Vacuum packaging machine

Abstract

To provide a vacuum packaging machine having a function of managing the number of vacuum packages.SOLUTION: The vacuum packaging machine includes a means for setting the number of articles to be vacuum-packaged, a means for calculating the total number of vacuum-packaged articles by adding the value of the set number by using any operation in a series of vacuum packaging processes as a trigger, and a means for reducing the total number when a rejected article is generated in vacuum packaging.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a vacuum packaging machine. [Background technology]

[0002] There are two types of vacuum packaging machines: vacuum packing machines and vacuum skin packing machines. Vacuum packing machines evacuate the vacuum packing bag containing the packaged item and then seal the opening of the bag with heat and pressure. Vacuum skin packing machines sandwich the packaged item between a film and a backing, and then press the film tightly onto the packaged item to seal it. Because vacuum skin packs are completely sealed, they prevent food from dripping during storage, and are widely used as a method to maintain food freshness and extend its expiration date.

[0003] For example, businesses that vacuum package many items on a daily basis count how many items have been vacuum packaged as part of their production management. In such cases, they may use the number of times the vacuum packaging machine has been operated instead of actually counting the finished products. However, some vacuum packaging machines are capable of vacuum packaging multiple items at once, and the number of items may change. Also, when multiple items are vacuum packaged at once, some may be imperfectly packaged. Therefore, the reality is that count management using vacuum packaging machines is not possible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-62734 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-252662 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vacuum packaging machine having a function for managing the number of vacuum-packaged items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The vacuum packaging machine of this embodiment is characterized by comprising: a means for setting the number of packaged items to be vacuum packaged; a means for adding up the set number of packaged items and calculating the total number of vacuum packaged items when triggered by any of the operations in the vacuum packaging process; and a means for deducting the total number when any item fails vacuum packaging. (2) A display panel that displays the current value of the total number is installed on the vacuum packaging machine body. (3) An operation key is provided on the vacuum packaging machine body to decrement the total number when a rejected product is found in the vacuum packaging. (4) The means for setting the number of packaged items to be vacuum packaged is configured by setting a plurality of values ​​in advance, and an operation key for selecting one of these values ​​is provided on the vacuum packaging machine body. (5) The vacuum packaging machine is a vacuum skin pack packaging machine that performs a series of vacuum packaging processes in a batch manner, and the means for setting the number of packaged items to be vacuum packaged sets the number of packaged items to be skin packed in one vacuum packaging process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are a perspective view and a side view showing the external shape of a vacuum skin pack packaging machine according to an embodiment, in which a rolled film F is placed on the rear top surface of the upper chamber. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are a perspective view and a side view showing the external shape of a vacuum skin pack packaging machine according to an embodiment, with a roll film F 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] 1A and 1B are a perspective view and a side view showing a state in which the roll film F has been set in the film mounting groove portion of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are a perspective view and a side view of a vacuum skin pack packaging machine according to an embodiment, in which a roll of film F is set and the packaging machine is ready to operate. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing the shape of a heater plate attached to the inside of the upper chamber of a vacuum skin pack packaging machine according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing two cutter-integrated tray stands stored in the lower chamber of a vacuum skin pack packaging machine according to an embodiment, where FIG. 1A shows a state in which the pattern cutter is not visible, and FIG. 1B shows a state in which the pattern cutter is raised. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a tray is placed on one of the cutter-integrated tray stands of the lower chamber according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of the lower chamber taken along line AA and line BB, respectively, in a state in which the pattern cutter according to the embodiment is 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]1 is a block diagram showing a control system of a vacuum skin pack packaging machine according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of displays on the operation panel of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine according to the embodiment during operation. [Figure 19] 4 is a flowchart showing a control operation by a control device of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a screen transition diagram of the operation panel of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a screen transition diagram of the operation panel of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 22] 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 release solenoid valve, and cutter drive solenoid valve in their operating states during each control process. [Figure 23] 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 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when the heater plate is turned on. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 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 26] 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 27] 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 28] 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when the skin film F is preheated. [Figure 29] 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 30] 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 when the skin film F is heated and the upper chamber is evacuated. FIG. [Figure 31] 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 32] 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 33] 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when the skin film F is completely sealed. [Figure 34] 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine until the adhesion of the skin film F is stabilized. [Figure 35] 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 36] 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when storing the raised cutter plate. FIG. [Figure 37] 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 38] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine when the upper chamber is opened. [Figure 39] 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 40] 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. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, a vacuum 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.

