vacuum packaging machine

Abstract

To provide a vacuum packaging machine which can suppress electric capacity when sealing by using multiple heat sealing mechanisms.SOLUTION: A vacuum packaging machine vacuum-packages an object to be packaged by reducing the pressure in a chamber while a packaging bag storing the object to be packaged is accommodated, bringing it into a closed state after removing air in the packaging bag and sealing an opening of the packaging bag. The vacuum packaging machine has: multiple heater blocks each on which the opening of the packaging bag is placed; multiple seal heaters that are wired for respective heater blocks and heat-seal the packaging bag during a sealing process; and one power supply means that supplies power to the multiple seal heaters in mutually diffrent timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum packaging machine for vacuum packaging products such as food. [Background technology]

[0002] A vacuum packaging machine is a packaging machine that removes air from a packaging bag containing a packaged item and then seals it. Vacuum packaging machines can prevent deterioration of the packaged item and are widely used, for example, in the food industry and industrial fields. A vacuum packaging machine is usually configured to remove air from the chamber, then sandwich the opening of the packaging bag between upper and lower heater blocks, and supply power to a seal heater installed in, for example, the lower heater block, to vaporize the opening of the packaging bag using heat.

[0003] Depending on the type of packaging bag (aluminum-based) used, successful heat sealing may not be possible unless a vacuum packaging machine with a seal heater wired to each of the upper and lower opposing heater blocks is used. Vacuum packaging machines with two or more heater blocks (one set of upper and lower heaters) (double heater mechanism) are also in practical use. For example, for a product with heater blocks on both the left and right, if the standard specification is that only the seal heater in the lower heater block is required, but additional seal heaters are required above and below, then two seal heaters will be installed, one on each side, for a total of four seal heaters.

[0004] When a seal heater is placed on each of the above-mentioned opposing heater blocks, or when a seal heater is placed on each of the heater blocks spaced apart from each other (or above and below) as in a double heater system, or when a combination of these methods is required, for example, four seal heaters, the heater transformers (power supply means) that supply power to each seal heater operate simultaneously. This significantly increases (e.g., doubles) the power consumption (maximum rating). A common solution to this problem is to reduce the thickness of the seal heater wire by half to suppress the increase in power consumption. However, because the heat generated during sealing in vacuum packaging machines is 180°C to 200°C in standard models and 230°C to 250°C in large models, reducing the thickness of the seal heater wire could result in problems such as bending of the seal heater wire itself due to thermal expansion (linear expansion).

