MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE, SKIN OR VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE AND METHOD

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a machine, particularly a forming machine adapted for packaging products in a modified atmosphere (also known as MAP packaging), vacuum packaging products in a type of skin (also known as skin packaging) or vacuum packaging products.

PRIOR ART

[0002] Vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging methods and packaging machines are known.

[0003] Known packaging machines comprise first film feed means, a thermoforming station where containers are made in the first film inside which the product to be packaged will be introduced in a later step, second film feed means, and a sealing station that is supplied with both films and where the vacuum is formed or the gas is introduced in the container containing the product to be packaged. Subsequently in the sealing station, the second film is sealed to the first film such that the package is obtained. In a later step, cutting means comprised in the machine cut the films longitudinally and transversely, separating the packages that have been formed.

[0004] Generally, as described in US2005/0173289A1, a packaging machine of this type comprises chains guiding the movement of the first film, said first film being fixed to said chains laterally, such that it remains taut.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging machine and packaging method as described below.

[0006] The modified atmosphere or vacuum packaging machine according to the invention comprises first feed means adapted for feeding a first film to the machine, second feed means adapted for feeding a second film to the machine, a sealing station where the vacuum is formed and/or the modified atmosphere is introduced between both films and the second film is sealed to the first film to obtain a package, and displacement means adapted for moving the first film in a driving direction.

[0007] The displacement means are configured for moving at least the first film a driving distance from an initial position, holding down and driving at least the first film in the driving direction to an end position, said displacement means being configured for subsequently returning to the initial position when the machine is in operating mode.

[0008] In addition, the modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

• feeding a first film to the machine through first feed means,
• positioning a second film on the first film after placing the product to be packaged on the first film,
• forming a vacuum and/or introducing the modified atmosphere between both films,

[0009] Displacement means hold down and drive the first film a driving distance from an initial position to an end position through the preceding steps when the machine is in displacement mode, subsequently returning to the initial position when the machine is in an operating position.

[0010] A packaging machine and method that can reduce film waste produced during the packaging process to a minimum are obtained. Both the method and the machine are more efficient and at the same time cleaner than any known in the state of the art because they produce virtually no discarded film, using almost all the film. A packaging machine and a packaging method that have less of an impact on the environment are obtained. Furthermore, it allows filling any type of skin package, including those packages containing a product that projects above said package.

[0011] These and other advantages and features of the invention will become evident in view of the drawings and the detailed description of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] 

Figure 1 shows a side view of a skin packaging machine according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the packaging machine shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the machine shown in Figure 1, in which a forming station and displacement means of the machine are shown in detail.

Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the machine shown in Figure 1, in which a pre-sealing station, a sealing station, cutting means and displacement means of the machine are shown in detail.

Figure 5 shows a top view of a first film once it has gone through the thermoforming step and the punching step.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The packaging machine 1 according to the invention can be a modified atmosphere packaging machine, also known as a MAP packaging machine, which wraps the product to be packaged in a mixture of gases in the package, such that said mixture meets the specific ventilation needs of the packaged product, or it can be a vacuum packaging machine, or a skin packaging machine, being able to package both products whose height is less than the height of a tray where the product is placed and products projecting above the tray.

[0014] Figure 1 schematically shows a skin packaging machine 1 according to the invention.

[0015] The machine 1 comprises first feed means 2 adapted for feeding a first film 30 to the machine 1, a thermoforming station 4 where at least one container 32 is made in the first film 30 inside which the product to be packaged is introduced in a filling station, second feed means 3 adapted for feeding a second film 31 to the packaging machine 1, and a sealing station 7 where a vacuum is formed and the second film 31 is sealed to the first film 30 to obtain a package 34. The vacuum allows adjusting the second film 31 to the shape of the product placed in the formed area 32, obtaining a skin-type package 34.

[0016] In addition, one embodiment of the skin packaging method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

• feeding the first film 30 to the machine 1 through the first feed means 2,
• positioning the second film 31 on the first film 30 after placing the product to be packaged on the first film 30,
• forming the vacuum between both films 30 and 31,
• sealing both films 30 and 31, obtaining a package 34, and
• separating the package 34.

[0017] When the machine 1 is in any of the preceding steps, it is in operating mode where displacement means 20 and 40 hold down the first film 30, retaining it in an initial position. When the machine is in displacement mode, the displacement means 20 and 40 hold down the first film 30 and pull it in the driving direction a driving distance to an end position. At said end position, the displacement means 20 and 40 immobilize the first film 30, while the displacement means 20 and 40 return to the initial position.

[0018] The feed means 2 comprise at least one reel and unwinding means driving the first film 30 to the thermoforming station 4. Said feed means 2 are known in the state of the art so they will not be described below.

[0019] In addition, films 30 and 31 can be made of any type of plastic known for MAP, vacuum or skin packaging applications.

[0020] In addition, the thermoforming station 4 comprises a male mold 5 and a female mold 6 adapted for obtaining the geometric shape of the container 32 and heating means not depicted in the drawings that heat the first film 30 in order to carry out the thermoforming process. Other thermoforming stations known in the state of the art, for example vacuum or pressure thermoforming stations, can be used in other embodiments. Containers 32 also known as trays are formed in the first film 30 in the thermoforming station 4, and are then separated from one another in areas referred to as non-formed areas 33.

[0021] If a single package 34 is going to be made, a single container 32 will be formed in the first film 30, the non-formed area 33 being the area on the perimeter of said container 32. Said non-formed area 33 will make up the border 35 of the package 34 that is obtained. If a plurality of packages 34 is going to be made, a plurality of containers 32 surrounded by non-formed areas 33 which will respectively form the border 35 of the corresponding package 34 that is obtained will be formed in the thermoforming station 4, reducing waste to a minimum in the first film 30.

[0022] In other non-depicted embodiments, the machine 1 may not include a thermoforming station. In said cases, the product to be packaged rests directly on the first film 30 or on a base that is arranged on said first film 30 and on which the product is supported.

