Vacuum packaging machine and method of operating the vacuum packaging machine

Abstract

This invention provides a vacuum packaging machine and a method for operating a vacuum packaging machine that can improve operability by correctly notifying the user of the timing to release their hand from the lid when compressing clothing or other items. [Solution] The vacuum packaging machine of the embodiment comprises a chamber 40 having an internal space capable of accommodating a packaging bag containing an openable and closable lid 30, a vacuum pump 120 for reducing the pressure in the internal space, a sealing device 60 for sealing the opening of the packaging bag after degassing by reducing the pressure in the internal space of the chamber 40 by the vacuum pump 120, and a determination means 400 for determining whether the lid 30 has been adsorbed based on the pressure state of the chamber 40 after the start of operation of the vacuum pump 120, and a notification means 440 for notifying that the lid 30 has been adsorbed when the determination means 400 determines that the lid 30 has been adsorbed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a decompression packaging machine for compressing and packing clothes and the like installed in various accommodation facilities such as general hotels, inns, youth hostels, sports training camps, capsule hotels, and minshuku, and a method for operating the decompression packaging machine.

Background Art

[0002] Since 2021, the applicant has been manufacturing and selling a decompression packaging machine (also called a vacuum packaging machine) for accommodation facilities that compresses bulky luggage so that business trips and travel can be done smartly. The decompression packaging machine is a product that puts laundry and clothes during stay into a semi-transparent laundry plastic bag and compresses and packs (heat seals) them. Therefore, it is configured to be able to be easily and simply operated with one touch without any difficult operations.

[0003] The decompression packaging machine is installed in front of the front desk, elevator hall, laundry room, etc. Users can quickly compress bulky luggage (such as clothes) using the decompression packaging machine and carry it back in a compact form. The mechanism of the decompression packaging machine is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

[0004] In the decompression packaging machine, as shown in FIGS. 12(a) and (b), when the lid portion 510 forming the chamber 500 is closed, a decompression pump (also called a vacuum pump), not shown, is activated to decompress the inside of the chamber 500. A packing 540 is provided at the outer peripheral end of the lid portion 510 on the chamber lower 530 side in FIG. 12, and the chamber 500 defines an airtight internal space. When using the decompression packaging machine, as shown in (a), the user is required to press the lid portion 510 from above with the hand 520. When the lid portion 510 is adsorbed by the negative pressure in the chamber 500 as shown in (b), the user is required to release the hand 520 pressing the lid portion 510. However, it is difficult for general users to accurately recognize the adsorption of the lid portion 510, and often when they think that the lid portion 510 has been adsorbed and release the hand 520, the lid portion 510 opens.

