EP3333090B1 - Tray sealers - Google Patents

Tray sealers Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3333090B1
EP3333090B1 EP17200568.8A EP17200568A EP3333090B1 EP 3333090 B1 EP3333090 B1 EP 3333090B1 EP 17200568 A EP17200568 A EP 17200568A EP 3333090 B1 EP3333090 B1 EP 3333090B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tool
dome
channel
dome tool
top film
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP17200568.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3333090A1 (en
Inventor
Albert Gabler
Andreas Mader
Thomas Zedelmaier
Luciano Capriotti
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP3333090A1 publication Critical patent/EP3333090A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3333090B1 publication Critical patent/EP3333090B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
    • B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B53/00—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging
    • B65B53/02—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging by heat
    • B65B53/06—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging by heat supplied by gases, e.g. hot-air jets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
    • B65B11/50—Enclosing articles, or quantities of material, by disposing contents between two sheets, e.g. pocketed sheets, and securing their opposed free margins
    • B65B11/52—Enclosing articles, or quantities of material, by disposing contents between two sheets, e.g. pocketed sheets, and securing their opposed free margins one sheet being rendered plastic, e.g. by heating, and forced by fluid pressure, e.g. vacuum, into engagement with the other sheet and contents, e.g. skin-, blister-, or bubble- packaging
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B65B25/001—Packaging other articles presenting special problems of foodstuffs, combined with their conservation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/02—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/02—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65B31/025—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas specially adapted for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65B31/028—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas specially adapted for rigid or semi-rigid containers closed by a lid sealed to the upper rim of the container, e.g. tray-like container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B47/00—Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved
    • B65B47/02—Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved with means for heating the material prior to forming
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/162—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by feeding web material to securing means
    • B65B7/164—Securing by heat-sealing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
    • B65B9/04—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a tray sealing machine for heating a skin-compatible upper film by means of air convection according to claim 1 and to a method according to claim 12.
  • the WO 2015091404 A1 discloses a tray sealing machine for sealing a tray with a skin-compatible top film.
  • the top film is heated by means of a dome plate that can be moved relative to the dome tool and is drawn into the dome tool by the dome plate itself for molding.
  • the movable and heated dome plate represents a high level of design effort.
  • a tray sealing machine which is configured in a similar manner to heat a skin-capable upper film by applying it to the heated wall of a dome-shaped tool.
  • the object of the invention is to provide an improved tray sealing machine for sealing a tray with a skin-compatible top film.
  • the tray sealing machine has a sealing station, which comprises an upper tool part, a clamping frame and a lower tool part, the upper tool part having a dome tool for deforming a skin-compatible upper film, the dome tool having at least one second channel, which together with a first channel in the upper tool part Connection created, wherein the dome tool has an inner contact surface, and wherein the clamping frame is configured to gas-tightly clamp the upper film to the upper tool part to form an upper chamber within the upper tool part.
  • “Skin-compatible” means that the top film, when warmed up, can flexibly adapt to the contour of the product and the shell and fit like a skin on it.
  • the invention is characterized in that the upper tool part or the dome tool has at least one third channel as a connection to a negative pressure generator in order to generate thermal air convection from the first channel to the third channel along a side of the upper film facing the dome tool. So the top film can be heated by means of heated air without the aid of compressed air. Since there is no curvature of the upper film downward, that is to say in the direction of the lower part of the tool, during the heating by means of air convection, the stroke of the lower part of the tool can be reduced in comparison with the prior art, especially with very high products.
  • a suction that can be generated by air convection upwards in the direction of the dome tool prepares the upper film in the direction of the subsequent deep-drawing and there is already a slight negative pressure in the chamber to accelerate the deep-drawing process by means of a one-sided vacuum upwards into the dome tool.
  • the dome tool preferably has a multiplicity of ventilation channels via which the air which flows through the dome tool and then into the chamber absorbs the heat of the dome tool and partially releases it as it flows past the upper film.
  • the ventilation channels preferably open into the second channel in order to be supplied with inflowing air centrally via the upper part of the tool and in addition to be able to evacuate the chamber via the ventilation channels during the deep-drawing process.
  • the dome tool is in an upper position.
  • the ventilation channels together preferably have at least a total opening area of 70 to 150 mm 2 in order to provide sufficient inflowing air for the air convection and to limit a negative pressure which arises in the chamber during the air convection.
  • the dome tool preferably has a lower sealing surface in order to seal the upper film to a shell edge of a shell.
  • the dome tool can be moved relative to the upper tool part in order to move the dome tool in the direction of the shell or lower tool part, for example for a sealing process.
  • the dome tool can preferably be moved between an upper position for deforming the skin-compatible upper film and a lower position for sealing the upper film onto the edge of the shell of at least one shell.
  • the dome tool has a plurality of side channels which cause a bypass between the inside and the outside of the dome tool in order to limit a negative pressure which arises in the interior of the dome tool. For example, unwanted premature contact of the top film with the sealing surface can be avoided.
  • a seal is preferably provided for or at a transition of the first channel from the dome tool to the second channel of the upper tool part, in order to prevent incorrect air and incorrect flows between the upper tool part and the dome tool in the upper position of the dome tool both during the process of heating the upper film and during the deep-drawing process.
  • At least one second valve for the second channel is preferably provided, which is configured to selectively switch between a vacuum generator for deep-drawing the top film and an opening to the surroundings for the afterflow of air for the convection process.
  • the valve can also perform the aeration by opening to the surroundings during the skin process, in which the pressure difference from above and below the top film causes the skin-compatible top film to contact the product and the inside of the shell.
  • a further advantageous embodiment provides that the second valve can be connected to a blowing device in order to assist the afterflow of air in a controlled or regulated manner, as a result of which the negative pressure in the chamber can also be influenced.
  • At least a third valve is preferably provided between the vacuum generator and the third channel of the upper tool part or the dome tool, in order to be able to switch between thermal air convection for heating the upper film and the molding process of the upper film.
  • the method according to the invention for operating a tray closing machine is carried out by means of a controller, the tray closing machine having a sealing station which comprises an upper tool part, a clamping frame and a lower tool part.
  • the upper tool part surrounds a dome tool for deforming a skin-capable upper film which is movable relative to the upper tool part.
  • the dome tool has at least a first channel which, together with a second channel in the tool upper part, creates a direct connection, the dome tool having an inner contact surface, the clamping frame being configured to gas-tightly clamp the upper film to the tool upper part in order to enclose a chamber inside to form the upper part of the tool.
  • the procedure is characterized in that thermal air convection is generated along the side of the upper film facing the dome tool via at least a third channel in the dome tool or upper tool part with a connection to a negative pressure generator, the negative pressure generator extracting air from the chamber and through the connection to the upper tool part heated air flows in through the dome tool and heat is released as the heated air flows past the top film.
  • the continuously inflowing heated air maximizes the heat input into the top film and the temperature required for the molding process is reached in a minimum of time. This leads to a shortening of the time for the warm-up phase and thus an increase in the performance of the tray sealing machine.
  • Air convection is preferably carried out in a pulsed manner, for example by clocking a third valve, in order to be able to influence the negative pressure of the chamber and the flow rate.
  • the heat transfer to the top film is optimized and premature contact of the top film with the sealing surface of the dome tool is avoided.
  • the pulse interval is preferably from 0.1 s to 0.5 s so as not to unnecessarily extend the warm-up time.
  • Ambient air is preferably supplied to the dome tool by means of a blowing device in order to achieve a simple design for air convection.
  • heated air is supplied to the dome tool by means of a heating device provided outside the dome tool in order to reduce the warm-up time for the skin-compatible upper film before the deep-drawing process.
  • the air is preferably heated to more than 80 ° C. by means of the heating device.
  • Figure 1 shows a tray sealing machine 1 with a sealing station 2, which seals trays 100 with an upper film 3, and a gripper system 4, which moves the trays 100 in a transport direction P from a feed conveyor 5 into the sealing station 2.
  • the sealing station 2 has a lower tool part 6 and an upper tool part 7 arranged above it.
  • a controller 8 controls and monitors all processes in the tray sealing machine 1.
  • the sealing station 2 is provided for sealing a number of trays 100. This can be done in multiple rows and / or multiple tracks, whereby multiple rows means that several trays 100 are provided in succession in the transport direction P, and multiple tracks means that two or more trays 100 arranged parallel to one another and orthogonal to the transport direction P are provided.
