Method and module for packaging pressed food products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for packaging pressed food products in the form of a block (3) based on inserting the food (3.1) into a pressing machine (1) to produce a block (3) to be packaged. The packaging of the block (3) takes place in a packaging module (2) associated with the pressing machine (1) and comprises the following steps: - fastening a bag (4) to a vacuum mould (5) of the packaging module (2), - inserting, through the inlet of the vacuum mould (5), the block (3) inside the bag (4) using a rear pusher (1.2) of the pressing machine (1), - closing the inlet of the vacuum mould (5) in an airtight manner, - generating a vacuum inside the vacuum mould (5), - sealing the bag (4), - opening the vacuum mould (5) to extract a packaged block (7).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] METHOD AND MODULE FOR PACKAGING PRESSED FOOD PRODUCTS

[0003] Technical sector

[0004] The present invention is related to the industry dedicated to the pressing of food in a mold, preferably meat foods such as boneless ham, to form a pressed block, preferably in the shape of a parallelepiped, which allows the product to be packaged and the food to be completely cut without waste, facilitating its homogeneous cutting for presentation for sale in slices with equal and regular shapes.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] A method for pressing unprocessed meat, preferably boneless ham, is known in the state of the art. This method consists of the following phases. In the first phase, the piece or pieces of boneless ham are introduced into a fixed mold of a pressing machine. This fixed mold consists of a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped cavity, open at the top and on one side, with a stop door at one end and a free door at the other end for the action of a press. At the same time as the ham is introduced, a cover is inserted into the free end of the fixed mold. This cover serves both to press the ham and to block or open the exit of the final block of ham from the pressing machine.

[0007] Once the product has been molded into a block, it is removed from the fixed mold of the pressing machine. Typically, a door or cover allows the block to be pushed out by one of the machine's pressing devices, preferably a post-pressor. Once removed, the block is packaged for further processing, for example, transport or refrigeration.

[0008] One of the most common ways to package the resulting block is in bags, using manual packaging. The problem with bag packaging is that it is slow and requires operators to position the bags at the exit of the pressing machine. Furthermore, since the blocks can be heavy, sturdy bags and fasteners are required to allow the block to be properly inserted into the bag, otherwise they can become deformed or lose their shape.

[0009] On the other hand, blocks can also be packaged in rigid molds, which are easier to package because they are easily automated, but more difficult to handle due to their size and weight, and their high manufacturing costs. Rigid molds also have the disadvantage of requiring a very large storage space for the molds, in addition to the need to package them in another support for final distribution.

[0010] An example of their use in rigid molds is document ES2301448, which provides a rigid mold at the exit of the pressing machine, such that the block exits the fixed mold into a rigid mold where it is packaged. The block can be inserted into this rigid mold with a certain amount of pressure and then closed with a lid. However, rigid molds are difficult to handle, given their weight, size, and shape. Furthermore, since the lid is applied later, the block is sealed in the rigid mold with a certain amount of slack, which can cause difficulties in transport and cause loss of shape.

[0011] The reusable rigid mold system also has the disadvantage that the molds must be thoroughly washed to avoid contamination problems, such as mold contamination by fungi or similar. The rigid mold is also susceptible to breakage, requiring the provision of replacement molds, which is costly. Finally, if there is a change in the design or dimensions of the block to be laid out or produced, all rigid molds in use must be remade.

[0012] Therefore, there is no known solution in the state of the art for packaging pressed food blocks at the outlet of a pressing machine that solves the problems raised.

[0013] Object of the invention

[0014] The object of the invention consists of a method for packaging pressed food products in the form of a block by introducing the food into a pressing machine in which a final pressed food block is obtained and packaged for subsequent transport or refrigeration. Said packaging of the block is carried out in a packaging module associated with the pressing machine, comprising the following steps: fixing a bag to the vacuum mold of the packaging module, introducing the final pressed food block into the bag through the inlet of the vacuum mold aligned with the outlet of the pressing machine using a rear presser of the pressing machine, closing the inlet of the vacuum mold hermetically, creating a vacuum inside the vacuum mold, sealing the bag after creating the vacuum, opening the vacuum mold to extract the packaged block.

[0015] The packaging module is arranged in a consecutive manner associated with the pressing machine so that the output of the pressing machine corresponds to the input into the packaging module. In this way, the packaging module arranges the different stages that lead to the final pressed food block entering the newly formed state and exiting as a vacuum-packed block. This packaging module is arranged in an associated manner so that the newly formed block is packaged directly and retains its block shape, as well as ensuring its preservation under vacuum or allowing for rapid post-processing such as freezing.

