Airtight vacuum packaging machine

Abstract

This invention provides a vacuum packaging machine that allows for easy production of tightly sealed vacuum packs for various trays by providing multiple tray exchange adapters tailored to different tray shapes and simply changing the tray exchange adapter. [Solution] In the embodiment of the airtight vacuum packaging machine, a tray T on which the items to be packaged are placed is placed on a cutter-integrated tray base unit 210 set in a chamber, a film covering the chamber is heated and the pressure inside the chamber is reduced, and a cutter plate built into the tray base unit is instantly lifted to cut the excess film and produce an airtight vacuum pack. Multiple tray exchange adapters 500 corresponding to trays T of different shapes are prepared, and the tray exchange adapter 500 that matches the tray T for which the airtight vacuum pack is to be produced is set on the tray base unit to produce the airtight vacuum pack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a close vacuum packaging machine having a tray adapter for tray replacement.

Background Art

[0002] Vacuum packaging is a type of packaging that evacuates air from a packaging bag containing an object to be packaged and seals it. Vacuum packaging can prevent the deterioration of the contents and is widely used in fields such as the food industry and industry.

[0003] As one type of such vacuum packaging, a close vacuum pack (also called a skin pack) using a close vacuum packaging machine (also called a skin pack packaging machine) has been commercialized. A close vacuum packaging machine is a packaging form in which an object to be packaged, typically food, is sandwiched between a film and a backing sheet, and the space between them is tightly heat-sealed, that is, a close vacuum pack can be achieved. Since the close vacuum packaging machine provides a complete seal, drips, which are the moisture that comes out of food during storage, are suppressed, and it is widely implemented as a method for maintaining the freshness of food and extending its shelf life.

[0004] The applicant has commercialized and sold a close vacuum packaging machine that instantaneously lifts, for example, a square (shape as viewed from above) cutter plate provided on the lower side to cut excess film. In that close vacuum packaging machine, a plurality of tray unit assemblies incorporating a cutter plate are prepared according to the shape of the object to be packaged, and by replacing the tray unit assembly according to each object to be packaged, a close vacuum pack corresponding to the object to be packaged can be performed. However, there is a demand for a close vacuum packaging machine that can more easily generate close vacuum packs for each tray (shape and size) with different shapes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a tightly sealed vacuum packaging machine that can easily produce tightly sealed vacuum packs of various trays by providing multiple tray exchange adapters corresponding to each tray with a different shape and exchanging the tray exchange adapters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The embodiment of the airtight vacuum packaging machine is characterized in that a tray on which the items to be packaged are placed is placed on a cutter-integrated tray base unit set in a chamber, a film covering the chamber is heated and the pressure inside the chamber is reduced, and a cutter plate built into the tray base unit is lifted to cut the excess film and produce an airtight vacuum pack, and a plurality of tray exchange adapters corresponding to trays of different shapes are prepared, and the tray exchange adapter that matches the tray for which the airtight vacuum pack is to be produced is set on the tray base unit to produce the airtight vacuum pack. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] The images show the external shape of the airtight vacuum packaging machine according to the embodiment, and are perspective and side views when the upper chamber (lid) is lifted upward to set a tray on the tray stand unit. [Figure 2] The images show the external shape of the airtight vacuum packaging machine according to the embodiment, and are perspective and side views when the upper chamber (lid) is closed to perform airtight vacuum packaging. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the shape of the upper chamber (lid) located on the top surface of the tray stand unit of a vacuum sealing machine. [Figure 4]The diagram shows a perspective view with two cutter-integrated tray units housed in the lower chamber. (a) shows the pattern cutter in a position where it is not visible, and (b) shows the pattern cutter in a raised position. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the state in which a tray and the items to be packaged are placed on two cutter-integrated tray base units housed in the lower chamber, and then covered with a roll of film F. [Figure 6] This figure shows a perspective view of a pattern cutter that can be attached to a cutter-integrated tray unit. [Figure 7] This figure shows an embodiment of an airbag that raises and lowers a cutter plate located in the lower chamber. [Figure 8] (a) shows a diagram of a tray replacement adapter that is removably mounted on a cutter-integrated tray base unit, and (b) shows a diagram of a tray set according to the shape of the tray replacement adapter. [Figure 9] This figure shows a top view (a) of a cutter-integrated tray stand unit with a tray exchange adapter installed, and its cross-sectional views AA and BB. [Figure 10] This diagram shows a tray replacement adapter that can be interchangeably set on a cutter-integrated tray base unit, and a tray corresponding to the shape of the tray replacement adapter. [Figure 11] This diagram shows a tray stand unit without the tray exchange adapter installed. [Figure 12] This figure shows the tray exchange adapter set on top of the tray stand unit shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 12 illustrates the state in which a small-sized tray T, which matches the tray exchange adapter shown in Figure 12, is set. [Figure 14] This diagram illustrates a state in which a larger-sized tray T is set in a tray replacement adapter that has a larger mounting area for tray T. [Figure 15] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the control system of a tight-fitting vacuum packaging machine. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing the operating state of setting a tray table unit integrated with a cutter according to a product to be vacuum-packed in close contact, for example, a tray T of food, into the lower chamber. [Figure 17] This is a diagram showing the operating state of a close-contact vacuum packaging machine 1 in which a tray exchange adapter is set on a tray table unit and a tray T on which a packaged item W is placed is placed on the tray exchange adapter. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing the operating state when a skin film F is smoothly covered over the upper part of the lower chamber. [Figure 19] This is a diagram showing the operating state of evacuating by a vacuum pump and cutting the skin film F by a cutting heater. [Figure 20] This is a diagram showing the operating state when the skin film F is heated and the upper chamber is being evacuated. [Figure 21] This is a diagram showing the operating state when the skin film F is in complete close contact. [Figure 22] This is a diagram showing the operating state when cutting the outer peripheral film of the tray T. [Figure 23] This is a diagram showing the operating state when storing the pushed-up cutter plate. [Figure 24] This is a diagram showing the operating state when the upper chamber and the lower chamber are opened to the atmosphere. [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing the operating state when taking out the tray T that has been vacuum-packed in close contact from the lower chamber. [Figure 26] This is a diagram showing the operating state when removing the remaining skin film F inside and outside the lower chamber.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, a close-contact vacuum packaging machine according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, for components having substantially the same functional configuration, the same reference numerals are given and redundant description is omitted.

