Sealing safety control method and vacuum skin pack packaging machine

Abstract

To provide a sealing safety control method and a vacuum skin pack packaging machine which are set to be restorable on condition that a worker recognizes that work is accompanied by danger when detecting that abnormality occurs in a dangerous element provided in a chamber.SOLUTION: During the operation of the packaging machine (S10), when the occurrence of an abnormality in the risk factor is detected by a signal from the abnormality detection means (Yes in S20), the vacuum state of the chamber is secured, the lid of the first chamber is set so as not to be opened (S30), a safe work notification image is displayed on an operation panel (S40), and the lid of the first chamber is set so as to be opened in response to an instruction of an operation button displayed on the safe work notification image (S50).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a sealing safety control method and a vacuum skin pack packaging machine. [Background technology]

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

[0003] In recent years, skin packs using vacuum skin packing machines (also known as tight-fitting vacuum packing machines) have become commonplace as a type of vacuum packaging. Vacuum skin packing machines sandwich the packaged item, typically food, between a film and a backing, and then heat-press the gap between the two 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 shelf life.

[0004] Vacuum skin pack packaging machines include a process of cutting the film around the backing so that the skin-packed backing can be removed. The pattern cutter equipped with a cutter blade is configured to return (standby) to a safe position after the cutting process, for example, by a spring. However, it is possible that, for example, due to deterioration or deformation of the cutter blade, the cutter blade may get caught on the film or the like when being pushed up or down during the cutting operation, and may not return to the safe position.

[0005] If it is detected that the cutter blade is not in a safe position, it is detected as an "abnormality in a dangerous element" and repair work must be carried out. "Abnormality in a dangerous element" means that an abnormality has occurred in a part or component that is a dangerous element in the chamber (for example, the cutter blade or nichrome wire heater), and when this signal is detected, the equipment is stopped and repair work is carried out. If such an incident occurs, workers will be required to repair the dangerous parts or components, so measures to ensure safety are required. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-151372 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a sealing safety control method and a vacuum skin pack packaging machine that, when an abnormality is detected in a dangerous element installed in a chamber, can be set to be repairable on the condition that the operator recognizes that the work is dangerous. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The sealing safety control method of one embodiment is a sealing safety control method for a packaging machine that vacuum-packs packaged items and is equipped with at least a first chamber on the movable side that serves as a lid, a second chamber on the fixed side that is located opposite the first chamber, a vacuum pump, an operation panel, and an abnormality detection means that detects the occurrence of an abnormality in a hazardous element that is located within a chamber formed by tightly joining the first chamber to the second chamber, and is characterized in that when an abnormality in the hazardous element is detected by a signal from the abnormality detection means during operation of the packaging machine, the vacuum state of the chamber is maintained, the lid of the first chamber is set so that it cannot be opened, a safe work notification image is displayed on the operation panel, and the lid of the first chamber is set so that it can be opened in response to an instruction from an operation button displayed on the safe work notification image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]10 is a flowchart showing a sealing safety control procedure when the sealing safety control method according to the embodiment is applied to a vacuum packaging machine. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are perspective and side views of a vacuum skin pack packaging machine to which a sealing safety control method according to an embodiment is applied; [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the shape of a heater plate attached to the inside of the upper chamber. [Figure 4] 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 5] This is a diagram showing the state in which a tray carrying packaged items (workpieces) W is placed on a tray table unit with an integrated cutter that is stored in the lower chamber. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are a top view, cross section AA, and cross section BB of the lower chamber with the pattern cutter in a safe position and not exposed above. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a top view of the lower chamber with the pattern cutter protruding (after cutting operation) and a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA. [Figure 8] 8 is a view showing a BB cross section of the lower chamber in a state in which the pattern cutter in FIG. 7 has protruded (performed a cutting operation). FIG. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B are a perspective view, a top view, an AA cross-sectional view, and a BB cross-sectional view of a pattern cutter attached to a cutter-integrated tray base unit. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are a top view, a cross-sectional view AA, and a cross-sectional view BB of a tray base unit with an integrated cutter, with the pattern cutter in a safe position and not exposed upward. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the installation of a magnet, which is an example of a cutter position detection sensor that detects the position of a pattern cutter. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are a perspective view, a top view, an AA cross-sectional view, and a BB cross-sectional view of a tray base unit with an integrated cutter in a state where the pattern cutter is protruding. [Figure 13]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another embodiment in which an air bag is used to raise and lower the cutter plate provided in the lower chamber. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of a vacuum skin pack packaging machine. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing the state in which a tray base unit with an integrated cutter that is adapted to a skin-pack product, such as a food tray, is stored in the lower chamber. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the operation panel when "heater operation start" is displayed. [Figure 17] 10 is a diagram showing the "heating" display on the operation panel of the heater plate. FIG. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing the state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine with the skin film F covering the lower chamber to prevent wrinkles. [Figure 19] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the operation panel when the temperature of the skin film F reaches the set value of 105° C. due to heating by the heater plate. FIG. [Figure 20] 10 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. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when the skin film F is being preheated. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 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 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the operation panel for "driving"; [Figure 24] This figure shows 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 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when the skin film F is completely sealed. [Figure 26] 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 27]10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when storing the pushed-up cutter plate. FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on an operation panel displaying an error notification of "pattern cut lowering end abnormality." [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the lower chamber is evacuated in step 2. [Figure 30] 10 is a diagram showing the operation state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine in which the vacuum state of the chamber is released and the lid of the upper chamber is opened. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an "abnormality occurring" display on the operation panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a sealing safety control method and a vacuum skin pack 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 explanations will be omitted. First, a description will be given of a case where the sealing safety control method according to the embodiment is applied to a vacuum packaging machine. Fig. 1 is a flowchart showing a sealing safety control procedure when the sealing safety control method is applied to a vacuum packaging machine.

