Packaging machine comprising a sterilization / sterilisation station, sterilization / sterilisation station and method for sterilization / sterilisation in a packaging machine

Abstract

A packaging machine (10) is provided, configured to form, fill, and seal individual packages (4). The packaging machine (10) includes a sterilization / disinfection station (100) configured to process pre-filled packaging containers (4) passing through the sterilization station (100). The sterilization / disinfection station (100) includes: a supply section (110) configured to supply a gaseous sterilizing agent to the open end of the pre-filled packaging container (4) passing through the supply section (110); and a holding section (120) disposed downstream of the supply section (110). The packaging machine (10) is configured to hold the pre-filled packaging container (4) at the supply section (110) such that the sterilizing agent condenses on a region of the pre-filled packaging container where the temperature is below the dew point of the sterilizing agent, and the packaging machine (10) is configured to hold the pre-filled packaging container (4) at the holding section (120) such that the gaseous sterilizing agent treats a region of the pre-filled packaging container (4) where the temperature is above the dew point of the sterilizing agent.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging machine, in particular a packaging machine configured to form, fill and seal individual packages. The present invention also relates to a method for such a packaging machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the food industry, beverages and other products are often packaged in paper or paperboard based packages. Packages for liquid food products are often made from a packaging laminate comprising a paper or paperboard core layer and a thermoplastic material outer liquid tight layer at least on one side of the core layer which will form the inside of the package.

[0003] A frequently occurring package is created from so-called ready-to-fill packages. Such ready-to-fill packages are made from sleeves of packaging laminate similar to the above (sealed at the bottom end before filling). Another type of ready-to-fill package is made from an open sleeve of packaging laminate and a plastic top is provided at the upper end of the sleeve (e.g. by injection moulding), leaving the bottom end open for filling.

[0004] Hence, the upper end of a ready-to-fill package can be formed by sealing and forming the upper end of the sleeve after filling, or by adding an upper part in the form of e.g. a plastic top before filling; the upper end / upper part can be provided with opening / closing means, such as a screw cap.

[0005] For the above type of ready-to-fill packages with a closed bottom end, open packaging material sleeves are received at a feed station of the packaging machine and then the bottom end is sealed; at this point the shape of the semi-finished package is ready for filling, but further processing is needed to provide a hygienic package.

[0006] The same applies to the above type of packages with a plastic top. Open packaging material sleeves are received at a feed station of the packaging machine and then the upper end is sealed by providing a plastic top on the packaging material sleeve; at this point the shape of the semi-finished package is ready for filling, but further processing is needed to provide a hygienic package.

[0007] At a downstream station, the ready-to-fill package is at least internally sterilized or disinfected to prolong the shelf life of the product stored in the package. Different degrees of sterilization / disinfection are needed depending on the length of shelf life required and depending on whether the package is to be distributed and stored in a refrigerated environment or at room temperature. Sterilization / disinfection is performed using a gaseous sterilizing agent, such as H2O2.

[0008] After sterilization / disinfection of the package, it is further transported to a filling zone for product filling, a sealing zone for sealing the open end, and often also to a final forming zone for final forming of the package.

[0009] During the sterilization / sterilisation, the dew point of the H2O2 gas needs to be high to ensure that H2O2 condenses on the entire inner surface of the package ready to be filled. This condensation sterilization / sterilisation technique is highly efficient, but requires a generally low and uniform temperature of the object to be treated in order to accurately control the sterilization / sterilisation process.

[0010] As mentioned above, before filling the package ready to be filled, the end of the package laminate sleeve is closed by a process that requires heating. For a bottom-sealed package, the sealing process is performed by folding the bottom end region of the sleeve into the desired flat-bottom shape and heating to melt at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the package laminate, thereby sealing the bottom end.

[0011] For a top-sealed package, the process is typically performed by placing the upper edge of the package laminate sleeve in a mold and injecting molten polymer to form an injection-molded plastic top at the upper end of the package laminate sleeve.

[0012] Therefore, immediately after closing one end of the package laminate sleeve (corresponding to the moment when the sterilization / sterilisation of the package ready to be filled begins), the temperature of the package ready to be filled will not be uniform. On the contrary, the temperature of the area surrounding the most recently closed end of the package ready to be filled will be higher compared to the rest of the package ready to be filled.

