Sealing element for sealing a package and device for sealing a package

Abstract

A sealing element (100) for sealing a package (600), the sealing element (100) being configured to cooperate with an abutment (400) for engaging the package (600) in order to provide a seal for the package (600), and a device (1000) for sealing a package (600), the device comprising the sealing element (100), the abutment (400) and a base (200), wherein the sealing element (100) is releasably supported by the base (200), and wherein at least one of the base (200) and the abutment (400) is movably arranged to engage the package (600) from opposite sides in order to provide a seal for the package (600).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the production of packaging, and more particularly to the sealing of packaging. The present invention relates to a sealing element for creating a seal in a package, and to an apparatus for sealing a package that includes such a sealing element. Background Art

[0002] Collapsible packages, such as upright pouch packages, typically include a filling chamber in which products such as liquids can be accommodated. During the filling process of the package, the product can be supplied by inserting a nozzle into the filling passage of the package. Subsequently, the package must be sealed so that the product cannot escape from the filling chamber. For example, sealing can be performed by welding, whereby the package is placed between the mating surfaces of a pair of jaws, or between a jaw and an abutment, which jaws, or the jaw and the abutment, are arranged to engage each other and thus apply pressure on a part of the package for providing a seal. At least one of the jaws can be heated, while the other jaw or the abutment can be unheated.

[0003] Each jaw can be further provided with a coating to prevent the material of the package from sticking to the jaw during the sealing process.

[0004] However, each jaw is subject to wear, not only because the coating is worn off, but also because the jaw itself may be deformed after processing a certain number of packages. If sealing is performed by heat, the material of the package may also stick to the heated jaw, and this possibility increases when the coating wears off.

[0005] When heating the jaws, the temperature to which they are heated affects the durability of the jaws, and a higher temperature results in a reduced number of packages that can be sealed before the jaws need to be replaced.

[0006] Naturally, each replacement of the jaws is associated with costs, not only the cost of the jaws themselves, but also the downtime required for the processing equipment. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to increase the number of packages that can be produced before the jaws need to be replaced.

[0007] US 2019 / 039325 A1 discloses a strapping apparatus designed as an ultrasonic welding apparatus. The apparatus includes a sonotrode having two contact surfaces, each of which is aligned at an angle deviating from a right angle with respect to the provided vibration direction of the sonotrode.

[0008] JP 2017013465 A discloses an ultrasonic sealing apparatus that includes a horn configured to convert ultrasonic vibrations in a longitudinal direction into vibrations in a horizontal direction.

[0009] EP 1101856 A2 discloses an anvil assembly adapted to selectively cooperate with a sonotrode coupled to an ultrasonic generator. The anvil assembly includes an anvil and a bracket, and the anvil is adapted to be selectively mounted to the bracket at any one of at least two mounting positions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a sealing element for sealing a package that improves the prior art solution. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for sealing a package, the apparatus including the sealing element that alleviates some of the problems in the prior art solution.

[0011] To achieve at least one of the above objects and other objects that become apparent from the following description, a sealing element having the features defined in claim 1 is provided according to the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus will become apparent from the dependent claims.

[0012] More specifically, according to the present invention, there is provided a sealing element for sealing a package, the sealing element being configured to cooperate with an abutment for engaging the package so as to provide a seal for the package. The sealing element includes a body having a first side edge provided with a top side edge surface and a bottom side edge surface, each of the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface being set at an acute angle to the plane of extension of the body, such that the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface are mirror images of each other with respect to the plane of extension and face away from each other. The body of the sealing element is made of a metallic material having a thermal conductivity higher than 100 W / mK.

[0013] Thus, the sealing element is provided with a plurality of side edge surfaces, thereby prolonging the effective operating time of the sealing element. When one of the top side edge surface or the bottom side edge surface is worn, the sealing element can simply be reoriented so that a new, unused one of the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface can be used instead. Therefore, the sealing element does not need to be discarded frequently, which is not only beneficial to the production process but also to the environment, because each sealing element can be used more effectively. The metallic material for manufacturing the body of the sealing element may be brass, copper, steel, etc. The metallic material having a thermal conductivity higher than 100 W / mK ensures that a sufficient amount of heat is conducted through the body of the sealing element and transferred to the side edge surfaces so that a satisfactory seal can be achieved.