  • Fig. 2 shows the sealing station 2 according to the invention in the open position, in which the lower tool part 6 is spaced from the upper tool part 7 and between which the upper film 3 is passed in the transport direction P.
  • the lower tool part 6 comprises a shell holder 9 and is with a vacuum generator 10, for example with a vacuum central unit or connected to a vacuum pump, via a vacuum line 11 and a first valve 12.
  • a clamping frame 13 is provided between the lower tool part 6 and the upper tool part 7 in order to clamp the upper film 3 against the upper tool part 7 in a gas-tight and pressure-tight manner and thus to form a chamber 14 between the upper film 3 and the upper tool part 7.
  • the bell-shaped tool upper part 7 accommodates a dome tool 15 and a pressure plate 16 in its interior, a cutting device 17 being arranged on the pressure plate 16 in order to cut the top film 3 all around the outside of the dome tool 15 along a shell edge 101 of the shell 100.
  • a product 18 projecting above the bowl edge 101 is shown in the bowl 100.
  • a first channel 19 penetrates the dome tool 15.
  • the first channel 19 can be brought into fluid communication with a second channel 20 which penetrates the wall of the bell-shaped tool upper part 7. Air can be supplied or withdrawn from the chamber 14 via the two channels 19, 20.
  • the channel 19 can be designed as a tube and extend through the pressure plate 16 to or into the upper tool part 7, while the dome tool 15 is in its upper position.
  • the dome tool 15 itself has ventilation channels 21, via which air can flow from the first channel 19 through the dome tool 15 into the chamber 14. Since the dome tool 15 is heated by means of one or more heating elements 22, air is also heated when it flows through the dome tool 15.
  • the first channel 19 is connected in the upper position of the dome tool 15 to the upper tool part 7 by means of a seal 23 with the second channel 20.
  • the second channel 20 is in turn connected to a second valve 25 via a line 24.
  • a vacuum generator 26 for example with a vacuum central unit or with a vacuum pump, is provided via the line 24 for drawing the skin-compatible upper film 3 into an inner region of the dome tool 15 when a negative pressure is applied.
  • a blowing device 27a and / or an air heating device 28 can also be provided on the second valve 25.
  • the second valve 25 also has a connection or an opening 25a to the surroundings, via which air can flow into the chamber 14 via the second valve 25.
  • the upper tool part 7 is connected via one or more lines 29 to a third valve 30, via which a vacuum generator 31 can be switched on in order to be able to generate air convection in the chamber 14.
  • the vacuum generator 31 can for example be a side channel compressor, an annular duct blower or a vacuum source, preferably a vacuum pump.
  • the at least one line 29 opens into the chamber 14 at a point at which a gap S is formed between the bell-shaped tool upper part 7 and an outer or upper side of the dome tool 15.
  • Fig. 3 shows the sealing station 2 with the upper film 3 clamped, the clamping frame 13 having been lifted upwards by means of a lifting device (not shown in detail) to the upper tool part 7 and the upper film 3 clamped all around and to the upper tool part 7.
  • the chamber 14 thus arises in the interior of the upper tool part 7.
  • Fig. 4a shows the sealing station 2 when heating the upper film 3, preferably a skin-compatible upper film, which is heated up to a temperature of, for example, 80 ° C. to 200 ° C. before a deep-drawing process, in order not to close the upper film 3 during the subsequent deep-drawing process to damage.
  • the process of heating the top film 3 is described in more detail below.
  • the third valve 30 switches the vacuum generator 31 through to the line 29 in order to generate a vacuum in the chamber 14.
  • the second valve 25 connects the second duct 20 to the ambient air via the line 24, so that air can flow further into the chamber 14 via the first duct 19 and the ventilation ducts 21 through the heated and thus heated dome tool 15.
  • the air convection K produced in this way leads along the upper side 32 of the upper film 3 facing the dome tool 15 and in the process gives off heat to the upper film 3.
  • the upper film 3 is stretched upwards in the direction of the dome tool 15, preferably when the upper film 3 has already been subjected to heat. It may be advantageous to switch the third valve 30 in a pulse-like manner, for example, in a cycle of 0.1 s to 0.5 s in order to prevent it from stretching too far and thus preventing undesired contact with a sealing surface 15b at this time. before the temperature in the upper film 3 required for the deep-drawing process has been reached.
  • Fig. 5 shows the sealing station 2 with a deformed upper film 3.
  • the third valve 30 blocks the vacuum generator 31 from the tool upper part 7 and thus also to the chamber 14.
  • the second valve 25 switches the line 24 for the first Channel 19 and also for the second channel 20 to the vacuum generator 26, so that the chamber 14 is evacuated and the upper film 3 is deep-drawn or stretched upwards into the interior, the so-called dome, of all dome tools 15.
  • the upper film 3 is further heated by the abutment on the inner contact surface 15a of the dome tool 15.
  • the temperature of the dome tool 15 is regulated or controlled by controlling the heating elements 22 and at least one temperature sensor (not shown in more detail) by means of the controller 8.
  • Fig. 6 shows the sealing station 2 in the closed position after, at the same time, shortly before or immediately after the molding process, the lower tool part 6 with the shell holder 9 and the shells 100 located therein is moved upwards to the upper tool part 7 by means of a lifting mechanism (not shown) and a second chamber 34 was formed between the top sheet 3 and the trays 100 with the products 18 therein. Due to the upwardly deformed upper film 3, products 18 protruding upward above the shell edge 101 can dip into or protrude into the interior of the dome tools 15.
  • the second chamber 34 is evacuated via the vacuum generator 10 connected by means of the connected first valve 12. At the same time, the vacuum in the dome tool 15 holds the top film 3 in place until a desired vacuum value is reached in the second chamber 34 and thus also around the product 101.
  • Fig. 7 shows the sealing station 2 during the sealing of the upper film 3 onto the shell edge 101.
  • the pressure plate 16 together with the dome tool 15 is moved downwards to the lower tool part 6 or the shell holder 9 into a lower position by means of lifting devices 35.
  • the dome tool 15 with its heated lower sealing surface 15b, presses the upper film 3 against the shell edge with a pressure that is generated between the pressure plate 16 and the dome tool 15 by means of a spring device 36 101 in order to establish a gas-tight connection between top film 3 and shell 100.
  • the skin-compatible upper film 3 is preferably held in the interior of the dome tool 15.
  • Fig. 8 shows the sealing station 2 when cutting the top film 3 around the dome tool 15, the cutting device 17 being moved further down together with the pressure plate 16, for example.
  • the pressure of the dome tool 15 on the shell edge 101 can increase differently depending on the design of the spring device 36.
  • Fig. 9 shows the sealing station 2 when the skin-compatible upper film 3 is applied to the product 18 and the shell 100, the so-called skin process.
  • skin-compatible means that the upper film 3 can adapt flexibly to the contour of the product 18 and the shell 100 in the heated state and fits like a skin.
  • the product 18 is thus held in the shell 100 and the top film 3 enters into an adhesive connection with the inside of the shell 100, which is influenced by the coating of the top film 3 on the side facing the shell 100.
  • the skin process is supported by the negative pressure present in the second chamber 34 and the ventilation of the first chamber 14, in that the second valve 25 seals to the vacuum generator 26 and opens to the surroundings, so that the top film 3 suddenly drops out of the dome tool 15 from above on the product 18 and the bowl 100 by the existing pressure difference.
  • Fig. 10 shows the sealing station 2 in the reopened position with the sealed packages 37.
  • FIG. 11 A first alternative embodiment of the sealing station 2 or of the upper tool part 7 is shown, in which the air from the chamber 14 is not sucked in directly via the upper tool part 7.
  • an extension 29a is provided here, with which the line 29 continues through the pressure plate 16 and the dome tool 15, to finally end on an outside 15c of the dome tool 15 in to open the chamber 14.
  • the ends of the line 29 provided here in the form of a manifold open again at locations where a gap S is formed between the inside of the bell-shaped tool upper part 7 and the outside 15c of the dome tool 15 are. It flows like in the Fig. 4a shown variant the air from the surroundings via the first channel 19, the second channel 20 and the dome tool 15 into the chamber 14, the flow course K, see arrows, in the region of the upper film 3 being approximately identical to the flow course Fig. 4 is.
  • FIG. 12 A second alternative embodiment of the sealing station 2 or the tool upper part 7 is shown, in which the air circulates within the dome tool upper part 7.
  • the third channel 29 is provided in the pressure plate 16, while the first channel 19 does not run outwards but in the interior of the upper tool part 7.
  • the dome tool 15 has a plurality of side channels 41 in order to limit the suction of the upper film 3 upwards in order to prevent contact of the upper film 3 with the sealing surface 15b during the heating by the air convection K.
  • the side channels 41 are conceivable in all the variants of the sealing station 2 shown.
  • the vacuum generator 31 is an annular channel blower in this embodiment.
  • Fig. 13 shows an alternative sealing station 2 in the closed position.
  • the dome tool 15 is arranged statically on the upper tool part 7 by means of guide bolts 37 and the cutting device 17 can be moved downwards via the pressure plate 16 for cutting the upper film 3.
  • Fig. 14 shows the alternative sealing station 2 after the application of the top film 3 to the product 18 and the tray 100 and shows the cutting device 17 in a lower position, in which the top film 3 has been cut all around the dome tool 15, so that there are isolated closed packages.
  • the invention is also suitable for spinning and sealing products 18 which do not protrude beyond the shell edge 101 with an upper film 3.
  • the controller 18 controls all processes and thus also all hoists, adjusting drives, valves and heating elements as well as units such as vacuum or vacuum generators.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Closing Of Containers (AREA)
  • Vacuum Packaging (AREA)
  • Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Making Paper Articles (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Schalenverschließmaschine zum Erwärmen einer skinfähigen Oberfolie mittels Luftkonvektion gemäß dem Anspruch 1 sowie auf ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 12.The invention relates to a tray sealing machine for heating a skin-compatible upper film by means of air convection according to claim 1 and to a method according to claim 12.

