Capping machine and capping process

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container sealing machine (1, 1') for thermally sealing a sealing film (2) onto a container (3), in particular for "skin packaging" or modified atmosphere packaging of products (31, 31'), especially food products, the sealing machine (1, 1') comprising a housing (4) having an upper bell (41) and a lower bell (42) arranged to be moved along a principal vertical axis relative to each other between an open position allowing the container (3) to be placed in the lower bell (42) and the film (2) to be placed between the lower bell (42) and the upper bell (41), and a closed position allowing the sealing,a sealing head (5) mounted in the upper bell (41) and comprising a pressure element (6) including a bearing surface (60) arranged to press the film (2) against an edge (30) of the container (3) in the closed position of the enclosure (4), a heating block (7) arranged to heat the pressure element (6) and an intermediate piece (8) mounted at the interface between the heating block (7) and the inside of the enclosure (4), the sealing head (5) having spacer pads (93) fixing the intermediate piece (8) to the sealing head (5) so as to provide a space occupied by a thermal insulation element between the heating block (7) and the intermediate piece (8). Figure for the abstract: 6,

Description

Title of the invention: Sealing machine and sealing method Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the sealing of containers which consists of thermally sealing a film on a container, in particular for packaging of the "skin packaging" type (defined below) or under modified atmosphere of products, in particular food products. Conventionally, the sealing is carried out by a sealing machine or by a thermoforming machine. The thermoforming machine allows the thermoforming, sealing and cutting of containers.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a sealing or thermoforming machine and a sealing method. Throughout the text, the expression "sealing machine" covers all simple sealing machines and thermoforming machines. Technical background

[0003] Conventionally, a container sealing machine comprises an enclosure comprising an upper bell and a lower bell arranged to be moved vertically relative to each other between an open position allowing the container to be placed in the lower bell and the sealing film to be placed between the lower bell and the upper bell, and a closed position allowing sealing.

[0004] Such a sealing machine also comprises a sealing head mounted in the upper bell. The sealing head comprises a pressing element comprising a bearing surface arranged to press the sealing film onto an edge of the container in the closed position of the enclosure. In addition, the sealing head comprises a heating block which is used in different ways depending on the type of sealing desired.

[0005] A first type of sealing concerns sealing using a technology commonly referred to as "skin packaging", the sealing film is placed on the container and the product it contains in order to fit the shape of the product, like a second skin. To do this, the film is placed under the heating block brought to a predetermined temperature to soften the film and thus allow it to deform, then, a depression in the lower bell allows the film to be placed on the product, the film thus perfectly fitting the shape of the product.

[0006] A second type of sealing involves modified atmosphere sealing, which includes standard vacuum sealing. In this case, the container and the product it contains are placed in the enclosure. Once in the closed position, the enclosure is put under modified atmosphere to allow better preservation of the product. Then, the film is placed on the container and the product is then sealed on the edge of the container by a heat seal.

[0007] Thus, for the first type of sealing, the heating block is intended to heat the film over a surface area substantially equal to the surface area of ​​the container in a horizontal plane, whereas for the second type of sealing, the heating block is intended to heat the film only along the weld bead.

[0008] Conventionally, these two types of sealing are carried out by different machines because until now, the heating configuration required for “skin packaging” type sealing excluded the heating configuration allowing sealing under a modified atmosphere. Indeed, in a heating configuration allowing sealing under a modified atmosphere, the heating block is brought to a very high temperature during the welding operation and can damage the film if the latter is close to the heating block, which is required in a heating configuration allowing “skin packaging” type sealing. In particular, the damaged film could be deformed or even torn and the container could also be deformed.

[0009] However, the same packaging workshop may be required to carry out both types of sealing. With the aim of reducing equipment costs, a versatile sealing machine capable of carrying out both types of sealing, such as "skin packaging" and under modified atmosphere, is then advantageous.