[0016] The final pressed food block is packaged in the packaging module using a bag, either automatically or practically automatically, that can be adapted to the geometry of the formed block. The bag must also be durable and made of a non-breathable material, allowing the vacuum to be maintained inside once sealed. This way, the resulting packaged block is vacuum-sealed, allowing for improved preservation and handling.

[0017] The bag is placed inside the vacuum mold by hand or automatically. The bag is secured at the mouth, where it is fixed to the vacuum mold and placed in an open position to receive the block. The rest of the bag body can be stretched inside the vacuum mold or in a position that allows it to unroll as the block enters the bag.

[0018] On the other hand, in the pressing machine, the food products are pressed in a chamber until the desired size and shape are obtained. At that point, a door of the pressing machine opens, through which a subsequent presser pushes the formed block out of the chamber and into the vacuum-formed bag. The block then moves from the pressing machine to the packaging module. Additionally, a funnel may be installed in the inlet packaging module or in the outlet pressing machine. In the pressing machine, a door opens, and the block is pushed into the bag through the funnel. In this way, the block is inserted directly into the vacuum-formed bag from the pressing machine.Through the rear presser, with the funnel inserted into the bag, the block is led into the bag, the rear presser being removed once the block is completely inserted and, optionally, the funnel is also removed.

[0019] Preferably, the vacuum mold moves toward and away from the pressing machine, allowing the bag to be placed in the vacuum mold, as well as the funnel to be inserted. Moving the vacuum mold toward the pressing machine inserts the funnel into the bag, and moving it away removes the funnel from the bag. This allows the compressed block to easily enter the bag, avoiding contact between the mouth of the bag and the pushed block.

[0020] During the block insertion stage into the bag, the vacuum die can optionally be moved away from the pressing machine in a controlled manner. When the block is inserted into the bag, pressure can be exerted on the bag so that the block remains compact and reaches the bottom of the bag. Optionally, if the pressure exerted is excessive, means for moving the vacuum die can allow the vacuum die to be moved away from the pressing machine, thereby controlling the pressure exerted on the bag by means of control means and avoiding exceeding a force threshold that would rupture the bag. Alternatively, the force can be controlled by the downstream presser.

[0021] In a subsequent step, the vacuum mold is hermetically sealed by at least one gate movable over the vacuum mold opening, between the vacuum mold inlet and the outlet of the pressing machine. Optionally, the vacuum mold can be closed with the gate and a vacuum mold lid. Preferably, the gate slides over the vacuum mold opening with sealing means that ensure the tightness of the interior. Any other method of hermetically sealing the vacuum mold is acceptable.

[0022] Once the vacuum mold is hermetically sealed, vacuum means generate a vacuum in the vacuum mold, extracting all the air from the block and the bag. Creating a vacuum in the vacuum mold ensures that the bag adheres to the block, so that the packaged block remains in a tight position. Furthermore, any air that may be trapped inside the pressed block can be extracted. This substantially improves the preservation of the packaged product.

[0023] In order to carry out the block insertion step, the bag must be properly secured to the vacuum mold. The bag can be secured to the vacuum mold by means of at least one clamp that grips at least one end of the bag, at the mouth of the bag. Preferably, two clamps are provided that hold the mouth of the bag on opposite sides, thus distributing the stresses generated when inserting the pressed block into the bag and securing the bag against the force of the subsequent presser.

[0024] Preferably, lower suction means arranged in the vacuum mold suction the bag, more preferably at the mouth. Optionally, upper suction means can also be arranged on the lid. Through the suction means, the mouth of the bag remains in the open position during the activation time of the suction means. The shape of said means can be pinpoint holes or other geometric figures such as rectangular lines. Through said suction means, the outer surface of the mouth of the bag is sucked, thus causing the mouth to adhere to the walls of the vacuum mold to keep it in the open position.

[0025] The facing staples can have a retractable motion, which causes them to move away from or toward each other. The movement of the facing staples toward each other allows the bag opening to open, and when moving away from each other, they close the bag opening in a flat position. Thus, the staples have movement means that allow the staples to be moved closer and further apart in a controlled manner using control means. When the staples are close together, upon opening the bag opening, the funnel can be inserted into it and / or held open by the suction means, thus providing access for the block to the bag. Optionally, the staples can hold the bag opening tightly enough for the block to enter the bag without a funnel.

[0026] Alternatively, there may be additional staples that hold the bag in the open position, for example, at different heights.

