EP0593748B1 - Process for vacuum-packing goods and vacuum-packing machine - Google Patents

Process for vacuum-packing goods and vacuum-packing machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0593748B1
EP0593748B1 EP93911720A EP93911720A EP0593748B1 EP 0593748 B1 EP0593748 B1 EP 0593748B1 EP 93911720 A EP93911720 A EP 93911720A EP 93911720 A EP93911720 A EP 93911720A EP 0593748 B1 EP0593748 B1 EP 0593748B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
vacuum
chamber
vacuum chamber
frequency
evacuation
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0593748A1 (en
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Bruno Landolt
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Inauen Maschinen AG
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Inauen Maschinen AG
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    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for packaging goods under vacuum, in which the goods, which are still in an open envelope, are placed in the interior of a vacuum chamber, in which the chamber is then evacuated and in which the evacuation is ended and the Cover of the good is closed as soon as the desired negative pressure has been reached.
  • the end of the evacuation of the packaging chamber is brought about in such a way that the packaging space is evacuated during a specific, predetermined and set period of time.
  • the length of this time period results from the experience of the person operating the machine.
  • This can, however significant problems arise.
  • One of these problems is related to the fact that the packaged goods contain moisture. It can happen that different pieces of the same packaging, for example meat, have different amounts of moisture. After most of the air has been extracted from the packaging room, moisture begins to escape from the packaging. This is also sucked out of the vacuum chamber as steam by the vacuum pump. The vacuum in the packaging room has already reached the required value, but because the vacuum pump is still running, only moisture is removed from the goods. This only loses weight as the pump continues to run, which is undesirable.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a method in which the end of the evacuation can be brought about depending on the peculiarities of the piece of goods to be packed in the machine.
  • This task is the method of the type mentioned solved according to the invention as defined in the characterizing part of claim 1 or 2.
  • This machine comprises a vacuum chamber 1, which has a lower part 2 and an upper part 3.
  • the lower part 2 is stationary and the upper part 3 can be articulated on the lower part 2 approximately like a lid.
  • the lower part 2 and the upper part 3 can be approximately bowl-shaped.
  • a seal 4 is located between the end edges of the side walls of the lower part 2 and the upper part 3 so that a vacuum can be built up in such a chamber 1.
  • a working line 5 and a measuring line 6 are connected at one end to the interior of the vacuum chamber 1. From the immediately following the vacuum chamber 1 Cut 11 of the working line 5, the output of a ventilation valve 7 is connected, the input 8 opens into the surrounding atmosphere.
  • a shut-off valve 10 is interposed in the working line 5 in such a way that one of the mouths of this valve 10 is connected to the first section 11 of the working line 5. The opposite mouth of the shut-off valve 10 is connected to a vacuum pump 13 via a second section 12 of the working line 5. This can be a rotary vane vacuum pump, for example.
  • the machine further comprises a three-way valve 15.
  • the switchable connection 16 of this valve 15 is connected to a vacuum sensor 17.
  • One of the connectable connections 18 of the directional control valve 15 is connected to the vacuum pump 13 via a line 19.
  • the other end of the measuring line 6 is connected to the second of the connectable connections 20.
  • the slide of the directional valve 15 is in a position in which the switchable connection 16 of the valve 15 is connected in terms of flow with the second connectable connection 20 of the directional valve 15.
  • This position of the slide of the directional control valve 15 is shown in the accompanying drawing.
  • the valve spool is in its right position.
  • the vacuum sensor 17 is in this position of the valve slide on the measuring line 6 and thus also connected to the interior of the vacuum chamber 1.
  • the vacuum sensor 17 is a piezoresistive cell, which measures the absolute pressure relative to the vacuum. At 0Pa (0bar), i.e. with absolute vacuum, the measuring cell 17 supplies a voltage of 0mV. At ambient pressure, i.e. at approx. 105 Pa (1 bar), the measuring cell 17 supplies a voltage of approx. 100 mV. This voltage is a DC voltage, the level of which, as explained, depends on the level of the measured vacuum.
  • An electronic circuit arrangement 21 is connected to the electrical output of the vacuum sensor 17, which is indicated schematically in the accompanying drawing only as a block.
  • a display unit 22 is connected to the measurement output of this circuit arrangement 21 and indicates the size of the vacuum in the form of digits.
  • a line 23, which serves to actuate the shut-off valve 10, is connected to one of the working outputs of the circuit arrangement 21.
  • a further line 24, which is connected to a corresponding output of the circuit arrangement 21, is used to actuate the ventilation valve 7.
  • the directional control valve 15 can also be controlled via a line 25 through the circuit arrangement 21, this line 25 being connected to a relevant output of the circuit arrangement 21.
  • the electrical voltage continuously output by the vacuum sensor 17 is converted into a continuous sequence or series of rectangular pulses.
  • This pulse sequence thus has a certain frequency.
  • the conversion is carried out in such a way that the frequency of the pulses is proportional to the magnitude of the output voltage of the vacuum sensor 17 and thus also to the absolute pressure. If the level of the output voltage from the vacuum sensor 17 changes, then the frequency of the pulse sequence also changes accordingly.
  • Such pulse sequences are delivered to further sections of the circuit arrangement 21, where they are evaluated and where they can be used to control the operation of the machine.
  • Values which correspond to the individual values of the negative pressure in the vacuum chamber 1 are stored in the memory of the circuit arrangement 21. These values are stored as information about frequencies which correspond to the individual values of the negative pressure.
  • Time window Z or gate times are generated in the circuit arrangement 21. These represent time periods during which pulse sequences are passed on in the circuit arrangement 21.
  • the circuit arrangement 21 is also designed such that the length of these time windows or gate times can be changed.
  • the time windows or gate times are generated at time intervals T.
  • the circuit arrangement 21 is also designed such that the time interval T between two successive time windows can be changed.
  • the number of pulses of the respective frequency, which are transmitted during the respective time window serves, among other things, to indicate the size of the negative pressure in the vacuum chamber 1.
  • the conversion of the output voltage of the vacuum sensor 17 into a pulse train, the frequency in the respective pulse train being in a certain relation to the level of the vacuum in the chamber 1, enables at least two types of evacuation of the chamber 1, in which the termination of the evacuation is better Relation to the piece of packaged goods that is located in the vacuum chamber 1.
  • the chamber 1 In the first type of evacuation, the chamber 1 is evacuated until a predetermined setpoint value for the negative pressure is reached.
  • the chamber 1 is evacuated until moisture or vapors begin to get out of the product to be packaged.
  • the vacuum value at which the evacuation is to be ended is selected and defined as a comparison value or as a comparison frequency from the memory of the circuit arrangement 21.
  • the frequency of the pulse series, which result from the signals supplied by the vacuum sensor 17 is compared with the selected value of the comparison frequency in the circuit arrangement 21. As soon as the signal emitted by the vacuum sensor 17 has a frequency which is equal to the comparison frequency, the evacuation is stopped.
  • the time windows Z are generated.
  • the time interval T between two successive time windows Z is of no particular importance.
  • the time windows Z are necessary so that patterns of the signal emitted by the vacuum sensor 17 can arise, which are to be checked.
  • the test circles can contain counters, for example.
  • the frequency of the signal pattern passed during the time window Z is compared with the comparison frequency. If the frequency of the transmitted signal pattern equals the comparison frequency, this means that the preselected vacuum in chamber 1 has been reached and that the evacuation of chamber 1 via line 23 can be stopped.
  • the shut-off valve 10 is closed, whereby the chamber 1 is decoupled from the vacuum pump 13.
  • the ventilation valve 7 is automatically opened by the circuit arrangement 21 via the line 24.
  • the chamber 1 is filled with air, it can be opened, etc.
  • the second type of evacuation is based on the knowledge that the pressure in the vacuum chamber 1 initially decreases practically continuously during the evacuation, if only air is sucked out of the vacuum chamber 1 alone.
  • the moisture begins to escape from the material of the product to be packaged or to evaporate on the surface of the product.
  • the amount of steam which is formed from the moisture is different from the amount of the air previously extracted from the vacuum chamber 1.
  • the development of steam takes place relatively quickly, so that the pressure in the chamber 1, when steam forms, decreases more slowly than when air is drawn off alone. The pressure in the chamber 1 therefore no longer decreases continuously, not as quickly as before, during the escape of the moisture from the product.
  • the pressure in the vacuum chamber 1 initially decreases practically linearly in the present case if only air is sucked out of the chamber 1.
  • This section of a pump curve is practically linear and has a certain slope. After most of the air has been drawn out of the chamber 1, steam begins to escape from the packaging product, with the result that the steepness of the pump curve during this pumping phase becomes smaller than before.
  • Such a course of the pump curve can be monitored with the aid of electronic circuitry.
  • the patterns of the signal emitted by the vacuum sensor 17 also arrive in the present case from the latter during the time window Z to the test circles, where the frequency of the signal pattern is determined. These test circles are supplemented by circles which can save the result of the test of a signal pattern until the test of the car following signal pattern is completed.
  • the results of testing these two signal patterns are then compared to determine the difference in frequency between these two signal patterns. This difference gives the steepness of the section in question the pump curve. As long as the successive differences are the same, it is the practically linear section of the pump curve, ie only air is extracted. As soon as the difference between two signal evaluations becomes smaller than the previously determined difference, the pump curve flattens and this means that only steam and moisture are removed from the product.
  • the evacuation can be stopped, which is carried out in the manner already described above.
  • the frequency of the pulses which are generated in the circuit arrangement 21 on the basis of the voltage output by the vacuum sensor 17 depends on the size of the negative pressure in the vacuum chamber 1.
  • the decrease in pressure in the vacuum chamber 1 causes the frequency of the pulses to decrease with decreasing pressure. This means that the number of pulses per unit of time decreases. Furthermore, this means that during the time window of constant length, a decreasing number of pulses are transmitted as the pressure in the vacuum chamber 1 decreases, i.e. the frequency of the pulse trains decreases.
  • the above-mentioned deviations from the initially steady decrease in pressure in the vacuum chamber 1 are very small and could hardly be indicated by the vacuum sensor 17 in such a way that that these deviations could be used directly to control machine operation.
  • the frequency of the pulses which are generated due to the output voltage from the vacuum sensor 17 is relatively high. It is in the range of kHz. This means that a relatively small change in vacuum in the vacuum chamber 1 corresponds to a relatively large number of pulses. This considerable number of pulses can be detected relatively easily by the circuits mentioned and used to control the operation of the machine.
  • the circuit arrangement 21 is designed such that it causes the welding device to close the product pack via its outputs, that it ends the further evacuation of the vacuum chamber 1 and that it initiates or also carries out measures which enable the vacuum chamber 1 to be opened and emptied.
  • the shut-off valve 10 is reversed via the line 23, so that the vacuum chamber 1 is decoupled from the vacuum pump 13. Thereafter, the ventilation valve 7 can be opened by the circuit arrangement 21, after which the vacuum chamber 1 can be opened and emptied.
  • the vacuum chamber 1 After the vacuum chamber 1 has been filled with new goods to be packed, it is closed again.
  • the ventilation valve 7 is also closed while the shut-off valve 10 is opened.
  • the vacuum chamber 1 is thereby reconnected to the vacuum pump 13 and, in turn, there is again a steady decrease in pressure in the vacuum chamber 1.
  • a further packaging cycle can be carried out in the manner described above.
  • the described mode of operation can be installed in the circuit arrangement 21 in the form of individually specified work programs. The operator then only needs to select a specific program by entering the desired mode of operation of the machine, for example using a keyboard. This operation is then carried out automatically by the machine.
  • the evacuation is not stopped immediately after a flattening in the pump or vacuum curve has occurred, but that it continues to run for a selectable period of time.
  • the easiest way to achieve this is to change the time interval T between two successive time windows Z.
  • the pulses transmitted during the time window are converted in the circuit arrangement 21 into signals which cause the display of a corresponding number in the display device 22.
  • the numbers 0 and 000 in the display device 22 stand for atmospheric pressure in the vacuum chamber 1.
  • the number 999 stands for vacuum in the vacuum chamber 1.
  • the frequency of the measuring pulses is approximately 13 kHz and at ambient pressure approximately 110 kHz.
  • the respective number between 0 or 000 and 999 thus corresponds to a certain number of measuring pulses, which is passed through during the time window. If you subtract 13kHz from 110kHz and then divide this result by 999, then about 97Hz corresponds to a digit between 000 and 999.
  • the display in the display device 22 is coupled to the frequency of the pulse signal from the vacuum sensor 17, it can also be visually monitored on the display device 22 how the size of the vacuum in the vacuum chamber 1 changes.
  • the first type of calibration in which the size of the ambient pressure is taken into account, is carried out with the lid 3 of the vacuum chamber 1 open. This calibration can be carried out each time the machine is switched on or after each packaging cycle.
  • the vacuum sensor 17 is connected via the directional valve 15, the slide of which is in its right position, and the measuring line 6 to the inside of the open vacuum chamber 1.
  • the shut-off valve 10 is closed or it is closed for this purpose.
  • the vacuum sensor 17 supplies an electrical voltage, the magnitude of which is constant because the pressure in the vacuum chamber 1 is constant and is equal to the ambient pressure.
  • the circuit arrangement 21 generates a certain number of pulses on the basis of the output voltage of the vacuum sensor 17, this number of pulses being constant because the pressure is constant.
  • the circuit arrangement 21 automatically ensures the relationship between the number of pulses supplied by the vacuum sensor and the numbers 0 and 000 in the display device 22. Should the display device 22 display a number other than 000 at the beginning of this calibration, then the width of the time window T or the size of the gate time is changed by the circuit arrangement 21 itself as part of this calibration. If the number 000 in the display 22 cannot be reached during a certain time, it can be assumed that, for example, the vacuum sensor 17 or the circuit arrangement 21 are defective and an error message appears.
  • the maximum achievable vacuum is determined.
  • This calibration is expediently carried out after each packaging cycle.
  • the slide of the directional control valve 15 is adjusted in such a way that the switchable mouth 16 of the valve 15 is connected in terms of flow with the first switchable connection 18 of the valve 15 is.
  • the vacuum sensor 17 is connected to the vacuum pump 13 via the auxiliary line 19.
  • the shut-off valve 10 is closed during this calibration, so that the vacuum pump 13 is only connected to the vacuum sensor 17. After a few seconds, the line 19 should have been evacuated to the vacuum sensor 17 and after this period the measurement of the vacuum by the vacuum sensor 17 begins.
  • the maximum vacuum that can be achieved by a vacuum pump of the type mentioned here can be 0.5 ⁇ 10 2 Pa (0.5mb). There is still a tolerable range for the vacuum pump during which it is still considered good. The limit of this tolerance range can be 3 to 5 ⁇ 10 2 Pa (3 to 5mb). If the vacuum generated during this calibration does not reach these values, an error message is issued.
  • This calibration of the vacuum pump can be carried out because the values or frequencies corresponding to the individual stages of vacuum are stored in the circuit arrangement 21, as has already been explained. During this calibration, the circuit arrangement 21 compares the signals supplied by the vacuum sensor 17 in the manner already described with the stored vacuum values.
  • the circuit arrangement 21 also tries the relationship in this case between the signal supplied by the vacuum sensor 17 and the number 9 or 999 in the display device 22 automatically. If this is not possible for a few seconds, an error message is issued automatically.

