Lateral sealing device, method for operating the same, and vertical form-fill-seal machine

Abstract

The invention is based on a lateral sealing device (14a-14g) for sealing packs or packaging materials, which comprises at least two sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20g), at least one moving unit (36a-36g) for horizontally moving the at least two sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20g) relative to one another, and a guide unit (82a-82g) for guiding the at least two sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20g) during their movement, wherein the moving unit (36a-36g) is arranged at least substantially completely laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20g), at least when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis (38a-38g) of the guide unit (82a-82g). It is proposed that at least two sealing jaws (18a to 18g, 20a to 20g) are supported linearly movably along a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis (38a to 38g) of the guide unit (82a to 82g).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] technical level A transverse sealing device for sealing packages or packaging materials has already been proposed, which comprises at least two sealing jaws, at least one movement unit configured to move the at least two sealing jaws horizontally relative to each other, and a guide unit for guiding the at least two sealing jaws during their movement.

[0002] DE 697 25 928 T2 discloses a transverse sealing device for sealing packages or packaging materials. Furthermore, EP 2103526 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 3,616,087 A1, AT 502740 A1, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,808 A1 disclose transverse sealing devices for sealing packages or packaging materials. Each of these transverse sealing devices includes at least two sealing jaws, at least one moving unit configured to horizontally move the at least two sealing jaws relative to one another, and a guide unit for guiding the at least two sealing jaws during movement. The moving unit is disposed at least substantially completely laterally relative to the two sealing jaws when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit, and the at least two sealing jaws are supported so as to be linearly movable along a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit. In EP 2103526 A1 and AT 502740 A1, the at least two sealing jaws can be pressed into a sealing position by the moving unit. In U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,616,087 and 4,751,808, one of the at least two sealing jaws can be pressed into a sealing position because another of the at least two sealing jaws can be pulled into a sealing position by a moving unit.

[0003] Disclosure of the Invention The present invention relates to a transverse sealing device for sealing packages or packaging materials, comprising at least two sealing jaws, at least one movement unit configured to move the at least two sealing jaws horizontally relative to one another, and a guide unit for guiding the at least two sealing jaws during their movement, the movement unit being arranged at least substantially completely laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws, at least when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit. At least two sealing jaws are supported so as to be linearly movable along a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit. It is based on a transverse sealing device.

[0004] At least two sealing jaws a moving unit that is connectable to the at least two sealing jaws such that the moving unit can generate a direct pulling force to pull the at least two sealing jaws into the sealing position relative to one another;It is proposed that an object be positioned "at least substantially completely laterally relative to another object." The fact that an object is positioned "at least substantially completely laterally relative to another object" in this specification particularly means that at least 50%, preferably 75%, and particularly preferably at least 90% of the object's total volume and / or mass is positioned laterally relative to another object. Preferably, in at least one operating state of the moving unit, the moving unit is positioned completely laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws, at least when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis. The lateral sealing device preferably includes at least one drive unit for driving the moving unit to generate horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws. Preferably, the lateral sealing device includes at least one further drive unit for providing a drive force for generating vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws, particularly relative to the frame of the lateral sealing device. In particular, the further drive unit includes a lifting fork, a transmission belt, gears, or the like, for transmitting the drive force of the at least one further drive unit to the at least two sealing jaws to generate vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws. For example, the separate drive unit includes at least a transmission belt and a lifting fork for transmitting the driving force of the at least one separate drive unit to the at least two sealing jaws to cause the at least two sealing jaws to move vertically. In particular, the lifting fork is directly attached to at least one of the at least two sealing jaws. The separate drive unit may also be configured at least partially integrally with at least one of the at least two sealing jaws. In this specification, the phrase "at least one unit and at least one other unit / at least one element are configured at least partially integrally" particularly means that at least one element of a specific unit is configured integrally with another element / specific element of another unit."Integrated" particularly means that the sealing jaws are connected at least by a materially connected connection, such as a welding process, adhesive process, injection molding process, and / or another process deemed convenient by those skilled in the art, and / or are preferably formed of one piece, preferably from a single blank, for example, by a casting-based manufacturing process and / or a one-component or multi-component injection molding process. Alternatively, for example, a separate drive unit may comprise a transmission belt directly connected to at least one of the at least two sealing jaws. Furthermore, the separate drive unit may be configured to drive the movement unit, in particular to cause vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws relative to the frame. Exemplarily, the drive unit and / or the separate drive unit may be configured as an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, or another drive unit deemed suitable by those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the drive unit may be configured to drive the movement unit, in order to cause horizontal and vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws. Preferably, the movement unit is different from the drive unit and / or the separate drive unit. Particularly preferably, the movement unit is realized in a manner different from the guide unit of the transverse sealing device, in particular in a manner different from at least the immovable guide elements of the transverse sealing device, in particular relative to the frame of the guide unit. The at least two sealing jaws are preferably supported so as to be movable, in particular linearly movable, along a direction parallel to the vertical movement axis of the guide unit.

[0005] Preferably, the at least two sealing jaws are configured to seal a packaging material, particularly one that can be positioned between the at least two sealing jaws. Each of the at least two sealing jaws has a sealing surface. Preferably, the sealing surfaces of the at least two sealing jaws are arranged opposite each other. The sealing surfaces of the at least two sealing jaws preferably contact the packaging material in the sealing position to form a seal therein. In particular, the sealing surfaces of the at least two sealing jaws extend at least substantially parallel to each other. Preferably, the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit extends at least substantially perpendicular to the sealing surfaces of the at least two sealing jaws. The term "substantially perpendicular" herein refers to a directional orientation, particularly relative to a reference direction. In this case, the direction and the reference direction, particularly when viewed in a projection plane, include an angle of 90°, and the angle has a maximum deviation of less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. The sealing surfaces of the at least two sealing jaws preferably extend at least substantially perpendicular to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit. The movement unit is preferably configured to convert forces, which can be generated by the drive unit and / or a further drive unit and which act on the at least two sealing jaws, into horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws relative to one another and / or vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws, in particular relative to the frame of the transverse sealing device. The vertical movement axis preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the sealing surfaces of the at least two sealing jaws and / or at least substantially perpendicular to the horizontal movement axis. The term "substantially parallel" particularly in this specification refers to an orientation relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane. In this case, the direction deviates from the reference direction by less than 8°, preferably less than 5°, and particularly preferably less than 2°.

[0006] The moving unit includes at least one moving element movably connected to at least one of the at least two sealing jaws. Exemplarily, the at least one moving element is configured as a beam, arm, support element, particularly a torque-resistant linear bushing, gear, or the like. It is also possible for the moving unit, particularly the at least one moving element of the moving unit, and the at least two sealing jaws to at least partially overlap one another in at least one operating state of the at least two sealing jaws, at least when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit. In particular, rear and front regions of the at least two sealing jaws are at least substantially completely free of the moving unit, at least when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit.

[0007] The at least two sealing jaws are preferably movably connected to the frame, in particular via a guide unit. The transverse sealing device preferably includes a guide unit for guiding the at least two sealing jaws, in particular during their movement relative to the frame. In particular, the guide unit includes at least one guide element for guiding the at least two sealing jaws during their vertical movement, in particular relative to the frame of the transverse sealing device. In particular, the main extension axis of at least one guide element of the guide unit is at least substantially perpendicular to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit. The "main extension axis" of an object herein particularly refers to an axis extending parallel to the longest side of the smallest geometrical rectangular parallelepiped that simply completely surrounds the object. The main extension axis of at least one guide element of the guide unit is preferably at least substantially parallel to the vertical movement axis of the guide unit. The at least one guide element is preferably arranged in a fixed position relative to the frame. In particular, the at least one guide element is arranged rotatably relative to the frame. The at least one guide element of the guide unit is exemplarily embodied as a guide rod or another guide element deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art. The transverse sealing device, in particular the guide unit, preferably comprises at least one other guide element for guiding the at least two sealing jaws during their horizontal movement relative to one another. In particular, the main extension axis of the at least one other guide element of the guide unit is at least substantially parallel to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit. The main extension axis of the at least one other guide element of the guide unit is preferably at least substantially perpendicular to the vertical movement axis of the guide unit. The at least one guide element of the guide unit and the at least one other guide element of the guide unit can be embodied identically or differently. The at least one other guide element is preferably arranged in a fixed position relative to the frame.In particular, the at least one further guide element is arranged non-rotatably relative to the frame, and in particular, the movement unit is arranged at least substantially completely laterally relative to the at least one further guide element.

[0008] Advantageously, it is possible to provide a compact transverse sealing device. Advantageously, the maximum length of the transverse sealing device, at least when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit, can be kept particularly small. The arrangement of the movement unit relative to the at least two sealing jaws according to the invention allows for a large number of different, particularly advantageous, drive units configured to drive the movement unit to generate the horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws.

[0009] It is further proposed that the moving unit be arranged laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws such that the moving unit is positioned at least substantially completely within the proximal region of the at least two sealing jaws. The fact that the moving unit is arranged "later relative to the at least two sealing jaws such that the moving unit is positioned at least substantially completely within the proximal region of the at least two sealing jaws" means in this specification that the moving unit is arranged laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws such that at least 50%, preferably 75%, and particularly preferably at least 90% of the total volume and / or mass of the moving unit is arranged laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws in the proximal region of the at least two sealing jaws. In particular, the proximal region of the at least two sealing jaws extends beyond the at least two sealing jaws in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis by at most 20%, preferably at most 10%, and particularly preferably at most 5% of the maximum movement range of the at least two sealing jaws. Preferably, the proximal regions of the at least two sealing jaws extend beyond the at least two sealing jaws, in particular beyond the at least one guide element, in a direction parallel to the vertical axis of movement by at most 20%, preferably at most 10%, particularly preferably at most 5% of the maximum range of movement of the at least two sealing jaws. Particularly preferably, the proximal regions of the at least two sealing jaws extend beyond the at least two sealing jaws perpendicular to the vertical and horizontal axes of movement by at most 20%, preferably at most 10%, particularly preferably at most 5% of the maximum extension length of the at least two sealing jaws. Advantageously, a particularly compact transverse sealing device can be provided.

[0010] SpecialAdditionally, the at least two sealing jaws are movable into the sealing position relative to each other by the movement unit without any direct pressing movement on the at least two sealing jaws. Preferably, the at least two sealing jaws are pullable into the sealing position relative to each other along a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis by the movement unit. . good Preferably, the movement unit is connected to the at least two sealing jaws such that the at least two sealing jaws are moved, in particular pulled, in a synchronous movement relative to one another. Alternatively, the movement unit can be connected to the at least two sealing jaws such that the at least two sealing jaws are moved, in particular pulled, in an asynchronous movement relative to one another.

