Filling machine for reducing the oxygen content in packaging and method for reducing the oxygen content in packaging

Abstract

This invention provides a filling machine (1) for reducing the oxygen ratio in a package (2) and a method for reducing the oxygen ratio in a package (2). To provide a low proportion of oxygen in the package (2) and preferably to form the package (2) with low consumption of inert gas and / or steam, a filling machine (1) is proposed, wherein: a second supply device (16) is configured to intermittently supply inert gas to at least one mixing chamber (28) and / or a second nozzle (29) of the second supply device (16) and to intermittently supply steam to at least one mixing chamber (28) and / or a second nozzle (29) of the second supply device (16), preferably supplying the inert gas and steam separately from each other, wherein the inert gas is preferably a first inert gas (24). Furthermore, a method for reducing the oxygen ratio in a package (2) according to this disclosure is proposed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling machine for reducing the oxygen content in packaging, comprising: at least one second supply device for supplying a medium for reducing the oxygen content in the packaging, preferably a first filling medium for reducing the oxygen content in the packaging; and preferably at least one filling device for filling food into the packaging, wherein the second supply device has at least one second nozzle for filling the medium for reducing the oxygen content in the packaging, preferably the first filling medium.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for reducing the oxygen content in packaging, comprising the following steps: a) providing at least one package; b) providing a filling machine for reducing the oxygen content in the package, preferably a filling machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the filling machine includes at least one second supply device for supplying a medium for reducing the oxygen content in the package, preferably a first filling medium for reducing the oxygen content in the package, and wherein, preferably, the filling machine includes at least one filling device for filling food into the package; c) filling the food into the package, wherein preferably, in step c), the food is filled into the package by the filling device; d) supplying a first inert gas and vapor intermittently to at least one mixing chamber and / or a second nozzle of the second supply device via the second supply device, preferably supplied separately from each other, wherein preferably, the first inert gas is nitrogen; e) filling the package with a first filling medium, wherein the first filling medium is formed from the first inert gas and vapor supplied in step d). Prior Technology

[0003] Various filling machines and methods are known for filling products, particularly food, into packaging. It is preferred to use a suitable filling machine to fill free-flowing food into packaging. In particular, packaging with an opening on one side is used to provide an opening for filling the package. The packaging can be a cardboard composite package, for example, formed from a laminated packaging material comprising cardboard layers and an outer, particularly thermoplastic, plastic layer, such as polyethylene (PE). The cardboard provides sufficient stability for the packaging, allowing it to be easily handled and stacked. The plastic layer protects the cardboard from moisture and allows the packaging material to be sealed to form a sealed package. Additional layers, such as an aluminum layer, may also be provided to prevent the diffusion of oxygen and other gases through the packaging.

[0004] In almost all long-term food packaging, the oxygen content in the filled and sealed packaging is a critical issue. If there is a significant amount of oxygen in the packaging, or if oxygen can permeate into the packaging from the outside during storage, the filled food may be damaged. Therefore, to minimize the oxygen content in the packaging, it is common practice to attempt to purge the air from the packaging before it is closed and sealed. One common method for reducing the oxygen content in packaging is to blow an inert gas, preferably nitrogen, into the packaging after the food has been filled but before sealing it. This forces out the air in the uppermost layer of the packaging, above the level of the filled food (this area is also called the headspace), and replaces it with nitrogen, which does not react with the filled food. Such a method is described in EP1957370B1. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To influence the shape of packaging, particularly to achieve an elongated shape, steam can be injected into the packaging shortly after food has been filled, especially before sealing. The injected hot steam cools the packaging, creating a negative pressure that results in an elongated shape, especially a reduction in headspace. This elongated shape, and the reduced headspace, decreases the amount of oxygen contained within the packaging, which would otherwise damage the product, especially food.

[0006] However, if steam is introduced into the packaging after the inert gas has already been filled to reduce the oxygen content, in some cases the steam can agitate the inert gas and even push it out of the packaging. As a result, the oxygen content in the packaging increases again, and the shelf life of the packaged food is shortened.

[0007] Furthermore, when using steam and inert gases to reduce the proportion of oxygen in the packaging and when shaping the packaging, it is preferable, for economic and environmental reasons, to keep the amount of inert gases and steam used as low as possible.

[0008] In this context, the object of the present invention is to design a filling machine for reducing the oxygen content in packaging, and a method for reducing the oxygen content in packaging, wherein the filling machine and the method are respectively capable of providing a low oxygen content in the packaging, and preferably forming the packaging with a low amount of inert gas and / or steam consumption.

[0009] According to the present invention, the above-mentioned objective is achieved, wherein the second supply device is configured to supply inert gas (preferably first inert gas) and steam to at least one mixing chamber and / or second nozzle of the second supply device in an intermittent manner, preferably separately from each other.

[0010] According to the present invention, the above-mentioned objective is further achieved by the method for reducing the oxygen content in packaging provided according to the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0011] Various embodiments of a filling machine and a method for reducing the oxygen content in packaging are described below. Each embodiment is individually applicable to both the filling machine and the method for reducing the oxygen content in packaging in each case. The embodiments, whether or not they relate to a filling machine and a method for reducing the oxygen content in packaging, can also be arbitrarily combined with each other.

[0012] A filling machine for reducing the oxygen content in packaging includes at least one second supply device for supplying a medium to the packaging for reducing the oxygen content, preferably a first filling medium for reducing the oxygen content in the packaging. The first filling medium may include a first inert gas (preferably nitrogen) and vapor. In this way, the oxygen content in the packaging can be reduced, and the shape of the packaging can also be affected. The packaging is for food and may be a cardboard composite packaging, preferably including at least one cardboard layer and / or at least one plastic layer. The packaging may be open on one side, wherein the open side is preferably used for filling, for example, food, the first filling medium and / or a second filling medium (described later) into the packaging.

[0013] Furthermore, the filling machine preferably includes at least one filling device for filling food into packaging. A first supply device (described later) may be designed to supply and / or fill a medium for reducing the oxygen content in the packaging before the filling device fills the food into the packaging, and / or a second supply device may be designed to supply and / or fill a medium for reducing the oxygen content in the packaging after the filling device fills the food into the packaging. The first supply device is preferably located upstream of the filling device along the conveying direction of the conveying device (described later), and / or the second supply device is preferably located downstream of the filling device along the conveying direction of the conveying device.

[0014] Furthermore, the second supply device provided in this embodiment of the invention has at least one second nozzle for filling the packaging with a medium, preferably a first filling medium, used to reduce the oxygen content in the packaging. This nozzle simplifies the precise filling of the packaging.

[0015] The term "nozzle" is interpreted very broadly throughout this invention. It does not necessarily require a nozzle with a narrowing cross-section. The nozzle should simply be capable of reliably and specifically supplying the appropriate medium into the packaging. In particularly simple cases, the nozzle can be designed as a straight tube that can be aligned very precisely with the packaging.

[0016] Furthermore, the second supply device provided in this embodiment of the invention is configured to intermittently supply inert gas, preferably a first inert gas, to at least one mixing chamber and / or a second nozzle of the second supply device, and to intermittently supply steam to at least one mixing chamber and / or a second nozzle of the second supply device, preferably separately from each other. By supplying inert gas and steam intermittently, the consumption of inert gas and steam can be reduced, thus simplifying the method of supplying only the amount of inert gas and steam required for each package. The separate supply of steam and nitrogen is preferably achieved by supplying steam and nitrogen in separate pipelines. Furthermore, by using the mixing chamber, inert gas and steam can be introduced into the package at least substantially synchronously, preferably as a first filling medium. This simplifies the method of preventing the steam from agitating and expelling the inert gas from the package. This results in a reduction in the oxygen content in the package, while the steam can be used to influence the shape of the package and reduce the top space of the package. The supplied steam is preferably hot steam with a temperature of at least 100°C, preferably at least 110°C and / or at most 135°C, preferably at most 125°C. The first filling medium, advantageously comprising a first inert gas and vapor, is preferably filled into the packaging after the food has been filled into the packaging via the second supply device (so-called post-injection), and the second filling medium, advantageously comprising only the second inert gas, is preferably filled into the packaging before the food has been filled into the packaging via the first supply device (so-called pre-injection). The filling machine (preferably the second supply device) can be configured to supply inert gas (preferably the first inert gas) and vapor to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle at least temporarily simultaneously and / or at least temporarily continuously.

[0017] The terms “first” and “second” are used in this invention only to distinguish different features, such as a first supply device and a second supply device, and should not be interpreted restrictively in principle, especially with respect to the number and / or order of the features they describe, unless otherwise described in this invention.

[0018] The terms "inert gas" and "nitrogen" are preferably understood throughout this invention to refer to a gas comprising at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 95%, and particularly at least 99% of an inert gas (in the case of the term "inert gas") or nitrogen (in the case of the term "nitrogen"). The term "inert gas" described above and below may preferably refer to a first inert gas and / or a second inert gas.

[0019] In one embodiment, the mixing chamber is configured to at least partially mix an inert gas (preferably a first inert gas) and vapor to form a medium (preferably a first filling medium) for reducing the oxygen content in the packaging, and / or, the second nozzle is configured to dispense the inert gas (preferably the first inert gas) and vapor to form a medium (preferably the first filling medium) for reducing the oxygen content in the packaging. This simplifies the process of preventing the inert gas and vapor from displacing each other during filling into the packaging, since the inert gas and vapor mix before filling, just before entering the packaging, or at least immediately upon entering the packaging.

[0020] In one embodiment, the filling machine includes at least one first supply device for supplying a medium, preferably a second filling medium, to the packaging to reduce the oxygen content in the packaging. The first supply device has at least one first nozzle for filling the packaging with the medium, preferably the second filling medium, to reduce the oxygen content in the packaging. The first supply device can be used to pre-inject an inert gas into the packaging before filling the food into the packaging (so-called pre-injection), thereby further simplifying the method of reducing oxygen in the packaging. Furthermore, the use of the first nozzle simplifies precise filling of the packaging. The second filling medium may preferably primarily, and particularly exclusively, comprise a second inert gas, preferably nitrogen, thereby further simplifying the method of achieving a very low oxygen content in the packaging.

[0021] In one embodiment, the filling machine, preferably a first supply device and / or a second supply device, specifically includes, respectively, at least one inert gas line for supplying inert gas, at least one steam line for supplying steam, at least one inert gas tank for storing inert gas, at least one control device for controlling and / or checking the pressure and / or temperature in the inert gas line and / or steam line, at least one inert gas valve for opening and / or closing the inert gas line, at least one steam valve for opening and / or closing the steam line, and / or at least one control unit for controlling the inert gas valve and / or steam valve. Preferably, the inert gas line is connected via fluid lines to a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and / or a mixing chamber, and / or the steam line is connected via fluid lines to a second nozzle and / or a mixing chamber. In this way, inert gas and steam can be reliably and accurately supplied to the mixing chamber and / or the corresponding nozzle in the required amounts. The inert gas tank is preferably designed for storing nitrogen. The inert gas tank can be designed as a buffer tank, thereby simplifying the reliable supply of inert gas. The inert gas tank can be connected to the corresponding inert gas line and / or the corresponding mixing chamber via a fluid line. Advantageously, the inert gas line is preferably connected to an external inert gas supply source via a fluid line, thus eliminating the need for an inert gas tank. Preferably, an external steam supply source can be connected to the corresponding steam line and / or the corresponding mixing chamber via a fluid line. This also simplifies the reliable supply of inert gas and / or steam. An inert gas valve can be arranged upstream of the mixing chamber, the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle, and / or a steam valve can be arranged upstream of the mixing chamber, the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle. Alternatively or additionally, an inert gas valve can be arranged downstream of the inert gas tank, downstream of the external inert gas supply source, and / or a steam valve can be arranged downstream of the external steam supply source. In this way, the method of accurately supplying the required amount of inert gas and / or steam to the mixing chamber and / or nozzle is simplified. The steam valve may also be designed to cut off the steam flow, preferably via at least one steam line, to the mixing chamber, thereby preferably supplying steam intermittently and / or supplying inert gas only to the mixing chamber and / or the packaging; and / or, the inert gas valve may be designed to cut off the inert gas flow, preferably via at least one inert gas line, to the mixing chamber, thereby preferably supplying inert gas intermittently and / or supplying steam only to the mixing chamber and / or the packaging. The control device may include at least one steam control valve, thereby preferably regulating the flow rate and / or pressure in the steam line; at least one inert gas control valve, thereby preferably regulating the flow rate and / or pressure in the inert gas line; at least one temperature sensor, thereby preferably determining the temperature in the steam line; and / or at least one pressure sensor, thereby preferably determining the pressure in the inert gas line and / or the steam line.

