Packaging machine having vacuum skin packaging mode and vacuum packaging mode

Abstract

To provide a packaging machine having a vacuum skin pack packaging mode and a vacuum pack packaging mode.SOLUTION: In the vacuum skin packaging mode, the tray on which the object to be packaged is mounted is placed on the tray base unit and covered with the skin film F, the first chamber 30 having the built-in heater plate is moved, the inside of the chamber is depressurized by the vacuum pump in a state where the second chamber 20 and the first chamber are closed, and the skin film softened by the heat of the heater plate is brought into close contact with the tray, thereby generating the skin package. In the vacuum pack packaging mode, the tray base unit is removed, the lower seal block is attached, the tip opening of the vacuum packaging bag is placed on the lower seal block, the inside of the chamber is depressurized by the vacuum pump in a state where the second chamber and the first chamber are closed, the lower seal block is pushed up toward the heater plate, the tip opening is gripped, and the tip opening of the vacuum packaging bag is welded and sealed by the heat of the heater plate to generate vacuum pack packaging.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a packaging machine having a vacuum skin pack packaging mode and a vacuum pack packaging mode. [Background technology]

[0002] Vacuum packaging is a packaging method in which the air is removed from a bag containing the packaged product and then sealed. Vacuum packaging can prevent the contents from deteriorating, and is widely used in the food and industrial fields, for example.

[0003] One type of vacuum packaging that has become common in recent years is skin packs made using vacuum skin packing machines. Vacuum skin packing machines sandwich the packaged item, typically food, between a film and a backing, and then heat-press the gap between them to create a complete seal, i.e., a vacuum pack. Because vacuum skin packing machines create a complete seal, they suppress dripping, which is the moisture released from food during storage, and are widely used as a method to maintain food freshness and extend its expiration date.

[0004] A vacuum skin pack packaging machine is known that can produce skin pack packaging bags that adhere strongly to the surface of a tray made of a floating polystyrene pressure roller without the risk of cohesive failure, do not flip up during normal handling, maintain a closed state, can be easily opened, and are suitable for packaging foods heated in a microwave oven (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] There is also a skin pack packaging manufacturing device that produces skin pack packages by placing the packaged item between a base material and a heated film and degassing the space between the base material and the film, and that is equipped with a heating section that heats the film, a film conveying section that conveys the film from the heating section, and a degassing section that is located downstream of the heating section in the film conveying direction and that degasses the space between the base material and the film in an operating state where the packaged item is placed between the heated film and the base material (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0006] However, since the above-mentioned vacuum skin pack packaging machine has the function of a vacuum packaging machine, there is a demand for a packaging machine that can produce two different packaging packs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-189243 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-136605 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a packaging machine having a vacuum skin packing mode and a vacuum packing mode, which can obtain both vacuum skin packing and vacuum packing with a single packaging machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The packaging machine of the embodiment is a packaging machine having at least a first chamber on a movable side having a heater plate built in therein, a second chamber provided opposite the first chamber, and a vacuum pump, and having a vacuum skin pack packaging mode and a vacuum pack packaging mode, In the vacuum skin pack packaging mode, a tray base unit is placed in the second chamber, a tray carrying an item to be packaged is placed on the tray base unit and covered with a skin film, the first chamber is moved, and in a state in which the first chamber and the second chamber are closed, the inside of the chamber formed by the first chamber and the second chamber is depressurized by the vacuum pump, and the skin film softened by the heat of the heater plate is brought into close contact with the tray, thereby generating a skin pack package, In the vacuum pack packaging mode, a lower seal block having a lifting mechanism is attached to the second chamber, the heater plate is used as an upper seal block, the front opening of a vacuum packaging bag containing an item to be packaged is placed on the lower seal block, the first chamber is moved, and with the first chamber and the second chamber closed, the inside of the chamber formed by the first chamber and the second chamber is depressurized by the vacuum pump, the lower seal block is pushed up toward the heater plate, and the front opening of the vacuum packaging bag is welded and sealed by the heat of the heater plate to create a vacuum pap package. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are a side view and a perspective view showing the external shape of the packaging machine according to the embodiment, in which a rolled film F is placed on the rear of the upper surface of the upper chamber when used as a vacuum skin pack packaging machine. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are a perspective view and a side view of the roll film F of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine shown in FIG. 1 when the roll film F is lifted to a film attachment position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the film attachment position in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for loading a roll of film into a film attachment section. [Figure 5] 2A and 2B are perspective and side views of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine shown in FIG. 1 after the roll film F has been set in the film mounting groove portion. [Figure 6] 2A and 2B are a perspective view and a side view of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine shown in FIG. 1 in which a roll of film F is set and the packaging machine is ready to operate. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the shape of a heater plate attached to the inside of the upper chamber. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing two cutter-integrated tray stands stored in the lower chamber, where (a) shows the state in which the pattern cutter is not visible, and (b) shows the state in which the pattern cutter is raised. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which a tray is placed on one of the cutter-integrated tray stands in the lower chamber. [Figure 10] 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of the lower chamber taken along lines AA and BB, respectively, with the pattern cutter not visible. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lower chamber taken along line AA with the pattern cutter raised. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lower chamber taken along a line B-B in FIG. [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are a perspective view, a top view, and a side cross-sectional view of a pattern cutter attached to a tray base with an integrated cutter. [Figure 14] 1A and 1B are a perspective view, a top view, and a side cross-sectional view of a tray base with an integrated cutter, with the pattern cutter not visible. [Figure 15] 1A and 1B are a perspective view, a top view, and a side cross-sectional view of a cutter-integrated tray base with a pattern cutter raised; [Figure 16] 10A and 10B show another embodiment of a tray base unit with an integrated cutter that has a built-in cutter plate, in which (a) is an oblique view of the tray base unit of the other embodiment, (b) is a top view of the same tray base unit, (c) is an AA cross-sectional view thereof, (d) is a BB cross-sectional view thereof, and (e) is an enlarged view of the up / down mechanism of the guide pin. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B show an embodiment of an air bag that raises and lowers a cutter plate provided in the lower chamber. [Figure 18] 18 is a diagram showing the attachment of the fixing block shown in FIG. 17. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 20] 2 is a flowchart showing a control operation by a control device of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 21]FIG. 10 is a timing diagram showing the operation of the heater plate, vacuum pump, upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve, upper chamber release solenoid valve, upper chamber soft release solenoid valve, lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve, lower chamber soft release solenoid valve, and cutter drive solenoid valve in their operating states during each control process. [Figure 22] This is a diagram showing the operating state of setting a tray base unit with an integrated cutter that is compatible with a skin-packed product, such as a food tray T, in the lower chamber. [Figure 23] This is a diagram showing the operating state of a vacuum skin pack packaging machine in which a tray T carrying an item to be packaged (workpiece) W is placed on the tray table unit of the lower chamber. [Figure 24] This is a diagram showing the operating state of a vacuum skin pack packaging machine with a skin film F covering the lower chamber without wrinkles. [Figure 25] 1 is a diagram showing the operating state of a vacuum skin pack packaging machine in which a vacuum is drawn by a vacuum pump and a skin film F is cut by a cut heater. [Figure 26] 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when the skin film F is preheated. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when the skin film F is being pre-stretched. [Figure 28] This is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when the skin film F is heated and the upper chamber is evacuated. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when the evacuation of the upper chamber is stopped and the lower chamber is being additionally evacuated. [Figure 30] This is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when the upper chamber is softly opened and the skin film F is slowly adhered to the tray T. [Figure 31] 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when the skin film F is completely sealed. [Figure 32] 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when cutting the outer peripheral film of the tray T. FIG. [Figure 33] 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when storing the raised cutter plate. FIG. [Figure 34] 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when the upper chamber and the lower chamber are opened to the atmosphere. FIG. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when the upper chamber is opened. [Figure 36] 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when removing a skin-packed tray T from the lower chamber. [Figure 37] 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when removing the remaining skin film F inside and outside the lower chamber. FIG. [Figure 38] 10 is a diagram showing the lower chamber from which the cutter-integrated tray base unit has been removed in order to use the packaging machine of the embodiment as a vacuum packaging machine. FIG. [Figure 39] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a seal block that is attached to a packaging machine for use as a vacuum packaging machine. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a top view of the seal block of FIG. 39 mounted one laterally in the lower chamber. [Figure 41] FIG. 40 is a top view of two seal blocks of FIG. 39 mounted vertically in the lower chamber. [Figure 42] 41 is a front view and a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the lower chamber with the seal block of FIG. 40 attached. [Figure 43] 1 is a diagram showing the shape of a vacuum packaging bag set in a chamber for vacuum packaging using a packaging machine. FIG. [Figure 44] 44 is a diagram showing the shape of the vacuum packaging bag shown in FIG. 43 in a sealing operation. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, a packaging machine according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. The packaging machine according to the embodiment is based on a machine designed as a vacuum skin pack packaging machine, but its configuration can be changed so that it can also be used as a vacuum packing machine. Therefore, the configuration and operation of the packaging machine used as a vacuum skin pack packaging machine will first be described with reference to Figures 1 to 37.