[0005] In other words, a packing 540 is present between the lid 510 and the chamber lower 530, and as the gap becomes smaller by pressing down on the lid 510, the force of the hand 520 pressing down on the lid 510 must be increased. Therefore, when the person closing the lid 510 has reduced the gap in the packing 540 to a certain extent, the reaction force pressing down on the lid 510 also increases, and the person closing the lid 510 may feel that the lid 510 is completely closed. However, in reality, the gap is still wider than a certain amount, and the negative pressure inside the chamber 500 cannot hold it in place. If the person releases their hand in this state, the lid 510 will open, and vacuum packaging will not be possible. Therefore, in vacuum packaging machines for clothing and other items installed in various accommodations used by the general public, users may not be able to operate them properly and may be unable to start the vacuum operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-53863 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a vacuum packaging machine and a method for operating a vacuum packaging machine that can improve operability by correctly notifying the user of the timing to release the hand pressing on the lid when compressing clothing or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The vacuum packaging machine of the embodiment comprises a chamber having an internal space capable of accommodating a packaging bag containing an item to be packaged, with an openable and closable lid attached; a vacuum pump for reducing the pressure in the internal space; a sealing device for sealing the opening of the packaging bag after degassing by reducing the pressure in the internal space of the chamber with the vacuum pump; and a determination means for determining whether the lid has been adsorbed based on the pressure state of the chamber after the start of operation of the vacuum pump, wherein when the determination means determines that the lid has been adsorbed, a notification means notifies that the lid has been adsorbed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] These are a front view (a) and a side view (b) of a vacuum packaging machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the lid of the vacuum packaging machine according to the embodiment, with the lid open. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the initial operation procedure of a vacuum packaging machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the configuration of the control circuit related to display control, which is incorporated into the control board located on the back of the display unit in a standard configuration. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the control mechanism of a vacuum packaging machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the internal configuration of a vacuum packaging machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the operation method of a vacuum packaging machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows the vacuum operation inside the chamber of a vacuum packaging machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows the operation of raising the opening cylinder of the vacuum packaging machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows the chamber of the vacuum packaging machine according to the embodiment in an open-air state. [Figure 11] This figure shows the threshold P and the region R where the lid of the vacuum packaging machine according to the embodiment is determined to be adsorbed. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of how to operate a vacuum packaging machine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1(a) is a front view of a vacuum packaging machine (with coin selector) for clothing and the like according to an embodiment, and Figure 1(b) is a side view thereof. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum packaging machine with the lid open. Note that the coin selector shown in Figure 1 is omitted in Figure 2.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vacuum packaging machine 10 according to this embodiment includes a chamber 40 consisting of a main body 20 on which a packaging bag can be placed and a lid 30 that closes the main body 20 from above, a hinge mechanism 50 that connects the lid 30 to the main body 20 so that it can be opened and closed, and a sealing device 60 that seals the opening (input port for the packaged items) of the packaging bag that stores the packaged items such as clothing. The vacuum packaging machine 10 of this embodiment can be optionally connected to a coin selector 90 and, as an option, a 9-tier box vending machine (not shown).

[0012] In this embodiment, the hinge mechanism 50 is positioned on the rear side of the vacuum packaging machine 10, and the opposite side is the front side. The user is positioned to operate the vacuum packaging machine 10 facing the front side. A display unit 100 is provided on the front 20a of the housing. The display unit 100 shows the operating time for generating the compressed pack and the usage time based on the amount deposited from the coin selector 90, and counts down in accordance with the vacuum operation. A stop switch (lamp) 110 is also provided on the front 20a of the housing. The stop switch 110 has a switch function to stop operation and a lamp function to indicate standby. When the stop switch 110 is pressed, the operation (vacuuming) of the vacuum pump 120, which will be described later, can be stopped.

[0013] A packing is provided at the outer peripheral end on the lower side of the chamber 40a of the lid 30 that covers the upper surface of the chamber 40. In the closed state where the lid 30 is closed by the packing (Figure 1), an airtight internal space is defined between the upper surface of the main body 20 and the lid 30. As shown in Figure 1(a), a rotatable fastener 70 having a groove is provided on the left outer wall of the main body 20. On the other hand, a protrusion (not shown) is provided above the fastener 70 on the lid 30 side. When the fastener 70 is rotated, the protrusion is fitted into the groove formed in the fastener 70 and locked. Thereby, the lid 30 can be fixed to the main body 20 so that it cannot be opened, preventing unnecessary opening of the lid 30 of the vacuum packaging machine 10 during unused or transportation.

[0014] A sealing device 60 for sealing the opening of a packaging bag for storing packaged items such as clothing is composed of an upper sealing block 60a and a lower sealing block 60b. Also, a heater wire for thermally melting and sealing the opening of the packaging bag is provided in the width direction (almost the entire length) on the lower sealing block 60b. The heater wire may be provided on the upper sealing block 60a, or may be provided on both the upper sealing block 60a and the lower sealing block 60b. An inclined guide 80 for guiding the packaging bag into the chamber lower 40a is provided on the hinge side of the sealing device 60. Instead of the inclined guide 80, a plate member that is attached to the outer wall surface on the back side of the lower sealing block 60b and forms a crank shape in a side view extending along the left-right direction, which is the extending direction of the sealing device 60, may be provided.

