KR20200096627A - Equipment and processes for packaging products - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a frame 3, a lower tool 2 coupled with the frame 3 and configured to receive one or more supports 4, and an upper side configured to couple the film portion 5a with one or more supports 4 It relates to a packaging device 1 comprising a tool 6. When the moving device is operated with the flat kinematic system 69, the upper tool 6 is in a first position for picking up the film part 5a from the feeding station and the support 4 received by the lower tool 2 It can be moved between the second positions fixing the film portion 5a on it. Further, the present invention relates to a packaging process using such a packaging device 1.

Description

Equipment and processes for packaging products

It is an object of the present invention to an apparatus and process for packaging products. In particular, it relates to apparatus and processes utilizing a base support or tray configured to receive one or more products, and one or more plastic films configured to surround the product itself in a package. This invention can be applied to a controlled environment for packaging various types of products or to vacuum packaging.

In the field of packaging, apparatus and related methods are known in the prior art for packaging products, such as meat, fish, cheese, cooked food and other similar food products, in a vacuum or controlled environment. Vacuum packaging process, also referred to as vacuum skin packaging (VSP), arranges a product (e.g., food product) in or on a rigid or semi-rigid support formed by, for example, a flat tray, or a keg or cup. It is a thermoforming process provided for the purpose. The support and related products are arranged in the vacuum chamber, i.e., the chamber, and the thermoplastic film is welded to the upper edge of the support, and thereafter, the air present in the package so that the thermoplastic film adheres to the product arranged inside the support. Is extracted.

The packaging process in a controlled atmosphere or in a modified atmosphere , often referred to as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), is present between the plastic film and the support before sealing the support in a hermetic manner by the plastic film. Evacuating the air and then injecting a mixture of gases having a controlled composition.

A very delicate apparatus and process was considered, developed to automatically transfer a plurality of supports into a packaging apparatus, in which, in order to obtain a certain number of packaged products, a part of the plastic film adheres to the support on which the product is loaded. For example, known devices and processes of this type are described in international patent application WO 2014/166940 A1.

Although the known solutions mentioned above efficiently form high-quality packaged products and have high productivity, some of the devices mentioned above have a complex structure and a size that cannot be ignored; Accordingly, these known devices require significant investment costs and require significant space for installation as well. In addition, devices with a high degree of automation have reliability issues and require periodic maintenance work, because even if only one component fails, it interferes with the proper operation of the device, causing the entire device to stop working. This is because highly skilled technicians must be involved.

In addition, large automated packaging devices generally have poor applications when in use: these devices cannot be easily applied to small production batches and packaging of products on supports of different geometrical components. Finally, the devices described above are complex to use and require highly skilled technicians to set up and operate.

Another known type of apparatus for vacuum packaging products is described in international patent applications WO 2014/060507 A1 and WO 2011/012652 A1. The apparatus includes a packaging station configured to receive a plastic sealing film for forming a package and a support for supporting the product.

The packaging station comprises an upper tool provided with two heads arranged at 90° relative to each other: specifically, each head is arranged at the end of the support arm: the support arm of the head is substantially L- They are joined to each other at opposite ends to the ends supporting each head to form a shaped support frame. The support frame is configured to rotate by 180° about the axis, at an intersection between a position of the heat-sealing film on the support and a pick-up position of the sealing film, at an intersection that is joined at 45° with a section of the support arm. Due to the L-shaped shape of the support frame supporting the two sealing heads, the upper tool of the packaging station can simultaneously carry out the packaging step by one head and the step of picking up the film by the other sealing head.

Although the devices described in international patent applications WO 2014/060507 A1 and WO 2011/012652 A1 enable efficient formation of high-quality packaged products and have high productivity, such devices are particularly suitable for the two heads in the packaging position. It has a complex structure and a non-negligible size, created by the movement of the upper tool and the articulated structure of the upper tool while moving from the to the pickup position. In addition, such devices require a high level of automation, and thus have the problems described above.

In addition, a packaging device known in US patent application US 4,065,909 A is provided to seal the container by providing a rigid lid and film. The apparatus includes a conveyor configured to move a plurality of containers supporting a product through a packaging station. The packaging station is of hexagonal shape and contains a rotating drum with six sealing heads. Each head rotates at different operating positions and is configured to pick up the rigid lid and sealing film from the respective feeding stations. Once the lid and sealing film have been picked up, each sealing head rotates in the packaging position and is configured to provide the picked elements (rigid lid and film) to the container to form a sealing package containing the product. Each head, in addition to rotating with the drum, can be moved back and forth by an actuator along a direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the drum.

In addition, the device described in US patent application US 4,065,909 A has a complex structure and a non-negligible size, in particular created by the articulating and moving structure of a rotating drum supporting six sealing heads. In addition, such devices require a high level of automation, and thus have the problems described above.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to substantially solve the above-described drawbacks and/or limitations of conventional solutions.

The first object of the present invention is to provide a remarkably simple apparatus and process in order to reduce the investment cost. A further object of the present invention is to provide a packaging apparatus and related processes that can be used substantially easily by any user. Further, another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and related process capable of rapidly producing packaged products, in particular under vacuum or controlled atmosphere conditions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging apparatus and process that can be operated with very high reliability while minimizing maintenance work.

The above and other objects will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention below, by means of a packaging apparatus and process according to one or more claims and/or of the features or aspects described below, individually or in combination with each other, or It is implemented in any combination of.

In a first aspect, a device 1 for packaging one or more products P arranged on a support 4 is provided, the packaging device 1 comprising:

Support frame (3),

A film 5b, optionally comprising a feed station 5 of a plastic film, which feed station is supported by the frame 3 and picks up one or more portions 5a of the film 5b in a predetermined manner. Is configured to be arranged in position,

At least one lower tool (2) engaged with the frame (3) and configured to receive at least one support (4),

At least one upper tool (6) which is associated with the frame (3) and produces at least one package (40) in cooperation with the lower tool (2) to engage the film part (5a) with the at least one support (4),

It comprises a moving device 69 arranged between the upper tool and the frame 3, wherein the moving device 69 is configured to move the upper tool 6 between the following positions, these positions:

A first position, wherein the active surface 6a of the upper tool 6 is located next to the film part 5a at a predetermined pick-up position and is configured to receive the film part from the feeding station 5, and

A second position, wherein the active surface 6a of the upper tool 6 is aligned with the lower tool 2 to manufacture one or more packages 40 by combining the film part 5a with one or more supports 4 And arranged next to the lower tool.

In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the moving device 69 is such that when the upper tool 6 is moved between the first and second positions, the points of the active surface 6a are parallel to each other. It is configured to move the upper tool 6 so as to move on each plane.

In a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the moving device 69 is such that the points of the active surface 6a are parallel to each other when the upper tool 6 is moved between the first and second positions. It is configured to move the upper tool 6 so that it is moved on each vertical plane.

In a fourth aspect, in any of the previous aspects, the moving device 69 comprises, or is optionally configured as a flat kinematic chain.

In a fifth aspect, in any of the previous aspects, the moving device 69 is constrained to the frame 3 and has only one degree of freedom with respect to the frame 3 itself. .

In a sixth aspect, in any of the previous aspects, the moving device 69 comprises a drive member 71 configured to rotate about a first axis of rotation A perpendicular to the parallel planes.

In the seventh aspect, in the previous aspect, the moving device 69 has a terminal portion hinged to the drive member 71 and a second terminal portion fixed to the upper tool 6. It includes a driven member 72.

In the eighth aspect, in the sixth or seventh aspect, the moving device 69 comprises a first flat hinge 73a coupled to the frame 3, wherein the drive member 71 is a first axis of rotation (A) It is combined with a first flat hinge for rotation about it, and is optionally formed by the first flat hinge 73a perpendicular to the parallel planes.

In a ninth aspect, in the sixth or seventh or eighth aspect, the moving device 69 further comprises a second flat hinge 73b, wherein the driven member 72 is:

A first end portion configured in the form of a hinge to the driving member 71 by a second flat hinge 73b arranged between the driving member and the driven member, and

It has a second end portion fixed to the upper tool 6.

In a tenth aspect, according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, the moving device 69 is a guide member coupled to rotate about a second axis of rotation B parallel to the first axis of rotation A ( 73c).

In the eleventh aspect, in the previous aspect, the guide member 73c slidably accommodates the third portion of the driven member 72 intermediately between the first and second end portions of the driven member.

In a twelfth aspect, in any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, the drive member 71 has a rod shape in which opposite ends are coupled with the first and second flat hinges 73a and 73b, respectively.

In a thirteenth aspect, in any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects, the driven member 72 has a rod shape in which opposite ends are respectively associated with a second flat hinge 73b and an upper tool 6 .

In the fourteenth aspect, in any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects, the guide member 73c is rotatable with respect to the frame 3 and is capable of sliding the intermediate portion of the driven member 72 therein. It is a sleeve that is easily received.

In the fifteenth aspect, in any one of the eighth to fourteenth aspects, the drive member 71, the driven member 72, the first flat hinge 73a, the second flat hinge 73b and the guide member ( 73c) of the driven member 72 in which the driven member 72 rotates and the driven member slides relative to the guide member 73c after the driving member 71 rotates around the rotational shaft A. It is configured to cover the entire movement.

In the sixteenth aspect, in the previous aspect, the driven member 72 is rotated and slidably moved within the guide member, and the upper tool 6 is rotated to move the upper tool away from the bonding plate 74 for the film 5b. It includes a first step of moving in the direction.

In the seventeenth aspect, in the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, the moving step of the driven member comprises a second step in which the driven member 72 continues to rotate so that the upper tool 6 approaches the guide member 73c. .

In the eighteenth aspect, in the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, or in the seventeenth aspect, the moving step of the driven member is that the driven member 72 terminates rotation and at the same time slides with respect to the guide member opposite to the second step. And a third step in which the upper tool 69 is moved in a direction away from the guide member so that the upper tool comes next to the lower tool 2.

In a nineteenth aspect, according to any of the previous aspects, the device comprises one or more actuator members 70, optionally, an electric or hydraulic motor or a pneumatic motor, which are operated on the moving device 69. And the upper tool 6 can be commanded to move selectively from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position.

In the twentieth aspect, in the previous aspect, the actuator member 70 is actuated on the drive member 71 and instructs the drive member to rotate about the first axis of rotation A.

In a twenty-first aspect, according to any one of the previous aspects, the moving device (69) moves the upper tool (6) to the first position and according to a predetermined trajectory arranged along a vertical plane in the use state of the device. It is configured to move between two positions.

In the twenty-second aspect, in the previous aspect, the drive member 71 of the moving device is configured to rotate around a first axis of rotation A perpendicular to a plane of vertical alignment of a predetermined trajectory of movement of the upper tool 6.

In a 23rd aspect, in any of the 19th to 22nd aspects, the device comprises a single actuator member 70 actuated on the moving device 69.

In a 24th aspect, according to any one of the 21st to 23rd aspects, the device is a single upper tool capable of being moved along the predetermined trajectory arranged along a vertical plane in the state of use of the device. It includes (6).

In a twenty-fifth aspect, in any of the previous aspects, the upper tool can be moved between at least the following positions, which positions are:

Can be moved between the first and second positions to form an outward stroke of the upper tool;

It can be moved between the second and first positions to form a return stroke of the upper tool.

In a twenty-sixth aspect, in the previous aspect, the moving device 69, in particular the actuator, is configured to move the upper tool 6 along an outward and return stroke.

In a twenty-seventh aspect, in any one of the previous aspects, the feeding station 5 of the plastic film 5b is configured to form a bonding surface 74a of the portion 5a of the film 5b at a predetermined pick-up position. It comprises a bonding plate 74 configured.

In a twenty-eighth aspect, in the previous aspect, the bonding surface 74a of the bonding plate 74 is substantially flat and arranged in a vertical plane.

In a 29th aspect, according to the 27th or 28th aspect, the moving device, when the upper tool 6 is in the first position, the active surface 6a of the upper tool, in the state of use of the device, the bonding plate It is configured to be arranged along a vertical plane parallel to the bonding surface 74a of 74.

In a thirtieth aspect, in any one of the previous aspects, the moving device is configured such that, when the upper tool 6 is in the second position, the active surface 6a of the upper tool is horizontal, in the state of use of the device. It is configured to be arranged along a plane.

In a thirty-first aspect, in any one of the previous aspects, the moving device 69 vertically moves the drive member 71 when the upper tool 6 is in the first position in the state of use of the device. And arranged to arrange the driven member 72 horizontally.

