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EP0255648B1 - Method and device for preserving goods enclosed in a container - Google Patents

Method and device for preserving goods enclosed in a container Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0255648B1
EP0255648B1 EP87110519A EP87110519A EP0255648B1 EP 0255648 B1 EP0255648 B1 EP 0255648B1 EP 87110519 A EP87110519 A EP 87110519A EP 87110519 A EP87110519 A EP 87110519A EP 0255648 B1 EP0255648 B1 EP 0255648B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gas
tub
region
sealing
cover
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
Application number
EP87110519A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0255648A3 (en
EP0255648A2 (en
Inventor
Hans Faltum
Helmut Grüne
Manfred Nordmeyer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Lieder Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Lieder Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lieder Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Lieder Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Priority to AT87110519T priority Critical patent/ATE83996T1/en
Publication of EP0255648A2 publication Critical patent/EP0255648A2/en
Publication of EP0255648A3 publication Critical patent/EP0255648A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0255648B1 publication Critical patent/EP0255648B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for preserving goods filled in a cup, which is to be covered with a cover, in the head space, which limits the goods in the area of the cup rim, a preservation gas is entered and the cover of which is to be sealed.
  • the invention relates to a device for carrying out the aforementioned method with a transport device that transports the cups from a filling position to a gassing position in which gas is added and to a closing device that closes the containers in a pressure-tight manner.
  • EP-A-0063 235 it is known to fill cups with food.
  • a lid is placed on the mug filled with food and fixed in at least one position on the rim of the mug. Then the lid is raised slightly on one side, preferably on the tear-open tab, and the protective gas is blown through the gap formed thereby. Then the lid is welded on.
  • the lid can be raised, for example, by means of a part over which the tear tab slides, or by means of a gas nozzle for blowing in the protective gas.
  • the process known from this document consists in flushing the preservation gas through a partially sealed cup.
  • This method does not lead to a complete filling of the head space with gas, since the gas which penetrates into the head space below the lid fixed by welding points or by holding-down devices emerges again on the opposite side of the cup without it filled the entire headspace.
  • a gas flow is formed in the head space immediately below the fixed lid, without the gas flow therefore penetrating into the head space as far as the food already filled.
  • the object of the present invention is to improve the method of the type mentioned in the introduction in such a way that air fractions are reliably removed from the head space except for very small residual quantities and the cups largely retain their shape after they have been closed.
  • This object is achieved in that a liquefied preservation gas is filled in and the expansion of the preservation gas displaces the air from the headspace, a gas-tight, partial sealing of the cover is carried out and at least one expansion channel is maintained through which the air is expelled and a subsequent residual sealing is carried out in a gas channel filled with preservation gas after the pressure in the headspace in the headspace has been released to approximately the pressure prevailing in the gas channel.
  • the relaxing gas expels the air or oxygen fractions from the head space of the still open container without an equilibrium being established in the head space of the container between the relaxing gas on the one hand and an air atmosphere surrounding the head space on the other. Rather, the expansion of the liquefied gas present in the headspace takes place within the gas atmosphere, so that components of this gas atmosphere penetrate into the headspace instead of the air or oxygen components expelled from the headspace. This exchange takes place until the pressure of the liquefied gas introduced into the head space has adjusted to the gas atmosphere, so that after a final pressure-tight sealing of the beaker a re-evaporation of any liquid gas components that are still present within the head space cannot take place.
  • the container is pre-sealed to an expansion channel through which expanding gas is conducted into the gas atmosphere until a pressure prevailing in the container has released into the gas atmosphere, within which the container is sealed in a pressure-tight manner .
  • the expansion channel through which it can escape into the gas atmosphere is available to the evaporating gas.
  • the gas exchange can be limited specifically to the gas atmosphere, which only has to be present at a certain point within a gas channel.
  • the essentially already closed head space is completely filled with the gas evaporating from the liquefied gas.
  • the container is sealed in a partial sealing area and gassed with liquefied gas through a gassing area lying outside this partial sealing area, then the gassing area is further sealed after the gassing has been carried out except for an open expansion channel, through which the expanding gas leads into the gas atmosphere until a pressure prevailing in the container relaxes in the gas atmosphere within which the container is sealed in a pressure-tight manner.
  • the container is already partially sealed before the liquefied gas the headspace is introduced. In this way, the head space for the evaporating gas is already closed before the gas is introduced into the head space in liquid form.
  • a device for preserving the goods filled into a cup can be found, for example, in EP-A-0063235.
  • the links on a conveyor belt convey the plastic cups to the individual work stations in cycles.
  • the dosing device for the product to be filled is located above the plastic cup.
  • a work station is located above the plastic cup of the lid storage container.
  • a lid is already on the plastic cup.
  • purging takes place with protective gas, which is fed through the gas nozzle.
  • the lid is slightly raised from the edge of the plastic cup, on one side through the gas nozzle and on the other side through the escaping gas.
  • the lid is fixed on the edge of the plastic cup by two hold-down devices.
  • the last workstation finally shows the plastic cup with the lid, which is welded onto the edge of the plastic cup with the help of the welding head.
  • the lid placed on it must be fixed disadvantageously by a holding-down device or by welding spots before the preservation gas is blown in.
  • the penetration of air into the head space via the space between the cover and the rim of the cup is not adequately prevented.
  • the object of the present device is therefore to to improve this device so that air or oxygen portions of gas are expelled completely and at the same time inexpensively from the headspace before the cup is sealed.
  • the sealing device arranged in front of the closing device which seals the cover with the cup only in a substantial part of its cup edge and thus leaves a smaller part of the circumference of the cup edge unsealed, ensures that the unsealed part acts as a gas channel, via which an expansion of the Gas can be made in the interior of the cup.
  • a device suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention essentially consists of a transport device 1 which has at least one recess 2 for receiving a cup 3 to be closed, at least one pre-sealing head 4, an end sealing head 5, a gassing device 6 and a gas channel 7.
  • the cup 3 is held in the recess 2.
  • the transport device 1 consists essentially of plates 8 which are connected to drive chains 10 which move them by means of driving pins 9.
  • the drive chains 10 extend substantially parallel to a transport direction 11 of the cups 3.
  • the driver pins 9 have longitudinal axes 12 which are oriented essentially at right angles to the transport direction 11.
  • the drive chains 10 are guided over deflection rollers 13 which, together with the drive chains 10 and the plates 8, form a device similar to a conveyor belt.
  • Limits 14 of the plates 8 moved in the transport direction 11 arranged upwards in the vertical direction are arranged approximately in a conveying plane 15 which runs essentially horizontally.
  • a plane lies transversely to the conveying plane, which plane is oriented in the transport direction 11 and in which the transport device 1 is moved.
  • At least one sealing element 16 is arranged between each two plates 8, which is approximately bead-shaped and extends with its longitudinal axis approximately at right angles to the transport direction 11 and parallel to the conveying plane 15.
  • a cup 3 essentially consists of a base 17, a wall 18 which protrudes approximately perpendicularly from the base 17 and a cup edge 20 which surrounds the wall 18 in the region of its boundary 19 oriented vertically upwards.
  • the cup edge 20 extends essentially horizontally.
  • the bottom 17, the wall 18 and the cup rim 20 are preferably made of a uniform material, which is made of plastic, for example.
  • a cup interior 21 is delimited by the wall 18 and the bottom 17 and can be filled with a product 23 through a filling opening 22 which is arranged in the region of the cup rim 20 and runs essentially horizontally.
  • each of the plates 8 there is a recess 24 surrounding the recess 2, which runs approximately parallel to the conveying plane 15 with its lower boundary 25 facing the cup edge 20.
  • the depression 24 Perpendicular to the conveying plane 15, the depression 24 has an extent which corresponds approximately to the thickness, measured in the vertical direction, of the cup rim 20 surrounding the cup 3 in the region of its filling opening 22.
  • a dispensing opening 27 of a goods dispensing device 28 filling the cup 3.
  • the product 23 to be allocated is enclosed by a storage container 29, which has a connection 30 to the distribution opening 27 that guides the product 23.
  • a metering device 31 is provided, which is connected to a metering control 32 that actuates it.
  • the goods 23 can be, for example, foods such as dairy products, salads or ready meals, but it is also possible to preserve other goods 23, for example components or technical pastes to be protected from environmental influences.
  • a gassing position 33 is provided in the transport direction 11 behind the filling position 26, above which a gassing device 34 is arranged in the vertical direction.
  • the gassing device 34 consists essentially of a gas storage container 35, one of a wall 36 has enclosed interior 37 in which gas 38 is stored.
  • the interior 37 is connected to a gas metering device 39, which is designed, for example, as a tube or hose.
  • the gas metering device 39 has a gas metering opening 40 which is arranged in the vertical direction directly above the goods 23 filled into the cup 3.
  • a gas metering device 41 is provided, which is designed, for example, as a valve.
  • the gas metering device 41 is connected to a gas metering control 42 that actuates it.
  • the gas 38 is preferably fed to the cup 3 as a liquefied gas which is distributed in the region of a head space 57 arranged above the goods 23 and below the upper boundary 19 of the cup wall 18, but it is also possible for the gas 38 to be in gaseous form in the cup 3 Condition.
  • the gassing position 33 is followed by a film feed position 43, in the area of which a film metering device 45, which provides the cup 3 with a cover 44, is arranged.
  • the cover 44 extends over the entire filling opening 22 and lies in the region of the cup rim 20, the cup rim 20 being at least partially covered by the cover 44.
  • a pre-sealing position 46 is provided in the transport direction 11 behind the gassing position 33, and the pre-sealing head 4 is arranged in the vertical direction above this.
  • the pre-sealing head 4 has a pre-sealing contour 47 in the direction of the cup 3, which extends approximately horizontally in the substantial area of its extent and in a smaller area of its extent, which is arranged in the area of a boundary 48 that laterally closes the pre-sealing head 4, one in a vertical direction Has curvature 49 oriented upward.
  • an expansion channel 50 remains in the region of the curvature 49, which is located between a lower boundary facing the cup 3 51 of the cover 44 and one of the cover 44 facing the upper boundary of the cup edge 20 extends.
  • the pre-sealing head 49 is connected to a movement element 56 positioning it in an approximately vertical direction.
  • positions 26, 33, 43 and 46 are provided in a different arrangement than the sequence described.
  • the filling position 26 is followed by the film feed position 43, followed in the conveying direction 11 by the pre-sealing position 46 and the gassing position 33.
  • the pre-sealing head 4 has a contour that the cup edge 20 at least in an area 53 that extends transversely to the direction of transport 11 over the entire extent of the rim 20 of the cup, at most covering it away from it.
  • the pre-sealing head can be designed, for example, in such a way that it does not cover the relevant area of the cup rim 20, but it is also possible for the pre-sealing contour 47 to have a curvature oriented upwards in this area.
  • the area 53 preferably extends in an area of the cup rim 20 opposite the expansion channel 50 with respect to the interior 21, but it is also possible for the area 53 and the expansion channel 50 to overlap at least partially.
  • a support rail 54 is arranged in the area of positions 43, 46 and 33 and extends with its longitudinal axis essentially in the direction of transport 11.
  • the support rail 54 extends with its lower limit facing the cup 3 immediately above the upper limit 52 of the cup rim 20 facing it. Transversely to the transport direction 11, the support rail 54 extends at least partially between the cup edge 20 and the cover 44 resting thereon.
  • the support rail 54 preferably has a rounded contour 55 in its area facing the support 44.
  • a bore 61 extends through the support rail 44 transversely to the conveying direction 11 and has an opening 62 in the region of the cup interior 21. At its end facing away from the opening 62, the bore 61 has a further opening 63 which connects the bore 61 to the gas metering device 39.
  • a further sealing position 58 follows from the gassing position 33, above which a further sealing head 59 is arranged in the vertical direction, which is connected to a movement element 60 that positions it and contacts the cover 44 in the region 53 of the cup rim 20.
  • the gas channel 7 follows the already mentioned positions 26 to 46 and 43 to 58.
  • the gas channel 7 extends essentially in the transport direction 11 and covers the cup 3 arranged in a pre-expansion position 64 transversely to the transport direction 11 at least in the region of the expansion channel 50.
  • the pre-expansion position 64 is arranged behind the positions 26 to 46 and 43 to 58 in the transport direction 11.
  • the gas channel 11 is arranged in the vertical direction immediately above the conveying plane 15 and is sealed off from the plates 8 with at least one seal 65, which is designed, for example, as a rubber seal.
  • the gas channel 7 is preferably divided into individual chambers 66 which are separated from one another by at least one non-return valve 67 which is oriented substantially perpendicularly and extends transversely to the transport direction 11.
  • the non-return flap 67 can be pivoted about an axis of rotation 69 which is oriented transversely to the transport direction 11 and is arranged in the region of an upper cover 68 of the gas channel 7 which runs approximately parallel to the conveying plane 15.
  • a pre-expansion chamber 70 is arranged in the area of the pre-expansion position 64, the composition of the gas contained in an interior 71 of the pre-expansion chamber 70 is determined by at least one gas measuring device 72.
  • the Gas measuring device 72 is designed, for example, as an oxygen sensor, but it is also possible to measure other or further gases.
  • the pre-expansion chamber 70 is followed by a further expansion chamber 73 and an end expansion chamber 74.
  • Gas measuring devices 72 are also arranged in the region of these chambers.
  • the end expansion chamber 74 is adjoined in the transport direction 11 by an end sealing chamber 75, in the area of which the end sealing head 5 is arranged in the vertical direction above the conveying plane 15 and is connected to a movement element 76 positioning it in the vertical direction.
  • At least one gas measuring device 72 is also arranged in the region of the final sealing chamber 75.
  • a turbulence-reducing insert 77 is provided in the final sealing chamber 75, which is preferably designed as a Teflon insert.
  • At least one of the chambers 70, 73, 74 and 75 is connected via at least one gas supply line 78 to a gas supply 79, which preferably feeds the gas channel 7 with the same gas that is supplied to the cup 3 in the gassing position 33.
  • a gas supply 79 which preferably feeds the gas channel 7 with the same gas that is supplied to the cup 3 in the gassing position 33.
  • the gas supply 79 and the gas storage container 35 it is possible for the gas supply 79 and the gas storage container 35 to form a single part.
  • Each of the chambers 70, 73, 74 and 75 preferably has at least one gas supply line 78.
  • a heater 80 can be provided at least in the area of one of these chambers, which is preferably arranged in the area of the upper cover 68.
  • the heater is connected to a temperature control.
  • the preservation of the goods 23 is carried out in such a way that the cup 3 is first filled with the goods 23 in the filling position 26 and then brought into a further processing position by the transport device 1.
  • This further processing position can be the gassing position 33, preferably in the gas 38 is introduced into the head space 57 of the cup 3 in the liquefied state.
  • the gas 38 begins to expand or change from the liquid to the gaseous state and thereby displaces the circulating air present in the head space, in particular also the oxygen, from the area of the head space 57.
  • the cup becomes 3 then provided with the cover 44, which is permanently connected to the cup 3 in the pre-sealing position 46.
  • the cover 44 can be, for example, a plastic or metal foil, but other covers are also possible which permit a gas-tight closure of the cup 3.
  • the cup 3 After passing through the film feed position 43, the cup 3 is pre-sealed in the pre-sealing position 46.
  • the cover is connected in a gas-tight manner at least in a pre-sealing area 81, which is arranged in the area of the cup rim 20.
  • the cup 3, after it has been filled with goods 23, is first connected in the pre-sealing position 46 in a partial sealing area 82 to the cup rim 20, which represents a partial area of the pre-sealing area 81.
  • the area of the cover 44 which is not connected to the cup edge 20 lies on the support rail 54, through the opening 61 of which gas 38 is introduced into the cup 3 in the gassing position 33. Since the cup 3 is already largely closed by the cover 44 in this position, the gas 38 can only escape from the head space 57 in the area of the expansion channel 50 and in the area of the support rail 54. After gassing the head space, the cup is closed in the further sealing position 58 except for the area of the expansion channel 50.
  • the further sealing head 59 connects the cover 44 to the cup rim 20 in a gas-tight manner at least in one further sealing region 83.
  • the gas 38 escapes from the head space 57 through the expansion channel 50 to a residual content determined by the ambient pressure and almost completely leads the ambient air contained in the head space 57 out of the area of the head space 57.
  • Gas 38 is supplied to the gas channel through gas supply lines 78, ambient air components are thereby displaced from the interior of the gas channel 7. This prevents that after complete expansion of the gas 38 enclosed in the head space 57, ambient air penetrates into the head space 57 through the expansion channel 50.
  • the expansion of gas 38 is monitored by gas meters 72 and controlled by heater 80. After the gas 38 has completely expanded, the cup is closed completely gas-tight by the end sealing head 5, which connects the cover 44 to the cup edge 20 at least in one end sealing area 84. The penetration of ambient air into the gas channel 7 is largely avoided by the seal 65 sealing the gas channel 7 with respect to the transport device 1.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vacuum Packaging (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Food Preservation Except Freezing, Refrigeration, And Drying (AREA)
  • Closing Of Containers (AREA)