[0015] A vacuum pump (also referred to as a vacuum pump) 120 is built into the main body 20. In the state where the lid 30 is sealed, vacuum suction is performed from the suction hole 40b of the chamber lower 40a by the vacuum pump 120, and the internal space of the chamber 40 is decompressed. In the embodiment, a pressure sensor 200 is further provided between the suction hole 40b and the vacuum pump 120. The pressure sensor 200 detects the pressure state in the chamber 40 and outputs pressure information (for example, degree of vacuum) of the internal space. As will be described later, a control device 400 (see FIG. 5) that receives a signal from the pressure sensor 200 determines the adsorption state of the lid 30 based on the pressure information of the pressure sensor 200. Then, it is configured to accurately determine that the lid 30 has been adsorbed and notify the user by notification means such as a buzzer, lamp display, voice output, etc.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation procedure at the start in the vacuum packaging machine of the embodiment. First, the packaged item (such as clothing) 300 is set in a packaging bag (plastic bag) 310 stored in the chamber lower part 40a in the chamber 40. At this time, the opening of the packaging bag 310 is placed on the lower seal block 60b of the sealing mechanism 60 so as to be sealable. FIG. 3(a) shows a state where the packaging bag (plastic bag) 310 is set in the vacuum packaging machine 10.

[0017] Then, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the user of the vacuum packaging machine 10 presses down on the lid 30 from above (the front side from the center) with the hand 250 to close the lid 30. When the lid 30 is open, an open / close sensor (for example, a limit switch) 320 provided on the hinge part 50 is in the open state.

[0018] Next, as shown in FIG. 3(b), when the lid 30 is closed, the open / close sensor 320 becomes the closed state, and it is detected that the lid 30 has been closed. The control device 400 that has received the closed detection (ON) signal from the open / close sensor 320 operates the vacuum pump 120 to prepare to adsorb the lid 30. That is, in consideration of errors in the detection position of the open / close sensor 320, etc., the vacuum pump 120 is operated before the lid 30 is completely tightened.

[0019] To explain the suction determination of the lid 30, when the control device 400 activates the depressurization pump 120 and starts depressurizing the internal space of the chamber 40, the lid 30 is not completely closed, but the effect of the exhaust by the depressurization pump 120 causes the internal space of the chamber 40 to be at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. In this situation, the rate at which outside air is introduced into the chamber space through the gap between the packing and the lower chamber 40a is faster than the exhaust rate of the depressurization pump 120, so if you release your hand 250, the lid 30 will open. If you continue to close the lid 30 and the gap between the lower chamber and the packing becomes less than a certain distance (for example, less than 1 mm), the exhaust rate of the depressurization pump 120 and the rate at which outside air is introduced through the gap reverse, the internal space of the chamber 40 is depressurized further, and as a result the lid 30 is sucked onto the lower chamber 40a.

[0020] As shown in the process from 3(a) to 3(b), if the lid 30 is pressed down in the same way as shown in 3(a) to 3(b), the gap between the packing and the lower chamber will fall below a certain distance. At this point, since the pressure inside the chamber 40 has started to decrease due to the pressure pump 120, the lid 30 will be attracted by the force of the negative pressure.

[0021] The control device 400 performs one of the following two methods to determine the adsorption state. A) Adsorption on the lid 30 is determined when the degree of reduced pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. In this case, it may be necessary to change the threshold due to individual differences, decreased pump performance, or other environmental factors. B) Adsorption on the lid 30 is determined by monitoring the change in the degree of reduced pressure over a short period of time. With this method, adsorption can be accurately determined even if the aforementioned environmental differences occur.