In a thirty-two aspect, in any one of the previous aspects, the moving device 69 moves the drive member 71 horizontally when the upper tool 6 is in the second position in the state of use of the device. And arranged to vertically arrange the driven member 72.

In a 33rd aspect, according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the moving device (69) is, in the state of use of the device, the upper tool (6) along a predetermined trajectory arranged along a vertical plane. Is configured to move between the first position and the second position.

In a thirty-fourth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth or thirty-third aspects, the moving device is the first and second coupled with the frame 3 on one side and the upper tool 6 on the other. And a second flat kinematic chain 83, 93.

In a thirty-fifth aspect, in the previous aspect, the first and second kinematic chains 83, 93 are transverse to the plane of vertical alignment of the predetermined trajectory of movement of the upper tool 6, in particular with respect to an axis perpendicular to each other. Separated and arranged spaced apart.

In a 36th aspect, in the 34th or 35th aspect, the first flat kinematic chain 83 is:

A first lever 84 configured to rotate around a first axis of rotation A perpendicular to a plane of vertical alignment of a predetermined trajectory of movement of the upper tool 6;

A second lever 85 having a first distal portion hinged to the first lever 84 and a second distal portion hinged to the upper tool 6;

The second flat kinematic chain 93 is:

Each first lever 94 configured to rotate around a second axis of rotation A2 perpendicular to the plane of vertical alignment of a predetermined trajectory of movement of the upper tool 6;

Each second lever 95 has a first distal portion hinged to the first lever 94 of the second kinematic chain and a second distal portion hinged to the upper tool 6.

In the 37th aspect, in the previous aspect, the first kinematic chain 83 of the moving device 69 is:

Comprising a first flat hinge 83a coupled to the frame 3, wherein the first lever 84 of the first flat kinematic chain is a first flat hinge 83a to rotate around the first axis of rotation A1 Is combined with;

Including a second flat hinge 83b, the second lever 85 of the first flat kinematic chain:

A first end portion 85 ′ configured in the form of a hinge to the first lever 84 by a second flat hinge 83b arranged between the first and second levers, and

It has a second end portion 85 ″ which is joined to the upper tool 6 by means of a third flat hinge 83c.

In a 38th aspect, in a 36th or 37th aspect, the second kinematic chain 93 of the moving device 69 is:

Comprising a first flat hinge 93a coupled to the frame 3, wherein the first lever 94 of the second flat kinematic chain has a first flat hinge 93a for rotating around a second axis of rotation A2 Is combined with;

Including a second flat hinge 93b, the second lever 95 of the second flat kinematic chain:

A first distal portion 95 ′ configured in the form of a hinge to the first lever 94 by a second flat hinge 93b arranged between the first and second levers 94 and 95 of the second flat kinematic chain , And

It has a second end portion 95 ″ which is joined to the upper tool 6 by means of a third flat hinge 93c.

In a 39th aspect, according to any one of the 36th to 38th aspects, the first axis of rotation A1 of the first flat kinematic chain 83 is the second axis of rotation of the second flat kinematic chain 93 ( It is consistent with A2).

In a 40th aspect, according to any one of the 36th to 39th aspects, the first and second flat kinematic chains are, with respect to the upper tool 6, with respect to a plane passing through the first and second axes of rotation. They are arranged symmetrically to each other and are positioned perpendicular to the arrangement plane of the predetermined trajectory of movement of the upper tool 6.

In the 41st aspect, in any one of the 36th to 40th aspects, the second lever 85 of the first kinematic chain 83 is configured in the form of a hinge on the upper part of the upper tool, and the second flat The second lever 95 of the kinematic chain 93 is configured in the form of a hinge on the lower part of the upper tool 66 opposite the upper part.

In a 42nd aspect, in any of the 36th to 41th aspects, the moving device 69 is fitted to the first lever 84 of the first kinematic chain 83 and the first lever 84 And a first actuator member 70a configured to rotate around the first axis A1,

The moving device 69 is fitted to the first lever 94 of the second kinematic chain 93 and configured to rotate the first lever 94 about a second axis A2. ), and

The first and second actuator members 70a, 70b reverse each of the first levers 84, 94 to allow the upper tool 6 to be rotated around the first and second rotational axes A1, A2. Is configured to rotate,

The first and second actuator members 70a, 70b are each of the first levers in order to allow the upper tool 6 to be translated to approach and move away from the first and second rotational axes A1 and A2. It is configured to rotate the (84, 94) equally.

In a 43rd aspect, in the previous aspect, the first and second actuator members 70a, 70b are configured to rotate each of the first levers 84, 94 equally to form at least the following states, The states are:

A group state in which the first and second levers of the first kinematic chain and the first and second levers of the second kinematic chain form an acute angle, optionally, in the group state, the upper tool being the first and second levers 2 Arranged in one position approaching the rotating shaft (A1, A2),

An extended state in which the first and second levers of the first kinematic chain and the first and second levers of the second kinematic chain form an obtuse angle, optionally, in the extended state, the upper tool (6) Are arranged at a position spaced apart from the first and second rotational axes A1 and A2.

In a 44th aspect, in any one of the 34th to 43th aspects, the moving device 69 comprises a guide member 86 inserted and coupled between the frame 3 and the upper tool 6, The guide member is configured to prevent vibration of the upper tool 6 around flat hinges that engage the second levers 85, 95 of the first and second flat kinematic chains.

In a 45th aspect, in a previous aspect, the guide member 86 comprises respective first and second levers 86a, 86b coupled to each other by a flat hinge, wherein the first lever of the guide member 86 ( 86a) is coupled to the frame 3 by an additional flat hinge, the second lever 86b is coupled to the upper tool 6 by an additional flat hinge,

The flat hinges of the guide member 86 are arranged transversely to the flat hinges of the first and second flat kinematic chains and, optionally, perpendicularly to the flat hinges.

In a 46th aspect, in any one of the first to fifth or 33rd aspects, the moving device 69 is:

Screws (97) hinged to the frame (3),

Comprising a first actuator 96 actuated on the screw 97 and coupled with the frame 3, wherein the first actuator 96 is configured to rotate the screw 97,

A lead screw nut (98) configured to be rotationally engaged with a screw (97),

A first lever 98a engaged with the lead screw nut 98 by a flat hinge at one end and with the upper tool 6 by a flat hinge at the opposite end,

And a second lever 98b engaged with the first actuator 96 by a flat hinge at one end and a middle point of the first lever 98a by a flat hinge at the opposite end,

The first actuator 96 is configured to rotate the screw 97 in order to move the lead screw nut closer to and away from the first actuator 96 to form at least the following states, these states:

Group state of the first and second levers with the upper tool 6 positioned close to the screw 97, the extended state of the first and second levers with the upper tool 6 arranged spaced apart from the screw 97 as,

The upper tool 6 is arranged at a distance from the screw 97 in the extended state, which distance is greater than the distance between the upper tool 6 and the screw 97 in the group state.

In the 47th aspect, in the previous aspect, the moving device (69) comprises at least one second actuator actuated on at least one of the first actuator, the lead screw nut, the first lever, the second lever;

The second actuator lever system is configured to rotate the upper tool 6 around the screw 97 in at least the following positions, these positions:

A pickup position in which the upper tool 6 faces a portion 5a of the film 5b arranged at each predetermined pickup position,

The upper tool 6 is a packaging position facing the lower tool 2 arranged in each packaging position.

In a forty-eighth aspect, in a previous aspect, the first actuator is configured to command the extended state of the first and second levers to form a first position of the upper tool 6 when the upper tool is in the pickup position. And

The first actuator is configured to command the extended state of the first and second levers to form a second position of the upper tool 6 when the upper tool 6 is in the packaging position.

In a 49th aspect, in any one of the 46th to 48th aspects, the moving device 69 comprises a guide member 99 inserted and engaged between the frame 3 and the upper tool 6, The guide member 99 is configured to prevent vibration in the upper tool 6 around an axis in which the upper tool 6 is hinged to the second lever 98a.

In a 50th aspect, in a previous aspect, the guide member 86 comprises respective first and second levers 99a, 99b coupled to each other by a flat hinge, wherein the first lever of the guide member 99 ( 99a) is coupled to the frame 3 by an additional flat hinge, the second lever 99b of the guide member 99 is coupled to the upper tool 6 by an additional flat hinge,

The flat hinges of the guide member 99 are arranged transversely to one or more of the flat hinges and, optionally, vertically arranged, as follows, the flat hinges:

Connect the lead screw nut 98 to the first lever 98a,

Connect the first lever (98a) to the upper tool (6),

The first actuator 96 is connected to the second lever 98b, and the first lever 98a is connected to the second lever 98b.

In a 51st aspect, in any one of the first to fifth or 33rd aspects, the moving device 69 is:

A rod 110 extending along a direction perpendicular to the arrangement plane of the predetermined movement trajectory of the upper tool 6 and configured in the form of a hinge on the frame 3,

At one end, a first lever 113 coupled with the rod 110 by a flat hinge,

Including a motor 114 coupled to the first lever 113 by a flat hinge, the motor 114 at the end opposite to the end of the first lever is configured in the form of a hinge on the rod 110, It is configured in the form of a hinge on the first lever,

A second lever 115 is coupled to the rod 110 by a flat hinge at one end and a second lever 115 coupled to the upper tool by a flat hinge at the opposite end,

The first and second levers are configured to form at least the following states, which states:

A group state in which the upper tool 6 is arranged close to the rod 110,

As an extended state in which the upper tool 6 is spaced apart from the rod 110 and arranged,

The upper tool 6 is arranged at a certain distance from the rod 110 in the extended state, the distance is greater than the distance between the upper tool 6 and the rod 110 in the group state, and the motor 114 is in the group state. And the first and second levers are actuated to command the extended state.

In a 52nd aspect, in the previous aspect, the moving device 69 comprises one or more actuators 111 actuated between the first lever 113 and the rod 110, the actuators 111 being at least in the next position. It is configured to rotate the upper tool 6 around the rod 110 in between, these positions:

A pickup position in which the upper tool 6 faces a portion 5a of the film 5b arranged at each predetermined pickup position,

The upper tool 6 is a packaging position facing the lower tool 2 arranged in each packaging position.

In a 53rd aspect, in the previous aspect, the motor 114 is in the extended state of the first and second levers to form a first position of the upper tool 6 when the upper tool 6 is in the pickup position. Is configured to command

The motor 114 is configured to command the extended state of the first and second levers to form a second position of the upper tool 6 when the upper tool 6 is in the packaging position.

In a 54th aspect, in any one of the 51st to 53rd aspects, the moving device 69 comprises a guide member 116 inserted and engaged between the frame 3 and the upper tool 6, The guide member 116 is configured to prevent vibration in the upper tool 6 around an axis in which the upper tool 6 is hinged to the second lever 116.

In a 55th aspect, in the previous aspect, the guide member 116 comprises respective first and second levers coupled to each other by a flat hinge, wherein the first lever of the guide member is attached to the frame by an additional flat hinge. Coupled, the second lever is coupled to the upper tool 6 by an additional flat hinge,

The flat hinges of the guide member 116 are arranged transversely to one or more of the flat hinges, and, optionally, vertically arranged, as follows, the flat hinges:

Connect the rod 110 to the first lever 113,

Connecting the first lever 113 to the motor 114,

Connect the second lever 115 to the motor 114,

The second lever 115 is connected to the upper tool 6.

In a 56th aspect, according to any one of the previous aspects, the device comprising a single upper tool 6 capable of being moved along a trajectory arranged along a vertical plane, in the state of use of the device, , The single upper tool, at least:

Can be moved between the first and second positions to form a stroke in the outward direction of the upper tool;

It can be moved between the second and first positions to form the return stroke of the upper tool.

In a 57th aspect, in the previous aspect, the moving device 69 is configured to move the single upper tool 6 along the outward and return strokes.

In a 58th aspect, in any one of the previous aspects, the moving device (69) moves the upper tool (6) by 90° between the first position and the second position in the state of use of the device. Is configured to

In a 59th aspect, in any one of the previous aspects, the lower tool 2 can be moved relative to the frame 3 at least between the following positions, these positions:

Packaging position in which the lower tool (2) is aligned with the upper tool (6),

It is a loading position arranged spaced apart from the packaging position and the lower tool 2 is configured to receive the support 4.

In a 60th aspect, in a previous aspect, the moving device 69 is configured to synchronize the upper tool 6 passing from the first position to the second position and the lower tool 2 passing from the loading position to the packaging position. And a synchronous kinematic system 75 mechanically interconnecting the tool 2 and the upper tool 6.

