SEALING STATION FOR SEALING PACKAGING

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing station for sealing packaging according to independent claim 1 and to a method for sealing packaging with a sealing station according to independent claim 6. State of the art

[0002] Sealing stations are generally known from the prior art. They are typically used to seal plastic packaging containing products such as sausage or cheese.

[0003] The sealing stations comprise a lower tool containing one or more recesses into which the lower part (or packaging recess) of a package can be held. A plastic film is then typically placed on the lower part of the package as a lid or film cover. By moving the upper tool of the sealing station and the lower tool towards each other, and by applying heat to the area of ​​the film cover, the packaging is sealed by fusing the lower part of the package and the film cover together.

[0004] Before sealing, air can be extracted from the space inside the packaging or the air inside the packaging can be replaced with a gas that is as sterile as possible, such as nitrogen.

[0005] Such devices are known in particular from WO 2011 / 124548 A1 and EP 1 908 689 A2. Accordingly, the lower tool of the sealing station typically includes an edge extraction system, which may have extraction openings in an area between two sealing elements, enabling the extraction of air from the packaging area.

[0006] However, applying a vacuum or, more generally, a gas flow pulls the film lid towards the extraction openings. If it rests on the extraction openings, this can result in partial blockage of the openings. This reduces the extraction performance. Ultimately, this can lead to less effective air extraction from the interior of the packaging and / or a reduction in the throughput of the sealing station.

[0007] From US patent 2012 / 267036 A1, a sealing station is also known in which air can be extracted from the interior of the packaging via a pipe and suitable openings in a part of the packaging to be sealed.

[0008] DE 1 289 772 B further discloses a sealing device for sealing packaging, wherein the interior of the packaging can be evacuated through evacuation openings.

[0009] US Patent 3,061,984 A describes a method for evacuating a package through openings in one of the layers from which the package is formed.

[0010] Furthermore, DE 38 73 990 T2 discloses a method for packaging product in packaging, wherein connections extend into the packaging to evacuate its interior. Task

[0011] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved is therefore to increase the reliability of vacuuming the interior of a package before sealing the package, while simultaneously achieving the highest possible throughput. Solution

[0012] This problem is solved according to the invention by the sealing station according to independent claim 1 and the method for sealing a package with a sealing station according to independent claim 8. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] The sealing station according to the invention for sealing packaging comprises a lower tool with at least one receptacle for a package and an upper tool, wherein the lower tool and the upper tool are arranged to be movable relative to each other, wherein the sealing station includes an edge extraction system with at least one extraction opening for pressurizing the interior of the packaging with a vacuum and / or a gas, and wherein the lower tool further comprises a lifting element for lifting a film lid of the packaging. The lifting element is preferably designed such that it can cause the film lid of the packaging to be lifted away from the lower part of the packaging (also called the packaging recess) and thus in a direction away from the lower tool. It can be provided that the lifting includes selective lifting of the film lid.Selective lifting is to be understood in particular as meaning that the film lid does not have to be permanently raised, but can be raised at least during the application of vacuum and / or gas to the interior of the packaging, but can be lowered at least during the lowering of the upper tool and the sealing process to seal the packaging, so that the film lid rests on the packaging recess and the entire packaging can be sealed.

[0014] By lifting the foil lid of the packaging, at least while the interior of the packaging is pressurized with a vacuum and / or gas, at least one extraction opening is kept open. This ensures reliable extraction of air from the packaging. Simultaneously, this method allows the extraction capacity to be increased compared to prior art devices without causing at least partial blockage of the extraction openings.

[0015] It can be provided that the lower tool includes a sealing element at a distance from the center of the receptacle and the upper tool includes a counter-pressure element that can be brought into contact with the sealing element to seal a packaging interior against the exterior, wherein the suction opening is arranged at a distance from the center of the receptacle which is less than the distance of the sealing element from the center, and wherein the lifting element is arranged at a distance from the center of the receptacle which is less than the distance of the sealing element from the center.

[0016] The sealing element can preferably interact with the upper tool via the counter-pressure element in such a way that, particularly during the sealing process, no surrounding air can penetrate the area between the upper and lower tools, thus preventing recontamination after evacuation and / or gas ingress until the packaging is sealed. The arrangement of the suction opening and the lifting element within the area enclosed by the sealing element and the upper tool ensures reliable sterilization of the packaging interior.

