JP2018118740A - Heat sealing device and vacuum packaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heat sealing device and a vacuum packaging device which can be easily maintained.SOLUTION: A heat sealing device is equipped with a bearing member 12 which supports a lower block heater 10 and an engaging mechanism 30 which engages the lower block heater 10 and the bearing member 12. The engaging mechanism 30 is made of a suction part 32, formed on the supporting member 12, and a magnet part 31, formed on the lower block heater 10, and the two parts are detachable with each other. When the suction part 32 and the magnet part 31 are separated, the lower block heater 10 becomes detachable from the supporting member 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a heat sealing apparatus that seals by heat welding with an opening of a packaging bag in a state where an article to be packaged is stored, and a vacuum packaging apparatus including the heat sealing apparatus.

  Conventionally, vacuum packaging is known as one of packaging methods for packaging an object to be packaged such as food. Vacuum packaging accommodates a packaging bag in which a package is stored in a chamber of a vacuum packaging device, depressurizes the chamber, and deaerates the inside of the packaging bag. In this state, the opening of the packaging bag (packaged product) This is performed by sealing (heat sealing) the inlet) with a heat sealing device in the chamber.

  The heat sealing device includes a pair of heater blocks that press-contact the opening of the packaging bag, and a heater that is provided on the pressure-contact surface of each heater block, and press-contacts by sandwiching the opening of the packaging bag between the heater blocks. In this state, the heater is energized and the opening is sealed by heat welding. And it has been proposed that a part of a support member (support shaft) that supports the heater block is made of a conductor, and that the heater is energized through the conductor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

Japanese Patent No. 4945272

  By the way, in the heat sealing device of the vacuum packaging device, if the packaging bag is repeatedly sealed over a long period of time, there is a risk that the pressure contact surface of the heater block may become dirty or the heater may be poorly energized. As a result, there is a possibility that the surface of the packaging bag after vacuum packaging may become dirty or a sealing failure of the packaging bag may occur. For this reason, it is preferable to periodically perform maintenance work such as cleaning of the pressure contact surface of the heater block (for example, wiping and replacement of a covering material covering the pressure contact surface) and replacement of the heater. However, the vacuum packaging apparatus described in Patent Literature 1 is not configured to easily remove the heater block from the heat sealing apparatus, and it is difficult to perform maintenance work on the heater block.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a heat sealing device and a vacuum packaging device capable of easily performing maintenance work.

The present invention has been proposed in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, and according to the present invention, the opening of the packaging bag is pressed with a heater block, and the heater provided in the heater block is energized. In a heat sealing device that seals by heat welding,
A support member for supporting the heater block; and an engagement mechanism for engaging the heater block with the support member;
The engagement mechanism includes a support side engagement portion provided on the support member and a block side engagement portion provided on the heater block in a detachable state. The support side engagement portion and the block The heating and sealing device is characterized in that it is separated from the side engaging portion and converted into a detachable allowable state in which the heater block is allowed to be detached from the support member.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the engaging mechanism is configured such that either the support side engaging portion or the block side engaging portion is a magnet portion, and the other is an attracting portion that is attracted by the magnetic force of the magnet portion. If the attracting force generated between the suction part and the attracting part acts as the engaging force, and the support member and the heater block are separated by a force greater than the attracting force, the magnet part and the attracting part are separated and the detachable allowable state The heat sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the heat sealing device is converted into a heat sealing device.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the engagement mechanism includes an engagement receiver in which one of the support side engagement portion and the block side engagement portion is an engagement claw portion and the other is engaged by the engagement claw portion. 2. When the support member and the heater block are pulled apart with a force equal to or greater than the engagement force, the engagement claw portion is disengaged from the engagement receiving portion and converted into a detachable state. It is a heat sealing device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chamber for storing a packaging bag storing an article to be packaged, a deaeration device for degassing the inside of the packaging bag by depressurizing the inside of the chamber, and the chamber provided in the chamber. A heat sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The inside of the packaging bag is deaerated by depressurizing the inside of the chamber, and in this state, the packaging material input port of the packaging bag is sealed with a heat sealing device, and the packaging material is vacuum packaged. It is a vacuum packaging device.