[0011] As is well known, a vacuum packaging machine comprises a first chamber on the movable side that serves as a lid, a second chamber on the fixed side that is provided opposite the first chamber, a vacuum pump, and an operation panel. Furthermore, to implement the sealing safety control method, an abnormality detection means is provided for detecting the occurrence of an abnormality in a dangerous element provided in a chamber formed by closely adhering the first chamber to the second chamber. The dangerous element provided in the chamber is a nichrome wire heater that seals the opening of the packaging bag during the sealing process. An upper seal block and a lower seal block are provided in the chamber, and a nichrome wire heater is provided on the upper surface of either the upper seal block or the lower seal block.

[0012] The manufacturing process for vacuum packs involves placing the front opening of a vacuum packaging bag containing an item to be packaged on the lower seal block, moving the first chamber to tightly join it to the second chamber, depressurizing the interior of the chamber formed by the first and second chambers with a vacuum pump, for example, pushing the lower seal block up toward the upper seal block to sandwich the front opening of the vacuum packaging bag, and then energizing a nichrome wire heater, for example, provided on the top surface of the upper seal block, to weld and seal the front opening of the vacuum packaging bag with the heat of the nichrome wire heater, thereby creating a vacuum pack.

[0013] In the manufacturing process of this vacuum pack, if the nichrome wire heater breaks or burns due to abnormal heating, there is a risk of burns or electric shock during the repair work (including repair). Therefore, the vacuum packaging machine is configured so that abnormality occurrence of the nichrome wire heater, which is a dangerous element, can be detected by an abnormality detection means during the vacuum pack processing. Then, the repair work is carried out according to the flowchart shown in Figure 1.

[0014] That is, if a signal from the abnormality detection means detects that an abnormality has occurred in a hazardous element during the vacuum packing process (S10 in FIG. 1) (Yes in S20 in FIG. 1), the vacuum state of the chamber is maintained and the lid of the first chamber is set so that it cannot be opened (S30 in FIG. 1). If a signal from the abnormality detection means does not detect that an abnormality has occurred in a hazardous element (No in S20), the process ends.

[0015] Next, after step S30, a safe operation notification image is displayed on the operation panel of the vacuum packaging machine (S40 in FIG. 1). That is, the operator is notified of the occurrence of an abnormality in a dangerous element and is called to attention. Then, when the operator gives an instruction (touch action) on an operation button (for example, a confirmation button) displayed on the safe work notification image, the vacuum state of the chamber is released and the lid of the first chamber is set to be able to be opened (S50 in FIG. 1). Finally, the lid of the first chamber is opened, and the broken nichrome wire heater is repaired, and the process ends (S60 in FIG. 1).

[0016] As a result, even if an abnormality occurs in the nichrome wire heater, which is a dangerous element inside the chamber, the operator is prompted to pay attention to safe work, and once it is recognized that the work is dangerous, repair work can be carried out, so safe work during repairs is thoroughly implemented.

[0017] Next, a case where the sealing safety control method is implemented in a vacuum skin pack packaging machine (also called a tight-fitting vacuum packaging machine) will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 31. First, the configuration of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine will be described. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view and a side view of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine of the embodiment. The vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 has external dimensions of, for example, 650 mm W x 630 mm D x 1400 mm H. A fixed 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 (movable side) is provided on top of the lower chamber 20. The upper chamber 30 is connected to a pair of left and right movement support members 30b attached to a fixed member 30a provided on the rear top surface of the housing 10. The movement support members 30b act to move the upper chamber 30 up and down while tilting it slightly backward, thereby opening and closing the lower chamber 20. The upper chamber 30 is connected to the lower chamber 20 to form a chamber for skin packing.

[0018] An operation panel 11 is provided on the front of the housing 10. An operator of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 operates this operation panel 11 to start and stop the skin pack. The operation panel 11 can also be used to set the operating conditions for the skin pack, such as the vacuum conditions, heating time, and heating temperature. Furthermore, if an abnormality occurs in a dangerous element of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine, for example, an "abnormality at the lowering end of the pattern cut," the operation panel will alert the operator to the abnormality (notifying them of the abnormality by display and sound), and repair work (including repairs) can be carried out once the operator has confirmed this.

[0019] Film mounting portions are provided on both rear sides of the housing 10. The film mounting portions have leg portions 40 on both sides to which the rolled film F is attached, connecting plates 42 that reinforcingly connect the legs 40, film mounting groove portions 44 provided on the front side 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.