[0022] In one embodiment, the control device is configured to control and / or check the pressure of the medium (preferably inert gas) in the corresponding inert gas line, and preferably, the control device is configured to set a preset pressure value for the medium (preferably inert gas) in the corresponding inert gas line. In this way, the amount of medium (preferably inert gas) supplied to the mixing chamber, the first nozzle, and / or the second nozzle can be precisely set, preferably because the supply duration to the mixing chamber, the first nozzle, and / or the second nozzle can be determined based on the corresponding pressure. As a result, the precise supply of the medium (preferably inert gas) is simplified, thereby particularly reducing the amount of inert gas required to sufficiently reduce the oxygen content in the packaging, since the amount of inert gas supplied and filled will not exceed the actual required amount. The supply can be achieved by opening and / or closing the corresponding inert gas valve (preferably controlled by the control unit), thereby achieving the desired supply duration. Preferably, the control device is configured to control and / or check the pressure of the medium (preferably inert gas) in the corresponding inert gas line before the medium (preferably inert gas) is supplied to the mixing chamber, the first nozzle, and / or the second nozzle, and / or, the control device is configured to set a preset pressure value of the medium (preferably inert gas) in the corresponding inert gas line before the medium (preferably inert gas) is supplied to the mixing chamber, the first nozzle, and / or the second nozzle. This amplifies the effects explained above. Preferably, the control device is configured to control and / or check the pressure of the medium (preferably inert gas) in the corresponding inert gas line upstream of the corresponding inert gas valve, and / or, the control device is configured to set a preset pressure value of the medium (preferably inert gas) in the corresponding inert gas line upstream of the corresponding inert gas valve.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the control device is configured to stop controlling and / or checking the pressure of the medium (preferably inert gas) in the corresponding inert gas line when the medium (preferably inert gas) is supplied to the mixing chamber, the first nozzle, and / or the second nozzle via the corresponding inert gas line and / or when the inert gas valve is opened. This also simplifies the precise supply of the medium (preferably inert gas), particularly eliminating the need to measure the volumetric flow rate of the medium (preferably inert gas), thus significantly reducing the amount of inert gas required to adequately reduce the oxygen content in the packaging. During the filling or supply of the medium (preferably inert gas) to the mixing chamber, the first nozzle, and / or the second nozzle, the pressure in the corresponding inert gas line decreases. If the control device continues to control the pressure, preferably set to a preset value, the control device will continuously attempt to increase the pressure in the inert gas line during supply and / or filling. This makes it more difficult to determine the amount of the medium (preferably inert gas), especially if the volumetric flow rate is not measured.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the control device is configured to set the amount of medium (preferably inert gas) to be supplied to the mixing chamber, the first nozzle, and / or the second nozzle based on the pressure of the medium (preferably inert gas) in the corresponding inert gas line, preferably based on the pressure of the medium in the corresponding inert gas line checked and / or controlled by the control device, particularly the pressure of the inert gas. This also simplifies the precise supply of the medium (preferably inert gas), especially eliminating the need to measure the volumetric flow rate of the medium (preferably inert gas), thus reducing the amount of inert gas required to reduce the oxygen content in the packaging. Furthermore, this design reduces the complexity and cost of the filling machine because no additional device is needed to measure the flow rate of the medium (preferably inert gas). Setting the amount of medium (preferably inert gas) can be achieved by setting a preset pressure of the medium (preferably inert gas) by the control device, wherein the corresponding preset pressure is related to the specific supply duration of the medium (preferably inert gas).

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is configured to open and / or close the corresponding inert gas valve, preferably in a time-controlled and / or intermittent manner. In this way, a precise amount of medium (preferably inert gas) is supplied to the mixing chamber, the first nozzle, and / or the second nozzle when needed, thus significantly reducing the amount of inert gas required to adequately reduce the oxygen content in the packaging. The opening and / or closing time of the inert gas valve can be based on a test, preferably performed at a preset pressure of the inert gas. Alternatively or additionally, the opening and / or closing time of the inert gas valve can be based on the pressure of the medium (preferably inert gas) in the corresponding inert gas line, checked and / or controlled by the control device. For example, one or more time values ​​for when the inert gas valve is to be opened and / or closed when a specific pressure in the inert gas line is checked and / or controlled can be stored in the control device, preferably in the control device's data memory. Then, based on the pressure checked and / or controlled, one or more time values ​​can be applied by opening and / or closing the inert gas valve, defining the time for which the inert gas valve is opened and / or closed, wherein preferably, the one or more time values ​​are exported from the data memory of the control device. The one or more time values ​​for when the inert gas valve is opened are preferably the corresponding supply duration.

[0026] In one embodiment, the control device is configured to control and / or check the temperature and / or pressure of the medium (preferably steam) in the corresponding steam line, and preferably, the control device is configured to set a preset temperature and / or pressure value for the medium (preferably steam) in the corresponding steam line. In this way, the amount of medium (preferably steam) supplied to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle can be precisely set, preferably because the supply duration to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle can be determined based on the corresponding temperature and / or pressure. Specifically, the steam pressure can be determined based on temperature without the need for pressure measurement, since steam pressure and temperature are correlated. When steam is supplied intermittently, determining the steam pressure by pressure measurement would be affected by fluctuations, as the pressure decreases and increases with each opening and closing of the steam valve. However, when measuring temperature, only minor fluctuations occur due to the intermittent supply of steam. As a result, precise supply of the medium (preferably steam) is simplified, thereby particularly reducing the required amount of steam, since the supplied steam will not exceed the actual need. The supply can be achieved by opening and / or closing the corresponding steam valve (preferably controlled by the control unit), thus achieving the desired supply duration. Preferably, the control device is configured to control and / or check the temperature and / or pressure of the medium (preferably steam) in the corresponding steam line before the medium (preferably steam) is supplied to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle, and / or, the control device is configured to set a preset temperature and / or pressure value of the medium (preferably steam) in the corresponding steam line before the medium (preferably steam) is supplied to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle. This amplifies the effects explained above. Preferably, the control device is configured to control and / or check the temperature and / or pressure of the medium (preferably steam) in the corresponding steam line upstream of the corresponding steam valve, and / or, the control device is configured to set a preset temperature and / or pressure value of the medium (preferably steam) in the corresponding steam line upstream of the corresponding steam valve.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the control device is configured to set the amount of medium (preferably steam) to be supplied to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle based on the temperature and / or pressure of the medium (preferably steam) in the corresponding steam line, preferably based on the temperature and / or pressure of the medium in the corresponding steam line checked and / or controlled by the control device, particularly the temperature and / or pressure of the steam. This also simplifies the precise supply of the medium (preferably steam), especially eliminating the need to measure the volumetric flow rate of the medium (preferably steam), thereby reducing the amount of steam required. Furthermore, this design reduces the complexity and cost of the filling machine because no additional device is needed to measure the flow rate of the medium (preferably steam). Setting the amount of medium (preferably steam) can be achieved by setting a preset temperature and / or pressure of the medium (preferably steam) by the control device, wherein the corresponding preset temperature and / or pressure is related to a specific supply duration of the medium (preferably steam).

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the control device is configured to continuously check the temperature and / or when the steam valve is opened and / or closed. In this way, the temperature and pressure of the steam can be continuously determined, with lower control and systems engineering complexity.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is configured to open and / or close the corresponding steam valve, preferably in a time-controlled and / or intermittent manner. In this way, a precise amount of medium (preferably steam) is supplied to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle when needed, thus particularly reducing the required amount of steam. The opening and / or closing time of the steam valve can be based on a test, preferably for a preset temperature and / or pressure of steam. Alternatively or additionally, the opening and / or closing time of the steam valve can be based on the temperature and / or pressure of the medium (preferably steam) in the corresponding steam line, which is checked and / or controlled by the control device. For example, when checking and / or controlling a specific temperature and / or pressure in the steam line, one or more time values ​​for when the steam valve is to be opened and / or closed can be stored in the control device, preferably in the data memory of the control device. Then, based on the checked and / or controlled temperature and / or pressure, one or more time values ​​can be applied by opening and / or closing the steam valve respectively, which define the time for the steam valve to be opened and / or closed, wherein preferably, one or more time values ​​are retrieved from the data memory of the control device. One or more time values ​​for when the steam valve is opened are preferably the corresponding supply duration.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle each comprise a nozzle conduit and / or a nozzle housing. The nozzle conduit is configured to supply a medium, preferably a first filling medium and / or a second filling medium. The nozzle housing is configured to simplify the directional filling of the medium (preferably the first filling medium and / or the second filling medium) into the packaging and to prevent the corresponding medium from escaping into the ambient air. In particular, when the corresponding medium is not dispensed directly toward the packaging, the nozzle housing simplifies the guidance of the corresponding medium toward the packaging, thereby reducing, for example, splashing of food already filled into the packaging. The nozzle conduit may include at least one constriction. The constriction may affect the flow of the medium transported in the nozzle conduit and / or at least partially form a buffer chamber to simplify the uniform distribution of the medium (preferably an inert gas and / or vapor) around the circumference of the nozzle conduit.

[0031] Furthermore, the nozzle conduit includes nozzle conduit sidewalls, a nozzle conduit bottom wall, a nozzle housing including nozzle housing sidewalls, and / or, the nozzle conduit has a first end, preferably a lower end. The nozzle conduit sidewalls simplify the way the medium is prevented from escaping into the surrounding air and guide it toward the packaging. The nozzle conduit bottom wall may include one or more through holes, or may not have through holes. The nozzle conduit bottom wall may be disposed at the first end, preferably the lower end, of the nozzle conduit, particularly forming the first end, preferably the lower end, of the nozzle conduit.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the nozzle conduit has a nozzle outlet for dispensing a medium, preferably a first filling medium and / or a second filling medium, from the nozzle conduit. The nozzle outlet may be at least partially located adjacent to the first end (preferably the lower end) of the nozzle conduit, and / or at least partially located at the first end (preferably the lower end) of the nozzle conduit; in particular, the nozzle outlet may at least partially form the first end (preferably the lower end) of the nozzle conduit.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the nozzle housing has a nozzle housing chamber, wherein the nozzle housing chamber has a first end and / or a second end, the first end preferably being a lower end and / or an open end, and the second end preferably being an upper end and / or a closed end. This further simplifies the method of preventing the medium from escaping into the ambient air, as the medium is guided to the packaging within the nozzle housing chamber. The first end of the nozzle housing chamber is preferably configured to dispense the filling medium (preferably a first filling medium and / or a second filling medium) to the packaging, preferably directly to the packaging.

[0034] In one embodiment, the nozzle housing, preferably the nozzle housing chamber and / or the nozzle housing sidewalls, has a nozzle housing central axis, and preferably, the nozzle housing sidewalls and / or the nozzle housing chamber extend at least partially, preferably substantially entirely, around the nozzle housing central axis. Designing the nozzle housing sidewalls and / or the nozzle housing chamber separately simplifies the way media escapes into ambient air, as the media is guided into the packaging between the nozzle housing sidewalls and / or within the nozzle housing chamber. The nozzle housing central axis may extend between a first end and a second end of the nozzle housing chamber, may extend centrally within the nozzle housing chamber and / or the nozzle housing, and / or may extend substantially vertically.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the inclined portion of the inner sidewall of the nozzle housing extends adjacent to the nozzle conduit, preferably adjacent to the nozzle outlet, and / or adjacent to the second end of the nozzle housing chamber, and extends at least partially with respect to the nozzle conduit sidewall and / or the nozzle housing central axis at an angle greater than 0°, preferably greater than 15°, particularly greater than 30°, and / or at an angle less than 90°, preferably less than 75°, particularly less than 60°. In this way, when the medium (preferably the first filling medium and / or the second filling medium) is supplied through the respective nozzle and, particularly, dispensed from the nozzle conduit toward the nozzle housing sidewall, the medium can be reliably guided toward the packaging. This inclined portion of the inner sidewall of the nozzle housing particularly prevents the corresponding medium dispensed toward the nozzle housing sidewall from accumulating at the closed end of the nozzle housing chamber, because the inclined portion guides the medium toward the open end of the chamber, and thus toward the packaging. This inclined portion can extend from the second end of the nozzle housing chamber, thereby further simplifying the method of preventing the medium from accumulating at the closed end of the nozzle housing chamber. The corresponding angle is preferably measured from the inside of the nozzle housing sidewall toward the nozzle pipeline sidewall and / or toward the nozzle housing central axis, particularly through the nozzle housing chamber.

