RU2656360C1 - Method and device for gas extraction from packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: package and storage.

SUBSTANCE: method uses partially sealed package (23) having a seal at the first end and an open second end and containing the product to be packaged (20), a vacuum chamber is used in which the distance between first compartment (351) and second (352) compartment for opening the chamber and closing it is regulated, so that the end portion of the second end of package (23) is located inside the chamber, the non-terminal portion of the second end is located outside the chamber and the intermediate portion of the second end extends through the distance adjustment hole to provide a substantially hermetic contact between first (351) and second (352) compartments, with the exception of the opening. Intermediate portion enters the opening of the inner vacuum pressure in the chamber to create a gas flow through the opening, in which the opposite layers of the film at the second end retain a substantially spaced configuration, and suction of the gas both from inside package (23) and from the surrounding atmosphere through the opening. Also, the invention is another embodiment of the method and embodiments of a gas extraction apparatus comprising the above-described evacuation chamber and a packaging device comprising a gas take-off device.

EFFECT: increased quality, expanded assortment and simplification.

22 cl, 22 dwg, 2 tbl

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a packaging method using a gas extraction unit and a packaging device comprising a gas extraction unit. The packaging method includes the selection of gas from the package or partially sealed package in the gas sampling unit having one vacuum chamber.

State of the art

A packaging device may be used to package a food product. The product may be a product as such, or a product previously placed on a tray. A bag packaging film can be continuously fed through a bagging / forming / capping machine. The film and the product are combined, for example, the product is placed on the film, or the film is wrapped around the product. In some examples, the product is fed through a feed conveyor. A sleeve is formed around the product by hermetically joining the opposite longitudinal edges of the film. Alternatively, place the product in a sleeve and seal the leading edge of the package. The sleeve is then sealed from the rear edge (upstream) of the package and the package is separated from the continuously moving sleeve.

In some embodiments, the finished sleeve film may be used, or the sleeve film may be formed from two film webs sealed along the longitudinal edges, or from a single film sheet folded in half and sealed along the longitudinal edges. In other embodiments, the products are loaded into preformed bags, which are then supplied to a gas extraction unit and a sealing unit. In addition, in some embodiments, the implementation may be provided for the selection of gas simultaneously from two or more packages in a single process operation. This can be done, for example, by processing two or more bags in a single gas extraction unit or by supplying two or more bag films in parallel to a packaging device in which they are processed in parallel.

Heat sealing rods can be used to seal the packaging, while the upper and lower rods move relative to each other, come into contact and compress the packaging material between them, forming one or more seals. Heat sealing rods also typically form an adjacent seal at the opposite end of the next package, thereby providing one partially sealed package (for example, having an open end) and one sealed package in one packing operation.

Seals are typically transversal regions of the packaging material that have been processed to isolate the interior of the package from the external environment. When gas sampling is mentioned in the context of the present invention, it is understood that the term "gas" may mean a particular gas or mixture of gases, such as air (i.e., a mixture of gases whose composition corresponds to atmospheric air). In some embodiments, the packaging may be purged with shielding gas (sometimes referred to as an “inert” gas). It should be noted that any protective gas or mixture of gases, for example, CO ₂ , can be used.

Gas may be injected in the loading unit into the space between the product and the packaging film, in which a first seal is optionally formed at its first end (i.e., rear end). Any gas remaining inside the package after taking gas or air from it and after sealing the package provides a very low residual O ₂ content inside the package (for example, a residual O ₂ content _of 1% or less). This is particularly advantageous from the point of view of protecting spoiled products (for example, cheese with a low level of gas evolution during ripening).

A packaging device is typically used to pack a variety of products that differ in their type, size, weight, composition, etc. There are a number of machines with two vacuum chambers for creating the so-called “shallow vacuum” in which the product is evacuated (for example, soft or semi-hard cheese with holes). In two chambers, different air pressure is maintained, while they are separated by a partition with a gasket. The first chamber is a vacuum chamber in which a vacuum pressure is maintained. The second chamber is a vacuum chamber, in which a higher vacuum pressure is maintained than in the first chamber, and the product is contained in the bag.

Typically, this design may have several drawbacks. For example, due to the large number of components required, the complexity of the equipment and its costs leave room for improvement. In addition, the size of the product that can be processed depends on the size of the second chamber in which the product is placed during packaging. In some cases, cameras of various sizes are difficult to create due to design limitations inherent in some components (for example, actuators). In addition, ensuring the reliability of the technology and the durability of the components can be difficult when increasing the size of the components (for example, cameras, actuators, gaskets), since the size usually affects wear. In addition, due to the evacuation of larger chambers, which takes a relatively longer time, the processing time may increase.

US 2012/0174531 describes a packaging machine and method for forming a vacuum package. A first evacuation chamber is provided for accommodating a packaging portion of the product containing it and a second evacuation chamber for accommodating the opening portion of the packaging therein. Pressure sensors measure the pressure in both chambers, and the air supply valve serves to supply air to the first chamber. The invention is characterized in that the air supply valve is a control valve and adapted to control depending on the differential pressure that prevail in the first and second chambers and are measured by two pressure sensors. The invention also provides a gap in the partition between the two chambers and a regulator for changing and regulating the cross-sectional area of the gap.

EP 1564147 describes an apparatus and method for vacuum packaging a product in a bag. The device comprises a lid pivotally attached to the base, the lid and the base provided with upper and lower partitions, together forming a first vacuum chamber, a second vacuum chamber adjacent to the first chamber, and a passage connecting the first and second chambers through which the neck of the packet passes. The device further comprises means for evacuating the first and second chambers independently of each other and means for sealing the container. The device further comprises means for introducing air into the first evacuation chamber and a passage with means for reducing the passage of air from one chamber to another. The evacuation process includes one or more cycles of alternately removing air from the first and second evacuation chambers, while at some stages in the first evacuation chamber, the pressure is at least partially restored.

An object of the present invention is to provide a packaging method that facilitates the efficient packaging of larger products regardless of the size of the vacuum chamber or the working chamber. One of the additional objectives of the present invention is to provide a packaging method that facilitates the selection of gas and / or air from the package, similar to the vacuum achieved in known devices and methods, but using only one camera. In particular, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a packaging device capable of implementing the packaging method according to the invention.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a packaging method comprising the steps of using a partially sealed package containing the product to be packaged, the partially sealed package being made of film and having a seal at the first end and an open second end, using a vacuum chamber having a first compartment and a second compartment located opposite the first compartment, while the first and second compartments are able to move relative to each other between the first configuration, with The first and second compartments are separated from each other, and the second configuration, in which the first and second compartments are in contact with each other along their perimeter with the exception of at least one hole formed between the first and second compartments, adjusting the distance between the first and second compartments in order to give the first and second compartments a first configuration, thereby opening the vacuum chamber, relative positioning of the partially sealed package and the vacuum chamber, as a result, the terminal portion of the second end is placed inside the vacuum chamber, the non-terminal portion of the second end is located outside the vacuum chamber, and the intermediate section of the second end located between the terminal and non-terminal sections of the second end passes through the hole, adjusting the distance between the first and second compartments in order to give the first and the second compartments of the second configuration, in which the first and second compartments, with the exception of the opening, are predominantly in a sealed con act with each other, and the intermediate section of the second end enters the hole, creating in the vacuum chamber the internal vacuum pressure lower than atmospheric pressure outside the vacuum chamber, while the internal vacuum pressure is chosen so that a) create a gas flow through the hole, in which the opposite layers of the film at the second end maintain a predominantly spaced configuration, and b) suck out gas both from the inside of the partially sealed package and from the surrounding atmosphere Erez hole, and provide a second seal at the second end is partially sealed package and thereby forming a sealed package containing a product and having first and second ends are sealed.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a packaging method comprising the steps of using a sealed package containing the product to be packaged, the sealed package being made of film and having a seal at the first end and a seal at the second end, using a vacuum chamber having a first compartment and a second compartment, located opposite the first compartment, while the first compartment and the second compartment are able to move relative to each other between the first configuration, at which the swarm of the first and second compartments are spaced from each other, and the second configuration, in which the first and second compartments are in contact with each other along their perimeter with the exception of at least one hole formed between the first and second compartments, adjusting the distance between the first and second compartments in order to give the first and second compartments a first configuration, thereby opening the vacuum chamber, relative positioning of the sealed package and the vacuum chamber, as a result whereby the terminal portion of the second end is located inside the evacuation chamber, the non-terminal region of the second end is located outside the vacuum chamber, and the intermediate section of the second end located between the terminal and non-terminal sections of the second end passes through the hole, adjusting the distance between the first and second compartments in order to give the first and the second compartments of the second configuration, in which the first and second compartments, with the exception of the opening, are mainly in airtight contact with each other differently, and the intermediate portion of the second end enters the hole, creating a passage in the film at the end portion of the second end, and creating an internal vacuum pressure in the evacuation chamber lower than atmospheric pressure outside the evacuation chamber, wherein the internal vacuum pressure and passage size are selected in such a way in order to a) ensure the expansion of the terminal portion, in which the opposite layers of the film at the second end maintain a predominantly spaced configuration, and b) suck out gas in the chamber py partial vacuum inside the sealed package through the aperture and through the passageway.

