DE4327669A1 - Food package, method for producing an oxygen-tight package, device for carrying out such a method and row of dishes used therein - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention describes a food package in the form of a dimensionally stable, preformed dish, having a peripheral edge flange at the top, via which a hermetic seal of the interior of the container is effected by means of a preferably oxygen-tight lid film. The dish consists of cellulose or wood pulp and bears on the inside and in the region of the edge flange an oxygen-tight composite plastic film which is suitable for sealing with the lid film. Additionally, a method and a device for producing an oxygen-tight package are described, preformed and dimensionally stable container dishes being supplied by a dispenser. These dishes are lined with a composite plastic film in a forming station. The dishes present in a row are joined together integrally, to increase their stability, via connection webs which are congruent with the edge flanges of the containers, such that the dishes pass through the packaging plant in rows and in synchronised cycles and are sealed all together.

Description

The invention relates to a food packaging according to the preamble of claim 1, and a method for the production of such packaging, a device to carry out such a procedure according to the Oberbe handle of claim 13 and a suitable for this Semi-finished product in the form of a row of shells.

Food packaging is in a wide variety on the Market, with recent special efforts be made, the proportion of non-recyclable Plastic with such packaging to a minimum limit. So far, foodstuffs have prevailed packs in the form of deep-drawn plastic trays, the usually have a carrier material, for example se consists of polyvinyl chloride, polyester or polystyrene. These trays are regularly used in the packaging machine deep-drawn and then go through a filling process station before the vacuuming and sealing tion. The advantage of this packaging is in that the packaging device clearly arranged can be built, including a modular arrangement the device is possible.

Attempts have also been made to reduce the plastic content to reduce such packaging in that be layered cardboard is used. Here has however, it was found that it is difficult to do this Process materials in devices where widely Known or already existing modules used become. In addition, those made of coated  Cardboard pressed containers with the maximum mold depths 25-30 mm limited and so produced in the pressing process Containers must be fed individually to the packaging systems become.

Even if it is possible through a junction lamination is, the cardboard container walls largely oxygen-tight equip, so form in the radii due to the cold forming process, unfolding by the origin material displacement. These folds go up to the edge flange area of the packaging, creating a secure and tight sealing with the cover film impossible is.

To z. B. Tray depths of more than 30 mm mold depth len, containers made of coated cardboard are used, which are formed from blanks. This made of oxygen-tight coated cardboard gefer on a separate unit Cuts are erected, i.e. folded and glued, and must also be fed individually. However It is not possible to produce such containers made from blanks really at the cut or glue points gas or connect oxygen-tight.

Thus, those coated with such are often sufficient Cartons cannot achieve oxygen tightness, being particularly in the field of vacuum and Sealing station has shown the difficulty that a too large a volume had to be subjected to the vacuum.

For conventional ones made of PVC, polyester or polystyrene shells are created, due to production technology reasons Vacuum forming and filling systems a very uneven thickness ver division in the area of the bottom radii. This leads very often to so-called kink breaks during transport. Where to against when using shells made of wood fiber mass or  Cellulose, which are produced in the forming process, this is to be excluded.

Series tests have also shown that a barrier layer layer of polyvinyl alcohol, which has the required acid tightness is achieved and embedded in hard foil, shows a much poorer molding result, i.e. ge has smaller residual wall thicknesses than this even thin nere layer embedded in soft film shows. Against it but the thickness distribution is over and thus the acid Substance barrier layer also essential in the area of the base radii Lich improved.

In the prior art, it has accordingly become necessary proven the plastic backing material of the shells that is responsible for the dimensional stability, with a wide ren plastic material to ensure a sufficient appropriate oxygen tightness to coat. This art layer of material regularly consists of an ethylene vinyl Alcohol system. A third layer was also required necessary to enable sealing with the cover film chen. This leads to a multi-layered, different NEN components existing film structure, the one Recycling, i.e. a pure reprocessing impossible Lich makes.

However, there is a need for a grocery store Pack according to the preamble of claim 1 create that with little conversion effort on conventional, horizontal form, fill and lock systems can be produced is, the proportion of plastic reduced to a minimum adorns, but at the same time the stability of the packaging and the oxygen density at an unchanged high level to be held.

Another task is to develop a method for oxygen-tight packaging of food with aids  Taking food packaging of the above kind to develop such that conventional, modular Packaging systems with a higher cycle rate and thus host can be operated more economically.

Finally, an object of the invention is the device for performing the above Situation in this way to the packaging according to the invention adapt that the susceptibility to failure of the packaging system is minimized even with the highest number of cycles.

This task is with regard to food packaging by the features of claim 1, with respect to Method by the features of claim 7 and regarding the device by the features of the patent claims 13 and a suitable semi-finished product in the form solved a row of shells.