[0011] Preferably, the moving unit includes at least one moving element and at least one other moving element. The moving element and the other moving element can be configured identically or differently. The at least one moving element is connected, particularly directly and preferably movably, to one of the at least two sealing jaws. The at least one other moving element is connected, particularly directly and preferably movably, to another of the at least two sealing jaws. In particular, in at least one configuration, the at least one moving element and the at least one other moving element are movable relative to each other. In this case, preferably, the movement of the at least two sealing jaws relative to each other can be generated by relative movement of the at least one moving element and the at least one other moving element. In particular, the at least two sealing jaws can be pressed or pulled by relative movement of the at least one moving element and the at least one other moving element. Preferably, the at least one moving element and the at least one other moving element are movable relative to each other so as to pull the at least two sealing jaws toward each other into a sealing position. Preferably, the movement of the at least one moving element and the at least one other moving element relative to each other, in particular to the sealing position, can occur by a rotational movement of the moving unit, in particular by a rotation of at least one additional moving element of the moving unit. Alternatively, the at least one moving element and the at least one other moving element can be movable relative to each other, in such a way that the at least two sealing jaws are moved relative to each other by a pushing and / or pulling movement of the moving unit, in particular by a pushing and / or pulling movement of the additional moving element of the moving unit. The additional moving element can be configured identically or differently from the at least one moving element and / or the at least one other moving element. Exemplary, the at least one other moving element can be configured as a beam, arm, support element, in particular a torque-resistant linear bushing, gear, or the like.Advantageously, a particularly compact movement mechanism can be constructed for moving the at least two sealing jaws into the sealing position.

[0012] It is also proposed that the moving unit comprises at least one torque-resistant linear bushing and at least one moving element, in particular a mechanical connecting element, particularly as already described above, movably connected to one sealing jaw of the at least two sealing jaws and to the at least one torque-resistant linear bushing, the torque-resistant linear bushing being configured to transmit a drive torque, in particular from the drive unit, in particular as already described above, to the at least one moving element, in order to move the at least two sealing jaws relative to one another in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit. Preferably, the aforementioned additional moving element is realized as a torque-resistant linear bushing. In particular, at least one further moving element is movably connected to the torque-resistant linear bushing. The at least one moving element and / or the at least one further moving element is rotatably mounted on the torque-resistant linear bushing. Preferably, the torque-resistant linear bushing, the moving element, and the further moving element form a crank-slider mechanism. The crank-slider mechanism is preferably configured to convert a drive force, which can be generated by the drive unit, into horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws. Advantageously, a particularly compact movement mechanism can be realized for moving the at least two sealing jaws into the sealing position.

[0013] It is further proposed that the guide unit comprises at least one guide element, in particular a guide rod, to which the torque-resistant linear bushing is movably connected, in particular as already described above, and at least one drive unit, in particular as already described above, configured to drive the at least one guide element of the guide unit to rotate about the rotation axis of the at least one guide element of the guide unit, thereby generating horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws relative to one another. Preferably, the torque-resistant linear bushing is arranged to be linearly movable along the at least one guide element of the guide unit. In particular, the torque-resistant linear bushing is non-rotatably connected to the at least one guide element of the guide unit, preferably by a longitudinal grooved shaft or the like of the at least one guide element. The at least one guide element of the guide unit is preferably arranged at least substantially completely laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws, at least when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit. In particular, the main extension axis of the at least one guide element is equal to the rotation axis of the at least one guide element of the guide unit. The drive force of the drive unit can be transmitted to the moving unit, in particular to at least one guide element of the guide unit, preferably by a transmission belt, gears, or the like of the drive unit. The guide element of the guide unit preferably forms one additional element of the moving unit. In particular, the guide element of the guide unit is rotatably connected to the frame of the transverse sealing device. Advantageously, a compact moving unit for moving at least two sealing jaws relative to one another can be realized. Advantageously, a drive unit can be statically arranged on the frame of the transverse sealing device.

[0014] It is further proposed that the movement unit comprises at least two torque-resistant linear bushings, particularly configured to transmit a drive force from at least one drive unit, for moving the at least two sealing jaws relative to one another in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis, and that one of the two torque-resistant linear bushings is arranged on each side of the at least two sealing jaws, when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit. Alternatively, another torque-resistant linear bushing can be configured differently from the at least one torque-resistant linear bushing. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal and vertical movement axes of the guide unit, the at least two torque-resistant linear bushings are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the at least two sealing jaws. Preferably, the at least one other torque-resistant linear bushing is connected to the at least two sealing jaws in a manner similar to the connection of the at least one torque-resistant linear bushing. This allows for a transverse sealing device with particularly advantageous dynamic behavior. In a particularly preferred configuration, the moving unit comprises two torque-resistant linear bushings, two guide elements of the guide unit, preferably one of the two guide elements of the guide unit realized by the previously described guide element of the guide unit, and four moving elements, two of the four moving elements realized by the previously described moving element and another previously described moving element. Alternatively, the moving unit may comprise or consist of only one torque-resistant linear bushing, in particular one guide element of the guide unit, in particular one previously described guide element, and two moving elements, in particular the previously described moving element and another previously described moving element. Furthermore, alternatively, the moving unit may be configured in a different manner, particularly as deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art. Advantageously, a particularly consistent seal can be achieved.

[0015] It is further proposed that the guide unit comprises at least one guide element, in particular a guide rod, as already described above, and that the movement unit comprises at least one torque-resistant linear bushing, in particular the torque-resistant linear bushing, movable along the at least one guide element of the guide unit for vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws. The vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws is preferably directly coupled to the vertical movement of the torque-resistant linear bushing. Advantageously, a particularly compact transverse sealing device can be provided. The guide element of the guide unit can advantageously be used both to generate rotation of the torque-resistant linear bushing for horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws and to guide the vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws by the torque-resistant linear bushing. Advantageously, a particularly compact movement mechanism for horizontally and vertically moving the at least two sealing jaws can be realized. The guide element can advantageously be used both to transmit rotation for horizontal movement and to guide the vertical movement of the torque-resistant linear bushing for vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws.

[0016] It is further proposed that the transverse sealing device comprises a frame, in particular as already described, and at least one further drive unit, in particular as already described, for providing a drive force for generating vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws relative to the frame, wherein the further drive unit, in particular, configured to provide a drive force for generating vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws, is arranged at least substantially fixedly relative to the frame. In particular, "arranged at least substantially fixedly" means that the drive unit does not move relative to the frame other than the movement of mechanical components of the drive unit that necessarily move during operation of the drive unit. It is also possible that the further drive unit is arranged at least substantially completely lateral to the at least two sealing jaws, at least when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit. It is also possible that the further drive unit is arranged at least partially, in particular at least substantially completely, in front of or behind the at least two sealing jaws, at least when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit. The fact that an object is positioned "at least substantially completely in front of or behind another object, at least when viewed in a predetermined direction" in this specification particularly means that at least 50%, preferably 75%, and particularly preferably at least 90% of the object's total volume and / or mass is positioned in front of or behind another object, at least when viewed in a predetermined direction. A transverse sealing device having particularly advantageous dynamic behavior can be made available. A drive unit configured to drive the movement unit to generate the vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws can be positioned in a particularly suitable manner and / or in such a way that a particularly compact transverse sealing device can be realized.

[0017] It is further proposed that the transverse sealing device comprises, in particular, the frame already described above and at least one drive unit, in particular, the drive unit already described above, for driving the movement unit to generate horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws relative to one another in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis by the movement unit, wherein the drive unit for driving the movement unit to generate horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws is arranged at least substantially stationary relative to the frame. It is also possible for the drive unit to be arranged at least substantially completely lateral relative to the at least two sealing jaws, at least when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit. It is also possible for the drive unit to be arranged at least partially, preferably at least substantially completely, in front of or behind the at least two sealing jaws, at least when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit. A transverse sealing device with particularly advantageous dynamic behavior can be made available. The drive unit for driving the movement unit to generate horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws can be advantageously positioned in a particularly situation-specific manner and / or in a way that allows for a particularly compact transverse sealing device to be realized. Advantageously, it is not necessary for the mass of the drive unit to be supported by another drive unit during the vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws.

[0018] The invention further relates to a method for operating a transverse sealing device for sealing packages or packaging material, in particular a transverse sealing device according to the invention, which comprises, in one process step, pulling two sealing jaws of the transverse sealing device, in particular at least two sealing jaws already described above, into a sealing position by a transfer unit of the transverse sealing device, in particular a transfer unit already described above, a moving unit connected to the at least two sealing jaws such that the moving unit generates a direct pulling force pulling the at least two sealing jaws into a sealing position relative to one another;It is proposed that the at least two sealing jaws are moved linearly along a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit. Preferably, in one process step, at least one moving element of the movement unit and at least one other moving element are moved relative to one another by a drive unit for the purpose of generating a pulling force for pulling the at least two sealing jaws toward one another into the sealing position. Advantageously, a particularly space-saving way of moving the at least two sealing jaws can be provided.

[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that in one process step, a drive torque for moving at least two sealing jaws of a transverse sealing device, in particular of a guide unit as already described, relative to one another, in particular along a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis as already described, is transmitted by a moving unit, in particular by at least one torque-resistant linear bushing as already described. In particular, in one process step, the drive unit drives a guide element of the guide unit to rotate about its rotation axis to generate a rotation of the at least one torque-resistant linear bushing. In one process step, the rotational force of the torque-resistant linear bushing is converted into a relative movement of at least one moving element and at least one other moving element to generate a pulling or pushing force for moving the at least two sealing jaws relative to one another along a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis of the guide unit. Advantageously, the two sealing jaws can be moved dynamically in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0020] Furthermore, a vertical form, fill, and seal machine is proposed, comprising a machine frame and at least one transverse sealing device according to the present invention for sealing packaging material. The vertical form, fill, and seal machine preferably comprises at least one feed station having at least one component configured to hold a roll of packaging material. In particular, the vertical form, fill, and seal machine comprises a forming shoulder or the like for transforming the packaging material into a tube. Preferably, the form, fill, and seal machine comprises a longitudinal sealing device for longitudinally sealing the packaging material. In particular, the form, fill, and seal machine comprises at least one filling station for filling the packaging material with material. The filling station, the feed station, the transverse sealing device, and / or the longitudinal sealing device are particularly mounted on the machine frame of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine. The drive unit of the transverse sealing device and / or another drive unit are preferably arranged at least substantially stationary relative to the machine frame. Advantageously, a form, fill, and seal machine with a particularly compact transverse sealing device can be provided.

[0021] The transverse sealing apparatus of the present invention, the method of the present invention, and / or the vertical form, fill, and seal machine of the present invention are not limited to the applications and configurations described herein. In particular, to perform the functions described herein, the transverse sealing apparatus of the present invention, the method of the present invention, and / or the vertical form, fill, and seal machine of the present invention may include a number of individual elements, components, units, and method steps different from the number described herein. Furthermore, with respect to ranges of values ​​described in this disclosure, values ​​within the recited limits shall be considered disclosed and applicable and usable.

[0022] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings, in which seven exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain a number of feature combinations. Those skilled in the art will consider these features individually and intentionally to find further suitable combinations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic view of a portion of a vertical form-fill-seal machine according to the present invention, including a transverse sealing device according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is another schematic view of a portion of a vertical form fill seal machine according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a detailed schematic diagram of a transverse sealing device according to the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method of operating a form, fill, and seal machine according to the present invention. [Figure 5] 4 is a schematic flow chart of a method of operating a transverse sealing device according to the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 shows a transverse sealing device according to the invention in a first alternative embodiment; [Figure 7] 1 shows a transverse sealing device according to the invention in a second alternative embodiment. [Figure 8] 5 is a schematic flow chart of a method of operating a transverse sealing device according to the present invention in a second alternative embodiment. [Figure 9a] 4 is a movement diagram for vertical movement of at least two sealing jaws of a transverse sealing device according to the invention in a second alternative embodiment; FIG. [Figure 9b] 4 is a movement diagram for horizontal movement of at least two sealing jaws of a transverse sealing device according to the invention in a second alternative embodiment; FIG. [Figure 10] 10 shows a transverse sealing device according to the invention in a third alternative embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 shows a transverse sealing device according to the invention in a fourth alternative embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 shows a transverse sealing device according to the invention in a fifth alternative embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 shows a transverse sealing device in a sixth alternative embodiment.