In the 3rd feature of the consonant of the 1st feature, the step of using a partially sealed package includes placing a tubular film around the packaged product and creating a first seal on the tubular film in the sealing unit and thereby forming a partially sealed package containing the packaged product.

In the 4th feature, according to the 2nd feature, the stage of using the sealed package includes placing a sleeve film around the product to be packaged, creating a first seal on the sleeve film in the sealing unit and thereby forming a partially sealed package containing the product, and creating a second seal on the sealing unit sleeve film and thereby forming a sealed package containing the product.

In the 5th feature, according to any of the features of the 1st to 4th method further includes creating a longitudinal seal along the film in order to obtain a sleeve film.

In the 6th feature, according to any of the features from the 1st to the 5th stage, the relative positioning of the packaging and the vacuum chamber includes moving the first compartment of the vacuum chamber and / or moving the second compartment of the vacuum chamber relative to each other and moving the packaging and / or moving the vacuum chamber relative to each other.

In the 7th feature, according to any of the features of the 1st to 6th stage, the distance control includes moving the first compartment of the vacuum chamber and / or moving the second compartment of the vacuum chamber relative to each other.

In the 8th feature, according to any of the features from the 1st to the 7th stage, the distance control includes the use of a hole whose height is 8-20 times the thickness of the film.

In the 9th feature, according to any one of the features of the 1st to 8th stage, the distance control includes the use of a hole with a height of 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, optionally the use of a hole with a height of 1 mm or less, preferably 0.8 mm or less, most preferably 0.5 mm or less.

In the 10th feature, according to any of the features from the 1st to the 9th stage, the creation of an internal vacuum pressure in the evacuation chamber includes the creation of an internal vacuum pressure from 800 mbar to 500 mbar, preferably from 750 mbar to 525 mbar, most preferably from 700 mbar up to 550 mbar.

In the 11th feature, according to any of the features of the 1st to 10th method further includes the use of a protective gas, optionally a protective gas, mainly consisting of CO ₂ , in the interior of the film and / or package.

In the 12th feature, according to any of the features from the 1st to the 11th method, further comprises using a second evacuation chamber, optionally using a second evacuation chamber predominantly parallel to the evacuation chamber.

In the 13th feature, according to the 12th feature, the step of adjusting the distance between the first and second compartments of the evacuation chamber to give the first and second compartments a first configuration to thereby open the evacuation chamber, and the step of adjusting the distance between the first and second compartments of the second evacuation chamber with the purpose of giving the first and second compartments of the second evacuation chamber a second configuration in which the first and second compartments of the second evacuation chamber with the exception of the opening in the second second vacuum chamber are preferably in sealing engagement, is preferably carried out concurrently with each other.

According to the 14th aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for venting gas in a packaging device from a partially sealed package that contains a product and has a seal at the first end and an open second end, the second end has an end section, a non-terminal section and an intermediate section located between its terminal and non-finite sections, while the device comprises a vacuum chamber having a first compartment and a second compartment located opposite the first compartment, the first compartment of the camera and / or second The second compartment of the camera is capable of moving relative to each other between the first configuration in which the first and second compartments are separated from each other and the second configuration in which the first and second compartments are in contact with each other along their perimeter with the exception of at least one the hole formed between the first and second compartments, the evacuation means for creating an internal vacuum pressure in the chamber is lower than the atmospheric pressure outside the chamber, and the control unit is programmed a) adjusting the distance between the first and second compartments in order to give the first and second compartments a second configuration, as a result of which the intermediate section of the second end enters the hole without creating an airtight seal between the intermediate section and the first and second offices along the hole, while in the second the configurations of the first and second compartments, with the exception of the opening, are mainly in airtight contact with each other, b) actuating the evacuation means to create in the evacuation chamber of the internal vacuum pressure, and c) regulation of the internal vacuum pressure to i) provide a gas stream through the hole in which the opposite layers of the film at the second end maintain a predominantly spaced configuration, and ii) ensure that the gas is aspirated as from inside a partially sealed package, and from the surrounding atmosphere through the hole.

According to the 15th aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for venting gas in a packaging device from a sealed package that contains a product and has a seal at the first end and a second sealed end, the second end has an end section, a non-terminal section and an intermediate section located between its terminal and non-terminal sections, the device contains a vacuum chamber having a first compartment and a second compartment located opposite the first compartment, while the first compartment of the camera / or the second compartment of the chamber is capable of moving relative to each other between the first configuration in which the first and second compartments are separated from each other and the second configuration in which the first and second compartments are in contact with each other along their perimeter with the exception of at least , one hole formed between the first and second compartments, piercing means, evacuation means for creating an internal vacuum pressure in the chamber lower than atmospheric pressure outside the chamber, and b ok control programmed on a) adjusting the distance between the first and second compartments and giving the first and second compartments a second configuration, as a result of which the intermediate section of the second end enters the hole without creating an airtight seal between the intermediate section and the first and second offices along the hole, while in the second configuration, the first and second compartments, with the exception of the opening, are mainly in tight contact with each other, b) the means are punctured i in order to create a passage at the end section of the second end, c) actuate the evacuation means in order to create an internal vacuum pressure in the evacuation chamber and d) regulate the internal vacuum pressure to i) ensure the expansion of the end section at which the opposite layers of the film are on the second a predominantly spaced configuration is maintained at the end, and ii) allowing gas to be sucked into the evacuation chamber from within the sealed package through the opening and through the passage .

In the 16th feature, according to the 15th feature, the device further comprises a sealing and cutting means, wherein the control unit is further programmed to control the sealing and cutting means to create a package with a seal at the second end between the first end and the passage.

In the 17th feature, according to feature 14, the device further comprises a sealing and cutting means, wherein the control unit is further programmed to control the sealing and cutting means to create a package with a seal at the second end.

In the 18th feature, according to any of any of the 15th or 16th feature, the piercing means comprises one of the following: a punch and a heating wire element.

In the 19th feature, according to any of the 15th or 16th feature, the control unit is further programmed to control the sealing and cutting means to cut off excess film from the outside of the seal from the second end.

In the 20th feature, according to any of the features of the 13th to the 19th, has a width of 1000 mm or less, preferably 500 mm or less.

In the 21st feature, according to any of the features from the 13th to the 20th, the control unit is programmed to control the distance so that the hole height is 8-20 times the thickness of the film, while the control unit is not necessarily programmed to control the distance in this way that the hole height is 10 times or less than the film thickness.

In the 22nd feature, according to any of the features from the 13th to the 20th, the control unit is programmed to adjust the distance so that the hole height is from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, optionally 1 mm or less, preferably 0, 8 mm or less, most preferably 0.5 mm or less.

In the 23rd feature, according to any of the features of the 13th to 22nd hole, has a depth of 50 mm or less, preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 12 mm or less.

In the 24th feature, according to any of the features from the 13th to the 23rd, the control unit is programmed to control the evacuation means in order to create an internal vacuum pressure from 800 mbar to 500 mbar, preferably from 750 mbar to 525 mbar, most preferably from 700 mbar up to 550 mbar.

In the 25th feature, according to any of the features from the 13th to the 24th device further comprises a second evacuation chamber having a corresponding first compartment and a corresponding second compartment located opposite the first compartment, wherein the first compartment of the second evacuation chamber and / or the second compartment the second vacuum chamber are able to move relative to each other between the first configuration, in which the first and second compartments of the second vacuum chamber are separated from each other, and the second configuration d, in which the first and second compartments of the second evacuation chamber are predominantly in contact with each other along their perimeter with the exception of at least one opening in the second evacuation chamber formed between the first and second compartments of the second evacuation chamber.

According to a 26th aspect of the invention, there is provided a packaging device comprising a control unit, a gas take-off unit associated with a control unit, an output unit, a moving means associated with a control unit that is configured to control a moving means to move one or more packages in each of which the packaged product is contained, in the direction of the gas sampling unit and through it in the direction of the outlet unit; wherein the gas sampling unit comprises a gas sampling device according to any of the features from the 13th to the 25th.

According to a 27th aspect of the invention, there is provided a packaging device comprising a control unit, a gas take-off unit associated with a control unit, an output unit, a moving means associated with a control unit that is configured to control a moving means to move one or more packages in each of which the product to be packaged is contained, in the direction of the gas extraction unit and through it in the direction of the outlet unit. The gas sampling unit comprises a gas sampling device according to a 25th feature, the control unit being optionally configured to control a moving means to move one or more packages and alternately supply them to the evacuation chamber and the second evacuation chamber.

In the 28th feature, according to any of the 26th or 27th feature, the packaging device further comprises a loading unit associated with the control unit, which is configured to control the loading unit to position the bag film around the product to be packaged, and a sealing unit associated with the unit control, which is configured to control the sealing unit in order to create one or more seals on the sleeve film and thereby create one or more packages, each of which contains I am one of the packaged products, while the control unit is configured to control the moving means in order to move one or more packages from the loading unit in the direction of the sealing unit and through it.