[0012] (Vacuum skin pack packaging machine) FIG. 1 shows the external appearance of a vacuum skin pack packaging machine designed as the base for packaging machine 1, where (a) is a side view of a rolled film F placed on the top surface of the upper chamber, and (b) is a perspective view of the rolled film F moving to the rear of the upper chamber as the upper chamber, which serves as the lid, is opened. FIG. 2 is a perspective view and a side view of the rolled film F lifted to the film mounting position as the upper chamber is opened. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the film mounting position in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure for loading a rolled film.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a packaging machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as a vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A) includes a substantially rectangular housing 10 that houses a vacuum pump and the like. The vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A has external dimensions of, for example, 650 mm W x 630 mm D x 1400 mm H. A lower chamber 20 (also referred to as the lower chamber or the second chamber) is provided on top of the housing 10. An upper chamber 30 (also referred to as the upper chamber or the first chamber) serving as a lid is provided on top of the lower chamber 20. The upper chamber 30 is connected to two pairs of left and right movement support members 30b, 30c attached to a fixing member 30a provided on the rear of the top surface of the housing 10. The upper chamber 30 can be opened and closed by moving the upper chamber 30 up and down while tilting slightly backward by the action of the two pairs of movement support members 30b, 30c. The upper chamber 30 is connected to the lower chamber 20 to form a chamber for skin packing. An operation panel 11 is provided on the front of the housing 10. An operator of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A operates this operation panel 11 to start and stop skin packing. In addition, the operation panel 11 can be used to set the operating conditions for the skin pack, such as the vacuum conditions, heating time, and heating temperature.

[0014] Film mounting sections are provided on both rear sides of the housing 10. The film mounting sections have legs 40 on both sides to which the rolled film F is attached, connecting plates 42 that reinforce and connect the legs 40, film mounting grooves 44 provided on the front sides of the upper tips of the legs 40 and into which the left and right rotation shafts F1 of the rolled film F are loaded (set), and inclined surfaces 46 on the front sides of the legs 40. In addition, a pair of left and right loading rails 30aa, 30bb are provided on the top surface of the upper chamber 30 to reduce the contact surface with the rolled film F and make it easier for the rolled film F to roll. The loading rails 30aa, 30bb are made of, for example, plastic or the like.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1(a), the operator places rolled film F on the placement rails 30aa, 30bb on the top surface of upper chamber 30. The placement position is not important as long as it is on rails 30aa, 30bb of upper chamber 30. This is because, when upper chamber 30 is opened, upper chamber 30 is lifted upward while tilted slightly backward (towards legs 40), so rolled film F rolls down placement rails 30aa, 30bb of upper chamber 30 and reaches inclined surface 46 of leg 40 as shown in Figure 1(b).

[0016] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the film mounting position in FIG. 2, where (a) shows the state when the upper chamber 30 is raised to the highest position, and (b) shows the state when the rotation axis F1 of the roll film F rolls down the inclined portion 44a that slopes backward and is loaded into the film mounting groove portion 44.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure for loading the roll film into the film mounting portion. When initially setting the rolled film F on the film mounting portion, the operator first sets the rolled film F on the loading rails 30aa and 30bb on the top surface of the upper chamber 30, as shown in FIG. 1 (S10). Next, the worker grasps the handle 301 of the upper chamber 30 and lifts the upper chamber 30 upward (opening the lid). Then, due to the action of the movement support members 30b and 30c shown in Figure 2, the upper chamber 30 becomes tilted slightly backward, and the rolled film F rolls on the loading rails 30aa and 30bb of the upper chamber 30 and reaches the inclined surface 46 of the leg 40 as shown in Figure 1(b). When the upper chamber 30 is further lifted, the rolled film F is also lifted along the inclined surface 46 in the front of the leg 40 as shown in Figure 2 (S20).

[0018] When the upper chamber 30 is then raised to the top position, it assumes the configuration shown in Figure 3(a). Then, as shown in Figure 3(b), the rotation axis F1 of the rolled film F rolls down the rearward inclined portion 44a and is loaded into the film mounting groove portion 44 (S30).

[0019] As a result, the task of transporting the heavy rolled film F can be completed simply by setting it at the rear top surface of the upper chamber 30. After that, by opening the lid that moves the upper chamber 30 to the top position, the rolled film F can be set in the film mounting groove 44. This significantly reduces the burden on the worker when loading the rolled film F.

[0020] Figure 5 shows a perspective view and a side view of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A when the roll film F has been set in the film mounting groove 44. Figure 6 shows a perspective view and a side view of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A loaded with a roll film F and ready to operate. The machine can continue to operate while maintaining the configuration shown in Figures 5 and 6 until the roll film F loaded in the film mounting section is used up.

[0021] If the rolled film F needs to be replaced with another one midway through or if you wish to remove the rolled film F, simply carry out the reverse operation. That is, lift the upper chamber 30 to the top position, move the rolled film F to the rear of the top surface of the upper chamber 30, and then push down the upper chamber 30 to close the lid, thereby easily removing the rolled film F.

[0022] As shown in Figure 5, the opening 201 of the lower chamber 20 of the vacuum skin packaging machine 1A has space for accommodating, for example, two tray base units, making it possible to skin-package two items at the same time. The number of trays to be skin-packed may be designed according to the size of the vacuum skin packaging machine 1A. The size of the lower chamber 20 is, for example, 440 mm wide x 340 mm deep x 40 mm high.

[0023] As will be described in detail later, a tray carrying the packaged item (workpiece) to be skin-packed is set (placed) on the tray stand unit stored in the lower chamber 20. The size of the tray is, for example, W170mm x H280mm. The size of the workpiece to be skin-packed is, for example, W130mm x D240mm x H30mm. The items to be skin-packed (workpieces) include meats such as fish, beef, pork, and chicken, vegetables, as well as foods such as cooked foods, processed foods, and frozen foods, as well as industrial products such as substrates. In other words, anything that can be skin-packed is acceptable.

[0024] The rolled film F (hereafter referred to as skin film F) used to pack the tray on which the packaged item (work) is placed is a laminated film made of a resin material such as polyethylene, and preferably has barrier properties. The skin film F softens when heated at a predetermined temperature or higher (softening temperature) for a predetermined time, and at least one side, specifically the side facing the packaged item W, becomes able to stick to the packaged item (work) and tray. The vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A uses a skin film F with a softening temperature of 130°C and a heating time of approximately 10 seconds, for example.

[0025] The tray is a flat cardboard on which the packaged item (work) is placed, and preferably has barrier properties similar to those of the skin film F. From the standpoints of cost and heat insulation, a tray made of a resin material such as polystyrene foam may be used, but a paper tray is preferred.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the shape of the inside of the upper chamber 30. As shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 7, a heater plate 31 is attached to the entire inner surface of the upper chamber 30. In Fig. 7, the heater plate 31 is in an upright position so that the inner surface of the heater plate 31 can be seen. The heater plate 31 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape, and the energization of the heater plate 31 is controlled by a control device 400 (see FIG. 19 ), which will be described later. The heater plate 31 is heated to 100°C or higher when adjacent to the skin film F, and therefore can soften the skin film F.

