WO2015132224A1

WO2015132224A1 - Spout for a container for aseptically accommodating a flowable product, and container and method for aseptic filling

Info

Publication number: WO2015132224A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/054351
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henno Hensen; Adam Green
Original assignee: Flex&Fill Solutions Limited
Priority date: 2014-03-07
Filing date: 2015-03-03
Publication date: 2015-09-11
Also published as: WO2015132224A9; DE102014003871B3

Abstract

The invention relates to a spout (1) for a container (2) comprising a first, container-sided spout part (3), which has a channel (3.1), and comprising a second spout part (5), which has a through channel (5.1) which is rotatably connected to the first spout part (3). The channels (3.1, 5.1) together form a product filling and dispensing channel (1.1). The second spout part, according to the invention, can be moved in relation to the first spout part between a closed position, in which the channel (1.1) is closed at a sealing point (1.2), and an open position of the channel (1.1), in particular over a threaded coupling. The invention further relates to a corresponding container (2) and to a corresponding method for aseptically filling a container (2).

Description

Spout for a container for aseptically receiving a flowable product and containers and method for aseptic filling

The present invention relates to a spout for a container for aseptically receiving a flowable product, in particular for a bag package, having a first spout part having a channel extending from a first end to a second end and being connectable to a container body, and having a spout second spout portion having a channel extending from a first end to a second end and rotatably connected to the first spout portion, the channel of the first spout portion and the channel of the second spout portion together forming a product fill channel extending from the first end of the spout Channel of the first Ausgießerteils to the second end of the channel of the second spout part extends.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a container for aseptically receiving a flowable product with a container body and with a with the

Container body connected spout.

Finally, the invention relates to a method for aseptically filling a container in which a previously sterilized container is provided, the spout of the container is sterilized, the filling head is sterilized and the container is filled with the product.

With a container having a spout is in particular a

Bag packaging, for example, a stand-up pouch meant. Such

Pouch packaging is made of a single or multi-layer material that is flexible and made of plastic and / or metal foil. Cans, cartons or bottles, in particular of plastic and / or metal and / or coated cardboard are containers in the context of the invention. Container said For example, to receive food, especially for the intake of

Beverages, but also of other free-flowing (for example, liquid or pasty)

Products. Especially in the food industry or in the medical field, it is particularly important to germ-free. Therefore, attention must be paid to an aseptic (sterile) environment during manufacture and especially when filling the container. In particular, all elements that come into contact with the container during the filling process and the container itself must be sterile.

In order to achieve an aseptic uptake of a flowable product, it is known, for example, from DE 10 2010 049 263 A1 to retract a stand-up pouch provided with a spout into a filling chamber, wherein spouts and pouches have previously been sterilized. The sterilization from the inside is usually carried out by applying a gas and / or vapor sterilant. Further sterilization of the entire container takes place by irradiation with gamma, beta, electron and / or microwave radiation. The sterilization takes place with the spout closed, in which case the spout is firmly sealed at its upper opening. In the filling chamber, the sealed area of the spout is cut off, thereby releasing the product filling channel.

Subsequently, the bag is filled with the product by means of a

Filling head, which is arranged above the spout and from which the product is passed through the spout into the bag. After completion of the filling process, the bag is hermetically sealed by placing a closure on the spout. In addition, while the bag is in the filling chamber, to maximize sterility, the bag and spout are irradiated from above by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Also in the prior art described in DE 3 301 315 C2, a sterilization of a container to be filled, including the one with a

Cap provided spout by irradiation by means of UV radiation from above. The sterility of the filling device should be ensured by spraying the filling head with disinfecting liquid.

From US 5,129,212 is also known for aseptic filling a container, container, spout and cap with UV radiation to irradiate laterally. For this purpose, the spout and cap provided container through an elongated tunnel in which the filling chamber is guided, the tunnel walls are provided with longitudinally extending UV tubes, which provide for lateral irradiation. The tunnel is also filled with sterile gas.

DE 3 108 173 C2 describes a container with a two-part spout, wherein the first spout part is firmly connected to the rest of the container and the second spout part after filling with the first spout part

is plugged together. The second spout part can also have a tubular mouthpiece. In this prior art, the sterilization is carried out by spraying all components of the filling device with a disinfecting liquid.

