EP0581121B1 - Process and apparatus for the oxygen-free packaging of goods - Google Patents
Process and apparatus for the oxygen-free packaging of goods Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0581121B1 EP0581121B1 EP93111309A EP93111309A EP0581121B1 EP 0581121 B1 EP0581121 B1 EP 0581121B1 EP 93111309 A EP93111309 A EP 93111309A EP 93111309 A EP93111309 A EP 93111309A EP 0581121 B1 EP0581121 B1 EP 0581121B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- substance
- gas
- container
- receiving chamber
- closed
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 29
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 title claims description 14
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 83
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 70
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 68
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 39
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 30
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 12
- 235000011089 carbon dioxide Nutrition 0.000 claims description 12
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 9
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 8
- 229910001873 dinitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000013039 cover film Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000010926 purge Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000009172 bursting Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000003958 fumigation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000001307 helium Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052734 helium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N helium atom Chemical compound [He] SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Argon Chemical compound [Ar] XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon monoxide Chemical compound [O+]#[C-] UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052786 argon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000019568 aromas Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910002091 carbon monoxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005485 electric heating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012858 packaging process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009834 vaporization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008016 vaporization Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
- B65B31/043—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles acting horizontally between an upper and a lower part of the container or wrapper, e.g. between container and lid
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method for oxygen-free packaging of goods in containers, in which the goods are poured into the container and the interior of the container is flushed with a gas before the container is closed in a gas-tight manner, and a device for carrying out the method.
- a common packaging method is, for example, to evacuate the package and then seal it.
- this can only be carried out with flexible packings, since otherwise the pack can easily be damaged by forces arising from the vacuum.
- this method is associated with an enormous expenditure on equipment. Elaborate vacuum chambers and at least one powerful vacuum pump are required.
- problems arise with products with low-boiling aromas, such as coffee, since these are then lost to the product due to the vacuum.
- a further development of the above-mentioned method consists in back-gassing the evacuated pack with inert, oxygen-free gas and then closing it. This method can then also be used to pack product in rigid containers.
- Another packaging method involves purging the package with an inert, oxygen-free gas. The pack is then closed. However, packages filled with lumpy product are not obtained with sufficient oxygen freedom afterwards by flushing with inert gas in a reasonable time.
- the object of the present invention is to design a method of the type mentioned at the outset and an apparatus for carrying out the method in such a way that oxygen-free packaging of goods takes place in a simple and economical manner without the disadvantages of the previous methods and apparatuses mentioned.
- This object is achieved in that a substance capable of gas evolution is poured into a molded-in substance receptacle in or on the container, the substance located in the substance receptacle is brought to gas evolution, the resulting gas is transferred into the container interior, the container interior with the Gas is flushed and after the container has been closed, the gas which arises in the substance receiving space is no longer transferred into the container interior, but is instead released into the atmosphere.
- a liquid gas in particular liquid nitrogen, is expediently used as the gas-developing substance.
- dry ice (CO2 snow) is also suitable.
- the decisive factor is that the substance, for example in the liquid or solid state, is filled into the substance receiving device and then caused to develop gas, that is to say can be brought to vaporization, for example.
- the substance capable of gas evolution is not metered directly into the interior of the container, but into a separate substance receiving device, which in the simplest case can be designed as a cup which is attached in or on the container.
- the gas produced in the substance receiving device by the gas evolution is transferred into the container interior, for example via connecting lines or in the simplest case via a gap formed by the cup rim and the container lid.
- the container can be closed without having to consider whether substance is still contained in the substance receiving device.
- the gas resulting from the evolution of gas from the remaining substance is namely no longer transferred into the interior of the container after the container has been closed, but is instead released into the atmosphere.
- this is achieved by eliminating the gap between the substance receiving device and the container lid when the container is closed by the container lid, and piercing the container at the point directly above the substance receiving device. In this way, the gas resulting from the substance remaining in the substance receiving device can no longer lead to an undesirable bulging of the lid or to bursting of the packaging.
- an inert gas in particular liquid nitrogen
- the gaseous nitrogen produced by the evaporation of the liquid nitrogen in the substance receiving device displaces the oxygen from the container and forms an inert atmosphere in the interior of the container, which increases the shelf life of the food.
- Another option is dry ice (CO2 snow) to fill in the substance absorption device.
- CO2 snow dry ice
- the resulting CO2 gas displaces the atmospheric oxygen in the container and creates a CO2-containing atmosphere in the interior of the container.
- the gas evolution of the substance in the substance receiving device is preferably accelerated by the supply of heat.
- the substance absorption device can, for example, be electrically heated or hot air can be supplied to the substance absorption device.
- a gas is blown into the substance receiving device filled with the substance.
- the injected gas is transferred into the interior of the container together with the gas resulting from the substance and thus supports its flushing action.
- the gas evolution of the substance is intensified by the injected gas.
- the substance in the substance receiving device is at least partially converted into the gaseous state in a first step and a gas is blown into the substance receiving device in a subsequent second step. Since the gas evolution of the substance is usually initially stronger and gradually subsides, the decreasing gas evolution can be increased again in the second step. Overall, the additional blowing of gas into the substance receiving device results in the advantage that less substance is required to rinse the container.
- gaseous nitrogen or a mixed gas in particular an N2 / CO2 mixed gas or an N2 / CO2 / O2 mixed gas with possible proportions of argon, helium or carbon monoxide is blown into the substance receiving device.
- a heated gas is preferably used to further intensify the gas evolution of the substance.
- the invention further relates to a device for carrying out the method with a container which can be filled with goods and closed in a gastight manner.
- the container has a substance receiving space which is essentially designed as an interior surrounded by a wall and can be filled with a substance capable of gas development, the interior of which is in communication with the container interior in the unlocked state of the container and with the atmosphere in the closed state of the container.
- the substance receiving device is expediently attached to the fumigation point in the container, so that the gas resulting from the substance can rinse the entire container at the same time.