[0023] The machine 1 comprises displacement means 20 and 40 adapted for moving the first film 30 in the driving direction.

[0024] Once the containers 32 are formed in the first film 30, said first film 30 is moved by first displacement means 20 in the driving direction to a filling station, where the product to be packaged is placed on each container 32. Said filling can be done either manually or automatically.

[0025] The first film 30 is then moved by second displacement means 40 to the sealing station 7. At the same time, the second feed means 3 feed the second film 31 to said sealing station 7. Said sealing station 7 comprises a top mold 8 and a bottom mold 9, heating means (not depicted in the drawings) adapted for heating the top mold 8, vacuum means (not depicted in the drawings) adapted for creating the vacuum, and aeration means (no shown in the drawings) acting on the top mold 8. When the second film 31 enters the sealing station 7, a vacuum is applied to the top mold 8 such that said second film 31 is deformed towards the top mold 8 (which is previously heated), where said second film 31 is heated. At the same time, the first film 30 is positioned on the bottom mold 9. A vacuum is applied from the bottom mold 9, and then it is aerated from the top mold 8 such that the second film 31 is sealed to the first film 30 along the entire contact surface, deforming said second film 31 due to the effect of heating and adapting to the shape of the product placed in the container 31, such that a plurality of packages 34 are formed, that is, as many packages 34 are formed as containers 32 were made in the thermoforming station 4, such containers 34 being fixed to one another through the non-formed areas 33 corresponding with the border 35 of the package 34. In a later step, said packages 34 are separated from one another through the borders 35.

[0026] If the product to be packaged projects above the non-formed area 33 once the product is introduced, the second film 31 must be heated before being introduced in the sealing station 7 in order to adapt to the shape of the product to be packaged when it is positioned on the first film 30. To that end, the machine 1 further comprises a heating station where the second film 31 is heated before being introduced in the sealing station 7 to make the second film 31 more ductile. The machine 1 comprises auxiliary displacement means 53 keeping the second film 31 clamped as it moves through the heating station, preventing it from shrinking while it is heated. Said auxiliary displacement means 53 release the second film 31 when it comes out of the heating station. Said release occurs close to the area where both films 30 and 31 come into contact with one another for the first time.

[0027] The machine 1 further comprises pre-sealing means 52 arranged before the sealing station 7. Particularly, said pre-sealing means 52 are arranged where first contact between both films 30 and 31 occurs, i.e., where they leave the auxiliary displacement means 53. Said pre-sealing means 52 are adapted for sealing the second film 31 to the first film 30 longitudinally at discrete points. Sealing is preferably performed by heat sealing, although in other embodiments sealing could be performed by high-frequency welding or by other known sealing methods. Therefore, by keeping the films 30 and 31 aligned with one another by means of sealing at certain points from the moment both films 30 and 31 enter the sealing station, the second film 31 adapts to the product to be packaged better when products whose height exceeds the height of the corresponding container 32 are packaged. Once in the sealing station 7, the vacuum and sealing process is similar to that previously described.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary displacement means 53 comprise a belt 54, guide rollers 55 moving the belt 54 and a counter-belt 56 holding the second film 32, clamping it against the belt 54. The belt 54 moves in synchronization with the displacement means 20 and 40 of the machine 1. Furthermore, the pre-sealing means 52 comprise a first gear wheel 57 coupled to a guide roller 55 of the auxiliary displacement means 53 and a second wheel 58 arranged below the first film 30. The second wheel 58 can be a gear wheel or a smooth welding roller. The first wheel 57 is arranged in the guide roller 55 arranged closest to the first film 30. The teeth of the first wheel 57 go through the belt 54 which has holes in it, being supported on the second wheel 58, thereby pressing the second film 31 against the first film 30. Said second wheel 58 is heated, both films 30 and 31 being welded to one another at discrete points as both wheels 57 and 58 rotate, moving both films 30 and 31 towards the sealing station 7.

[0029] In other embodiments, the auxiliary displacement means can comprise a chain, clamps which fix the taut second film 31 to the chain and gear wheels adapted for closing the clamps before entering the heating station and for opening said clamps after exiting the heating station. The clamps can be covered with a ductile material which holds the second film 31 without leaving marks.

[0030] The pre-sealing means comprise a gear wheel arranged below the first film 30 such that the teeth of the gear wheel of the auxiliary displacement means arranged closest to the first film 30 are supported on the respective teeth of the gear wheel arranged below the first film 30, thereby pressing the second film 31 against the first film 30, both films 30 and 31 being welded to one another at discrete points as both wheels rotate, moving both films 30 and 31 towards the sealing station 7.

[0031] In other embodiments, gear wheels are not necessary, the pre-sealing being performed as both films 30 and 31 move forward using any known conventional welding means.

[0032] In addition, between the thermoforming station 4 and the sealing station 7, the packaging machine 1 comprises bearing means 10 for the first film 30 adapted for longitudinally bearing said first film 30.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the bearing means 10 comprise at least one longitudinal guide 11 on which the first film 30 is supported. The first film 30 is supported on said longitudinal guide 11 on the non-formed area 33 comprised between two consecutive containers 32. For every N containers 32 formed in the first film 30 transverse to the forward movement, N+1 non-formed areas 33 arranged between two consecutive containers 32 are formed, therefore N+1 longitudinal guides being arranged fixed to a bearing structure 50 of the machine 1 on which the first film 30 is supported.

[0034] In other embodiments, particularly when thermoforming a single package 34, the bearing means 10 comprise a bearing surface under the first film 30 on which a bottom of the container 32 is supported. The bearing surface can be a planar surface, for example a table, over which the first film 30 slides with the product placed in the containers 32. In other embodiments, the bearing means 10 comprise a set of transversely arranged rollers (not depicted in the drawings) forming the bearing surface over which the first film 30 slides with products with minimum friction. The set of rollers is necessary when the products to be packaged are heavy in order to prevent high friction during movement. In addition, for said bearing means 10 to adapt to any depth of the containers 32, the height of the bearing surfaces can be adjusted.