[0013] There is a risk that the high temperature of the closed end and of the area of the package ready to be filled immediately adjacent to the closed end will be higher than the dew point of the sterilizing agent, i.e. the H2O2 gas. In this case, the high-temperature area of the package ready to be filled cannot guarantee the required level of sterilization / sterilisation.

[0014] Given the great advantages of sterilization / sterilisation by condensation with a gas sterilizing agent such as H2O2, there is a need for a solution to eliminate the risk of insufficient sterilization / sterilisation of the package ready to be filled, particularly in the case of a non-uniform temperature of the package ready to be filled when it enters the sterilization / sterilisation station. SUMMARY

[0015] One object of the present application is to at least partially overcome one or more of the above-mentioned limitations of the prior art. In particular, one object is to provide a packaging machine that is able to ensure the required sterilization / sterilisation of the package ready to be filled, even when there is a risk that part of the package ready to be filled has a temperature higher than the dew point of the sterilizing agent.

[0016] To achieve these objects, a packaging machine is provided. The packaging machine is configured to form, fill and seal individual packages, wherein the packaging machine comprises a sterilization / sterilisation station configured to provide a flow of a gaseous sterilant to an open end of a package container ready for filling passing through the sterilization station. The packaging machine further comprises a supply section configured to provide the gaseous sterilant to the open end of the package container ready for filling passing through the supply section and a gas holding section arranged downstream of the supply section. The packaging machine is configured to hold the package container ready for filling in the supply section such that the sterilant will condense in areas of the package container ready for filling having a temperature below the dew point of the sterilant and the packaging machine is further configured to hold the package container ready for filling in the holding section such that the gaseous sterilant will treat areas of the package container ready for filling having a temperature above the dew point of the sterilant.

[0017] The supply section can be configured to supply an amount of the gaseous sterilant sufficient to cause the areas of the package container ready for filling having a temperature below the dew point of the sterilant to continue to condense when the package container ready for filling is located in the holding section.

[0018] The sterilization / sterilisation station can further comprise a first exhaust section downstream of the holding section.

[0019] The packaging machine can be configured to hold the package container ready for filling in the first exhaust section in order to remove the gaseous sterilant inside the package container ready for filling.

[0020] The packaging machine can be configured to hold the package container ready for filling in the first exhaust section to cause at least a portion of the water content of the condensed sterilant to evaporate and be removed from the package container ready for filling.

[0021] The sterilization / sterilisation station can further comprise a membrane holding section downstream of the first exhaust section.

[0022] The packaging machine can be configured to hold the package container ready for filling in the membrane holding section such that a condensed film of sterilant having an increased concentration of sterilant due to the operation of the first exhaust station is able to treat the interior of the package container ready for filling.

[0023] The sterilization / sterilisation station can further comprise a drying section downstream of the membrane holding section.

[0024] The packaging machine can be configured to hold the package container ready for filling in the drying section to cause the condensed film of sterilant to fully evaporate from the interior of the package container ready for filling.

[0025] According to a second aspect, there is provided a disinfection / sterilisation station for a packaging machine. The disinfection / sterilisation station comprises a supply section configured to supply a gaseous sterilising agent to an open end of a ready-to-fill packaging container passing through the supply section; and a gas holding section disposed downstream of the supply section. The ready-to-fill packaging container is controlled to be held in the supply section such that the sterilising agent will condense in regions of the ready-to-fill packaging container having a temperature below the dew point of the sterilising agent, and the ready-to-fill packaging container is controlled to be held in the holding section such that the gaseous sterilising agent will treat regions of the ready-to-fill packaging container having a temperature above the dew point of the sterilising agent.

[0026] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of disinfection / sterilisation in a packaging machine configured to form, fill and seal individual packages. The method comprises supplying a gaseous sterilising agent to a region to be disinfected / sterilised, causing the gaseous sterilising agent to at least to some extent condense in a first sub-region having a temperature below the dew point of the gaseous sterilising agent, and immediately after condensation, exposing a second sub-region having a temperature above the dew point of the gaseous sterilising agent to the remaining gaseous sterilising agent.

[0027] The method can further comprise moving the region to be disinfected / sterilised from a supply section, in which the gaseous sterilising agent is supplied, to a holding section, in which the second sub-region is exposed to the remaining gaseous sterilising agent.