[0009] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1, which is an example of a vacuum packaging machine according to an embodiment, includes a substantially rectangular housing 10 incorporating a vacuum pump and other components. The external dimensions of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 are, for example, 650 mm wide x 630 mm deep x 1400 mm high. 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 a movement support member 305 attached to a fixing member 303 provided at the rear of the top surface of the housing 10. The movement support member 305 moves the upper chamber 30 up and down, thereby opening and closing the lower chamber 20. The upper chamber 30 is coupled to the lower chamber 20 to form a chamber for skin packing.

[0010] An operation panel 11 with a display function is provided on the front of the housing 10. In other words, the operation panel 11 also serves as a display panel. An operator of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 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 of the skin pack, such as the vacuum conditions, heating time, and heating temperature.

[0011] 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 that are 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.

[0012] 3A and 3B are enlarged views of the film mounting position in FIG. 2, with FIG. 3A showing the state when the upper chamber 30 is raised to the highest position, and FIG. 3B showing the state when the rotation axis F1 of the roll film F rolls down the rearward inclined slope 44a and is loaded into the film mounting groove 44.

[0013] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure for loading a rolled film into the film mounting section. When initially setting the rolled film F in the film mounting section, the worker first sets the rolled film F on the rear 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), and as shown in Fig. 2, the movement support member 305 acts to rotate or slide the rolled film F along the front inclined surface 46 of the leg 40 and lift it up (S20).

[0014] When the upper chamber 30 is then raised to the top position, it assumes the configuration shown in Figure 3(a). As a result, as shown in Figure 3(b), the rotation axis F1 of the roll film F rolls down the rearward inclined portion 44a and is loaded into the film mounting groove portion 44 (S30).

[0015] With the above configuration, 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. Then, by opening the lid to move 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.

[0016] Figure 5 shows a perspective view and a side view of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 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 1 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 5, the lower chamber 20 of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 has a space large enough to accommodate, for example, two tray base units, making it possible to skin pack 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 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.

[0019] 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, as will be described in detail later. The tray size is, for example, 170 mm W x 280 mm H. The size of the workpiece to be skin-packed is, for example, 130 mm W x 240 mm D x 30 mm H. Items to be skin-packed include meats such as fish, beef, pork, and chicken, vegetables, as well as foods such as cooked foods, processed foods, and frozen foods, and industrial products such as substrates. In other words, any item that can be skin-packed is acceptable.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the shape of the inside of the upper chamber 30. As shown in FIG. As shown in Figure 7, a heater plate 31 is attached to the entire inner surface of the upper chamber 30. In Figure 7, 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 electrical conduction thereto is controlled by a control device 400 (see Figure 18), which will be 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 having a built-in cutter plate 290.

[0027] 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 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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 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.).

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 depressurization, 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.

[0034] The skin film F is guided by guide rollers (not shown) provided on the rear side of the lower chamber 20, and can be pulled out to cover the entire upper side of the lower chamber 20. Figure 9 shows a state in which a tray T carrying an item to be packaged (work) W is set on the tray table units 210, 220. When the worker sets the tray T in the state shown in Figure 8, the worker pulls out the skin film F to cover the upper side of the lower chamber 20. Then, the upper chamber 30 is moved to align with the lower chamber 20 as a lid, and the skin pack operation begins.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 10 shows the AA and BB cross sections of the lower chamber 20 with the pattern cutter 240 in its fixed position (set state). Connecting pipes 270 and 275 are connected to the bottom of the lower chamber 20, corresponding to the tray table units 210 and 220, for depressurizing the lower chamber 20 with a vacuum pump 410 and for raising the pattern cutter 240. Reinforcing frames 280 and 285 are also attached to the bottom of the lower chamber 20 to reinforce the strength of the lower chamber 20. When the skin pack evacuation process begins, the vacuum pump 410 evacuates (depressurizes) the air in the lower chamber 20 through the connecting pipes 270 and 275. As a result, the heated and softened skin film F is pressed against the upper chamber 30 by air from above, and simultaneously the lower chamber 20 is evacuated, so that the skin film F is drawn toward the tray T and adheres tightly to it.