[0020] 4, the opening 201 of the lower chamber 20 of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 has space for accommodating, for example, two tray base units, making it possible to skin pack two items to be packaged at the same time. The number of trays to be skin packed may be designed according to the size of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1. The size of the lower chamber 20 is, for example, 440 mm wide x 340 mm deep x 40 mm high.

[0021] As will be described later, a tray carrying the packaged item (workpiece) to be skin-packed is set (placed) on the tray base unit stored in the lower chamber 20. The tray size 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.

[0022] 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 surface, specifically the surface facing the packaged item W, becomes capable of adhering to the packaged item (work) and tray. The vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 uses a skin film F with a softening temperature of 130°C and a heating time of approximately 10 seconds, for example.

[0023] 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.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the inner shape of the upper chamber 30. As shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 3, a heater plate 31 is attached to the entire inner surface of the upper chamber 30. In Fig. 3, the heater plate 31 is shown standing up so that the inner surface of the heater plate 31 can be seen. The heater plate 31 is formed, for example, in the shape of a substantially rectangular flat plate, and energization is controlled by a control device 400 (see Fig. 13) described later. The heater plate 31 is heated to 100°C or higher when adjacent to the skin film F, and is therefore able to soften the skin film F.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The upper chamber 30 is designed so that its front-to-back and left-to-right dimensions correspond to those of the lower chamber 20. The left and right sides of the upper chamber 30 are connected to one end of elongated, plate-shaped movement support members 30b so that the upper chamber 30 can move up and down. This allows the upper chamber 30 to move up and down freely by the action of the movement support members 30b.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the upper chamber 30 and the lower chamber 20 are sealed together during the production of the skin pack. That is, 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 the control device 400, described later, may operate a drive device such as a motor in response to operation of the operation panel 11 to raise and lower the upper chamber 30.

[0028] Next, the internal structure of the lower chamber 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 4 shows an oblique view of two cutter-integrated tray stands stored in the lower chamber 20, where (a) shows the pattern cutter 240 in a safe position and not exposed above, and (b) shows the pattern cutter 240 pushed up and exposed above.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the opening 201 of the lower chamber 20 accommodates two cutter-integrated tray base units 210, 220 shown in Figure 6 or 7. In other words, the lower chamber 20 is designed wide enough to accommodate the two tray base units 210, 220. Therefore, if tray base units according to the size of the packaged item (work) W are prepared in advance, various skin packs can be produced with good workability simply by setting (replacing) them in the lower chamber 20 in a cassette format.

[0030] A pattern cutter 240 that cuts the skin film F that is in close contact with the tray is built into the tray stand units 210 and 220. 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 loading area of ​​the tray stand units 210 and 220.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 4(a), when the pattern cutter 240 is in a safe position and not exposed upward, the pattern cutter 240 is not visible. In the process of cutting the skin film F that is in close contact with the tray by the skin pack operation, the pattern cutter 240 pushes up (pops out) from the cutter groove 230 and cuts the skin film F on the outer periphery of the tray, as shown in Fig. 4(b). Details of these skin pack operations will be described later.

[0032] 4(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 placement area (inner surface portion 291b2 described later) of the tray base units 210 and 220 (see FIG. 6 for details). The slightly adhesive members 250a to 250d serve as weak fixing means when setting the tray (paper pack) to be skin-packed on the tray base units 210 and 220.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4(a), weakly adhesive members 251a-251d may be attached to the outer peripheral region (outer peripheral surface portion 291b1, described later) sandwiching the cutter groove 230 (see FIG. 7 for details). When the pattern cutter 240 is quickly pushed up (jumped out) to cut the skin film F from below, there is a risk that the skin film F, which has been in close contact with the tray, may lift up (peel off). By attaching the weakly adhesive members 251a-251d, it is possible to prevent lifting up during the cutting operation. The weakly adhesive members 250a-250d and 251a-251d are used to attach grippable members with weak adhesive strength (for example, tape, stickers, sheets, etc.).

[0034] 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 come into close contact with each other to form an independent sealed space, allowing the film to be adsorbed under vacuum.

[0035] 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. 5 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. 5, 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.

[0036] 5, areas for attaching slightly adhesive members 260a to 260c may be provided on the upper outer frame of the lower chamber 20. These slightly adhesive members 260a to 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 allowing for smooth skin packing. 5 shows one packaged item (work) W placed on one tray T, but multiple packaged items (works) W may be placed on one tray T. Also, a tray base unit of a size that combines the tray base units 210 and 220 may be prepared, and multiple packaged items (works) W may be skin-packed simultaneously.

[0037] FIG. 6 shows a top view, an AA cross-sectional view, and a BB cross-sectional view of the lower chamber 20 in a state where the pattern cutter 240 is in a safe position and not exposed upward (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.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a top view of the lower chamber 20 with the pattern cutter 240 protruding (after cutting), and is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view 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 positions shown in FIG. 6 by the spring coils described below.