[0036] In one embodiment, the nozzle outlet is arranged adjacent to a first end of the nozzle conduit, and / or, the nozzle outlet is arranged adjacent to a second end of the nozzle housing chamber. This simplifies, on the one hand, the method of preventing the medium (preferably the first filling medium and / or the second filling medium) from escaping into the ambient air, because the nozzle outlet is spaced further from the first end of the nozzle housing chamber, thus providing sufficient space to precisely guide the corresponding medium toward the packaging even if the medium is not dispensed directly from the nozzle conduit toward the packaging. On the other hand, it simplifies the method of reducing spillage of food already filled into the packaging. At least a certain proportion of the corresponding medium can be dispensed toward the sidewalls and / or the nozzle housing chamber at a distance away from the packaging. Therefore, the velocity of the medium toward the packaging is slower than the velocity of the medium previously in the nozzle conduit, and this reduced velocity reduces splashing of food already filled into the packaging.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the nozzle outlet is at least partially surrounded by the nozzle housing, preferably the nozzle housing sidewall, and / or the nozzle housing chamber; the nozzle outlet extends at least partially into the nozzle housing, preferably towards the first end of the nozzle housing chamber; and / or, the bottom wall of the nozzle conduit is spaced apart from the first end of the nozzle housing chamber. This amplifies the effect explained above. Alternatively or additionally, the nozzle outlet extends at least partially into the nozzle housing chamber.

[0038] In one embodiment, the nozzle outlet has one or more first nozzle openings for dispensing a first medium flow, preferably lateral nozzle openings, and the one or more first nozzle openings extend through the nozzle conduit sidewall. Each of the one or more first nozzle openings has a first nozzle opening central axis, and preferably, the first nozzle opening central axis of the respective one or more first nozzle openings extends at least partially inclined to the nozzle housing central axis, the one or more first nozzle openings facing the nozzle housing sidewall, and / or, the one or more first nozzle openings are at least partially, preferably at a height relative to the nozzle housing central axis, arranged on the inclined portion inside the nozzle housing sidewall. In this way, the velocity of the filling medium (preferably the first filling medium and / or the second filling medium) dispensed via the first nozzle openings can be reduced, and / or, splashing of food already filled into the packaging can be reduced, because the respective filling medium is preferably dispensed toward the nozzle housing, rather than directly onto the packaging and / or the food. Furthermore, when the corresponding nozzle includes side nozzle openings (preferably integrated with the nozzle housing sidewall and / or nozzle housing chamber) in addition to the lower nozzle opening, the portion of the corresponding filling medium distributed as a first medium flow via the side nozzle opening has a lower velocity compared to the portion of the corresponding filling medium distributed as a second medium flow via the lower nozzle opening. This configuration reduces the intake and / or entrainment of oxygen, for example, from ambient air, into the packaging, because, among other things, oxygen is pushed from the center of the packaging to the sides by the faster second medium flow and exits from there. Preferably, one or more first nozzle openings are connected to nozzle lines and / or nozzle housing chambers via fluid lines. One or more first nozzle openings may be arranged not to face the first end of the nozzle housing chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the central axis of the first nozzle opening of each of the corresponding one or more first nozzle openings extends at least partially inclined to the central axis of the nozzle housing. This amplifies the effects explained above.

[0039] In one embodiment, the nozzle outlet has one or more second nozzle openings for distributing a second medium flow, preferably lower nozzle openings, and these one or more second nozzle openings extend through the bottom wall of the nozzle conduit. Each of the one or more second nozzle openings has a second nozzle opening central axis, preferably, the second nozzle opening central axis of the respective one or more second nozzle openings extends at least partially parallel to the nozzle housing central axis, and / or, the one or more second nozzle openings face a first end of the nozzle housing chamber. In this way, the filling medium (preferably the first filling medium and / or the second filling medium) can be dispensed toward the packaging at high speed, reducing filling time. Furthermore, as explained above with respect to the first nozzle opening, the second medium flow distributed via the second nozzle opening can be used to reduce the intake and / or entrainment of oxygen into the packaging. In this way, the oxygen content in the packaging can be further reduced. Preferably, the one or more second nozzle openings are connected to the nozzle conduit and / or the nozzle housing chamber via a fluid conduit. The one or more second nozzle openings can be arranged not to face the nozzle housing sidewall. Alternatively or additionally, the second nozzle opening central axis of each of the respective one or more second nozzle openings extends at least partially parallel to the nozzle housing central axis. This amplifies the effects explained above.

[0040] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional width of the nozzle housing and / or the cross-sectional width of the nozzle housing chamber are at least partially increased, preferably increasing in the direction from the second end of the nozzle housing chamber to the first end of the nozzle housing chamber; the cross-sectional length of the nozzle housing and / or the cross-sectional length of the nozzle housing chamber are at least partially decreased, preferably decreasing in the direction from the second end of the nozzle housing chamber to the first end of the nozzle housing chamber; the cross-section of the nozzle housing and / or the cross-section of the nozzle housing chamber adjacent to the second end of the nozzle housing chamber, preferably at the second end of the nozzle housing chamber, is circular; and / or, the cross-section of the nozzle housing and / or the cross-section of the nozzle housing chamber adjacent to the first end of the nozzle housing chamber, preferably at the first end of the nozzle housing chamber, is elliptical or slotted. By increasing the width of the corresponding cross-sections, the arrangement of the nozzle housing chamber is simplified, particularly by increasing the width of the cross-section at the first end of the nozzle housing chamber, which covers the entire opening of the package to be filled, which in turn simplifies the filling process. Furthermore, the relatively flat shape of the corresponding cross-section, preferably the relatively flat shape of the cross-section at the first end of the nozzle housing chamber, better adapts to the shape of the opening of the package to be filled, because preferably, the opening of the pre-folded package is usually not fully open and therefore is usually wider than its length (especially along the transport direction). Preferably, the length of the cross-section extends parallel to the transport direction of the package, and / or, the width of the cross-section extends obliquely, particularly perpendicular to the transport direction and / or the length of the cross-section extends. The corresponding cross-section preferably extends obliquely relative to the central axis of the nozzle housing, preferably perpendicularly.

[0041] In one embodiment, the nozzle conduit of the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle has at least partially an inner diameter of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 9 mm, particularly at least 12 mm and / or at most 30 mm, preferably at most 23 mm, particularly at most 16 mm; the nozzle conduit of the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle preferably has at least partially an inner diameter of at least 4 mm, preferably at least 6 mm, particularly at least 8 mm and / or at most 20 mm, preferably at most 16 mm, particularly at most 12 mm at the constriction of the nozzle conduit; preferably, one or more first nozzle openings of the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle each have an inner diameter of at least 0.8 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, particularly at least 2 mm and / or at most 20 mm, preferably at most 14 mm, more preferably at most 8 mm, more preferably at most 5 mm, particularly at most 3 mm; and / or, preferably, one or more second nozzle openings of the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle each have an inner diameter of at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 0.8 mm, particularly at least 1 mm and / or at most 2 mm, preferably at most 1.5 mm, particularly at most 1.2 mm. The inner diameter is mm. In this way, the filling medium (preferably the first filling medium and / or the second filling medium) can be filled quickly enough, and preferably at the same time, splashing of the food already filled into the package can be reduced because the speed is not too high.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle each include an internal nozzle conduit, the internal nozzle conduit being at least partially disposed within a nozzle conduit, and preferably, the internal nozzle conduit is configured to be supplied with an inert gas, preferably a first inert gas, by a second supply device, and the nozzle conduit is configured to be supplied with steam by the second supply device; or the internal nozzle conduit is configured to be supplied with steam by the second supply device, and the nozzle conduit is configured to be supplied with an inert gas, preferably a first inert gas, by the second supply device; the internal nozzle conduit is connected to a steam conduit via a fluid conduit, and the nozzle conduit is connected to an inert gas conduit via a fluid conduit; or the internal nozzle conduit is connected to an inert gas conduit via a fluid conduit, and the nozzle conduit is connected to a steam conduit via a fluid conduit; and / or, the nozzle conduit is arranged at least partially annularly and / or concentrically around the internal nozzle conduit. In this way, the inert gas and steam can be introduced into the packaging at least temporarily simultaneously, thereby achieving substantially the same effect as in the case where the inert gas and steam are mixed in a mixing chamber to obtain the filling medium, but without requiring a mixing chamber. Furthermore, the medium transported in the nozzle conduit forms a sheath flow, while the medium in the inner nozzle conduit forms a wick flow. Therefore, the medium is preferably divided into a slower outer sheath flow (higher pressure) and a faster inner wick flow (lower pressure), thereby minimizing the intake and / or entrainment of ambient air, particularly oxygen, within the packaging. Preferably, there is no fluid conduit between the inner nozzle conduit and the nozzle conduit, and / or the inner nozzle conduit and the nozzle conduit are configured to supply different media that are separate from each other.

[0043] In one embodiment, the filling machine includes at least one conveying device for conveying packages along the conveying direction, and preferably, the conveying device is configured to convey packages from a first supply device to a filling device and / or from the filling device to a second supply device, and / or, the conveying device includes at least one cell for receiving packages. This simplifies the rapid and accurate handling of packages. The conveying device can convey packages before, during, and / or after steps c), d), e), and / or f (which will be discussed later in this invention), preferably from the first supply device to the filling device and / or from the filling device to the second supply device. Alternatively or additionally, the conveying device includes at least one conveyor belt. However, other embodiments of the conveying device are also possible.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the filling machine is configured such that, during the filling of the package through the respective nozzles, the first and / or second nozzles, preferably the respective nozzle outlets and / or nozzle housing chambers of the first and / or second nozzles, are eccentrically arranged relative to the cell of the packaging and / or conveying device. This simplifies the method of venting oxygen from the package. The filling and packaging process is preferably during steps c), d), e), and / or f (these steps will be discussed later in the invention). The first and / or second nozzles, preferably the respective nozzle outlets and / or nozzle housing chambers of the first and / or second nozzles, are preferably eccentrically arranged above the cell of the packaging and / or conveying device during the filling of the package through the respective nozzles.

[0045] In one embodiment, the filling machine, preferably a first supply device and / or a second supply device, includes one or more nozzle covers, and preferably, the one or more nozzle covers are arranged adjacent to the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle, preferably adjacent to the corresponding nozzle conduits of the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle; the one or more nozzle covers at least partially, preferably completely, surround the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle, preferably surround the corresponding nozzle conduits of the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle; the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle, preferably the corresponding nozzle conduits of the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle, preferably extend at least partially through the one or more nozzle covers; the one or more nozzle covers are arranged above the conveying device, and / or, the one or more nozzle covers are connected to the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle, preferably connected to the corresponding nozzle conduits of the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle. During filling through the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle, the nozzle covers shield the packaging and the nozzle outlet from ambient air, thereby helping to prevent the corresponding filling medium (preferably the first filling medium and / or the second filling medium) from escaping into the ambient air, and helping to reduce the amount of ambient air and oxygen carried into the packaging along with the corresponding filling medium flow. This helps reduce the amount of inert gas required to sufficiently reduce the oxygen content in the packaging. This effect is particularly pronounced when preferably laminar air, such as sterile air used to maintain the aseptic nature of the filling process, is introduced from above into the filling area of ​​the filling machine. Without nozzle covers, this air might expel the inert gas already filled into the packaging, thereby increasing the oxygen content in the packaging. The one or more nozzle covers, preferably with their respective bottom walls extending at least partially parallel to the horizontal direction, further amplify the aforementioned effect. Preferably, the one or more nozzle covers are arranged only adjacent to the first nozzle, as splashes from food already filled into the packaging could contaminate the one or more nozzle covers.