From DE 2 919 388 AI it is also known to pressurize the filling chamber by means of a sterile pressurized gas, wherein to ensure aseptic recording of a flowable product and the spout and the bag interior are brought into contact with the sterile gas.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a spout for a container and a corresponding container and a corresponding method for aseptic filling of a container, whereby the sterility in the

Filling process is optimized.

According to a first teaching of the present invention, the previously derived and indicated object is achieved in a spout for a container for aseptically receiving a flowable, for example liquid or pasty, product, in particular for a bag packaging, for example for a stand-up pouch. with a first spout portion having a channel extending from a first end to a second end and having a container body

is connectable, and with a second spout part having a channel extending from a first end to a second end and is rotatably connected to the first spout part, wherein the channel of the first spout part and the channel of the second spout part together form a product filling channel extends from the first end of the channel of the first spout part to the second end of the channel of the second spout part, achieved in that the second

Spout part relative to the first spout part between a closed position, in which the product filling channel is closed at a first sealing point, and a

Open position in which the product filling channel is open, is movable, and that the first spout part and the second spout part touch both in the closed position and in the open position. The rotatability of the first spout part relative to the second spout part is achieved in particular in that the spout parts are connected to one another via a threaded connection and in particular the first spout part

External thread and the second spout part has a corresponding counterpart to the thread. Will then the second spout part over the first

When the spout part is rotated, the second spout part also shifts in the axial direction relative to the spout part. This axial displacement can be used to close or release a through-hole connecting the interior of the first spout part with the interior of the second spout part. For the purposes of the invention is "radial" or "axial" always on the course or

Longitudinal axis of the product filling channel.

The spout invention allows a previously inside and

optionally externally sterilized container, which is provided with the spout and the spout is in the closed position, with a germ-free interior of a filling chamber supply. In the filling chamber then no closure or a separate closure would have to be gripped and stored, whereby at least the closure could be contaminated, when separating a sealed part of a spout would be removed from the spout, which would require an additional elaborate process step and an additional risk of contamination

Cutting tool contamination of the spout and, where appropriate

Inside the bag). Rather, according to the invention requires only before

Befüllvorgang the interior of the second (upper) Ausgießerteils be sterilized and then the also sterile filling head can be inserted into this spout part. The filling head can be set in rotation and transferred by a frictional or positive locking rotation to the second spout part, so that it is rotated relative to the first (lower) spout part, which is firmly fixed together with the rest of the container in the filling device in the open position , The filling head seals the second spout part throughout

Filling process to the outside, so that the sterility remains guaranteed. After filling, by opposite rotation of the filling head, the upper

Spout part are brought back into the closed position relative to the lower spout part, which still happens under germ-free conditions. Only then is the filling head moved back out of the spout or the second spout part. In this way the container is under aseptic optimal

Conditions have been filled with the respective product.

The preceding steps can be carried out optimally with the spout according to the invention. Further steps are not absolutely necessary, but may be useful, such as removal of product residues from the interior of the second spout part and / or placement of a sterile closure, in particular a peelable film, on the outer end of the second

Ausgießerteils. As will be explained in more detail below, the sterilization of the second spout part before filling and the sterilization of the filling head takes place in particular by irradiation with UV radiation, in particular with pulsating UV radiation (UV pulsed light). Various embodiments of the spout according to the invention will now be described below, which are particularly suitable for the application of aseptic filling of a container.

According to one embodiment of the spout according to the invention, the first sealing point is located (relative to the course direction or axial direction of the spout)

Product fill channel) between the first end of the channel of the first spout part and the second end of the channel of the second spout part. With the first end is always the end facing the container and meant with the second end facing away from the container end of the respective channel (for a

as intended associated with the container spout). The product filling channel therefore extends from the first sealing point in both directions, that is, through the first spout part and through the second spout part. That way is

ensures that during the filling process, the filling head of a filling device can be introduced into the spout, without that already the container or

Pourer must be open. The filling head can therefore according to the invention before the opening of the container and before introducing the liquid seal the spout to the outside, so that no germs can get into the area between Füllkopfunterseite and bags.

