Packaging machine for forming and sealing packaging trays

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging machine ( 1 ). According to the invention, the film ( 11 ) is transported from a roll to a forming station ( 2 ), whereupon it is heated and deep drawn by a forming tool ( 9 ) to form a packaging tray. The forming tool can also contain a cutting device enabling the packaging trays ( 10 ) to be cut of the strip of film ( 11 ). The rest of the strip of film ( 11 ) is wound by means of a coil ( 13 ). The packaging trays thus produced are transported by means of the conveyor belt ( 14 ) to the filling station ( 4 ) and filled with packaging items. The filled packaging trays are then closed with a covering film ( 12 ) in an evacuation and sealing station, said covering film being used to seal the packaging trays ( 10 ). A cutting system is integrated into the sealing tool ( 15 ) and is used to cut the finished packaging from out of the covering film ( 12 ). The remaining covering film is wound by means of a coil ( 16 ). The finished packaging is removed by means of an exit strip ( 17 ).

1 . Packaging machine ( 1 ) comprising at least one forming station ( 2 ) for forming packaging trays ( 10 ,  10 ′) out of a film ( 11 ), a cutting station ( 3 ) for cutting the film ( 11 ) between the packaging trays ( 10 ,  10 ′), a filling station ( 4 ) for filling the packaging tray ( 10 ,  10 ′) with packaging items and a sealing/cutting station ( 5 ) for sealing the packaging with a covering film ( 12 ) and cutting the covering film, characterised in that the cutting station ( 3 ) with which the packing trays may be separated is integrated in the forming station ( 2 ) or arranged downstream of the forming station ( 2 ) and upstream of the filling station ( 4 ).  
   
   
       2 . Packaging machine according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the packaging machine comprises first and second lines ( 6 ,  7 ) running in parallel.  
   
   
       3 . Packaging machine according to  claim 2 , characterised in that different types of packaging ( 11 ,  11 ′) are produced on the first and second lines ( 6 ,  7 ) respectively.  
   
   
       4 . Packaging machine according to  claim 1 , characterised in that one line ( 6 ,  7 ) includes a device ( 8 ) for placing trays ( 10 ,  10 ′) in the area of the filling station ( 4 ) and that in this line no packaging trays ( 10 ,  10 ′) are formed in the forming station ( 2 ).  
   
   
       5 . Packaging machine according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the sealing station comprises an evacuation station and preferably a system for reaeration with inert gas.