[0046] In one embodiment, the one or more nozzle covers include a bottom wall, side walls, and / or a top wall, the bottom wall preferably being adjacent to the nozzle outlet, and the side walls preferably including at least two side wall portions.

[0047] Furthermore, preferably, one sidewall portion is arranged at an angle relative to another adjacent sidewall portion, with the angle of inclination being less than 90°, preferably at most 60°, and / or, the angle of inclination being greater than 0°, preferably at least 30°. In this way, a path is provided at one or more nozzle shrouds above the generally rectangular packaging, along which air discharged by the filling medium can escape in a controlled manner, particularly in a controlled direction, from below the one or more nozzle shrouds.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the filling machine includes one or more baffles for guiding airflow, the baffles including multiple through-holes, and one or more nozzle covers extending at least partially through the baffles. The baffles are used to streamline the laminar airflow to maintain aseptic filling. By extending the nozzle covers through the baffles, it avoids arranging the nozzle covers below the baffles. If the nozzle covers were arranged below the baffles, sterile air introduced into the filling machine from above would be deflected by the nozzle covers, resulting in an undesirable crossflow of sterile air that cannot be corrected. However, when the nozzle covers extend through the baffles and are therefore arranged above them, the baffles can redirect the sterile air deflected by the nozzle covers back onto the desired path.

[0049] A method for reducing the oxygen content in packaging includes the following steps: a) providing at least one package. The package is for food use and may be a cardboard composite package, preferably comprising at least one cardboard layer and / or at least one plastic layer. The package may be opened on one side, wherein the opened side is preferably used for filling, for example, food, a first filling medium, and / or a second filling medium into the package.

[0050] Furthermore, the method includes the following steps: b) providing a filling machine for reducing the oxygen ratio in packaging, preferably according to an embodiment of this disclosure, wherein the filling machine includes at least one second supply device for supplying a medium for reducing the oxygen ratio in the packaging, preferably a first filling medium for reducing the oxygen ratio in the packaging, and wherein preferably, the filling machine includes at least one filling device for filling food into the packaging. In this way, the effects described regarding the filling machine are achieved. The filling machine and its corresponding components are preferably the filling machine and its corresponding components as described above.

[0051] In addition, the method includes the following steps: c) filling the food into packaging, wherein preferably, in step c), the food is filled into packaging by a filling device.

[0052] Furthermore, the method includes the following steps: d) supplying a first inert gas and steam intermittently to at least one mixing chamber and / or a second nozzle of the second supply device via a second supply device, preferably separately from each other, wherein preferably, the first inert gas is nitrogen. By supplying the inert gas and steam intermittently, the consumption of inert gas and steam can be reduced, thus simplifying the method of providing only the amount of inert gas and steam required for each package. The separate supply of steam and nitrogen is preferably provided by supplying steam and nitrogen in separate pipelines. Furthermore, by using the mixing chamber, the inert gas and steam can be introduced into the package at least substantially simultaneously as a first filling medium. This simplifies the method of preventing the steam from agitating and expelling the inert gas from the package. This results in a reduction in the oxygen content of the package, while the steam can be used to influence the shape of the package and reduce the top space of the package. The steam supplied and mixed in the mixing chamber is preferably hot steam with a temperature of at least 100°C, preferably at least 110°C and / or at most 135°C, preferably at most 125°C. In step d), the first inert gas and steam are at least partially mixed in the mixing chamber. The first inert gas and / or steam may, in step d), be supplied to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle, preferably via an inert gas line, an inert gas tank, a steam line, and / or an external steam supply source. The first inert gas and steam may be supplied to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle at least temporarily simultaneously and / or at least temporarily continuously. Supplying steam to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle may include generating steam, preferably from an external steam supply source.

[0053] Furthermore, the method includes the following steps: e) filling a first filling medium into the packaging, wherein the first filling medium is formed by a first inert gas and vapor supplied in step d). Step e) is preferably performed after step d). After sealing the packaging, vapor is particularly needed to generate negative pressure to achieve an elongated packaging, especially reducing top space and thus lowering the oxygen content in the packaging. Filling the first filling medium after step c) is a so-called post-injection, which also reduces the oxygen content in the packaging after filling the food, thus particularly reducing the risk of oxygen being trapped in the space between the food in the packaging and the subsequent sealing end of the packaging. In step e), the first inert gas is filled into the packaging via a nozzle line or an internal nozzle line, and / or, in step e), vapor is filled into the packaging via a nozzle line or an internal nozzle line. Step c) is preferably performed before steps d) and / or e).

[0054] In one embodiment, the mixing chamber is configured to at least partially mix the first inert gas and vapor to form the first filling medium, the second nozzle is configured to dispense the first inert gas and vapor to form the first filling medium, and / or, preferably in step d), the first filling medium is formed by at least partially mixing the first inert gas and vapor, preferably in the mixing chamber and / or downstream of the second nozzle. This simplifies the process of preventing the inert gas and vapor from escaping each other during filling into the packaging, since the inert gas and vapor mix before filling into the packaging, just before entering the packaging, or at least immediately upon entering the packaging.

[0055] In one embodiment, the filling machine includes at least one first supply device for supplying a medium to the packaging for reducing the oxygen content in the packaging, preferably a second filling medium for reducing the oxygen content in the packaging, and preferably, the first supply device has at least one first nozzle for filling the packaging with the medium for reducing the oxygen content in the packaging, preferably the second filling medium. The first supply device can be used to fill the packaging with inert gas before filling the food into the packaging (so-called pre-injection), thereby further simplifying the method of reducing oxygen in the packaging. In addition, the use of the first nozzle simplifies the precise filling of the packaging.

[0056] One embodiment includes the following steps: f) supplying a second filling medium to a first nozzle via a first supply device, preferably intermittently, and / or filling the packaging with the second filling medium, wherein the second filling medium preferably comprises primarily, and particularly exclusively, a second inert gas, wherein preferably, step f) is performed via the first supply device prior to step c), and wherein preferably, the second inert gas is nitrogen. This further contributes to reducing the oxygen content in the packaging. Step f) may be performed only prior to step c). In particular, by combining a second filling medium that at least primarily comprises a second inert gas, a very low oxygen content in the packaging can be achieved.

[0057] In one embodiment, the second nozzle is connected to the mixing chamber via a fluid line, and in step f), the second filling medium is filled into the package through the first supply device and / or the first nozzle, and / or, in step e), the first filling medium is filled into the package through the second supply device and / or the second nozzle. This simplifies the accurate filling of the package.

[0058] In one embodiment, the filling machine, preferably a first supply device and / or a second supply device, specifically includes, respectively, at least one inert gas line for supplying inert gas, at least one steam line for supplying steam, at least one inert gas tank for storing inert gas, at least one control device for controlling and / or checking the pressure in the inert gas line and / or steam line, at least one inert gas valve for opening and / or closing the inert gas line, at least one steam valve for opening and / or closing the steam line, and / or at least one control unit for controlling the inert gas valve and / or steam valve. Preferably, the inert gas line is connected via a fluid line to a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and / or a mixing chamber, and / or the steam line is connected via a fluid line to a second nozzle and / or a mixing chamber. The descriptions and characteristics of the corresponding components of the filling machine previously stated also apply here. The inert gas tank can be designed as a buffer tank, thereby simplifying the reliable supply of inert gas. Preferably, during steps d) and / or e), the mixing chamber is at least temporarily connected to the steam line, the inert gas line, and / or the inert gas tank fluid line. In steps d) and / or e), the second nozzle is at least temporarily connected to the mixing chamber, the steam line, the inert gas line, and / or the inert gas tank fluid line.

[0059] In one embodiment, before supplying the first inert gas to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle in step d), the pressure of the first inert gas is preferably controlled and / or checked by a control device, and preferably, the pressure of the first inert gas is preferably set to a preset value by a control device before supplying the first inert gas to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle in step d). In this way, the amount of the first inert gas to be supplied to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle can be precisely set, preferably because the supply duration to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle can be determined based on the corresponding pressure. As a result, the precise supply of the first inert gas is simplified, thereby reducing the amount of first inert gas required to sufficiently reduce the oxygen ratio in the packaging. The supply can be achieved by opening and / or closing the inert gas valve (preferably controlled by a control unit) during step d), thereby achieving the desired supply duration. The preset value of the pressure of the first inert gas can be at least 0.1 bar and / or at most 5 bar. Advantageously, before opening the inert gas valve in step d) to supply the first inert gas to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle, and / or before the first inert gas flows from the inert gas line and / or inert gas tank to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle, the pressure of the first inert gas is preferably controlled and / or checked by a control device. Preferably, before supplying the first inert gas to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle in step d), the pressure of the first inert gas upstream of the corresponding inert gas valve is preferably controlled and / or checked by a control device, and / or, before supplying the first inert gas to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle in step d), the pressure of the first inert gas upstream of the corresponding inert gas valve is preferably set to a preset value by a control device.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, in step d), during the supply of the first inert gas to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle, preferably when the inert gas valve is open, the control and / or checking of the pressure of the first inert gas is at least temporarily suspended. This also simplifies the precise supply of the first inert gas, particularly eliminating the need to measure the volumetric flow rate of the first inert gas, thus reducing the amount of inert gas required to reduce the oxygen content in the packaging. During the supply of the first inert gas to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle, the pressure of the first inert gas decreases. If the control device continues to control the pressure, preferably set to a preset value, the control device will continuously attempt to increase the pressure of the first inert gas during the supply period. This will make it more difficult to determine the amount of the first inert gas supplied, especially if the volumetric flow rate of the first inert gas is not measured. Advantageously, in step d), the control and / or checking of the pressure of the first inert gas is suspended when the inert gas valve is open and / or when the first inert gas flows from the inert gas line and / or inert gas tank to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, in step d), the amount of the first inert gas supplied to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle is based on the control and / or check of the pressure of the first inert gas prior to supplying it in step d). This also simplifies the precise supply of the first inert gas, particularly eliminating the need to measure its volumetric flow rate, thus reducing the amount of first inert gas required to reduce the oxygen content in the packaging. Furthermore, this design reduces the complexity and cost of the filling machine because no additional device is needed to measure the flow rate of the first inert gas.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, in step d), the first inert gas is supplied to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle in a time-controlled and / or intermittent manner, and / or, in step d), the supply of the first inert gas to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle is controlled by opening and / or closing the inert gas valve. In this way, a precise amount of the first inert gas is supplied to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle when needed, thus reducing the amount of the first inert gas required to sufficiently reduce the oxygen content in the packaging. The timing of opening and / or closing the inert gas valve is preferably based on the pressure of the first inert gas, which is preferably checked and / or controlled prior to the supply in step d). Alternatively or additionally, the pressure of the first inert gas is controlled, preferably prior to the supply in step d), based on the timing of opening and / or closing the inert gas valve.

