EP3049332B1 - Installation for aseptic filling of a container - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a system for aseptically filling a container with a, preferably enteral, nutritional solution.

Unlike aseptic filling systems, non-aseptic filling systems require re-sterilization of the filled and sealed container to ensure the microbiological safety and long shelf life of the product. However, aseptic filling lines have an availability that is significantly lower than that of conventional non-aseptic filling lines. In order to maintain an aseptic filling that does not require the energy-intensive post-sterilization, these bottling plants are usually subjected to a cleaning and sterilization process after several hours of production, depending on the microbiological sensitivity of the product. As a rule, therefore, such aseptic filling plants are arranged within an insulator, which can be regarded as a reduced aseptic clean room within the aseptic filling plants. The introduction of containers and closures via special locks. The interior of the insulator is protected from possible contamination by a positive displacement flow. In general, aseptic filling systems are used for microbiologically sensitive products with a pH greater than 4.

The publication DE 69 810 235 T2 relates to such an aseptic filling machine for flexible containers with a pressure cap. This filling machine comprises a sterile chamber in which the operations for opening, filling and closing the container are performed.

The EP 1 067 052 A1 describes an apparatus and method for sterile filling of a bag having a filler neck and a cap. The device comprises a filling valve and a chamber, which are formed by an integral unit. About an open bottom of the chamber of the bag to be filled is introduced by means of jaws in the chamber. In the Chamber is a sterilization of the bag, the filler neck and the cap. After the cap is removed, the bag is passed through the chamber to the filling nozzle and then filled.

With increasing size of the surface to be cleaned within the insulator, however, increases the cleaning effort. Depending on the sensitivity of the product to be processed, this cleaning and sterilization procedure should be carried out after a production period of a few hours in order to ensure the aseptic condition of the system. In order to maintain the aseptic state of the bottling plant, the product-carrying pipelines and the interior of the insulator within which the filling takes place must be cleaned and sterilized. Depending on the complexity of the plant and in particular the size of the inner surface of the aseptic zone, such a cleaning cycle takes several hours. The need for frequent cleaning and the resulting disruption of production leaves less effective production time for the bottling plant. Through long cleaning and sterilization processes, the availability of an aseptic filling line can even drop to 60 - 70%.

It is an object of the invention to provide an aseptic filling system which allows for higher availability.

This object is solved by the objects with the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the description, the figures and the dependent claims.

• Bereitstellen einer Abfülleinrichtung mit einer ersten Abdichtungseinrichtung, in der wenigstens eine Fülldüse, vorzugsweise ortsfest, angeordnet ist und in der eine erste aseptische Zone bereitgestellt werden kann oder wird und wobei sich die erste Abdichtungseinrichtung in einer eine Öffnung aufweisenden Stellung befindet und somit die erste Abdichtungseinrichtung und die erste aseptische Zone in einer geöffneten Stellung befinden;
• Greifen eines Behältnisses, das wenigstens ein Anschlussstück mit einem Kanal zum Befüllen des Behältnisses umfasst, mit einem Greifer;
• Heranführen des Behältnisses, vorzugsweise mittels des Greifers, an die erste Abdichtungseinrichtung in einer ersten Bewegung derart, dass das Behältnis, insbesondere das Anschlussstück des Behältnisses, dichtend an der Öffnung der ersten Abdichtungseinrichtung anliegt und die erste aseptische Zone, in welcher wenigstens das Anschlussstück des Behältnisses zumindest abschnittsweise angeordnet ist, geschlossen oder gebildet wird;
• Zuführen eines Sterilisierungsmittels, vorzugsweise mittels der Fülldüse, in die geschlossene oder gebildete erste aseptische Zone, so dass wenigstens der Kanal des Anschlussstücks des Behältnisses zumindest abschnittsweise sterilisiert wird;
• Heranführen des Behältnisses, vorzugsweise mittels des Greifers, an die Fülldüse innerhalb der ersten aseptischen Zone in einer sich der ersten Bewegung, vorzugsweise unmittelbar, anschließenden zweiten Bewegung derart, dass die Fülldüse das Behältnis über den Kanal des Anschlussstücks des Behältnisses befüllen kann und die erste Abdichtungseinrichtung in ihrer Längserstreckung reduziert wird;
• Befüllen des Behältnisses durch oder über den Kanal in dem Anschlussstück mit der Ernährungslösung mittels der Fülldüse in der ersten aseptischen Zone; und
• Aufbringen oder Aufsetzen eines Verschlusses auf den Kanal des Anschlussstücks in einer aseptischen Umgebung, vorzugsweise in einer Verschließeinrichtung, so dass das befüllte Behältnis aseptisch verschlossen wird. Beispielsweise wird die aseptische Umgebung durch eine zweite aseptische Zone bereitgestellt, welche in einer in der Verschließeinrichtung angeordneten zweiten Abdichtungseinrichtung erzeugt werden kann (siehe dazu nachfolgend in der Beschreibung).

The present invention relates to a method for aseptically filling a container with a nutritional solution. Preferably, the nutritional solution is intended for enteral nutrition. The method comprises the following steps:

• Providing a filling device with a first sealing device in which at least one filling nozzle, preferably stationary, is arranged and in which a first aseptic zone can be provided or, and wherein the first sealing means is in a position having an opening and thus the first sealing means and the first aseptic zone are in an open position;
• Gripping a container, which comprises at least one connecting piece with a channel for filling the container, with a gripper;
• Leading the container, preferably by means of the gripper, to the first sealing device in a first movement such that the container, in particular the connector of the container, sealingly abuts the opening of the first sealing means and the first aseptic zone, in which at least the fitting of the container is arranged at least in sections, is closed or formed;
• Supplying a sterilizing agent, preferably by means of the filling nozzle, into the closed or formed first aseptic zone, so that at least the channel of the connecting piece of the container is at least partially sterilized;
• Leading the container, preferably by means of the gripper, to the filling nozzle within the first aseptic zone in a first movement, preferably immediately, subsequent second movement such that the filling nozzle can fill the container via the channel of the connecting piece of the container and the first sealing device is reduced in its longitudinal extent;
• Filling the container through or over the channel in the connector with the nutritional solution by means of the filling nozzle in the first aseptic zone; and
• Applying or placing a closure on the channel of the connector in an aseptic environment, preferably in a closing device, so that the filled container is aseptically sealed. For example, the aseptic environment is provided by a second aseptic zone, which may be created in a second sealing device disposed in the closure device (see below in the description).

• eine Abfülleinrichtung mit einer ersten, eine verschließbare Öffnung aufweisenden und vorzugsweise in der Längserstreckung veränderbaren Abdichtungseinrichtung, in der wenigstens eine Fülldüse, vorzugsweise ortsfest, angeordnet ist und in der über ein Verschließen der Öffnung eine erste aseptische Zone bereitgestellt werden kann;
• einen Greifer zum Greifen und zum Heranführen des Behältnisses an die erste Abdichtungseinrichtung in einer ersten Bewegung derart, dass das Behältnis, insbesondere das Anschlussstück des Behältnisses, dichtend an der Öffnung der ersten Abdichtungseinrichtung angelegt und die erste aseptische Zone geschlossen werden kann, in welcher wenigstens das Anschlussstück des Behältnisses zumindest abschnittsweise angeordnet ist; und
• wobei der Greifer ausgebildet ist zum Heranführen des Behältnisses an die Fülldüse innerhalb der ersten aseptischen Zone in einer sich der ersten Bewegung, vorzugsweise unmittelbar, anschließenden zweiten Bewegung derart, dass die erste Abdichtungseinrichtung in ihrer Längserstreckung reduziert wird und die Fülldüse zumindest abschnittsweise in den Kanal des Anschlussstücks des Behältnisses hineinragen und das Behältnis in der ersten aseptischen Zone befüllen kann. Die Abfülleinrichtung der Anlage umfasst eine Einrichtung zum Zuführen eines Sterilisierungsmittels in die bereitgestellte erste aseptische Zone, so dass wenigstens der Kanal des Anschlussstücks des Behältnisses zumindest abschnittsweise sterilisierbar ist. Die Anlage umfasst zudem eine Verschließeinrichtung zum Aufbringen eines Verschlusses auf das Anschlussstück des Behältnisses.