[0027] The heater plate 31 has a large number of vent holes 32 drilled at regular intervals. Air is supplied via a connecting pipe (not shown) attached to the back of the heater plate 31, and is ejected from the large number of vent holes 32 to press the heated skin film F from above (the opposing surface), and the lower chamber 20 is evacuated, thereby tightly adhering the skin film F to the packaged item (work) on the tray. In addition, rubber packing 33 is attached to the outer periphery of the four sides of the heater plate 31, which improves adhesion when the upper chamber 30 is placed on top of the lower chamber 20.

[0028] The upper chamber 30 is formed so that its front-to-rear and left-to-right dimensions correspond to those of the lower chamber 20. The upper chamber 30 is connected on both left and right sides to one end of a long, plate-shaped movement support member 305 so as to be movable up and down. This allows the upper chamber 30 to move up and down freely by the action of the movement support member 305. This allows the upper chamber 30 to move up and down (open and close) from the uppermost position shown in FIG. 5 to the lowermost position shown in FIG. 6.

[0029] The upper chamber 30 positioned at the lowest position in FIG. 6 can airtightly close the opening 201 (see FIG. 5) of the lower chamber 20, and in this state the upper chamber 30 and the lower chamber 20 are sealed from each other. In other words, the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30 function as lids for both. A handle 301 is provided on the front of the upper chamber 30, and an operator can easily raise and lower the upper chamber 30 by grasping the handle 301 and moving it up and down. The upper chamber 30 may be raised and lowered manually, or may be raised and lowered by a control device 400 (described later) operating a drive device such as a motor in response to operation of the operation panel 11.

[0030] Next, the internal structure of the lower chamber 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of two cutter-integrated tray stands stored in the lower chamber 20, where (a) shows the pattern cutter 240 hidden, and (b) shows the pattern cutter 240 raised. FIG. 9 shows a tray T carrying packaged items (workpieces) W placed on a cutter-integrated tray stand unit stored in the lower chamber 20. FIG. 10 shows AA and BB cross-sectional views of the lower chamber 20 with the pattern cutter 240 hidden. FIGS. 11 and 12 show AA and BB cross-sectional views of the lower chamber 20 with the pattern cutter 240 raised. FIG. 13 shows a perspective view, a top view, and a side cross-sectional view of the pattern cutter 240 attached to the cutter-integrated tray stand unit 210. FIG. 14 shows a perspective view, a top view, and a side cross-sectional view of the cutter-integrated tray stand unit 210 with the pattern cutter 240 hidden. Fig. 15 shows a perspective view, a top view, and a side cross-sectional view of the cutter-integrated tray base unit 210 with the pattern cutter 240 raised. Fig. 16 shows another embodiment of the cutter-integrated tray base unit with a built-in cutter plate. Fig. 17 shows an embodiment of an air bag 500 that raises and lowers the cutter plate 290 provided in the lower chamber 30. Fig. 18 shows the mounting shape of the fixing block shown in Fig. 17.

[0031] As shown in Figure 8, the lower chamber 20 houses two cutter-integrated tray base units 210, 220 shown in Figure 14 or 15. In other words, the lower chamber 20 is designed wide enough to accommodate the two tray base units 210, 220. Therefore, if a tray base unit according to the size of the packaged item (work) W is prepared in advance, various skin packs can be produced with good workability simply by setting (replacing) it in the lower chamber 20 in a cassette format. There may be only one tray base unit that fits the opening 201.

[0032] The tray stand units 210 and 220 each have a built-in pattern cutter 240 that cuts the skin film F that is in close contact with the tray T. A cutter groove 230, which is a gap that allows the pattern cutter 240 to move up and down, is formed on the outer periphery of the tray T placement area of ​​the tray stand units 210 and 220.

[0033] As shown in Figure 8(a), the pattern cutter 240 is not visible when the tray stand units 210, 220 are stored in the lower chamber 20. In the process of cutting the skin film F that is in close contact with the tray T by the skin pack operation, as shown in Figure 8(b), the pattern cutter 240 pops out of the cutter groove 230 and cuts the skin film F on the outer periphery of the tray T. Details of these skin pack operations will be described later.

[0034] 8(b), slightly adhesive members 250a to 250d may be attached by, for example, coating or adhering to at least the outer periphery of the tray T placement area (inner surface portion 291b2 described later) of the tray stand units 210 and 220 (see FIG. 10 or 11 for details). The slightly adhesive members 250a to 250d serve as weak fixing means when setting the tray T (paper pack) to be skin-packed on the tray stand units 210 and 220.

[0035] 8(a), slightly adhesive members 251a to 251d may be attached to the outer peripheral region (outer peripheral surface portion 291b1 described later) sandwiching the cutter groove 230 (see FIG. 11 for details). When the pattern cutter 240 is quickly pushed up (thrusts up) to cut the skin film F from below, there is a risk that the skin film F that has been in close contact with the tray T may lift up (peel off). By attaching the slightly adhesive members 251a to 251d, it is possible to prevent the skin film F from lifting up during the cutting operation. The slightly adhesive members 250a to 250d and 251a to 251d are used to attach grippable members with weak adhesive strength (for example, tape, stickers, sheets, etc.).

[0036] The lift-up prevention means may have other configurations. For example, a mushroom-shaped protrusion may be attached to the film contact portion so that the skin film F can be caught. Alternatively, a hole may be drilled in the film contact portion so that the skin film F can be caught. Furthermore, a hole may be drilled in a metal plate that stands up perpendicular to the skin film F, so that the skin films can adhere to each other when the films are in contact with each other, creating a catch.

[0037] Furthermore, instead of the lift-up prevention means, a suction cup may be attached to the film contact portion to provide a means for holding the skin film F. The means for holding the skin film F may be a box with holes placed above the film contact portion, and after reducing the pressure, the film and tray T come into close contact with each other to form an independent sealed space, allowing the skin film F to be adsorbed under vacuum. These may also be applied as an alternative to the slightly adhesive members 260a to 260c (see FIG. 9) on the upper outer frame of the lower chamber 20, which will be described later.

[0038] The skin film F is guided by a guide roller (not shown) provided on the rear side of the lower chamber 20 and can be pulled out so as to cover the entire upper surface of the lower chamber 20 . Fig. 9 shows a state in which a tray T carrying packaged items (workpieces) W is set on the tray table units 210, 220. When the worker sets the tray T in the state shown in Fig. 9, he or she pulls out the skin film F to cover the upper side of the lower chamber 20. Then, the worker moves the upper chamber 30 as a lid to align it with the lower chamber 20, and starts the skin pack operation.

[0039] 9, areas for attaching slightly adhesive members 260a-260c may be provided on the upper outer frame of the lower chamber 20. These slightly adhesive members 260a-260c can fix the skin film F so that it does not move when the upper side of the lower chamber 20 is covered with the skin film F, thereby preventing wrinkles from occurring in the skin film F and enabling a smooth skin pack operation.

[0040] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA and a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of the lower chamber 20 when the pattern cutter 240 is in a fixed position (set state). Connecting pipes 270, 275 are connected to the bottom surface of the lower chamber 20 in correspondence with the tray stand units 210, 220 to reduce the pressure in the lower chamber 20 using a vacuum pump 410 and to raise the pattern cutter 240. Reinforcing frames 280, 285 are also attached to the bottom surface of the lower chamber 20 to reinforce the strength of the lower chamber 20. When the skin pack evacuation process is started, the air inside the lower chamber 20 is evacuated (reduced in pressure) by the vacuum pump 410 via the connecting pipes 270, 275. As a result, the heated and softened skin film F is pressed against the upper chamber 30 by air from above, and at the same time the lower chamber 20 is evacuated, so that the skin film F is drawn toward the tray T and comes into close contact with it.

[0041] FIG. 11 shows the shape of the lower chamber 20 when the pattern cutter 240 is pushed up (when the cutting operation is performed), and its cross section taken along line AA, and FIG. 12 shows its cross section taken along line BB. In the skin pack cutting process, the pattern cutter 240 jumps out of the cutter groove 230 and cuts the skin film F. That is, air from the vacuum pump 410 is sent through the connecting pipes 270 and 275, and the cutter plates 290 and 295 to which the pattern cutter 240 is attached are quickly pushed up, thereby cutting the outer periphery of the tray T of the tightly adhered skin film F. When the operation of the vacuum pump 410 is stopped after the cutting operation, the cutter plates 290 and 295 return to the standby position shown in FIG. 10 by the spring coils described below.