Die WO 2015091404 A1 offenbart eine Schalenverschließmaschine zum Versiegeln einer Schale mit einer skinfähigen Oberfolie. Die Oberfolie wird dabei mittels einer relativ zum Domwerkzeug bewegbaren Domplatte erwärmt und zum Formen durch die Domplatte selbst in das Domwerkzeug gezogen. Die bewegbare und beheizbare Domplatte stellt einen hohen konstruktiven Aufwand dar.The WO 2015091404 A1 discloses a tray sealing machine for sealing a tray with a skin-compatible top film. The top film is heated by means of a dome plate that can be moved relative to the dome tool and is drawn into the dome tool by the dome plate itself for molding. The movable and heated dome plate represents a high level of design effort.

Aus der EP 2815983 A1 ist eine Schalenverschließmaschine bekannt, die in ähnlicher Weise dazu konfiguriert ist, eine skinfähige Oberfolie durch Anlegen an der erwärmten Wand eines domförmigen Werkzeugs zu erwärmen.From the EP 2815983 A1 a tray sealing machine is known which is configured in a similar manner to heat a skin-capable upper film by applying it to the heated wall of a dome-shaped tool.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, eine verbesserte Schalenverschließmaschine zum Versiegeln einer Schale mit einer skinfähigen Oberfolie zur Verfügung zu stellen.The object of the invention is to provide an improved tray sealing machine for sealing a tray with a skin-compatible top film.

Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst durch eine Schalenverschließmaschine zum Erwärmen einer skinfähigen Oberfolie mittels Luftkonvektion mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 sowie durch ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 12. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen angegeben.This object is achieved by a tray sealing machine for heating a skin-compatible upper film by means of air convection with the features of claim 1 and by a method according to claim 12. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

Erfindungsgemäß weist die Schalenverschließmaschine eine Siegelstation auf, die ein Werkzeugoberteil, einen Klemmrahmen und ein Werkzeugunterteil umfasst, wobei das Werkzeugoberteil ein Domwerkzeug zum Verformen einer skinfähigen Oberfolie aufweist, wobei das Domwerkzeug wenigstens einen zweiten Kanal aufweist, der zusammen mit einem ersten Kanal im Werkzeugoberteil eine direkte Verbindung erzeugt, wobei das Domwerkzeug eine innere Anlagefläche aufweist, und wobei der Klemmrahmen dazu konfiguriert ist, die Oberfolie an das Werkzeugoberteil gasdicht zu klemmen, um eine obere Kammer innerhalb des Werkzeugoberteils zu bilden. "Skinfähig" bedeutet, dass sich die Oberfolie im erwärmten Zustand flexibel der Kontur von Produkt und Schale anpassen und sich wie eine Haut an diese anlegen kann.According to the invention, the tray sealing machine has a sealing station, which comprises an upper tool part, a clamping frame and a lower tool part, the upper tool part having a dome tool for deforming a skin-compatible upper film, the dome tool having at least one second channel, which together with a first channel in the upper tool part Connection created, wherein the dome tool has an inner contact surface, and wherein the clamping frame is configured to gas-tightly clamp the upper film to the upper tool part to form an upper chamber within the upper tool part. "Skin-compatible" means that the top film, when warmed up, can flexibly adapt to the contour of the product and the shell and fit like a skin on it.

Die Erfindung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass das Werkzeugoberteil oder das Domwerkzeug wenigstens einen dritten Kanal als eine Verbindung zu einem Unterdruckerzeuger aufweist, um eine thermische Luftkonvektion vom ersten Kanal zum dritten Kanal entlang einer dem Domwerkzeug zugewandten Seite der Oberfolie zu erzeugen. So kann ohne Zuhilfenahme von Druckluft die Oberfolie mittels erwärmter Luft erwärmt werden. Da keine Wölbung der Oberfolie nach unten, also in Richtung Werkzeugunterteil, während des Erwärmens mittels der Luftkonvektion auftritt, kann der Hub des Werkzeugunterteils gerade bei sehr hohen Produkten im Vergleich zum Stand der Technik verringert werden. Durch einen durch die Luftkonvektion erzeugbaren Sog nach oben in Richtung Domwerkzeug wird die Oberfolie bereits in der Richtung des anschließenden Tiefziehens vorbereitet und in der Kammer ist bereits ein geringer Unterdruck vorhanden, um den Tiefziehprozess durch ein einseitiges Vakuum nach oben in das Domwerkzeug hinein zu beschleunigen.The invention is characterized in that the upper tool part or the dome tool has at least one third channel as a connection to a negative pressure generator in order to generate thermal air convection from the first channel to the third channel along a side of the upper film facing the dome tool. So the top film can be heated by means of heated air without the aid of compressed air. Since there is no curvature of the upper film downward, that is to say in the direction of the lower part of the tool, during the heating by means of air convection, the stroke of the lower part of the tool can be reduced in comparison with the prior art, especially with very high products. A suction that can be generated by air convection upwards in the direction of the dome tool prepares the upper film in the direction of the subsequent deep-drawing and there is already a slight negative pressure in the chamber to accelerate the deep-drawing process by means of a one-sided vacuum upwards into the dome tool.

Vorzugsweise weist das Domwerkzeug eine Vielzahl von Belüftungskanälen auf, über die die Luft, die durch das Domwerkzeug und danach in die Kammer strömt, die Wärme des Domwerkzeugs aufnimmt und beim Vorbeiströmen an der Oberfolie teilweise abgibt.The dome tool preferably has a multiplicity of ventilation channels via which the air which flows through the dome tool and then into the chamber absorbs the heat of the dome tool and partially releases it as it flows past the upper film.

Dabei münden die Belüftungskanäle bevorzugt in dem zweiten Kanal, um zentral über das Werkzeugoberteil mit nachströmender Luft versorgt zu werden und zusätzlich beim Tiefziehprozess die Kammer über die Belüftungskanäle evakuieren zu können. Das Domwerkzeug befindet sich dabei in einer oberen Stellung.The ventilation channels preferably open into the second channel in order to be supplied with inflowing air centrally via the upper part of the tool and in addition to be able to evacuate the chamber via the ventilation channels during the deep-drawing process. The dome tool is in an upper position.

Die Belüftungskanäle weisen zusammen vorzugsweise wenigstens eine Gesamtöffnungsfläche von 70 bis 150 mm2 auf, um ausreichend nachströmende Luft für die Luftkonvektion bereitzustellen und einen bei der Luftkonvektion entstehenden Unterdruck in der Kammer zu begrenzen.The ventilation channels together preferably have at least a total opening area of 70 to 150 mm 2 in order to provide sufficient inflowing air for the air convection and to limit a negative pressure which arises in the chamber during the air convection.

Vorzugsweise weist das Domwerkzeug eine untere Siegelfläche auf, um damit die Oberfolie an einen Schalenrand einer Schale anzusiegeln.The dome tool preferably has a lower sealing surface in order to seal the upper film to a shell edge of a shell.

In einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausführung ist das Domwerkzeug relativ zum Werkzeugoberteil bewegbar, um das Domwerkzeug beispielsweise für einen Siegelvorgang in Richtung Schale bzw. Werkzeugunterteil zu bewegen.In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the dome tool can be moved relative to the upper tool part in order to move the dome tool in the direction of the shell or lower tool part, for example for a sealing process.

Dabei ist das Domwerkzeug bevorzugt zwischen einer oberen Stellung zum Verformen der skinfähigen Oberfolie und einer unteren Stellung zum Siegeln der Oberfolie auf den Schalenrand wenigstens einer Schale bewegbar.The dome tool can preferably be moved between an upper position for deforming the skin-compatible upper film and a lower position for sealing the upper film onto the edge of the shell of at least one shell.

