EP4082924B1 - Sealing machine for sealing packages - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sealing machine for sealing packages according to claim 1 and a method for sealing packages using a sealing machine according to claim 11.

State of the art

Sealing machines are known from the prior art. They are commonly used to seal either packages designed with a fixed shape or bags with a variable shape and each product filled therein. For this purpose, the packaging usually consists of a plastic.

For this purpose, the sealing machines include a sealing chamber that can be delimited, for example, by a transport level and a chamber cover, a sealing device that seals the packaging being arranged in the sealing chamber. This can usually be done by heating the (plastic) packaging at the desired sealing points.

Current sealing machines include an exhaust that can extract gas, such as air, that is in the volume enclosed by the chamber lid and transport plane before the sealing device seals the packages. This ensures that the packages are sealed under the most sterile conditions possible, which can increase the shelf life of the products packed in the sealed packages.

The enclosed volume then has to be refilled with gas in order to transport the sealed packages out of the sealing machine and introduce new packages to be sealed. This also opens the chamber lid. Due to the negative pressure prevailing in the enclosed volume, a large force is required for this and delays can occur when raising the chamber cover due to the prevailing negative pressure. This is reinforced by the fact that the chamber lid is usually surrounded by a protective frame, which is intended to prevent an operator from accidentally reaching into the area of the chamber lid. Such a sealing machine for sealing packaging is from the published application EP 2 657 005 A1 known.

This limits the throughput of common sealing machines due to the time required for aeration.

Task

Proceeding from the known prior art, the problem to be solved is to specify a sealing machine and a method for sealing packages with which a high throughput of sealed packages can be realized, while at the same time the safety of the operator is to be guaranteed.

Solution

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the sealing machine according to claim 1 or the method for sealing packaging according to claim 11 . Advantageous developments of the invention are included in the dependent claims.

The sealing machine according to the invention for sealing packaging comprises a sealing chamber in which packaging can be sealed, the sealing chamber having a transport plane on which packaging can be transported, a chamber cover movable relative to the transport plane between an open and a closed position, a sealing device for sealing packaging, as well as an exhaust for extracting gas from a volume enclosed by the chamber lid and the transport plane, wherein the sealing machine further comprises a protective frame which is kinematically connected to the chamber lid, and wherein the protective frame has perforations through which gas from the outside space in the enclosed volume can flow.

The fact that the protective frame is kinematically connected to the chamber cover is to be understood here in such a way that the protective frame essentially follows the movement of the chamber cover. This can be realized either by a suitable physical connection between the chamber lid and the protective frame or by independent or coupled drive devices for the chamber lid and the protective frame. The fact that the protective frame essentially follows the movement of the chamber lid is also to be understood as encompassing deviations from the movement of the chamber lid. This relates, for example, to the timing of the movement of the chamber lid compared to the movement of the protective frame. The latter can be ahead or behind the former in time. Alternatively or additionally, there can be differences in the movement sequence of the chamber lid and the protective frame. Thus, the protective frame can move (at least partially) in a different direction than the chamber lid or with a different (maximum) movement amplitude than the chamber lid.

Through the perforations arranged in the protective frame surrounding the chamber cover, gas from the outside of the sealing machine (such as air) can pass through the protective frame in a targeted manner flow into the enclosed volume if the opening of the chamber lid has already begun, for example. Pressure can be equalized more quickly as a result, with unwanted gas or air circulation being able to be avoided through the targeted arrangement of perforations.

Thus, on the one hand, an accelerated pressure equalization is achieved while at the same time ensuring safety for the operator. In addition, the air flow is introduced through these perforations in a controlled manner, so that packaging remnants can be prevented from unintentionally flying around.

In one embodiment, the perforations extend in an area above the plane of transport when the chamber lid is in the closed position and/or when the chamber lid is in the open position.

The area above the transport plane can include, in particular, side surfaces or surfaces of the protective frame that are located directly above the transport plane. Side surfaces of the protective frame are particularly preferably equipped with perforations which are essentially vertical on the transport plane when the chamber cover is in the closed position. This ensures a reliable flow of air into the interior or the enclosed volume.

Provision can be made for the protective frame to be kinematically connected to the chamber cover in such a way that the protective frame follows the movement of the chamber cover when the chamber cover moves from the closed position into the open position.