[0042] 13 shows a perspective view, a top view, an AA cross-sectional view, and a BB cross-sectional view of the cutter plate 290. Here, the cutter plate 290 will be described, but the cutter plate 295 also has the same shape. The cutter plate 290 cuts the skin film F around (the outer periphery of) the tray T to produce one finished skin pack. Therefore, the cutter plate 290 has an inner box shape with an upward-facing blade portion in order to cut the outer periphery of the tray T.

[0043] The pattern cutter 240 may have a blade formed at its upward tip that is an integrated (annular) cutter, or may have standard cutters arranged on all four sides and connected together. For example, the standard cutter may be a blade in which a replacement blade (approximately 10 mm wide) for a stationery cutter knife is tightly arranged on the outer periphery of the cutter plate 290. When the replacement blade becomes dull, it is easy to replace only the blade in that location. It can also accommodate a variety of sizes. Air intake parts 290a to 290d (for example, four parts) connected to a vacuum pump 410 are provided inside the cutter plate 290. When the vacuum pump 410 is operated to evacuate the lower chamber 20, the air inside the lower chamber 20 is evacuated through the air intake parts 290a to 290d.

[0044] Figure 14 shows a perspective view, a top view, an AA cross-sectional view, and a BB cross-sectional view of a cutter-integrated tray stand unit 210 incorporating the cutter plate 290 of Figure 13. Here, the tray stand unit 210 will be described, but the tray stand unit 220 also has the same shape. The tray stand unit 210 has a bottom plate 291a, a top plate 291b, and multiple support columns 291c connecting the bottom plate 291a and the top plate 291b. The multiple support columns 291c ensure the height of the cutter plate 290. The top plate 291b has an outer peripheral surface portion 291b1 located outside the cutter groove 230 and an inner surface portion 291b2 located inside the cutter groove 230. In other words, the outer peripheral surface portion 291b1 and the inner surface portion 291b2 are adjacent to each other via the cutter groove 230, and each has four corners secured by screws. The inner surface portion 291b2 serves as a mounting surface for the tray T. With the inner surface portion 291b2 removed, the cutter plate 290 is inserted and the inner surface portion 291b2 is attached to complete the tray stand unit 210 with an integrated cutter.

[0045] Support columns are attached to the bottom surface of the cutter plate 290 for the screws at the four corners that attach the inner surface portion 291b2, and spring coils 292a to 292d are inserted into the support columns. The action of the spring coils 292a to 292d allows the cutter plate 290, which has been pushed up, to return to its original position.

[0046] 15 is a perspective view, a top view, and a side cross-sectional view of the cutter-integrated tray stand unit 210 with the cutter plate 290 pushed up. Here, the tray stand unit 210 will be described, but the tray stand unit 220 also has the same shape. The bottom of the tray stand unit 210 is connected to a vacuum pump 410 via a pipe 270 (see FIG. 10). A three-way solenoid valve (described later) is provided between the vacuum pump 410 and the pipe 270, and the cutter plate 290 is quickly pushed up (thrust-up) in response to the opening and closing of the valve. When the cutter plate 290 is pushed up, the blade is pushed up from the cutter groove 230 to a position (for example, about 10 mm) higher than the surface of the inner surface 291b2. This allows the skin film F adhering to the periphery of the tray T to be cut. The height position of the cutter plate 290 is regulated by spring coils 292a to 292d. When the operation of the vacuum pump 410 is stopped, the tray stand unit 210 returns to its original position due to the action of the spring coils 292a to 292d.

[0047] 16 shows another embodiment of a cutter-integrated tray stand unit that incorporates a cutter plate 290. (a) is a perspective view of a tray stand unit 300 of another embodiment, (b) is a top view of the tray stand unit 300, (c) is an AA cross-sectional view thereof, (d) is a BB cross-sectional view thereof, and (e) is an enlarged view of the guide pin up / down mechanism. As shown in Figure 16, guide pins 310a to 310d are provided at the four corners of the tray stand unit 300 at a predetermined height (for example, 5 to 8 mm) above the horizontal surface of the tray stand unit 300. As shown in Figure 16(b), the guide pins 310a to 310d serve as guidance when placing a tray T carrying packaged items (workpieces) W on the tray stand unit 300. Work efficiency is good because the worker only needs to place the tray T inside the guide pins 310a to 310d at the four corners.

[0048] 16(c) and (e), a spring coil 320 is attached to the lower part of the support shaft constituting each of the guide pins 310a to 310d, between the horizontal surface 300a of the tray stand unit 300 and the fixed part 330. Therefore, each of the guide pins 310a to 310d is configured to descend to the horizontal surface 300a of the tray stand unit 300 by being pressed by the skin film.

[0049] Although the guide pins 310a to 310d can serve their purpose as guidance when positioning the tray T, they get in the way when the skin film F is being tightly attached to the tray T. In this tray stand unit 300, when the skin film F is pressed down by the air pressure from the numerous ventilation holes 32 of the heater plate 31, the guide pins 310a to 310d descend (retract) to the horizontal surface 300a of the tray stand unit 300, so they are shaped so as not to get in the way of the skin packing operation. When the skin film F is cut by the pattern cutter 240 and the tray T is removed, the tips of the guide pins 310a to 310d return to a predetermined height position.

[0050] 17A and 17B show an embodiment of an air bag 500 that raises and lowers the cutter plate 290 provided in the lower chamber 20, where FIG. 17A shows the shape of the air bag 500 when it is not inflated, and FIG. 17B shows the shape of the air bag 500 when it is inflated. The cutter plate 295 also has the same configuration. 17, an air bag 500 is provided below the tray stand unit 210. A cutter plate 290, to which a pattern cutter 240 is attached on its outer periphery via an intermediate plate 510, is placed on the air bag 500. In addition, fixed blocks 520 and 530 are provided as height restriction means to prevent the intermediate plate 510 from being pushed up above a predetermined height.

[0051] The tray base unit 210 is connected to a vacuum pump 410 via a three-way solenoid valve (see FIG. 22). In the process of manufacturing a skin pack, the lower chamber 20 housing the tray base unit 210 is depressurized to a predetermined value using the vacuum pump 410. During the depressurization process in the lower chamber 20, the air bag 500 is not yet inflated, as shown in FIG. 17(a). As the depressurization in the lower chamber 20 progresses and the pattern cutter 240 begins to cut the skin film F, the air valve of the three-way solenoid valve is opened. Then, as shown in FIG. 17(b), air is sent into the tray base unit 210, and the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the air bag 500 causes the air bag 500 to instantly inflate, pushing up the cutter plate 290 and cutter pattern 240 together with the intermediate plate 510, so that they pop out. This allows the skin film F on the outer periphery of the tray T to be cut.

[0052] 18 shows an installation diagram of fixed blocks 520, 530, which are height limiting means, and shows the shape that can be seen when tray base unit 210 is removed from lower chamber 20. Fixed blocks 520, 530 are fixed to four fixed posts 540 whose heads are fastened with nuts, so that the range of vertical movement of intermediate plate 510 provided inside them is limited. As a result, the height to which cutter plate 290 can be pushed up is limited by fixed blocks 520, 530.

[0053] Even when the air bag 500 is used for lifting and lowering in this way, the provision of the fixing blocks 520, 530 prevents the pattern cutter 240 from being pushed up more than necessary (it is raised only by the amount necessary for cutting), thereby ensuring the safety of the worker. Furthermore, unless the pressure in the lower chamber 20 is reduced (i.e., when the lid is closed), the pattern cutter 240 will not jump out, so the safety of the worker can be ensured even when installing and removing the tray T.

[0054] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the control system of the packaging machine 1. The control device 400, which is responsible for the overall control of the packaging machine 1, includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 403, a memory used as a working area for the CPU 403, a storage device 406 that stores various programs for the packaging machine 1 and setting values ​​for various vacuum packaging conditions (decompression waiting time, vacuum degree, heater temperature, softening time, etc.), and an IF (Interface) circuit 409 that performs input / output processing of each signal.