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/CH93/00122 Sec. 371 Date Mar. 15, 1994 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 15, 1994 PCT Filed May 14, 1993 PCT Pub. No. WO93/23289 PCT Pub. Date Nov. 25, 1993.A vacuum-packing machine has a vacuum chamber (1), a stop valve (10) arranged between the vacuum chamber and a vacuum pump (13), a vacuum sensor (17) connected to the vacuum chamber and an indicator (22) for the negative pressure in the vacuum chamber. An electronic circuitry (21) is connected between the vacuum sensor (17) and the indicator (22) and is designed in such a way that the electric voltage supplied thereto by the vacuum sensor (17) is converted into a continuous series of rectangular pulses. Evacuation of the chamber (1) is stopped when a predetermined pulse frequency or a deviation from a linear course of an evacuation curve is detected. Closure of the package in a vacuum can be closely adapted to the product concerned.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Verpacken von Gut unter Vakuum, in welchem das Gut, das sich in einer noch offenen Hülle befindet, in das Innere einer Vakuumkammer gelegt wird, in welchem die Kammer dann evakuiert wird und in welchem die Evakuierung beendet und die Hülle des Guts verschlossen wird, sobald der gewünschte Unterdruck erreicht worden ist.The present invention relates to a method for packaging goods under vacuum, in which the goods, which are still in an open envelope, are placed in the interior of a vacuum chamber, in which the chamber is then evacuated and in which the evacuation is ended and the Cover of the good is closed as soon as the desired negative pressure has been reached.

In bekannten Vakuum-Verpackungsmaschinen wird die Evakuierung des Inneren einer Vakuum-Verpackungskammer nach der Verstreichung einer Zeitspanne beendet. Hiernach wird die Verpackung, welche das Packgut enthält, verschlossen und dann kann die Maschine geöffnet und das versiegelte Produkt aus dieser herausgenommen werden.In known vacuum packaging machines, the evacuation of the interior of a vacuum packaging chamber is ended after a period of time has passed. Then the packaging containing the packaged goods is closed and then the machine can be opened and the sealed product can be removed from it.