[0063] In one embodiment, before supplying steam to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle in step d), the temperature and / or pressure of the steam are preferably controlled and / or checked by a control device, and preferably, the temperature and / or pressure of the steam are preferably set to a preset value by a control device before supplying steam to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle in step d). In this way, the amount of steam supplied to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle can be precisely set, preferably because the supply duration to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle can be determined based on the corresponding temperature and / or pressure. Specifically, the steam pressure can be determined based on temperature without the need for pressure measurement, since the steam pressure and temperature are correlated. When steam is supplied intermittently, determining the steam pressure by pressure measurement is affected by fluctuations, as the pressure decreases and increases with each opening and closing of the steam valve. However, when measuring temperature, only minor fluctuations occur due to the intermittent supply of steam. As a result, the precise supply of the medium (preferably steam) is simplified, thereby particularly reducing the required amount of steam, since the supplied steam will not exceed the actual need. Supply can be achieved by opening and / or closing the corresponding steam valve (preferably controlled by a control unit) during step d), thereby achieving the desired supply duration. The preset temperature can be at least 100°C, preferably at least 110°C, and / or at most 135°C, preferably at most 125°C, and / or the preset pressure of the first inert gas can be at least 0.1 bar and / or at most 5 bar. Preferably, before supplying steam to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle in step d), the temperature and / or pressure of the steam are controlled and / or checked upstream of the corresponding steam valve by a control device, and / or, before supplying steam to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle in step d), the temperature and / or pressure of the steam are set to preset values ​​upstream of the corresponding steam valve by a control device.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, in step d), temperature checks are performed continuously and / or as the steam valve opens and / or closes. In this way, the temperature and pressure of the steam can be continuously determined with lower control and systems engineering complexity.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the amount of steam supplied to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle in step d) is based on the control and / or inspection of the steam temperature and / or pressure prior to supplying steam in step d). This also simplifies the precise supply of steam, particularly eliminating the need to measure the volumetric flow rate of the steam, thus reducing the amount of steam required. Furthermore, this design reduces the complexity and cost of the filling machine because no additional device is needed to measure the steam flow rate.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, in step d), steam is supplied to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle in a time-controlled and / or intermittent manner, and / or, in step d), the supply of steam to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle is controlled by opening and / or closing the steam valve. In this way, a precise amount of steam is supplied to the mixing chamber and / or the second nozzle when needed, thus reducing the required amount of steam. The timing of opening and / or closing the steam valve is preferably based on the temperature and / or pressure of the steam, preferably checked and / or controlled before the supply in step d). Alternatively or additionally, based on the timing of opening and / or closing the steam valve, preferably before the supply in step d), the temperature and / or pressure of the first inert gas are controlled.

[0067] In one embodiment, before supplying the second filling medium to the first nozzle in step f), the pressure of the second filling medium is preferably controlled and / or checked by a control device, and preferably, the pressure of the second filling medium is preferably set to a preset value by a control device before supplying the second filling medium to the first nozzle in step f). In this way, the amount of the second filling medium (especially inert gas) supplied to the first nozzle can be precisely set, preferably because the supply duration to the first nozzle can be determined based on the corresponding pressure. As a result, the precise supply of the second filling medium (especially inert gas) is simplified, thereby reducing the amount of inert gas required to sufficiently reduce the oxygen content in the packaging. The supply can be achieved by opening and / or closing the inert gas valve (preferably controlled by a control unit) during step f), thereby achieving the desired supply duration. The preset value of the pressure of the second filling medium can be at least 0.1 bar and / or at most 5 bar. Advantageously, before opening the inert gas valve in step f) to supply the second filling medium to the first nozzle and / or before the second filling medium flows from the inert gas line and / or inert gas tank to the first nozzle, the pressure of the second filling medium is preferably controlled and / or checked by a control device. Preferably, before supplying the second filling medium to the first nozzle in step f), the pressure of the second filling medium is preferably controlled and / or checked upstream of the corresponding inert gas valve by a control device, and / or, before supplying the second filling medium to the first nozzle in step f), the pressure of the second filling medium is preferably set to a preset value upstream of the corresponding inert gas valve by a control device.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, in step f), during the supply of the second filling medium to the first nozzle, the control and / or checking of the pressure of the second filling medium is at least temporarily suspended. This also simplifies the precise supply of the second filling medium, particularly eliminating the need to measure the volumetric flow rate of the second filling medium, thus reducing the amount of second filling medium, especially the amount of inert gas, required to reduce the oxygen content in the packaging. During the supply of the second filling medium to the first nozzle, the pressure of the second filling medium decreases. If the control device continues to control the pressure, preferably set to a preset value, the control device will continuously attempt to increase the pressure of the second filling medium during filling. This will make it more difficult to determine the amount of the second filling medium supplied, especially if the volumetric flow rate of the second filling medium is not measured. Advantageously, in step f), the control and / or checking of the pressure of the second filling medium is suspended when the inert gas valve is opened and / or when the second filling medium flows from the inert gas line and / or inert gas tank to the first nozzle.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, in step f), the amount of the second filling medium supplied to the package is based on the control and / or inspection of the pressure of the second filling medium prior to supplying it to the first nozzle in step f). This also simplifies the precise supply of the second filling medium, particularly eliminating the need to measure its volumetric flow rate, thus reducing the amount of inert gas required to reduce the oxygen content in the package. Furthermore, this design reduces the complexity and cost of the filling machine because no additional device is needed to measure the flow rate of the second filling medium.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, in step f), the second filling medium is supplied to the first nozzle in a time-controlled and / or intermittent manner, and / or, in step f), the supply of the second filling medium to the first nozzle is controlled by opening and / or closing the inert gas valve. In this way, a precise amount of the second filling medium is supplied to the first nozzle when needed, thereby reducing the amount of inert gas required to sufficiently reduce the oxygen content in the packaging. The timing of opening and / or closing the steam valve is preferably based on the pressure of the second filling medium, which is preferably checked and / or controlled prior to supply in step f). Alternatively or additionally, preferably prior to supply in step f), the pressure of the second filling medium is controlled based on the timing of opening and / or closing the inert gas valve.

[0071] One embodiment includes the following steps: g) sterilizing the filling machine with hydrogen peroxide, preferably sterilizing the inert gas pipelines, mixing chamber, first supply device, and / or second supply device, particularly the interior of the inert gas pipelines, mixing chamber, first supply device, and / or second supply device. In this way, condensation in the various components of the filling machine can be avoided. Therefore, the filling machine requires little or no condensate drain valves, thereby reducing the complexity and cost of the filling machine. Furthermore, when sterilizing the filling machine with steam, the steam must purge residual air from the filling machine, particularly from the piping. Insufficient purging of residual air can lead to bubble formation, resulting in inadequate sterilization. In contrast, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) mixes with residual air, thereby ensuring complete sterilization.

[0072] Further features and advantages of the filling machine for reducing the oxygen content in packaging and the method for reducing the oxygen content in packaging will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0073] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a filling machine for reducing the oxygen content in packaging, which can perform methods for reducing the oxygen content in packaging; Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a nozzle used as a first nozzle and / or a second nozzle in a sectional front view; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the nozzle according to the first embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the nozzle used as the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle in a cross-sectional front view; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the nozzle according to the second embodiment of Figure 4; Figure 6a shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the nozzle used as a first nozzle and / or a second nozzle. Figure 6b shows a sectional front view of the nozzle according to the third embodiment of Figure 6a; Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the nozzle used as the first nozzle in a cross-sectional front view; Figure 8a shows a fifth embodiment of the nozzle used as the first nozzle in a cross-sectional front view; Figure 8b shows the nozzle according to the fifth embodiment of Figure 8a in a bottom view; and Figures 9a to 9c show three variations of the positioning of the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle relative to the package in top view. Implementation

[0074] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a filling machine 1 for reducing the oxygen content in package 2, which can perform a method for reducing the oxygen content in package 2.

[0075] The exemplary filling machine 1 includes a forming device 3 for forming packages 2 to be filled. However, in principle, packages 2 already open on one side can also be fed to the filling machine 1. The filling machine 1 can also have a series of parallel production lines, of which only one is shown in Figure 1. Each production line is equipped with a packaging sleeve 6. The packaging sleeve 6 is pre-formed from a packaging blank 5, the longitudinal edges of which are sealed together to form a packaging sleeve 6 open on both sides. The packaging sleeve 6 thus formed is then provided to each production line, for example, in the form of bundles 4 of packaging sleeve 6. On the corresponding production line, the packaging sleeve 6 is unfolded by a feeding device 7 and pushed onto the mandrel 8 of the mandrel wheel 9.

[0076] The mandrel wheel 9 in the illustration rotates counterclockwise in a cyclical manner, i.e., in a stepping motion. The packaging sleeve 6 is processed at different locations. First, an edge is heated with preheated air using a heating unit 10, and then the edge is pre-folded in a pre-folding unit 11 so that the pre-folded edge is subsequently sealed into the base using a press 12. This produces a package 2 that is open on one side and tightly sealed at one end, which is then transferred to the cell 13 of the conveyor 14. However, there are other ways to form and seal the base, such as by ultrasonic sealing. In the filling machine 1 shown, the conveyor 14 is a chain of circulating cells; however, other designs of the conveyor 14 are possible, for example, the conveyor 14 could be a stepper or a conveyor belt.

[0077] Package 2 is conveyed by conveyor 14 along the conveying direction T. Package 2 does not have to be conveyed in a straight line; it can also be conveyed in at least an arc or even a circle, depending on whether the filling machine 1 is a so-called longitudinal conveyor or a rotary conveyor. Package 2 can be conveyed by conveyor 14 in an intermittent or continuous manner, and preferably at a constant speed.

[0078] The filling machine 1 shown includes a first supply device 15 for supplying a medium for reducing the oxygen ratio in the package 2, and a second supply device 16 for supplying a medium for reducing the oxygen ratio in the package 2.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the first supply device 15 includes an inert gas tank 17 storing a second inert gas 18, an inert gas line 19, a control device 20 for controlling and / or checking the pressure of a second filling medium F2 (in the illustrated embodiment, the second filling medium F2 is the second inert gas 18) in the inert gas line 19, an inert gas valve 21 for opening and / or closing the inert gas line 19, a control unit 55 for controlling the inert gas valve 21, and a first nozzle 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the control device 20 of the first supply device 15 includes: an inert gas control valve for regulating the flow rate and / or pressure of the second inert gas 18 and / or the second filling medium F2 in the inert gas line 19; and a pressure sensor for determining the pressure of the second inert gas 18 and / or the second filling medium F2 in the inert gas line 19. The first supply device 15 fills the second filling medium F2 into a package 2 conveyed by the conveying device 14 and located below the first nozzle 22 via the first nozzle 22. In this way, the proportion of oxygen in package 2 can be significantly reduced because the filling medium replaces the oxygen contained in package 2. It is preferable to fill package 2 with only inert gas before filling the food into package 2.

[0080] To accurately determine the amount of the second filling medium F2 required to sufficiently reduce the oxygen content in package 2, the control device 20 of the first supply device 15 checks and controls the pressure of the second filling medium F2 before it is filled into package 2, and sets the pressure of the second filling medium F2 to a preset value. To fill the package 2 with the second filling medium F2, the inert gas valve 21 is opened, and then closed again when the desired amount of the second filling medium F2 has passed through it. Here, the control unit 55 controls the opening and closing of the inert gas valve 21, preferably by setting the time when the inert gas valve 21 should be opened and / or closed. In this way, the required amount of inert gas can be supplied accurately, and the amount of inert gas used can be kept to a minimum. During the process of filling the second filling medium F2 into the package 2, especially when the inert gas valve 21 is opened, the control of the pressure of the second filling medium F2 in the inert gas line 19 is at least temporarily suspended, thereby preventing the control device 20 from continuously trying to increase the pressure of the second filling medium F2 in the inert gas line 19.

[0081] However, alternatively, the second filling medium F2 may also be supplied and filled into the package 2 at a constant and / or substantially constant volumetric flow rate.

[0082] After the second filling medium F2 is filled into the package 2, the package 2 is conveyed toward the filling device 23 along the conveying direction T. Then, the filling device 23 fills the food into the package 2, which has an opening on one side.

[0083] The package is then conveyed to the second supply device 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the second supply device 16 includes an inert gas tank 17' storing a second inert gas 18, an inert gas line 19', a control device 20' for controlling and / or checking the pressure of a first inert gas 24 in the inert gas line 19', an inert gas valve 21' for opening and / or closing the inert gas line 19', a control unit 55' for controlling the inert gas valve 21', a steam line 26, a control device 20'' for controlling and / or checking the steam pressure in the steam line 26, a steam valve 27, a control unit 55'' for controlling the steam valve 27, a mixing chamber 28, and a second nozzle 29. In the illustrated embodiment, the control device 20' of the second supply device 16 associated with the inert gas line 19' includes an inert gas control valve for regulating the flow rate and / or pressure of the first inert gas 24 in the inert gas line 19', and a pressure sensor for determining the pressure of the first inert gas 24 in the inert gas line 19'. Furthermore, the control device 20'' of the second supply device 16 associated with the steam line 26 includes a steam control valve for regulating the flow rate and / or pressure of steam in the steam line 26, and a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of steam in the steam line 26. However, other designs for providing steam are conceivable. Additionally, or alternatively in addition to the inert gas tanks 17, 17', an external inert gas supply source may be provided, with the inert gas lines 19, 19' respectively connected to this external inert gas supply source via fluid lines.

