WO2004031035A1 - Device for packaging products under controlled atmosphere in film-sealed packages - Google Patents

Device for packaging products under controlled atmosphere in film-sealed packages Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004031035A1
WO2004031035A1 PCT/FR2002/004535 FR0204535W WO2004031035A1 WO 2004031035 A1 WO2004031035 A1 WO 2004031035A1 FR 0204535 W FR0204535 W FR 0204535W WO 2004031035 A1 WO2004031035 A1 WO 2004031035A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
film
enclosure
sealing
container
filling
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2002/004535
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Rossi
Marie-José Rossi
Original Assignee
Rossi Jean-Pierre
Rossi Marie-Jose
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
Priority claimed from PCT/FR2002/003386 external-priority patent/WO2003029081A1/en
Application filed by Rossi Jean-Pierre, Rossi Marie-Jose filed Critical Rossi Jean-Pierre
Priority to AU2002364871A priority Critical patent/AU2002364871A1/en
Priority to DE60216160T priority patent/DE60216160D1/en
Priority to EP02801170A priority patent/EP1562827B1/en
Publication of WO2004031035A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004031035A1/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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a filling and sealing device for a packaging machine under a controlled atmosphere for products, more particularly solid, rigid or pieces of food products in containers such as trays, pots and similar packages, sealed. by a film.
  • the packaging of food products and the like in such sealed packaging is carried out on so-called “Tray sealer” or “Thermoformer-Tray sealer” machines depending on whether the containers to be sealed are made either on another machine or by thermoforming, for example film of thermoplastic material on the same machine as that carrying out the sealing.
  • thermoforming film A known and commonly used solution consists in extracting the air and / or injecting gas through holes made on the sides of the thermoforming film, along the drive chains. This solution certainly makes it possible to establish a well-controlled atmosphere in the packaging, but results in a significant loss of thermoforming film, the latter having to be much greater in width than that of the containers to be sealed, but does not make it possible to fill the products with trays in the sealing station.
  • the document WO 99/17990 proposes a sealing device for a packaging machine in sealed containers, a device which, while being of particularly simple and reliable structure , ensures perfect sealing of the enclosure in which the sealing of the seal takes place on the container, thus allowing the creation, in the sealed container, an atmosphere better controlled than up to now and also allowing the introduction of fluid products
  • This sealing device intended for a machine for packaging products under controlled atmosphere in containers such as trays, pots and similar containers sealed with a film, comprises an upper bell-shaped part provided with a welding head, and a lower part forming tank.
  • the lower part receives at least one container to be sealed and cooperates with the upper part so as to define, around the container to be sealed, an enclosure in which the continuous sealing film previously brought to the container is welded to the container by the head. the upper part.
  • the upper part comprises, in a side wall, on the supply side of the sealing film, a passage slot for the sealing film, shutter and blocking means with controlled actuation for closing said slot and blocking the film with respect to the upper part, means for introducing and / or extracting fluid (gas, air), and possibly filling means comprising nozzles or orifices for introducing fluid products (liquids, semi- liquids, pasty or powder) opening into the interior of the enclosure between said slot and the lower edge of said wall.
  • the present invention relates to a device for the packaging of products under a controlled atmosphere allowing more particularly the filling of the containers, inside the sealing station, with products even of non-fluid consistency (rigid, solid, in pieces, etc.). , these products can preferably be placed beforehand under a modified or controlled atmosphere.
  • the invention relates to a device for filling and sealing of such packaging containers, having all the advantages and characteristics of the device according to the document.
  • WO 99/17990 therefore complementary to this device, but more efficient and having a structure better suited to an industrial packaging process and having above all the advantage of allowing the containers to be filled directly inside the sealing station, thanks to the possibility of introducing, into the enclosure surrounding the container to be filled and sealed, all types of products, of any kind, shape, appearance and consistency but more particularly of rigid, solid or lumpy products, if necessary beforehand placed under a modified or controlled atmosphere, these products can in particular be food products, such as pork loin, poultry, fish such as processed or whole salmon, pâtés, vegetables, etc.
  • the device according to the invention for filling and sealing packages for a packaging machine under a controlled atmosphere for products in containers such as trays, pots and similar packages to be sealed with a film comprises a fixed upper part forming a bell provided with a vertically movable welding head, and a vertically movable lower part forming a tank, the lower part receiving at least one container to be sealed and cooperating with the upper part so as to define, around the container to be sealed, an enclosure in which continuous sealing film previously brought through an opening in the enclosure above the container disposed inside the enclosure is welded to the container by the welding head at the top.
  • the device also comprises means for closing said inlet opening and blocking the sealing film in this opening and means for establishing a controlled atmosphere inside the enclosure.
  • the device further comprises means of introduction and filling opening into the interior of the enclosure below said sealing film for the introduction into said enclosure of the products to be packaged and for filling the container contained in said enclosure with these products, before welding the sealing film on the container.
  • the device further comprises means for moving the lidding film through to bring and accumulate an excess length of lidding film in the enclosure, this excess length being available to allow the welding head to descend to the container. to seal without tearing the sealing film.
  • this opening which may preferably be in the form of a slit must be provided to the manner of a window in the upper part, at a distance above the container the greater the volume of the product to be packaged, which means that in the absence of the scrolling means, the length of film which would be brought into the enclosure by the only traction exerted by the previously sealed tray, during the advancement of the latter out of the enclosure, would be insufficient to avoid tearing of the film when the welding head is lowered onto the tray next.
  • the advantages of the device comprising these means of introduction and filling supplemented by the film scrolling means are numerous, since this device allows, thanks the possibility of introducing all products into the containers directly in the sealing station, improving and ensuring protection and considerably increasing the shelf life of food products and hygiene, since these products can now, for some, from the manufacturing room, to be sent, routed or directed directly to the sealing station of a packaging machine, or via dosing equipment, thus allowing, by removing all sources of contamination, intermediate, external and environmental, to avoid, for certain fragile products such as yoghurts or certain delicatessen products, meats, fish, vegetables, processed or not, etc. , clean rooms, laminar flows etc ...
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic sections of a sealing device according to document WO 99/17990
  • Figures 3 and 4 are schematic sections of two embodiments of a device according to the present invention, comprising, in addition to the means already illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, means for filling the container with products for example rigid, directly in the enclosure surrounding the container at the sealing station
  • FIGS. 5 to 10 illustrate several embodiments of the means allowing the scrolling of an excess length of sealing film in the enclosure of a device according to FIG. 3.
  • the sealing device (1) of a machine for packaging products, in particular food products, in thermoformed trays intended to be sealed with a film (11), device here part of a thermoforming-sealer comprises a lower part (2) in the form of a tank, intended to receive a tray (4) and provided with a seal (18) on its upper edge, and d 'a part fixed upper (3) bell-shaped, comprising a frame (8) integral with a support plate and surrounding a movable welding head (9) used to weld the film (11) on the rim of the tray (4) .
  • the frame (8) of the upper part (3) of the welding device is crossed at its wall located on the supply side of the sealing film (11) by a slot (13) through which the film (11 ).
  • the slot (13) is associated with a shutter and blocking means (14) with controlled actuation, constituted for example by an inflatable rubber hose, mounted in a hole (16) opening into the slot (13) so that the pipe (14, when inflated, blocks the sealing film (11) in the slot (13) and seals the latter in a completely sealed manner.
  • a shutter and blocking means (14) with controlled actuation constituted for example by an inflatable rubber hose, mounted in a hole (16) opening into the slot (13) so that the pipe (14, when inflated, blocks the sealing film (11) in the slot (13) and seals the latter in a completely sealed manner.
  • the frame (8) furthermore comprises, in the same wall, between the slot (13) and the lower edge of this wall, one or more orifices or nozzles (17, for example for extracting or injecting gas, opening out inside the enclosure (25) delimited between the two parts (1) and (2) or the frame (8).
  • the filling and sealing device as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 which incorporates all the characteristics of the device according to FIGS. 1 and 2, also has orifices or nozzles (17) which by their size (section) reduced can only be used for extraction and / or gas injection and / or for the introduction of more or less fluid products, at least one orifice or nozzle (17A) of larger size (section) designed to allow the passage of all products and in particular more consistent, solid, rigid or in pieces.
  • introduction and filling means may in particular comprise mobile transfer means (20), such as carriages in the form of shuttles, mounted for example in a tilting, pivoting or not manner, and in a movable back and forth manner. comes in axial translation, under the action of jacks or similar motor means, in guides (23), for example tubular, which can be provided with openings (24) for loading products into the shuttles (20) from the outside of the packaging machine.
  • mobile transfer means (20) such as carriages in the form of shuttles, mounted for example in a tilting, pivoting or not manner, and in a movable back and forth manner. comes in axial translation, under the action of jacks or similar motor means, in guides (23), for example tubular, which can be provided with openings (24) for loading products into the shuttles (20) from the outside of the packaging machine.
  • the guides (23) for the shuttles (20) may comprise, in one or more places, means (22) for placing under modified or controlled atmosphere, independent and / or individual and / or centralized, and the shuttles (20) in which the products (26) are advantageously supported by means such as grids may include seals (21) ensuring perfect sealing of the shuttles in the guides, which makes it possible to introduce the products (26) under a perfectly controlled atmosphere, through the orifices or nozzles (17A), in the enclosure (25) and in the trays (4), without disturbing the controlled atmosphere already created in the enclosure and therefore in the trays thanks to the orifices or nozzles (17) for fluids.
  • the orifice (17A) for the introduction of the product to be packaged in the tray (4) is on the contrary constituted by a notch which is formed in the lower edge of the frame (8).
  • This orifice (17A) therefore comes to be located, when the sealing device (1) is closed around a tray (4), by the rise of the lower part (2) movable vertically against the fixed upper part (3), directly on the connecting portion between two trays ( 4) successive. It is clear that in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the filling and sealing device (1) as a whole and more precisely the frame (8) of the upper part (2) is much higher that in the case of the embodiment according to FIGS.
  • the filling and sealing device (1) further comprises means allowing the inward movement of the enclosure (25) through the slot (13) and the 'accumulation of an excess length of film (11, this excess length of film being restored during the descent of the welding head (9) on the tray (4) or similar container.
  • This scrolling of an excess length of film can, in the context of the invention, be done in various ways, for example by mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, motorized means, by pressure, suction, air blowing, etc.
  • a possibility which is not represented thus consists in controlling the advancement system of the conveyor which scrolls step by step the trays (4) on the packaging machine and therefore through the sealing device, so that the advancement takes place with steps of length greater than the length of the trays, each advancement step being followed by a reversing stroke corresponding to a fraction of the advancement step.
  • the welding head (9) comprises, on the side of the slot (13), a horizontal pusher (27) mounted by springs (28) on the head (9).
  • the upper part (3) of the sealing device (1) comprises a system (29) of positive or controlled advancement acting on the film (11) at the level of the slot (13), for example by downstream of the closure and blocking means (14). It may in particular be a stepper motor or encoder system making it possible to bring into the enclosure (25) a perfectly defined extra length of film (11) before it is locked in the slot (13) by the means (14).
  • the frame (8) of the upper part (3) of the filling and sealing device (1) has below the filling orifice (17A), at its lowest point, close above its lower edge, on the same side as the slot (13), a network of suction orifices (30) which allow, after advancement out of the enclosure (25) of the tray (4) previously sealed, to exert a pull down on the film (11) contained in the enclosure (25) but not yet blocked in the slot (13) by the means (14), to thereby bring a film length in the enclosure.
  • a horizontal roller (31) is disposed between the welding head (9) and the wall of the frame (8) through which the slot (13) passes, this roller can either be mounted on the head welding (9) and be mobile with the latter, like the pusher of Figures 5 and 6, either be independent of the welding head (9) and then be controlled separately from the head, for example by one or more cylinders mounted (s ) on the upper part (3), of which only the vertical axis 32 is sketched in the figures.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 show the positive advancement system (29) already described in connection with FIG. 7, which is used here in combination with the tension roller (31).
  • a filling and sealing device (1) it is possible to combine on a filling and sealing device (1) at least two of the various scrolling systems as described and illustrated to bring an extra length of sealing film (11) into the enclosure. (25), to allow sealing of the trays without risk of tearing of the film due to the introduction of the latter by a slot (13) raised relative to the tray (4) due to the presence of the orifice filling (17A) located below the slot (13).