Das Domwerkzeug weist in einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausführung mehrere Seitenkanäle auf, die einen Bypass zwischen dem Inneren und dem Äußeren des Domwerkzeugs bewirken, um einen im Inneren des Domwerkzeug entstehenden Unterdruck zu begrenzen. So kann beispielsweise ein ungewollter vorzeitiger Kontakt der Oberfolie mit der Siegelfläche vermieden werden.In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the dome tool has a plurality of side channels which cause a bypass between the inside and the outside of the dome tool in order to limit a negative pressure which arises in the interior of the dome tool. For example, unwanted premature contact of the top film with the sealing surface can be avoided.

Vorzugsweise ist eine Dichtung für einen oder an einem Übergang des ersten Kanals vom Domwerkzeug zum zweiten Kanal des Werkzeugoberteils vorgesehen, um in der oberen Stellung des Domwerkzeugs sowohl beim Vorgang der Oberfolienerwärmung als auch beim Tiefziehvorgang Fehlluft und Fehlströmungen zwischen Werkzeugoberteil und dem Domwerkzeug zu verhindern.A seal is preferably provided for or at a transition of the first channel from the dome tool to the second channel of the upper tool part, in order to prevent incorrect air and incorrect flows between the upper tool part and the dome tool in the upper position of the dome tool both during the process of heating the upper film and during the deep-drawing process.

Es ist bevorzugt wenigstens ein zweites Ventil für den zweiten Kanal vorgesehen, das dazu konfiguriert ist, zwischen einem Vakuumerzeuger zum Tiefziehen der Oberfolie und einer Öffnung zur Umgebung zum Nachströmen von Luft für den Konvektionsprozess wahlweise umzuschalten. Ebenso kann das Ventil die Belüftung durch das Öffnen zur Umgebung beim Skinprozess ausführen, bei dem der Druckunterschied von oberhalb und unterhalb der Oberfolie das Anliegen der skinfähigen Oberfolie an Produkt und das Innere der Schale bewirkt.At least one second valve for the second channel is preferably provided, which is configured to selectively switch between a vacuum generator for deep-drawing the top film and an opening to the surroundings for the afterflow of air for the convection process. The valve can also perform the aeration by opening to the surroundings during the skin process, in which the pressure difference from above and below the top film causes the skin-compatible top film to contact the product and the inside of the shell.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Ausführung sieht vor, dass das zweite Ventil mit einer Blasvorrichtung verbindbar ist, um gesteuert oder geregelt das Nachströmen der Luft zu unterstützen, wodurch auch der Unterdruck in der Kammer beeinflussbar ist.A further advantageous embodiment provides that the second valve can be connected to a blowing device in order to assist the afterflow of air in a controlled or regulated manner, as a result of which the negative pressure in the chamber can also be influenced.

Vorzugsweise ist wenigstens ein drittes Ventil zwischen dem Unterdruckerzeuger und dem dritten Kanal des Werkzeugoberteils oder des Domwerkzeugs vorgesehen, um zwischen der thermischen Luftkonvektion zur Erwärmung der Oberfolie und dem Formprozess der Oberfolie umschalten zu können.At least a third valve is preferably provided between the vacuum generator and the third channel of the upper tool part or the dome tool, in order to be able to switch between thermal air convection for heating the upper film and the molding process of the upper film.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Schalenverschließmaschine erfolgt mittels einer Steuerung, wobei die Schalenverschließmaschine eine Siegelstation aufweist, die ein Werkzeugoberteil, einen Klemmrahmen und ein Werkzeugunterteil umfasst. Das Werkzeugoberteil umgibt ein Domwerkzeugzum Verformen einer skinfähigen Oberfolie, das relativ zum Werkzeugoberteil bewegbar ist. Das Domwerkzeug weist wenigstens einen ersten Kanal auf, der zusammen mit einem zweiten Kanal im Werkzeugoberteil eine direkte Verbindung erzeugt, wobei das Domwerkzeug eine innere Anlagefläche aufweist, wobei der Klemmrahmen dazu konfiguriert ist, die Oberfolie an das Werkzeugoberteil gasdicht zu klemmen, um eine Kammer innerhalb des Werkzeugoberteils zu bilden. Das Verfahren zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass über wenigstens einen dritten Kanal im Domwerkzeug oder Werkzeugoberteil mit einer Verbindung zu einem Unterdruckerzeuger eine thermische Luftkonvektion entlang der dem Domwerkzeug zugewandten Seite der Oberfolie erzeugt wird, wobei der Unterdruckerzeuger Luft aus der Kammer entzieht und durch die Verbindung mit dem Werkzeugoberteil durch das Domwerkzeug erwärmte Luft nachströmt und dabei Wärme beim Vorbeiströmen der erwärmten Luft an die Oberfolie abgegeben wird. Durch die ständig nachströmende erwärmte Luft wird der Wärmeeintrag in die Oberfolie maximiert und die für den Formprozess notwendige Temperatur in minimierter Zeit erreicht. Dies führt zu Verkürzung der Zeit für die Aufwärmphase und somit zu einer Steigerung der Leistung der Schalenverschließmaschine.The method according to the invention for operating a tray closing machine is carried out by means of a controller, the tray closing machine having a sealing station which comprises an upper tool part, a clamping frame and a lower tool part. The upper tool part surrounds a dome tool for deforming a skin-capable upper film which is movable relative to the upper tool part. The dome tool has at least a first channel which, together with a second channel in the tool upper part, creates a direct connection, the dome tool having an inner contact surface, the clamping frame being configured to gas-tightly clamp the upper film to the tool upper part in order to enclose a chamber inside to form the upper part of the tool. The procedure is characterized in that thermal air convection is generated along the side of the upper film facing the dome tool via at least a third channel in the dome tool or upper tool part with a connection to a negative pressure generator, the negative pressure generator extracting air from the chamber and through the connection to the upper tool part heated air flows in through the dome tool and heat is released as the heated air flows past the top film. The continuously inflowing heated air maximizes the heat input into the top film and the temperature required for the molding process is reached in a minimum of time. This leads to a shortening of the time for the warm-up phase and thus an increase in the performance of the tray sealing machine.

Vorzugsweise erfolgt die Luftkonvektion impulsartig, beispielsweise durch Taktung eines dritten Ventils, um den Unterdruck der Kammer und die Strömungsgeschwindigkeit beeinflussen zu können. Dabei wird der Wärmeübergang auf die Oberfolie optimiert und ein vorzeitiger Kontakt der Oberfolie mit der Siegelfläche des Domwerkzeugs vermieden.Air convection is preferably carried out in a pulsed manner, for example by clocking a third valve, in order to be able to influence the negative pressure of the chamber and the flow rate. The heat transfer to the top film is optimized and premature contact of the top film with the sealing surface of the dome tool is avoided.

Dabei beträgt der Impulsabstand bevorzugt von 0,1 s bis 0,5 s, um die Aufwärmzeit nicht unnötig zu verlängern.The pulse interval is preferably from 0.1 s to 0.5 s so as not to unnecessarily extend the warm-up time.

Vorzugsweise wird mittels einer Blasvorrichtung Umgebungsluft dem Domwerkzeug zugeführt, um eine einfache konstruktive Ausführung für die Luftkonvektion zu erreichen.Ambient air is preferably supplied to the dome tool by means of a blowing device in order to achieve a simple design for air convection.

In einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausführung wird mittels einer außerhalb des Domwerkzeugs vorgesehene Erwärmungsvorrichtung erwärmte Luft dem Domwerkzeug zugeführt, um die Aufwärmzeit für die skinfähige Oberfolie vor dem Tiefziehvorgang zu reduzieren.In a particularly advantageous embodiment, heated air is supplied to the dome tool by means of a heating device provided outside the dome tool in order to reduce the warm-up time for the skin-compatible upper film before the deep-drawing process.

Dabei wird die Luft vorzugsweise mittels der Erwärmungsvorrichtung auf mehr als 80 C° erwärmt.The air is preferably heated to more than 80 ° C. by means of the heating device.