[0005] That is, when a vacuum packaging machine having a plurality of heater blocks (heat sealing mechanisms) is used to simultaneously perform a plurality of heat sealing operations, the following problems arise. (1) Increased power consumption leads to higher electrical capacity (2) If the wire of the seal heater is made thinner to reduce the electrical capacity, the strength of the seal heater will decrease. (3) Increasing the electrical capacity will affect the user's contracted power. (4) The same number of transformers as the number of seal heaters is required (increasing costs) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-55805 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 60-228214 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vacuum packaging machine that can reduce electrical capacity when sealing using multiple heat sealing mechanisms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment, the vacuum packaging machine reduces the pressure inside a chamber while a packaging bag containing an item to be packaged is housed therein, degassing the air inside the packaging bag, and then closing the chamber to seal the opening of the packaging bag, thereby vacuum-packaging the item to be packaged. a first heater block provided in the chamber and on which an opening of a first packaging bag is placed; a second heater block provided in the chamber and different from the first heater block and on which an opening of a second packaging bag is placed; a first seal heater wired to the first heater block and heat-sealing the first packaging bag during a sealing step; and a second seal heater wired to the second heater block and heat-sealing the second packaging bag during a sealing step. The aforementioned The first seal heater and the second seal heater and one power supply means for separately supplying power to the seal heaters, wherein the first seal heater is supplied with power from the power supply means at least after the vacuum process is completed, and the second seal heater is supplied with power from the power supply means after the vacuum process and the sealing process by the first seal heater are completed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the overall configuration of a vacuum packaging machine 10 according to an embodiment, in which (a) is a side view and (b) is a top view. [Figure 2] FIG. 1(a) shows the mounting shape of the heater block, FIG. 1(b) shows the configuration of the heater block, and FIG. 1(c) shows the internal configuration of the heater block. [Figure 3] 1A shows how the vacuum packaging machine 10 is used, and FIG. 1B shows an example of a screen for heater selection operation. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control circuit that controls the vacuum packaging machine 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vacuum packaging machine 10 according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of a "course selection screen" and a "standby / operation mode screen" displayed on the display operation panel. [Figure 7] 1(a), (b), and (c) are diagrams showing the sealing operation of the vacuum packaging machine 10 according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams showing other examples of the arrangement of a plurality of heater blocks. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vacuum packaging machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vacuum packaging machine according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a vacuum packaging machine according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 shows the configuration of a vacuum packaging machine 10 according to an embodiment, with (a) being a side view and (b) being a top view. The top view shows a see-through view from above so that multiple heater blocks (heat sealing mechanisms) can be seen. 1, a vacuum packaging machine 10 has a base 40 having a lower chamber 30 mounted on a stationary lower housing 20. A lid 60 having an upper chamber 50 is rotatably attached to the base 40 by a hinge mechanism 70. The base 40 is formed with a seal base / tray, and two heater blocks 80, 90, for example, spaced apart vertically, are provided within the lower chamber 30. A handle 100 for opening and closing the lid 60 is provided at the front. Furthermore, a display / operation panel 110 is provided at the front of the lower housing 20 for inputting various operational settings and displaying the operating status.

[0011] 2(a) shows the shape of the first heater block 80 shown in Fig. 1, (b) shows the configuration of the first heater block 80, and (c) shows the internal configuration of the first heater block 80. Here, the shape of the first heater block 80 is shown, but the second heater block 90 has the same configuration, although its orientation is different, so its description will be omitted. The first heater block 80 has a seal tray 84 with a predetermined inclination angle for guiding the packaging bags 82, a rotatable film presser 86 that simultaneously presses the leading end openings of multiple packaging bags 82 on the upper surface of the first heater block 80, and an attachment part 88 for attaching the film presser 86. Note that an opposing block (see FIG. 7) is provided on the lid part 60 that faces the heater blocks 80 and 90.

[0012] 2(b) and 2(c), the first heater block 80 has a predetermined length corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the lower chamber 30, and a seal heater 80a of the same length is provided inside. An insulating cloth 80b that covers the seal heater 80a is attached to the upper surface of the seal heater 80a. Both ends of the seal heater 80a are fixed with screws or the like, and electrical wiring is provided so that it can be connected to a heater transformer (power supply means) described below.

[0013] The procedure for setting packaging bags 82 on first heater block 80 is to first set vacuum-only packaging bags 82 containing packaged items on first heater block 80 in lower chamber 30. At this time, one or more packaging bags 82 are set so that their openings overlap the first heater block 80, and the setting is completed by pressing down the openings with film presser 86. When setting the packaging items 82, it is necessary to adjust the amount of packaging items 82 placed so that they are not pinched by the top surface of first heater block 80.