[0084] A first inert gas 24 from inert gas tank 17' and steam, preferably from an external steam supply source 25, are supplied to mixing chamber 28 to mix the first inert gas 24 and steam, thereby obtaining a first filling medium F1. The first filling medium F1 can then be filled from mixing chamber 28 into package 2. In this way, steam and the first inert gas 24 can be filled into package 2 simultaneously. As a result, when filling into package 2, the steam essentially does not expel the first inert gas 24, thus the first inert gas 24 can reduce the oxygen ratio in package 2, while the steam can be used to create negative pressure in the package immediately after sealing package 2 to shape package 2, particularly reducing the top space of package 2. It is also possible to fill package 2 with a filling medium consisting only of inert gas using a second supply device 16, but this is not the case in the illustrated embodiment.

[0085] To keep the amount of the first inert gas 24 used to a minimum, the amount of the first inert gas 24 is controlled in a manner similar to that used for the second filling medium F2 described above. Therefore, the control device 20' of the second supply device 16 checks and controls the pressure of the first inert gas 24 before it is supplied to the mixing chamber 28, and sets the pressure of the first inert gas 24 to a preset value. To supply the first inert gas 24 to the mixing chamber 28, the inert gas valve 21' is opened, and then closed again when the desired amount of the first inert gas 24 has passed through the inert gas valve 21'. Here, the control unit 55' controls the opening and closing of the inert gas valve 21', preferably by setting the time when the inert gas valve 21' should be opened and / or closed. In this way, the amount of inert gas used to reduce the oxygen ratio in the packaging 2 can be kept to a minimum. During the supply of the first inert gas 24 to the mixing chamber 28, particularly when the inert gas valve 21' is opened, control of the pressure of the first inert gas 24 in the inert gas line 19' is at least temporarily suspended, thereby preventing the control device 20' from continuously attempting to increase the pressure of the first inert gas 24 in the inert gas line 19'. The amount of steam supplied to the mixing chamber 28 can be controlled and set in a similar manner using the steam valve 27 and the control device 20''. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the steam temperature is determined instead of the steam pressure. Since the steam temperature is correlated with the steam pressure, the pressure and amount of steam supplied to the mixing chamber 28 can be accurately determined. Because the steam temperature in the steam line 26 is less affected by the opening and closing of the steam valve 27 compared to the steam pressure, the required control design is less complex. Therefore, the steam temperature can be continuously determined. Furthermore, here, the control unit 55'' preferably controls the opening and closing of the steam valve 27 by setting the time during which the steam valve 27 should be opened and / or closed.

[0086] After the first filling medium F1 has been filled into the package 2, the package 2 is sealed by the sealing device 30 by folding and sealing the upper opening area of ​​the package 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing device 30 is arranged adjacent to the second nozzle 29, preferably at the same processing position as the second nozzle 29, in order to minimize the time between filling and sealing, so as to avoid the escape of vapor and nitrogen from the package 2, thereby optimizing the generation of negative pressure in the package 2 and reducing oxygen in the package 2.

[0087] Then, the sealed package 2 is removed from cell 13 of the conveyor 14 and further processed as needed. The empty cell 13 of the conveyor 14 at this time moves further toward the spindle wheel 9 in order to pick up another package 2.

[0088] Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of nozzles 22, 29 used as a first nozzle 22 and / or a second nozzle 29 in a cross-sectional front view. However, the embodiment shown is particularly preferred in which the second nozzle 29 of the second supply device 16 is used for filling a first filling medium F1 comprising a first inert gas 24 and steam.

[0089] The nozzle includes a nozzle conduit 31 and a nozzle housing (nozzle screen) 32. The nozzle conduit 31 has a nozzle conduit sidewall 33 and a nozzle conduit bottom wall 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle conduit bottom wall 34 forms a first end 35 of the nozzle conduit 31. To distribute a first medium flow M1 from the nozzle conduit 31, a plurality of first nozzle openings 36 are arranged in the nozzle conduit sidewall 33. In addition, a plurality of second nozzle openings 37 are arranged in the nozzle conduit bottom wall 34 to distribute a second medium flow M2 from the nozzle conduit 31. The first nozzle openings 36 and the second nozzle openings 37 are both part of the nozzle outlet portion 38 of the nozzle conduit 31.

[0090] The nozzle housing 32 includes a nozzle housing sidewall 39 and a nozzle housing chamber 40 formed within the nozzle housing 32, each surrounding the nozzle outlet portion 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle housing chamber 40 and the nozzle housing 32 extend about the nozzle housing central axis NC. Furthermore, the nozzle housing chamber 40 has a first open end 41 and a second closed end 42. The first end 41 of the nozzle housing chamber 40 points towards the package 2 and allows filling media to be filled into the package 2.

[0091] Each first nozzle opening 36 has a first nozzle opening central axis FC, which extends obliquely, particularly vertically, relative to the nozzle housing central axis NC, and each second nozzle opening 37 has a second nozzle opening central axis SC, which extends parallel to the nozzle housing central axis NC. However, for clarity, only the leftmost first nozzle opening central axis FC and the leftmost second nozzle opening central axis SC are shown in Figure 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first nozzle opening 36 faces the nozzle housing sidewall 39, and the second nozzle opening 37 faces the first end 41 of the nozzle housing 32. In this way, two different medium flows M1 and M2 can be dispensed, which have different velocities and preferably different proportions of steam and inert gas.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the inclined portion 43 on the inner side of the nozzle housing sidewall 39, adjacent to the nozzle conduit 31, particularly adjacent to the nozzle outlet 38 and adjacent to the second end 42 of the nozzle housing chamber 40, extends obliquely at an angle greater than 30° and less than 60° relative to the central axis NC of the nozzle housing. In this way, the filling medium dispensed from the first nozzle opening 36 will be guided to the package 2 arranged below the nozzles 22, 29.

[0093] Figure 3 shows nozzles 22 and 29 according to the first embodiment of Figure 2 in perspective view.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional width W of the nozzle housing 32 begins at the region where the second end 42 of the nozzle housing chamber 40 is located and increases in the direction toward the first end 41 of the nozzle housing chamber 40. Similarly, the cross-sectional length L of the nozzle housing 32 begins at the region where the second end 42 of the nozzle housing chamber 40 is located and decreases in the direction toward the first end 41 of the nozzle housing chamber 40. The width and length of the nozzle housing chamber 40 itself are also similar, but for clarity, the corresponding widths and lengths are not shown in Figure 3.

[0095] Furthermore, the cross-sections of the nozzle housing 32 and the nozzle housing chamber 40 at the second end 42 of the nozzle housing chamber 40 are circular, while the cross-sections of the nozzle housing 32 and the nozzle housing chamber 40 at the first end 41 of the nozzle housing chamber 40 are slot-shaped.

[0096] Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of nozzles 22, 29 used as a first nozzle 22 and / or a second nozzle 29 in a cross-sectional front view.

[0097] Elements in the second embodiment, corresponding to those in the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, are designated by the same reference numerals. In the following description of the second embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, differences from those in the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 are specifically described.

[0098] The nozzle of the second embodiment has a plurality of first nozzle openings 36 arranged in the nozzle conduit sidewall 33 to distribute a first medium flow M1 from the nozzle conduit 31, and these first nozzle openings 36 face the nozzle housing sidewall 39. However, compared with the nozzle of the first embodiment, the nozzle conduit bottom wall 34 does not have any openings formed.

[0099] Furthermore, the nozzle conduit 31 includes a preferably circumferentially extending constriction 53. In this way, the filling media F1 and F2 can be affected, preferably the velocity and / or pressure of the filling media F1 and F2.

[0100] Figure 5 shows nozzles 22 and 29 according to the second embodiment of Figure 4 in perspective view.

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional width W of the nozzle housing 32 begins at the region where the second end 42 of the nozzle housing chamber 40 is located and increases in the direction toward the first end 41 of the nozzle housing chamber 40. Similarly, the cross-sectional length L of the nozzle housing 32 decreases at the region where the second end 42 of the nozzle housing chamber 40 is located and decreases in the direction toward the first end 41 of the nozzle housing chamber 40. The width and length of the nozzle housing chamber 40 itself are also similar, but for clarity, the corresponding widths and lengths are not shown in Figure 5.

[0102] Furthermore, the cross-sections of the nozzle housing 32 and the nozzle housing chamber 40 at the second end 42 of the nozzle housing chamber 40 are circular, while the cross-sections of the nozzle housing 32 and the nozzle housing chamber 40 at the first end 41 of the nozzle housing chamber 40 are elliptical.

[0103] Figure 6a shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of nozzles 22, 29 used as a first nozzle 22 and / or a second nozzle 29.

[0104] Elements in the third embodiment corresponding to those in the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 are designated by the same reference numerals. In the following description of the third embodiment shown in Figures 6a and 6b, the differences from those in the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 are specifically described.

[0105] The nozzles 22, 29 of the third embodiment include nozzle conduits 31. Additionally, a nozzle cover 44 is provided. The nozzle cover 44 is arranged adjacent to the nozzles 22, 29, and particularly adjacent to the corresponding nozzle conduits 31 of the nozzles 22, 29, and surrounds the nozzle conduits 31. The nozzle cover 44 is arranged above the conveying device 14. In this embodiment, the nozzle cover 44 includes a bottom wall 49 adjacent to the nozzle outlet portion 38, sidewalls including a plurality of sidewall portions 50, 50', 50'', and a top wall 51 (not shown in FIG. 6a). In the illustrated embodiment, one of the sidewall portions 50' is arranged obliquely relative to another adjacent sidewall portion 50 at an angle less than 90° and / or greater than 0°. In this way, a recessed portion is formed, which provides a path above the generally rectangular package 2, along which air discharged by the respective filling media F1, F2 can escape from below the nozzle cover 44 in a controlled direction. The filling machine 1 also includes a baffle plate 52 for guiding airflow, particularly sterile air within the filling machine, wherein a plurality of through-holes 45 are used to guide the airflow. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle cover 44 and the nozzles 22, 29 extend through the baffle plate 52.

[0106] Figure 6b shows the nozzles 22, 29 according to the third embodiment of Figure 6a in a cross-sectional front view.

[0107] As shown in Figure 6b, the nozzle conduit 31 extends through and connects to the nozzle cover 44. Therefore, when the filling medium, particularly a filling medium containing an inert gas, is filled into the package 2 via nozzles 22 and 29, air cannot easily enter the package 2 from above because the nozzle cover 44 obstructs the airflow path, and thus the filled inert gas cannot easily escape from the package 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the top wall 51 of the nozzle cover 44 extends obliquely, particularly relative to the bottom wall 49 and / or the baffle 52. In this way, cleaning media and contaminants are prevented from depositing on the nozzle cover during the cleaning of the filling machine 1, and can be easily rinsed away.

[0108] Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of nozzles 22, 29 used as the second nozzle 29 in a cross-sectional front view.

[0109] Elements in the fourth embodiment, corresponding to those in the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, are designated by the same reference numerals. In the following description of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 7, differences from those in the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 are specifically described.