[0010] The invention proposes a solution aimed at overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks. One objective of the invention is to propose a versatile capping machine and method. Summary of the invention

[0011] The invention provides a container sealing machine for sealing thermally a sealing film on a container, in particular for “skin packaging” type packaging or under modified atmosphere of products, particularly food products, the sealing machine comprising: - an enclosure comprising an upper bell and a lower bell arranged to be moved along a main vertical axis relative to each other between an open position allowing the container to be placed in the lower bell and the film to be placed between the lower bell and the upper bell, and a closed position allowing sealing, - a sealing head mounted in the upper bell and comprising a pressing element comprising a support surface arranged to press the film onto an edge of the container in the closed position of the enclosure, a heating block arranged to heat the pressure element and an intermediate piece mounted at the interface between the heating block and the interior of the enclosure, the machine being characterized in that the sealing head comprises spacer studs fixing the intermediate piece to the sealing head so as to provide a space occupied by a thermal insulation element between the heating block and the intermediate piece.

[0012] According to other characteristics of the invention: - the thermal insulation element is an air gap;

[0013] - the air blade comprises a main space extending radially, the space main part being delimited in the upper part by a lower face of the heating block, in the lower part by an upper face of the intermediate part and laterally by an internal face of the pressing element;

[0014] - the air blade comprises a peripheral space delimited laterally by a internal axial surface of the pressing element and an external axial surface of the intermediate piece;

[0015] - the peripheral space comprises a thinning near the bearing surface of the pressing element;

[0016] - the intermediate part comprises, in the vicinity of the bearing surface, an ex growth which at least partially fills the peripheral space around the pressing element, thus achieving thinning;

[0017] - the outgrowth is truncated in shape and gradually widens downwards until it adjoins the support surface;

[0018] - the intermediate part comprises a heating device or a cooling device arrangement such as a heat transfer fluid circulation network;

[0019] - the machine comprises a first temperature regulation device in the intermediate part comprising a first temperature probe in the intermediate part;

[0020] - the machine comprises a second temperature regulation device in the heating block including a temperature probe in the heating block.

[0021] The invention also relates to a method of sealing using a sealing machine according to the invention, the method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - temperature regulation of the intermediate room by means of the first temperature regulation device, - temperature regulation of the heating block to a temperature different from the temperature of the intermediate room by means of the second temperature regulation device, - placing the container in the lower bell, - closing the enclosure, the film being pinched between the upper bell and the lower bell, - creation in the enclosure of a predetermined atmosphere for sealing, - lowering of the sealing head and sealing of the film on the container, - return to atmospheric pressure of the enclosure, - raising of the sealing head, - opening of the enclosure, - removal of the container from the lower bell.

[0022] The term sealing is used as a synonym for the term heat sealing which corresponds to the operation of welding a lid to close a container.

[0023] The terms "upper" and "lower" are used to position the tools of the same station relative to each other. It is understood that for each tool, the person skilled in the art can reverse an upper tool and a lower tool without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the person skilled in the art can reverse the machine, all the lower tools then being at the top and the upper tools at the bottom, without departing from the scope of the invention. Brief description of the figures

[0024] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0025] [Fig.l] is a schematic cross-sectional overview of a machine according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0026] [Fig.2] is a schematic view in longitudinal section of an enclosure of the machine of [Fig.l] during sealing under modified atmosphere;

[0027] [Fig.3] is a schematic view in longitudinal section, on an enlarged scale, of detail A in [Fig.2], showing the sealing head of the machine in a high rest position;

[0028] [Fig.4] is a schematic view in longitudinal section, on an enlarged scale, showing the sealing head of the machine in a low sealing position;

[0029] [Fig.5] is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the enclosure of the machine of [Fig.l] during a “skin packaging” type sealing;

[0030] [Fig.6] is a schematic view in longitudinal section of an enclosure of a machine according to a second embodiment of the invention during a “skin packaging” type sealing. Detailed description of the invention

[0031] For the description of the invention and the understanding of the claims, the following will be adopted as a non-limiting example and without limiting reference to Earth's gravity: vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations according to the V, L, T reference system indicated in the figures whose longitudinal L and transverse T axes extend in a horizontal plane. By convention, the vertical axis is oriented from bottom to top, the longitudinal L axis is oriented from back to front and the transverse T axis is oriented from left to right.

[0032] In the following description, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numbers.

[0033] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a sealing machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention allowing the sealing of containers 3 comprising a non-protruding product 31. “Non-protruding” means that the height of the product is less than the height of the container. The sealing machine 1 is versatile and allows to carry out: - a modified atmosphere seal as shown in figures 2 to 4, or - a “skin packaging” type seal as shown in [Fig.5].