Abstract

The method permits the preservation of goods enclosed in a container. The container is essentially formed from a cup having a cup edge surrounding the latter at the top in a vertical direction, and a cover which seals the cup in gas-tight manner. The cover upwardly limits a top space in the vertical direction, this space surrounding the goods in the region of the cup edge. Before the cup is closed in a gas-tight manner, circulating air which surrounds the goods in the region of a top space is displaced by a gas. The gas is fed to the top space from a region disposed outside of the cup. <??>The device preserves goods which are enclosed in a container. The container is essentially formed from a cup provided with a filling orifice, and a cover which seals the cup in a gas-tight manner in the region of its filling orifice. A head space is provided between the cover and the goods filled into the cup. At least one gassing device is provided which supplies the cup with gas in the region of its top space. The gassing device is arranged in the region of at least one gassing position.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Konservierung von in einem Becher eingefüllter Ware, der mit einer Abdeckung abzudekken ist, in dessen Kopfraum, der die Ware im Bereich des Becherrandes nach oben begrenzt, ein Konservierungsgas eingegeben wird und dessen Abdeckung zu versiegeln ist.The invention relates to a method for preserving goods filled in a cup, which is to be covered with a cover, in the head space, which limits the goods in the area of the cup rim, a preservation gas is entered and the cover of which is to be sealed.

Darüber hinaus betrifft die Erfindung eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des genannten Verfahrens mit einer Transportvorrichtung, die die Becher von einer Füllposition zu einer Begasungsposition, in der die Zugabe von Gas erfolgt, und zu einer Verschließeinrichtung transportiert, die die Behälter druckdicht verschließt.In addition, the invention relates to a device for carrying out the aforementioned method with a transport device that transports the cups from a filling position to a gassing position in which gas is added and to a closing device that closes the containers in a pressure-tight manner.

