Machine for filling and closing bags, comprising a multifunctional sealing element

The invention relates to a machine for filling and sealing bags, characterised by at least the following: a filling station (60) in which the bags (11) are filled; grip means (10, 18) for transporting the bag (8, 11) between processing stations; a dosing element (2) which protrudes into the bag (11) during a dosing process; movement means for creating a relative movement between the bag (11) and the dosing element (2) in the filling station, in order to enable the dosing element (2) to protrude into the bag; and a connecting piece (3, 112) which surrounds at least parts of the dosing element (2), and can be positioned between the inside wall of the bag and the dosing element (2). The relative position of the dosing element (2) and the connecting piece (3, 112) can be modified. The machine especially comprises clamping means (107, 108, 117) for gripping the bag (11) at least in a target region (118) located at least in the region of the side walls (102, 103) of the bag, at least in the upper region of the bag. Said clamping means are positioned in such a way that they can grip the bag in the nominal position in the filling station (60), and comprise actuators (117) which pull the target regions (118) of the bag away from the main axis of symmetry (120) of the bag (8).