[0034] [Fig. 6] illustrates a sealing machine 1' according to a second embodiment of the invention allowing the sealing of containers 3 comprising a protruding product 31'. "Protruding" means that the height of the product is greater than the height of the container 3.

[0035] Firstly, the characteristics common to machines 1 and 1' are described.

[0036] The sealing machine 1,1' makes it possible to thermally seal a sealing film 2 on a container 3. By way of illustration, the container can be produced by the thermoforming machine or by another means.

[0037] The container 3 is for example a tray made of plastic, cardboard, glass, stainless steel or any other material. By way of illustration and in no way limiting, the container 3 has a generally parallelepiped shape and comprises a rectangular base from which a side wall rises. The side wall is terminated at the top by a rectangular sealing edge 30 intended to receive a lid.

[0038] As a variant, the container 3 may be of any other shape, for example cylindrical or oblong.

[0039] The container 3 is intended to receive a product 31, 31', for example food, before the sealing operation. The sealing can be carried out under vacuum or under a modified atmosphere.

[0040] The machine 1,1' comprises an enclosure 4. The enclosure 4 comprises an upper bell 41 and a lower bell 42. The upper bell 41 and the lower bell 42 are arranged to be moved vertically relative to each other between an open position and a closed position of the enclosure 4.

[0041] In the examples shown, the upper bell 41 is mounted to move in translation along a vertical main axis on the chassis of the machine 1, 1' and the lower bell 42 is fixed. The device comprises means (not shown) for moving the upper bell 41 arranged to move the upper bell 41 between a high position corresponding to the open position and a low position corresponding to the closed position of the enclosure 4.

[0042] The open position allows the container 3 to be placed in the lower bell 42 and the film 2 to be placed between the lower bell 42 and the upper bell 4L. In the open position, the film 2 is pressed against the lower edge of the upper bell 4L.

[0043] The sealing film 2 comes from a first reel 12 and is engaged on guide means, not shown. At the outlet of the enclosure, the residual sealing film 2 is recovered on a second reel 13. The second reel can be motorized to allow the automated unwinding of the sealing film 2.

[0044] In the closed position, the facing edges of the upper bell 41 and the lower bell 42 are applied against each other. The upper bell 41 and the lower bell 42 thus delimit by their internal faces a hermetically sealed space allowing the enclosure 4 to be placed under a modified atmosphere or under vacuum. In the closed position, the film 2 is pinched at the interface between the upper bell 41 and the lower bell 42.

[0045] The machine 1,1' further comprises a sealing head 5 mounted in the upper bell 4L. The sealing head 5 comprises a pressing element 6, a heating block 7 and an intermediate part 8 mounted at the interface between the heating block 7 and the interior of the enclosure 4.

[0046] The sealing head 5 is mounted in the upper bell 4L. The sealing head is movable relative to the upper bell 41 between a high rest position and a low sealing position.

[0047] [Fig. 3] shows the sealing head 5 of the machine 1 in a high rest position.

[0048] [Fig.4] shows the sealing head 5 of the machine 1 in a low sealing position.

[0049] The upper bell 41 comprises a heating cylinder 14 moving the sealing head between the upper rest position and the lower sealing position.

[0050] The pressing element 6 comprises a bearing surface 60 arranged to press the film 2 along a vertical axis onto the sealing edge 30 of the container 3 in the closed position of the enclosure 4. The pressing element 6 has a bearing surface 60 corresponding to the shape of the sealing edge 30.

[0051] In the examples shown, the pressing element 6 is a lower edge of the block of heats 7.

[0052] The heating block 7 is arranged to heat the pressing element 6.

[0053] The heating block 7 is metallic. The heating block 7 is brought to a temperature setpoint by a heat source. The heating block 7 is mounted on a lower surface of the heating cylinder 14 by means of a fixing plate.

[0054] The intermediate piece 8 is mounted horizontally under the heating block 7 by means of spacer studs 93. The intermediate piece 8 is adjacent to the pressing element 6 in the sealing position. The intermediate piece 8 has a solid lower face delimited by a closed loop having the shape of the sealing edge. The intermediate piece 8 is located immediately above the sealing film 2.