[0037] Figure 11 shows the shape of the lower chamber 20 when the pattern cutter 240 is pushed up (after the cutting operation) and its AA cross-sectional view, and Figure 12 shows its BB cross-sectional view. During 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. Note that when the operation of the vacuum pump 410 is stopped after the cutting operation, the cutter plates 290 and 295 return to their home positions shown in Figure 10 by the spring coils described below.

[0038] 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 completed 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.

[0039] The pattern cutter 240 may have a blade formed at its upward tip that is an integral (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 around the outer periphery of the cutter plate 290. When the replacement blade becomes dull, only the blade in that location needs to be replaced, making the process simple. It can also accommodate a variety of sizes. The cutter plate 290 is provided on its inner side with intakes 290a-290d (e.g., four locations) connected to a vacuum pump 410. When the vacuum pump 410 is operated to evacuate the lower chamber 20, air is removed from the lower chamber 20 through the intakes 290a-290d.

[0040] FIG. 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 FIG. 13. Here, the tray stand unit 210 is 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, completing the cutter-integrated tray stand unit 210.

[0041] 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.

[0042] FIG. 15 shows 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 is 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 its opening and closing operations perform a quick pushing-up (push-up) operation to push the cutter plate 290 up. When the cutter plate 290 is pushed up, the blade protrudes from the cutter groove 230 to a position higher than the surface of the inner surface 291b2 (for example, about 10 mm). This allows the skin film F adhering to the periphery of the tray T to be cut. The height 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.

[0043] FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of a cutter-integrated tray table unit incorporating a cutter plate 290. (a) is a perspective view of a tray table unit 300 of this embodiment, (b) is a top view of the tray table 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 lift mechanism. As shown in FIG. 16, guide pins 310a-310d are provided at the four corners of the tray table unit 300 at a predetermined height (e.g., 5-8 mm) above the horizontal plane of the tray table unit 300. As shown in FIG. 16(b), the guide pins 310a-310d provide guidance when placing a tray T carrying packaged items (workpieces) W on the tray table unit 300. This improves workability because the operator simply places the tray T inside the guide pins 310a-310d at the four corners.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] FIG. 17 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 used as a work area for the CPU 403, a storage device 406 that stores various programs for the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1, setting values ​​for various vacuum packaging conditions (decompression wait time, degree of vacuum, heater temperature, softening time, number of packs per pack, etc.) and operating information (number of packs already packed, etc.), and an IF (Interface) circuit 409 that performs input and output processing for each signal. The CPU 403 also reads and executes a program from the storage device 406 to perform a pack number management function, which will be described in detail later.

[0047] 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, alarm unit 490, and external storage device 401 such as a USB memory 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The cut heater 480 heats the skin film F unwound from the film roll FR with high temperature contact terminals, clamping it from above and below, and melts and cuts it with pressure and heat. Note that this is not limited to melting, and cutting may also be done 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 flashing lamp.

[0050] The vacuum pump 410 is connected to an intake passage that communicates with the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30, respectively (see FIG. 23). The upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415 is provided in the intake passage between the upper chamber 30 and the vacuum pump 410, and allows / disables the fluid connection between the upper chamber 30 and the vacuum pump 410. In other words, a vacuum is drawn inside the upper chamber 30 via this solenoid valve 415. The upper chamber release soft solenoid valve 420 is provided between the upper chamber 30 and the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, and softly opens the upper chamber 30 to a set value during soft release contact. The upper chamber release solenoid valve 425 is provided between the upper chamber 30 and the upper chamber release soft solenoid valve 420, and opens the upper chamber 30 to the atmosphere by 20% to allow the skin film F to fully contact.

[0051] 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 this solenoid valve 435, the inside of the lower chamber 20 can be returned from a reduced pressure state to atmospheric pressure.

[0052] 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 (raise) the cutter plates 290, 295.

[0053] For example, an external storage device 401 such as a USB memory can be attached to and detached from a connection terminal provided on the housing 10, which is the main body of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1. The external storage device 401 is connected when extracting the operation information stored in the storage device 406. The operation information includes, as history information, pack number management information (total number of packed items, etc.), which will be described in detail later. The operation information is used for process management in accordance with HACCP, a hygiene management method for ensuring food safety.