In the 29th feature, according to any one of the features of the 26th to the 28th, the packaging device further comprises a protective gas supply means associated with a unit that is configured to use a protective gas, optionally a protective gas, mainly consisting of CO ₂ , in the interior sleeve film.

The advantages of the packaging method and the packaging device include the ability to implement the packaging method using only one vacuum chamber. It may also provide a reduction in processing time and / or processing costs.

The advantages of the packaging method and the packaging device include the ability to scale the evacuation procedure in the evacuation unit in order to optimize its duration relative to the productivity and / or throughput of the remaining manufacturing sections of the packaging device or process steps.

The advantages of the packaging method and packaging device further include the ability to package larger products regardless of chamber size.

The advantages of the packaging method and the packaging device further include the ability to reduce the risk of food spoilage (for example, mold caused by residual oxygen) by using shielding gas in the packages before gas or air is taken.

The packaging method can also facilitate full and automated integration with a horizontal molding-filling-capping machine (HFFS).

Brief Description of the Drawings

In FIG. 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of a packaging device according to the present invention;

in FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a gas extraction unit according to the present invention;

in FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a gas sampling unit according to the present invention, illustrating a specific profile of the end portions of the first and second compartments of the evacuation chamber, as well as a gas flow diagram;

in FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a portion of a gas extraction unit according to the present invention;

in FIG. 6 and 7, a second embodiment of a packaging device according to the present invention is illustrated;

in FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a gas extraction unit according to the present invention;

in FIG. 9 and 10 are a cross-sectional view of a gas sampling unit according to the present invention;

in FIG. 11A-11I show a cross-sectional view of a gas sampling unit and corresponding transport means according to the present invention, and various stages of a gas sampling method are illustrated;

in FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of a packaging device according to the present invention using a gas extraction unit having two parallel vacuum chambers; and

in FIG. 12A and 12B show a detailed view of FIG. 12 gas sampling units.

Detailed description

In FIG. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a packaging device according to the present invention is illustrated. The packaging device 1 comprises a sealing unit 3, a gas extraction unit 35, and a moving means 30. The packaging device 1 further comprises a loading unit (not shown). The transfer means 30 is configured to move the product 20 placed inside the film 21 from the loading unit towards and through the sealing unit 3 and through it.

Typically, the products 20 are loaded onto a film, for example, continuously fed from a roll (not shown), and the film is sequentially sealed in the longitudinal direction to create a series of products 20 placed in the sleeve film 21. An optional purge device 34 may be provided to purge the interior tubular film 21 with a protective gas or mixture of gases. The gas or gases may advantageously contain CO ₂ or consist of CO ₂ .

The packaged products 20 have different packaging conditions (e.g., 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d). The packaging states 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d of the product 20 correspond to various stages of packaging. For example, in state 20a, product 20 is placed inside the sleeve film 21, in state 20b, product 20 is contained in a partially sealed package (i.e., a package having a sealed end and an open end), and in states 20c and 20d, product 20 is contained in a sealed package (i.e., a package having two sealed ends, while the gas contained therein is optionally taken from the package).

In state 20a, film 21 is placed around product 20 or product 20 is placed inside sleeve film 21. Alternatively, in state 20a, product 20 is placed on film 21, which is then doubled and sealed along its longitudinal edges to form sleeve film 21. This the step may be carried out in a loading unit and / or in a (separate) longitudinal sealing unit.

The sealing unit 3 comprises an upper sealing and cutting element 31 and a lower sealing and cutting element 32 configured to seal and cut the film 21. The sealing and cutting elements 31 and 32 are configured to create a first seal on the film 21 and thereby create a partially sealed package 23, containing the product 20 in state 20b, and separating the partially sealed package 23 from the continuously supplied film 21, the downstream end of which is sealed. The product 20 in state 20b is inside the film 21, and the partially sealed package 23 has a sealed end and an open opposite end.

The gas sampling unit 35 is configured to create a second seal at the second open end of the partially sealed package and thereby create a sealed package 24. In state 20d, the product 20 is inside the film 21, and the sealed package 24 has a seal at the first end and an opposite second sealed end. The first and second sealed ends may also not be directly opposite each other, for example, when one of the seals is created at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the package and / or the transverse direction of the other seal. In another embodiment, the gas sampling unit 35 performs the function of a sealing unit 3 in the sense that during gas extraction from the partially sealed package, the gas sampling unit 35 performs sealing and cutting, as described above with respect to the sealing unit 3. This idea can be illustrated by the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Instead of sealing one end of the packages 24 in state 20d (see to the left of the gas take-off unit 35), the downstream end of the package 23 is sealed directly to the right of the gas take-off unit 35 (see the package / product directly under arrow 30a) at that time how the compartments 351 and 352 are in contact with each other for the purpose of taking gas from the previous package and sealing the package after taking the gas. The sealing of the ends located upstream and downstream of the gas extraction unit 35 can be carried out mainly simultaneously.

The gas sampling unit 35 comprises a first (or upper) compartment 351 and a second (or lower) compartment 352, which can transition from a first configuration in which the compartments 351 and 352 are spaced apart (see FIG. 1) into a second configuration, with which compartments 351 and 352 are predominantly in contact with each other (see Fig. 2). In some embodiments, in the second configuration, compartments 351 and 352 are in contact with each other along their perimeter with the exception of at least an opening formed between compartments 351 and 352. In cross section along a horizontal plane (i.e., a plane parallel to the horizontal working surface of the packaging device 1, for example, the upper surface of the conveyor belt 30), the compartments 351 and 352 can have a predominantly rectangular shape. In a second configuration, compartments 351 and 352 form a vacuum chamber 353. In FIG. 1 and 2, compartments 351 and 352 are shown as well as a vacuum chamber 353 in a vertical section (relative to the horizontal section mentioned above). Accordingly, the front and rear walls (i.e., walls parallel to the plane of sight) are not shown in order to visualize the interior of the vacuum chamber 353.

As shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the packaging device 1 further comprises a control unit 50. The control unit 50 is connected (individual connections not shown for clarity) to one or more components of the packaging device 1, including a loading unit, a sealing unit 3, sealing and cutting elements 31 and 32, a transfer means 30, compartments 351 and 352, and a purge device 34. The purge device 34 may serve to purge the interior of the packaging film 21 with a protective gas or a mixture of gases. The control unit 50 is additionally connected to a gas take-off unit 35, in which gas is discharged from partially packaged products in state 20b and in which they are sealed (and, accordingly, are transferred to state 20d).

The control unit 50 may be further connected to additional components, such as a shrink chamber 33, in which the film material around the packaged products 20 in the state 20d may be further shrink after sealing. It should be noted that the gas sampling unit 35 may be any gas sampling means known in the art. In FIG. 1 and 2, for clarity, the individual connections between the control unit 50 and other components are not shown. It is understood that the packaging device 1 may comprise conventional connecting means for connecting the control unit 50 to other components, for example, electrical, optical or other connections and / or terminals.

The control unit 50 can be configured to control the transportation of products 20 by periodically or continuously moving along a predetermined path, for example, by controlling an electric motor with which the moving means 30 is equipped. The control unit can also control the actuators of various components, as described below, for example, with the aim of creating transverse seals on the sleeve film or actuating elements 31, 32 and compartments 351 and / or 352.

The control unit 50 may be a digital processor (CPU) with a storage device (or devices), an analog type circuit, or a combination of one or more digital processing units and one or more analog processing circuits. The description and claims indicate that the control unit is “configured” or “programmed” to perform certain steps. In practice, this can be achieved by any means involving the configuration or programming of the control unit. In particular, when the control unit is one or more CPUs, one or more programs are stored in the corresponding memory device. The program or programs contain instructions which, when executed by the control unit, cause the control unit to perform the steps described and / or declared in relation to the control unit. Alternatively, if the control unit is an analog type device, it is contemplated that the control unit circuits are configured to process electrical signals during operation in order to carry out the described steps of the control unit.

The control unit 50 is connected to the evacuation means (not shown) and configured to transmit to the evacuation means and / or receive control signals from the evacuation means. The control unit 50 may be further configured to control the evacuation means to create an internal vacuum pressure in the evacuation chamber 353. To this end, the control unit 50 may be configured to control a power drive of a vacuum pump connected to the vacuum chamber 353.

The control unit 50 may be configured to control the moving means 30. For example, the control unit 50 may be configured to increase or decrease the speed of the moving means 30. The control unit 50 may be further configured to control the speed of the moving means 30 depending on the position of the products 20 with respect to the various components of the packaging device 1 (for example, with respect to the sealing unit 3 or the gas extraction unit 35).

Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 50 may be configured to control the sealing and cutting elements 31 and 32. The control unit 50 may be further configured to control the sealing and cutting elements 31 and 32 depending on the position of the products 20 with respect to the evacuation means and / or sealing and cutting elements 31 and 32. For example, the control unit 50 may be configured to actuate the sealing and cutting elements 31 and 32 depending on the position products 20 and / or the tubular film 21 with respect to the outlet and / or the sealing and cutting elements 31 and 32.

In particular, the control unit 50 may be configured to control one or more components depending on the signals transmitted to and / or received from other components. For example, the control unit 50 may be configured to control the actuation of one or more components depending on the position of the products 20 and / or the sleeve film 21 with respect to other components of the packaging device 1. In this way, the control unit 50 can drive, for example, sealing and cutting elements 31 and 32, when two consecutive products 20 are in state 20a, as a result of which a first seal is created on the film 21 between the two products 20, and the film accordingly instantly cut.

After creating the first seal and cutting the film 21, the partially sealed packages 23 are moved in the direction 30a through the packaging machine towards and through the gas sampling unit 35. In FIG. 1, compartments 351 and 352 have a first configuration in which a partially sealed package 23 can be moved through an open evacuation chamber 353. Before the partially sealed package 23 exits the gas extraction unit 35, it is installed in such a way that its open second end is at least partially located inside the open vacuum chamber 353. In particular, the corresponding product 20 contained in the partially sealed package 23, as well as the non-terminal portion of the film 21 at the second open end of the partially sealed packaging 23 are located outside the open vacuum chamber 353, and the terminal portion of the film 21 at the second open end is still inside the open chamber 353 evacuation. Therefore, the intermediate portion of the film 21 at the second open end of the partially sealed package, located between the non-terminal and terminal sections, is located between at least part of the compartments 351 and 352.

Then, the compartments 351 and 352 are given a second configuration in which the compartments 351 and 352 are predominantly in airtight contact with each other and thereby form a closed evacuation chamber 353. The contact between compartments 351 and 352 is predominantly airtight (for example, airtight) except for an elongated hole, where compartments 351 and 352 come into contact with the intermediate portion of the second open end of the partially sealed package 23 without creating an airtight seal along the opening.

This configuration helps to achieve at least the following results when taking gas from the vacuum chamber 353. On the one hand, between the opposite surfaces of the compartments 351 and 352 and the corresponding surfaces of the intermediate portion of the second open end located between the compartments 351 and 352, a gas flow is generated through the opening in the direction of the interior of the vacuum chamber 353. This gas flow causes adjacent film layers at the second end of the partially sealed package 23 to acquire and / or maintain a predominantly spaced configuration (i.e., opposing film layers are disconnected from each other). On the other hand, the gas is sucked out not only from the outside of the vacuum chamber 353 and the partially sealed package 23, but also from the inside of the partially sealed package 23, and thus air is vented from the partially sealed package 23. Typically, the gas drawn from the outside is air, and the gas drawn from the inside of the partially sealed package is shielding gas or a mixture of gases, such as CO ₂ . This process is described in more detail below.

After the gas has been taken from the partially sealed package 23, the sealing unit, usually integrated in the gas sampling unit 35, creates a second seal at the second open end and thereby seals the package and converts the partially sealed package 23 into a sealed package 24 that contains the product 20 in state 20d (see the far left side of FIG. 2) and from which mainly all the gas inside is selected. An outer portion of the excess film at the second end (which is now sealed) is optionally cut off from the sealed package 24.

As shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the conveyor 30 may comprise one or more belt conveyors 30. One or more belt conveyors are configured to transport products 20 in states 20a, 20b and 20d, for example, in the form of packages 22, 23 and 24 along a predetermined path through a packaging device 1. For example, a packaging device may comprise several conveyor belts 30 (for example, three, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The first belt conveyor 30 is configured to transport products 20 and / or film 21 upstream of the sealing and cutting elements 31 and 32. The second belt conveyor 30 is configured to transport products 20 and / or packages 22 and 23 downstream of the sealing and cutting elements 31 and 32. And the third belt conveyor is configured to transport packages 24 downstream of the gas sampling unit 35.

In FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a gas extraction unit 35 according to the present invention. Typically, the interior of the vacuum chamber 353 and the surrounding atmosphere (for example, around the chamber and / or the partially sealed package 23) are connected by one or more channels extending along or near the opening 354 and through it. In this case, the different portions of the second open end of the partially sealed package 23 are shown as the end portion 236, the intermediate portion 234 and the non-final portion 232. It should be noted that the term “terminal” refers to the outermost portion of the film 21 at the second open end of the partially sealed package 23, which was cut off from the continuous film 21 and was not sealed (see the description of Figs. 1 and 2 above). For clarity, FIG. 3, 4, and 5 are not to scale. In General, the hole 354 usually has a height of from 0.3 mm to 1 mm, or about 8-20 more than the thickness of one layer of the film 21. In some embodiments, the height of the hole 354 is 0.8 mm, 0.5 mm or 0 , 4 mm. The film typically has a thickness of from 30 microns to 60 microns, preferably from 40 microns to 55 microns, most preferably from 45 microns to 52 microns.

As shown in FIG. 3, compartments 351 and 352 come into contact with the intermediate portion 234 of the second open end without creating an airtight seal between the interior of the vacuum chamber 353 and the surrounding atmosphere. Between the compartments 351 and 352 and the non-terminal section 232, the intermediate section 234 and / or the terminal section 236 can be mechanically created channels connecting the two spaces (i.e. the space inside the vacuum chamber 353 and the space outside it), in order to ensure possible air flow due to the pressure drop created by the means of gas extraction from the chamber 353 evacuation. In other words, gas or air outside the partially sealed package may pass between compartments 351 and 352 and a non-terminal portion 232 (through channels C1), between compartments 351 and 352 and an intermediate section 234 (through channels C2) and / or between compartments 351 and 352 and terminal section 236 (on channels C3). It should be noted that the distances between the individual channels do not have to be the same on both sides (for example, the upper and lower) of the film material of the second open end. For example, the size (e.g., height) of channel C2 between compartment 351 and intermediate portion 234 (i.e., channel C2 on the upper side of intermediate portion 234) does not necessarily correspond to the size of channel C2 between compartment 352 and intermediate portion 234 (i.e., channel C2 on the underside of the intermediate portion 234). Due to various influences (for example, gravity, turbulence, unequal pressures and / or pressure changes) on the flexible film material, the dimensions of the channels can change before, during and after gas extraction. The same applies to channels C1 and C3. In addition, the distance between the film material may vary over the opening 354, for example, due to the wavy shape of the film material at the second open end of the partially sealed package.

The width of the hole 354 may vary depending on the application and preferably corresponds to or is a multiple of the width of the product, apart from a certain tolerance. This means that the size of the vacuum chamber 353 can be selected in accordance with the width of the product in the sense that the hole 354 advantageously corresponds to the width of the film 21 at the second open end (when it is given a flattened configuration, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4), while the width of the hole should slightly exceed the width of the film, taking into account the tolerances for positioning and processing during packaging. In addition, it should be avoided that large portions of the opening 354 remain unoccupied with the film material due to the resulting loss of resistance to gas flow in areas near the film material and subsequent loss of gas flow through the hole in areas occupied by the film material. Even so, gas can be removed from two or more adjacent partially sealed packages 23 by using a vacuum chamber 353 (and, correspondingly, openings 354), the width of which is a multiple of the package width or exceeds it (for example, by 33%; in some embodiments, 25%). In some examples, gas from three or more partially sealed packages 23 may be parallelly discharged into a gas extraction unit having a working width of up to 1000 mm (i.e., having an opening 1000 mm wide). In some embodiments, the gas sampling unit has a working width (i.e., a hole width) of 900 mm. In other embodiments, it has a width of 450 mm. Regarding the portion of the opening occupied by the film material, the second ends of the series of partially sealed packages may occupy 70-90% of the opening, preferably 75-80% of the opening.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4 and 5, various factors contributing to the selection of gas from packages are explained in more detail. In FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a gas extraction unit 35 according to the present invention, illustrating a specific profile of the end portions of compartments 351 and 352, as well as a gas flow diagram. One of the key tasks when taking gas from partially sealed packages is to ensure that the open end of the package is sufficiently open to facilitate the absorption of gas from inside the package. In some cases, the film material tends to adhere to the adjacent film material and thereby temporarily close the open end of the partially sealed package and prevent gas from being taken from the package. In other cases, the film material partially adheres to the adjacent film material and thereby reduces the size of the hole (s), as a result of which the absorption of gas from the inside of the partially sealed package is at least partially disrupted.

One way to separate the opposite layers of the film or prevent them from sticking together is to create a transition from a region of relatively high pressure and low speed (indicated as HP / LV in the upper left in FIG. 4) to a region of relatively low pressure and high speed (indicated like LP / HV) or vice versa and optionally back to the HP / LV area (right). In this case, due to the transition from high pressure to low (or vice versa), as well as the transition from low to high speed (or vice versa) in combination with excitation of the film material (for example, due to turbulence and / or gas flow), layers of the contacting film material can stop sticking to each other and disconnect from each other under the influence of pressure drops, pressure drops and / or friction forces of the gas flow. In addition, the position of the film layers in the hole may affect the self-regulating properties of the gas flow. For example, if the channel between the film layer and one of the compartments 351 and 352 decreases (or increases), the pressure and velocity of the gas flowing through the channel change accordingly and, thus, can in turn affect the position of the film and thereby change the size of the channel .