[0024] Description of exemplary embodiments FIG. 1 illustrates a vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a. The machine 10a includes a machine frame 12a. The machine 10a includes at least one transverse sealing device 14a for transversely sealing packaging material. The machine 10a includes at least one feed station (not shown) having components configured to hold a roll of packaging material. The machine includes a forming shoulder (not shown) for deforming the packaging material into a tube. The machine includes a longitudinal sealing device (not shown) for longitudinally sealing the packaging material. The machine 10a includes a filling station 24a. The filling station 24a includes at least one fill tube 26a configured to fill packages with contents. The filling station 24a, the feed station, the transverse sealing device 14a and / or the longitudinal sealing device are mounted to the machine frame 12a of the vertical form, fill and seal machine 10a.

[0025] The transverse seal device 14a is mounted on the machine frame 12a so that at least substantially the entire transverse seal device 14a is rotatable about the axis of rotation 16a of the transverse seal device 14a. At least substantially all of the components of the transverse seal device 14a are simultaneously rotatable about the axis of rotation 16a of the transverse seal device 14a, particularly relative to the machine frame 12a. The transverse seal device 14a includes a frame 70a. All components of the transverse seal device 14a other than the frame 70a are mounted on the frame 70a of the transverse seal device 14a. The frame 70a of the transverse seal device 14a is movably, preferably rotatably, arranged on the machine frame 12a.

[0026] The transverse sealing device 14a is movably, particularly rotatably, mounted on the machine frame 12a so that the axis of rotation 16a of the transverse sealing device 14a is fixed relative to the machine frame 12a, particularly independent of the operational movement of the transverse sealing device 14a relative to the machine frame 12a. The transverse sealing device 14a is mounted on the machine frame 12a so that at least the entire transverse sealing device 14a can only be moved by rotation of the transverse sealing device 14a about the axis of rotation 16a of the transverse sealing device 14a. Substantially the entire rotation of the transverse sealing device 14a relative to the machine frame 12a can occur without at least substantially the entire translation of the transverse sealing device 14a, particularly relative to the machine frame 12a. The transverse sealing device 14a is mounted on the machine frame 12a so that the transverse sealing device 14a has only one degree of freedom of movement. Alternatively, the transverse sealing device 14a can be mounted on the machine frame 12a so as to be translatable relative to the machine frame 12a, particularly along a direction parallel to the translation axis of the guide unit 82a of the transverse sealing device 14a. The rotation axis 16a of the transverse sealing device 14a extends at least substantially perpendicular to the support surface of the machine frame 12a. The support surface of the machine frame 12a is configured to transfer the weight of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a, particularly the machine frame 12a, to the floor on which the machine frame 12a is located. The support surface of the machine frame 12a is particularly a part of the stand of the machine frame 12a, the bottom surface of the machine frame 12a, or the like.

[0027] The transverse sealing device 14a can be positioned in at least two working positions for transversely sealing the packaging material by infinitely rotating the transverse sealing device 14a relative to the machine frame 12a about the rotation axis 16a. Preferably, the at least substantially total infinitely rotating of the transverse sealing device 14a relative to the machine frame 12a about the rotation axis 16a is a pure rotation, particularly preferably a pure rotation without translational movement of the transverse sealing device 14a relative to the machine frame 12a, in particular from one of the at least two working positions to another of the at least two working positions. The transverse sealing device 14a is assembled to the machine frame 12a in such a way that the transverse sealing device 14a can be positioned in at least two working positions for transversely sealing the packaging material, in particular without at least substantially total translational movement of the transverse sealing device 14a relative to the machine frame 12a. The transverse sealing device 14a can be positioned at least two working positions for transversely sealing packaging materials solely by at least substantially total rotation of the transverse sealing device 14a relative to the machine frame 12a, without any additional, particularly linearly guided, movement of at least substantially the entire transverse sealing device 14a, particularly relative to the machine frame 12a. The at least two working positions of the transverse sealing device 14a differ, particularly in at least substantially the total rotational position of the transverse sealing device 14a relative to the machine frame 12a. The at least two working positions of the transverse sealing device 14a differ from each other by an angle of 90°. Alternatively, the at least two working positions of the transverse sealing device 14a can differ from each other by an angle other than 90°, preferably by an angle greater than 0° and less than 360°. It is also possible for the transverse sealing device 14a to be rotatable relative to the machine frame 12a by more than 360°, particularly by an integer or non-integer multiple of 360°.The energy supply lines of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a for supplying energy to the transverse sealing device 14a can be configured and / or arranged relative to the machine frame 12a and / or the transverse sealing device 14a to enable 360° rotation of the transverse sealing device 14a relative to the machine frame 12a, preferably rotation greater than 360°, particularly rotation by an integer or non-integer multiple of 360°. Illustratively, the energy supply lines are arranged in combination with a slip ring, rotary transformer, or the like of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a to enable 360° rotation of the transverse sealing device 14a relative to the machine frame 12a. At least substantially the entire transverse sealing device 14a can be infinitely rotatable about the rotation axis 16a to different working positions for transversely sealing packaging material. Alternatively, it is also possible that at least substantially the entire transverse sealing device 14a is rotatable about the rotation axis 16a of the transverse sealing device 14a to fixed, in particular spaced apart, rotational positions of the transverse sealing device 14a relative to the machine frame 12a, which in particular form different working positions of the transverse sealing device 14a.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows a schematic structure of the transverse sealing device, which differs at least in part from the actual configuration of the transverse sealing device 14a shown in FIG. 3. However, FIG. 2 illustrates the interaction between the guide unit 32a of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a and the transverse sealing device 14a. The guide unit 32a of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a is intended to guide at least substantially the entire rotation of the transverse sealing device 14a about the rotation axis 16a. The guide unit 32a includes at least one guide element 124a. This at least one guide element 124a at least partially defines an at least substantially cylindrical receiving area 126a into which the transverse sealing device 14a is at least substantially completely disposed. The term "substantially completely" as used herein refers to at least 50%, preferably 75%, and particularly preferably at least 90% of the total volume of the object, preferably the total volume of a cylinder exactly and completely surrounding the object, and / or the total mass of the object, in particular the total mass of the transverse sealing device. The guide unit 32a is at least partially disposed on the machine frame 12a.

[0029] At least one guide element 124a is arranged on the machine frame 12a. The at least one guide element 124a is integrally arranged with the machine frame 12a. "Integral arrangement" particularly means that it is connected at least by a material-connecting connection, such as a welding process, adhesive process, injection molding process, and / or another process deemed convenient by those skilled in the art, and / or is preferably formed in one piece, preferably from a single blank, for example, by a casting-based manufacturing process and / or a one-component or multi-component injection molding process. Alternatively, the guide element 124a can be removably arranged on the machine frame 12a, particularly in a non-destructive manner. The at least one guide element 124a is circular when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 16a of at least the transverse sealing device 14a. The at least one guide element 124a has a ring shape, particularly preferably a ring segment shape, when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 16a of at least the transverse sealing device 14a. At least one guide element 124a has a hollow cylindrical shape. In this case, the guide element 124a has protrusions 128a at each end of the hollow cylindrical guide element 124a, particularly on the inner wall 130a of the guide element 124a. The inner wall 130a is cylindrical, particularly with the exception of the protrusions 128a. At least a portion of the transverse sealing device 14a is arranged between the protrusions 128a of the guide element 124a, preferably in contact with the protrusions 128a. At least one guide element 124a has a guide groove 132a. This guide groove 132a is arranged in one of the protrusions 132a of the guide element 124a. Alternatively or additionally, the guide element 124a can have at least one guide knob, at least one guide stud, or the like. Furthermore, the guide element 124a can alternatively be configured as a guide rail, guide groove, guide knob, guide stud, or the like. Alternatively, the guide unit 32a of the vertical form fill seal machine 10a may include a plurality of guide elements 124a arranged in a circle. The guide groove 132a has an undercut.Alternatively, the guide groove 132a of the guide element 124a can be configured without an undercut.

[0030] At least one guide element 124a may have a plurality of snap-fit ​​points, particularly spaced apart from one another, along the guide direction of the at least one guide element 124a. In this case, the transverse sealing device 14a can be snapped into place at the snap-fit ​​points. Alternatively, the at least one guide element 124a may not have any snap-fit ​​points. Preferably, the transverse sealing device 14a may be continuously fixed along the at least one guide element 124a, for example, via a clamp connection or the like. The at least one guide element 124a is arranged on the inner wall 78a of the machine frame 12a. The at least one guide element is configured integrally with the inner wall 78a of the machine frame 12a. Alternatively, the at least one guide element 124a of the guide unit 32a of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a may be removably, particularly non-destructively, arranged on the inner wall 78a of the machine frame 12a. The inner wall 78a of the machine frame 12a is disposed on the side of the machine frame 12a facing the transverse sealing device 14a. The inner wall 78a is flat. Alternatively, the inner wall 78a may have an at least partially cylindrical or polygonal shape, at least when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 16a.

[0031] The guide unit 32a includes at least one additional guide element 134a disposed on the transverse sealing device 14a. The at least one additional guide element 134a is configured as a guide knob. The at least one additional guide element 134a is configured to engage within an undercut in the guide groove 132a. Alternatively, the at least one additional guide element 134a may be configured as a guide rail, guide groove, guide stud, or the like. The guide unit 32a of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a may also include multiple additional guide elements 134a disposed on the transverse sealing device 14a. The at least one additional guide element 134a is configured to correspond to the at least one guide element 124a. The at least one additional guide element 134a is disposed on the lower surface or upper surface of the transverse sealing device 14a, at least when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 16a. Alternatively, the at least one additional guide element 134a may be arranged laterally with respect to the transverse sealing device 14a, at least when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 16a. The at least one additional guide element 134a may be configured integrally with the transverse sealing device 14a. Alternatively, the at least one additional guide element 134a of the guide unit 32a of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a may be removably, particularly non-destructively, arranged on the transverse sealing device 14a.

[0032] The guide unit 32a and / or the machine frame 12a may have one or more support points at which the transverse sealing device 14a, particularly the frame 70a of the transverse sealing device 14a, is movably connected to the guide unit 32a and / or the machine frame 12a. At least one support point is located below or above the transverse sealing device 14a, preferably on at least one protrusion 128a of the guide element 124a, when viewed at least in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 16a. Alternatively, the at least one support point may be located laterally relative to the transverse sealing device 124a. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one support point is located below or above the transverse sealing device 14a, particularly centrally relative to the transverse sealing device 14a, when viewed at least in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 16a, such that the rotation axis 16a of the transverse sealing device 14a passes through the at least one support point.