[0014] The sealing element may further include a second side edge opposite to the first side edge, the second side edge being provided with corresponding top side edge surface and bottom side edge surface, which further prolongs the use of the sealing element.

[0015] In one embodiment, the sealing element may include a third side edge and a fourth side edge, which are opposite to each other and adjacent to the first side edge. Each of the third side edge and the fourth side edge is provided with a corresponding top side edge surface and a bottom side edge surface.

[0016] The body may be further provided with a coating that covers at least the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface and improves the wear resistance and non-stick properties of the sealing element. The thickness of the coating may be in the range of 25 μm to 55 μm.

[0017] In a non-limiting example, the body of the sealing element may be made of brass and may be provided with a commercially available coating with the trademark Impreglon TC10S45. The coating may be applied with a thickness of 40 μm (+ / -10 μm).

[0018] As described above, the coating can improve the wear resistance of the sealing element and reduce the risk of the material of the package sticking to the sealing element during the sealing process of the package.

[0019] The sealing element may still further include mounting means for mounting the sealing element to a sealing device.

[0020] In one embodiment, each side edge is provided with a groove that separates the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface. The separation of the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface reduces the risk that damage occurring in one of the side edge surfaces also affects the other. The sealing element is thus made more robust.

[0021] In a second aspect, there is provided a device for sealing a package. The sealing device includes a sealing element, an abutment, and a base according to the first aspect. The sealing element is releasably supported by the base, and at least one of the base and the abutment is movably arranged such that the base and the abutment can engage with the package from opposite sides to provide a seal to the package. The sealing element can be attached to the base such that the top side edge surface or the bottom side edge surface on each side edge is selectively arranged to face the abutment.

[0022] Thus, a more efficient sealing device is achieved, in which the downtime is reduced because the sealing element can be reoriented each time the side edge surface wears instead of being replaced. The time between replacements of the sealing element is extended.

[0023] In addition, the abutment may include an elastic abutment surface. The elastic abutment surface disperses the pressure between the sealing element and the abutment, which helps all parts of the package to be sealed as desired to be actually sealed. Thus, the elastic abutment surface reduces the risk of leakage at the seal.

[0024] The sealing device may further include a heating element configured to heat at least the sealing element.

[0025] The heating element may be configured to continuously heat the sealing element, thereby reducing the risk of insufficient heat in the sealing element during sealing, which is a risk when using intermittent heating.

[0026] In general, unless otherwise explicitly defined herein, all terms used in the claims shall be construed according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field to which this invention pertains. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, all references to "a / an / the [element, apparatus, component, device, step, etc.]" shall be construed openly as referring to at least one example of the element, apparatus, component, device, step, etc. Unless explicitly stated, the steps of any method disclosed herein are not necessarily to be performed in the exact order disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following illustrative and non - limiting detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals will be used for like elements, and in which:

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of a sealing device according to an embodiment is disclosed.

[0029] Figure 2 A side view of a sealing element according to an embodiment is disclosed.

[0030] Figure 3 A perspective view of a shielding element according to an embodiment is disclosed.

[0031] Figure 4 A perspective view of a base according to an embodiment is disclosed.

[0032] Figure 5 A perspective view of a sealing device according to an embodiment is disclosed.

[0033] Figure 6 A side view of a sealing element according to an embodiment is disclosed.

[0034] Figure 7 A perspective view of a shielding element according to an embodiment is disclosed.

[0035] Figure 8 A perspective view of a base according to an embodiment is disclosed.

[0036] Figure 9 A perspective view of a sealing device according to an embodiment is disclosed.

[0037] Figure 10 Disclosed is a side view of a sealing element according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 11 Disclosed is a perspective view of a shielding element according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 12 Disclosed is a perspective view of a base according to one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 13 Disclosed is a top view of a sealing element according to one embodiment.

[0041] Figure 14 Disclosed is a side view of an interface between a sealing element and an adjacent part according to one embodiment. Detailed Description

[0042] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which current preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0043] Figure 1 A detailed view of an apparatus 1000 for sealing a package (not shown) is illustrated. The apparatus 1000 may form part of a production line, where a number of apparatuses 1000 are arranged in parallel and / or one after another. In the latter case, each apparatus 1000 may be configured to provide only a partial seal to the package.