[0035] In other embodiments, the bearing means can comprise both the longitudinal guides and the bearing surfaces.

[0036] In other embodiments, the bearing means can comprise a retractable conveyor belt adapted for moving together with the first film 30 with the products introduced therein into the sealing station 7, the conveyor belt being able to go back out of the sealing station 7 once the first film 30 with the products therein is placed on it.

[0037] In addition, the displacement means 20 and 40 are configured for retaining the first film 30 in a specific position when the machine 1 is in the operating mode, while they are adapted for driving the first film 30 in the driving direction when the machine 1 is in forward movement mode. Said displacement means 20 and 40 are configured for holding down and moving the first film 30 in displacement mode. In addition, the machine 1 is considered to be in the operating mode when it is performing a thermoforming, vacuum, sealing or cutting operation on the package.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the first displacement means 20 are arranged between the thermoforming station 4 and the sealing station 7, particularly between the thermoforming station 4 and the filling station, and the second displacement means 40 are arranged after the sealing station 7.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the first displacement means 20 comprise a first fixed bearing 22 fixed to the bearing structure 50 of the machine 1, between the thermoforming station 4 and the sealing station 7. The second displacement means 40 comprise a second fixed bearing 29 fixed to the bearing structure 50 of the machine 1 after the sealing station 7, a first movable bearing 21 movable in the driving direction with respect to the first fixed bearing 22, and a second movable bearing 28 movable in the driving direction with respect to the second fixed bearing 29.

[0040] Each fixed bearing 22 and 29 has a substantially bridge-shaped geometry. Each fixed bearing 22 and 29 comprises supports 24 and 27 on which the first film 30 is arranged and hold-down plates 23 and 26 configured for pressing the first film 30 against the corresponding support 24 and 27, keeping the first film 30 retained in the specific position when the machine 1 is in operating mode. Each hold-down plate 23 and 26 is arranged facing the corresponding support 24 and 27, the first film 30 being arranged between both.

[0041] Each movable bearing 21 and 28 has a substantially bridge-shaped geometry. Each movable bearing 21 and 28 comprises supports 44 and 47 on which the first film 30 is arranged and hold-down plates 43 and 46 configured for pressing the first film 30 against the corresponding support 44 and 47. Each hold-down plate 43 and 46 is arranged facing the corresponding support 44 and 47, the first film 30 being arranged between both. Each movable bearing 21 and 28 comprises a vertical actuation drive (not depicted) acting on the corresponding hold-down plate 43 and 46, moving said hold-down plate 43 and 46 vertically with respect to the first film 30.

[0042] Said drive is preferably a pneumatic cylinder.

[0043] The displacement means 20 and 40 further comprise guides 60 and 62 and a longitudinal actuation drive acting on the corresponding movable bearings 21 and 28, moving them in the driving direction through the guides. Both the guides and the drive are arranged below the first film 30. The drive can be pneumatic, hydraulic or any other type known in the state of the art. The displacement means 20 and 40 act in a synchronized manner, moving the first film 30 forward intermittently. When the machine 1 operates in the operating mode, the movable bearings 21 and 28 are arranged in the position furthest away from the fixed bearings 22 and 29, the vertical drives corresponding to the hold-down plates 23 and 26 of the fixed bearings 22 and 29 are activated, pressing the hold-down plates 23 and 26 against the first film 30, while the hold-down plates 43 and 46 of the movable bearings 21 and 28 are not active and are therefore separated from the first film 30. The package thermoforming, sealing, vacuum and cutting operation will be performed in that position. In order to move the first film 30, once the operating mode ends, the vertical drives corresponding to the hold-down plates 43 and 46 of the movable bearings 21 and 28 are activated, applying pressure on the first film 30 against the corresponding supports 44 and 47; the vertical drives corresponding to the hold-down plates 23 and 26 of the fixed bearings 22 and 29 are deactivated said hold-down plates 23 and 26 being separated from the first film 30; and the longitudinal drives are activated, moving the movable bearings 21 and 28 in the driving direction and therefore moving the first film 30 to the next position where the first film 30 is retained again. When the movable bearings 21 and 28 are arranged in the end position, the vertical actuator corresponding to the hold-down plates 43 and 46 of the movable bearings 21 and 28 are deactivated, releasing the first film 30, while the vertical actuator corresponding to the hold-down plates 23 and 26 of the fixed bearings 22 and 29 is activated, pressing said hold-down plates 23 and 26 against the corresponding supports, fixing the first film 30 in the end position. The movable bearings 21 and 28 are moved by the corresponding longitudinal actuator to the initial position, i.e., starting position, repeating the same forward movement cycle.

[0044] The hold-down plates 23, 26, 43 and 46 are always supported on the non-formed areas 33 of the first film 30, not on the containers 32 where the product to be packaged will later be placed. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the hold-down plates 23, 26, 43 and 46 have an elongated, flat bar-type geometry. Said hold-down plates 23, 26, 43 and 46 are longitudinally aligned, acting on the non-formed areas 33 comprised on the edges of the first film 30.

[0045] In other embodiments, the displacement means 20 could comprise a hold-down plate 23, 26, 43 and 46 arranged longitudinally acting on the non-formed areas 33. So for every N containers 32 transversely formed in the first film 30, N+1 non-formed areas 33 are formed, N+1 hold-down plates 23, 26, 43 and 46 therefore being arranged.

[0046] Furthermore, the hold-down plates 23, 26, 43 and 46 have a length substantially equal to the pitch of the machine 1, pitch of the machine being understood as the distance that the first film 30 moves forward when the machine 1 is in the displacement mode, and a width substantially equal to the width of the corresponding non-formed area 33. If the non-formed area 33 corresponds to a non-formed area 33 between two consecutive containers 32, the width of the hold-down plate will be substantially twice that of the previous one.

[0047] In other embodiments, the hold-down plates 23, 26, 43 and 46 could be arranged transverse to the driving direction.