Das Ende des Evakuierens der Verpackungskammer wird bei den bekannten Verpackungsmaschinen beispielsweise so herbeigeführt, dass der Verpackungsraum während einer bestimmten, im voraus festgelegten und eingestellten Zeitspanne evakuiert wird. Die Länge dieser Zeitspanne ergibt sich aus der Erfahrung der die Maschine bedienenden Person. Hierbei können sich allerdings erhebliche Probleme ergeben. Eines dieser Probleme hängt damit zusammen, dass das Packgut Feuchtigkeit enthält. Dabei kann es durchaus vorkommen, dass unterschiedliche Stücke von demselben Verpackungsgut, beispielsweise von Fleisch, unterschiedliche Mengen an Feuchtigkeit aufweisen. Nachdem die meiste Luft aus dem Verpackungsraum abgesaugt worden ist, beginnt vermehrt Feuchtigkeit aus dem Verpackungsgut auszutreten. Diese wird ebenfalls durch die Vakuumpumpe als Dampf aus der Vakuumkammer abgesaugt. Das Vakuum im Verpackungsraum hat den erforderlichen Wert zwar bereits erreicht, aber weil die Vakuumpumpe noch weiterläuft, wird nur noch Feuchtigkeit dem Gut entzogen. Dieses verliert beim weiteren Lauf der Pumpe nur noch an Gewicht, was unerwünscht ist.In the known packaging machines, for example, the end of the evacuation of the packaging chamber is brought about in such a way that the packaging space is evacuated during a specific, predetermined and set period of time. The length of this time period results from the experience of the person operating the machine. This can, however significant problems arise. One of these problems is related to the fact that the packaged goods contain moisture. It can happen that different pieces of the same packaging, for example meat, have different amounts of moisture. After most of the air has been extracted from the packaging room, moisture begins to escape from the packaging. This is also sucked out of the vacuum chamber as steam by the vacuum pump. The vacuum in the packaging room has already reached the required value, but because the vacuum pump is still running, only moisture is removed from the goods. This only loses weight as the pump continues to run, which is undesirable.

Bei der genannten bekannten Art von Evakuierung gibt es praktisch keine Möglichkeit, die Eigenheiten des sich jeweils in der Maschine befindlichen Stückes von zu verpackendem Gut zu berücksichtigen.In the known type of evacuation mentioned, there is practically no possibility of taking into account the peculiarities of the piece of goods to be packaged in the machine.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist, ein Verfahren anzugeben, in dem das Ende der Evakuierung in Abhängigkeit von den Eigenheiten des sich jeweils in der Maschine befindenden Stückes von zu verpackendem Gut herbeigeführt werden kann.The object of the present invention is to provide a method in which the end of the evacuation can be brought about depending on the peculiarities of the piece of goods to be packed in the machine.

Diese Aufgabe wird beim Verfahren der eingangs genannten Gattung erfindungsgemäss so gelöst, wie dies im kennzeichnenden Teil des Patentanspruchs 1 oder 2 definiert ist.This task is the method of the type mentioned solved according to the invention as defined in the characterizing part of claim 1 or 2.

Verpackungsmaschinen zur Durchführung dieser Verfahren sind in den Patentansprüchen 10 und 11 definiert.Packaging machines for performing these methods are defined in claims 10 and 11.

Nachstehend werden Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung anhand der beiliegenden Zeichnung näher erläutert. Diese Zeichnung zeigt schematisch eine Maschine zur Durchführung des vorliegenden Verfahrens.Embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. This drawing shows schematically a machine for performing the present method.

Die beiliegende Zeichnung zeigt schematisch eine der Maschinen, mit deren Hilfe sich das vorliegende Verfahren durchführen lässt. Diese Maschine umfasst eine Vakuumkammer 1, welche einen Unterteil 2 sowie einen Oberteil 3 aufweist. Der Unterteil 2 ist ortsfest und der Oberteil 3 kann am Unterteil 2 etwa wie ein Deckel angelenkt sein. Der Unterteil 2 und der Oberteil 3 können etwa schalenförmig ausgebildet sein. Eine Dichtung 4 befindet sich zwischen den Stirnkanten der Seitenwände des Unterteils 2 und des Oberteils 3, damit in einer solchen Kammer 1 Vakuum aufgebaut werden kann.The accompanying drawing shows schematically one of the machines with which the present method can be carried out. This machine comprises a vacuum chamber 1, which has a lower part 2 and an upper part 3. The lower part 2 is stationary and the upper part 3 can be articulated on the lower part 2 approximately like a lid. The lower part 2 and the upper part 3 can be approximately bowl-shaped. A seal 4 is located between the end edges of the side walls of the lower part 2 and the upper part 3 so that a vacuum can be built up in such a chamber 1.

An den Innenraum der Vakuumkammer 1 sind einerends eine Arbeitsleitung 5 sowie eine Messleitung 6 angeschlossen. An den sich an die Vakuumkammer 1 unmittelbar anschliessenden Ab schnitt 11 der Arbeitsleitung 5 ist der Ausgang eines Belüftungsventils 7 angeschlossen, dessen Eingang 8 sich in die umgebende Atmosphäre öffnet. In der Arbeitsleitung 5 ist ein Absperrventil 10 zwischengeschaltet, und zwar derart, dass eine der Mündungen dieses Ventils 10 an den ersten Abschnitt 11 der Arbeitsleitung 5 angeschlossen ist. Die entgegengesetzte Mündung des Absperrventils 10 ist über einen zweiten Abschnitt 12 der Arbeitsleitung 5 an eine Vakuumpumpe 13 angeschlossen. Diese kann beispielsweise eine Drehschieber-Vakuumpumpe sein.A working line 5 and a measuring line 6 are connected at one end to the interior of the vacuum chamber 1. From the immediately following the vacuum chamber 1 Cut 11 of the working line 5, the output of a ventilation valve 7 is connected, the input 8 opens into the surrounding atmosphere. A shut-off valve 10 is interposed in the working line 5 in such a way that one of the mouths of this valve 10 is connected to the first section 11 of the working line 5. The opposite mouth of the shut-off valve 10 is connected to a vacuum pump 13 via a second section 12 of the working line 5. This can be a rotary vane vacuum pump, for example.

Die Maschine umfasst ferner ein Dreiwegeventil 15. Der umschaltbare Anschluss 16 dieses Ventils 15 ist an einen Vakuumsensor 17 angeschlossen. Einer der zuschaltbaren Anschlüsse 18 des Wegeventils 15 ist über eine Leitung 19 an die Vakuumpumpe 13 angeschlossen. An den zweiten der zuschaltbaren Anschlüsse 20 ist das andere Ende der Messleitung 6 angeschlossen. Für die Beschreibung der eigentlichen Arbeitsweise der vorliegenden Maschine wird angenommen, dass sich der Schieber des Wegeventils 15 in einer Stellung befindet, in der der umschaltbare Anschluss 16 des Ventils 15 mit dem zweiten zuschaltbaren Anschluss 20 des Wegeventils 15 strömungsmässig verbunden ist. Diese Stellung des Schiebers des Wegeventils 15 ist in der beiliegenden Zeichnung dargestellt. Der Ventilschieber befindet sich in seiner rechten Stellung. Der Vakuumsensor 17 ist bei dieser Stellung des Ventilschiebers an die Messleitung 6 und somit auch an das innere der Vakuumkammer 1 angeschlossen.The machine further comprises a three-way valve 15. The switchable connection 16 of this valve 15 is connected to a vacuum sensor 17. One of the connectable connections 18 of the directional control valve 15 is connected to the vacuum pump 13 via a line 19. The other end of the measuring line 6 is connected to the second of the connectable connections 20. For the description of the actual mode of operation of the present machine, it is assumed that the slide of the directional valve 15 is in a position in which the switchable connection 16 of the valve 15 is connected in terms of flow with the second connectable connection 20 of the directional valve 15. This position of the slide of the directional control valve 15 is shown in the accompanying drawing. The valve spool is in its right position. The vacuum sensor 17 is in this position of the valve slide on the measuring line 6 and thus also connected to the interior of the vacuum chamber 1.

Der Vakuumsensor 17 ist eine piezoresistive Zelle, welche den absoluten Druck gegenüber dem Vakuum misst. Bei 0Pa (0bar), d.h. bei absolutem Vakuum, liefert die Messzelle 17 eine Spannung von 0mV. Bei Umgebungsdruck, d.h. bei ca. 105Pa (1bar), liefert die Messzelle 17 eine Spannung von etwa 100mV. Diese Spannung ist eine Gleichspannung, deren Höhe, wie dargelegt, von der Höhe des gemessenen Unterdruckes abhängt.The vacuum sensor 17 is a piezoresistive cell, which measures the absolute pressure relative to the vacuum. At 0Pa (0bar), i.e. with absolute vacuum, the measuring cell 17 supplies a voltage of 0mV. At ambient pressure, i.e. at approx. 105 Pa (1 bar), the measuring cell 17 supplies a voltage of approx. 100 mV. This voltage is a DC voltage, the level of which, as explained, depends on the level of the measured vacuum.