[0110] The nozzle 29 of the fourth embodiment includes not only the nozzle conduit 31 but also an internal nozzle conduit 46, wherein the internal nozzle conduit 46 is at least partially arranged within the nozzle conduit 31. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle conduit 31 is arranged at least partially annularly and concentrically around the internal nozzle conduit 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the first lower end 35 of the nozzle conduit 31 is arranged at the same height as the first end 47 of the internal nozzle conduit 46; however, other arrangements are possible. The internal nozzle conduit 46 is connected to the steam conduit 26 via a fluid conduit, and the nozzle conduit 31 is connected to the inert gas conduit 19' via a fluid conduit. In this way, the steam 48 and the second inert gas 18 can be supplied separately. In this embodiment, the second inert gas 18 forms a sheath flow, and the steam 48 forms a core flow. However, due to turbulence in the package 2, the second inert gas 18 and the steam 48 will mix after being distributed from the respective conduits 31, 46. Therefore, similar results to those obtained when using a mixing chamber 28 can be obtained, but the mixing chamber 28 is not required. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle conduit 31 includes a preferably circumferentially extending constriction 53. In this way, a buffer chamber 54 is formed in the nozzle conduit 31, which simplifies the uniform distribution of the inert gas around the circumference of the nozzle conduit 31.

[0111] Furthermore, the nozzle 29 of the fourth embodiment may also include a nozzle housing equivalent to the nozzle housing 32 of the nozzles 22, 29 of the first and / or second embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 4. Alternatively or additionally, the nozzle 29 of the fourth embodiment, preferably the nozzle conduit 31 and / or the internal nozzle conduit 46, has a lower opening and / or a side opening, the lower opening preferably corresponding to the second nozzle opening 37 of the nozzles 22, 29 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 2, and the side opening preferably corresponding to the first nozzle opening 36 of the nozzles 22, 29 of the first and / or second embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 4. In this way, the same effects as described for the first nozzle opening 36 and / or the second nozzle opening 37 can be achieved.

[0112] Figure 8a shows a fifth embodiment of the nozzle 29 used as the first nozzle in a cross-sectional front view. The nozzle 29 of Figures 8a and 8b differs from the nozzle 29 of Figure 7 only in the shape of the nozzle conduit 31, and therefore the differences compared with the nozzle 29 shown in Figure 7 are specifically described.

[0113] In the nozzle shown in Figure 8a, the width of the nozzle conduit 31 increases toward the nozzle outlet 38, thus increasing the area of ​​the nozzle conduit 31 extending over the package 2 (which is arranged below in the filling machine 1), and particularly over the open end of the package 2.

[0114] Figure 8b shows the nozzle 29 according to the fifth embodiment of Figure 8a in a bottom view. It can be seen that the nozzle conduit 31 has a rectangular shape at the nozzle outlet 38, thus simplifying the precise and sufficient filling of inert gas and vapor into the package 2 in a short time, since the package 2 also typically has a rectangular opening. Furthermore, the widened nozzle conduit 31 helps to block unwanted air from reaching the package 2, as it helps to block airflow from above. This also helps to reduce the proportion of oxygen in the package 2.

[0115] Figures 9a to 9c show three variations of the positioning of the first nozzle 22 and / or the second nozzle 29 relative to the package 2 in top view.

[0116] Figures 9a to 9c each show a package 2 received in one of the cells 13 of the conveying device 14. Cross-sections of the lower end of one of the first nozzle 22 and / or the second nozzle 29 are also shown. It can be seen that the first nozzle 22 and / or the second nozzle 29 are arranged eccentrically relative to the respective package 2 and the respective cell 13 of the conveying device 14. This arrangement is during the filling of the package 2 through the respective nozzles 22, 29. The first nozzle 22 and / or the second nozzle 29 are preferably arranged near a corner and / or at least one sidewall of the package 2 and / or cell 13.

[0117] 1: Filling machine 2: Packaging 3: Molding device 4: Bundled items 5: Billet 6: Sleeve 7: Feeding device 8: Spindle 9: Mandrel Wheel 10: Heating Unit 11: Pre-folding unit 12: Pressing machine 13: Cell 14: Conveying device 15: First supply unit 16: Second supply unit 17,17': Inert gas container 18: Second inert gas 19,19': Inert gas pipeline 20,20',20'': Control device 21,21': Inert gas valve 22: First nozzle 23: Filling device 24: First inert gas 25: External steam supply source 26: Steam Piping 27: Steam valve 28: Mixing Chamber 29: Second nozzle / nozzle 30: Sealing device 31: Nozzle Pipeline 32: Nozzle housing 33: Nozzle pipe sidewall 34: Bottom wall of nozzle pipeline 35: The first end of the nozzle pipeline 36: First nozzle opening 37: Second nozzle opening 38: Nozzle outlet section 39: Nozzle housing sidewall 40: Nozzle housing chamber 41: The first end of the nozzle housing chamber 42: The second end of the nozzle housing chamber 43: Inclined section 44: Nozzle Cover 45: Through hole 46: Internal nozzle piping 47: The first end of the internal nozzle pipeline 48: Steam 49: Bottom wall 50,50',50'': Sidewall portion 51: Top Wall 52: Deflector 53: Contraction section 54: Buffer Room 55,55',55'': Control unit F1: First filling medium F2: Second filling medium FC: Center axis of the first nozzle opening L: Cross-sectional length M1: First medium flow M2: Second medium flow NC: Center axis of the nozzle housing SC: Center axis of the second nozzle opening T: Conveying direction W: Cross-sectional width

Claims

1. A filling machine (1) for reducing the oxygen content in packaging (2), comprising: - At least one second supply device (16) for supplying the package (2) with a first filling medium (F1) for reducing the oxygen ratio in the package (2), and - at least one filling device (23) for filling food into the package (2), - wherein the second supply device (16) has at least one second nozzle (29) for filling the package (2) with the first filling medium (F1) for reducing the oxygen ratio in the package (2), wherein: the second supply device (16) is configured to intermittently supply inert gas to at least one mixing chamber (28) and / or the second nozzle (29) of the second supply device (16), and to intermittently supply steam to at least one mixing chamber (28) and / or the second nozzle (29) of the second supply device (16); the inert gas and the steam are supplied separately from each other. - The filling machine (1) includes at least one first supply device (15) for supplying the second filling medium (F2) for reducing the oxygen ratio in the package (2) to the package (2), and - the first supply device (15) has at least one first nozzle (22) for filling the package (2) with the second filling medium (F2) for reducing the oxygen ratio in the package (2).

2. The filling machine (1) as described in claim 1, wherein: - The mixing chamber (28) is configured to at least partially mix the inert gas and the vapor to form the first filling medium (F1) for reducing the oxygen ratio in the package (2), and / or - the second nozzle (29) is configured to dispense the inert gas and the vapor to form the first filling medium (F1) for reducing the oxygen ratio in the package (2).

3. The filling machine (1) as described in claim 1, wherein: - The first supply device (15) and / or the second supply device (16) of the filling machine (1) respectively include at least one inert gas pipeline (19, 19') for supplying inert gas, at least one steam pipeline (26) for supplying steam, at least one inert gas tank (17, 17') for storing inert gas, at least one control device (20, 20', 20'') for controlling and / or checking the pressure and / or temperature in the inert gas pipeline (19, 19') and / or the steam pipeline (26), and at least one device for opening and / or closing the inert gas pipeline (19, 19'). The inert gas valve (21, 21'), at least one steam valve (27) for opening and / or closing the steam line (26), and / or at least one control unit (55, 55', 55'') for controlling the inert gas valve (21, 21') and / or the steam valve (27), and the inert gas line (19, 19') is connected via a fluid line to the first nozzle (22), the second nozzle (29), and / or the mixing chamber (28), and / or the steam line (26) is connected via a fluid line to the second nozzle (29) and / or the mixing chamber (28).

4. The filling machine (1) as described in claim 3, wherein: - The control devices (20, 20') are configured to control and / or check the pressure of the medium in the corresponding inert gas lines (19, 19'), and the control devices (20, 20') are configured to set a preset pressure value for the medium in the corresponding inert gas lines (19, 19'). - The control devices (20, 20') are configured to stop controlling and / or checking the pressure of the medium in the corresponding inert gas lines (19, 19') when the medium is supplied to the mixing chamber (28), the first nozzle (22), and / or the second nozzle (29) via the corresponding inert gas lines (19, 19') and / or when the inert gas valve (21, 21') is opened. - The control devices (20, 20') are configured to set the amount of the medium to be supplied to the mixing chamber (28), the first nozzle (22) and / or the second nozzle (29) based on the pressure of the medium in the corresponding inert gas line (19, 19'), based on the pressure of the medium in the corresponding inert gas line (19, 19') checked and / or controlled by the control devices (20, 20'), and / or - The control unit (55, 55') is configured to open and / or close the corresponding inert gas valve (21, 21') in a time-controlled manner and / or intermittently.

5. The filling machine (1) as described in claim 3, wherein: - The control device (20'') is configured to control and / or check the temperature and / or pressure of the medium in the corresponding steam line (26), and the control device (20'') is configured to set a preset temperature and / or pressure value of the medium in the corresponding steam line (26), - The control device (20'') is configured to set the amount of the medium to be supplied to the mixing chamber (28) and / or the second nozzle (29) based on the temperature and / or pressure of the medium in the corresponding steam line (26) checked and / or controlled by the control device (20''), - The control device (20'') is configured to check the temperature continuously and / or when the steam valve (27) is opened and / or closed, and / or - The control unit (55'') is configured to open and / or close the corresponding steam valve (27) in a time-controlled manner and / or intermittently.

6. The filling machine (1) as described in claim 1, wherein: The first nozzle (22) and / or the second nozzle (29) respectively include a nozzle conduit (31) and / or a nozzle housing (32), and - the nozzle conduit (31) includes a nozzle conduit sidewall (33), the nozzle conduit (31) includes a nozzle conduit bottom wall (34) and / or the nozzle housing (32) includes a nozzle housing sidewall (39), - the nozzle conduit (31) has a first end (35), - the nozzle conduit (31) has a nozzle outlet (38) for dispensing media from the nozzle conduit (31), and / or - the nozzle housing has a nozzle housing chamber (40), wherein the nozzle housing chamber (40) has a first end (41) and / or a second end (42).

7. The filling machine (1) as described in claim 6, wherein: - The nozzle housing chamber (40) and / or the nozzle housing sidewall (39) of the nozzle housing (32) have a nozzle housing central axis (NC), and the nozzle housing sidewall (39) and / or the nozzle housing chamber (40) extend at least partially around the nozzle housing central axis (NC), and / or - the inclined portion (43) on the inner side of the nozzle housing sidewall (39) extends at least partially relative to the nozzle pipe sidewall (33) and / or the nozzle housing central axis (NC) at an angle greater than 15° and less than 75°, adjacent to the nozzle pipe (31), adjacent to the nozzle outlet (38) and / or adjacent to the second end (42) of the nozzle housing chamber (40).

8. The filling machine (1) as described in claim 6, wherein: - The nozzle outlet portion (38) is arranged adjacent to the first end (35) of the nozzle conduit (31), - The nozzle outlet portion (38) is arranged adjacent to the second end (42) of the nozzle housing chamber (40), - The nozzle outlet portion (38) is at least partially surrounded by the nozzle housing (32), the nozzle housing sidewall (39) and / or the nozzle housing chamber (40), - The nozzle outlet portion (38) extends at least partially into the nozzle housing (32) toward the first end (41) of the nozzle housing chamber (40), and / or - The bottom wall (34) of the nozzle conduit is spaced apart from the first end (41) of the nozzle housing chamber (40).

9. The filling machine (1) as described in claim 6, wherein: The nozzle outlet (38) has one or more first nozzle openings (36), the one or more first nozzle openings (36) including lateral nozzle openings for distributing a first medium flow (M1), and - the one or more first nozzle openings (36) extend through the nozzle conduit sidewall (33), - each of the one or more first nozzle openings (36) has a first nozzle opening central axis (FC), and the first nozzle opening central axis (FC) of the corresponding one or more first nozzle openings (36) extends at least partially inclined to the nozzle housing central axis (NC), - the one or more first nozzle openings (36) face the nozzle housing sidewall (39), and / or - the one or more first nozzle openings (36) are arranged at least partially at the height of the inclined portion (43) inside the nozzle housing sidewall (39) relative to the nozzle housing central axis (NC).