[0033] The cylindrical receiving area 126a is at least partially defined by the inner wall 130a of the guide element 124a. The protrusion 128a of the guide element 124a protrudes into the cylindrical receiving area 126a. The curvature of at least one guide element 124a, particularly the curvature radius of the inner wall 130a of the guide element 124a, is equal to the curvature of the at least substantially cylindrical receiving area 126a, particularly the curvature radius of the inner wall 130a. The at least substantially cylindrical receiving area 126a is surrounded by at least 75°, preferably at least 90°, along the circumferential direction of the at least substantially cylindrical receiving area 126a by the at least one guide element 124a, particularly the inner wall 130a of the guide element 124a. The circumferential direction of the at least substantially cylindrical receiving area 126a extends in a plane perpendicular to the main extension axis 136a of the at least substantially cylindrical receiving area 126a. The "main axis of extension" of an object or area herein particularly refers to an axis extending parallel to the longest side of the smallest geometric rectangular parallelepiped that completely surrounds the object or area, respectively. Alternatively, the at least substantially cylindrical receiving area 126a can be surrounded by at least one guide element 124a, in particular the inner wall 130a of this guide element 124a, along the circumferential direction of the at least substantially cylindrical receiving area 126a, by at least 135°, preferably at least 180°. Alternatively, the at least substantially cylindrical receiving area 126a can be surrounded by at least one guide element 124a, in particular the inner wall 130a of this at least one guide element 124a, by less than 75° along the circumferential direction of the at least substantially cylindrical receiving area 126a.

[0034] The main extension axis 136a of the at least substantially cylindrical receiving area 124a is located in a region proximal to the rotation axis 16a of the transverse seal device 14a. The region proximal to the rotation axis 16a of the transverse seal device 14a has a maximum extension length starting from the rotation axis 16a of the transverse seal device 14a. This maximum extension length is preferably oriented perpendicular to the rotation axis of the transverse seal device. The maximum extension length is preferably at most 20%, more preferably at most 10%, of the maximum lateral extent of the transverse seal device 14a. The maximum lateral extent of the transverse seal device 14a is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the vertical movement axis 40a of the guide unit 82a of the transverse seal device 14a and / or the rotation axis 16a of the transverse seal device 14a. The main extension axis 136a of the at least substantially cylindrical receiving area 124a is equal to the rotation axis 16a of the transverse seal device 14a.

[0035] The lateral sealing device 14a includes at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. Each of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a has a sealing surface 76a. The sealing surfaces 76a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a are disposed opposite each other. The sealing surfaces 76a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a contact the packaging material at a sealing position to form a seal therein. The sealing surfaces 76a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a extend at least substantially parallel to each other. A main extension axis 136a of the at least substantially cylindrical receiving area 124a is located in a region proximal to the sealing planes 22a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. The rotation axis 16a is located in the sealing planes 22a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. The sealing planes 22a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a are defined, in particular by the sealing surfaces 76a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a, such that the sealing surfaces 76a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a are directly adjacent to one another, preferably in contact with one another. The proximal region of the sealing plane 22a has a maximum extension length starting from the sealing plane 22a. This maximum extension length is particularly oriented perpendicular to the sealing plane 22a. The value of the maximum extension length is at most 20%, particularly preferably at most 10%, of the maximum lateral extent of the lateral sealing device 14a. The main extension axis 136a of the at least substantially cylindrical receiving region 124a is located within the sealing planes 22a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. The axis of rotation 16a of the lateral seal device 14a intersects a region proximal to the center point of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a relative to the sealing faces 76a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a or passes through the center point of the sealing area of ​​the sealing faces 76a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. This region proximal to the center point preferably has a maximum extension length from the center point that is at most 20% of the maximum lateral extent of the lateral seal device 14a.In particular, the maximum lateral extent of the lateral sealing device 14a extends at least substantially perpendicular to the vertical movement axis 40a of the guide unit 82a and / or the sealing faces 76a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a.

[0036] The transverse seal device 14a has a central axis 138a that intersects with the center point of the transverse seal device 14a. The main extension axis 136a of the at least substantially cylindrical receiving area 124a is disposed in a region proximal to the central axis 138a of the transverse seal device 14a. The center point of the transverse seal device 14a is the geometric center of the transverse seal device 14a. The central axis 138a of the transverse seal device 14a is equal to the main extension axis of the transverse seal device 14a. The central axis 138a of the transverse seal device 14a is equal to the rotation axis 16a of the transverse seal device 14a. Alternatively, the central axis 138a of the transverse seal device 14a can be different from the rotation axis 16a of the transverse seal device 14a. The region proximal to the central axis 138a of the transverse sealing device 14a has a maximum extension length starting from the central axis 138a of the transverse sealing device 14a, which is preferably oriented perpendicular to the central axis 138a of the transverse sealing device 14a, and which is at most 20%, particularly preferably at most 10%, of the maximum transverse extent of the transverse sealing device 14a.

[0037] The guide element 124a of the guide unit 32a of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a defines a circular guide path 140a. In this case, the transverse sealing device 14a is disposed at least substantially completely within a cylinder 142a corresponding to the circular guide path 140a. The cylinder 142a corresponding to the circular guide path 140a differs from the cylindrical receiving area 126a, particularly in terms of its radius. The circular guide path 140a is defined by a guide groove 132a of the guide element 124a. Alternatively, the cylinder 142a corresponding to the circular guide path 140a may be equal to the cylindrical receiving area 126a. In particular, the cylindrical receiving area 126a may alternatively be at least partially defined by the circular guide path 140a of the guide element 124a.

[0038] The transverse sealing device 14a has an at least partially circular outer contour, at least when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 16a. The outer contour 16a of the transverse sealing device 14a forms a complete circle, at least when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 16a. The curvature, preferably at least the radius of curvature, of the at least partially circular outer contour is equal to the curvature, preferably the radius of curvature, of at least one guide element 124a, particularly the inner wall 130a of the guide element 124a, preferably at least when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 16a. The at least partially circular outer contour is disposed on the side of the transverse sealing device 14a facing the machine frame 12a, particularly the inner wall 78a of the machine frame 12a. The frame 70a of the transverse sealing device 14a forms the at least partially circular outer contour of the transverse sealing device 14a. Alternatively, at least one of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a or another component of the transverse sealing device 14a can form an at least partially circular outer contour of the transverse sealing device 14a, or the transverse sealing device 14a can have a cylindrical outer wall.

[0039] The guide element 124a, particularly the inner wall 130a of the guide element 124a, surrounds the transverse seal device 14a by at least 75° along the circumferential direction of the transverse seal device 14a in at least one rotational position of the transverse seal device 14a relative to the guide element 124a. The circumferential direction of the transverse seal device 14a extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 16a of the transverse seal device 14a. Alternatively, the guide element 124a, particularly the inner wall 130a of the guide element 124a, can surround the transverse seal device 14a by less than 75° along the circumferential direction of the transverse seal device 14a in at least one other rotational position of the transverse seal device 14a relative to the guide element 124a. Preferably, at least one guide element 124a surrounds the transverse seal device 14a by at least 90° in at least one rotational position of the transverse seal device 14a relative to the guide element 124a. It is also possible that at least one guide element 124a surrounds the transverse sealing device 14a by at least 180°, particularly preferably 360°, along the circumferential direction of the transverse sealing device 14a in at least one rotational position of the transverse sealing device 14a relative to the guide element 124a.

[0040] The main extension axis 136a of the at least substantially cylindrical receiving area 126a is located in a region proximal to the central axis 28a of the filling tube 26a, and in particular is equal to the central axis 28a of the filling tube 26a. The rotation axis 16a of the transverse sealing device 14a is located in a region proximal to the central axis 28a of the filling tube 26a, and in particular is equal to the central axis 28a of the filling tube 26a. The central axis 28a of the filling tube 26a is equal to the main exit axis of the filling tube 26a. It is also possible for the central axis 28a of the filling tube 26a to be equal to the main extension axis of the filling tube. The region proximal to the central axis 28a of the filling tube 26a has a maximum extension length that starts from the central axis 28a of the filling tube 26a, and in particular extends perpendicular to the central axis 28a of the filling tube 26a. The value of this maximum extension length is at most 20%, particularly preferably at most 10%, of the value of the maximum lateral extent of the lateral sealing device 14a. The central axis 28a of the filling tube 26a extends at least substantially parallel to the rotation axis 16a of the lateral sealing device 14a and / or the main extension axis 136a of the at least substantially cylindrical receiving area 126a. The filling station 24a is arranged so that the vertical movement axis 40a of the guide unit 82a intersects with the filling station 24a. The central axis 28a of the filling tube 24a extends at least substantially parallel to the vertical movement axis 40a of the guide unit 82a and / or the sealing surfaces 76a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a.

[0041] The vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a includes a drive unit 30a for driving the movement unit to rotate at least substantially the entire transverse sealing device 14a about the rotation axis 16a. Illustratively, the drive unit 30a of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a is configured as an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, or another drive unit deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art. The vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a includes a control unit (not shown) for controlling the drive of the drive unit 30a of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a. The control unit includes at least a processor, a memory element, and an operating program stored in the memory element. The memory element is preferably configured as a digital memory element, such as a hard disk or the like. The control unit automatically controls the drive of the drive unit 30a of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a, particularly in accordance with the operating program being executed by the control unit. Alternatively or additionally, the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a may include an input unit (not shown) for manually controlling the drive unit 30a of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a to rotate at least substantially the entire transverse sealing device 14a about the rotation axis 16a. Illustratively, the input unit includes a keyboard, a touchscreen, buttons, an adjustment wheel, or the like. The input unit may be attached to the machine frame 12a or may be part of an external unit, particularly an external unit with a data connection to the control unit of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a, such as a server, smartphone, laptop, remote control, or the like. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a may include at least one mechanical control element intended to be manually operated by a user. Illustratively, the at least one mechanical control element is configured as a lever, a mechanical adjustment wheel, or the like.At least substantially the entire transverse sealing device 10a is rotatable by the drive unit 30a of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a during operation of the machine, particularly during sealing of packaging material and / or filling of packages, and / or is manually rotatable by at least one mechanical control element. Additionally or alternatively, at least substantially the entire transverse sealing device 14a can be rotatable when the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a is not filling packages and / or sealing of packaging material. Also, alternatively or additionally, at least substantially the entire transverse sealing device 10a can be manually rotatable about the rotation axis 16a of the transverse sealing device 14a without an additional mechanical control element or the like.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the transverse sealing device 14a. The at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a are movably, particularly linearly, connected to the frame 70a via a guide unit 82a of the transverse sealing device 14a. The transverse sealing device 14a includes a guide unit 82a for guiding the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a, particularly during their movement relative to the frame 70a. The transverse sealing device 14a, particularly the guide unit 82a, includes two guide elements 64a, 74a for guiding the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a, particularly during their vertical movement relative to the frame 70a and / or the machine frame 12a. Alternatively, the transverse sealing device 14a, particularly the guide unit 82a, can include only one guide element or more than two guide elements. The two guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a are embodied as guide rods that are rotatably arranged relative to the frame 70a. Alternatively, the two guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a can be embodied as other guide elements as deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art. The guide unit 82a includes two other guide elements 84a for guiding the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a during their horizontal movement relative to one another. The two other guide elements 84a of the guide unit 82a are embodied in a different form than the two guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a. The two other guide elements 84a of the guide unit 82a are embodied as guide rods or the like that are non-rotatably arranged relative to the frame 70a.