The food packaging according to the invention has to carry de Basis one with an extremely thin plastic composite fo lined wood pulp or cellulose shell, which in the Thermoforming process is produced. Through this manufacture in the long-established forming process can be caused by the wall and floor-forming mold, safely excluded be that the shell inner walls or also the shell bo which forms sharp or pointed corners or edges, which at containers made from cardboard blanks or from Cardboard molded trays not from too is close. The coating can change accordingly nestle against the inner wall of the bowl in all areas. As a result, the inner coating can be made very thin be what is further promoted by the fact that Shell wall reliably the plastic lining shields mechanical influences, which experience has shown exclusively on the outside of the food packaging act.  

Advantageous configurations of the packaging are the subject of subclaims 2 to 6.

Through the choice of plastic-lined according to the invention There is a container in the cellulose or wood pulp bowl before that when entering the vacuuming and drying lungs station to one side, namely the top is clean is material tight. Because moreover the plastic-out dressed bowl also in the area of the peripheral edge flange has a very high dimensional stability, the edge can flange between seals of the closed vacuum sealing and sealing tool the, so that according to the invention only the inner hollow space of the deep-drawn shell must be evacuated. The Power consumption of the packaging system is lower and additional time is saved in the work cycle.

The number of cycles of the machine can be increased considerably are when, according to claim 8, the deep-drawn, dimensionally stable cellulose or wood pulp bowls individual, but in continuous rows from a donor be fed. It has been shown that the between the adjoining shells trained saddle bars have a sufficiently high stability to be able to attacking a transport or conveyor device from the side tion reliably rule out that even when filling the bowls with several foods an uncontrolled Breakage or an uncontrolled tearing of the webs follows.

The operational reliability of the device can be above that additionally be raised by the fact that the two saddle webs lying between the shells from below sliding or parallel to the direction of transport Guide rails are supported. It is also advantageous the training according to which the container in the filling  stretch from below using a synchronized with the transport device running support belt are supported.

Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the other subclaims.

With these further developments, in particular Advantages of further simplifying the Ver packaging system, as there is now no separate thermoforming stamp facilities more is needed. So far, too the necessary preheating section is not required. Soon the continuous route required for this can be invented appropriately used to accommodate the filling station be saved, which saves additional space. Either the machine will be significantly shorter overall or the Filling station can be carried out longer than before, which makes the packaging process easier.

With the food packaging according to the invention the proportion of non-recyclable plastic to a minimum reduce, with the material according to the invention choice of the tray the added benefit of a hassle-free Self-rotting results.

Finally, the power consumption of the machine in the Close the area of the vacuuming and sealing station gert because, on the one hand, through the rows of seals Clock frequency can be reduced and the other Creation of the vacuum in the shell faster than before can take place because the inventive design of the Shell leads to a very high inherent stability.

Further advantageous embodiments are the subject of other subclaims.

Below is an off using schematic drawings management example of the invention explained in more detail. Show it:  

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a row of shells;

Fig. 3 on an enlarged scale the area of the packaging plant at the inlet of the row of shells;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged scale, the forming station of the packaging line;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the molding station shown in FIG. 4 with an inserted row of shells and plastic composite film;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the row of shells with plastic composite film, the edge flange area with plastic composite film being shown in a sectional view shown on a somewhat enlarged scale along the line of the row of shells indicated by the arrow;

Fig. 7 is a front view of the sealing station with inserted tray series;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the row of shells with plastic composite film and cover film, the details being shown in an enlarged scale;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a fiction, modern household or consumer-ready shell;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bowl of erfindungsge MAESSEN partially dissolved out covering or composite plastic film; and

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the shell fiction, contemporary with partially peeled lid film.

In Fig. 1 is a side view of a packaging system shows ge, which consists essentially of three stations, namely a molding station FS, a filling section BS and a two-stage separating system 80 , 81 , the latter can also be designed in one stage. The transport of the row of shells to the individual stations takes place via a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain 48 , support belts of the 50 being additionally provided for relieving the conveyor chain in sections.

The rows of shells 40 accumulated in a dispenser 10 are released, for example, from the bottom of the dispenser 10 and picked up or caught by a transport shoe 56 . The row of shells 40 lying there is pushed by a piston / cylinder arrangement 62, which remains in its basic position 60, in cooperation with the transport shoe 56 into the effective area of the transport chain 48 . The transport shoe 56 only bridges the distance ST between the dispenser 10 and the entry point of the row of shells 40 into the grippers 46 of the transport chain 48 by approximately 50%. To cover the remaining distance of the row of shells 40 , the additionally provided ejection device is preferably used in the form of a pneumatically driven piston / cylinder arrangement which is operated in time with the transport chain 48 . The now on the transport chain 48 shell rows 40 are then fed to a molding station FS for lining the inner surfaces of the shell rows with an oxygen-blocking plastic composite film or barrier layer composite film 34 . The plastic composite film 34 is drawn from an endless roller 33 , which is attached to the arm on a support arm via the inlet path, via deflection rollers over the inserted rows of shells 40 . In order to avoid an uncontrolled running of the plastic composite film 34 from the endless roll 33 , a brake arm is of course, as is customary, built into the supply line of the barrier film 34 . Another deflection roller is mounted above the transport chain in such a way that the plastic composite film 34 is drawn into the molding station FS essentially parallel to the transport plane. The transport chain now leads in sync with the still empty rows of trays 40 , which are covered by the sealed plastic composite film 34 , under the molding station FS, the method of working for lining the inner surface of the row of trays with the plastic composite film 34 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 4 .