[0054] FIG. 18 shows an example of a display on the operation panel 11. The operation panel 11 is configured, for example, with a touch panel display. In other words, the touch panel display serves as both the operation panel 11 and a display panel. The operation panel 11 is provided with switches for "Heater Start," "Stop," "Course Change," "Function," and "Number of Packs," which will be described in detail later. Furthermore, the operation panel 11 displays the current values ​​for "Chamber Vacuum Pressure," "Film Heating Temperature," and "Number of Packs." Note that, in the example of FIG. 18, the type of skin film F (Film A) and operating mode (Course 1) are selected, but these can also be changed with the "Course Change" switch.

[0055] (device operation) Next, a method for producing a skin pack using the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the control of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 by the control device 400. FIGS. 20 and 21 show an example of screen transitions on the operation panel 11. FIG. 22 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. FIGS. 23 to 40 show the operating states of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 in each process. In the timing diagram of FIG. 22, horizontal bars indicate the operating state or the open state of the solenoid valve. The operation of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 19 to 40.

[0056] The vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 according to this embodiment is set to execute the skin pack process with reduced rated power consumption as a default processing operation, as described below. Here, it is assumed that various vacuum packaging conditions, heater temperature, etc. are set to predetermined values ​​in advance. It is also assumed that a tray T with packaged items W placed on it is prepared in advance.

[0057] When an operator turns on the power and changes the film roll FR wound with the skin film F (S100 in FIG. 19), the operator sets the film roll FR wound with the skin film F to be changed on the support frame 121 (S102 in FIG. 19). The power may be turned on after the film roll FR is set. FIG. 20(a) shows the display screen of the operation panel 11 after the power is turned on. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the operation mode is set to the operation mode (course 1) using the type of skin film F (film A). The operator presses the "heater operation start" switch on the operation panel 11 shown in FIG. 20(a). In response to this operation, the control device 400 commands the heater plate 31 to heat, and heating begins (S105 in FIG. 19). The operation panel 11 transitions to FIG. 20(b) and turns on the "heater operating" display.

[0058] At this time, the control device 400 heats the heater plate 31 while acquiring the measured temperature from the temperature sensor 450 until it reaches a set temperature (e.g., 105°C), and once the set temperature is reached, it controls the heater plate 31 by repeatedly turning it on and off to maintain that temperature (period T1 in Figure 22). When the heater plate 31 reaches the set temperature, the operation panel 11 transitions to Figure 20(c), continues to display "Heater running," and displays "Operation will begin when the lid is closed." Prior to starting operation, the operator can set the number of packaged items W to be skin-packed in one vacuum processing step (S115 in Figure 19). To set the number, the operator presses the "Quantity Adjustment" switch on the operation panel 11, as shown in Figure 20(c). The operation panel 11 transitions to Figure 20(d). In this example, the number of packs can be selected as either "1" or "2." That is, the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 of this embodiment can process two packaged items W per run, as shown in Figure 8 etc., but there are also cases where only one packaged item W is processed. Therefore, it is possible to select "1 item" or "2 items." Of course, in the case of a large-sized vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1, it is possible to process more packaged items W per run. In that case, the number of packs and the number of selection switches may be increased, as described below.

[0059] When the operator has finished setting the number of packs per batch (assuming one pack is selected here), he / she presses the "Back" switch. The operation panel 11 returns to the screen shown in FIG. 20(e). If the operator has finished setting the packaged items W and film in S112 and S114 of FIG. 19, he / she closes the upper chamber 30 (S116 of FIG. 19). Once the upper chamber 30 is closed, the control device 400 operates the vacuum pump 410. The vacuum pump 410 remains in operation until the subsequent pattern cutting process is completed (period T2-T10 of FIG. 22). The operation panel 11 transitions to FIG. 20(f) and displays "In Operation." The detailed processing operations of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 23 to 40, but here we will continue to explain the operator's operations using the operation panel 11 and the screen transitions.

[0060] When the skin packing is completed through a series of vacuum processing steps, the control device 400, for example, stops the vacuum pump 410, and then, triggered by the operator opening the upper chamber 30, adds the count value of the number of packs set as described above to the number of packed items. This is then displayed in the "Number of Packs" field on the operation panel 11. In this example, since this is the first processing, the number of packs is "1." The number of packs displayed here is the total number of packed items that will be added up until, for example, the "Clear" switch in Figure 20(d) is pressed. The trigger for adding to the number of packed items can be any action in the series of vacuum packaging processes described above.