Aus der EP-A-0063 235 ist bekannt, Becher mit Lebensmitteln zu befüllen. Auf den mit Lebensmitteln befüllten Becher wird ein Deckel aufgelegt und an mindestens einer Stelle auf dem Becherrand fixiert. Dann wird der Deckel an einer Seite, vorzugsweise an der Aufreißlasche, etwas angehoben und durch den hierdurch gebildeten Spalt das Schutzgas eingeblasen. Danach wird der Dekkel aufgeschweißt. Das Anheben des Deckels kann beispielsweise mittels eines Teiles, über den die Aufreißlasche gleitet, oder mittels einer Gasdüse zum Einblasen des Schutzgases erfolgen.From EP-A-0063 235 it is known to fill cups with food. A lid is placed on the mug filled with food and fixed in at least one position on the rim of the mug. Then the lid is raised slightly on one side, preferably on the tear-open tab, and the protective gas is blown through the gap formed thereby. Then the lid is welded on. The lid can be raised, for example, by means of a part over which the tear tab slides, or by means of a gas nozzle for blowing in the protective gas.

Das aus dieser Druckschrift bekanntgewordene verfahren besteht darin, daß das Konservierungsgas durch einen teilweise verschlossenen Becher hindurchgespült wird. Dieses Verfahren führt nicht zu einer vollständigen Auffüllung des Kopfraumes mit Gas, da das in den Kopfraum unterhalb des durch Schweißpunkte oder durch Niederhalter fixierten Deckels eindringende Gas an der gegenüberliegenden Seite des Bechers wieder austritt, ohne daß es den gesamten Kopfraum gefüllt hat. Insbesondere bildet sich in dem Kopfraum eine Gasströmung unmittelbar unterhalb des fixierten Deckels aus, ohne daß der Gasstrom deswegen bis zu dem bereits eingefüllten Lebensmittel in den Kopfraum eindringt. Innerhalb des Kopfraumes befinden sich daher ausgedehnte Luft- und Sauerstoffnester, so daß die angestrebte Gasatmosphäre nicht erreicht wird, in der der Luft- bzw. Sauerstoffanteil unter 1 % der gesamten Gasmenge liegt.The process known from this document consists in flushing the preservation gas through a partially sealed cup. This method does not lead to a complete filling of the head space with gas, since the gas which penetrates into the head space below the lid fixed by welding points or by holding-down devices emerges again on the opposite side of the cup without it filled the entire headspace. In particular, a gas flow is formed in the head space immediately below the fixed lid, without the gas flow therefore penetrating into the head space as far as the food already filled. There are therefore extensive air and oxygen nests within the head space, so that the desired gas atmosphere is not achieved, in which the air or oxygen content is less than 1% of the total amount of gas.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, das Verfahren der einleitend genannten Art so zu verbessern, daß Luftanteile aus dem Kopfraum bis auf sehr geringe Restmengen zuverlässig entfernt werden und die Becher nach ihrem Verschließen ihre Form weitgehend beibehalten.The object of the present invention is to improve the method of the type mentioned in the introduction in such a way that air fractions are reliably removed from the head space except for very small residual quantities and the cups largely retain their shape after they have been closed.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß ein verflüssigtes Konservierungsgas eingefüllt und durch die Expansion des Konservierungsgases die Luft aus dem Kopfraum verdrängt wird, eine gasdichte, teilweise Versiegelung der aufgelegten Abdeckung erfolgt und mindestens ein einzelner Expansionskanal erhalten bleibt, durch den die Luft ausgetrieben wird und eine anschließende restliche Versiegelung in einem mit Konservierungsgas gefüllten Gaskanal nach Entspannung des im Kopfraum befindlichen Konservierungsgases auf etwa den im Gaskanal herrschenden Druck vorgenommen wird.This object is achieved in that a liquefied preservation gas is filled in and the expansion of the preservation gas displaces the air from the headspace, a gas-tight, partial sealing of the cover is carried out and at least one expansion channel is maintained through which the air is expelled and a subsequent residual sealing is carried out in a gas channel filled with preservation gas after the pressure in the headspace in the headspace has been released to approximately the pressure prevailing in the gas channel.

Das sich entspannende Gas treibt die Luft- bzw. Sauerstoffanteile aus dem Kopfraum des noch offenen Behälters aus, ohne daß sich im Kopfraum des Behälters ein Gleichgewicht zwischen dem sich entspannenden Gas einerseits und einer dem Kopfraum umgebenden Luftatmosphäre andererseits einstellen kann. Vielmehr findet die Expansion des im Kopfraum vorhandenen verflüssigten Gases innerhalb der Gasatmosphäre statt, so daß an die Stelle der aus dem Kopfraum ausgetriebenen Luft- bzw. Sauerstoffanteile Bestandteile dieser Gasatmosphäre in den Kopfraum eindringen. Dieser Austausch findet so lange statt, bis der Druck des in den Kopfraum eingegebenen verflüssigten Gases sich der Gasatmosphäre angeglichen hat, so daß nach einem endgültigen druckdichten Versiegeln des Bechers eine Nachverdampfung etwa noch vorhandener flüssiger Gasbestandteile innerhalb des Kopfraumes nicht stattfinden kann. Auf diese Weise stellt sich innerhalb des Kopfraumes ein Gasdruck ein, der etwa demjenigen der Gasatmosphäre entspricht. Diese Gasatmosphäre besitzt zweckmäßigerweise einen Druck, der demjenigen einer die Versiegelungskammer umgebenden Luftatmoshäre entspricht. Auf diese Weise kann auch nach einer hermetischen Versiegelung des Bechers eine Nachverdampfung innerhalb des Bechers allenfalls bei hohen Temperaturdifferenzen stattfinden. Die dabei entstehenden Gasmengen besitzen vorteilhaft nicht einen für eine Ausbeulung des Bechers bzw. des Deckels ausreichenden Druck.The relaxing gas expels the air or oxygen fractions from the head space of the still open container without an equilibrium being established in the head space of the container between the relaxing gas on the one hand and an air atmosphere surrounding the head space on the other. Rather, the expansion of the liquefied gas present in the headspace takes place within the gas atmosphere, so that components of this gas atmosphere penetrate into the headspace instead of the air or oxygen components expelled from the headspace. This exchange takes place until the pressure of the liquefied gas introduced into the head space has adjusted to the gas atmosphere, so that after a final pressure-tight sealing of the beaker a re-evaporation of any liquid gas components that are still present within the head space cannot take place. In this way, a gas pressure is established within the head space, which corresponds approximately to that of the gas atmosphere. This gas atmosphere expediently has a pressure which corresponds to that of an air atmosphere surrounding the sealing chamber. In this way, even after the cup has been hermetically sealed, post-evaporation within the cup can at most take place at high temperature differences. The resulting gas quantities advantageously do not have sufficient pressure to bulge the cup or lid.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung wird der Behälter nach Einleiten des verflüssigten Gases bis auf einen Expansionskanal vorversiegelt, durch den expandierendes Gas in die Gasatmosphäre geleitet wird, bis ein im Behälter herrschender Druck sich in die Gasatmosphäre entspannt hat, innerhalb der der Behälter druckdicht versiegelt wird. Bei dieser Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens steht dem ausdampfenden Gas nur der Expansionskanal zur Verfügung, durch den es in die Gasatmosphäre austreten kann. Auf diese Weise kann der Gasaustauch gezielt auf die Gasatmosphäre beschränkt werden, die nur an einer bestimmten Stelle innerhalb eines Gaskanals vorhanden sein muß. Der im wesentlichen bereits geschlossene Kopfraum wird vollständig mit dem aus dem verflüssigten Gas ausdampfenden Gas gefüllt.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, after the liquefied gas has been introduced, the container is pre-sealed to an expansion channel through which expanding gas is conducted into the gas atmosphere until a pressure prevailing in the container has released into the gas atmosphere, within which the container is sealed in a pressure-tight manner . In this embodiment of the method according to the invention, only the expansion channel through which it can escape into the gas atmosphere is available to the evaporating gas. In this way, the gas exchange can be limited specifically to the gas atmosphere, which only has to be present at a certain point within a gas channel. The essentially already closed head space is completely filled with the gas evaporating from the liquefied gas.

Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung wird der Behälter in einem Teilversiegelungsbereich versiegelt und durch einen außerhalb dieses Teilversiegelungsbereiches liegenden Begasungsbereich mit verflüssigtem Gas begast, sodann wird der Begasungsbereich nach Durchführung der Begasung bis auf einen offenbleibenden Expansionskanal weiterversiegelt, durch den expandierendes Gas in die Gasatmosphäre geleitet wird, bis ein im Behälter herrschender Druck sich in die Gasatmosphäre entspannt, innerhalb der der Behälter druckdicht versiegelt wird. Bei dieser Ausführungsform des Verfahrens wird der Behälter bereits zu einem Teil versiegelt, bevor das verflüssigte Gas in den Kopfraum eingebracht wird. Auf diese Weise wird der Kopfraum für das ausdampfende Gas bereits abgeschlossen, bevor das Gas flüssig in den Kopfraum eingebracht wird. Dadurch wird verhindert, daß unmittelbar nach dem Einbringen des verflüssigten Gases eine Ausdampfung des Gases unkontrolliert aus dem Kopfraum erfolgt. Bereits kleine Mengen verflüssigten Gases reichen aus, um den bereits teilversiegelten Kopfraum vollständig mit Gas zu füllen und verbleibende Luft- bzw. Sauerstoffmengen auszutreiben.According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the container is sealed in a partial sealing area and gassed with liquefied gas through a gassing area lying outside this partial sealing area, then the gassing area is further sealed after the gassing has been carried out except for an open expansion channel, through which the expanding gas leads into the gas atmosphere until a pressure prevailing in the container relaxes in the gas atmosphere within which the container is sealed in a pressure-tight manner. In this embodiment of the method, the container is already partially sealed before the liquefied gas the headspace is introduced. In this way, the head space for the evaporating gas is already closed before the gas is introduced into the head space in liquid form. This prevents the gas from evaporating out of the headspace in an uncontrolled manner immediately after the liquefied gas has been introduced. Even small amounts of liquefied gas are sufficient to completely fill the already partially sealed head space with gas and to expel remaining air or oxygen quantities.

