Apparatus and process for packaging products

Abstract

An apparatus for packaging a product (P) arranged on a support (2) comprises a film supply assembly (30) and a packaging assembly (4) for coupling the support (2) with a film (3). The packaging assembly has a lower tool (5) for receiving the support (2) and an upper tool (6) comprising a frame (8) for holding a respective portion (3a) of the film. The frame (8) and the lower tool (5) are movable relative to each other between a plurality of positions. The frame (8) has a plurality of positions including a first position, in which the frame (8) is remote from the lower tool (5) to keep the respective portion flat and spaced apart from the support (2), and a second position, in which the frame (8) is close to the lower tool (5) to allow the respective portion (3a) to begin contacting the product (P) and / or the support (2). The frame (8) is configured to maintain the respective portion (3a) flat when the frame (8) and the lower tool (5) are moved from the first position to the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and process for packaging products. More specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus and process for packaging products under vacuum to obtain vacuum skin packaging. Background Technology

[0002] Vacuum skin packaging is a known process for packaging food, which involves placing the product on a support, such as a tray or flat cardboard support. In the prior art, the support containing the product moves toward a packaging assembly. The packaging assembly has a lower tool for receiving the support on which the product is arranged and an upper tool for receiving a packaging film. Specifically, the film is positioned at the upper tool and above the product placed on the support. Once the film and support are received, the lower and upper tools move toward each other to define and close a packaging chamber around the support and the product. The film is then pulled upward against a heated dome of the upper tool, such that the film is shaped and heated while being held in contact with the heated surface of the dome by suction. A vacuum is then applied to the packaging chamber below the film and around the supported product. Once the pressure in the packaging chamber reaches a pressure level suitable for packaging, the suction applied to the film is released, and the film is pulled downward to cover the contours of the product and contact the support. Thus, the film is welded to the support and forms a tight skin layer around the product.

[0003] Therefore, vacuum skin packaging is essentially a thermoforming process in which a film is formed inside a dome above a support and the product. To support the suction inside the dome and subsequent forming around the product contour, the film needs to exhibit elastic resilience. A drawback of existing systems is the need to use films exhibiting elastic resilience, which typically necessitates the use of cross-linked films.

[0004] Furthermore, when forming the membrane inside the dome, it is not uncommon for the membrane to rupture due to insufficient heating, over-forming, or unsuitable mechanical and chemical properties. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of this disclosure is to overcome the shortcomings and / or limitations of the prior art described above. Another object of this disclosure is to provide packaging equipment and processes capable of using recyclable films and recyclable supports. A further object of this disclosure is to provide equipment and processes capable of reducing downtime due to film rupture. Yet another object is to provide more versatile packaging equipment and processes capable of using a wide variety of film materials.

[0006] This overview is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, some concepts that will be further described in the detailed description below. This overview is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to serve as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] The first aspect relates to an apparatus for packaging, particularly vacuum skin packaging, a product arranged on a support, the apparatus comprising a film supply assembly configured to supply film and a packaging assembly configured to receive film and connect the support to the film. The packaging assembly includes a lower tool and an upper tool, the lower tool defining a seat for receiving the support on which the product is arranged, and the upper tool having a body configured to cooperate with the lower tool. The packaging assembly is configured to operate at least in a first operating state and a second operating state, in the first operating state the lower and upper tools are away from each other, and in the second operating state the lower and upper tools are close to each other. The upper tool includes a frame coupled to the body and configured to receive and hold a corresponding portion of the film, and the frame and the lower tool are mounted to move relative to each other between multiple positions. The plurality of positions include: a first position in which the frame is away from the lower tool to keep the corresponding portion of the membrane flat and spaced apart from the support and the product disposed on the support; and a second position in which the frame is close to the lower tool to allow the corresponding portion of the membrane to begin contacting the product and / or the support, and wherein the frame is configured to maintain the flatness of the corresponding portion of the membrane as the frame and the lower tool move from the first position to the second position.

[0008] In the second aspect according to the preceding one, the upper tool is mounted for rotation about a rotation axis, optionally about a horizontal rotation axis, and includes a plurality of bodies angularly offset from each other and a plurality of frames also angularly offset from each other, wherein each of the frames is coupled to a corresponding body and configured to receive and hold a corresponding portion of the membrane, wherein each pair formed by a corresponding body and a corresponding frame is selectively positioned to align with the lower tool, and when positioned to align with the lower tool, the corresponding frame is movable relative to the lower tool between the plurality of positions, and is configured to maintain the corresponding portion of the membrane flat when the corresponding frame and the lower tool move from a first position to a second position.

[0009] In a third aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the lower tool and the upper tool, optionally the upper tool, are configured to cooperate to define the packaging chamber when the packaging assembly is in the second operating state.

[0010] In the fourth aspect of any of the foregoing aspects, when the packaging assembly is in the second operating state, the / each frame is located inside the packaging chamber.

[0011] In accordance with the fifth aspect of the foregoing, when the packaging assembly is in the second operating state, each frame and lower tool is configured to be movable relative to each other.

[0012] In a sixth aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the film supply assembly is configured to cooperate with the packaging assembly for positioning a corresponding portion of the film between the frame and the support and the product disposed on the support.

[0013] According to the seventh aspect of the preceding aspect, the film supply assembly is configured to cooperate with the packaging assembly for positioning the corresponding portions of the film below the frame and above the support and the product arranged on the support.

[0014] In the eighth aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, each frame has a retaining surface configured to contact and retain a corresponding portion of the film, the retaining surface being positioned within the packaging chamber and facing the lower tool when the packaging assembly is in a second operating state.

[0015] According to the ninth aspect of the preceding aspect, the retaining surface is configured to face the lower tool when the packaging assembly is in the first operating state and when the packaging assembly is in the second operating state.

[0016] In a tenth aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the apparatus includes heaters positioned upstream of the packaging assembly and downstream of the film supply assembly, the heaters being configured to: receive film from the film supply assembly, heat a corresponding portion of the film, and supply the corresponding heated portion of the film to the packaging assembly.

[0017] In accordance with the eleventh aspect of the preceding aspect, the heater is configured to be positioned outside the packaging chamber when the packaging assembly is in the second operating state.

[0018] In the twelfth aspect according to any of the first to ninth aspects, the upper tool includes a heater coupled to the body, the heater being configured to heat a corresponding portion of the membrane, and wherein the heater is coupled to a frame for relative movement relative to each other between an operating configuration and a non-operating configuration, wherein in the operating configuration the heater and the frame are at a minimum distance apart, and in the non-operating configuration the heater and the frame are at a maximum distance apart, the maximum distance being greater than the minimum distance, and wherein the heater is configured to heat a corresponding portion of the membrane when the heater and the frame are in the operating configuration.

[0019] According to the thirteenth aspect of the preceding aspect, the heater is configured to be surrounded by a frame in the operating configuration.

[0020] In accordance with the fourteenth aspect, which is subordinate to the second aspect, any one of the aforementioned aspects from the twelfth to the thirteenth, the upper tool comprises a plurality of heaters angularly offset from each other, each of the heaters being coupled to a corresponding pair formed by a corresponding body and a corresponding frame, and wherein each heater is configured to heat a corresponding portion of the membrane and is movable relative to the corresponding frame between an operating configuration and a non-operating configuration.

[0021] In the fifteenth aspect according to any of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects mentioned above, when the packaging assembly is in the second operating state, each heater is configured to be positioned within the packaging chamber.

[0022] In the sixteenth aspect according to any one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects, each heater has an action surface configured to contact a corresponding portion of the film and configured to be positioned within the packaging chamber when the packaging assembly is in a second operating state.

[0023] According to the seventeenth aspect of the preceding aspect, in the operating configuration, the working surface of each heater is coplanar with the retaining surface of the frame or the corresponding frame.

[0024] In the eighteenth aspect according to any of the twelfth to seventeenth aspects mentioned above, each heater is fixed to or connected to the body or corresponding body, and each frame is fixed to or connected to the body or corresponding body.

[0025] In the nineteenth aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the device includes a vacuum assembly including a vacuum source that is fluidly connected to the packaging chamber and configured to reduce the pressure inside the packaging chamber.

[0026] In a twentieth aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the apparatus includes a film cutting assembly configured to: receive a film as a continuous film from a film supply assembly; cut corresponding portions from the film in the form of film sheets; optionally supply the film sheets to an upper tool; optionally supply the film sheets to said / each frame of the upper tool; wherein supplying the film sheets includes cooperating with a packaging assembly to position the film sheets between said / each frame and a support and a product disposed on the support; optionally positioning the film sheets below said / each frame and above the support and the product disposed on the support.

[0027] In the twenty-first aspect according to the preceding aspect, the film cutting assembly includes a transfer device configured to position the film below the / each frame and above the support and the product disposed on the support, wherein the transfer device includes: a backing structure having a flat surface adapted to receive and hold the film, and a mechanism acting on the backing structure and configured for relative movement of the backing structure relative to the packaging assembly between an outer position and an inner position, in the outer position the backing structure is away from an upper tool for receiving the film, and in the inner position the backing structure is close to the upper tool for positioning the film at the / each frame and above the support and the product disposed on the support.

[0028] In the twenty-second aspect according to the preceding aspect, the backing structure and each frame are coupled for relative movement from a distant state to a close state, in which the frames and the backing structure are far apart from each other, and in the close state, the backing structure and the frames are close together to transfer the diaphragm.

[0029] In the twenty-third aspect according to the preceding aspect, the mechanism acting on the backing structure is configured to move the backing structure along a first direction between an outer position and an inner position, and vice versa.

[0030] In the twenty-fourth aspect according to the preceding aspect, the mechanism acting on the backing structure is also configured to move the backing structure along a second direction transverse to the first direction between a distant state and a near state, and vice versa.

[0031] In the twenty-fifth aspect according to any one of the twenty to twenty-fourth aspects described above, the device includes a moving mechanism coupled to a packaging assembly and configured to rotate at least the upper tool about a rotation axis between a plurality of angular positions, the plurality of angular positions including: an alignment position in which the body and frame are aligned with the lower tool, or in which a pair formed by a corresponding body and a corresponding frame are aligned with the lower tool; and a pickup position in which the frame or the pair is aligned with a film cutting assembly for receiving a corresponding portion of the film in the form of a sheet.

[0032] In the twenty-sixth aspect according to any one of the twenty to twenty-fifth aspects mentioned above, the membrane cutting assembly includes a blade connected to an upper tool and configured to cut a corresponding portion from the membrane in the form of a sheet.