- the substance receiving device is designed according to a particularly preferred embodiment essentially as a cup arranged in the shell, for example in a conical or cylindrical shape with a cup rim surrounding the cup in the vertical direction at the top.
- the rim of the bowl and the rim of the cup run in a common horizontal plane, so that the bowl and cup can be closed with a common cover.
- the cover In the unlocked state of the bowl, gaps are provided between the bowl edge and the cover and between the cup edge and the cover, ie the cover is at a short distance above the cup and bowl edge.
- the gas formed in the substance receiving device ie in the cup
- the cover To close the shell, the cover is lowered onto the shell so that the gaps between the edge of the shell and the cover are closed when the shell is closed. The gas can no longer pass from the cup into the bowl interior.
- the cover of the bowl is pierced at the point immediately above the cup after the bowl has been closed. The cover thus has, in the closed state of the shell, an opening to the interior of the cup through which gas evolved due to the gas evolution of the substance remaining in the cup can escape to the atmosphere after evaporation.
- a valve is arranged instead of the opening in the cover, which closes the path from the outside into the cup interior, while it opens the way from the cup interior to the outside.
- a heating device is provided in the area of the substance absorption device. This can consist, for example, of an electric heating plate, via which the containers are transported during the packaging process. It is also possible to arrange a hot air blower in the vicinity of the liquid absorption device.
- a gas feed line is provided which is directed into the interior of the substance receiving device. Via this gas supply line, e.g. gaseous nitrogen are blown into the substance receiving device, which on the one hand intensifies the gas development and on the other hand supports the purging effect of the gas formed from the substance.
- the wall of the substance absorption device preferably has knobs in order to improve the outer surface and thus the heat transfer from the outside.
- the invention enables a uniform gas purging of the container from one point and creates an independence from time fluctuations in the gas development. Substance dosing in excess is also possible.
- oxygen-free packaging of goods in containers is achieved without expensive equipment, such as e.g. Vacuum pumps and vacuum chambers would be required.
- the process according to the invention creates an oxygen-free atmosphere in the containers within a short time, which also ensures packaging and storage of oxygen-sensitive products. In this way e.g. Foods are permanently protected from oxidation processes so that their shelf life is improved.
- the invention is particularly suitable for packaging finished food products in single or multi-compartment menu trays.
- a liquid gas namely liquid nitrogen
- the substance absorption device is referred to below as the liquid gas absorption device.
- the menu tray 10 shown in FIG. 1 has a liquid gas receiving device 4 designed as a cup, which is arranged at a point in the center of the menu tray 10 that is favorable in terms of fumigation technology.
- the liquid gas receiving device 4 is filled with liquid nitrogen.
- a heating element 3 arranged below the liquid gas receiving device 4 is brought up to the liquid gas receiving device 4 in order to support the evaporation of the liquid nitrogen located in the liquid gas receiving device 4.
- the resulting gaseous nitrogen passes over the upper rim 11 of the liquefied gas receiver 4 into the area above 9 of the menu tray 10 located food product arranged headspace 5 above.
- the nitrogen gas displaces the air located in the head space 5 of the menu tray 10 and exits into the atmosphere via the tray edges 12.
- the path of the nitrogen gas is illustrated in the drawing by arrows.
- a cover film 2 is held at a short distance above the menu tray 10, so that gaps are formed between the cup edge 11 and the cover film 2 and between the bowl edge 12 and the cover film 2 through which the nitrogen gas can pass.
- the menu tray 10 is closed by means of a sealing device 1 arranged above the menu tray 10.
- the cover film 2 is pressed onto the bowl edge 12 and cup edge 11 and attached to sealing surfaces 8.
- the menu tray 10 is thus sealed gas-tight. Since the gap between the cup rim 11 and the lid film 2 has also been eliminated, nitrogen gas can no longer pass from the liquid gas receiving device 4 into the head space 5 of the menu tray 10.
- the cover film 2 is pierced at a point immediately above the liquid gas receiving device 4. This allows nitrogen gas, which is produced by evaporating liquid nitrogen remaining in the liquid gas receiving device 4, to escape to the atmosphere without damage. It is therefore not necessary to wait until all of the liquid nitrogen has evaporated before the menu tray 10 is sealed, in order to prevent the package from bursting open due to the subsequently evaporated nitrogen.
- gaseous nitrogen can additionally be blown into the liquid gas receiving device 4. This can be done, for example, by a nitrogen gas supply arranged instead of the piercing device 7 respectively. This also intensifies the evaporation of the liquid nitrogen in the liquid gas receiving device 4.
- the menu tray shown in Figure 1 is shown in plan view.
- the liquid gas receiving device 4 is arranged at a fumigation point in the center of the multi-compartment menu tray.
- the path of the nitrogen gas is again shown by arrows.
- the sealing surfaces 8, on which the lid film rests after the menu tray has been sealed, can be seen clearly.
- Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the menu tray shown in Figures 1 and 2.
- the arrow illustrates the metering of liquid nitrogen into the liquid gas receiving device 4.
- a single-compartment menu tray is shown in FIG. 4, the liquid gas receiving device 4 being arranged in a corner of the menu tray.
- the menu tray is preferably pre-sealed with the cover film in the area in which the liquid gas receiving device 4 is located. This prevents some of the evaporated nitrogen from ineffectively escaping to the atmosphere in the direction facing away from the interior of the shell via the edge of the shell. An undesired escape of the evaporated nitrogen can also be prevented by an appropriate design of the sealing tool used to seal the cover film.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Vacuum Packaging (AREA)
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum sauerstofffreien Verpacken von Ware in Behälter, bei dem die Ware in den Behälter eingefüllt wird und der Behälterinnenraum mit einem Gas gespült wird, bevor der Behälter gasdicht verschlossen wird, sowie eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens.The invention relates to a method for oxygen-free packaging of goods in containers, in which the goods are poured into the container and the interior of the container is flushed with a gas before the container is closed in a gas-tight manner, and a device for carrying out the method.