According to the present invention, the following excellent effects can be obtained.
According to invention of Claim 1 and Claim 4, an engagement mechanism can engage / disengage the support side engaging part provided in the support member, and the block side engaging part provided in the heater block. Since the support side engaging part and the block side engaging part are separated from each other and converted into a detachable allowable state that allows the heater block to be detached from the support member, the heater block can be easily attached and detached. Can be done. Therefore, the heater block can be cleaned or the heater can be replaced while the heater block is removed from the heat sealing device, and the maintenance work of the heat sealing device can be easily performed. Furthermore, the inconvenience that the heater block is inadvertently detached from the heat sealing device can be suppressed.

  According to the second and third aspects of the invention, the engagement mechanism is configured by a combination of the magnet portion and the attracting portion, or a combination of the engagement claw portion and the engagement receiving portion. With the configuration, inadvertent detachment of the heater block can be suppressed.

It is the schematic of a vacuum packaging apparatus. It is a schematic sectional drawing of a lower heater block and a block support mechanism. It is a partial expanded sectional view of a lower heater block and a block support mechanism, (a) is a state where the lower heater block is supported by the block support mechanism, (b) is a state where the lower heater block is removed from the block support mechanism is there. It is a partial expanded sectional view of the lower heater block and block support mechanism in 2nd Embodiment, (a) is the state which supported the lower heater block to the block support mechanism, (b) is the block support mechanism for the lower heater block. It is in the state removed from.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum packaging device 1 includes a housing 2 that serves as a base of the vacuum packaging device 1, a chamber 3 that houses a packaging bag (not shown) that contains an article to be packaged, Degassing device (vacuum pump) 4 for degassing the inside of packaging bag B by depressurizing, and heating for closing and sealing the opening (packaging input port) of the packaging bag provided inside chamber 3 The sealing device 5 includes a control device (not shown) that controls the deaeration device 4 and the heat sealing device 5. A chamber 3 is provided in the upper part of the housing 2, and a deaeration device 4 and a control device are accommodated in the housing 2.

  The chamber 3 is a pressure-resistant container composed of a main body part 3a on which the packaging bag can be placed and a lid part 3b that closes the main body part 3a from above, and the lid part 3b is rotated in the vertical direction. It can be opened and closed, and a sealing material (not shown) is provided at the contact portion between the lid 3b and the main body 3a so that the airtightness in the chamber 3 can be maintained. In addition, a suction port (not shown) is formed in the main body 3a and connected to the deaeration device 4. When the deaeration device 4 is driven, air in the chamber 3 is sucked from the suction port and the chamber 3 is filled. It is configured to be decompressed.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the heat sealing device 5 is a horizontally long rectangular lower heater block 10 (corresponding to the heater block in the present invention) provided in a state that can be raised and lowered on the main body 3a side, A plurality of (two in the present embodiment) support members (support shafts) from the main body 3a side (lower side) to the upper heater block 11 having a horizontally long rectangular shape fixed to the lower surface side of the lid portion 3b and the lower heater block 10. ) 12 and a block support mechanism 13 for supporting the block support mechanism 13 and the lower heater block 10 to move up and down. The lower heater block 10 and the upper heater block 11 are arranged in the chamber 3 so as to face each other, and the opening of the packaging bag accommodated in the chamber 3 is sandwiched between the two heater blocks 10 and 11. And is configured to be closed. Further, when the closing cylinder 14 is arranged in the housing 2 and connected to the intake port of the deaeration device 4 and the inside of the closing cylinder 14 is sucked by the deaeration device 4, the closing cylinder 14 supports the block. When the mechanism 13 and the lower heater block 10 are raised and pressed against the upper heater block 11 and the inside of the closing cylinder 14 is opened to the atmosphere, the block support mechanism 13 and the lower heater block 10 are moved downward from the upper heater block 11. It is comprised so that it may space apart.