Abstract

The invention concerns a filling and sealing device comprising a top part (3) in the shape of a bell and a bottom part (2) forming a dish, receiving a container (4) to be sealed by a film (11) in the chamber (25) defined by the two parts (2 and 3). The top part (3) comprises in one wall (8), on the sealing film feeding side (11), inserting and filling means (17A, 20) emerging inside the chamber (25) between the film (11) and the lower edge of the wall (8) for introducing products into the chamber (25) and filling the container (4) held therein, and above said means (17A, 20) a slot (13) for allowing through the film with sealing and locking means (14) with controlled actuation. Means (27, 28) for unwinding the film for example in the form of a push-rod are provided to introduce into the chamber (26) an extra length of sealing film (11). The invention is applicable in particular to packaging of food products under controlled or modified atmosphere, in trays or jars.

Description

Dispositif pour le conditionnement de produits sous atmosphère contrôlée dans des emballages operculés par un film. Device for packaging products under controlled atmosphere in packaging sealed with a film.
La présente invention se rapporte à un dispositif de remplissage et d' operculage pour une machine de conditionnement sous atmosphère contrôlée de produits, plus particulièrement des produits alimentaires solides, rigides ou en morceaux dans des récipients tels que des barquettes, pots et emballages analogues, operculés par un film. Le conditionnement de produits alimentaires et autres dans de tels emballages operculés est réalisé sur des machines dites "Operculeuses" ou "Thermoformeuses-Operculeuses" selon que les récipients à operculer sont réalisés soit préalablement sur une autre machine, soit par thermoformage par exemple d'une pellicule de matière thermoplastique sur la même machine que celle effectuant l' operculage. Il est souvent nécessaire, notamment lors du conditionnement de produits alimentaires, produits pharmaceutiques ou autres produits périssables ou posant des problèmes, en vue d'une meilleure conservation, protection et/ou hygiène, d' effectuer l'operculage sous vide ou sous atmosphère contrôlée, ce qui implique une extraction de l'air et/ou une injection (ou réinjection) de gaz.The present invention relates to a filling and sealing device for a packaging machine under a controlled atmosphere for products, more particularly solid, rigid or pieces of food products in containers such as trays, pots and similar packages, sealed. by a film. The packaging of food products and the like in such sealed packaging is carried out on so-called "Tray sealer" or "Thermoformer-Tray sealer" machines depending on whether the containers to be sealed are made either on another machine or by thermoforming, for example film of thermoplastic material on the same machine as that carrying out the sealing. It is often necessary, especially when packaging food products, pharmaceuticals or other perishable or problematic products, for better conservation, protection and / or hygiene, to perform the sealing under vacuum or under controlled atmosphere , which involves extracting air and / or injecting (or re-injecting) gas.
Une solution connue et couramment utilisée consiste à effectuer l'extraction de l'air et/ou l'injection de gaz par des trous pratiqués sur les côtés du film de thermoformage, le long des chaînes d'entraînement. Cette solution permet certes d'établir dans les emballages une atmosphère bien contrôlée, mais entraîne une perte non négligeable de film de thermoformage, ce dernier devant être de largeur nettement supérieure à celle des récipients à operculer, mais ne permet pas de remplir de produits les barquettes dans le poste d'operculage.A known and commonly used solution consists in extracting the air and / or injecting gas through holes made on the sides of the thermoforming film, along the drive chains. This solution certainly makes it possible to establish a well-controlled atmosphere in the packaging, but results in a significant loss of thermoforming film, the latter having to be much greater in width than that of the containers to be sealed, but does not make it possible to fill the products with trays in the sealing station.
D'autres solutions proposées jusqu'à présent à cet effet (voir par exemple les documents US-A-4 162 599. US-A-4 624 099, US-A- 5 271 207, WO 96/09210) sont compliquées et onéreuses et ne donnent néanmoins pas entière satisfaction. En particulier, elles ne permettent pas de réaliser au poste d' operculage une étanchéité satisfaisante ou fiable de l'enceinte créée autour du récipient à operculer, notamment au niveau du système d'extraction d'air et/ou d'injection de gaz de balayage entre le film d'operculage et le récipient à operculer et surtout ne permettent pas le remplissage de barquettes directement dans le poste d'operculage.Other solutions proposed so far for this purpose (see for example documents US-A-4,162,599. US-A-4,624,099, US-A-5,271,207, WO 96/09210) are complicated and expensive and nevertheless do not give complete satisfaction. In particular, they do not allow not to achieve a satisfactory or reliable sealing at the sealing station of the enclosure created around the container to be sealed, in particular at the level of the air extraction system and / or of injection of sweeping gas between the film of sealing and the container to be sealed and above all do not allow the filling of trays directly in the sealing station.
Pour remédier aux inconvénients concernant l'étanchéité défaillante au niveau du poste d' operculage, le document WO 99/ 17990 propose un dispositif d' operculage pour une machine de conditionnement dans des récipients operculés, dispositif qui tout en étant de structure particulièrement simple et fiable, assure une étanchéité parfaite de l'enceinte dans laquelle a lieu le soudage de l' opercule sur le récipient, permettant ainsi la création, dans le récipient operculé, une atmosphère mieux contrôlée que jusqu'à présent et permettant par ailleurs l'introduction de produits fluidesTo remedy the drawbacks concerning the faulty seal at the sealing station, the document WO 99/17990 proposes a sealing device for a packaging machine in sealed containers, a device which, while being of particularly simple and reliable structure , ensures perfect sealing of the enclosure in which the sealing of the seal takes place on the container, thus allowing the creation, in the sealed container, an atmosphere better controlled than up to now and also allowing the introduction of fluid products
(par exemple liquides, pâteux ou en poudre) dans le récipient à l'intérieur du poste de soudage ou d'operculage, avant operculage complet du récipient. Ce dispositif d'operculage, destiné à une machine de conditionnement de produits sous atmosphère contrôlée dans des récipients tels que des barquettes, pots et récipients analogues operculés par un film, comprend une partie supérieure formant cloche munie d'une tête de soudage, et une partie inférieure formant cuve. La partie inférieure reçoit au moins un récipient à operculer et coopère avec la partie supérieure de manière à définir, autour du récipient à operculer, une enceinte dans laquelle du film d'operculage continu préalablement amené sur le récipient est soudé sur le récipient par la tête de soudage de la partie supérieure. La partie supérieure comprend, dans une paroi latérale, sur le côté d' amenée du film d'operculage, une fente de passage pour le film d'operculage, des moyens d'obturation et de blocage à actionnement commandé pour obturer ladite fente et bloquer le film par rapport à la partie supérieure, des moyens d'introduction et/ou d'extraction de fluide (gaz, air), et éventuellement des moyens de remplissage comprenant des becs ou orifices d'introduction de produits fluides (liquides, semi- liquides, pâteux ou en poudre) débouchant à l'intérieur de l' enceinte entre ladite fente et le bord inférieur de ladite paroi.(for example liquids, pastes or powders) in the container inside the sealing or sealing station, before complete sealing of the container. This sealing device, intended for a machine for packaging products under controlled atmosphere in containers such as trays, pots and similar containers sealed with a film, comprises an upper bell-shaped part provided with a welding head, and a lower part forming tank. The lower part receives at least one container to be sealed and cooperates with the upper part so as to define, around the container to be sealed, an enclosure in which the continuous sealing film previously brought to the container is welded to the container by the head. the upper part. The upper part comprises, in a side wall, on the supply side of the sealing film, a passage slot for the sealing film, shutter and blocking means with controlled actuation for closing said slot and blocking the film with respect to the upper part, means for introducing and / or extracting fluid (gas, air), and possibly filling means comprising nozzles or orifices for introducing fluid products (liquids, semi- liquids, pasty or powder) opening into the interior of the enclosure between said slot and the lower edge of said wall.