[0028] The sterilising agent can be hydrogen peroxide.

[0029] The region to be disinfected / sterilised can be a ready-to-fill packaging container to be formed, filled and sealed by the packaging machine.

[0030] The method can further comprise, after exposing the second sub-region to the remaining gaseous sterilising agent, venting the region to be disinfected / sterilised to evaporate and remove at least a portion of the water content of the condensed sterilising agent from the region, and optionally maintaining the region to be disinfected / sterilised in a controlled atmosphere such that a sterilising agent condensate film having an elevated concentration of sterilising agent due to the previous venting is able to treat the region.

[0031] Further objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present application will appear from the following detailed description, together with the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] Embodiments of the present application will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a packaging machine according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 2a is an isometric view of a ready-to-fill package to be treated by the packaging machine according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 2b isFigure 2a A top view of the package being prepared for filling;

[0036] Figure 3 It is an isometric view of a package being prepared for filling, processed by a packaging machine according to an implementation plan;

[0037] Figure 4 It is an isometric schematic diagram of a disinfection / sterilization station that forms part of a packaging machine according to an implementation plan;

[0038] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the disinfection / sterilization station shown;

[0039] Figure 6 It is a graph showing how disinfection / sterilization changes over time; and

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a method based on an implementation plan. Detailed Implementation

[0041] refer to Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a packaging machine 10. The packaging machine 10 is configured to form, fill, and seal packages 4. The packaging machine 10 has a feed station 12 in which it receives blanks 2 of packaging material (preferably packaging laminate). The blanks 2 are typically produced as sleeves of carton-based packaging material, as is well known in the art and has already been briefly described in the background section. The feed station 12 is arranged upstream of an end sealing station 14, in which the blanks 2 are erected into a sleeve shape, and in which one end of each blank is sealed to form a semi-finished package, one end of which is closed while its opposite end remains open. As described in the background section, in one embodiment, the sealing station 14 may be configured to form a flat bottom end of the packaging material and heat-seal the packaging material to form a closed bottom end. Optionally, in one embodiment, the sealing station 14 is configured to insert the upper end of the sleeve into a mold and provide the sleeve with a plastic top by injection molding directly onto the packaging material. In the two examples above, the result would be a semi-finished package with one end closed and the other end still open for later filling.

[0042] The semi-finished packaging is transported to sterilization / disinfection station 100, where the number of viable microorganisms is reduced. As explained in the background section, the sterilization / disinfection level may vary depending on the user's objectives. Sterilization / disinfection of the packaging materials is accomplished by treating them with a sterilizing agent, such as H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide).

[0043] As will be explained below, especially in reference Figure 4 and 5The disinfection / sterilization station includes at least an upstream supply section 110 that provides a flow of gaseous sterilizing agent and a holding section 120 located downstream of the supply station 110. Furthermore, the disinfection / sterilization station 100 includes a section 130 for condensation membrane concentration and gas emission, a condensation membrane holding section 140, a drying section 150, and an exhaust section 160.

[0044] A hygiene room can be located downstream of the disinfection station 100. The hygiene room includes other stations of the packaging machine; a filling station 30 is arranged immediately downstream of the disinfection / sterilization station 100. Here, the required contents are filled into the package to be filled. After filling, the package can be transported to a pre-folding station 32, where the upper part of the open package is shaped into the desired form. After pre-forming, the package is transported to a heating station 34, where the heat-sealing material of the packaging material is heated to a high temperature. When the package enters the sealing station 36, which is arranged immediately after the heating station 34, the high temperature at the upper end of the package helps to seal the upper end.

[0045] Optionally, as previously explained, the pre-folding station 32 and the heating station 34 can be configured to form and seal the bottom of the packaging container 4 with a plastic top at the top.

[0046] Once sealed, package 4 no longer requires sanitary conditions to leave the sanitary room. A discharge station 16 is provided at the end of the packaging machine 10, which is configured to unload the finished package 4 from the packaging machine 10 to downstream equipment, storage and / or transportation.