[0044] As described above, the apparatus 1000 for sealing a package may form part of a production line for handling flexible packages 600. The packages 600 may be provided from a web of material wound on a roll according to methods well known to those skilled in the art. The roll is arranged to unwind and feed into the production line. Initially, the packages 600 may be fed from the side, and subsequently the packages may be fed intermittently broadwise.

[0045] The packaging material of the packages 600 may include at least one layer containing a plastic material (such as a polymer, for example a polyolefin). The layer may also include fillers, such as mineral materials.

[0046] In a first non-limiting example, the packaging material includes a layer containing a plastic material and a chalk material. In a second non-limiting example, the packaging material consists only of a plastic material. In particular, the packaging material may include recyclable materials. The packaging material may include fillers and adhesives.

[0047] The packaging material may also include additional layers, such as an outer seal layer, a gas barrier layer, or a light barrier layer.

[0048] It should be understood that the packaging material may include other materials, and the choice of materials is not limited to the examples presented above. However, the packaging material includes a surface section made of a material arranged to melt above a certain melting temperature, such that a flexible package can be formed during a sealing operation.

[0049] The package 600 may be filled with a product, such as a product in liquid or powder form. The product may be a liquid food, such as a dairy product (such as milk), water, juice, wine, lemonade, a beverage, etc. It should be understood that other similar products suitable for being contained in a flexible package may also be used.

[0050] The production line may include a filling unit for filling the package 600 with the product and at least one sealing device 1000. Naturally, the production line may also include other stations (such as a gas filling station) and transport units (such as a vacuum holder), etc., as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. The overall design of the production line is not of significant importance for the teachings herein and will not be further described or illustrated in this disclosure.

[0051] The sealing device 1000 includes a sealing element 100. The sealing element 100 is configured to cooperate with an abutment 400 to form a seal in the package disposed between the sealing element 100 and the abutment 400.

[0052] The abutment may be a passive element against which the sealing element is pressed to form a seal, as shown in the illustrated example. However, the abutment may alternatively be an active element and may thus include an additional sealing element, such that the package is joined from opposite sides by two sealing elements to form a seal.

[0053] The sealing element 100 is releasably supported by a base 200. To create a seal in the package, at least one of the base 200 (which supports the sealing element 100) and the abutment 400 is movably arranged such that the base and the abutment can engage the package from opposite sides. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the movement of the base 200 and / or the abutment 400 can be achieved in various ways. For example, the movement can be controlled pneumatically, hydraulically, or by an electric motor / actuator.

[0054] As described above, the sealing device 1000 can be further configured to provide a seal that covers only a portion of the width of the package 600. The process is then repeated while the package 600 is moved until the entire package is sealed. Such a process can also include providing seals for the package 600 in an overlapping manner such that at least portions of the seals are processed multiple times. This can be achieved by using one sealing device 1000 or by a number of sealing devices 1000 arranged one after another on a production line. Alternatively, the sealing device 1000 can be arranged to seal the entire package 600 in one sealing step.

[0055] As can be further seen in Figure 1 the device 1000 can include a shielding element 300. The shielding element 300 can be attached to the base 200 and / or the sealing element 100. The shielding element 300 extends towards the abutment 400 below the sealing element 100 such that it prevents the package 600 from contacting the sealing element 100 anywhere other than where the seal is to be formed. This is desirable in some embodiments because the sealing element 100 can be heated and if the sealing element contacts the package 600 anywhere other than where the seal is to be formed, this can cause damage to the package. The shielding element 300 can be implemented in a variety of ways as will be described with reference to Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 11 further described.

[0056] Still further, the device 1000 can include a heating element 500. The heating element 500 is configured to heat the sealing element 100 directly or via heating the base 200, whereby the sealing element 100 can provide a seal to the package 600 by heat welding. The heating element 500 can be configured to heat the sealing element 100 or the base 200 in a variety of ways recognized by those skilled in the art. It can, for example, heat the sealing element 100 or the base 200 conductively or by induction. In embodiments where the heating element 500 is connected to the base 200, the sealing element 100 is heated conductively by heat from the base 200.