The packaging trays are then transported by means of the transport chain 48 into the area of a filling station, the filling section BS being designed according to the number of filling steps. To relieve the transport chain 48 , the row of shells 40 is supported by a support belt 50 , which works in synchronism with the transport chain. From the filling section BS, the filled trays run into a vacuuming and sealing station VS, at the same time a cover film 20 guided by an endless roll 22 via a deflection roller system is fed essentially parallel to the transport section into the vacuuming and sealing station VS. The operation of the vacuum and sealing station VS will be described in detail by means of FIG. 7. After sealing of the packaging trays being fed to 80 and 81, again by means of the transport chain 48 to singulation stations, wherein the shell row is again supported by a clock equal working conveyor belt 50th

As can also be seen in Fig. 1, the trans port distance of the transport chain 48 and the support belt 50 extends from the dispenser 10 to immediately behind the two-stage singling station 80 , 81 , so that the entire system operates in sync.

The peculiarity of the packaging system is now that on the one hand a specially constructed shell use and on the other hand finds the bowl in a special way and way, namely as a specially designed semi-finished product Packaging system is fed.

Contrary to conventional designs of such packaging systems, the dispenser 10 leads to a preformed, dimensionally stable shell with an upper edge flange 24 , the shell having cellulose or ground wood as the carrier material 26 . The row of shells 40 is pressed into the shape shown in FIG. 2, for example, which results in a very high inherent stability even with relatively small wall thicknesses, which is additionally improved by the edge flange 24 . Preferably, the edge flange 24 passes over a curve 30 into the side walls 28 of the shell 12 a, 12 b, 12 c. Likewise, a curve is seen in the transition from the side walls 28 to the bottom wall 32 .

The semifinished product strips or tray row 40 fed to the packaging machine have at least two adjacent trays 12 a- 12 c (see FIG. 2). For this purpose, the dispenser 10 is equipped with a corresponding width. The preformed shells 12 a, 12 b, 12 c also each have a peripheral edge flange 24 and are integrally connected to one another via saddle webs 42 . The side edge flanges 24 a have a sufficient width B44 for the attacking transport and gripping device plus a minimum width B24 for a sufficiently secure sealing surface. The saddle webs 42 have a width B42 which is sufficiently large to be able to accomplish a continuous welding surface with the sealing film 20 which is sufficient from the sealing surface. Usually, the width B42 of the saddle webs 42 corresponds to twice the size of a secure minimum sealing area. This width B42 is preferably in the range between 8 and 12 mm. The width BQ of the edge flange 24 a of the outer shells 12 a and 12 c transverse to the transport direction T is kept somewhat larger and it is preferably in the range between 10 and 14 mm. This is because this edge flange 24 * is used to transport the row of trays through the packaging system. The direction of transport seen, rear peripheral flange 24 b of the shells 12 a, 12 b, 12 c has an expanded width of 14 up to 18 mm, since in each case centrally with respect to the shells 12 a, 12 b, 12 c a punched or Handle recess GM is vorgese hen, which is suitable for later formation of the grip tab for detaching the film composite from the carrier material 26 .

The outer region 44 , which is indicated in Fig. 2 with a dash-dotted line, is reserved for the engagement of Grei remote from each other in predetermined longitudinal sections or gripping links 46 of the trans port chain 48 . The high form stability of the row of shells 40 resulting from the circumferential edge flange and the structure of the shells 12 a- 12 c has proven to be particularly reliable in order to reliably exclude cracks in the containers or in the edge flanges even with larger cycle numbers, even in the area of the handle recess GM. In this way, the inventive Ausgestal device of the food container or the packaging system is also suitable for the production of packaging with a relatively large weight. In order to keep deflections of the row of shells, in particular in the filled state, even smaller, it can be advantageous to support the saddle webs 42 from below by guide or support rails. Alternatively or additionally, in the area of the filling line BS 40 support belts 50 can be provided under the row of shells, which are driven in the same cycle as the transport chain 48 .