In a 61st aspect, in a 59th or 60th aspect, the moving device 69 allows the upper tool 6 to pass from the first position to the second position and synchronously with the lower tool 2 to the loading position. It comprises a synchronous kinematic system 75 that mechanically interconnects the lower tool 2 with the upper tool 6 when passed from to the packaging position, and when the lower tool 2 is placed in the loading position, the upper The tool 6 is arranged in a first position to pick up the film part 5a, and when the lower tool 2 is located in the packaging position, the upper tool 6 transfers the film part 5a to the lower tool ( 2) are arranged in a second position to engage with at least one support 4 received by and thus manufacture at least one package 40.

In the 62nd aspect, in the 59th or 60th or 61st aspect, a single actuator 70 is operated on the moving device 69, moving the upper tool 6 from the first position to the second position and Not only can it be commanded to move the lower tool 2 from the loading position to the packaging position synchronously with, but also move the upper tool 6 from the second position to the first position and synchronously with the lower tool ( 2) can be ordered to move from the packaging position to the loading position.

In a 63rd aspect, according to any of the 59th to 62nd aspects, the device is a guiding device for moving the lower tool 2 from the loading position to the packaging position along a straight trajectory, optionally a horizontal straight line. Includes.

In the 64th aspect, in any one of the previous aspects, the device comprises a cutting device 76 for cutting the film, which cutting device operates on the film 5b exiting the feed station 5. And a cutting unit supported by a frame 3 or an upper tool 6.

In a 65th aspect, in the previous aspect, the cutting unit comprises a blade 76a configured to be arranged in a transverse direction with respect to the traveling direction of the film exiting the feeding station 5.

In a 66th aspect, in the previous aspect, the blade 76a can be moved back and forth transversely to the active surface 6a of the upper tool 6 in the pick-up position.

In a 67th aspect, in any one of the previous aspects, the upper tool 6 is an upper tool for heat-sealing the film portion 5a to the support 4 to form a hermetically sealed package. And a sealing head configured to heat one or more portions of the active surface 6a of (6).

In a 68 aspect, in any one of the previous aspects, the upper tool 6 is configured to secure the film portion 5a to the active surface 6a and optionally comprises one or more of the following: It comprises fastening means 77, such fastening means:

At least one vacuum source connected to the suction port present on the active surface 6a,

At least one mechanical retainer associated with the active surface 6a,

At least one attachment portion associated with the active surface 6a,

And one or more electrical circuits electrically connected with the active surface 6a to charge the surface with a predetermined polarity.

In a 69th aspect, in any one of the previous aspects, the lower tool 2 and the upper tool 6 may be configured to form a chamber at a second position of the upper tool to which the upper and lower tools are accessed. There, the support 4 for supporting the film part and the product is accommodated in the chamber.

In a 70th aspect, in a previous aspect, the packaging device 1 comprises a suction system in fluid communication with the chamber, the suction system configured to remove air from the interior of the chamber to create a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure therein. do.

In a 71st aspect, in a 69th or 70th aspect, the packaging device 1 comprises a blowing system in fluid communication with and configured to introduce gas into the chamber to create a modified atmospheric environment therein. .

In a 72nd aspect, a process is provided for packaging one or more products P by using a packaging device 1 according to any one of the previous aspects, the process comprising:

Arranging at least one support (4) supporting at least one product (P) on the lower tool (2) arranged in the loading position,

Moving the lower tool (2) from the loading position to the packaging position,

Placing the upper tool (6) in the first position,

Optionally, separating the film portion 5a from the continuous film 5b provided by the feeding station 5,

When the upper tool 6 is in the first position, picking up the film part 5a from the feeding station 5.

In aspect 73, in the previous aspect, the process is:

Moving the upper tool 6 from the first position to the second position by means of a moving device 69,

Moving the lower tool 2 from the loading position to the packaging position, so that when the upper tool 6 is in the packaging position in the second position, it is aligned with the lower tool 2 and located next to the lower tool,

And joining the film portion 5a with the support 4 to obtain one or more packages 40.

In a 74 aspect, in the 72nd or 73rd aspect, the step of moving the upper tool 6 from the first position to the second position and the step of moving the lower tool from the loading position to the packaging position are synchronized with each other.

In a 75th aspect, according to the 72nd or 73rd or 74th aspect, the step of joining the film portion 5a with the support 4 comprises the following substeps:

Fixing the film part 5a on each support by means of an upper tool 6,

Heating the film portion 5a fixed on each support 4.

In the 76th aspect, in the previous aspect, the step of joining the film portion 5a with the support 4 comprises adding the film portion to one or more of the support so as to form a receiving compartment of the package in which the product P is received. It includes a sub-step of heat-sealing the part in a hermetic manner.

In a 77 aspect, in aspect 75 or 76, the step of joining the film portion 5a with the support 4 removes at least a portion of the air that is present between each support and the film portion 5a. Includes sub-steps to

Some embodiments and some aspects of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided as non-limiting examples only, in which:
1 is a perspective view of a packaging facility including a packaging device according to the present invention;
2 is a perspective view of a packaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
3 and 4 are detailed views of a portion of the device of FIG. 2;
Figures 5 to 7A schematically illustrate possible movements of the upper tool of the packaging device according to Figure 2;
8 is a perspective view of a packaging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a detailed view of the device of Figure 8;
9A and 9B are schematic views of the components of the device according to FIG. 8, respectively;
9C to 9H schematically illustrate possible movements of the upper tool of the packaging device according to FIG. 8;
10 and 11 are diagrams showing a modification of the device according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
12 is a perspective view of a packaging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
13 is a detailed view of the device of FIG. 12;
13A-13D schematically illustrate possible movements of the upper tool of the packaging device according to FIG. 12;
14 shows a schematic view of the components of the device according to FIG. 12;
15 is a perspective view of a packaging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 16 is a detailed view of the device of Figure 15;
16A to 16D schematically illustrate possible movements of the upper tool of the packaging device according to FIG. 15;
Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of components of the device according to Figure 15;

Idioms (CONVENTIONS)

It should be noted that in the detailed description of the present invention, portions corresponding to each other illustrated in the various drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals. The drawings may illustrate the objects of the present invention, but are not necessarily drawn to scale, and accordingly, components and parts illustrated in the drawings for the purposes of the present invention are only schematically illustrated.

The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the unloading station of the package, starting from the beginning or forming station of the support of the package, passing through the packaging device. ), indicates a position in the direction of movement of the package or the support for forming the package.

DEFINITIONS

Product

The term product (P) means an article or any kind of article composite. For example, it may be composed of a food type, and may be composed of two or more of a solid, liquid, or gel form, that is, an aggregation state. In the food sector, products may include meat, fish, cheese, processed meat, and various kinds of ready-to-eat and frozen food products.

Control unit

The packaging apparatus described herein includes one or more control units configured to regulate the processes performed by the apparatus. The control unit can be formed of only one or can be formed by a plurality of different control units depending on the design choice and process requirements. The term “control unit” refers to the following groups: digital processors (eg, including one or more of a CPU, GPU, GPGPU), memory (or multiple memories), analog circuits, or one or more analog circuits and one or more digital processing. It means an electronic component that may include one or more selected from a combination of units. The control unit may be programmed or configured to perform several steps, which may be implemented by any means capable of programming or configuring the control unit. For example, if the control unit includes one or more CPUs and one or more memories, the one or more programs may include CPUs or CPUs; It may be stored in a suitable memory bank linked to a program or program accompanying instructions, which, when executed by a CPU or CPUs, program or configure the control unit to perform the process described with respect to the control unit. Alternatively, if the control unit is an analog circuit or comprises an analog circuit, the control unit circuit can be designed to include a circuit configured to process electrical signals so as to be able to perform steps relating to the control unit when in use. . The control unit may comprise one or more digital units, e.g., microprocessor type digital units, or one or more analog units, or any suitable combination of digital and analog units, which control units are adapted to execute instructions and instruction sets. It can be configured to coordinate all necessary tasks.

Actuator

The term “actuator” means, for example, any device capable of moving on a body upon command of the control unit (by means of the actuator, when the control unit receives the command). The actuator can be of an electric, pneumatic, mechanical (eg, with a spring) type, or of another type.

Support

The term "support" means at least one base and at least one transverse wall formed from the outer perimeter of the base (outer perimeter), and, optionally, a distal flange formed radially outward from the upper peripheral edge of the transverse wall. It means a tray and a flat support comprising a. The outer flanges may extend or be formed along a single main plane of extension, in the case of the outer flanges thus formed, the outer flanges are, for example, different, in particular parallel, but arranged main extension planes spaced apart from each other. It may have a plurality of parts extending along the field. The support forms a volume in which a product can be accommodated on an upper surface or an interior on which the product P can be placed.

The tray may include an upper edge portion formed in a radial direction from a free edge of a transverse wall located opposite the base, the upper edge portion being in a direction moving outward from the volume of the tray itself. Along the transverse wall.

The flat support can be of any shape, e.g., rectangular, rhomboidal, round or elliptical, similarly, trays with transverse walls are also of any shape, e.g., rectangular , It may have a base composed of a long square, round or oval. The support may be formed by a specific fabrication process separate from the packaging process, or may be formed together with the packaging process, eg, by thermoforming.

The support is entirely or partially formed of a paper material, optionally at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 70% by weight of an organic material comprising at least one of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, lignin derivatives. Can be. The paper material extends between the first and second major extending surfaces. In one variant, the sheet paper material used to make the support may be covered for one or more portions of the first and/or second major extension surfaces by a plastic material covering, such as a food film. If the covering is arranged to cover at least a portion of the first extending surface, the covering will form the inner surface of the support. On the other hand, if the covering is arranged on the second main extending surface, the covering will form the outer surface of the support. In addition, the covering can be heat treated to act as a bonding and fixing element for parts of the support, which will be described in detail below. In addition, the covering is used to form a kind of barrier to water and/or moisture to prevent damage and weakening of the construction of the support and subsequent uncontrollable deformation of the paper material forming the components of the support. I can. The covering is, but is not limited to, to a paper material (as mentioned above, in the form of a so-called coating or lacquer) having a thickness between 0.2 and 10 μm, sprayed or deposited as a solution. / Or on the outer side). Alternatively, the covering can be provided on one or both sides (inner and/or outer sides) of the paper material forming the support by a lamination process, for example a plastic film such as a polythene coating. It may include. If the covering is provided by lamination, the values of the plastic film (covering) are, for example, between 10 and 400 μm of the covering material (i.e. polythene), in particular between 20 and 200 μm, especially between 30 and 80 μm. Can vary between. The plastic covering material may be selected from the following materials: PP, PE (HDPE, LDPE, MDPE, LLDPE), EVA, polyester (eg PET and PETg), PVdC, as an example.

Alternatively, the support can be made wholly or in part from single-layer and multilayer thermoplastic materials. The support may be provided with gas barrier properties. As used herein, the support is less than 200 cm³/(m²* 1 day * bar), 150 cm³/(m²* 1 day, measured according to ASTM D-3985 at 23°C and 0% relative humidity. * F) refers to a sheet or film of a material having an oxygen permeability of less than 100 cm³/(m²* per day * f). Suitable gas barrier materials for single-layer thermoplastic containers are, for example, polyester, polyamide, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), PVDC, and the like. The support can be made of a multilayer material comprising one or more heat-seal layers and one or more gas barrier layers to seal the covering film to the surface of the support. Gas barrier polymers that can be used for gas barrier layer applications are PVDC, EVOH, polyamides, polyesters and mixtures thereof. In general, the PVDC barrier layer will contain plasticizers and/or stabilizers, as known in the art. The thickness of the gas barrier layer is less than 50 cm³/(m² * 1 day * atm), preferably 10 cm³/(m²), as measured according to ASTM D-3985 at 23°C and 0% relative humidity. * 1 day * atm) would be desirable to be set in order to provide for configurations of less than oxygen permeability. Typically, the heat-seal layer is a polyolefin, such as an ethylene homopolymer or copolymer, a propylene homopolymer or copolymer, an ethylene/vinylacetate copolymer, an ionomer and a homopolymer or co-polyester, such as PETG, a glycol. -Will be selected from modified polyethylene terephthalate.

It is preferred that an additional layer, for example an adhesive layer for better adhesion of the gas barrier layer to adjacent layers, allows the material of the support to be made and selected according to the particular resin used for the gas barrier layer application. In the case of a multilayer structure, the part can be formed as a foam. For example, the multilayer material used to form the support (from the outermost layer to the layer in contact with the food on the inside) is one or more structural layers, usually a material such as expanded polystyrene, expanded polyester or expanded polypropylene. , Or a structural layer formed of cardboard, or a sheet, for example polypropylene, polystyrene, poly(vinyl chloride), polyester; It may include a gas barrier layer and a heat-seal layer.