[0048] In other embodiments, the displacement means 20 can be included in the thermoforming station and in the sealing station, such that the top and bottom molds of each station perform movable bearing functions, the hold-down plates are the top molds, while the bottom molds perform the support function.

[0049] In addition, the machine 1 comprises punching means 15 adapted for punching the first film 30 in a non-formed area 33. The punching operation is performed before said first film 30 reaches the sealing station 7, particularly before the step of introducing the product in the container 31. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the punching means 15 are comprised in the displacement means 20. The punching means 15 comprise at least one punch coupled to the fixed bearing 22 fixed to the bearing structure 50 of the machine 1 between the thermoforming station 5 and the sealing station 7.

[0050] The punching means 15 make at least one hole 17 and/or a notch 18 in the non-formed area 33. In a preferred embodiment, the punching means 15 make a notch 18 or a hole 17 at the intersection of the non-formed areas 33 when the machine 1 is in the operating mode. The notches 18 are made on the edges of the first film 30 while the holes 17 are made at the intersections of the inner non-formed areas 33. The geometry of the holes 17 and/or notches 18 is such that it forms rounded corners 35b on the border 35 of the package 34. In one embodiment shown in the drawings, each hole 17 has a rosette-shaped geometry made at the intersection of two non-formed areas 33. Each notch 18 has a half rosette-shaped geometry.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the holes 17 are used for performing evacuation in the sealing station 7. The notches 18 further allow correctly positioning the second movable bearing 28, particularly the hold-down plates 46 of said second movable bearing 28, which allows moving the first film 30 forward a predetermined distance, such that it is positioned correctly inside the respective stations of the machine 1. To that end, the machine 1 further comprises detection means (not depicted) configured for detecting the notches 18 and control means which position the displacement means 20 and 40 in the place indicated according to the detected values.

[0052] When thermoforming a single container 32, and therefore intermittently forming a single package 34, the punching means 15 only make notches 18. Therefore, given that the non-formed areas 33 are held down during vacuum formation and sealing by the molds 8 and 9 of the sealing station 7, in order to form the vacuum, the bottom mold 9 includes side openings through which the vacuum is formed. Otherwise, the vacuum and sealing process is equal to that previously described. At the same time, excess pressure is applied from the top mold 8 such that the second film 31 is sealed to the first film 30 along the perimeter of the non-formed areas 33, deforming due to the effect of heating and adapting to the shape of the product.

[0053] In addition, the machine 1 comprises cutting means adapted for longitudinally and/or transversely cutting the films 30, 31, separating the formed packages 34 in the sealing station 7.

[0054] In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the cutting means comprise longitudinal blades 16 coupled to the second fixed bearing 29 of the displacement means 20. Said longitudinal blades 16 longitudinally cut the films 30 and 31, going through the corresponding holes 17. The cutting means further comprise transverse blades coupled to the bearing structure 50 of the machine 1, adapted for transversely cutting the films 30 and 31, going through the holes 17 and/or the notches 18 and separating the packages 34, placing them on a conveyor belt. In other embodiments, the transverse blades and longitudinal blades are arranged in the second fixed bearing 29 of the displacement means 20.

[0055] Although the described embodiments relate to skin packaging methods and machines, the previous description can be applied to a vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging machine and method with the exception of that corresponding to the sealing station. In a modified atmosphere package manufacturing machine, the sealing station comprises a top mold, a bottom mold, sealing means for sealing the second film 31 to the first film 30, particularly around the borders 35 of the package 34, evacuation means for evacuating gases from the package 34 that may exist and filling means introducing the desired gas or gases in the package 34. Such sealing stations are known in the state of the art, so they will not be described in detail. Once the first film 30 and the second film 31 are introduced in the sealing station, evacuation is performed and gases are injected through the filling means, through the holes 17 made by the punching means 15, the second film 31 being sealed to the first film 30 along the non-formed areas 33. In order to assure that the second film 31 does not block said holes 17 during the evacuation operation and while the gas or gases are being introduced, the sealing station 7 comprises a tool or nozzle introduced through the hole 17 to allow evacuating and introducing gas.

[0056] If a single package 34 is manufactured, a leaktight cavity in which the films 30 and 31 are placed is formed, taking into account that the molds do not close against the non-formed area 32, the vacuum means cause the second film 31 to swell up, generating a gap between both films 30 and 31 where nozzles through which gas is injected are introduced. The nozzles are then retracted and both films 30 and 31 are sealed to one another along the non-formed area 32.

[0057] In one embodiment of the manufacturing method in which the punching means 15 only make notches 18 on the edges of the first film 30, the second film 31 is sealed to the first film 30 longitudinally at discrete points in the pre-sealing station 52. Then in the sealing station, nozzles are introduced through the openings formed between the sealed discrete points, performing evacuation and filling through said nozzles. Said nozzles are then retracted, both films 30 and 31 being sealed to one another. Then in the cutting step, the corners 35b of the borders 35 of the package 34 are rounded.

[0058] The previous description relating to a modified atmosphere packaging machine can be applied to a vacuum packaging machine, with the difference that the process of filling the package with gas after forming the vacuum is not performed.

[0059] The machine 1 is adapted for making one or more packages arranged in parallel and one or more series of packages in parallel in each operating mode, such that the machine can be readily adapted to different configurations of packages to be formed.