  Furthermore, the upper heater block 11 side (upper part) of the lower heater block 10 and the lower heater block 10 side (lower part) of the upper heater block 11 are provided with heaters 16 (lower heater 16a and upper heater 16b), respectively. When the heater 16 is energized with the packaging bag sandwiched between the heater block 11 and the lower heater block 10, it is sealed by thermocompression bonding (thermal welding) with the opening of the packaging bag closed. It is configured.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the insertion receiving portions 21 into which the support members 12 are inserted are spaced apart from each other (details) at the lower portion of the lower heater block 10 (location located on the main body portion 3a side) (details). Is provided along the longitudinal direction of the lower heater block 10). Further, the lower heater block 10 is provided with a lower conductive member 22 at a position facing each insertion receiving portion 21 in the inside of the lower heater block 10, and one lower conductive member 22 is conducted to one electrode of the lower heater 16a. The other lower conductive member 22 is electrically connected to the other electrode of the lower heater 16a. In the state in which the lower heater block 10 is supported by the block support mechanism 13, the support member 12 that can be energized and the lower conductive member 22 in the block support mechanism 13 are electrically connected, and the block support mechanism 13 and the lower conductive member are connected. The lower heater 16a can be energized via the heater 22. The configuration of the support member 12 of the block support mechanism 13 will be described in detail later.

  Further, a pair of upper conductive members that are conductive for each electrode of the upper heater 16b are separated from each other at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the upper heater block 11 (specifically, spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the upper heater block 11). (Not shown). Further, between the one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the lower heater block 10 and one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the upper heater block 11, and the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the lower heater block 10 and the longitudinal direction of the upper heater block 11. Conductive contact members (not shown) are respectively provided between the other end portions. Then, when the lower heater block 10 is raised and brought closer to the upper heater block 11, one conductive contact member comes into contact with the lower conductive member 22 and becomes conductive, while the other conductive contact member is connected to the lower side of the other. The conductive member 22 is brought into contact with the upper heater 16b through the block support mechanism 13, the lower conductive member 22, the conductive contact member, and the upper conductive member.

  The bag sandwiching surface (upper surface) of the lower heater block 10 and the bag sandwiching surface (lower surface) of the upper heater block 11 are formed of a heat-resistant and adhesive gel sheet (for example, a sheet made of silicon rubber). Each of the bag attachment parts (not shown) is attached to the surface of the packaging bag so that the opening of the sandwiched packaging bag is displaced, and the sandwiched packaging bag is on the upper side. It is configured to prevent inconveniences that come out between the heater block 11 and the lower heater block 10. In addition, each bag sticking part is arrange | positioned in the position which shifted | deviated from the heater 16 (specifically the position which shifted | deviated to the rotation center side (right side in FIG. 1) of the cover part 3b rather than the heater 16). .

Next, the block support mechanism 13 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the block support mechanism 13 includes a block support base 26 extending along the longitudinal direction of the lower heater block 10 in the housing 2 (specifically, the lower heater block sandwiching the main body 3a). The support member 12 is erected from the both sides in the extending direction of the block support base 26 toward the upper heater block 10 side. Then, the support member 12 is slidably inserted into the guide portion 27 provided in the main body portion 3a, and the upper end portion of the support member 12 protruding into the chamber 3 (the lower heater block 10 is engageable). A lower engagement block) can be inserted into the lower heater block 10 to support the lower heater block 10.

  Further, a support mechanism biasing member 28 such as a coil spring is wound around a portion of the support member 12 located between the main body 3a and the block support base 26 (a housing side end facing the housing 2). One end of the support mechanism urging member 28 is engaged with the opening edge of the guide portion 27 and the other end is engaged with the block support base 26. 26 and the support member 12 are always urged in a direction away from the upper heater block 11 (that is, downward). Further, the plunger 14a of the closing cylinder 14 is connected to the block support base 26. When the inside of the closing cylinder 14 is sucked by the deaeration device 4, the block support base 26 and the support member 12 are driven by the plunger 14a. Is moved (raised) toward the chamber 3 against the urging force of the support mechanism urging member 28, and when the inside of the closing cylinder 14 is opened to the atmosphere, the block support base is urged by the urging force of the support mechanism urging member 28. 26 and the support member 12 are configured to move (lower) to the housing 2 side.