[0055] The control device 400 is connected to the above-mentioned operation panel 11, heater plate 31, vacuum pump 410, upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, upper chamber soft-open solenoid valve 420, upper chamber open solenoid valve 425, lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430, lower chamber open solenoid valve 435, cutter drive solenoid valve 440, temperature sensor 450, locking mechanism 460, pressure sensor 470, cut heater 480, and alarm unit 490 via IF circuit 409 so as to be able to input signals from each device and / or output control signals for controlling the operation of each device.

[0056] The temperature sensor 450 here detects the temperature of the heater plate 31. The locking mechanism 460 locks the upper chamber 30 when it is positioned at the lowest position and closes the opening 201 of the lower chamber 20, preventing it from being separated, i.e., from being raised. The locking mechanism 460 is configured to maintain the lock when not energized and to release the lock when energized. Any appropriate locking method may be used, and for example, a solenoid lock in a latch mechanism may be used. The pressure sensor 470 detects the vacuum pressure in the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30.

[0057] The cut heater 480 heats the skin film F unwound from the roll film F with contact terminals that generate high temperatures, clamping it from above and below, and melting it with pressure and heat. Note that the method is not limited to melting, and it may also be configured to cut with a cutter blade. The notification unit 490 notifies the worker that the skin pack has finished. The notification unit 490 is preferably configured as a buzzer, but may also be configured as a lamp that flashes.

[0058] The vacuum pump 410 is connected to intake passages that communicate with the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30 (see FIG. 22). The upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415 is provided in the intake flow path between the upper chamber 30 and the vacuum pump 410, and allows / disables fluid connection between the upper chamber 30 and the vacuum pump 410. In other words, the upper chamber 30 is evacuated via this solenoid valve 415. The upper chamber opening soft electromagnetic valve 420 is provided between the upper chamber 30 and the upper chamber vacuum electromagnetic valve 415, and softly opens the upper chamber 30 to a set value when the soft opening contact is made. The upper chamber opening solenoid valve 425 is provided between the upper chamber 30 and the upper chamber opening soft solenoid valve 420, and opens the upper chamber 30 to the atmosphere up to 20% to allow the skin film F to adhere completely.

[0059] The lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 is provided in the intake flow path between the lower chamber 20 and the vacuum pump 410, and allows / disables fluid connection between the lower chamber 20 and the vacuum pump 410. In other words, the inside of the lower chamber 20 is evacuated via this solenoid valve 430. The lower chamber release solenoid valve 435 is a solenoid valve provided between the lower chamber 20 and the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 via a vacuum release branch flow path provided in the intake flow path, and by opening the solenoid valve 435, the pressure inside the lower chamber 20 can be returned from a reduced pressure state to atmospheric pressure.

[0060] The cutter drive solenoid valve 440 is a three-way solenoid valve and is used to drive the cutter plates 290, 295. When the lower chamber 20 is evacuated, the connection between the lower chamber and the vacuum pump 410 is "open" and vacuuming is performed in the same manner. Then, when the pattern cutting process begins, the vacuum pump side valve of the cutter drive solenoid valve 440 is "closed" and the atmosphere side valve is "open" to quickly push up the cutter plates 290, 295.

[0061] (device operation) Next, a method for producing skin pack packaging using the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A will be described. Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the control of the skin pack by the control device 400. Figure 21 is a timing diagram showing the operating states of the heater plate 31, vacuum pump 410, upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, upper chamber open solenoid valve 425, upper chamber soft-open solenoid valve 420, lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430, lower chamber open solenoid valve 435, and cutter drive solenoid valve 440 in each control process. Figures 22 to 37 show the operating states of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A in each process. Note that in Figures 22 to 37, the lifting and lowering of the cutter plates 290, 295 is controlled by the air bag 500 shown in Figure 17.

[0062] When manufacturing skin packs according to the embodiment, the skin pack process with reduced rated power consumption, which will be described below, is set to be executed by default as a processing operation. Here, it is assumed that the manager of the packaging machine 1 has set various vacuum packaging conditions, heater temperature, etc. to predetermined settings in advance. It is also assumed that a tray T with packaged items W placed on it has been prepared in advance.

[0063] FIG. 22 shows a state in which cutter-integrated tray base units 210, 220 that are adapted to a tray T for a skin-pack product, for example, a food product, are stored in the lower chamber 20. At this point, the vacuum pump 410 is not operating, but the control device 400 performs default control to "close" the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, the upper chamber soft-release solenoid valve 420, and the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430, "open" the upper chamber release solenoid valve 425 and the lower chamber release solenoid valve 435, and "close" the cutter drive solenoid valve 440. Note that the "closed" state of the three-way cutter drive solenoid valve 440 refers to the atmosphere side valve, and the connection between the vacuum pump 410 and the lower chamber 20 is "open."

[0064] When the operator turns on the power and changes the rolled film F wound with the skin film F (S100 in FIG. 20), he or she sets the rolled film F wound with the skin film F to be changed on the support frame 121 (S102 in FIG. 20). Then, he or she selects a course suitable for the skin film F to be used from the operation panel 11 (S104 in FIG. 20). When the course selection operation is completed, or if there is no change in the skin film F, the operator presses the "operation mode" button on the operation panel 11. In response to this operation, the control device 400 commands the heater plate 31 to heat, and heating begins (S105 in FIG. 20). At this time, the control device 400 heats the heater plate 31 while acquiring the temperature measurement from the temperature sensor 450 until the heater plate 31 reaches the set temperature, and once the set temperature is reached, controls the heater plate 31 by repeatedly turning it on and off to maintain that temperature (period T1 in FIG. 21). When the heater plate 31 reaches the set temperature, the control device 400 operates the vacuum pump 410. The vacuum pump 410 then remains operating until the pattern cutting process is completed (periods T2-T10 in FIG. 21).

[0065] Figure 23 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A when the heater plate 31 is turned ON (time T1 in Figure 21), and a tray T carrying the packaged item (work) W is placed on the tray table units 210, 220 of the lower chamber 20. In FIG. 23, the vacuum pump 410 is not yet operating, and the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, the upper chamber soft-release solenoid valve 420, and the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 are all closed by default. When changing the tray (Yes in S106 of FIG. 20), the worker resets the tray base units 210, 220 to match the tray T to be changed (S108 of FIG. 20). Then, the worker selects the tray T to be used (S110 of FIG. 20), and sets the tray T carrying the packaged items (workpieces) W to be skin-packed in a predetermined position on the tray base units 210, 220 (S112 of FIG. 20).

[0066] Next, the worker places the skin film F over the lower chamber 20 (S114 in FIG. 20). FIG. 24 shows the state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A in which the skin film F is placed over the lower chamber 20 so as not to wrinkle. The worker unwinds the roll film F in the state shown in Figure 5 as a skin film F, pulls it downward, and then pulls it toward the front (forward), closing the opening 201 of the lower chamber 20 with the pulled skin film F. This positions the skin film F and the packaged item (work) W facing each other. Note that in Figure 24, the roll film F is simply shown next to the lower chamber 20.

[0067] Next, the worker lowers the upper chamber 30 and brings it into close contact with the opening 201 of the lower chamber 20 so as to cover it, specifically by bringing it into close contact via the skin film F. At this time, the close contact between the upper chamber 30 and the lower chamber 20 activates a limit switch (not shown), and in response, the locking mechanism 460 operates to prevent the upper chamber 30 from moving upward from the lower chamber 20, that is, to lock it so as to maintain the close contact state.

[0068] The control device 400 activates the limit switch to turn off the heater plate 31 and starts the vacuum pump 410 to begin evacuation (S116 in FIG. 20). Furthermore, the cut heater 480 is activated to cut the skin film F at the rear of the lower chamber 20 (S118 in FIG. 20). Because the heater plate 31 is turned off at this stage, power consumption can be reduced. Since the heater plate 31 is tightly closed by the upper chamber 30, the temperature of the heater plate 31 is maintained at approximately the same temperature throughout the operation of the skin pack. Figure 25 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A in which the vacuum pump 410 draws a vacuum and the cut heater 480 cuts the skin film F. As shown in Figure 25, when the vacuum pump 410 starts drawing a vacuum, the control device 400 controls the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415 to be "open," the upper chamber soft-release solenoid valve 420 to be "closed," the upper chamber release solenoid valve 425 to be "closed," the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 to be "open," the lower chamber release solenoid valve 435 to be "closed," and the atmosphere side valve of the cutter drive solenoid valve 440 to be "closed" (period T2 in Figure 21).