According to a further embodiment of the spout according to the invention, it is provided that in the region of the first sealing point the channel of one of the spout parts, in particular of the first spout part, on the inside has a circumferential projection with a first sealing surface which encloses a through hole, and the channel of the other of the spout parts, in particular of the second spout part, a closure element with a second sealing surface facing the first

Has sealing surface, wherein in the open position, the first sealing surface is spaced from the second sealing surface and in the closed position sealingly abuts the first sealing surface on the second sealing surface and closes the passage opening. On In this way, a seal between the first (lower) spout part and the second (upper) spout part in the closed position is made possible by simple means. According to a further embodiment, it is provided that at least in the

Open position at a second sealing point, a third sealing surface of a sealing element of the Ausgießerteile sealingly abuts a fourth sealing surface on the outer wall of the channel of the other Ausgießerteile, wherein the sealing element on the inside at the second end of the channel of the first Ausgießerteils in particular a circumferential bead (collar) is formed on which the third sealing surface is formed. In this way, even in the open position, when the filling head is inserted into the second spout part, a seal between the first and second spout part is ensured to the outside.

The aforementioned closure element, which the tightness at the first

Ensures sealing point by investing in the circumferential projection, in particular has a plate, wherein the plate on its first sealing surface (the circumferential projection) facing side as a sealing element preferably has a circumferential bead (collar) on which the second sealing surface is formed. The bead is then in the closed position on the circumferential projection. The plate is arched in particular to the second end of the channel of the second spout part, so that the filled product can flow off particularly easily from the plate-shaped closure element in the direction of the first spout part or container.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the second spout part has a section with one or more openings which form the interior of the channel of the second spout

Spout part with the interior of a portion of the first spout part connect. In this case, the portion of the first Ausgießerteils (based on the axial direction) between the inside circumferential projection of the first Ausgießerteils and the second end of the channel of the first and / or second Ausgießerteils. The one or more openings are in the open position and in the closed position, in particular radially within the portion of the first spout part. It is preferred when the one or more openings in the open position and / or closed position (with respect to the axial direction) lie between the first sealing point and the second sealing point. In particular, the one or more openings directly adjoin the closure element. Through these openings, the product during the filling process from the filling head can easily flow into the container when the first spout part relative to the second spout part in the

Open position is.

According to yet another embodiment of the spout according to the invention, it is provided that an undercut of the second spout part comes into contact with a stop of the first spout part in the open position and limits a rotational movement between the first spout part and the second spout part in the direction of the open position. In this way it is achieved that the second spout part can not be turned off relative to the first spout part or withdrawn in the axial direction.

The object is further achieved according to a second teaching of the present invention in a container for aseptically receiving a flowable, e.g. liquid or pasty product with a container body, for example a bag-shaped container body, and with a connected to the container body, for example, glued or welded, spout, achieved in that the spout is formed as described above.

As already indicated, it can be provided according to an embodiment that the spout, in particular the second spout part (after filling) is closed with a closure. Preferably, the closure is a peelable film. In principle, however, it is also conceivable to use a cap, for example a screw cap, as a closure. In principle, it would also be possible to dispense with a separate closure, since even the first sealing point may be suitable for effecting a seal between the product and the environment. The object is further achieved according to a third teaching of the present invention by a process for the aseptic filling of a container, in which, preferably in succession in the order given, the following steps are carried out:

Providing a previously sterilized container as described above, wherein the first spout part is arranged in the closed position relative to the second spout part,

Sterilizing the second spout part,

- sterilizing a filling head,

Lowering the filling head from a starting position and inserting part of the filling head into the channel of the second pouring part,

- Contacting at least a part of the filling head with the second

Spout part and generating a frictional or positive connection between the filling head and the second spout part in the circumferential direction,

Rotation of the filling head in a first rotational direction and thereby rotation of the second spout part relative to the first spout part into the open position,

Filling the container with the product,

- Rotation of the filling head in a first rotational direction opposite to the second rotational direction and thereby rotating the second Ausgießerteils relative to the first Ausgießerteil in the closed position and

- Moving back the filling head to the starting position.

As has already been explained above, the mentioned method steps can be carried out particularly easily with the spout according to the invention and an optimal sterility is ensured during the filling process.

The step of providing the previously sterilized container may include, inter alia, one or more of the following steps:

Providing a spout as described above,

- Connecting the spout to a container body, for example by

Gluing or welding, - Sterilizing the spout and the container body before and / or after bonding with each other and

- Retraction of the container composed of spout and container body in a pressurized chamber with pressure and / or in particular with

Overpressure charged filling chamber.

The sterilization of pourer and container body can by irradiation with gamma, beta, electron and / or microwave radiation and / or by

Apply with gas and / or vapor sterilant.