[0039] 9 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 10 shows a perspective view, a top view, an AA cross-sectional view, and a BB cross-sectional view of the tray base unit 210 in a state where the cutter plate 290 in FIG. 9 is in a safe position and not exposed upward. Here, the tray base unit 210 will be described, but the tray base 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, through which the pattern cutter 240 moves up and down, and each is screwed at its four corners. 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.

[0042] 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 lifted cutter plate 290 to return to a safe position. Also provided is a cutter position detection sensor 485 that detects whether the cutter plate 290 is positioned in a safe state.

[0043] Figure 11 shows the installation of magnets when two cutter position detection sensors 485 are provided to detect whether the cutter plate 290 is in a safe position (front view (a) and oblique view (b) of the bottom surface of the tray stand unit 210). 11, one of the two magnets 485a, 485b is provided on the bottom surface of the cutter plate 290. The other is provided on the outside of the lower chamber 20, facing the magnets 485a, 485b. The magnets 485a, 485b are attached to the bottom surface of the cutter plate 290 on both sides of the center of the tray stand unit 210 (the same applies to the tray stand unit 220) in the standby position, at approximately the same height as the bottom surface of the tray stand unit 210.

[0044] Since the bottom surface of cutter plate 290 is the surface that is pushed up by the air bag, inward-facing recesses 210a, 210b are formed on both sides of the bottom surface of tray stand unit 210 between the top and bottom of spring coils 292a to 292d, and magnets 485a, 485b are attached to the bottom surface of cutter plate 290 located in these recesses 210a, 210b. This allows magnets 485a, 485b to be attached without interfering with the contact surface of the air bag.

[0045] During the cutting operation of the skin film F, the positions of the magnets 485a and 485b fluctuate in accordance with the up and down movement of the cutter plate 290. Therefore, the magnets 485a and 485b and the magnet provided on the outside of the lower chamber 20 detect that the cutter plate 290 does not return to the correct position or that the cutter plate 290 is not being pushed up properly. That is, a detection signal from the cutter position detection sensor 485 is sent to the control device 400, and the control device 400 monitors whether the cutter plate 290 is in the correct position and is operating normally. The cutter position detection sensor 485 may be configured with a mechanical switch, an optical switch, or the like. Although two magnets 485a and 485b are provided in FIG. 11, only one of the magnets 485a or 485b may be used. Furthermore, the magnets 485a and 485b may be provided on both sides or one side of the bottom surface of the cutter plate 290 in the vertical direction.

[0046] 12 is a perspective view, a top view, and a side cross-sectional view of the cutter-integrated tray base unit 210 with the cutter plate 290 protruding. Here, the tray base unit 210 will be described, but the tray base unit 220 also has the same shape. The bottom of the tray base unit 210 is connected to a vacuum pump 410 via a pipe 270 (see FIG. 8). 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 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 base unit 210 returns to the standby position due to the action of the spring coils 292a to 292d.

[0047] 13 shows a configuration using an air bag 500 as another example for raising and lowering the cutter plate 290 provided in the lower chamber 20, where (a) shows the shape of the air bag 500 when not inflated, and (b) shows the shape of the air bag 500 when inflated. The cutter plate 295 also has the same configuration. An air bag 500 is attached between the bottom surface of the lower chamber 20 and the cutter plate 295, and an intermediate plate 510 is attached thereon. Fixed plates 520 and 530 are height limiting means for limiting the inflation height of the air bag 500. When the lower chamber 20 is evacuated by the vacuum pump 410, the air bag 500 expands due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the air bag 500, and can push up the cutter plates 290 and 295.

[0048] In this way, the vacuum skin pack packaging machine is configured so that the cutter means 240 that cuts the skin film F is located in the lower chamber 20, and 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) stored 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 cutting operations, ensuring the safety of the operator.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the control system of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1. The control device 400, which is responsible for the overall control of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1, includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 403, a memory device 406 which includes memory used as a working area for the CPU 403 and 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 (Inter-Face) circuit 409 which performs input / output processing of each signal.

[0050] 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, cutter position detection sensor 485, 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The cut heater 480 heats up the skin film F unwound from the roll film F with contact terminals, clamping it from above and below, and melts and cuts it with pressure and heat. Cutting is not limited to melting, and it may also be configured to use a cutter blade. The alarm unit 490 notifies the operator that the skin pack has finished and that a malfunction (error) has occurred. The cutter position detection sensor 485 is a detection means that monitors whether the cutter plates 290, 295 are in the correct position and operating normally, and generates an abnormality signal when an abnormality is detected. The alarm unit 490 is preferably configured as a buzzer, but may also be configured as a flashing lamp.

[0053] The vacuum pump 410 is connected to intake passages that communicate with the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30 (see FIG. 15). 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 solenoid valve 430 between the lower chamber 20 and the vacuum pump 410 is opened to evacuate the chamber. 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 opened to quickly push up the cutter plates 290, 295.

[0056] (device operation) Next, a method for manufacturing a skin pack using the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 and a method for controlling sealing safety when an abnormality occurs at the lowering end of the pattern cut will be described. Figures 15 to 31 show the operating states of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 in each process. In Figures 15 to 31, the lifting and lowering of the cutter plates 290, 295 is controlled by the air bag 500 shown in Figure 13. In the figures before Figure 25, the cutter position detection sensor 585 is omitted for the sake of complication.