[0033] In the twenty-seventh aspect according to the preceding aspect, the blade is fixed to each of the aforementioned bodies and is configured to cut a corresponding portion from the film when the packaging assembly transitions from a first operating state to a second operating state.

[0034] In the twenty-eighth aspect according to either of the two preceding aspects, the membrane cutting assembly includes a stop member coupled to the blade and / or each of the bodies and configured to be inserted between the upper and lower tools in a second operating state. The stop member is movable between a stopped state and a released state, in which the stop member blocks the membrane against an adjacent surface, and in the released state, the membrane is allowed to move.

[0035] In the twenty-ninth aspect according to the preceding aspect, the film supply assembly is configured to cooperate with the film cutting assembly and the packaging assembly for supplying film above the stop and below the frame, optionally for positioning a corresponding portion of the film between the frame and the stop.

[0036] In a thirtieth aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the device includes a control unit that communicates signals with the packaging assembly and is configured to perform the following steps: commanding the packaging assembly to change from a first operating state to a second operating state, or vice versa; commanding relative movement of the said / each frame and lower tool from a first position to a second position, or vice versa; and commanding the packaging assembly to engage the support with a corresponding portion of the film to obtain packaging.

[0037] In the thirty-first aspect of the foregoing, the step of commanding the packaging assembly to transition from a first operating state to a second operating state or vice versa includes commanding the following operations: moving the upper tool and the lower tool away from and toward each other to define a packaging chamber around the support and the product arranged on the support, and wherein the step of commanding the relative movement of the / each frame and the lower tool includes commanding the following further operations: moving the corresponding portion of the film and the lower tool away from and / or toward each other to maintain the corresponding portion of the film flat, and wherein the control unit is in signal communication with the film supply assembly and is configured to perform the following steps: when the packaging assembly is in the first operating state, commanding the film supply assembly to supply film to the packaging assembly, optionally supplying the corresponding portion of the film to the / each frame of the upper tool, and commanding the / each frame to receive and hold the corresponding portion of the film.

[0038] According to the thirty-second aspect of the preceding aspect, the control unit is configured to perform further operations such as moving the corresponding portions of the film and the lower tool away from and / or toward each other, thereby maintaining the corresponding portions of the film flat, when the packaging assembly is in the second operating state or after the operation of the defined packaging chamber.

[0039] In the thirty-third aspect according to either of the two preceding aspects, the step of commanding the membrane supply assembly includes positioning a corresponding portion of the command membrane between the frame and the support and the product arranged on the support, optionally below the frame and above the support and the product arranged on the support.

[0040] In the thirty-fourth aspect, which is subordinate to any of the thirtieth to thirty-third aspects when it is subordinate to the twelfth aspect, the control unit communicates with each heater and is configured to perform the following steps: commanding each heater to heat a corresponding portion of the membrane, commanding each heater and the frame or corresponding frame to move relative to each other between an operating configuration and a non-operating configuration, and vice versa, wherein the step of commanding the packaging assembly to engage the support with the corresponding portion of the membrane is for thermally bonding the corresponding portion of the membrane to the support.

[0041] In accordance with the thirty-fifth aspect of the preceding aspect, the step of commanding the relative movement of the / each heater and the frame or the corresponding frame includes the step of moving the corresponding portion of the membrane and the / each heater away from each other and / or toward each other to maintain the corresponding portion of the membrane flat.

[0042] In the thirty-sixth aspect, which is subordinate to any of the thirtieth to thirty-fifth aspects when it is subordinate to the nineteenth aspect, the vacuum assembly, optionally the vacuum source, communicates with the control unit, which is configured to perform the following steps: commanding the vacuum assembly, optionally the vacuum source, to reduce the pressure inside the packaging chamber, optionally to reach a defined vacuum level inside the packaging chamber, wherein the step of commanding the packaging assembly to connect the support to the corresponding portion of the film is for obtaining vacuum skin packaging.

[0043] In the thirty-seventh aspect, which is subordinate to any of the foregoing aspects 30 to 36 when applicable to the twenty-first aspect, the control unit communicates with the film cutting assembly via signals and is configured to: command the film cutting assembly to cut a corresponding portion in the form of the film sheet from the film; command the transfer device to position the film sheet below the / each frame and above the support and the product disposed on the support; and wherein commanding the packaging assembly includes leaving the packaging assembly in a first operating state for a period of time sufficient for the backing structure of the transfer device to: move from an outer position to an inner position to position the corresponding portion of the film sheet in the form of the film at / each frame and below the / each frame and above the support and the product disposed on the support, and move from an inner position to an outer position.

[0044] In the thirty-eighth aspect of the preceding aspect when subordinate to any of the twenty-second to twenty-fourth aspects, the control unit is configured to perform the following steps: commanding relative movement of the backing structure and / or said / each frame from a distant state to a near state to transfer the diaphragm.

[0045] According to the thirty-ninth aspect of the preceding aspect, the control unit is configured to perform the following steps: commanding a mechanism acting on the backing structure to move the backing structure along a first direction between an outer position and an inner position, and vice versa.

[0046] In the fortieth aspect according to the preceding aspect, the control unit is configured to perform the following steps: commanding the mechanism acting on the backing structure to move the backing structure along a second direction between a distant state and a near state, and vice versa.

[0047] In aspect 41, which is subordinate to any of aspects 30 to 40 when it is subordinate to aspect 25, the control unit communicates with the moving mechanism, which is coupled to the packaging assembly, and the control unit is configured to execute the step of commanding the moving mechanism to rotate at least the upper tool about a rotation axis between a plurality of angular positions.

[0048] The forty-second aspect relates to a process for packaging, particularly vacuum skin packaging, of a product disposed on a support, optionally using the equipment described in any of the preceding aspects, the process comprising the steps of: supplying the product disposed thereon to the support; supplying a film, causing a corresponding portion of the film, as well as the support and the product disposed on the support, to move relative to each other between a remote position and a proximal position, in the remote position being that the corresponding portion of the film is away from the support and the product disposed on the support; and in the proximal position being that the corresponding portion of the film begins to contact the product and / or the support; engaging the support to the film, optionally engaging the corresponding portion of the film, thereby obtaining packaging, optionally vacuum skin packaging, and wherein the step of moving the corresponding portion of the film, as well as the support and the product disposed on the support, relative to each other between the remote and proximal positions includes maintaining the corresponding portion of the film flat.

[0049] According to aspect 43 of the preceding aspect, the process further includes the step of defining a packaging chamber around the support and the product arranged on the support, wherein relative movement of a corresponding portion of the film and the support and the product arranged on the support occurs within the packaging chamber.

[0050] In the forty-fourth aspect according to either of the two preceding aspects, the process includes the step of moving a corresponding portion of the film, as well as a support and a product disposed on the support, relative to each other between a proximity position and a contact position, optionally moving them within a packaging chamber, wherein in the contact position, the corresponding portion of the film contacts the product and the support.

[0051] According to the forty-fifth aspect of the preceding aspect, the step of moving a corresponding portion of the membrane, a support, and a product disposed on the support relative to each other between a proximity position and a contact position includes three-dimensionally shaping the corresponding portion of the membrane.

[0052] In the forty-sixth aspect according to either of the two aspects mentioned above, the step of moving the corresponding portion of the membrane, the support, and the product arranged on the support relative to each other between a proximity position and a contact position is after moving the corresponding portion of the membrane, the support, and the product arranged on the support relative to each other between a distance position and a proximity position.

[0053] In aspect forty-seven, according to any of aspects forty-two to forty-six, the process includes one or more of the following steps: heating a corresponding portion of the film; the step of connecting a support to a corresponding portion of the film includes thermally bonding the corresponding portion of the film to the support; reducing the pressure within a packaging chamber defined around the support and the product disposed on the support; and cutting a corresponding portion from the film in the form of a sheet.

[0054] In the forty-eighth aspect according to any of the forty-second to forty-seventh aspects, the process uses the equipment according to any of the first to forty-first aspects, wherein: the packaging chamber defined around the support and the product is performed by commanding the packaging assembly to change from a first operating state to a second operating state or vice versa.

[0055] According to aspect forty-nine of the preceding aspect, the command to change the packaging components from a first operating state to a second operating state or vice versa includes moving the upper tool and the lower tool away from each other and toward each other.

[0056] In the fiftieth aspect according to any of the forty-second to forty-ninth aspects mentioned above, the process uses the apparatus according to any of the first to forty-first aspects mentioned above, wherein: the relative movement of the corresponding portions of the film, as well as the support and the product arranged on the support, between a remote position and a near position and / or between a near position and a contact position, optionally within the packaging chamber, is performed by commanding the relative movement of said / each frame and lower tool from a first position to a second position, or vice versa.

[0057] According to the fifty-first aspect of the preceding aspect, the step of moving the respective portions of the film, the support, and the product arranged on the support relative to each other between distant and near positions, optionally moving them within the packaging chamber, includes moving the respective portions of the film and the lower tool away from each other and / or toward each other, the step of moving the respective portions of the film and the lower tool away from each other and / or toward each other while maintaining the respective portions of the film flat.

[0058] In aspect 52, according to any one of aspects 42 to 51 above, the process uses the apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 41 above, wherein: the film supply is performed by ordering the film supply assembly to supply the film to the packaging assembly, optionally supplying a corresponding portion of the film to said / each frame of the upper tool.

[0059] In the fifty-third aspect according to any of the forty-second to fifty-second aspects, the process uses the apparatus according to any of the first to forty-first aspects, wherein: supplying the membrane includes positioning a corresponding portion of the membrane between the frame and the support and the product arranged on the support, optionally below the frame and above the support and the product arranged on the support.

[0060] In the 54th aspect, which is subordinate to the 47th aspect, the process uses the apparatus of any of the 1st to 40th aspects subordinate to the 12th aspect, and the process includes: a step of heating a corresponding portion of the membrane, which is performed by said / each heater, and a step of moving the corresponding portion of the membrane and said / each heater away from each other and toward each other relative to each other.

[0061] In accordance with the fifty-fifth aspect of the preceding aspect, the step of moving the respective portion of the membrane and each heater relative to each heater includes moving the heater and the frame or the respective frame relative to each other between an operating configuration and a non-operating configuration, and vice versa.

[0062] In the 56th aspect, which is subordinate to the 47th aspect, the process uses the apparatus of any of the 1st to 41st aspects, which is subordinate to the 19th aspect, wherein the process includes: a step of reducing the pressure inside the packaging chamber, which is performed by commanding a vacuum assembly, optionally a vacuum source, and includes a step of achieving a defined vacuum level inside the packaging chamber.