Im Folgenden wird ein vorteilhaftes Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung anhand einer Zeichnung näher dargestellt. Im Einzelnen zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine Seitenansicht einer Schalenverschließmaschine,
Fig. 2
eine erfindungsgemäße Siegelstation in geöffneter Stellung,
Fig. 3
die Siegelstation mit geklemmter Oberfolie,
Fig. 4a
die Siegelstation beim Erwärmen der Oberfolie,
Fig. 4b
das Werkzeugoberteil beim Erwärmen der Oberfolie in einer alternativen Ausführung,
Fig. 5
die Siegelstation mit verformter Oberfolie,
Fig. 6
die Siegelstation in geschlossener Stellung,
Fig. 7
die Siegelstation beim Siegeln,
Fig. 8
die Siegelstation beim Schneiden,
Fig. 9
die Siegelstation beim Anlegen der Oberfolie an Produkt und Schale,
Fig. 10
die Siegelstation in geöffneter Stellung,
Fig. 11
eine erste Variante der Siegelstation,
Fig. 12
eine zweite Variante der Siegelstation,
Fig. 13
eine alternative Siegelstation in geschlossener Stellung und
Fig. 14
die alternative Siegelstation nach dem Anlegen der Oberfolie an Produkt und Schale.
An advantageous exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in more detail below with reference to a drawing. Show in detail:
Fig. 1
a side view of a tray sealing machine,
Fig. 2
a sealing station according to the invention in the open position,
Fig. 3
the sealing station with clamped top film,
Fig. 4a
the sealing station when heating the top film,
Fig. 4b
the upper part of the tool when heating the top film in an alternative embodiment,
Fig. 5
the sealing station with a deformed top film,
Fig. 6
the sealing station in the closed position,
Fig. 7
the sealing station when sealing,
Fig. 8
the sealing station when cutting,
Fig. 9
the sealing station when applying the top film to the product and tray,
Fig. 10
the sealing station in the open position,
Fig. 11
a first variant of the sealing station,
Fig. 12
a second variant of the sealing station,
Fig. 13
an alternative sealing station in the closed position and
Fig. 14
the alternative sealing station after applying the top film to the product and tray.

Gleiche Komponenten sind in den Figuren durchgängig mit gleichen Bezugszeichen versehen.Identical components are provided with the same reference symbols throughout the figures.

Figur 1 zeigt eine Schalenversiegelungsmaschine 1 mit einer Siegelstation 2, die Schalen 100 mit einer Oberfolie 3 versiegelt, und einem Greifersystem 4, das die Schalen 100 in einer Transportrichtung P von einem Zuführförderer 5 in die Siegelstation 2 bewegt. Die Siegelstation 2 weist ein Werkzeugunterteil 6 und ein darüber angeordnetes Werkzeugoberteil 7 auf. Eine Steuerung 8 steuert und überwacht alle Vorgänge in der Schalenversiegelungsmaschine 1. Die Siegelstation 2 ist zum Versiegeln von mehreren Schalen 100 vorgesehen. Dies kann mehrreihig und/oder mehrspurig erfolgen, wobei mehrreihig bedeutet, dass mehrere Schalen 100 aufeinanderfolgend in Transportrichtung P vorgesehen sind, und mehrspurig bedeutet, dass zwei oder mehr parallel nebeneinander und orthogonal zur Transportrichtung P angeordnete Schalen 100 vorgesehen sind. Figure 1 shows a tray sealing machine 1 with a sealing station 2, which seals trays 100 with an upper film 3, and a gripper system 4, which moves the trays 100 in a transport direction P from a feed conveyor 5 into the sealing station 2. The sealing station 2 has a lower tool part 6 and an upper tool part 7 arranged above it. A controller 8 controls and monitors all processes in the tray sealing machine 1. The sealing station 2 is provided for sealing a number of trays 100. This can be done in multiple rows and / or multiple tracks, whereby multiple rows means that several trays 100 are provided in succession in the transport direction P, and multiple tracks means that two or more trays 100 arranged parallel to one another and orthogonal to the transport direction P are provided.

Fig. 2 zeigt die erfindungsgemäße Siegelstation 2 in geöffneter Stellung, bei der das Werkzeugunterteil 6 zum Werkzeugoberteil 7 beabstandet ist und dazwischen die Oberfolie 3 in der Transportrichtung P hindurchgeführt ist. Das Werkzeugunterteil 6 umfasst eine Schalenaufnahme 9 und ist mit einem Vakuumerzeuger 10, beispielsweise mit einer Vakuumzentraleinheit oder mit einer Vakuumpumpe, über eine Vakuumleitung 11 und ein erstes Ventil 12 verbunden. Ein Klemmrahmen 13 ist zwischen Werkzeugunterteil 6 und Werkzeugoberteil 7 vorgesehen, um die Oberfolie 3 gegen das Werkzeugoberteil 7 außen umlaufend gas- und druckdicht zu klemmen und so eine Kammer 14 zwischen Oberfolie 3 und Werkzeugoberteil 7 zu bilden. Fig. 2 shows the sealing station 2 according to the invention in the open position, in which the lower tool part 6 is spaced from the upper tool part 7 and between which the upper film 3 is passed in the transport direction P. The lower tool part 6 comprises a shell holder 9 and is with a vacuum generator 10, for example with a vacuum central unit or connected to a vacuum pump, via a vacuum line 11 and a first valve 12. A clamping frame 13 is provided between the lower tool part 6 and the upper tool part 7 in order to clamp the upper film 3 against the upper tool part 7 in a gas-tight and pressure-tight manner and thus to form a chamber 14 between the upper film 3 and the upper tool part 7.

Das glockenförmige Werkzeugoberteil 7 nimmt in seinem Inneren ein Domwerkzeug 15 und eine Druckplatte 16 auf, wobei eine Schneidvorrichtung 17 an der Druckplatte 16 angeordnet ist, um die Oberfolie 3 außerhalb des Domwerkzeugs 15 entlang eines Schalenrands 101 der Schale 100 rings umlaufend zu schneiden. In der Schale 100 ist ein über den Schalenrand 101 nach oben überstehendes Produkt 18 gezeigt.The bell-shaped tool upper part 7 accommodates a dome tool 15 and a pressure plate 16 in its interior, a cutting device 17 being arranged on the pressure plate 16 in order to cut the top film 3 all around the outside of the dome tool 15 along a shell edge 101 of the shell 100. In the bowl 100, a product 18 projecting above the bowl edge 101 is shown.

Ein erster Kanal 19 durchdringt das Domwerkzeug 15. Der erste Kanal 19 kann in Fluidverbindung gebracht werden mit einem zweiten Kanal 20, der die Wand des glockenförmigen Werkzeugoberteils 7 durchdringt. Über die beiden Kanäle 19, 20 kann der Kammer 14 Luft zugeführt oder entzogen werden. Der Kanal 19 kann als Rohr ausgeführt sein und durch die Druckplatte 16 hindurch bis an oder in das Werkzeugoberteil 7 reichen, während sich das Domwerkzeug 15 in seiner oberen Stellung befindet. Das Domwerkzeug 15 selbst weist Belüftungskanäle 21 auf, über die Luft vom ersten Kanal 19 durch das Domwerkzeug 15 in die Kammer 14 strömen kann. Da das Domwerkzeug 15 mittels eines oder mehrerer Heizelemente 22 erwärmt wird, wird Luft beim Durchströmen durch das Domwerkzeug 15 ebenso erwärmt. Der erste Kanal 19 ist in der oberen Position des Domwerkzeugs 15 zum Werkzeugoberteil 7 mittels einer Dichtung 23 mit dem zweiten Kanal 20 verbunden. Der zweite Kanal 20 wiederum ist über eine Leitung 24 mit einem zweiten Ventil 25 verbunden. An dem zweiten Ventil 25 ist ein Vakuumerzeuger 26, beispielsweise mit einer Vakuumzentraleinheit oder mit einer Vakuumpumpe, über die Leitung 24 dazu vorgesehen, bei Anlegen eines Unterdrucks die skinfähige Oberfolie 3 in einen inneren Bereich des Domwerkzeugs 15 tiefzuziehen. Optional kann an dem zweiten Ventil 25 auch eine Blasvorrichtung 27a und/oder eine Lufterwärmungsvorrichtung 28 vorgesehen sein. Das zweite Ventil 25 weist auch einen Anschluss bzw. eine Öffnung 25a zu der Umgebung auf, über den Luft über das zweite Ventil 25 in die Kammer 14 strömen kann.A first channel 19 penetrates the dome tool 15. The first channel 19 can be brought into fluid communication with a second channel 20 which penetrates the wall of the bell-shaped tool upper part 7. Air can be supplied or withdrawn from the chamber 14 via the two channels 19, 20. The channel 19 can be designed as a tube and extend through the pressure plate 16 to or into the upper tool part 7, while the dome tool 15 is in its upper position. The dome tool 15 itself has ventilation channels 21, via which air can flow from the first channel 19 through the dome tool 15 into the chamber 14. Since the dome tool 15 is heated by means of one or more heating elements 22, air is also heated when it flows through the dome tool 15. The first channel 19 is connected in the upper position of the dome tool 15 to the upper tool part 7 by means of a seal 23 with the second channel 20. The second channel 20 is in turn connected to a second valve 25 via a line 24. On the second valve 25, a vacuum generator 26, for example with a vacuum central unit or with a vacuum pump, is provided via the line 24 for drawing the skin-compatible upper film 3 into an inner region of the dome tool 15 when a negative pressure is applied. Optionally, a blowing device 27a and / or an air heating device 28 can also be provided on the second valve 25. The second valve 25 also has a connection or an opening 25a to the surroundings, via which air can flow into the chamber 14 via the second valve 25.