An easily openable frangible layer can be placed adjacent to the heat-sealing layer to facilitate opening of the final package. Low cohesion polymer mixtures that can be used as the breaking layer are described, for example, in document WO99/54398. The overall thickness of the support may be equal to or less than 5 mm, alternatively between 0.04 and 3.00 mm, and even more alternatively between 0.05 intrinsic 1.00 mm. The support may be entirely made of a paper material (optionally the covering is made of a plastic material film), or may be made entirely of a plastic material. In a further variant embodiment, the support is at least partially made of a paper material and at least partially made of a plastic material, in particular the support is made of a plastic material on the inside and at least partially covered with a paper material on the outside. The support may be used to provide a so-called “ready-to-eat” package, in which shape the support is formed such that it can be inserted into an oven for cooking and/or heating food products arranged in the package. In this embodiment (support for ready-to-eat food packages), the support may be made, for example, of a paper material, in particular a cardboard coated with polyester, or may be made entirely of a polyester resin. For example, the support for a ready-to-use package is made of the following materials: CPET, APET or APET/CPET, foamable or non-foamable materials. In addition, the support may comprise a hot-weld layer of low melting material on the film. The hot-welded layer may be coextruded with a PET-based layer (as described in European Patent Application Nos. EP 1 529 797 A and WO 2007/093495 A1) or by extrusion coating (e.g. documents US 2,762,720 A and EP 1 252 008 A) or by vapor deposition using dissolution means on the base film. In a further variant embodiment, the support can be made, at least in part, of a metallic material, in particular aluminum. The support can be made at least partly of aluminum and at least partly made of paper material.

Film

A film made of a plastic material, in particular a polymeric material, is provided on the support (flat support or tray) so as to create a fluid-tight package housing product.

If desired, a vacuum package is obtained, wherein the film provided with the support comprises at least one first outer heat-welding layer, optionally a gas barrier layer, and a second outer heat-resistant layer weldable to the inner surface of the support. It is a flexible multilayer material.

If a package is to be manufactured under a controlled atmosphere (MAP) or if a package is to be manufactured under a natural atmosphere (non-deformable atmosphere), a film provided with a support (a film made of a plastic, especially a polymer material) is usually a single-layer or one or more It has a heat-welded layer and, if possible, is a multilayer capable of heat-sinking under the action of heat. The provided film may include one or more gas barrier layers and optionally an outer heat resistant layer.

Material specifications

The term "paper material" refers to paper or cardboard; In particular, it means a sheet material which can be used to produce a paper layer which can have a weight between 30 and 600 g/m2, in particular between 40 and 500 g/m2, and even more particularly between 50 and 250 g/m2.

PVDC is any vinylidene chloride copolymer, in which the majority of the copolymer comprises vinylidene chloride and a small amount of the copolymer is copolymerizable with one or more unsaturated monomers, usually vinyl chloride and alkyl acrylates or methacrylates (e.g. For example, methyl acrylate or methacrylate) and mixtures thereof in different proportions.

The term “EVOH” includes saponified or hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, with a percentage, preferably between about 28 and about 48% of ethylene, more preferably between about 32 and about 44%. It refers to an ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer having an ethylene co-monomer content consisting of a saponification degree of at least 85%, preferably at least 90%.

The term “polyamide” is meant to refer to homopolymers and copolymers or terpolymers. The terms are specifically, aliphatic polyamides or co-polyamides such as polyamide 6, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, polyamide 66, polyamide 69, polyamide 610, polyamide 612, copolyamide 6 /9, copolyamide 6/10, copolyamide 6/12, copolyamide 6/66, copolyamide 6/69, aromatic and partially aromatic polyamides or copolyamides, such as polyamide 61, poly Amide 6I/6T, polyamide MXD6, polyamide MXD6/MXDI, and mixtures thereof.

The term "polyester" refers to a polymer obtained from the condensation polymerization reaction of a dihydroxylic alcohol and a dicarboxylic acid. Suitable dicarboxylic acids are, for example, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, and the like. Suitable dihydroxylic alcohols are, for example, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanodimethanol, and the like. Examples of useful polyesters include poly(ethylene terephthalate) and copolyesters obtained by reaction of one or more dihydroxylic alcohols with one or more carboxylic acids.

The term “copolymer” refers to a polymer derived from two or more types of monomers, and includes terpolymers. Ethylene homopolymer polymers include high density polyethylene (HDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE). Ethylene copolymers include ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers and unsaturated ethylene/ester copolymers. Ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers are generally alpha-olefins having between 3 and 20 carbon atoms, such as 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 4-methyl-1- One or more co-monomers selected from pentene and the like and copolymers of ethylene. Ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers generally have a density between about 0.86 and about 0.94 g/cm 3. The term “linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)” is a group of ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers having a density range of generally between about 0.915 to about 0.94 g/cm3, and in particular between about 0.915 to about 0.925 g/cm3. It should be understood as including. Often, linear polyethylenes in the density range between about 0.926 to about 0.94 g/cm 3 are referred to as linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE). Low density ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers may also be referred to as ultra low density polyethylene (VLDPE) and ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE). The ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer may be implemented in a heterogeneous or homogeneous polymerization process. Another useful ethylene copolymer is an unsaturated ethylene/ester copolymer, which is a copolymer of ethylene with one or more unsaturated ester monomers. Useful unsaturated esters include vinyl esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids in which the ester has 4 to 12 carbon atoms, such as vinyl acetate, and alkyl esters of acrylic or methacrylic acids in which the ester has 4 to 12 carbon atoms. Includes. Ionomers are copolymers of ethylene with unsaturated mono-carboxylic acids having a carboxylic acid neutralized by metal ions, such as zinc or, preferably, sodium. Useful propylene copolymers include propylene/ethylene copolymers, which are copolymers of ethylene and propylene, mostly as a percentage by weight content of propylene, and propylene/ethylene/butene terpolymers, which are copolymers of propylene, ethylene and 1-butene. .

Detailed contents for carrying out the invention

Packaging device(1)

Reference numeral 1 designates a packaging device which can be used for packaging one or more products P arranged on a support 4, for example under vacuum or in a controlled atmosphere.

The packaging device 1 comprises a support frame 3 forming a fixed structure configured to be in contact with the ground. The frame 3 supports a feed station 5 for feeding a film 5b wound on a reel, optionally a film formed of a plastic material, which is hung by the frame and has a predetermined pick-up position. It is configured to be released so as to be able to arrange one or more portions 5a of the film 5b. In order to properly position the film portion 5a, the feed station 5 receives the continuous film from the reel and is configured to form an abutment surface 74a for the portion 5a of the film 5b. ) (See, for example, FIGS. 5 and 6). In the illustrated example, the adjacent surfaces 74a of the adjacent plates 74 are flat and arranged in a vertical plane, so that the portion of the film received by the adjacent surfaces is also flat and arranged according to the vertical shape. In order to fix the film part 5a to the adjacent surface, the plate 74 is provided with a vacuum source connected with gripping means 77 (see FIGS. 1 and 3), for example suction openings located on the adjacent surface. , One or more mechanical retainers (clips, grippers, etc.) connected with the adjacent surface, one or more attachment portions connected with the adjacent surface, and electrical with the adjacent surface to fill the surface with a predetermined polarity to provide traction of electrical properties to the film. An electrical circuit connected in a manner may be provided.

The packaging device 1 further comprises a lower tool 2 coupled with the frame 3 and configured to receive one or more supports 4, and the device is also coupled with the frame 3 and is provided with a lower tool 2 ) Further comprising an upper tool 6 configured to cooperate with, as described in more detail below, the upper tool 6 secures the film portion 5a and lifts it from the feed station 5, It engages with one or more supports 4 contained in the tool 2 and forms one or more packages 40.

The device 1 comprises a moving device 69 arranged between the upper tool 6 and the frame 3, which moves the upper tool 6 at least between a first position and a second position. It is configured to move.

In the first position, the active surface 6a of the upper tool 6 is located next to the adjacent plate 74 and thus next to the film part 5a located at a predetermined pick-up position (see FIGS. 3 and 5). Is located. The active surface 6a receives, from the supply station 5, a film portion 5a located on the adjacent plate 74, and while moving the upper tool 6 from the first position to the second position, the film It is configured to fix the part 5a, for this purpose, the upper tool 6 may be provided with means 77 for fixing the film part 5a to the active surface 6a, said means 77 Silver, one or more vacuum sources connected to the inlets located on the active surface 6a, one or more mechanical retainers (grippers, clips, etc.) connected to the active surface 6a, one or more It may comprise one or more of an attachment portion, and an electrical circuit electrically connected to the active surface 6a, or other means for charging the surface with a predetermined polarity.

In the second position, the active surface (6a) of the upper tool (6) is in order to engage the film part (5a) picked up from the feeding station (5) with one or more supports (4) located at one or more (2). Aligned with the tool 2 and arranged next to it, it forms one or more packaging 40.

With proper guidance, the lower tool 2 can be moved between a loading position with respect to the frame 3 and a packaging position arranged spaced apart from the loading position. In the loading position (see, e.g., Figs. 1-3, 5), the lower tool 2 is configured to receive the support 4, in other words, in that position, the one or more supports 4 are moved to the lower tool 2 An operator or an automatic loading system may have access to the lower tool 2 in order to correspond to the one or more sheets formed in the. In the packaging position, the lower tool 2 is aligned with the upper tool 6 when the upper tool 6 is placed in the second position, and the upper tool 6 is at least one located in the lower tool 2 It can be combined with the film portion 5a fixed with each support 4.

Specifically, the moving device 69 provided for moving the upper tool 6 from the first position to the second position is first and second along a predetermined trajectory arranged in the state of use of the device along a vertical plane. It is configured to move the upper tool 6 between the second positions, in fact, while moving from the first position to the second position (and vice versa), while moving from the second position to the first position, the active surface ( All points forming 6a) are moved on respective vertical planes parallel to each other. In other words, the motion provided by the device 69 to the upper tool 6 is a flat motion, which means that all points of the active surface of the upper tool are in an outward direction from the first position to the second position. This is because they follow each flat vertical trajectory parallel to each other on a vertical plane, while being moved, and along a return stroke from the second position to the first position. In this way, over the entire stage of movement, the transverse shape of the upper tool 6 is not deformed, and the device 1 has a very compact operating volume.

As can be seen in the drawings, the device comprises a single upper tool 6 which can be moved along a vertical plane and along a trajectory arranged in the state of use of the device, such a single upper tool 6 , At least:

Can be moved between the first and second positions to form a stroke in the outward direction of the upper tool 6;

It can be moved between the second and first positions to form a return stroke of the upper tool 6.

The moving device 69 is configured to move the upper tool 6 along an outward stroke and a return stroke.

As can be seen in the figures, the first and second positions form one position of the upper tool 6, in particular an angle equal to or less than 120°, optionally an angle between 100° and 50°, Alternatively, it forms a position of the active surface 6a of the upper tool which is angularly offset by an angle equal to 90°. The moving device 69 is operated on the upper tool to enable an angular movement of the upper tool 6 between the first and second positions, and vice versa.

The device 1 may comprise one or more actuators 70, such as, for example, an electric motor or a hydraulic motor or a pneumatic motor, which is operated on the moving device 69 and between the first and second positions. It is configured to guide (6) and vice versa.

As will be described in more detail below, the upper tool 6 comprises a sealing head comprising an active surface 6a, the active surface being a film part 5a to form a hermetically closed package. ) Can be heated to be heat-sealed to the support (4). The upper tool 6 may further be provided with fastening means configured to fasten the film part 5a to the active surface 6a.

In the first embodiment schematically illustrated in Figures 5 to 7A, the moving device 69 is configured by a flat kinematic chain, whereby the upper tool 6 is moved between the first and second positions. When moved in, it does not guarantee any movement that is transverse about parallel planes.