In the field of the invention is also a system for, preferably aseptic, filling a container, which has at least one connecting piece with a channel for filling the container with a, preferably enteral, nutritional solution. The system includes:

• a filling device having a first sealable device having a closable opening and preferably variable in the longitudinal extension, in which at least one filling nozzle, preferably stationary, is arranged and in which a first aseptic zone can be provided by closing the opening;
• a gripper for gripping and for bringing the container to the first sealing device in a first movement such that the container, in particular the connector of the container, sealingly applied to the opening of the first sealing means and the first aseptic zone can be closed, in which at least the Connecting piece of the container is arranged at least in sections; and
• wherein the gripper is designed to bring the container to the filling nozzle within the first aseptic zone in a first movement, preferably immediately, subsequent second movement such that the first sealing device is reduced in its longitudinal extent and the filling nozzle at least partially into the channel of the Protruding connector of the container and can fill the container in the first aseptic zone. The filling device of the system comprises a device for supplying a sterilizing agent into the provided first aseptic zone, so that at least the channel of the connecting piece of the container can be sterilized at least in sections. The system also includes a closing device for applying a closure to the connection piece of the container.

The process according to the invention can be carried out in particular by means of the plant according to the invention. The system according to the invention is in particular designed for carrying out the method according to the invention. The plant and / or the process according to the present invention can be used in particular for microbiologically sensitive products with a pH greater than 4, for example for the filling of enteral nutrition, especially for the clinical nutrition, whose pH is in the range of 6 to 7.

A microbiological safety and a sufficiently long shelf life of the product must be guaranteed. An aseptic zone is an environment that has the state of sterility or that is essentially germ-free. The multiplication of possible germs is essentially prevented in this environment. Germs are microorganisms that can cause unhealthy processes in other organisms. In particular, the number of reproductive microorganisms remaining after sterilization must not exceed a certain limit. Preferably, the sterile, aseptic, or aseptic, or sterile, aseptic, or germ-free environment is defined as requirements or standards to be met for enteral clinical nutrition. After sterilization, the, preferably substantially all, reproducible microorganisms are killed. The sterilized or exposed components or areas and / or the steps performed in a sterile environment are referred to as sterile. The aim of aseptic preparation is to preserve the sterility of the food arrangement composed of sterilized components.

The longitudinal extension of the first sealing device describes, so to speak, the height of the first sealing device. This is changeable here. In the present filling device, the longitudinal extent preferably extends in the direction of the filling nozzle axis and / or in the direction of the first and / or the second movement. The variable in the longitudinal extension of the first sealing device is in particular ensures that when approaching the container to the filling nozzle and / or the removal of the container from the filling nozzle, a self-contained unit is formed. Thereby, the tightness of the first sealing device, in which the first aseptic zone is provided, is increased.

In one embodiment, the first sealing device is designed to be compressed when the container is brought to the filling nozzle. The first aseptic zone of the filling device is reduced in its longitudinal extent by the second movement, in which the container is brought to the filling nozzle. In one embodiment of the first sealing device, the first sealing device is limited by a side wall, which is variable in height. By compressing the first sealing device or by reducing the side wall height of the first sealing device, the container can be moved to the filling nozzle. The side wall of the first sealing device is formed in a first variant at least in sections by a, in particular the filling nozzle circulating bellows. In a second variant of the side wall, this is at least partially formed by a, in particular the filling nozzle rotating, telescopic system of mutually displaceable tubes.

Preferably, the container to be filled is provided with a closed, sterile interior and with a connecting piece, which is closed with a, in particular by means of the filling nozzle, pierceable membrane. The membrane may be resealable or non-resealable. The closed membrane and at least one channel of the fitting located above the closed membrane are sterilized by the sterilizing agent. In one embodiment, the means for delivering the sterilant is provided by the filling nozzle itself.

When bringing the container to the filling nozzle in the second movement, the filling nozzle can sealingly come to rest on the container, preferably on the channel or the connecting piece. In the second movement, the container is preferably brought to the filling nozzle such that the filling nozzle projects at least in sections into the channel of the connecting piece of the container.

The sterilized membrane is opened before filling the container. For this purpose, in one embodiment of the invention, the container in which the first Movement, preferably immediately, subsequent second movement as far as is brought to the filling nozzle, that the sterilized membrane is pierced by the filling nozzle. Preferably, the filling nozzle is designed as a mandrel for opening, preferably piercing, the membrane of the connection piece of the container. In one embodiment, the filling nozzle, preferably the outer tube of the filling nozzle, a bevelled end for opening or piercing the membrane. Preferably, the filling nozzle is moved so far into the connecting piece of the container that an outer side of the filling nozzle, preferably a sealing cone of the filling nozzle, rests against the connecting piece and closes off the channel in the connecting piece, preferably sealingly. For this purpose, the filling nozzle, preferably the outer tube of the filling nozzle, in one embodiment comprises an outer sealing cone for sealing the filling nozzle relative to the container. Then the filling of the container can take place.

The filling nozzle in one embodiment comprises a first channel for delivering a preferably enteral sterile nutritional solution and a second channel for delivering a sterilizing agent. In an alternative embodiment, the filling nozzle has a first channel for supplying a sterilizing agent and / or a sterile nutritional solution and a second channel for aspirating a sterilizing agent and / or a nutritional solution. In one embodiment of the filling nozzle, the first channel of the filling nozzle is formed by an inner tube and the second channel of the filling nozzle by a, preferably concentric, outer tube.

The closure is preferably provided as a closure cap which is placed on the channel of the connector of the container. Preferably, the closure is a tamper-evident closure, for example with a snap-off and / or twist-off cap. In one embodiment, the closure is applied to the channel of the connector of the container in a closing device. For this purpose, the filled container is transported from the filling device to the closing device, preferably by means of the gripper. The closure device is provided with a second sealing device, in which a closure gripper, preferably movable, is arranged and in which a second aseptic zone can be or is provided. The system for aseptic filling thus comprises, in this embodiment, a closing device for applying or placing a closure on the channel of the connecting piece of the container with a second sealing device comprising a closable opening. In this second sealing device, the second aseptic zone can be provided by closing the opening. The second sealing device is in one embodiment a protective bell. In one embodiment, the protective bell on a bottom on said closable opening.

The closure gripper, with which by means of a device, preferably pneumatic, the closure can be placed or pressed onto the channel of the connection piece, is movably arranged in the second sealing device. Preferably, a conveyor system for providing a closure and a, preferably separate, gripping element for removing the closure from the conveyor system and for transferring the closure to the closure gripper positioned in the closure device are provided. The second sealing device of the closing device is opened to receive the closure and the, preferably sterile, closure which is applied to the connecting piece is removed from the conveying system with the gripping element and transferred to the closing gripper positioned in the closing device in the closing device.