[0063] In the 57th aspect, which is subordinate to any of the 42nd to 56th aspects, the process uses the apparatus of any of the 1st to 41st aspects, which is subordinate to the 21st aspect, wherein the process includes: the step of cutting a corresponding portion in the form of a film sheet from the film, the step being performed by commanding a film cutting assembly, and the step of leaving the packaging assembly in a first operating state for a period of time sufficient for the backing structure of the transfer device to move from an outer position to an inner position to position the corresponding portion of the film sheet in the form of a film sheet at and below the frame and above the support and the product arranged on the support, from an inner position to an outer position.

[0064] In the fifty-eighth aspect according to the preceding aspect, the device is an apparatus according to any of the first to forty-first aspects when subordinate to any of the twenty-second to twenty-fourth aspects, the process comprising one or more of the following steps: moving the backing structure and / or said / each frame from a remote state to a proximal state to transfer a corresponding portion of the membrane in the form of a sheet, moving the backing structure in a first direction between an outer position and an inner position, and vice versa, moving the backing structure in a second direction between a remote state and a proximal state, and vice versa.

[0065] In accordance with aspect 59 of the preceding aspect, the steps of moving the backing structure along the first direction and / or moving the backing structure along the second direction are performed by commanding the mechanisms on the backing structure to function.

[0066] In the sixtieth aspect according to any of the forty-second to fifty-ninth aspects mentioned above, the device is the device according to any of the first to forty-first aspects when subordinate to the twenty-fifth aspect, and the process includes the step of rotating at least the upper tool about a rotation axis between a plurality of angular positions. Attached Figure Description

[0067] The foregoing aspects and numerous accompanying advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily understood and appreciated when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, wherein: Figure 1 A schematic diagram depicts known packaging equipment during different operational steps in the process of packaging products; Figure 2A-2G A schematic diagram of the equipment during the operation steps of a process for packaging a product according to a first embodiment is depicted; Figures 3A-3C A schematic diagram of the equipment during the operation steps of a process for packaging products according to a first embodiment is shown; Figures 4A-4E A schematic diagram of the equipment during the operation steps of a process for packaging a product according to a first embodiment is depicted; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the device according to the second embodiment is shown. Figures 6A-6F A schematic diagram of the apparatus during the operational steps of a process for packaging a product according to a third embodiment is depicted; and Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a device according to a fourth embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Agreement Product – The term “Product P” means any kind of article or composition of articles. For example, a product can be a food type and can be in solid, liquid, or gel form, i.e., in one or more of the above-mentioned aggregate states. In the food sector, products can include: meat, fish, cheese, processed meat, and various kinds of prepared and frozen foods.

[0069] Control Unit – The packaging equipment described herein includes at least one control unit designed to perform steps of the manufacturing packaging process. Depending on design choices and operational needs, the control unit may obviously consist of only one or more different control units. The term “control unit” refers to an electronic component that may include at least one of the following: a digital processor (e.g., including at least one selected from the group consisting of a CPU, GPU, GPGPU), memory (or multiple memories), analog circuitry, or a combination of one or more digital processing units and one or more analog circuitry. The control unit may be “configured” or “programmed” to perform some steps: this can be done in practice by any means that allows configuration or programming of the control unit. For example, in the case where the control unit includes one or more CPUs and one or more memories, one or more programs may be stored in appropriate memory banks connected to one or more CPUs; the one or more programs contain instructions that, when executed by one or more CPUs, program or configure the control unit to perform the operations described with respect to the control unit. Alternatively, if the control unit is or includes analog circuitry, the control unit circuitry may be designed to include circuitry configured to process electrical signals in use to perform steps associated with the control unit. The control unit may include one or more digital units, such as microprocessor-type digital units, or one or more analog units, or a suitable combination of digital and analog units; the control unit may be configured to coordinate all actions required to execute instructions and instruction sets.

[0070] Support element – ​​As used herein, support element 2 may be a container in the form of a tray, having a bottom wall, side walls, and optionally a top edge extending radially from the side walls; alternatively, support element 2 may be flat. Support element 2 may have a rectangular shape or any other suitable shape, such as circular, square, elliptical, etc. Support elements with side walls may be manufactured by thermoforming or injection molding, or in the case of flat support elements, they may be extruded, co-extruded, laminated, and then cut to size. Support element 2 may be at least partially made of a paper-based material, such as paper or cardboard. Alternatively, support elements may be made of a single layer or multiple layers of polymeric material.

[0071] Detailed description equipment Reference numeral 1 generally indicates equipment for packaging a product P arranged on a support 2, which is, for example, a flat support or a tray. The support 2 can be any support known in the art suitable for packaging food, such as for vacuum packaging, vacuum skin packaging, or modified atmosphere packaging.

[0072] The support member 2 may present a bottom wall and sidewalls extending from the bottom wall, the sidewalls defining a space or surface in which the product P may be arranged or contained. The support member 2 has a top edge projecting radially from the sidewalls. The top edge has a horizontal portion, optionally flat, defining a sealing surface for tightly securing a membrane, preferably for a heat-bonded membrane. The support member 2 may include through-holes adapted to allow pressure reduction within or around the support member. For example, the bottom wall or sidewalls of the support member may present through-holes configured for engagement with nozzles, needles, or pins configured to fluidly communicate the volume around the product arranged on the support member with a vacuum source.

[0073] The product P to be packaged is contained or arranged on the support 2. The product may protrude above the top edge of the support, or the product may be completely contained within the support. In other words, the product may or may not protrude above the top edge of the support. The device 1 disclosed herein is also sufficient for packaging products that do not protrude above the top edge. The device 1 can be configured for vacuum packaging, vacuum skin packaging, and modified atmosphere packaging.

[0074] The first embodiment of the device Figure 2A-2G A non-limiting example of an apparatus 1 for packaging a product P arranged on a support 2 is shown. Apparatus 1 includes a film supply assembly 30 and a packaging assembly 4. The film supply assembly 30 is configured to supply film 3 to the packaging assembly 4. The film supply assembly 30 may include an unwinding station configured to receive a roll 15 of film 3 and to unwind film 3.

[0075] Film 3 may be a packaging film. Film 3 may be applied to support 2 to form a cover on support or a patch layer associated with support, conforming to the contour of product P. The film may be made of a single-layer material or a flexible multilayer material, including at least a first external heat-sealable layer, an optional gas barrier layer, and a second external heat-resistant layer. Film 3 may also include other layers, such as adhesive layers or body layers, to increase the film thickness and improve its damage resistance. All film layers may contain appropriate amounts of additives. Some of these additives are included in one or more outer layers, while others are added to inner layers. Additives may include slip agents and anti-blackening agents, antioxidants, stabilizers, plasticizers, fillers, pigments and dyes, crosslinking inhibitors, crosslinking enhancers, ultraviolet (UV) absorbers, odor absorbers, oxygen scavengers, bactericides, and antistatic agents. One or more layers of the film may be crosslinked to improve the film's strength and / or its heat resistance.

[0076] The packaging assembly 4 of the device is configured to receive film 3 from film supply assembly 30 and connect support 2 to film 3. The packaging assembly includes a lower tool 5 and an upper tool 6 configured to cooperate with each other. Specifically, the lower tool 5 and upper tool 6 are configured to cooperate with each other to define a packaging chamber 9 around the product and support. At least one of the upper and lower tools is configured to move toward and away from the other. Specifically, both the upper and lower tools are configured to move toward and away from the other. In other words, the upper tool can move toward and away from the lower tool while the lower tool is stationary, or the lower tool can move toward and away from the upper tool while the upper tool is stationary, or both the upper and lower tools can move toward and away from each other.

[0077] The lower tool 5 defines a seat 5a for receiving a support member 2 on which the product P is disposed. The lower tool 5 may also define multiple seats 5a, each configured to receive a corresponding support member containing a corresponding product.

[0078] In detail, the lower tool 5 can be configured to receive a support 2 carrying the product P, which comes from a feed conveyor or from any suitable means adapted to supply a support containing at least the product to the lower tool of the equipment. The feed conveyor can be configured to supply one or more support 2s at a time, thereby providing a support for the lower tool for each seat.

[0079] The upper tool 6 of the packaging assembly 4 includes a body 7. The body 7 is configured to cooperate with the lower tool 5, specifically for defining a packaging chamber 9. In detail, the body and the lower tool are configured to define a packaging chamber around a support and the product disposed thereon. Advantageously, defining the packaging chamber around the support and the product allows for reduced pressure and oxygen content around the support containing the product, and allows for vacuum packaging or vacuum skin packaging of the product.

[0080] More specifically, the packaging assembly 4 of device 1 is configured to operate in at least a first operating state and a second operating state. When the packaging assembly 4 is in the first operating state, the lower tool 5 and the upper tool 6 are far apart from each other. When the packaging assembly is in the second operating state, the lower tool 5 and the upper tool 6 are close to each other. For example, Figures 2A-2D The packaging component 4 is shown in its first operating state, while Figure 2E-2G The packaging component is shown in its second operating state.

[0081] More specifically, the packaging assembly 4 is configured to receive the film 3 and the support with the product when it is in its first operating state. In other words, when the packaging assembly is in its first operating state, the upper tool (particularly the body) and the lower tool are separated from each other, allowing the film supply assembly 30 to supply the film.

[0082] Furthermore, the packaging assembly 4 is configured, when in its second operating state, to define a packaging chamber 9 around the support 2 and the product disposed on the support 2. In other words, when the packaging assembly 4 is in its second operating state, the upper tool, particularly its body, and the lower tool are configured to contact each other, thereby defining the packaging chamber. Specifically, the packaging chamber may have two or more sub-chambers, which may be at least partially limited by corresponding portions of the film. In other words, the body and the lower tool may define a packaging chamber having an upper sub-chamber located above the corresponding portions of the film and a lower sub-chamber located below the corresponding portions of the film and around the support and the product.

[0083] Additionally, the upper tool 6 includes a frame 8 connected to the body 7. The frame 8 is configured to receive and hold a corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3. Specifically, the membrane supply assembly 30 is configured to supply the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane to the frame of the upper tool. More specifically, the upper tool may include multiple frames connected to the body, each frame as described in this specification. For example, when the lower tool is defined as having several seats 5a for receiving multiple corresponding supports, the upper tool may have an equal number of frames, each frame configured to receive a corresponding portion of the membrane suitable for connection with a corresponding one of the multiple supports.