The after-running of the protective frame prevents unintentional intervention by an operator, while the perforations provided can at the same time ensure that the enclosed volume is reliably vented, even if the chamber lid is moved and the protective frame has not yet followed this movement.

In one embodiment, the sealing machine further includes a shut-off mechanism for selectively opening and closing at least a portion of the perforations.

The perforations can, for example, be selectively closed by a locking mechanism in the form of a slide (e.g. also driven by an electric motor), so that air is prevented from flowing through the protective frame when the packaging is being sealed, so that this can be guaranteed under sterile conditions if possible.

It can be provided that the perforations are designed in such a way that with a pressure difference between the exterior and the enclosed volume of 0.1 bar or less, a gas flow of at least 2l/s or at least 5l/s or at least 10l/s or at least 15l /s can flow from the exterior through the perforations into the enclosed volume.

By choosing the size of the perforations so that this gas flow is realized, it can be ensured that rapid ventilation and thus also a sufficiently rapid pressure equalization between the enclosed volume and the environment takes place, so that the chamber lid can be lifted reliably and quickly.

Furthermore, the total area of the perforations can be larger than the total area of other gas-permeable areas between the protective frame and the chamber lid. This embodiment ensures that a large part of the air flow or gas flow takes place through the perforations themselves and not through other gas-permeable surfaces that cannot be avoided for production reasons, so that the air flow can be controlled in a targeted manner.

In one embodiment it is provided that the protective frame surrounds the chamber cover at least partially on all side surfaces that come into contact with the transport plane in the closed position or that the protective frame surrounds all side surfaces of the chamber cover pointing away from the volume enclosed in the closed position.

In this way, on the one hand, the air flow can be controlled as advantageously as possible, and on the other hand, unintentional reaching into the chamber cover by the operator is avoided, which can further increase the safety of an operator.

The perforations can be arranged in one or more side surfaces of the protective frame that extend transversely to a transport direction of the packaging in the transport plane.

Seen in the direction of transport, these side surfaces of the protective frame can be the front and the rear of the protective frame. What is achieved with this embodiment is that the air flow takes place along or counter to the transport direction into the enclosed volume, which can be advantageous in terms of supporting the suction capacity.

In particular, the sealing machine can be designed to seal bags filled with product. Bags are to be understood here as packaging that, taken by itself, does not have a fixed, predetermined shape.

The transport plane can include a conveyor belt. This embodiment ensures reliable transport of the packaging, in particular when the packaging is designed as a bag.

The method according to the invention for sealing packaging by means of a sealing machine, the sealing machine comprising a sealing chamber in which packaging is sealed, the sealing chamber having a transport plane on which packaging is transported, a chamber cover movable relative to the transport plane between an open and a closed position, a Sealing device that seals packages, and an exhaust that sucks gas from a volume enclosed by the chamber lid and the transport plane, wherein the sealing machine further comprises a protective frame that is kinematically connected to the chamber lid, and wherein the protective frame has perforations through which at least temporarily allows gas to flow into the enclosed volume from the outside space, includes introducing at least one package into the sealing chamber when the chamber lid is in the open position, moving the chamber lid into the closed position, sucking off gas within the enclosed volume using the suction system sealing the at least one package with the sealing device and then moving the chamber lid to the open position.

This process allows packages to be sealed under controlled conditions while at the same time achieving increased throughput.

In one embodiment of the method, the protective frame is kinematically connected to the chamber lid in such a way that the protective frame follows the movement of the chamber lid when the chamber lid moves from the closed position to the open position. This embodiment ensures the safety of an operator.

It can be provided that the sealing machine further comprises a shut-off mechanism for selectively opening and closing part or all of the perforations. This allows the air flow and the amount of gas introduced to be controlled. In particular, the shut-off mechanism can be designed as an automatic shut-off mechanism or as an automatically driven shut-off mechanism that is driven, for example, via a suitable control unit and/or an electric drive.

Furthermore, it can be provided that some of the perforations or all of the perforations is/are closed before gas is sucked out within the closed volume, and that some of the perforations or all of the perforations are/are opened after the at least a package has been sealed and before the chamber lid is moved to the open position. This controls the gas flow and in particular the flow direction of gas flows penetrating into the enclosed volume from the environment.

Provision can be made for a gas flow of at least 2l/s or at least 5l/s or at least 10l/s or at least 15l/s from the exterior through the perforations at a pressure difference between the exterior and the enclosed volume of 0.1 bar or less flows through the perforations into the enclosed volume.