An den elektrischen Ausgang des Vakuumsensors 17 ist eine elektronische Schaltungsanordnung 21 angeschlossen, welche in der beiliegenden Zeichnung schematisch nur als ein Block angedeutet ist. An den Messausgang dieser Schaltungsanordnung 21 ist eine Anzeigeeinheit 22 angeschlossen, welche die Grösse des Vakuums in Form von Ziffern anzeigt. An einen der Arbeitsausgänge der Schaltungsanordnung 21 ist eine Leitung 23 angeschlossen, welche zur Betätigung des Absperrventils 10 dient. Für die Betätigung des Belüftungsventils 7 dient eine weitere Leitung 24, welche an einen entsprechenden Ausgang der Schaltungsanordnung 21 angeschlossen ist. Auch das Wegeventil 15 ist über eine Leitung 25 durch die Schaltungsanordnung 21 steuerbar, wobei diese Leitung 25 an einen betreffenden Ausgang der Schaltungsanordnung 21 angeschlossen ist.An electronic circuit arrangement 21 is connected to the electrical output of the vacuum sensor 17, which is indicated schematically in the accompanying drawing only as a block. A display unit 22 is connected to the measurement output of this circuit arrangement 21 and indicates the size of the vacuum in the form of digits. A line 23, which serves to actuate the shut-off valve 10, is connected to one of the working outputs of the circuit arrangement 21. A further line 24, which is connected to a corresponding output of the circuit arrangement 21, is used to actuate the ventilation valve 7. The directional control valve 15 can also be controlled via a line 25 through the circuit arrangement 21, this line 25 being connected to a relevant output of the circuit arrangement 21.

Zum Verschliessen von Packgut wird dieses in eine Hülle aus einem durch Schweissen verschliessbaren Material eingehüllt und diese noch offene Verpackung wird so in das Innere der Vakuumkammer 1 gelegt, dass die Seitenlappen des Verpackungsmaterials zwischen Schweissbalken der Vakuumkammer 1 liegen. Dann wird die Vakuumkammer 1 geschlossen und evakuiert. Nachdem das Vakuum in der Vakuumkammer 1 den gewünschten Wert erreicht hat, wird die Schweissvorrichtung aktiviert und die Verpackung wird in der Vakuumkammer 1 geschlossen. Hiernach kann in der Vakuumkammer 1 der atmosphärische Druck wieder hergestellt werden, damit die Vakuumkammer 1 geöffnet, entleert und mit neuem zu verschliessendem Packgut beladen werden kann.To close packaged goods, they are encased in a casing made of a material that can be sealed by welding, and this still open packaging is placed in the interior of the vacuum chamber 1 such that the side tabs of the packaging material lie between the welding bars of the vacuum chamber 1. Then the vacuum chamber 1 is closed and evacuated. After the vacuum in the vacuum chamber 1 has reached the desired value, the welding device is activated and the packaging in the vacuum chamber 1 is closed. Thereafter, the atmospheric pressure can be restored in the vacuum chamber 1 so that the vacuum chamber 1 can be opened, emptied and loaded with new packaged goods to be sealed.

In der Schaltungsanordnung 21 wird unter anderem die vom Vakuumsensor 17 kontinuierlich abgegebene elektrische Spannung in eine kontinuierliche Folge bzw. Reihe von rechteckförmigen Impulsen umgewandelt. Diese Impulsfolge weist somit eine bestimmte Frequenz auf. Die genannte Umwandlung erfolgt so, dass die Frequenz der Impulse proportional zur Grösse der Ausgangsspannung des Vakuumsensors 17 und somit auch zum absoluten Druck ist. Wenn sich die Höhe der Ausgangsspannung aus dem Vakuumsensor 17 ändert, dann ändert sich dementsprechend auch die Frequenz der Impulsfolge. Solche Impulsfolgen werden an weitere Abschnitte der Schaltungsanordnung 21 abgegeben, wo sie ausgewertet werden und wo sie zur Steuerung der Arbeitsweise der Maschine herangezogen werden können.In the circuit arrangement 21, among other things, the electrical voltage continuously output by the vacuum sensor 17 is converted into a continuous sequence or series of rectangular pulses. This pulse sequence thus has a certain frequency. The conversion is carried out in such a way that the frequency of the pulses is proportional to the magnitude of the output voltage of the vacuum sensor 17 and thus also to the absolute pressure. If the level of the output voltage from the vacuum sensor 17 changes, then the frequency of the pulse sequence also changes accordingly. Such pulse sequences are delivered to further sections of the circuit arrangement 21, where they are evaluated and where they can be used to control the operation of the machine.

Im Speicher der Schaltungsanordnung 21 sind Werte gespeichert, welche den einzelnen Werten des Unterdruckes in der Vakuumkammer 1 entsprechen. Diese Werte sind als Angaben über Frequenzen gespeichert, welche den einzelnen Werten des Unterdruckes entsprechen.Values which correspond to the individual values of the negative pressure in the vacuum chamber 1 are stored in the memory of the circuit arrangement 21. These values are stored as information about frequencies which correspond to the individual values of the negative pressure.

In der Schaltungsanordnung 21 werden Zeitfenster Z bzw. Torzeiten generiert. Diese stellen Zeitabschnitte dar, während welchen Impulsfolgen in der Schaltungsanordnung 21 weitergegeben werden. Die Schaltungsanordnung 21 ist auch so ausgeführt, dass die Länge dieser Zeitfenster bzw. Torzeiten geändert werden kann.Time window Z or gate times are generated in the circuit arrangement 21. These represent time periods during which pulse sequences are passed on in the circuit arrangement 21. The circuit arrangement 21 is also designed such that the length of these time windows or gate times can be changed.

Die Zeitfenster bzw. Torzeiten werden in Zeitabständen T generiert. Die Schaltungsanordnung 21 ist ferner so ausgeführt, dass der zeitliche Abstand T zwischen zwei aufeinander folgenden Zeitfenstern geändert werden kann.The time windows or gate times are generated at time intervals T. The circuit arrangement 21 is also designed such that the time interval T between two successive time windows can be changed.

Die Anzahl der Impulse von der jeweiligen Frequenz, welche während des jeweiligen Zeitfensters durchgelassen werden, dient unter anderem zur Anzeige der Grösse des Unterdruckes in der Vakuumkammer 1.The number of pulses of the respective frequency, which are transmitted during the respective time window, serves, among other things, to indicate the size of the negative pressure in the vacuum chamber 1.

Die Umwandlung der Ausgangsspannung des Vakuumsensors 17 in eine Impulsfolge, wobei die Frequenz in der jeweiligen Impulsfolge in einer bestimmten Beziehung zur Höhe des Vakuums in der Kammer 1 steht, ermöglicht zumindest zwei Arten von Evakuierungen der Kammer 1, bei welchen die Beendigung der Evakuierung eine bessere Bezogenheit auf jenes Stück Packgut ermöglicht, welches sich in der Vakuumkammer 1 jeweils befindet. Bei der ersten Art der Evakuierung wird die Kammer 1 bis zur Erzielung eines vorgegebenen Sollwertes des Unterdruckes in dieser evakuiert. Bei der zweiten Art der Evakuierung wird die Kammer 1 evakuiert, bis Feuchtigkeit bzw. Dämpfe beginnen, aus dem zu verpackenden Produkt auszusteigen.The conversion of the output voltage of the vacuum sensor 17 into a pulse train, the frequency in the respective pulse train being in a certain relation to the level of the vacuum in the chamber 1, enables at least two types of evacuation of the chamber 1, in which the termination of the evacuation is better Relation to the piece of packaged goods that is located in the vacuum chamber 1. In the first type of evacuation, the chamber 1 is evacuated until a predetermined setpoint value for the negative pressure is reached. In the second type of evacuation, the chamber 1 is evacuated until moisture or vapors begin to get out of the product to be packaged.

Bei der ersten Art der Evakuierung wird der Vakuumwert, bei dem das Evakuieren beendet werden soll, als ein Vergleichswert bzw. als eine Vergleichsfrequenz aus dem Speicher der Schaltungsanordnung 21 ausgewählt und festgelegt. Während des Evakuierens wird die Frequenz der Impulsreihen, welche sich aus den durch den Vakuumsensor 17 gelieferten Signalen ergeben, mit den angewählten Wert der Vergleichsfrequenz in der Schaltungsanordnung 21 verglichen. Sobald das vom Vakuumsensor 17 abgegebene Signal eine Frequenz aufweist, welche der Vergleichsfrequenz gleicht, wird die Evakuierung gestoppt.In the first type of evacuation, the vacuum value at which the evacuation is to be ended is selected and defined as a comparison value or as a comparison frequency from the memory of the circuit arrangement 21. During the evacuation, the frequency of the pulse series, which result from the signals supplied by the vacuum sensor 17, is compared with the selected value of the comparison frequency in the circuit arrangement 21. As soon as the signal emitted by the vacuum sensor 17 has a frequency which is equal to the comparison frequency, the evacuation is stopped.