In the step of sterilizing the second spout part, in particular, the channel in the second spout part is sterilized, but additionally the outside of the second spout part can be sterilized. The sterilization is carried out in particular by irradiation with UV radiation, in particular pulsating UV radiation. Sterilization preferably takes place in such a way that the UV radiation reaches the interior of the second spout part.

Also, the sterilization of the filling head - meaning the filling head a

Filling device - takes place in particular by irradiating the filling head with UV radiation, in particular pulsating UV radiation. Preferably, the filling head is irradiated laterally, that is radially, with the UV rays. The irradiation takes place in particular such that the outside of at least the part of the filling head which is lowered into the spout is detected by the UV radiation from all sides. In this case, a UV ring light is preferably provided, which is spaced from the

Filling head is arranged around this and through which the filling head is guided both during lowering into the spout and when moving back into the starting position. Instead of a UV ring light and several UV lights, preferably at least three UV lights can be arranged around the filling head, while it moves relative to the spout. According to yet another alternative, it is conceivable for the filling head to be irradiated laterally by at least one UV lamp and to rotate about its longitudinal axis, in particular by at least one 360 degrees to be detected from all sides by the UV radiation. The UV lights are in particular stationary and only the filling head is movable.

The step of lowering a portion of the filling head may occur during or after sterilizing the filling head. Preferably, the filling head is moved from its initial position in the direction of the spout through a region covered by UV radiation, so that said part of the filling head, which is lowered into the interior of the spout, is sterilized completely from all sides by means of the UV radiation.

In the step of contacting at least part of the filling head with the second spout part, in particular a part of the filling head is brought into contact with the second spout part, which is not in the channel of the second spout part during the filling process. In this case, it is conceivable that the filling head has a part which is wider than the part to be inserted into the second spout part, this wider part being placed on the second end of the first spout part (the end of the product filling channel pointing away from the container) to achieve the frictional and / or positive locking. Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable that the wider part can be slipped over the second spout part and forms a frictional and / or positive fit with the outside and / or the second end of the second spout part. In principle, however, it is also conceivable that the filling head only with the part which is in the filling process in the interior of the second

Spout part is, with the second spout part a friction and / or

Form fit comes. It is essential that a rotation of the filling head can be transferred to the second spout part to this relative to the first

To turn spout part.

In the step of filling the container with the product, the product flows from the filling head via the spout into the container body. Subsequently, the filling head, which is still in friction or positive engagement with the second spout part, again set in rotation, but this time in the opposite direction, so that then the second spout part moves relative to the first spout part again in the closed position. Subsequently, the entire filling head is moved back to the starting position, so that the spout is free again. According to a further embodiment of the method, the filling head, in particular the part of the filling head previously located in the spout, is again sterilized, which can take place during or after the backward movement of the filling head into the starting position. The sterilization takes place in particular as already described above. According to yet another embodiment of the method according to the invention, after the filling head has been moved back into the starting position, residues of the product which adhere to and / or in the second pouring part are removed. This can

For example, by an air or steam surge and / or an exhaust done. Ideally, however, it is also possible to use a filling head which charges drop-free. In the latter case, an air or steam pulse is passed through the filling head and spout before moving back the filling head to the starting position, so that the spout is subsequently as free of product as possible.

According to yet another embodiment of the method according to the invention, after the filling head has been moved back into the starting position, the second pouring part is closed with a closure, in particular a cap or a peelable film. The closure, for example the film, is preferably sterilized, at least on the underside, that is to say with the side with which the closure comes into contact with the second end of the channel of the second pouring part, prior to connection to the second pouring part. Also in this case, the sterilization by irradiation of the shutter with UV rays, in particular pulsating UV radiation, take place.

According to yet another embodiment of the method according to the invention, individual or all steps are carried out in a chamber which is subjected to an overpressure. Overpressure means that the pressure within the Chamber is higher than the ambient pressure. This way is additional

ensures that no contaminants can enter the chamber from outside. As previously mentioned, the container described above is in particular a pouch packaging, for example a stand-up pouch. Since a corresponding bag-shaped container can be provided empty before filling, such a container has the advantage that the filling head can be tightly connected during filling with the spout, without the filling of the product for a

Pressure equalization must be ensured.