[0027] Once the vacuum has been generated in the vacuum mold, the suction means are deactivated to allow the bag mouth to close. Optionally, they can be deactivated before generating the vacuum.

[0028] Preferably, the bag opening is brought to a closed position by moving the facing staples away from each other, stretching the bag opening to a nearly flat position, so that the bag opening is in a closed position. In this closed position, the tension exerted by the staples prevents the bag from opening. This step can optionally be performed before vacuuming or during the vacuum generation process.

[0029] When the bag is vacuum sealed, the bag is sealed. Optionally, lower sealing means located in the vacuum mold perform the sealing of the bag. Additionally or alternatively, upper sealing means are available located on the lid. Preferably, the sealing means are thermal, hermetically sealing the mouth of the bag and leaving the vacuum-pressed block inside the bag. This ensures that there is no air inside the container, allowing for safer handling and storage.

[0030] Optionally, the upper and lower sealing means act oppositely on the bag opening in the closed position. Preferably, sealing is achieved by a partial melting process of the bag opening, vacuum-sealing the block within the bag. Alternatively, sealing can be achieved by mechanical closures such as metal ties or ties that close the bag opening under high pressure.

[0031] To complete this vacuum generation step, air is again introduced into the vacuum mold, and it is opened. Preferably, the air is introduced into the vacuum mold in a controlled manner, using air application means, which may be the same as the vacuum generation means. The introduction of air facilitates the opening of the vacuum mold by avoiding the suction force created by the vacuum, allowing the gate and / or lid to be opened.

[0032] During the extraction step of the packaged block from the bag, extraction means remove the packaged block from the vacuum mold. Preferably, there is a lid that opens to allow the packaged block to be removed. The extraction means may have a vertical or lateral movement that pushes the packaged block out of the vacuum mold, facilitating its extraction and removal.

[0033] Preferably, the extraction means can be platform-shaped and arranged at the bottom or side of the vacuum mold. The extraction means can be driven by at least one piston, pushing the packaged block completely or partially out of the vacuum mold.

[0034] Alternatively, extraction could be achieved by means of extraction means arranged on the top lid. For example, the extraction means on the lid could be a clamp or suction cups that would allow the packaged block to be removed.

[0035] Optionally, once the packaged block has been removed, the top lid can perform a lateral movement. A flap on the lid can be used to drag the packaged block to a position outside the vacuum mold. This flap pushes the packaged block from the side, causing it to slide.

[0036] Preferably, the flap's pull ends with the packaged block on a conveyor belt, adjacent to the vacuum mold and part of the packaging module. In this way, the conveyor belt removes the packaged block from the packaging location, and the lid is placed back on the vacuum mold to restart the process.

[0037] Alternatively, the extraction means can extract the packaged block directly onto the conveyor belt, or the conveyor belt can even be the bottom of the vacuum mold. This allows for rapid removal of the packaged block so the process can be restarted.

[0038] In this way, the proposed procedure and packaging module solve the problems described in the solutions included in the state of the art, offering a procedure that automates the packaging of the block and its extraction or transport.

[0039] Description of the figures

[0040] Figure 1 shows a profile view of the pressing machine and packaging module assembly in the initial stage prior to pressing the block. Figure 2 shows a profile view of the assembly in a stage in which the bag is ready to receive the pressed block.

[0041] Figure 3a and Figure 3b correspond to front views, the first being at the stage of receiving the block and the second being at the stage after sealing.

[0042] Figure 4 corresponds to the profile view of the assembly at the stage in which the pressing means introduce the block into the bag.

[0043] Figure 5a and 5b correspond to front views, the first being in the stage of extracting the block from the vacuum mold and the second being in the stage of placing the block on the conveyor belt.

[0044] Figure 6 corresponds to the top view of the assembly in a final stage in which the pressed block is removed by the conveyor belt.