Claims

1. Modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging machine comprising first feed means (2) adapted for feeding a first film (30) to the machine (1), second feed means (3) adapted for feeding a second film (31) to the machine (1), a sealing station (7) where the vacuum is formed and/or the modified atmosphere is introduced between both films (30, 31) and the second film (31) is sealed to the first film (30) to obtain a package (34), and displacement means (20, 40) adapted for moving the first film (30) in a driving direction, characterized in that the displacement means (20, 40) are configured for moving at least the first film (30) a driving distance from an initial position, holding down and driving at least the first film (30) in the driving direction to an end position, said displacement means (20, 40) being configured for subsequently returning to the initial position when the machine is in operating mode, wherein the displacement means (20, 40) comprise at least one fixed bearing (22, 29) and at least one movable bearing (21, 28) movable in the driving direction with respect to said fixed bearing (22, 29), each fixed bearing (22, 29) comprising at least one support (24, 27) on which the first film (30) is arranged and at least one hold-down plate (23, 26) configured for pressing the first film (30) against the corresponding support (24, 27) keeping the first film (30) in a specific position when the machine (1) is in operating mode, and each movable bearing (21, 28) comprising at least one support (44, 47) on which the first film (30) is arranged and at least one hold-down plate (43, 46) configured for pressing the first film (30) against the corresponding support (44, 47) when the machine is operating in forward movement mode, wherein the hold-down plates (23, 26, 43, 46) press on non-formed areas (33) of the first film (30), said non-formed areas (33) forming the border (35) of the corresponding package (34) to be obtained, the machine (1) further comprising punching means (15) disposed upstream of the sealing station (7) and adapted for punching the first film (30) in a non-formed area (33), said punching means (15) making at least one hole (17) and/or a notch (18) in said non-formed area (33), at the intersection of the non-formed areas (33)

2. Modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the punching means (15) are configured for making the hole (17) at the intersections of the inner non-formed areas (33) and/or the notches (18) on the edges of the first film (30).

3. Modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the displacement means (20, 40) are configured for retaining the first film (30) when the machine is in the operating mode.

4. Modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims, comprising first displacement means (20) which are arranged before a filling station arranged before the sealing station (7) and/or second displacement means (40) which are arranged after the sealing station (7).

5. Modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the second displacement means (40) comprise cutting means (16, 19) adapted for longitudinally and/or transversely cutting the films (30, 31) and separating the packages (34) from one another.

6. Modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims, comprising retractable bearing means arranged between the displacement means (20) and the sealing station (7), adapted for longitudinally bearing said first film (30) and moving together with the first film (30) into the sealing station (7).

7. Modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims, comprising pre-sealing means (52) arranged where contact occurs between both films (30, 31) and adapted for longitudinally sealing the films (30, 31) to one another at discrete points.

8. Modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a heating station adapted for heating the second film (31) and auxiliary displacement means (53) adapted for clamping and moving the second film (31) through the heating station.

9. Modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging method comprising the following steps:

• feeding a first film (30) to the machine (1) through first feed means (2),

• positioning a second film (31) on the first film (30) after placing the product to be packaged on the first film (30),

• forming a vacuum and/or introducing the modified atmosphere between both films (30, 31),

• sealing both films (30, 31), obtaining a package (34), and

• separating the package (34),

characterized in that the displacement means (20) holding down and pulling the first film (30) a driving distance from an initial position to an end position when the machine (1) is in displacement mode, subsequently returning to the initial position when the machine is in operating mode, wherein when the machine (1) is in displacement mode, at least one hold-down plate (43, 46) presses the first film (30) against one support (44, 47), both hold-down plate (43, 46) and support (44, 47) are moved in a driving direction and when the machine is in operating mode, at least another hold-down plate (23, 26) presses the first film (30) against another support (24, 27) immobilizing the first film (30) in said position, wherein the hold-down plates (23, 26, 43, 46) press on non-formed areas (33) of the first film (30), said non-formed areas (33) forming the border (35) of the corresponding package (34) to be obtained, and, before introducing both films (30, 31) in a sealing station (7) where the vacuum is formed and/or the modified atmosphere is introduced between both films (30, 31) and they are sealed together, holes (17) are made in the first film (30) in non-formed areas (33) of the first film (30) and/or notches (18) are made on the edges of the first film (30) by punching means (15).

10. Modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging method according to claim 9, wherein before introducing both films (30, 31) in a sealing station (7) where the vacuum is formed and/or the modified atmosphere is introduced between both films (30, 31) and they are sealed together, the second film (31) is sealed to the first film (30) longitudinally at discrete points.

11. Modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the holes (17) and/or notches (18) are made at the intersection of the non-formed areas (33).

12. Modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging method according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the holes (17) and/or notches (18) have a geometry such that it forms rounded corners (35b) on a border (35) of the package (34).

13. Modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the vacuum is formed and/or the modified atmosphere is introduced through at least one nozzle which is placed in each hole (17) and keeps the films (30, 31) separated while the vacuum is formed.

14. Modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging method according to claims 9 to 13, wherein before positioning the second film (31) on the first film (30), the second film (31) is clamped by auxiliary displacement means (53), said second film (31) is subsequently heated with heating means, subsequently sealing the second film (31) to the first film (30) longitudinally at discrete points.

15. Modified atmosphere, skin or vacuum packaging method according to claim 10, wherein the vacuum is formed and/or the modified atmosphere is introduced through at least one retractable nozzle which is placed in each opening formed between the discrete sealing points.