[0047] Turn now Figure 2a -b shows a packaging container 4 ready for filling. The packaging container 4 is suitable for sterilization / disinfection by a sterilization / disinfection station 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The packaging container 4 shown is in a state immediately before entering the sterilization / disinfection station 100, i.e., immediately after heat-sealing the bottom end 4a. Due to exposure to heat during the heat-sealing process, the temperature of certain areas of the bottom end 4a will rise, such as... Figure 2a The pattern area is shown in -b. It should be noted that in Figure 2b The image shows the inside of the packaging container 4, indicating the temperature rise of the inner surface of the packaging container 4 to be sterilized / disinfected.

[0048] exist Figure 3 The image shows another example of a packaging container 4 ready for filling, which, according to an embodiment of the invention, is also suitable for sterilization / sterilization via a sterilization / disinfection station 100. The packaging container 4 shown is in a state immediately before entering the sterilization / disinfection station 100, i.e., just after the upper end 4b has been set as the plastic top. Due to exposure to heat during the heat-sealing process, the temperature of certain areas of the upper end 4b will rise, such as... Figure 3 The pattern area is shown in the image.

[0049] Turn now Figure 4 The figure illustrates one embodiment of a sterilization / disinfection station 100. As shown, the sterilization station 100 has a tunnel shape. Packages ready for filling (not shown) are fed into the sterilization station 100 from the left side of the figure. The packages ready for filling are transported by a conveyor 102 in the direction of arrow A, and the conveyor 102 is provided with a series of continuous cassettes; each cassette carries one package ready for filling. For ease of illustration, the conveyor 102 is shown only schematically, and the cassettes and the carried packaging containers are not shown.

[0050] This type of conveyor, including boxes, is well known in the art and will not be described further herein.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the disinfection / sterilization station 100 is equipped with multiple baffles. Two vertical baffles 104 extending from the bottom of the tunnel to the top of the tunnel are provided on the entrance side of the disinfection / sterilization station 100. The baffles 104 are separated along the machine direction, and the space formed between the two baffles 104 serves as the entrance portion 106 of the disinfection / sterilization station 100.

[0052] A supply section 110 is arranged downstream of the inlet section 106. The purpose of the supply section 110 is to provide a flow of gaseous sterilizing agent, preferably H2O2 at a concentration of 5000–25000 ppm, for treating the interior and exterior of the package 4 to be filled before entering the sterilization / disinfection station 100.

[0053] The disinfection / sterilization station 100, particularly the supply section 110, is preferably provided as a continuous tunnel, wherein a gaseous environment with a high and relatively uniform concentration of gaseous sterilizing agent is formed in the vertically upper gas filling section, so as to establish a controlled and uniform gas distribution in the packaging to achieve the desired disinfection effect.

[0054] A vertical baffle 112 is disposed at the upper part of the supply section 110. The baffle 112 of the supply section 110 extends upward from the horizontally arranged baffle 114. The horizontal baffles 114 are spaced apart from each other so that boxes and packaging containers to be filled can pass between the horizontal baffles 114.

[0055] The vertical baffle 112 of the supply section 110 divides the space within the tunnel into four distinct index positions. Each index position is associated with a gas supply pipe 116 (preferably arranged in a longitudinal position on the vertical baffle 112), only one of which is indicated by a reference number. Thus, four packaging containers ready for filling can be placed simultaneously at the index positions, thereby activating the gas supply pipe 116 to supply gaseous sterilizing agent to the interior of the packaging containers ready for filling. However, the supply section 110 does not necessarily require four distinct positions; in one embodiment, two downstream supply pipes 116 are deactivated, and instead, these two downstream index positions are included in the following gas holding section 120, optionally with the vertical baffle 112 still in the appropriate position. Therefore, the sterilization / disinfection station 100 can be provided in a modular configuration, allowing for adjustment and modification of the precise configuration of the different sections 110-160 within the geometry of the sterilization / disinfection station 100.

[0056] When the sterilizing agent enters the packaging container to be filled at the supply section 110, the sterilizing agent will condense in areas of the packaging container to be filled where the temperature is below the sterilizing agent's dew point. As previously explained, these low-temperature areas cover most of the inner surface of the packaging container to be filled, but certain parts (i.e., the bottom end that has just been heat-sealed or the top end with the injection-molded plastic top) have high temperatures, i.e., temperatures above the sterilizing agent's dew point.