Bei einigen Waren, insbesondere Lebensmittelprodukten, ist es vorteilhaft, sie unter Ausschluß von Sauerstoff aufzubewahren, um z.B. deren Haltbarkeit sicherzustellen. Es sind verschiedene Verfahren bekannt, um innerhalb einer Packung eine sauerstofffreie Atmosphäre zu schaffen.For some goods, especially food products, it is advantageous to store them in the absence of oxygen, e.g. ensure their durability. Various methods are known for creating an oxygen-free atmosphere within a package.
Eine übliche Verpackungsmethode besteht z.B. darin, die Packung zu evakuieren und anschließend zu verschließen. Dies ist jedoch nur mit flexiblen Packungen durchführbar, da sonst durch aufgrund des Vakuums auftretende Kräfte eine Beschädigung der Packung leicht möglich ist. Außerdem ist diese Methode mit einem enormen apparativen Aufwand verbunden. Es sind aufwendige Vakuumkammern und mindestens eine leistungsfähige Vakuumpumpe erforderlich. Überdies ergeben sich Probleme bei Produkten mit niedrigsiedenden Aromastoffen, wie z.B. Kaffee, da diese dann aufgrund des Vakuums dem Produkt verlorengehen.A common packaging method is, for example, to evacuate the package and then seal it. However, this can only be carried out with flexible packings, since otherwise the pack can easily be damaged by forces arising from the vacuum. In addition, this method is associated with an enormous expenditure on equipment. Elaborate vacuum chambers and at least one powerful vacuum pump are required. In addition, problems arise with products with low-boiling aromas, such as coffee, since these are then lost to the product due to the vacuum.
Eine Weiterentwicklung der genannten Methode besteht darin, die evakuierte Packung mit inertem, sauerstofffreiem Gas rückzubegasen und anschließend zu verschließen. Damit kann diese Methode dann auch zum Abpacken von Produkt in starren Behältern verwendet werden.A further development of the above-mentioned method consists in back-gassing the evacuated pack with inert, oxygen-free gas and then closing it. This method can then also be used to pack product in rigid containers.
Eine andere Verpackungsmethode sieht ein Spülen der Packung mit einem inerten, sauerstofffreien Gas vor. Anschließend wird die Packung verschlossen. Mit stückigem Produkt gefüllte Packungen werden jedoch im nachhinein durch Spülung mit inertem Gas in angemessener Zeit nicht mit ausreichender Sauerstofffreiheit erhalten.Another packaging method involves purging the package with an inert, oxygen-free gas. The pack is then closed. However, packages filled with lumpy product are not obtained with sufficient oxygen freedom afterwards by flushing with inert gas in a reasonable time.
Es ist auch bekannt, eine sauerstofffreie Atmosphäre innerhalb der Packung durch Sauerstoffbindung in der Packung mit Chemikalien zu erreichen. Diese Methode ist jedoch bei Lebensmittelpackungen z.B. aufgrund unsachgemäßer Verwendungsmöglichkeiten der Chemikalien durch Kinder bedenklich.It is also known to achieve an oxygen-free atmosphere within the package by binding oxygen in the package with chemicals. However, this method is used for food packaging e.g. due to improper use of the chemicals by children.
Schließlich ist es aus der DE-OS 36 25 081 bekannt, zum Kopfraumspülen von Behältnissen gasförmigen Stickstoff zu verwenden, der aus eindosiertem flüssigem Stickstoff durch Verdampfen entsteht. Wird dieses Verfahren beim Verpacken von mehrfächrigen Menüschalen eingesetzt, wie sie bei Lebensmittelfertigprodukten verwendet werden, so müssen bei unterschiedlichen Fächervolumina in die Fächer unterschiedliche Flüssigstickstoffmengen eindosiert werden, damit entsprechend der zu verdrängenden Luftmenge ausreichend gasförmiger Stickstoff zur Verfügung steht. Dies erfordert eine aufwendige Flüssigstickstoffdosieranlage mit mehreren Dosierstellen. Außerdem sammelt sich der flüssige Stickstoff erfahrungsgemäß nicht in der dosierten Menge an einem bevorzugten Ort in der Schale, sondern verteilt sich an beliebiger Stelle zu ungleichmäßigen Mengen. Dies bringt erheblich schwankende Verdampfungszeiten für den flüssigen Stickstoff mit sich. Aus diesem Grund muß mit dem Verschließen der Schalen gewartet werden, bis zumindest in 99 von 100 Schalen der flüssige Stickstoff vollständig verdampft ist. Anderenfalls würden Reste an flüssigem Stickstoff in der verschlossenen Schale nach Verdampfen zu einem Überdruck in der Schale führen, der geringstenfalls ein unerwünschtes Aufwölben des Deckels oder sogar ein Aufplatzen der Verpackung zur Folge hat.Finally, it is known from DE-OS 36 25 081 to use gaseous nitrogen for flushing the headspace of containers, which is produced by evaporation from metered liquid nitrogen. If this process is used for packaging multi-compartment menu trays, such as those used for finished food products, different amounts of liquid nitrogen must be metered into the compartments for different compartment volumes so that sufficient gaseous nitrogen is available according to the amount of air to be displaced. This requires a complex liquid nitrogen metering system with several metering points. In addition, experience has shown that the liquid nitrogen does not collect in the dosed amount at a preferred location in the shell, but rather distributes itself at random to uneven amounts. This entails considerably fluctuating evaporation times for the liquid nitrogen. For this reason, the Seal the trays until the liquid nitrogen has completely evaporated in at least 99 out of 100 trays. Otherwise, residues of liquid nitrogen in the sealed shell would lead to excess pressure in the shell after evaporation, which would at least result in undesired bulging of the lid or even bursting of the packaging.
Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, ein Verfahren der eingangs genannten Art und eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens so auszugestalten, daß eine sauerstofffreie Verpackung von Waren auf einfache und wirtschaftliche Weise erfolgt, ohne daß die genannten Nachteile der bisherigen Verfahren und Vorrichtungen auftreten.The object of the present invention is to design a method of the type mentioned at the outset and an apparatus for carrying out the method in such a way that oxygen-free packaging of goods takes place in a simple and economical manner without the disadvantages of the previous methods and apparatuses mentioned.
Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß eine zur Gasentwicklung befähigte Substanz in einen in oder an dem Behälter angeformten Substanzaufnahmeraum eingefüllt wird, die in dem Substanzaufnahmeraum befindliche Substanz zur Gasentwicklung gebracht wird, das so entstehende Gas in den Behälterinnenraum überführt wird, der Behälterinnenraum mit dem Gas gespült wird und nach dem Verschließen des Behälters das in dem Substanzaufnahmeraum entstehende Gas nicht mehr in den Behälterinnenraum überführt, sondern an die Atmosphäre abgegeben wird.This object is achieved in that a substance capable of gas evolution is poured into a molded-in substance receptacle in or on the container, the substance located in the substance receptacle is brought to gas evolution, the resulting gas is transferred into the container interior, the container interior with the Gas is flushed and after the container has been closed, the gas which arises in the substance receiving space is no longer transferred into the container interior, but is instead released into the atmosphere.
Zweckmäßigerweise wird als gasentwickelnde Substanz ein Flüssiggas, insbesondere flüssiger Stickstoff, verwendet. Es eignet sich aber auch Trockeneis (CO₂-Schnee). Ausschlaggebend ist, daß die Substanz z.B. in flüssigem oder festem Zustand in die Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung eingefüllt und anschließend zur Gasentwicklung veranlaßt, also z.B. zum Verdampfen gebracht werden kann.A liquid gas, in particular liquid nitrogen, is expediently used as the gas-developing substance. But dry ice (CO₂ snow) is also suitable. The decisive factor is that the substance, for example in the liquid or solid state, is filled into the substance receiving device and then caused to develop gas, that is to say can be brought to vaporization, for example.
Der wesentliche Unterschied zum Stand der Technik besteht demnach darin, daß die zur Gasentwicklung befähigte Substanz nicht direkt in den Behälterinnenraum eindosiert wird, sondern in eine separate Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung, die im einfachsten Fall als Becher ausgebildet sein kann, der im oder am Behälter angebracht ist. Das in der Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung durch die Gasentwicklung hergestellte Gas wird beispielsweise über Verbindungsleitungen oder im einfachsten Fall über einen vom Becherrand und Behälterdeckel gebildeten Spalt in den Behälterinnenraum überführt. Nachdem der Behälterinnenraum mit dem Gas gespült worden ist, kann der Behälter verschlossen werden, ohne darauf Rücksicht nehmen zu müssen, ob in der Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung noch Substanz enthalten ist. Das durch die Gasentwicklung von übriggebliebener Substanz entstehende Gas wird nämlich nach dem Verschließen des Behälters nicht mehr in den Behälterinnenraum überführt, sondern an die Atmosphäre abgegeben. Im einfachsten Fall wird dies dadurch erreicht, daß der Spalt zwischen der Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung und dem Behälterdeckel beim Verschließen des Behälters durch den Behälterdeckel beseitigt wird und der Behälter an der Stelle, die sich direkt über der Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung befindet, durchstochen wird. Auf diese Weise kann das aus der in der Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung verbliebenen Substanz entstehende Gas nicht mehr zu einem unerwünschten Aufwölben des Deckels oder zum Aufplatzen der Verpackung führen.The essential difference from the prior art is therefore that the substance capable of gas evolution is not metered directly into the interior of the container, but into a separate substance receiving device, which in the simplest case can be designed as a cup which is attached in or on the container. The gas produced in the substance receiving device by the gas evolution is transferred into the container interior, for example via connecting lines or in the simplest case via a gap formed by the cup rim and the container lid. After the interior of the container has been flushed with the gas, the container can be closed without having to consider whether substance is still contained in the substance receiving device. The gas resulting from the evolution of gas from the remaining substance is namely no longer transferred into the interior of the container after the container has been closed, but is instead released into the atmosphere. In the simplest case, this is achieved by eliminating the gap between the substance receiving device and the container lid when the container is closed by the container lid, and piercing the container at the point directly above the substance receiving device. In this way, the gas resulting from the substance remaining in the substance receiving device can no longer lead to an undesirable bulging of the lid or to bursting of the packaging.
Falls Lebensmittel verpackt werden sollen, so wird zweckmäßigerweise ein Inertgas, insbesondere flüssiger Stickstoff, als gasentwickelnde Substanz eingesetzt. Der durch Verdampfen des flüssigen Stickstoffs in der Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung entstehende gasförmige Stickstoff verdrängt den Sauerstoff aus dem Behälter und bildet eine inerte Atmosphäre im Behälterinnenraum, wodurch die Haltbarkeit der Lebensmittel erhöht wird. Eine andere Möglichkeit besteht darin, Trockeneis (CO₂-Schnee) in die Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung einzufüllen. Das entstehende CO₂-Gas verdrängt den Luftsauerstoff im Behälter und schafft eine CO₂-haltige Atmosphäre im Behälterinnenraum. Durch Wahl der entsprechenden zur Gasentwicklung befähigten Substanz kann die für die jeweils zu verpackenden Waren günstigste Behälterinnenraumatmosphäre eingestellt werden. Beispielsweise kann auch flüssiges Helium als gasentwickelnde Substanz verwendet werden, um eine Heliumatmosphäre im Behälterinnenraum herzustellen.If food is to be packaged, an inert gas, in particular liquid nitrogen, is expediently used as the gas-developing substance. The gaseous nitrogen produced by the evaporation of the liquid nitrogen in the substance receiving device displaces the oxygen from the container and forms an inert atmosphere in the interior of the container, which increases the shelf life of the food. Another option is dry ice (CO₂ snow) to fill in the substance absorption device. The resulting CO₂ gas displaces the atmospheric oxygen in the container and creates a CO₂-containing atmosphere in the interior of the container. By selecting the appropriate substance capable of gas evolution, the most favorable container interior atmosphere for the goods to be packaged can be set. For example, liquid helium can also be used as a gas-developing substance to create a helium atmosphere in the interior of the container.