This moving device 69, i.e. a flat kinematic chain forming the same device, is configured to rotate around a first axis of rotation A perpendicular to a predetermined vertical flat trajectory, i.e. perpendicular to the perpendicular parallel planes. And a driven member 72 having an end portion hinged to the drive member 71 and a second end portion fixed to the upper tool 6. More specifically, the moving device 69 includes a first flat hinge 73a coupled to the frame 3 to form a first rotation axis A, wherein the driving member 71 comprises a first rotation axis A ) Is engaged with the first flat hinge to rotate around. The moving device 69 further comprises a second flat hinge 73b arranged between the driven member and the driving member to be rotatably coupled to each other. To this end, the driven member 72 has a first end portion configured in the form of a hinge on the driving member 71 by a second flat hinge 73b arranged between the driving member and the driven member. Further, the driven member 72 has a second end portion fixed to the upper tool 6 and an intermediate portion extending between the end portions. Finally, the moving device 69 includes a guide member 73c coupled by rotating around a second rotation axis B with respect to the frame 3, the second rotation axis B being attached to the first rotation axis A. Are arranged parallel and spaced apart from each other. In addition, the guide member 73c is shaped to accommodate the third portion of the driven member 72 in a slidable manner between the first and second end portions of the driven member. For example, the guide member 73c may include a sleeve in which the intermediate portion of the driven member 72 is slidably accommodated, and this sleeve is rotatable around the axis of rotation B. ) In the form of a hinge.

Looking in more detail structurally, the driving member 71 may have a rod shape in which opposite ends are coupled to the first and second flat hinges 73a and 73b, respectively, and the driven member 72 is also a rod. In particular, it may have a shape of a rod having an elongated length, and more specifically, a rod having a length of at least twice the length of the rod forming the driving member 71. As described above, the driven member 72 has a second flat hinge 73b and opposite ends engaged with the upper tool 6, respectively, and the guide member 73c is inside the middle of the driven member 72. It is constituted by a cylindrical sleeve coupled with a frame that slidably receives the part.

5, 5A, 6, 6A and 7, 7A, the moving device 69 and the driving member 71, the driven member 72, the first flat hinge 73a, the second flat hinge 73b, and The guide members 73c are arranged coupled to each other directly (or indirectly) to the frame 3, and after the driving member 71 rotates around the rotation axis A (for example, by 270°), the driving member 71 ) Is rotated by simultaneously sliding with respect to the guide member 73c (e.g., by 90° of the driven member 72), and the driving member, even if it rotates freely, is capable of translational movement with respect to the frame 3 Can't. Moving of the driven member 72, determined by the drive member 71, from the position shown in Fig. 5A to the position shown in Fig. 7A includes the following steps. (As a first step) the driven member 72 is first rotated and slides in the guide member 73c so that the upper tool 6 rotates and leaves the adjacent plate 74 without risk of mechanical interference, Then (as a second step) the driven member 72 continues to rotate, allowing the upper tool 6 to approach the guide member 73c (see Fig. 6A), and finally, (as a third step) The member 72 completes the rotation, and at the same time, to move the upper tool 6 in a direction away from the guide member 73c so that the upper tool 6 is arranged next to the lower tool 2 (Fig. 7A), the guide member 73c is slid to the opposite side.

Looking specifically with respect to the first embodiment of the moving device 69 illustrated in Figs. 5, 5A, 6, 6A, 7, 7A, the embodiment is, when the upper tool 6 is in the first position, the upper side The active surface 6a of the tool 6 is configured to be arranged according to a vertical plane parallel (and also flat, and perpendicular) to the adjacent surface 74a, and in this state, the moving device 69 is 71) is arranged vertically and the driven member 72 is arranged horizontally (see Fig. 5A). When the upper tool 6 is in the second position, the moving device 69 is configured to arrange the active surface 6a of the upper tool 6 along a horizontal plane facing the lower tool 2 arranged in the packaging position. And in this state, the device 69 arranges the drive member 71 horizontally and the driven member 72 vertically, at which time the upper tool 6 (90 from the first position to the second position) Rotated by °) is in the second position.

According to a first embodiment of the moving device 69, the moving device 69 can be guided in movement by a single actuator member 70 of the device, optionally an electric or hydraulic motor or a pneumatic motor. A single actuator 70 is operated on the moving device 69 and can be commanded to move the upper tool 6 from a first position to a second position and selectively move from a second position to a first position. In particular, the actuator member 70 is operated on the driving member 71, for example, a motor fitted to the first rotation shaft (A) to rotate the driving member 71 around the first rotation axis (A). And, in this way, by arranging the actuator 70, for example a motor of the type mentioned above, by rotating the driven member 72 to move the upper tool 6, and a flat surface provided to the upper tool 6 When a vertical trajectory is used, it becomes simple and compact.

For example, in the second embodiment illustrated in Figs. 8-11, the moving device 69 comprises first and second flat kinematic chains 83, 93, which kinematic chains include upper tool ( When 6) is moved between the first and second positions, in the state of use of the device, the upper tool 6 is in a vertical plane (the points of the active surface 6a of the upper tool 6 are along said flat parallel planes. It is configured to be able to move along a predetermined trajectory arranged in (to be moved).

The first and second kinematic chains 83, 93 of the moving device 69 are arranged in a plane of alignment of the predetermined movement trajectory of the upper tool (and, in particular, the active surface 6a of the upper tool 6). The points of are arranged spaced apart from each other with respect to an axis transverse to, in particular perpendicular to, the moving vertical flat planes. Specifically, and, as can be seen in FIG. 9A, the first and second flat kinematic chains 83, 93 are joined at the end portions of the upper tool 6, and more specifically, the first kinematic The chain 83 is engaged with the upper tool 6 in the upper part of the upper tool 6, and the second kinematic chain 93 is engaged in the lower part located opposite the upper part of the upper tool 6 Becomes (see, for example, Fig. 9A).

As can be seen from the figure, the first flat kinematic chain 83 is a first rotation axis perpendicular to the vertical arrangement plane of the predetermined movement trajectory of the upper tool 6, that is, perpendicular to the vertical parallel planes ( A first lever 84 configured to rotate along A1), and a first end portion 85 ′ configured in the form of a hinge to the first lever 84 and a second end part configured in the form of a hinge to the upper tool 6 ( 85'') with a second lever 85. In particular, the first lever 84 is hinged to the first end portion 84 ′ (fixed hinge) configured in the form of a hinge on the frame 3 and the first end portion 85 ′ of the second lever 85 It has a second end portion 84 ″ consisting of.

More specifically, the first kinematic chain 83 comprises a first flat hinge 83a coupled to a frame 3 forming a first axis of rotation A1, and the first lever 84 comprises a first It is coupled with the first flat hinge 83a to rotate around the rotation axis A1. The first kinematic chain 83 further comprises a second movable flat hinge 83b arranged between the first lever 84 and the second lever 85 in order to rotatably constrain each other. . To this end, the second lever 85 has a first end portion 85 ′ configured in the form of a hinge to the first lever 84 by a second flat hinge 83b arranged between the first and second levers. . In addition, the second lever has a second end portion 85 ″ which is coupled to the upper tool 6 by means of an additional flat hinge 83c. The flat hinges 83a, 83b and 83c of the first kinematic chain 83 are configured such that the respective levers can be rotated in a plane parallel to the plane of arrangement of a predetermined trajectory of the upper tool 6.

Looking in more detail structurally, the first lever 84 may have a rod shape in which opposite ends are coupled to the first and second flat hinges 83a and 83b, respectively, and the second lever 85 is also second. One may have a rod shape having a length substantially the same as the length of the rod forming the lever 84.

As can be seen from the figure above, the second flat kinematic chain 93 is configured to rotate around a second axis of rotation A2 perpendicular to the plane of vertical alignment of the predetermined trajectory of movement of the upper tool 6. ), and the moving device 69 includes a first end portion 95 ′ configured in the form of a hinge on the first lever 94 and a second end portion 95 ″ configured in the form of a hinge on the upper tool 6. It includes a second lever 95 having a. In particular, the first lever 94 has a first end portion 94 ′ configured in the form of a hinge on the frame 3 and a second end portion 94 ′ configured in the first end portion 95 ′ of the second lever 95. It has a distal portion 94''. More specifically, the second kinematic chain 93 comprises a first flat hinge 93a coupled to a frame 3 forming a first axis of rotation A2, and the first lever 94 It is coupled with the first flat hinge 93a to rotate around the axis of rotation A2. The second kinematic chain 93 further comprises a second flat hinge 93b arranged between the first lever 94 and the second lever 95 to rotatably couple with each other. To this end, the second lever 95 has a first end portion 95 ′ configured in the form of a hinge to the first lever 94 by a second flat hinge 93b arranged between the first and second levers. . In addition, the second lever has a second end portion 95 ″ which is coupled to the upper tool 6 by means of an additional flat hinge 93c. Further, the flat hinges of the second kinematic chain 93 are configured such that each of the rods can be rotated in a plane parallel to the plane of vertical alignment of the predetermined trajectory of the upper tool 6.

Looking in more detail structurally, the first lever 94 of the second kinematic chain 93 may have a rod shape in which opposite ends are combined with the first and second flat hinges 93a and 93b, respectively, The second lever 95 of the second kinematic chain may also have the form of a rod, particularly, a rod having a length substantially equal to the length of the rod forming the first lever 94. In fact, the first and second kinematic chains 83, 93 have the same configuration, only between the first and second kinematic chains, the second lever 85, 95 is coupled to the upper tool 6 It is indicated only by the position and the direction of the arrangement. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the levers are different in that they are fixed to the upper and lower portions of the upper tool 6 respectively. More specifically, the first and second kinematic chains 83, 93 are configured such that the levers 84, 85, 94 and 95 are arranged in an extended state (Figs. 8D and 9G) forming an obtuse angle, respectively, In the extended state, the upper tool 6 is arranged next to the plate 74, i.e. in the first position of the upper tool (Fig. 9D) or next to the lower tool 2, i.e. in the second position (Fig. 9G). I can. In addition, the first and second kinematic chains 83 and 93 are configured such that the levers 84, 85, 94 and 95 are arranged in a group state (Figs. 9C, 9E, 9F, 9H) each forming an acute angle, In the group state, the upper tool 6 is arranged close to the lower tool 2 and the plate 74.

Comparing Figs. 9C-9H, the moving device 69 in the second embodiment is coupled and arranged with the frame 3, and the first levers 84 and 94 are around each of the rotation axes A1 and A2 (for example, , After being rotated by 90°), the upper tool (6) is removed so that the upper tool (6) can approach the lower tool (2) from the plate (74) or move from the lower tool (2) to the plate (74). It rotates entirely between the first and second positions, or is moved from the extended state of the first and second kinematic chains to the group state. More specifically, due to the position and configuration of the first and second kinematic chains 83, 93, after the first levers 84, 94 rotate in opposite directions around each axis of rotation, the kinematic chain (83, 93) are configured to move from the extended state to the group state, or vice versa, from the group state to the extended state, and on the other hand, the first levers 84, 94 are rotated around their respective axis of rotation. Later, in order to arrange the upper tool 6 facing the lower tool 2 and the plate 74, the kinematic chains 83 and 93 are used as the upper tool 6 and the moving device 69 as a whole. It is configured to be able to rotate around an axis which is transverse to the vertical alignment plane of the predetermined trajectory of (and thus perpendicular to the parallel planes perpendicular for movement of the points of the active surface 6a). In fact, since the first levers 84 and 94 rotate in the same direction or in the opposite direction, in order to grip the film 5a and heat-seal the film on the support supported by the lower tool, the second The moving device 69 in the embodiment is configured such that the upper tool 6 can be moved from the first and second positions.

In the accompanying drawings, the moving device 69 of the second embodiment is illustrated in which the rotation axes A1 and A2 of the first levers coincide, in this state, the moving device 69 and the upper tool 6 are When the levers are rotated equally, they are configured to rotate around the axis of rotation A1 and A2.

As can be seen from the accompanying drawings, the moving device 69 of the second embodiment further includes a guide member 86 coupled with the frame 3 on one side and the upper tool 6 on the other, The guide member 86 is configured to prevent the upper tool 6 from vibrating around the flat hinges of the second levers 85 and 95 to which the upper tool 6 is directly engaged. The guide member 86 may include a pin 86a to connect the first levers 84 and 94 that rotate freely with respect to the first levers 84 and 94 with respect to the frame 3, and the guide member 86 may further include a rod that is coupled by coupling a carriage type to the pin 86a and fixed to the upper tool 6 on one side.

The guide members 86, instead of rods, are constructed in the form of hinges to each other and each actuator configured to rotate a pin 86a (or a portion of the moving device 69, such as a first or a second flat kinematic chain. ) And the upper tool 6 (FIG. 9) may include first and second levers 86b and 86c configured in a hinge shape. The first and second levers 86b and 86c of the guide member 86 are flat, arranged vertically with respect to the flat kinematic chains 83, 93, to prevent unwanted vibration of the upper tool 6 It is configured to form a kinematic chain.

