additional piston unit 40 with an additional piston 42. The additional piston 42 is arranged parallel to the further piston 38.The additional piston unit 40, the piston unit 30, and / or the further piston unit 36 are arranged on a common mounting plate 44 of the piston units 30, 36, 40. The sealing device 10 comprises, in particular, a structural unit as a deflection unit 86. The deflection unit 86 is, in particular, operatively connected to further pistons 38 and / or the additional piston 38. The deflection unit 86 is, in particular, fixed, in particular clamped, to the further force transmission elements 26, 28. The coupling unit 22 comprises at least one adjustment element 56, 58, with which an initial position of the seal holder 14 and / or the further seal holder 18 relative to the force transmission element 24 and / or the further force transmission elements 26, 28 and / or relative to the contact conveying element 62 can be adjusted without tools.

[0030] The sealing device 10 comprises a bearing unit 46 for floatingly supporting the coupling unit 22. During operation of the coupling unit 22, the bearing unit 46 is intended to absorb at least substantially the entire weight of the coupling unit 22 and the seal holder 14, 18. The further force transmission element 26, 28 is arranged so as to protrude through a material recess of the seal holder 14. In particular, the bearing unit 46 comprises a seal holder bearing element 74. The seal holder bearing element 74 is designed, for example, as a plain bearing. The seal holder bearing element 74 is arranged in particular in the material recess of the seal holder 14. The further force transmission element 26 is mounted in particular in the seal holder bearing element 74. The further force transmission element 26, 28 is arranged so as to protrude through a material recess of the packaging transport unit 48.In particular, the bearing unit 46 comprises a transport bearing element 76. The transport bearing element 76 is designed, for example, as a plain bearing. The transport bearing element 76 is arranged, in particular, in the material recess of the packaging transport unit 48. The further force transmission element 26 is arranged, in particular, in the transport bearing element 76. The further force transmission element 26, 28 is arranged so as to protrude through a material recess of the counterseal holder unit 52, 54. In particular, the bearing unit 46 comprises a counterseal holder bearing element 78. The counterseal holder bearing element 78 is designed, for example, as a plain bearing. The counterseal holder bearing element 78 is arranged, in particular, in the material recess of the counterseal holder unit 52. The further force transmission element 26 is mounted, in particular, in the counterseal holder bearing element 78. In particular, the bearing unit 46 comprises a further counterseal holder bearing element 80.The further counterseal holder bearing element 80 is designed, for example, as a plain bearing. The counterseal holder bearing element 80 is arranged in particular in the material recess of the further counterseal holder unit 54. The further force transmission element 26 is mounted in particular in the further counterseal holder bearing element 80. The counterseal holder bearing element 78 and / or the further counterseal holder bearing element 80 are arranged in particular within the transport bearing element 76. The counterseal holder unit 52 and / or the further counterseal holder unit 54 of the sealing device 10 is arranged, in particular fixed, on the bearing unit 46, in particular on the transport bearing element 76. The guide element 64 and / or the further guide element 66 of the packaging transport unit 48 for guiding the contact conveyor element 62 are arranged on the bearing unit 46. The guide element 64 is mounted in particular on the transport bearing element 76.

[0031] The sealing jaw 16 is in particular fastened to the seal holder 14. The seal holder 14 is preferably fastened to the force transmission element 24. The seal holder 14 is in particular movably mounted on the further force transmission elements 26, 28, in particular for performing a rectilinear movement. The force transmission element 24 is in particular fastened to the piston 34. The piston 34 is preferably mounted in the piston chamber 32. The piston chamber 32 is preferably fastened to the common mounting plate 44. A further piston chamber of the further piston unit 36 and / or an additional piston chamber of the additional piston unit 40 is in particular fastened to the common mounting plate 44. The further piston 38 is in particular mounted in the further piston chamber. The additional piston 42 is in particular mounted in the additional piston chamber.The further piston 38 and / or the additional piston are in particular attached to the deflection unit 86. The further force transmission elements 26, 28 are preferably attached to the deflection unit 86. The further force transmission elements 26, 28 are in particular mounted within the transport bearing element 76. In particular, the transport bearing element 76 is arranged, in particular fixed, directly or indirectly on a machine frame 88 of the longitudinal seaming device 12. Preferably, the further seal holder 20 is attached to the further force transmission elements 18. The further sealing jaw 20 is in particular attached to the further seal holder 20. Upon a pressure change in at least one of the piston units 30, 36, 40, the seal holders 16, 20 move in opposite directions perpendicular to the transport direction 70 via the force transmission elements 24, 26, 28 and in particular via the deflection unit 86.