[0043] The lateral sealing device 14a includes at least one movement unit 36a for moving, particularly translationally, the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a relative to one another along a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38a of the guide unit 82a and / or for moving, particularly translationally, the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a along a direction parallel to the vertical movement axis 40a of the guide unit 82a. The lateral sealing device 14a preferably includes at least two drive units 42a, 44a for providing driving forces to generate horizontal and / or vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a relative to the frame 70a and / or the machine frame 12a. One drive unit 44a of the at least two drive units 42a, 44a is configured to drive the movement unit 36a to generate horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a relative to one another. At least one other drive unit 42a of the at least two drive units 42a, 44a is configured to drive the movement unit 36a to generate vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. Alternatively, the drive unit 44a or another drive unit 42a may be configured to drive the movement unit 36a to generate horizontal and vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. The other drive unit 42a of the at least two drive units 42a, 44a may include a lifting fork, a transmission belt, gears, or the like for transmitting the driving force of the at least one other drive unit 42a to the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a to generate vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a, particularly relative to the frame 70a. Alternatively, the other drive unit 42a may be configured to drive the movement unit 36a to generate vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a, particularly relative to the frame 70a. The horizontal movement axes of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a relative to each other extend along a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38a of the guide unit 82a.The vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a extends along a direction parallel to the vertical movement axis 40a of the guide unit 82a. The at least two drive units 42a, 44a of the transverse sealing device 14a are configured as electric motors. Alternatively, the at least two drive units 42a, 44a of the transverse sealing device 14a can be configured as pneumatic motors or other drive units deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art. The drive unit 44a of the transverse sealing device 14a and the other drive unit 42a are arranged at least substantially fixed in position relative to the machine frame 12a. In particular, the drive units being arranged "at least substantially fixed in position" means that there is no movement other than the movement of the mechanical components of the drive units that necessarily move during operation of the drive units.

[0044] The horizontal movement axis 38a of the guide unit 82a extends at least substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 16a of the transverse sealing device 14a. The term "substantially perpendicular" in this specification particularly refers to the orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction. In this case, the direction and the reference direction, in particular when viewed in a projection plane, encompass an angle of 90°, with the angle having a maximum deviation of less than 8°, preferably less than 5°, and particularly preferably less than 2°. The vertical movement axis 40a of the guide unit 82a extends at least substantially parallel to the rotation axis 16a of the transverse sealing device 14a. The term "substantially parallel" in this specification particularly refers to the orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane. In this case, the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of less than 8°, preferably less than 5°, and particularly preferably less than 2°. The at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a are particularly configured to seal packaging material that can be positioned between the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. The horizontal movement axis 38a of the guide unit 82a extends at least substantially perpendicular to the sealing surfaces 76a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. The sealing surfaces 76a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a extend at least substantially perpendicular to the vertical movement axis 38a of the guide unit 82a. The rotation axis 16a of the lateral sealing device 14a extends at least substantially parallel to the sealing surfaces 76a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a.

[0045] The moving unit 36a is disposed at least substantially completely laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a, when viewed at least in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38a of the guide unit 82a. The fact that an object is disposed "at least substantially completely laterally relative to another object" herein means, in particular, that at least 50%, preferably 75%, and particularly preferably at least 90% of the object's total volume and / or mass is disposed laterally relative to the other object. Preferably, in at least one operating state of the moving unit, the moving unit is disposed completely laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws, when viewed at least in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis. The moving unit 36a is embodied differently from the drive unit 44a and / or the further drive unit 42a. The moving unit 36a is embodied differently from the guide unit 82a of the transverse sealing device 14a, particularly from at least the fixed guide elements of the transverse sealing device 14a. The guide unit 82a is preferably configured to guide the movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. The at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a are supported so as to be movable, in particular linearly, along a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38a of the guide unit 82a. The at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a are supported so as to be movable, in particular linearly, along a direction parallel to the vertical movement axis 40a of the guide unit 82a.

[0046] The movement unit 36a is configured to convert forces that can be generated by the drive unit 44a and / or the further drive unit 42a and that act on the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a into horizontal movements of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a relative to one another and / or vertical movements of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a, particularly relative to the frame 70a and / or the machine frame 12a. The vertical movement axis 40a extends at least substantially parallel to the sealing faces 76a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a and / or at least substantially perpendicular to the horizontal movement axis 38a.

[0047] The moving unit 36a is disposed laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a such that the moving unit 36a is positioned at least substantially entirely within the proximal region of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. The fact that the moving unit 36a is disposed laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a such that the moving unit 36a is positioned at least substantially entirely within the proximal region of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a means herein that the moving unit 36a is disposed laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a such that at least 50%, preferably 75%, and particularly preferably at least 90% of the total volume and / or mass of the moving unit 36a is disposed laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a within the proximal region of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. In particular, the proximal regions of the at least two sealing jaws 18 a, 20 a extend beyond the at least two sealing jaws 18 a, 20 a in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38 a by at most 20%, preferably at most 10%, and particularly preferably at most 5% of the maximum range of movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18 a, 20 a. Preferably, the proximal regions of the at least two sealing jaws 18 a, 20 a extend beyond the at least two sealing jaws 18 a, 20 a along a direction parallel to the vertical movement axis 38 a by at most 20%, preferably at most 10%, and particularly preferably at most 5% of the maximum range of movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18 a, 20 a. Particularly preferably, the proximal regions of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a extend perpendicularly to the vertical movement axis 40a and the horizontal movement axis 38a beyond the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a by up to 20%, preferably up to 10%, particularly preferably up to 5% of the maximum extension length of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a.

[0048] The at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a are pullable into a sealing position by a moving unit 36a. The at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a are movable into a sealing position relative to one another by the moving unit 36a without direct pushing movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. The at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a are pullable into a sealing position relative to one another along a direction parallel to a horizontal movement axis 38a by the moving unit 36a. The moving unit 36a is connected to the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a such that the moving unit 36a is configured to generate a direct pulling force for pulling the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a into a sealing position relative to one another. The moving unit 36a is connected to the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a such that the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a are moved, in particular pulled, in a synchronous movement relative to one another. Alternatively, the movement unit 36a can also be connected to the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a such that the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a are moved, in particular pulled, in an asynchronous movement relative to one another.

[0049] The moving unit 36a includes four moving elements 46a, 48a, 54a, and 56a, particularly mechanical connection elements. Exemplarily, the four moving elements 46a, 48a, 54a, and 56a are configured as arms. Alternatively, the four moving elements 46a, 48a, 54a, and 56a can be configured as beams, support elements, gears, or the like. Alternatively, the moving unit 36a can include only one moving element or more than four moving elements. The four moving elements 46a, 48a, 54a, and 56a can be configured identically to one another. Alternatively, the four moving elements 46a, 48a, 54a, and 56a can be configured differently from one another. Two of the four moving elements 46a, 48a, 54a, 56a are movably, in particular rotatably, connected to one of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a, respectively.

[0050] Here, as an example, one moving element 46a of the four moving elements 46a, 48a, 54a, 56a will be described. The moving element 46a is directly, preferably movably, and particularly rotatably, connected to one of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. At least one other moving element 48a of the four moving elements 46a, 48a, 54a, 56a is directly, preferably movably, and particularly rotatably connected to another sealing jaw 20a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. The moving element 46a and the other moving element 48a are movable relative to each other. In this case, the movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a relative to each other can preferably be generated by the relative movement of the moving element 46a and the other moving element 48a. The relative movement of the moving element 46a and the other moving element 48a enables the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a to be pressed or pulled. The moving element 46a and the further moving element 48a are movable relative to each other to pull the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a toward each other to the sealing position. The movement of the moving element 46a and the further moving element 48a relative to each other to move the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a relative to each other, particularly to the sealing position, can occur by a rotational movement of the moving unit 36a, particularly by a rotation of at least one additional moving element 86a of the moving unit 36a. Alternatively, the moving element 46a and the further moving element 48a can be movable relative to each other to move the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a relative to each other by a pushing and / or pulling movement of the moving unit 36a, particularly by a pushing and / or pulling movement of the additional moving element 86a of the moving unit 36a.

[0051] The moving unit 36a includes two torque-resistant linear bushings 62a, 68a. The additional moving element 86a is formed by one of the at least two torque-resistant linear bushings 62a, 68a. Alternatively, the moving unit 36a can include only one torque-resistant linear bushing 62a or more than two torque-resistant linear bushings. The at least two torque-resistant linear bushings 62a, 68a are configured to transmit drive torque, particularly from the at least one drive unit 44a, to move the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a relative to each other along a direction parallel to the horizontal axis 38a. When viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38a of at least the guide unit 82a, one of the two torque-resistant linear bushings 62a, 68a is located on each side of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to at least the horizontal movement axis 38a and the vertical movement axis 40a of the guide unit 82a, the at least two torque-resistant linear bushings 62a, 68a are arranged on opposite sides of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a, in particular laterally.

[0052] The moving element 46a and the further moving element 48a are movably, particularly rotatably, connected to one of the two torque-resisting linear bushings 62a, 68a. The torque-resisting linear bushing 62a, the moving element 46a, and the further moving element 48a are components of a crank-slider mechanism 100a. This crank-slider mechanism 100a is configured to transfer a driving force, which can be generated by the drive unit 44a, to horizontally move the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a. The torque-resisting linear bushing 62a is configured to transfer a driving force, particularly from the drive unit 44a, to the moving element 46a and the further moving element 48a to move the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a relative to each other along a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38a. The connection between two other moving elements 54a, 56a of the four moving elements 46a, 48a, 54a, 56a, one other additional moving element 88a of the moving unit 36a, and in particular one other torque-resisting linear bushing 68a of the two torque-resisting linear bushings 62a, 68a, and the drive unit 44a is similar to the connection between the moving element 46a, the other moving element 48a, the additional moving element 86a, and in particular the torque-resisting linear bushing 62a of the two torque-resisting linear bushings 62a, 68a, and the drive unit 44a.

[0053] The moving unit 36a, particularly at least one of the four moving elements 46a, 48a, 54a, 56a of the moving unit 36a, and the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a, particularly the moving area 60a of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a, can at least partially overlap one another in at least one operating state of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal movement axis 38a of the guide unit 82a. When viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38a of the guide unit 82a, the rear and front areas of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a are at least substantially completely free of the moving unit 36a.

[0054] The two torque-resistant linear bushings 62a, 68a are each movably, particularly linearly, connected to one of the two guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a. The at least one drive unit 44a is configured to drive the at least two guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a to rotate them about the rotation axis 66a of the at least two guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a to generate horizontal movement of the two sealing jaws 18a, 20a relative to each other. The moving unit 36a is formed by the two torque-resistant linear bushings 62a, 68a, the two guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a, and the four moving elements 46a, 48a, 54a, 56a. Alternatively, the moving unit 36a can be configured in a different manner, particularly as deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art. Each of the two torque-resistant linear bushings 62a, 68a is non-rotatably connected to one of the two guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a. The at least two guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a are disposed at least substantially completely laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38a of the guide unit 82a. The main extension axes of the at least two guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a are at least substantially perpendicular to the horizontal movement axis 38a of the guide unit 82a. The main extension axes of the at least two guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a are at least substantially parallel to the vertical movement axis 40a of the guide unit 82a. The main extension axes of the two guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a correspond to the rotation axis 66a. The driving force of the drive unit 44a can be transmitted to the two guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a by a transmission belt, gears, or the like of the drive unit. The two guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a form two additional moving elements 90a of the moving unit 36a.The guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a are rotatably connected to the frame 70a of the transverse sealing device 70a.