Changes in the pressure / velocity gradient change with the transition between the HP / LV and LP / HV regions can be modified by using the edges D, F, D 'and / or F' with the corresponding profiles. Modifying the shape of the edges D, D ', F and F' affects the gas flow in the respective areas and can, for example, facilitate or prevent delamination of the gas flow or to facilitate or prevent turbulence. Individual influence may result from the influence of appropriate forms on the gas flow (e.g. pressure, speed, direction, etc.). Positions D and D 'indicate the input edges in the drawings, and positions F and F' indicate the output edges relative to the gas flow after gas is taken from the vacuum chamber 353. As shown in FIG. 4, the edges D, F, D 'and F' may have a predominantly rounded shape, for example, having a radius of 1 to 5 mm, in some embodiments, preferably 2 mm or 2.5 mm. It should be noted that the edges D, F, D 'and F' may have the same shape or shapes, characterized in that, in particular, the shape of the input edges D and D 'may differ from the shape of the output edges F and F', but also that the shape of the edge D or F of the compartment 351 may differ from the shape of the edge D 'or F' of the compartment 352.

In FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a portion of a gas extraction unit 35 according to the present invention. In this case, the specific profile of the compartment 351 and 352 is illustrated. The parameters that characterize the compartment 351 and 352, as well as the hole 354, include: depth C, height B, width A, angle G and radii D, E and F. The hole 354 has a height In 1 mm or less, preferably from 0.4 to 0.8 mm (for example, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm or 0.8 mm). Hole 354 has a width of 1000 mm or less (e.g. 900 mm), preferably 500 mm or less (e.g. 450 mm). Hole 354 has a depth of 50 mm or less (for example 45 mm), preferably 20 mm or less (for example 20 mm), more preferably 12 mm or less (for example 12 mm). The shape of the inlet edge D has a radius of curvature of 5 mm or less, preferably 2.5 mm or less (for example, 2.5 mm or 2 mm). The shape of the inclined edge E has a radius of curvature of 50 mm or less (for example, 50 mm), preferably 30 mm or less (for example 30 mm). An inclined edge E may be present (i.e., the corresponding radius is greater than 0) or absent (i.e., the corresponding radius is 0). The shape of the exit edge F has a radius of curvature of 10 mm or less (for example 9 mm), preferably 5 mm or less (for example 2 mm). The corresponding edges D ', E' and / or F '(not shown) of the compartment 352 may have the same properties as described above with respect to the edges D, E and F, although the individual indicators do not necessarily coincide (for example, the edge D has a radius of curvature 2 , 5 mm, and the edge D 'has a different radius of curvature). H means the thickness of the film material, while H means the thickness of two layers of film material, since the described open end of the partially sealed package contains at least two layers of film material. The width of the second open end of the partially sealed package 23 or package 24 may be a percentage A of the width A of the opening 354. The second end of the package 23/24 may have a width of, for example, 70-90% A, preferably 75-80% A.

Another feature predominantly inherent in compartments 351 and 352 having the profiles described above with reference to FIG. 5 is related to the characteristics of the gas flow through the hole and along the profiles of the compartments 351 and 352. It should be noted that the cross section of the hole is unstable throughout the depth C (see "C" in Fig. 5) and, in particular, increases from the inclined edge E and E 'in the direction of the output edge F and F'. The gas flow along the surfaces of compartments 351 and 352 tends to repeat the shape of the surfaces due to the effect of viscosity between the gas flow and adjacent surfaces, as well as the flotation effect. The same effect occurs between the gas flow and the surfaces of the film material of the package 23. Since the gas flow between the film material and, for example, the compartment 351 tends to repeat the surface shape (i.e. the surface shape) of both the film material and the compartment 351, the flow gas must expand and slow down, thereby exerting a force on both surfaces in the direction of gas flow. In other words, the gas flow presses the film and the corresponding compartment to each other. Since the compartments 351 and 352 are fixedly fixed in their respective positions, predominantly the layers of film material in the intermediate and terminal sections of the second end are separated from each other. Due to this, a channel is created and / or maintained passing from the inside of the package towards the second end and through the second end through which gas can be vented from the inside of the package.

The individual parameters for achieving the described effects vary depending on the application. For example, for a thicker film material and for a thinner film material, a different differential pressure gradient may be required. In addition, the values of different pressures and gas flow rates are also a decisive factor. The following Table 1 shows examples of various combinations of parameters that have proven effective in the first embodiment described above. In these examples, a hole was provided in the treated partially sealed packages, and efficient gas extraction from the packages was achieved.

The described method and device can generally be used in combination with a large number of known film materials. In some examples, the film materials used have the properties shown in Table 2 below (LD means longitudinal direction, TD means transverse direction). It should be noted that these films are only examples that demonstrate the applicability of the described method and device.

In FIG. 6-8, a second embodiment of a packaging device according to the present invention is illustrated. The components generally act in the same manner as described above with respect to the first embodiment and as shown in FIG. 1 and 2, unless further specifically stated otherwise. The components in FIG. 6 and 7 are denoted by the same reference numbers as the corresponding components in FIG. 1 and 2. Unless otherwise specified, such components have the same functions and properties as described above.

In a second embodiment, the sealing and cutting elements 31 and 32 are configured to create not only a first seal on the sleeve film 21, but also a second seal. Due to this, the products 20, placed inside the sleeve film 21, exit the sealing unit 3 in a state of 20 s, namely, in a sealed package 24 '(and not in a state of 20b, i.e. in a partially sealed package 23). The sealed package 24 'differs from the sealed package 24 in that the gas present in the package 24' has not yet been taken. It is shown that the moving means 30 moves the packages 24 ′ towards and through the gas sampling unit 35. The gas sampling unit 35 operates advantageously in the same manner as described above, although it is adapted to handle sealed packages, as described below. After taking gas from the package 24 'and thereby converting it into a sealed package 24 (from which the gas is taken), the transfer means 30 removes the packages 24 from the gas collection unit 35.

As shown in FIG. 7, the sealed packages 24 are placed in this way with respect to the vacuum chamber 353, so that after giving the compartments 351 and 352 a second configuration, the compartments 351 and 352 capture the second (in this case, sealed) end of the package 24 ', as a result of which a non-terminal portion of the second end is located outside the chamber 353 evacuation, the intermediate portion of the second end is captured by the compartments 351 and 352, and the end portion of the second end is located outside the chamber 353 evacuation. This design mainly corresponds to the description of the first embodiment and the partially sealed package, except that in the second embodiment it is designed to handle sealed packages. Gas extraction details are described in more detail with reference to FIG. 8-10.

In FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a gas extraction unit according to the present invention. The intermediate portion of the second sealed end of the sealed package 24 ′ is captured by compartments 351 and 352. It should be noted that the non-terminated portion 232, the intermediate portion 234, and the terminal portion 236 of the second end of the sealed packaging correspond to the portions of the partially sealed package 23 illustrated in FIG. 3. For clarity, these sections are not shown in FIG. 8. After the second configuration is given to the compartments 351 and 352, the end portion of the second end, as well as the rest of the package 24 '(outside the vacuum chamber 353), is slightly expanded due to the gas present in the intermediate portion of the second end, expelled outwardly in the direction of the end portion , and non-finite section of the second end. In addition to the components described above, the vacuum chamber 353 may further comprise first and second fasteners 355 and 356, which capture the outermost part of the end portion of the second end. This can be done to immobilize the terminal portion in a certain position within the vacuum chamber 353.

Using the puncturing means 359, a passage 241 is made at the terminal portion to thereby allow gas to escape from the inside of the package 24 'into the evacuation chamber 353. In this case, generally any puncturing means applicable for piercing the end portion of the second end can be used, for example, a punch (for example, creating a predominantly round hole by punching or extruding) or a heating wire element of a corresponding shape (for example, a heating wire element in the shape of a horseshoe, creating a corresponding predominantly round hole by thermal cutting of the film). The piercing means is preferably configured to form at the end portion of the second end of the hole that prevents (further) tearing of the film material, which may occur, for example, when forming a simple (linear) cut or hole having sharp corners. After gas is taken from the evacuation chamber 353, the end portion expands (see the double arrows pointing outward in FIG. 8) due to the pressure difference between the interior of the package 24 'and the interior of the evacuation chamber 353. As a result of the expansion of the end portion, the spaced configuration of the film material of the second end is maintained, and thereby gas can flow from the inside of the package 24 'towards the non-finite portion, the intermediate portion and the terminal portion of the second end and through it before it is drawn through passage 241 into chamber 353 evacuation as indicated by dotted arrows. In this way, gas is removed from the package 24 ', which is then sealed with appropriate sealing means (not shown in FIG. 8). The sealing means may be heat welding rods known from the art (for example, similar to sealing and cutting elements 31 and 32) and may, for example, be integrated into compartments 351 and 352 or provided as separate means outside the vacuum chamber 353 to seal the packaging 24 'and cutting the outer part of the second end from the package 24 'and thereby forming a sealed package 24, from which the gas is taken (see Fig. 6). It should be noted that, as an alternative, the piercing of the terminal section can be carried out after the start and during the gas extraction. In this case, the expansion of the terminal portion, which occurs due to the pressure difference and regardless of the presence or absence of the passage 241, can serve to counteract the punch or other piercing means and thereby facilitate the accurate and reliable placement of the piercing means and the creation of the passage 241.