[0055] According to a feature of the invention, the sealing head 5 comprises a space occupied by a thermal insulation element and arranged between the heating block 7 and the intermediate part 8. The spacer studs 93 of the intermediate part 8 are sized to optimize the thermal insulation element in order to allow good thermal insulation while allowing robust fixing and limited space requirements.

[0056] In the examples shown, the thermal insulation element is an air gap 9. Alternatively, the thermal insulation element may be an insulating element made of ceramic, mica, Teflon, silicone or rubber.

[0057] The air blade 9 comprises a main space extending radially, the main space being delimited in the upper part by a lower face of the heating block 7, in the lower part by an upper face of the intermediate part 8 and laterally by an internal face of the pressing element 6.

[0058] As an indication, the air blade has an axial thickness of the order of 5 millimeters and is between 2 millimeters and 10 millimeters.

[0059] The air blade 9 comprises a peripheral space 91 delimited laterally by an internal axial surface of the pressing element 6 and an external axial surface of the intermediate piece 8.

[0060] The intermediate part 8 comprises a heating device 81 and a cooling device 82.

[0061] In the example shown, the heating device 81 and the cooling device 82 comprise a circulation network 89 for heat transfer fluid.

[0062] The heat transfer fluid circulation network 89 is supplied by a heat transfer fluid supply device 85 comprising a heat transfer fluid reserve, a fluid circulation pump, and a means for heating or cooling the heat transfer fluid.

[0063] The heat transfer fluid circulation network 89 comprises a circulation column 86 intended to convey a heat transfer fluid to the intermediate part 8. In the example, the heat transfer fluid is water but other heat transfer fluids such as oil or gases can be used.

[0064] The circulation column 86 is mounted inside the upper bell 41. The circulation column 86 comprises a fluid supply pipe 87 and a heat transfer fluid discharge pipe 88.

[0065] The intermediate part 8 comprises a connection passage providing a fluid connection between the supply pipe 87 and the discharge pipe 88. The intermediate part 8 comprises pipes crisscrossing it allowing the circulation of the heat transfer fluid. The pipes are connected on the one hand to the supply pipe 87 and on the other hand to the discharge pipe 88.

[0066] Alternatively, the heating device 81 is a heating resistor.

[0067] The machine 1,1' comprises a first temperature regulation device 83 in the intermediate part 8 comprising a first temperature probe 84 in the intermediate part 8. A control unit 15 allows control of the temperature in the intermediate part 8. Thus, the circulation of the heat transfer fluid is controlled according to the temperature measurements of the temperature probe 84 to reach a set temperature using a temperature control algorithm.

[0068] In a manner similar to that described for the intermediate part 8, the heating block 7 comprises a heating device 71.

[0069] The heating device 71 of the heating block 7 comprises a heat transfer fluid circulation network.

[0070] The machine 1,1' comprises a second temperature regulation device 73 in the heating block 7 comprising a second temperature probe 74 in the heating block 7. The control unit 15 allows for temperature control in the heating block 7. Thus, the circulation of the heat transfer fluid is controlled according to the temperature measurements of the temperature probe 74 to reach a set temperature using a temperature control algorithm.

[0071] A sealing method using a sealing machine 1,1' comprises the following steps: - temperature regulation of the intermediate part 8 by means of the first temperature regulation device 83, - temperature regulation of the heating block 7 to a temperature different from the temperature of the intermediate part by means of the second temperature regulation device 73, - placing the container 3 in the lower bell 42, - closing of the enclosure, the film 2 being pinched between the upper bell 41 and the lower bell 42, - vacuum packing of the packaging, a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure is created in the enclosure on either side of the film 2, - in the case of a capping under modified atmosphere, injection of a protective gas, - in the case of a “skin packaging” type capping, lowering of the sealing head 5 just above the film 2 and heating of the film 2 by the intermediate part 8, - in the case of a “skin packaging” type capping, introduction of a gas into the upper bell 41 to increase the pressure in the portion of the enclosure located above the film 2, the pressure in the portion of the enclosure located below the film 2 being kept lower than the pressure in the portion of the enclosure located above the film 2, so that the film 2 is pressed until it is thermally welded to the product and the container 3, - in the case of sealing under a modified atmosphere and optionally in the case of “skin packaging” type sealing, lowering of the sealing head into the sealing position to allow the sealing film to be welded to the edges of the packaging to be sealed by applying the welding edge 43 to pinch the film 2 and the container 3 along the welding bead between the welding edge 43 and the support surface 60. - return the enclosure to atmospheric pressure, - raising of the sealing head 5, - opening of the enclosure, - extraction of container 3 from the lower bell 42.