There are now a large number of possibilities for designing and developing the spout according to the invention, the container according to the invention and the method according to the invention. In this respect, reference is made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to patent claim 1, and, on the other hand, to the description of one

Embodiment in conjunction with the drawing. In the drawing show:

1a an embodiment of a spout in the closed position,

1b shows the embodiment of Fig. La in the open position,

Fig. 2a - 2k schematically a plurality of process steps for aseptic filling

a container with a spout according to Fig. La and

3a-3c schematically a plurality of process steps for removing the product from a container with a spout according to FIG. La. Figures la and b show a spout 1 for a container 2, as he

is shown in part in Figure 3c. The container 2 is used for aseptically receiving a flowable product, so it is particularly suitable in connection with the spout 1 to be filled germ-free. FIG. 1a shows the spout 1 in a closed position in which a container 2 provided with the spout 1 would be closed, and FIG. 1b shows the same spout 1 in an open position in which a container 2 provided with this spout 1 is filled or filled Removal of the product would be open. The spout 1 has two in the

Open position and the closed position cooperating with each other integral (integral) components, namely a first (lower or bagged in the connected state) spout part 3 and a second (upper or connected in the connected state away from the bag) Ausgießerteil 5. The first spout part 3 has a extending from a first end 3.1a to a second end 3.1b extending channel 3.1, which extends in the axial direction through the entire spout part 3 therethrough. About tabs 3.7, of which only one is shown in the selected sectional view, as well as an adjacent in the radial direction to the tabs 3.7

Spout section 3.8, which forms the wall of the channel 3.1, becomes the first

Spout part 3 bonded or welded to the bag-shaped container body 4 (this state is shown in Figure 3c).

The second spout part 5 likewise has a channel 5.1 extending from a first end 5.1a to a second end 5.1b, which runs coaxially with the channel 3.1 of the first spout part 3, both in the closed position (FIG. 1a) and in FIG Open position (Figure lb). The first spout part 3 and the second

Spout part 5 are rotatably connected to each other, which is a

Threaded connection, which causes the axial distance (i.e., the distance in the axial direction) between the first spout part 3 and second spout part 5 changes when the two spout parts 3 and 5 are rotated relative to each other about the longitudinal axis (channel center axis). In this way, the second spout part 5 is movable relative to the first spout part 3 between said closed position (FIG. 1a) and said open position (FIG. 1b).

The channel 3.1 and the channel 5.1 together form the product filling channel 1.1 of the spout 1. In the closed position, the product filling channel 1.1 is closed at a first sealing point 1.2, opened in the open position. Both in the

Closed position and in the open position, the first spout part 3 and the second spout part 5 touch. The first sealing point 1.2 is based on the axial direction, ie direction of the product filling 1.1, between the first end 3.1a of the channel 3.1 of the first Ausgießerteils 3 and the second end 5.1b of the channel 5.1 of the second Ausgießerteils 5. The sealing point 1.2 is also between the first end 3.1a and the second end 3.1b of the channel 3.1 of the first spout part 3.

In the region of the first sealing point 1.2, the channel 3.1 of the first spout part 3 has on the inside a peripheral projection 3.2 with a top-side first

Sealing surface 3.21, which encloses a through opening 3.3 through which the product can be passed in the open position. The channel 5.1 of the second spout part 5 has a closure element 5.2 with a first sealing surface 3.21 facing second sealing surface 5.21, wherein the second sealing surface 5.21

Part of a on the underside of the closure element 5.2 circumferential collar (bead) is 5.22. A seal in the closed position is achieved in that the first sealing surface 3.21 bears sealingly against the second sealing surface 5.21 and closes the passage opening 3.3. In the open position, the first sealing surface 3.21 and the second sealing surface 5.21 are spaced apart, as shown in Figure lb.

So that in the open position, the product passed through the passage opening 3.3 product does not inadvertently enter the environment between the first spout part 3 and the second spout part 5, a second sealing point 1.3 is provided between the two spout parts 3 and 5. Both in the open position and in the closed position here is a third sealing surface 3.41 of a collar-shaped (bead-shaped) sealing element 3.4, the integral part of the first