[0045] Detailed description of the invention

[0046] The figures correspond to non-limiting examples of practical embodiments, and variations may occur in the configuration of the system as long as its essence is not altered. The method comprises a series of stages in which a food product (3.1) is introduced into a pressing machine (1) which, by means of pressing means, transforms the food product (3.1) into a block (3) of final pressed food. Next, said block (3) is removed from the pressing machine (1) to a packaging module (2) comprising a vacuum mold (5) where the block (3) is introduced into a bag (4). In the next stage, the interior of the vacuum mold (5) is hermetically sealed by a gate (5.1). Vacuum means (8) generate the vacuum in the vacuum mold (5), so that subsequently lower sealing means (5.4) in the vacuum mold (5), optionally with upper sealing means (6.2), carry out the sealing of the bag (4).In this way, the block (3) and the sealed bag (4) form a packaged block (7). Subsequently, air is introduced into the interior of the vacuum mold (5) and the packaged block (7) is extracted by extraction means (5.3). Control means in the packaging module (2) control the different stages and movement of the different parts that compose it in an automatic or partially automatic manner. An example of an embodiment is shown in the initial stage in Fig. 1. The initial food product (3.1) is shown in the pressing machine (1) with the pressing means in the initial position, among which is a rear presser (1.2). Also shown is the packaging module (2) where the vacuum mold (5) is located, which comprises a lid (6). In this first stage, the lid (6) is withdrawn in a raised position, which allows access to the interior of the vacuum mold (5) for positioning the bag (4) and its fixing to staples (5.2).

[0047] In the vacuum mould (5) the bag (4) can be seen extended and held by the staples (5.2). At this stage, the vacuum mould (5) is far from the pressing machine (1), which allows the bag (4) to be placed and its mouth (4.1) to be opened, an opening that the bag (4) has and through which the block (3) is introduced. Movement means (2.1) of the packaging module (2) are those that allow the vacuum mould (5) to be moved, for example, by means of wheels on the rail-shaped structure of the packaging module (2). With this, the vacuum mould (5) can be moved closer to or further away from the pressing machine (1). Additionally, control means control the movement means (2.1) and the position of the vacuum mould (5) with respect to the pressing machine (1).

[0048] In addition, different elements of the packaging module (2) can be seen, such as the gate (5.1) in its withdrawn position, the staples (5.2) for securing the bag (4), the extraction means (5.3), the lower sealing means (5.4), lower suction means (5.5) and the vacuum means (8). The lid (6) contains the upper sealing means (6.2), upper suction means (6.3) and a side flap (6.1).

[0049] Fig. 2 shows the preparation stage for introducing the block (3) of pressed final food into the bag (4) of the vacuum mold (5). In this embodiment, the clips (5.2) are in a close position, such that the mouth (4.1) of the bag (4) is open. The activated upper and lower suction means (6.3, 5.4) keep the outer surface of the mouth (4.1) sucked. In this way, the mouth (4.1) is stuck by suction to the walls of the vacuum mold (5).

[0050] Once the mouth (4.2) is in the open position, the vacuum mold (5) moves towards the pressing machine (1) through the movement means (2.1) and in a manner controlled by control means. In the embodiment shown, the pressing machine (1) comprises a funnel (1.1) and this is introduced inside the bag (4) in the movement made by the vacuum mold (5). In this way, the exit of the block (3) from the pressing machine (1) is made directly to the interior of the bag (4), thus preventing the block (3) from being dragged or damaged by the mouth (4.1) of the bag (4). Said funnel (1.1) can be a single piece, or like the one shown, in two mobile pieces that open as the block passes through to a certain opening to exert a certain pressure. In another embodiment, the funnel (1.1) could be part of the structure of the packaging module (2) and not be arranged in the pressing machine (1).

[0051] The sections of the packaging module (2) are shown in Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b. In this embodiment, it can be seen how the staples (5.2) have a displacement in the horizontal plane, which allows the mouth (4.1) to be opened or that when the staples (5.2) move, the mouth (4.1) is closed. When the staples (5.2) approach each other, the mouth (4.1) can be opened manually or by other automatic means to an open position into which the funnel (1.1) enters, as in Fig. 3a. On the contrary, when the funnel (1.1) is removed and the block (3) is inside the bag (4), the staples (5.2) can be moved away, closing the mouth of the bag.

[0052] Alternatively, there may be other means for securing the opening of the bag (4), such as additional hooks or adhesive hooks on the vacuum mould (5). These means for securing the opening of the bag (4) only act to prevent the mouth (4.1) from closing when the block (3) or the funnel (1.1) is introduced, since the force preventing the bag (4) from being dragged by the introduction of the block (3) is preferably carried out by the staples (5.2).

[0053] After the step of bringing the vacuum mold (5) closer to the pressing machine (1), and once the block (3) is pressed, the door of the pressing machine (1) is opened, allowing the block (3) to exit from the pressing machine (1) to the vacuum mold (5). Fig. 4 shows how the rear presser (1.2) pushes the block (3) from the pressing machine (1) towards the inside of the bag (4). In this case, the funnel (1.1) leads the block (3) directly into the bag (4) while the staples (5.2), not shown in this figure, fix the mouth (4.1) to the vacuum mold (5).