[0057] When manufacturing skin packs according to the embodiment, the skin pack process with reduced rated power consumption, which will be described below, is set as the default processing operation. Here, it is assumed that the administrator of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 has set various vacuum packaging conditions, heater temperature (e.g., 105°C), number of packs, 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.

[0058] FIG. 15 shows a state in which cutter-integrated tray base units 210, 220 that are adapted to fit 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, in default control, 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 "closed." 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."

[0059] FIG. 16 shows an example of a display on the operation panel 11 when the heater starts operating. The operator turns on the power and presses the "Start heater operation" button 600 displayed on the operation panel 11. In response to this operation, the control device 400 controls the heating of the heater plate 31. At this time, the operation panel 11 displays the guidance "[Stopped] Please press Start heater operation." The control device 400 heats the heater plate 31 until it reaches a set temperature while acquiring the measured temperature from the temperature sensor 450, and once the set temperature is reached, controls the heater plate 31 by repeatedly turning it on and off to maintain that temperature.

[0060] FIG. 17 shows an example of a display on the operation panel 11 while the heater plate 31 is heating. 17, the display color of the "Heater operation start" button 600 displayed on the operation panel 11 changes, notifying the operator that the heater plate 31 is heating. The operation panel 11 also displays the guidance "Preparing: Film heater is heating." The film F heating temperature display section 610 updates the temperature value as the film temperature rises.

[0061] The operator then places the skin film F over the lower chamber 20 . Figure 18 shows the state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 with the skin film F placed over the lower chamber 20 to prevent wrinkles. The operator unwinds the rolled film as the skin film F, pulls it downward, and then pulls it 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 (workpiece) W facing each other. For simplicity's sake, Figure 17 shows the rolled film F next to the lower chamber 20. The open / closed states of each solenoid valve are the same as those in Figure 14.

[0062] FIG. 19 shows an example of a display on the operation panel 11 when the temperature of the skin film F reaches the set value of 105° C. due to heating by the heater plate 31. The control device 400 updates and displays the heating temperature of the heater plate 31 on the film F heating temperature display section 610, and controls the temperature to maintain the set value of 105°C when it reaches that value. The operation panel 11 displays the guidance "[Ready] Operation will begin when the lid is closed."

[0063] 20, the operator 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.

[0064] The control device 400 activates the limit switch to turn off the heater plate 31 and starts the vacuum pump 410 to begin evacuation. Furthermore, the cut heater 480 is activated to cut the skin film F at the rear of the lower chamber 20. Because the heater plate 31 is turned off at this stage, power consumption can be reduced. The temperature of the heater plate 31 (e.g., 105°C) is maintained at approximately the same temperature throughout the operation of the skin pack, since it is tightly closed by the upper chamber 30.

[0065] FIG. 20 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 in which the vacuum pump 410 draws a vacuum and the cut heater 480 cuts the skin film F. As shown in FIG. 20, when vacuum pump 410 starts to draw a vacuum, control device 400 controls upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415 to be "open," upper chamber soft-release solenoid valve 420 to be "closed," upper chamber release solenoid valve 425 to be "closed," lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 to be "open," lower chamber release solenoid valve 435 to be "closed," and the atmosphere side valve of cutter drive solenoid valve 440 to be "closed."

[0066] 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%.

[0067] 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, 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.

[0068] Next, the control device 400 stops the evacuation when the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30 are evacuated (reduced to 20%), respectively, and then preheats the skin film F. Figure 21 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 when preheating the skin film F. As shown in Figure 21, 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." By introducing this preheating process of the skin film F, it is possible to prevent holes from being formed in the skin film F when it is heated.

[0069] Next, the control device 400 performs pre-stretching of the skin film F. In the preliminary stretching, the skin film F can be expanded downward into a dome shape by evacuating only the lower chamber 20. This allows the skin film F to be slowly stretched downward, which prevents wrinkles from occurring and improves its adhesion and conformability. In addition, rapid stretching of the skin film F can be prevented, making it less likely to develop holes.

[0070] Next, the control device 400 heats the skin film F and draws a vacuum in the upper chamber 30 . Figure 22 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 while the skin film F is being heated and the upper chamber 30 is being evacuated. As shown in Figure 22, 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." This causes the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30 to be evacuated to the set value. The skin film F is then reheated by the heat plate 31, which is maintained at a high temperature.

[0071] Next, the control device 400 stops the evacuation of the upper chamber 30 and performs additional evacuation of the lower chamber 20. As a result, the evacuation of the upper chamber 30 stops and the lower chamber 20 enters 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.

[0072] Figure 23 shows an example of the display on the operation panel 11 while the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 is operating. The control device 400 updates and displays the chamber vacuum pressure display section 620 on the operation panel 11 in accordance with the decompression operation inside the chamber. The example in Figure 23 shows that the pressure inside the chamber has been decompressed to 56.5%.

[0073] 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. Figure 24 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 when the upper chamber 30 is softly opened and the skin film F is slowly brought into close contact with the tray T. As shown in Figure 24, 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."