[0022] To determine the adsorption state, a pressure sensor 200 is provided between the suction hole 40b formed in the lower chamber 40a and the depressurization pump 120. The control device 400, which receives pressure information (degree of depressurization) from the pressure sensor 200, can determine that the lid 30 is adsorbed when the degree of depressurization exceeds a predetermined threshold P. Furthermore, by monitoring the degree of depressurization, the adsorption of the lid 30 can be determined by detecting a large change in the degree of depressurization over a short period of time. In Figure 3(b), the control device 400, having determined that the suction state is present, notifies the user via an alarm (notification means) 440, such as a buzzer, lamp display, or voice output, that it is now safe to release the hand 250 (release of the pressing action). Upon receiving this notification, the user can release the hand 250 from the lid 30 as shown in Figure 3(c) and move away from the vacuum packaging machine 10.

[0023] In the vacuum packaging machine 10, as shown in Figure 4(a), the vacuum pump 120 continues to reduce pressure, and the air is removed from the packaging bag 310. After a predetermined time of reduced pressure, the lower seal block 60b is lifted upward, and the opening of the degassed packaging bag 310 is sandwiched between the upper seal block 60a and sealed. The sealing operation is performed by energizing the heater wire of the lower seal block 60b, which melts the opening. After the sealing operation is complete, after a predetermined time, as shown in Figure 4(b), the notification device 440 notifies that the creation of the compressed pack is complete, for example, by changing the tone or volume. When the user confirms (hears or sees) the notification, they open the lid 30 and take out the finished compressed pack. In this way, any user can obtain a compressed pack with the same operation.

[0024] Next, the control mechanism of the vacuum packaging machine 10 using the control device 400 described above will be explained. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the control mechanism of the vacuum packaging machine 10. In Figure 5, the control device 400 includes a CPU (processor) 410 that controls the vacuum packaging machine 10, and a memory 420 used as the CPU 410's workspace. The memory 420 stores various programs for the vacuum packaging machine 10 and setting values ​​for various vacuum packaging conditions (vacuum waiting time, vacuum level, heat seal temperature, heat seal time, seal cooling time, etc.). The control device 400 also includes an IF (interface) circuit 430 that processes input and output of each signal.

[0025] The control device 400 is connected to the following via an IF circuit 430: a stop switch 110, a power switch 20a and a setting switch 20b provided on the main unit 20, a display unit 100, an opening / closing sensor 320, a sealing heater 60c, a depressurizing (vacuum) pump 120, a depressurizing solenoid valve 120a, a depressurizing open solenoid valve 120b, a closing solenoid valve 120c, an alarm 440 that emits a buzzer sound, display, or voice, and a pressure sensor 200 that detects the air pressure in the internal space of the chamber 40. The control device 400 is connected to these devices so as to be able to input signals from each device and / or output control signals for operating each device.

[0026] Figure 6 shows the internal configuration of the vacuum packaging machine 10. In Figure 6, the vacuum packaging machine 10 comprises a control device 400, a vacuum pump (VP) 120, and a closing cylinder 60d. The vacuum pump 120 and the suction port 40b of the chamber 40 are connected by an intake passage 401. A vacuum solenoid valve 120a is provided in the middle of the intake passage 401 to allow or release communication between the vacuum pump 120 and the chamber 40. A pressure sensor 200 is also provided between the suction port 40b of the intake passage 401 and the vacuum solenoid valve 120a. Furthermore, a vacuum release solenoid valve 120b is provided via a vacuum release branch passage 403. By opening this vacuum release solenoid valve 120b, the internal space of the chamber 40 can be returned from a vacuum state to atmospheric pressure (released to the atmosphere).

[0027] The closing cylinder 60d moves the lower seal block 60b up and down, and a closing drive passage 405 between the closing cylinder 60d and the pressure reducing pump 120 is provided with a closing solenoid valve 120c, which is a three-way valve. The closing solenoid valve 120c is used to allow and release communication between the closing cylinder 60d and the pressure reducing pump 120, and to control the opening to the atmosphere by controlling the opening and closing of three connecting valves.