Il n'est pas prévu, suivant le document WO 99/17990, de remplir les récipients à l'aide de produits autres que fluides au poste d' operculage.According to document WO 99/17990, it is not intended to fill the containers with products other than fluids at the sealing station.
La présente invention vise un dispositif pour le conditionnement de produits sous atmosphère contrôlée permettant plus particulièrement le remplissage des récipients, à l'intérieur du poste d'operculage, avec des produits même de consistance non fluide (rigides, solides, en morceaux, etc), ces produits pouvant, de préférence, être préalablement mis sous atmosphère modifiée ou contrôlée.The present invention relates to a device for the packaging of products under a controlled atmosphere allowing more particularly the filling of the containers, inside the sealing station, with products even of non-fluid consistency (rigid, solid, in pieces, etc.). , these products can preferably be placed beforehand under a modified or controlled atmosphere.
Plus particulièrement, l'invention vise un dispositif de remplissage et d' operculage de tels récipients d' emballages, présentant tous les avantages et caractéristiques du dispositif selon le documentMore particularly, the invention relates to a device for filling and sealing of such packaging containers, having all the advantages and characteristics of the device according to the document.
WO 99/17990, donc complémentaire de ce dispositif, mais plus performant et possédant une structure mieux adaptée à un procédé industriel de conditionnement et ayant surtout l'avantage de permettre le remplissage des récipients directement à l'intérieur du poste d' operculage, grâce à la possibilité d'introduction, dans l' enceinte entourant le récipient à remplir et à operculer, de tous types de produits, de toute nature, forme, aspect et consistance mais plus particulièrement de produits rigides, solides ou en morceaux, si nécessaire préalablement mis sous atmosphère modifiée ou contrôlée, ces produits pouvant être notamment des produits alimentaires, tels que longes de porcs, volailles, poissons tels que saumons traités ou entiers, pâtés, légumes, etc...WO 99/17990, therefore complementary to this device, but more efficient and having a structure better suited to an industrial packaging process and having above all the advantage of allowing the containers to be filled directly inside the sealing station, thanks to the possibility of introducing, into the enclosure surrounding the container to be filled and sealed, all types of products, of any kind, shape, appearance and consistency but more particularly of rigid, solid or lumpy products, if necessary beforehand placed under a modified or controlled atmosphere, these products can in particular be food products, such as pork loin, poultry, fish such as processed or whole salmon, pâtés, vegetables, etc.
Le dispositif selon l'invention de remplissage et d' operculage d' emballages pour une machine de conditionnement sous atmosphère contrôlée de produits dans des récipients tels que des barquettes, pots et emballages analogues à operculer par un film, comprend une partie supérieure fixe formant cloche munie d'une tête de soudage mobile verticalement, et une partie inférieure mobile verticalement formant cuve, la partie inférieure recevant au moins un récipient à operculer et coopérant avec la partie supérieure de manière à définir, autour du récipient à operculer, une enceinte dans laquelle du film d'operculage continu préalablement amené à travers une ouverture dans l'enceinte au-dessus du récipient disposé à l'intérieur de l'enceinte est soudé sur le récipient par la tête de soudage de la partie supérieure. Le dispositif comprend également des moyens pour obturer ladite ouverture d' amenée et bloquer le film d'operculage dans cette ouverture et des moyens pour établir une atmosphère contrôlée à l'intérieur de l'enceinte. Le dispositif comprend de plus des moyens d'introduction et de remplissage débouchant à l' intérieur de l' enceinte en dessous dudit film d'operculage pour l'introduction dans ladite enceinte des produits à emballer et pour le remplissage du récipient contenu dans ladite enceinte avec ces produits, avant soudage du film d'operculage sur le récipient. Le dispositif comprend, en outre, des moyens de défilement de film d' operculage pour amener et accumuler une longueur excédentaire de film d' operculage dans l' enceinte, cette longueur excédentaire étant disponible pour permettre la descente de la tête de soudage sur le récipient à operculer sans déchirure du film d' operculage. En effet, du fait de la présence des moyens d'introduction et de remplissage entre l' ouverture d' amenée du film d' operculage et le récipient à operculer, cette ouverture qui peut de préférence être constituée en forme de fente doit être ménagée à la manière d' une fenêtre dans la partie supérieure, à une distance au-dessus du récipient d' autant plus grande que le produit à conditionner est volumineux, ce qui fait qu'en absence des moyens de défilement, la longueur de film qui serait amenée dans l'enceinte par la seule traction exercée par la barquette préalablement operculée, lors de l' avancement de cette dernière hors de l'enceinte, serait insuffisante pour éviter une déchirure du film lors de la descente de la tête de soudage sur la barquette suivante.The device according to the invention for filling and sealing packages for a packaging machine under a controlled atmosphere for products in containers such as trays, pots and similar packages to be sealed with a film, comprises a fixed upper part forming a bell provided with a vertically movable welding head, and a vertically movable lower part forming a tank, the lower part receiving at least one container to be sealed and cooperating with the upper part so as to define, around the container to be sealed, an enclosure in which continuous sealing film previously brought through an opening in the enclosure above the container disposed inside the enclosure is welded to the container by the welding head at the top. The device also comprises means for closing said inlet opening and blocking the sealing film in this opening and means for establishing a controlled atmosphere inside the enclosure. The device further comprises means of introduction and filling opening into the interior of the enclosure below said sealing film for the introduction into said enclosure of the products to be packaged and for filling the container contained in said enclosure with these products, before welding the sealing film on the container. The device further comprises means for moving the lidding film through to bring and accumulate an excess length of lidding film in the enclosure, this excess length being available to allow the welding head to descend to the container. to seal without tearing the sealing film. In fact, due to the presence of the means for introducing and filling between the opening for supplying the sealing film and the container to be sealed, this opening which may preferably be in the form of a slit must be provided to the manner of a window in the upper part, at a distance above the container the greater the volume of the product to be packaged, which means that in the absence of the scrolling means, the length of film which would be brought into the enclosure by the only traction exerted by the previously sealed tray, during the advancement of the latter out of the enclosure, would be insufficient to avoid tearing of the film when the welding head is lowered onto the tray next.