[0069] After the upper chamber 30 has descended, the upper chamber soft-release solenoid valve 420 and the upper chamber release solenoid valve 425 are closed, and the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415 is opened, thereby reducing the pressure inside the upper chamber 30 and performing vacuuming. Similarly, the lower chamber release solenoid valve 435 and the cutter drive solenoid valve 440 are closed, and the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 is opened, thereby reducing the pressure inside the lower chamber 20 and performing vacuuming. After the upper chamber 30 has descended, the control device 400 performs vacuuming until the pressure in the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30 is reduced by, for example, 20%. In this state, the packing 33 on the inner periphery of the upper chamber 30 is completely sunk, so the cut heater 480 is activated to cut the skin film F. As a cutter means for the skin film F supplied from the roll film RF, a receiving groove for the cutter and the presser for the skin film F may be formed, and the dimensions may be adjusted so that the cutter can cut the skin film F depending on the amount of sinking of the chamber packing.

[0070] Next, the control device 400 stops the evacuation when the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30 are evacuated (reduced to 20%) (S120 in FIG. 20), and then preheats the skin film F (S122 in FIG. 20). Figure 26 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A when preheating the skin film F. As shown in Figure 26, in the preheating process of the skin film F, the control device 400 controls the atmosphere side valve of the cutter drive solenoid valve 440 to be "closed" and all solenoid valves to be "closed" (period T3 in Figure 21). By introducing this preheating process for the skin film F, it is possible to prevent holes from being formed in the skin film F when it is heated.

[0071] Next, the control device 400 performs pre-stretching of the skin film F (S124 in FIG. 20). Figure 27 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A when pre-stretching the skin film F. As shown in Figure 27, in the pre-stretching process of the skin film F, the control device 400 controls the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 to be "open" and all other solenoid valves to be "closed" (period T4 in Figure 21). In other words, by evacuating only the lower chamber 20, the skin film F can be inflated downward into a dome shape. By introducing this pre-stretching step of the skin film F, the skin film F is slowly stretched downward, which makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles and improve the adhesion and followability.

[0072] When the upper chamber 30 is opened to the atmosphere, if the upper chamber soft-opening solenoid valve 420 is used as a valve with a narrowed orifice diameter, the skin film F is slowly inflated toward the lower chamber 20, thereby suppressing sudden stretching of the skin film F and making it less likely to develop holes. Alternatively, the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415 is closed to stop the decompression of the upper chamber 30 and allow the film to slowly expand downward. By slowly expanding the skin film F downward, the skin film F can be prevented from being suddenly stretched, making it less likely to develop holes.

[0073] Next, the control device 400 heats the skin film F and evacuates the upper chamber 30 (S126 in FIG. 20). FIG. 28 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A while the skin film F is being heated and the upper chamber 30 is being evacuated. As shown in FIG. 28, in this process, the control device 400 controls the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415 and the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 to be "open," the upper chamber soft-release solenoid valve 420, the upper chamber release solenoid valve 425, and the lower chamber release solenoid valve 435 to be "closed," and the atmosphere-side valve of the cutter drive solenoid valve 440 to be "closed" (period T5 in FIG. 21). This causes the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30 to be evacuated to the set value. As a result, the dome-shaped skin film F returns to its original position as shown in FIG. 27. The skin film F is then reheated by the heat plate 31, which maintains a high temperature.

[0074] Next, the control device 400 stops the evacuation of the upper chamber 30 and performs additional evacuation of the lower chamber 20 (S130 in FIG. 20). Figure 29 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A when the evacuation of the upper chamber 30 has stopped and additional evacuation is being performed on the lower chamber 20. As shown in Figure 29, in this process, the control device 400 controls the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 to be "open," the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, the upper chamber soft-open solenoid valve 420, the upper chamber open solenoid valve 425, and the lower chamber open solenoid valve 435 to be "closed," and the atmosphere side valve of the cutter drive solenoid valve 440 to be "closed" (period T6 in Figure 21). As a result, the evacuation of the upper chamber 30 stops and the lower chamber 20 is placed in an additional evacuation state, so that the skin film F is lowered toward the lower chamber 20. By introducing the additional evacuation process of the lower chamber, it is possible to prevent holes from being formed in the skin film F.

[0075] Next, the control device 400 softly opens the upper chamber 30 to slowly bring the skin film F into close contact with the tray T (S132 in FIG. 20). Figure 30 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A when the upper chamber 30 is softly opened and the skin film F is slowly adhered to the tray T. As shown in Figure 30, in this process, the control device 400 controls the upper chamber soft-opening solenoid valve 420 and the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 to be "open," the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, the upper chamber opening solenoid valve 425, and the lower chamber opening solenoid valve 435 to be "closed," and the atmosphere side valve of the cutter drive solenoid valve 440 to be "closed" (period T7 in Figure 21).

[0076] As a result, the upper chamber soft-release solenoid valve 420 is opened while the evacuation of the upper chamber 30 is stopped and only the lower chamber 20 is being evacuated, and the outside air (a small amount of atmospheric air) flowing in from the upper chamber soft-release solenoid valve 420 is blown out toward the skin film F from the many vent holes 32 in the heater plate 31 of the upper chamber 30. As a result, the skin film F can be slowly brought into close contact with the tray T. By softly opening the upper chamber 30 and introducing a process of slowly adhering the skin film F to the tray T, it is possible to prevent holes from being formed in the skin film F.

[0077] Next, when the control device 400 determines from the measurement value of the pressure sensor 470a that the upper chamber 30 has been softly opened to the atmosphere, for example, up to 20% (S134 in FIG. 20), it causes the skin film F to be completely attached (S136 in FIG. 20). Figure 31 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A when the skin film F is completely sealed. As shown in Figure 31, in this process, the control device 400 controls the upper chamber opening solenoid valve 425 and the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 to be "open," the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, the upper chamber soft-opening solenoid valve 420, and the lower chamber opening solenoid valve 435 to be "closed," and the atmosphere side valve of the cutter drive solenoid valve 440 to be "closed" (period T7 in Figure 21).

[0078] As a result, following step S134, the evacuation of the upper chamber 30 stops, and while only the lower chamber 20 is being evacuated, the upper chamber opening solenoid valve 425 is opened, so that outside air (atmosphere) flowing in from the upper chamber opening solenoid valve 425 is blown out toward the skin film F from the numerous air vents 32 in the heater plate 31 of the upper chamber 30. The amount of outside air flowing in from the upper chamber opening solenoid valve 425 is greater than the amount of outside air flowing in from the upper chamber soft-opening solenoid valve 420 in step S134. As a result, the skin film F can be brought into complete contact with the tray T.

[0079] Next, the control device 400 executes a wait before pattern cutting so as to wait until the adhesion of the skin film F becomes stable. In this step, the control device 400 performs the same valve control as in FIG. 31 (period T8 in FIG. 21). As a result, the upper chamber soft-release solenoid valve 420, which was opened in step S136, is kept closed while waiting for the adhesion of the skin film F to stabilize. This waiting allows the skin film F to cool slightly.

[0080] Next, the control device 400 performs pattern cutting on the outer peripheral film of the tray T to which the skin film F is adhered (S138 in FIG. 20). Figure 32 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A when cutting the outer peripheral film of the tray T. As shown in Figure 32, in this step, the control device 400 controls the solenoid valve to be in the same open / close control state as in step S136 (the lower chamber 20 continues to be in a vacuum state), and controls the three-way cutter drive solenoid valve 440 so that the gap between the atmosphere side and the lower chamber 20 is "open" (period T9 in Figure 21).