[0055] The two torque-resisting linear bushings 62a, 68a may be moved along the two guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a for vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a, respectively. The vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a is directly coupled to the vertical movement of the two torque-resisting linear bushings 62a, 68a. At least one other drive unit 42a is configured to drive the movement unit 36c to generate vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a relative to the frame 70a.

[0056] 4, a flowchart of a method of operating the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a is shown. In process step 34a, at least substantially the entire transverse sealing device 14a of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a is rotated about the axis of rotation 16a of the transverse sealing device 14a relative to the machine frame 12a of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a. In process step 34a, substantially the entire transverse sealing device 14a is preferably rotated by the drive unit 30a of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a and / or may be rotated manually by at least one mechanical control element during sealing of packaging materials and / or filling of packages. Also, in process step 34a, while the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a is not filling packages and / or sealing packaging material, at least substantially the entire transverse sealing device 14a can be rotated, preferably by the drive unit 30a of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a, and / or manually by at least one mechanical control element. Preferably, in process step 34a, at least substantially the entire transverse sealing device 14a is rotated through an angle of 90° about the rotation axis 16a of the transverse sealing device 14a relative to the machine frame 12a. Alternatively, in process step 34a, at least substantially the entire transverse sealing device 14a can be rotated through an angle other than 90° about the rotation axis 16a of the transverse sealing device 14a relative to the machine frame 12a.

[0057] In process step 34a, substantially the entire transverse sealing device 14a is rotated continuously about rotation axis 16a from one working position of the transverse sealing device 14a for transversely sealing the packaging material to another working position of the transverse sealing device 14a for transversely sealing the packaging material. In process step 34a, at least substantially the entire transverse sealing device 14a is rotated about rotation axis 16a of the transverse sealing device 14a, which is fixed in position relative to the machine frame 12a of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 10a, from one working position of the transverse sealing device 14a for transversely sealing the packaging material to another working position of the transverse sealing device 14a for transversely sealing the packaging material. Particularly preferably, in process step 34a, substantially the entire transverse sealing device 14a is rotated about the rotation axis 16a of the transverse sealing device 14a, in particular by the drive unit 30a of the vertical form, fill and seal machine 10a and / or manually by at least one mechanical control element, from one working position to another, without translational movement of the transverse sealing device 14a relative to the machine frame 12a.

[0058] In a subsequent process step 80a, the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a are moved into a sealing position for transversely sealing the packaging material. It is also possible that the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a can be moved into a sealing position for transversely sealing the packaging material in process step 34, particularly during rotation of the transverse sealing device 14a about its axis of rotation 16a relative to the machine frame 12a.

[0059] 5 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a method for operating a transverse sealing device 14a to seal a package or packaging material. In process step 72a, at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a of the transverse sealing device 14a are pulled to a sealing position by a moving unit 36a of the transverse sealing device 14a. In process step 72a, at least one moving element 46a and at least one other moving element 48a of the two moving elements 46a, 48a of the moving unit 36a are moved relative to one another by a drive unit 44a to generate a pulling force that pulls the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a toward one another to the sealing position. In process step 72a, a driving force for moving the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a relative to one another along a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38a is transmitted by two torque-resistant linear bushings 62a, 68a of the moving unit 36a. In process step 72a, the drive unit 44a drives the guide elements 64a, 74a of the guide unit 82a to rotate about their rotation axis 66a to generate rotation of the two torque-resisting linear bushings 62a, 68a. In process step 72a, the rotational force of the torque-resisting linear bushing 62a of the two torque-resisting linear bushings 62a, 68a is converted into relative movement between the moving element 46a and another moving element 48a to generate a pulling or pushing force that moves the at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a relative to each other along a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38a of the guide unit 82a. This similarly applies to the other torque-resisting linear bushing 68a of the two torque-resisting linear bushings 62a, 68a and the two other moving elements 54a, 56a. In a subsequent process step 80a, at least two sealing jaws 18a, 20a are moved vertically relative to the frame 70a by another drive unit 42a.

[0060] Figures 6 to 13 show other exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The following description and drawings are substantially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, and for components with the same names, particularly components with the same reference numbers, please refer primarily to the drawings and / or descriptions of the other exemplary embodiments in Figures 1 to 5. To distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the reference numbers of the exemplary embodiments in Figures 1 to 5 were appended with the letter a. In the exemplary embodiments in Figures 6 to 13, the letter a is replaced with letters b to g.

[0061] 6 shows a lateral sealing device 14b for sealing packages or packaging materials. The lateral sealing device 14b includes at least two sealing jaws 18b, 20b. The lateral sealing device 14b includes at least one moving unit 36b for translating the at least two sealing jaws 18b, 20b relative to one another along a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38b of the guide unit 82b of the lateral sealing device 14b and for translating the at least two sealing jaws 18b, 20b along a direction parallel to the vertical movement axis 40b of the guide unit 82b, particularly relative to a frame (not shown) of the lateral sealing device 14b. The moving unit 36b specifically includes two ball screw slide mechanisms 116b arranged on opposite sides of the at least two sealing jaws 18b, 20b. These two ball screw slide mechanisms 116b can convert the driving force of at least one drive unit (not shown) of the lateral sealing device 14b into horizontal and vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18b, 20b, particularly relative to the frame. The moving unit 36b is disposed at least substantially completely laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18b, 20b when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38b of at least the guide unit 82b. The moving unit 36b is disposed laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18b, 20b such that the moving unit 36b is positioned at least substantially completely within the proximal region of the at least two sealing jaws 18b, 20b when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38b of at least the guide unit 82b. The at least two sealing jaws 18b, 20b can be pulled into a sealing position by the moving unit 36b.

[0062] 7 shows a transverse sealing device 14c for sealing packages or packaging materials. The transverse sealing device 14c includes at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The transverse sealing device 14c includes at least one moving unit 36c for translating the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c relative to one another along a direction parallel to a horizontal movement axis 38c of a guide unit 82c of the transverse sealing device 14c and for translating the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c along a direction parallel to a vertical movement axis 40c of the guide unit 82c, particularly relative to a frame (not shown) of the transverse sealing device 14c. The transverse sealing device 14c includes at least two drive units 42c, 44c for driving the moving unit 36c.

[0063] The at least two drive units 42c, 44c are connected to each other by the movement unit 36c such that horizontal and / or vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c can occur through joint driving of the movement unit 36c by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c. The horizontal and / or vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c can only occur through driving performed by all of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c. When at least one of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c is in a quiescent state, movement of the movement unit 36c, particularly movement other than vibration movement that may occur when the movement unit 36c is driven by only one of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c to cause horizontal and / or vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c, is prevented. When the moving unit 36c is not driven by at least one of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c, the movement of the moving unit 36c to generate horizontal and / or vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c is prevented.

[0064] The moving unit 36c can be driven by the joint drive of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c, particularly to generate only horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c relative to the frame (not shown) of the transverse sealing device 14c. The moving unit 36c can be driven by the joint drive of the at least two drive units 18c, 20c, particularly to generate only vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c relative to the frame of the transverse sealing device 14c. It is also possible that the moving unit 36c can be driven by the joint drive of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c, particularly to generate both horizontal and vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c relative to the frame of the transverse sealing device 14c.

[0065] The moving unit 36c includes two moving elements 46c, 48c for forming a movable connection between the two drive units 42c, 44c and the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The two moving elements 46c, 48c are configured as arms. Alternatively, the two moving elements 46c, 48c may be configured as beams, support elements, particularly torque-resistant linear bushings, gears, or the like. The moving unit 36c includes at least one drive connection element 94c for mechanically connecting the at least two drive units 42c, 44c to each other. The drive connection element 94c is configured as a beam. Alternatively, the drive connection element 94c may be configured as an arm, support element, particularly torque-resistant linear bushings, gears, or the like. The drive connection element 94c is connected to the at least two drive units 42c, 44c by the two moving elements 46c, 48c of the moving unit 36c. Alternatively, at least one of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c can be directly, in particular movably, connected to the drive connection element 94c, preferably without an additional moving element. The drive connection element 94c is preferably connected to the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c via at least one additional moving element 96c of a moving unit 36c, which is non-rotatably connected to the drive connection element 94c. The moving unit 36c includes at least two slider elements 98c, in particular movably, in particular rotatably, connected to the additional moving element 94c and / or to the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c.

[0066] The drive connection element 94c, the two slider elements 98c, and the additional moving element 96c are components of a crank-slider mechanism 100c, which is particularly arranged between the at least two moving elements 46c, 48c and the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The two slider elements 98c are configured as arms. Alternatively, the two slider elements may be configured as beams, support elements, gears, or the like. The drive connection element 94c is preferably connected to the additional moving element 96c via a rod 102c or the like. Alternatively, the additional moving element 96c and the drive connection element 94c may be configured integrally with each other. The crank-slider mechanism 100c is preferably configured to convert a driving force, particularly the movement of the drive connection element 94c, which can be generated by the at least two drive units 18c, 20c, into horizontal and / or vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The drive connection element 94c is movable only by the joint drive of the at least two drive units 18c, 20c. In particular, in a preferred configuration of the present invention, the drive connection element may be driven to rotate about a rotation axis 104c of the drive connection element 94c by the joint drive of the at least two drive units 18c, 20c so as to generate horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The rotation axis 104c of the drive connection element 94c extends at least substantially parallel to the sealing surfaces 76a of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The rotation axis 104c of the drive connection element 94c extends at least substantially perpendicular to the horizontal movement axis 38c of the guide unit 82c and the vertical movement axis 40c of the guide unit 82c.

[0067] The moving unit 36c has a similar structure on both sides of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The moving unit 36c includes a separate drive connection element 106c configured identically to the drive connection element 94c. Alternatively, the separate drive connection element 106c can be configured differently from the drive connection element 94c. The drive connection element 94c and the separate drive connection element 106c are disposed on opposite sides of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The connection of the separate drive connection element 106c to the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c is preferably similar to the connection of the drive connection element 94c to the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The connection of the separate drive connection element 106c to the at least two drive units 42c, 44c is similar to the connection of the drive connection element 94c to the at least two drive units 42c, 44c. The moving unit 36c includes at least two separate moving elements 54c, 56c. The connection of the at least two other moving elements 54c, 56c to the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c is similar to the connection of the at least two moving elements 46c, 48c to the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The connection of the at least two other moving elements 54c, 56c to the other drive connecting element 106c is similar to the connection of the at least two moving elements 46c, 48c to the drive connecting element 94c. The connection of the at least two other moving elements 54c, 56c to the at least two drive units 42c, 44c is similar to the connection of the at least two moving elements 46c, 48c to the at least two drive units 42c, 44c. The at least two moving elements 46c, 48c and the at least two other moving elements 54c, 56c are disposed on opposite sides of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The at least two drive units 42c, 44c are disposed at least partially laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38c.Alternatively, the two drive units 42c, 44c can be arranged in a central position relative to the at least two moving elements 46c, 48c and the at least two further moving elements 54c, 56c, preferably when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38c of the guide unit 82c. Furthermore, the at least two drive units 42c, 44c can be arranged in a different manner, particularly as deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art. The moving unit 36c is composed of four moving elements 46c, 48c, 54c, 56c, in particular two moving elements 46c, 48c and two other moving elements 54c, 56c, two drive connection elements 94c, 106c, in particular the drive connection element 94c and another drive connection element 106c, four slider elements 98c, two of these four slider elements 98c realized by at least two of the slider elements 98c already described above, two rods 102c, one of these two rods 102c, in particular one of the rods 102c already described above, and two additional moving elements 96c, one of these two additional moving elements 96c realized by the additional moving element 96c already described above. Alternatively, the moving unit 36c may consist of only one drive connection element, one rod, two moving elements, two slider elements, and one additional moving element. Furthermore, other embodiments of the moving unit 36c are possible as deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art. In particular, the moving unit 36c may be realized without the rod 102c.

