Airtight vacuum packaging machine

Abstract

This invention provides a vacuum packaging machine that can produce tightly sealed vacuum packs without using a tray base unit with an integrated cutter. [Solution] The airtight vacuum packaging machine of the embodiment comprises a tray stand 200 on which one or more flat trays T on which the items to be packaged W are placed, a lower chamber 20 on which the tray stand 200 is set, an upper chamber 30 which has a built-in heater plate 31 and is tightly connected to the lower chamber 20 so as to be openable and closable, and a vacuum pump 410 which reduces the pressure inside the chamber formed by closing the upper chamber 30. Before closing the upper chamber 30, the lower chamber 20 is covered with a film F, the film F is heated by the heater plate 31, and the pressure inside the chamber is reduced by the vacuum pump 410, thereby tightly sealing the film to the tray T and the items to be packaged W to create an airtight vacuum pack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a close-contact vacuum packaging machine that does not use a cutter-integrated tray unit.

Background Art

[0002] Vacuum packaging is a type of packaging in which air is evacuated from a packaging bag containing an object to be packaged and then sealed. 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-contact vacuum pack (also called a skin pack) using a close-contact vacuum packaging machine (also called a skin pack packaging machine) has been commercialized. A close-contact vacuum packaging machine is a packaging form in which an object to be packaged, typically food, is sandwiched between a film and a mount, and the space between them is tightly heat-sealed, that is, a close-contact vacuum pack can be achieved. Since the close-contact vacuum packaging machine provides a complete seal, drips, which are the moisture emitted from 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-contact vacuum packaging machine in which two cutter-integrated tray units are set in a chamber, and a cutter plate, for example, square (in the shape seen from above), provided under each tray unit is instantly lifted to cut excess film. There is a demand for a close-contact vacuum packaging machine that can generate a close-contact vacuum pack without using a cutter-integrated tray unit from users.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a tightly fitting vacuum packaging machine that can produce tightly fitting vacuum packs without using a tray base unit with an integrated cutter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The airtight vacuum packaging machine of the embodiment comprises a tray stand on which one or more flat trays on which items to be packaged are placed, a lower chamber on which the tray stand is set, an upper chamber containing a heater plate and tightly connected to the lower chamber in an openable and closable manner, and a vacuum pump that reduces the pressure inside the chamber formed by closing the upper chamber, and before closing the upper chamber, the lower chamber is covered with a film, the film is heated by the heater plate, and the pressure inside the chamber is reduced by the vacuum pump, thereby tightly sealing the film to the tray and the items to be packaged and creating an 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. [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 produce an airtight vacuum pack. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the shape of the upper chamber (lid) that covers the top surface of the upper chamber of a tight-fitting vacuum packaging machine. [Figure 4] This diagram shows a tray stand set in the lower chamber of a vacuum sealing machine. [Figure 5] This figure shows the top view, perspective view, and side view of the tray stand. [Figure 6]These are top view, cross-sectional view (AA), and cross-sectional view (BB) of the lower chamber with the tray stand set up. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a flat tray T with the packaged product W (cut fish) placed on top of a tray base. [Figure 8] Figure 5 shows a front view, perspective view, and side views of a sheet metal tray stand adapter that is set on the tray stand shown in Figure 5. [Figure 9] This figure shows the overall configuration of the lower chamber with the ray adapter installed, as well as its unfolded view. [Figure 10] These are top view, cross-sectional view AA, and cross-sectional view BB of the lower chamber with the tray stand and tray stand adapter set together. [Figure 11] This figure shows a tray stand adapter having two tray mounting sections. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example screen when preparations for creating airtight vacuum packs using an existing cutter-integrated tray base unit are complete. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example screen when preparations for creating a tightly sealed vacuum pack using the tray stand set in the lower chamber are complete. [Figure 14] This is an example of the screen that appears when you touch the "Yes" button displayed on the pop-up screen in Figure 13. [Figure 15] This is a block diagram showing the control system of an embodiment of a vacuum packaging machine. [Figure 16] This diagram shows the tray stand set inside the lower chamber, replacing the existing cutter-integrated tray stand unit. [Figure 17] This diagram shows the operating state of the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1 when the heater plate is turned ON. [Figure 18] This figure shows the state of the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1 with the skin film F covering the lower chamber without wrinkles. [Figure 19] This diagram shows the operation state when a vacuum is drawn using a vacuum pump and when the skin film F is cut using a roll-shaped film cutter. [Figure 20]This is a diagram showing the operating state when heating the skin film F and evacuating the upper chamber. [Figure 21] This is a diagram showing the operating state of the close - contact vacuum packaging machine when the skin film F is in perfect contact. [Figure 22] This is a diagram showing the operating state of the close - contact vacuum packaging machine when the upper chamber and the lower chamber are opened to the atmosphere. [Figure 23] This is a diagram showing the operating state of the close - contact vacuum packaging machine when opening the upper chamber which serves as the lid. [Figure 24] This is a diagram showing an example when the packaged item W (sliced fish) shown in FIG. 8 is vacuum - packed in close contact and taken out. [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing an example when four packaged items (sliced fish) are vacuum - packed in close contact using the tray - table adapter 300 shown in FIG. 7 and taken out.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the close - contact vacuum packaging machine according to the 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 to omit duplicate explanations.