Ansprüche

1. Skin- oder Vakuumverpackungsmaschine mit modifizierter Atmosphäre, umfassend ein erstes Zuführmitttel (2), das zum Zuführen einer ersten Folie (30) zur Maschine (1) ausgelegt ist, ein zweites Zuführmittel (3), das zum Zuführen einer zweiten Folie (31) zur Maschine (1) ausgelegt ist, eine Versiegelungsstation (7), wo zwischen den beiden Folien (30, 31) das Vakuum erzeugt wird und/oder die modifizierte Atmosphäre eingebracht wird und die zweite Folie (31) mit der ersten Folie (30) versiegelt wird, um eine Verpackung (34) zu erhalten, und Weiterbewegungsmittel (20, 40), die zum Bewegen der ersten Folie (30) in eine Laufrichtung ausgelegt sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Weiterbewegungsmittel (20, 40) konfiguriert sind, um zumindest die erste Folie (30) von einer Anfangsposition eine Laufdistanz weit zu bewegen, zumindest die erste Folie (30) niederzuhalten und in Laufrichtung zu einer Endposition weiterzubewegen, wobei die Weiterbewegungsmittel (20, 40) konfiguriert sind, um anschließend an die Anfangsposition zurückzukehren, wenn die Maschine im Betriebsmodus ist, wobei die Weiterbewegungsmittel (20, 40) zumindest einen fixen Träger (22, 29) und zumindest einen beweglichen Träger (21, 28) umfassen, der in Bezug auf den fixen Träger (22, 29) in Laufrichtung bewegbar ist, wobei jeder fixe Träger (22, 29) zumindest eine Auflage (24, 27), auf welcher die erste Folie (30) angeordnet wird, und zumindest eine Niederhalteplatte (23, 26) umfasst, die konfiguriert ist, um die erste Folie (30) gegen die entsprechende Auflage (24, 27) zu pressen und die erste Folie (30) in einer spezifischen Position zu halten, wenn die Maschine (1) im Betriebsmodus ist, und jeder bewegliche Träger (21, 28) zumindest eine Auflage (44, 47), auf welcher die erste Folie (30) angeordnet wird, und zumindest eine Niederhalteplatte (43, 46) umfasst, die konfiguriert ist, um die erste Folie (30) gegen die entsprechende Auflage (44, 47) zu pressen, wenn die Maschine im Vorwärtsbewegungsmodus läuft, wobei die Niederhalteplatten (23, 26, 43, 46) auf nicht geformte Bereiche (33) der ersten Folie (30) pressen, wobei die nicht geformten Bereiche (33) den Rand (35) der entsprechenden Verpackung (34) bilden, die erhalten werden soll, wobei die Maschine (1) ferner Stanzmittel (15) umfasst, die zulaufseitig zur Versiegelungsstation (7) angeordnet und zum Stanzen der ersten Folie (30) in einem nicht geformten Bereich (33) ausgelegt sind, wobei die Stanzmittel (15) zumindest ein Loch (17) und/oder ein Einschnitt (18) in dem nicht geformten Bereich (33) an der Grenze zwischen den nicht geformten Bereichen (33).

2. Skin- oder Vakuumverpackungsmaschine mit modifizierter Atmosphäre gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die Stanzmittel (15) konfiguriert sind, um das Loch (17) an den Grenzen zwischen den inneren, nicht geformten Bereichen (33) und/oder die Einschnitte (18) an den Kanten der ersten Folie (30) auszubilden.

3. Skin- oder Vakuumverpackungsmaschine mit modifizierter Atmosphäre gemäß einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, wobei die Weiterbewegungsmittel (20, 40) konfiguriert sind, um die erste Folie (30) zurückzuhalten, wenn die Maschine im Betriebsmodus ist.

4. Skin- oder Vakuumverpackungsmaschine mit modifizierter Atmosphäre gemäß einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, umfassend erste Weiterbewegungsmittel (20), die vor einer Füllstation angeordnet sind, die vor der Versiegelungsstation (7) angeordnet ist, und/oder zweite Weiterbewegungsmittel (40), die nach der Versiegelungsstation (7) angeordnet sind.

5. Skin- oder Vakuumverpackungsmaschine mit modifizierter Atmosphäre gemäß dem vorangegangenen Anspruch, wobei die zweiten Weiterbewegungsmittel (40) Schneidemittel (16, 19) umfassen, die zum Schneiden der Folien (30, 31) der Länge nach oder in Querrichtung und zum Trennen der Verpackungen (34) voneinander ausgelegt sind.

6. Skin- oder Vakuumverpackungsmaschine mit modifizierter Atmosphäre gemäß einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, umfassend einziehbare Trägermittel, die zwischen den Weiterbewegungsmitteln (20) und der Versiegelungsstation (7) angeordnet sind und zum Tragen der ersten Folie (30) in Längsrichtung und zum Bewegen zusammen mit der ersten Folie (30) in die Versiegelungsstation (7) ausgelegt sind.

7. Skin- oder Vakuumverpackungsmaschine mit modifizierter Atmosphäre gemäß einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, umfassend Vorversiegelungsmittel (52), die dort angeordnet sind, wo der Kontakt zwischen den beiden Folien (30, 31) stattfindet, und die zum Versiegeln der Folien (30, 31) miteinander an getrennten Punkten in Längsrichtung ausgelegt sind.

8. Skin- oder Vakuumverpackungsmaschine mit modifizierter Atmosphäre gemäß einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, umfassend eine Erhitzungsstation, die zum Erhitzen der zweiten Folie (31) ausgelegt ist, und Hilfsweiterbewegungsmittel (53), die zum Einklemmen und Weiterbewegen der zweiten Folie (31) durch die Erhitzungsstation ausgelegt sind.

9. Skin- oder Vakuumverpackungsverfahren mit modifizierter Atmosphäre, das die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

• Zuführen einer ersten Folie (30) zur Maschine (1) durch erste Zuführmittel (2),

• Positionieren einer zweiten Folie (31) auf der ersten Folie (30), nachdem das zu verpackende Produkt auf der ersten Folie (30) platziert wurde,

• Erzeugen eines Vakuums und/oder Einbringen der modifizierten Atmosphäre zwischen den beiden Folien (30, 31),