[0057] The heating element 500 can be configured to heat the sealing element 100 intermittently or, as is preferred, continuously heat the sealing element while the production process is ongoing.

[0058] The sealing element 100 can be attached to the base 200 such that the top side edge surface or the bottom side edge surface 104 on each of the side edges 110, 112, 114, 116 is selectively arranged to face the adjacent part 400. Preferably, the top side edge surface or the bottom side edge surface 104 facing the adjacent part is arranged substantially vertically. The terms "top" and "bottom" are used herein for illustrative purposes only to explain the disclosed embodiments. In practice, the top side edge surface 104 can also be just arranged below the bottom side edge surface 104.

[0059] Now turning to Figure 2 , in which an embodiment of the sealing element 100 is shown in a side view. The sealing element includes a body 102, and the body 102 forms the main structural part of the sealing element 100. The sealing element body 102 can be formed of a metallic material, such as steel, aluminum, brass, copper, etc. Since the sealing element 100 in one embodiment is configured to be heated, the thermal conductivity of the material of the body 102 can be at least 100 W / mK. The heat-conducting material of the body 102 of the sealing element 100 allows the heat provided by the heating element 500 to be effectively diffused throughout the body 102, such that each top edge surface and bottom edge surface 104 is sufficiently heated.

[0060] The sealing element 100 can be further coated at least at its top side edge surface and bottom side edge surface 104 with a coating that improves wear resistance and non-stick properties, i.e., prevents the material from the package 600 from sticking to the sealing element 100. The thickness of the coating can be in the range of 25 μm to 55 μm.

[0061] Figure 2 The illustrated sealing element 100 includes a first side edge 110 and a second side edge 112 opposite the first side edge 110. Top side edge surfaces and bottom side edge surfaces 104 are arranged on each of the side edges 110, 112. Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment includes two side edges 110, 112 provided with top side edge surfaces and bottom side edge surfaces. However, in other embodiments, the sealing element 100 can include fewer or more such side edges 110, 112, 114, 116.

[0062] As can be seen, both the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface 104 are set at an acute angle α with respect to the extension plane A of the body 102, such that the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface 104 are mirror images with respect to the extension plane A and face away from each other. Thus, the sealing element 100 can be attached to the base 200 such that each side edge surface 104 faces the adjacent part 400, thereby extending the life of the sealing element 100. Once one side edge surface 104 is worn, the sealing element 100 rotates / reorients on the base 200, thereby extending the use of each sealing element 100 before all side edge surfaces 104 are exhausted. The angle α can be in the range of 40° to 50°, preferably about 45°.

[0063] Figure 2 The sealing element 100 in the illustrated embodiment includes mounting means 106 for attaching the sealing element 100 to the base 200. Each mounting means 106 can be a hole, optionally threaded, into which a fastener (such as a screw) can be received for attachment to the base 200. Other ways of attaching the sealing element 100 to the base 200 can also be considered, such as by means of a clip or other types of quick connectors.

[0064] As already mentioned, the sealing element 100 can be heated in order to provide a seal for the package, and the heated sealing element 100 causes at least partial melting of the material in the package such that bonding occurs to form a seal. The amount of heat in the sealing element 100 can be varied by the sealing device 1000, which affects the necessary contact time with the package 600 to produce a satisfactory seal. Reducing the contact time is beneficial as it increases the number of sealed packages that can be produced by each jaw in the machine.

[0065] Now turning to Figure 3 , in which a shielding element 300 is shown. The shielding element 300 can include mounting means 304, preferably holes 304, which allow attachment to the base 200 or the sealing element 100 by means of suitable fasteners (such as screws). The shielding element 300 further includes an extension part 302, which is intended to prevent the package 600 from coming into contact with the sealing element 100 or the base 200. When mounted to the base 200, the extension part 302 extends below the sealing element 100 to a position near or in the plane of the side edge surface 104 of the sealing element 100. Preferably, the shielding element 300 is made of a material with low thermal conductivity in order to prevent heat from the base 200 or the sealing element 100 from spreading to the extension part 302.