[0010] (Configuration of the Close-Contact Vacuum Packaging Machine) Figure 1 is a perspective view and a side view of a close-fitting vacuum packaging machine according to an embodiment, showing the process of lifting the upper chamber (lid) and setting the tray on the tray stand unit in order to create a close-fitting vacuum pack. Figure 2 shows the process of closing the upper chamber (lid) and creating a tight seal with the lower chamber to create a vacuum in order to create a close-fitting vacuum pack.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1 comprises a roughly rectangular housing 10 that houses a vacuum pump and the like. The external dimensions of the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1 are, for example, W650mm x D630mm x H1400mm. A lower chamber 20 is provided on top of the housing 10. An upper chamber 30, which serves as a lid, is provided on top of the lower chamber 20. The upper chamber 30 is connected to two pairs of left and right movement support members 30b and 30c, which are attached to a fixing member 30a provided on the rear upper surface of the housing 10.

[0012] The upper chamber 30 moves up and down with a slight rearward tilt due to the action of two pairs of movement support members 30b and 30c, so that the upper chamber 30 acts as a lid and can open and close the lower chamber 20. When the upper chamber 30 is in close contact with the lower chamber 20, a chamber is formed for tight vacuum packing.

[0013] An operation panel 11 is provided on the front of the housing 10. The operator of the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1 controls the start and end of airtight vacuum packaging by operating this operation panel 11. In addition, the operation conditions of airtight vacuum packaging, such as vacuum conditions, heating time, and heating temperature, can be set from the operation panel 11.

[0014] Film mounting sections are provided on both rear sides of the housing 10. The film mounting section has legs 40 on both sides for attaching a roll of film F, a connecting plate 42 that reinforces and connects the legs 40, a film mounting groove 44 provided on the front side of the upper tip of the legs 40 into which the left and right rotation axes F1 of the roll of film F are loaded (set), and an inclined surface 46 on the front of the legs 40. In addition, a pair of left and right mounting rails 30aa and 30bb are provided on the upper surface of the upper chamber 30 to reduce the contact surface with the roll of film F and make it easier for the roll of film F to roll. The mounting rails 30aa and 30bb are made of, for example, resin or plastic. When the roll of film F is placed on this pair of mounting rails 30aa and 30bb and the upper chamber 30 is lifted, the roll of film F can pass through the inclined surface 46 of the legs 40 and be set in the film mounting groove 44.

[0015] Figure 3 shows the internal shape of the upper chamber 30. As shown in Figure 3, a heater plate 31 is attached to the entire inner surface of the upper chamber 30. Note that in Figure 3, the heater plate 31 is shown in an upright position so that the inner surface is visible. The heater plate 31 is formed, for example, in the shape of a roughly rectangular flat plate and is energized by a control device 400 (see Figure 15), which will be described later. The heater plate 31 is heated to over 100°C when adjacent to the skin film F, so that the skin film F can be softened.

[0016] Numerous ventilation holes 32 are drilled in the heater plate 31 in a regular pattern. Air supplied via a connecting pipe (not shown) attached to the back of the heater plate 31 is ejected from the numerous ventilation holes 32, pressing the heated skin film F from above (opposite side) with air, and by creating a vacuum in the lower chamber 20, the skin film F can be made to adhere tightly to the packaged items (workpieces) in the tray. In addition, a rubber packing 33 is attached to the outer circumference of the four sides of the heater plate 31 to enhance the adhesion when the upper chamber 30 is placed on top of the lower chamber 20. Furthermore, the surface of the heater plate 31 is treated (for example, with a fluororesin coating) to prevent the skin film F from sticking to it.

[0017] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the lower chamber 20 with two cutter-integrated tray units housed inside, where (a) shows the pattern cutter 240 in a hidden state and (b) shows the pattern cutter 240 in a raised state. The dimensions of the lower chamber 20, located on the underside of the housing 10, are, for example, W440 x D340 x H40. The lower chamber 20 houses two tray base units 210 and 220, and trays for carrying the items to be vacuum-packed can be set (placed) on these tray base units 210 and 220. The dimensions of the trays are, for example, W170 x H280. The dimensions of the workpieces to be vacuum-packed are, for example, W130 x D240 x H30.