Eine Vorrichtung zur Konservierung von der in einen Becher eingefüllten Ware ist beispielsweise der EP-A-0063235 zu entnehmen. Die Glieder eines Transportbandes befördern die Kunststoffbecher taktweise zu den einzelnen Arbeitsstationen. Über dem Kunststoffbecher befindet sich die Dosiereinrichtung für das abzufüllende Produkt. Eine Arbeitsstation weiter befindet sich über dem Kunststoffbecher der Deckelvorratsbehälter. Ein Deckel liegt hier bereits auf dem Kunststoffbecher auf. In der nächsten Arbeitsstation erfolgt das Spülen mit Schutzgas, welches durch die Gasdüse zugeführt wird. Der Deckel ist vom Rand des Kunststoffbechers leicht angehoben und zwar auf der einen Seite durch die Gasdüse, auf der anderen Seite durch das entweichende Gas. Der Deckel wird durch zwei Niederhalter auf dem Rand des Kunststoffbechers fixiert. Die letzte Arbeitsstation zeigt schließlich den Kunststoffbecher mit dem Deckel, der mit Hilfe des Schweißkopfes auf den Rand des Kunststoffbechers geschweißt wird.A device for preserving the goods filled into a cup can be found, for example, in EP-A-0063235. The links on a conveyor belt convey the plastic cups to the individual work stations in cycles. The dosing device for the product to be filled is located above the plastic cup. A work station is located above the plastic cup of the lid storage container. A lid is already on the plastic cup. In the next work station, purging takes place with protective gas, which is fed through the gas nozzle. The lid is slightly raised from the edge of the plastic cup, on one side through the gas nozzle and on the other side through the escaping gas. The lid is fixed on the edge of the plastic cup by two hold-down devices. The last workstation finally shows the plastic cup with the lid, which is welded onto the edge of the plastic cup with the help of the welding head.

Bei einer solchen Vorrichtung muß der aufgelegte Deckel nachteilig durch einen Niederhalter oder durch Schweißpunkte vor Einblasen des Konservierungsgases fixiert werden. Das Eindringen von Luft in den Kopfraum über den Zwischenraum zwischen Abdekkung und Becherrand wird nicht ausreichend verhindert.In such a device, the lid placed on it must be fixed disadvantageously by a holding-down device or by welding spots before the preservation gas is blown in. The penetration of air into the head space via the space between the cover and the rim of the cup is not adequately prevented.

Mit den bekannten Vorrichtungen ist es nicht möglich, mit geringen Kosten eine ausreichende Verdrängung der Luft aus dem Kopfraum des Bechers vor der Versiegelung zu erreichen.With the known devices it is not possible to achieve a sufficient displacement of the air from the head space of the cup before sealing at low cost.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Vorrichtung besteht daher darin, diese Vorrichtung so zu verbessern, daß aus dem Kopfraum Luft- bzw. Sauerstoffanteile von Gas völlig und zugleich kostengünstig ausgetrieben werden, bevor der Becher versiegelt wird.The object of the present device is therefore to to improve this device so that air or oxygen portions of gas are expelled completely and at the same time inexpensively from the headspace before the cup is sealed.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die kennzeichnenden Merkmale des Vorrichtungsanspruch 22 gelöst.This object is achieved according to the invention by the characterizing features of the device claim 22.

Durch die vor der Verschließeinrichtung angeordnete Siegeleinrichtung, die die Abdeckung mit dem Becher nur in einem wesentlichen Teil seines Becherrandes versiegelt und somit einen geringeren Teil des Umfanges des Becherrandes unversiegelt läßt, wird erreicht, daß der unversiegelte Teil als Gaskanal wirkt, über den eine Expansion des Gases im Innenraum des Bechers erfolgen kann. Mit einer derartigen Anordnung läßt sich ein Restgehalt an Luftsauerstoff im Becherinnenraum von nahezu 0 % erreichen.The sealing device arranged in front of the closing device, which seals the cover with the cup only in a substantial part of its cup edge and thus leaves a smaller part of the circumference of the cup edge unsealed, ensures that the unsealed part acts as a gas channel, via which an expansion of the Gas can be made in the interior of the cup. With such an arrangement, a residual content of atmospheric oxygen in the cup interior of almost 0% can be achieved.

Weitere Einzelheiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden ausführlichen Beschreibung und den beigefügten Zeichnungen, in denen bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung beispielsweise veranschaulicht sind.Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated, for example.

In den Zeichnengen zeigen:

Fig. 1 :
eine Seitenansicht einer Anlage zur konservierenden Verpackung von Ware, bei der ein den Kopfraum mit ihn spülendem Gas versorgender Vorratsbehälter entgegen der Transportrichtung eines die Ware aufnehmenden Bechers vor einem die Becher teilweise verschließenden Siegelkopf angeordnet ist,
Fig. 2 :
eine Draufsicht auf die Anlage nach Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 :
eine Seitenansicht einer Anlage zur konservierenden Verpackung von Ware, bei der ein den Kopfraum mit ihn spülendem Gas versorgender Vorratsbehälter in Transportrichtung eines die Ware aufnehmenden Bechers hinter einem die Becher teilweise verschließenden Siegelkopf angeordnet ist,
Fig. 4 :
eine Draufsicht auf die Anlage nach Fig. 2,
Fig. 5 :
einen Querschnitt eines Bechers mit einer Expansionsöffnung im Bereich der Verbindung des Bechers mit einem ihn abdeckenden Verschlug gemäß der Schnittlinie V-V in Fig. 1,
Fig. 6 :
einen Querschnitt eines Bechers mit einer Expansionsöffnung und einer zur Durchführung einer Begasung vorgesehenen weiteren Öffnung im Bereich der Verbindung des Bechers mit einer ihn verschließenden Abdeckung gemäß der Schnittlinie VI-VI in Fig 3,
Fig. 7 :
einen Querschnitt eines Bechers mit von einer Schiene angehobener Abdeckung in einem Teilbereich eines den Becher in lotrechter Richtung oben umgebenden Becherrandes und
Fig. 8 :
einen Längschnitt durch die Transportvorrichtung gemäß Schnittlinie VIII-VIII in Fig. 2.
Show in the drawing sets:
Fig. 1:
1 shows a side view of a system for the preservative packaging of goods, in which a storage container which supplies the gas flushing the head space is arranged in front of a sealing head partially closing the cups, counter to the transport direction of a cup receiving the goods
Fig. 2:
1 shows a plan view of the plant according to FIG. 1,
Fig. 3:
1 shows a side view of a system for the preservative packaging of goods, in which a storage container supplying the gas flushing the head space is arranged in the direction of transport of a cup receiving the goods behind a sealing head which partially closes the cups,
Fig. 4:
2 shows a plan view of the plant according to FIG. 2,
Fig. 5:
2 shows a cross section of a cup with an expansion opening in the region of the connection of the cup with a closure covering it according to the section line VV in FIG. 1,
Fig. 6:
3 shows a cross section of a cup with an expansion opening and a further opening provided for carrying out gassing in the region of the connection of the cup with a cover closing it, according to the section line VI-VI in FIG. 3,
Fig. 7:
a cross section of a cup with a rail raised cover in a portion of a cup surrounding the cup in a vertical direction and
Fig. 8:
2 shows a longitudinal section through the transport device according to section line VIII-VIII in FIG. 2.

Eine für die Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens geeignete Vorrichtung besteht im wesentlichen aus einer Transportvorrichtung 1, die mindestens eine Aussparung 2 zur Aufnahme eines zu verschließenden Bechers 3 aufweist, mindestens einem Vorversiegelungskopf 4, einem Endversiegelungskopf 5, einer Begasungsvorrichtung 6 und einem Gaskanal 7. Der Becher 3 ist in der Aussparung 2 gehaltert. Die Transportvorrichtung 1 besteht im wesentlichen aus Platten 8, die über Mitnehmerbolzen 9 mit sie bewegenden Antriebsketten 10 verbunden sind. Die Antriebsketten 10 erstrecken sich in wesentlichen parallel zu einer Transportrichtung 11 der Becher 3. Die Mitnehmerbolzen 9 weisen Längsachsen 12 auf, die im wesentlichen rechtwinklig zur Transportrichtung 11 ausgerichtet sind. Die Antriebsketten 10 sind über Umlenkrollen 13 geführt, die gemeinsam mit den Antriebsketten 10 und den Platten 8 eine förderbandähnliche Vorrichtung bilden. In lotrechter Richtung nach oben angeordnete Begrenzungen 14 der in Transportrichtung 11 bewegten Platten 8 sind etwa in einer Förderebene 15 angeordnet, die im wesentlichen horizontal verläuft. Quer zur Förderebene liegt eine Ebene, die in Transportrichtung 11 ausgerichtet ist und in der die Transportvorrichtung 1 bewegt wird.A device suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention essentially consists of a transport device 1 which has at least one recess 2 for receiving a cup 3 to be closed, at least one pre-sealing head 4, an end sealing head 5, a gassing device 6 and a gas channel 7. The cup 3 is held in the recess 2. The transport device 1 consists essentially of plates 8 which are connected to drive chains 10 which move them by means of driving pins 9. The drive chains 10 extend substantially parallel to a transport direction 11 of the cups 3. The driver pins 9 have longitudinal axes 12 which are oriented essentially at right angles to the transport direction 11. The drive chains 10 are guided over deflection rollers 13 which, together with the drive chains 10 and the plates 8, form a device similar to a conveyor belt. Limits 14 of the plates 8 moved in the transport direction 11 arranged upwards in the vertical direction are arranged approximately in a conveying plane 15 which runs essentially horizontally. A plane lies transversely to the conveying plane, which plane is oriented in the transport direction 11 and in which the transport device 1 is moved.