[0068] Each of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c includes at least one drive shaft 108c. The drive direction of each of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c corresponds to the rotation direction of the drive shaft 108c about its rotation axis 110c. The rotation axis 110c of the drive shaft 108c corresponds to the main extension axis of each drive shaft 108c. The rotation axes 110c of the drive shafts 108c of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c preferably extend at least substantially parallel to the sealing surfaces of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The rotation axes 110c of the drive shafts 108c of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c extend at least substantially perpendicular to the horizontal movement axis 38c and the vertical movement axis 40c of the guide unit 82c. The rotation axes 110c of the drive shafts 108c of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c extend at least substantially parallel to one another. Alternatively, the rotation axes 110c of the drive shafts 108c of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c can extend laterally relative to one another, preferably at least substantially perpendicular. The drive shaft 108c of one drive unit 42c of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c is directly connected to one of the two moving elements 46c, 48c and one of the at least two other moving elements 54c, 56c. The drive shaft 108c of another drive unit 44c of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c is directly connected to another of the moving elements 48c, 46c, 48c, and another of the at least two other moving elements 54c, 56c.

[0069] The drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c may be driven by the joint drive of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c to translate along a direction parallel to the translation axis of the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c, particularly to generate vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 42c, 44c relative to the frame of the lateral sealing device 14c. The translation axis of the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c extends transversely, particularly preferably at least substantially perpendicularly, to the rotation axis 104c of the drive connection element 94c. The translation axis preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the vertical movement axis 40c of the guide unit 82c and / or the sealing surfaces of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The translation axis extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the horizontal movement axis 40c of the guide unit 82c.

[0070] The vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c can be generated by the parallel driving of the movement unit 36c by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c. The vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c can be generated by the parallel driving of the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c. The parallel driving of the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c means that at least the direction and speed of the movement transmitted to the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c, which can be generated by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c, match each other. The components of the crank slider mechanism 100c are simply translated as a whole via parallel driving of the moving unit 36c by at least two drive units 42c, 44c to generate vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The drive directions of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c to generate parallel driving of the moving unit 36c, particularly the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c, are directed in opposite directions. Alternatively, the drive directions of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c can be aligned to generate parallel driving of the moving unit 36c, particularly the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c. The absolute values ​​of the drive speeds of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c can preferably be matched or different from one another in order to generate a parallel drive of the transfer unit 36c, in particular the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c, depending on the arrangement of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c relative to one another and / or the arrangement of the transfer unit 36c. The drive direction of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c depends on the arrangement of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c relative to one another and / or the arrangement of the transfer unit 36c.Alternatively, the two drive units 42c, 44c can be arranged and / or configured such that parallel driving of the moving unit 36c can be generated by synchronous operation of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c. The moving unit 36c is arranged such that parallel driving of the moving unit 36c, in particular the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c, generates translational movement of the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c along a direction parallel to the translational axis of the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c, in particular for the purpose of generating vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c relative to the frame of the transverse sealing device 14c.

[0071] The horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c relative to one another can be generated by non-parallel driving of the movement unit 36c by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c. Non-parallel driving of the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c means that at least the directions of the movements transmitted to the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c, which can be generated by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c, are opposite to one another. In particular, the directions of the movements transmitted to the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c in the case of non-parallel driving of the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c, which can be generated by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c, are directed in opposite directions to one another. The movements transmitted to the moving unit 36c, particularly the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c, by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c, through non-parallel driving of the moving unit 36c, particularly the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c, are matched at least in terms of direction and speed. The crank slider mechanism 100c is connected to the at least two drive units 42c, 44c such that the crank slider mechanism 100c is configured to generate horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c through the non-parallel driving of the moving unit 36c by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c. In particular, horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c relative to the frame of the lateral sealing device 14c can be generated through the non-parallel driving of the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c. It is possible that non-parallel driving of the moving unit 36c, in particular the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c, can be generated by asynchronous actuation of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c. The driving directions of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c in this exemplary embodiment are aligned with each other to generate non-parallel driving of the moving unit 36c, preferably the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c.The moving unit 36c is arranged so that non-parallel driving of the moving unit 36c, in particular the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c, generates a rotational movement of the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c about the rotation axis 104c of the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c, in particular to generate a horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The absolute values ​​of the drive speeds of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c can preferably be matched or different from each other to generate a parallel driving of the moving unit 36c, in particular the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c, depending on the arrangement of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c relative to each other and / or the arrangement of the moving unit 36c. Alternatively, the drive directions of at least two drive units 42c, 44c can be different from each other, preferably directed in opposite directions, in order to generate non-parallel drive of the moving unit 36c, in particular the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c.

[0072] The two moving elements 46c, 48c are movably, in particular rotatably, connected to each other. One drive unit 42c of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c is mechanically connected to one moving element 46c of the at least two moving elements 46c, 48c to drive the moving element 46c. Another drive unit 44c of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c is mechanically connected to another moving element 48c of the at least two moving elements 46c, 48c to drive the other moving element 48c. The two moving elements 46c, 48c and the other two moving elements 54c, 56c are movably, in particular rotatably, connected to one of the drive shafts 108c of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c, respectively, in particular via link arms 112c of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c, which are preferably arranged on the drive shafts 108c of the two drive units 42c, 44c in fixed positions relative to each drive shaft 108c.

[0073] The moving unit 36c is disposed at least substantially completely laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c when viewed at least in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38c of the guide unit 82c. The moving unit 36c is disposed laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c such that the moving unit 36c is disposed at least substantially completely within proximal regions of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c when viewed at least in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38c of the guide unit 82c. The at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c can be pulled into a sealing position by the moving unit 36c.

[0074] 8 is a schematic flow chart of a method for operating a transverse sealing device. In process step 58c, the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c of the transverse sealing device 14c are translated along a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 18c and / or the vertical movement axis 40c of the guide unit 82c by joint driving of the movement unit 36c of the transverse sealing device 14c by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c of the transverse sealing device 14c. The horizontal and / or vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c is generated by driving performed by all of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c. In process step 58c, a force generated by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c is transmitted to the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c by the movement unit 36c to generate horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c relative to each other and / or vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c, particularly relative to the frame of the lateral sealing device 14c. In process step 58c, the movement unit 36c can be driven by a joint drive of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c to generate only horizontal or vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. In process step 58c, the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c are driven to rotate about the rotation axis 104c of the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c by the joint drive of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c to generate horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. Alternatively, in process step 58c, the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c can be driven to rotate about the rotation axis 104c of the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c by the joint drive of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c to generate vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c.In process step 58c, the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c are driven by the joint drive of the at least two drive units 42c, 44c to translate along a direction parallel to the translation axis of the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c, for the purpose of generating vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. In process step 58c, the driving force generated by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c, particularly the movement of the drive connection element 94c and the further drive connection element 106c, is converted into horizontal and / or vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c by the crank-slider mechanism 100c.

[0075] In process step 58c, the moving unit 36c, particularly the at least two moving elements 46c, 48c of the moving unit 36c, are driven in parallel by at least two drive units 42c, 44c to generate vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. In process step 58c, the vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c is generated by parallel driving of the drive connection element 94c and another drive connection element 106c by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c. In process step 58c, the moving unit 36c, particularly the at least two moving elements 46c, 48c of the moving unit 36c, are driven in opposite directions by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c to generate horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. In process step 58c, horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c is generated by non-parallel driving of the drive connection element 94c and another drive connection element 106c by the at least two drive units 42c, 44c. In a subsequent process step 114c, the packaging material is sealed by the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c.

[0076] 9a shows a schematic diagram of a moving unit 36c in two different vertical positions of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The moving unit 36c shown in dashed lines is an arrangement of the moving unit 36c in a first vertical position of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The moving unit 36c shown in solid lines is an arrangement of the moving element 36c in a second vertical position of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The relative arrangements of the two slider elements 98c, the additional moving element 96c, and the drive connection element 94c of the moving unit 36c are fixed during the simple vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c.

[0077] 9b shows a schematic representation of the moving unit 36c in two different horizontal positions of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c relative to one another. The moving unit 36c shown in dashed lines represents the arrangement of the moving unit 36c in a first horizontal position of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The moving unit 36c shown in solid lines represents the arrangement of the moving element 36c in a second horizontal position, specifically the sealing position, of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c. The relative arrangements of the two slider elements 98c, the additional moving element 96c, and the drive connection element 94c of the moving unit 36c are changed relative to one another during the horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18c, 20c.

[0078] 10 shows a transverse sealing device 14d for sealing packages or packaging materials. The transverse sealing device 14d includes at least two sealing jaws 18d, 20d. The transverse sealing device 14d includes at least one movement unit 36d configured to translate the at least two sealing jaws 18d, 20d relative to one another along a direction parallel to a horizontal movement axis 38d of a guide unit 82d of the transverse sealing device 14d and to translate the at least two sealing jaws 18d, 20d along a direction parallel to a vertical movement axis 40d of the guide unit 82d.

[0079] The moving unit 36d includes at least four moving elements 46d, 48d, 54d, and 56d. Each of the four drive units 42d, 44d, 50d, and 52d is mechanically connected to one of the four moving elements 46d, 48d, 54d, and 56d to drive the four moving elements 46d, 48d, 54d, and 56d to generate vertical and / or horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18d and 20d. The at least four moving elements 46d, 48d, 54d, and 56d correspond to the at least two moving elements 46c and 48c and the at least two other moving elements 54c and 56c in the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8. The four moving elements 46d, 48d, 54d, and 56d are not directly connected to one another, particularly via a drive shaft or the like. The four drive units 42d, 44d, 50d, 52d are at least substantially stationary relative to the frame 70d of the transverse sealing device 14d. The moving unit 36d is at least substantially completely lateral relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18d, 20d when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38d of the guide unit 82d. The moving unit 36d is at least substantially completely lateral relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18d, 20d such that the moving unit 36c is at least substantially completely positioned within a proximal region of the at least two sealing jaws 18d, 20d when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38d of the guide unit 82d. The at least two sealing jaws 18d, 20d can be pulled into a sealing position by the moving unit 36d.