[0010] (Configuration of the close - contact vacuum packaging machine) FIG. 1 is a perspective view and a side view of the close - contact vacuum packaging machine according to the embodiment, and is a diagram when lifting the upper chamber (lid part) to set a tray on the tray table in order to generate a close - contact vacuum pack. FIG. 2 is a diagram when closing the upper chamber (lid part) to be in close contact with the lower chamber and evacuating in order to generate a close - contact vacuum pack.

[0011] The airtight vacuum packaging machine 1 is configured to create airtight vacuum packs using an existing cutter-integrated tray base unit and then cut the film on the outside of the tray of the created airtight vacuum pack, thereby creating airtight vacuum packs of the items on the tray base without performing a cutter operation. For information on airtight vacuum packaging machines that create airtight vacuum packs using an existing cutter-integrated tray base unit, please refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-197120.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] Figure 3 shows the shape of the upper chamber (lid) 30 that covers the upper surface of the upper chamber 20. 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] (First Embodiment) Figures 4 to 7 show the shape of the first embodiment and the shape of the tray stand 200 that is set in the lower chamber 20. Figure 4 shows the tray stand 200 set in the lower chamber 20. Figure 5 shows a top view, perspective view, and side view of the tray base 200. Figure 6 shows a top view, a cross-sectional view (AA), and a cross-sectional view (BB) of the lower chamber 20 with the tray base 200 set inside. The tray base 200 is made of a conductive material. Figure 7 shows a sample screen of a flat tray T with the packaged items W (cut fish fillets) placed on top of the tray base 200.

[0019] The dimensions of the lower chamber 20, located on the underside of the housing 10, are, for example, W440 x D340 x H40. A tray stand 200 is housed in the lower chamber 20, and a flat tray T on which the items to be packaged W (workpieces) to be airtight vacuum-packed can be set (placed) on the tray stand 200. Figure 7 shows an example of a state where, for example, three flat trays T on which the items to be packaged W (workpieces) are set. The number of trays set can be arbitrarily set depending on the size of the trays T.

[0020] The skin film F (for example, width 485) that packs the tray T on which the workpiece W 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 workpiece W, becomes able to adhere to the 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.

[0021] The tray T is a flat cardboard tray on which the packaged item (workpiece) W 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 resin material such as expanded polystyrene may be used as the tray T, but a paper tray is preferred.

[0022] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the tray stand 200 is approximately the same size as the bottom surface of the lower chamber 20 and has a flat mounting surface 210 on which the tray is placed. Intake holes 220 are, for example, opened at equal intervals on the mounting surface 210. Additionally, four holes 230 are provided in the center of the mounting surface 210. These holes 230 are used to insert 3-4 fingers when handling the tray stand 200, for setting the tray stand 200 into or removing it from the lower chamber 20. Therefore, after the tray stand 200 is set in the lower chamber 20, the holes 230 are covered by a separate cover 230a. When handling the tray stand 200, the cover 230a is removed.