[0014] Figure 3(a) shows how the vacuum packaging machine 10 is used, and Figure 3(b) shows an example of a screen for heater selection operations. As shown in Figure 3(a), for example, five vacuum pouches can be set in the upper first heater block 80, and for example, five vacuum pouches can be set in the lower second heater block 90. ​​Thus, the example of use shown in Figure 3(a) is suitable for packing multiple pouches. 3(b) shows a heater selection screen 150 for using either or both of the first heater block 80 and the second heater block 90, which is displayed on the display operation panel 110 of the vacuum packaging machine 10. Using this screen 150, the settings for the first heater block 80 and the second heater block 90 can be freely set according to the usage mode of the vacuum packaging machine 10.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control circuit that controls the vacuum packaging machine 10 according to the embodiment. 4, a control device 200 that controls the entire vacuum packaging machine 10 includes a CPU (processor) 210 with built-in ROM and RAM, an interface (I / F) section 220, a timer 230, etc. The control device 200 receives signals from a power supply switch 250, an air pressure detection sensor 255, a lid opening / closing sensor 260, etc., that are provided in the vacuum packaging machine 10. The control device 200 then controls a vacuum pump 265, a vacuum electromagnetic valve 270, an inlet closing electromagnetic valve 275, a relay circuit 281, a relay circuit 283, a display / operation panel / buzzer 285, etc. according to a preset program procedure while receiving the various signals, thereby performing vacuum packaging.

[0016] The timing for supplying power to the first seal heater 282 is set in the relay circuit 281. Similarly, the timing for supplying power to the second seal heater 284 is set in the relay circuit 283. Therefore, even in a configuration having multiple heater blocks 80, 90, it is possible to configure it with one heater transformer with the same rating as one heater block. Even with one heater transformer, power is supplied to each seal heater 282, 284 at the respective timings set in the relay circuits 281, 283 to perform the sealing operation, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0017] Next, the operation of the vacuum packaging machine 10 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vacuum packaging machine 10. Course Selection (S100) The vacuum packaging program of the vacuum packaging machine 10 is preset with standard courses: "Strong," "Medium," "Weak," and "Degass." When the control device 200 receives an ON signal from the power switch 250, it displays a "Course Selection Screen 300" (see FIG. 6A) on the display / operation panel 110. The user can confirm the contents of each course on the "Course Selection Screen 300" by viewing the course number enclosed in a frame and select the course appropriate for the items to be vacuum-packed. Once course selection is complete, the control device 200 immediately displays a "Standby / Operation Mode Screen 320" (see FIG. 6B) on the display / operation panel 110. When the lid 60 having the upper chamber 50 is closed while the vacuum packaging machine 10 is in the "Course Selection Screen 300" or "Standby / Operation Mode Screen 320" state, the vacuum packaging machine 10 receives a signal from the lid opening / closing sensor 260 and begins vacuum packaging operation.

[0018] Vacuum process (S110) As shown in Figures 2(a) and 3(a), an item placed in a vacuum-specific packaging bag 82 is placed in the lower chamber 30. When the lid 60 having the upper chamber 50 is closed, the vacuum packaging machine 10 receives a signal from the lid opening / closing sensor 260 and starts the vacuum pump 265. The vacuum pump 265 sucks out the air from the upper and lower chambers 30 and 50, gradually creating a vacuum inside the chambers. The degree of vacuum is set for each course, and the desired vacuum state can be achieved by changing the course settings.

[0019] Gas filling process (S120: gas specification machine only) After the vacuum step S110 is completed, gas is sealed into the interior of the packaging bag 82 from a gas nozzle (not shown) to replace the air. For details of the gas-operated machine, please refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-55805, which is disclosed as prior art.

[0020] Sealing process 7(a) to 7(c) are diagrams showing an outline of the sealing process. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the vacuum packaging machine 10 is configured such that multiple heater blocks 80, 90 are operated by power supplied from a single heater transformer 280. The heater transformer 280 is a power supply means that supplies the electricity required for thermal welding to the seal heaters and, in cooperation with relay circuits 281, 283, can shift the timing of power supply. The heater transformer 280 supplies power to a first seal heater 282 of the first heater block 80 and a second seal heater 284 of the second heater block 90. ​​Upon completion of the vacuum step S110, or, if gas filling is configured, upon completion of the gas filling step S120, the opposing block (seal receiver) attached to the upper chamber 50 descends to begin sealing. Note that a mechanism may be used in which the blocks on the seal heater side (282, 284) ascend instead of the opposing block descending.