This has a favorable effect on the suction power in the enclosed volume and at the same time increases the achievable throughput.

Short description of the figures

Figures 1a and 1b

show an embodiment of a sealing machine

Figures 2a and 2b

show different embodiments of the protective frame

figure 3

Figure 12 shows a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment

Detailed description

Fig. 1a 10 shows a sealing machine 100 according to an embodiment.

In the embodiment shown here, the sealing machine 100 comprises an area referred to as the sealing chamber 110 in which the packaging 130 with the product 131 inserted therein can be sealed. The packaging can in particular be foodstuffs, such as sausage products or cheese products. The packaging can preferably be made of plastic or include plastic. In this case, the packaging does not have to be in the form of rigid packaging in the sense of packaging with a predetermined shape (for example having a packaging trough). It also includes packaging without a fixed shape, such as bags.

In order to seal the packaging, the sealing chamber 110 comprises a transport plane E, on which the packaging 130 is transported and which is located not only in the area of the sealing chamber but also outside the sealing chamber, for example in the area of a conveyor belt 180 that transports the packaging along the transport direction T can feed the sealing chamber, can extend. The transport plane E can be designed as a conveyor belt, so that the packaging can also be transported inside the sealing chamber. This can make positioning the packages easier.

In the area of the conveyor belt or at least before the packaging is introduced into the sealing chamber 110, a cutting device 181 can optionally be arranged, which can cut off excess parts of the packaging that could, for example, extend beyond the sealing chamber.

In addition, the sealing chamber 110 includes a chamber cover 101 in the Fig. 1a shown in its open position.

The chamber cover 101 can be moved in the direction of the transport plane E towards and away from it along the direction of the double arrow shown.

In an end position, the chamber cover is in its closed position, in which it encloses a volume together with the transport plane E, within which at least one packaging for sealing the packaging can be located. In the other end position, the chamber lid is in the in Fig. 1a illustrated, open position, so that packaging 130 can be brought into the area of the sealing chamber, and/or already sealed packaging can be removed from the sealing chamber. For this purpose, a further conveyor belt can, but does not have to be, arranged downstream of the sealing chamber 110, which can cause the sealed packaging to be transported further.

The sealing machine preferably includes more with reference to the Fig. 1b described components, which can also be referred to generally as a sealing device to enable sealing of the packaging.

Furthermore, in the Fig. 1a a protective frame 102 is shown. This surrounds as shown in the Fig. 1a the chamber cover 101 at least partially.

In the embodiment shown here, the protective frame 102 surrounds the chamber cover at least on part of the side surfaces of the chamber cover that are perpendicular to the transport plane E. It can also be provided that the protective frame 102 completely surrounds the chamber lid 101, except for the side of the chamber lid 101 which faces the packaging, since this side, as with reference to FIG Fig. 1b is described further, the sealing of the packaging together with any other components of the sealing chamber can bring about or fulfills a function in this connection.

The protective frame 102 can be made of a metal, in particular high-grade steel, or have an outer coating comprising high-grade steel, so that corrosion and in particular contamination by bacteria or the like can be avoided. Alternatively, the protective frame 102 can also be made partially or completely from Plexiglas or a plastic be so that the protective frame is, for example, fully or partially transparent. This makes it easier for the operator to follow the movement of the chamber lid in the area of the protective frame, so that the risk of injury can be minimized.

According to the invention, the protective frame comprises a number of perforations 150 on at least one side surface, which preferably runs vertically to the transport plane E.

These perforations 150 extend through the material of the protective frame 102, so that when the chamber lid 101 is in the closed position, the perforations create a connection between the outer space surrounding the sealing chamber 110 and the volume enclosed by the chamber lid and the transport plane E, or at least the volume inside the protective frame Lying area of the chamber cover 101 a connection is made.

This enables an air flow into the volume enclosed by the chamber cover and the transport plane E through the perforations 150 of the protective frame.

While in the closed state of the chamber lid, seals can prevent air infiltration so that ambient air or gas does not enter the enclosed volume, at least during the sealing of the packages 130, after the packages are sealed, the chamber lid is raised again to remove the packages from the to carry out the enclosed volume or to introduce new packaging into the volume. The chamber cover is usually raised before the pressure has been completely equalized.