[0074] 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 numerous vent holes 32 in the heater plate 31 of the upper chamber 30. As a result, the skin film F can be slowly adhered to the tray T. By soft-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.

[0075] Next, when the control device 400 determines from the measurement value of the pressure sensor 470 that the upper chamber 30 has been softly opened to the atmosphere, for example, up to 20%, the control device 400 brings the skin film F into complete contact. Figure 25 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 when the skin film F is completely sealed. As shown in Figure 25, 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."

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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 process, the control device 400 controls the solenoid valve in the same manner as in Fig. 25. As a result, the upper chamber soft-release solenoid valve 420 is closed while waiting for the adhesion of the skin film F to stabilize. This waiting allows the skin film F to cool slightly.

[0078] 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. Figure 26 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 when cutting the outer peripheral film of the tray T. As shown in Figure 26, in this process, the control device 400 continues to evacuate the lower chamber 20 as in Figure 25, 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."

[0079] As a result, outside air flowing in from the three-way cutter drive solenoid valve 440 is directed into the tray base units 210, 220 of the lower chamber 20, and the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the air bag 500 causes the air bag 500 to inflate to a predetermined size. The inflation of the air bag 500 instantly pushes up the cutter plates 290, 295 and cutter pattern 240 built into the tray base units 210, 220, causing them to pop out. As a result, the cutter pattern 240 cuts the outer peripheral film of the tray T to which the skin film F is adhered. Whether the cutter plates 290, 295 have performed the cutting operation normally (risen from the standby position) is monitored by the cutter position detection sensor 485.

[0080] 26 shows an example of a configuration in which the air bag 500 is instantly inflated and pushed up by opening the atmosphere 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 has a mechanism that directly blows air up from below to quickly push up the cutter plates 290, 295. Also, as a pattern cutter, it is possible to use a heated wire that 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 it to generate heat and melt the skin film F.

[0081] Next, the control device 400 stores the raised cutter plates 290 and 295. Figure 27 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 when storing the raised cutter plates 290, 295. As shown in Figure 27, in this process, the control device 400 continues to evacuate the lower chamber 20, 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."

[0082] This draws a vacuum inside the air bag, and the cutter plates 290, 295 can be stored in their original positions by the action of the spring coils 292a to 292d shown in Figure 10. Whether or not the cutter plates 290, 295 have returned to a safe position is monitored by the cutter position detection sensor 485.

[0083] In this embodiment, if the control device 400 does not receive a signal from the cutter position detection sensor 485, the control device 400 determines that there is an "abnormality in the pattern cutter lowering end" and immediately issues an error notification from the operation panel 11 and the notification unit 490. In other words, the control device 400 determines that the cutter blade has become caught on the film or the like when moving up and down during the cutting operation due to deterioration or deformation of the cutter blade, and has not returned to a safe position or has not been pushed up properly.

[0084] 28 shows an example of a display on the operation panel 11 that is notifying the error "abnormality at the lowering end of the pattern cutter." The control device 400 displays a pop-up image 640 on the operation panel 11 to notify the user of the safe operation. If this happens, the cutter blade may be exposed and stopped, and it is determined that this is a dangerous situation that could result in injury, so an alarm is issued and a vacuum is drawn to seal the chamber, thereby setting the lid of the upper chamber 30 in a state where it cannot be opened.

[0085] In the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 of the embodiment, if an "abnormality in the lowering end of the pattern cut" occurs during operation, the following sealing safety control method is used to ensure the safety of the operator. Step 1: The control device 400 causes the notification unit 490 to sound the buzzer 630, and displays a pop-up image 640 on the operation panel 11, as shown in the display example of FIG. 28, to notify the user that an abnormality has occurred. The message in image 640, "Caution: The sensor cannot detect the problem. The blade may be protruding," warns the worker to be careful when repairing the tool, so the worker can recognize that the work involves danger.

[0086] Step 2: The control device 400 closes the upper chamber release solenoid valve 425 and the lower chamber release solenoid valve 435 and opens the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 to evacuate the lower chamber 20. 29 shows the state in which the lower chamber 20 is evacuated in step 2. Only the lower chamber 20 is evacuated. Therefore, due to the pressure difference between the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30, the lid of the upper chamber 30 cannot be opened.

[0087] Step 3: When the control device 400 has evacuated the lower chamber 20 to a vacuum level of 80%, it closes the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430, maintains the vacuum state, and waits. If the vacuum level drops (for example, to 40%) during standby, it again evacuates the lower chamber 20 to 80% and maintains the vacuum state.

[0088] Step 4: The operator presses the "Confirmation Complete" button 640a displayed on the image 640 (image notifying "pattern cut lowering end abnormality") that notifies the occurrence of an abnormality shown in FIG. FIG. 30 shows the upper chamber 30 in an open state in step 4. 30, the control device 400 opens the upper chamber opening solenoid valve 425 and the lower chamber opening solenoid valve 435 to release the vacuum state in the chamber, allowing the lid of the upper chamber 30 to be opened. The worker removes the tray T after the skin packing and performs the repair work safely, paying attention to the cutter blade.