[0023] As shown in Figure 5, the tray base 200 has multiple support legs 240 (for example, 8) on its outer circumference and inside. When set in the lower chamber 20, the support legs 240 set the mounting surface 210 to a predetermined height (for example, 50 mm).

[0024] Furthermore, a detection member 250 is attached to the center of the underside of the tray base 200. For example, a magnet 250a is attached to the tip of the detection member 250. A sensor means 250b for detecting the magnet is provided on the bottom surface of the lower chamber 20, which is opposite the magnet 250a. As a result, the control device 400 recognizes that the tray base 200 has been set in the lower chamber 20 and executes control without cutter operation. The method for detecting the tray base 200 may be configured as, for example, a mechanical detection device or an optical detection device. As shown in Figure 6, a connection port 260 is provided on the bottom surface of the lower chamber 20, which is connected to a vacuum pump 410, described later. The air in the lower chamber 20 is evacuated through this connection port 260. At the same time, vacuuming is also performed from the intake port 220 of the tray stand 200.

[0025] (Second Embodiment) Figures 8 to 11 show a second embodiment of the tray stand. In the second embodiment, a tray stand adapter 300 made of sheet metal is set on top of the tray stand 200 shown in Figure 5. Figure 8 shows a front view, perspective view, and various side views of a sheet metal tray stand adapter 300 that is set on the tray stand 200 shown in Figure 5. Figure 9 shows the overall configuration of the lower chamber 20 in which the tray stand adapter 300 is set, and its exploded view. Figure 10 shows the top view, AA cross-sectional view, and BB cross-sectional view of the lower chamber 20 in which the tray stand 200 and the tray stand adapter 300 are set. Figure 11 shows a tray stand adapter having two tray mounting sections.

[0026] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the tray stand adapter 300 is a sheet metal on which one or more trays T are placed. The tray stand adapter 300 is approximately the same size as the tray stand 200, and when set on the tray stand 200, for example, four tray mounting sections 310 to 340 are formed inside. Each tray mounting section 310 to 340 is formed of four horizontal sections and four inclined sections that slope inward from each horizontal section.

[0027] Furthermore, intake holes 350 are provided, for example, at equal intervals on the horizontal sections of each of the four sides surrounding the tray mounting sections 310 to 340 of the tray stand adapter 300. In addition, support legs 360 are attached to the four corners on the underside of the tray stand adapter 300. The support legs 360 at the four corners allow the tray stand adapter 300 to be installed so that it is at least as high as the height of the inclined section above the tray stand 200. The shape of the underside of the tray stand 200 shown in Figure 9 is the same as that shown in Figure 6.

[0028] Here, four tray mounting sections 310 to 340 are shown as examples, but for example, a system with two tray mounting sections or six tray mounting sections may also be used. Figure 11 shows a tray stand adapter 300a having two tray mounting sections 310a and 320a. In this way, multiple tray stand adapters 300a are provided that match the shape of the tray T to be mounted.

[0029] Figures 12 to 14 show examples of the screens of the operation panel 11 of the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1. Figure 12 shows an example screen when preparations for creating a tightly sealed vacuum pack using an existing cutter-integrated tray base unit are complete. Specifically, the message 11a indicating "Cutter operation enabled" is displayed.

[0030] Figure 13 shows an example screen when preparations for creating a tightly sealed vacuum pack using the tray stand 200 set in the lower chamber 20 are complete. Specifically, when the control device 400 detects that the tray stand 200 has been set in the lower chamber 20 using the detection member 250a and the sensor means 250b, it displays a pop-up message 11b that reads "Tray stand unit replacement confirmation". When the user touches the "Yes" button 11c displayed on the pop-up screen, the screen switches to the one shown in Figure 14. In Figure 14, the message 11a indicating the cutter operation shown in Figure 11 is not displayed, so the operator can recognize that a tightly sealed vacuum pack is being produced using the tray stand 200.

[0031] (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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The cutter drive solenoid valve 440 is a three-way solenoid valve. In this embodiment, since a cutter-integrated tray base unit is not used, no cutter operation is performed. 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.