[0018] As shown in Figure 4, the lower chamber 20 is sized to accommodate two trays for packaging (workpieces), making it possible to vacuum-pack two items simultaneously. The number of trays to be vacuum-packed can be designed according to the size of the vacuum packaging machine 1.

[0019] The tray base units 210 and 220 have a built-in pattern cutter 240 for cutting the skin film F that adheres to the tray. In other words, they are tray base units with an integrated cutter. Furthermore, cutter grooves 230 are formed on the outer circumference of the tray T mounting area of ​​the tray base units 210 and 220 for the pattern cutter 240 to move up and down.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4(a), the pattern cutter 240 is not visible when the tray base units 210 and 220 are housed in the lower chamber 20. In the process of cutting the skin film F that is in close contact with the tray using a vacuum packing operation, as shown in Figure 4(b), the pattern cutter 240 instantly pops out from the cutter groove 230 and cuts the skin film F on the outer circumference of the tray. Details of these vacuum packing operations will be described later.

[0021] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), a slightly adhesive member 250a to 250d may be attached to at least the outer circumference of the tray placement area of ​​the tray base units 210 and 220 by methods such as coating or attaching it. When the pattern cutter 240 is quickly pushed up to cut the skin film F from below, there is a risk that the skin film F, which was in close contact with the tray T, may lift up (peel off). By attaching the slightly adhesive members 250a to 250d, it is possible to prevent the skin film F from lifting up during the cutting operation. The slightly adhesive members 250a to 250d are used to attach members with weak adhesive strength that can be gripped (for example, tape, seals, sheets, etc.).

[0022] (A set of trays T on which packaged items W are placed) Figure 5 shows the tray T with the packaged items W (workpieces) placed on it set on the tray base units 210 and 220. When the operator sets the tray T in the state shown in Figure 5, they pull out the skin film F from the back and cover the upper part of the lower chamber 20. Then, they move the upper chamber 30 to align with the lower chamber 20 as a lid and start the tight vacuum packing operation.

[0023] As shown in Figure 5, areas for attaching slightly adhesive members 260a to 260c may be provided on the upper outer frame of the lower chamber 20. These slightly adhesive members 260a to 260c fix the skin film F in place when the upper part of the lower chamber 20 is covered with the skin film F, thereby preventing wrinkles from forming in the skin film F and allowing for smooth airtight vacuum packing.

[0024] The skin film F (for example, width 485) that packs the tray T on which the packaged item W (workpiece) is placed is a laminated film made of a resin material such as polyethylene, and is preferably particularly barrier-type. When the skin film F is heated at a predetermined temperature or above (softening temperature) for a predetermined time, it softens, and at least one side, specifically the side facing the packaged item W, becomes able to adhere to the packaged item (workpiece) W and the tray T. In the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1, for example, a skin film F with a softening temperature of 130°C and a heating time of about 10 seconds is used. Items that can be tightly vacuum-packed include not only meats such as fish, beef, pork, and chicken, and vegetables, but also prepared foods, processed foods, frozen foods, and even industrial products such as circuit boards. In short, anything that can be tightly vacuum-packed is acceptable.

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

[0026] (Cutter plate and tray base unit) Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the cutter plate 290. The cutter plate 295 has the same shape, and redundant explanations of the same parts will be omitted below. The cutter plate 290 cuts the skin film F around the tray T (outer circumference) to produce a finished, tightly sealed vacuum package. Therefore, the cutter plate 290 has an inner box shape with an upward-facing pattern cutter 240 to cut the outer circumference of the tray T.

[0027] The pattern cutter 240 can have a blade formed at the upward-facing tip as a single, integrated (ring-shaped) cutter, or it can be made by connecting cutter sections with standard cutters arranged on all four sides. For example, the blade section can be made by arranging replacement blades (approximately 10 mm wide) for stationery utility knives without any gaps around the outer circumference of the cutter plate 290. When the blade becomes dull, only that section of the blade needs to be replaced, making the work easy. It can also accommodate various sizes.

[0028] (Airbag) Figure 7 shows an embodiment of an airbag 600 that raises and lowers a cutter plate 290 provided in the lower chamber 20. Figure (a) shows the shape of the airbag 600 when it is not inflated, and Figure (b) shows the shape of the airbag 600 when it is inflated. The cutter plate 295 has the same configuration. As shown in Figure 7, an airbag 600 is provided beneath the tray base unit 210. A cutter plate 290, on which a pattern cutter 240 is attached to the outer circumference via an intermediate plate 610, is placed on top of the airbag 600. Fixing blocks 620 and 630 are provided as height limiting means to prevent the intermediate plate 610 from being pushed up above a predetermined height.

