Apparatus and method for producing a sealed connection

A device for joining together at least two material layers containing plastic to make a sealing connection therebetween, said device comprising:

• at least one sealing station having at least first and second sealing jaws situated opposite each other and movable between an open position and a sealing position;
• and
• a lubricant delivery device;
• wherein each of the first and second sealing jaws has a sealing surface on an inner side that faces toward the sealing surface of the oppositely situated sealing jaw,
• wherein the at least one sealing station is configured such that in the open position the at least two material layers to be joined together are arrangeable between the first and second sealing jaws and such that in the sealing position the at least two material layers to be joined together are pressable between the first and second sealing jaws,
• wherein at least one of the first and second sealing jaws comprises at least one lubricant channel, and
• wherein the lubricant delivery device is configured to direct a lubricant through the at least one lubricant channel toward the sealing surface of the sealing jaw comprising the at least one lubricant channel and/or toward the sealing surface of the oppositely situated sealing jaw,
• wherein the sealing surface of each of the first and second sealing jaws comprises an upper sealing surface edge and a lower sealing surface edge that is spaced apart from the upper sealing surface edge in a direction of gravity,
• wherein the at least one lubricant channel extends from an entry opening to one exit opening in the sealing surface of the sealing jaw comprising the at least one lubricant channel, or to two or more exit openings in the sealing surface of the sealing jaw comprising the at least one lubricant channel, and
• wherein the one exit opening or the two or more exit openings are spaced farther apart from the lower sealing surface edge than from the upper sealing surface edge.