[0028] Next, the operation of the vacuum packaging machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vacuum packaging machine 10. Figure 8 shows the vacuum operation when the pressure inside the chamber is reduced. Figure 9 shows the operation when the opening cylinder 60d is raised. Figure 10 shows the chamber when it is opened. In the flowchart of Figure 7, it is assumed that the power switch 20a on the control panel of the vacuum packaging machine 10 has been switched ON in advance by the machine operator, and that the various vacuum packaging conditions have been set to predetermined values ​​using the setting switch 20b. Furthermore, in the initial state with the power switch 20a ON, the vacuum packaging machine 10 is assumed to be in the open state shown in Figure 3(a), with the lid 30 open.

[0029] First, the user sets (places) the packaging bag 310 containing the item to be packaged 300 on the chamber lower 40a of the main body 20a of the vacuum packaging machine 10, which is in an open state (S100 in Figure 7). At this time, the opening of the packaging bag 310 is placed in a straight line on the lower seal block 60b. Once the packaging bag 310 is set inside the chamber 40, the user closes the lid 30 by pressing down on it with their hand 250, as shown in Figure 3(a) (S110 in Figure 7).

[0030] The control device 400 determines whether or not it has received a detection signal from the opening / closing sensor 320 (S120 in Figure 7). When the lid 20b is closed by the user, a detection signal is transmitted from the opening / closing sensor 320 to the control device 50. When the control device 50 receives the detection signal (Yes in S120 in Figure 7), it activates the depressurizing pump 120 to start depressurizing the chamber 40 (S130 in Figure 7).

[0031] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the control device 400 opens the pressure reducing solenoid valve 120a between the chamber 40 and the pressure reducing pump 120, and closes the pressure reducing release solenoid valve 120b and the closing solenoid valve 120c. At the same time as controlling the opening and closing of each solenoid valve, the control device 50 operates the pressure reducing pump 120 to start reducing the pressure inside the chamber 40. At this time, the atmospheric side valve of the closing solenoid valve 120c of the closing cylinder 60d is open, so the inside of the cylinder is not depressurized.

[0032] The degree of pressure reduction in chamber 40 is detected by the pressure sensor 200. The control device 400 receives a signal indicating the pressure reduction information (e.g., degree of pressure reduction) detected by the pressure sensor 200 and detects that the lid 30 is in close contact with the lower chamber 40a (S140 in Figure 7).

[0033] For example, the control device 400 determines that the lid 30 has been attracted when it detects that the value of the signal indicating the relative degree of vacuuming output from the pressure sensor 200 exceeds a predetermined threshold P (usually a 5% reduction in pressure) in the atmospheric pressure environment when the lid 30 is closed and the depressurizing pump 120 is operating. In another example, if the user closes the lid 30 forcefully (for example, roughly or violently from above), the control device 400 determines that the lid 30 has been attracted when it detects that the output of the pressure sensor 200 has reached a reduction of 10% to 15% (an optimal value is set), taking into account the vibration of the packing due to vibration. It is determined that the lid 30 has been closed forcefully, for example, when the output of a vibration sensor (not shown) exceeds a set value. The threshold P may be set and changed by maintenance personnel, etc., and may be set to an optimal value from the above values ​​according to the atmospheric pressure environment and the user's handling conditions. Alternatively, two thresholds P may be stored in memory, and the attraction determination may be made from the optimal threshold P according to the value of the vibration sensor. Instead of the relative pressure reduction described above, the control device 400 may also determine adsorption on the lid 30 by detecting the amount of change in the signal indicating the pressure reduction from 0% over a short period of time (for example, the point R where the amount of change in Figure 11 first becomes large).