[0032] A maximum longitudinal extent of the contact conveying element 62 parallel to the transport direction 70 and a maximum longitudinal extent of the seal holder 14 and / or the further seal holder 18 parallel to the transport direction 70 are at least substantially equal in length. A longitudinal axis of a mounting rod of the sealing device 10, on which the seal holder 14 and / or the further seal holder 18 are arranged, and a rotational axis of the guide element 64 or the further guide element 66 are arranged at least substantially coaxially. The mounting rod is formed in particular by the further force transmission element 26.

Claims

1. Sealing device for a longitudinal sealing apparatus of a packaging machine, having at least one sealing holder (14) for fixing a sealing jaw (16) of the longitudinal sealing apparatus, having at least one further sealing holder (18) for fixing a further sealing jaw (20) of the longitudinal sealing apparatus, the sealing holder (14) and the further sealing holder (18) being supported movably relative to each other, and having a mechanical coupling unit (22) on which the sealing holder (14) and the further sealing holder (18) are arranged, the coupling unit (22) comprising at least one force transmission element (24) and a further force transmission element (26, 28), the force transmission element (24) being configured, during a sealing, to transmit a provided sealing force to the sealing holder (14) in the form of a compressive force, and the further force transmission element (26, 28) being configured, during a sealing, to transmit the provided sealing force to the further sealing holder (18) in the form of a tensile force, characterized in that the coupling unit (22) comprises at least one in particular pneumatic piston unit (30) having at least one piston chamber (32) and having a piston (34) supported in the piston chamber (32), the piston (34) being operatively connected to one of the force transmission elements (24) and the piston chamber (32) being operatively connected to a different force transmission element (26, 28) than the piston (34).

2. Sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling unit (22) comprises at least one further piston unit (36) having a further piston (38), the further piston (38) being arranged in series with the piston (34) along a mechanical chain of effect.

3. Sealing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling unit (22) comprises at least one additional piston unit (40) having an additional piston (42) which is arranged in parallel with the piston (34) and / or the further piston (38), the additional piston unit (40), the piston unit (30) and / or the further piston unit (36) being arranged on a common assembly plate (44) of the piston units (30, 36, 40).

4. Sealing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a bearing unit (46) for floatingly supporting the coupling unit (22), which bearing unit is configured to at least substantially absorb the entire weight force of the coupling unit (22) and of the sealing holders (14, 18) during operation of the coupling unit (22).

5. Sealing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further force transmission element (26, 28) is arranged such that it projects through a material recess of the sealing holder (14).

6. Sealing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a packaging transport unit (48) for conveying a packaging material (50) through the longitudinal sealing apparatus, the further force transmission element (26, 28) being arranged such that it projects through a material recess of the packaging transport unit (48).

7. Sealing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one in particular immobile counter sealing holder unit (52, 54) which forms a press-on surface for a pressing-on of one of the sealing jaws (16, 20), the further force transmission element (26, 28) being arranged such that it projects through a material recess of the counter sealing holder unit (52, 54).

8. Sealing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling unit (22) comprises at least one adjusting element (56, 58) by means of which an initial position of the sealing holder (14) and / or of the further sealing holder (18) relative to the force transmission element (24) and / or the further force transmission element (26, 28) is adjustable without a tool.

9. Longitudinal sealing apparatus having at least one sealing device according to any of the preceding claims and having at least one further sealing device according to any of the preceding claims.