Les avantages du dispositif comprenant ces moyens d'introduction et de remplissage complétés par les moyens de défilement de film sont nombreux, puisque ce dispositif permet, grâce à la possibilité d'introduction de tous produits dans les récipients directement dans le poste d' operculage, d' améliorer et assurer la protection et d' augmenter considérablement la durée de conservation des produits alimentaires et l'hygiène, puisque ces produits peuvent désormais, pour certains, de la salle de fabrication, être envoyés, acheminés ou dirigés directement dans le poste d' operculage d'une machine de conditionnement, ou par l'intermédiaire de matériels de dosage, permettant ainsi, en supprimant toutes les sources de contamination, intermédiaires, extérieures et d'environnement, d' éviter, pour certains produits fragiles tels que les yaourts ou certains produits de charcuterie, viandes, poissons, légumes transformés ou pas etc. , les salles blanches, les flux laminaires etc...The advantages of the device comprising these means of introduction and filling supplemented by the film scrolling means are numerous, since this device allows, thanks the possibility of introducing all products into the containers directly in the sealing station, improving and ensuring protection and considerably increasing the shelf life of food products and hygiene, since these products can now, for some, from the manufacturing room, to be sent, routed or directed directly to the sealing station of a packaging machine, or via dosing equipment, thus allowing, by removing all sources of contamination, intermediate, external and environmental, to avoid, for certain fragile products such as yoghurts or certain delicatessen products, meats, fish, vegetables, processed or not, etc. , clean rooms, laminar flows etc ...
En se référant aux dessins schématiques annexés, on va décrire ci-après plus en détail un mode de réalisation illustratif et non limitatif d'un dispositif de remplissage et d'operculage conforme à l 'invention ; sur les dessins : les figures 1 et 2 sont des coupes schématiques d'un dispositif d' operculage selon le document WO 99/17990 ; les figures 3 et 4 sont des coupes schématiques de deux modes de réalisation d'un dispositif conforme à la présente invention, comportant, en plus des moyens déjà illustrés sur les figures 1 et 2, des moyens de remplissage du récipient avec des produits par exemple rigides, directement dans l'enceinte entourant le récipient au poste d'operculage ; les figures 5 à 10 illustrent plusieurs modes de réalisation des moyens permettant le défilement d'une longueur excédentaire de film d'operculage dans l' enceinte d'un dispositif selon la figure 3.Referring to the appended schematic drawings, an illustrative and nonlimiting embodiment of a filling and sealing device according to the invention will be described below in more detail; in the drawings: FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic sections of a sealing device according to document WO 99/17990; Figures 3 and 4 are schematic sections of two embodiments of a device according to the present invention, comprising, in addition to the means already illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, means for filling the container with products for example rigid, directly in the enclosure surrounding the container at the sealing station; FIGS. 5 to 10 illustrate several embodiments of the means allowing the scrolling of an excess length of sealing film in the enclosure of a device according to FIG. 3.
Selon les figures 1 et 2, le dispositif d'operculage (1 ) d'une machine de conditionnement de produits, notamment de produits alimentaires, dans des barquettes thermoformées destinées à être operculées à l' aide d'un film (11), ce dispositif faisant ici partie d'une thermoformeuse-operculeuse, comprend une partie inférieure (2) en forme de cuve, destinée à recevoir une barquette (4) et garnie d'un joint d'étanchéite (18) sur son bord supérieur, et d'une partie supérieure fixe (3) en forme de cloche, comprenant un cadre (8) solidaire d'une plaque de support et entourant une tête de soudage (9) mobile servant à souder le film (11) sur le rebord de la barquette (4). Le cadre (8) de la partie supérieure (3) du dispositif de soudage est traversé au niveau de sa paroi située du côté d'amenée du film d'operculage (11) par une fente (13) dans laquelle passe le film (11). À la fente (13) est associé un moyen d' obturation et de blocage (14) à actionnement commandé, constitué par exemple par un tuyau en caoutchouc gonflable, monté dans un trou (16) débouchant dans la fente (13) de manière que le tuyau (14, lorsqu'il est gonflé, bloque le film d'operculage (11) dans la fente (13) et obture cette dernière de façon totalement étanche.According to Figures 1 and 2, the sealing device (1) of a machine for packaging products, in particular food products, in thermoformed trays intended to be sealed with a film (11), device here part of a thermoforming-sealer, comprises a lower part (2) in the form of a tank, intended to receive a tray (4) and provided with a seal (18) on its upper edge, and d 'a part fixed upper (3) bell-shaped, comprising a frame (8) integral with a support plate and surrounding a movable welding head (9) used to weld the film (11) on the rim of the tray (4) . The frame (8) of the upper part (3) of the welding device is crossed at its wall located on the supply side of the sealing film (11) by a slot (13) through which the film (11 ). The slot (13) is associated with a shutter and blocking means (14) with controlled actuation, constituted for example by an inflatable rubber hose, mounted in a hole (16) opening into the slot (13) so that the pipe (14, when inflated, blocks the sealing film (11) in the slot (13) and seals the latter in a completely sealed manner.
Le cadre (8) comporte par ailleurs, dans la même paroi, entre la fente (13) et le bord inférieur de cette paroi, un ou plusieurs orifices ou buses (17, par exemple d'extraction ou d'injection de gaz, débouchant à l'intérieur de l'enceinte (25) délimitée entre les deux parties (1) et (2) ou du cadre (8).The frame (8) furthermore comprises, in the same wall, between the slot (13) and the lower edge of this wall, one or more orifices or nozzles (17, for example for extracting or injecting gas, opening out inside the enclosure (25) delimited between the two parts (1) and (2) or the frame (8).
Le dispositif de remplissage et d' operculage tel qu' illustré par les figures 3 et 4, qui reprend toutes les caractéristiques du dispositif selon les figures 1 et 2, comporte en plus des orifices ou buses (17) qui par leur taille (section) réduite ne peuvent servir qu'à l' extraction et/ou à l'injection de gaz et/ou à l'introduction de produits plus ou moins fluides, au moins un orifice ou buse (17A) de taille (section) plus importante conçu pour permettre le passage de tous produits et notamment de produits plus conséquents, solides, rigides ou en morceaux.The filling and sealing device as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, which incorporates all the characteristics of the device according to FIGS. 1 and 2, also has orifices or nozzles (17) which by their size (section) reduced can only be used for extraction and / or gas injection and / or for the introduction of more or less fluid products, at least one orifice or nozzle (17A) of larger size (section) designed to allow the passage of all products and in particular more consistent, solid, rigid or in pieces.
