Sealing machine for the sealing of packages

Abstract

A sealing machine for the sealing of packages comprises a sealing chamber in which packages can be sealed. The sealing chamber comprises a working platform on which packages can be conveyed; a chamber lid movable relative to the working platform between an open position and a closed position; a sealing mechanism for the sealing of packages; and a suction unit for suction of gas from a volume enclosed by the chamber lid and the working platform. The sealing machine further comprises a protective frame kinematically connected to the chamber lid, and the protective frame has apertures through which gas can flow from the outer space into the enclosed volume.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sealing machine for sealing of packages, the sealing machine comprising a sealing chamber in which packages can be sealed, wherein the sealing chamber comprises a working platform on which packages can be conveyed; a chamber lid movable relative to the working platform between an open position and a closed position; a sealing mechanism for the sealing of packages; and a suction unit for suction of gas from a volume enclosed by the chamber lid and the working platform; wherein the sealing machine further comprises a protective frame kinematically connected to the chamber lid; and wherein the protective frame has apertures through which gas can flow from an outer space into the enclosed volume. 
     
     
         2 . The sealing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the apertures extend in a region above the working platform when the chamber lid is in the closed position and/or when the chamber lid is in the open position. 
     
     
         3 . The sealing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the protective frame is kinematically coupled to the chamber lid so that the protective frame trails the movement of the chamber lid when the chamber lid is moved from the closed position to the open position. 
     
     
         4 . The sealing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the sealing machine further comprises a shut-off mechanism for selective opening and closing of at least one portion of the apertures. 
     
     
         5 . The sealing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the apertures are configured such that a gas flow of at least 2 l/s can flow from the outer space through the apertures into the enclosed volume at a pressure difference between the outer space and the enclosed volume of 0.1 bar or less. 
     
     
         6 . The sealing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the apertures are configured such that a gas flow of at least 5 l/s can flow from the outer space through the apertures into the enclosed volume at a pressure difference between the outer space and the enclosed volume of 0.1 bar or less. 
     
     
         7 . The sealing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the apertures are configured such that a gas flow of at least 10 l/s can flow from the outer space through the apertures into the enclosed volume at a pressure difference between the outer space and the enclosed volume of 0.1 bar or less. 
     
     
         8 . The sealing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the apertures are configured such that a gas flow of at least 15 l/s can flow from the outer space through the apertures into the enclosed volume at a pressure difference between the outer space and the enclosed volume of 0.1 bar or less. 
     
     
         9 . The sealing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein total area of the apertures is greater than total area of other gas-permeable surfaces between the protective frame and the chamber lid. 
     
     
         10 . The sealing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the protective frame surrounds the chamber lid at least partially on all side surfaces coming into contact with the working platform in the closed position; or wherein the protective frame surrounds all side surfaces of the chamber lid facing away from the volume enclosed in the closed position. 
     
     
         11 . The sealing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the apertures are arranged in side surfaces of the protective frame extending transversely to a conveying direction of the packages on the working platform. 
     
     
         12 . The sealing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the sealing machine is configured for the sealing of packages formed as bags filled with products. 
     
     
         13 . The sealing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the working platform comprises a conveyor belt. 
     
     
         14 . A method for sealing of packages by a sealing machine, the sealing machine comprising a sealing chamber in which packages are sealed, the sealing chamber comprising a working platform on which the packages are conveyed, a chamber lid movable relative to the working platform between an open position and a closed position, a sealing mechanism which seals packages, and a suction unit which sucks gas from a volume enclosed by the chamber lid and the working platform, wherein the sealing machine further comprises a protective frame kinematically connected to the chamber lid, and wherein the protective frame has apertures through which gas can at least temporarily flow from an outer space into the enclosed volume, wherein the method comprises inserting at least one package into the sealing chamber with the chamber lid in the open position, moving the chamber lid into the closed position, suctioning gas within the enclosed volume by the suction unit, sealing the at least one package with the sealing mechanism, and subsequently moving the chamber lid into the open position. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the protective frame is kinematically coupled to the chamber lid so that the protective frame trails the movement of the chamber lid when the chamber lid is moved from the closed position to the open position. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the sealing machine further comprises a shut-off mechanism for selectively opening and closing a portion of the apertures or all of the apertures. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the portion of the apertures or all of the apertures is/are closed before gas is sucked within the enclosed volume, and the portion of the apertures or all of the apertures is/are opened after at least one package is sealed and before the chamber lid is moved to the open position. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein a gas flow of at least 2 l/s flows from the outer space through the apertures into the enclosed volume at a pressure difference between the outer space and the enclosed volume of 0.1 bar or less. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein a gas flow of at least 5 l/s flows from the outer space through the apertures into the enclosed volume at a pressure difference between the outer space and the enclosed volume of 0.1 bar or less. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein a gas flow of at least 10 l/s flows from the outer space through the apertures into the enclosed volume at a pressure difference between the outer space and the enclosed volume of 0.1 bar or less.