[0021] <First heater block sealing process and seal cooling process (S130)> The relay circuit 281 in Fig. 7 is set to the time for the vacuum process described above (e.g., vacuum time 60 seconds). In the case of a gas-spec machine, the time for the vacuum process + gas filling process (e.g., vacuum time 60 seconds + gas time 3 seconds = 63 seconds) is set. The relay circuit 281 operates to supply power from the heater transformer 280 to the first seal heater 282 of the first heater block 80 after the set time has elapsed since the start of the vacuum process. Note that the set time may include a waiting time of about 2 seconds.

[0022] 7(b), the first seal heater 282 of the first heater block 80 is heated via the wiring 280a, and the opening of the packaging bag 82a is heat-sealed for several seconds (e.g., 2 to 3 seconds). After the sealing process is completed, the heat-sealed opening of the packaging bag 82a is cooled. The time required for the cooling process is preferably set to about twice the time required for the sealing process.

[0023] <Second heater block sealing process and seal cooling process (S140)> The relay circuit 283 is set to a time equal to the above-mentioned vacuum process time plus the time for the sealing process and seal cooling process in the first heater block 80. In the case of a gas specification machine, the time is set to the time for the vacuum process + gas filling process plus the time for the sealing process and seal cooling process in the first heater block 80. The relay circuit 283 operates to supply power from the heater transformer 280 to the second seal heater 284 of the second heater block 90 after the set time has elapsed from the start of the vacuum process. The set time of the relay circuit 283 may be set to count from the start time of the sealing process in the first heater block 80, and in that case, the time for the seal cooling process may be excluded.

[0024] 7(c), the second seal heater 284 of the second heater block 90 is heated via the wiring 280b to heat-seal the opening of the packaging bag 82b for several seconds. After the sealing process is completed, the heat-sealed opening of the packaging bag 82b is cooled. The time required for cooling is preferably set to about twice the time required for the sealing process.

[0025] Note that step S140 may be performed without waiting for the completion of the seal cooling process of step S 130. In other words, the sealing process of step S140 may be performed in parallel with the seal cooling process of step S 130. In this case, the relay circuit 283 is set to a time that is the sum of the time for the above-mentioned vacuum process (vacuum process + gas filling process in the case of a gas-spec machine) and the time for just the sealing process in the first heater block 80.

[0026] It is recommended to adjust the sealing time and sealing cooling time to the optimum values ​​depending on the situation. For example, when using the product for the first time, when changing the type of packaging bag (material, thickness), when the ambient temperature is low, or by adjusting the power supply voltage (increase the sealing time for low voltages, decrease the sealing time for high voltages).

[0027] Vacuum release process (S150) When the above-described steps S100 to S140 are completed, the control device 200 opens the vacuum electromagnetic valve (open valve) 270 that communicates with the upper and lower chambers 30 and 50. By opening the vacuum electromagnetic valve 270, air enters the chambers 30 and 50, and when the pressure inside the chambers 30 and 50 becomes the same as that of the atmosphere, the lid 60 of the upper chamber 50 can be opened.

[0028] Soft release process (S160) The occurrence of "wrinkles" is reduced by suppressing the rapid inflow of air and slowing down the speed at which the packaging bag 82 seals together. After all work is completed, the power switch 250 is turned off.

[0029] As described above, according to the vacuum packaging machine 10 of the embodiment, a single heater transformer 280 supplies power to each of the seal heaters 282, 284 of the multiple heater blocks 80, 90. Therefore, the relay circuits 281, 283 are used to stagger the timing of the heat sealing so that they do not occur simultaneously, thereby achieving the following effects. (1) The electrical capacity is reduced, and the rated power consumption is reduced. (2) Even if the number of heating and sealing mechanisms increases, the rated power consumption is the same as that of one heater block because the heating and sealing is performed in sequence. (3) Since power is supplied from one heater transformer 280 to the multiple seal heaters 282, 284 at staggered timings, the user's contracted power consumption is reduced.