Therefore, the chamber lid has to be lifted at least partially against the ambient pressure, which is higher than the pressure prevailing in the enclosed volume. In order to achieve faster pressure equalization, when the chamber lid is raised, the perforations 150 direct an air or gas flow in the area or volume at least partially enclosed by the chamber lid and the transport plane E, at least while the chamber lid is already being raised, so that the Pressure equalization occurs faster. As a result, forces counteracting the lifting of the chamber lid can be minimized, which makes it possible to lift the chamber lid more quickly. As a result, the throughput of the sealing machine can advantageously be increased.

Fig. 1b shows a cross section through the sealing chamber 110 along a plane that is perpendicular to the transport direction T according to FIG Fig. 1a stands.

In the embodiment shown here, the area enclosed by the chamber cover 101 and the transport plane E or the enclosed volume V can be seen. The protective frame 102 is shown as surrounding the chamber cover 101 from the outside at least on one side face shown here.

The protective frame 102 and the chamber cover 101 can be driven by a common drive, such as an electric motor. Protective frame 102 and chamber cover 101 can preferably be moved offset relative to one another, at least during the movement of the chamber cover from the closed to the open position, so that the protective frame 102 follows the movement of the chamber cover 101. This avoids the operator having to reach directly under the chamber lid. Instead of a common drive, separate drives can also be provided for the movement of the protective frame 102 and the chamber cover 101, which are then controlled in such a way that the subsequent movement of the protective frame can optionally be implemented.

in the in Fig. 1b The embodiment shown provides, as an alternative to separate drives, that the protective frame 102 and the chamber cover 101 are connected via a driver 111 of the chamber cover, which can be moved in a guide 103 of the protective frame (corresponding to the direction of the double arrow shown). In this case, it can be provided that only the chamber cover 101 is moved via a drive (not shown here) and the driver causes the protective frame 102 to move indirectly via the chamber cover 101 .

In the lowered or closed position of the chamber lid 101 in the Fig. 1b As shown, the upper surface of the driver 111 is at a distance h from the upper limit of the guide 103 of the protective frame. If the chamber cover 101 is now raised, the driver 111 runs along the guide 103 of the protective frame and strikes the upper end of the guide 103 after a distance h. From this moment on, the protective frame 102 is carried along with the chamber lid.

This means that, at least in the embodiment shown here, the protective frame 102 lags behind the movement of the chamber cover from the closed position to the open position (namely according to the lag distance h). This ensures that an operator does not unintentionally reach into the area of the chamber cover, since he would have to reach under the protective frame 102 from below to do so. At the same time, when the chamber cover is lowered into the closed position, the protective frame initially rests on the transport plane E and the chamber cover 101 only reaches this position later (after further covering the distance h). As a result, when the chamber cover 101 is closed, an inadvertent intervention by an operator is recognized and the downward movement is then stopped immediately.

The distance h can advantageously be 5 cm to 10 cm, for example. This ensures that the protective frame is lowered sufficiently early before the chamber cover reaches transport level E, so that the risk of injury to the operator is reduced as much as possible.

However, this configuration, in which the protective frame 102 follows the chamber cover 101, is not mandatory.

Likewise, the follower and guide 103 can be exchanged, so that the follower is arranged on the protective frame 102, whereas the guide is arranged so that it can move with the chamber cover 101.

Further components are preferably arranged in the interior of the chamber cover 101 as part of the chamber cover and/or the sealing chamber 110 .

As part of the chamber lid and the sealing chamber 110, optional seals 124 and 125 are shown, which can separate the enclosed volume V from the environment when the chamber lid 101 is in the closed position, so that a negative pressure generated by the suction 140 in the enclosed volume V can be maintained. The suction device can be designed as a vacuum pump, for example, in order to suck off gas (in particular air) located in the enclosed volume before the packaging is sealed.

Furthermore, a sealing device 120 is shown, which can be arranged movably in the direction of the double arrow shown, in order to seal part of the packaging 130 with the aid of a sealing stamp 123, for example. For this purpose, the sealing stamp can heat the packaging so that the plastic material of the packaging melts in this area and film parts of a film bag lying on top of one another are connected to one another, which seals the film bag. Furthermore, holding elements 121 and 122 can be provided, which fix the packaging at least during the sealing process.