Preferably, the opening of the second sealing device of the closing device and / or the transfer of the closure to the Verschlussgeifer, while the container for the introduction to the opening of the first aseptic zone is provided and / or while the container in the first movement to the opening of the first aseptic zone is introduced and / or during the second movement, when the container is brought to the filling nozzle.

In a subsequent step, the second sealing device of the closing device are closed and the closure, in particular already while the container is being filled in the filling device, it is cleaned, sterilized and / or dried in the closed second sealing device. This is done by means for cleaning, sterilizing and / or drying.

After completion of the filling operation, the filled container is moved in a third movement away from the filling nozzle. In a third movement, preferably immediately followed by a fourth movement, the filled container is removed from the first sealing device, so that the first aseptic zone is opened.

The filled container is moved in one of the fourth movement, preferably immediately, subsequent fifth movement of the filling device to the closing device so that at least the portion of the connector, in which the channel for filling, in particular the opened membrane is located in one Protective atmosphere is located. The protective atmosphere can be provided by a protective gas, for example comprising nitrogen and / or sterile air. The protective gas atmosphere can be provided as a displacement flow.

In one of the fifth movement, preferably immediately subsequent sixth movement, the container is brought to the second sealing device of the closing device and sealingly applied around the closure and at least around the region of the connecting piece in which the channel for filling, in particular the opened one Membrane, is formed, a closed, second aseptic zone, in which the closure is applied to the fitting of the filled container.

The sealed container with the closure is removed in one of the sixth, preferably immediately, subsequent seventh movement of the second sealing means, so that the second aseptic zone is opened. The filled and now closed container can then be supplied to further processing, for example the labeling and / or the packaging.

Parallel to or simultaneously with the closing of the container in the closing device, a cleaning, sterilization and / or drying of at least the filling nozzle in the filling device can be carried out. Also, parallel to or simultaneously with the filling of the container in the filling device, a cleaning, sterilization and / or drying of at least the closure in the closing device can be carried out. For this purpose, in one embodiment of the invention, a movably arranged device for cleaning, sterilizing and / or drying is provided, which can be applied to the first sealing device of the filling device and / or to the second sealing device of the closing device. As a result, the first and / or the second sealing device and the components contained therein, such as, for example, the filling nozzle and / or the closure, can be cleaned, sterilized and / or dried after each filling or closing process. Preferably, the means for cleaning, sterilizing and / or drying is reciprocated between the first sealing means of the filling means and the second sealing means of the closing means. In the embodiment with the sealing plate introduced in the following text, the device for cleaning, sterilizing and / or drying is arranged on the sealing plate, preferably fastened. By moving the sealing plate, the device for cleaning, sterilizing and / or drying is moved back and forth between the first sealing device of the filling device and the second sealing device of the closing device. For example, the means for cleaning, sterilizing and / or drying may also provide the displacement flow in the gap formed between the sealing plate and the support plate.

The container, in particular the connection piece of the container, can rest directly or indirectly against the opening of the first and / or the second sealing device for closing the first aseptic zone and / or the second aseptic zone. In the embodiment described below with the sealing plate and later the carrier plate is the Container, in particular the connecting piece of the container, indirectly at the opening of the first sealing means and / or at the opening of the second sealing means.

In one embodiment, the system comprises a sealing plate, wherein the container, preferably the connection piece of the container, can be held sealingly against an opening of the sealing plate, in particular by means of the gripper. The sealing plate for forming or closing the first aseptic zone may be sealingly applied to the first sealing device. Preferably, the sealing plate is a sliding sealing plate.

After completion of the filling operation, the sealing plate is moved together with the container, which is sealingly held at the opening of the sealing plate, from the first sealing means, in particular by means of the gripper, away and towards the closing device and sealed to form or close the second aseptic zone the second sealing device applied.

In one embodiment, the first sealing device of the filling device for forming the first aseptic zone rests against a carrier plate. In particular, the first sealing device is connected to the carrier plate. In this embodiment, the sealing plate for sealing the first aseptic zone is sealingly applied to the carrier plate, in particular by means of the gripper.

In a further embodiment, the second sealing device of the closing device is applied to the carrier plate for closing or forming the second, aseptic zone. The protective bell is moved down onto the carrier plate and sealingly engaged to provide the second aseptic zone. The sealing plate for closing the second aseptic zone is sealingly applied to the carrier plate, in particular by means of the gripper. The second sealing device of the closing device for forming the second, aseptic zone can thus be applied to the carrier plate.

The sealing plate is, in particular together with the container which is sealingly held at the opening of the sealing plate, from the filling device to the closing device and / or vice versa, in particular by means of the gripper, forming a gap between the sealing plate and the carrier plate, preferably laterally, postponed. The protective atmosphere is provided at least in the gap, for example by a displacement flow to the outside. The displacement flow may be, for example, a nitrogen flow.

The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh movements are used to distinguish the individual method steps and, if appropriate, to establish a sequence of the method steps. The movements do not have to be separate or discrete movements. The movements can also merge into each other. For example, the first and second movements can be performed by the gripper in succession without interruption.

• Die Dichtplatte wird zusammen mit dem Behältnis, das dichtend an der Öffnung der Dichtplatte gehalten wird, die erste Bewegung, insbesondere mittels des Greifers, ausführen, mit der die erste aseptische Zone bereitgestellt oder geschlossen wird und/oder
• die Dichtplatte wird zusammen mit dem Behältnis, das dichtend an der Öffnung der Dichtplatte gehalten wird, und der Trägerplatte die zweite Bewegung, insbesondere mittels des Greifers, ausführen, in der das Behältnis derart an die Fülldüse herangeführt wird, dass die Fülldüse zumindest abschnittsweise in den Kanal des Anschlussstücks des Behältnisses hineinragt und/oder
• die Dichtplatte wird zusammen mit dem Behältnis, das dichtend an der Öffnung der Dichtplatte gehalten wird, und der Trägerplatte die dritte Bewegung, insbesondere mittels des Greifers, ausführen, in der das Behältnis von der Fülldüse entfernt wird und/oder
• die Dichtplatte wird zusammen mit dem Behältnis, das dichtend an der Öffnung der Dichtplatte gehalten wird, die vierte Bewegung, insbesondere mittels des Greifers, ausführen, mit der die erste aseptische Zone geöffnet wird und/oder
• die Dichtplatte wird zusammen mit dem Behältnis, das dichtend an der Öffnung der Dichtplatte gehalten wird, die fünfte Bewegung, insbesondere mittels des Greifers, ausführen, mit der das befüllte Behältnis von der Abfülleinrichtung zu der Verschließeinrichtung bewegt wird und/oder
• die Dichtplatte wird zusammen mit dem Behältnis, das dichtend an der Öffnung der Dichtplatte gehalten wird, die sechste Bewegung, insbesondere mittels des Greifers, ausführen, mit der das Behältnis an die zweite Abdichtungseinrichtung der Verschließeinrichtung herangeführt und dichtend angelegt wird, um die zweite aseptische Zone zu bilden oder zu schließen und/oder
• die Dichtplatte wird zusammen mit dem Behältnis, das dichtend an der Öffnung der Dichtplatte gehalten wird, die siebte Bewegung, insbesondere mittels des Greifers, ausführen, mit der das mit dem Verschluss verschlossene Behältnis von der zweiten Abdichtungseinrichtung entfernt wird, so dass die zweite aseptische Zone geöffnet wird.