[0066] Figure 4A detailed view of the base 200 is shown. The base 200 may include a mounting surface 202 against which the sealing element 100 is attached. The mounting surface 202 is preferably arranged / inclined such that when the sealing element 100 is attached thereto, the side edge surface 104 facing the adjacent part 400 is arranged substantially vertically.

[0067] Further shown is that the base 200 may include a connecting member 206 for connecting the heating element 500 to the base 200. In addition, the base 200 may include mounting means 204 for attaching the sealing element 100 to the base 200. In an embodiment where the base 200 is connected to the heating element 500, the thermal conductivity of the base 200 may correspond to that of the sealing element 100 and may be higher than 100 W / mK to allow heat transfer to the sealing element 100. In an embodiment where the heating element 500 is directly connected to the sealing element 100 instead, the thermal conductivity of the base 200 is less important, but it may be desirable to have a low thermal conductivity to prevent heat transfer from the sealing element 100 to the base 200.

[0068] In actual tests, in a device according to Figure 1 a sealing element according to an embodiment of Figure 2 was used. The sealing element was made of brass and provided with a coating commercially available under the trademark Impreglon TC10S45, and the coating was applied with a thickness of 40 μm (+ / - 10 μm). The sealing element could be used for about 450,000 sealing cycles before replacement.

[0069] Now turning to Figure 5 , another embodiment of the sealing device 1000 is shown. Since Figures 5 to 12 many features in the shown embodiment are shared with the device 1000 shown in Figure 1 and the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4 , only the different features will be described in detail below, and the common features will be avoided as much as possible.

[0070] Figure 5 The shown sealing device 1000 includes a sealing element 100 releasably attached to the base 200. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5 , an optional heating element 500 is connected to the sealing element 100. However, Figure 5 and Figure 6 the shown sealing element 100 can be configured to work with the base 200 shown in Figure 1 and Figure 4 while the heating element 500 is instead connected to the base 200.

[0071] As shown in Figure 5As shown, a protection element 300 is also optionally provided, and the protection element 300 is directly connected to the sealing element 100 through Figure 7 the mounting device 304 shown. Alternatively, the protection element 300 can be configured to be connected to the base 200, as Figure 1 shown.

[0072] Figure 6 Figure 100 shows a sealing element 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 6 The sealing element 100 shown includes grooves 120 that separate the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface 104 on each side edge 110, 112. The separation of the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface 104 reduces the risk that eventual damage occurring in one of the side edge surfaces 104 affects the other side edge surface on each side edge 110, 112. Further shown is that the sealing element 100 can be provided with a connecting member 118 for connecting the heating element 500.

[0073] Figure 8 Figure 200 shows a base 200 that is configured to support the sealing element 100. Since Figure 8 the embodiment shown is related to the embodiment of the sealing device 1000 in Figure 5 , the base does not include a connecting member for the heating element 500 because the base can instead be connected to the sealing element 100. The base includes a mounting surface 202, which is shown as being divided into two parts, each part having a mounting device 204 that allows the sealing element 100 to be attached to the base 200.

[0074] Figure 9 Figure 201 shows another embodiment of the sealing device 1000, in which the sealing element 100 is only provided with one side edge 110. The sealing element 100 is connected to a base 200, which is connected to the heating element 500. A shielding element 300 that is also connected to the base 200 is provided.

[0075] In Figure 10 , the sealing element 100 is shown in a side view. The sealing element 100 is shown as including one side edge 110 that has a top side edge surface and a bottom side edge surface 104 separated by a groove 120. The side of the sealing element 100 opposite to the side edge 110 is flat and is configured to be attached to the base 200. It should be recognized that Figure 10 the sealing element 100 shown may also not be provided with the groove 120 that separates the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface 104. The sealing element 100 includes a mounting device 106 that allows the sealing element 100 to be attached to the base 200 such that each side edge surface 104 can be arranged to face the adjacent part 400.

[0076] Figure 11 Shows a shielding element 300 which is configured to be attached to a base 200 by a mounting means 304. An extension 302 reduces the risk of the package 600 contacting the sealing element 100 or the base 200.

[0077] Figure 12 Shows a base 200 which includes a mounting surface 202 that is intended to face the flat side of the sealing element 100 opposite the side edge 110. The mounting surface 202 is provided with mounting means 204 for attaching the sealing element 100 to the base 200. As in all embodiments herein, the mounting surface 202 is arranged such that each side edge surface 104 faces an abutment 400 and is preferably arranged substantially vertically when attached to the base 200.

