Abstract: The invention concerns a vacuum packaging machine having a sub-structure (1) and a cover (2). The machine further comprises a vacuum chamber (3) which is disposed in the vicinity of the union between the cover (2) and the sub-structure (1) and which comprises an upper part (4) and a lower part (5). The machine cover (2) comprises a base member (10) and at least one arm (11, 12), the arm being connected to the base member at one end. The chamber upper part (4) is mounted on the cover member (10) and the chamber lower part (5) is disposed in the sub-structure (1). The machine sub-structure (1) is provided with at least one guide roller (21) for the cover arm (11, 12), this guide roller engaging in the cover arm. The cover arm end remote from the cover base member (10) is connected to a drive device (20) by means of which the cover (2) can be moved. A device (55) for delivering a foil (51) into the interior of the vacuum chamber (3) is provided.