[0029] The tray base unit 210 is connected to the vacuum pump 410 via a three-way solenoid valve, which will be described later. In the process of manufacturing airtight vacuum packs, the lower chamber 20 housing the tray base unit 210 is depressurized to a predetermined value using the vacuum pump 410. During the depressurization process in the lower chamber 20, the air bag 600 is not yet inflated, as shown in Figure 7(a). As the depressurization in the lower chamber 20 progresses and it is time for the pattern cutter 240 to cut the skin film F, the atmospheric valve of the three-way solenoid valve is opened. Then, as shown in Figure 7(b), air is sent into the tray base unit 210, and the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the air bag 600 causes the air bag 600 to inflate instantaneously, pushing up the cutter plate 290 and cutter pattern 240 together with the intermediate plate 610. This makes it possible to cut the skin film F on the outer circumference of the tray T.

[0030] In this lifting mechanism using the airbag 600, the fixed blocks 620 and 630 prevent the pattern cutter 240 from being pushed up more than necessary (it only rises the amount required for cutting), thus ensuring the safety of the worker. Furthermore, as long as the lower chamber 20 is not depressurized (i.e., when the lid is closed), the pattern cutter 240 will not fly out, thus ensuring the safety of the worker during the installation and removal of the tray T.

[0031] (Tray replacement adapter) Next, we will explain the tray replacement adapter for tray replacement. Figures 8 to 10 show a tray stand unit 210 equipped with tray replacement adapters 500, which are designed for use with trays of different shapes T. The tray replacement adapters 500 are components made of conductive sheet metal. Figure 8(a) shows the tray exchange adapter 500 set on the tray stand unit 210. Figure 8(b) shows the tray T, which corresponds to the shape of the tray exchange adapter 500, set on top of the tray exchange adapter 500. In other words, multiple tray exchange adapters 500 are provided for each tray T with a different shape.

[0032] Figure 9 shows a top view (a), a cross-sectional view (AA) (b), and a cross-sectional view (BB) (c) of the tray base unit 210 and tray replacement adapter 500 shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the tray base unit 210 and tray replacement adapter 500. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the tray exchange adapter 500 has outer horizontal sections 510a to 510d and inclined sections 520a to 520d that slope inward from each of the horizontal sections 510a to 510d. The horizontal sections 510a to 510d of the tray exchange adapter 500 are the same size as the inside of the outer circumference 211 of the tray mounting area of ​​the tray base unit 210. In other words, the inside of the outer circumference 211 of the tray base unit 210 acts as a loading guide for the tray exchange adapter 500. This allows the tray exchange adapter 500 to be easily set in the mounting area of ​​the tray base unit 210. The inclined sections 520a to 520d of the tray exchange adapter 500 have a shape that matches the inclination shape of the tray T to be set.

[0033] As shown in Figure 10, magnets 213a and 213b, which serve as fixing means, are attached to the horizontal mounting surfaces 212a and 212b of the tray base unit 210 that are opposite the horizontal sections 510b and 510d of the tray exchange adapter 500. Therefore, the tray exchange adapter 500 is set in a fixed position by fitting snugly within the outer circumference 211 of the tray mounting area of ​​the tray base unit 210 by the magnets 213a and 213b. Note that magnets may also be provided on each of the four horizontal mounting surfaces of the tray base unit 210 that are opposite the horizontal sections 510a to 510d of the tray exchange adapter 500. Furthermore, the fixing means is not limited to magnets 213a and 213b; any fixing mechanism that can lightly lock the components may be used, such as a snap-fit. Alternatively, for example, a mechanism in which a fixing plate attached to the tray exchange adapter 500 slides onto a leaf spring attached to the tray base unit 210 to lock it in place may also be used.

[0034] Figure 11 shows tray base units 210 and 220 without the tray exchange adapter 500 of the lower chamber 20 installed. Height-adjustable support columns 215 are attached to the four outer edges of the tray placement area of ​​the tray base units 210 and 220 at positions where they contact the horizontal sections 510a to 510d of the tray exchange adapter 500. Figure 12 shows the tray exchange adapter 500 set on the tray base units 210 and 220 shown in Figure 11. In Figure 12, the tray exchange adapter 500 is shown as an example with a small tray T mounting area. Figure 13 shows the tray T, which is the smaller size that fits the tray exchange adapter 500 shown in Figure 12, set in place. Figure 14 shows the state in which a larger-sized tray T is set to fit the tray replacement adapter 500, which has a larger mounting area for tray T.

[0035] As described above, with the airtight vacuum packaging machine of this embodiment, by preparing multiple tray exchange adapters 500 to match different shaped trays T, and simply setting (exchanging) the appropriate tray exchange adapter 500 for each tray onto the tray base units 210 and 220, airtight vacuum packs suitable for each tray can be produced. Therefore, airtight vacuum packs for various trays can be produced simply by changing the tray exchange adapter 500.

[0036] (Control device configuration) Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the control system of the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1. The control device 400, which is responsible for the overall control of the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1, includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 403, a memory used as the work area for the CPU 403, a storage device 406 that stores various programs for the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1 and various vacuum packaging condition settings (depressurization waiting time, vacuum level, heater temperature, softening time, etc.), and an IF (Interface) circuit 409 that processes input and output of various signals.

[0037] 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, roll-shaped film cutter 209, and notification unit 490 via an IF circuit 409, enabling it to receive signals from each device and / or output control signals for operating each device.