In FIG. 9 and 10 are a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a gas extraction unit according to the present invention. In FIG. 9 and 10 illustrate one of the advantages of the present invention, as well as additional components associated with the vacuum chamber 353. As shown in FIG. 9 and 10, product 20 is a significantly larger object than in the rest of the figures. It should be noted that the size of the evacuation chamber and, accordingly, of the opening 354 limits only one measurement of the possible size of the processed products, namely, the width of the package. As shown in FIG. 9 and 10, the size (for example, length) of the product 20 does not affect the gas extraction process, since only the portion of the sealed (or unsealed) end of the package, and not the entire product, should be placed in the evacuation chamber 353. The height of the product 20 also has only a slight effect on the gas extraction process, since the working height of the compartments 351 and 352, as well as the gap between the two compartments 351 and 352, can be adjusted accordingly in the first configuration.

In FIG. 9 shows compartments 351 and 352 in a first configuration that allows packaging 24 'to be placed such that non-terminal, intermediate, and terminal portions of the sealed end of packaging 24' can be placed as described above. In addition, compartments 351 and 352 are associated with respective cutting means 357 and 357 ′, as well as sealing means 358 and 358 ′. Near the cutting means 357 and 357 ′, the compartments 351 and 352 have a curved shape for gripping the intermediate portion of the second end of the package 24 ′. Near them are means 358 and 358 'sealing.

In FIG. 11A-11I show a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a gas sampling unit and corresponding transport means according to the present invention, and various stages of a gas sampling process according to a third embodiment are illustrated. The movement of the package through the packaging device is from right to left in FIG. 1, 2, 6 and 7. In FIG. 11A, the compartments 351 and 352 have a first configuration, as a result of which the sealed package 24 'can move through the compartments 351 and 352 to a position where the end portion of the package 24' is between the compartments 351 and 352, but the product is outside the area occupied by the compartments 351 and 352. In FIG. 11B, an additional step of adjusting the moving means 30 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the transfer means 30 is adjustable in order to facilitate efficient movement of the package through the packaging device while facilitating the positioning of the packages relative to compartments 351 and 352. It is shown that a transport configuration can be given to the portion of the transfer means in which packages can be moved through unit 35 , and a gas sampling configuration in which the packages are positioned relative to compartments 351 and 352 to facilitate gas withdrawal from them. In FIG. 11B, the second configuration is given to the compartments 351 and 352, and as shown in FIG. 11G, a cutting means 357 is actuated to cut off excess film material from the end portion of the package and thereby reopen the package. Advantageously, simultaneously with the packaging opening (shortly before or shortly after), the chamber 353 is evacuated, as a result of which a pressure difference is created between the interior of the chamber 353 and the external environment. In FIG. 11D, it can be seen that excess film material has fallen into the reservoir (or otherwise removed), and gas is taken from within the package 24 '(which is illustrated as reducing the amount of residual gas between the film and the product 20). As the gas is sampled, the film forming the package 24 'approaches product 20. In FIG. 11E shows the final stages of gas extraction, in which the film is firmly pressed against the product 20, and gas is predominantly taken from the package 24 '. Then the evacuation of the chamber 353 is stopped, and the packaging 24 'is again sealed by means of sealing 358 and 358'. In FIG. 11G, the sealing means 358 and 358 'are disconnected, and in FIG. 113, the first configuration is given to the compartments 351 and 352 (i.e., the chamber 353 opens), as a result of which the package 24 'is released. The portion of the transfer means 30 is optionally adjusted to move the package 24 'forward and / or to receive the next package. In FIG. 11I shows how the next package moves between compartments 351 and 352 during their first configuration and, accordingly, through an open chamber 353 to position it, as described above. Then the process starts again with the next package 24 ', as described above.

In FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of a packaging device according to the present invention using a gas extraction unit 35 ′ having two parallel evacuation chambers 353 ′. The gas sampling unit 35 'of the packaging device 1' comprises two evacuation chambers 353 'located on each side of the loading conveyor 30i. As shown in FIG. 12, the products 20 can be supplied to the gas take-off unit 35 'in the direction 30a by means of a loading conveyor, for example in pillow-type packages (i.e. in packages 24', which are preferably blown with an inert gas and sealed at both ends, but of which still no gas taken; see also the description of Fig. 6 and 7 above). The control unit 50 is configured to control the middle transverse conveyor 30m to receive packages 24 'by means of the loading conveyor 30i in the direction 30a and selectively move the packages 24' along the left path 30a-l or the right path 30a-r, respectively, to additional transverse conveyors 30l or 30r. On each side of the middle transverse conveyor 30 t there is a corresponding evacuation chamber 353 '.

The vacuum chamber 353 ′ is structurally and functionally consistent with the above-described vacuum chambers 353. Thus, evacuation chambers 353 ′ may have compartments 351 ′ and 352 ′ and can be configured to open and close (not shown in FIG. 12 for clarity), as described in detail above. Additional components, such as actuators configured to move compartments 351 'and / or 352', are not shown in FIG. 12. Packages 24 'can be moved along trajectories 30a-l and 30a-r, so that their upstream end is laterally inserted into the open evacuation chambers 353'. Then, the vacuum chambers can be closed, and vacuum can be carried out, as described above. In this way, two evacuation chambers can be used alternately (or mainly in parallel and / or independently), and during each cycle of operation of the corresponding evacuation chamber 353 ′ (for example, opening, introducing the upstream end of one or more packages, closing, evacuation, re-opening) can be carried out evacuation of one or more packages 24 'using the appropriate (for example, left or right) chamber 353' evacuation. It is understood that the evacuation chambers 353 'can act predominantly independently of each other, for example, to take into account different evacuation times, different sizes of packages 24', etc.

Advantageously, after the upstream end of the package 24 ′ is inserted (for example, simultaneously or shortly before / shortly after) into the opening (see state 20 s in FIG. 12), the film material at the upstream end can be perforated or punctured to facilitate subsequent gas sampling. Perforation may be carried out using perforation rollers 360 (see FIGS. 12A and 12B). As the upstream ends of the packages are introduced into the evacuation chamber 353 ′, gas or air may be removed from the inside of the packaging after closing the evacuation chamber 353 ′ as described above. After gas sampling is completed, sealing and cutting are performed as described above to release the already evacuated packages 24 '(see state 20d in FIG. 12) from the vacuum chamber 353'.

In FIG. 12A and 12B show detailed views of the gas sampling unit illustrated in FIG. 12. The control unit 50 is operatively connected to the middle transverse conveyor 30m, the left transverse conveyor 301, and the right transverse conveyor 30r. The middle cross conveyor is used to receive packages and to move them sideways in any direction towards the respective transverse conveyors (for example, 301 or 30r) and on them. The lateral transverse conveyors serve to receive the respective packages of their movement upstream into the corresponding puncturing unit 360 and through it and then into the corresponding open vacuum chamber 353 ', as described above. The puncturing unit 360 perforates the corresponding package in which a vacuum is created when its upstream perforated end is inside the evacuation chamber 353 ′, and the film enters the evacuation chamber 353 ′ through an opening. After gas extraction, the corresponding evacuation chamber 353 'is opened, and the packages 24' are moved further along the paths 30a-l and 30a-r, respectively, and back to the side of the middle transverse conveyor 30m and the discharge conveyor 30o for placement in the outlet area of the packaging device 1 '.

The puncturing unit 360 may include puncturing rollers with protrusions 360 'on the outer surface, configured in combination with recesses 360ʺ on the opposite surface to perforate the film 21 supplied to the puncturing unit 360. It is shown that the puncturing unit 360 can be made in the form of a set of rollers located opposite each other, for example, with protrusions 360 'and recesses 360ʺ (alternatively, also in the form of any combination of protrusions and / or recesses configured to create one or more passes ; see also above). It should be noted that other means of punching the film 21 can be used (for example, the aforementioned heating wire elements or knife rollers configured to cut the upstream edge of the package) provided that the seal formed by the film 21 of the upstream end of the package is broken 24 'to facilitate gas withdrawal, as described in detail above.