Ces orifices (17A) plus grands, qui peuvent avoir des sections et des formes variées selon les produits qui doivent pouvoir être introduits à travers eux dans la barquette (4) enfermée dans l' enceinte (25) et peuvent être constitués de toutes sortes de matériaux divers, tels que, entre autres, aluminium, acier inoxydable, matière plastique etc.. suivant les applications et les produits à conditionner, peuvent être avantageusement complétés, pour permettre le meilleur acheminement et respect des produits vers le poste d'operculage (dans l 'enceinte 25), par des moyens d'introduction et de remplissage manuels ou de préférence automatisés du type sas, pour introduire les produits (26) dans l'enceinte (25) et les déposer dans la barquette (4) sans altérer l' atmosphère contrôlée régnant dans l' enceinte (25). Ces moyens d'introduction et de remplissage peuvent en particulier comporter des moyens de transfert mobiles (20), tels que des chariots sous forme de navettes, montées par exemple de façon basculante, pivotante ou non, et de façon mobile en va-et-vient en translation axiale, sous l' action de vérins ou de moyens moteurs analogues, dans des guides (23) par exemple tubulaires, qui peuvent être munis d'ouvertures (24) de chargement des produits dans les navettes (20) depuis l' extérieur de la machine de conditionnement. Il est à remarquer que selon les figures 3 et 4, les guides (23) pour les navettes (20) peuvent comporter en un ou plusieurs endroits des moyens (22) de mise sous atmosphère modifiée ou contrôlée, indépendants et/ou individuels et/ou centralisés, et les navettes (20) dans lesquelles les produits (26) sont avantageusement supportés par des moyens tels que des grilles peuvent comporter des joints (21) assurant une étanchéité parfaite des navettes dans les guides, ce qui permet d'introduire les produits (26) sous une atmosphère parfaitement contrôlée, par les orifices ou buses (17A), dans l 'enceinte (25) et dans les barquettes (4), sans perturber l'atmosphère contrôlée déjà créée dans l' enceinte et donc dans les barquettes grâce aux orifices ou buses (17) pour fluides. Dans le mode de réalisation suivant la figure 3, on reconnaît un orifice (17A) ménagé dans le cadre (8) sur le même côté que la fente (13) de passage du film (11), à distance au-dessus du bord inférieur du cadre, donc entre ledit bord inférieur et la fente (13) de passage du film (11), et plus précisément entre ledit bord inférieur et l' orifice ou buse (17) pour fluide.These larger orifices (17A), which can have various sections and shapes depending on the products which must be able to be introduced through them into the tray (4) enclosed in the enclosure (25) and can consist of all kinds of various materials, such as, among others, aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, etc., depending on the applications and the products to be packaged, can be advantageously supplemented, to allow the best routing and respect of the products towards the sealing station (in the enclosure 25), by manual or preferably automated means of introduction and filling of the airlock type, for introducing the products (26) into the enclosure (25) and depositing them in the tray (4) without altering the controlled atmosphere prevailing in the enclosure (25). These introduction and filling means may in particular comprise mobile transfer means (20), such as carriages in the form of shuttles, mounted for example in a tilting, pivoting or not manner, and in a movable back and forth manner. comes in axial translation, under the action of jacks or similar motor means, in guides (23), for example tubular, which can be provided with openings (24) for loading products into the shuttles (20) from the outside of the packaging machine. It should be noted that according to FIGS. 3 and 4, the guides (23) for the shuttles (20) may comprise, in one or more places, means (22) for placing under modified or controlled atmosphere, independent and / or individual and / or centralized, and the shuttles (20) in which the products (26) are advantageously supported by means such as grids may include seals (21) ensuring perfect sealing of the shuttles in the guides, which makes it possible to introduce the products (26) under a perfectly controlled atmosphere, through the orifices or nozzles (17A), in the enclosure (25) and in the trays (4), without disturbing the controlled atmosphere already created in the enclosure and therefore in the trays thanks to the orifices or nozzles (17) for fluids. In the embodiment according to Figure 3, there is an orifice (17A) formed in the frame (8) on the same side as the slot (13) for passing the film (11), at a distance above the lower edge of the frame, therefore between said lower edge and the slit (13) for passing the film (11), and more precisely between said lower edge and the orifice or nozzle (17) for fluid.
Dans le mode de réalisation selon la figure 4, l' orifice (17A) pour l'introduction du produit à emballer dans la barquette (4) est au contraire constitué par une échancrure qui est ménagée dans le bord inférieur du cadre (8). Cet orifice (17A) vient donc se situer, lorsque le dispositif d'operculage (1) est fermé autour d'une barquette (4), par la montée de la partie inférieure (2) mobile verticalement contre la partie supérieure (3) fixe, directement sur la portion de liaison entre deux barquettes (4) successives. II apparaît clairement que dans les modes de réalisation illustrés par les figures 3 et 4, le dispositif de remplissage et d' operculage (1) dans son ensemble et plus précisément le cadre (8) de la partie supérieure (2) est nettement plus haut que dans le cas du mode de réalisation suivant les figures 1 et 2, du fait de la présence de l'orifice (17A) en dessous de la fente (13) de passage du film (11), cette fente (13) étant ainsi également située nettement plus haut, notamment par rapport à la barquette (4) à operculer à l'aide du film (11). Par conséquent, le film (11) qui reste toujours attaché à la dernière barquette (4) préalablement operculée et qui est normalement amené dans l'enceinte (25) sous l'effet de la seule traction exercée par cette barquette, lors de l' avancement d'un pas de cette dernière hors de l'enceinte, comme cela est usuel, suivrait dans l'enceinte (25) une trajectoire plus ou moins oblique selon la hauteur du débouché de la fente (13) par rapport au bord supérieur de la barquette (4). La descente de la tête de soudage (9) sur la barquette (4), après blocage du film (11) dans la fente (13) par le moyen (14), provoquerait ainsi une déchirure du film d'operculage (11).In the embodiment according to Figure 4, the orifice (17A) for the introduction of the product to be packaged in the tray (4) is on the contrary constituted by a notch which is formed in the lower edge of the frame (8). This orifice (17A) therefore comes to be located, when the sealing device (1) is closed around a tray (4), by the rise of the lower part (2) movable vertically against the fixed upper part (3), directly on the connecting portion between two trays ( 4) successive. It is clear that in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the filling and sealing device (1) as a whole and more precisely the frame (8) of the upper part (2) is much higher that in the case of the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, due to the presence of the orifice (17A) below the slit (13) for passing the film (11), this slit (13) thus being also located significantly higher, in particular with respect to the tray (4) to be sealed with the film (11). Consequently, the film (11) which always remains attached to the last tray (4) previously sealed and which is normally brought into the enclosure (25) under the effect of the only traction exerted by this tray, during the advancing one step of the latter out of the enclosure, as is usual, would follow in the enclosure (25) a more or less oblique trajectory depending on the height of the opening of the slot (13) relative to the upper edge of the tray (4). The descent of the welding head (9) on the tray (4), after blocking of the film (11) in the slot (13) by the means (14), would thus cause a tearing of the sealing film (11).
Pour éviter une telle déchirure du film (11), le dispositif de remplissage et d'operculage (1) comprend en plus des moyens permettant le défilement vers l'intérieur de l' enceinte (25) à travers la fente (13) et l'accumulation d'une longueur excédentaire de film (11 , cette longueur excédentaire de film étant restituée lors de la descente de la tête de soudage (9) sur la barquette (4) ou récipient analogue.To avoid such tearing of the film (11), the filling and sealing device (1) further comprises means allowing the inward movement of the enclosure (25) through the slot (13) and the 'accumulation of an excess length of film (11, this excess length of film being restored during the descent of the welding head (9) on the tray (4) or similar container.