FIG. 3 shows the area on an enlarged scale at which the tray strips 40 fed via the dispenser 10 are transferred to the transport chain 48 . It can be seen that a transport shoe 56 is arranged below the dispenser 10 and can be aligned with respect to the height of the axis 57 of the deflection roller 52 . On the transport shoe 56 , the rows of shells 40 lie on, for example, the bottom side release of the dispenser 10 . The transport shoe 56 preferably carries an ejection aid or ejection device 62 in the form of, for example, a pneumatically driven piston / cylinder arrangement, via an upwardly angled edge. The drive of the transport shoe and the ejection device 62 takes place in such a way that each of these only covers half the cycle distance of the stepwise transport in the units. That is, the transport shoe 56 is moved clockwise by half the cycle path according to FIG. 3. The moving ejector 62 fully then guides the second half of the cycle path by actuating the piston / cylinder arrangement. It can be seen from the Dar position of FIG. 3 also that the seated on the transport chain 48 gripper 46 before they are opened leaving the guide roller 42 briefly. The rows of shells 40 moved to the left by the transport shoe 56 and the ejection device 62 according to FIG. 3 can thus be moved into the open chain links 46 without any problems. For orrect time, the edge regions by means of suitable synchronization of these movements then 44 40 detects the shell row when re-closing of the chain links, and then the transport of the shell takes place row 40 by the transport chain 48th

The arrangement of the guide roller 52 according to the invention makes it possible to use the movement of this guide roller 52 to control the movement of the chain links. Here, for example, or preferably a cam control is used, ie the three chain links 46 are opened when they run onto a cam shortly before leaving the deflection roller 52 and closed again when the cam moves further, so that the row of shells is firmly gripped.

In the side view of FIG. 4 can be seen the manner in which interact in the shaping station, the mold halves 16 and 18 with the shell row 40 to the inner surfaces of the shell rows 40 and university be lined with the composite plastic film 34 72 by means of a heater. The insert shown in FIG. 4 shows the location of the packaging station of the forming station FS as a reminder.

The tool of the forming station FS consists of a lower mold 16 and an upper mold 18 , which are moved apart and moved clocked in accordance with the arrow shown in FIG. 4, the lower mold 16 preferably having a profile for positively receiving the shells 12 , so that the edge flanges 24 of the shells 12 sealed supported who. The upper mold 18 is also designed so that a heating device 72 can be accommodated. The heating device can be designed as a heating plate so that in the rear part of the heating plate, when viewed in the transport direction, there is an area 73 which, in the collapsed state of the forming station FS, has no or only a small amount of heat transfer to the intermediate plastic composite film 34 and edge flange 24 takes place.

In FIG. 5, the front view of the forming station is shown with the lower mold 16 has web-like inserts 66, whose shape is adapted to the cross-section of the shell strip 40, so that in the moved-together state of the tool halves 16 and 18, the shell or the individual shells 12 A, 12 B, 12 C are additionally positively supported by the mold insert 58 provided , the surface contour of which corresponds to the shape of the individual shells. In addition, in the bottom of the lower part and through the mold insert through individual passages VK are provided, which are connected to a pump system for generating a negative pressure.

The functioning of the forming station FS will be described in detail below. If a row of shells 40 is now introduced and aligned by the gripping links 46 of the transport chain 48 in the forming station FS, the lower part 16 of the forming station previously extended downwards moves in the direction of the arrow, for example via a toggle lever (not shown) upwards. Upon moving the tool bottom part 16 against the tool upper part 18, the entire interior of the mold of the forming station FS is sealed 70 E via the recessed in the base 16 around rotating, about 3 mm thick silicone cord. The plastic composite film 34 lying above the row of shells 40 is held in place by this closing cycle. At the same time, the relief-like design of the heating plate 72 is pressed against the silicon condensing seals 70 in the lower tool part 16 . It is connected by the contact pressure and heat between the tool parts 16 and 18 over the edge flanges 24 and the saddle bars 42 plastic composite film 34 with the sealing surfaces sen. With negative pressure, possibly also a vacuum, the plastic composite film 34 is simultaneously sucked against the heating plate 72 in the exposed area of the shell depressions 12 A, 12 B, 12 C for plastic heating.

The tool is then briefly vented, the vacuum or the vacuum is switched to the lower tool part 16 and now the plastically heated barrier film 34 is sucked into the bottom region UB of the shell row 40 via the vacuum channels VK.

Although the bottom of the shell is air-permeable, small pinholes could additionally be provided in the bottom radius of the shells 12 , which could support the suction by vacuum. In order not to affect the stability of the shell bottom, the pinholes could be introduced into the more rounded curves of the shells 12 A, 12 B, 12 C.

Now that the inner surface of the row of shells 40 is lined with the plastic composite film, the molding tool of the molding station FS is ventilated, the molding station FS opens at the same time by lowering the lower tool part 16 , whereby the row of shells 40 is released and conveyed further for filling by means of the transport chain 48 becomes.