Spout part is, on a fourth sealing surface of 5.31 a sealing element 5.3 of the two spout part 5 at. The sealing element 5.3 with the fourth sealing surface 5.31 is formed by the outer wall 5.3 of the channel 5.1 of the second spout part 5. At this cylindrical outer wall 5.3, the bead-shaped sealing element 3.4 is moved along when is changed between the open position and the closed position. In the whole time a sealing system is guaranteed. The closure element 5.2 at the lower end 5.1a of the second spout part 5 is an upwardly curved plate (to the second end 5.1b) with the lower-side bead 5.22. Immediately adjacent to the top of the plate 5.2 a plurality of openings 5.5 in the lower wall portion 5.4 of the second Ausgießerteils 5 are arranged. The openings 5.5 extend in the radial and axial directions and connect the interior of the channel 5.1 of the second spout part 5 to the interior of a section 3.5 of the channel 3.1 of the first spout part 3. The section 3.5 of the first spout part 3 is between the inside circumferential projection 3.2 of first spout part 3 and the second end 3.1b of the channel 3.1 of the first

Spout part 3 arranged. The openings 5.5 are always independent of the position (closed position, open position) in this section 3.5 of the first

Spout part 3 and thus independent of the position between the first

Seal 1.2 and second seal 1.3. The two Ausgießerteile 3 and 5 are relatively movable (rotatable), but not readily (without additional effort or without damage) from each other solvable. For this purpose, the two spout parts 3 and 5 are positively connected with each other in the axial direction from the closed position to the open position. This is achieved in that an undercut 5.6 of the second spout part 5 comes into contact with a stop 3.6 of the first spout part 3 in the open position and limits a rotational movement between the spout parts 3 and 5 in the direction of the open position at this point.

As already explained above, a spout 1, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 a and b, is connected to a container body 4. A corresponding container 2 of container body 4 and spout 1 is shown in Figure 3c.

In the following, a method for the aseptic filling of a container 2 as defined above will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2a to 2c, wherein for the sake of clarity, only the spout 1 without the spout permanently connected thereto Container body 4 is shown. It goes without saying that the spout 1 must be connected to the container body 4 in the process.

FIG. 2 a shows how the spout 1 is sterilized in a chamber (not shown), which may be subject to overpressure, in particular a filling chamber. This is preceded by the preparation or providing a provided with a spout 1 container 2, a sterilization of all parts of the container 2, that is, the spout 1 and the container body 4, inside and outside by irradiation, for example with gamma, beta, electron and / or microwave radiation and / or exposure to gas and / or vapor sterilant.

The arrow shown in Figure 2a schematically shows the sterilization of the second spout part 5, at least in its interior (the channel 5.1), by means of pulsating UV radiation. This happens in the filling chamber shortly before the filling process. The UV radiation is directed with a suitable light (not shown) from above in the axial direction in the second spout part 5.

FIG. 2b shows the sterilization of the filling head 7 of a filling device as a subsequent step. The filling head 7 consists of a lower part 7.1 and an upper part 7.2. To fill the filling head 7 in the direction of

Pourer 1 lowered, wherein the filling head 7 is irradiated before and during lowering of all sides, at least in the lower part 7.1 with UV radiation, which is schematically represented by an indicated dark ring. Such a ring-shaped radiation from all sides can be achieved by a ring light or several circumferentially arranged single radiator.

The annular radiation settles during the entire lowering of the

Filling head 7 continues until the lower part 7.1, as shown in Figure 2c, is located in the interior of the channel 5.1 of the second Ausgießerteils 5. As can also be seen in FIG. 2 c, the spout 1 is also detected at least in the region of its mouth by the UV light radiated inwardly in an annular manner. Even with the ring emitted UV light, which is shown in Figures 2b and c, is pulsed light (pulsating light).

FIG. 2d shows that the filling head 7 initially extends as far as the second

Spout part 5 is lowered until the lower part 7.1 of the filling head 7 is located within the section 5.4 with the openings 5.5. Preferably, the lower part 7.1 experiences a stop in the region 5.4 of the second spout part 5. Thereafter, the upper part 7.2 of the filling head 7 is lowered even further (the upper part 7.2 is thus movable relative to the lower part 7.1in the axial direction) until the upper part 7.2 partially surrounds the second spout part 5 (this end position of the upper part 7.2 of the filling head 7 is shown in Figure 2e). In Figure 2d, the arrow symbolizes the

Lowering the filling head parts 7.1 and 7.2.