Jenen Kreisen in der Schaltungsanordnung 21, welche die genannte Signalumwandlung durchführen, ist jener Kreis nachgeschaltet, in dem die Zeitfenster Z generiert werden. Im vorliegenden Zusammenhang ist der Zeitabstand T zwischen zwei aufeinander folgenden Zeitfenstern Z ohne besondere Bedeutung. Die Zeitfenster Z sind notwending, damit Muster des vom Vakuumsensor 17 abgegebenen Signals entstehen können, welche geprüft werden sollen. Die Prüfkreise können beispielsweise Zähler enthalten. In diesen Kreisen wird die Frequenz des während des Zeitfensters Z durchgelassenen Signalmusters mit der Vergleichsfrequenz verglichen. Wenn die Frequenz des durchgelassenen Signalmusters der Vergleichsfrequenz gleicht, dann bedeutet dies, dass das vorgewählte Vakuum in der Kammer 1 erreicht worden ist und dass die Evakuierung der Kammer 1 über die Leitung 23 gestoppt werden kann. Das Absperrventil 10 wird geschlossen, wodurch die Kammer 1 von der Vakuumpumpe 13 abgekoppelt wird. Ueber die Leitung 24 wird das Belüftungsventil 7 durch die Schaltungsanordnung 21 automatisch geöffnet. Die Kammer 1 wird mit Luft gefüllt, sie kann geöffnet werden usw.Those circles in the circuit arrangement 21 which carry out the aforementioned signal conversion are followed by the circuit in which the time windows Z are generated. In the present context, the time interval T between two successive time windows Z is of no particular importance. The time windows Z are necessary so that patterns of the signal emitted by the vacuum sensor 17 can arise, which are to be checked. The test circles can contain counters, for example. In these circles, the frequency of the signal pattern passed during the time window Z is compared with the comparison frequency. If the frequency of the transmitted signal pattern equals the comparison frequency, this means that the preselected vacuum in chamber 1 has been reached and that the evacuation of chamber 1 via line 23 can be stopped. The shut-off valve 10 is closed, whereby the chamber 1 is decoupled from the vacuum pump 13. The ventilation valve 7 is automatically opened by the circuit arrangement 21 via the line 24. The chamber 1 is filled with air, it can be opened, etc.

Es war bereits bekannt, die Beendigung der Evakuierung der Vakuumkammer an die Erreichung eines bestimmten Wertes von Vakuum in der Vakuumkammer zu koppeln. Zu diesem Zweck wurde jedoch ein verhältnismässig einfacher Vakuumsensor mit einer Direktwirkung auf die übrigen Teile der Verpackungsmaschine verwendet. Die Auswertung des Ausgangssignales des Vakuumsensors war bei dieser vorbekannten Maschine verhältnismässig grob, so dass der Zeitpunkt des Abbruches der Evakuierung einer breiten Streuung unterlag. Bei der Umwandlung der Ausgangsspannung des Vakuumsensors 17 in eine Impulsfolge, wie dem beim vorliegenden Gegenstand der Fall ist, wobei die Frequenz dieser Impulsfolge zudem noch im Bereich von kHz liegt, kann den Wert des Vakuums in der Kammer 1 verhältnismassig genau erfassen. Ausserdem ermöglicht die genannte Umwandlung eine verhältnismässig einfache und zuverlässige Auswertung dieses Signals.It was already known to couple the end of the evacuation of the vacuum chamber to the achievement of a certain value of vacuum in the vacuum chamber. For this purpose, however, a relatively simple vacuum sensor with a direct effect on the other parts of the packaging machine was used. The evaluation of the output signal of the vacuum sensor was relatively rough in this previously known machine, so that the time of the termination of the evacuation was subject to a wide spread. When converting the output voltage of the vacuum sensor 17 into a pulse train, as is the case with the present subject, the frequency of this pulse train also being in the range of kHz, the value of the vacuum in the chamber 1 can be measured relatively accurately. In addition, the conversion mentioned enables a relatively simple and reliable evaluation of this signal.

Bei der zweiten Art der Evakuierung geht man von der Erkenntnis aus, dass der Druck in der Vakuumkammer 1 während der Evakuierung dieser zunächst praktisch stetig abnimmt, wenn nur Luft allein aus der Vakuumkammer 1 abgesaugt wird. Wenn die meiste Luft aus der Vakuumkammer 1 und somit auch aus der immer noch offenen Verpackung abgesaugt worden ist, dann beginnt die Feuchtigkeit aus dem Material des zu verpackenden Produktes auszutreten bzw. auf der Oberfläche des Produktes zu verdampfen. Aus der Erfahrung weiss man, dass die Menge von Dampf, welche sich aus der Feuchtigkeit bildet, eine andere ist als die Menge der aus der Vakuumkammer 1 bisher abgesaugten Luft. Die Entwicklung von Dampf geht verhältnismässig rasch vor sich, so dass der Druck in der Kammer 1, wenn sich Dampf bildet, langsamer abnimmt als beim Absaugen von Luft allein. Der Druck in der Kammer 1 nimmt während des Austrittes der Feuchtigkeit aus dem Produkt somit nicht mehr stetig, nicht so schnell wie bisher, ab.The second type of evacuation is based on the knowledge that the pressure in the vacuum chamber 1 initially decreases practically continuously during the evacuation, if only air is sucked out of the vacuum chamber 1 alone. When most of the air has been sucked out of the vacuum chamber 1 and thus also from the still open packaging, the moisture begins to escape from the material of the product to be packaged or to evaporate on the surface of the product. From experience it is known that the amount of steam which is formed from the moisture is different from the amount of the air previously extracted from the vacuum chamber 1. The development of steam takes place relatively quickly, so that the pressure in the chamber 1, when steam forms, decreases more slowly than when air is drawn off alone. The pressure in the chamber 1 therefore no longer decreases continuously, not as quickly as before, during the escape of the moisture from the product.

An Anfang des Pumpvorganges nimmt der Druck in der Vakuumkammer 1 im vorliegenden Fall zunächst praktisch linear ab, wenn nur Luft aus der Kammer 1 abgesaugt wird. Dieser Abschnitt einer Pumpkurve ist praktisch linear und er weist eine bestimmte Steilheit auf. Nachdem die meiste Luft aus der Kammer 1 abgesaugt worden ist, beginnt Dampf aus dem Verpackungsprodukt zu entweichen, was zur Folge hat, dass die Steilheit der Pumpkurve während dieser Pumpphase kleiner wird als vorher. Ein solcher Verlauf der Pumpkurve kann mit Hilfe elektronischer Schaltungskreise überwacht werden.At the beginning of the pumping process, the pressure in the vacuum chamber 1 initially decreases practically linearly in the present case if only air is sucked out of the chamber 1. This section of a pump curve is practically linear and has a certain slope. After most of the air has been drawn out of the chamber 1, steam begins to escape from the packaging product, with the result that the steepness of the pump curve during this pumping phase becomes smaller than before. Such a course of the pump curve can be monitored with the aid of electronic circuitry.

Die Muster des vom Vakuumsensor 17 abgegebenen Signals gelangen auch im vorliegenden Fall von diesem während der Zeitfenster Z zu den Prüfungskreisen, wo die Frequenz des Signalmusters ermittelt wird. Diese Prüfungskreise sind um Kreise ergänzt welche das Resultat der Prüfung eines Signalmusters speichern können, bis die Prüfung des carauf folgenden Signalmusters abgeschlossen ist. Dann werden die Resultate der Prüfung dieser zwei Signalmuster miteinander verglichen, um die Differenz in der Frequenz zwischen diesen zwei Signalmustern zu ermitteln. Diese Differenz gibt die Steilheit des betreffenden Abschnittes der Pumpkurve an. Solange sich die aufeinander folgenden Differenzen einander gleichen, handelt es sich um den praktisch linearen Abschnitt der Pumpkurve, d.h. es wird nur Luft abgesaugt. Sobald die Differenz zwischen zwei Signalauswertungen kleiner wird als die vorangehend ermittelte Differenz, dann verflacht sich die Pumpkurve und dies bedeutet, dass nur noch Dampf und Feuchtigkeit dem Produkt entnommen wird. Die Evakuierung kann gestoppt werden, was in der vorstehend bereits beschriebenen Weise durchgeführt wird.The patterns of the signal emitted by the vacuum sensor 17 also arrive in the present case from the latter during the time window Z to the test circles, where the frequency of the signal pattern is determined. These test circles are supplemented by circles which can save the result of the test of a signal pattern until the test of the car following signal pattern is completed. The results of testing these two signal patterns are then compared to determine the difference in frequency between these two signal patterns. This difference gives the steepness of the section in question the pump curve. As long as the successive differences are the same, it is the practically linear section of the pump curve, ie only air is extracted. As soon as the difference between two signal evaluations becomes smaller than the previously determined difference, the pump curve flattens and this means that only steam and moisture are removed from the product. The evacuation can be stopped, which is carried out in the manner already described above.