Die Gasentwicklung der in der Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung befindlichen Substanz wird vorzugsweise durch Wärmezufuhr beschleunigt. Hierzu kann die Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung beispielsweise elektrisch beheizt werden oder Heißluft an die Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung herangeführt werden.The gas evolution of the substance in the substance receiving device is preferably accelerated by the supply of heat. For this purpose, the substance absorption device can, for example, be electrically heated or hot air can be supplied to the substance absorption device.
Gemäß einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung wird in die mit der Substanz gefüllte Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung ein Gas eingeblasen. Das eingeblasene Gas wird gemeinsam mit dem aus der Substanz entstandenen Gas in den Behälterinnenraum überführt und unterstützt somit dessen Spülwirkung. Außerdem wird durch das eingeblasene Gas die Gasentwicklung der Substanz intensiviert.According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a gas is blown into the substance receiving device filled with the substance. The injected gas is transferred into the interior of the container together with the gas resulting from the substance and thus supports its flushing action. In addition, the gas evolution of the substance is intensified by the injected gas.
In einer weitergehenden Variante der Erfindung wird in einem ersten Schritt die in der Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung befindliche Substanz zumindest teilweise in den gasförmigen Zustand überführt und in einem anschließenden zweiten Schritt ein Gas in die Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung eingeblasen. Da die Gasentwicklung der Substanz üblicherweise zunächst stärker ist und allmählich nachläßt, kann auf diese Weise die nachlassende Gasentwicklung im zweiten Schritt wieder verstärkt werden. Insgesamt ergibt sich durch das zusätzliche Einblasen von Gas in die Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung der Vorteil, daß weniger Substanz zum Spülen des Behälters erforderlich ist.In a further variant of the invention, the substance in the substance receiving device is at least partially converted into the gaseous state in a first step and a gas is blown into the substance receiving device in a subsequent second step. Since the gas evolution of the substance is usually initially stronger and gradually subsides, the decreasing gas evolution can be increased again in the second step. Overall, the additional blowing of gas into the substance receiving device results in the advantage that less substance is required to rinse the container.
Zweckmäßigerweise wird gasförmiger Stickstoff oder ein Mischgas, insbesondere ein N₂/CO₂-Mischgas oder ein N₂/CO₂/O₂-Mischgas mit möglichen Anteilen von Argon, Helium oder Kohlenmonoxid in die Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung eingeblasen. Zur weiteren Intensivierung der Gasentwicklung der Substanz wird bevorzugt ein erwärmtes Gas verwendet.Advantageously, gaseous nitrogen or a mixed gas, in particular an N₂ / CO₂ mixed gas or an N₂ / CO₂ / O₂ mixed gas with possible proportions of argon, helium or carbon monoxide is blown into the substance receiving device. A heated gas is preferably used to further intensify the gas evolution of the substance.
Es wird empfohlen, mindestens eine solche Menge an Substanz in die Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung einzufüllen, die ausreicht, um nach der Gasentwicklung den Behälterinnenraum sauerstofffrei zu spülen. Falls zusätzlich Gas in die Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung eingeblasen wird, kann die Substanzmenge entsprechend verringert werden.It is recommended that at least such an amount of substance be filled into the substance receiving device that is sufficient to flush the interior of the container free of oxygen after the evolution of gas. If additional gas is blown into the substance receiving device, the amount of substance can be reduced accordingly.
Die Erfindung betrifft ferner eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens mit einem mit Ware befüllbaren und gasdicht verschließbaren Behälter.The invention further relates to a device for carrying out the method with a container which can be filled with goods and closed in a gastight manner.
Erfindungsgemäß weist der Behälter einen im wesentlichen als von einer Wandung umgebenen Innenraum ausgebildeten, mit einer zur Gasentwicklung befähigten Substanz befüllbaren Substanzaufnahmeraum auf, dessen Innenraum im unverschlossenen Zustand des Behälters mit dem Behälterinnenraum und im verschlossenen Zustand des Behälters mit der Atmosphäre in Verbindung steht.According to the invention, the container has a substance receiving space which is essentially designed as an interior surrounded by a wall and can be filled with a substance capable of gas development, the interior of which is in communication with the container interior in the unlocked state of the container and with the atmosphere in the closed state of the container.
Die Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung ist zweckmäßigerweise an einer begasungstechnisch günstigen Stelle im Behälter angebracht, so daß das aus der Substanz entstehende Gas den gesamten Behälter gleichzeitig spülen kann.The substance receiving device is expediently attached to the fumigation point in the container, so that the gas resulting from the substance can rinse the entire container at the same time.