Das Werkzeugoberteil 7 ist über eine oder mehrere Leitungen 29 mit einem dritten Ventil 30 verbunden, über das ein Unterdruckerzeuger 31 zugeschaltet werden kann, um eine Luftkonvektion in der Kammer 14 erzeugen zu können. Dieser Prozess wird in den folgenden Figuren näher erläutert. Der Unterdruckerzeuger 31 kann beispielsweise ein Seitenkanalverdichter, ein Ringkanalgebläse oder eine Vakuumquelle, vorzugsweise eine Vakuumpumpe, sein. Die wenigstens eine Leitung 29 mündet in die Kammer 14 an einer Stelle, an der ein Spalt S zwischen dem glockenförmigen Werkzeugoberteil 7 und einer Außen- oder Oberseite des Domwerkzeugs 15 gebildet ist.The upper tool part 7 is connected via one or more lines 29 to a third valve 30, via which a vacuum generator 31 can be switched on in order to be able to generate air convection in the chamber 14. This process is explained in more detail in the following figures. The vacuum generator 31 can for example be a side channel compressor, an annular duct blower or a vacuum source, preferably a vacuum pump. The at least one line 29 opens into the chamber 14 at a point at which a gap S is formed between the bell-shaped tool upper part 7 and an outer or upper side of the dome tool 15.

Fig. 3 zeigt die Siegelstation 2 mit geklemmter Oberfolie 3, wobei der Klemmrahmen 13 mittels einer nicht näher dargestellten Hubeinrichtung nach oben an das Werkzeugoberteil 7 angehoben wurde und dabei die Oberfolie 3 umlaufend um und an das Werkzeugoberteil 7 klemmt. Somit entsteht im Inneren des Werkzeugoberteils 7 die Kammer 14. Fig. 3 shows the sealing station 2 with the upper film 3 clamped, the clamping frame 13 having been lifted upwards by means of a lifting device (not shown in detail) to the upper tool part 7 and the upper film 3 clamped all around and to the upper tool part 7. The chamber 14 thus arises in the interior of the upper tool part 7.

Fig. 4a zeigt die Siegelstation 2 beim Erwärmen der Oberfolie 3, vorzugsweise einer skinfähigen Oberfolie, die vor einem Tiefziehvorgang nach oben in das Domwerkzeug 15 hinein auf eine Temperatur von beispielsweise 80 °C bis 200 °C erwärmt wird, um die Oberfolie 3 beim späteren Tiefziehvorgang nicht zu beschädigen. Der Vorgang des Erwärmens der Oberfolie 3 wird im Folgenden näher beschrieben. Fig. 4a shows the sealing station 2 when heating the upper film 3, preferably a skin-compatible upper film, which is heated up to a temperature of, for example, 80 ° C. to 200 ° C. before a deep-drawing process, in order not to close the upper film 3 during the subsequent deep-drawing process to damage. The process of heating the top film 3 is described in more detail below.

Das dritte Ventil 30 schaltet den Unterdruckerzeuger 31 zu der Leitung 29 durch, um einen Unterdruck in der Kammer 14 zu erzeugen. Das zweite Ventil 25 stellt eine Verbindung des zweiten Kanals 20 über die Leitung 24 mit der Umgebungsluft her, so dass Luft weiter über den ersten Kanal 19 und die Belüftungskanäle 21 durch das beheizte und somit erwärmte Domwerkzeug 15 hindurch in die Kammer 14 nachströmen kann. Die derart erzeugte Luftkonvektion K, siehe Pfeildarstellung, führt an der dem Domwerkzeug 15 zugewandten Oberseite 32 der Oberfolie 3 entlang und gibt dabei Wärme an die Oberfolie 3 ab. Im weiteren Verlauf strömt die Luft unterhalb von Unterkanten (=Siegelflächen) 15b des Domwerkzeugs 15 nach außen aus dem Inneren des Domwerkzeug 15 heraus und weiter vorbei an den Schneidvorrichtungen 17 aus dem Werkzeugoberteil 7 heraus zum Unterdruckerzeuger 31. Der dabei vorhandene Unterdruck kann dazu führen, dass die Oberfolie 3 nach oben in Richtung Domwerkzeug 15 gedehnt wird, vorzugsweise dann, wenn die Oberfolie 3 bereits einen Wärmeeintrag erfahren hat. Dabei kann es von Vorteil sein, das dritte Ventil 30 impulsartig beispielsweise in einem Takt von 0,1 s bis 0,5 s zu schalten, um ein zu weites Dehnen und damit einen zu diesem Zeitpunkt noch unerwünschten Kontakt mit einer Siegelfläche 15b zu verhindern, bevor die für den Tiefziehvorgang notwendige Temperatur in der Oberfolie 3 erreicht wurde.The third valve 30 switches the vacuum generator 31 through to the line 29 in order to generate a vacuum in the chamber 14. The second valve 25 connects the second duct 20 to the ambient air via the line 24, so that air can flow further into the chamber 14 via the first duct 19 and the ventilation ducts 21 through the heated and thus heated dome tool 15. The air convection K produced in this way, see arrow representation, leads along the upper side 32 of the upper film 3 facing the dome tool 15 and in the process gives off heat to the upper film 3. In the further course, the air flows below the lower edges (= sealing surfaces) 15b of the dome tool 15 outward from the inside of the dome tool 15 and further past the cutting devices 17 out of the upper tool part 7 to the vacuum generator 31. that the upper film 3 is stretched upwards in the direction of the dome tool 15, preferably when the upper film 3 has already been subjected to heat. It may be advantageous to switch the third valve 30 in a pulse-like manner, for example, in a cycle of 0.1 s to 0.5 s in order to prevent it from stretching too far and thus preventing undesired contact with a sealing surface 15b at this time. before the temperature in the upper film 3 required for the deep-drawing process has been reached.

Denkbar ist auch, wie in Fig. 4b anhand des Werkzeugoberteils 7 dargestellt, dass bei einer Ausführung des Unterdruckerzeugers 31 als ein Seitenkanalverdichter oder als ein Ringkanalgebläse die Luft in einem geschlossenen Kreislauf vom Unterdruckerzeuger 31 über das zweite Ventil 25, den ersten Kanal 19, den zweiten Kanal 20, die Leitungen 24 durch das Domwerkzeug 15 an der Oberfolie 3 vorbeiströmt und weiter durch die Leitung 29 vom Werkzeugoberteil 7 zum dritten Ventil 30 und zum Unterdruckerzeuger 31 strömt.It is also conceivable, as in Fig. 4b based on the upper tool part 7, that in a version of the vacuum generator 31 as a side channel compressor or as an annular channel blower the air flows in a closed circuit from the vacuum generator 31 via the second valve 25, the first channel 19, the second channel 20, the lines 24 through the dome tool 15 to the upper film 3 and further through the line 29 from the upper tool part 7 to the third valve 30 and flows to the vacuum generator 31.

Fig. 5 zeigt die Siegelstation 2 mit verformter Oberfolie 3. Zu Beginn des Tiefziehvorgangs sperrt das dritte Ventil 30 den Unterdruckerzeuger 31 gegenüber dem Werkzeugoberteil 7 und damit auch zur Kammer 14. Zeitgleich, kurz zuvor oder direkt anschließend schaltet das zweite Ventil 25 die Leitung 24 für den ersten Kanal 19 und auch für den zweiten Kanal 20 dem Vakuumerzeuger 26 zu, so dass die Kammer 14 evakuiert wird und dabei die Oberfolie 3 in das Innere, den sogenannten Dom, aller Domwerkzeuge 15 nach oben tiefgezogen bzw. gedehnt wird. Dabei wird die Oberfolie 3 weiter durch das Anliegen an der inneren Anlagefläche 15a des Domwerkzeugs 15 weiter erwärmt. Die Temperatur des Domwerkzeugs 15 wird über eine Ansteuerung der Heizelemente 22 und wenigstens eines nicht näher dargestellten Temperatursensors mittels der Steuerung 8 geregelt oder gesteuert. Fig. 5 shows the sealing station 2 with a deformed upper film 3. At the beginning of the deep-drawing process, the third valve 30 blocks the vacuum generator 31 from the tool upper part 7 and thus also to the chamber 14. Simultaneously, shortly before or immediately afterwards, the second valve 25 switches the line 24 for the first Channel 19 and also for the second channel 20 to the vacuum generator 26, so that the chamber 14 is evacuated and the upper film 3 is deep-drawn or stretched upwards into the interior, the so-called dome, of all dome tools 15. The upper film 3 is further heated by the abutment on the inner contact surface 15a of the dome tool 15. The temperature of the dome tool 15 is regulated or controlled by controlling the heating elements 22 and at least one temperature sensor (not shown in more detail) by means of the controller 8.