The connection between the chamber lid 101 and protective frame 102, which in the embodiment according to Fig. 1b shown is only an example here. Any kinematic connection between the protective frame 102 and the chamber lid 101 can be provided, with a movement of the chamber lid 101 at least partially also resulting in a movement of the protective frame 102 in such a way that the protective frame essentially follows the movement of the chamber lid or at least follows it.

in the in Fig. 1a and in the Fig. 1b In the illustrated embodiment, the packages are shown as bags made of plastic or include plastic but are flexible in such a way that they do not have a clearly defined shape at room temperature. Instead or in addition, packaging with a fixed shape, for example in the form of packaging trays, which are provided with a cover film in the sealing chamber, can also be sealed by the sealing machine 100. In such a case, provision can then be made for one or more troughs to be arranged in the transport plane E for receiving the packaging troughs. These configurations are known in principle.

In the Fig. 1b the perforations in the protective frame 150 are not shown, but in principle they can also be provided in the part of the protective frame 102 shown here.

The Figures 2a and 2b show embodiments of the protective frame independent of the chamber lid itself. All the embodiments already described in relation to the chamber lid Fig. 1a and 1b are, however, with the embodiments described herein in the Figures 2a and 2b provided as combinable.

In the Figure 2a the chamber cover comprises four side surfaces 221 to 224. All of these side surfaces extend essentially vertically to the transport plane E, whereby slight deviations from the vertical course of these side surfaces are included here, depending on the shape of the side surfaces and their positioning relative to the transport plane. For example, the protective frame can include four side surfaces that together form a truncated cone (without a closed top surface and without a closed base surface), so that the individual side surfaces of this truncated cone are not exactly vertical on the transport plane. It can also be provided that only one, two or three of the side surfaces are not vertical on the transport plane, but the remaining side surface is.

While the protective frame in the Figure 2a and also in the other embodiments is always described as having four side surfaces, the protective frame can also have more or fewer side surfaces (e.g. three side surfaces or 5 side surfaces), depending on the design of the chamber cover or expediency.

In the embodiment shown here, it is provided that the side surface 221 and the side surface 222, which run perpendicularly to the transport direction T and are arranged transversely to the transport direction, are provided with perforations 251 and 252, respectively. This causes an air flow in the direction of transport or counter to the direction of transport, which can be advantageous in particular with regard to any bag residues that may remain inside the enclosed volume. Alternatively, it can also be provided that 222 perforations are provided in only one side surface, such as the side surface 221 or the side surface.

Albeit in the Figure 2a not shown, it can also be provided that perforations are also or alternatively arranged in the side surfaces 221 and 222 in one or both of the other side surfaces 223 and 224 .

The design of the perforations is basically arbitrary. However, in terms of production technology, it may be preferable for the perforations to be arranged as holes or elongated holes in one or more rows.

In some embodiments it can be provided that the total area of the perforations or the entire cross-sectional area of the perforations available for an air flow is larger than the area of all other gas-permeable surfaces between the protective frame and the chamber cover. For manufacturing reasons, absolute airtightness or gas-tightness between the chamber cover and the transport level or the chamber cover and the protective frame cannot be achieved or can only be achieved with great effort. It is therefore difficult during operation of the sealing machine to avoid an air flow through these gas-permeable areas as well. However, if the total area of the perforations is selected to be larger than the total area of the other gas-permeable areas between the protective frame and the chamber cover, the gas flow can advantageously be controlled according to the ratio of the total areas in such a way that a larger part of the air flow passes through the perforations and thus specifically into the enclosed volume can be conducted.

The total area of the perforations preferably corresponds to at least 1.1 times the total area of all other gas-permeable areas between the protective frame and the chamber lid. Particularly preferably, the total area of the perforations can be 50% larger than the total area of the other gas-permeable surfaces between the protective frame and the chamber lid, particularly preferably the total area of the perforations is twice as large as the total area of other gas-permeable surfaces between the protective frame and the chamber lid.

The size of the perforations and also the relative ratio to the total area of the other gas-permeable surfaces can be selected here not only depending on the desired guidance of the air flow, but also depending on how large the gas flow (in l /s) should be.

In some embodiments, the total area of the perforations can be selected so that with a pressure difference between the outside of the sealing machine and the enclosed volume of 0.1 bar, a gas flow of at least 2 l/s or at least 5 l/s or at least 10 l/s or at least 15 l /s is effected. This gas flow depends on the flow rate, and this in turn depends on the pressure difference, so that the area of the perforations to be provided can be selected depending on the desired process parameters.