Ce défilement d'une longueur excédentaire de film peut, dans le cadre de l'invention, se faire de diverses façons, par exemple par des moyens mécaniques, électriques, pneumatiques, motorisés, par pression, aspiration, soufflage d'air, etc.This scrolling of an excess length of film can, in the context of the invention, be done in various ways, for example by mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, motorized means, by pressure, suction, air blowing, etc.
Une possibilité qui n'est pas représentée consiste ainsi à commander le système d'avancement du transporteur qui fait défiler pas à pas les barquettes (4) sur la machine de conditionnement et donc à travers le dispositif d'operculage, de telle manière que l'avancement s' effectue avec des pas de longueur supérieure à la longueur des barquettes, chaque pas d'avancement étant suivi d'une course de recul correspondant à une fraction du pas d' avancement. Etant donné que le film d'operculage reste de façon connue en soi relié à la barquette préalablement operculée et est ainsi tiré par cette barquette dans l'enceinte (25) encore ouverte, la longueur de film (11) tirée à chaque pas d'avancement dans l'enceinte (25) à travers la fente (13) est supérieure à la longueur nécessaire pour recouvrir la barquette dans le plan de l'ouverture supérieure de cette dernière, la surlongueur de film étant, après obturation de la fente et donc blocage du film du côté amenée par le moyen (14), restituée par la course de recul de la barquette préalablement operculée. Selon les figures 5 et 6, la tête de soudage (9) comporte, du côté de la fente (13), un poussoir (27) horizontal monté par ressorts (28) sur la tête (9). Pour amener une surlongueur de film (11) dans l'enceinte (25), après avancement d'une nouvelle barquette (4) dans l'enceinte, mais avant blocage du film (11) dans la fente (13) par le moyen d' obturation et de blocage (14), on abaisse la tête de soudageA possibility which is not represented thus consists in controlling the advancement system of the conveyor which scrolls step by step the trays (4) on the packaging machine and therefore through the sealing device, so that the advancement takes place with steps of length greater than the length of the trays, each advancement step being followed by a reversing stroke corresponding to a fraction of the advancement step. Since the sealing film remains in a manner known per se connected to the previously sealed tray and is thus pulled by this tray in the enclosure (25) still open, the length of film (11) pulled at each step of advancement in the enclosure (25) through the slot (13) is greater than the length necessary to cover the tray in the plane of the upper opening of the latter, the film excess length being, after closing the slot and therefore blocking of the film on the side supplied by the means (14), restored by the recoil stroke of the tray previously sealed. According to Figures 5 and 6, the welding head (9) comprises, on the side of the slot (13), a horizontal pusher (27) mounted by springs (28) on the head (9). To bring an extra length of film (11) into the enclosure (25), after advancing a new tray (4) in the enclosure, but before blocking the film (11) in the slot (13) by means of shutter and blocking (14), the welding head is lowered
(9) avec le poussoir (27) de la position haute selon la figure 5 à la position basse sur la barquette (4), selon la figure 6. On bloque ensuite le film ( 11) dans la fente (13) et on remonte la tête (9) en aspirant simultanément le film (11) vers le haut, pour permettre le remplissage de la barquette à l'aide des moyens (17A, 20) esquissés seulement, situés en dessous de la fente (13).(9) with the pusher (27) from the high position according to FIG. 5 to the low position on the tray (4), according to FIG. 6. The film (11) is then blocked in the slot (13) and we go back up the head (9) simultaneously sucking the film (11) upward, to allow the filling of the tray with the means (17A, 20) only sketched, located below the slot (13).
Selon la figure 7, la partie supérieure (3) du dispositif d'operculage (1) comporte un système (29) d'avancement positif ou contrôlé agissant sur le film (11) au niveau de la fente (13), par exemple en aval du moyen d' obturation et de blocage (14). Il peut s'agir en particulier d'un système à moteur pas à pas ou à codeur permettant d'amener dans l'enceinte (25) une surlongueur parfaitement définie de film (11) avant blocage de ce dernier dans la fente (13) par les moyens (14). Selon la figure 8, le cadre (8) de la partie supérieure (3) du dispositif de remplissage et d' operculage (1) comporte en dessous de l'orifice (17A) de remplissage, en son point le plus bas, à proximité au-dessus de son bord inférieur, du même côté que la fente (13), un réseau d' orifices d'aspiration (30) qui permettent, après l'avancement hors de l ' enceinte (25) de la barquette (4) préalablement operculée, d' exercer une traction vers le bas sur le film (11) contenu dans l'enceinte (25) mais non encore bloqué dans la fente (13) par les moyens (14), pour amener ainsi une surlongueur de film dans l 'enceinte.According to FIG. 7, the upper part (3) of the sealing device (1) comprises a system (29) of positive or controlled advancement acting on the film (11) at the level of the slot (13), for example by downstream of the closure and blocking means (14). It may in particular be a stepper motor or encoder system making it possible to bring into the enclosure (25) a perfectly defined extra length of film (11) before it is locked in the slot (13) by the means (14). According to Figure 8, the frame (8) of the upper part (3) of the filling and sealing device (1) has below the filling orifice (17A), at its lowest point, close above its lower edge, on the same side as the slot (13), a network of suction orifices (30) which allow, after advancement out of the enclosure (25) of the tray (4) previously sealed, to exert a pull down on the film (11) contained in the enclosure (25) but not yet blocked in the slot (13) by the means (14), to thereby bring a film length in the enclosure.
Selon les figures 9 et 10, un rouleau (31) horizontal est disposé entre la tête de soudage (9) et la paroi du cadre (8) traversée par la fente (13), ce rouleau pouvant, soit être monté sur la tête de soudage (9) et être mobile avec cette dernière, comme le poussoir des figures 5 et 6, soit être indépendant de la tête de soudage (9) et être alors commandé séparément de la tête, par exemple par un ou des vérins monté(s) sur la partie supérieure (3), dont seul l'axe vertical 32 est esquissé sur les figures.According to Figures 9 and 10, a horizontal roller (31) is disposed between the welding head (9) and the wall of the frame (8) through which the slot (13) passes, this roller can either be mounted on the head welding (9) and be mobile with the latter, like the pusher of Figures 5 and 6, either be independent of the welding head (9) and then be controlled separately from the head, for example by one or more cylinders mounted (s ) on the upper part (3), of which only the vertical axis 32 is sketched in the figures.
On a par ailleurs repris sur les figures 9 et 10 le système (29) d'avancement positif déjà décrit au sujet de la figure 7, qui est ici utilisé en combinaison avec le rouleau tendeur (31).In addition, FIGS. 9 and 10 show the positive advancement system (29) already described in connection with FIG. 7, which is used here in combination with the tension roller (31).
De façon analogue, il est possible de combiner sur un dispositif de remplissage et d'operculage (1) au moins deux des divers systèmes de défilement tels que décrits et illustrés pour amener une surlongueur de film d' operculage (11) dans l'enceinte (25), afin de permettre un operculage des barquettes sans risque de déchirure du film du fait de l'introduction de ce dernier par une fente (13) surélevée par rapport à la barquette (4) en raison de la présence de l' orifice de remplissage (17A) situé en dessous de la fente (13). Similarly, it is possible to combine on a filling and sealing device (1) at least two of the various scrolling systems as described and illustrated to bring an extra length of sealing film (11) into the enclosure. (25), to allow sealing of the trays without risk of tearing of the film due to the introduction of the latter by a slot (13) raised relative to the tray (4) due to the presence of the orifice filling (17A) located below the slot (13).