  Each support member 12 of the block support mechanism 13 also functions as an energization member that energizes each heater 16. More specifically, the support member 12 has a main body that is the central axis of the support member 12 formed of a conductor such as SUS, and an insulator such as a resin for preventing short circuit on the outer periphery of the main body (conductor). Is covered. Further, a power supply wiring is connected to the block support base 26 side (lower side in FIG. 3A) of the main body of the support member 12, and the power supply device in the housing 2 is connected via the power supply wiring. The support member 12 can be energized (both not shown). Further, a part of the conductor is exposed at the end surface (the upper end surface in FIG. 3A) of the block side end portion inserted into the lower heater block 10 of the support member 12 to form the conductive contact portion 12a. In a state where the support member 12 is inserted into the lower heater block 10 (a state where the lower heater block 10 is supported by the block support mechanism 13), the conductive contact portion 12a is connected to the lower conductive member 22 in the lower heater block 10. The lower heater 16a can be energized from the support member 12 (block support mechanism 13) via the conductive contact portion 12a. Note that the lower conductive member 22 with which the conductive contact portion 12a is in contact is such that the support member 12 in the inserted state further enters the lower heater block 10, and the lower heater block 10 approaches the main body portion 3a. It also functions as a stopper to prevent it from passing.

  Furthermore, the heat sealing device 5 includes an engagement mechanism 30 that engages with the support member 12 inserted into the lower heater block 10. The engagement mechanism 30 is a mechanism that engages the lower heater block 10 and the support member 12 with magnetic force, and as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a magnet portion that functions as a block-side engagement portion. 31 is attached to the lower heater block 10, while an adsorption portion 32 that functions as a support-side engaging portion is attached to the support member 12 so that the magnet portion 31 and the adsorption portion 32 can be engaged and disengaged. Yes. More specifically, the magnet part 31 is formed of a cylindrical permanent magnet and is mounted on the opening edge of the insertion receiving part 21, and the magnet part 31 is attached to the attracting part 32 side (the lower side in FIG. 3A). ) Is exposed outward. Further, the adsorbing portion 32 is formed of an annular magnetic body, and is loosely fitted to a reduced diameter portion 12b formed between the lower heater block 10 and the main body portion 3a of the support member 12, and the reduced diameter portion It is configured so that it can be rattled along the longitudinal direction of the support member 12 in a state in which it cannot be detached from 12b.

  In the engagement mechanism 30, as shown in FIG. 3B, the magnet portion 31 (specifically, the engagement surface that can engage the attracting portion 32 of the magnet portion 31), the lower conductive member 22, and the like. The separation dimension L1 is smaller than the maximum separation dimension L2a between the conductive contact portion 12a and the attracting portion 32 (specifically, the engaged surface of the attracting portion 32 that can be engaged with the magnet portion 31), and is conductive. It is set to be larger than the minimum distance L2b between the contact portion 12a and the suction portion 32. Accordingly, when the support member 12 is inserted into the lower heater block 10, the magnet portion 31 and the attracting portion 32 are engaged before the conductive contact portion 12a and the lower conductive member 22 come into contact with each other. As a result, the inconvenience that the lower heater 16a cannot be energized is prevented. Further, after the support member 12 is inserted into the lower heater block 10, the attracting portion 32 is sufficiently attracted (contacted) to the magnet portion 31 without being obstructed by the stepped portion of the reduced diameter portion 12b, and the conductive contact portion 12a. And the lower conductive member 22 are configured to reliably conduct.

  In the heat sealing device 5 having the engagement mechanism 30 having such a configuration, in order to attach the lower heater block 10 to the block support mechanism 13, the lower heater block 10 is inserted into the insertion receiving portion 21 and the magnet portion 31. The posture is toward the block support mechanism 13 and the posture is such that the insertion receiving portion 21 is positioned on the extended line of each support member 12 (see FIG. 3B). In this state, the lower heater block 10 is moved. The support member 12 is inserted into the insertion receiving portion 21 by moving to the main body portion 3a side. Then, when the lower heater block 10 is continuously moved, the conductive contact portion 12 a of the support member 12 contacts the lower conductive member 22 inside the lower heater block 10. As a result, the lower heater block 10 is supported by the block support mechanism 13 and restricted from approaching the main body 3a, and the lower heater 16a can be energized via the support member 12. Further, an attracting force (magnetic force) is generated as an engaging force between the magnet portion 31 and the attracting portion 32, and the attracting portion 32 is attracted and attracted to the magnet portion 31 by this attracting force (see FIG. 3A). ). As a result, the engagement mechanism 30 is set in a detachment regulation state that regulates detachment of the lower heater block 10 from the support member 12, and even if the lower heater block 10 attempts to detach from the support member 12, adsorption is performed. The movement of the lower heater block 10 is restricted by the portion 32 engaging the magnet portion 31 and the support member 12.