In this way, for example, the speed at which the chamber cover can be raised can be increased, so that the throughput can advantageously be increased.

In the embodiments described so far, the perforations have always been described as open areas of the protective frame. This can be, for example, holes, elongated holes or slits, which can be arranged in one or more rows parallel to one another or in any desired pattern. The invention is not limited in this respect.

However, it can be advantageous if the perforations can be closed and opened in a targeted manner, for example to prevent an air flow or gas flow through the perforations when the chamber lid is closed, at least while the packaging is being sealed, so that gases cannot enter the packaging undesirably during sealing is avoided or the extraction performance is not adversely affected by the gas flowing through the perforations.

For this shows Figure 2b an embodiment in which a shut-off mechanism 290 is provided that allows selective opening and closing of at least a portion of the perforations. The perforations are shown here as the plurality of perforations 251 in the protective frame 202 . In the embodiment shown here, the shut-off mechanism comprises a slide 291, which can be pushed in front of the perforations (along the direction of the double arrow shown), with the slide in the embodiment shown here being operated by a drive (such as an electric motor) 292, which is connected to a control device 293 of the locking mechanism (such as a microprocessor or similar) can be actuated. Control device 293 and drive 292 are shown here as part of the protective frame or integrated into it. This configuration is not mandatory. For example, the control device can also be designed as part of the control unit of the sealing machine and can be arranged outside the protective frame and connected to the drive 292 via suitable means for signal exchange and/or for the transmission of energy, such as electricity, to the drive 292 .

Preferably, the relative proportion of the perforations blocked off by the slider 291 compared to the total number of perforations 251 can be adjusted, with which the gas flow through the perforations can also be influenced. With this embodiment, it is not only possible to control the gas flow per se (ie in particular the amount of gas flowing in), but also to control the direction in which this gas flow takes place.

In combination with the embodiment of Figure 2a For example, a corresponding blocking mechanism for the perforations 251 and 252 (and/or a blocking mechanism for other perforations that may be provided in the other side surfaces) can be provided both for the front side surface 221 and for the rear side surface 222, with these blocking mechanisms preferably being independent of one another are operable. Thus, for example, only one of the shut-off mechanisms can be actuated to open or close perforations, or both can be actuated simultaneously, or depending on the gas flow to be achieved, one or both can be actuated to uncover part or all of the perforations.

Slider 291 can preferably have sealing elements that allow the perforations concealed behind slide 291 to be sealed, in which case the sealing element can be arranged, for example, as a sealing lip 294 on the outer edge of slide 291 in the direction of perforations 251 and on the surface of protective frame 202 can rest at least partially.

The sealing lip can consist of or include polyurethane, rubber or other flexible materials, in particular plastics.

3 FIG. 12 shows a flow chart showing a method for sealing packages by means of a sealing machine according to one of the preceding embodiments.

The method begins at step 301, which includes placing one or more packages in the sealing chamber 110, respectively Fig. 1a be introduced. Prior to this, the packages can be cut, for example, by the cutters 181, as shown in FIG Fig. 1a are shown, cut to size or protruding bag necks are cut off. During step 301, the chamber lid is not in the closed position. It is preferably in the open position during the introduction of the packaging.

After the number of packages has been positioned in the sealing chamber or already during the positioning of the packages in the sealing chamber, the chamber cover can be moved from the open position to the closed position in step 302, so that the packages are enclosed in the volume enclosed by transport plane E and the chamber lid after the completion of this step. The protective frame is also moved together with the chamber cover. This can be moved synchronously with the chamber cover or follow its movement, as already mentioned with reference to FIG Fig. 1a was described.

If the chamber cover is closed and the volume in which the packages to be sealed are located is therefore separated from the outside space, gas can be sucked off inside the chamber cover in step 303 . This usually involves sucking off air. If the packaging is already being filled under a protective atmosphere, for example under a nitrogen atmosphere, the corresponding gas, i.e. nitrogen, is sucked off. Method step 303 is not limited to sucking off a specific gas.

If the gas has been sucked out to a desired internal pressure in the enclosed volume and thus also removed from the packaging, the packaging can be sealed in step 304 . If several packages are placed in the sealing chamber, either all packages can be sealed simultaneously or individually one after the other or in groups.