Taking into account the sealing plate and / or the carrier plate, the individual movements take place in particular as follows:

• The sealing plate, together with the container which is sealingly held at the opening of the sealing plate, perform the first movement, in particular by means of the gripper, with which the first aseptic zone is provided or closed and / or
• the sealing plate is carried out together with the container, which is sealingly held at the opening of the sealing plate, and the carrier plate the second movement, in particular by means of the gripper, in which the container is brought to the filling nozzle such that the filling nozzle at least partially into the Channel of the connection piece of the container protrudes and / or
• the sealing plate is carried out together with the container, which is sealingly held on the opening of the sealing plate, and the carrier plate, the third movement, in particular by means of the gripper, in which the container of the Filling nozzle is removed and / or
• the sealing plate, together with the container which is sealingly held at the opening of the sealing plate, perform the fourth movement, in particular by means of the gripper, with which the first aseptic zone is opened and / or
• the sealing plate, together with the container which is sealingly held at the opening of the sealing plate, perform the fifth movement, in particular by means of the gripper, with which the filled container is moved from the filling device to the closing device and / or
• the sealing plate, together with the container which is sealingly held at the opening of the sealing plate, perform the sixth movement, in particular by means of the gripper, with which the container is brought to the second sealing device of the closing device and applied in a sealing manner to the second aseptic zone to form or close and / or
• the sealing plate, together with the container held sealingly against the opening of the sealing plate, will carry out the seventh movement, in particular by means of the gripper, with which the container closed with the closure is removed from the second sealing device, so that the second aseptic zone is opened.

The movement of the container, the sealing plate and / or the carrier plate, as stated above, carried out by means of the gripper. The movement can also be done without the help of the gripper. In this case, the gripper essentially serves to hold the container. The movement can take place, for example, via a movement provided by means of the sealing plate and / or by means of the carrier plate. For this purpose, the sealing plate and / or the carrier plate may have its own drive.

Also in the scope of the invention is a container which can be filled and closed in accordance with the inventive method described above and / or filled and closed. It is a container that is filled with a liquid, sterile food, on or in the container introduced connection piece with a arranged in a channel, pierced or broken, optionally opened, membrane; and a closure connected to the fitting which closes the channel of the fitting, preferably aseptically. The container is preferably a bag or stand-up pouch. In this embodiment, the present invention is based on the idea of initially providing a closed, empty container for a, preferably enteral, food, the interior of which is sterile and hermetically sealed to the environment on the one hand. A sterile, preferably enteral nutritional food is then filled under aseptic conditions by means of the plant and / or the method according to the present invention in the sterile interior of the container and then sealed. As a result, a container with a germ-free feeding agent is provided without the hitherto customary final autoclaving of the entire filled container is required.

• Fig. 1 eine Querschnittsansicht einer Abfülleinrichtung einer Anlage zum aseptischen Befüllen eines Behältnisses mit einer enteralen Ernährungslösung;
• Fig. 2 eine vergrößerte Querschnittsansicht der Fülldüse und des Behältnisses mit geschlossener Membran und nicht eingeführter Fülldüse (linke Figur) und mit durchstoßener, hier geöffneter Membran und eingeführter Fülldüse (rechte Figur);
• Fig. 3 eine Querschnittsansicht einer Verschließeinrichtung der Anlage zum aseptischen Befüllen mit aufgenommener Verschlusskappe und noch nicht herangeführtem Behältnis.

Further embodiments will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• Fig. 1 a cross-sectional view of a filling device of a plant for aseptically filling a container with an enteral nutrition solution;
• Fig. 2 an enlarged cross-sectional view of the filling nozzle and the container with a closed membrane and not introduced filling nozzle (left figure) and pierced, here opened membrane and inserted filling nozzle (right figure);
• Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of a closing of the plant for aseptic filling with recorded cap and not yet brought up container.

The plant according to the invention for the aseptic filling of a container 105 with an enteral nutritional solution is improved for the sake of betterment Overview not shown in their entirety in the figures. The components of the system, namely the filling device 100 and the closing device 200 are shown and described individually here. The system may include other components. The filling device 100 and the closing device 200 can be arranged, for example, on a rotary machine.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a filling device 100 of a system for aseptic filling a container 105 with an enteral nutrition solution. The filling device 100 serves for the aseptic filling of the container 105 with a liquid, preferably for enteral, clinical nutrition. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 105 is a presterilized container 105 which is closed by a membrane 103. The container 105 has a connection piece 129 with a channel 130 which is closed by the membrane 103. In the FIG. 1 the connection piece 129 of the container 105 and the membrane 103 arranged in the connection piece 129 and not yet opened here are shown. The container 105 itself is in the FIG. 1 not shown.

The container 105 may be, for example, a plastic bag, a plastic bottle, a bag, a stand-up pouch, or any other container suitable for receiving a fluid for enteral clinical nutrition. The connecting piece 129 of the container 105 can be formed, for example, by a plastic body having a, preferably cylindrical, channel 130. The connector 129 may also be referred to as a port

The filling device 100 comprises a first sealing device 125. In this, a first aseptic zone 127 can be provided. The first aseptic zone 127 is characterized by an enclosed or lockable space. The aseptic filling of the container 105 takes place in this first aseptic zone 127. The filling nozzle 111 is arranged in the interior of the first aseptic zone 127 formed or provided by the first sealing device 125. The first sealing device 125 is variable in its longitudinal extent. Preferably, the first sealing device 125, in particular axially and / or vertically, compressible or collapsible. The first sealing device 125 comprises side walls 125a, which are variable in their longitudinal extent 125h. In the in FIG. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the side walls 125a of the first sealing device 125 are provided by a bellows. The bladder is an elastic, concertina-like collapsing hose, for example made of rubber or plastic, which is attached around the filling nozzle 111 in order to protect it from contamination with germs and to seal it from the environment. The first sealing device 125 may be formed for example by a rubber bellows which is mounted on its upper side on a base plate 145. In general, however, means other than first sealing means 125 suitable for preventing germs or contaminants from entering may also be used. In an alternative embodiment, not shown here in the figures, the side walls 125a of the first sealing device 125 are provided by a telescopic system of mutually displaceable tubes.

Towards the top, the first aseptic zone 127 is bounded by the base plate 145. The first sealing device 125 is here connected to the base plate 145 via an annular flange 146. The base plate 145 here has a passage. Through the implementation of the filling nozzle 111 is guided. The filling nozzle 111 is disposed inside the first aseptic zone 127 and will be explained in detail below.

Towards the bottom, the first aseptic zone 127 is bounded by a support plate 131. This can also be referred to as a bellows plate. The first sealing device 125 is connected to the here vertically displaceable support plate 131. The support plate 131 comprises an opening 133 for the passage of the filling nozzle 111. This opening 133 here represents the opening of the first aseptic zone 127. A sealing plate 135 is below the Support plate 131 is arranged. The sealing plate 135 is arranged horizontally displaceable here relative to the support plate 131.

FIG. 1 shows the filling device 100 during and / or shortly before the first movement. The container 105 is sealingly connected to the opening 135 in the support plate 131 via its connecting piece 129 and the sealing plate 135. The opening 135 is closed. The first aseptic zone 127 is not completely closed in this representation, since the sealing plate 135 is not yet applied to the support plate 131 but is still spaced from the support plate 131. In the illustrated state, a gap 137 is formed between the sealing plate 135 and the carrier plate 131. Through the gap 137, a displacement flow is passed to the outside to the outside. As a result, the first aseptic zone 127 is shielded from the environment. The displacement flow may be, for example, a nitrogen flow. In particular for cleaning, a flushing line 143, in particular a CIP / SIP flushing line, may be provided in the sealing plate 135, for example as a device for cleaning, sterilizing and / or drying. The sterilization is carried out, for example, by means of a steam pulse and / or by means of hydrogen peroxide.