[0039] (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 23 show the main operating steps of the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1 in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the tray T is simply placed on the tray stand adapter 300, and the operation of generating the airtight vacuum pack is the same as in the first embodiment. In generating 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.

[0040] Figure 16 shows the state in which the tray base 200 is set inside the lower chamber 20, replacing the existing cutter-integrated tray base unit. The control device 400 recognizes that the tray base 200 is set inside the lower chamber 20 using a detection member 250a provided on the underside of the back of the tray base 200 and a sensor means 250b provided on the bottom surface of the lower chamber 20 (no cutter operation).

[0041] 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".

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Figure 17 shows the operating state of the airtight vacuum packaging machine 1 when the heater plate 31 is turned ON, with a tray T containing the workpiece W placed on top of the tray base 200 in the lower chamber 20. The tray T used here is preferably as flat as possible. If a tray T with a raised outer edge is used, there is a risk that the outer edge will be damaged during the process of sealing the film F. Therefore, when creating an airtight vacuum pack by placing the tray T on the tray base 200, it is limited to trays with a flat shape.

[0045] On the other hand, when a tray adapter 300 is set on a tray base 200 as shown in Figures 8 and 11, and a tray T is placed on the tray base 200, a tray T that matches the shape of each tray adapter 300 is used. 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.

[0046] 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 W (workpiece) facing each other.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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".

[0050] 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.

[0051] Furthermore, since the lower chamber 20 is vacuumed from below via the cutter-driven solenoid valve 440, the film F can adhere tightly to the tray T containing the packaged items through the intake holes 220 opened in the tray base 200. When using the tray base adapter 300, the airtightness can be further enhanced by the intake holes 350.

[0052] After the upper chamber 30 has descended, the control device 400 performs vacuuming until the lower chamber 20 and the upper chamber 30 are 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 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 reheated using the heat plate 31, which maintains a high temperature.

[0054] 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".

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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".

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 22 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 22, 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Next, the control device 400 opens the upper chamber 30, which acts as a lid. Figure 23 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 23, 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," and 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." This allows you to obtain a neat, tightly sealed vacuum package.

[0061] Figures 24 and 25 show examples of airtight vacuum packaging. Figure 24 shows an example of what happens when the packaged product (fish fillets) shown in Figure 7 is tightly vacuum-sealed and then removed. After this, each packaged product can be separated manually using scissors.

[0062] Figure 25 shows an example of how four packaged items (fish fillets) look after being tightly vacuum-packed using the tray adapter 300 shown in Figure 8 and then removed from the packaging. After this, each packaged item can be manually separated using scissors.

[0063] As described above, the airtight vacuum packaging machine of this embodiment can produce a neat, airtight vacuum pack by directly setting a flat tray T on which the items to be packaged are placed on the tray stand 200 and then vacuuming (reducing the pressure) the chamber. Alternatively, by setting a tray stand adapter 300 on the tray stand 200 as shown in Figures 8 and 11, and using a tray T that matches the shape of each tray stand adapter 300, a neat, airtight vacuum pack can be produced by vacuuming (reducing the pressure) the chamber.

[0064] The first embodiment of the airtight vacuum packaging machine includes a tray base 200 on which one or more flat trays T on which the items to be packaged W are placed, a lower chamber 20 on which the tray base 200 is set, an upper chamber 30 which has a built-in heater plate 31 and is tightly connected to the lower chamber 20 so as to be openable and closable, and a vacuum pump 410 which reduces the pressure inside the chamber formed by closing the upper chamber 30. Before closing the upper chamber 30, the lower chamber 20 is covered with a film F, the film F is heated by the heater plate 31, and the pressure inside the chamber is reduced by the vacuum pump 410, causing the film to adhere tightly to the tray T and the items to be packaged W to produce an airtight vacuum pack. As a result, a flat tray T on which the items to be packaged are placed is directly set on the tray base, and a clean, airtight vacuum pack can be produced by reducing the pressure (vacuuming) inside the chamber.