Wie bereits gesagt worden ist, hängt die Frequenz der Impulse, welche in der Schaltungsanordnung 21 aufgrund der durch den Vakuumsensor 17 abgegebenen Spannung erzeugt werden, von der Grösse des Unterdruckes in der Vakuumkammer 1 ab. Die Abnahme von Druck in der Vakuumkammer 1 verursacht, dass die Frequenz der Impulse mit abnehmendem Druck sinkt. Dies bedeutet, dass die Anzahl der Impulse je Zeiteinheit sinkt. Ferner bedeutet dies, dass während des Zeitfensters von konstanter Länge eine abnehmende Anzahl von Impulsen durchgelassen wird, wenn der Druck in der Vakuumkammer 1 sinkt, d.h. die Frequenz der Impulsfolgen nimmt ab.As has already been said, the frequency of the pulses which are generated in the circuit arrangement 21 on the basis of the voltage output by the vacuum sensor 17 depends on the size of the negative pressure in the vacuum chamber 1. The decrease in pressure in the vacuum chamber 1 causes the frequency of the pulses to decrease with decreasing pressure. This means that the number of pulses per unit of time decreases. Furthermore, this means that during the time window of constant length, a decreasing number of pulses are transmitted as the pressure in the vacuum chamber 1 decreases, i.e. the frequency of the pulse trains decreases.

Die genannten Abweichungen von der zunächst stetigen Abnahme von Druck in der Vakuumkammer 1 sind sehr gering und sie könnten durch den Vakuumsensor 17 kaum in der Weise angezeigt werden, dass man diese Abweichungen zur Steuerung der Abeit der Maschine direkt verwenden könnte. Wie gesagt, ist die Frequenz der Impulse, welche aufgrund der Ausgangsspannung aus dem Vakuumsensor 17 erzeugt werden, verhältnismässig hoch. Sie liegt im Bereich von kHz. Dies bedeutet, dass einer verhältnismässig kleinen Aenderung von Unterdruck in der Vakuumkammer 1 eine verhältnismässig grosse Anzahl von Impulsen entspricht. Diese erhebliche Anzahl von Impulsen kann durch die genannten Schaltungskreise relativ problemlos detektiert und zur Steuerung der Arbeitsweise der Maschine herangezogen werden.The above-mentioned deviations from the initially steady decrease in pressure in the vacuum chamber 1 are very small and could hardly be indicated by the vacuum sensor 17 in such a way that that these deviations could be used directly to control machine operation. As said, the frequency of the pulses which are generated due to the output voltage from the vacuum sensor 17 is relatively high. It is in the range of kHz. This means that a relatively small change in vacuum in the vacuum chamber 1 corresponds to a relatively large number of pulses. This considerable number of pulses can be detected relatively easily by the circuits mentioned and used to control the operation of the machine.

Wenn die genannte Abweichung von der stetigen Abnahme der Impulsfrequenz in der Schaltungsanordnung 21 detektiert wird, dann wird dies so interpretiert, dass die Vakuumkammer 1 luftleer ist und dass man dem Produkt nur noch Feuchtigkeit entziehen würde, wenn man die Vakuumpumpe 13 weiterlaufen lässt. Die Schaltungsanordnung 21 ist so gestaltet, dass sie über ihre Ausgänge die Schweissvorrichtung zum Verschliessen der Produktpackung veranlasst, dass sie das weitere Evakuieren der Vakuumkammer 1 beendet und dass sie Massnahmen einleitet bzw. auch durchführt, welche das Oeffnen und Entleeren der Vakuumkammer 1 ermöglichen. Hierbei wird beispielsweise das Absperrventil 10 über die Leitung 23 umgesteuert, so dass die Vakuumkammer 1 von der Vakuumpumpe 13 abgekoppelt wird. Hiernach kann das Belüftungsventil 7 durch die Schaltungsanordnung 21 geöffnet werden, wonach die Vakuumkammer 1 geöffnet und entleert werden kann.If the aforementioned deviation from the steady decrease in the pulse frequency is detected in the circuit arrangement 21, then this is interpreted in such a way that the vacuum chamber 1 is empty and that one would only extract moisture from the product if the vacuum pump 13 were to continue to run. The circuit arrangement 21 is designed such that it causes the welding device to close the product pack via its outputs, that it ends the further evacuation of the vacuum chamber 1 and that it initiates or also carries out measures which enable the vacuum chamber 1 to be opened and emptied. In this case, for example, the shut-off valve 10 is reversed via the line 23, so that the vacuum chamber 1 is decoupled from the vacuum pump 13. Thereafter, the ventilation valve 7 can be opened by the circuit arrangement 21, after which the vacuum chamber 1 can be opened and emptied.

Nachdem die Vakuumkammer 1 mit neuem zu verpackendem Gut gefüllt worden ist, wird diese wieder geschlossen. Auch das Belüftungsventil 7 wird geschlossen, während das Absperrventil 10 geöffnet wird. Die Vakuumkammer 1 wird dadurch an die Vakuumpumpe 13 wieder angeschlossen und es erfolgt wiederum zunächst eine stetige Abnahme von Druck in der Vakuumkammer 1. Ein weiterer Verpackungszyklus kann in der vorstehend beschriebenen Weise durchgeführt werden.After the vacuum chamber 1 has been filled with new goods to be packed, it is closed again. The ventilation valve 7 is also closed while the shut-off valve 10 is opened. The vacuum chamber 1 is thereby reconnected to the vacuum pump 13 and, in turn, there is again a steady decrease in pressure in the vacuum chamber 1. A further packaging cycle can be carried out in the manner described above.

Die beschriebene Arbeitsweise kann in der Schaltungsanordnung 21 in Form von einzeln spezifizierten Arbeitsprogrammen eingebaut sein. Die Bedienungsperson braucht dann nur ein bestimmtes Programm auszuwählen, indem sie die gewünschte Arbeitsweise der Maschine, beispielsweise über eine Tastatur, in diese eingibt. Diese Arbeitsweise wird dann durch die Maschine automatisch durchgeführt.The described mode of operation can be installed in the circuit arrangement 21 in the form of individually specified work programs. The operator then only needs to select a specific program by entering the desired mode of operation of the machine, for example using a keyboard. This operation is then carried out automatically by the machine.

Je nach Situation kann jedoch verlangt werden, dass die Evakuierung nicht sofort nach dem Eintreten einer Verflachung in der Pump- bzw. Vakuumkurve abgebrochen wird, sondern dass sie während einer wählbaren Zeitspanne noch weiter läuft. Dies erreicht man am einfachsten, indem der Zeitabstand T zwischen zwei aufeinander folgenden Zeitfenstern Z geändert wird. Die in der Schaltungsanordnung eingebaute Vorschrift kann beispielsweise lauten, dass die Evakuierung beendet werden soll, wenn die Differenz zwischen zwei aufeinander durchgeführten Prüfungen von Signalmustern zwei oder weniger Einheiten beträgt. Im Bereich des steilen Abschnittes der Pumpkurve ist die Differenz immer grösser als zwei Einheiten. Wenn die Evakuierung sofort nach dem Eintreten der Verflachung der Pumpkurve abgebrochen werden soll, dann wird die Zeitspanne T kurz, beispielsweise T=0,03sec, gewählt. Wenn die Evakuierung noch lange nach dem Auftreten der Verflachung laufen soll, dann kann die genannte Zeitspanne T sogar auf 5sec eingestellt werden.Depending on the situation, however, it may be required that the evacuation is not stopped immediately after a flattening in the pump or vacuum curve has occurred, but that it continues to run for a selectable period of time. The easiest way to achieve this is to change the time interval T between two successive time windows Z. In the The built-in regulation of the circuit arrangement can say, for example, that the evacuation should be ended when the difference between two tests of signal patterns carried out on one another is two or fewer units. In the area of the steep section of the pump curve, the difference is always greater than two units. If the evacuation is to be stopped immediately after the flattening of the pump curve has occurred, then the time period T is selected to be short, for example T = 0.03sec. If the evacuation is to continue long after the flattening has occurred, the specified time period T can even be set to 5 seconds.

Die während des Zeitfensters durchgelassenen Impulse werden in der Schaltungsanordnung 21 in Signale umgewandelt, welche die Anzeige einer entsprechenden Zahl in der Anzeigevorrichtung 22 verursachen. Die Ziffern 0 bzw. 000 in der Anzeigevorrichtung 22 steht für atmosphärischen Druck in der Vakuumkammer 1. Die Ziffer 999 steht für Vakuum in der Vakuumkammer 1. Bei absolutem Vakuum beträgt die Frequenz der Messimpulse etwa 13kHz und bei Umgebungsdruck etwa 110kHz. Der jeweiligen Ziffer zwischen 0 bzw. 000 und 999 entspricht somit jeweils eine bestimmte Anzahl von Messimpulsen, welche während des Zeitfensters durchgelassen wird. Wenn man 13kHz von 110kHz abzieht und dieses Resultat dann durch 999 teilt, dann entsprechen etwa 97Hz einem Digit zwischen 000 und 999.The pulses transmitted during the time window are converted in the circuit arrangement 21 into signals which cause the display of a corresponding number in the display device 22. The numbers 0 and 000 in the display device 22 stand for atmospheric pressure in the vacuum chamber 1. The number 999 stands for vacuum in the vacuum chamber 1. In the case of an absolute vacuum, the frequency of the measuring pulses is approximately 13 kHz and at ambient pressure approximately 110 kHz. The respective number between 0 or 000 and 999 thus corresponds to a certain number of measuring pulses, which is passed through during the time window. If you subtract 13kHz from 110kHz and then divide this result by 999, then about 97Hz corresponds to a digit between 000 and 999.