After all packages have been sealed, then in step 305 the chamber lid is returned to its open position, venting the enclosed volume until it has been vented to ambient pressure.

For this purpose, in particular at the beginning of the movement of the chamber lid, if provided, the shut-off mechanism for the perforations can be actuated in order to release the perforations, so that a faster ventilation or faster pressure equalization can take place, even if the protective frame follows the movement of the chamber lid.

The packaging can then be removed from the sealing chamber and, at the same time or at a later time, further packaging can be introduced into the sealing chamber for sealing, so that the method is then repeated with step 301 .

Claims (15)

1. A sealing machine (100) for the sealing of packages (130), said sealing machine comprising a sealing chamber (110) in which packages can be sealed, wherein the sealing chamber comprises a working platform (E) on which packages can be conveyed; a chamber lid (101) movable relative to the working platform between an open and a closed position; a sealing mechanism (120) for the sealing of packages; and a suction unit (140) for suction of gas from a volume (V) enclosed by the chamber lid (101) and the working platform; wherein the sealing machine further comprises a protective frame (102) kinematically connected to the chamber lid (101); characterized in that the protective frame has apertures (150) through which gas can flow from the outer space into the enclosed volume (V).
2. The sealing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the apertures (150) extend in a region above the working platform (E) when the chamber lid (101) is in the closed position and/or when the chamber lid (101) is in the open position.
3. The sealing machine (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protective frame is kinematically coupled to the chamber lid (101) so that the protective frame trails the movement of the chamber lid when the chamber lid is moved from a closed position to an open position.
4. The sealing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealing machine further comprises a shut-off mechanism (290) for the selective opening and closing of at least one portion of the apertures (251).
5. The sealing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the apertures (150) are configured such that a gas flow of at least 2l/s or at least 5l/s or at least 10l/s or at least 15l/s can flow from the outer space through the apertures into the enclosed volume (V) at a pressure difference between the outer space and the enclosed volume of 0.1 bar or less.
6. The sealing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the total area of the apertures (150) is greater than the total area of other gas-permeable surfaces between the protective frame (102) and the chamber lid (101).
7. The sealing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protective frame (102) surrounds the chamber lid (101) at least partially on all side surfaces coming into contact with the working platform (E) in the closed position; or wherein the protective frame surrounds all side surfaces of the chamber lid facing away from the volume enclosed in the closed position.
8. The sealing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the apertures (150) are arranged in side surfaces of the protective frame (102) extending transversely to a conveying direction (T) of the packages (130) in the working platform (E).
9. A sealing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sealing machine is configured for the sealing of bags filled with product.
10. The sealing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the working platform comprises a conveyor belt (180).
11. The method for the sealing of packages (130) by means of a sealing machine (100), the sealing machine comprising a sealing chamber (110) in which packages are sealed, the sealing chamber comprising a working platform (E) on which the packages are conveyed, a chamber lid movable relative to the working platform (101) between an open and a closed position, a sealing mechanism (120) which seals packages, and a suction unit (140) which sucks gas from a volume (V) enclosed by the chamber lid and the working platform, wherein the sealing machine (110) further comprises a protective frame (102) kinematically connected to the chamber lid (101), and wherein the protective frame has apertures (150) through which gas can at least temporarily flow from the outer space into the enclosed volume (V), wherein the method comprises inserting (301) at least one package into the sealing chamber with the chamber lid in the open position, moving the chamber lid (302) into the closed position, suction (303) of gas within the enclosed volume by the suction unit, sealing (304) the at least one package with the sealing mechanism, and subsequently moving (305) the chamber lid into the open position.
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the protective frame (102) is kinematically coupled to the chamber lid (101) so that the protective frame trails the movement of the chamber lid when the chamber lid is moved from a closed position to an open position.
13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the sealing machine (100) further comprises a shut-off mechanism (290) for selectively opening and closing a portion of any or all of the apertures (251).
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the portion of the apertures (251) or all of the apertures is/are closed before gas is sucked within the closed volume (V), and that the portion of the apertures (251) or all of the apertures is/are opened after at least one package (130) is sealed and before the chamber lid (101) is moved to the open position.
15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein a gas flow of at least 2l/s or at least 5l/s or at least 10l/s or at least 15l/s flows through the apertures (150) from the outer space through the apertures into the enclosed volume (V) at a pressure difference between the outer space and the enclosed volume of 0.1 bar or less.

Images