The sealing plate 135 has an opening 139 for passing through the filling nozzle 111 and / or for the sealed insertion of a connecting piece 129 of the container 105. At the top of the sealing plate 135, a sealing ring 149 is provided. On the underside of the sealing plate 135, a cutting edge 147 is provided, which contacts the flange surface of the container 105 and seals by superficial material displacement. The container 105 is held on the connecting piece 129 by a movement device 104, for example a gripper. The gripper 104 is disposed below the sealing plate 135.

Laterally offset from the opening 139, through which the connecting piece 129 is guided to the filling nozzle 111, a further opening in the sealing plate 135 is introduced. Below this opening are the purge lines 143. About the purge lines 143, the first aseptic zone 127 and also later second aseptic zone 204, for example, a sterilant and / or sterile air supplied and / or removed again.

When the first sealing device 125 is closed and the container 105 is connected, the first aseptic zone 127 is essentially formed or delimited by the inner sides of the bellows 125, the lower side of the base plate 145, the inner jacket surfaces in the openings of the carrier plate 131 and the sealing plate 135 and the connecting piece 129 of the container 105 and its membrane 103. In particular, the first sealing device 125 thereby forms a first aseptic zone 127 around the connecting piece 129 of the container 105 and around the filling nozzle 111.

Furthermore, the filling device 100 comprises a sterilization device 107 for sterilizing at least the membrane 103 to kill germs on the membrane 103, and a puncture device 109 for puncturing the membrane 103 in the first aseptic environment 127 in order to subsequently fill the container 105 with the liquid , The sterilizing agent may be, for example, steam and / or hydrogen peroxide. In general, however, other sterilants which are suitable for killing germs on the membrane can also be used. At least the membrane 103 and the channel 130 in the connection part 129 above the membrane 103 are sterilized.

The filling nozzle 111 is provided with a first channel 113 and a second channel 115. The first channel 113 is formed by an inner tube 117 and the second channel 115 is formed by a here, preferably concentric, outer tube 119. In detail, the second passage 115 is provided by the annular gap formed between the inner tube 117 and the outer tube 119. The inner tube 117 and the outer tube 119 are connected to each other by means of the base plate 145 and the flange plate 146. In one embodiment, the first channel 113 is a channel for delivering the sterile nutritional fluid and the second channel 115 is a channel for delivering the sterilant. In another embodiment, the first channel 113 is a channel for feeding the Sterilizing agent and for supplying the sterile nutritional fluid. The second channel 115 is a channel for aspirating the sterilizing agent. In this case, sterilization of the membrane with the sterilizing agent is first carried out via the first channel 113 and then the container 105 is filled via the same channel 113. The second channel 115 is used to aspirate the sterilizing agent before filling. The inner tube 117 and / or the outer tube 119 are formed for example by a metal or plastic tube. In the inner tube 117, the liquid is guided during the filling of a tank to the container 105. In order to enable portioning of the liquid, the filling device 100 may have suitable valve control.

The connector 129 of the pre-sterilized container 105 is provided with the thin membrane 103. The membrane 103 may be a non-reclosable or resealable membrane. Through the annular gap, for example, a jet of steam is brought to the membrane 103 in order to kill germs on the membrane 103 and inside the connecting piece 129 of the container 105. The outer tube 119 of the filling nozzle 111 has an outer sealing cone 121 for sealing the filling nozzle 111 relative to the connecting piece 129. In addition, the outer tube 119 has a chamfered end 123 for piercing or opening the membrane 103. The filling nozzle 111 and the connecting piece 129 of the container 105 are matched with respect to their dimensions.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the filling nozzle 111 and the connected via the connector 129 container 105 before (left figure) and after (right figure) a piercing of the membrane 103 of the connector 129. The opening 139 in the sealing plate 135 is shown here schematically as a tube , The opening 139 in the sealing plate 135 is executed at its end with a cutting edge 147. The completion of the first aseptic zone 127 is provided along with the connector 129 of the container 105. The upper flange surface of the connecting piece 129 serves as a sealing plane The cutting edge 147 is flange-like on the connecting piece 129, which serves as a sealing plane.

This connection forms the lower end of the aseptic zone 127. Due to the support results in this point a hermetically sealed connection, which prevents penetration of germs.

As already stated above, the filling nozzle 111 is composed of the inner tube 117 and the outer tube 119. The inner tube 117 and the outer tube 119 are concentrically arranged in the illustrated example. The outer tube 119 serves to perforate or open the membrane 103 of the connector 129. About the inner tube, the filling of the container 105 is carried out. When using a bag as a container 105 is ensured that the bag unfolds by the filling pressure.

The movement device 104 is preferably designed as a movable gripper 104. For filling, the connecting piece 129 located in the movement device 104 is moved upward until the cutting edge 147 of the sealing plate 135 contacts the flange surface. In the further upward movement closes the sealing gap 137, which protects the inner first aseptic zone 127 in the open state by a displacement flow to the outside. The first aseptic zone 127 is closed. The upward movement to bring the cutting edge 147 to the connecting piece 129 of the container 105 and closing the sealing gap 137 takes place in the context of the first movement, with which the first aseptic zone 127 is closed. When the first aseptic zone 127 is closed, the inside of the connecting piece 129 and the membrane 103 are steamed for a short time, preferably with water vapor. The steaming is provided, for example, for a time interval of 0.1 second to 5 seconds. The water vapor is supplied in the illustrated example via the annular gap 115 between the preferably concentric inner tube 117 and the outer tube 119. The beveled end 123 of the outer tube 119 is above the not pierced and thus still closed membrane 103th

In a second movement following the first movement, the container 105 is brought to the filling nozzle 111 so far that the filling nozzle 111 at least partially protrudes into the channel of the connecting piece 129 of the container 105. In this case, the filling nozzle 111 is inserted into the connecting piece 129 so far that the membrane 103 is opened by the filling nozzle 111. The membrane 103 is perforated by the tip 123 of the outer filling nozzle 119 and pushed to the side. For this purpose, the movement device 104 with the container 105 is moved so far upwards, so that the support plate 131 is also pushed over the sealing plate 135 upwards. The bellows as the first sealing device 125 is thereby reduced in its longitudinal extent. The side wall 125a, which limits the bellows 125, is variable in height. About a compression of the bellows 125, the container 105 is brought to the filling nozzle 111. The membrane 103 of the connecting piece 129 is perforated by the chamfered end 123 of the outer tube 119 of the filling nozzle 111 fixed here. The filling nozzle 111 with the inner tube 117 is moved so far into the container 105, that the sealing cone 121 of the outer filling nozzle 119 terminates the connecting piece 129 at the upper edge. After placing the encircling sealing cone 121 on the upper edge of the connecting piece 129, the filling of the container 105 takes place with the sterile liquid. The filling takes place here via the inner tube 117. After completion of the filling operation, the moving means 104 is moved together with the sealing plate 135 and the support plate 131 in a third movement down until the sealing gap 137 opens again. Under the shielding of the displacement flow, for example with nitrogen, the movement device 104 and the sealing plate 135, preferably horizontally, are displaced in the direction of the laterally arranged closing device 200 (see the description below FIG. 3 ). In addition, the filling nozzle 111 is cleaned, sterilized and / or dried after the filling process, preferably with the device 143. The further method steps, in particular the closing of the container 105 by the closing device 200, will be described below FIG. 3 explained.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a closing device 200. This is used to seal the container 105 in a second aseptic zone 204 with a cap 141. Preferably, the closing device 200 together with the filling device 100 part of a system according to the invention for the aseptic filling of a container 105 with a sterile enteral nutrition solution. FIG. 3 shows the closing device 200 with inserted, but not yet mounted on the connector 129 of the container 105 cap 141. The container 105 is not yet positioned below the closing device 200 here. The gripper 104 with received container 105 is in the FIG. 3 simplified with a box shown (see bottom right).