[0080] 11 shows a transverse sealing device 14e for sealing packages or packaging materials. The transverse sealing device 14e includes at least two sealing jaws 18e, 20e. The transverse sealing device 14e includes at least one movement unit 36e configured to translate the at least two sealing jaws 18e, 20e relative to one another along a direction parallel to a horizontal movement axis 38e of a guide unit 82e of the transverse sealing device 14e and to translate the at least two sealing jaws 18e, 20e along a direction parallel to a vertical movement axis 40e of the guide unit 82e, particularly relative to a frame (not shown) of the transverse sealing device 14e.

[0081] The moving unit 36e includes at least two crank-slider mechanisms 100e arranged on opposite sides of the at least two sealing jaws 18e, 20e. The moving unit 36e includes a belt arrangement 120e for transmitting a driving force, which can be generated by a drive unit 44e of the lateral sealing device 14e, to the two crank-slider mechanisms 100e to generate horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18e, 20e relative to each other. The lateral sealing device 14e includes another drive unit 44e for generating vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18e, 20e relative to the frame. The moving unit 36e includes two moving elements 46e, 48e configured as arms for converting the driving force of another drive unit 42e into vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18e, 20e.

[0082] The moving unit 36e is disposed at least substantially completely laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18e, 20e when viewed in a direction parallel to at least the horizontal movement axis 38e of the guide unit 82e. The moving unit 36e is disposed laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18e, 20e such that the moving unit 36e is positioned at least substantially completely within a proximal region of the at least two sealing jaws 18e, 20e when viewed in a direction parallel to at least the horizontal movement axis 38e of the guide unit 82e. The at least two sealing jaws 18e, 20e can be pulled into a sealing position by the moving unit 36e. The drive unit 44e and the further drive unit 42e are disposed at least substantially fixedly relative to the frame of the lateral sealing device 14e.

[0083] 12 shows a transverse sealing device 14f for sealing packages or packaging materials. The transverse sealing device 14f includes at least two sealing jaws 18f, 20f. The transverse sealing device 14f includes at least one movement unit 36f configured to translate the at least two sealing jaws 18f, 20f relative to one another along a direction parallel to a horizontal movement axis 38f of a guide unit 82f of the transverse sealing device 14f and to translate the at least two sealing jaws 18f, 20f along a direction parallel to a vertical movement axis 40f of the guide unit 82f, particularly relative to a frame (not shown) of the transverse sealing device 14f.

[0084] The movement unit 36f particularly includes at least two crank slider mechanisms 100f arranged on opposite sides of the at least two sealing jaws 18f, 20f. The lateral sealing device 14f includes two drive units 44f. One of the two drive units 44f is arranged on one of the two crank slider mechanisms 100f. The two drive units 44f are configured to drive the two crank slider mechanisms 100f to generate horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18f, 20f relative to each other. The two drive units 44f are attached to the two sealing jaws 18f, 20f such that the at least two drive units 44f are moved relative to the frame along a direction parallel to the vertical movement axis of the at least two sealing jaws 18f, 20f. The transverse sealing device 14f includes at least one other drive unit 42f for generating a drive force for moving the at least two sealing jaws 18f, 20f along a direction parallel to the vertical movement axis 40f. The other drive unit 42f is disposed at least substantially fixed relative to the frame. The movement unit 36f includes two movement elements 46f, 48f configured to convert the drive force of the other drive unit 42f into vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18f, 20f.

[0085] The moving unit 36f is disposed at least substantially completely laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18f, 20f when viewed at least in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38f of the guide unit 82f. The moving unit 36f is disposed laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18f, 20f such that the moving unit 36f is positioned at least substantially completely within the horizontal movement region of the guide unit 82e when viewed at least in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38f of the guide unit 82f. The at least two sealing jaws 18f, 20f can be pulled into a sealing position by the moving unit 36f.

[0086] 13 shows a transverse sealing device 14g for sealing packages or packaging materials. The transverse sealing device 14g includes at least two sealing jaws 18g, 20g. The transverse sealing device 14g includes at least one movement unit 36g configured to translate the at least two sealing jaws 18g, 20g relative to one another along a direction parallel to a horizontal movement axis 38g of a guide unit 82g of the transverse sealing device 14g and to translate the at least two sealing jaws 18g, 20g along a direction parallel to a vertical movement axis 40g of the guide unit 82g, particularly relative to a frame (not shown) of the transverse sealing device 14g.

[0087] The movement unit 36g particularly includes at least two crank slider mechanisms 100g arranged on opposite sides of the at least two sealing jaws 18g, 20g. The lateral sealing device 14g includes a drive unit 44g for generating a driving force to horizontally move the at least two sealing jaws 18g, 20g. The drive unit 44g is arranged relative to the two sealing jaws 18g, 20g so that the drive unit 44g is moved relative to the frame along with the vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws 18g, 20g. The lateral sealing device 14g also includes at least one other drive unit 42g for generating a driving force to move the at least two sealing jaws 18g, 20g along a direction parallel to the vertical movement axis 40g. The other drive unit 42g is arranged at least substantially fixed relative to the frame. The moving unit 36g includes two moving elements 46g, 48g for converting the drive force of a further driving unit 42g into vertical movement of at least two sealing jaws 18g, 20g. The driving unit 44g includes at least one drive shaft 108g connected to two crank-slider mechanisms 100g, in particular via an additional moving element 122g of the moving unit 36g.

[0088] The moving unit 36g is disposed at least substantially completely laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18g, 20g when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38g of the guide unit 82g. The moving unit 36g is disposed laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws 18g, 20g such that the moving unit 36g is positioned at least substantially completely within a proximal region of the at least two sealing jaws 18g, 20g when viewed in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis 38g of the guide unit 82g. The at least two sealing jaws 18g, 20g are pullable into a sealing position by the moving unit 36g.

Claims

1. A transverse sealing device (14a-14g) for sealing a package or packaging material, comprising: At least two sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20g); at least one moving unit (36a-36g) configured to horizontally move the at least two sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20gl) relative to each other; a guide unit (82a to 82g) for guiding the at least two sealing jaws (18a to 18g, 20a to 20g) during movement; Equipped with the moving units (36a-36g) are arranged at least substantially completely laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20g) when viewed at least in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis (38a-38g) of the guide units (82a-82g); the at least two sealing jaws (18a to 18g, 20a to 20g) are supported so as to be linearly movable along the direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis (38a to 38g) of the guide unit (82a to 82g); the at least two sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20g) are pullable into a sealing position by the moving units (36a-36g), the moving units (36a-36g) being connected to the at least two sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20g) such that the moving units (36a-36g) can generate a direct pulling force to pull the at least two sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20g) into the sealing position relative to each other; The moving unit (36a) at least one torque-resisting linear bushing (62a, 68a); at least one moving element (46a, 48a, 54a, 56a) movably connected to one sealing jaw (18a, 20a) of the at least two sealing jaws (18a, 20a) and to the at least one torque-resisting linear bushing (62a, 68a); Equipped with the torque-resisting linear bushing (62a, 68a) is configured to transmit a driving force to the at least one moving element (46a, 48a, 54a, 56a) to move the at least two sealing jaws (18a, 20a) relative to one another along the horizontal axis of movement (38a); a lateral sealing device (14a-14g), wherein the at least one moving element (46a-46g) and another at least one moving element (48a-48g) of the moving unit (36a-36g) are movable relative to each other to pull at least two sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20g) toward each other into a sealing position;

2. 2. The transverse sealing device (14a-14g) according to claim 1, wherein the moving units (36a-36g) are arranged laterally relative to the at least two sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20g) such that the moving units (36a-36g) are positioned at least substantially completely within proximal regions of the at least two sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20g) when viewed in the direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis (38a-38g) of at least the guide units (82a-82g).

3. The guide unit (82a) at least one guide element (64a, 74a), in particular a guide rod, to which said at least one torque-resistant linear bushing (62a, 68a) is movably connected; at least one drive unit (44a) configured to drive the at least one guide element (64a, 74a) of the guide unit (82a) in rotation about a rotation axis (66a) of the at least one guide element (64a, 74a) of the guide unit (82a) to generate movement of the two sealing jaws (18a, 20a) relative to each other; The transverse sealing device (14a-14l) according to claim 1, comprising:

4. 2. The transverse sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the moving unit (36a) comprises at least two torque-resisting linear bushings (62a, 68a) configured to transmit a driving force to move the at least two sealing jaws (18a, 20a) relative to each other in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis (38a), and wherein one of the two torque-resisting linear bushings (62a, 68a) is arranged on each side of the at least two sealing jaws (18a, 20a) when viewed in the direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis (38a) of at least the guide unit (82a).

5. 2. The transverse sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the guide unit comprises at least one guide element, and the moving unit comprises at least one torque-resistant linear bushing movable along the at least one guide element of the guide unit for vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws.

6. 2. The transverse sealing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a frame; and at least one drive unit for providing a drive force that generates vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws relative to the frame, wherein the drive unit for providing the drive force that generates vertical movement of the at least two sealing jaws is disposed at least substantially in a fixed position relative to the frame.

7. 2. The transverse sealing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a frame; and at least one drive unit for driving the movement units to cause horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws relative to one another in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis, wherein the drive unit for driving the movement units to cause the horizontal movement of the at least two sealing jaws relative to one another in a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis is disposed at least substantially fixed in position relative to the frame.

8. A method for operating a transverse sealing device (14a-14l) for sealing a package or packaging material, comprising the steps of: in a process step (72a-72g), two sealing jaws (18a-18g) of said transverse sealing device (14a-14g) are pulled into a sealing position by a moving unit (36a-36g) of said transverse sealing device (14a-14g), said moving unit (36a-36g) moving said at least two sealing jaws (18a-18g) to a sealing position; a tensioning mechanism connected to the at least two sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20g) so as to generate a direct pulling force that pulls the sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20g) relative to each other to the sealing position, and linearly moving the at least two sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20g) along a direction parallel to the horizontal movement axis (38a-38g) of the guide unit (82a-82g) of the transverse sealing device (14a-14g); The moving unit (36a) at least one torque-resisting linear bushing (62a, 68a); at least one moving element (46a, 48a, 54a, 56a) movably connected to one sealing jaw (18a, 20a) of the at least two sealing jaws (18a, 20a) and to the at least one torque-resisting linear bushing (62a, 68a); Equipped with the torque-resisting linear bushing (62a, 68a) is configured to transmit a driving force to the at least one moving element (46a, 48a, 54a, 56a) to move the at least two sealing jaws (18a, 20a) relative to one another along the horizontal axis of movement (38a); the at least one moving element (46a-46g) and another of the at least one moving element (48a-48g) of the moving unit (36a-36g) are movable relative to each other to pull at least two sealing jaws (18a-18g, 20a-20g) toward each other into a sealing position.

9. 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that in one process step (72a), a drive torque for moving the at least two sealing jaws (18a, 20a) relative to one another along the horizontal movement axis (38a) of a guide unit (82a) of the transverse sealing device (14a) is transmitted by at least one torque-resistant linear bushing (62a) of the movement unit (36a).

10. A vertical form-fill-seal machine (10a-10l) comprising a machine frame (12a-12l) and at least one transverse sealing device (14a-14l) according to claim 1 for sealing packaging material in the transverse direction.

Images