Zwischen jeweils zwei Platten 8 ist jeweils mindestens ein Dichtungelement 16 angeordnet, das etwa wulstförmig ausgebildet ist und sich mit seiner Längsachse etwa rechtwinklig zur Transportrichtung 11 und parallel zur Förderebene 15 erstreckt.At least one sealing element 16 is arranged between each two plates 8, which is approximately bead-shaped and extends with its longitudinal axis approximately at right angles to the transport direction 11 and parallel to the conveying plane 15.

Ein Becher 3 besteht im wesentlichen aus einem Boden 17, einer etwa lotrecht aus dem Boden 17 herausstrebenden Wandung 18 und einem die Wandung 18 im Bereich ihrer in lotrechter Richtung nach oben ausgerichteten Begrenzung 19 umschließenden Becherrand 20. Der Becherrand 20 erstreckt sich im wesentlichen Bereich seiner Ausdehnung etwa horizontal. Der Boden 17, die Wandung 18 und der Becherrand 20 sind vorzugsweise aus einem einheitlichen Material gefertigt, das beispielsweise aus Kunststoff ausgebildet ist. Durch die Wandung 18 und den Boden 17 wird ein Becherinnenraum 21 begrenzt, der durch eine im Bereich des Becherrandes 20 angeordnete und im wesentlichen horizontal verlaufende Einfüllöffnung 22 mit einer Ware 23 befüllbar ist.A cup 3 essentially consists of a base 17, a wall 18 which protrudes approximately perpendicularly from the base 17 and a cup edge 20 which surrounds the wall 18 in the region of its boundary 19 oriented vertically upwards. The cup edge 20 extends essentially horizontally. The bottom 17, the wall 18 and the cup rim 20 are preferably made of a uniform material, which is made of plastic, for example. A cup interior 21 is delimited by the wall 18 and the bottom 17 and can be filled with a product 23 through a filling opening 22 which is arranged in the region of the cup rim 20 and runs essentially horizontally.

In den Platten 8 ist jeweils eine die Ausparung 2 umgebende Vertiefung 24 eingelassen, die mit ihrer dem Becherrand 20 zugewandten unteren Begrenzung 25 etwa parallel zur Förderebene 15 verläuft. Senkrecht zur Förderebene 15 weist die Vertiefung 24 eine Ausdehnung auf, die etwa der in lotrechter Richtung gemessenen Dicke des den Becher 3 im Bereich seiner Einfüllöffnung 22 umschließenden Becherrandes 20 entspricht.In each of the plates 8 there is a recess 24 surrounding the recess 2, which runs approximately parallel to the conveying plane 15 with its lower boundary 25 facing the cup edge 20. Perpendicular to the conveying plane 15, the depression 24 has an extent which corresponds approximately to the thickness, measured in the vertical direction, of the cup rim 20 surrounding the cup 3 in the region of its filling opening 22.

In lotrechter Richtung oberhalb einer Füllposition 26 des Bechers 3 ist eine Zuteilöffnung 27 einer den Becher 3 befüllenden Warenzuteilvorrichtung 28 angeordnet. Die zuzuteilende Ware 23 ist von einem Vorratsbehälter 29 umschlossen, der eine die Ware 23 leitende Verbindung 30 zur Zuteilöffnung 27 aufweist. Im Bereich der Verbindung 30 ist eine Dosiervorrichtung 31 vorgesehen, die mit einer sie betätigenden Dosiersteuerung 32 verbunden ist. Bei der Ware 23 kann es sich beispielsweise um Lebensmittel wie Milchprodukte, Salate oder Fertiggerichte handeln, es ist aber auch möglich andere Ware 23, beispielsweise vor Umwelteinflüssen zu schützende Bauelemente oder technische Pasten zu konservieren.In the vertical direction above a filling position 26 of the cup 3 there is a dispensing opening 27 of a goods dispensing device 28 filling the cup 3. The product 23 to be allocated is enclosed by a storage container 29, which has a connection 30 to the distribution opening 27 that guides the product 23. In the area of the connection 30, a metering device 31 is provided, which is connected to a metering control 32 that actuates it. The goods 23 can be, for example, foods such as dairy products, salads or ready meals, but it is also possible to preserve other goods 23, for example components or technical pastes to be protected from environmental influences.

Gemäß einer in Fig. 1 und Fig. 2 dargestellten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist in Transportrichtung 11 hinter der Füllposition 26 eine Begasungsposition 33 vorgesehen, oberhalb derer in lotrechter Richtung eine Begasungsvorrichtung 34 angeordnet ist. Die Begasungsvorrichtung 34 besteht im wesentlichen aus einem Gasvorratsbehälter 35, der einen von einer Wandung 36 umschlossenen Innenraum 37 aufweist, in dem Gas 38 bevorratet ist. Der Innenraum 37 ist mit einer Gaszuteilvorrichtung 39 verbunden, die beispielsweise als Rohr oder auch Schlauch ausgebildet ist. Die Gaszuteilvorrichtung 39 weist eine Gaszuteilöffnung 40 auf, die in lotrechter Richtung unmittelbar oberhalb der in den Becher 3 abgefüllten Ware 23 angeordnet ist. Im Bereich der Gaszuteilvorrichtung 39 ist eine Gasdosiervorrichtung 41 vorgesehen, die beispeielsweise als Ventil ausgebildet ist. Die Gasdosiervorrichtung 41 ist mit einer sie betätigenden Gasdosiersteuerung 42 verbunden. Das Gas 38 wird dem Becher 3 vorzugsweise als verflüssigtes Gas zugeleitet, das sich im Bereich eines oberhalb der Ware 23 und unterhalb der oberen Begrenzung 19 der Becherwandung 18 angeordneten Kopfraumes 57 verteilt, es ist aber auch möglich, das Gas 38 dem Becher 3 in gasförmigem Zustand zuzuführen.According to an embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a gassing position 33 is provided in the transport direction 11 behind the filling position 26, above which a gassing device 34 is arranged in the vertical direction. The gassing device 34 consists essentially of a gas storage container 35, one of a wall 36 has enclosed interior 37 in which gas 38 is stored. The interior 37 is connected to a gas metering device 39, which is designed, for example, as a tube or hose. The gas metering device 39 has a gas metering opening 40 which is arranged in the vertical direction directly above the goods 23 filled into the cup 3. In the area of the gas metering device 39, a gas metering device 41 is provided, which is designed, for example, as a valve. The gas metering device 41 is connected to a gas metering control 42 that actuates it. The gas 38 is preferably fed to the cup 3 as a liquefied gas which is distributed in the region of a head space 57 arranged above the goods 23 and below the upper boundary 19 of the cup wall 18, but it is also possible for the gas 38 to be in gaseous form in the cup 3 Condition.

In Transportrichtung 11 folgt auf die Begasungsposition 33 eine Folienzufuhrposition 43, in deren Bereich eine den Becher 3 mit einer Abdeckung 44 versehende Folienzuteilvorrichtung 45 angeordnet ist. Die Abdeckung 44 erstreckt sich über die gesamte Einfüllöffnung 22 und liegt im Bereich des Becherrandes 20 auf diesem auf, wobei der Becherrand 20 mindestens teilweise von der Abdeckung 44 bedeckt ist.In the transport direction 11, the gassing position 33 is followed by a film feed position 43, in the area of which a film metering device 45, which provides the cup 3 with a cover 44, is arranged. The cover 44 extends over the entire filling opening 22 and lies in the region of the cup rim 20, the cup rim 20 being at least partially covered by the cover 44.

In Transportrichtung 11 hinter der Begasungsposition 33 ist eine Vorversiegelungsposition 46 vorgesehen, in lotrechter Richtung oberhalb dieser ist der Vorversiegelungskopf 4 angeordnet. Der Vorversiegelungskopf 4 weist in Richtung auf den Becher 3 eine Vorversiegelungskontur 47 auf, die sich im wesentlichen Bereich ihrer Ausdehnung etwa horizontal erstreckt und in einem geringeren Bereich ihrer Ausdehnung, der im Bereich einer den Vorversiegelungskopf 4 seitlich abschließenden Begrenzung 48 angeordnet ist, eine in lotrechter Richtung nach oben ausgerichtete Wölbung 49 aufweist. Im Bereich der Wölbung 49 verbleibt nach einer Durchführung der Vorversiegelung ein Expansionskanal 50, der sich zwischen einer dem Becher 3 zugewandten unteren Begrenzung 51 der Abdeckung 44 und einer der Abdeckung 44 zugewandeten oberen Begrenzung des Becherrandes 20 erstreckt. Der Vorversiegelungskopf 49 ist mit einem ihn in etwa lotrechter Richtung positionierenden Bewegungselement 56 verbunden.A pre-sealing position 46 is provided in the transport direction 11 behind the gassing position 33, and the pre-sealing head 4 is arranged in the vertical direction above this. The pre-sealing head 4 has a pre-sealing contour 47 in the direction of the cup 3, which extends approximately horizontally in the substantial area of its extent and in a smaller area of its extent, which is arranged in the area of a boundary 48 that laterally closes the pre-sealing head 4, one in a vertical direction Has curvature 49 oriented upward. After the preliminary sealing has been carried out, an expansion channel 50 remains in the region of the curvature 49, which is located between a lower boundary facing the cup 3 51 of the cover 44 and one of the cover 44 facing the upper boundary of the cup edge 20 extends. The pre-sealing head 49 is connected to a movement element 56 positioning it in an approximately vertical direction.