[0038] 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 in its lowest position and closes the opening 201 of the lower chamber 20, preventing it from separating, i.e., preventing it from rising. The locking mechanism 460 is configured to maintain the lock when no power is supplied and to release the lock when power is supplied. The locking method is appropriate and may be, for example, a solenoid lock in a latch mechanism. The pressure sensor 470 detects the vacuum pressure in the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30.

[0039] The roll film cutter 209 cuts the skin film F, which has been unwound from the roll film F, with its cutter blade in accordance with a command from the control device 400. The notification unit 490 notifies the operator that the airtight vacuum packing is complete. The notification unit 490 is preferably configured as a buzzer, but it may also be configured as a lamp that flashes.

[0040] The vacuum pump 410 is connected to intake passages that communicate with the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30, respectively. The upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415 is installed in the intake passage between the upper chamber 30 and the vacuum pump 410, and allows / disconnects the fluid connection between the upper chamber 30 and the vacuum pump 410. In other words, the upper chamber 30 is evacuated via this solenoid valve 415. The upper chamber opening soft solenoid valve 420 is installed between the upper chamber 30 and the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, and when the soft opening is in tight contact, it softly opens the upper chamber 30 to a set value. The upper chamber opening solenoid valve 425 is installed between the upper chamber 30 and the upper chamber opening soft solenoid valve 420, and opens the upper chamber 30 to the atmosphere by 20% to ensure complete adhesion of the skin film F.

[0041] The lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 is located in the intake passage between the lower chamber 20 and the vacuum pump 410, and allows / disconnects the fluid connection between the lower chamber 20 and the vacuum pump 410. In other words, the lower chamber 20 is evacuated via this solenoid valve 430. The lower chamber opening solenoid valve 435 is a solenoid valve provided between the lower chamber 20 and the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 via a vacuum opening branch passage provided in the intake passage. When the solenoid valve 435 is opened, the pressure inside the lower chamber 20 can be returned from a reduced pressure state to atmospheric pressure.

[0042] The cutter drive solenoid valve 440 is a three-way solenoid valve used to drive the cutter plates 290 and 295. During the vacuuming operation of the lower chamber 20, the space between the lower chamber and the vacuum pump 410 opens, 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 atmospheric side valve is opened, quickly pushing the cutter plates 290 and 295 upwards.

[0043] (Creating tightly sealed vacuum packaging) Next, we will explain how to manufacture a tightly sealed vacuum pack using the tightly sealed vacuum packaging machine 1. Figures 16 to 26 show the main operating steps of the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1. In manufacturing the airtight vacuum pack according to this embodiment, the system is set to perform the airtight vacuum packing process with reduced rated power consumption, as described below, by default. Here, it is assumed that various vacuum packaging conditions, heater temperature, etc., have been set to predetermined values ​​by the administrator in advance. It is also assumed that a tray T on which the items to be packaged W are placed has been prepared in advance.

[0044] Figure 16 shows the state in which the cutter-integrated tray base units 210 and 220, which are sized to fit products to be tightly vacuum-packed, such as food trays T, are housed in the lower chamber 20. In Figure 16, the vacuum pump 410 is not operating, but the control device 400 is in default control mode, controlling the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, the upper chamber soft-open solenoid valve 420, and the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 to "close", the upper chamber open solenoid valve 425 and the lower chamber open solenoid valve 435 to "open", and the cutter drive solenoid valve 440 to "close". Note that the "closed" state of the three cutter drive solenoid valves 440 represents the atmospheric side valve, and the valve between the vacuum pump 410 and the lower chamber 20 is "open".

[0045] Then, the operator turns on the power and sets the roll of film F, on which the skin film F is wound, into the film mounting section. Next, the operator selects a course suitable for the skin film F to be used from the control panel 11. Once the course selection operation is complete, or if there is no change to the skin film F, the operator presses the "Operation Mode" button on the control panel 11. In response to this operation, the control device 400 commands the heater plate 31 to heat, and heating begins.

[0046] At this time, the control device 400 heats the heater plate 31 until it reaches the set temperature while acquiring the temperature measured from the temperature sensor 450, and once it reaches the set temperature, it repeatedly turns the heater plate 31 ON and OFF to maintain that temperature. When the heater plate 31 reaches the set temperature, the control device 400 starts the vacuum pump 410. The vacuum pump 410 then remains in operation until the pattern cutting process is completed.

[0047] Figure 17 shows the operating state of the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1, with the tray exchange adapter 500 set on the tray base units 210 and 220, and the tray T with the bags to be packaged W placed on it placed on the tray exchange adapter 500. At this stage, the heater plate 31 is turned ON. In Figure 17, the vacuum pump 410 is not yet operational, and the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, the upper chamber soft-open solenoid valve 420, and the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 are closed in their default state.

[0048] Next, the worker places the skin film F over the lower chamber 20. Figure 18 shows the state of the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1 with the skin film F covering the lower chamber 20 without wrinkles. The worker unwinds the roll of film F shown in Figure 1 as a skin film F, pulls it downwards, and then pulls it forward, closing the opening 201 of the lower chamber 20 with the pulled-in skin film F. This positions the skin film F and the packaged object (workpiece) W so that they face each other.