[0084] The frame 8 of the upper tool 6 and the lower tool 5 are mounted to move relative to each other between multiple positions. These multiple positions include a first position in which the frame 8 is spaced apart from the lower tool 5 to keep the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane flat and away from the support 2 and the product P disposed on the support 2. Specifically, when the frame and the lower tool are in the first position, the corresponding portion of the membrane is spaced apart from the support.

[0085] The plurality of positions includes a second position in which the frame 8 is close to the lower tool 5 to allow a corresponding portion of the membrane to begin contacting the product P and / or the support. Specifically, when the frame 8 and the lower tool 5 are in the second position, the corresponding portion 3a can contact the product and / or the support.

[0086] Specifically, if the product is completely contained within the support and there is no protrusion above the top edge of the support, then when the frame and lower tool are in the second position, the corresponding portion of the membrane contacts the support at least. More specifically, if the product protrudes above the top edge of the support, then when the frame and lower tool are in the second position, the corresponding portion of the membrane contacts the product.

[0087] For example, Figure 2B-2E An apparatus is shown with the frame and lower tool in a first position, wherein the corresponding portion of the membrane is flat and spaced apart from the support and product housed in the seat of the lower tool. Furthermore, for example, Figure 2F The device is shown with the frame and lower tool in a second position, where the corresponding portion of the membrane is flat and begins to contact the product arranged on the support.

[0088] In detail, the frame 8 is configured to maintain the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane flat when the frame 8 and the lower tool 5 move from the first position to the second position.

[0089] Additionally, the plurality of positions includes a third position in which the frame 8 approaches the lower tool 5 to allow a corresponding portion of the membrane to at least contact the support. More specifically, the relative movement of the frame and the lower tool from the second to the third position is configured to induce three-dimensional shaping of the corresponding portion of the membrane. Figure 2G The device is depicted in which the frame and lower tool are in a third position, with a corresponding portion of the film contacting the top edge of the support and covering the outline of the product. According to one aspect, when the packaging assembly is in a second operating state, the lower tool 5 and the upper tool 6 are configured to cooperate in defining a packaging chamber 9. Specifically, the upper tool (particularly the body 7) and the lower tool 5 are configured to define the packaging chamber 9 around the support 2 and the product P arranged on the support 2.

[0090] Additionally, when the packaging assembly 4 is in the second operating state, the frame 8 is positioned within the packaging chamber 9. Specifically, the frame is movable within the packaging chamber. Furthermore, the frame 8 and the lower tool 5 are configured to move relative to each other when the packaging assembly 4 is in the second operating state. When the packaging assembly 4 is in the second operating state, the frame 8 and the lower tool are movable between a first position, a second position, and optionally a third position.

[0091] According to one aspect, the film supply assembly 30 is configured to cooperate with the packaging assembly 4 for positioning a corresponding portion 3a of the film between the frame 8 and the support 2 and the product P disposed on the support 2. Specifically, the film supply assembly 30 is configured to cooperate with the packaging assembly for positioning the corresponding portion 3a of the film below the frame 8 and above the lower tool, and thus above the support 2 and the product P disposed thereon.

[0092] The frame 8 may have a retaining surface 8a configured to contact and retain a corresponding portion 3a of the film 3. When the packaging assembly 4 is in a second operating state, the retaining surface 8a is configured to be positioned within the packaging chamber 9 and facing the lower tool 5. Additionally, when the packaging assembly 4 is in a first operating state and when the packaging assembly 4 is in a second operating state, the retaining surface 8a may be configured to face the lower tool 5. The retaining surface 8a may be planar. Specifically, the retaining surface is configured to be relatively movable relative to the lower tool 5. The retaining surface is configured to approach the lower tool when the frame and the lower tool are in a second and / or third position. More specifically, when the frame and the lower tool are in a second and / or third position, the retaining surface is configured to approach the top edge of the support member.

[0093] The upper tool 6 may include a heater 10 configured to heat a corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3. The heater 10 may be configured to heat the corresponding portion by heat conduction, heat convection, or heat radiation. The heater 10 may be configured to contact the corresponding portion to transfer heat energy and heat it. The heater 10 may include a resistor configured to heat the corresponding portion.

[0094] Specifically, the heater is connected to the body 7. The heater is also connected to the frame 8 for relative movement between each other between an operating configuration and a non-operating configuration. In the operating configuration, the heater 10 and the frame 8 are at a minimum distance apart. Specifically, the heater 10 is configured to heat a corresponding portion of the membrane when the heater and frame are in the operating state. More specifically, the heater is configured to contact a corresponding portion of the membrane when the heater and frame are in the operating configuration. Figure 2A and Figure 2C-2E A non-limiting example of the device is shown, in which the heater and frame are in an operational configuration.

[0095] In a non-operating configuration, the heater 10 and the frame 8 are spaced at a maximum distance, where the maximum distance is greater than the minimum distance. Specifically, the heater and the frame are spaced far apart from each other, such that the corresponding portions of the membrane held by the frame are spaced far from the heater. For example, Figure 2B , 2F Figure 2G shows a device in which the heater and frame are in a non-operating configuration. Figure 2A-2C The diagram illustrates the transition from operational to non-operational configurations, and vice versa.

[0096] In detail, the heater is configured to be at least partially located within the packaging chamber when the packaging assembly is in the second operating state, and optionally movable.

[0097] Additionally, the heater 10 has an operating surface 10a configured to contact a corresponding portion 3a of the film 3. The operating surface 10a is configured to heat the corresponding portion 3a by contacting it and transferring heat thereto. The operating surface 10a is configured to be positioned within the packaging chamber 9 when the packaging assembly 4 is in a second operating state, and optionally movable within the packaging chamber 9. More specifically, the operating surface of the heater can have any configuration or geometry suitable for heating the corresponding portion of the film. The operating surface of the heater can be planar or concave.

[0098] According to one aspect, the heater 10 is configured to be surrounded by the frame 8 in an operating configuration, for example, as... Figure 2A and Figure 2C-2E As shown. Specifically, the dimensions of the heater 10 and the frame 8 are designed such that the frame 8 surrounds the heater 10 when the heater and frame are in the operating configuration. In other words, when the heater and frame are in the operating configuration, the heater 10 is located in the center seat of the frame. More specifically, in the operating configuration, the operating surface 10a of the heater 10 is coplanar with the retaining surface 8a of the frame 8.

[0099] Alternatively, the heater and frame can have substantially equal dimensions, such that in the operating configuration, the heater is not surrounded by the frame, and the operating surface 10a of the heater 10 is far from the retaining surface 8a of the frame 8. In other words, when the heater and frame are in the operating configuration, the operating surface 10a and the retaining surface 8a may not be coplanar.

[0100] According to one aspect, when the packaging assembly 4 is in the second operating state, the heater 10 is configured to be positioned within the packaging chamber 9. Specifically, when the packaging assembly 4 is in the first operating state or when the packaging assembly is in the second operating state, relative movement between the heater 10 and the frame 8 in operating and non-operating configurations can occur. For example, the device is shown in which the packaging assembly is in the first operating state, and the heater and frame are respectively in... Figure 2C Operation configuration and Figure 2B The non-operational configuration in the middle. Conversely. Figure 2E and Figure 2F The device is shown with the packaging assembly in a second operating state, and the heater and frame in an operating and non-operating configuration, respectively.

[0101] According to one aspect, the heater 10 is fixed to the body 7, and the frame 8 is movably connected to the body 7. Similarly... Figure 2A-2G As shown, the heater can be fixed to the body 7 throughout all the different steps of the packaging process. In other words, the relative movement of the frame with respect to the body is configured to change the heater and frame from a non-operating configuration to an operating configuration, and vice versa.

[0102] Alternatively, the heater 10 is movably connected to the body 7, and the frame 8 is fixed to the body 7. In other words, the relative movement of the heater with respect to the body is configured to change the heater and frame from a non-operating configuration to an operating configuration, and vice versa. Figures 3A-3C An example of the device is depicted, in which the heater is movably connected to the body, and the frame is fixed to the body.

[0103] Alternatively, both heater 10 and frame 8 can be movably coupled to body 7. In other words, the relative movement of heater or frame, or both, relative to the body can be configured to change the heater and frame from a non-operating configuration to an operating configuration, and vice versa. Figures 4A-4E An example of the device is depicted, in which both the heater and the frame are movably connected to the body.

[0104] Additionally, the device may include a vacuum assembly comprising a vacuum source fluidly connected to and configured to reduce the pressure within the packaging chamber 9. The vacuum source may be in the form of a single vacuum pump or multiple vacuum pumps. The device includes a fluid communication line through which the vacuum source and the packaging chamber are fluidly connected. The lower and / or upper tool includes channels through which the vacuum source is fluidly connected to the packaging chamber. Specifically, the body of the upper tool has channels through which the packaging chamber and the vacuum source are fluidly connected. The vacuum source may also be configured to remove air from the packaging chamber, as described in EP2722279A1.

[0105] Specifically, the device may include a needle or piercing device coupled to an upper or lower tool for fluid connection to a vacuum source and a volume surrounding a product arranged on a support. Specifically, the needle or piercing device may be configured to pierce the support and optionally has a tip orifice.

[0106] The apparatus may also include a membrane cutting assembly 11. The membrane cutting assembly 11 is configured to: receive the membrane 3, which is a continuous membrane, from the membrane supply assembly 30, and cut corresponding portions 3a in the form of membrane sheets from the membrane 3. The membrane cutting assembly may also be configured to feed the membrane sheets to an upper tool. Specifically, feeding the membrane sheets to the upper tool includes a frame for feeding the membrane sheets to the upper tool. More specifically, the membrane cutting assembly may be of the type described in EP2459448A1.

[0107] The film cutting assembly can be configured to cooperate with the packaging assembly 4 to position the film between the frame 8 and the support and the product P disposed on the support 2, preferably positioning the film below the frame 8 and above the support 2 and the product P disposed on the support 2. Specifically, after the film cutting assembly supplies the corresponding portion to the upper tool of the packaging assembly, the corresponding portion of the film is located between the frame and the support, in direct contact with the frame and facing the support and the product.

[0108] Furthermore, the film cutting assembly 11 includes a transfer device 16 configured to position the film below the frame 8 and above the support 2 and the product P disposed on the support 2. The transfer device 16 includes a backing structure 12 having a flat surface 12a suitable for receiving and holding the film. The transfer device 16 may also include a mechanism 17 acting on the backing structure for commanding relative movement of the backing structure relative to the packaging assembly.