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif de remplissage et d'operculage d'emballages pour une machine de conditionnement sous atmosphère contrôlée de produits dans des récipients tels que des barquettes, pots et emballages analogues à operculer par un film, comprenant une partie supérieure fixe formant cloche (3), munie d'une tête de soudage (9) mobile verticalement, et une partie inférieure (2) mobile verticalement formant cuve, la partie inférieure recevant au moins un récipient (4) à operculer et coopérant avec la partie supérieure de manière à définir, autour du récipient à operculer, une enceinte (25) dans laquelle du film (11) d'operculage continu préalablement amené à travers une ouverture d'amenée (13) dans l' enceinte (25) au-dessus du récipient disposé à l'intérieur de l'enceinte est soudé sur le récipient par la tête de soudage de la partie supérieure, des moyens étant prévus pour obturer ladite ouverture et bloquer le film d'operculage, et pour établir une atmosphère contrôlée à l'intérieur de l' enceinte, caractérisé par le fait qu' il comprend, en outre, des moyens (17A, 20, 23) d'introduction et de remplissage débouchant à l'intérieur de l'enceinte (25) en dessous dudit film (11) d'operculage pour l'introduction dans ladite enceinte (25) des produits (26) à emballer et le remplissage du récipient (4) contenu dans ladite enceinte, avant soudage du film (11) d' operculage sur le récipient (4), ainsi que des moyens de défilement de film d' operculage pour amener et accumuler une longueur excédentaire de film d'operculage dans l'enceinte et restituer la longueur excédentaire lors de la descente de la tête de soudage sur le récipient à operculer. 1. Device for filling and sealing packaging for a machine for packaging under a controlled atmosphere products in containers such as trays, pots and similar packaging to be sealed with a film, comprising a fixed upper part forming a bell (3) , provided with a vertically movable welding head (9), and a vertically movable lower part (2) forming a tank, the lower part receiving at least one container (4) to be sealed and cooperating with the upper part so as to define, around the container to be sealed, an enclosure (25) in which film (11) of continuous sealing previously brought through a feed opening (13) in the enclosure (25) above the container disposed at the inside the enclosure is welded to the container by the welding head of the upper part, means being provided for closing said opening and blocking the sealing film, and for establishing an atmosphere controlled inside the enclosure, characterized in that it further comprises means (17A, 20, 23) for introduction and filling opening out inside the enclosure (25) in below said sealing film (11) for the introduction into said enclosure (25) of the products (26) to be packaged and the filling of the container (4) contained in said enclosure, before welding of the sealing film (11) on the container (4), as well as lidding film running means for bringing and accumulating an excess length of lidding film in the enclosure and restoring the excess length when the welding head is lowered onto the container to seal.
2. Dispositif suivant la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que l'ouverture d'amenée du film d' operculage dans l' enceinte est une fente de passage (13) ménagée à la manière d'une fenêtre dans la partie supérieure (3) à distance au-dessus du bord inférieur de cette dernière.2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening for supplying the sealing film into the enclosure is a passage slot (13) formed at the like a window in the upper part (3) at a distance above the lower edge of the latter.
3. Dispositif suivant la revendication 2, caractérisé par le fait qu' il comprend des moyens (14) d' obturation et de blocage à actionnement commandé pour obturer ladite fente et bloquer le film par rapport à la partie supérieure.3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises means (14) for closing and blocking with actuation controlled to close said slot and block the film with respect to the upper part.
4. Dispositif suivant l' une quelconque des revendications 1 à4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to
3 , caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend des moyens (17) d'introduction et/ou d'extraction de fluide débouchant dans l' enceinte entre l' ouverture d' amenée (13) du film d' operculage et les moyens (17A, 20, 23) d'introduction et de remplissage.3, characterized in that it comprises means (17) for introducing and / or extracting fluid emerging in the enclosure between the inlet opening (13) of the sealing film and the means ( 17A, 20, 23) of introduction and filling.
5. Dispositif suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to
4, caractérisé par le fait que lesdits moyens (17A, 20, 23) d'introduction et de remplissage comprennent des moyens (20) de transfert du type sas, permettant une introduction des produits dans ladite enceinte sans perturber l'atmosphère dans cette dernière.4, characterized in that the said means (17A, 20, 23) for introduction and filling comprise means (20) of the airlock type, allowing the products to be introduced into the said enclosure without disturbing the atmosphere in the latter .
6. Dispositif suivant la revendication 5, caractérisé par le fait que lesdits moyens de transfert comprennent au moins une navette (20) mobile de façon étanche dans un guide (23).6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said transfer means comprise at least one shuttle (20) movable in a sealed manner in a guide (23).
7. Dispositif suivant la revendication 6, caractérisé par le fait que ladite navette (20) est pivotante ou basculante.7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that said shuttle (20) is pivoting or tilting.
8. Dispositif suivant la revendication 6 ou 7, caractérisé par le fait que ledit guide (23) comporte au moins une ouverture (24) pour le chargement du produit (26) dans ladite navette8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said guide (23) has at least one opening (24) for loading the product (26) in said shuttle
(20).(20).
9. Dispositif suivant l' une quelconque des revendications 6 à 8, caractérisé par le fait que ledit guide (23) comporte des moyens (22) de mise sous atmosphère modifiée ou contrôlée, indépendants et/ou individuels et/ou centralisés, disposés en un ou plusieurs endroits. 9. Device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said guide (23) comprises means (22) for placing under modified or controlled atmosphere, independent and / or individual and / or centralized, arranged in one or more places.
10. Dispositif suivant l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que les moyens de défilement de film comprennent un transporteur pas à pas pour les récipients, commandé de manière que l'avancement s' effectue avec des pas de longueur supérieure à la longueur des récipients, chaque pas d'avancement étant suivi d'une course de recul correspondant à une fraction du pas d'avancement.10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for film scrolls comprise a step-by-step conveyor for the containers, controlled so that advancement takes place with steps of length greater than the length of the containers, each advancement step being followed by a recoil stroke corresponding to a fraction of the advancement step.
11. Dispositif suivant l' une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé par le fait que les moyens de défilement de film comprennent un poussoir (27) ou un rouleau (31) qui est disposé entre la tête de soudage (9) et la paroi (8) de la partie supérieure (3) du côté d' amenée du film, et qui est mobile verticalement. 11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the film running means comprise a pusher (27) or a roller (31) which is disposed between the welding head (9) and the wall (8) of the upper part (3) on the film supply side, which is movable vertically.
12. Dispositif suivant la revendication 11 , caractérisé par le fait que le poussoir ou rouleau est monté sur la tête de soudage (9). 12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the pusher or roller is mounted on the welding head (9).
13. Dispositif suivant la revendication 11 , caractérisé par le fait que le poussoir ou rouleau est mobile verticalement sous l 'action d'un moyen de manoeuvre tel qu'un vérin.13. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the pusher or roller is vertically movable under the action of an operating means such as a jack.
14. Dispositif suivant l' une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que les moyens de défilement de film comprennent un système (29) d' avancement positif agissant sur le film au niveau de l 'ouverture d'amenée (13) du film pour amener une surlongueur parfaitement définie de film dans l'enceinte.14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film running means comprise a system (29) of positive advancement acting on the film at the supply opening (13) of the film. film to bring a perfectly defined extra length of film into the enclosure.
15. Dispositif suivant l' une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que les moyens de défilement de film comprennent un réseau d'orifices d'aspiration (30) situés sur la partie supérieure (3) du dispositif du même côté que l'ouverture d'amenée (13) du film, en dessous des moyens (17A, 20, 23) d' introduction et de remplissage 15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film running means comprise a network of suction orifices (30) located on the upper part (3) of the device on the same side as the opening of the film (13), below the means (17A, 20, 23) for introduction and filling
PCT/FR2002/004535 2002-10-04 2002-12-23 Device for packaging products under controlled atmosphere in film-sealed packages WO2004031035A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002364871A AU2002364871A1 (en) 2002-10-04 2002-12-23 Device for packaging products under controlled atmosphere in film-sealed packages
DE60216160T DE60216160D1 (en) 2002-10-04 2002-12-23 DEVICE FOR FOLL-CLOSING PACKAGING IN A MACHINE FOR CONDITIONING UNDER CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE
EP02801170A EP1562827B1 (en) 2002-10-04 2002-12-23 Device for packaging products under controlled atmosphere in film-sealed packages