[0030] 8(a) and (b) show other examples of the arrangement of multiple heater blocks. In Figure 8(a), a first heater block 800 is arranged in the longitudinal direction at the rear side, and a second heater block 810 is arranged in the lateral direction. The second heater block 810 is positioned perpendicular to the first heater block 800, for example, at the right end. Use of such a heater block can accommodate long bags (for example, vacuum-packing fresh salmon rolls, hairtail fish, etc.) and can also accommodate the packaging of multiple small bags.

[0031] In Figure 8(b), a first heater block 800 is arranged in the longitudinal direction at the rear side, and a second heater block 810 and a third heater block 820 are arranged in the lateral direction. The second heater block 810 is arranged perpendicular to the first heater block 800, for example, at the left end. The third heater block 820 is arranged perpendicular to the first heater block 800, for example, at the right end. Using such heater blocks makes it possible to accommodate a variety of bag sizes in addition to long bags, and also to package multiple small bags.

[0032] It should be noted that the heater blocks to be used can also be selected from the multiple heater blocks illustrated in Figures 8(a) and (b) using the heater selection screen shown in Figure 3(b) (however, the layout diagram is different).

[0033] FIG. 9 shows a vacuum packaging machine according to a second embodiment. The vacuum packaging machine of Figure 9 is configured such that a seal heater 860 is also provided in the opposing block (upper heater block) 850 provided in the lid portion 60 that forms the upper chamber 50. The other configurations are the same as those described above. This type of vacuum packaging machine is ideal for vacuum-packing aluminum packaging bags that require heat sealing using a lower seal heater 282 and an upper seal heater 860. Even in this vacuum packaging machine, the sealing process (heat sealing) is performed at different times using one heater transformer 280 for the two seal heaters 282 and 860.

[0034] That is, first, power is supplied from the heater transformer 280 to the seal heater 282 of the lower heater block 80 to heat-seal the opening of the packaging bag 82 for a few seconds. Then, power is immediately supplied from the heater transformer 280 to the upper seal heater 860 of the upper heater block 850 to heat-seal the opening of the packaging bag 82 for a few seconds, and then a seal cooling step is performed, thereby achieving the same effect as in the above-described embodiment. To achieve this, the time from the start of the vacuum process until before the sealing process is set in relay circuit 281a, and power is supplied from heater transformer 280 to bottom seal heater 282 according to that set timing. Also, the timing for supplying power to top seal heater 860 immediately after bottom seal heater 282 heat-seals the opening of packaging bag 80a is set in relay circuit 283a, and power is supplied from heater transformer 280 to top seal heater 860 according to that set timing to perform vacuum packaging.

[0035] FIG. 10 shows a vacuum packaging machine according to a third embodiment. The vacuum packaging machine of Figure 10 includes the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8 and the second embodiment shown in Figure 9, and is configured to have, for example, the first heater block 80 and the second heater block 90 of Figure 1. 9 are provided in the first heater block 80. The second heater block 90 is provided with a second lower seal heater 284 and a second upper seal heater 870. Even in a configuration in which upper and lower seal heaters 282, 860, 284, and 870 are provided in each of the first heater block 80 and the second heater block 90 as in the third embodiment, power is supplied from a single heater transformer 280. Relay circuits 281a, 282b, 283a, and 283b are connected to the first lower seal heater 282, the first upper seal heater 860, the second lower seal heater 284, and the second upper seal heater 870, respectively, to control the power supply timing.