[0034] When the control device 400 detects that the lid 30 is in close contact with the chamber lower 40a (Yes in S140 of Figure 7), it notifies the user that it is safe to remove their hand 250 from the lid 30 by, for example, emitting a buzzer sound from the alarm device 440, as shown in Figure 3(b) (S150 of Figure 7). The alarm device 440 may also display the text "Please remove your hand" or output an audio message. The user then removes their hand 250 from the lid 30, as shown in Figure 3(c), and waits for the compression pack to be completed.

[0035] As the pressure inside the chamber 40 is reduced, the air inside the packaging bag 310 is also removed, and the packaging bag 310 is gradually compressed. The control device 40 continues to receive a signal from the pressure sensor 200 indicating the degree of pressure reduction, and when this value is reduced to a preset degree of pressure reduction (for example, 75% reduction) (YES in S160 of Figure 7), the control device 40 determines that the pressure reduction is complete and proceeds to the sealing process of the packaging bag 310. Alternatively, the sealing process may be initiated when a preset pressure reduction time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed, indicating that the pressure reduction is complete.

[0036] The vacuum packaging machine 10 generates a compressed pack with a degree of vacuum that reduces the volume of the packaged item 300, such as clothing or other textile products, by approximately 70% to 80%. This allows the compressed packaging bag 310 to be easily folded and made reasonably compact, enabling effective use of storage space in carrying cases and other storage containers. Since this degree of vacuum is pre-set, the user does not need to set the vacuum packaging conditions.

[0037] In the sealing process, as shown in Figure 9, the control device 50 closes the pressure reducing solenoid valve 120a, which was opened at the start of depressurization (S170 in Figure 7), maintains the depressurized state in the internal space of the chamber 40, and waits until a preset depressurization waiting time has elapsed (S180 in Figure 7). After the preset depressurization waiting time has elapsed since closing the pressure reducing solenoid valve 120a, the control device 50 lifts the lower seal block 60b upward and presses the lower seal block 60b against the upper seal block 60a to close the opening of the packaging bag 310. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the control device 50 opens two sides of the closing solenoid valve 120c (the atmospheric side is closed), thereby degassing the air inside the closing cylinder 60d by the pressure reducing pump 120. This degassing lifts the lower seal block 60b connected to the closing cylinder 60d upward and presses the lower seal block 60b against the upper seal block 60a.

[0038] Immediately after closing, the control device 50 energizes the sealing heater 60c provided in the lower seal block 60b to seal the opening of the packaging bag 310 in the reduced pressure state. At this time, the sealing heater 60c is energized in the closed state until a preset heat sealing time has elapsed, heating and fusing the opening of the packaging bag 310 to seal it (S190 in Figure 7). It is preferable that the heat sealing time be appropriately set according to the type of material of the packaging bag 310. After sealing, the control device 50 stops energizing the sealing heater 60c and waits while maintaining the state in which the packaging bag 310 is held by the sealing device 60 until a preset seal cooling time (for example, about 3 to 5 seconds) has elapsed (S200 in Figure 7).

[0039] After the seal cooling time has elapsed, the control device 50 opens the chamber 40 and the closing cylinder 120c to the atmosphere (S210 in Figure 7). Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, the control device 50 maintains the closed state of the pressure reducing solenoid valve 120a and stops the operation of the pressure reducing pump 120. Meanwhile, the pressure reducing release solenoid valve 120b is opened from the closed state. As a result, air from the pressure reducing release solenoid valve 120b is guided into the internal space of the chamber 40, and this internal space is opened to the atmosphere. Simultaneously with the opening of the pressure reducing release solenoid valve 120b, the control device 50 opens the atmospheric side valve and the valve on the closing cylinder 60d side of the closing solenoid valve 120c. As a result, air from the closing solenoid valve 120c is guided into the closing cylinder 60d, and the inside of the closing cylinder 60d is opened to the atmosphere. Therefore, the lower seal block 60b connected to the closing cylinder 60d descends, and the clamping state of the packaging bag 310 by the upper seal block 60a and the lower seal block 60b is released.