• Versiegeln der beiden Folien (30, 31), Erhalten einer Verpackung (34) und

• Trennen der Verpackung (34),

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Weiterbewegungsmittel (20) die erste Folie (30) niederhalten und von einer Anfangsposition eine Laufdistanz weit zu einer Endposition ziehen, wenn die Maschine (1) im Weiterbewegungsmodus ist, und anschließend zur Anfangsposition zurückkehren, wenn die Maschine im Betriebsmodus ist, wobei, wenn die Maschine (1) im Weiterbewegungsmodus ist, zumindest eine Niederhalteplatte (43, 46) die erste Folie (30) gegen eine Auflage (44, 47) presst, sowohl die Niederhalteplatte (43, 46) als auch die Auflage (44, 47) in eine Laufrichtung bewegt werden und, wenn die Maschine im Betriebsmodus ist, zumindest eine weitere Niederhalteplatte (23, 26) die erste Folie (30) gegen eine weitere Auflage (24, 27) presst, wodurch die erste Folie (30) in dieser Position immobilisiert wird, wobei die Niederhalteplatten (23, 26, 43, 46) auf nicht geformte Bereiche (33) der ersten Folie (30) pressen, wobei die nicht geformten Bereiche (33) den Rand (35) der entsprechenden Verpackung (34) bilden, die erhalten werden soll, und, bevor die beiden Folien (30, 31) in eine Versiegelungsstation (7) eingebracht werden, wo zwischen den beiden Filmen (30, 31) das Vakuum erzeugt wird und/oder die modifizierte Atmosphäre eingebracht wird und sie miteinander versiegelt werden, Löcher (17) in der ersten Folie (30) in nicht geformten Bereichen (33) der ersten Folie (30) und/oder Einschnitte (18) an den Kanten der ersten Folie (30) ausgebildet werden ausbildet durch Stanzmittel (15).

10. Skin- oder Vakuumverpackungsverfahren mit modifizierter Atmosphäre gemäß Anspruch 9, wobei vor dem Einbringen der beiden Filme (30, 31) in eine Versiegelungsstation (7), wo zwischen den beiden Filmen (30, 31) das Vakuum erzeugt und/oder die modifizierte Atmosphäre eingebracht wird und sie versiegelt werden, die zweite Folie (31) an getrennten Punkten in Längsrichtung mit der ersten Folie (30) versiegelt wird.

11. Skin- oder Vakuumverpackungsverfahren mit modifizierter Atmosphäre gemäß Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei die Löcher (17) und/oder Einschnitte (18) an der Grenze zwischen den nicht geformten Bereichen (33) ausgebildet werden.

12. Skin- oder Vakuumverpackungsverfahren mit modifizierter Atmosphäre gemäß einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 11, wobei die Löcher (17) und/oder Einschnitte (18) eine solche Geometrie aufweisen, dass sie abgerundete Ecken (35b) an einem Rand (35) der Verpackung (34) ausbilden.

13. Skin- oder Vakuumverpackungsverfahren mit modifizierter Atmosphäre gemäß Anspruch 10 oder 11, wobei das Vakuum durch zumindest eine Düse erzeugt wird und/oder die modifizierte Atmosphäre durch zumindest eine Düse eingebracht wird, die in jedem Loch (17) platziert wird und die Folien (30, 31) getrennt hält, während das Vakuum erzeugt wird.

14. Skin- oder Vakuumverpackungsverfahren mit modifizierter Atmosphäre gemäß den Ansprüchen 9 bis 13, wobei vor dem Positionieren der zweiten Folie (31) auf der ersten Folie (30) die zweite Folie (31) mithilfe von Hilfsweiterbewegungsmitteln (53) eingeklemmt wird, wonach die zweite Folie (31) mit einem Erhitzungsmittel erhitzt wird, wonach die zweite Folie (31) mit der ersten Folie (30) an getrennten Punkten in Längsrichtung versiegelt wird.

15. Skin- oder Vakuumverpackungsverfahren mit modifizierter Atmosphäre gemäß Anspruch 10, wobei das Vakuum durch zumindest eine einziehbare Düse erzeugt wird und/oder die modifizierte Atmosphäre durch zumindest eine einziehbare Düse eingebracht wird, die in jeder zwischen den getrennten Versiegelungspunkten ausgebildeten Öffnung platziert wird.

Revendications

1. Machine de pelliplacage ou d'emballage sous vide à atmosphère modifiée comprenant un premier moyen d'alimentation (2) apte à alimenter un premier film (30) à la machine (1), un deuxième moyen d'alimentation (3) apte à alimenter un deuxième film (31) à la machine (1), une station de scellement hermétique (7) dans laquelle le vide est formé et/ou l'atmosphère modifiée est introduite entre les deux films (30, 31) et le deuxième film (31) est hermétiquement scellé au premier film (30) afin d'obtenir un emballage (34) et des moyens de déplacement (20, 40) aptes à déplacer le premier film (30) dans une direction d'entraînement, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de déplacement (20, 40) sont conçus pour déplacer au moins le premier film (30) sur une distance d'entraînement à partir d'une position initiale, retenir et entraîner au moins le premier film (30) dans la direction d'entraînement vers une position finale, lesdits moyens de déplacement (20, 40) étant conçus pour revenir par la suite vers la position initiale lorsque la machine est en mode de fonctionnement, dans laquelle les moyen de déplacement (20, 40) comprennent au moins un palier fixe (22, 29) et au moins un palier mobile (21, 28) mobile dans la direction d'entraînement par rapport audit palier fixe (22, 29), chaque palier fixe (22, 29) comprenant au moins un support (24, 27) sur lequel le premier film (30) est disposé et au moins un plateau de retenue (23, 26) conçu pour presser le premier film (30) contre le support correspondant (24, 27), retenant le premier film (30) dans une position spécifique lorsque la machine (1) est en mode de fonctionnement et chaque palier mobile (21, 28) comprenant au moins un support (44, 47) sur lequel le premier film (30) est disposé et au moins un plateau de retenue (43, 46) conçu pour presser le premier film (30) contre le support correspondant (44, 47) lorsque la machine fonctionne en mode de mouvement vers l'avant, dans laquelle les plateaux de retenue (23, 26, 43, 46) pressent sur des zones non formées (33) du premier film (30), lesdites zones non formées (33) formant la bordure (35) de l'emballage correspondant (34) à obtenir, la machine (1) comprenant en outre un moyen de poinçonnement (15) disposé en amont de la station de scellement hermétique (7) et apte à poinçonner le premier film (30) dans une zone non formée (33), ledit moyen de poinçonnement (15) effectuant au moins un trou (17) et/ou une encoche (18) dans ladite zone non formée (33), au niveau de l'intersection des zones non formées (33).