[0017] In one embodiment, the lifting element does not coincide with the extraction opening. In this embodiment, the lifting element is physically separate from the extraction opening itself and also from any structure forming the extraction opening, for example, it is positioned next to the extraction opening and at a distance from it. This embodiment allows for a reliable and structurally simple way to keep the extraction opening open.

[0018] Furthermore, the edge extraction can comprise a plurality of extraction openings arranged at a distance from the center of the receptacle that is smaller than the distance of the sealing element to the center of the receptacle, and wherein the lifting element is arranged between two adjacent extraction openings.

[0019] With this embodiment, the use of a single lifting element can ensure that at least two extraction openings remain open, which can reduce the necessary number of lifting elements and simultaneously ensures that the extraction opening remains reliably open.

[0020] In a further development of this embodiment, a lifting element is arranged between each pair of adjacent suction openings. In this embodiment, the lifting element and the suction opening alternate, so that a lifting element and a suction opening are provided alternately (for example, along the transport direction of the packaging). This allows each of the suction openings to be kept open, so that even when multiple intakes and a large number of suction openings are provided, the suction performance and thus the throughput can be high.

[0021] In one embodiment, the lower tool includes an inner sealing element that is arranged at a distance from the center of the receptacle that is smaller than the distance of the suction opening and the distance of the lifting element to the center of the receptacle.

[0022] The inner sealing element serves as a contact surface for the actual sealing mechanism of the sealing station to close the packaging. The positioning of the lifting element and the suction opening between this inner sealing element and the outer sealing element ensures, on the one hand, reliable extraction or evacuation of the packaging interior with gas, and on the other hand, prevents any potential negative impact on the sealing process caused by the lifting element and / or the suction opening. Together, these features can improve the sealing result.

[0023] In another embodiment, the lifting element is designed as a pin comprising a closed contact surface that can come into contact with a foil lid resting on it. This embodiment is particularly preferred for packaging with a relatively dimensionally stable foil lid, as it allows for material savings in the lifting elements while still ensuring reliable lifting.

[0024] Alternatively, the lifting element may have an elongated contact surface that can come into contact with a foil cover, and wherein the contact surface has a first extension in a first direction that is larger than a second extension of the contact surface in a second direction.

[0025] The elongated contact surface can, for example, be rectangular or arc-segment shaped. Increasing the contact surface can prevent unintentional damage to the foil lid. In this embodiment, the contact surface need not be flat, but can also be a curved two-dimensional surface whose outer contour has a first extension in a first direction that is greater than a second extension in a second direction. This orientation is measured in Euclidean metric and, particularly in the case of a curved contact surface, not along the contact surface and the metric defined by it, but as the actual distance between opposite edges of the contact surface.

[0026] The inventive method for sealing a package is carried out with a sealing station for sealing packages, the sealing station comprising a lower tool with at least one receptacle for a package and an upper tool, wherein the lower tool and the upper tool are arranged to be movable relative to each other, wherein the sealing station includes an edge suction with at least one suction opening for pressurizing the interior of the package with a vacuum and / or a gas, and wherein the lower tool further comprises a lifting element for lifting a film lid of the package, wherein the method comprises lifting the film lid of the package in the receptacle by the lifting element at least partially during the pressurization of the interior of the package with a vacuum and / or a gas by the edge suction.

[0027] This process ensures reliable extraction of the interior of the packaging or replacement of the air inside the packaging with a potentially sterile gas.

[0028] The fact that the lifting element causes the foil lid of the packaging to be lifted in its holder, at least partially, during the application of a vacuum and / or gas to the interior of the packaging, is to be understood as meaning that this lifting need not be continuous, depending on the design of the lifting element, but can also be selective. Thus, if the lifting element is designed as an actuated lifting element, it causes the foil lid to be lifted at least for a period of time during which the interior of the packaging is applied a vacuum and / or gas. This need not be the entire period, but can also occur only for a portion of it.