[0061] In S115 of FIG. 19, the worker can change the setting for the number of packaged items W to be processed per run (i.e., the count value per run). If no change is required, this operation can be omitted. As shown in FIG. 20(g), the worker presses the "Adjust quantity" switch on the operation panel 11. The operation panel 11 transitions to FIG. 20(h). Next, the worker selects "2" as the number of packs per run and presses the "Back" switch. The operation panel 11 returns to the screen shown in FIG. 20(i). If the worker has finished setting the packaged items W and film in S112 and S114 of FIG. 19, the worker closes the upper chamber 30. Once the upper chamber 30 is closed, the control device 400 operates the vacuum pump 410. The operation panel 11 transitions to FIG. 20(j) and displays that it is "in operation." When the skin packing is completed through a series of vacuum processing steps, the control device 400, for example, stops the vacuum pump 410, and then, triggered by the operator opening the upper chamber 30, adds the number of packs to the number of packed items. This is then displayed in the "number of packs" field on the operation panel 11. That is, the "1" from the first time is added to the "2" from the second time, and the number of packs displayed on the operation panel 11 becomes "3."

[0062] Here, when the worker removes the packaged item W (S146 in FIG. 19) and checks the packaging condition, if it is found that the item does not meet product specifications, for example, it is treated as a rejected item. When a rejected item occurs, the worker adjusts the number of packed items (S147 in FIG. 19). That is, as shown in FIG. 20(k), the worker presses "Adjust number of items" on the operation panel 11. The operation panel 11 transitions to FIG. 20(l). For example, if one of two items is rejected, the worker presses the decrement switch (minus switch) for "Adjust number of packed items" to decrease the number by one. In this case, the number of packed items is corrected to "two." If both items are rejected, the number is decreased by two. This allows the total number of packed items to match the total number of approved items.

[0063] As mentioned above, the count value per count is not limited to "1" and "2", and it is possible to change the number or increase or decrease the number of options. The procedure for changing the number, etc. will be explained with reference to the screen transitions in Figure 21. To change the number, etc., the operator presses the "Function" switch in Figure 21(m). The operation panel 11 transitions to Figure 21(n). As exemplified in Figure 21(n), the operation panel 11 can be used to perform reference film settings (such as setting the film name and type), main unit function settings (analog adjustment, system settings, error settings, etc.), and monitor operations (manual operation, abnormality adjustment, management history, input / output, etc.). In this example, the "System Settings" switch is pressed. The operation panel 11 transitions to Figure 21(o).

[0064] As shown in FIG. 21(o), various values ​​can be set in the system settings. The operator presses the arrow switch to proceed to the next page. The operation panel 11 transitions to FIG. 21(p). As shown in FIG. 21(p), there are four options for the number of packs per purchase (options A to D). FIG. 21(p) shows the settings corresponding to FIG. 20(d), with 1 option set for option A, 2 options set for option B, and 0 options set for options C and D. The operator can arbitrarily set the values ​​for options A to D using the numeric keypad shown in FIG. 21(q). As an example, as shown in FIG. 21(r), values ​​can be set for all four options. After that, by returning to the screens shown in FIG. 21(s) and FIG. 21(t) and pressing the "Quantity Adjustment" switch, the operator can select "1," "5," "8," or "12" as the number of packs per purchase, as shown in FIG. 21(u). The number may be selected using a sensor instead of manual input.

[0065] Next, the processing operation of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 23 to 40. Figure 23 shows the state in which the tray stand units 210 and 220 are set. Figure 24 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 when the heater plate 31 is turned on (T1 in Figure 22).

[0066] Figure 25 shows the state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 in which a tray T carrying packaged items (workpieces) W is placed on the tray base units 210, 220 of the lower chamber 20. When changing trays (Yes in S106 of Figure 19), the operator resets the tray base units 210, 220 to match the tray T to be changed (S108 of Figure 19). Then, the operator selects the tray T to be used (S110 of Figure 19) 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 Figure 19). The solenoid valves in Figure 25 are in the same state as in Figure 24.

[0067] Next, the worker places the skin film F over the lower chamber 20 (S114 in FIG. 19). FIG. 26 shows the state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 with the skin film F placed over the lower chamber 20 without wrinkling. The worker unwinds the skin film F from the film roll FR, pulls it downward, and then pulls it toward the front, 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 FIG. 26, the film roll FR is simply shown next to the lower chamber 20.