In the end position of the filling head 7 shown in FIG. 2e, there is a frictional connection between the upper part 7.2 of the filling head 7 and the second spout part 5. The frictional connection results from contact of the interior of the upper part 7.2 of the filling head 7 with the upper edge or the upper one End 5.1b of the second

Spout part 5 (not shown for reasons of clarity). Subsequently, as shown by the curved arrow in FIG. 2e, the filling head 7 is set in rotation in a first rotational direction R ₁ , whereby the second spout part 5 is rotated relative to the first spout part 3 secured against rotation. As a result, the second spout part 5 moves relative to the first spout part 3 from the closed position (FIG. 2e) into the open position (FIG. 2f). The rotational movement increases the distance (relative to the axial direction) between the first

Spout part 3 and second spout part 5 in the axial direction, which is shown in Figure 2f by the arrow.

Subsequently, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 2g, the product is introduced into the container body 4 via the filling head 7 and through the entire spout 1. The product flows from the lower part 7.1 of the filling head 7 first into the second spout part 5 and from there through the openings 5.5 (this are covered in Figure 2g of the filling head part 7.1) in the section 3.5 of the first spout part 3 and from there through the passage opening 3.3 through the remaining part of the first spout part 3 in the container body 4 (not shown here). After completion of the filling, the filling head 7, as shown by the curved arrow in Figure 2h, set back in rotation, this time in the opposite direction of rotation R _2nd Due to the frictional engagement between the upper part 7.2 of the filling head 7 and the second spout part 5, this leads to entrainment of the second spout part 5, which is thereby rotated back into the closed position with respect to the first spout part 3. The rotational movement from the open position into the closed position leads to a reduction in the axial distance between the second spout part 5 and the first spout part 3, which is illustrated by the downwardly directed arrow in FIG. 2h, until the second spout part 5 and the first spout part 5

Spout part 3 again sealingly in the region of the first sealing point 1.2 abut each other.

The filling head 7 is finally, as Figure 2i shows, moved back to the starting position, which is shown by the arrow. When moving back the

Filling head 7 this is performed again by the radiated pulsating UV light that the filling head 7 all around, at least in the lower part 7.1, irradiated from the side and thereby sterilized.

In Figure 2j, the spout 1 is shown after filling. In this state, as an optional step, a removal of remnants of the contents may be carried out, which may possibly adhere to or in the second spout part 5.

Finally, FIG. 2 k shows how the spout 1 is hermetically sealed (airtight and liquid-tight) with a peelable protective film 6. The film 6 is sterilized before sticking to the second spout part 5 at least from below, which can also be done by pulsating UV radiation. One thus filled and sealed container 2 can then leave the sterile area of the chamber and be delivered.

FIGS. 3a to c show how the aseptically filled container 2 can be used by the consumer. Also in Figures 3a and b, the container body 4 is not shown for reasons of clarity.

In Figure 3a it is shown that the second spout part 5 is rotated relative to the first spout part 3 in the direction of rotation Ri, whereby the distance between the second spout part 5 and the first spout part 3 in the axial direction is increased. As a result, the open position is reached, which is shown in Figure 3b.

In Figure 3b is further shown that the consumer now only has to deduct the film 6.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 3c, the consumer can reach the product in the container 2 by pouring it out.

Claims

P atent claims

1. Spout (1) for a container (2) for aseptically receiving a flowable product, in particular for bag packaging,

- with a first pouring part (3), which has a channel (3.1) extending from a first end (3.1a) to a second end (3.1b) and can be connected to a container body (4), and

- with a second pouring part (5), which has a channel (5.1) extending from a first end (5.1a) to a second end (5.1b) and is rotatably connected to the first pouring part (3),

wherein the channel (3.1) of the first pouring part (3) and the channel (5.1) of the second pouring part (5) together form a product filling channel (1.1) which extends from the first end (3.1a) of the channel (3.1) of the first pouring part (3) extends to the second end (5.1b) of the channel (5.1) of the second spout part (5),

characterized in that the second pouring part (5) relative to the first pouring part (3) lies between a closed position, in which the product filling channel (1.1) is closed at a first sealing point (1.2), and an open position, in which the product filling channel (1.1) is opened is, is movable, and that the first pouring part (3) and the second pouring part (5) are both in the

Touch the closed position as well as the open position.

2. Pourer (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first

Sealing point (1.2) lies between the first end (3.1a) of the channel (3.1) of the first spout part (3) and the second end (5.1b) of the channel (5.1) of the second spout part (5).