Da die Anzeige in der Anzeigevorrichtung 22 an die Frequenz des Impulssignales aus dem Vakuumsensor 17 gekoppelt ist, kann man auch visuell an der Anzeigevorrichtung 22 verfolgen, wie sich die Grösse des Vakuums in der Vakuumkammer 1 ändert.Since the display in the display device 22 is coupled to the frequency of the pulse signal from the vacuum sensor 17, it can also be visually monitored on the display device 22 how the size of the vacuum in the vacuum chamber 1 changes.

Damit eine hervorragende Qualität der Verpackungen in jedem Zeitpunkt gewährleistet ist, müssen Massnahmen getroffen werden, um Auskünfte über den Zustand der Maschine zu erhalten, welche die Qualität der Verpackungen beeinträchtigen könnten. Diesem Zweck dienen unter anderem Eichungen, welche an der Maschine durchgeführt werden. Es gibt zwei Arten von Eichungen, welche durchzuführen sind, nämlich die Eichung auf die Grösse des Umgebungsdruckes und die Eichung auf das maximal erreichbare Vakuum.In order to ensure the excellent quality of the packaging at all times, measures must be taken to obtain information about the condition of the machine, which could affect the quality of the packaging. This purpose is served, among other things, by calibrations carried out on the machine. There are two types of calibration that have to be carried out, namely the calibration to the size of the ambient pressure and the calibration to the maximum achievable vacuum.

Die erste Art der Eichung, bei der die Grösse des Umgebungsdruckes berücksichtigt wird, erfolgt bei geöffnetem Deckel 3 der Vakuumkammer 1. Diese Eichung kann nach jedem Einschalten der Maschine oder aber auch nach jedem Verpackunszyklus durchgeführt werden. Der Vakuumsensor 17 ist dabei über das Wegeventil 15, dessen Schieber sich in seiner rechten Stellung befindet, sowie die Messleitung 6 an das Innere der geöffneten Vakuumkammer 1 angeschlossen. Das Absperrventil 10 ist dabei geschlossen oder es wird zu diesem Zweck geschlossen.The first type of calibration, in which the size of the ambient pressure is taken into account, is carried out with the lid 3 of the vacuum chamber 1 open. This calibration can be carried out each time the machine is switched on or after each packaging cycle. The vacuum sensor 17 is connected via the directional valve 15, the slide of which is in its right position, and the measuring line 6 to the inside of the open vacuum chamber 1. The shut-off valve 10 is closed or it is closed for this purpose.

Der Vakuumsensor 17 liefert eine elektrische Spannung, deren Grösse konstant ist, weil der Druck in der Vakuumkammer 1 gleichbleibend ist und dem Umgebungsdruck gleicht. Die Schaltungsanordnung 21 erzeugt aufgrund der Ausgangsspannung des Vakuumsensors 17 eine bestimmte Anzahl von Impulsen, wobei diese Anzahl von Impulsen konstant ist, weil der Druck konstant ist. Die Schaltungsanordnung 21 stellt die Beziehung zwischen der Anzahl der vom Vakuumsensor gelieferten Impulse und den Ziffern 0 bzw. 000 in der Anzeigevorrichtung 22 automatisch sicher. Sollte die Anzeigevorrichtung 22 eine andere Ziffer als 000 am Anfang dieser Eichung anzeigen, dann wird die Breite des Zeitfensters T bzw. die Grösse der Torzeit durch die Schaltungsanordnung 21 selbst im Rahmen dieser Eichung geändert. Kann während einer bestimmten Zeit die Ziffer 000 in der Anzeige 22 nicht erreicht werden, so ist es anzunehmen, dass beispielsweise der Vakuumsensor 17 oder die Schaltungsanordnung 21 defekt sind und es erscheint eine Fehlermeldung.The vacuum sensor 17 supplies an electrical voltage, the magnitude of which is constant because the pressure in the vacuum chamber 1 is constant and is equal to the ambient pressure. The circuit arrangement 21 generates a certain number of pulses on the basis of the output voltage of the vacuum sensor 17, this number of pulses being constant because the pressure is constant. The circuit arrangement 21 automatically ensures the relationship between the number of pulses supplied by the vacuum sensor and the numbers 0 and 000 in the display device 22. Should the display device 22 display a number other than 000 at the beginning of this calibration, then the width of the time window T or the size of the gate time is changed by the circuit arrangement 21 itself as part of this calibration. If the number 000 in the display 22 cannot be reached during a certain time, it can be assumed that, for example, the vacuum sensor 17 or the circuit arrangement 21 are defective and an error message appears.

Bei der zweiten Art der Eichung wird das maximal erreichbare Vakuum ermittelt. Diese Eichung wird zweckmässig nach jedem Verpackungszyklus durchgeführt. Zur Durchführung dieser Eichung wird der Schieber des Wegeventils 15 derart verstellt, dass die umschaltbare Mündung 16 des Ventils 15 mit dem ersten zuschaltbaren Anschluss 18 des Ventils 15 strömungsmässig verbunden ist. Der Vakuumsensor 17 ist in diesem Fall über die Hilfsleitung 19 an die Vakuumpumpe 13 angeschlossen. Das Absperrventil 10 ist während dieser Eichung geschlossen, so dass die Vakuumpumpe 13 nur an den Vakuumsensor 17 angeschlossen ist. Nach einigen Sekunden müsste die Leitung 19 bis zum Vakuumsensor 17 evakuiert sein und nach dem Ablauf dieser Zeitspanne beginnt die Messung des Vakuums durch den Vakuumsensor 17.With the second type of calibration, the maximum achievable vacuum is determined. This calibration is expediently carried out after each packaging cycle. To carry out this calibration, the slide of the directional control valve 15 is adjusted in such a way that the switchable mouth 16 of the valve 15 is connected in terms of flow with the first switchable connection 18 of the valve 15 is. In this case, the vacuum sensor 17 is connected to the vacuum pump 13 via the auxiliary line 19. The shut-off valve 10 is closed during this calibration, so that the vacuum pump 13 is only connected to the vacuum sensor 17. After a few seconds, the line 19 should have been evacuated to the vacuum sensor 17 and after this period the measurement of the vacuum by the vacuum sensor 17 begins.

Das durch eine Vakuumpumpe der hier genannten Art maximal erreichbare Vakuum kann 0,5·102 Pa (0,5mb) betragen. Es gibt einen noch tolerierbaren Bereich bei der Vakuumpumpe, während welchem sie als noch gut betrachtet wird. Die Grenze dieses Toleranzbereiches kann bei 3 bis 5·102 Pa (3 bis 5mb) liegen. Wenn das Vakuum, welches während dieser Eichung erzeugt wird, diese Werte nicht erreicht, dann wird eine Fehlermeldung abgegeben.The maximum vacuum that can be achieved by a vacuum pump of the type mentioned here can be 0.5 · 10 2 Pa (0.5mb). There is still a tolerable range for the vacuum pump during which it is still considered good. The limit of this tolerance range can be 3 to 5 · 10 2 Pa (3 to 5mb). If the vacuum generated during this calibration does not reach these values, an error message is issued.

Diese Eichung der Vakuumpumpe kann deswegen durchgeführt werden, weil in der Schaltungsanordnung 21 die Werte bzw. Frequenzen entsprechend den einzelnen Stufen von Vakuum gespeichert sind, wie dies bereits dargelegt worden ist. Die Schaltungsanordnung 21 vergleicht bei dieser Eichung die vom Vakuumsensor 17 gelieferten Signale in der bereits beschriebenen Weise mit den gespeicherten Vakuumwerten.This calibration of the vacuum pump can be carried out because the values or frequencies corresponding to the individual stages of vacuum are stored in the circuit arrangement 21, as has already been explained. During this calibration, the circuit arrangement 21 compares the signals supplied by the vacuum sensor 17 in the manner already described with the stored vacuum values.

Die Schaltungsanordnung 21 versucht auch in diesem Fall die Beziehung zwischen dem vom Vakuumsensor 17 gelieferten Signal und der Ziffer 9 bzw. 999 in der Anzeigevorrichtung 22 automatisch herzustellen. Wenn dies während einiger Sekunden nicht möglich ist, dann wird eine Fehlermeldung automatisch abgegeben.The circuit arrangement 21 also tries the relationship in this case between the signal supplied by the vacuum sensor 17 and the number 9 or 999 in the display device 22 automatically. If this is not possible for a few seconds, an error message is issued automatically.