Below, the moving device 69 is described while the upper tool 6 is moving from the first position to the second position. Starting from the shape of Fig. 9C in which the upper tool 6 is arranged spaced apart toward the plate 74 (group state of levers 84, 85, 94 and 95), it is moved from the group state to the extended state, and the upper side The first and second flat kinematic systems 83, in order to grip the film 5a by placing the tool 6 close to the plate 74 (the first position of the upper tool illustrated in FIG. 9D). The counter-rotation of the first levers 84 and 94 of 93 is performed. Thereafter, the first levers 84, 94 are once again counter-rotated (again back to the counter-rotation described above), so that the first and second flat kinematic systems 83, 93 are grouped from the extended state. It can be moved to the state (Fig. 9E). Thereafter, the first levers 84 and 94 are rotated equally, in order to arrange from the position facing the plate 74 to the position facing the lower tool 2 (see Fig. 9F), the upper tool 6 and the moving device (69) makes it possible to rotate. In this position, the first levers 84, 94 are newly disposed in counter-rotation so that the first and second flat kinematic systems 83, 93 can move from the group state to the extended state (Fig. 9G), In this extended state, the upper tool 6 is positioned next to the lower tool 2 and the film 5a is fixed (heat-sealed) on the support 4 (in the second position of the upper tool 6). As possible).

After fixing the film, the upper tool 6 is operated so that the first and second kinematic chains 83 and 93 can be moved from the extended state to the grouped state (Fig. 9H), the first levers 84 and 94 ) Are arranged spaced apart from the lower tool by an additional counter-rotation. Finally, the upper tool 6 is brought back to the starting state, with the upper tool 6 facing the plate 74 due to the new original rotation (clockwise) of the first levers 84, 94.

According to a second embodiment of the moving device 69, the moving device 69 is by means of two separate actuator elements 70a, 70b of the device 1, optionally to an electric motor, a hydraulic actuator or a pneumatic actuator. Can be guided to move by. Actuators can be actuated at each of the first levers 84 and 94 and commanded to actuate their rotation. Each actuator member 70a or 70b may include, for example, a motor that fits on each of the first levers coincident with the rotation axes A1 and A2.

In the third embodiment of the moving device 69 illustrated in FIGS. 12-13D, the moving device 69 comprises an actuator 96 coupled with the frame 3 and configured to rotate the worm screw 97, The worm screw 97 is again coupled with the lead screw nut 98 (see Fig. 13). The screw 97 extends perpendicular to the plane of vertical alignment of the predetermined trajectory of the upper tool 6. The lead screw nut 98 is coupled to the upper tool 6 by a first lever 98a, the first lever 98a is coupled to the lead screw nut 98 by a flat hinge at one end and the opposite end In the upper tool 6 by means of a respective flat hinge. The actuator 96 is not only coupled to the frame 3 but also motion connected to the first lever 98a by a second lever 98b, in particular, the second lever 98b is flat at one end. It is coupled to the actuator 96 by a hinge and at the opposite end it is coupled with the intermediate point of the first rod 98a arranged between the ends by a flat hinge.

More specifically, the actuator 96 and the screw 97 are coupled to each other by a carriage-type connection, such as the screw 97 and the lead screw nut 98. A third embodiment of the moving device 69 is shown in FIG. 14. The actuator 96, the screw 97, the lead screw nut 98, and the first and second levers 98a, 98b, as described in more detail below, are the lower tool 2 and the plate 74 It is configured to move in a direction approaching and away from them.

The third embodiment of the moving device 69 further comprises a guide member 99 coupled with the frame 3 or actuator 96 on one side and with the upper tool 6 on the other, the guide member ( 99 is configured to prevent the upper tool 6 from vibrating around an axis formed by a point at which the first lever 97 is hinged to the upper tool 6. The guide member 99 may include, for example, first and second levers 99a, 99b configured in the form of hinges to each other and coupled to the actuator and the upper tool 6 by flat hinges; The flat hinges of the guiding device 99 are positioned perpendicular to the flat hinges engaging the first and second levers 98a and 98b in order to prevent unwanted vibration of the upper tool 6.

The moving device 69 is an actuator configured to allow the upper tool 6 to rotate (e.g., by 90°) to allow the upper tool to move from a position facing the plate 74 to a position facing the lower tool 2 (70) is additionally included. The actuator 70 may be stably fixed to the lead screw nut 98 or may be stably fixed to the actuator 69 operated on the screw 97.

Below, the moving device 69 will be described while the upper tool 6 is moving from the first position to the second position. Starting from a shape arranged spaced apart from the plate 74 and arranged toward the upper tool 6, the screw 97 and the lead screw nut 98 are arranged spaced apart from each other so that the levers 98a and 98b are in a group state. Arranged, in this group state the upper tool is positioned close to the actuator 96, screw 97 and lead screw nut 98. Then, the actuator 96 is actuated such that the lead screw nut can access the actuator 96 and the upper tool 6 is arranged spaced apart from the screw-lead screw nut group; In this way, it is possible to arrange the upper tool close to the plate 74 to grip the film 5a to form a first position of the upper tool (Fig. 13A). Then, the actuator 96 is newly operated so that the screw is arranged to be spaced apart from the lead screw nut and the upper tool is arranged to be spaced apart from the plate 74 (FIG. 13B).

Thereafter, the actuator 70 is actuated so that the upper tool can be rotated (eg, by 90°) to bring the upper tool to a position facing the lower tool 2 (FIG. 13C ). Then, the actuator 96 is actuated such that the lead screw nut 98 can be moved close to the actuator 96 and the upper tool 6 is arranged spaced apart from the thread-lead screw nut group; In this way, it is possible to arrange the upper tool 6 close to the lower tool 2 to engage the film 5a with the support 4 to form a second position of the upper tool (Fig. 13D). Then, the actuator 96 is newly operated so that the screw 97 is arranged newly spaced apart from the lead screw nut 98 and the upper tool 6 is arranged spaced apart from the lower tool 2. Thereafter, the actuator 70 is actuated so that the upper tool 6 can be rotated (e.g., by 90°) to bring the upper tool to the plate 74 and in an arranged position spaced apart from the plate. During this step, the upper tool 6 is moved from a first position to a second position, along a predetermined trajectory arranged along a vertical plane in the state of use of the device.

In the fourth embodiment of the moving device 69 illustrated in Figs. 15-17, the moving device comprises a bar 110 configured in the form of a hinge on the frame 3, and is rigidly fixed to the frame 3 and The first actuator 111 configured to rotate 110 is fitted to the bar. The bar 110 is configured in the form of a hinge on the bar 110 by a flat hinge 113a on one side, and a hinge shape on the second actuator 114 by each flat hinge 113b on the other side. Connected to the upper tool 6 by a lever system 112 comprising a first lever 113; The lever system 112 is configured in the form of a hinge on the second actuator 114 by a flat hinge 115a on one side, and a second hinged form on the upper tool 6 by a flat hinge 115b on the other side. It further includes a lever 115.

The second actuator 114 is configured to rotate the first and second levers 113 and 115 and extend them between an extended state in which the levers form an obtuse angle and a group state in which the levers form an acute angle. In the extended state, the lever system 112 is configured such that the upper tool 6 is arranged spaced apart from the bar 110; In the group state, the lever system 112 is configured such that the upper tool 6 is arranged close to the bar 110.

In the fourth embodiment, the moving device 69 further comprises a guide member 116 coupled with the frame 3 on one side and a bar 10 on the other, wherein the guide member 116 is a second The lever 115 is configured to prevent the upper tool 6 from vibrating around an axis formed by a point configured in the form of a hinge on the upper tool 6. The guide member 116 may include, for example, first and second levers 116a and 116b configured in the form of hinges to each other and coupled to the bar and the upper tool 6 by flat hinges. The flat hinges of the device 116 are positioned perpendicular to the flat hinges of the lever system 112.

Below, the moving device 69 is described while the upper tool 6 is moving from the first position to the second position. Starting from a shape with the upper tool 6 facing the plate 74 and arranged spaced apart from the plate, the first and second levers of the lever system 112 are arranged in a group state. Thereafter, the second actuator 114 is operated to arrange the first and second levers 113 and 115 in an extended state and the upper tool 6 is arranged spaced apart from the bar 110; In this way, it is possible to arrange the upper tool 6 close to the plate 74 to grip the film 5a to form the first position of the upper tool 6 (Fig. 16A). Thereafter, the second actuator 115 arranges the first and second levers 113 and 115 in a group state, and the upper tool 6 (supporting the film 5a) is arranged spaced apart from the plate 74. It is operated as new as possible (Fig. 16B). Thereafter, the first actuator 111 is actuated so that the upper tool can rotate (eg, by 90°) to bring the upper tool to a position facing the lower tool 2 (FIG. 16C ); The upper tool 6 is rotated around the bar 110 along an axis perpendicular to the plane of a predetermined trajectory of movement of the upper tool. Then, the second actuator 114 is operated to arrange the first and second levers 113 and 115 in an extended state and the upper tool 6 is arranged spaced apart from the bar 110; In this way, it is possible to arrange the upper tool 6 close to the lower tool 2 to grip the film 5a with the support 4 to form a second position of the upper tool 6. Then, the second actuator 114 is newly operated so that the first and second levers are arranged in a group state and the upper tool 6 is arranged spaced apart from the lower tool 2. Thereafter, the first actuator 111 is actuated such that the upper tool 6 can rotate (e.g., by 90°) to bring the upper tool 6 to the plate 74 and come to the arranged position spaced apart from the plate. During this step, the upper tool 6 is moved from a first position to a second position, along a predetermined trajectory arranged along a vertical plane in the state of use of the device.

As mentioned above, the lower tool 2 is arranged at each packaging position where the lower tool 2 is aligned with the upper tool 6 and spaced apart from the packaging position, and the lower tool 2 supports the support 4. It is movable with respect to the frame 3 at least between each loading position configured to receive. The moving device 69 (in any of the embodiments) is to synchronize the upper tool 6 passing from the first position to the second position and the lower tool 2 passing from the loading position to the packaging position. It may comprise a synchronous kinematic system 75 that mechanically interconnects the lower tool 2 and the upper tool 6. In this way, when the lower tool 2 is placed in the loading position, the upper tool 6 is arranged in the first position to pick up the film part 5a, and the lower tool 2 will be placed in the packaging position. In this case, the upper tool 6 is arranged in a second position to engage the film part 5a with one or more supports 4 received by the lower tool 2 and thus form one or more packages 40. . Synchronous kinematic system 75 is, for example, a lever system connected with drive member 71 and capable of converting the rotational motion of drive member 71, for example, the translational motion of the lower tool 2 back and forth. It may include. For this purpose, the device 1 can comprise a guiding device for moving the lower tool 2 from the loading position to the packaging position according to a straight trajectory, optionally a horizontal straight line. The moving device 69 can, by means of a synchronous kinematic system 75, move the upper tool 6 from the first position to the second position, synchronously with the lower tool 2 to the loading position. Can be moved from to the packaging location. Similarly, the moving device 69 can, by means of a synchronous kinematic system 75, move the upper tool 6 from the second position to the first position, synchronously with the lower tool 2 ) Can be moved from the packaging position to the loading position. This movement creates a rotational force of the upper tool 6 from the position where the upper tool faces the plate 74 to the position where the upper tool faces the lower tool 2, and vice versa, is actuated by the actuator.

Alternatively, the movements of the upper and lower tools can be separate; For example, the moving device 69 may be moved by one or more actuator members, and the lower tool 2 may be moved back and forth by a different actuator member (e.g., a hydraulic actuator or an electric motor). In the case of individual movements of the upper and lower tools, it is the loading position of the lower tool 2 and the first position of the upper tool 6, as well as the upper tool 6 being the lower tool 2 In order to be able to simultaneously form the packaging position of the lower tool 2 facing toward and the second position of the upper tool 6, they are synchronized with each other.

In one alternative embodiment, while the upper tool 6 is moved from the first position to the second position, the trajectory formed by any one point of the active surface 6a is the various embodiments of the moving device 69 It can be obtained substantially by removing the kinematic chains mentioned above in and replacing them with one or more actuators. For example, the upper tool 6 can be moved by a single drive member with one end joined by rotation around the first axis A, and the upper tool is moved from the first position to the second position. The single drive member includes an actuator configured to change its length while being moved to.

As described above, the device 1 may comprise a feeding station 5 configured to feed the film 5a in the form of a continuous strip; The device 1 comprises a cutting unit 76 arranged transversely to the film 5 and supported by a frame 3 or an upper tool 6; The cutting unit 76 is operated on the film 5b coming out of the feeding station 5. The cutting unit comprises a blade 76a configured to be arranged in a transverse direction with respect to the direction of travel of the film exiting the supply station 5, the blade 76a when in the pick-up position, e.g. of pneumatic or oil-pressure type. It can be moved back and forth in a transverse direction to the active surface 6a of the upper tool 6 by means of one or more actuators of the upper tool 6.