[0072] For “skin packaging” type sealing, the temperature distribution is chosen to avoid deformation of the container thanks to a moderate temperature, particularly at the periphery of the container, while providing a maximum of calories in certain areas of the film located particularly near the center of the intermediate part. By way of illustration, a setpoint of 120°C is given for the heating block and a setpoint of 180°C is given for the intermediate part. This temperature difference makes it possible to protect the container, particularly when it is a plastic tray.

[0073] For sealing under a modified atmosphere, the temperature of the intermediate part is controlled and regulated so as not to damage the product 31, 31'. By way of illustration, a setpoint of 140°C is given for the heating block 7 and a setpoint of 0°C is given for the intermediate part 8. This double regulation makes it possible to limit the shrinkage of the film, as well as the deformations of the container.

[0074] The lower bell 42 comprises a welding base having a welding rim 43 on which the edges of the container 3 to be sealed rest. The welding rim 43 has a shape corresponding to the contours of the format of containers 3 to seal. The welding edge 43 delimits a space for receiving the container to be sealed. In the closed position of the enclosure 4 and when the sealing head is in the sealing position, the welding edge 43 cooperates with the bearing surface 60 to seal the sealing film 2 on a container 3.

[0075] The machine 1,1' further comprises means for placing the interior of the container 3 under a modified or protective atmosphere. These means for placing the interior under a modified atmosphere may comprise a vacuum pump or a source of depression and a protective gas injector.

[0076] A cutting member is provided for cutting the film after thermal welding. The cutting member comprises a cutting blade 11, a cutting groove, and a cutting blade actuator 11. The cutting blade 11 is movable between a high rest position shown in [Fig. 3] and a low cutting position shown in [Fig. 4].

[0077] The following section highlights the differences between machine 1 of Figures 1 to 5 and machine 1' of [Fig.6].

[0078] In the machine 1 of figures 1 to 5, the intermediate part 8 is a flat plate extending in a horizontal plane. It is intended for sealing non-protruding products 31 and therefore does not risk coming into contact with a product 31.

[0079] In the machine 1' of [Fig.6], the intermediate piece 8 forms a dome providing a free space delimited by a lower face 800 of the dome. The free space makes it possible to receive a protruding product 31' without the intermediate piece 8 coming into contact with the product 31'.

[0080] In the machine 1', the peripheral space 91 comprises a thinning 92 close to the bearing surface 60 of the pressing element 6. The thinning 92 makes it possible to prevent the film 2 from entering the insulating air gap 9 and thus makes it possible to avoid any deformation, tearing or pinching of the film 2.

[0081] In the machine 1', the intermediate part 8 comprises, near its free end opposite the pressing element 6, a protrusion 80 which at least partially fills the peripheral space 91 around the pressing element 6, thus producing the thinning 92 near the support zone 60 of the pressing element 6. The protrusion 80 is of truncated cone shape and gradually widens downwards until it adjoins the support surface 60. The dome of the intermediate part 8 is thus flared in the lower part.

[0082] By way of illustration and in no way limiting, the protrusion 80 extends over a quarter of the height of the intermediate part 8, in the lower part. The external surface of the intermediate part 8 located above the protrusion 80 extends in the axial direction.

[0083] The external surface of the protrusion 80 of the intermediate piece 8 is connected to the lower face 800 of the dome by an edge. Alternatively, the external surface of the protrusion 80 of the intermediate part 8 is connected to the lower face 800 of the dome by a rounded portion. The lower face 800 of the dome has a substantially S-shaped cross-section. The lower face 800 has a substantially horizontal portion near the edge common with the external surface of the protrusion 80, the substantially horizontal portion is extended by a convex portion. The convex portion of the lower face is then extended by a concave portion forming the dome.

[0084] Alternatively, the thinning 92 could be achieved at least partially by an outgrowth of the pressing element 6 which would partially fill the peripheral space 91.