[0029] In particular, the method may include lifting the film lid through an opening in a base film of the packaging using the lifting element. In this embodiment, the opening in the base film can be formed, for example, by removing a portion of the base film material. The lifting element can then pass through the resulting opening in the base film, if appropriately positioned, to lift the film lid. Alternatively, the opening may be formed by partially perforating the base film, with material from the base film remaining in the area of ​​the opening and connected to the remaining base film. Preferably, the material remaining in the area of ​​the opening is connected to the base film on only one side, so that it can be folded against the base film on that side by the lifting element.The lifting element can then pass through the lower film in the area of ​​the opening to lift the film lid.

[0030] This design ensures reliable suction even with identical foil lids and bottom foils that together form the packaging.

[0031] It may be provided that, after the interior of the packaging is subjected to a vacuum and / or a gas, the upper tool and the lower tool are moved towards each other and the packaging arranged in the holder is sealed.

[0032] In one embodiment, the lower tool further comprises a sealing element located at a distance from the center of the receptacle, and the upper tool comprises a counter-pressure element that is brought into contact with the sealing element before the edge suction is actuated to seal a packaging interior from the exterior. The suction opening is located at a distance from the center of the receptacle that is less than the distance of the sealing element from the center, and the lifting element is also located at a distance from the center of the receptacle that is less than the distance of the sealing element from the center. Optionally, the lifting element does not coincide with the suction opening. This relative arrangement ensures that no outside air can enter the packaging interior during suction.

[0033] In a further development of this embodiment, the edge extraction comprises a plurality of extraction openings arranged at a distance from the center of the receptacle that is smaller than the distance of the sealing element to the center of the receptacle, wherein the lifting element is arranged between two adjacent extraction openings and wherein, optionally, a lifting element is arranged between each pair of adjacent extraction openings.

[0034] This arrangement of one or more lifting elements ensures that, particularly with a large number of extraction openings, as many as possible remain open. This increases the reliability and / or throughput of the container sealing process.

[0035] Furthermore, the lower tool can include an internal sealing element positioned at a distance from the center of the receptacle that is smaller than the distance between the suction opening and the lifting element from the center of the receptacle. This design ensures reliable sealing of the packaging without any potentially disruptive influence from the suction opening and / or the lifting element.

[0036] It is also possible for the lifting element to be designed as a pin comprising a closed contact surface that comes into contact with a foil lid resting on it. This embodiment requires minimal material, thus reducing the cost of sealing packaging.

[0037] Alternatively, the lifting element can be provided with an elongated contact surface that comes into contact with a foil lid, wherein the contact surface has a first extension in a first direction that is larger than a second extension of the contact surface in a second direction. This embodiment also ensures that the extraction openings remain reliably open even with flexible foil lid materials. Short description of the characters

[0038] Figs. 1a and b show a sealing station according to one embodiment; Figs. 2a to c show a top view and a side view of part of a sealing station according to one embodiment as well as lifting the foil lid of a package; Figs. 3a to 3d show different embodiments of a lifting element. Detailed description

[0039] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a sealing station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As is known from the prior art, the sealing station 100 typically comprises a lower tool 101 and an upper tool 102. The lower tool 101 and the upper tool 102 are typically movable relative to each other, so that, for example, the upper tool 102 can be moved towards and away from the lower tool 101, as schematically shown by the double arrow.

[0040] Corresponding sealing stations 100 are typically used to seal plastic packaging in which, for example, food products such as sausages or cheeses are packaged.

[0041] For this purpose, unsealed undersides of the packaging 130, also known as packaging trays or underlay film 131 (see Fig. 1bThe transport device 103, which is shown schematically here, conveys the product, for example, via the transport device 103, to at least one receptacle 111 in the lower tool 101. The transport device 103 can, for example, be designed as a conveyor belt. Other embodiments are also conceivable, and the invention is not limited in this respect.

[0042] As is known, the packaging trays containing the product are placed in the system with a cover film 112, so that the cover film is applied to these packages. The cover film serves at least partially as a film lid and is fused to the packaging tray by the application of heat. A control unit 150, for example a computer, can be assigned to the sealing station 100, which controls the functions of the sealing station.

[0043] The Fig. 1bFigure 1 shows a sectional view of a receptacle 111 of the lower tool 101 with a component 130 arranged therein and an upper tool 102 positioned relative to it. The section is made in a plane perpendicular to the transport direction of the packages in the transport device 103 and through the center point M of the receptacle. In the embodiment shown here, the receptacle has a regular shape, for example, the shape of a cylindrical recess in the lower tool. This design is not mandatory, and other, possibly irregular, shapes are also conceivable. Nevertheless, a center point can be assigned to each of these shapes.