[0109] The mechanism 17, acting on the backing structure 12, is configured for relative movement of the backing structure relative to the packaging assembly between an outer position and an inner position. In the outer position, the backing structure 12 is away from the upper tool 6 for receiving the film; in the inner position, the backing structure 12 is close to the upper tool 6 for positioning the film at the frame 8 and above the support 2 and the product P disposed on the support 2. For example, in Figure 2A-2C Each of the illustrations depicts the device with the backing structure positioned on the inside.

[0110] Furthermore, the backing structure 12 and the frame 8 can be coupled for relative movement from a distant state where the frame 8 and the backing structure 12 are far apart to a close state where the backing structure 12 and the frame 8 are close together to transfer the diaphragm. For example, the device in Figure 2A The image shows the backing structure and frame in a distanced state. Figure 2B The image shows the proximity state.

[0111] Specifically, the mechanism 17 acting on the backing structure 12 can be configured to move the backing structure 12 between an outer position and an inner position along a first direction, and vice versa. The mechanism 17 acting on the backing structure 12 can be further configured to move the backing structure 12 along a second direction transverse to the first direction between a distant state and a near state, and vice versa. The second direction is defined by… Figure 2B Arrow A is shown in the diagram.

[0112] According to one aspect, the film cutting assembly 11 may include a blade 13, which is coupled to the upper tool 6 and configured to cut a corresponding portion 3a from the film 3 in the form of a film sheet. The blade 13 may be fixed to the body and optionally configured to cut the corresponding portion 3a from the film 3 when the packaging assembly 4 transitions from a first operating state to a second operating state. More specifically, the blade is configured to cut the corresponding portion from the film after a pressure reduction within the packaging chamber.

[0113] Depending on some aspects, the membrane cutting assembly 11 may include a stop 14 connected to the blade 13 and the body 7, for example, Figures 4A-4E and Figure 5 As shown. The stop 14 is configured to be inserted between the upper tool 6 and the lower tool 5 at least in the second operating state of the packaging assembly. Specifically, the stop 14 is movable between a stopped state and a released state. In the stopped state, the stop 14 blocks the film 3 from abutting against an adjacent surface; in the released state, the film 3 is allowed to move. Specifically, when the stop is in the stopped state, it prevents the corresponding portion from being fed into the packaging assembly, while when the stop is in the released state, it allows the corresponding portion to be fed. Furthermore, the stop is configured such that it is immovable within the packaging chamber when the packaging assembly is in the second operating state.

[0114] More specifically, the membrane supply assembly 30 can be configured to cooperate with the membrane cutting assembly 11 and the packaging assembly 4 to supply the membrane 3 above the stop 14 and below the frame 8, optionally to position the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane between the frame 8 and the stop 14.

[0115] The device 1 may also include a control unit that communicates signals with the packaging assembly 4 and is configured to perform the following steps: commanding the packaging assembly 4 to change from a first operating state to a second operating state, or vice versa; commanding the frame 8 and the lower tool 5 to move relative to each other from a first position to a second position, or vice versa; and commanding the packaging assembly 4 to engage the support 2 with the corresponding portion 3a of the film to obtain packaging.

[0116] In detail, the steps of commanding the packaging assembly 4 to change from a first operating state to a second operating state or vice versa include commanding the following actions: moving the upper tool 6 and the lower tool 5 away from each other and / or toward each other, defining the packaging chamber 9 around the support 2 and the product P arranged on the support 2.

[0117] According to one aspect, moving the upper tool 6 and the lower tool 5 away from each other and toward each other includes: moving the upper tool toward and / or away from the lower tool, and / or moving the lower tool toward and / or away from the upper tool.

[0118] Additionally, moving the upper tool 6 and the lower tool 5 away from and / or toward each other includes moving the body and the lower tool away from and / or toward each other.

[0119] For example, Figure 2A-2G The diagram illustrates an apparatus during different operational steps in the process of packaging a product, wherein: a lower tool is configured to move toward and away from an upper tool, and a control unit is configured to command the execution of steps that move the lower tool toward and away from the upper tool. In other words, the relative movement of the lower and upper tools is caused by the movement of the lower tool toward and away from the upper tool.

[0120] Note that, alternatively, the relative movement of the lower and upper tools can be caused by the movement of the upper tool toward and away from the lower tool.

[0121] Similarly, alternatively, the relative movement of the lower tool and the upper tool can be caused by the movement of both the lower tool and the upper tool.

[0122] The steps of commanding the relative movement of the frame 8 and the lower tool 5 include commanding the following further operations: moving the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane and the lower tool 5 away from each other and / or toward each other to maintain the flatness of the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane. The steps of commanding the relative movement of the frame and the lower tool include: moving the frame toward and away from the lower tool, and / or moving the lower tool toward and away from the frame. In other words, the relative movement of the frame and the lower tool can be caused by the following movements: movement of the lower tool toward and away from the frame, or movement of the frame toward and away from the lower tool, or movement of both the frame and the lower tool toward and away from each other.

[0123] For example, Figure 2A-2GThe diagram illustrates an apparatus during different operational steps in the product packaging process, wherein both the frame and the lower tool are configured to move toward and away from each other, and a control unit 20 is configured to command the steps of moving the lower tool toward and away from the frame, and moving the frame toward and away from the lower tool. In other words, the relative movement of the frame and the lower tool, and the relative movement of the corresponding parts and the lower tool, are caused by the movement of both the frame and the lower tool toward and away from each other.

[0124] For example, Figures 3A-3C The diagram illustrates an apparatus during different operational steps in the process of packaging a product, wherein: a frame is configured to be stationary relative to the body, and a lower tool is configured to move toward and away from the frame, and a control unit 20 is configured to command the execution of steps that cause the lower tool to move toward and away from the frame. In other words, the relative movement of the frame and the lower tool can be caused by the movement of the lower tool toward and away from the frame. Specifically, the relative movement of corresponding parts and the lower tool can be caused by the movement of the lower tool toward and / or away from the frame and the corresponding parts.

[0125] Alternatively, the lower tool can be configured to be stationary, and the frame can be configured to move toward and away from the lower tool. The relative movement between the lower tool and the frame, as well as the relative movement between the corresponding parts and the lower tool, is caused by the movement of the frame toward and away from the lower tool.

[0126] Additionally, the control unit 20 can communicate with the film supply assembly 30 and is configured to perform the following steps: when the packaging assembly 4 is in a first operating state, commanding the film supply assembly 30 to supply the film 3 to the packaging assembly 4, optionally supplying the corresponding portion 3a of the film to the frame 8 of the upper tool 6, and commanding the frame 8 to receive and hold the corresponding portion 3a of the film.

[0127] According to one aspect, the control unit 20 is configured to perform further operations such as moving the corresponding portion 3a of the film 3 away from and / or toward each other, thereby maintaining the corresponding portion 3a of the film flat, when the packaging assembly 4 is in the second operating state or after the operation of the defined packaging chamber 9.

[0128] Additionally, the command membrane supply assembly 30 step may include positioning a corresponding portion 3a of the command membrane between the frame 8 and the support 2 and the product P arranged on the support 2, specifically, below the frame 8 and above the support 2 and the product P arranged on the support 2.

[0129] Furthermore, the control unit 20 communicates with the heater 10 and is configured to perform the following steps: commanding the heater 10 to heat a corresponding portion 3a of the membrane, commanding relative movement between the heater 10 and the frame in an operating configuration and a non-operating configuration, and vice versa. The step of commanding relative movement between the heater and the frame includes: moving the heater toward and away from the frame, and / or moving the frame toward and away from the heater. In other words, the relative movement between the heater and the frame may be caused by: movement of the heater toward and away from the frame, or movement of the frame toward and away from the heater, or movement of both the heater and the frame toward each other. For example, Figure 2A-2G The apparatus is shown during different operational steps in the process of packaging a product, wherein: the heater is stationary relative to the body, the frame is configured to move toward and away from the heater, and the control unit 20 is configured to command the execution of the step of moving the frame toward and away from the heater.

[0130] Again, for example, Figures 3A-3C The diagram illustrates equipment during different operational steps in the process of packaging a product, wherein: the frame is stationary relative to the body, the heater is configured to move toward and away from the frame, and the control unit 20 is configured to command the execution of steps that cause the heater to move toward and away from the frame. For example, Figures 4A-4D The apparatus is illustrated during different operational steps in the process of packaging a product, wherein both the heater and the frame are configured to move toward and away from each other, and optionally relative to the body, and the control unit 20 is configured to command the steps of moving the heater toward and away from the frame and moving the frame toward and away from the heater. Specifically, the step of commanding the packaging assembly 4 to cause the support 2 to engage with the corresponding portion 3a of the film is to thermally bond the corresponding portion of the film to the support.

[0131] The step of commanding the relative movement of the heater 10 and the frame 8 includes moving the corresponding portion of the membrane and the heater 10 away from each other and / or toward each other to maintain the flatness of the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane. Specifically, the relative movement of the corresponding portion of the membrane and the heater can be caused by the movement of the corresponding portion toward and away from the heater. Alternatively, the relative movement of the corresponding portion and the heater can be caused by the movement of the heater toward and away from the frame and the corresponding portion. Likewise, alternatively, the relative movement of the corresponding portion and the heater can be caused by the movement of both the heater and the corresponding portion toward and away from each other.

[0132] Additionally, the control unit 20 can communicate with a vacuum source and is configured to perform further steps: commanding the vacuum assembly, optionally commanding the vacuum source, to reduce the pressure within the packaging chamber, optionally reaching a predetermined vacuum level within the packaging chamber 9. Furthermore, the control unit 20 can be configured to: receive pressure data representing the predetermined pressure and a control signal representing the pressure within the packaging chamber, and command the vacuum assembly (optionally, the vacuum source) to reduce the pressure within the packaging chamber based on the pressure data and the control signal. In other words, the control unit 20 is configured to command the vacuum assembly (optionally, the vacuum source) to reach the predetermined pressure within the packaging chamber. The control unit 20 can be configured to command the vacuum assembly to reduce the pressure within the packaging chamber, at least until the pressure within the packaging chamber equals the predetermined pressure.

[0133] In detail, the step of commanding the packaging assembly 4 to connect the support 2 with the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane is to obtain vacuum-sealed packaging. The connection between the support and the corresponding portion of the membrane is achieved by moving the corresponding portion and the lower tool relative to each other.

[0134] In detail, after the pressure is reached within the packaging chamber and the frame and lower tool are in the second or third position, gas is injected into the packaging chamber to cover the product with the corresponding portion and to bond the corresponding portion of the film to the support, thereby obtaining vacuum skin packaging.