[0057] More specifically, the supply section 110 is configured to supply a sufficient quantity of gaseous sterilizing agent to allow continuous condensation in areas of the packaging container being filled where the temperature is below the sterilizing agent dew point. Simultaneously, the amount of gaseous sterilizing agent is sufficient to accumulate the required gas concentration within the packaging container to treat areas where the temperature is above the gaseous sterilizing agent dew point, followed by disinfection / sterilization via gas phase sterilization.

[0058] Still referencing Figure 4 The gas holding section 120 is immediately downstream of the indexed position of the supply section 110; the function of the gas holding section 120 is to obtain the sterilization / sterilization required for the packaging to be filled. Specifically, when the packaging container to be filled is arranged in the gas holding section 120, the gaseous sterilizing agent will treat the area of ​​the packaging container to be filled where the temperature is above the sterilizing agent dew point.

[0059] Therefore, there is a dual-action disinfection process; the low-temperature zone will be treated by the condensation film of the sterilizing agent, while the high-temperature zone will be treated by the gas-phase sterilizing agent.

[0060] The first venting section 130 is disposed downstream of the holding section 120. The first venting section 130 includes an venting device 132 for increasing the concentration of sterilizing agent in the condensate membrane. A set time is provided at the venting section 130 for the package to be filled, thereby removing gaseous sterilizing agent from the package container 4 to be filled. Simultaneously, at least a portion of the water content of the condensed sterilizing agent in the low-temperature zone is evaporated and removed from the package container to be filled.

[0061] A membrane holding section 140 is provided downstream of the first exhaust section 130 for holding the condensate film of the sterilizing agent for a certain period of time. At the membrane holding section 140, the sterilizing agent condensate film with an increased sterilizing agent concentration due to the operation of the first exhaust section 130 can treat the interior of the packaging container to be filled. Therefore, by ensuring that the concentrated condensate film has sufficient exposure time on these surfaces of the packaging container to be filled, the sterilization efficiency is improved.

[0062] The drying section 150 is located downstream of the film holding section 140, and its purpose is to allow the condensate film of the sterilizing agent to completely evaporate from the inside of the packaging container to be filled.

[0063] The final / second exhaust section 160 is arranged downstream of the drying section 150 to remove all gases from the packaging containers before they leave the sterilization / sterilization station 100.

[0064] Turn now Figure 5 The image shows a cross-section of the supply section 110. The package 4, ready to be filled, is carried by a box 5, which extends almost along the entire vertical extension of the package 4. The box 5 is in turn driven by a conveyor connected to the bottom of the box 5 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0065] The gas supply pipe 116 is oriented downwards, allowing the gaseous sterilizing agent to enter the package 4 to be filled, thereby disinfecting / sterilizing the interior. A horizontal baffle 114 helps to define the upper sterilization chamber 108 from the lower sterilization chamber 109. Because the jet of gaseous sterilizing agent exiting from the supply pipe 116 draws surrounding gas / air into the packaging container 4, the horizontal baffle 114 prevents air from being drawn into the packaging container from below, which would otherwise dilute the supplied sterilizing agent.

[0066] The vertical baffles 112 serve a corresponding function, as they prevent air / gas from being drawn into the packaging container from outside the baffles. Furthermore, the sidewalls of the packaging container 4 help to form this boundary between the upper and lower sterilization chambers. The sterilizing agent concentration can be relatively constant in the upper sterilization chamber 108, while in the lower chamber 109 the concentration is close to zero.

[0067] Turn now Figure 6The diagram shows the disinfection / sterilization process in different areas inside the packaging container. The diagram illustrates this process over a period of time.

[0068] Two lines were drawn. The thicker line represents the sterilization process in areas where the temperature of the inner surface of the packaging container to be filled is below the dew point of the injected gas sterilizing agent, while the thinner line represents the sterilization process in areas where the temperature of the inner surface of the packaging container to be filled is above the dew point of the injected gas sterilizing agent.

[0069] Starting from the left side of the diagram, the first thing that happens is that the packaging container to be filled is moved to the index position of the supply section 110, which injects a gaseous sterilizing agent into the cavity formed by the packaging container to be filled. In the low-temperature region, which is most of the interior of the packaging container, the sterilizing agent will condense into a film. In the high-temperature region, no condensation occurs, but instead, a gaseous sterilizing agent will be used in these regions.