[0044] As shown, the packaging 130 is formed from a packaging trough 131 or bottom film 131 and a top film 112 or film lid 112 positioned therein.

[0045] As can be seen, the lower tool can include an outer sealing element 116 and an inner sealing element 113 at certain intervals R 1 and R 3.

[0046] The outer sealing element 116 can be brought into contact with a counter-pressure element 123 of an outer part 121 of the upper tool 102, so that the space enclosed between the outer part 121 of the upper tool and the lower tool is separated from the environment as much as possible, preventing gas exchange between the enclosed space and the environment. The packaging is then located in the enclosed space and is thus separated from the environment. It can be provided that (as indicated by the dashed extension of the film lid and the bottom film) the film lid 112 and the bottom film 131 extend beyond the outer sealing element 116 into the outside, measured from the center point M of the receptacle 111.In this case, the outer sealing element 113 and the counter-pressure element 123 then press the foil lid 112 and the lower foil 131 together as completely as possible and seal the interior as gas-tight as possible, so that no unwanted contamination occurs through the entry of, for example, contaminated outside air.

[0047] The inner sealing element 113 can preferably be brought into contact with a sealing element 124 of a sealing part 122 of the upper tool 102, wherein a part of the lower film 131 and a part of the film lid 112 can be accommodated between these two elements, so that when heat is applied by the sealing element 124, the part of the lower film 131 and the part of the film lid 112 fuse together.

[0048] Before or during the sealing of the packaging by joining the foil lid 112 and the inner foil 131, as described above, it is known to either evacuate the interior of the packaging 130 and / or displace the air contained therein with a gas that is as sterile as possible, for example, nitrogen. For this purpose, a perimeter suction device 170 with a suction opening 114 can be arranged in the lower tool at a distance R 2 from the center of the receptacle 111. This perimeter suction device 170 can, for example, be powered by a vacuum pump 115 or by a gas supply 115 to the perimeter suction device 170, exchange or extract the gas volume contained in the enclosed space in order to remove the gas volume within the packaging or to replace it with a gas that is as sterile as possible. Preferably, the suction opening 114 is located between the sealing elements 113 and 116.

[0049] This procedure is fundamentally known from the prior art. However, it has the disadvantage that during extraction or the supply of gas, the extraction opening 114 can be blocked or covered by parts of the foil cover material 112, which can negatively affect the extraction performance.

[0050] According to the invention, the lower tool 101 therefore comprises at least one lifting element which, in connection with the Fig. 2a and 2b described.

[0051] The Fig. 2aFigure 1 shows a top view of the area of ​​the lower tool 101, in which an edge extraction system 170 with one or more extraction openings 114 is arranged. The film cover 112 and the edge of the lower film 131 are also shown here. In the view shown here, the lower film 131 and the film cover 112 extend approximately the same distance from the center point M of the fixture 111. In this case (as also shown here with dashed lines), an opening 242 is provided in the lower film 131 in the area of ​​the extraction openings 114. This opening can be created either by partially removing material (see Figure 1). Fig. 2c) the underlayment is formed from the remainder of the underlayment 131 or by completely removing material of the underlayment 131 from the area of ​​the opening 242. Alternatively to the embodiment shown here, the underlayment can also extend, viewed from the center point M of the receptacle 111, only to such an extent that the underlayment 131 does not rest on or in the area of ​​the extraction openings 114 or does not extend into this area.

[0052] According to the invention, the lower tool 101 comprises a lifting element 240, which preferably does not coincide with the extraction opening 114 of the edge extraction 170. This means that neither the extraction opening itself nor parts of the lower tool that form or enclose the extraction opening constitute the lifting element 240.

[0053] As in Fig. 2bAs shown, the lifting element 240 is located at a distance R 4 from the center point M of the receptacle 111 and is arranged between the sealing elements 113 and 116. The lifting element preferably projects a height h beyond the bearing surface of the lower film 131 on a part of the lower tool 101 towards the upper tool and is arranged such that a part of the film cover 112 can rest on a contact surface of the lifting element 240. Depending on the design of the lower film, the lifting element can pass through the opening 242 in the lower film 131 to come into contact with the film cover 112.