[0135] According to one aspect, the control unit 20 communicates with the membrane cutting assembly 11 and is configured to: command the membrane cutting assembly 11 to cut a corresponding portion 3a in the form of a membrane sheet from the membrane, and command the transfer device 16 to position the membrane sheet below the frame 8 and above the support 2 and the product P arranged on the support 2.

[0136] The step of commanding the packaging assembly 4 may include leaving the packaging assembly 4 in a first operating state for a period of time sufficient for the backing structure 12 of the transfer device 16 to move from an outer position to an inner position, so as to position the corresponding portion 3a of the film in the form of a sheet at and below the frame 8 and above the support 2 and the product P arranged on the support 2, from the inner position to the outer position.

[0137] Additionally, the control unit 20 can be configured to execute the step of commanding the relative movement of the backing structure 12 and the frame 8 from a distant state to a close state in order to transfer the diaphragm. Specifically, the relative movement of the backing structure 12 and the frame 8 may be caused by the following movements: movement of the backing structure toward and away from the frame, or movement of the frame toward and away from the backing structure, or movement of both the frame and the backing structure toward and away from each other.

[0138] Furthermore, the control unit 20 can be configured to perform the following steps: commanding the mechanism 17 acting on the backing structure 12 to move the backing structure 12 along a first direction between an outer position and an inner position, and vice versa; optionally, commanding the mechanism 17 acting on the backing structure 12 to move the backing structure 12 along a second direction between a distant state and a near state, and vice versa.

[0139] Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, the heater 10 of device 1 is positioned upstream of the packaging assembly 4 and downstream of the film supply assembly 30. A non-limiting example of the device according to the second embodiment is shown below. Figure 5 In the middle. The heater 10 can be configured to be positioned outside the packaging chamber 9 when the packaging assembly 4 is in the second operating state.

[0140] The heater is configured to: receive film 3 from film supply assembly 30, heat corresponding portions 3a of film 3, and feed the heated corresponding portions 3a of film to packaging assembly 4. Advantageously, positioning the heater outside the packaging chamber allows for heating of successive corresponding portions of film while the packaging assembly closes the support and packages the product with the previously heated corresponding portions.

[0141] Third Embodiment In the third embodiment, the upper tool 6 of the packaging component 4 is mounted to rotate about a rotation axis. Figures 6A-6F A non-limiting example of device 1 according to a third embodiment is shown. In detail, the axis of rotation may be a horizontal axis of rotation.

[0142] The device 1 may also include a moving mechanism 40 coupled to the packaging assembly 4. The moving mechanism 40 is configured to rotate at least the upper tool 6 about a rotation axis between multiple angular positions. The moving mechanism may include a support frame on which the upper tool is mounted, and a motor or actuator for rotating the upper tool as needed. Specifically, the multiple angular positions include an alignment position and a pickup position.

[0143] When the upper tool is in the alignment position, the body 7 and frame 8 are aligned with the lower tool. For example, in Figure 6D-6F In the middle, the upper tool is shown in the alignment position.

[0144] When the upper tool is in the pick-up position, frame 8 is aligned with the membrane cutting assembly for receiving the membrane sheet. The device with the upper tool in the pick-up position is as follows: Figure 6A and 6B As shown. In detail, when the upper tool is in the pick-up position, the frame is aligned with the backing structure 12.

[0145] The control unit 20 can communicate signals with the moving mechanism (40) connected to the packaging assembly 4. Specifically, the control unit 20 is configured to execute the step of commanding the moving mechanism 40 to rotate at least the upper tool 6 about a rotation axis between multiple angular positions.

[0146] Fourth embodiment In the fourth embodiment, the upper tool of the packaging component also includes a plurality of bodies that are angularly offset from each other, and a plurality of frames that are also angularly offset from each other. Figure 7 A non-limiting example of a device according to a fourth embodiment is shown. Each frame is coupled to a corresponding one in the body and is configured to receive and hold a corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3.

[0147] In detail, each pair formed by a corresponding body 7 and a corresponding frame 8 is selectively positioned to align with the lower tool 5, and when positioned to align with the lower tool 5, the corresponding frame 8 is movable relative to the lower tool 5 between the plurality of positions, and is configured to maintain the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane flat when the corresponding frame 8 and the lower tool 5 move from a first position to a second position.

[0148] Furthermore, each pair formed by a corresponding body 7 and a corresponding frame 8 is selectively positioned to align with the membrane cutting assembly for receiving the membrane sheet. Specifically, each pair formed by a corresponding body 7 and a corresponding frame 8 is selectively positioned to align with the backing structure 12 for receiving the membrane sheet.

[0149] Additionally, the upper tool 6 may include a plurality of heaters angularly offset from each other. Each of the heaters is coupled to a corresponding body 7 and a corresponding frame 8. Specifically, each of the heaters is configured to heat a corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3 and is relatively movable relative to the corresponding frame 8 between an operating configuration and a non-operating configuration.

[0150] Note that each of the plurality of frames, each of the plurality of bodies, and each of the plurality of heaters may correspond to the frame, body, and heater described in connection with any embodiment and aspect.

[0151] process Another object of this specification is the packaging process, particularly the process of vacuum skin packaging of product P arranged on support 2. This process can be performed using the apparatus 1 described herein according to any embodiment and / or aspect.

[0152] The process includes the following steps: supplying a support 2 on which a product P is disposed; supplying a film 3, causing a corresponding portion 3a of the film 3, as well as the support 2 and the product P disposed on the support 2, to move relative to each other between a remote position and a near position; in the remote position, the corresponding portion 3a of the film 3 is away from the support 2 and the product P disposed on the support 2; in the near position, the corresponding portion of the film begins to contact the product P and / or the support 2, connecting the support 2 to the film 3, optionally to the corresponding portion 3a of the film 3, thereby obtaining packaging, optionally vacuum skin packaging.

[0153] In detail, the step of moving the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3, the support 2, and the product P disposed on the support 2 relative to each other between distant and near positions includes maintaining the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane flat. The step of supplying the product P disposed on the support 2 can be performed by a feed conveyor or from any suitable equipment adapted to supply a support containing at least the product to a lower tool of the device. The step of supplying the product P disposed on the support 2 may include providing a corresponding support for the lower tool, the support containing a corresponding product for each of a plurality of seats.

[0154] According to one aspect, the process may further include the following steps: defining a packaging chamber 9 around the support 2 and the product P arranged on the support 2. Relative movement of the corresponding portion 3a of the film and the support 2 and the product P arranged on the support 2 occurs within the packaging chamber 9. In other words, the relative movement of the corresponding portion of the film and the support occurs within the packaging chamber.

[0155] The process may include the step of moving a corresponding portion 3a of the film, the support 2, and the product P disposed on the support 2 relative to each other between a proximity position and a contact position, optionally within the packaging chamber 9, in which the corresponding portion 3a of the film contacts the product P and the support 2 in the contact position.

[0156] The step of moving the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3, the support 2, and the product P arranged on the support 2 relative to each other between a proximity position and a contact position includes three-dimensionally shaping the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3.

[0157] In detail, the step of moving the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane, the support 2, and the product P arranged on the support 2 relative to each other between the approach and contact positions is performed after moving the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane, the support 2, and the product P arranged on the support 2 relative to each other between the distance and proximity positions.

[0158] In detail, the relative movement of the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3 and the support 2 and the product P arranged on the support 2 between the remote position, the near position and the optional contact position is caused by the following movements: moving the corresponding portion of the membrane toward and / or away from the support and the product arranged thereon, optionally by an underground tool, and optionally by a frame, and / or moving the support and the product arranged thereon, optionally by an underground tool, toward and / or away from the corresponding portion of the membrane, optionally by a frame.

[0159] In other words, the relative movement of a corresponding portion of the membrane and a support on which the product is disposed can be caused by the following movements: movement of the corresponding portion of the membrane toward and / or away from the support and the product disposed thereon, or movement of the support and the product disposed thereon toward and / or away from the corresponding portion of the membrane, or movement of both the corresponding portion and the support containing the product toward and / or away from each other. Additionally, the process may include the following steps: heating the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3, which can be performed by the heater 10, causing the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3 and the heater 10 to move away from and toward each other relative to each other.

[0160] In detail, the step of moving the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3 and the heater 10 relative to each other includes moving the heater 10 and the frame relative to each other between an operating configuration and a non-operating configuration, and vice versa. More specifically, moving the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3 and the heater relative to each other away from and toward each other is performed by moving the corresponding portion of the membrane, optionally the frame, toward and away from the heater, and / or moving the heater toward and away from the corresponding portion of the membrane, optionally the frame. In other words, the relative movement of the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3 and the heater 10 away from and toward each other can be caused by the movement of the corresponding portion of the membrane, optionally the frame, toward and away from the heater, or the movement of the heater toward and away from the corresponding portion of the membrane, optionally the frame, or both the corresponding portion, optionally the frame, and the heater 10 toward and away from each other.

[0161] The process may also include a step of reducing the pressure within the packaging chamber 9, which is defined around the support 2 and the product P disposed on the support 2. The step of reducing the pressure within the packaging chamber may be performed by a vacuum source and includes a step of achieving a defined vacuum level within the packaging chamber 9.

[0162] In addition, the process may include the steps of receiving pressure data representing a defined pressure and a control signal representing the pressure inside the packaging chamber. The step of reducing the pressure inside the packaging chamber is based on the pressure data and the control signal.

[0163] The process may include the step of cutting a corresponding portion 3a in the form of a membrane sheet from the membrane 3, which may be performed by the membrane cutting assembly 11. Specifically, the step of connecting the support 2 to the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3 may include thermally bonding the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3 to the support 2.

[0164] According to one aspect, the step of defining the packaging chamber 9 around the support 2 and the product P is performed by commanding the packaging assembly 4 to change from a first operating state to a second operating state, or vice versa. The step of defining the packaging chamber 9 around the support and the product arranged thereon can be performed by an upper tool and a lower tool. Specifically, the step of defining the packaging chamber is performed by the body of the upper tool and the lower tool. More specifically, the step of defining the packaging chamber is performed by the movement of the body and the lower tool toward and away from each other.

[0165] Furthermore, the steps of moving the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3, the support 2, and the product P arranged on the support 2 relative to each other between a remote position and a near position and / or between a near position and a contact position, optionally moving them within the packaging chamber 9, are performed by commanding the frame 8 and the lower tool 5 from a first position to a second position or vice versa.

[0166] The step of commanding the packaging component 4 to change from the first operating state to the second operating state or vice versa may further include moving the upper tool 6 and the lower tool 5 away from each other and toward each other.