Gemäß einer in Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 dargestellten Ausführungsform der Erfindung sind die Positionen 26, 33, 43 und 46 in einer gegenüber der beschriebenen Reihenfolge unterschiedlichen Anordnung vorgesehen. Bei dieser Ausführungsform schließt sich an die Füllposition 26 die Folienzufuhrposition 43 an, in Förderrichtung 11 folgen auf diese die Vorversiegelungsposition 46 und die Begasungsposition 33. Der Vorversiegelungskopf 4 weist bei dieser Anordnung eine Kontur auf, die den Becherrand 20 mindestens in einem Bereich 53, der sich quer zur Transportrichtung 11 über die gesamte Ausdehnung des Becherrandes 20 erstreckt, höchstens sich von ihm entfernend überdeckt. Der Vorversiegelungskopf kann dabei beispielsweise derartig ausgebildet sein, daß er den betreffenden Bereich des Becherrandes 20 nicht überdeckt, es ist aber auch möglich, daß die Vorversiegelungskontur 47 in diesem Bereich eine in lotrechter Richtung nach oben ausgerichtete Wölbung aufweist. Der Bereich 53 erstreckt sich vorzugsweise in einem dem Expansionskanal 50 bezüglich des Innenraumes 21 gegenüberliegenden Bereich des Becherrandes 20, es ist aber auch möglich, daß sich der Bereich 53 und der Expansionskanal 50 mindestens teilweise überdecken.According to an embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, positions 26, 33, 43 and 46 are provided in a different arrangement than the sequence described. In this embodiment, the filling position 26 is followed by the film feed position 43, followed in the conveying direction 11 by the pre-sealing position 46 and the gassing position 33. In this arrangement, the pre-sealing head 4 has a contour that the cup edge 20 at least in an area 53 that extends transversely to the direction of transport 11 over the entire extent of the rim 20 of the cup, at most covering it away from it. The pre-sealing head can be designed, for example, in such a way that it does not cover the relevant area of the cup rim 20, but it is also possible for the pre-sealing contour 47 to have a curvature oriented upwards in this area. The area 53 preferably extends in an area of the cup rim 20 opposite the expansion channel 50 with respect to the interior 21, but it is also possible for the area 53 and the expansion channel 50 to overlap at least partially.

Im Bereich der Positionen 43, 46 und 33 ist eine Auflageschiene 54 angeordnet, die sich mit ihrer Längsachse im wesentlichen in Transportrichtung 11 erstreckt. Die Auflageschiene 54 erstreckt sich mit ihrer dem Becher 3 zugewandten unteren Begrenzung unmittelbar oberhalb der ihr zugewandten oberen Begrenzung 52 des Becherrandes 20. Quer zur Transportrichtung 11 erstreckt sich die Auflageschiene 54 mindestens teilweise zwischen dem Becherrand 20 und der auf ihm aufliegenden Abdeckung 44. Die Auflageschiene 54 weist in ihrem der Auflage 44 zugewandten Bereich vorzugsweise eine gerundete Kontur 55 auf.A support rail 54 is arranged in the area of positions 43, 46 and 33 and extends with its longitudinal axis essentially in the direction of transport 11. The support rail 54 extends with its lower limit facing the cup 3 immediately above the upper limit 52 of the cup rim 20 facing it. Transversely to the transport direction 11, the support rail 54 extends at least partially between the cup edge 20 and the cover 44 resting thereon. The support rail 54 preferably has a rounded contour 55 in its area facing the support 44.

Quer zur Förderrichtung 11 erstreckt sich durch die Auflageschiene 44 eine Bohrung 61, die eine Öffnung 62 im Bereich des Becherinnenraums 21 aufweist. An ihrem der Öffnung 62 abgewandten Ende weist die Bohrung 61 eine weitere Öffnung 63 auf, die die Bohrung 61 mit der Gaszuteilvorrichtung 39 verbindet.A bore 61 extends through the support rail 44 transversely to the conveying direction 11 and has an opening 62 in the region of the cup interior 21. At its end facing away from the opening 62, the bore 61 has a further opening 63 which connects the bore 61 to the gas metering device 39.

Ab die Begasungsposition 33 schließt sich bei dieser Anordnung eine Weiterversiegelungsposition 58 an, oberhalb derer in lotrechter Richtung ein Weiterversiegelungskopf 59 angeordnet ist, der mit einem ihn positionierenden Bewegungselement 60 verbunden ist und die Abdeckung 44 im Bereich 53 des Becherrandes 20 mit diesem kontaktiert.In this arrangement, a further sealing position 58 follows from the gassing position 33, above which a further sealing head 59 is arranged in the vertical direction, which is connected to a movement element 60 that positions it and contacts the cover 44 in the region 53 of the cup rim 20.

Bei beiden beschriebenen bevorzugten Ausführungsformen schließt sich an die bereits erwähnten Positionen 26 bis 46 beziehungsweise 43 bis 58 der Gaskanal 7 an. Der Gaskanal 7 erstreckt sich im wesentlichen in Transportrichtung 11 und überdeckt quer zur Transportrichtung 11 den in einer Vorexpansionsposition 64 angeordneten Becher 3 mindestens im Bereich des Expansionskanals 50. Die Vorexpansionsposition 64 ist in Transportrichtung 11 hinter den Positionen 26 bis 46 beziehungsweise 43 bis 58 angeordnet. Der Gaskanal 11 ist in lotrechter Richtung unmittelbar oberhalb der Förderebene 15 angeordnet und mit mindestens einer Dichtung 65, die beispielsweise als Gummidichtung ausgebildet ist, gegenüber den Platten 8 abgedichtet. Der Gaskanal 7 ist vorzugsweise in einzelne Kammern 66 aufgeteilt, die durch mindestens eine, im wesentlichen lotrecht ausgerichtete und quer zur Transportrichtung 11 verlaufende Rückschlagklappe 67 von einander getrennt sind. Die Rückschlagklappe 67 ist um eine quer zur Transportrichtung 11 ausgerichtete und im Bereich einer etwa parallel zur Förderebene 15 verlaufenden oberen Abdeckung 68 des Gaskanals 7 angeordneten Drehachse 69 verschwenkbar. Im Bereich der Vorexpansionsposition 64 ist eine Vorexpansionskammer 70 angeordnet, die Zusammensetzung des in einen Innerraum 71 der Vorexpansionskammer 70 enthaltenen Gases wird über mindestens ein Gasmeßgerät 72 bestimmt. Das Gasmeßgerät 72 ist beispielsweise als Sauerstoffsensor ausgebildet, es ist aber auch möglich, andere oder weitere Gase zu messen.In both of the preferred embodiments described, the gas channel 7 follows the already mentioned positions 26 to 46 and 43 to 58. The gas channel 7 extends essentially in the transport direction 11 and covers the cup 3 arranged in a pre-expansion position 64 transversely to the transport direction 11 at least in the region of the expansion channel 50. The pre-expansion position 64 is arranged behind the positions 26 to 46 and 43 to 58 in the transport direction 11. The gas channel 11 is arranged in the vertical direction immediately above the conveying plane 15 and is sealed off from the plates 8 with at least one seal 65, which is designed, for example, as a rubber seal. The gas channel 7 is preferably divided into individual chambers 66 which are separated from one another by at least one non-return valve 67 which is oriented substantially perpendicularly and extends transversely to the transport direction 11. The non-return flap 67 can be pivoted about an axis of rotation 69 which is oriented transversely to the transport direction 11 and is arranged in the region of an upper cover 68 of the gas channel 7 which runs approximately parallel to the conveying plane 15. A pre-expansion chamber 70 is arranged in the area of the pre-expansion position 64, the composition of the gas contained in an interior 71 of the pre-expansion chamber 70 is determined by at least one gas measuring device 72. The Gas measuring device 72 is designed, for example, as an oxygen sensor, but it is also possible to measure other or further gases.

In Transportrichtung 11 schließt sich an die Vorexpansionskammer 70 eine Weiterexpansionskammer 73 und eine Endexpansionskammer 74 an. Auch im Bereich dieser Kammern sind Gasmeßgeräte 72 angeordnet. An die Endexpansionskammer 74 schließt sich in Transportrichtung 11 eine Endversiegelungskammer 75 an, in deren Bereich in lotrechter Richtung oberhalb der Förderebene 15 der Endversiegelungskopf 5 angeordnet ist, der mit einem ihn in lotrechter Richtung positionierenden Bewegungselement 76 verbunden ist. Auch im Bereich der Endversiegelungskammer 75 ist mindestens ein Gasmeßgerät 72 angeordnet. Desweiteren ist in der Endversiegelungskammer 75 ein Turbulenzen herabsetzender Einsatz 77 vorgesehen, der vorzugsweise als Tefloneinsatz ausgebildet ist.In the direction of transport 11, the pre-expansion chamber 70 is followed by a further expansion chamber 73 and an end expansion chamber 74. Gas measuring devices 72 are also arranged in the region of these chambers. The end expansion chamber 74 is adjoined in the transport direction 11 by an end sealing chamber 75, in the area of which the end sealing head 5 is arranged in the vertical direction above the conveying plane 15 and is connected to a movement element 76 positioning it in the vertical direction. At least one gas measuring device 72 is also arranged in the region of the final sealing chamber 75. In addition, a turbulence-reducing insert 77 is provided in the final sealing chamber 75, which is preferably designed as a Teflon insert.