The film 5a can be made of a plastic material; As mentioned above, the upper tool 6 is applied to the active surface 6a of the upper tool 6 in order to heat-seal the film part 5a to the support 4 to form a hermetically sealed package. It may include a sealing head configured to heat one or more portions. The upper tool 6 may additionally be provided with means for fastening the film part 5a to the active surface 6a; The fixing means comprises at least one vacuum source connected with the inlets located on the active surface 6a, at least one mechanical retainer connected with the active surface 6a, at least one attachment part connected with the active surface 6a, And an electrical circuit electrically connected with the active surface 6a to charge the surface with a predetermined polarity.

The lower tool 2 and the upper tool 6 can be configured to form a chamber in an approached position, wherein the support 4 supporting the film part 5a and the product P is accommodated in the chamber; The packaging device 1 may further include one or more of the following:

A suction system in fluid communication with the chamber, wherein the suction system is configured to remove air from the interior of the chamber to create a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure therein. In this shape, the device 1 can manufacture a vacuum package, for example a skin type package;

And a blowing system in fluid communication with the chamber and configured to introduce gas into the chamber to create a modified atmospheric environment therein. In this configuration, the apparatus 1 is configured to extract at least a portion of the air present in the chamber and introduce gas therein to produce a package with a modified atmospheric environment.

Packaging process

Still another object of the invention is to provide a process for a packaging product using the device according to any one of the detailed description and/or claims.

The process described below may utilize the apparatus 1 described above according to one or more claims. The process is carried out by means of a control unit 50 actuated on a suitable actuator and/or motor and/or pump and/or valve to implement the various steps described above and, in particular, to determine the motion of the moving parts. Includes various steps that can be; The control unit 50 may be used to control the inflow and/or suction of gas in the packaging chamber in which the package 40 is at least partially formed.

The process involves arranging one or more supports 4 on the lower tool 2 arranged in the loading position. 1-3, the device 1 is illustrated with a lower tool 2 arranged in the loading position: the lower tool 2, when aligned with the upper tool 6 in the packaging position, the lower tool 2 It is located outside the virtual space formed by) to freely and accurately accommodate the support (Fig. 3).

In the accompanying drawings, a step for arranging/moving an empty support 4 is illustrated: the product P to be packaged is not located on the support 4 (Fig. 1). It is also possible to load the support 4 supporting the product on the lower tool 2. It is also possible to load the support 4 without a product, and it is also possible to proceed to load the product P after the support 4 is correctly arranged on the lower tool 2.

After the support 4 is loaded, the process provides a step in which the lower tool 2 is moved from the loading position to the packaging position (packaging position illustrated in FIG. 4).

The process further provides a step of arranging the upper tool (6) in the first position; During this shape of the upper tool 6, the process provides a feed film 5b so that the feed film can at least partially cover the bonding plate 74; When the film 5b is arranged to cover the plate 74, the upper tool is made so that the film 5b is arranged between the bonding surface 74a of the bonding plate 74 and the active surface 6a of the upper tool 6. It is arranged in 1 position. Then, by means of a cutting device 76, the film 5b is cut to form a film portion 5a (discontinuous element) fixed by means of the upper tool 6 by means of the means 77: then, the upper tool (6) picks up the film part 5a at the first position.

Thereafter, the process is provided so that the upper tool 6 is moved from the first position to the second position, and the active surface of the upper tool 6 is positioned so as to face the lower tool in the packaging position. When the upper tool 6 is moved from the first position to the second position, due to the synchronization means, the lower tool 2 can be simultaneously (synchronously) moved from the packaging position to the loading position: in the packaging position, the upper side The tool and the lower tool are aligned and arranged next to each other.

When the upper and lower tools are arranged towards each other, the process is provided such that the upper and lower tools are moved close to each other, which tools can form a chamber in which the film part 5a and the product are arranged. Thereafter, the process provides a step of combining the film portion 5a and the support 4 to implement one or more packages 40, which can seal the product in the package 40 in a hermetic manner. In order to ensure that it may comprise a step of thermally bonding the film portion 5a to the support 4. The bonding step of the film portion 5a may comprise the following sub-steps:

Fixing the film part 5a on the respective support 4 by means of an upper tool 6, for example by means of a suction system for air of the upper tool;

Optionally, heating the film portion 5a fixed on each support 4 by means of a heating system of the upper tool. The heating step can be carried out for the upper element 6 during the step of fixing the film part 5a;

Arranging the lower tool (2) and the upper tool (6) in an approached position, wherein the tools have a chamber in which the film part (5a) and the support (4) supporting the product (P) are accommodated therein. To form;

In order to form the receiving compartment of the package 40 in which the product P is accommodated, the film portion 5a is heat-sealed in a hermetic manner to one or more portions of the support 4. The heat-sealing step can be carried out by means of the sealing head of the upper tool 6.

If provided, the step of heating the film portion 5a can be carried out both while the lower and upper tools are arranged spaced apart from each other (Fig. 3), and while in a position close to each other (Fig. 4).

In addition, the process removes at least a portion of the air in the chamber formed by the lower and upper tools, thereby removing air present in the volume formed by the support 4 cooperating with the film portion 5a, and thus A step capable of manufacturing the vacuum package 40 may be provided. The air removing step may be carried out before fixing the film part to the support 4 or after sealing the film part 5a.

Alternatively, the process may include removing air from the package and simultaneously injecting gas to form the package 40 with a modified atmospheric environment.

After the package 40 is formed, the lower and upper tools are arranged at positions spaced apart from each other, and return to the loading position and the first position, respectively; During this movement of the tools, the package 40 is unloaded from the lower tool 2. 1 illustrates, in a non-limiting manner, the process steps provided for unloading a package on an exit conveyor 20.

Claims (41)