[0065] The second embodiment of the airtight vacuum packaging machine includes a tray stand adapter 300 having a tray placement section (310 to 340) on which one or more trays T on which the items to be packaged W are placed, a tray stand 200 on which the tray stand adapter 300 is placed, a lower chamber 20 on which the tray stand 200 is set, an upper chamber 30 having a built-in heater plate 31 and being tightly connected to the lower chamber 20 so as to be openable and closable, and a vacuum pump 410 that reduces the pressure inside the chamber formed by closing the upper chamber 30. Before closing the upper chamber 30, the lower chamber 20 is covered with a film F, the film T is heated by the heater plate 31, and the pressure inside the chamber is reduced by the vacuum pump 410, causing the film F to adhere tightly to the tray T and the items to be packaged W to produce an airtight vacuum pack. As a result, a flat tray T on which the items to be packaged are placed can be directly set on the tray stand, and a clean, airtight vacuum pack can be produced by vacuuming (reducing the pressure) inside the chamber.

[0066] Furthermore, the airtight vacuum packaging machine of this embodiment further includes a control device 400 that operates a vacuum pump 410 to control the pressure of the chamber 20, and a tray stand detection means 250 provided on the underside of the tray stand 200 and the bottom of the chamber 20. The control device 400 is configured to generate an airtight vacuum pack without cutter operation when it detects from a signal from the detection means 250 that the tray stand 200 has been set in the chamber 20. This allows the control device to easily switch to an operation that generates an airtight vacuum pack without cutter operation.

[0067] Furthermore, the tray base 200 of the airtight vacuum packaging machine in this embodiment has an intake hole 220. This allows the film F to be sucked towards the tray base when the chamber is evacuated.

[0068] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the airtight vacuum packaging machine, intake holes 330 are opened around the tray mounting portion (310 to 340) of the tray stand adapter 300. This allows the film F to be sucked towards the tray stand when the chamber is evacuated.

[0069] 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]

[0070] 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 component, 209...Roll-type film cutter, 200...Tray base 210...Flat mounting surface, 220...Air intake hole, 230...Four holes 230a...cover, 240...support legs, 250...detection member, 250a...magnet 250b...Sensor means, 260...Connection port, 300,300a...Tray stand adapter 310~340, 310a, 320a...Tray mounting section, 350...Air intake port 360...Support legs, 400...Control device, 403...CPU, 406...Memory 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 Heater 480, 490...News Department W: Packaged item (workpiece), T: Tray, F: Roll-type film and skin film

Claims

1. A tray stand on which one or more flat trays containing packaged goods are placed, The lower chamber in which the tray stand is set, An upper chamber, which incorporates a heater plate and is tightly connected to the lower chamber in an openable and closable manner, A vacuum pump that reduces the pressure inside the chamber formed by closing the upper chamber, It has, Before closing the upper chamber, cover the top of the lower chamber with a film. A close-fitting vacuum packaging machine characterized by heating the film with the heater plate and reducing the pressure inside the chamber with the vacuum pump to make the film adhere tightly to the tray and the item to be packaged, thereby creating a close-fitting vacuum pack.

2. A tray stand adapter having a tray mounting section on which one or more trays containing packaged items are placed, A tray stand on which the tray stand adapter is placed, The lower chamber in which the tray stand is set, An upper chamber, which has a built-in heater plate and is tightly connected to the lower chamber in an openable and closable manner, A vacuum pump that reduces the pressure inside the chamber formed by closing the upper chamber, It has, Before closing the upper chamber, cover the top of the lower chamber with a film. A close-fitting vacuum packaging machine characterized by heating the film with the heater plate and reducing the pressure inside the chamber with the vacuum pump to make the film adhere tightly to the tray and the item to be packaged, thereby creating a close-fitting vacuum pack.

3. A control device that operates the vacuum pump to control the pressure of the chamber, The tray stand detection means is provided on the back surface of the tray stand and on the bottom surface of the chamber, Furthermore, The airtight vacuum packaging machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the control device detects that the tray stand has been set in the chamber based on a signal from the detection means, it generates the airtight vacuum pack without cutting.

4. The airtight vacuum packaging machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tray base has suction holes.

5. The airtight vacuum packaging machine according to claim 2, characterized in that suction holes are provided around the tray mounting portion of the tray stand adapter.

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