[0054] During this stage of introducing the block (3) into the bag (4), the vacuum mould (5) and movement means (2.1) of the packaging module (2) allow said vacuum mould (5) to move, towards or away from the pressing machine (1). The movement can be by means of the control of control means or by the pressure exerted by a rear presser (1.2) that pushes the block (3) once it is completely introduced into the bag (4). By means of this movement, the funnel (1.1) is introduced into the mouth (4.1) or the mouth (4.1) is released from the funnel (1.1). Optionally, this movement can be carried out in a controlled manner once the rear presser (1.2) stops acting.

[0055] The next step is the hermetic sealing of the vacuum mould (5). The block (3) introduced into the bag (4) and inside the vacuum mould (5), with the lid (6) closed, is closed by means of the gate (5.1), joining all the parts hermetically. The gate (5.1) can be closed in different ways. In the embodiment shown, a piston moves the gate (5.1) closing the entrance to the vacuum mould (5), by means of control means or it could also be a manual closure or a double gate (5.1).

[0056] In the vacuuming step, vacuum means (8) connected to the vacuum mould (5) generate a vacuum in the hermetically sealed space inside the vacuum mould (5). Inside, the block (3) is subjected to vacuum conditions, compacting and sticking the bag (4) to the block (3) by the effect of the vacuum. In this way, the block (3) is subjected to vacuum conditions inside the bag (4).

[0057] Before, during or after generating the vacuum, the clips (5.2) move to close the mouth (4.1). In this way, the bag (4) has the mouth (4.1) in a shape suitable for sealing. The clips (5.2) can move away from each other, which causes the mouth (4.1) of the bag (4) to stretch until the opposite sides of the mouth (4.1) join, forming a plane, as shown in Fig. 3b. In this position, the bag (4) is closed and the lower and / or upper sealing means (5.4, 6.3) carry out the sealing of the mouth (4.1).

[0058] Preferably, the lower and / or upper sealing means (5.4, 6.3) are of the heat sealing type. In this way, the sealing means (5.4, 6.3) can be moved in an opposing manner, applying heat to the mouth (4.1) on both outer faces, such that a part of the mouth (4.1) is melted in a closed position, leaving its interior hermetically vacuum sealed. In another embodiment, there may be only one sealing means (5.4 or 6.3) that seal the bag against a stop or a wall of the vacuum mold (5).

[0059] In an alternative embodiment, the sealing means (5.4, 6.3) may be of the mechanical type using a system of, for example, clamps or clamps. In these embodiments, it may not be necessary for the clamps (5.2) to close the mouth of the bag (4). Similarly, the sealing may be carried out solely by lower sealing means (5.4).

[0060] The next step is to introduce air into the vacuum mould (5) in a controlled manner. This allows the vacuum mould (5) to be opened, for example, through the lid (6), and leaves the packaged block (7) accessible and sealed (4.2).

[0061] To extract the packaged block (7), it could be done manually or, as shown in Fig. 5a, by means of extraction means (5.3). The extraction means (5.3) shown, in the form of a platform, raise the packaged block (7) until it protrudes from the vacuum mold (5). The extraction means (5.3) could also be a series of pistons or rollers, or any other form, which partially raise the packaging block (7), so that it could be removed from a more comfortable position.

[0062] Optionally, the extraction means (5.3) may be arranged on the lid (6). For example, the extraction means (5.3) may be in the form of clamps that grip the packaged block (7) laterally for its extraction from the vacuum mold (5) when the lid (6) is raised.

[0063] In an alternative embodiment to those shown, the lid (6) can be arranged on one side of the vacuum mould (5) so as to allow lateral opening. In this embodiment, the extraction means (5.3) would be arranged on one side and would be used to push the packaged block (7) horizontally.

[0064] There could also be an embodiment of a vacuum mould (5) without a lid (6). In such a case, the extraction means (5.3) could be located in the vacuum mould (5) on the side opposite the gate (5.1), so that the extraction of the pressed block (7) is carried out through the opening of the vacuum mould (5) through which the block (3) is introduced. To carry out this embodiment, the movement of the vacuum mould (5) in the packaging module (2) must be sufficient to extract the packaged block (7).

[0065] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5b, an automation of the transport of the packaged block (7) is shown. Once the packaged block (7) is raised above the vacuum mould (5), the lid (6) makes a lateral movement. The lid (6) has the fin (6.1) on the side, which pushes the packaged block (7) onto the vacuum mould (5) until it ends up on a conveyor belt (9). Alternatively, the fin (6.1) can be replaced by a recess in the lid (6) or by the extraction means (5.3), for example, in the form of a clamp or suction cup.