Fig. 6 zeigt die Siegelstation 2 in geschlossener Stellung, nachdem zeitgleich, kurz zuvor oder direkt anschließend an den Formvorgang das Werkzeugunterteil 6 mit der Schalenaufnahme 9 und den darin befindlichen Schalen 100 mittels eines nicht näher dargestellten Hubwerks nach oben an das Werkzeugoberteil 7 bewegt und eine zweite Kammer 34 zwischen der Oberfolie 3 und den Schalen 100 mit den darin befindlichen Produkten 18 gebildet wurde. Durch die nach oben verformte Oberfolie 3 können über den Schalenrand 101 nach oben überstehende Produkte 18 in das Innere der Domwerkzeuge 15 eintauchen bzw. hineinragen. Fig. 6 shows the sealing station 2 in the closed position after, at the same time, shortly before or immediately after the molding process, the lower tool part 6 with the shell holder 9 and the shells 100 located therein is moved upwards to the upper tool part 7 by means of a lifting mechanism (not shown) and a second chamber 34 was formed between the top sheet 3 and the trays 100 with the products 18 therein. Due to the upwardly deformed upper film 3, products 18 protruding upward above the shell edge 101 can dip into or protrude into the interior of the dome tools 15.

Die zweite Kammer 34 wird über den mittels des geschalteten ersten Ventils 12 zugeschalteten Vakuumerzeuger 10 evakuiert. Gleichzeitig hält das Vakuum im Domwerkzeug 15 die Oberfolie 3 fest, bis ein gewünschter Vakuumwert in der zweiten Kammer 34 und somit auch um das Produkt 101 herum erreicht ist.The second chamber 34 is evacuated via the vacuum generator 10 connected by means of the connected first valve 12. At the same time, the vacuum in the dome tool 15 holds the top film 3 in place until a desired vacuum value is reached in the second chamber 34 and thus also around the product 101.

Fig. 7 zeigt die Siegelstation 2 beim Siegeln der Oberfolie 3 auf den Schalenrand 101. Hierzu wird die Druckplatte 16 zusammen mit dem Domwerkzeug 15 mittels Hubvorrichtungen 35 nach unten an das Werkzeugunterteil 6 bzw. die Schalenaufnahme 9 in eine untere Stellung bewegt. Beim Siegelvorgang drückt das Domwerkzeug 15 mit seiner erwärmten unteren Siegelfläche 15b mit einem Druck, der über eine Federvorrichtung 36 zwischen der Druckplatte 16 und dem Domwerkzeug 15 erzeugt wird, die Oberfolie 3 gegen den Schalenrand 101, um eine gasdichte Verbindung von Oberfolie 3 und Schale 100 herzustellen. Zu Beginn des Siegelvorgangs wird die skinfähige Oberfolie 3 vorzugsweise noch anliegend im Inneren des Domwerkzeugs 15 gehalten. Fig. 7 shows the sealing station 2 during the sealing of the upper film 3 onto the shell edge 101. For this purpose, the pressure plate 16 together with the dome tool 15 is moved downwards to the lower tool part 6 or the shell holder 9 into a lower position by means of lifting devices 35. During the sealing process, the dome tool 15, with its heated lower sealing surface 15b, presses the upper film 3 against the shell edge with a pressure that is generated between the pressure plate 16 and the dome tool 15 by means of a spring device 36 101 in order to establish a gas-tight connection between top film 3 and shell 100. At the beginning of the sealing process, the skin-compatible upper film 3 is preferably held in the interior of the dome tool 15.

Fig. 8 zeigt die Siegelstation 2 beim Schneiden der Oberfolie 3 um das Domwerkzeug 15 herum, wobei die Schneidvorrichtung 17 beispielsweise zusammen mit der Druckplatte 16 weiter nach unten bewegt wird. Dabei kann sich der Druck des Domwerkzeugs 15 auf den Schalenrand 101 je nach Ausführung der Federvorrichtung 36 unterschiedlich erhöhen. Nach dem Schneidvorgang verbleiben Öffnungen in der Oberfolie 3, das sogenannte Restfoliengitter, das nach dem Öffnen der Siegelstation 2 in Transportrichtung P weiterbefördert und aufgewickelt wird. Fig. 8 shows the sealing station 2 when cutting the top film 3 around the dome tool 15, the cutting device 17 being moved further down together with the pressure plate 16, for example. The pressure of the dome tool 15 on the shell edge 101 can increase differently depending on the design of the spring device 36. After the cutting process, openings remain in the top film 3, the so-called residual film grid, which, after opening the sealing station 2, is conveyed further in the transport direction P and wound up.

Fig. 9 zeigt die Siegelstation 2 beim Anlegen der skinfähigen Oberfolie 3 an das Produkt 18 und Schale 100, dem sogenannten Skinprozess. Die Eigenschaft "skinfähig" bedeutet, dass sich die Oberfolie 3 im erwärmten Zustand flexibel der Kontur von Produkt 18 und Schale 100 anpassen kann und sich wie eine Haut anlegt. Damit wird das Produkt 18 in der Schale 100 gehalten und die Oberfolie 3 geht eine haftende Verbindung mit den Innenseiten der Schale 100 ein, die durch die Beschichtung der Oberfolie 3 an der der Schale 100 zugewandten Seite beeinflusst wird. Unterstützt wird der Skinvorgang durch den in der zweiten Kammer 34 vorhandenen Unterdruck und das Belüften der ersten Kammer 14, indem das zweite Ventil 25 zum Vakuumerzeuger 26 abdichtet und zur Umgebung öffnet, so dass die Oberfolie 3 schlagartig von oben aus dem Domwerkzeug 15 heraus nach unten auf das Produkt 18 und die Schale 100 durch den vorhandenen Druckunterschied gedrückt wird. Fig. 9 shows the sealing station 2 when the skin-compatible upper film 3 is applied to the product 18 and the shell 100, the so-called skin process. The property "skin-compatible" means that the upper film 3 can adapt flexibly to the contour of the product 18 and the shell 100 in the heated state and fits like a skin. The product 18 is thus held in the shell 100 and the top film 3 enters into an adhesive connection with the inside of the shell 100, which is influenced by the coating of the top film 3 on the side facing the shell 100. The skin process is supported by the negative pressure present in the second chamber 34 and the ventilation of the first chamber 14, in that the second valve 25 seals to the vacuum generator 26 and opens to the surroundings, so that the top film 3 suddenly drops out of the dome tool 15 from above on the product 18 and the bowl 100 by the existing pressure difference.

Fig. 10 zeigt die Siegelstation 2 in der wieder geöffneten Stellung mit den versiegelten Verpackungen 37. Fig. 10 shows the sealing station 2 in the reopened position with the sealed packages 37.

In Fig. 11 ist eine erste alternative Ausführung der Siegelstation 2 bzw. des Werkzeugoberteils 7 gezeigt, bei der die Luft aus der Kammer 14 nicht direkt über das Werkzeugoberteil 7 angesaugt wird. Statt dass die Leitung 29 an der Innenseite des Werkzeugoberteils 7 in die Kammer 14 mündet, ist hier ein Fortsatz 29a vorgesehen, mit dem sich die Leitung 29 durch die Druckplatte 16 und das Domwerkzeug 15 fortsetzt, um schließlich an einer Außenseite 15c des Domwerkzeugs 15 in die Kammer 14 zu münden. Übereinstimmend mit dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel münden jedoch die hier in Form einer Mannigfaltigkeit vorgesehenen Enden der Leitung 29 wieder an Stellen an denen ein Spalt S zwischen der Innenseite des glockenförmigen Werkzeugoberteils 7 und der Außenseite 15c des Domwerkzeugs 15 gebildet sind. Dabei strömt wie in der in Fig. 4a gezeigten Variante die Luft von der Umgebung über den ersten Kanal 19, den zweiten Kanal 20 und das Domwerkzeug 15 in die Kammer 14 nach, wobei der Strömungsverlauf K, siehe Pfeile, im Bereich der Oberfolie 3 annähernd identisch mit dem Strömungsverlauf aus Fig. 4 ist.In Fig. 11 A first alternative embodiment of the sealing station 2 or of the upper tool part 7 is shown, in which the air from the chamber 14 is not sucked in directly via the upper tool part 7. Instead of the line 29 opening into the chamber 14 on the inside of the upper tool part 7, an extension 29a is provided here, with which the line 29 continues through the pressure plate 16 and the dome tool 15, to finally end on an outside 15c of the dome tool 15 in to open the chamber 14. In accordance with the first exemplary embodiment, however, the ends of the line 29 provided here in the form of a manifold open again at locations where a gap S is formed between the inside of the bell-shaped tool upper part 7 and the outside 15c of the dome tool 15 are. It flows like in the Fig. 4a shown variant the air from the surroundings via the first channel 19, the second channel 20 and the dome tool 15 into the chamber 14, the flow course K, see arrows, in the region of the upper film 3 being approximately identical to the flow course Fig. 4 is.