In some embodiments, several sequentially processed packages are alternately sent to vacuum chambers 353 ', as a result of which, for example, every second package from a series of packages enters each vacuum chamber 353' (alternatively, any one can be sent to one of the vacuum chamber 353 ' the number of packages 24 'in a row, for example, 3 packages in order to evacuate them). The size and configuration of each evacuation chamber 353 ′ may be selected so as to be able to process several packages simultaneously, for example, from 2 to 5 packages, preferably at least. 3 packaging as shown in FIG. 12. The evacuation unit of the packaging device 1 'has a modular design, which allows the simultaneous use of two or more evacuation chambers 353'. This modular design can prevent or alleviate a situation in which the packaging device 1 'can act only at the speed of its least rapid unit.

The packaging device 1 may be a horizontal molding-filling-capping machine (HFFS). HFFS may include a conveyor belt 30 for placing and transporting packages 22 in the horizontal direction. Product 20 may be placed on the surface. The surface may extend predominantly in the horizontal direction. The surface may be the upper surface of the conveyor belt 30. The conveyor belt 30 may be a continuous conveyor belt 30. For example, the conveyor belt 30 may be suspended from at least two rollers. The conveyor belt 30 can transport the product 20 in a horizontal direction.

Product 20 may be in the tray. The tray supports the product 20. The tray may have walls that extend vertically from the base of the tray and reach a height greater than the vertical size of the product 20. Alternatively, the height of the walls of the tray may be less than or equal to the height of the product 20. The tray is surrounded by packaging. The tray may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, aluminum or other thermoplastic material, such as PET or cardboard. The tray can be rigid, solid or porous and have any color and size.

The package may be a multilayer film 21. The film 21 may be a polyolefin. The film 21 may be a fully coextruded shrink film 21. The package serves as a barrier to the passage of gas between the space inside the package and the space outside the package. Accordingly, the medium inside the package is isolated from the environment outside the package. This helps preserve food products 20 and prevent contamination. This may be beneficial in terms of food hygiene. Packaging can serve as a barrier to odors or gases. This may be particularly useful when product 20 is food product 20. Packaging may be resistant to abuse.

The packaging may be transparent or translucent. This allows the consumer to see the product 20 through the packaging. For example, the package may contain a transparent film 21. The film package may have antivulatory properties. This provides its high attractiveness to the consumer. The packaging film may be suitable for printing. This allows labeling directly on the packaging.

A package may be formed from a roll of film 21. A sleeve film 21 may be formed from a roll of film 21. The packaging device 1 may include a device for forming a sleeve from a roll of film 21. It may form a sleeve by performing longitudinal sealing along the longitudinal edge of the roll of film 21. The sleeve may be formed from two canvases of the film 21. In this case, two longitudinal seals are formed along the opposite edges of the two roll films 21.

The packaging device 1 may include a purge device 34. The purge device 34 is configured to gas purge the sleeve film 21, which forms the package. Gas purging prevents collapse of the sleeve. Gas purging helps to maintain a certain distance between the product 20 in the tray and the film 21. This helps to improve the hygiene of the film 21, since the film 21 does not lose its gloss due to contact with the product 20. The purge device 34 purges the sleeve with gas in the longitudinal direction. The gas used for purging may contain about 70% oxygen and about 30% carbon dioxide or other suitably modified medium.

In addition, gas purging allows the packaging of the product 20 in a modified environment. Gas can help maintain product 20, extending its shelf life. The desired amount of gas inside each sealed package depends on the type of product 20 and the required shelf life.

The packaging device 1 may include a shrink device for shrinking the film 21. The shrink device may be a water or air shrink chamber, such as an air shrink chamber 33. The sealed package 24 is shrinkable in a shrink device. The shrink process may include heating the sealed package. The package 24 may be heated to a temperature ranging from about 130 ° C to about 150 ° C.

Prior to shrinkage of the sealed package 24, entrained unwanted gas may remain in it along with product 20. In addition, the sealed package 24 may have undesirable kinks, i.e. areas of packaging that are not adjacent to the product 20 (for example, due to the fact that the shape of the product 20 is not a regular rectangular box). After shrinkage, kinks and gas content decrease. This gives the sealed packaging 24 a more aesthetic appearance. For cheese, it can absorb any residual gas in sealed packaging 24 after it has shrunk.

Product 20 may be food product 20. For example, product 20 may be meat, cheese, pizza, prepared meals, poultry, and fish. Product 20 may be predominantly dry, as is the case with cheese. Some products, such as cheese, do not require a tray as a support for the cheese. Alternatively, the product 20 may be wet. In this case, it is particularly desirable that the product 20 is in the tray.

The packaging method according to the invention can be used for packaging food products 20, the shelf life of which should be, for example, from about 6 to about 14 days.

The packaging device 1 is preferably a horizontal molding-filling-capping machine. However, the packaging device 1 may be other types of molding-filling-capping machine, such as a vertical molding-filling-capping machine (VFFS). In a vertical molding-filling-capping machine, the packaging 22 in the packaging process moves through the packaging device 1 in the vertical direction.

In VFFS, a package can be sealed once to form the lower end of a sealed package. Then the product 20 is served in an open-ended package. The upper end of the package 22 is then sealed to form a sealed package 24 '.

Although the invention has been described with an example of what is currently considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that it is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather includes various modifications and equivalent configurations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (83)