[0089] Figure 31 shows an example of the "Abnormality Occurring" display on the operation panel 11. More detailed error information can be obtained from this display screen. Once the repair work is complete and the cutter position detection sensor 485 can detect the position, the operator presses the "Error Clear" button 650 on the same screen to clear the error. The operator then removes any excess film remaining around the tray stand units 210 and 220 in the lower chamber 20. Then, by pressing the "Back" button 660, the screen returns to the initial screen and the skin pack work can be resumed.

[0090] As described above, according to the sealing safety control method and vacuum skin pack packaging machine of the embodiment, the setting is made so that the lid of the upper chamber will not open if a dangerous element such as an abnormality in the nichrome wire heater or an "abnormality at the lower end of the pattern cut" occurs. Then, if the operator presses an operation button (for example, the "confirmation completed" button) 640a on the safe operation notification screen 640 on the operation panel, the system is set to permit the lid of the upper chamber to be opened, so that the operator is alerted to the need to work safely and can carry out repair work if it is recognized that the work is dangerous, thereby ensuring thorough safety work during repairs.

[0091] The sealing safety control method of one embodiment is a sealing safety control method for a packaging machine that vacuum-packs items to be packaged, the method including at least a first chamber on the movable side that serves as a lid, a second chamber on the fixed side that faces the first chamber, a vacuum pump, an operation panel, and an abnormality detection means for detecting the occurrence of an abnormality in a hazardous element provided in a chamber formed by tightly joining the first chamber to the second chamber. When an abnormality in the hazardous element is detected by a signal from the abnormality detection means during operation of the packaging machine (Yes in S20), the method includes the steps of: maintaining a vacuum state in the chamber and preventing the lid of the first chamber from being opened (S30); displaying a safe work notification image on the operation panel (S40); and setting the lid of the first chamber to be openable in response to an instruction from an operation button displayed on the safe work notification image (S50). This alerts workers to work safely, and allows them to take corrective action if they recognize that the work is dangerous, thereby ensuring thorough safe work during repairs.

[0092] The sealing safety control method of the embodiment includes at least a movable first chamber 30 incorporating a heater plate 31, a fixed second chamber 20 provided opposite the first chamber 30, a vacuum pump 410, an operation panel 11, and a cutter position detection sensor 485 for detecting the position of a cutter plate 290, which is a dangerous element. A tray T carrying packaged items W is placed on a tray stand unit 210 arranged in the second chamber 20, and covered with a skin film. The first chamber 30 is moved to be tightly joined to the second chamber 20, and the heater plate 31 is energized, and the inside of the chamber formed by the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 20 is depressurized by the vacuum pump 410, and the skin film is removed. The method for controlling safety sealing of a vacuum skin pack packaging machine generates a skin pack by adhering a film F to a tray T and cuts the skin film F around the tray by raising and lowering a cutter plate 290, and includes the steps of: if an abnormality is detected at the lowering end of the cutter based on a signal from a cutter position detection sensor 485 as the cutter plate 290 is raised and lowered, ensuring vacuuming within the chamber, setting the lid of the first chamber 20 to be unable to be opened, displaying a safe work notification image 640 on the operation panel 11, and setting the lid of the first chamber 20 to be able to be opened in response to an instruction from an operation button (e.g., a "confirmation completed" button) 640a displayed on the safe work notification image 640. As a result, the vacuum skin pack packaging machine is set to alert workers to safe work and to allow repair work to be carried out if it is recognized that the work is dangerous, thereby ensuring safe work during repairs.

[0093] The vacuum skin pack packaging machine of the embodiment includes at least a movable first chamber 30 incorporating a heater plate 31, a fixed second chamber 20 provided opposite the first chamber 30, a vacuum pump 410, an operation panel 11, a cutter position detection sensor 485 for detecting the position of the cutter plate 290, and a control device 400 for receiving a signal from the cutter position detection sensor 485. The heater plate is energized, a tray T carrying packaged items W is placed on a tray table unit 210 arranged in the second chamber 20, and the tray T is covered with a skin film F. The first chamber 30 is moved to tightly join with the second chamber 20, and the inside of the chamber formed by this is vacuumed by the vacuum pump 410. This vacuum skin pack packaging machine creates a skin pack by drawing a vacuum and adhering a skin film F to a tray T, and then cuts the skin film F around the tray by operating a cutter plate 290. When the control device 400 determines that a cutter lowering end abnormality occurs based on a signal from a cutter position detection sensor 485 as the cutter plate 290 moves up and down, it ensures vacuuming within the chamber, sets the lid of the first chamber 30 to be unable to open, displays a safe work notification image 640 on the operation panel 11, and sets the lid of the first chamber 30 to be able to open in response to an instruction from an operation button 640a displayed on the safe work notification image 640. Thus, in the vacuum skin pack packaging machine, when a "pattern cutter lowering end abnormality" occurs, the lid of the upper chamber is set to be unable to open. When an operator presses the operation button on the safe work notification screen on the operation panel, the lid of the upper chamber is permitted to open, ensuring the safety of the operator.