[0036] 10, for example, first, power is supplied to the first bottom seal heater 282 of the first heater block 80 to heat-seal the opening of the packaging bag 82a for a few seconds, and then power is immediately supplied to the first top seal heater 860 to heat-seal the opening of the packaging bag 82a for a few seconds, thereby performing vacuum packaging on the first heater block 80 side. To achieve this, the time from the start of the vacuum process to before the sealing process is set in relay circuit 281a of first bottom seal heater 282, and power is supplied from heater transformer 280 to first bottom seal heater 282 according to that set timing. Also, timing is set in relay circuit B283a of first top seal heater 860 to supply power to first top seal heater 860 immediately after first bottom seal heater 282 heat-seals the opening of packaging bag 80a, and power is supplied from heater transformer 280 to first top seal heater 860 according to that set timing to perform vacuum packaging of first heater block 80.

[0037] Next, power is supplied to the second bottom seal heater 284 of the second heater block 90 to heat-seal the opening of the packaging bag 82b for a few seconds. Immediately thereafter, power is supplied to the second top seal heater 870 to heat-seal the opening of the packaging bag 82b for a few seconds, thereby performing vacuum packaging on the second heater block 90 side. To achieve this, the time from the start of the vacuum process to the end of sealing in the first heater block 80 is set in relay circuit 281b of second bottom seal heater 284, and power is supplied from heater transformer 280 to second bottom seal heater 284 according to this set timing. Also, the time from the start of the vacuum process to the above-mentioned heat sealing of the opening of packaging bag 80b by second bottom seal heater 284 is set in relay circuit 283a of second top seal heater 870, and power is supplied from heater transformer 280 to second top seal heater 870 according to this set timing to perform vacuum packaging in second heater block 90.

[0038] The set times for the relay circuits 281a, 282b, 283a, and 283b may be set to any start time as long as they shift the timing of the sealing operations described above. Here, the first heater block 80 side is vacuum-packaged first, but the second heater block 90 side may also be vacuum-packaged first. Depending on the configuration of the vacuum packaging machine, the top seal heater may be powered first, and the bottom seal heater may be powered later. Even if the number of heat sealing mechanisms is increased as in the third embodiment, the rated power consumption is the same as that of one heater block because heat sealing is performed in sequence. As a result, even in large vacuum packaging machines, the electrical capacity can be reduced, and the rated power consumption can be lowered.

[0039] As described above, the vacuum packaging machine 10 of this embodiment vacuum-packages the packaged items by reducing the pressure inside the chamber (30, 50) while the packaging bag 82 containing the packaged item is housed therein, evacuating the air inside the packaging bag 82, and then closing the chamber to seal the opening of the packaging bag 82. The vacuum packaging machine includes: a plurality of heater blocks 80, 90 disposed within the chamber (30, 50) and on which the opening of the packaging bag 82 is placed; a plurality of seal heaters 282, 284 wired to each heater block 80, 90 and heat-sealing the packaging bag 82 during the sealing process; and a single power supply unit (280) that supplies power to the plurality of seal heaters 282, 284 with staggered power supply timing. Since a power supply unit is not required for each heater block, the electrical capacity of the vacuum packaging machine can be reduced, allowing for a lower rated power consumption. Furthermore, since the rated power consumption is the same as that of a single heater block, the user's contracted power can also be reduced.

[0040] Furthermore, in the vacuum packaging machine of this embodiment, the power supply means 280 supplies power to multiple seal heaters 282, 284 by staggering the power supply timing using relay circuits 281, 283. This allows the rated power consumption to be the same as that of a single heater block even if the number of heat sealing mechanisms increases.

[0041] Furthermore, in the vacuum packaging machine of the embodiment, the first seal heater 282 of the multiple seal heaters is supplied with power from the power supply means 280 via the first relay circuit 281 after the vacuum process, and the second seal heater 284 is supplied with power from the power supply means 280 via the second relay circuit 283 after the sealing process in the first seal heater 282. As a result, even if the number of heat sealing mechanisms increases, heat sealing is performed in sequence, so the rated power consumption can be configured to be the same as that of a single heater block.