The closing device 200 is fastened on a base plate 145. In one embodiment, the closing device 200 and the filling device 100 are assigned the same base plate 145 and / or the same carrier plate 131. The closing device 200 comprises a second sealing device 203 for forming a second aseptic zone 204, in particular at least around the connecting piece 129 of the container 105.

The second sealing device 203 here comprises a protective bell 203 or is designed as a protective bell 203. The protective bell 203 is open to the bottom. It forms at least the side walls of the second sealing device 203. The protective bell 203 shown here is designed as a type of tube which extends through the base plate 145. The walls of the protective bell 203 are not changeable in their length. The protective bell 203 is connected to the base plate 145 via a closing unit 210 arranged above the base plate 145. The protective bell 203 is movably arranged within the closing device 200.

Within the protective bell 203, a cap gripper 207 is arranged. The cap gripper 207 serves to grip the closure cap 141. It is connected via a, preferably vertically, displaceable boundary with a pneumatic device 213 for pressing on the closure cap 141. The slidable boundary 213 is designed as a bellows 213 in the illustrated example. In the interior of the bellows 213 and in the adjoining channel, for example, the compressed air can be performed. Preferably, the pneumatic device 213 for placing, preferably for pressing, the cap a pneumatic cylinder 213. The positioning or movement of the protective bell 203 and the pneumatic cylinder 213 takes place, for example, with an electromechanical cylinder not shown here in the figures. The movement of the bellows 213 for pressing on the closure cap 141 is indicated by the arrow shown at the top right. The movement for placing the protective bell 203 on the support plate 131 is indicated by the arrow shown at the top left.

FIG. 3 shows the closing device 200 and thus also the second sealing device 203 in the open state. In the closed state of the second sealing device 203, the underside of the protective bell 203 sealingly on the top of the support plate 131. For this purpose, a sealing ring 205 is disposed on the underside of the protective bell 203. In the illustrated example, the protective bell 203 is indirectly on the top of the support plate 131. It lies on a connecting member 215 sealingly on the support plate 131.

In the connecting member 215 at least one channel is arranged. Shown here are two channels 209 and 211. Via the channel 211 shown on the left, for example, sterile air for drying and / or be removed. For example, steam can be added and / or removed for sterilization via the channel 209 shown on the right. As an alternative or in addition, they can also be supplied and / or removed via the device 143 for cleaning, sterilizing and / or drying.

Below the support plate 131, the sealing plate 135 is arranged. Between the two plates 131 and 135, a gap 137 for a displacement flow is formed in an opened state of the second aseptic zone 204. For further details on the support plate 131 and the seal plate 135, reference is made to the above statements FIG. 1 directed.

Below the opening 140 in the support plate 131 CIP / SIP purge lines 143 are arranged, via which the first and / or the second aseptic zone 127, 204 a sterilizing agent can be supplied and / or removed again. Laterally offset, here right, of the CIP / SIP flushing lines 143 is the gripper 104 for the connector 129 of the container 105. They are positioned below the opening 139 in the sealing plate 135, on the horizontal movement to the left, the connector 129 of the closing 200 is supplied.

The FIG. 3 shows the second sealing device 203 in an open position. It can be opened, for example, by the protective bell 203 is moved upward and / or by the support plate 131 is moved upward. To provide or close the second aseptic zone 204, the protective bell 203 is moved downwards until its underside rests sealingly on the carrier plate 131. When the second sealing device 203 is closed and the container 105 is connected, the second aseptic zone 204 is essentially formed or bounded by the inner sides of the protective bell 203, the outer side of the bellows 213, the inner side of the connecting component 215, the inner jacket surfaces in the openings 140 and 139 of the carrier plate 131 and the sealing plate 135 and the connecting piece 129 of the container 105. In particular, the second sealing device 203 thereby forms an aseptic zone 204 around the connecting piece 129 of the container 105. The further steps, in particular the closing of the container 105 by the closing device 200, are explained below. The second sealing device 203 of the closing device 200 is opened for insertion of the closure 141. It is in the present example according to FIG. 3 opened by the protective bell 203 is moved upward. This happens in particular while the container 105 is inserted into the gripper 104 below the filling device 100 in the context of the first movement.

It is a, preferably pre-sterilized, closure 141 taken from a conveyor system, not shown here with a pivoting gripper and positioned in alignment under the cap gripper 207. The cap gripper 207 is from above moved to the shutter 141 to take over this after opening a separate pivoting gripper. As a result, the closure 141 is introduced into the opened, second aseptic zone 204. Thereafter, the protective bell 203 is moved down and closes the second aseptic zone 204. In order to achieve a hermetic seal, the second sealing means 203 at the lower end of the sealing ring 205, which when closing the second aseptic zone 204 with the support plate 131, here indirectly, is brought to the plant. The positioning of the second sealing device 203 and the pneumatic cylinder 213 for pressing on the closure 141 takes place, for example, via an electromechanical cylinder.

In particular, while the container is being filled in the filling device 100, in the closing device 200 below the carrier plate 131, preferably aligned with the opening in the carrier plate 131, a flushing line 143, for example a CIP / SIP flushing line, is made to coincide. Thus, the closure 141 can be substantially parallel to the filling of the container 105 until shortly before pressing, preferably by steam, sterilized and dried by, preferably sterile air. For this purpose, the right channel 209 may be provided for introducing steam into the second aseptic zone 204 and the left channel 211 for introducing sterile air into the second aseptic zone 204.

In particular, during the displacement of, preferably at the same time, filled container 105 in the position aligned with the closing device 200, the protective bell 203 remains closed. The positive pressure flow in the sealing gap 137 protects the second aseptic zone 203 from contamination. For this purpose, for example, the purge line 143 can be used in the sealing plate 135.

After completion of the filling process in the filling device 100 of the gripper 104 is moved together with the sealing plate 135 and the support plate 131 down until the sealing gap 137 opens again. This happens in a third and fourth movement. Under the shielding of the displacement flow, in particular with nitrogen, the gripper 104 and the sealing plate 135, preferably horizontally, are displaced in the direction of the closing device 200 arranged laterally there. The opening 139 of the sealing plate 135 is moved under the closure device 200 in the protection of a displacement flow. The container 105 which has just been filled is brought to the closing device 200 in alignment under a protective atmosphere in this way. This happens as part of a fifth movement.

Now, the gripper 104 is brought up again, so that the support plate 131 and the sealing plate 135 close the gap 137 via the sealing ring 149 and the second aseptic zone 204 is closed within the closing device 200. This happens as part of a sixth movement. After the gap 137 is closed, the closure 141 is pressed inside the closed, second aseptic zone 204, for example by a pneumatic pressing on the closure cap 141. In the context of a seventh movement, the container closed with the closure cap 141 is moved by the second sealing device 203 a downward movement of the gripper 104, so that the second aseptic zone 204 is opened. The filled and now closed container 105 can be fed away from the closing device 200 to subsequent processing, for example the labeling and / or further packaging. The process in the closure device 200 can now start from the beginning, in particular with the introduction of the closure 141 from the supply and delivery system with the separate pivoting gripper.