  And in order to remove the lower heater block 10 from the block support mechanism 13, the lower heater block 10 is moved to the direction away from the main-body part 3a. Then, the conductive contact portion 12a and the lower conductive member 22 are separated from each other, and the energized state of the lower heater 16a is released. Further, the attracting portion 32 moves together with the lower heater block 10 while being attracted to the magnet portion 31, and is caught by the step portion of the reduced diameter portion 12b. If the attracting portion 32 in the attracting state is caught by the step portion of the reduced diameter portion 12b, the lower heater block 10 is further separated by a force greater than the attracting force acting as an engaging force between the magnet portion 31 and the attracting portion 32. . Then, a force for separating the lower heater block 10 (a force equal to or greater than the engaging force) acts on the attracting portion 32 against the attracting force between the magnet portion 31 and the attracting portion 32, and the attracting portion 32 becomes the magnet portion 31. Leave. As a result, the engagement mechanism 30 changes from the detachment regulation state to the detachment allowance state, and the lower heater block 10 is allowed to detach from the support member 12. When the lower heater block 10 is further moved in this state, the insertion receiving portion 21 and the support member 12 are detached, and the lower heater block 10 is detached from the block support mechanism 13 (see FIG. 3B).

  Next, a procedure for vacuum-packaging a package in the vacuum packaging apparatus 1 will be described. In the state (normal state) before the start of vacuum packaging, the deaeration device 4 is not driven, and the inside of the chamber 3 and the closing cylinder 14 are open to the atmosphere. The lower heater block 10 is supported by the block support mechanism 13, and the lower heater block 10 is set in the lowered state by the urging force of the support mechanism urging member 28.

  First, a setting process (preparation process) for setting a packaging bag containing an article to be packaged in the chamber 3 is performed. In the setting step, an operator places the packaging bag on the main body 3a with the lid 3b opened, and places the opening of the packaging bag on the lower heater block 10. When the lid 3b is closed by hand after setting the packaging bag, a lid open / close detection sensor (not shown) detects the closed state of the lid 3b and sends a signal to the control device of the vacuum packaging apparatus 1.

  When the control device receives the detection signal of the closed state of the lid 3b, the process proceeds to the pressure reducing process. In the decompression step, the control device controls the decompression operation in the chamber 3. Specifically, a vacuum electromagnetic valve (not shown) between the chamber 3 and the deaeration device 4 is opened, and the deaeration device 4 is driven in this state to start depressurization in the chamber 3, Degassing.

  If the inside of the chamber 3 is continuously depressurized, and it is detected by the atmospheric pressure detection sensor (not shown) that the inside of the chamber 3 has been depressurized to a predetermined pressure, the process proceeds to a sealing step. In the sealing step, the control device closes the vacuum electromagnetic valve that was opened during the pressure reduction step, and maintains the pressure reduction state in the chamber 3. Further, a lower solenoid valve (not shown) between the deaeration device 4 and the closing cylinder 14 is opened, and the support member 12 is driven by sucking the inside of the closing cylinder 14 to lower the lower heater. The block 10 is raised and the packaging bag is sandwiched between the upper heater block 11 and the lower heater block 10 to close the opening. At this time, the conductive contact member of the upper heater block 11 and the lower conductive member 22 of the lower heater block 10 come into contact with each other, and the upper heater 16b can be energized. If the opening part of a packaging bag is closed, it will energize to each heater 16 via the support member 12 in this state, will heat an opening part in a closed state, and will heat seal (sealing).

  When the heat sealing of the opening portion of the packaging bag is completed, the energization of each heater 16 is stopped and the sandwiched state by the heat sealing device 5 is maintained until the cooling time of the opening portion elapses. Then, after the cooling time has elapsed, the inside of the closing cylinder 14 is opened to the atmosphere so that the lower heater block 10 is lowered and separated from the upper heater block 11 to release the holding of the sealed packaging bag. Further, the inside of the chamber 3 is returned to the atmospheric pressure, and after the driving of the deaeration device 4 is stopped, a notification sound is generated to notify the end of the vacuum packaging.