[0040] After being released to the atmosphere, the control device 400 notifies the user that the compression packing is complete by sounding a buzzer, for example, via the alarm 440 (S220 in Figure 7). The lid 30 is automatically opened slightly or fully opened by the biasing member, allowing the user to remove the compressed packaged item 300.

[0041] If the stop switch 110 is operated between the operation of the pressure reducing pump 120 in step S130 and the sealing of the packaging bag 310 in step S190, the process of releasing to the atmosphere in step S210 and the process of notifying the completion of the compression pack in step S220 will be executed. At this time, the control device 400 will close the pressure reducing solenoid valve 120a if it is open, and will stop energizing the sealing heater 60c if it is energized.

[0042] As described above, the vacuum packaging machine and operating method of the embodiment include a determination means for determining whether the lid 30 has been adsorbed based on the pressure state of the chamber 40, and when the determination means determines that the lid 30 has been adsorbed, a notification means notifies that the lid 30 has been adsorbed. As a result, the user releases the hand that was pressing down on the lid 30 (press-release), so that all users can create compressed packs in the same way.

[0043] The vacuum packaging machine of this embodiment includes a chamber 40 having an internal space capable of accommodating a packaging bag 310 containing an item to be packaged, with an openable and closable lid 30 attached; a vacuum pump 120 for reducing the internal space's pressure; a sealing device 60 for sealing the opening of the packaging bag 310 after the vacuum pump 120 has reduced the internal space's pressure and degassed the bag; and a determination means 400 for determining whether the lid 30 has been adsorbed based on the pressure state of the chamber 40 after the vacuum pump 120 has started operating. When the determination means 400 determines that the lid 30 has been adsorbed, a notification means 440 notifies that the lid 30 has been adsorbed. As a result, the user's press on the lid is released at the moment the notification of adsorption is received, allowing all users to create compressed packs in the same way.

[0044] Furthermore, the determination means of the vacuum packaging machine in this embodiment consists of a pressure sensor 200 that detects the pressure state of the chamber 40 and a control means 400 that receives the pressure information detected by the pressure sensor 200. The pressure sensor 200 is configured to be installed between the suction hole 40b provided on the bottom surface 40a of the chamber 40 and the vacuum pump 120. As a result, the system receives pressure information from the pressure sensor 200 installed between the suction hole 40b provided on the bottom surface of the chamber 40 and the vacuum pump 120 to determine whether the lid 30 is being adsorbed, thus enabling accurate determination of whether the lid 30 is being adsorbed.

[0045] Furthermore, the control means 400 of the vacuum packaging machine in this embodiment is configured to determine whether the lid portion 30 is adsorbed when the degree of vacuum included in the pressure information from the pressure sensor 200 reaches a predetermined threshold. As a result, pressure information from the pressure sensor 200, which is located between the suction hole 40b provided on the bottom surface of the chamber 40 and the vacuum pump 120, is received to determine whether the lid portion 30 is adsorbed, thus enabling accurate determination of whether the lid portion 30 is adsorbed.

[0046] Furthermore, the control means 400 of the vacuum packaging machine in this embodiment is configured to determine the suction of the lid 30 when the amount of change in the signal indicating the degree of vacuum reduction included in the pressure information from the pressure sensor 200 becomes large over a minute period of time. As a result, pressure information from the pressure sensor 200, which is located between the suction hole 40b provided on the bottom surface of the chamber 40 and the vacuum pump 120, is received to determine that the lid 30 is being suctioned, thus enabling accurate determination of whether the lid 30 is being suctioned.

[0047] Furthermore, in the embodiment, when the vacuum packaging machine generates a compressed pack by requiring the user to press the lid 30, it is configured to notify the user to release the press on the lid 30 according to the notification by the notification means 440. As a result, the user's press on the lid is released when it is notified that the lid has been sucked in, so that all users can create compressed packs in the same way.