In Fig. 12 ist eine zweite alternative Ausführung der Siegelstation 2 bzw. des Werkzeugoberteils 7 gezeigt, bei der die Luft innerhalb des Domwerkzeugoberteils 7 zirkuliert. Der dritte Kanal 29 ist in der Druckplatte 16 vorgesehen, während der erste Kanal 19 nicht nach außen sondern wieder ins Innere des Werkzeugoberteils 7 verläuft. Das Domwerkzeug 15 weist mehrere Seitenkanäle 41 auf, um den Sog der Oberfolie 3 nach oben zu begrenzen, um einen Kontakt der Oberfolie 3 mit der Siegelfläche 15b während der Erwärmung durch die Luftkonvektion K zu verhindern. Die Seitenkanäle 41 sind bei allen dargestellten Varianten der Siegelstation 2 denkbar. Der Unterdruckerzeuger 31 ist bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel ein Ringkanalgebläse.In Fig. 12 A second alternative embodiment of the sealing station 2 or the tool upper part 7 is shown, in which the air circulates within the dome tool upper part 7. The third channel 29 is provided in the pressure plate 16, while the first channel 19 does not run outwards but in the interior of the upper tool part 7. The dome tool 15 has a plurality of side channels 41 in order to limit the suction of the upper film 3 upwards in order to prevent contact of the upper film 3 with the sealing surface 15b during the heating by the air convection K. The side channels 41 are conceivable in all the variants of the sealing station 2 shown. The vacuum generator 31 is an annular channel blower in this embodiment.

Fig. 13 zeigt eine alternative Siegelstation 2 in geschlossener Stellung. Im Unterschied zu den Ausführungen der vorangehenden Figuren ist das Domwerkzeug 15 mittels Führungsbolzen 37 statisch am Werkzeugoberteil 7 angeordnet und die Schneidvorrichtung 17 ist über die Druckplatte 16 zum Schneiden der Oberfolie 3 nach unten bewegbar. Fig. 13 shows an alternative sealing station 2 in the closed position. In contrast to the embodiments of the preceding figures, the dome tool 15 is arranged statically on the upper tool part 7 by means of guide bolts 37 and the cutting device 17 can be moved downwards via the pressure plate 16 for cutting the upper film 3.

Fig. 14 zeigt die alternative Siegelstation 2 nach dem Anlegen der Oberfolie 3 an das Produkt 18 und die Schale 100 und zeigt die Schneidvorrichtung 17 in einer unteren Stellung, bei der die Oberfolie 3 umlaufend um das Domwerkzeug 15 geschnitten wurde, sodass vereinzelte geschlossene Verpackungen vorliegen. Fig. 14 shows the alternative sealing station 2 after the application of the top film 3 to the product 18 and the tray 100 and shows the cutting device 17 in a lower position, in which the top film 3 has been cut all around the dome tool 15, so that there are isolated closed packages.

Die Erfindung ist ebenso dazu geeignet, nicht über den Schalenrand 101 überstehende Produkte 18 mit einer Oberfolie 3 zu verskinnen und zu versiegeln.The invention is also suitable for spinning and sealing products 18 which do not protrude beyond the shell edge 101 with an upper film 3.

Die Steuerung 18 steuert sowohl alle Prozesse und damit auch alle Hubwerke, Verstellantriebe, Ventile und Heizelemente sowie Aggregate wie Vakuum- oder Unterdruckerzeuger.The controller 18 controls all processes and thus also all hoists, adjusting drives, valves and heating elements as well as units such as vacuum or vacuum generators.

Die in der Beschreibung angegeben technischen Merkmale sind nicht auf die gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiele beschränkt, sondern auch weitere denkbare Merkmalskombinationen im Rahmen dieser Erfindung sind als erfasst anzusehen.The technical features specified in the description are not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown, but also other conceivable combinations of features within the scope of this invention are to be regarded as recorded.

Claims (15)

  1. A tray sealer (1) having a sealing station (2) which comprises a tool upper part (7), a clamping frame (13) and a tool lower part (6), a dome tool (15) being arranged inside the tool upper part (7) for deforming a skinable top film (3), the dome tool (15) having at least one first channel (19), which is connectable together with a second channel (20) in the tool upper part (7), wherein the dome tool (15) has an inner contact surface (15a), and wherein the clamping frame (13) is configured to clamp the top film (3) to the tool upper part (7) in a gas-tight manner in order to form an upper chamber (14) within the tool upper part (7), characterised in that the upper tool part (7) or the dome tool (15) has at least one third channel (29) through which the upper tool part (7) or the dome tool (15) is connected to a vacuum generator (31), wherein the tray sealer (1) is configured to generate thermal air convection (K) from the first channel (19) to the third channel (29) along a side (32) of the top film (3) facing the dome tool (15), while the top film (3) is clamped to the tool upper part (7) to warm up the top film by means of heated air.
  2. A tray sealer according to claim 1, characterised in that the dome tool (7) comprises a plurality of ventilation channels (21).
  3. A tray sealer according to claim 2, characterised in that the ventilation channels (21) open into the first channel (19).
  4. A tray sealer according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterised in that the dome tool (15) has a sealing surface (15b).
  5. A tray sealer according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dome tool (15) is movable relative to the tool upper part (7).
  6. A tray sealer according to claim 5, characterised in that the dome tool (15) is movable between an upper position for deforming the skinable top film (3) and a lower position for sealing the top film (3) onto a tray edge (101) of at least one tray (100).
  7. A tray sealer according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dome tool (15) has a plurality of side channels (41) between the contact surface (15a) and an outer side (15c) of the dome tool (15) facing away from the contact surface (15a).
  8. A tray sealer according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a seal (23) is provided at a transition of the first channel (19) from the dome tool (15) to the second channel (20) of the upper tool part (7).
  9. A tray sealer according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one second valve (25) is provided for the second channel (20) which is configured to selectively switch between a vacuum generator (26) and an opening (25a) leading to the outside.
  10. A tray sealer according to claim 9, characterised in that the second valve (25) is connectable to a blowing device (27a).
  11. A tray sealer machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least a third valve (30) is provided between the vacuum generator (31) and the third channel (29) of the upper tool part (7) or the dome tool (15).
  12. A method for operating a tray sealer (1), the tray sealer (1) having a control system (8) and a sealing station (2) which comprises a tool upper part (7), a clamping frame (13) and a tool bottom part (6), the tool upper part (7) accommodating a dome tool (15) for deforming a skinable top film (3), the dome tool (15) having at least one first channel (19) which, together with a second channel (20) is brought in contact in the tool upper part (7), the dome tool (15) having an inner contact surface (15a), and the clamping frame (13) being configured to clamp the top film (3) to the tool upper part (7) in a gas-tight manner to form a chamber (14) within the tool upper part (7), characterised in that a thermal air convection (K) is produced along a side (32) of the top film (3) facing the dome tool (15) via at least one third channel (29) in the dome tool (15) or in the tool upper part (7) with connection to a vacuum generator (31), the vacuum generator (31) drawing air from the chamber (14) and flowing heated air through the dome tool (15) through the connection with the tool upper part (7), so that heat is emitted to the top film (3) as the heated air is flowing past.
  13. A method according to claim 12, characterised in that the air convection (K) takes place in a pulsed manner.
  14. A method according to one of claims 12 to 13, characterised in that ambient air is supplied to the dome tool (15) by means of a blowing device (27a).
  15. A method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterised in that heated air is supplied to the dome tool (15) by means of a heating device (28) provided outside the dome tool (15).
EP17200568.8A 2016-12-06 2017-11-08 Tray sealers Active EP3333090B1 (en)

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CN108146727B (en) 2019-12-24
DE102016123569A1 (en) 2018-06-07
ES2772692T3 (en) 2020-07-08
CN108146727A (en) 2018-06-12
US10913562B2 (en) 2021-02-09
US20180155074A1 (en) 2018-06-07
EP3333090A1 (en) 2018-06-13

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