Die Durchführung dieser Eichung, obwohl sie automatisch abläuft, nimmt einige Sekunden in Anspruch. Falls die diese Maschine bedienende Person in der Zwischenzeit den nächsten Verpackungszyklus eingeleitet hat, so bricht die Maschine den Eichvorgang automatisch ab. Für den Verlauf dieses Verpackungszyklus werden Messwerte verwendet, welche während der vorangehenden Eichung gewonnen worden sind.It takes a few seconds to perform this calibration, even though it is automatic. If the person operating this machine has meanwhile initiated the next packaging cycle, the machine automatically stops the calibration process. Measured values that were obtained during the previous calibration are used for the course of this packaging cycle.

Bei der Darlegung des vorliegenden Verfahrens ist auf eine Beutel-Vakuum-Verpackungsmaschine Bezug genommen worden. Bei den erwähnten Beuteln kann es sich beispielsweise um Schlauchbeutel handeln. Dieses Verfahren ist jedoch praktisch an jeder Art von Vakuum-Verpackungsmaschine anwendbar. In diesem Zusammenhang kann beispielsweise auf die Folien-Vakuum-Verpackungsmaschinen hingewiesen werden.In presenting the present method, reference has been made to a bag vacuum packaging machine. The bags mentioned can be, for example, tubular bags. However, this method is practically applicable to any type of vacuum packaging machine. In this context, reference can be made, for example, to the film vacuum packaging machines.

Claims (14)

  1. Method for the packaging of product under a vacuum, in which the product, located in a still open envelope, is introduced into the interior of a vacuum chamber (1), in which the chamber is then evacuated and in which evacuation is terminated and the product envelope closed as soon as the desired vacuum has been reached, characterized in that the output signal from a vacuum sensor (17) connected to the vacuum chamber (1) is converted into a train of pulses, in that the frequency of this pulse train is coupled to the magnitude of the vacuum present in the vacuum chamber, in that the frequency of the pulse train can be compared with frequencies which are predetermined for the individual values of the vacuum in the chamber (1), and in that the evacuation of the chamber (1) is terminated when the frequency of the pulse train is equal to that of the predetermined frequencies which corresponds to the desired degree of vacuum inside the envelope.
  2. Method for the packaging of product under a vacuum, in which the product, located in a still open envelope, is introduced into the interior of a vacuum chamber (1), in which the chamber is then evacuated and in which evacuation is terminated and the product envelope closed as soon as the desired vacuum has been reached, characterized in that the output signal from a vacuum sensor (17) connected to the vacuum chamber (1) is converted into a train of pulses, in that the frequency of this pulse train is coupled to the magnitude of the vacuum present in the vacuum chamber, in that the profile of the change in the pressure in the vacuum chamber or in the envelope is monitored during the evacuation of the latter, and in that evacuation is terminated when a deviation from a predetermined profile of the change has been detected.
  3. Method according to Claim 2, characterized in that evacuation is terminated when the pressure in the vacuum chamber or in the envelope decreases more slowly than was the case in the preceding evacuation phase.
  4. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the output signal from the vacuum sensor (17) is transmitted during time windows (Z) or gate times or measuring times for further processing, in that there is a time interval (T) between two successive time windows (Z), in that the length of the windows (Z) and/or time intervals (T) can be adjustable, and in that the output signals from the vacuum sensor (17) which are transmitted during the time windows (Z) are converted into a pulse train.
  5. Method according to Claim 4, characterized in that the pulses transmitted during a time window (Z) represent a signal pattern, in that the number of pulses in signal patterns which have been transmitted during two successive time windows (Z) is determined, in that the signal pattern which has been transmitted during the first or preceding time window is stored, until the signal pattern for the subsequent or second time window is determined, in that these two signal patterns are compared with one another, in order to determine, as a change, the difference between the number of pulses in these two signal patterns, this pulse difference indicating the steepness of the relevant segment of the pumping profile or of a pumping curve.
  6. Method according to Claim 5, characterized in that the pulse difference of a pair of successive signal patterns is stored, until the pulse difference in the subsequent pair of successive signal patterns is definite, and in that these pulse differences are compared with one another, so that it can be established how great the difference is between the two successive pulse differences.
  7. Method according to Claim 4, characterized in that the time interval (T) between two time windows (Z) can be selected within wide limits, for example up to 5 seconds, so that evacuation is not discontinued immediately after a deviation from a predetermined profile of the pumping curve has occurred.
  8. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a first type of calibration is carried out, in order to determine the magnitude of the ambient pressure, and this calibration can be carried out once at the start of a series of packaging cycles or after each packaging cycle.
  9. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a second type of calibration is carried out, during which the maximum obtainable vacuum is determined, and in that this second type of calibration can be carried out before each packaging cycle.
  10. Vacuum packaging machine for carrying out the method according to Claim 1, with a vacuum chamber (1), with a shut-off valve (10) between the vacuum chamber (1) and a vacuum pump (13), with a vacuum sensor (17) which can be connected to the vacuum chamber, and with an indicator device (22) for the vacuum in the vacuum chamber, characterized in that an electronic circuit arrangement (21) is arranged between the vacuum sensor (17) and the indicator device (22), the said circuit arrangement being designed in such a way that, in it, the electrical voltage emitted by the vacuum sensor (17) is converted into a train of pulses, the frequency of these pulses being in a relationship with the magnitude of the output voltage from the vacuum sensor (17), in that the circuit arrangement (21) contains memories which store frequencies which correspond to the individual magnitudes of the vacuum in the vacuum chamber, and in that the circuit arrangement (21) contains, furthermore, circuits, by means of which the frequency of the pulse train coming from the vacuum sensor (17) can be compared with that of the stored frequencies which corresponds to the vacuum desired in the chamber (1), and by means of which evacuation can be terminated when the frequency of the pulse train is identical to the frequency selected from the memory.
  11. Vacuum packaging machine for carrying out the method according to Claim 2, with a vacuum chamber (1), with a shut-off valve (10) between the vacuum chamber (1) and a vacuum pump (13), with a vacuum sensor (17) which can be connected to the vacuum chamber, and with an indicator device (22) for the vacuum in the vacuum chamber, characterized in that an electronic circuit arrangement (21) is arranged between the vacuum sensor (17) and the indicator device (22), the said circuit arrangement being designed in such a way that, in it, electrical voltage emitted by the vacuum sensor (17) is converted into a train of pulses, the frequency of these pulses being in a relationship with the magnitude of the output voltage from the vacuum sensor (17), and in that the circuit arrangement (21) contains circuits, by means of which it is possible to monitor whether and, if so, how the frequency changes from one pulse train to the other pulse train, and by means of which evacuation can be terminated when a deviation from a predetermined profile of the pressure decrease in the vacuum chamber or in the envelope has been detected.
  12. Packaging machine according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the circuit arrangement (21) is designed in such a way that the actual or respective measurement of the vacuum takes place during a time window (Z) or during a gate time, in that the time windows (Z) can be generated at time intervals, and in that the number of pulses which are transmitted during a time window (Z) can also serve for indicating the magnitude of the vacuum in the vacuum chamber.
  13. Machine according to Claim 11, characterized in that the circuit arrangement (21) contains memories which can store the result of the test of a signal pattern until the test of the subsequent signal pattern is concluded.
  14. Packaging machine according to Claim 13, characterized in that the circuit arrangement (21) is designed in such a way that it can test whether the frequency of pulses in successive pulse trains changes continuously or not, and in that the circuit arrangement (21) is designed, furthermore, in such a way that it can signal the change in the pulse frequency and transfer it to further parts of the machine when the pulse frequency does not change continuously.
EP93911720A 1992-05-15 1993-05-14 Process for vacuum-packing goods and vacuum-packing machine Revoked EP0593748B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH1563/92 1992-05-15
CH1563/92A CH685010A5 (en) 1992-05-15 1992-05-15 A method of packaging Good vacuum and vacuum packaging machine.
PCT/CH1993/000122 WO1993023289A1 (en) 1992-05-15 1993-05-14 Process for vacuum-packing goods and vacuum-packing machine

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0593748A1 EP0593748A1 (en) 1994-04-27
EP0593748B1 true EP0593748B1 (en) 1996-12-27

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EP93911720A Revoked EP0593748B1 (en) 1992-05-15 1993-05-14 Process for vacuum-packing goods and vacuum-packing machine

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US (1) US5528880A (en)
EP (1) EP0593748B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH06511457A (en)
AT (1) ATE146738T1 (en)
CH (1) CH685010A5 (en)
DE (1) DE59304882D1 (en)
WO (1) WO1993023289A1 (en)

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DE59304882D1 (en) 1997-02-06
WO1993023289A1 (en) 1993-11-25
US5528880A (en) 1996-06-25
JPH06511457A (en) 1994-12-22
ATE146738T1 (en) 1997-01-15
CH685010A5 (en) 1995-02-28
EP0593748A1 (en) 1994-04-27

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