Mindestens eine der Kammern 70, 73, 74 und 75 ist über mindestens eine Gaszuführleitung 78 mit einer Gasversorgung 79 verbunden, die vorzugsweise den Gaskanal 7 mit dem gleichen Gas speist, das dem Becher 3 in der Begasungsposition 33 zugeführt wird. Es ist beispielweise möglich, daß die Gasversorgung 79 und der Gasvorratsbehälter 35 ein einheitliches Teil bilden. Vorzugsweise weist jede der Kammern 70, 73, 74 und 75 mindestens eine Gaszuführleitung 78 auf.At least one of the chambers 70, 73, 74 and 75 is connected via at least one gas supply line 78 to a gas supply 79, which preferably feeds the gas channel 7 with the same gas that is supplied to the cup 3 in the gassing position 33. For example, it is possible for the gas supply 79 and the gas storage container 35 to form a single part. Each of the chambers 70, 73, 74 and 75 preferably has at least one gas supply line 78.

Mindestens im Bereich einer dieser Kammern kann eine Heizung 80 vorgesehen werden, die vorzugsweise im Bereich der oberen Abdeckung 68 angeordnet ist. Die Heizung ist mit einer Temperaturregelung verbunden.A heater 80 can be provided at least in the area of one of these chambers, which is preferably arranged in the area of the upper cover 68. The heater is connected to a temperature control.

Die Konservierung der Ware 23 wird derartig durchgeführt, daß der Becher 3 in der Füllposition 26 zunächst mit der Ware 23 gefüllt wird und anschließend von der Transportvorrichtung 1 in eine Weiterverarbeitungsposition verbracht wird. Bei dieser Weiterverarbeitungsposition kann es sich um die Begasungsposition 33 handeln, in der Gas 38 vorzugsweise in verflüssigtem Zustand in den Kopfraum 57 des Bechers 3 eingeleitet wird. Das Gas 38 beginnt unmittelbar nach seiner Einleitung in der Kopfraum 57 zu expandieren beziehungsweise aus dem flüssigen in den gasförmigen Zustand überzugehen und verdrängt dabei im Kopfraum vorhandene Umluft, insbesondere auch den Sauerstoff, aus dem Bereich des Kopfraumes 57. In der Folienzufuhrposition 43 wird der Becher 3 dann mit der Abdeckung 44 versehen, die in der Vorversiegelungsposition 46 dauerhaft mit dem Becher 3 verbunden wird. Bei der Abdeckung 44 kann es sich beispielsweise um eine Kunststoff oder Metallfolie handeln, es sind aber auch andere Abdeckungen möglich, die einen gasdichten Verschluß des Bechers 3 erlauben.The preservation of the goods 23 is carried out in such a way that the cup 3 is first filled with the goods 23 in the filling position 26 and then brought into a further processing position by the transport device 1. This further processing position can be the gassing position 33, preferably in the gas 38 is introduced into the head space 57 of the cup 3 in the liquefied state. Immediately after its introduction into the head space 57, the gas 38 begins to expand or change from the liquid to the gaseous state and thereby displaces the circulating air present in the head space, in particular also the oxygen, from the area of the head space 57. In the film feed position 43 the cup becomes 3 then provided with the cover 44, which is permanently connected to the cup 3 in the pre-sealing position 46. The cover 44 can be, for example, a plastic or metal foil, but other covers are also possible which permit a gas-tight closure of the cup 3.

Nach dem Durchlaufen der Folienzufuhrposition 43 wird der Becher 3 in der Vorversiegelungsposition 46 vorversiegelt. Die Abdeckung wird dabei mindestens in einem Vorversiegelungsbereich 81, der im Bereich des Becherrandes 20 angeordnet ist, gasdicht mit diesem verbunden.After passing through the film feed position 43, the cup 3 is pre-sealed in the pre-sealing position 46. The cover is connected in a gas-tight manner at least in a pre-sealing area 81, which is arranged in the area of the cup rim 20.

Es ist auch möglich, daß der Becher 3 nach seiner Füllung mit Ware 23 zunächst in der Vorversiegelungsposition 46 in einem Teilversiegelungsbereich 82 mit dem Becherrand 20 verbunden wird, der einen Teilbereich des Vorversiegelungsbereiches 81 darstellt. Der nicht mit dem Becherrand 20 verbundene Bereich der Abdeckung 44 liegt auf der Auflageschiene 54 auf, durch deren Öffnung 61 Gas 38 in der Begasungsposition 33 in den Becher 3 eingeleitet wird. Da der Becher 3 in dieser Position bereits weitgehend durch die Abdeckung 44 verschlossen ist, kann das Gas 38 nur noch im Bereich des Expansionskanals 50 und im Bereich der Auflageschiene 54 aus dem Kopfraum 57 entweichen. Nach der Begasung des Kopfraumes wird der Becher in der Weiterversiegelungsposition 58 bis auf den Bereich des Expansionskanals 50 verschlossen. Der Weiterversiegelungskopf 59 verbindet dazu die Abdeckung 44 mindestens in einem Weiterversiegelungsbereich 83 gasdicht mit dem Becherrand 20.It is also possible that the cup 3, after it has been filled with goods 23, is first connected in the pre-sealing position 46 in a partial sealing area 82 to the cup rim 20, which represents a partial area of the pre-sealing area 81. The area of the cover 44 which is not connected to the cup edge 20 lies on the support rail 54, through the opening 61 of which gas 38 is introduced into the cup 3 in the gassing position 33. Since the cup 3 is already largely closed by the cover 44 in this position, the gas 38 can only escape from the head space 57 in the area of the expansion channel 50 and in the area of the support rail 54. After gassing the head space, the cup is closed in the further sealing position 58 except for the area of the expansion channel 50. For this purpose, the further sealing head 59 connects the cover 44 to the cup rim 20 in a gas-tight manner at least in one further sealing region 83.

Im Gaskanal 7 entweicht das Gas 38 bis auf einen durch den Umgebungsdruck bestimmten Restgehalt durch den Expansionskanal 50 aus dem Kopfraum 57 und führt noch im Kopfraum 57 enthaltene Umgebungsluftanteile nahezu vollständig aus dem Bereich des Kopfraums 57 heraus. Dem Gasyanal wird durch Gaszuführleitungen 78 Gas 38 zugeführt, Umgebungsluftanteile werden dadurch aus dem Innenraum des Gaskanals 7 verdrängt. Hierdurch wird verhindert, daß nach einer vollständigen Expansion des im Kopfraum 57 eingeschlossenen Gases 38 Umgebungsluft durch den Expansionskanal 50 in den Kopfraum 57 eindringt. Die Expansion des Gases 38 wird durch die Gasmeßgeräte 72 überwacht und durch die Heizung 80 gesteuert. Nach der vollständigen Expansion des Gases 38 wird der Becher durch den Endversiegelungskopf 5, der die Abdeckung 44 mindestens in einem Endversiegelungsbereich 84 mit dem Becherrand 20 verbindet, vollständig gasdicht verschlossen. Das Eindringen von Umgebungsluft in den Gaskanal 7 wird durch die den Gaskanal 7 gegenüber der Transportvorrichtung 1 abdichtende Dichtung 65 weitgehend vermieden.In the gas channel 7, the gas 38 escapes from the head space 57 through the expansion channel 50 to a residual content determined by the ambient pressure and almost completely leads the ambient air contained in the head space 57 out of the area of the head space 57. Gas 38 is supplied to the gas channel through gas supply lines 78, ambient air components are thereby displaced from the interior of the gas channel 7. This prevents that after complete expansion of the gas 38 enclosed in the head space 57, ambient air penetrates into the head space 57 through the expansion channel 50. The expansion of gas 38 is monitored by gas meters 72 and controlled by heater 80. After the gas 38 has completely expanded, the cup is closed completely gas-tight by the end sealing head 5, which connects the cover 44 to the cup edge 20 at least in one end sealing area 84. The penetration of ambient air into the gas channel 7 is largely avoided by the seal 65 sealing the gas channel 7 with respect to the transport device 1.