[0054] This ensures that the foil lid 112 does not cover the extraction opening 114, as is the case particularly in Fig. 2a as shown, it can rest on top of the packaging, but remains spaced approximately at height h from the extraction opening 114, even though the extraction opening causes the gas volume to be extracted from inside the packaging.

[0055] In the embodiment shown here, the lifting element 240 is preferably fixedly connected to the lower tool 101 as a pin or stud, thus remaining in the same position at all times. However, it can also be provided that the lifting element 240 is an actuable lifting element that can be moved, for example, by means of a suitable drive device 241 (such as a motor or a control cam) along the double arrow direction shown (i.e., towards and away from the upper tool). If a motor 241 is provided, it can be driven by the Fig. 1 The control unit 150, as already described, is connected, and the control unit can control the motor in such a way that the lifting element is raised, at least during the period in which the extraction opening 114 causes gas to be extracted from within the packaging, such that the foil lid 112 does not rest on the extraction opening 114, in particular the lifting element in the Fig. 2bThe lifting element 240 is positioned at a distance h from the contact surface of the lower film 131 on the lower tool, as shown. It can be provided that the lifting element 240 is lowered via the drive element 241, particularly when the upper tool is moved towards the lower tool to perform the sealing process. This ensures that the film lid 112 reliably rests on the material of the lower film 131 and can be bonded to it, even with rigid film lid material. At the same time, the opening 242 can be closed.

[0056] If the drive element 241 is designed, for example, as a control cam or generally passive drive device, a motion coupling with the movement of the upper tool (or with the relative movement of the upper tool and lower tool to each other) and here with the sealing element 124, as described with reference to Fig. 1bAs described, it is provided that a movement of the sealing element 124 or, more generally, of the upper tool 102 relative to the lower tool 101 is translated into a corresponding movement of the lifting element 240.

[0057] Regardless of its design, the lifting element 240 can be made of a highly resistant material, in particular stainless steel, or at least comprise an outer surface made of stainless steel. In particular, the contact surface of the lifting element 240 can consist of or comprise stainless steel.

[0058] The lifting element can be detachably attached to the lower tool, for example via screw or plug connections (not shown), so that the lifting element can be removed without damaging either the lower tool or the lifting element itself. This offers the advantage that, for example, lifting elements of different shapes or lengths can be used if necessary. Thus, several interchangeable lifting elements 240 can be available, with individual lifting elements differing in the height h at which the bearing surface or contact surface of the lifting element is located relative to the bearing surface of the lower film 131 on the lower tool. This allows, for example, for the compensation of different flexibility or stiffness of the film lid.

[0059] In Fig. 2cAn embodiment is shown in cavalier perspective, in which the lifting element extends through an opening 242 in the lower film 131 towards the film lid 112 to lift it. The opening 242 is bounded by material 243 of the lower film 131. It can be provided that the opening 242 is formed by completely removing material of the lower film within the opening. This can be done, for example, by punching or cutting out the material in the area of ​​the lower film 131 where the opening 242 is to be formed. Alternatively (as shown here), it can also be provided that the material 242 located in the area of ​​the opening 242 is separated on some sides of the opening 242, but is not separated from the remaining material of the lower film on at least one side.On this side, the material 244 can then be moved (folded or bent) away from the rest of the lower film by a lifting element 240 passing through it, so that the lifting element can pass through the opening towards the film cover 112. This reliably lifts the film cover 112 from the extraction opening(s) 114 and prevents it from closing them.

[0060] Secondly, it is ensured that the material 244 of the lower film does not come to rest on the extraction openings, so that air can be reliably extracted or evacuated from the area formed between the lower film 131 and the film cover 112.

[0061] In the Fig. 2aThe top view shows that a lifting element 240 is arranged between each adjacent extraction opening 114. Preferably, at least one lifting element is provided for each recess in the lower tool 101, so that at least one extraction opening associated with that recess can be protected from unintentional covering by the foil cover by the lifting element 240 associated with that recess. However, it can also be provided that at least one lifting element 240 is arranged between each pair of adjacent extraction openings 114, as shown in Fig. 2a As shown. In particular, it can be provided that the lifting element 240 is arranged exactly in the middle between adjacent extraction openings 114.