In Fig. 6 the row of shells is shown as it leaves the molding station. It is almost completely lined with the plastic composite film 34 . Only the side edge portion on which the grippers 46 of the trans port chain 48 attack is not covered. As can also be seen, the plastic composite film 34 also covers the handle recess. Since the area 73 of the heating plate can be matched to the handle recess GM, there is no deformation of the area of the plastic composite film 34 that is not supported by the edge flange 24 . In the illustrated also sectional drawing of the border along the flange of the shell row 40 with it, lying composite plastic film 34 are the respective, the composite plastic film-containing layers 36, 37, 38 provides Darge. The plastic composite film 34 has an oxygen barrier layer 36 preferably made of polyvinyl alcohol and a sealing layer 38 preferably made of peelable polyethylene and an adhesive layer 37 preferably made of the modified polyethylene type Surlyn A. It has been shown that the inner coating of the carrier material 26 forming the shells 12 can be made extremely thin. The thickness is preferably in the range between 10 and 15 micrometers. The plastic composite film can also be constructed and controlled in its behavior so that it can be removed from the cellulose or wood pulp carrier after use of the packaging, so that there are pure components for disposal or recycling. For this purpose, the Griffaus saving GM serves.

After leaving the forming station, the trays 12 a, 12 b, 12 c pass through the filling station along the filling route BS, during which they are filled with the food to be packaged, the trays being transported through the entire system at intervals. From the filling section, the filled trays run into the vacuuming and sealing station VS, in which they are positioned by the lower part 16 by means of mold insert 58 and web-like inserts 66 in an exactly aligned manner. The tool consists of a lower mold 16 and an upper mold 18 , which are clocked apart and moved together, the lower mold 16 preferably having a profile for the positive reception of the shells 12 , in such a way that edge flanges of the shells 12 are supported in a sealed manner. The upper mold 18 is designed so that it can receive a heating plate 74 having a line pattern movably in the vertical direction. The line pattern is designed in such a way that it defines surface areas at which the shells 12 are to be sealed with the cover film 20 . The mode of operation of the sealing station will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 7.

The sealing film 20 runs - as shown in Fig. 1 - from an endless supply roll 22 into the tool gap, the transport of the sealing film 20 taking place in that the cover film is carried along by the adhesion to the already sealed trays 12 and their transport direction . In the front view according to FIG. 7, it can be seen how the tool halves 16 and 18 interact with the row of shells 40 in the vacuuming and sealing station.

Fig. 7 shows that the lower mold 16 has web-like inserts 66 , the shape of which is adapted to the cross section of the shell strip 40 , so that when the tool halves 16 and 18 are in the retracted state, the shell or the individual shells through the provided mold insert 58 , the surface contour of which Corresponds to the shape of the individual shells, are positively supported. With 70 seals are referred to, against which the edge flanges or the saddle webs of the row of shells 40 lie when the tool 16 , 18 is in the closed state, so that a vacuuming of the individual shells 12 a- 12 c, which already contain the food in this state, can be carried out. Due to the dimensional stability of the preformed shells row 40 , it is sufficient to generate a vacuum only in the cavity of the shells 12 a- 12 c, without running the risk that the shell deforms excessively. With 74 Heizeinrich lines are designated, which are accommodated in accordance with a pattern aligned with the Randste gene in the upper tool half 18 , so that in the collapsed state of the tool halves 16 , 18 a welding of the lid film 20 with the relevant edge flanges of the individual container ter 12 a- 12 c takes place in such a way that a circumferential, continuous sealing surface is formed. At this point it should be emphasized that this can be a commercially available station, in which fumigation takes place, for example with support gas, after evacuation. The heating plate located in the upper part of the tool is preferably ausgebil det with relief-shaped sealing webs, the lid film being sealed with the sealing coating of the circumferential edge flange and the saddle webs of the shells by heat and pressure.

FIG. 8 shows how the sealed tray row 40 filled with food and the individual trays 12 leave the vacuuming or sealing station VS. As can be seen from the corrugated hatching, almost the entire plastic composite film 34 is welded to the cover film 20 . This is particularly illustrated in the elevation drawing shown on a larger scale. The dotted area is intended to represent the part on which the cover film 20 is not welded to the plastic composite film 34 . It should be emphasized at this point that the cover film is welded to the plastic film in the area of a gripping recess formed by the trailing edge flange of the shells 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, starting from the inner edge of the edge flange only over a partial area of the overlap extending into the handle recess. After leaving the vacuuming and sealing station VS, the tray strips 40 connected via the cover film and plastic composite film are fed to a two-stage singling station 80 , 81 . In the first stage, the coherent shell strips 40 are separated from one another in such a way that any projections that are provided on the corner regions of the individual shells 12 a, 12 b, 12 c are also cut. In the second stage 81 , the individual shells 12 a, 12 b, 12 c are then separated from one another, and the rounding that is possibly still missing can also be carried out at the edge of the shells.