[0070] Disinfection / sterilization will continue during the gas holding phase, during which conditions within the packaging container remain relatively constant. This means that during this phase, a condensate film of the sterilizing agent will continue to accumulate in the low-temperature areas, while providing the necessary gas exposure time for areas exposed to gas-phase disinfection / sterilization.

[0071] In the subsequent venting stage, the gas content is removed from the inside of the packaging container, which means that sterilization / disinfection of the high-temperature areas is completed without condensation on the membrane. For low-temperature areas, the venting stage will increase the concentration of sterilizing agent in the membrane to some extent.

[0072] In the next stage, the membrane is held in place, allowing the concentrated membrane to be further processed in the low-temperature area to be sterilized / disinfected before the next drying stage. Here, the concentrated membrane of sterilizing agent is evaporated, and any residual sterilizing agent is removed in the final venting stage.

[0073] from Figure 6 It is clear that the sterilization / disinfection process inside the package to be filled is very different for different sub-regions; across the entire inner surface area, there is a low-temperature sub-region (below the dew point of the gaseous sterilizer) and a high-temperature sub-region (above the dew point of the gaseous sterilizer). Instead of applying a single sterilization / disinfection process, Station 100 is designed so that these different sub-regions can be appropriately treated using a combination of simultaneous condensation film and gas-phase sterilization.

[0074] Now, for reference Figure 7Method 200 for sterilization / disinfection will be described. Method 200 is preferably performed in a packaging machine configured to form, fill, and seal individual packaging containers for liquid food. Method 200 is used to sterilize / disinfect the inner surface of the packaging container to be filled before filling (depending on the expected shelf life of the final product to be sealed in the packaging container). Method 200 is based on a combination of condensation and gas-phase sterilization / disinfection to overcome difficulties caused by temperature changes of the object to be sterilized / disinfected.

[0075] In the first step 202, a gaseous sterilizing agent is supplied to the area to be sterilized / disinfected, i.e., the interior of the packaging container to be filled. In the subsequent step 204 (performed immediately after the gaseous sterilizing agent has been supplied), the gaseous sterilizing agent is allowed to condense at least partially in a first sub-region where the temperature is below the gaseous sterilizing agent's dew point. This sub-region typically represents most of the inner surface of the packaging container.

[0076] Immediately after condensation, step 206 is performed to expose a second sub-region with a temperature above the dew point of the gaseous sterilizer to the remaining gaseous sterilizer. This second sub-region typically corresponds to a specific area exposed to high temperatures before the start of method 200 (e.g., during a heat-sealing or injection molding process).

[0077] Following step 206, step 208 is performed to vent the area to be disinfected / sterilized, causing at least a portion of the water content of the condensed sterilizing agent to evaporate and be removed from the area. Importantly, in this step 208, gas-phase sterilization terminates when the condensate film on the low-temperature area becomes concentrated.

[0078] Then, step 210 is performed, in which the area to be disinfected / sterilized is kept in a controlled gas environment to allow the sterilizing agent condensate membrane, which has an increased concentration of sterilizing agent due to the previous exhaust, to treat the area.

[0079] In step 212, a drying process is performed to evaporate the condensate film of the sterilizing agent from the area. Preferably, a final venting step 214 is performed after step 212, in which all remaining sterilizing agent is removed.

[0080] For method 200, all steps preferably include moving the packaging container to be filled, causing it to travel through a dedicated section of the sterilization / disinfection station 100, as described above.

[0081] As can be seen from the above description, although various embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not limited thereto and may be implemented in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A packaging machine (10) configured to form, fill, and seal individual packages (4), the packaging machine (10) including a sterilization / disinfection station (100) configured to process pre-filled packaging containers (4) passing through the sterilization station (100), the sterilization / disinfection station (100) comprising: A supply section (110) configured to supply a gaseous sterilizing agent to the open end of the packaging container (4) to be filled, passing through the supply section (110); and a retaining section (120) disposed downstream of the supply section (110). Thus, the packaging machine (10) is configured to hold the packaging container (4) to be filled at the supply section (110) such that the gaseous sterilizing agent will condense in an area of ​​the packaging container to be filled where the temperature is below the dew point of the gaseous sterilizing agent, and Thus, the packaging machine (10) is configured to hold the packaging container (4) to be filled at the holding portion (120) such that the gaseous sterilizing agent treats the area of ​​the packaging container (4) to be filled at a temperature higher than the dew point of the gaseous sterilizing agent. The disinfection / sterilization station (100) further includes a horizontal baffle (114) that separates the upper disinfection chamber (108) from the lower disinfection chamber (109).