[0062] The Figs. 3a to 3dshow different designs of the lifting element and in particular of the part of the lifting element that extends beyond the contact surface of the lower foil 131 on the lower tool 101.

[0063] In the Fig. 3a An embodiment is shown in which the lifting element 240 has a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein a body 342 of the lifting element terminates in a contact surface 341, which is preferably a closed contact surface (i.e., without a hole or other openings). In the Fig. 3a In the illustrated embodiment, this contact surface 341 is a flat surface, in particular a circle or an ellipse depending on the shape of the body 342. If the body has an elliptical cross-section, the contact surface 341 is also elliptical. If the body is cylindrical with a circular cross-section, the contact surface 341 is also circular.

[0064] In the Fig. 3bA similar embodiment is shown, wherein the body 342 of the lifting element 240 is again cylindrical or elliptical in cross-section. However, the contact surface 341 is not formed as a flat surface, but as a spherical or ellipsoidal segment and thus has a curved surface. In particular, the transition to the body 342 can be edgeless. This design offers the advantage that even with strong suction and thus a suction effect on the foil lid resting on the contact surface, unintentional damage to the foil lid due to sharp edges of the lifting element 240 can be avoided.

[0065] The Fig. 3cFigure 1 shows a further embodiment in which the lifting element is essentially shaped as a cuboid comprising a cuboid body 342 and a correspondingly rectangular support surface or contact surface 341. In this embodiment, the lifting element has a first dimension L1 and a second dimension L2 measured perpendicular to it, as well as a height h that extends beyond the support surface of the lower tool. The lifting element can have a greater extent, particularly in the direction L2, than in the direction L1. The relative orientation of the lifting element to other components of the sealing station, especially to adjacent extraction openings, is not restricted.However, it may be provided that the lifting element is arranged so that the extension L 2 coincides with or runs parallel to the connecting line between two adjacent extraction openings, so that a larger contact area is available in this direction for the material of the foil cover.

[0066] In the Fig. 3c In the embodiment shown, the contact surface 341 is flat.

[0067] The Fig. 3d Figure 1 shows an alternative embodiment, wherein the contact surface 341 is shaped as a cylindrical segment with a radius of curvature R2. Here too, the lifting element, and in particular the contact surface, has extensions L1 and L2 in mutually perpendicular directions. The extensions L1 and L2 are measured in Euclidean coordinates and, in particular, not along the metric defined by the contact surface 341 itself. The dimensions L1 and L2 can therefore be compared to those of the Fig. 3cbe identical although, measured along the contact surface 341 itself, the extent of the contact surface 341 along the direction L 1 is larger compared to the Fig. 3c .

[0068] Analogous to Fig. 3b The shape of the contact surface 341 can be chosen so that there are no edges at the transition to the body 342 of the lifting element 240 in order to avoid damage to the film material.

[0069] While the side surfaces of the lifting element according to the embodiment in Fig. 3d The plane formed by the extension of the lifting element in the direction L 1 and the direction h are shown here as straight surfaces; rounding can also be carried out here so that sharp edges are avoided.

[0070] Regarding the positioning of the lifting element of the Fig. 3d Does this already apply with regard to the Fig. 3c described.

[0071] It is also conceivable to use embodiments in which different lifting elements are used according to the Figs. 3a to 3d can be used together. For example, combinations of lifting elements can be used according to the Fig. 3a and 3d or the Fig. 3b and 3d or 3a and 3c. The invention is not limited in this respect.