  Then, vacuum packaging is repeated, and the lower heater block 10 is soiled by an article to be packaged (such as food that has fallen from the packaging bag in preparation before vacuum packaging), or the lower heater 16a is disconnected and needs to be replaced. If the lower heater block 10 is separated from the main body 3a with a force equal to or greater than a preset engagement force (adsorption force generated between the magnet unit 31 and the adsorption unit 32), a tool is not used. In addition, the lower heater block 10 can be easily removed from the heat sealing device 5 (vacuum packaging device 1), and maintenance work such as cleaning and repair can be performed. Further, after the maintenance work is completed, the lower heater block 10 can be attached to the heat sealing device 5 (vacuum packaging device 1) simply by being attached to the support member 12. In this manner, the lower heater block 10 can be easily attached and detached, and the maintenance work of the heat sealing device 5 can be easily performed.

  Further, since the engagement mechanism 30 is prevented from being converted into the detachable allowable state with a force smaller than a preset engagement force, there is an inconvenience that the lower heater block 10 is inadvertently detached from the heat sealing device 5. Can be avoided. For example, even when the packaging bag is taken out of the chamber 3 after the vacuum packaging is finished, even if the heat-welded portion of the packaging bag and the lower heater block 10 are in close contact with each other, this adhesion force is applied to the engagement mechanism 30. If the engaging force is smaller than the acting force, the magnet portion 31 and the attracting portion 32 maintain the attracted state, and the lower heater block 10 is not detached from the block support mechanism 13, and the closely packed packaging bag is the lower heater block. 10 will be peeled off. Therefore, the inconvenience that the lower heater block 10 sticks to the packaging bag and is inadvertently detached from the heat sealing device 5 together with the packaging bag can be suppressed.

  And while adopting the magnet part 31 as the block side engaging part of the engaging mechanism 30, the attracting part 32 is adopted as the supporting side engaging part, and the attracting force generated between the magnet part 31 and the attracting part 32 is applied. Since it acts as an engaging force, inadvertent detachment of the lower heater block 10 can be suppressed with a simple configuration. In the engagement mechanism 30, the magnet portion is loosely fitted to the support member 12 as the engagement portion, and the adsorption portion is attached to the insertion receiving portion 21 as the block-side engagement portion, and between the magnet portion and the adsorption portion. The generated attraction force (magnetic force) may be used as the engagement force of the engagement mechanism 30.

  By the way, in the engaging mechanism 30 of the first embodiment, a configuration in which a magnetic force acts as an engaging force for engaging the support member 12 and the lower heater block 10 is employed, but the present invention is not limited to this. In short, a support side engagement portion provided in the support member 12 and a block side engagement portion provided in the lower heater block 10 are provided in a detachable state to constitute an engagement mechanism, and the support member 12 and the lower heater block 10 are separated by a force equal to or greater than a predetermined engagement force, the support side engagement portion and the block side engagement portion are separated from each other, and the lower heater block 10 is detached from the support member 12. Any engagement mechanism may be adopted as long as it can be converted into a detachable allowable state that allows detachment. For example, in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the basic configuration of the heat sealing device 5 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the lower heater block 10 is detached from the support member 12. Instead of regulating based on magnetic force, a configuration is adopted that regulates based on fitting (engagement) between the concave portion and the convex portion.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the engagement mechanism 40 according to the second embodiment includes an engagement claw portion 41 that functions as a block-side engagement portion of the insertion receiving portion 21 of the lower heater block 10. On the other hand, the outer peripheral portion of the support member 12 is provided with an engagement receiving portion 42 that functions as a support-side engagement portion. The engaging claw portion 41 is made of a flexible material (resin or the like), and in a normal state in which the engaging claw portion 41 is not bent without an external force acting, the claw tip 41 a is formed inside the insertion receiving portion 21. In a state where the projection protrudes into the space portion (insertion hole into which the support member 12 is inserted) and is bent by an external force, the toe 41 a is configured to be detached outward from the inner space portion of the insertion receiving portion 21. . The engagement receiving portion 42 is a recessed portion formed by reducing the diameter of a part of the support member 12, and the dimension x1 along the longitudinal direction of the support member 12 of the engagement receiving portion 42 is set to a toe 41a. (See FIG. 4B), the toe 41a can be loosely fitted to the engagement receiving portion 42 (see FIG. 4A). )reference).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the separation dimension L3 between the toe 41a (specifically, the end surface of the toe 41a on the lower conductive member 22 side) and the lower conductive member 22 is set to the conductive contact portion 12a. The support member 12 is inserted into the insertion receiving portion 21 by setting it to be larger than the separation dimension L4 from the engagement receiving portion 42 (specifically, the stepped surface located on the conductive contact portion 12a side of the engagement receiving portion 42). In this case, the inconvenience that the toe 41a is not loosely fitted to the engagement receiving portion 42 and the conductive contact portion 12a is in contact with the lower conductive member 22 is avoided. Then, the sum (L3 + x2) of the separation dimension L3 between the toe 41a and the lower conductive member 22 and the dimension x2 of the toe 41a is set to the separation dimension L4 between the conductive contact portion 12a and the engagement receiving portion 42 and the engagement receiving portion. 42 is set to be smaller than the sum (L4 + x1) of the dimension x1 of 42 to avoid the disadvantage that the toe 41a is caught by the engagement receiving portion 42 and the conductive contact portion 12a does not contact the lower conductive member 22 (FIG. 4 (a)).