After leaving the two-stage singling station, the individual shells 12 a or 12 b or 12 c are present as shown in FIG. 9.

With the above arrangement, it is possible per pack Save 25 g of plastic that is no longer usable, d. H. about 75% of what conventional packaging does arises. Furthermore, the above description becomes from clear that it is given by the given form in the  Vacuum chamber inserted trough also no longer required What is necessary is the entire chamber - which serves to hold the filled trough, to evaku ieren. Evacuation of the volume is sufficient the actual product reception space, namely the pre shaped bowl. The working width of the device is of course not limited. However, it did shown that the width should be at least 420 mm, the economy of the operation of the device to keep at a particularly high level.

The cover film 20 is preferably also made of a plastic composite film, which has an oxygen barrier layer, which on the shell 12 facing side is covered by a preferably "peelable" plastic layer, preferably made of polyethylene. This layer is then welded to the sealing layer 38 of the food packaging. On the side facing the heating or sealing element, the oxygen-barrier layer is preferably covered by a heat-barrier layer, which preferably contains polypropylene, in order to ensure sufficient surface or dimensional stability of the sealing film in the vacuuming and sealing station VS. Since the sealing film and also the plastic film of the shell lining facing the sealing film are preferably “peelable”, a connection is created when these film layers are welded, which can be peeled off by hand as far as possible without destroying the film surface ( FIG. 11).

Of course, deviations from the previously described exemplary embodiments are possible without departing from the basic idea of the invention. It is of course possible to vary the number of trays per row of trays. It is also conceivable for the dispenser 10 to supply a continuous shell via saddle bars, which are arranged in several rows, ie in a surface pattern. In this case, it is of course necessary to design the cutting tool behind the sealing and vacuuming station accordingly.

In addition, it is also conceivable, before the rows are introduced into the molding station, to attach a device with which the tray strips 40 can be sterilized or sterilized. This is advantageously a so-called hydrogen peroxide shower.

Because of the method according to the invention, for both the oxygen-tight inner film and the oxygen-tight cover film, a composite combination nation made of films from the polyolefin group. This composite combination can be recycled as a monofilm the. At the same time, however, the stability of the packaging as well as the oxygen density of the lower part of the packaging significantly increased.

A really safe seal with the one with lock laminated film lined by the container Barrier cover film is created by ver driving the peripheral edge flanges as well as the Saddle bars have a sealing area of at least 6 mm Edge flanges and at least 12 mm at the saddle bars form. Since the complete available sealing area che, which coated with the sealing side of the barrier layer tet, as a sealing surface with the cover film Is available is only through after sealing carried out separation of the packs always sufficient appropriate sealing seam width guaranteed. When individually supplied led containers can, due to tolerances in Fi xieren the container in the process, one evenly wide and therefore secure sealing seam surface not reached become.  

The separation of the oxygen-tight film bag from the actual, stability-giving tray is an essential point of the invention (see FIG. 10). The barrier layer composite film lining the inside of the wood fiber or cellulose tray is connected to the fibers of the inside walls of the container. This connection takes place in a known manner in that the Surlyn adhesive layer, which has become plastic due to heating, is pressed by vacuum onto the container surfaces into which fibers of the container flow.

The barrier layer cover film is over the peripheral edge flanges and the saddle bars of the row of shells, which, as in the Process described, coated with a sealing layer after evacuation and possible fumigation of the Pack, firmly in the sealing station with the lower part of the Pack connected.

The intended, semi-oval punching of the rear, in Direction of transport lying edge flange and the correspond appropriate design of the mold, create the poss the entire network via a so-called "grip tab" out of the then pure wood fiber or cellulose shell dissolve, which is then compostable.

The peeling off of the cover film is also in the field of application provided by the sealing bars of the pack to the contents easy to remove without tools. This can through a special design of the sealing tool in the sealing station is provided without major conversion work become. In this case, the consumer loosens the lid lie until the contents can be removed. The inner lining foil and the not yet completely peeled off The lidding film is then removed from the grip tab actual tray solved so that the lidding film and the Barrier inner film from the actual wood fiber or Cellulose carriers separated in a simple manner and by type  can be. The individual materials can their white tere use can be fed again.

The invention thus creates a food packaging in the shape of a stable, preformed shell, with an all-round peripheral flange over which by means of a preferably oxygen-blocking cover film the container interior is hermetically sealed.

The shell consists of cellulose or wood pulp and carries one on the inside and in the area of the edge flange Oxygen-blocking plastic composite film that is used for sealing gelation with the cover film is suitable. Is described also a method and an apparatus for manufacturing an oxygen-tight packaging, whereby preformed and dimensionally stable container trays supplied by a donor become. These trays are made in a molding station with a Lined plastic composite film. The one in a bowl Row shells are designed to increase stability via connecting webs, which are connected to the edge flanges of the container ter collapse, connected in one piece, so that the shells clocked in rows and synchronously the Ver go through the packaging system and be sealed together.