[0068] Next, the worker lowers the upper chamber 30 to fit tightly over the opening 201 of the lower chamber 20, specifically by fitting it through the skin film F (S116 in FIG. 19). At this time, the tight fit 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, locking is applied to maintain the tight fit.

[0069] 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. 19). Furthermore, the cut heater 480 is activated to cut the skin film F at the rear of the lower chamber 20 (S118 in FIG. 19). 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.

[0070] Figure 27 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 Figure 27, 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 22).

[0071] After the upper chamber 30 descends, the upper chamber soft-open solenoid valve 420 and the upper chamber open 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 suctioning a vacuum. Similarly, the lower chamber open 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 suctioning a vacuum. After the upper chamber 30 descends, the control device 400 suctions the vacuum of the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30 until the pressure inside the chamber 20 is reduced by, for example, 20%. When this state is reached, the packing 33 on the inner periphery of the upper chamber 30 is completely sunk, and 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 foot for the skin film F may be formed, and the dimensions may be adjusted so that the chamber packing sinks enough to allow the cutter to cut the skin film F.

[0072] Next, the control device 400 stops the evacuation when the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30 are each evacuated (reduced pressure) to 20% (S120 in FIG. 19). Then, the skin film F is preheated (S122 in FIG. 19). FIG. 28 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 when the skin film F is preheated. As shown in FIG. 28, in the preheating process of the skin film F, the control device 400 closes the atmosphere side valve of the cutter drive solenoid valve 440 and controls all solenoid valves to be closed (period T3 in FIG. 22). 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.

[0073] Next, the control device 400 performs pre-stretching of the skin film F (S124 in FIG. 19). Figure 29 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 when the skin film F is being pre-stretched. As shown in Figure 29, during 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 22). 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 process of the skin film F, the skin film F is slowly stretched downward, which prevents wrinkles from occurring and improves its adhesion and conformability.

[0074] When the upper chamber 30 is opened to the atmosphere, if the upper chamber soft-release solenoid valve 420 is used 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 form holes. Alternatively, the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415 is closed to stop the decompression of the upper chamber 30 and make the film slowly inflate downward. In this way, by slowly inflating the skin film F downward, sudden stretching of the skin film F can be suppressed and making it less likely to form holes.

[0075] Next, the control device 400 heats the skin film F and evacuates the upper chamber 30 (S126 in FIG. 19). FIG. 30 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 FIG. 30, 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-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 T5 in FIG. 22). 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. 29. The skin film F is then reheated by the heat plate 31, which maintains a high temperature.

[0076] Next, the control device 400 stops the evacuation of the upper chamber 30 and performs an additional evacuation of the lower chamber 20 (S130 in FIG. 19). FIG. 31 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin packaging machine 1 when the evacuation of the upper chamber 30 is stopped and the additional evacuation of the lower chamber 20 is performed. As shown in FIG. 31, 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 FIG. 22). This stops the evacuation of the upper chamber 30 and the lower chamber 20 is placed in an additional evacuation state, causing the skin film F to be lowered toward the lower chamber 20. Introducing the additional evacuation process of the lower chamber can prevent holes from being formed in the skin film F.

[0077] Next, the control device 400 soft-opens the upper chamber 30 to slowly bring the skin film F into close contact with the tray T (S132 in FIG. 19). FIG. 32 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 when the upper chamber 30 is soft-opened to slowly bring the skin film F into close contact with the tray T. As shown in FIG. 32, in this step, 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 FIG. 22). As a result, the upper chamber 30 stops being evacuated, and while only the lower chamber 20 is being evacuated, the upper chamber soft-release solenoid valve 420 is opened, and 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 air vents 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.

[0078] Next, when the control device 400 determines from the measurement value of the pressure sensor 470a that the upper chamber 30 has been soft-opened to, for example, 20% of the atmosphere (S134 in FIG. 19), it causes the skin film F to be fully sealed (S136 in FIG. 19). FIG. 33 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 when the skin film F is fully sealed. As shown in FIG. 33, 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 FIG. 22).

[0079] 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.