2. Machine de pelliplacage ou d'emballage sous vide à atmosphère modifiée selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le moyen de poinçonnement (15) est conçu pour effectuer le trou (17) au niveau des intersections des zones non formées internes (33) et/ou les encoches (18) sur les bords du premier film (30).

3. Machine de pelliplacage ou d'emballage sous vide à atmosphère modifiée selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle les moyens de déplacement (20, 40) sont conçus pour retenir le premier film (30) lorsque la machine est en mode de fonctionnement.

4. Machine de pelliplacage ou d'emballage sous vide à atmosphère modifiée selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant un premier moyen de déplacement (20) qui est disposé avant une station de remplissage disposée avant la station de scellement hermétique (7) et/ou un second moyen de déplacement (40) qui est disposé après la station de scellement hermétique (7).

5. Machine de pelliplacage ou d'emballage sous vide à atmosphère modifiée selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle le second moyen de déplacement (40) comprend des moyens de coupe (16, 19) aptes à découper au plan longitudinal et/ou transversal les films (30, 31) et à séparer les emballages (34) les uns des autres.

6. Machine de pelliplacage ou d'emballage sous vide à atmosphère modifiée selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant un moyen porteur rétractable disposé entre le moyen de déplacement (20) et la station de scellement hermétique (7), apte à porter longitudinalement ledit premier film (30) et à se déplacer conjointement avec le premier film (30) dans la station de scellement hermétique (7).

7. Machine de pelliplacage ou d'emballage sous vide à atmosphère modifiée selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant un moyen de pré-scellement hermétique (52) disposé là où le contact se produit entre les deux films (30, 31) et apte à sceller hermétiquement les films (30, 31) longitudinalement l'un à l'autre au niveau de points distincts.

8. Machine de pelliplacage ou d'emballage sous vide à atmosphère modifiée selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant une station de chauffage apte à chauffer le deuxième film (31) et un moyen de déplacement auxiliaire (53) apte à serrer et déplacer le deuxième film (31) à travers la station de chauffage.

9. Procédé de pelliplacage ou d'emballage sous vide à atmosphère modifiée comprenant les étapes suivantes :

• alimenter un premier film (30) à la machine (1) par le biais d'un premier moyen d'alimentation (2),

• positionner un deuxième film (31) sur le premier film (30) après avoir placé le produit à emballer sur le premier film (30),

• former un vide et/ou introduire l'atmosphère modifiée entre les deux films (30, 31),

• sceller hermétiquement les deux films (30, 31), obtenir un emballage (34) et

• séparer l'emballage (34),

caractérisé en ce que le moyen de déplacement (20) retient et tire le premier film (30) sur une distance d'entraînement à partir d'une position initiale vers une position finale lorsque la machine (1) est en mode de déplacement, revient par la suite vers la position initiale lorsque la machine est en mode de fonctionnement, dans lequel, lorsque la machine (1) est en mode de déplacement, au moins une plaque de retenue (43, 46) presse le premier film (30) contre un support (44, 47), la plaque de retenue (43, 46) et le support (44, 47) sont tous les deux déplacés dans une direction d'entraînement et lorsque la machine est en mode de fonctionnement, au moins une autre plaque de retenue (23, 26) presse le premier film (30) contre un autre support (24, 27) immobilisant le premier film (30) dans ladite position, dans lequel les plaques de retenue (23, 26, 43, 46) pressent sur des zones non formées (33) du premier film (30), lesdites zones non formées (33) formant la bordure (35) de l'emballage correspondant (34) à obtenir et, avant d'introduire les deux films (30, 31) dans une station de scellement hermétique (7) dans laquelle le vide est formé et/ou l'atmosphère modifiée est introduite entre les deux films (30, 31) et où ils sont scellés hermétiquement ensemble, des trous (17) sont réalisés dans le premier film (30) dans les zones non formées (33) du premier film (30) et/ou des encoches (18) sont réalisées sur les bords du premier film (30) par de moyen de poinçonnement (15).

10. Procédé de pelliplacage ou d'emballage sous vide à atmosphère modifiée selon la revendication 9, dans lequel, avant d'introduire les deux films (30, 31) dans une station de scellement hermétique (7) dans laquelle le vide est formé et/ou l'atmosphère modifiée est introduite entre les deux films (30, 31) et où ils sont scellés hermétiquement ensemble, le deuxième film (31) est scellé hermétiquement au premier film (30) longitudinalement au niveau de points distincts.

11. Procédé de pelliplacage ou d'emballage sous vide à atmosphère modifiée selon la revendication 9 ou 10, dans lequel les trous (17) et/ou les encoches (18) sont réalisé(e)s au niveau de l'intersection des zones non formées (33).

12. Procédé de pelliplacage ou d'emballage sous vide à atmosphère modifiée selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 11, dans lequel les trous (17) et/ou les encoches (18) ont une géométrie telle qu'elle forme des coins arrondis (35b) sur une bordure (35) de l'emballage (34).

13. Procédé de pelliplacage ou d'emballage sous vide à atmosphère modifiée selon la revendication 10 ou 11, dans lequel le vide est formé et/ou l'atmosphère modifiée est introduite par le biais d'au moins une buse qui est placée dans chaque trou (17) et maintient les films (30, 31) séparés pendant que le vide est formé.

14. Procédé de pelliplacage ou d'emballage sous vide à atmosphère modifiée selon les revendications 9 à 13, dans lequel, avant de positionner le deuxième film (31) sur le premier film (30), le deuxième film (31) est serré par un moyen de déplacement auxiliaire (53), ledit deuxième film (31) est par la suite chauffé avec un moyen de chauffage, scellant par la suite hermétiquement le deuxième film (31) au premier film (30) longitudinalement au niveau de points distincts.

15. Procédé de pelliplacage ou d'emballage sous vide à atmosphère modifiée selon la revendication 10, dans lequel le vide est formé et/ou l'atmosphère modifiée est introduite par le biais d'au moins une buse rétractable qui est placée dans chaque ouverture formée entre les points de scellement hermétique distincts.

Drawing