Claims (30)

1. Food packaging in the form of a dimensionally stable, pre-shaped bowl with a top, circumferential edge flange, via which a hermetic seal of the container interior is carried out by means of a preferably acid-blocking lid film, characterized in that the bowl ( 12 ) consists of cellulose or wood pulp, the inside and in the area of the edge flange ( 24 ) is lined with an oxygen-blocking plastic composite film ( 34 ) which is suitable for sealing with the cover film ( 20 ). 2. Food packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that the plastic composite film ( 34 ) an oxygen barrier layer ( 36 ) preferably made of polyvinyl alcohol and a sealing layer ( 38 ) preferably made of peelable polyethylene and an adhesive layer ( 37 ), preferably made of a modified polyethylene, in particular a copolymer of ethylene with 6% methacrylic acid, which are partially (50%) neutralized with Na or zinc ions (Surlyn A). 3. Food packaging according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover film ( 20 ) is formed from a plastic composite film ( 34 ) which, on the side facing the shell, has a preferably peelable plastic layer, preferably made of polyethylene and at least one oxygen-barrier layer above it , preferably made of polyvinyl alcohol and a covering heat barrier layer, for example made of polypropylene. 4. Food packaging according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the plastic composite film ( 34 ) has an initial thickness in the range between 100 and 150 microns depending on the depth of the mold. 5. Food packaging according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the plastic composite film ( 34 ) lining the shell is identical to the plastic composite film that covers the edge flange ( 24 ). 6. Food packaging according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the shell ( 12 A, 12 B, 12 C) consists of a recyclable, preferably compostable wood fiber material or pure cellulose carrier ( 26 ). 7. A method for the oxygen-tight packaging of foodstuffs in a food packaging according to one of claims 1-6, in which the packaging trays pass through a molding station (FS) and a filling section (BS), which is followed by a vacuuming and sealing station (VS), characterized in that the shells ( 12 A, 12 B and 12 C) are fed as a row of shells ( 40 ) via a dispenser ( 10 ) by means of a transport shoe ( 56 ) and the transport chain ( 48 ) to the molding station (FS). 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the shells ( 12 A, 12 B, 12 C) arranged in a direction transverse to the transport and over the edge flanges ( 24 ) and over the formed saddle webs ( 42 ) row of shells ( 40 ) and that the lining of the inner surface of these shells takes place in rows and by means of a plastic composite film ( 34 ) covering the entire sealing surface of the row ( 40 ), the transport through the gripping links ( 46 ) of the transport chain ( 48 ) following the molding of the inner film ) to the filling station in cycles. 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that in the molding station (FS) the plastic composite film ( 34 ) is first stitched continuously over the edge flange ( 24 ) and preferably over the saddle webs ( 42 ) and the lining of the inner surface of the shells ( 12 A, 12 B, 12 C) then by generating a negative pressure in the area (UB) defined by the underside of the plastic composite film ( 34 ) and the inner surface of the shells ( 12 A, 123 , 12 C). 10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the negative pressure is generated by suction of gas from the area (UB) below the row of shells ( 40 ). 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the suction takes place through openings in the row of shells ( 40 ). 12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the shells ( 12 A, 12 B, 12 C) are welded with a cover film ( 20 ), characterized in that the cover film ( 20 ) with the plastic composite film ( 34 ) in the area of a gripping recess (GM) formed by the trailing edge flange of the shells ( 12 A, 12 B, 12 C), starting from the inner edge of the edge flange ( 24 ), only over a partial area (TB) which is welded into the overlap extending into the gripping recess . 13. An apparatus for performing the method according to any one of claims 7-12 in a device for the timed transport of the shells lined on the inside with plastic composite film ( 34 ) through a filling section (BS), a downstream vacuuming and sealing station (VS) and a separating station ( 80 , 81 ), characterized in that shells ( 12 A, 12 B, 12 C) in the filling section (BS), which are adjacent to one another and connected via saddle bars ( 42 ) at least on two sides, by means of a clocked moving gripping and transporting device ( 48 , 46 ) can be moved synchronously and can be fed to the vacuuming and sealing station (VS). 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the gripping and transporting device has a pair of laterally next to the row of shells ( 40 ) and synchronously with each other fenden transport chains ( 48 ) or conveyor belts which carry gripping links ( 46 ) at predetermined intervals, with which the side edges ( 44 ) of the row of shells ( 40 ) can be fixed when passing through the device. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the grippers ( 46 ) are clock-controlled via an eccentric. 