[0042] In addition, the vacuum packaging machine of this embodiment performs the sealing process of the second heater block 284 in parallel with the cooling process after the sealing process of the first heater block 282 of the multiple heater blocks, thereby shortening the sealing process time.

[0043] The vacuum packaging machine of this embodiment vacuum-packages the packaged items by reducing the pressure inside the chamber (30, 50) while the packaging bag (30, 50) is held therein, degassing the air inside the packaging bag (30, 50), and then closing the chamber to seal the opening of the packaging bag 82. The vacuum packaging machine includes a first heater block 80 (80) equipped with a first seal heater 282 and on which the opening of the packaging bag 82 is placed, a second heater block 850 (850) equipped with a second seal heater 860 and which, together with the first heater block 80, sandwiches the opening of the packaging bag 82 during the sealing process, and a single power supply unit (280) that supplies power to the first seal heater 282 and the second seal heater 860 with staggered power supply timing. This eliminates the need for a power supply unit for each heater block, thereby reducing the electrical capacity of the vacuum packaging machine and lowering the rated power consumption. Furthermore, because the rated power consumption is the same as for a single heater block, the user's contracted power consumption can also be reduced.

[0044] In the vacuum packaging machine of this embodiment, first seal heater 282 is supplied with power from power supply means 280 via first relay circuit 281 after the vacuum process, and second seal heater 284 is supplied with power from power supply means 280 via second relay circuit 283 after first seal heater 282 has heat-sealed the opening of the packaging bag. As a result, even if the number of heat sealing mechanisms increases, heat sealing is performed in sequence, so the rated power consumption can be configured to be the same as that of a single heater block.

[0045] The vacuum packaging machine of this embodiment vacuum-packages the packaged items by reducing the pressure inside a chamber while a packaging bag containing the packaged item is housed therein, degassing the bag, and then closing the chamber to seal the opening of the bag. The machine includes a first heater block 80 (including a first seal heater 282 and a second seal heater 860) that sandwiches and heat-seals the opening of the packaging bag 82a; a second heater block 90 (including a third seal heater 284 and a fourth seal heater 870) that sandwiches and heat-seals the opening of the packaging bag 82b; and a single power supply 280 that supplies power to the first seal heater 282, the second seal heater 860, the third seal heater 284, and the fourth seal heater 870 with staggered power supply timing. This eliminates the need for a separate power supply for each heater block, thereby reducing the electrical capacity of the vacuum packaging machine and its rated power consumption. As a result, even large vacuum packaging machines require less electrical capacity and can lower their rated power consumption.

[0046] In the vacuum packaging machine of this embodiment, the first seal heater 282 is supplied with power from the power supply means 280 via the first relay circuit 281a after the vacuum process, the second seal heater 860 is supplied with power from the power supply means 280 via the second relay circuit 283a after the first seal heater 282 has heat-sealed the opening of the packaging bag 82a, the third seal heater 284 is supplied with power from the power supply means 280 via the third relay circuit 281b after the first heater block 80 has heat-sealed the opening of the packaging bag 82b, and the fourth seal heater 870 is supplied with power from the power supply means 280 via the fourth relay circuit 283b after the third seal heater 284 has heat-sealed the opening of the packaging bag 82b. As a result, even if the number of heat sealing mechanisms is increased, the heat sealing is performed in sequence, so the rated power consumption can be configured to be the same as that of a single heater block.