[0048] The operating method for the vacuum packaging machine of the embodiment includes a chamber 40 having an internal space capable of accommodating a packaging bag 310 containing an item to be packaged, with an openable and closable lid 30 attached; a vacuum pump 120 for reducing the internal space's pressure; a sealing device 60 for sealing the opening of the packaging bag 310 after the vacuum pump 120 has reduced the internal space's pressure and degassed the bag; and a determination means 400 for determining whether the lid 30 has been attracted based on the pressure state of the chamber 40 after the vacuum pump 120 has started operating. The operating method for the vacuum packaging machine generates a compressed pack by requiring the user to press the lid 30. The method involves detecting when the lid 30 has been closed by pressing the lid 30 using an open / close sensor 320, operating the vacuum pump 120 according to the detection signal from the open / close sensor 320, and if the determination means determines that the lid 30 has been attracted, notifying the user to release the act of pressing the lid 30 using a notification means 440. This allows all users to create compressed packs in the same way, as the user's lid is unlocked when it is notified that the pack has been adsorbed.

[0049] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 10...Vacuum packaging machine, 20...Main unit, 20b...Setting switch, 30...Lid 40...Chamber, 40a...Lower chamber, 40b...Suction port, 50...Hinge 60...Sealing device, 60a...Upper seal block, 60b...Lower seal block 60c...Seal heater, 60d...Closing cylinder, 70...Fastener 80... Incline guide, 90... Coin selector, 100... Indicator 110... Stop switch, 120... Pressure reducing pump, 120a... Pressure reducing solenoid valve 120a 120b...Reduced pressure release solenoid valve, 120c...Closing solenoid valve, 200...Pressure sensor 250...hand, 300...packaged object, 310...packaging bag, 320...open / close sensor 400...Control unit, 410...CPU, 420...Memory, 430...IF circuit 440... Alarm (notification device)

Claims

1. A chamber having an openable and closable lid and an internal space capable of accommodating a packaging bag containing the packaged goods, A pressure reducing pump for reducing the pressure in the aforementioned internal space, A sealing device that seals the opening of the packaging bag after degassing by reducing the internal space of the chamber with the aforementioned depressurizing pump, The system includes a determination means for determining whether the lid has been adsorbed based on the pressure state of the chamber after the start of operation of the pressure pump, A vacuum packaging machine characterized in that, when the determination means determines that the lid has been adsorbed, the notification means notifies that the lid has been adsorbed.

2. The determination means comprises a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure state of the chamber and a control means for receiving pressure information detected by the pressure sensor. The vacuum packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure sensor is provided between a suction hole provided on the bottom surface of the chamber and the vacuum pump.

3. The vacuum packaging machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means determines the adsorption of the lid when the degree of pressure reduction included in the pressure information from the pressure sensor reaches a predetermined threshold.

4. The vacuum packaging machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means determines the adsorption of the lid when the amount of change in the signal indicating the degree of pressure reduction included in the pressure information from the pressure sensor becomes large over a minute period of time.

5. The vacuum packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that when generating a compressed pack by requiring the user to press the lid, the machine notifies the user to release the act of pressing the lid in accordance with the notification means.

6. A method for operating a vacuum packaging machine that generates a compressed pack by requiring a user to press the lid, comprising: a chamber having an internal space capable of accommodating a packaging bag containing the contents to be packaged, with an openable and closable lid attached; a vacuum pump for reducing the pressure in the internal space; a sealing device for sealing the opening of the packaging bag after the internal space of the chamber has been reduced in pressure by the vacuum pump; and a determination means for determining whether the lid has been adsorbed based on the pressure state of the chamber after the vacuum pump has started to operate, wherein the user is required to press the lid. The opening / closing sensor detects that the lid has been closed by the pressure applied to the lid. The pressure reducing pump is operated according to the detection signal from the opening / closing sensor. If the determination means determines that the lid has been attracted, the notification means notifies the user to release the pressure on the lid. A method for operating a vacuum packaging machine, characterized by the following features.

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