[0049] Next, the operator lowers the upper chamber 30 to cover the opening 201 of the lower chamber 20, specifically by sealing it tightly via the skin film F. At this time, the tight seal between the upper chamber 30 and the lower chamber 20 activates a limit switch (not shown), and in response, the locking mechanism 460 works to prevent the upper chamber 30 from separating upward from the lower chamber 20, thus locking it in place to maintain the tight seal.

[0050] The control device 400 turns off the heater plate 31 when the limit switch is activated and starts the vacuum pump 410 to begin vacuuming. Furthermore, it operates the roll-shaped film cutter 209 to cut the skin film F at the rear of the lower chamber 20. Since the heater plate 31 is turned off at this stage, power consumption can be reduced. The temperature of the heater plate 31 is maintained at almost the same temperature throughout the operation of the airtight vacuum packing because it is tightly sealed in the upper chamber 30.

[0051] Figure 19 shows the operation state when vacuuming is performed by the vacuum pump 410 and when the skin film F is cut by the roll-shaped film cutter 209. As shown in Figure 19, when vacuuming by the vacuum pump 410 begins, the control device 400 controls the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415 to "open", the upper chamber soft-open solenoid valve 420 to "close", the upper chamber open solenoid valve 425 to "close", the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 to "open", the lower chamber open solenoid valve 435 to "close", and the atmospheric side valve of the cutter drive solenoid valve 440 to "close".

[0052] 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, so the pressure inside the upper chamber 30 is reduced and vacuuming is performed. 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, so the pressure inside the lower chamber 20 is reduced and vacuuming is performed. After the upper chamber 30 descends, the control device 400 performs vacuuming until the pressure inside the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30 is reduced to, for example, 20%. When this state is reached, the packing 33 on the inner outer circumference of the upper chamber 30 is fully depressed, so the roll-shaped film cutter 209 is activated to cut the skin film F.

[0053] Next, the control device 400 stops vacuuming (reducing the pressure) when the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30 are each reduced to 20%. Then, it preheats the skin film F. In the preheating process for the skin film F, the control device 400 closes the atmospheric side valve of the cutter drive solenoid valve 440, and controls all solenoid valves to be closed. By introducing this preheating process for the skin film F, it is possible to prevent holes from forming in the skin film F during heating.

[0054] Next, the control device 400 performs a preliminary stretching of the skin film F. In the preliminary 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". In other words, by evacuating only the lower chamber 20, the skin film F can be inflated downwards into a dome shape. By introducing this preliminary stretching process for the skin film F, the skin film F is slowly stretched downwards, which suppresses the occurrence of wrinkles and improves adhesion and conformability.

[0055] When the upper chamber 30 is opened to the atmosphere, using a valve with a narrowed orifice diameter for the upper chamber soft-open solenoid valve 420 allows the skin film F to slowly expand towards the lower chamber 20, thereby suppressing rapid stretching of the skin film F and making it less likely to develop holes. Alternatively, the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415 is closed to stop the depressurization of the upper chamber 30, allowing the film to slowly expand downwards. This slowly expands the skin film F downwards, suppressing rapid stretching of the skin film F and making it less likely to develop holes.

[0056] Next, the control device 400 heats the skin film F and evacuates the upper chamber 30. Figure 20 shows the operating state when the skin film F is being heated and the upper chamber 30 is being evacuated. As shown in Figure 20, 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 atmospheric side valve of the cutter drive solenoid valve 440 to be "closed". This evacuates the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30 to the set value. Then, the skin film F is heated again by the heat plate 31 which maintains a high temperature.

[0057] Next, the control device 400 stops vacuuming the upper chamber 30 and performs additional vacuuming on the lower chamber 20. 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 atmospheric side valve of the cutter drive solenoid valve 440 to be "closed". As a result, the vacuuming of the upper chamber 30 stops, and the lower chamber 20 enters an additional vacuuming state, causing the skin film F to descend towards the lower chamber 20. By introducing the additional vacuuming process for the lower chamber, it is possible to prevent holes from forming in the skin film F.

[0058] Next, the control device 400 softly opens the upper chamber 30, allowing the skin film F to slowly adhere to the tray T. In this process, the control device 400 controls the upper chamber soft-open solenoid valve 420 and the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 to be "open", the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, the upper chamber open solenoid valve 425, and the lower chamber open solenoid valve 435 to be "closed", and the atmospheric side valve of the cutter drive solenoid valve 440 to be "closed".

[0059] As a result, when the vacuuming of the upper chamber 30 is stopped and only the lower chamber 20 is being vacuumed, the upper chamber soft-open solenoid valve 420 is opened, and outside air (a small amount of atmospheric air) flowing in from the upper chamber soft-open solenoid valve 420 is blown out toward the skin film F from the numerous vents 32 of the heater plate 31 of the upper chamber 30. As a result, the skin film F can be slowly pressed against the tray T. By softly opening the upper chamber 30 and introducing a process of slowly pressing the skin film F against the tray T, it is possible to prevent punctures in the skin film F.

[0060] Next, the control device 400 determines from the pressure sensor 470a's measurement that, for example, 20% of the air has been released to the atmosphere by softly opening the upper chamber 30, and then completely seals the skin film F. Figure 21 shows the operating state of the vacuum packaging machine 1 when the skin film F is completely sealed. As shown in Figure 21, 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 atmospheric side valve of the cutter drive solenoid valve 440 to be "closed".