[0085] The machine 1, 1' makes it possible to create zones of different temperatures in the sealing head according to the needs of the different types of sealing, "skin packaging" type sealing or sealing under modified atmosphere, in order to avoid deterioration of the container 3. The method of the invention also makes it possible to finely control these temperatures. The machine 1, 1' is thus versatile.

[0086] The machine 1, 1' and the method of the invention, by making it possible to create zones of different temperatures near the container and to finely control these temperatures, make it possible to meet needs generated by new health and ecological standards. Firstly, limiting the temperature near the product makes it possible to protect the product and prevent its degradation. Secondly, for ecological reasons, the thickness of the sealing films and containers such as trays is reduced, which increases the risks of deformation or deterioration under the effect of heat. The air gap 9 allows intermediate insulation in order to reduce the temperature of the part in contact with the container 3 in order to prevent its deformation, particularly for fragile trays.

Claims

Claims

1. Container sealing machine (1, 1') for thermally sealing a sealing film (2) on a container (3), in particular for "skin packaging" type packaging or under modified atmosphere of products (31, 31') in particular food products, the sealing machine (1, 1') comprising: - an enclosure (4) comprising an upper bell (41) and a lower bell (42) arranged to be moved along a vertical main axis relative to each other between an open position allowing the container (3) to be placed in the lower bell (42) and the film (2) to be placed between the lower bell (42) and the upper bell (41), and a closed position allowing sealing, - a sealing head (5) mounted in the upper bell (41) and comprising a pressing element (6) comprising a bearing surface (60) arranged to press the film (2) on an edge (30) of the container (3) in the closed position of the enclosure (4),a heating block (7) arranged to heat the pressing element (6) and an intermediate piece (8) mounted at the interface between the heating block (7) and the interior of the enclosure (4), the machine (1, 1') being characterized in that: - the sealing head (5) comprises spacer studs (93) fixing the intermediate piece (8) on the sealing head (5) so as to provide a space occupied by a thermal insulation element between the heating block (7) and the intermediate piece (8), - the intermediate piece (8) comprises a heating device (81) or a cooling device (82) such as a heat transfer fluid circulation network, - the machine (1, 1') comprises a first temperature regulation device (83) in the intermediate piece comprising a first temperature probe (84) in the intermediate piece (8), - the machine (1,1') comprises a second temperature control device (73) in the heating block (7) comprising a temperature sensor (74) in the heating block (7).,

2. Sealing machine (1, 1') according to claim 1 characterized in that the thermal insulation element is an air blade (9).

3. Sealing machine (1, 1') according to claim 2 characterized in that the air blade (9) comprises a main space extending ra- dially, the main space being delimited in the upper part by a lower face of the heating block (7), in the lower part by an upper face of the intermediate part (8) and laterally by an internal face of the pressing element (6).

4. Sealing machine (1, 1') according to claim 3 characterized in that the air blade (9) comprises a peripheral space (91) delimited laterally by an internal axial surface of the pressing element (6) and an external axial surface of the intermediate part (8).

5. Lidding machine (1') according to claim 4 characterized in that the peripheral space (91) comprises a thinning (92) close to the bearing surface (60) of the pressing element (6).

6. Sealing machine (1') according to claim 5 characterized in that the intermediate part (8) comprises, in the vicinity of the bearing surface (60), a protrusion (80) which at least partially fills the peripheral space (91) around the pressing element (6), thus achieving the thinning (92).

7. Lidding machine (1') according to claim 6, characterized in that the protrusion (80) is of truncated cone shape and gradually widens downwards until it adjoins the support surface (60).

8. A method of sealing by means of a sealing machine (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - temperature regulation of the intermediate part (8) by means of the first temperature regulation device (83), - temperature regulation of the heating block (7) to a temperature different from the temperature of the intermediate part (8) by means of the second temperature regulation device (73), - placing the container (3) in the lower bell (42), - closing the enclosure, the film (2) being pinched between the upper bell (41) and the lower bell (42), - creating in the enclosure a predetermined atmosphere for sealing, - lowering the sealing head (5) and sealing the film on the container (3), - returning the enclosure to atmospheric pressure, if necessary, - raising the sealing head (5), - opening of the enclosure,- removal of the container (3) from the lower bell (42).,

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