Geht man davon aus, daß der Behälter im wesentlichen aus einer ein- oder mehrfächrigen Schale mit einem die Schale in lotrechter Richtung oben umgebenden Schalenrand besteht, wie sie beispielsweise bei der Verpackung von Lebensmittelfertigprodukten verwendet wird, so ist die Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung gemäß einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform im wesentlichen als in der Schale angeordneter Becher z.B. in konischer oder zylindrischer Form mit einem den Becher in lotrechter Richtung oben umgebenden Becherrand ausgebildet. Dabei verlaufen der Schalenrand und der Becherrand in einer gemeinsamen horizontalen Ebene, so daß Schale und Becher mit einer gemeinsamen Abdeckung verschlossen werden können. Im unverschlossenen Zustand der Schale sind Spalte zwischen dem Schalenrand und der Abdeckung sowie zwischen dem Becherrand und der Abdeckung vorgesehen, d.h. die Abdeckung befindet sich in einem geringen Abstand über Becher- und Schalenrand. In diesem Zustand kann das in der Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung, d.h. in dem Becher, aus der Substanz entstandene Gas in den Schaleninnenraum übertreten, diesen sauerstofffrei spülen und über den äußeren Schalenrand an die Atmosphäre abgegeben werden. Zum Verschließen der Schale wird die Abdeckung auf die Schale gesenkt, so daß die Spalte zwischen dem Schalenrand und der Abdeckung im verschlossenen Zustand der Schale geschlossen sind. Das Gas kann nun nicht mehr aus dem Becher in den Schaleninnenraum übertreten. Gleichzeitig wird die Abdeckung der Schale nach dem Verschließen der Schale an der Stelle, die sich unmittelbar über dem Becher befindet, durchstochen. Die Abdeckung weist somit im verschlossenen Zustand der Schale eine Öffnung zum Becherinnenraum auf, durch die aufgrund der Gasentwicklung der im Becher verbliebenen Substanz entstandenes Gas nach Verdampfen an die Atmosphäre austreten kann.If one assumes that the container essentially consists of a single-compartment or multi-compartment shell with a shell edge surrounding the shell in the vertical direction at the top, as is the case, for example, in the packaging of finished food products is used, the substance receiving device is designed according to a particularly preferred embodiment essentially as a cup arranged in the shell, for example in a conical or cylindrical shape with a cup rim surrounding the cup in the vertical direction at the top. The rim of the bowl and the rim of the cup run in a common horizontal plane, so that the bowl and cup can be closed with a common cover. In the unlocked state of the bowl, gaps are provided between the bowl edge and the cover and between the cup edge and the cover, ie the cover is at a short distance above the cup and bowl edge. In this state, the gas formed in the substance receiving device, ie in the cup, can pass into the interior of the shell, flush it with oxygen-free and be released to the atmosphere via the outer edge of the shell. To close the shell, the cover is lowered onto the shell so that the gaps between the edge of the shell and the cover are closed when the shell is closed. The gas can no longer pass from the cup into the bowl interior. At the same time, the cover of the bowl is pierced at the point immediately above the cup after the bowl has been closed. The cover thus has, in the closed state of the shell, an opening to the interior of the cup through which gas evolved due to the gas evolution of the substance remaining in the cup can escape to the atmosphere after evaporation.
Gemäß einer Weiterbildung des Erfindungsgedankens ist anstelle der Öffnung in der Abdeckung ein Ventil angeordnet, das den Weg von außen in den Becherinnenraum verschließt, während es den Weg vom Becherinnenraum nach außen freigibt.According to a development of the inventive concept, a valve is arranged instead of the opening in the cover, which closes the path from the outside into the cup interior, while it opens the way from the cup interior to the outside.
Zur Unterstützung der Gasentwicklung ist im Bereich der Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung eine Heizvorrichtung vorgesehen. Diese kann beispielsweise aus einer elektrischen Heizplatte bestehen, über die die Behälter beim Verpackungsvorgang transportiert werden. Es ist auch möglich, ein Warmluftgebläse in der Nähe der Flüssigasaufnahmeeinrichtung anzuordnen.To support the gas development, a heating device is provided in the area of the substance absorption device. This can consist, for example, of an electric heating plate, via which the containers are transported during the packaging process. It is also possible to arrange a hot air blower in the vicinity of the liquid absorption device.
Gemäß einer anderen bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist eine in den Innenraum der Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung gerichtete Gaszuleitung vorgesehen. Über diese Gaszuleitung kann z.B. gasförmiger Stickstoff in die Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung eingeblasen werden, wodurch einerseits die Gasentwicklung intensiviert und andererseits die Spülwirkung des aus der Substanz entstandenen Gases unterstützt wird.According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a gas feed line is provided which is directed into the interior of the substance receiving device. Via this gas supply line, e.g. gaseous nitrogen are blown into the substance receiving device, which on the one hand intensifies the gas development and on the other hand supports the purging effect of the gas formed from the substance.
Zur weiteren Intensivierung der Gasentwicklung weist die Wandung der Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung vorzugsweise Noppen auf, um die äußere Oberfläche und damit den Wärmeübergang von außen zu verbessern.To further intensify the gas development, the wall of the substance absorption device preferably has knobs in order to improve the outer surface and thus the heat transfer from the outside.
Die Erfindung ermöglicht eine gleichmäßige Gasspülung des Behälters von einer Stelle aus und schafft eine Unabhängigkeit von Zeitschwankungen bei der Gasentwicklung. Außerdem ist eine Substanzdosierung im Überschuß möglich. Mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren wird ein sauerstofffreies Verpacken von Waren in Behältern erreicht, ohne daß aufwendige Apparaturen, wie z.B. Vakuumpumpen und Vakuumkammern, erforderlich wären. Durch das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren wird innerhalb kurzer Zeit eine sauerstofffreie Atmosphäre in den Behältern geschaffen, die auch eine Verpackung und Aufbewahrung von sauerstoffempfindlichen Produkten gewährleistet. Auf diese Weise können z.B. Lebensmittel vor Oxidationsprozessen dauerhaft geschützt werden, so daß ihre Haltbarkeit verbessert wird.The invention enables a uniform gas purging of the container from one point and creates an independence from time fluctuations in the gas development. Substance dosing in excess is also possible. With the method according to the invention, oxygen-free packaging of goods in containers is achieved without expensive equipment, such as e.g. Vacuum pumps and vacuum chambers would be required. The process according to the invention creates an oxygen-free atmosphere in the containers within a short time, which also ensures packaging and storage of oxygen-sensitive products. In this way e.g. Foods are permanently protected from oxidation processes so that their shelf life is improved.
Die Erfindung eignet sich vor allem zum Verpacken von Lebensmittelfertigprodukten in ein- oder mehrfächrigen Menüschalen.The invention is particularly suitable for packaging finished food products in single or multi-compartment menu trays.