Claims

1. Sealing station (100) for sealing packaging units (130), said sealing station comprising a lower tool (101) with at least one receptacle (111) for a packaging unit and an upper tool (102), where said lower tool and said upper tool are arranged to be movable relative to one another, where said sealing station comprises an edge extractor (170) with at least one extraction opening (114) for subjecting the interior of said packaging unit (130) to a vacuum and / or a gas and where said lower tool comprises a lifting element (240) for lifting a film cover (112) of said packaging unit (130), where said lower tool (101) comprises a sealing element (116) at a distance from the center (M) of said receptacle (111) and said upper tool (102) comprises a counter-pressure element (123) which can be made to contact said sealing element (116) for sealing an interior of said packaging unit from the exterior, and where said extraction opening (114) is arranged at a distance from the center of said receptacle (111) which is shorter than the distance of said sealing element (116) from the center, and where said lifting element (240) is arranged at a distance from the center of said receptacle (111) which is shorter than the distance of said sealing element (116) from the center; characterized in that said lower tool (101) comprises an inner sealing element (113) which is arranged at a distance from the center of said receptacle (111) which is shorter than the distance of said extraction opening (114) and the distance of said lifting (240) element from the center of said receptacle.

2. Sealing station (100) according to claim 1, where said lifting element (240) does not coincide with said extraction opening (114).

3. Sealing station according to claim 1 or 2, where said edge extractor (170) comprises a plurality of extraction openings (114) which are arranged at a distance from the center of said receptacle (111) which is shorter than the distance of said sealing element (116) from the center of said receptacle, and where said lifting element (240) is arranged between two adjacent extraction openings.

4. Sealing station (100) according to claim 3, where a lifting element (240) is arranged between each two adjacent extraction openings (114).

5. Sealing station (100) according to one of the claims 1 to 4, where said lifting element (240) is formed in the shape of a pin which comprises a closed contact surface (341) which can contact a film cover (112) resting thereon; where said lifting element (240) has an elongate contact surface that can contact a film cover (112), and where said contact surface (341) has a first extension in a first direction that is greater than a second extension of said contact surface (341) in a second direction.

6. Method for sealing a packaging unit (130) with a sealing station (100) for sealing packaging units, said sealing station comprising a lower tool (101) with at least one receptacle (111) for a packaging unit and an upper tool (102), where said lower tool and said upper tool are arranged to be movable relative to one another, where said sealing station comprises an edge extractor (170) with at least one extraction opening (114) for subjecting the interior of said packaging unit to a vacuum and / or a gas, and where said lower tool (101) further comprises a lifting element (240) for lifting a film cover (112) of said packaging unit, where the method comprises lifting said film cover of said packaging unit in said receptacle by said lifting element at least in part while said interior of said packaging unit is subjected to a vacuum and / or a gas by said edge extractor (170), where said lower tool (101) comprises a sealing element (116) at a distance from center (M) of said receptacle (111) and said upper tool (102) comprises a counter-pressure element (123) which can be made to contact said sealing element before said edge extractor(170) is actuated for sealing the interior of said packaging unit from the exterior, and where said extraction opening (114) is arranged at a distance from the center of said receptacle (111) which is shorter than the distance of said sealing element from the center, and where said lifting element (240) is arranged at a distance from the center of said receptacle (111) which is shorter than the distance of said sealing element (116) from the center, where said lower tool (101) comprises an inner sealing element (113) which is arranged at a distance from the center of said receptacle (111) which is shorter than the distance of said extraction opening (114) and the distance of said lifting (240) element from the center of said receptacle.

7. Method according to claim 6, where the method further comprises lifting said film cover (112) through an opening (243) in a base film (131) of said packaging unit (130) by said lifting element (240).

8. Method according to claim 6 or 7, where, after the interior of said packaging unit has been subjected to a vacuum and / or a gas, said upper tool (102) and said lower tool (101) are moved towards one another and said packaging unit arranged in said receptacle (111) is sealed.

9. Method according to one of the claims 6 to 8, where said lifting element (240) does not coincide with said extraction opening (114).

10. Method according to any of claims 6 to 9, where said edge extractor (170) comprises plurality of extraction openings (114) which are arranged at a distance from the center of said receptacle (111) which is shorter than the distance of said sealing element (116) from the center of said receptacle, and where said lifting element (240) is arranged between two adjacent extraction openings (114) and where a lifting element (240) is optionally arranged between each two adjacent extraction openings.

11. Method according to one of the claims 6 to 10, where said lifting element (240) is formed in the shape of a pin which comprises a closed contact surface (341) which contacts a film cover (112) resting thereon.

12. Method according to one of the claims 6 to 10, where said lifting element (240) has an elongate contact surface (231) that contacts a film cover (112), and where said contact surface has a first extension in a first direction that is greater than a second extension of said contact surface in a second direction.