3. Pourer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in

Area of the first sealing point (1.2) the channel (3.1) of one of the pourer parts (3, 5), in particular the first pourer part (3), has a circumferential inside Has projection (3.2) with a first sealing surface (3.21), which has a

Encloses the through opening (3.3), and the channel (5.1) of the other of the pouring spout parts (3, 5), in particular the second pouring spout part (5).

Closure element (5.2) with a second sealing surface (5.21) facing the first sealing surface (3.21), the first in the open position

Sealing surface (3.21) is spaced from the second sealing surface (5.21) and in the closed position the first sealing surface (3.21) lies sealingly against the second sealing surface (5.21) and closes the through opening (3.3).

Pourer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized that at least in the open position on a second

Sealing point (1.3) a third sealing surface (3.41) of a sealing element (3.4) of one of the spout parts (3, 5) on a fourth sealing surface (5.31) on the outer wall (5.32) of the channel (5.1) of the other of the spout parts (3, 5) in a sealing manner, in particular a circumferential bead (3) as a sealing element (3.4) on the inside of the second end (3.1b) of the channel (3.1) of the first pouring spout part (3).

4) is formed, on which the third sealing surface (3.41) is formed.

5. Pourer (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that

Closure element (5.2) a plate (5.2), in particular one towards the second end

(5.1b) of the channel (5.1) of the second pouring part (5) has a curved plate (5.2), the plate (5.2) being on its first sealing surface (3.21).

facing side as a sealing element (5.22) preferably has a circumferential bead (5.22) on which the second sealing surface (5.21) is formed.

6. Pourer (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the second pourer part (5) has a section (5.4) with one or more

Has openings (5.5) which are the interior of the channel (5.1) of the second

Spout part (5) with the interior of a section (3.5) of the first

Connect the spout part (3), with the section (3.5) of the first spout part

(3) between the inside circumferential projection (3.2) of the first Spout part (3) and the second end (3.1b, 5.1b) of the channel (3.1, 5.1) of the first and / or second pourer part (3, 5).

7. Pourer (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the one or more openings (5.5) directly adjoin the closure element (5.2).

8. Pourer (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the one or more openings (5.5) lie in the open position and / or closed position between the first sealing point (1.2) and the second sealing point (1.3).

9. Pourer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that an undercut (5.6) of the second spout part (5) comes into contact with a stop (3.6) of the first spout part (3) in the open position and a rotational movement between the first and second

Spout part (3, 5) limited in the direction of the open position.

10. Container (2) for aseptically receiving a flowable product

- with a container body (4) and

- with a spout (1) connected to the container body (4),

characterized in that the pourer (1) according to one of the

preceding claims is formed.

11. Container (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that the pourer (1), in particular the second pourer part (5), is closed with a closure (6).

12. Method for aseptically filling a container (2), in which the following steps are carried out: - Providing a previously sterilized container (2) according to claim 10, wherein the first pouring part (3) relative to the second pouring part (5) in the

closed position is arranged,

- Sterilizing the second spout part [5),

- sterilizing a filling head (7),

- Lowering the filling head (7) from a starting position and inserting a part (7.1) of the filling head (7) into the channel (5.1) of the second pouring part (5),

- bringing at least one part (7.1, 7.2) of the filling head (7) into contact with the second pouring spout part (5) and creating a frictional or positive connection between the filling head (7) and the second pouring spout part (5) in the circumferential direction,

- rotation of the filling head (7) in a first direction of rotation (Ri) and thereby turning the second pouring part (5) relative to the first pouring part (3) into the open position,

- filling the container (2) with the product,

- Rotation of the filling head (7) in one of the first rotation directions (Ri)

opposite second direction of rotation (R2) and thereby rotating the second spout part (5) relative to the first spout part (3) into the closed position and

- Move the filling head (7) back to the starting position.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the filling head (7) is sterilized during or after moving back to the starting position.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that after the filling head (7) has been moved back to the starting position, residues of the product which adhere to and/or in the second pouring spout part (5) are removed.

15. The method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that after moving the filling head (7) back into the starting position, the second pouring part (5) with a closure (6), in particular a cap or a removable film (6), is closed, the closure (6) preferably being sterilized before being connected to the second pouring spout part (5).

Method according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that sterilizing the second pouring part (5), sterilizing the filling head (7) before filling the container (2), sterilizing the filling head (7) after filling the container (2) and/or the closure (6) is sterilized by irradiation with UV radiation, in particular with pulsating UV radiation.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that all steps are carried out in a chamber which is pressurized.