[0081] As a result, outside air flowing in from three-way cutter drive solenoid valve 440 is directed into tray base units 210, 220 in lower chamber 20, and the pressure difference between the inside and outside of air bag 500 causes air bag 500 to inflate to a predetermined size. The inflation of air bag 500 instantly pushes up cutter plates 290, 295 and cutter pattern 240 built into tray base units 210, 220, causing them to pop out. As a result, cutter pattern 240 cuts the outer peripheral film of tray T to which skin film F is adhered.

[0082] FIG. 32 shows an example of a configuration in which the air bag 500 is instantly inflated and pushed up by opening the atmospheric side valve of the three-way cutter drive solenoid valve 440 when the cutter is in operation, but any means is acceptable as long as it is a mechanism that directly sprays air from below to quickly push up the cutter plates 290, 295. Alternatively, the pattern cutter may be one in which an electric heating wire is arranged in the shape to be cut on the tray of the cutter plates 290, 295, and after the skin pack, an electric current is passed through to generate heat and melt the skin film F.

[0083] Next, the control device 400 stores the pushed-up cutter plates 290, 295 (S140 in FIG. 20). Figure 33 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A when storing the pushed-up cutter plates 290, 295. As shown in Figure 33, in this step, the control device 400 controls the solenoid valves to the same open / close state as in step S136 (the lower chamber 20 continues to be evacuated), but controls the atmosphere side of the three-way cutter drive solenoid valve 440 to be "closed" and the connection between the lower chamber 20 and the vacuum pump 410 to be "open" (period T10 in Figure 21).

[0084] As a result, the inside of the air bag is evacuated, and the cutter plates 290 and 295 can be stored in their original positions by the action of the spring coils 292a to 292d shown in FIG.

[0085] Next, the control device 400 opens the upper chamber 30 and the lower chamber 20 to the atmosphere after confirming that the cutter plates 290, 295 are housed (S142 in FIG. 20). Figure 34 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A when the upper chamber 30 and the lower chamber 20 are opened to the atmosphere. As shown in Figure 34, in this process, the control device 400 stops the vacuum pump 410, closes the upper chamber soft-release solenoid valve 420, and opens all other solenoid valves. However, the atmosphere side of the three-way cutter drive solenoid valve 440 is controlled to be closed (period T11 in Figure 21).

[0086] This opens the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, upper chamber open solenoid valve 425, lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430, lower chamber open solenoid valve 435, and cutter drive solenoid valve 440, thereby releasing the residual pressure up to the vacuum pump 410. As a result, the same skin pack can be repeatedly performed under the same settings. Then, at this stage, the control device 400 turns on the heater plate 31 in preparation for the next skin pack packaging.

[0087] Next, the control device 400 opens the upper chamber 30, which serves as a lid (S144 in FIG. 20). Figure 35 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1A when the upper chamber 30, which serves as the lid, is opened. As shown in Figure 35, in this process, the control device 400 keeps the vacuum pump 410 stopped and controls the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, upper chamber soft-release solenoid valve 420, and lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 to be "closed," and the upper chamber release solenoid valve 425, lower chamber release solenoid valve 435, and cutter drive solenoid valve 440 to be "open." However, the atmosphere side of the three-way cutter drive solenoid valve 440 is controlled to be "closed" (period T12 in Figure 21).

[0088] This allows for a clean vacuum skin pack to be obtained. Then, a tray T carrying the packaged item (work) W can be set on the tray table units 210, 220 as shown in FIG. 24. As a result, preparations for the next skin pack can be made. It is advisable to use a gas spring or the like to open the upper chamber 30, which serves as the lid.

[0089] As shown in Figure 36, the worker removes the skin-packed tray T from the lower chamber 20. Finally, as shown in Figure 37, the worker removes the skin film F that remains inside and outside the lower chamber 20. The open / closed states of the solenoid valves in Figures 36 and 37 are the same as those in Figure 35. When the operator subsequently places the tray T to be spin-packed next on the tray table units 210, 220, the above-mentioned steps can be immediately carried out.

[0090] When the packaging machine of this embodiment is used as a vacuum skin pack packaging machine, the heavy rolled film F can be carried simply by setting it at the rear of the upper chamber 30, and then the upper chamber 30 can be moved to the highest position to set it in the film mounting groove 44. This significantly reduces the burden on the worker when loading the rolled film F.

[0091] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the tray stand unit 210 is raised and lowered using the air bag 500, the provision of the fixing blocks 520, 530 prevents the pattern cutter 240 from being pushed up more than necessary (it rises only the amount necessary for cutting), thereby ensuring the safety of the worker. Furthermore, unless the lower chamber 20 is depressurized (i.e., when the lid is closed), the pattern cutter 240 will not jump out, so the safety of the worker can be ensured even when installing and removing the tray T.

[0092] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the cutter means 240 that cuts the skin film F is disposed in the lower chamber 20, the upper chamber 30 has a full-plate heater plate 31, making it possible to manufacture beautiful skin packs with a simple structure. Furthermore, when changing trays according to the packaged items (workpieces) W, all that is required is to change the cutter-integrated tray base unit 210 (or 220) housed in the lower chamber 20, improving operability. Furthermore, because the tray base unit 210 (or 220) is an integrated cutter, precise alignment of the upper chamber 30 and the lower chamber 20 is not required. Furthermore, the blade of the cutter means 240 is built-in in a form that does not protrude from the top surface of the tray base unit except during the cutting operation, ensuring worker safety.

[0093] (vacuum packaging machine) Next, a case where the packaging machine of the embodiment is used as a vacuum packaging machine 1B will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 38 is a diagram showing the shape of the packaging machine after the cutter-integrated tray table units 210, 220 (see Figure 8(a)) attached to the lower chamber 20 of the packaging machine have been removed in order to use the packaging machine as a vacuum packaging machine 1B. There is nothing in the opening 201 of the lower chamber 20.

[0094] 39(a) and 39(b) show the shape of the lower seal block 600 attached to the opening 201 of the lower chamber 20, with (a) being a top view and (b) being a side view. The heater plate 30 inside the upper chamber 30 facing the lower seal block 600 serves as the upper seal block that operates as a heater when sealing with the fixed-side gripping member. 39, the lower seal block 600 includes a cubic seal block main body 610 on which one or more vacuum packaging bags can be placed in the longitudinal direction, a base 620 to which the seal block main body 610 is attached, an air bag 630 provided between the base 620 and the bottom surface of the lower chamber 20 and used to raise and lower the seal block main body 610, and a connecting member 640 connecting the air bag 630 to the atmosphere. A low-adhesive tape is attached to the seal block main body 610 to temporarily secure the tip opening of the packaging bag to be placed on it. A wall block may be provided to surround part or all of the periphery of the base 620 to prevent the base 620 from moving.

[0095] 40 shows a top view of one lower seal block 600 attached in the longitudinal direction of the opening 201 of the lower chamber 20. That is, the lower seal block 600 is provided along the front side of the lower chamber 20. FIG. 41 shows a top view of two lower seal blocks 600a, 600b attached in the short direction of the lower chamber 20. In FIG. 40 and 41, the lower seal blocks 600, 600a, 600b can be attached to any position within the opening 201 of the lower chamber 20 depending on the operation. This is because the heater plate 31, which serves as the fixed upper seal block, is provided on the entire inside surface of the upper chamber 30, and therefore sealing can be performed wherever the lower seal blocks 600, 600a, 600b are placed.

[0096] FIG. 42 is a front view of the lower chamber 20 shown in FIG. 40 and a cross-sectional view taken along line AA thereof. 43 and 44 show the operation of producing a vacuum pack using the vacuum packaging machine 1B. Note that the connection to the vacuum pump 410 is shown in simplified form. Figure 43 shows the shape of the vacuum packaging bag 650 in the state where the tip opening is placed on the seal block main body 610 of the lower seal block 600 in order to vacuum pack the vacuum packaging bag 650 containing the packaged item (W) using the vacuum packaging machine 1B. 44 shows an inflated shape of the air bag 630 provided between the seal block main body 610 and the bottom surface of the upper chamber 20. Then, the seal block main body 610, on which the leading end opening of the vacuum packaging bag 650 is placed, is pushed up toward the heater plate 31, making it possible to seal the leading end opening of the vacuum packaging bag 650. The inclined guide 660 is a guide that guides the vacuum packaging bag 650 when the leading end opening of the vacuum packaging bag 650 is placed on the upper surface of the seal block 610.