In particular, substantially parallel to the closing of the container 105 within the closed second aseptic zone 204 in the closing device 200, at least one cleaning and / or sterilization, in particular impulse cleaning and / or sterilization, of the filling nozzle 111 in the filling device 100 is performed. This is not shown in the figures. For this purpose, the opening 133 in the support plate 131 with the opening for the purge line 143 (CIP / SIP purge line) in the sealing plate 135 to Cover. In this way, shortly after filling the container 105, the filling nozzle 111 rinsed, steamed and dried. As a result, a cleaned filling nozzle 111 is always the starting point for each subsequent filling process of a container 105. The process in the filling device 100 can now start from the beginning, in particular with the introduction of another container 105 to be filled to the first sealing device 125.

Due to the quasi-continuous flushing and damping of the filling nozzle 111, which is interrupted only by the filling periodically, a substrate formation is avoided and counteracted nucleation. In addition, time-consuming intermediate cleaning cycles can be omitted. Due to the very small internal volumes of the filling nozzle 111, a relatively high rinsing rate can be achieved in a short time in order to be able to exclude adhesion of product residues. The uninterrupted processing of a production batch with high plant productivity is thereby made possible. Only during a format and / or batch change is the bottling plant subjected to intensive cleaning and steam sterilization of all product-carrying parts as well as of the minimized clean room.

As a result, a short-term cleaning and sanitization of the filling nozzle 111 is achieved after each filling process. Seed growth on the inner surfaces of the filling nozzle 111 can be substantially eliminated. The formation of deposits is essentially prevented. Due to the condensing water vapor, a thermal impulse is applied for sanitization. With the system according to the invention, a small volume and a small surface of the aseptic zones 127 and 204 are achieved, which amount to only a fraction of the volume or the surface in conventional filling plants. This allows the aseptic zone to be sterilized easily and quickly. The volume of the first aseptic zone 127 and / or the second aseptic zone 204 is only a few cubic centimeters. It preferably has a volume of less than 250 cm ³ .

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments are to be understood as exemplary. All the individual features explained in the description and shown in the figures can be combined with one another in different ways in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects. The invention is not limited to the embodiments explained in connection with the drawings, but given by the scope of the claims.

REFERENCE LIST

• 100 filling device
• 103 membrane
• 104 Movement device or gripper
• 105 container
• 107 Sterilization device
• 109 puncture device
• 111 filling nozzle
• 113 First channel
• 115 Second channel or annular gap
• 117 inner tube
• 119 outer tube or outer filling nozzle
• 121 sealing cone
• 123 Beveled end or tip of the filling nozzle
• 125 First sealing device
• 125a side walls of the first sealing device
• 125h longitudinal extension of the first sealing device
• 127 First aseptic zone
• 129 Connector or port
• 130 channel in the connection piece
• 131 support plate
• 133 Opening in the carrier plate (in the filling device or the first aseptic zone)
• 135 sealing plate
• 137 gap
• 139 Opening in the sealing plate
• 140 Opening in the carrier plate (in the closing device or the second aseptic zone)
• 141 closure or cap
• 143 Purge line or device for cleaning, drying and / or rinsing
• 145 base plate
• 146 Ring flange or flange plate
• 147 cutting edge
• 149 sealing ring
• 200 closing device
• 203 Second sealing device
• 204 Second aseptic zone
• 205 sealing ring
• 207 Cap gripper or locking gripper
• 209 channel
• 210 sealing unit
• 211 channel
• 213 Pneumatic device or pneumatic cylinder
• 214 Electromechanical cylinder
• 215 connection component

Claims (17)

1. Method for aseptic filling of a receptacle (105) with a, preferably enteral, nutritional solution, said method including the following steps:

   provide a filling device (100) with a first sealing device (125) in which at least one filling nozzle (111) is arranged, preferably in a fixed manner, and in which a first aseptic zone (127) is provided and wherein the first sealing device (125) is situated in a position which comprises an opening;

   grip a receptacle (105), which includes at least one connecting piece (129) with a channel (130) for filling the receptacle (105), by way of a gripper (104);

   introduce the receptacle (105) to the first sealing device (125) in a first movement in such a manner that the receptacle (105), in particular the connecting piece (129) of the receptacle (105), abuts sealingly against the opening of the first sealing device (125) and the first aseptic zone (127), in which at least the connecting piece (129) of the receptacle (105) is arranged at least in portions, is closed;

   supply a sterilant, preferably by means of the filling nozzle (111), into the first aseptic zone (127) such that at least the channel (130) of the connecting piece (129) of the receptacle (105) is sterilized at least in portions;

   introduce the receptacle (105) to the filling nozzle (111) inside the first aseptic zone (127) in a second movement which connects to the first movement in such a manner that the first sealing device (125) is reduced in its longitudinal extension (125h) and the filling nozzle (111) is able to fill the receptacle (105) by means of the channel (130) of the connecting piece (129);

   fill the receptacle (105) through the channel (130) in the connecting piece (129) with the nutritional solution in the first aseptic zone (127) by means of the filling nozzle (111); and fit a closure (141) onto the channel (130) of the connecting piece (129) in an aseptic environment (204) such that the filled receptacle (105) is closed in an aseptic manner.
2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the receptacle (105) is introduced to the filling nozzle (111) in the second movement in such a manner that the filling nozzle (111) projects at least in portions into the channel (130) of the connecting piece (129) of the receptacle (105) and/or
   in that the filling nozzle (111) is moved so far into the connecting piece (129) of the receptacle (105) that an outside surface of the filling nozzle (111), preferably a sealing cone (121) of the filling nozzle (111), abuts against the connecting piece (129) and closes the channel (130) in the connecting piece (129), preferably in a sealing manner.
3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first aseptic zone (127) is reduced in its longitudinal extension by the second movement in which the receptacle (105) is introduced to the filling nozzle (111) and/or
   in that the receptacle (105) to be filled is provided with a closed, sterile interior and with a connecting piece (129) which is sealed by way of a diaphragm (103) which is puncturable, in particular by means of the filling nozzle (111).
4. The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closed diaphragm (103) and at least the channel (130) of the connecting piece (129) which is located above the closed diaphragm (103) is sterilized by the sterilant and the sterilized diaphragm (103) is opened prior to the filling of the receptacle (105) and/or
   in that the receptacle (105) is introduced to the filling nozzle (111) in such manner in the second movement that the sterilized diaphragm (103) is opened, preferably punctured or broken open, by the filling nozzle (111).
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure (141) is fitted onto the channel (130) of the connecting piece (129) in a closing device (200), wherein the closing device (200) is provided with a second sealing device (203) in which a closure gripper (207) is arranged and in which a second aseptic zone (204) can be provided and/or
   in that the second sealing device (203) is opened for receiving the closure (141) and the, preferably sterile, closure (141), which is fitted onto the connecting piece (129), is removed from a conveying system by way of a, preferably separate, gripping element and transferred to the closure gripper (207) which is positioned in the open second sealing device (203) and/or
   in that the second sealing device (203) is closed and the closure (141), in particular already whilst the receptacle (105) is being filled in the filling device (100), is cleaned, sterilized and/or dried in the closed second sealing device (203).
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that once the filling operation has been concluded, the filled receptacle (105) is moved away from the filling nozzle (111) in a third movement and in a fourth movement the filled receptacle (105) is removed from the first sealing device (125) and/or
   in that the filled receptacle (105) is moved from the filling device (100) to the closing device (200) in a fifth movement such that at least the region of the connecting piece (129), in which the channel (130) for filling, in particular the open diaphragm (103), is situated, is situated in a protective atmosphere and/or
   in that the receptacle (105) is introduced to the second sealing device (203) of the closure device (200) and is applied against it in a sealing manner in a sixth movement in such a manner that a closed, second aseptic zone (204) in which the closure (141) is fitted onto the connecting piece (129) of the filled receptacle (103) is provided about the closure (141) and at least about the region of the connecting piece (129) in which the channel (130) for filling, in particular the open diaphragm (103), is situated.
7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (105), which is closed by way of the closure (141), is removed from the second aseptic sealing device (203) in a seventh movement such that the second aseptic zone (204) is open and/or
   in that the receptacle (105), preferably the connecting piece (129) of the receptacle (105), is held in a sealing manner against an opening (139) in a sealing plate (135), in particular by means of the gripper (104), and the sealing plate (135) is placed in a sealing manner against the first sealing device (125) for closing the first aseptic zone (127) and/or
   in that once the filling operation is concluded, the sealing plate (135), together with the receptacle (105) which is held in a sealing manner against the opening (139) in the sealing plate (135), is displaced away from the first sealing device (125), in particular by means of the gripper (104), and toward the second sealing device (203) and is placed in a sealing manner against the second sealing device (203) for providing the closed, second aseptic zone (204).
8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing device (125) of the filling device (100) abuts against a carrier plate (131), in particular is connected to the carrier plate (131) and/or
   in that the second sealing device (203) of the closing device (200) is placed in a sealing manner against the carrier plate and/or
   in that the sealing plate (135), together with the receptacle (105), which is held in a sealing manner against the opening (139) of the sealing plate (135), is displaced from the filling device (100) to the closing device (200) and/or vice versa, in particular by means of the gripper (104), thereby forming a gap (137) between the sealing plate (135) and the carrier plate (131), wherein a protective atmosphere is provided at least in the gap (137), for example as a result of a displacement flow to the outside.
9. Installation for, preferably aseptic, filling of a receptacle (105) which comprises at least one connecting piece (129) with a channel (130) for filling the receptacle (105) with a, preferably enteral, nutritional solution, said installation including:

   a filling device (100) with a first sealing device (125) which comprises a closable opening, is adjustable in the longitudinal extension (125h), in which at least one filling nozzle (111) is arranged, preferably in a fixed manner, and in which a closed first aseptic zone (127) can be provided by means of closing the opening,

   a device (111) for supplying a sterilant into the first aseptic zone (127) such that at least the channel (130) of the connecting piece (129) of the receptacle (105) is sterilizable at least in portions;

   a gripper (104) for holding and for introducing the receptacle (105) to the first sealing device (125) in a first movement in such a manner that the receptacle (105), in particular the connecting piece (129) of the receptacle (105), can be placed in a sealing manner against the opening of the first sealing device (125) and the first aseptic zone (127), in which at least the connecting piece (129) of the receptacle (105) is arranged at least in portions, can be closed,

   wherein the gripper (104) is realized for introducing the receptacle (105) to the filling nozzle (111) inside the first aseptic zone (127) in a second movement which connects to the first movement in such a manner that the first sealing device (125) is reduced in its longitudinal extent (125h) and the filling nozzle (111) can fill the receptacle (105) by means of the channel (130) of the connecting piece (129) in the first aseptic zone (127) and

   a closing device (200) for fitting a closure (141) onto the connecting piece (129) of the receptacle (105).
10. Installation according to preceding Claim 9, characterized in that the gripper (104) is realized to introduce the receptacle (105) to the filling nozzle (111) in such a manner in the second movement that the filling nozzle (111) is able to project into the channel (130) of the connecting part (129) (105) at least in portions.
11. Installation according to either of preceding Claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the first sealing device (125) is realized so as to be compressed when the receptacle (105) is introduced to the filling nozzle (111) and/or
    in that the first sealing device (125) includes a side wall (125a) which is formed at least in portions by a bellows (125), which extends in particular around the filling nozzle (111), and/or by a telescopic system, which extends in particular around the filling nozzle (111), produced from pipes which can be displaced in relation to one another.
12. Installation according to one of preceding Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the device (111) for supplying the sterilant is provided by the filling nozzle (111) and/or the filling nozzle (111) is realized as a mandrel for opening, preferably puncturing, a diaphragm (103) which is provided in the connecting piece (129) of the receptacle (105).
13. Installation according to one of preceding Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the filling nozzle (111) includes a first channel (113) for supplying a nutritional solution and a second channel (115) for supplying a sterilant or
    in that the filling nozzle (111) includes a first channel (113) for supplying a sterilant and/or a nutritional solution and a second channel (115) for sucking out a sterilant and/or a nutritional solution, in particular wherein the first channel (113) of the filling nozzle (111) is formed by an inside pipe and the second channel (115) of the filling nozzle (111) by a, preferably concentric, outside pipe and/or
    the filling nozzle (111), preferably the outside pipe of the filling nozzle (111), includes an outside sealing cone (121) for sealing the filling nozzle (111) in relation to the receptacle (105), preferably in relation to the connecting piece (129) of the receptacle (105).
14. Installation according to one of preceding Claims 9 to 13, characterized in that, for fitting the closure (141) onto the connecting piece (129) of the receptacle (105), the closing device (200) includes a second sealing device (203) which includes a closable opening and in which a second aseptic zone (204) can be provided, and/or
    in that the filled receptacle (105) is movable from the filling device (100) to the closing device (200), preferably by means of the gripper, and/or
    in that a closure gripper (207) is movably arranged in the second sealing device (203), by way of which closure gripper the closure (141) is able to be fitted onto the connecting piece (129) of the filled receptacle (105) by means of a, preferably pneumatic, device (213).
15. Installation according to one of preceding Claims 9 to 14, characterized by a sealing plate (135), wherein the receptacle (105), preferably the connecting piece (129) of the receptacle (105), can be held in a sealing manner against an opening (139) in the sealing plate (135), in particular by means of the gripper (104), and the sealing plate (135) can be placed against the first sealing device (125) for closing the first aseptic zone (127) and/or
    in that the first sealing device (125) of the filling device (100) abuts against a carrier plate (131), in particular is connected to the carrier plate (131), and the sealing plate (135) can be placed in a sealing manner against the carrier plate (131), in particular by means of the gripper (104), for closing the first aseptic zone (127).
16. Installation according to one of the preceding Claims 9 to 15, characterized in that the second sealing device (203) of the closing device (200) can be placed against a carrier plate (131) for providing the second aseptic zone (204) and the sealing plate (135) can be placed in a sealing manner against the carrier plate (131) for closing the second aseptic zone (204), in particular by means of the gripper (104) and/or
    in that the sealing plate (135), in particular together with the receptacle (105) which is held in a sealing manner against the opening (139) of the sealing plate (135), can be displaced away from the first sealing device (125), in particular by means of the gripper (104), and toward the second sealing device (203) and can be placed in a sealing manner against the second sealing device (203) for providing the closed second aseptic zone (204).
17. Installation according to one of preceding Claims 9 to 16, characterized in that the sealing plate (135) is movable thereby forming a gap (137) between the sealing plate (135) and the carrier plate (131), wherein a displacement flow is providable in the gap (137) which is formed between the sealing plate (131) and the carrier plate (135) and/or
    characterized by a movably arranged device (143) for cleaning, sterilizing and/or drying which is placeable against the first sealing device (125) and/or against the second sealing device (203), in particular wherein the device (143) for cleaning, sterilizing and/or drying is arranged on the sealing plate (135).

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