[0061] As a result, when the vacuuming of the upper chamber 30 is stopped and only the lower chamber 20 is being vacuumed, the upper chamber opening solenoid valve 425 is opened, and outside air (atmosphere) flowing in from the upper chamber opening solenoid valve 425 is blown out toward the skin film F from the numerous vent holes 32 of 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. As a result, the skin film F can be completely sealed toward the tray T.

[0062] Next, the control device 400 performs a pre-pattern cutting weight so as to wait until the adhesion of the skin film F stabilizes. In this process, the open upper chamber soft-open solenoid valve 420 is closed while waiting for the adhesion of the skin film F to stabilize. This waiting period allows the skin film F to cool slightly.

[0063] Next, the control device 400 performs a pattern cut on the outer film of the tray T to which the skin film F is in close contact. Figure 22 shows the operating state of the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1 when the outer film of the tray T is cut. As shown in Figure 22, 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 gap between the atmospheric side of the three-way cutter drive solenoid valve 440 and the lower chamber 20 to be "open".

[0064] As a result, outside air flowing in from the three-way cutter drive solenoid valve 440 is guided to the tray base units 210 and 220 of the lower chamber 20, and the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the air bag 600 causes the air bag 600 to inflate to a predetermined size. The inflation of the air bag 600 pushes up the cutter plates 290 and 295 and cutter pattern 240 built into the tray base units 210 and 220 so that they pop out instantaneously. As a result, the cutter pattern 240 cuts the outer film of the tray T to which the skin film F is in close contact.

[0065] Figure 22 illustrates a configuration in which the airbag 600 is instantly inflated and pushed up by opening the atmospheric valves of the three cutter drive solenoid valves 440 when the cutter is in operation. However, any mechanism that directly blows air up from below to quickly push up the cutter plates 290 and 295 is acceptable. Alternatively, as a pattern cutter, heating wires can be placed on the cutter plates 290 and 295 in the shape to be cut from the tray, and after airtight vacuum packaging, an electric current can be applied to generate heat and melt the skin film F.

[0066] Next, the control device 400 stores the raised cutter plates 290 and 295. Figure 23 shows the operating state of the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1 when the lifted cutter plates 290 and 295 are being stored. As shown in Figure 23, in this process, the control device 400 controls the 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, and lower chamber open solenoid valve 435 to be "closed", the atmospheric 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". This evacuates the airbag and, through the action of the built-in spring coil, allows the cutter plates 290 and 295 to be stored in their original positions.

[0067] Next, after confirming that the cutter plates 290 and 295 are stored, the control device 400 opens the upper chamber 30 and the lower chamber 20 to the atmosphere. Figure 24 shows the operating state of the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1 when the upper chamber 30 and the lower chamber 20 are opened to the atmosphere. As shown in Figure 24, in this process, the control device 400 stops the vacuum pump 410, closes the upper chamber soft-open solenoid valve 420, and opens all other solenoid valves. However, the atmospheric side of the three-way cutter drive solenoid valve 440 is controlled to be closed.

[0068] This opens the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, the upper chamber open solenoid valve 425, the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430, the lower chamber open solenoid valve 435, and the cutter drive solenoid valve 440, thus releasing the residual pressure up to the vacuum pump 410. As a result, the same airtight vacuum packing can be repeated with the same settings. At this stage, the control device 400 turns on the heater plate 31 in preparation for the next airtight vacuum packing.

[0069] Next, the control device 400 opens the upper chamber 30, which acts as a lid. Figure 25 shows the operating state of the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1 when the upper chamber 30, which acts as a lid, is opened. As shown in Figure 25, in this process, the control device 400 maintains the vacuum pump 410 in a stopped state and controls the upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 415, the upper chamber soft-open solenoid valve 420, and the lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve 430 to be "closed," while the upper chamber open solenoid valve 425, the lower chamber open solenoid valve 435, and the cutter drive solenoid valve 440 to be "open." However, the atmospheric side of the three cutter drive solenoid valves 440 is controlled to be "closed."

[0070] This allows for the creation of a neat, tightly sealing vacuum packaging machine. Furthermore, it enables the formation of a configuration where the tray T, loaded with the workpiece W, is set on the tray base units 210 and 220. As a result, preparations for the next tightly sealing vacuum packaging can be completed. Note that a gas spring or similar mechanism may be used to open the upper chamber 30, which serves as the lid.

[0071] The worker removes the tightly vacuum-packed tray T from the lower chamber 20. Finally, as shown in Figure 26, the remaining skin film F is removed from the inside and outside of the lower chamber 20. Once the worker places the tray T to be spin-packed next onto the tray base units 210 and 220, the above-described processes can be carried out immediately.

[0072] As described above, according to the embodiment of the airtight vacuum packaging machine, multiple tray exchange adapters 500 are prepared for each tray having a different shape, and by simply exchanging the tray exchange adapter 500, airtight vacuum packs can be produced for each tray having a different shape. Therefore, the work efficiency of airtight vacuum packing is greatly improved. In addition, the tray exchange adapter can be set in a fixed state by magnets provided on the tray base unit. No fixing screws or the like are exposed on the surface of the tray exchange adapter. Furthermore, the horizontal parts of the four sides of the tray exchange adapter can be positioned and set in relation to the inner horizontal plane of the tray base unit.