[0167] In detail, the step of moving the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3, the support 2, and the product P arranged on the support 2 relative to each other between distant and near positions (optionally within the packaging chamber) includes moving the corresponding portion 3a (optionally the frame) and the lower tool 5 away from and / or toward each other.

[0168] More specifically, while maintaining the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane flat, a step is performed to move the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3 and the lower tool 5 away from and / or toward each other.

[0169] According to one aspect, the step of supplying the membrane 3 is performed by instructing the membrane supply assembly 30 to supply the membrane 3 to the packaging assembly 4, and optionally to supply the corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3 to the frame 8 of the upper tool 6.

[0170] Additionally, the step of supplying the membrane 3 includes positioning a corresponding portion 3a of the membrane 3 between the frame 8 and the support 2 and the product arranged on the support 2, specifically, below the frame 8 and above the support 2 and the product arranged on the support 2.

[0171] In detail, the process may also include the step of leaving the packaging assembly 4 in the first operating state for a period of time, which is sufficient for the backing structure 12 of the transfer device 16 to move from the outer position to the inner position to position the corresponding portion 3a of the film 3 in the form of a film sheet at and below the frame 8 and above the support 2 and the product P arranged on the support 2, from the inner position to the outer position.

[0172] According to one aspect, the process may include one or more of the following steps: moving the backing structure 12 and the frame 8 from a distant state to a near state for transferring corresponding portions of the membrane in the form of a sheet; moving the backing structure 12 between an outer position and an inner position in a first direction, and vice versa, which can be performed by commanding a mechanism 17 acting on the backing structure; and moving the backing structure 12 between a distant state and a near state, and vice versa, along a second direction, which can be performed by commanding a mechanism 17 acting on the backing structure.

[0173] The process may also include the step of rotating at least the upper tool 6 about a rotation axis between multiple angular positions.

[0174] Note that the packaging process described in this specification has been referenced to an apparatus having a single frame, body, and heater; however, this process can be performed using an apparatus according to any aspect and embodiment described herein. In other words, the process can be performed using an apparatus having multiple frames, multiple bodies, and / or multiple heaters. For example, the process can use an apparatus having a lower tool configured to receive multiple supports and an upper tool having multiple frames, each frame configured to receive a corresponding portion of the film and attach the corresponding portion of the film to a corresponding one of the supports, thereby obtaining multiple packages.

[0175] For the purposes of this disclosure, terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inward,” “outward,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” and “back” should be interpreted as descriptive and do not limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the use of “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” and variations thereof herein is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise limited, the terms “connection,” “link,” and “installation,” and variations thereof, are used extensively herein and cover both direct and indirect connections, links, and installations.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for packaging, particularly for vacuum skin packaging of a product (P) arranged on a support (2), said apparatus (1) comprising: A membrane supply assembly (30) is configured to supply membrane (3). A packaging assembly (4) configured to receive a film (3) and connect the support (2) to the film (3), the packaging assembly (4) comprising: The lower tool (5), which defines a seat (5a) for receiving a support (2) on which the product (P) is arranged, and An upper tool (6) having a body (7) is configured to cooperate with the lower tool (4). The packaging component (4) is configured to operate in at least a first operating state and a second operating state. In the first operating state, the lower tool (5) and the upper tool (6) are far apart from each other, and in the second operating state, the lower tool (5) and the upper tool (6) are close together. The upper tool (6) includes a frame (8) connected to the body (7) and configured to receive and hold a corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane (3). The frame (8) and the lower tool (5) are mounted to move relative to each other between multiple locations, including: In the first position, the frame (8) is positioned away from the lower tool (5) to keep the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane (3) flat and is spaced apart from the support (2) and the product (P) arranged on the support (2). In the second position, the frame (8) is close to the lower tool (5) to allow the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane to begin contacting the product (P) and / or the support (2), and The frame (8) is configured to maintain the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane flat when the frame (8) and the lower tool (5) move from the first position to the second position.

2. The device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The upper tool (6) is mounted to rotate about a rotation axis, optionally about a horizontal rotation axis, and includes multiple bodies angularly offset from each other and multiple frames angularly offset from each other. Each of the frames is connected to a corresponding one of the bodies and is configured to receive and retain a corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane (3). Each pair consists of a corresponding subject (7) and a corresponding frame (8): It can be selectively positioned to align with the lower tool (5), and When positioned to align with the lower tool (5), the corresponding frame (8) is movable relative to the lower tool (5) between the plurality of positions and is configured to maintain the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane flat when the corresponding frame (8) and the lower tool (5) move from the first position to the second position.

3. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lower tool (5) and the upper tool (6), optionally the body (7) of the upper tool (6), are configured to cooperate to define the packaging chamber (9) when the packaging assembly (4) is in the second operating state, and When the packaging assembly (4) is in the second operating state, each frame (8) is positioned within the packaging chamber (9). Optionally, when the packaging assembly (4) is in the second operating state, each frame (8) and the lower tool (5) are configured to move relative to each other. The film supply assembly (30) is configured to cooperate with the packaging assembly (4) for positioning a corresponding portion (3a) of the film between each frame (8) and the support (2) and the product (P) disposed on the support (2), optionally for positioning the corresponding portion (3a) of the film below each frame (8) and above the support (2) and the product (P) disposed on the support (2), and Each frame (8) has a retaining surface (8a) configured to contact and retain a corresponding portion (3a) of the film. The retaining surface (8a) is configured to be positioned within the packaging chamber (9) and facing the lower tool (5) when the packaging assembly (4) is in a second operating state. Optionally, the retaining surface (8a) is configured to face the lower tool (5) when the packaging assembly (4) is in a first operating state and when the packaging assembly (4) is in a second operating state.

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a heater (10) positioned upstream of the packaging assembly (4) and downstream of the film supply assembly (30), the heater (10) being configured to: Receive membrane from the membrane supply assembly (30), The corresponding portion of the membrane is heated. The corresponding heated portion of the film is supplied to the packaging assembly (4), and Optionally, of which, The heater (10) is configured to be positioned outside the packaging chamber (9) when the packaging assembly (4) is in the second operating state.

5. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The upper tool (6) includes a heater (10) connected to the body (7), the heater (10) being configured to heat a corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane, and The heater (10) is connected to the frame (8) for relative movement between each other in an operating configuration and a non-operating configuration. In the operating configuration, the heater (10) and the frame (8) are at a minimum distance, and in the non-operating configuration, the heater (10) and the frame (8) are at a maximum distance, the maximum distance being greater than the minimum distance. The heater (10) is configured to heat a corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane when the heater (10) and the frame (8) are in an operating configuration. Optionally, the heater (10) is configured to be surrounded by the frame (8) in the operating configuration.

6. The device (1) according to the preceding claim when it is dependent on claim 2, wherein, The upper tool (6) includes a plurality of heaters angularly offset from each other, each of the heaters being coupled to a corresponding pair formed by a corresponding body (7) and a corresponding frame (8), and wherein each heater (10): It is configured to heat the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane (3). It can move relative to the corresponding frame (8) between the operational configuration and the non-operational configuration.

7. The device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein, Each heater (10) is configured to be positioned within the packaging chamber (9) when the packaging assembly (4) is in the second operating state, and / or Each heater (10) has an action surface (10a) configured to contact a corresponding portion (3a) of the film when the packaging assembly (4) is in a second operating state and configured to be positioned within the packaging chamber (9). Optionally, in the operating configuration, the action surface (10a) of each heater (10) is coplanar with the holding surface (8a) of the frame (8) or the corresponding frame (8). in: Each heater (10) is fixed to or movably connected to the body (7) or corresponding body (7), and Each frame (8) is fixed to or movably connected to the body (7) or the corresponding body (7).

8. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a vacuum assembly including a vacuum source fluidly connected to a packaging chamber (9) and configured to reduce the pressure within the packaging chamber (9), and / or in, The device (1) includes a membrane cutting assembly (11) configured to: Receives a membrane as a continuous membrane from the membrane supply assembly (30). Cut corresponding portions in the form of membrane sheets from the membrane. The diaphragm is supplied to the upper tool, optionally to each frame of the upper tool. The supply of the film includes cooperating with the packaging assembly (4) for positioning the film between each frame (8) and the support (2) and the product (P) disposed on the support (2), optionally for positioning the film below each frame (8) and above the support (2) and the product (P) disposed on the support (2), and The membrane cutting assembly (11) includes a transfer device (16) configured to position the membrane below each frame (8) and above the support (2) and the product (P) disposed on the support (2), wherein the transfer device (16) includes: The backing structure (12) has a flat surface (12a) suitable for receiving and holding the diaphragm, and Mechanism (17), which operates on the backing structure (12) and is configured for relative movement of the backing structure (12) relative to the packaging assembly (4) between an outer position and an inner position, in which the backing structure (12) is away from the upper tool (6) for receiving the film, and in the inner position, the backing structure (12) is close to the upper tool (6) for positioning the film at each frame (8) and above the support (2) and the product (P) arranged on the support (2), and The backing structure (12) and each frame (8) are coupled to move relative to each other from a distant state to a close state. In the distant state, the frame (8) and the backing structure (12) are far apart from each other, and in the close state, the backing structure (12) and the frame (8) are close together to transfer the diaphragm. The mechanism (17) acting on the backing structure (12) is configured to move the backing structure (12) between an outer position and an inner position along a first direction, and vice versa. Optionally, the mechanism (17) operating on the backing structure (12) is also configured to move the backing structure (12) in a second direction transverse to the first direction between a far-away state and a near-away state, and vice versa.

9. The device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a moving mechanism (40) coupled to the packaging assembly (4) and configured to rotate at least the upper tool (6) about a rotation axis between a plurality of angular positions, the plurality of angular positions including: Alignment position, in which the body (7) and the frame (8) are aligned with the lower tool (5), or in which a pair formed by a corresponding body and a corresponding frame are aligned with the lower tool (5), and Pick-up position, at which the frame (8) or the pair is aligned with the membrane cutting assembly (11) for receiving a corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane in sheet form.

10. The device (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein, The film cutting assembly (11) includes a blade (13) coupled to the upper tool (6) and configured to cut a corresponding portion (3a) in the form of a film sheet from the film (3). Optionally, the blade (13) is fixed to each body (7) and configured to cut the corresponding portion (3a) from the film when the packaging assembly (4) transitions from the first operating state to the second operating state. The membrane cutting assembly (11) includes a stop (14) connected to the blade (13) and / or each body (7) and configured to be inserted between the upper tool (6) and the lower tool (5) in a second operating state. The stop (14) is movable between a stopped state and a released state. In the stopped state, the stop (14) blocks the membrane (3) against an adjacent surface. In the released state, the membrane (3) is allowed to move. Optionally, the membrane supply assembly (30) is configured to cooperate with the membrane cutting assembly (11) and the packaging assembly (4) for supplying the membrane (3) above the stop (14) and / or below each frame (8), and optionally for positioning a corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane between each frame (8) and the stop (14).

11. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a control unit (20), the control unit being in signal communication with the packaging assembly (4) and configured to perform the following steps: The command causes the packaging component (4) to transition from a first operating state to a second operating state, or vice versa. The command describes the relative movement of each frame (8) and the lower tool (5) from the first position to the second position, or vice versa. The packaging assembly (4) is commanded to engage the support (2) with the corresponding portion (3a) of the film to obtain packaging, and in, The steps of commanding the packaging component (4) to transition from a first operating state to a second operating state or vice versa include: The command performs the following operations: Move the upper tool (6) and the lower tool (5) away from each other and toward each other. The support (2) and the product (P) arranged on the support (2) define a packaging chamber (9), and The step of commanding the relative movement of each frame (8) and the lower tool (5) includes commanding the following further operations: The respective portions (3a) of the membrane and the lower tool (5) are moved away from each other and / or toward each other to maintain the flatness of the respective portions (3a) of the membrane, and The control unit (20) communicates with the membrane supply assembly (30) via signals and is configured to perform the following steps: When the packaging assembly (4) is in the first operating state, the film supply assembly (30) is commanded to supply the film (3) to the packaging assembly (4), and optionally, the corresponding portion (3a) of the film is supplied to each frame (8) of the upper tool (6). The command states that each frame (8) receives and holds the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane, and The control unit (20) is configured to perform further operations, such that when the packaging assembly (4) is in the second operating state or after the operation defining the packaging chamber (9), the corresponding portions (3a) of the film and the lower tool (5) are moved away from and / or toward each other to maintain the flatness of the corresponding portions (3a) of the film, and / or The step of commanding the membrane supply assembly (30) includes commanding a corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane to be positioned between each frame (8) and the support (2) and the product (P) arranged on the support (2), optionally below each frame (8) and above the support (2) and the product (P) arranged on the support (2).

12. The device (1) according to the preceding claim when it is dependent on claim 5, wherein, The control unit (20) communicates with each heater (10) via signals and is configured to perform the following steps: The command instructs each heater (10) to heat the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane. The command specifies that each heater (10) and the frame or corresponding frame shall move relative to each other between an operating configuration and a non-operating configuration, and vice versa. The step of commanding the packaging assembly (4) to connect the support (2) to the corresponding portion (3a) of the film is used to thermally bond the corresponding portion (3a) of the film to the support (2). Optionally, the command of the relative movement of the / each heater (10) and the frame or the corresponding frame includes the step of moving the corresponding portion of the membrane and the / each heater (10) away from each other and / or toward each other to maintain the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane flat.

13. The device (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 12 when dependent on any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The vacuum assembly, optionally the vacuum source, communicates with the control unit (20), which is configured to perform the following steps: Command the vacuum assembly, optionally command the vacuum source, to reduce the pressure within the packaging chamber (9), optionally achieving a defined vacuum level within the packaging chamber (9). The step of commanding the packaging assembly (4) to connect the support (2) to the corresponding portion (3a) of the film is to obtain vacuum-fit packaging, and The control unit (20) communicates with the membrane cutting assembly (11) via signals and is configured to: The membrane cutting assembly (11) is commanded to cut a corresponding portion (3a) from the membrane in the form of the membrane sheet. The transfer device (16) is commanded to position the diaphragm below each frame (8) and above the support (2) and the product (P) arranged on the support (2), and The command to the packaging assembly (4) includes leaving the packaging assembly (4) in a first operating state for a period of time, the period of time being sufficient for the backing structure (12) of the transfer device (16) to: Moving from the outer position to the inner position, for positioning the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane in the form of a sheet at and below each frame (8) and above the support (2) and the product (P) arranged on the support (2), Move from the inner position to the outer position, and The control unit (20) is configured to perform the following steps: Command the relative movement of the backing structure (12) and / or each frame (8) from a distant state to a near state to transfer the diaphragm, and / or The control unit (20) is configured to perform the following steps: The mechanism (17) that commands the backing structure (12) to move the backing structure (12) in a first direction between an outer position and an inner position, and vice versa. Optionally, the mechanism (17) acting on the backing structure (12) is commanded to move the backing structure (12) along a second direction between a distant state and a near state, and vice versa.

14. The device (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13 when dependent on claim 9, wherein, The control unit (20) communicates with the moving mechanism (40) which is connected to the packaging assembly (4). The control unit (20) is configured to execute a step of commanding the moving mechanism (40) to rotate at least the upper tool (6) about a rotation axis in the plurality of angular positions.

15. A process for packaging, particularly vacuum skin packaging, a product (P) arranged on a support (2), said process optionally using the equipment (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, said process comprising the following steps: The product (P) arranged on the support (2) is supplied. Supply membrane (3). The corresponding portions (3a) of the membrane (3), the support (2), and the product (P) arranged on the support (2) are moved relative to each other at the following positions: In the remote position, the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane (3) is remote from the support (2) and the product (P) arranged on the support (2), and In the proximity position, the corresponding portion of the membrane begins to contact the product (P) and / or the support (2). The support member (2) is connected to the membrane (3), optionally to a corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane (3), thereby obtaining packaging, optionally vacuum-sealed packaging, and The step of moving the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane (3) and the support (2) and the product (P) arranged on the support (2) relative to each other between distant and near positions includes maintaining the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane flat.

16. The process according to the preceding claim, wherein, The process also includes the following steps: A packaging chamber (9) is defined around the support (2) and the product (P) arranged on the support (2). The relative movement of the corresponding portion (3a) of the film, the support (2), and the product (P) arranged on the support (2) within the packaging chamber (9) is carried out. The process includes the steps of moving a corresponding portion (3a) of the film, a support (2), and a product (P) disposed on the support (2) relative to each other between a proximity position and a contact position, optionally within a packaging chamber (9), wherein, in the contact position, the corresponding portion (3a) of the film contacts the product (P) and the support (2), and The step of moving the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane (3), the support (2), and the product (P) arranged on the support (2) relative to each other between a proximity position and a contact position includes three-dimensionally shaping the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane (3), and The relative movement of the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane, the support (2), and the product (P) arranged on the support (2) between approaching and contacting positions occurs after the relative movement of the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane, the support (2), and the product (P) arranged on the support (2) between moving away from and approaching positions. The process includes one or more of the following steps: The step of heating the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane and connecting the support (2) to the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane (3) includes thermally bonding the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane (3) to the support (2). Reduce the pressure within the packaging chamber (9) defined around the support (2) and the product (P) arranged on the support (2). Cut the corresponding portion (3a) into the form of a membrane sheet from the membrane (3).

17. The process according to any one of claims 15 to 16, using the apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The packaging assembly (4) is commanded to transition from a first operating state to a second operating state to define a packaging chamber (9) around the support (2) and the product (P), or vice versa, and / or By commanding the relative movement of each frame (8) and the lower tool (5) from a first position to a second position or vice versa, the corresponding portion (3a) of the film (3), as well as the support (2) and the product (P) arranged on the support (2), are moved relative to each other between a remote position and a near position and / or between a near position and a contact position, optionally within the packaging chamber (9), and in: Commanding the packaging component (4) to change from a first operating state to a second operating state or vice versa includes moving the upper tool (6) and the lower tool (5) away from and toward each other, and / or The steps of moving the corresponding portions (3a) of the membrane (3) and the support (2) and the product (P) arranged on the support (2) relative to each other between moving away and moving closer, optionally within the packaging chamber (9), include moving the corresponding portions (3a) of the membrane (3) and the lower tool (5) away from and / or toward each other, the steps of moving the corresponding portions (3a) of the membrane (3) and the lower tool (5) away from and / or toward each other occurring while maintaining the corresponding portions (3a) of the membrane. in: The supply of film (3) is performed by commanding the film supply assembly (30) to supply film (3) to packaging assembly (4), optionally supplying corresponding portions (3a) of film (3) to said / each frame (8) of upper tool (6), and / or Supplying the membrane (3) includes positioning a corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane (3) between each frame (8) and the support (2) and the product (P) arranged on the support (2), optionally below each frame (8) and above the support (2) and the product (P) arranged on the support (2).

18. The process according to any one of claims 16 to 17 when dependent on claim 16, using the apparatus (1) of any one of claims 1 to 14 dependent on claim 5, wherein, The process includes: The step of heating the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane (3) performed by each heater (10), The steps of moving the corresponding portions (3a) of the membrane (3) and each heater (10) away from each other and towards each other, and Optionally, the step of moving the corresponding portion (3a) of the relative moving membrane (3) and each heater (10) includes moving each heater (10) and the frame or corresponding frame relative to each other between an operating configuration and a non-operating configuration, and vice versa.

19. The process according to any one of claims 16 to 18 when dependent on claim 16, using the apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 when dependent on claim 8, wherein, The process includes: The step of reducing the pressure inside the packaging chamber (9) is performed by commanding a vacuum assembly, optionally a vacuum source, and includes the step of achieving a defined vacuum level inside the packaging chamber (9), and The process includes: The step of cutting the corresponding portion from the membrane into the form of a membrane sheet is performed by commanding the membrane cutting assembly (11), and The step of leaving the packaging assembly (4) in the first operating state for a period of time, said period of time being sufficient for the backing structure (12) of the transfer device (16) to: Moving from the outer position to the inner position, for positioning the corresponding portion (3a) of the membrane (3) in the form of a diaphragm at the frame (8) and below each frame (8) and above the support (2) and the product (P) arranged on the support (2), Move from the inner position to the outer position, and The process includes one or more of the following steps: The backing structure (12) and each frame (8) are moved from a distant state to a close state to transfer the corresponding portion of the membrane in the form of a sheet. The backing structure (12) is moved along a first direction between the outer and inner positions, and vice versa. The backing structure (12) is moved along the second direction between the far-away state and the near-away state, and vice versa. Optionally, the step of moving the backing structure (12) along the first and / or second directions is performed by commanding a mechanism (17) that operates on the backing structure (12).

20. The process according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein, The device is the device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 when it is subordinate to claim 9, and the process includes the step of rotating at least the upper tool (6) about a rotation axis between the plurality of angular positions.

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