[0094] Furthermore, the control device 400 of the sealing safety control method and vacuum skin pack packaging machine of the embodiment is configured to open the first chamber 20 and the second chamber 30 to the atmosphere and set the state so that the lid of the first chamber 20 can be opened when the operation button 640a is instructed. As a result, if a "pattern cut lowering end abnormality" occurs, and the operator presses the operation button on the safety work notification screen on the operation panel, the mechanism allows the lid of the upper chamber to be opened, thereby ensuring the safety of the operator.

[0095] Furthermore, the sealing safety control method and the vacuum skin pack packaging machine of the embodiment are configured to display a safe work notification image 640 with a warning message as a pop-up on the operation panel 11. This allows the worker to be immediately warned of the warning.

[0096] 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]

[0097] 1...vacuum skin pack packaging machine, 10...casing, 11...operation panel 20...lower chamber (second chamber), 201...opening 30...Upper chamber (first chamber), 30a...Fixing member, 30b...Movement support member 31...heater plate, 32...vent hole, 33...packing, 34...connecting pipe 301...Handle, 40...Leg, 42...Connecting plate, 44...Film mounting groove 46...Inclined portion, 210, 220...Tray stand 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, 485...Cutter position detection sensor 485a, 485b...magnet, 490...alarm 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..."Heater operation start" button, 610...Film heating temperature display 620...Chamber vacuum pressure display unit, 630...Buzzer 640...Pop-up image showing "Pattern cut falling edge abnormality" 640a...Confirmation completion button, 650...Error cancellation button, 660...Back button

Claims

1. A method for controlling safety sealing of a packaging machine that vacuum-packs items to be packaged, the packaging machine comprising at least a first chamber on a movable side that serves as a lid, a second chamber on a fixed side that is provided opposite the first chamber, a vacuum pump, an operation panel, and an abnormality detection means that detects abnormal occurrence of a dangerous element provided in a chamber formed by tightly joining the first chamber to the second chamber, When an abnormality in the risk element is detected by a signal from the abnormality detection means during operation of the packaging machine, a vacuum state in the chamber is maintained so that the lid of the first chamber cannot be opened, Displaying a safe work notification image on the operation panel; The cover of the first chamber is set to be opened in response to an instruction from an operation button displayed on the safe operation notification image. A sealing safety control method characterized by the above.

2. The cutting machine is equipped with at least a first chamber on the movable side that houses a heater plate, a second chamber on the fixed side that is provided opposite the first chamber, a vacuum pump, an operation panel, and a cutter position detection sensor that detects the position of a cutter plate, which is a dangerous element; A tray carrying the packaged items is placed on the tray table unit arranged in the second chamber and covered with a skin film, The first chamber is moved to be in close contact with the second chamber, and a heater plate is energized in this state; The inside of a chamber formed by the first chamber and the second chamber is decompressed by the vacuum pump, and the skin film is tightly attached to the tray to form a skin pack package; A sealing safety control method for a vacuum skin pack packaging machine in which the skin film around the tray is cut by raising and lowering a cutter plate, When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred at the lower end of the cutter based on a signal from the cutter position detection sensor as the cutter plate moves up and down, the chamber is vacuumed to prevent the lid of the first chamber from being opened; Displaying a safe work notification image on the operation panel; The cover of the first chamber is set to be opened in response to an instruction from an operation button displayed on the safe operation notification image. A sealing safety control method characterized by the above.

3. 3. The method for controlling safety of a sealed container according to claim 2, wherein the control device, when the operation button is pressed, opens the inside of the chamber to the atmosphere and sets the first chamber in a state in which the lid can be opened.

4. 3. The method for controlling safety of a sealed enclosure according to claim 2, wherein the safe operation notification image with a warning message is displayed as a pop-up on the operation panel.

5. The cutting device includes at least a first chamber on the movable side that incorporates a heater plate, a second chamber on the fixed side that is provided opposite the first chamber, a vacuum pump, an operation panel, a cutter position detection sensor that detects the position of the cutter plate after a cutting operation by the cutter plate, and a control device that receives a signal from the cutter position detection sensor, energizing the heater plate; A tray carrying the packaged items is placed on the tray table unit arranged in the second chamber and covered with a skin film, The first chamber is moved to tightly join with the second chamber, and the inside of the chamber is evacuated by the vacuum pump, and the skin film is tightly attached to the tray to form a skin pack package. A vacuum skin pack packaging machine that cuts the skin film around the tray by the operation of a cutter plate, The control device When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred at the lower end of the cutter based on a signal from the cutter position detection sensor as the cutter plate moves up and down, the chamber is vacuumed to prevent the lid of the first chamber from being opened; Displaying a safe work notification image on the operation panel; The cover of the first chamber is set to be opened in response to an instruction from an operation button displayed on the safe operation notification image. This vacuum skin pack packaging machine is characterized by:

6. 5. The vacuum skin pack packaging machine according to claim 4, wherein the control device, when the operation button is pressed, opens the inside of the chamber to the atmosphere and sets the first chamber in a state in which the lid can be opened.

7. 6. The vacuum skin pack packaging machine according to claim 5, wherein the control device displays the safe operation notification image with a warning message attached as a pop-up on the operation panel.

Images