Im folgenden soll die Erfindung anhand von in den Figuren schematisch dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert werden.In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments schematically shown in the figures.
Es zeigen:
- Figur 1:
- einen Querschnitt durch eine Menüschale mit zugeordneter Siegelvorrichtung
- Figur 2:
- eine Draufsicht auf die in
Figur 1 dargestellte Menüschale - Figur 3:
- eine perspektivische Darstellung der Menüschale
- Figur 4:
- eine perspektivische Darstellung einer einfächrigen Menüschale.
- Figure 1:
- a cross section through a menu tray with an associated sealing device
- Figure 2:
- a plan view of the menu tray shown in Figure 1
- Figure 3:
- a perspective view of the menu tray
- Figure 4:
- a perspective view of a single compartment menu tray.
In den folgenden Ausführungsbeispielen wird als zur Gasentwicklung befähigte Substanz ein Flüssiggas, nämlich flüssiger Stickstoff, verwendet. Deshalb wird im folgenden die Substanzaufnahmeeinrichtung als Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung bezeichnet.In the following exemplary embodiments, a liquid gas, namely liquid nitrogen, is used as the substance capable of gas evolution. Therefore, the substance absorption device is referred to below as the liquid gas absorption device.
Die in Figur 1 gezeigte Menüschale 10 weist eine als Becher ausgebildete Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung 4 auf, die an einer begasungstechnisch günstigen Stelle im Mittelpunkt der Menüschale 10 angeordnet ist. Zum Spülen der Menüschale 10 mit Stickstoffgas wird die Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung 4 mit flüssigem Stickstoff gefüllt. Ein unterhalb der Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung 4 angeordnetes Heizelement 3 wird an die Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung 4 herangeführt, um das Verdampfen des in der Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung 4 befindlichen flüssigen Stickstoffs zu unterstützen. Der entstehende gasförmige Stickstoff tritt über den oberen Becherrand 11 der Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung 4 in den oberhalb des im Bereich 9 der Menüschale 10 befindlichen Lebensmittelproduktes angeordneten Kopfraum 5 über. Das Stickstoffgas verdrängt die im Kopfraum 5 der Menüschale 10 befindliche Luft und tritt über die Schalenränder 12 in die Atmosphäre aus. Der Weg des Stickstoffgases ist in der Zeichnung durch Pfeile verdeutlicht.The
Über der Menüschale 10 wird in einem geringen Abstand eine Deckelfolie 2 gehalten, so daß Spalte zwischen dem Becherrand 11 und der Deckelfolie 2 sowie zwischen dem Schalenrand 12 und der Deckelfolie 2 gebildet werden, durch die das Stickstoffgas hindurchtreten kann. Nachdem der Kopfraum 5 der Menüschale 10 sauerstofffrei gespült worden ist, wird die Menüschale 10 mittels einer oberhalb der Menüschale 10 angeordneten Siegelvorrichtung 1 verschlossen. Hierzu wird die Deckelfolie 2 auf den Schalenrand 12 und Becherrand 11 gedrückt und an Siegelflächen 8 befestigt. Somit ist die Menüschale 10 gasdicht verschlossen. Da auch der Spalt zwischen dem Becherrand 11 und der Deckelfolie 2 beseitigt ist, kann kein Stickstoffgas mehr aus der Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung 4 in den Kopfraum 5 der Menüschale 10 übertreten. Mittels einer Durchstoßvorrichtung 7 wird die Deckelfolie 2 an einer unmittelbar über der Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung 4 liegenden Stelle durchstochen. Damit kann Stickstoffgas, das durch Verdampfen von in der Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung 4 verbliebenen flüssigen Stickstoff entsteht, schadlos an die Atmosphäre austreten. Es muß somit mit dem Versiegeln der Menüschale 10 nicht gewartet werden, bis der gesamte flüssige Stickstoff verdampft ist, um ein Aufplatzen der Verpackung durch nachträglich verdampften Stickstoff zu verhindern.A
Zur Unterstützung der Spülwirkung des in der Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung 4 verdampften Stickstoffs kann in die Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung 4 zusätzlich gasförmiger Stickstoff eingeblasen werden. Dies kann z.B. durch eine anstelle der Durchstoßvorrichtung 7 angeordneten Stickstoffgaszuführung erfolgen. Dadurch wird außerdem das Verdampfen des in der Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung 4 befindlichen flüssigen Stickstoffs intensiviert.In order to support the purging action of the nitrogen evaporated in the liquid
In Figur 2 ist die in Figur 1 dargestellte Menüschale in der Draufsicht gezeigt. In dieser Darstellung ist gut zu erkennen, daß die Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung 4 an begasungstechnisch günstiger Stelle im Mittelpunkt der mehrfächrigen Menüschale angeordnet ist. Der Weg des Stickstoffgases ist wiederum durch Pfeile verdeutlicht. Außerdem sind die Siegelflächen 8, auf denen nach dem Versiegeln der Menüschale die Deckelfolie aufliegt, gut zu erkennen.In Figure 2, the menu tray shown in Figure 1 is shown in plan view. In this illustration it can be clearly seen that the liquid
Figur 3 zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung der in den Figuren 1 und 2 dargestellten Menüschale. Der Pfeil verdeutlicht das Eindosieren von flüssigem Stickstoff in die Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung 4.Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the menu tray shown in Figures 1 and 2. The arrow illustrates the metering of liquid nitrogen into the liquid
In Figur 4 ist eine einfächrige Menüschale dargestellt, wobei die Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung 4 in einer Ecke der Menüschale angeordnet ist.A single-compartment menu tray is shown in FIG. 4, the liquid
Vorzugsweise wird die Menüschale in dem Bereich, in dem sich die Flüssiggasaufnahmeeinrichtung 4 befindet, mit der Deckelfolie vorversiegelt. Damit wird verhindert, daß ein Teil des verdampften Stickstoffs wirkungslos in die dem Schaleninnenraum abgewandte Richtung über den Schalenrand an die Atmosphäre austritt. Ein unerwünschter Austritt des verdampften Stickstoffs kann auch durch eine entsprechende Ausgestaltung des zur Versiegelung der Deckelfolie eingesetzten Siegelwerkzeuges verhindert werden.The menu tray is preferably pre-sealed with the cover film in the area in which the liquid
Bei allen Figuren sind dieselben Vorrichtungsteile mit denselben Bezugsziffern bezeichnet.In all the figures, the same device parts are designated with the same reference numbers.