Device (1) for packaging one or more products (P) arranged on a support (4), wherein the packaging device (1) comprises:
Support frame (3),
A film 5b, optionally comprising a feed station 5 of a plastic film, which feed station is supported by the frame 3 and picks up one or more portions 5a of the film 5b in a predetermined manner. Is configured to be arranged in position,
At least one lower tool (2) engaged with the frame (3) and configured to receive at least one support (4),
At least one upper tool (6) which is associated with the frame (3) and produces at least one package (40) in cooperation with the lower tool (2) to engage the film part (5a) with the at least one support (4),
It comprises a moving device 69 arranged between the upper tool and the frame 3, wherein the moving device 69 is configured to move the upper tool 6 between the following positions, these positions:
A first position, wherein the active surface 6a of the upper tool 6 is located next to the film part 5a at a predetermined pick-up position and is configured to receive the film part from the feeding station 5, and
A second position, wherein the active surface 6a of the upper tool 6 is aligned with the lower tool 2 to manufacture one or more packages 40 by combining the film part 5a with one or more supports 4 And arranged next to the lower tool,
Packaging device, characterized in that, in the state of use of the device, arranged to move the upper tool (6) between a first position and a second position, along a predetermined trajectory arranged along a vertical plane. Packaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the moving device (69) comprises a flat kinematic chain, or alternatively consists of a flat kinematic chain. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving device (69) comprises:
A drive member 71 configured to rotate around a first axis of rotation A perpendicular to a plane of vertical alignment of a predetermined movement trajectory of the upper tool 6; And
A first flat hinge comprising a driven member 72 having a first end portion configured in the form of a hinge on the driving member 71 and a second end portion fixed to the upper tool 6, and coupled to the frame 3 ( 73a), wherein the drive member 71 is coupled with a first flat hinge to rotate around a first axis of rotation (A);
It comprises a second flat hinge (73b), the driven member (72):
A first end portion configured in the form of a hinge to the driving member 71 by a second flat hinge 73b arranged between the driving member and the driven member, and
Has a second end portion fixed to the upper tool 6;
It includes a guide member (73c) coupled to rotate around a second rotation axis (B) parallel to the first rotation axis (A), wherein the guide member comprises a third portion of the driven member (72) and the first and A packaging device, characterized in that it can be accommodated so as to be slidably moved between the second end portions. The method of claim 3:
The driving member 71 has a rod shape in which opposite ends are coupled to first and second flat hinges 73a and 73b, respectively,
The driven member 72 has a rod shape in which opposite ends are coupled with a second flat hinge 73b and an upper tool 6, respectively,
The guide member (73c) is a packaging device, characterized in that the sleeve is rotatable with respect to the frame (3) and is slidably accommodated in the intermediate portion of the driven member (72) therein. The drive member (71), the driven member (72), the first flat hinge (73a), the second flat hinge (73b) and the guide member (73c) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the driving member (71) It is characterized in that it is configured to include the entire movement of the driven member 72 in which the driven member 72 rotates and the driven member slides relative to the guide member 73c after being rotated around the rotation axis A. Packaging device. The method of claim 5, wherein the movement of the driven member (72) is:
A first step in which the driven member 72 is rotated and slidably moved within the guide member, and the upper tool 6 is rotated and moved away from the bonding plate 74 for the film 5b,
A second step in which the driven member 72 is continuously rotated so that the upper tool 6 approaches the guide member 73c,
The driven member 72 ends the rotation, and at the same time, the upper tool 69 is moved in a direction away from the guide member, and the upper tool 69 is moved in a direction away from the guide member. Packaging apparatus comprising a third step of coming to. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one actuator member (70), optionally an electric motor or a hydraulic motor or a pneumatic motor, which are actuated in the moving device (69) and are operated on the upper tool ( 6) can be commanded to move selectively from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position. 8. Packaging device according to claim 7, characterized in that the actuator member (70) is actuated on the drive member (71) and instructs the drive member to rotate about the first axis of rotation (A). Packaging device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it comprises only one actuator member (70) actuated in the moving device (69). 3. The moving device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising first and second flat kinematic chains (83, 93) coupled with the frame (3) on one side and the upper tool (6) on the other. But,
The first and second kinematic chains 83, 93 are arranged separated from each other and spaced apart from each other with respect to an axis transverse to the vertical arrangement plane of the predetermined trajectory of movement of the upper tool 6, in particular perpendicular to it. Packaging device. The method of claim 10, wherein the first flat kinematic chain (83) is:
A first lever 84 configured to rotate around a first axis of rotation A perpendicular to a plane of vertical alignment of a predetermined trajectory of movement of the upper tool 6;
A second lever 85 having a first distal portion hinged to the first lever 84 and a second distal portion hinged to the upper tool 6;
The second flat kinematic chain 93 is:
Each first lever 94 configured to rotate around a second axis of rotation A2 perpendicular to the plane of vertical alignment of a predetermined trajectory of movement of the upper tool 6;
Comprising each second lever 95 having a first distal portion hinged to the first lever 94 of the second kinematic chain and a second distal portion hinged to the upper tool 6. A packaging device, characterized in that. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first kinematic chain (83) of the moving device (69) is:
Comprising a first flat hinge 83a coupled to the frame 3, wherein the first lever 84 of the first flat kinematic chain is a first flat hinge 83a to rotate around the first axis of rotation A1 Is combined with;
Including a second flat hinge 83b, the second lever 85 of the first flat kinematic chain:
A first end portion 85 ′ configured in the form of a hinge to the first lever 84 by a second flat hinge 83b arranged between the first and second levers, and
Packaging device, characterized in that it has a second end portion (85 ″) which is connected to the upper tool (6) by means of a third flat hinge (83c). The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second kinematic chain (93) of the moving device (69) is:
Comprising a first flat hinge 93a coupled to the frame 3, wherein the first lever 94 of the second flat kinematic chain has a first flat hinge 93a for rotating around a second axis of rotation A2 Is combined with;
Including a second flat hinge 93b, the second lever 95 of the second flat kinematic chain:
A first distal portion 95 ′ configured in the form of a hinge to the first lever 94 by a second flat hinge 93b arranged between the first and second levers 94 and 95 of the second flat kinematic chain , And
Packaging device, characterized in that it has a second end portion (95 ″) which is connected to the upper tool (6) by means of a third flat hinge (93c). 14.The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the first axis of rotation (A1) of the first flat kinematic chain (83) coincides with the second axis of rotation (A2) of the second flat kinematic chain (93). Packaging device, characterized in that. 15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the first and second kinematic chains are symmetrical to each other in a plane passing through the first and second axes of rotation with respect to the upper tool (6) and are A packaging device, characterized in that it is positioned perpendicular to the arrangement plane of the predetermined movement trajectory of ). 16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the second lever (85) of the first kinematic chain (83) is configured in the form of a hinge on the upper part of the upper tool, and a second flat kinematic chain (93). ) Of the second lever (95) is configured in the form of a hinge on the lower part of the upper tool (66) opposite the upper part. 17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the moving device (69) is fitted to the first lever (84) of the first kinematic chain (83) and attaches the first lever (84) to the first axis ( A1) comprising a first actuator member (70a) configured to rotate around,
The moving device 69 is fitted to the first lever 94 of the second kinematic chain 93 and configured to rotate the first lever 94 about a second axis A2. ), and
The first and second actuator members 70a, 70b reverse each of the first levers 84, 94 to allow the upper tool 6 to be rotated around the first and second rotational axes A1, A2. Is configured to rotate,
The first and second actuator members 70a, 70b are each of the first levers in order to allow the upper tool 6 to be translated to approach and move away from the first and second rotational axes A1 and A2. It is configured to rotate the (84, 94) equally,
Optionally, the first and second actuator members 70a, 70b are configured to rotate each of the first levers 84, 94 equally to form at least the following states, these states:
A group state in which the first and second levers of the first kinematic chain and the first and second levers of the second kinematic chain form an acute angle, optionally, in the group state, the upper tool being the first and second levers 2 Arranged in one position approaching the rotating shaft (A1, A2),
An extended state in which the first and second levers of the first kinematic chain and the first and second levers of the second kinematic chain form an obtuse angle, optionally, in the extended state, the upper tool (6) The packaging device, characterized in that arranged in a position spaced apart from the first and second rotational shafts (A1, A2). 18. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the moving device (69) comprises a guide member (86) inserted and engaged between the frame (3) and the upper tool (6), the guide member being Packaging device, characterized in that it is configured to prevent vibration of the upper tool (6) around the flat hinges engaged with the second levers (85, 95) of the first and second flat kinematic chains. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the guide member (86) comprises a respective first and second lever (86a, 86b) coupled to each other by a flat hinge, wherein the first lever (86a) of the guide member (86) is additionally Is coupled to the frame 3 by a flat hinge, and the second lever 86b is coupled to the upper tool 6 by an additional flat hinge,
A packaging device, characterized in that the flat hinges of the guide member (86) are arranged transversely to the flat hinges of the first and second flat kinematic chains and, optionally, arranged perpendicularly to the flat hinges. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving device (69) comprises:
Screws (97) hinged to the frame (3),
Comprising a first actuator 96 actuated on the screw 97 and coupled with the frame 3, wherein the first actuator 96 is configured to rotate the screw 97,
A lead screw nut (98) configured to be rotationally engaged with a screw (97),
A first lever 98a engaged with the lead screw nut 98 by a flat hinge at one end and with the upper tool 6 by a flat hinge at the opposite end,
And a second lever 98b engaged with the first actuator 96 by a flat hinge at one end and a middle point of the first lever 98a by a flat hinge at the opposite end,
The first actuator 96 is configured to rotate the screw 97 in order to move the lead screw nut closer to and away from the first actuator 96 to form at least the following states, these states:
A group state of the first and second levers with the upper tool 6 approaching the screw 97,
The upper tool 6 is an extended state of the first and second levers arranged spaced apart from the screw 97,
Packaging device, characterized in that the upper tool (6) is arranged at a distance from the screw (97) in the extended state, which distance is greater than the distance between the upper tool (6) and the screw (97) in the group state. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the moving device (69) comprises at least one second actuator actuated on at least one of the first actuator, the lead screw nut, the first lever and the second lever;
The second actuator lever system is configured to rotate the upper tool 6 around the screw 97 in at least the following positions, these positions:
A pickup position in which the upper tool 6 faces a portion 5a of the film 5b arranged at each predetermined pickup position,
Packaging device, characterized in that the upper tool (6) is a packaging position facing the lower tool (2) arranged at each packaging position. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the first actuator is configured to command the extended state of the first and second levers to form a first position of the upper tool (6) when the upper tool is in the pickup position,
Packaging device, characterized in that the first actuator is configured to command the extended state of the first and second levers to form a second position of the upper tool 6 when the upper tool 6 is in the packaging position . 23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the moving device (69) comprises a guide member (99) inserted and engaged between the frame (3) and the upper tool (6), the guide member (99). ) Is configured to prevent vibration in the upper tool 6 around an axis in which the upper tool 6 is hinged to the second lever 98a. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the guide member (99) comprises respective first and second levers (99a, 99b) coupled to each other by a flat hinge, wherein the first lever (99a) of the guide member (99) is additionally It is coupled to the frame 3 by a flat hinge, and the second lever 99b of the guide member 99 is coupled to the upper tool 6 by an additional flat hinge,
The flat hinges of the guide member 99 are arranged transversely to one or more of the flat hinges and, optionally, vertically arranged, as follows, the flat hinges:
Connect the lead screw nut 98 to the first lever 98a,
Connect the first lever (98a) to the upper tool (6),
Connect the first actuator 96 to the second lever 98b,
Packaging device, characterized in that connecting the first lever (98a) to the second lever (98b). The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving device (69) comprises:
A rod 110 extending along a direction perpendicular to the arrangement plane of the predetermined movement trajectory of the upper tool 6 and configured in the form of a hinge on the frame 3,
At one end, a first lever 113 coupled with the rod 110 by a flat hinge,
Including a motor 114 coupled to the first lever 113 by a flat hinge, the motor 114 at the end opposite to the end of the first lever is configured in the form of a hinge on the rod 110, It is configured in the form of a hinge on the first lever,
A second lever 115 is coupled to the rod 110 by a flat hinge at one end and a second lever 115 coupled to the upper tool by a flat hinge at the opposite end,
The first and second levers are configured to form at least the following states, which states:
A group state in which the upper tool 6 is arranged close to the rod 110,
As an extended state as long as the upper tool 6 is spaced apart from and arranged from the rod 110,
The upper tool 6 is arranged at a certain distance from the rod 110 in the extended state, which distance is greater than the distance between the upper tool 6 and the rod 110 in the group state,
The packaging device, characterized in that the motor 114 is actuated on the first and second levers to command the group state and the extended state. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the moving device (69) comprises one or more actuators (111) actuated between the first lever (113) and the rod (110), wherein the actuator (111) is at least between the following positions It is configured to rotate the tool 6 around the rod 110, these positions:
A pickup position in which the upper tool 6 faces a portion 5a of the film 5b arranged at each predetermined pickup position,
Packaging device, characterized in that the upper tool (6) is a packaging position facing the lower tool (2) arranged at each packaging position. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the motor (114) is configured to command the extended state of the first and second levers to form a first position of the upper tool (6) when the upper tool (6) is in the pickup position. And
The motor 114 is configured to command the extended state of the first and second levers to form a second position of the upper tool 6 when the upper tool 6 is in the packaging position. Device. 28. The method according to claim 25 or 26 or 27, wherein the moving device (69) comprises a guide member (116) inserted and engaged between the frame (3) and the upper tool (6), the guide member (116). ) Is configured to prevent vibration in the upper tool (6) around an axis in which the upper tool (6) is hinged to the second lever (116). 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the guide member (116) comprises respective first and second levers coupled to each other by a flat hinge, wherein the first lever of the guide member is coupled to the frame by an additional flat hinge, 2 The lever is coupled to the upper tool 6 by an additional flat hinge,
The flat hinges of the guide member 116 are arranged transversely to one or more of the flat hinges, and, optionally, vertically arranged, as follows, the flat hinges:
Connect the rod 110 to the first lever 113,
Connecting the first lever 113 to the motor 114,
Connect the second lever 115 to the motor 114,
Packaging device, characterized in that the second lever (115) is connected to the upper tool (6). 30. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a single upper tool (6) capable of being moved along a trajectory arranged along a vertical plane in the state of use of the device, said single upper tool A, at least:
Can be moved between the first and second positions to form a stroke in the outward direction of the upper tool;
Packaging device, characterized in that it can be moved between the second and first positions to form a return stroke of the upper tool. 31. Packaging device according to claim 30, characterized in that the moving device (69) is configured to move the upper tool (6) along an outward stroke and a return stroke. 32.The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the feeding station (5) of the plastic film (5b) is configured to form the bonding surface (74a) of the portion (5a) of the film (5b) at a predetermined pick-up position. Including a bonding plate 74,
Packaging device, characterized in that the bonding surface (74a) of the bonding plate (74) is substantially flat and arranged in a vertical plane. The method of claim 32, wherein the mobile device:
When the upper tool 6 is in the first position, the active surface 6a of the upper tool is arranged according to a vertical plane parallel to the bonding surface 74a of the bonding plate 74, in the state of use of the device;
Packaging device, characterized in that, when the upper tool (6) is in the second position, the active surface (6a) of the upper tool is arranged to be arranged along a horizontal plane, in the state of use of the device. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 8 or 30 to 33, wherein the mobile device (69) comprises:
When the upper tool 6 is in the first position, it is configured to arrange the drive member 71 vertically and the driven member 72 horizontally;
When the upper tool 6 is in the second position, it is configured to arrange the drive member 71 horizontally and the driven member 72 vertically;
Packaging arrangement, characterized in that the upper tool (6) is arranged to move between the first position and the second position by rotating, optionally by 90° around an axis perpendicular to a predetermined trajectory. 35. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lower tool (2) can be moved relative to the frame (3) between at least the following positions, these positions:
Packaging position in which the lower tool (2) is aligned with the upper tool (6),
A packaging arrangement, characterized in that it is a loading position arranged spaced apart from the packaging position and the lower tool (2) is configured to receive the support (4). 36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the moving device (69) is, when the upper tool (6) is passed from the first position to the second position and synchronously with the lower tool (2) is passed from the loading position to the packaging position, It comprises a synchronous kinematic system 75 that mechanically interconnects the lower tool 2 with the upper tool 6, and when the lower tool 2 is placed in the loading position, the upper tool 6 5a) arranged in a first position for picking up, and when the lower tool 2 is placed in the packaging position, the upper tool 6 holds the film part 5a at one or more supports received by the lower tool 2 A packaging device, characterized in that it is arranged in a second position for engaging with (4) and thus manufacturing one or more packages (40). 37.The method according to claim 35 or 36, wherein a single actuator (70) is operated on a moving device (69), moving the upper tool (6) from a first position to a second position and synchronously with the lower tool ( 2) not only can be commanded to move from the loading position to the packaging position, but also move the upper tool 6 from the second position to the first position and synchronously load the lower tool 2 from the packaging position A packaging device, characterized in that it can be commanded to move to a location. 38. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower tool (2) and the upper tool (6) can be configured to form a chamber in a second position of the upper tool to which the upper and lower tools are accessed, A support 4 for supporting the film part and the product is accommodated in the chamber; The packaging device 1 may further comprise one or more of the following, which are:
A suction system in fluid communication with the chamber, wherein the suction system is configured to remove air from the interior of the chamber to create a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure therein,
And a blowing system in fluid communication with the chamber and configured to introduce gas into the chamber to form a modified atmospheric environment therein. A process for packaging one or more products (P) by using a packaging device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the process comprises:
Arranging at least one support (4) supporting at least one product (P) on the lower tool (2) arranged in the loading position,
Moving the lower tool (2) from the loading position to the packaging position,
Placing the upper tool (6) in the first position,
Optionally, separating the film portion 5a from the continuous film 5b provided by the feeding station 5,
Picking up the film part 5a from the supply station 5 when the upper tool 6 is in the first position,
Moving the upper tool 6 from the first position to the second position by means of a moving device 69,
Moving the lower tool (2) from the loading position to the packaging position so that the upper tool (6) is aligned with the lower tool (2) in a second position and located next to the lower tool,
Packaging process, characterized in that it comprises the step of joining the film portion (5a) with the support (4) to obtain at least one package (40). 40. A packaging process according to claim 39, characterized in that the step of moving the upper tool (6) from the first position to the second position and the step of moving the lower tool from the loading position to the packaging position are synchronized with each other. 41. The method according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the step of joining the film part (5a) with the support (4) comprises the following substeps ie:
Fixing the film part 5a on each support by means of an upper tool 6,
Heating the film portion 5a fixed on each support 4,
Optionally, removing at least a portion of the air present between each support and the film portion 5a,
Packaging characterized in that it comprises the step of heat-sealing the film portion (5a) to one or more portions of the support (4) in a hermetic manner in order to form a receiving compartment of the package (40) in which the product (P) is accommodated fair.

Images