2. The packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the supply section (110) is configured to supply a certain amount of gaseous sterilizing agent, wherein when the packaging container (4) to be filled is in the holding section (120), the amount of gaseous sterilizing agent is sufficient to continue to condense in a region where the temperature of the packaging container to be filled is lower than the dew point of the gaseous sterilizing agent.

3. The packaging machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the disinfection / sterilization station (100) further includes a first exhaust section (130) downstream of the holding section (120).

4. The packaging machine according to claim 3, wherein the packaging machine (10) is configured to hold the packaging container (4) to be filled at the first venting section (130) such that the gaseous sterilizing agent inside the packaging container (4) to be filled is removed.

5. The packaging machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the packaging machine (10) is configured to hold the packaging container (4) to be filled at the first exhaust section (130) such that at least a portion of the water content of the condensed sterilizing agent evaporates and is removed from the packaging container (4) to be filled.

6. The packaging machine according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein the disinfection / sterilization station (100) further comprises a film holding section (140) located downstream of the first exhaust section (130).

7. The packaging machine according to claim 6, wherein the packaging machine (10) is configured to hold the packaging container (4) to be filled at the film holding portion (140) such that a condensate film of sterilizing agent is allowed to process the interior of the packaging container (4) to be filled, the condensate film of sterilizing agent having an increased sterilizing agent concentration due to the operation of the first exhaust portion (130).

8. The packaging machine according to any one of claims 6-7, wherein the disinfection / sterilization station (100) further comprises a drying section (150) located downstream of the film holding section (140).

9. The packaging machine according to claim 8, wherein the packaging machine (10) is configured to hold the packaging container (4) to be filled at the drying section (150) such that the condensate film of the sterilizing agent completely evaporates from the interior of the packaging container (4) to be filled.

10. A disinfection / sterilization station (100) for a packaging machine (10), comprising: A supply section (110) is configured to supply a gaseous sterilizing agent to the open end of a packaging container (4) ready for filling, through the supply section (110); and A retaining portion (120) is arranged downstream of the supply portion (110). The packaging container (4) to be filled is controlled to be held at the supply section (110) such that the gaseous sterilizing agent will condense in the area of ​​the packaging container to be filled where the temperature is below the dew point of the gaseous sterilizing agent, and The packaging container (4) to be filled is controlled to be held at the holding portion (120) such that the gaseous sterilizing agent will treat the packaging container to be filled at a temperature higher than the dew point of the gaseous sterilizing agent. The disinfection / sterilization station (100) further includes a horizontal baffle (114) that separates the upper disinfection chamber (108) from the lower disinfection chamber (109).

11. A method for sterilizing / sterilizing in a packaging machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, said packaging machine (100) being configured to form, fill, and seal individual packages (4), said method comprising: Provide gaseous sterilizing agent to the area to be disinfected / sterilized; The gaseous sterilizing agent is allowed to condense at least partially in a first sub-region where the temperature is below the dew point of the gaseous sterilizing agent, and After condensation, the second sub-region, whose temperature is higher than the dew point of the gaseous sterilizing agent, is immediately exposed to the remaining gaseous sterilizing agent.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising moving the area to be disinfected / sterilized from a supply portion to a holding portion, the supply portion supplying the gaseous sterilizing agent, and the second sub-area being exposed to the remaining gaseous sterilizing agent at the holding portion.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the gaseous sterilizing agent is hydrogen peroxide.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein the area to be disinfected / sterilized is a pre-filled packaging container formed, filled, and sealed by the packaging machine.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11-14, further comprising, after exposing the second sub-region to the remaining gaseous sterilizing agent, venting the region to be disinfected / sterilized such that at least a portion of the water content of the condensed sterilizing agent evaporates and is removed from the region, and optionally maintaining the region to be disinfected / sterilized in a controlled gaseous environment such that a sterilizing agent condensate film with an increased sterilizing agent concentration due to the previous venting is allowed to process the region.

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