[0073] The vacuum packaging machine of this embodiment is configured such that a tray T on which the items to be packaged W are placed is placed on a tray base unit 210 (220) with an integrated cutter set in a chamber, a film F covering the top of the chamber is heated and the pressure inside the chamber is reduced, and a cutter plate 290 (295) built into the tray base unit 210 (220) is lifted to cut the excess film and create a tightly sealed vacuum pack. Multiple tray exchange adapters 500 corresponding to trays T of different shapes are prepared, and the tray exchange adapter 500 that matches the tray T for which a tightly sealed vacuum pack is to be created is set on the tray base unit 210 (220) to create a tightly sealed vacuum pack. As a result, multiple tray exchange adapters corresponding to trays T of different shapes are prepared for each tray, and by simply changing the tray exchange adapter 500, a tightly sealed vacuum pack can be created for each tray, thus greatly improving work efficiency.

[0074] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the airtight vacuum packaging machine, fixing means (340a, 340b) are provided on at least two opposing horizontal surfaces inside the tray base unit 210 (220), and when the tray exchange adapter 500 is set on the tray base unit 210 (220), the fixing means (340a, 340b) set the tray exchange adapter 500 in an immovable state. This allows the tray exchange adapter to be fixed in an immovable state on the tray base unit by the fixing means.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the airtight vacuum packaging machine has a configuration in which the inner side of the outer circumference of the tray base unit 210 (220) serves as a loading guide for the tray exchange adapter 500. This allows the tray exchange adapter to be easily loaded into the tray base unit.

[0076] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the airtight vacuum packaging machine, the tray exchange adapter 500 has four horizontal sections 510a to 510d that contact the four horizontal surfaces on the inside of the tray base unit 210 (220), and four inclined surfaces 520a to 520d that slope inward from the four horizontal sections 510a to 510d. This allows the horizontal sections on all four sides of the tray exchange adapter to be positioned and set in relation to the inner horizontal surface of the tray base unit.

[0077] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the airtight vacuum packaging machine, the four inclined surfaces 520a to 520d are matched to the shape of the tray to be set. This allows the tray to be easily set on the four inclined surfaces that slope inward from the horizontal parts on the four sides of the tray exchange adapter.

[0078] 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]

[0079] 1...Vacuum sealing machine, 10...Housing, 11...Control panel 20...Lower chamber, 30...Upper chamber, 30a...Fixing member 30b, 30c...Movement support members, 30aa, 30bb...Mounting rails 31... Heater plate, 32... Ventilation hole, 33... Gasket, 301... Handle 40... Leg section, 42... Connecting plate, 44... Film mounting groove section 46... Inclined section, 203... Tray support member, 209... Roll-shaped film cutter 210, 220... Tray stand unit, 211... Outer perimeter of tray placement area 212a, 212b... Horizontal mounting surface, 213a, 213b... Fixing means (magnet) 230...Cutter groove, 240...Pattern cutter 250a~250d…Adhesive material, 290,295…Cutter plate 400...Control device, 403...CPU, 406...Storage device, 409...IF circuit 410... Vacuum pump, 415... Upper chamber vacuum solenoid valve 420…Upper chamber soft-open solenoid valve, 425…Upper chamber open solenoid valve 430...Lower chamber vacuum solenoid valve, 435...Lower chamber open solenoid valve 440…Cutter-driven solenoid valve, 450…Temperature sensor, 470…Pressure sensor 480...Cut-off heater 480, 490...Notification unit, 500...Tray replacement adapter 510a~510d...Horizontal part, 520a~520d...Slope part 600...Airbag, 610...Intermediate plate, 620,630...Fixing block W: Packaged item (workpiece), T: Tray, F: Roll-type film and skin film

Claims

1. In a tight-fitting vacuum packaging machine, a tray containing the items to be packaged is placed on a cutter-integrated tray base unit set inside a chamber, a film covering the chamber is heated, the inside of the chamber is depressurized, and a cutter plate built into the tray base unit is lifted to cut the excess film and create a tight-fitting vacuum pack, Multiple tray exchange adapters are provided to accommodate trays of different shapes. A close-fitting vacuum packaging machine characterized by setting a tray exchange adapter that matches the tray for which the close-fitting vacuum pack is to be produced on the tray stand unit, and then producing the close-fitting vacuum pack.

2. Fixing means are provided on at least two opposing horizontal surfaces on the inside of the tray base unit. The airtight vacuum packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that when the tray replacement adapter is set on the tray stand unit, the tray replacement adapter is set in an immobile state by the fixing means.

3. The airtight vacuum packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner side of the outer circumference of the tray stand unit serves as a loading guide for the tray replacement adapter.

4. The airtight vacuum packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the tray exchange adapter has four horizontal parts that contact four horizontal surfaces on the inside of the tray base unit, and four inclined surfaces that slope inward from the four horizontal parts.

5. The airtight vacuum packaging machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the four inclined surfaces match the shape of the tray to be set.

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