  In the heat sealing apparatus 5 of the second embodiment having the engagement mechanism 40 having such a configuration, in order to mount the lower heater block 10 on the block support mechanism 13, the lower heater block 10 is inserted into the insertion receiving portion 21. The magnet 31 is set in a posture facing the block support mechanism 13 and the insertion receiving portion 21 is positioned on the extension line of each support member 12 (see FIG. 4B). The side heater block 10 is moved to the main body 3 a side, and the support member 12 is inserted into the insertion receiving portion 21. Then, when the lower heater block 10 is continuously moved, the support member 12 enters the lower heater block 10 while pressing the toe 41a to bend the engaging claw 41 outward, and the toe 41a receives the engagement. When facing the portion 42, the engaging claw portion 41 returns to the normal state from the bent state, and the toe tip 41 a is loosely fitted to the engagement receiving portion 42. When the lower heater block 10 is further moved, the conductive contact portion 12 a of the support member 12 contacts the lower conductive member 22 inside the lower heater block 10. As a result, the lower heater block 10 is supported by the block support mechanism 13 and restricted from approaching the main body 3a, and the lower heater 16a can be energized via the support member 12. Further, due to the engagement (free fitting) between the engagement claw portion 41 and the engagement receiving portion 42, the engagement mechanism 40 is in a detachment regulation state that regulates the detachment of the lower heater block 10 from the support member 12. Even if the lower heater block 10 is about to be detached from the support member 12, the movement of the lower heater block 10 is restricted.

  And in order to remove the lower heater block 10 from the block support mechanism 13, the lower heater block 10 is moved to the direction away from the main-body part 3a. Then, the conductive contact portion 12a and the lower conductive member 22 are separated from each other, and the energized state of the lower heater 16a is released. Further, the toe 41a of the engagement claw portion 41 moves in the engagement receiving portion 42 and is caught by the step portion (step surface located on the conductive contact portion 12a side) of the engagement receiving portion 42. If the toe 41a is caught on the stepped portion of the engagement receiving portion 42, the lower heater is used with a force (a force necessary for releasing the engagement between the toe 41a and the engagement receiving portion 42) greater than a preset engagement force. The block 10 is further pulled apart, and a component of this force is applied to the engaging claw portion 41 to bend the engaging claw portion 41. Then, the engaging claw portion 41 is disengaged from the engaging receiving portion 42 and the engaging mechanism 40 is converted into the detachable allowable state, and the lower heater block 10 is allowed to be detached from the support member 12. When the lower heater block 10 is further moved in this state, the insertion receiving portion 21 and the support member 12 are detached, and the lower heater block 10 is detached from the block support mechanism 13 (see FIG. 4B).

  Even in the second embodiment in which the engagement mechanism 40 is configured by including the engagement claw portion 41 and the engagement receiving portion 42 that act in this way, the lower heater block 10 can be easily attached and detached. The heater block 10 can be removed from the heat sealing device 5 and cleaned, or the lower heater 16a can be replaced. Therefore, the maintenance work of the heat sealing device 5 can be easily performed. In addition, inadvertent detachment of the lower heater block 10 can be suppressed with a simple configuration. Furthermore, since the material constituting the engagement mechanism 40 is not limited to a magnet or a magnetic body, if the engagement mechanism 40 is made of a material that is more resistant to rust than a magnet or a magnetic body, it can be removed from a package such as food during vacuum packaging. Even when the moisture is vaporized and frequently touches the engagement mechanism 40, it is possible to suppress inconvenience that the engagement mechanism 40 is likely to rust and deteriorate.