[0097] 43, the worker sets the tip opening of the vacuum packaging bag 650 on the seal block main body 610, closes the upper chamber 30 to the lower chamber 20, and operates the vacuum pump 410. Then, the inside of the chamber formed by the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30 is evacuated (depressurized), and the air in the chamber is degassed, and the air in the vacuum packaging bag 650 is also degassed.

[0098] 44, the air bag 630 is inflated at the timing of the sealing operation. This pushes the vacuum packaging bag 650 upward onto the placed seal block main body 610, and the leading end opening of the vacuum packaging bag 650 is clamped between the seal block main body 610 and the heater plate 31. Then, by applying electricity to the heater plate 31, the leading end opening of the vacuum packaging bag 650 is thermally welded and sealed.

[0099] The operation of inflating the air bag 630 at the timing of the sealing operation involves releasing the air bag 630 to atmospheric pressure via the connecting member 640 while the chamber formed by the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30 is depressurized, causing the air bag 630 to inflate due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the air bag 630. After sealing, the chamber is opened, causing the air bag 650 to contract, which pushes down the upper seal block 30 and returns it to its original position. The worker then removes the sealed vacuum packaging bag 650 from the chamber. This results in a clean vacuum package.

[0100] According to the packaging machine of the embodiment, a single packaging machine can produce both vacuum skin packaging and vacuum pack packaging, thereby reducing capital investment. In addition, the lower seal block 600 can be placed anywhere to perform the sealing operation, making it easy to use.

[0101] The packaging machine of the embodiment described above is a packaging machine that includes at least a movable first chamber 30 having a heater plate 31 built in, a second chamber 20 provided opposite the first chamber 30, and a vacuum pump 410, and has a vacuum skin pack packaging mode and a vacuum pack packaging mode, In the vacuum skin pack packaging mode, the tray base unit 210 is placed in the second chamber 20, a tray T carrying the packaged items W is placed on the tray base unit and covered with a skin film F, the first chamber 30 is moved, and with the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 20 closed, the pressure inside the chamber formed by the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 20 is reduced by the vacuum pump 410, and the skin film F softened by the heat of the heater plate 31 is brought into close contact with the tray T, thereby creating a skin pack package. In the vacuum packing mode, a lower seal block 600 having a lifting mechanism is attached to the second chamber 30, the heater plate 31 is used as the upper seal block, the leading end opening of a vacuum packing bag 650 containing an item to be packed is placed on the lower seal block 600, the first chamber 30 is moved, and with the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 20 closed, the inside of the chamber formed by the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 20 is depressurized by the vacuum pump 410, the lower seal block 600 is pushed up toward the heater plate 31, and the leading end opening of the vacuum packing bag is welded and sealed by the heat of the heater plate 31 to produce a vacuum pack. This allows both vacuum skin packing and vacuum packing to be produced with a single packaging machine.

[0102] The tray base unit 210 of the packaging machine of this embodiment has a built-in cutter means 240, and the cutter means 240 is pushed up by inflating the air bag 500 provided on the underside of the tray base unit 210, thereby cutting off unnecessary skin film around the tray. This makes it possible to obtain beautiful vacuum skin pack packaging.

[0103] In addition, an air bag 630 is provided on the underside of the lower seal block 600 of the packaging machine of this embodiment, and the air bag 630 is inflated to push the lower seal block 600 up toward the heater plate 31. This allows the heat from the heater plate to weld and seal the tip opening of the vacuum packaging bag, producing a clean vacuum package.

[0104] The housing of the packaging machine in this embodiment is made of a housing for vacuum skin pack packaging, and in the vacuum pack packaging mode, the built-in tray base unit 210 is removed and a lower seal block 600 having a lifting mechanism is installed. This allows the packaging machine to smoothly switch from the vacuum skin pack packaging mode to the vacuum pack packaging mode.

[0105] In addition, in the vacuum packing mode of the packaging machine of this embodiment, the entire area of ​​the heater plate 31 can be used as an upper seal block that seals the tip opening of the vacuum packing bag by welding, thereby making it possible to obtain vacuum packing using the entire area of ​​the chamber formed by the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0106] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1...packaging machine, 1A...vacuum skin pack packaging machine, 1B...vacuum packaging machine, 10...casing 11...Operation panel, 20...Lower chamber (second chamber), 12...Support leg 201...opening, 30...upper chamber (first chamber), 30a...fixing member 30aa, 30bb...Placement rails, 30b, 30c...Movement support members 31...heater plate, 32...vent hole, 33...packing, 34...connecting pipe 121...support frame, 301...handle, 40...leg, 42...connecting plate 44...film mounting groove portion, 46...inclined portion, 210, 220...tray base unit 230... cutter groove, 240... pattern cutter (cutter means) 250a to 250d, 251a to 251d... Slightly adhesive members 260a to 260c... Slightly adhesive member, 270, 275... Piping, 280... Reinforcing plate 290a to 290d... Intake section, 291a... Bottom plate, 291b... Top plate 291b1...Outer peripheral surface part, 291b2...Inner surface part, 291c...Support column 292a~292d...Spring coil, 290, 295...Cutter plate 300...tray stand unit, 300a...horizontal surface, 310a to 310d...guide pins 320...spring coil, 330...fixed portion, 400...control device 403...CPU, 406...storage device, 409...IF circuit, 410...vacuum pump 415...Upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve, 420...Upper chamber soft release solenoid valve 425...Upper chamber opening solenoid valve, 430...Lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 435...Lower chamber opening solenoid valve, 440...Cutter drive solenoid valve 450...Temperature sensor, 460...Lock mechanism 460, 470...Pressure sensor 480...Cut heater 480, 490...Notification unit, 500...Air bag 510...Intermediate plate, 520, 530...Fixed block (height limiting means) W...packaged item (workpiece), T...tray, F...skin film, FR...roll film 600, 600a, 600b... Lower seal block, 610... Seal block body 620...base stand, 630...air bag, 640...connecting member, 650...vacuum packaging bag 660...Sloped guide

Claims

1. A packaging machine having at least a first chamber on a movable side having a heater plate built therein, a second chamber provided opposite to the first chamber, and a vacuum pump, and having a vacuum skin pack packaging mode and a vacuum pack packaging mode, In the vacuum skin pack packaging mode, placing a tray base unit in the second chamber; A tray carrying an item to be packaged is placed on the tray table unit and covered with a skin film. the first chamber is moved, and in a state in which the first chamber and the second chamber are closed, the inside of a chamber formed by the first chamber and the second chamber is depressurized by the vacuum pump; The skin film softened by the heat of the heater plate is brought into close contact with the tray to form a skin pack package. In the vacuum packing mode, a lower seal block having an elevating mechanism is attached to the second chamber, and the heater plate is used as an upper seal block; The opening at the tip of the vacuum packaging bag containing the packaged item is placed on the lower seal block, the first chamber is moved, and in a state in which the first chamber and the second chamber are closed, the inside of a chamber formed by the first chamber and the second chamber is depressurized by the vacuum pump; pushing the lower seal block up toward the heater plate; The opening at the tip of the vacuum packaging bag is welded and sealed by the heat of the heater plate to form a vacuum package. A packaging machine characterized by:

2. the tray stand unit has the cutter means built in; 2. The packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the cutter means is pushed up by inflating an air bag provided on the underside of the tray base unit, thereby cutting off unnecessary skin film around the tray.

3. An air bag is provided on the lower surface of the lower seal block, 2. The packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the action of inflating the air bag pushes the lower seal block upward toward the heater plate.

4. The housing of the packaging machine is made of a housing for vacuum skin pack packaging, 2. The packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein, in the vacuum pack packaging mode, the built-in tray base unit is removed and a lower seal block having the lifting mechanism is installed.

5. 2. The packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein in the vacuum pack packaging mode, the entire area of ​​the heater plate can be used as an upper seal block for welding and sealing the tip opening of the vacuum packaging bag.

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