[0066] In Fig. 6, it is shown how once the packaged block (7) is placed on the conveyor belt (9), this is activated, removing the packaged block (7). The conveyor belt (9) can end in a storage area or move on to subsequent stages. Once this stage is reached, the lid (6) is repositioned on the vacuum mold (5) and the procedure is restarted.

[0067] In alternative embodiments, the extraction means (5.3) can push the packaged block (7) directly from the inside of the vacuum mold (5) to the conveyor belt (9). For example, if the packaged block (7) is extracted through the lid (6) and is lateral or through the gate (5.1), the extraction means (5.3) can end directly on the conveyor belt (9), which would be arranged after said exits.

[0068] A different embodiment could be with the conveyor belt (9) integrated into the vacuum mold (5), so that the conveyor belt is at the bottom of the vacuum mold (5). In this embodiment, once the packaged block (7) is ready, the gate (5.1) or a lid (6) opens to allow the passage of the packaged block (7) on the conveyor belt (9).

[0069] The described system may only have the packaging module (2) to be placed on any machine and package the resulting product. The system may also comprise a pressing machine (1) for said packaging module (2).

[0070] The packaging module (2) is provided with control means for controlling the movements, openings and closings, vacuum generation, and other processes of the different parts. These control means may be centralized in a single control means or be independent control means coordinated according to the process stage.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Process for packaging pressed food products in the form of a block (3) from the introduction of the food (3.1) into a pressing machine (1) in which a block (3) of final pressed food is obtained and which is packaged for subsequent transport or refrigeration, characterized in that said packaging of the block (3) of final pressed food is carried out in a packaging module (2) associated with the pressing machine (1), comprising the following steps: fixing a bag (4) to a vacuum mold (5) of the packaging module (2), introducing the block (3) of final pressed food into the bag (4) through the inlet of the vacuum mold (5) aligned with the outlet of the pressing machine (1) with a subsequent presser (1.2) from the pressing machine (1), close the inlet of the vacuum mould (5) hermetically, create a vacuum inside the vacuum mould (5), seal the bag (4) after creating the vacuum, open the vacuum mould (5) to extract a packaged block (7).

2. Method for packaging pressed food products according to the previous claim, where for the introduction of the final food block (3) inside the bag (4) a funnel (1.1) is arranged at the exit of the pressing machine (1) which is introduced into the vacuum mould (5) and this is removed after the block (3) is introduced into the vacuum mould (5).

3. Method for packaging pressed food products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for the removal of the funnel (1.1) the vacuum module (5) comprises movement means (2.1) that move the vacuum mould (5) to the outlet of the funnel (1.1) from the interior of the vacuum mould (5).

4. Method for packaging pressed food products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step of introducing the block (3) into the bag (4), the vacuum mould (5) comprises means for controlling the pressure exerted by the rear presser (1.2).

5. Method for packaging pressed food products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hermetic closure of the vacuum mould (5) is carried out by means of at least one door (5.1) of the vacuum mould (5) that slides on the opening through which the block (3) is introduced.

6. Method for packaging pressed food products according to any one of the preceding claims, where the packaging bag (4) is fixed in the vacuum mould (5) by means of at least one clip (5.2) which, once the vacuum is created, closes the bag (4).

7. Process for packaging pressed food products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the bag (4) is fixed in the vacuum mould (5), said bag (4) is kept in the open position for the introduction of the block (3) by means of suction means (5.5) that suck the outer surface of the inlet mouth (4.1) of the bag (4) to keep it in the open position until the bag (4) is closed.

8. Method for packaging pressed food products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing of the bag (4) is carried out by means of thermal sealing means (5.4, 6.2) that hermetically seal the mouth (4.1).

9. Method for packaging pressed food products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extraction of the packaged block (7) in the bag (4) is carried out by opening a lid (6) of the vacuum mould (5) and extraction means (5.3).

10. Process for packaging pressed food products according to claim 9, where once the packaged block (7) has been removed from the vacuum mould (5), it is moved for handling by means of a fin (6.1) of the lid (6).

11. Method for packaging pressed food products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging module (2) comprises a conveyor belt (9) to which the packaged block (7) is dragged after its extraction from the vacuum mold (5). 12.- Packaging module (2) for pressing machine (1) that carries out the packaging of the block (3) coming from the pressing machine (1) by means of a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

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