  By the way, in each said embodiment, although the heating sealing apparatus 5 provided with the lower heater block 10 which can move to an up-down direction as a heater block in this invention was illustrated, this invention is not limited to this. In short, the present invention is applied to any heating and sealing device as long as the heater block is supported by the support member and the engagement mechanism is engaged with the support member inserted into the heater block. Also good. For example, a heater block that does not move during the closing operation of the opening of the packaging bag is supported by a support member, and the heater block and the support member are engaged by the engagement mechanism of the present invention, so that the heater block can be easily attached and detached. You may be able to do it. Moreover, you may apply this invention to the heat sealing apparatus (packaging apparatus) which seals the packaging bag in which the to-be packaged object was accommodated, without deaeration.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the supporting member 12 was comprised with the shaft member, this invention is not limited to this. In short, as long as the heater block can be supported, the heater block may be supported by a support member having any configuration. Furthermore, although it is possible to energize the lower heater 16a using a part of the support member 12 as a conductor, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, you may comprise the whole support member with a conductor. When the entire support member is made of a conductor, the outer periphery of the portion of the support member that is not inserted into the heater block is covered with an insulating cover member (for example, a rubber bellows cover) for energization. It is preferable to prevent the inconvenience that shorts sometimes occur. Also, one end of the insulating cover member is engaged with the heater block (for example, a connection nut fitted to one end of the cover member is screwed to the heater block) to restrict the heater block from being detached from the support member. Then, the engagement between the cover member and the heater block may be released to allow the heater block to be detached.

  The above-described embodiment should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the above description, but is defined by the scope of the claims, and includes all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vacuum packaging apparatus 2 Housing | casing 3 Chamber 3a Main body part 3b Cover part 4 Deaeration apparatus 5 Heat sealing apparatus 10 Lower heater block 11 Upper heater block 12 Support member 12a Conductive contact part 12b Reduced diameter part 13 Block support mechanism 14 Closing cylinder 14a Plunger 16 Heater 16a Lower heater 16b Upper heater 21 Insertion receiving portion 22 Lower conductive member 26 Block support base 27 Guide portion 28 Support mechanism biasing member 30 Engagement mechanism 31 Magnet portion 32 Adsorption portion 40 Engagement Mechanism 41 Engagement claw part 41a Toe tip 42 Engagement receiving part

Claims (4)

In the heat sealing device that presses the opening of the packaging bag with a heater block, energizes the heater provided in the heater block and seals it by thermal welding,
A support member for supporting the heater block; and an engagement mechanism for engaging the heater block with the support member;
The engagement mechanism includes a support side engagement portion provided on the support member and a block side engagement portion provided on the heater block in a detachable state. The support side engagement portion and the block A heating and sealing device, wherein the heat sealing device is converted to a detachable allowable state in which the side engaging portion is separated and the detachment of the heater block from the support member is permitted.   The engaging mechanism is generated between the magnet part and the attracting part, with either the support side engaging part or the block side engaging part being a magnet part and the other being an attracting part attracted by the magnetic force of the magnet part. When the supporting force and the heater block are pulled apart with a force greater than the attracting force acting as the engaging force, the magnet portion and the attracting portion are separated and converted into a detachable state. Item 2. The heat sealing apparatus according to Item 1.   The engagement mechanism has one of the support side engagement portion and the block side engagement portion as an engagement claw portion, and the other as an engagement receiving portion with which the engagement claw portion engages. 2. The heat sealing device according to claim 1, wherein when the support member and the heater block are separated from each other, the engaging claw portion is disengaged from the engaging receiving portion and is converted into a detachable state. Any of the above-mentioned claims 1 to 4, wherein a chamber for storing a packaging bag containing an article to be packaged, a deaeration device for degassing the inside of the packaging bag by depressurizing the inside of the chamber, and the chamber are provided in the chamber. A heat sealing device according to claim 1,
The inside of the packaging bag is deaerated by depressurizing the inside of the chamber, and in this state, the packaging material input port of the packaging bag is sealed with a heat sealing device, and the packaging material is vacuum packaged. Vacuum packaging equipment.

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