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FRPCT/FR02/03386 2002-10-04
PCT/FR2002/003386 WO2003029081A1 (en) 2001-10-04 2002-10-04 Device for packaging products under controlled atmosphere

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004031035A1 true WO2004031035A1 (en) 2004-04-15

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ID=32050411

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/FR2002/004535 WO2004031035A1 (en) 2002-10-04 2002-12-23 Device for packaging products under controlled atmosphere in film-sealed packages

Country Status (5)

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EP (1) EP1562827B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE345270T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2002364871A1 (en)
DE (1) DE60216160D1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004031035A1 (en)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3972153A (en) * 1974-04-29 1976-08-03 Ab Akerlund & Rausing Process for packaging goods in a steam atmosphere
US4132599A (en) 1976-04-23 1979-01-02 Nasa Determination of antimicrobial susceptibilities on infected urines without isolation
US4624099A (en) 1980-04-07 1986-11-25 Mahaffy & Harder Engineering Co. Packaging apparatus for making gas-filled packages from plastic film
EP0314546A1 (en) * 1987-10-27 1989-05-03 Mecaplastic Method and apparatus for packaging a food or other product in a tray
US5271207A (en) 1992-11-18 1993-12-21 Moshe Epstein Dual-function nozzle head for vacuum-packaging tooling
WO1996009210A1 (en) 1994-09-23 1996-03-28 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Method of packaging a medical article
FR2769289A1 (en) * 1997-10-06 1999-04-09 Jean Pierre Rossi Packaging machine
WO1999017990A1 (en) 1997-10-06 1999-04-15 Rossi Jean Pierre Device for packaging products under controlled atmosphere in packages sealed with a film

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3972153A (en) * 1974-04-29 1976-08-03 Ab Akerlund & Rausing Process for packaging goods in a steam atmosphere
US4132599A (en) 1976-04-23 1979-01-02 Nasa Determination of antimicrobial susceptibilities on infected urines without isolation
US4624099A (en) 1980-04-07 1986-11-25 Mahaffy & Harder Engineering Co. Packaging apparatus for making gas-filled packages from plastic film
EP0314546A1 (en) * 1987-10-27 1989-05-03 Mecaplastic Method and apparatus for packaging a food or other product in a tray
US5271207A (en) 1992-11-18 1993-12-21 Moshe Epstein Dual-function nozzle head for vacuum-packaging tooling
WO1996009210A1 (en) 1994-09-23 1996-03-28 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Method of packaging a medical article
FR2769289A1 (en) * 1997-10-06 1999-04-09 Jean Pierre Rossi Packaging machine
WO1999017990A1 (en) 1997-10-06 1999-04-15 Rossi Jean Pierre Device for packaging products under controlled atmosphere in packages sealed with a film

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE345270T1 (en) 2006-12-15
AU2002364871A1 (en) 2004-04-23
EP1562827A1 (en) 2005-08-17
DE60216160D1 (en) 2006-12-28
EP1562827B1 (en) 2006-11-15

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