10. The filling machine (1) as described in claim 6, wherein: The nozzle outlet (38) has one or more second nozzle openings (37), the one or more second nozzle openings (37) including a lower nozzle opening for distributing a second medium flow (M2), and - the one or more second nozzle openings (37) extend through the bottom wall (34) of the nozzle conduit, - each of the one or more second nozzle openings (37) has a second nozzle opening central axis (SC), and the second nozzle opening central axis (SC) of the corresponding one or more second nozzle openings (37) extends at least partially parallel to the nozzle housing central axis (NC), and / or - the one or more second nozzle openings (37) face the first end (41) of the nozzle housing chamber (40).

11. The filling machine (1) as described in claim 6, wherein: - The width (W) of the cross-section of the nozzle housing (32) and / or the width of the cross-section of the nozzle housing chamber (40) increases at least partially, starting from the second end (42) of the nozzle housing chamber (40) and increasing in the direction toward the first end (41) of the nozzle housing chamber (40); - The length (L) of the cross-section of the nozzle housing (32) and / or the length of the cross-section of the nozzle housing chamber (40) decreases at least partially, starting from the second end (42) of the nozzle housing chamber (40) and decreasing in the direction toward the first end (41) of the nozzle housing chamber (40); - The cross-section of the nozzle housing (32) and / or the cross-section of the nozzle housing chamber (40) adjacent to the second end (42) of the nozzle housing chamber (40) is circular, and / or - The cross-section of the nozzle housing (32) and / or the cross-section of the nozzle housing chamber (40) adjacent to the first end (41) of the nozzle housing chamber (40) is elliptical or slotted.

12. The filling machine (1) as described in claim 6, wherein: - The nozzle conduit (31) of the first nozzle (22) and / or the second nozzle (29) has at least partially an inner diameter of at least 5 mm and / or at most 30 mm. - The nozzle conduit (31) of the first nozzle (22) and / or the second nozzle (29) has at least partially an inner diameter of at least 4 mm and / or at most 20 mm at the constriction (53) of the nozzle conduit (31). - The one or more first nozzle openings (36) of the first nozzle (22) and / or the second nozzle (29) each have an inner diameter of at least 0.8 mm and / or at most 20 mm. and / or - The one or more second nozzle openings (37) of the first nozzle (22) and / or the second nozzle (29) each have an inner diameter of at least 0.5 mm and / or at most 2 mm.

13. The filling machine (1) as described in claim 6, wherein: The first nozzle (22) and / or the second nozzle (29) each include an internal nozzle conduit (46), the internal nozzle conduit (46) being at least partially disposed within the nozzle conduit (31), and wherein: - the internal nozzle conduit (46) is configured to be supplied with inert gas by a second supply device (16), and the nozzle conduit (31) is configured to be supplied with steam by the second supply device (16); or, the internal nozzle conduit (46) is configured to be supplied with steam by the second supply device (16), and the nozzle conduit (31) is configured to be supplied with inert gas by the second supply device (16). - The internal nozzle line (46) is connected to the steam line (26) via a fluid line, and the nozzle line (31) is connected to the inert gas line (19, 19') via a fluid line, or the internal nozzle line (46) is connected to the inert gas line (19, 19') via a fluid line, and the nozzle line (31) is connected to the steam line (26) via a fluid line, and / or - the nozzle line (31) is arranged at least partially around the internal nozzle line (46) in annular and / or concentric arrangements.

14. The filling machine (1) as described in claim 1, wherein: - The filling machine (1) includes at least one conveying device (14) for conveying the package (2) along the conveying direction (T), and the conveying device (14) is configured to convey the package (2) from the first supply device (15) to the filling device (23) and / or from the filling device (23) to the second supply device (16), and / or the conveying device (14) includes at least one cell (13) for receiving the package (2), and / or - the filling machine (1) is configured to, during filling the package (2) through the respective nozzles (22, 29), arrange the respective nozzle outlet portions (31) and / or nozzle housing chambers (40) of the first nozzle (22) and / or the second nozzle (29) eccentrically relative to the cell (13) of the package (2) and / or the conveying device (14).

15. The filling machine (1) as described in claim 1, wherein: The first supply device (15) and / or the second supply device (16) of the filling machine (1) includes one or more nozzle covers (44), and - the one or more nozzle covers (44) are arranged adjacent to the corresponding nozzle lines (31) of the first nozzle (22) and / or the second nozzle (29), - the one or more nozzle covers (44) at least partially surround the corresponding nozzle lines (31) of the first nozzle (22) and / or the second nozzle (29), - the corresponding nozzle lines (31) of the first nozzle (22) and / or the second nozzle (29) extend at least partially through the one or more nozzle covers (44), - the one or more nozzle covers (44) are arranged above the conveying device (14), and / or - the one or more nozzle covers (44) are connected to the corresponding nozzle lines (31) of the first nozzle (22) and / or the second nozzle (29).

16. The filling machine (1) as described in claim 15, wherein: The one or more nozzle covers (44) include a bottom wall (49), side wall portions (50) and / or a top wall (51), the bottom wall (49) being adjacent to the nozzle outlet portion (38), the side wall portions including at least two side wall portions (50, 50', 50''), and - one of the side wall portions (50, 50', 50'') being arranged obliquely relative to another adjacent side wall portion (50, 50', 50'') at an angle of less than 60° and / or greater than 30°, and / or - the filling machine (1) includes one or more guide vanes (52) for guiding airflow, the one or more guide vanes (52) including a plurality of through holes (45), and the one or more nozzle covers (44) extending at least partially through the one or more guide vanes (52).

17. A method for reducing the oxygen content in a package (2), comprising the steps of: a) providing at least one package (2), b) providing a filling machine (1) for reducing the oxygen content in the package (2), as described in claim 1, wherein, The filling machine (1) includes at least one second supply device (16) for supplying the package (2) with a first filling medium (F1) for reducing the oxygen content in the package (2), and wherein the filling machine (1) includes at least one filling device (23) for filling food into the package (2), c) filling the food into the package (2), wherein in step c), the food is filled into the package (2) by the filling device (23), d) supplying a first inert gas (24) intermittently to at least one mixing chamber (28) and / or a second nozzle (29) of the second supply device (16) via the second supply device (16), and supplying steam intermittently to at least one mixing chamber (28) and / or a second nozzle (29) of the second supply device (16), the first inert gas (24) and the steam being supplied separately from each other, e) filling the package (2) with the first filling medium (F1), The first filling medium (F1) is formed from the first inert gas (24) supplied in step d) and the vapor. The filling machine (1) includes at least one first supply device (15) for supplying the package (2) with a second filling medium (F2) for reducing the oxygen ratio in the package. The first supply device (15) has at least one first nozzle (22) for filling the package with the second filling medium (F2) for reducing the oxygen ratio in the package (2).

18. The method for reducing the oxygen content in packaging (2) as described in claim 17, wherein: - The mixing chamber (28) is configured to at least partially mix the first inert gas (24) and the vapor to form the first filling medium (F1), - The second nozzle (29) is configured to dispense the first inert gas (24) and the vapor to form the first filling medium (F1), and / or - In step d), the first filling medium (F1) is formed by at least partially mixing the first inert gas (24) and the vapor in the mixing chamber and / or downstream of the second nozzle (29).

19. A method for reducing the oxygen content in a package (2) as described in claim 17, comprising the steps of: f) intermittently supplying the second filling medium (F2) to a first nozzle (22) via the first supply device (15), and / or filling the package (2) with the second filling medium (F2), - wherein the second filling medium (F2) primarily comprises a second inert gas (18), - wherein, Before step c), step f) is performed by the first supply device (15).

20. The method for reducing the oxygen content in packaging (2) as described in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein: - The second nozzle (29) is connected to the mixing chamber (28) via a fluid line. - In step f), the second filling medium (F2) is filled into the package (2) by the first supply device (15) and / or the first nozzle (22). - In step e), the first filling medium (F1) is filled into the package (2) by the second supply device (16) and / or the second nozzle (29).

21. The method for reducing the oxygen content in packaging (2) as described in claim 17, wherein: The first supply device (15) and / or the second supply device (16) of the filling machine (1) specifically include at least one inert gas pipeline (19, 19') for supplying inert gas, at least one steam pipeline (26) for supplying steam, at least one inert gas tank (17, 17') for storing inert gas, at least one control device (20, 20', 20'') for controlling and / or checking the pressure in the inert gas pipeline (19, 19') and / or the steam pipeline (26), and at least one device for opening and / or closing the inert gas pipeline (19, 19'). The inert gas valve (21, 21'), at least one steam valve (27) for opening and / or closing the steam line (26), and / or at least one control unit (55, 55', 55'') for controlling the inert gas valve (21, 21') and / or the steam valve (27), and - the inert gas line (19, 19') is connected via a fluid line to the first nozzle (22), the second nozzle (29), and / or the mixing chamber (28), and / or the steam line (26) is connected via a fluid line to the second nozzle (29) and / or the mixing chamber (28).

22. The method for reducing the oxygen content in packaging (2) as described in claim 21, wherein: - Before supplying the first inert gas (24) to the mixing chamber (28) and / or the second nozzle (29) in step d), the pressure of the first inert gas (24) is controlled and / or checked by the control device (20'), and the pressure of the first inert gas (24) is set to a preset value by the control device (20') before supplying the first inert gas (24) to the mixing chamber (28) and / or the second nozzle (29) in step d). - In step d), during the process of supplying the first inert gas (24) to the mixing chamber (28) and / or the second nozzle (29), when the inert gas valve (21) is opened, the control and / or checking of the pressure of the first inert gas (24) is at least temporarily suspended. - In step d), the amount of the first inert gas (24) supplied to the mixing chamber (28) and / or the second nozzle (29) is based on the control and / or check of the pressure of the first inert gas (24) before supplying the first inert gas (24) in step d), - In step d), the first inert gas (24) is supplied to the mixing chamber (28) and / or the second nozzle (29) in a time-controlled manner and / or intermittently, and / or - In step d), the supply of the first inert gas (24) to the mixing chamber (28) and / or the second nozzle (29) is controlled by opening and / or closing the inert gas valve (21').

23. The method for reducing the oxygen content in packaging (2) as described in claim 21, wherein: - Before supplying the steam to the mixing chamber (28) and / or the second nozzle (29) in step d), the temperature and / or pressure of the steam are controlled and / or checked by the control device (20''), and the temperature and / or pressure of the steam are set to a preset value by the control device (20'') before supplying the steam to the mixing chamber (28) and / or the second nozzle (29) in step d). - In step d), the temperature check is performed continuously and / or when the steam valve (27) is opened and / or closed. - In step d), the amount of steam supplied to the mixing chamber (28) and / or the second nozzle (29) is based on the control and / or check of the temperature and / or pressure of the steam before supplying the steam in step d). - In step d), the steam is supplied to the mixing chamber (28) and / or the second nozzle (29) in a time-controlled and / or intermittent manner, and / or - in step d), the supply of steam to the mixing chamber (28) and / or the second nozzle (29) is controlled by opening and / or closing the steam valve (27).

24. The method for reducing the oxygen content in packaging (2) as described in claim 19, wherein: - Before supplying the second filling medium to the first nozzle (22) in step f), the pressure of the second filling medium (F2) is controlled and / or checked by the control device (20), and the pressure of the second filling medium (F2) is set to a preset value by the control device (20) before supplying the second filling medium (F2) to the first nozzle (22) in step f). - In step f), during the process of supplying the second filling medium (F2) to the first nozzle (22), the control and / or checking of the pressure of the second filling medium (F2) is at least temporarily suspended. - In step f), the amount of the second filling medium (F2) supplied to the first nozzle (22) is based on the control and / or checking of the pressure of the second filling medium (F2) before supplying the second filling medium (F2) to the first nozzle (22) in step f). - In step f), the second filling medium (F2) is supplied to the first nozzle (22) in a time-controlled and / or intermittent manner, and / or - in step f), the supply of the second filling medium (F2) to the first nozzle (22) is controlled by opening and / or closing the inert gas valve (21).

25. The method for reducing the oxygen content in the packaging (2) as described in claim 17, comprising the steps of: g) sterilizing the interior of the inert gas line (19, 19'), the mixing chamber (28), the first supply device (15) and / or the second supply device (16) with hydrogen peroxide.

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