[0078] Figure 13 Shows another embodiment of the sealing element 100. Figure 13 The shown sealing element 100 includes a third side edge and fourth side edges 114, 116 that are opposite each other and adjacent to a first side edge 112. Each of the third side edge and fourth side edges 114, 116 is provided with a corresponding top side edge surface and bottom side edge surface 104. Thus, the sealing element 100 includes eight side edge surfaces 104, all of which can be arranged on the base 200 such that they face the abutment 400. Since each side edge surface 104 preferably has the same size, the sealing element 100 is square in shape. However, it is also contemplated that the sealing element 100 can have other shapes, such as triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.

[0079] Mounting means 106 can be provided and arranged on the body 102 such that the sealing element 100 can be attached to the base 200 at the same number of positions as the side edge surfaces 104, whereby each of the side edge surfaces 104 can be arranged to face the abutment 400.

[0080] Finally turning to Figure 14 , shows a detailed view of the interface between the sealing element 100 and the abutment 400 according to an embodiment. As shown, the abutment 400 can include an abutment surface 402. The abutment surface 402 is preferably elastic, which helps to provide uniform pressure on the side edge surface 104. Further shown is how the package 600 is oriented between the sealing element 100 and the abutment 400 when it is to be sealed.

[0081] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. Thus, several modifications and variations can be envisaged within the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sealing element (100) for sealing a package (600), the sealing element (100) being configured to cooperate with an abutment (400) for engaging the package (600) so as to provide a seal to the package (600), the sealing element (100) comprising a body (102) having a first side edge (110), the first side edge being provided with a top side edge surface and a bottom side edge surface (104), each of the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface (104) being set at an acute angle (α) with respect to an extension plane (A) of the body (102), such that the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface (104) are mirror images of each other with respect to the extension plane (A) and face away from each other, Among them, the body (102) being made of a metallic material having a thermal conductivity higher than 100 W / mK.

2. The sealing element (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a second side edge (112), the second side edge being opposite to the first side edge (110) and being provided with corresponding top side edge surface and bottom side edge surface (104).

3. The sealing element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a third side edge and a fourth side edge (114, 116), the third side edge and the fourth side edge being opposite to each other and adjacent to the first side edge (110), each of the third side edge and the fourth side edge (114, 116) being provided with corresponding top side edge surface and bottom side edge surface (104).

4. The sealing element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The body (102) is provided with a coating covering at least the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface (104), wherein the coating is applied with a thickness in the range of 25 μm to 55 μm.

5. The sealing element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising mounting means (106) for mounting the sealing element (100) to a sealing device (1000).

6. The sealing element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each side edge (110, 112, 114, 116) is provided with a groove (120) separating the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface (104).

7. A device (1000) for sealing a package (600), the device comprising the sealing element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or comprising a body (102) having a first side edge (110), the first side edge being provided with a top side edge surface and a bottom side edge surface (104), each of the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface (104) being set at an acute angle (α) with respect to an extension plane (A) of the body (102), such that the top side edge surface and the bottom side edge surface (104) are mirror images of each other with respect to the extension plane (A) and face away from each other, an abutment (400), and a base (200), Among them, The sealing element (100) is releasably supported by the base (200), and at least one of the base (200) and the adjacent portion (400) is movably arranged such that the base (200) and the adjacent portion (400) can engage the package (600) from opposite sides to provide a seal to the package (600), wherein the sealing element (100) is attachable to the base (200) such that the top side edge surface or the bottom side edge surface (104) on each side edge (110, 112, 114, 116) is selectively arranged to face the adjacent portion (400).

8. The device (1000) for sealing a packaging (600) according to claim 7, wherein, The adjacent portion (400) includes an elastic adjacent surface (402).

9. The apparatus (1000) for sealing a package (600) according to claim 7 or 8, the apparatus further comprising a heating element (500) configured to at least heat the sealing element (100).

10. The apparatus (1000) for sealing a package (600) according to claim 9, wherein, The heating element (500) is configured to continuously heat the sealing element (100).

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