1. The method of packaging, including: the use of a partially sealed package (23) containing the product to be packaged (20), while the partially sealed package (23) is made of film (21) and has a seal on the first end and an open second end, the use of a vacuum chamber (353) having a first compartment (351) and a second compartment (352) located opposite the first compartment (351), while the first compartment (351) and the second compartment (352) are able to move relative to each other between the first configuration, in which the first and second compartments are separated from each other (351, 352), and the second configuration, in which the first and second compartments (351, 352) are in contact with each other along their perimeter, with the exception of at least one hole (354) formed between the first and second div helenia (351, 352), adjusting the distance between the first and second compartments (351, 352) to give the first and second compartments (351, 352) a second configuration, thereby opening the vacuum chamber (353), relative positioning of the partially sealed package (23) and the vacuum chamber (353), as a result of which the terminal portion (236) of the second end is placed inside the vacuum chamber (353), the non-terminal portion (232) of the second end is located outside the vacuum chamber (353) and the intermediate section (234) a second end located between the terminal and non-terminal portions (236, 232) of the second end, passes through the hole (354), adjusting the distance between the first and second compartments (351, 352) in order to give the first and second compartments (351, 352) a second configuration in which the first and second compartments, with the exception of the opening (354), are mainly in tight contact with each other and an intermediate portion of the second end enters the hole (354), the creation in the chamber (353) of evacuation of the internal vacuum pressure is lower than the atmospheric pressure outside the chamber (353) of the vacuum, while the internal vacuum pressure is chosen so that: create a gas stream through the hole (354), in which the opposite layers of the film (21) at the second end retain a predominantly spaced configuration, and suck out gas both from within the partially sealed package (23) and from the surrounding atmosphere through the opening (354), and creating a second seal at the second end of the partially sealed package (23) and thereby forming a sealed package (24) containing the product and having first and second sealed ends. 2. A method of packaging, including: the use of a sealed package (24) containing the product being packaged (20), wherein the sealed package (24) is made of film (21) and has a seal at the first end and a seal at the second end, the use of a vacuum chamber (353) having a first compartment (351) and a second compartment (352) located opposite the first compartment (351), while the first compartment (351) and the second compartment (352) are able to move relative to each other between the first configuration, in which the first and second compartments (351, 352) are separated from each other, and the second configuration, in which the first and second compartments (351, 352) are in contact with each other along their perimeter, with the exception of at least one hole (354) formed between the first and second m branches (351, 352), adjusting the distance between the first and second compartments (351, 352) to give the first and second compartments (351, 352) a second configuration, thereby opening the vacuum chamber (353), relative positioning of the sealed package (24) and the vacuum chamber (353), as a result of which the terminal portion (236) of the second end is placed inside the vacuum chamber (353), the non-terminal portion of the second end is located outside the vacuum chamber (353) and the intermediate section ( 234) a second end located between the terminal and non-terminal portions (236, 232) of the second end passes through the hole (354), adjusting the distance between the first and second compartments (351, 352) in order to give the first and second compartments (351, 352) a second configuration in which the first and second compartments, with the exception of the opening (354), are mainly in tight contact with each other, an intermediate portion (234) of the second end enters the hole (354), creating a passage in the film (21) at the terminal portion (236) of the second end, and the creation in the chamber (353) of evacuation of the internal vacuum pressure is lower than the atmospheric pressure outside the chamber (353) of the evacuation, while the internal vacuum pressure and size of the hole is chosen so that: provide expansion of the terminal portion (236), in which the opposite layers of the film (21) at the second end retain a predominantly spaced configuration, and suck gas into the vacuum chamber (353) from the inside of the partially sealed package (23) through the hole (354) and through the passage. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of using the partially sealed package (23) includes: placing a sleeve film (21) around the product being packaged (20), creating in the block (3) sealing the first seal on the sleeve film (21) and thereby forming a partially sealed package (23) containing the product to be packed (20), and it is not necessary to create a longitudinal seal along the film (21) to obtain a sleeve film. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of using the sealed package (24) includes: placing a sleeve film (21) around the product being packaged (20), creating in the block (3) sealing the first seal on the sleeve film (21) and thereby forming a partially sealed package (23) containing the product to be packaged (20), creating in the block (3) sealing the second seal on the sleeve film (21) and thereby forming a sealed package (24) containing the product (20), and optionally creating a longitudinal seal along the film (21) in order to obtain a sleeve film. 5. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, in which the relative positioning of the package (23.24) and the vacuum chamber (353) includes: moving the first compartment (351) of the vacuum chamber (353) and / or moving the second compartment (352) of the vacuum chamber (353) relative to each other, and moving the package and / or moving the vacuum chamber (353) relative to each other. 6. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, in which the regulation of the distance includes: moving the first compartment (351) of the vacuum chamber (353) and / or moving the second compartment (351) of the vacuum chamber (353) relative to each other. 7. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, in which the regulation of the distance includes: using an opening (354) whose height is 8-20 times the thickness of the film (21), or using a hole (354) with a height of 1.0 mm or less, preferably 0.8 mm or less, most preferably 0.5 mm or less, or the use of holes (354) with a height of from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, preferably from 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm, most preferably from 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. 8. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, in which the creation of an internal vacuum pressure in the chamber (353) evacuation includes the creation of an internal vacuum pressure from 800 mbar to 500 mbar, preferably from 750 mbar to 525 mbar, most preferably from 700 mbar to 550 mbar. 9. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, further comprising the use of a shielding gas, optionally a shielding gas, mainly consisting of CO ₂ , in the interior of the film (21) and / or packaging (23, 24). 10. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, further comprising using a second evacuation chamber, optionally using a second evacuation chamber predominantly parallel to the evacuation chamber (353). 11. The method according to p. 10, in which stage: adjusting the distance between the first and second compartments (351, 352) of the vacuum chamber (353) to give the first and second compartments (351, 352) a second configuration, thereby opening the vacuum chamber (353), and adjusting the distance between the first and second compartments of the second evacuation chamber in order to give the first and second compartments of the second evacuation chamber a second configuration in which the first and second compartments of the second chamber, with the exception of the openings in the second evacuation chamber, are preferably in tight contact with each other, performed primarily simultaneously. 12. A device for discharging gas in a packaging device (1) from a partially sealed package (23) that contains a product (20) and has a seal at the first end and an open second end containing an end section (236), a non-terminal section (232), and an intermediate section (234) located between its terminal and non-terminal sections (236,232) of the second end, containing: a vacuum chamber (353) having a first compartment (351) and a second compartment (352) located opposite the first compartment (351), a first compartment (351) of the vacuum chamber (353) and / or a second compartment (352) of the vacuum chamber (353) able to move relative to each other between the first configuration in which the first and second compartments are separated from each other (351, 352), and the second configuration in which the first and second compartments (351, 352) are in contact with each other along their perimeter, with the exception of at least one hole (354), about razuyuschegosya between the first and second compartments (351, 352), and evacuation means for creating in the chamber (353) evacuation of the internal vacuum pressure lower than atmospheric pressure outside the chamber (353) evacuation, and control unit programmed to: adjusting the distance between the first and second compartments (351, 352) to give the first and second compartments (351, 352) a second configuration, as a result of which the intermediate section (234) of the second end enters the hole (354) without creating an airtight seal between the intermediate section (234) and the first and second compartments (351, 352) along the opening (354), while in the second configuration, the first and second compartments (351, 352), with the exception of the opening (354), are mainly in tight contact with each other friend actuating the evacuation means in order to create an internal vacuum gauge pressure in the chamber (353), and regulation of internal vacuum pressure in order to: providing a gas flow through the hole (354), in which the opposite layers of the film at the second end (21) maintain a predominantly spaced configuration, and ensuring suction of gas both from within the partially sealed package (23) and from the surrounding atmosphere through the opening (354). 13. A device for venting gas in a packaging device (1) from a sealed package (24) that contains a product (20) and has a seal at the first end and a seal at the second end containing the terminal portion (236), the non-terminal portion (232), and an intermediate section (234) located between its terminal and non-terminal sections (236, 232) of the second end, containing: a vacuum chamber (353) having a first compartment (351) and a second compartment (352) located opposite the first compartment (351), a first compartment (351) of the vacuum chamber (353) and / or a second compartment (352) of the vacuum chamber (353) able to move relative to each other between the first configuration in which the first and second compartments (351, 352) are separated from each other, and the second configuration in which the first and second compartments (351, 352) are in contact with each other along their perimeter, with the exception of at least one hole (354), about razuyuschegosya between the first and second compartments (351, 352), piercing agent evacuation means for creating in the chamber (353) evacuation of the internal vacuum pressure lower than atmospheric pressure outside the chamber (353) evacuation, and control unit programmed to: adjusting the distance between the first and second compartments (351, 352) to give the first and second compartments (351, 352) a second configuration, as a result of which the intermediate section (234) of the second end enters the hole (354) without creating an airtight seal between the intermediate section (234) and the first and second compartments (351, 352) along the opening (354), while in the second configuration, the first and second compartments (351, 352), with the exception of the opening (354), are mainly in tight contact with each other friend control of the piercing means to create a passage in the terminal portion (236) of the second end, actuating the evacuation means in order to create an internal vacuum gauge pressure in the chamber (353), and regulation of internal vacuum pressure in order to: providing expansion of the terminal portion (236), in which the opposite layers of the film (21) at the second end retain a predominantly spaced configuration, and aspirating gas into the vacuum chamber (353) from the inside of the partially sealed package (24) through the opening (354) and through the passage. 14. The device according to claim 13, further comprising means of sealing and cutting (358, 358 '; 357, 357'), the control unit being further programmed to control means of sealing and cutting (358, 358 '; 357, 357') with the purpose of forming a seal at the second end of the package between the first end and the passage. 15. The device according to p. 12, additionally containing means (358, 358 '; 357, 357') for sealing and cutting, while the control unit is additionally programmed to control means (358, 358 '; 357, 357') for sealing and cutting with the purpose of forming a seal at the second end of the package. 16. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 13 or 14, wherein the piercing means (359) is a punch or a heating wire element. 17. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 14 or 15, in which the control unit is further programmed to control means (358, 358 '; 357, 357') of sealing and cutting to cut off excess film material from the outside of the seal from the second end. 18. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 12-15, in which the hole (354) has a width of 1000 mm or less, preferably 500 mm or less, and / or in which the control unit is programmed to control the distance so that the hole (354) has a height 8-20 times the thickness of the film (21), while the control unit is not necessarily programmed to adjust the distance so that the hole (354) has a height of 10 times or less than the film thickness (21); or to adjust the distance so that the hole (354) has a height of from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, optionally 1.0 mm or less, preferably 0.8 mm or less, most preferably 0.5 mm or less. 19. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 12-15, in which the hole (354) has a depth of 50 mm or less, preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 12 mm or less; and / or in which the control unit is programmed to control the evacuation means to create an internal vacuum pressure of from 800 mbar to 500 mbar, preferably from 750 mbar to 525 mbar, most preferably from 700 mbar to 550 mbar. 20. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 12-15, further comprising a second evacuation chamber having a corresponding first compartment and a corresponding second compartment located opposite the first compartment, the first compartment of the second evacuation chamber and / or the second compartment of the second evacuation chamber are capable of moving relative to each other between the first configuration, in which the first and the second compartments of the second evacuation chamber are separated from each other, and the second configuration, in which the first and second compartments of the second evacuation chamber pre muschestvenno are in contact with each other at their perimeter, except for one opening in the second vacuum chamber formed between the first and second branches of the second vacuum chamber. 21. A packaging device (1), comprising: control unit (50); a gas extraction unit (35, 35 ') connected to the control unit (50); output unit; means (30, 30m, 30l, 30r) of movement associated with the control unit (50), which is configured to control means (30, 30m, 30l, 30r) of movement to move one or more packages (23, 24) in each of which the packaged product (20) is contained, towards the gas extraction unit (35, 35 ') and through it towards the output unit; wherein the gas sampling unit (35, 35 ') comprises a gas sampling device according to any one of claims. 10-18 or the gas extraction unit (35, 35 ') comprises a gas extraction device according to claim 20, the control unit is optionally configured to control means (30, 30m, 30l, 30r) of movement to move one or more packages (23, 24 ) and their alternate supply to the vacuum chamber (353) and the second vacuum chamber. 22. A packaging device (1) according to claim 21, further comprising: a loading unit coupled to a control unit (50) that is configured to control the loading unit to place a tubular film around the packaged products (20); and a sealing unit (3) associated with a control unit that is configured to control the sealing unit (3) to create one or more seals on the sleeve film and thereby form one or more packages (23, 24), each of which contains a packaging product (20), however, the control unit (50) is configured to control the moving means in order to move one or more packages (23, 24) from the loading unit to the side of the sealing unit (3) and through it.

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