Claims (14)
- Process for the oxygen-free packaging of goods in containers (10), in the case of which process the goods are introduced into the container and the container interior (5, 9) is flushed with a gas before the container is closed off in a gas-tight manner, characterized in that a substance which is capable of gas generation is introduced into a substance-receiving chamber (4) integrally formed in or on the container (10), the substance located in the substance-receiving chamber (4) is made to generate gas, and the resulting gas is transferred into the container interior (5, 9), the container interior (5, 9) is flushed with the gas and, after the container (10) has been closed off, the gas resulting in the substance-receiving chamber (4) is no longer transferred into the container interior (5, 9), but is discharged into the atmosphere.
- Process according to Claim 1, characterized in that the substance used is liquid nitrogen.
- Process according to Claim 1, characterized in that the substance used is dry ice (CO₂ snow).
- Process according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the substance-receiving chamber (4) is heated.
- Process according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the amount of substance introduced into the substance-receiving chamber (4) is at least sufficient to flush the container interior (5, 9) to be free of oxygen after the gas generation.
- Process according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a gas is blown into the substance-receiving chamber (4) filled with the substance.
- Process according to Claim 6, characterized in that gaseous nitrogen is blown into the substance-receiving chamber (4) filled with the substance.
- Process according to Claim 6, characterized in that a mixed gas, in particular an N₂/CO₂ mixed gas or an N₂/CO₂/O₂ mixed gas, is blown into the substance-receiving chamber (4) filled with the substance.
- Process according to Claim 6, characterized in that a heated gas is blown into the substance-receiving chamber (4) filled with the substance.
- Device for carrying out the process according to one of Claims 1 to 9 with a container (10) which can be filled with goods and can be closed off in a gas-tight manner, characterized in that the container (10) exhibits a substance-receiving chamber (4) which is designed essentially as an interior enclosed by a wall, can be filled with a substance capable of gas generation and of which the interior, in the non-closed-off state of the container (10), is in connection with the container interior (5) and, in the closed-off state of the container (10), is in connection with the atmosphere.
- Device according to Claim 10, the container being designed essentially as a single-compartment or multi-compartment dish which can be closed off in a gas-tight manner by means of a covering and has a dish border (12) which encloses the dish at the top in the vertical direction, characterized in that the substance-receiving chamber (4) is designed essentially as a cup (4) which is integrally formed in the dish (10) and has a cup border (11) which encloses the cup (4) at the top in the vertical direction, the dish border (12) and the cup border (11) running in a common horizontal plane, and, in the non-closed-off state of the dish (10), gaps being provided between the dish border (12) and the covering (2) and between the cup border (11) and the covering (2), which gaps are closed in the closed-off state of the dish (10), and the covering (2), in the closed-off state of the dish (10), exhibiting an opening towards the cup interior.
- Device according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a heating device (3) is provided in the region of the substance-receiving chamber (4).
- Device according to one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that a gas feedline directed into the interior of the substance-receiving chamber (4) is provided.
- Device according to one of Claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the wall of the substance-receiving chamber (4) exhibits protuberances.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE4224926 | 1992-07-28 | ||
| DE4224926A DE4224926A1 (en) | 1992-07-28 | 1992-07-28 | Method and device for oxygen-free packaging of goods |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP0581121A1 EP0581121A1 (en) | 1994-02-02 |
| EP0581121B1 true EP0581121B1 (en) | 1996-03-20 |
Family
ID=6464305
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP93111309A Expired - Lifetime EP0581121B1 (en) | 1992-07-28 | 1993-07-14 | Process and apparatus for the oxygen-free packaging of goods |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0581121B1 (en) |
| DE (2) | DE4224926A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7204069B2 (en) * | 2005-05-09 | 2007-04-17 | Yu Chi Liao | Container sealing device |
| DE102020130654A1 (en) | 2020-11-19 | 2022-05-19 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg | packaging device |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB950778A (en) * | 1961-11-07 | 1964-02-26 | Tramer Ltd H | Improvements in or relating to cartons or boxes |
| US3811594A (en) * | 1971-11-26 | 1974-05-21 | Jenos Inc | Unitary container for a food product |
| DE2315429C3 (en) * | 1973-03-28 | 1980-07-24 | Benz & Hilgers Gmbh, 4000 Duesseldorf | Device for gassing the headspace of filled containers before closing |
| DE2323409C2 (en) * | 1973-05-09 | 1975-01-30 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller Kg, 8941 Wolfertschwenden | Process for packaging filling material which tends to splash when boiling in plastic packaging foils and device for carrying out the process |
| DE2612958C2 (en) * | 1976-03-26 | 1985-01-10 | Robert Bosch Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart | Device for flushing atmospheric oxygen from packaging containers |
| DE3625081A1 (en) * | 1986-07-24 | 1988-02-04 | Lieder Maschinenbau Gmbh & Co | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE PRESERVATION OF GOODS INCLUDED IN A CONTAINER |
-
1992
- 1992-07-28 DE DE4224926A patent/DE4224926A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1993
- 1993-07-14 EP EP93111309A patent/EP0581121B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-07-14 DE DE59301939T patent/DE59301939D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE4224926A1 (en) | 1994-02-03 |
| EP0581121A1 (en) | 1994-02-02 |
| DE59301939D1 (en) | 1996-04-25 |
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