[0080] Next, the control device 400 executes a pre-pattern-cut wait to wait until the adhesion of the skin film F stabilizes. FIG. 34 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 until the adhesion of the skin film F stabilizes. As shown in FIG. 34, 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 T8 in FIG. 22). As a result, the upper chamber soft-open solenoid valve 420, which was opened in step S136, remains closed while waiting for the adhesion of the skin film F to stabilize. This wait allows the skin film F to cool slightly.

[0081] 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. 19). FIG. 35 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 FIG. 35, 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 connection between the atmosphere side and the lower chamber 20 is "open" (period T9 in FIG. 22).

[0082] 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 expand to a predetermined size. The expansion 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.

[0083] 35 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 mechanism can be used as long as it directly blows air up from below to quickly push up the cutter plates 290, 295. Also, 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 it to generate heat and melt the skin film F.

[0084] Next, the control device 400 stores the raised cutter plates 290, 295 (S140 in FIG. 19). Figure 36 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 when storing the raised cutter plates 290, 295. As shown in Figure 36, 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 22).

[0085] 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.

[0086] Next, after confirming that the cutter plates 290, 295 are housed, the control device 400 opens the upper chamber 30 and the lower chamber 20 to the atmosphere (S142 in FIG. 19). FIG. 37 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 when the upper chamber 30 and the lower chamber 20 are opened to the atmosphere. As shown in FIG. 37, 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 FIG. 22).

[0087] This opens the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, the upper chamber release solenoid valve 425, the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430, the lower chamber release solenoid valve 435, and the 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.

[0088] Next, the control device 400 opens the upper chamber 30, which serves as a lid (S144 in FIG. 19). Figure 38 shows the operating state of the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 when the upper chamber 30, which serves as the lid, is opened. As shown in Figure 38, 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 22).

[0089] This allows the tray T carrying the packaged item (work) W to be set on the tray table units 210, 220 as shown in Figure 26. As a result, the next skin pack can be prepared. The upper chamber 30, which serves as a lid, can be opened using a gas spring or the like.

[0090] As shown in Figure 39, the worker removes the skin-packed tray T from the lower chamber 20. Finally, as shown in Figure 40, any remaining skin film F is removed from the inside and outside of the lower chamber 20. The open / closed states of the solenoid valves in Figures 39 and 40 are the same as those in Figure 38. When the worker subsequently places the next tray T to be spin-packed on the tray table units 210, 220, the above-mentioned steps can be immediately carried out.

[0091] The vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 of the embodiment described above is equipped with a means for setting the number of packs per pack, a means for calculating the total number of packed products, and a means for adjusting the number when rejected products occur, making it possible to count and manage the total number of so-called passed products. In other words, it is possible to provide a vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 equipped with a function for managing the number of vacuum-packed products. Note that the vacuum skin pack packaging machine 1 is one example of a vacuum packaging machine according to the embodiment. As another example, it can also be applied to a vacuum pack packaging machine that degasses and packages vacuum packs containing packaged items.

[0092] 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]

[0093] 1...vacuum skin pack packaging machine, 10...casing, 11...operation panel 20...lower chamber (second chamber), 12...support leg, 201...opening 30...Upper chamber (first chamber), 303...Fixing member, 305...Movement support member 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 470 480...Cut heater 480, 490...Notification unit W...packaged item (work), T...tray, F...roll film (skin film)

Claims

1. A means for setting the number of items to be vacuum packaged; a means for adding up the set number of pieces and calculating the total number of vacuum-packaged pieces, when triggered by any operation in the series of vacuum-packaging processes; and means for reducing the total number when any product fails vacuum packaging.

2. 2. The vacuum packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein a display panel for displaying the current value of the total number is provided on the vacuum packaging machine body.

3. 3. The vacuum packaging machine according to claim 1, further comprising an operation key provided on the vacuum packaging machine body for decrementing the total number when a rejected product is found in the vacuum packaging.

4. 3. The vacuum packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the means for setting the number of packaged items to be vacuum packaged is configured by setting a plurality of types of values ​​in advance, and an operation key for selecting one of these values ​​is provided on the vacuum packaging machine body.

5. The vacuum packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum packaging machine is a vacuum skin pack packaging machine that performs a series of vacuum packaging processes in a batch manner, and the means for setting the number of packaged items to be vacuum packaged sets the number of packaged items to be skin packed in one vacuum packaging process.

Images