[0047] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 10...vacuum packaging machine, 20...lower housing, 30...lower chamber 40...base, 50...upper chamber, 60...lid portion, 70...hinge portion 80...first heater block, 80a...seal heater, 80b...insulating cloth 82, 82a, 82b...packaging bag, 84...seal tray, 86...film holder 88...Mounting portion, 90...Second heater block, 100...Handle portion 110: Display and operation panel, 150: Heater selection screen 200...control device, 210...CPU, 220...I / F section, 230...timer 250...Power switch, 255...Air pressure detection sensor, 260...Lid opening / closing sensor 265... Vacuum pump, 270... Vacuum solenoid valve, 275... Solenoid valve for closing the inlet 280...power supply means (heater transformer), 280a, 280b...wiring (power supply line) 281, 281a, 281b, 283, 283a, 283b...Relay circuits 282...1st seal heater (1st lower seal heater) 284...Second seal heater (second lower seal heater) 300...Call selection screen, 320...Waiting screen 800...First heater block, 810...Second heater block 830...Third heater block, 850...Opposite block (upper heater block) 860...First upper seal heater, 870...Second upper seal heater

Claims

1. A vacuum packaging machine that vacuum packages an item to be packaged by reducing the pressure inside a chamber while a packaging bag containing the item is housed therein, degassing the air inside the packaging bag, and then closing the chamber to seal an opening of the packaging bag, a first heater block provided in the chamber and on which the opening of the first packaging bag is placed; a second heater block provided in the chamber and different from the first heater block on which an opening of a second packaging bag is placed; a first seal heater that is wired to the first heater block and that heat-seals the first packaging bag during a sealing process; a second seal heater that is wired to the second heater block and that heat-seals the second packaging bag during the sealing process; a power supply means for separately supplying power to the first seal heater and the second seal heater; Equipped with the first seal heater is supplied with power from the power supply means at least after the vacuum step is completed; The second seal heater is supplied with power from the power supply means after the vacuum process and the sealing process by the first seal heater are completed. A vacuum packaging machine characterized by:

2. a first relay circuit, in which at least a vacuum process time is set, is provided between the first seal heater and the power supply means; 2. The vacuum packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein a second relay circuit is provided between the second seal heater and the power supply means, in which the vacuum process time and the sealing process time by the first seal heater are set.

3. a first relay circuit, in which a vacuum process time and a gas filling process time are set, is provided between the first seal heater and the power supply means; Between the second seal heater and the power supply means, a second relay circuit is provided in which the vacuum process time, the gas filling process time, and the sealing process time by the first seal heater are set.

2. The vacuum packaging machine according to claim 1.

4. 2. The vacuum packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the sealing step by the second heater block is carried out in parallel with the cooling step after the sealing step by the first heater block is completed.

5. A vacuum packaging machine that vacuum packages an item to be packaged by reducing the pressure inside a chamber while a packaging bag containing the item is housed therein, degassing the air inside the packaging bag, and then closing the chamber to seal an opening of the packaging bag, a first heater block in which a first seal heater and a second seal heater are provided above and below each other and which sandwich and heat-seal the opening of the first packaging bag; a second heater block in which a third seal heater and a fourth seal heater are provided above and below, and which sandwiches and heat-seals the opening of the second packaging bag; a power supply means for separately supplying power to the first seal heater, the second seal heater, the third seal heater, and the fourth seal heater; Equipped with the first seal heater is supplied with power from the power supply means at least after the vacuum step is completed; the second seal heater is supplied with power from the power supply means after the first seal heater has completed heat sealing of the opening of the first packaging bag; the third seal heater is supplied with power from the power supply means after the sealing process in the first heater block is completed; The fourth seal heater is supplied with power from the power supply means after the third seal heater has completed heat sealing of the opening of the second packaging bag. A vacuum packaging machine characterized by:

6. a first relay circuit, in which at least a time for the vacuum step is set, is provided between the first seal heater and the power supply means; a second relay circuit is provided between the second seal heater and the power supply means, in which a time for the vacuum step and a time for the heat sealing step of the opening of the first packaging bag by the first seal heater are set; a third relay circuit, in which a time for the sealing process in the first heater block is set, is provided between the third seal heater and the power supply means; A fourth relay circuit is provided between the fourth seal heater and the power supply means, and the fourth relay circuit is configured to set a time for the heat sealing process of the opening of the second packaging bag by the third seal heater.

6. The vacuum packaging machine according to claim 5.

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