Claims (54)

  1. A method of preserving produce (23) which is contained in a tub (3) which is to be covered with a cover (44) and into the headspace (57) of which, that limits the produce upwardly in the region of the edge (29) of the tub, a preserving gas is introduced, and whose cover (44) is to be sealed, characterised in that a liquefied preserving gas (38) is introduced and the air is expelled from the headspace (57) by the expansion of the preserving gas (38), gas-tight partial sealing of the cover (44) applied to the tub is effected and at least one individual expansion passage (50) is retained, through which the air is driven out, and a subsequent remaining sealing operation is effected in a gas passage (7) which is filled with preserving gas (38), after relief of the pressure of the preserving gas (38) in the headspace (57), to approximately the pressure obtaining in the gas passage.
  2. A method according to claim 1 characterised in that the tub (3) is moved by a transport means (1) into processing positions in which it is subjected to processing steps for delimiting the produce (23) contained in it from air surrounding it.
  3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that the tub (3) is filled with the produce (23) in the region of at least one filling position (26).
  4. A method according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the headspace (57) of the tub (3) is acted upon by gas (38) in the region of at least one gassing position (33).
  5. A method according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the headspace (57) is acted upon with gas (38) which is chemically unreactive relative to the produce (23).
  6. A method according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the headspace (57) is acted upon with gas (38) which is chemically unreactive relative to the tub (3).
  7. A method according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterised in that the headspace (57) is acted upon with gas (38) which is chemically unreactive relative to the cover (44).
  8. A method according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that the headspace (57) is acted upon with gas (38) which is compatible with foodstuff.
  9. A method according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the headspace (57) is acted upon with nitrogen.
  10. A method according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterised in that the headspace (57) is acted upon with carbon dioxide.
  11. A method according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the headspace (57) is acted upon with at least one inert gas.
  12. A method according to one of claims 1 to 11 characterized in that the headspace (57) is acted upon with a gas mixture of at least two components.
  13. A method according to one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in that at least one foil is used as the cover (44).
  14. A method according to one of claims 1 to 13 characterised in that the cover (44) is welded to the edge of the tub.
  15. A method according to one of claims 1 to 14 characterized in that the cover (44) is sealed to the edge of the tub.
  16. A method according to one of claims 1 to 15 characterised in that the tub (3) is pre-sealed after gassing thereof.
  17. A method according to one of claims 1 to 15 characterised in that the tub (3) is first pre-sealed and then gassed.
  18. A method according to one of claims 1 to 17 characterised in that the tub (3) is gassed by way of a bore (61) disposed in a contact bar (54).
  19. A method according to one of claims 1 to 18 characterised in that the gas passage (7) is heated at least in a region-wise manner by a heating means (80).
  20. A method according to one of claims 1 to 19 characterised in that the gas composition within the gas passage (7) is measured at least in a region-wise manner by at least one gas measuring device (72).
  21. A method according to one of claims 1 to 20 characterised in that the pressure obtaining in the interior (21) of the tub (3) is approximately completely equalised to atmospheric pressure and then the cover (44) is finally sealed on the tub (3).
  22. Apparatus for carrying out the method according to claim 1 comprising a transport means (1) which transports the tubs (3) from a filling position (26) to a gassing position (33) in which the supply of gas (38) takes place, to a pre-sealing means and finally to a closure means (5, 76, 77) which pressure-tightly closes the tubs (3), characterised in that the head of the pre-sealing means is so designed that it gas-tightly pre-seals the tubs (3) to the cover (44) over a predominant part of the periphery of their tub edge (20) by means of at least one welded seam.
  23. Apparatus according to claim 22 characterised in that the supply of gas (38) is effected by a gassing device (6) which is substantially in the form of an interior space (37) which is enclosed by a wall (36) and which has a feed opening (40) which is arranged in the vertical direction above the produce (23) accommodated by the tub (3).
  24. Apparatus according to claim 23 characterised in that disposed in the region of the gas feed device (39) is a gas metering device (41) for metering the gas (38).
  25. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 24 characterised in that the tub (3) is held in an opening (2) in a transport means (1) for conveying it in a transport direction (11).
  26. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 25 characterised in that the transport means (1) is formed from plates (8) which are connected together approximately in the form of a conveyor belt and whose surfaces which are arranged upwardly in the vertical direction form a substantially horizontally extending conveyor plane (15).
  27. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 26 characterised in that in the region of the conveyor plane (15) the plate (8) has a recess (24) which extends around the opening (2) and which is of a configuration corresponding to a tub edge (20) which extends around the tub (3) in the region of its filling opening (22).
  28. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 27 characterised in that provided between each two plates (8) is at least one respective seal (16) whose longitudinal axis extends substantially transversely to the transport direction (11).
  29. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 29 characterised in that disposed in the region of a foil supply position (43) is a foil feed device (45) for providing the tub (3) with the cover (44).
  30. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 29 characterised in that the foil feed device (45) is disposed downstream of the gassing device (34) in the transport direction (11).
  31. Apparatus according to claims 22 to 30 characterized in that the expansion passage (50) extends approximately over 1% to 10% of the periphery of the tub edge (20).
  32. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 31 characterized in that the pre-sealing head (4) is connected to a motion element (56) for positioning it in an approximately vertical direction.
  33. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 32 characterized in that in the region of its surface which is towards the tub (3) the pre-sealing head (4) has a cuvature (49) which extends upwardly in a vertical direction, starting from a pre-sealing contour (47) of the pre-sealing head (4), which contour extends approximately parallel to the conveyor plane (15).
  34. Apparatus according to claim 33 characterized in that the pre-sealing contour (47) lies on the cover (44) in an approximately horizontally extending pre-sealing region (81).
  35. Apparatus according to claim 29 characterized in that the foil feed device (45) is disposed upstream of the gassing device (6) in the conveyor direction (11).
  36. Apparatus according to claim 35 characterized in that provided between the gassing device (6) and the foil feed device (45) is the pre-sealing position (46) in which the pre-sealing head (4) lies on the cover (44) in a partial sealing region (82).
  37. Apparatus according to claim 35 or claim 36 characterized in that disposed downstream of the gassing device (6) in the transport direction (11) is a successive sealing position (58) in which there is arranged a successive sealing head (59) which lies on the cover (44) in a successive sealing region (83).
  38. Apparatus according to one of claims 35 to 37 characterized in that the successive sealing head (59) is connected to a motion element (60) for positioning it in a vertical direction.
  39. Apparatus according to one of claims 35 to 38 characterized in that provided in the region of the positions (33, 43, 46) is a contact bar (54) which extends immediately perpendicularly above the conveyor plane (15) and which extends substantially in the transport direction (11).
  40. Apparatus according to one of claims 35 to 39 characterized in that provided in the contact bar (54) is at least one bore (61) which extends approximately transversely to the transport direction (11) and which has an opening (62) towards an interior space (21) of the tub (3) and a further opening (63) which is remote from the interior space (21).
  41. Apparatus according to one of claims 35 to 40 characterized in that the opening (63) is connected to the gas feed device (39) which supplies it with gas (38).
  42. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 41 characterised in that the gas passage (7) encloses the filled tub (3) at least in the region of its expansion passage (50) and extends substantially in the transport direction (11).
  43. Apparatus according to claims 22 to 42 characterized in that the gas passage (7) has at least one seal (65) for sealing it relative to the plates (8).
  44. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 43 characterised in that the gas passage (7) is divided into at least two chambers (66,) which act on the tubs (3) contained in the chambers , with different physical parameters.
  45. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 44 characterised in that the chambers (66) are separated from each other by a non-return flap (67) which extends substantially vertically and transversely to the transport direction (11).
  46. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 45 characterised in that the non-return flap (67) is pivotable about an axis of rotation (69) which extends approximately parallel to the conveyor plane (15) and transversely to the transport direction (11) and which is arranged in the region of a seal (68) which closes off the gas passage (7) at the top in a vertical direction.
  47. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 46 characterised in that a sensor for measuring the pressure is disposed at least in the region of a chamber (66).
  48. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 47 characterised in that arranged at least in the region of a chamber (66) is a gas measuring device (72) for at least partially measuring the gas composition in the interior of the gas passage (7).
  49. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 48 characterised in that provided at least in the region of a chamber (66) is a gas feed conduit (78) for supplying the chamber (66) with gas (38).
  50. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 49 characterised in that a final sealing head (5) for completely connecting the cover (44) to the tub edge (20) is arranged in a final sealing chamber (75) which closes the gas passage (7) in a region which is remote from the gassing device (6).
  51. Apparatus according to claim 50 characterised in that the final sealing head (5) is connected to a motion element (76) for displacing it vertically.
  52. Apparatus according to claim 50 or claim 51 characterised in that a turbulence-reducing insert (77) is arranged in the region of the final sealing head (5).
  53. Apparatus according to claim 52 characterised in that the insert (77) is made from Teflon.
  54. Apparatus according to one of claims 22 to 53 characterised in that the transport device (1) is connected to a drive for moving it cyclically.
EP87110519A 1986-07-24 1987-07-21 Method and device for preserving goods enclosed in a container Expired - Lifetime EP0255648B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT87110519T ATE83996T1 (en) 1986-07-24 1987-07-21 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRESERVING GOODS ENCLOSED IN A CONTAINER.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3625081 1986-07-24
DE19863625081 DE3625081A1 (en) 1986-07-24 1986-07-24 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE PRESERVATION OF GOODS INCLUDED IN A CONTAINER

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0255648A2 EP0255648A2 (en) 1988-02-10
EP0255648A3 EP0255648A3 (en) 1989-02-01
EP0255648B1 true EP0255648B1 (en) 1992-12-30

Family

ID=6305905

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87110519A Expired - Lifetime EP0255648B1 (en) 1986-07-24 1987-07-21 Method and device for preserving goods enclosed in a container

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US (1) US5071667A (en)
EP (1) EP0255648B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE83996T1 (en)
CA (1) CA1307160C (en)
DE (2) DE3625081A1 (en)
DK (1) DK169914B1 (en)

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DK384287A (en) 1988-01-25
CA1307160C (en) 1992-09-08
US5071667A (en) 1991-12-10
DE3783284D1 (en) 1993-02-11
EP0255648A3 (en) 1989-02-01
DK384287D0 (en) 1987-07-23
ATE83996T1 (en) 1993-01-15
DE3625081C2 (en) 1993-08-19
DE3625081A1 (en) 1988-02-04
DK169914B1 (en) 1995-04-03
EP0255648A2 (en) 1988-02-10

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