16. Device according to one of claims 13-15, characterized in that the row of shells ( 40 ) can be fed via a dispenser ( 10 ), under which a transport shoe ( 56 ) is positioned, the height of which depends on the position of the gripping device ( 46 ) the gripping and transport device is coordinated. 17. Device according to one of claims 13-16, characterized in that for the saddle webs ( 42 ) for preventing an uncontrolled deflection additional support and guide devices, preferably in the form of vertically aligned webs are provided, which are preferably adjustable in height. 18. Device according to one of claims 13-17, characterized in that the transport shoe ( 56 ) bridges the distance ST between the dispenser ( 10 ) and the entry point of the row of shells ( 40 ) into the grippers ( 46 ) only to about 50%, and that for the remaining distance of the row of shells ( 40 ) a further Ausoßeinrich device ( 62 ) is preferably provided in the form of a pneumatically driven piston / cylinder arrangement which is operated in time with the transport device and in the end position ( 60 ) End of the work cycle returns. 19. Device according to one of claims 13-18, characterized in that a deflection roller ( 52 ) for the trans port chain or for the conveyor belt ( 48 ) in the direction of passage of the device shortly after the dispenser ( 10 ) is arranged. 20. The apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the movement of the deflection roller ( 52 ) for controlling the eccentric for the clocked opening and closing of the grippers ( 46 ) is used. 21. Device according to one of claims 13-20, characterized in that after taking over the row of shells ( 40 ) by the grippers ( 46 ) of the transport chain ( 48 ) suitable for forming the plastic composite film lining plastic composite film ( 34 ) derroll from an endless dispenser ( 33 ), which is arranged essentially vertically above the inlet section and has a conventional pneumatic or mechanical outlet brake, is pulled by a deflection roller over the edge flanges ( 24 ) and the saddle webs ( 42 ) of the row of shells ( 40 ). 22. The device according to any one of claims 13-21, characterized in that the over the edge flanges ( 24 ) and saddle webs ( 42 ) of the row of shells pulled plastic composite film ( 34 ) through the sealing webs ( 74 ) of the forming station (FS) with the edge flanges ( 24 ) and the saddle webs ( 42 ) of the row of shells ( 40 ) is welded or sealed in a controlled manner. 23. Device according to one of claims 13-22, characterized in that the plastic composite film ( 34 ) connected to the edge flanges ( 24 ) and saddle bars ( 42 ) is transported endlessly by the clock-controlled forward movement of the gripping and transport device through the molding station (FS) becomes. 24. The device according to claim 23, characterized in that the plastic composite film ( 34 ) by the heating plate ( 72 ) of the molding or vacuum station (FS) made plastic and heated by means of vacuum in the trough molds ( 12 A, 12 B, 12 C) ) the row of shells ( 40 ) is pulled. 25. The apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the per se air-permeable shells ( 12 A, 12 B, 12 C) in the region of the shell bottom for easier and more uniform pulling in of the plastic composite film ( 34 ) by the negative pressure applied at discrete locations to support development of the negative pressure may have a needle perforation. 26. The device according to any one of claims 13-25, characterized in that a support belt ( 50 ) rotates synchronously with the conveyor belt or the conveyor chain ( 48 ), with which the shell strips ( 40 ) in particular in and after the filling section (BS) be supported below. 27. The device according to any one of claims 13-26, characterized in that the vacuuming and sealing station (VS) has a lower tool part ( 16 ) for accurately fitting the row of shells ( 40 ) and a heatable tool upper part ( 18 ) with which the from the roll ( 22 ) endlessly into the opened tool lid foil ( 20 ) against the saddle webs ( 42 ) or the circumferential flanges can be pressed and welded under the influence of heat with the coating of the plastic composite film ( 34 ). 28. Connected row of shells ( 40 ) of deep-drawn, dimensionally stable, preformed shells ( 12 A, B, C), each of which has a peripheral edge flange ( 24 ), and are integrally connected to one another via saddle bars ( 42 ), the side edge flanges ( 24 A) have a sufficient width for the gripping of the transport and gripping device (B44) plus a minimum width (B24) for a sufficiently secure sealing surface and the width (B42) of the saddle bars ( 42 ) corresponds to twice the dimension of a usually safe minimum sealing surface . 29. row of shells according to claim 28, characterized in that the lateral edge flange ( 24 A) of the outer shells ( 12 A, 12 B, 12 C) a width (BQ) in the range between 10 and 14 mm and the saddle webs ( 42 ) one Have a width in the range between 8 and 12 mm. 30. A row of trays according to claim 29, characterized in that the rear edge flange ( 24 B) of the trays ( 12 A, 12 B, 12 C) seen in the transport direction has an expanded width of a total of 14 to 18 mm and in each case centrally with respect to the trays ( 12 A, 12 B, 12 C) is provided with a prefabricated handle recess (GM) which is suitable for the later formation of the grip tab for detaching the film composite from the carrier material ( 26 ).