JP2010070238A - Method and apparatus for filling of content - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To substitute nitrogen gas for oxygen in a head space of a container at a high substitution ratio. <P>SOLUTION: In a filling method of a content, the content (a) is filled into the container from an opening 2a of the container while the container 2 is running continuously, and the nitrogen gas N is blown into the head space (b) of the container, and the opening is closed with a cap 3. After the content is filled into the container, bubbles of the content are made to disappear, and then the nitrogen gas is substituted for the oxygen in the head space. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for filling a container with contents such as sencha.

  Immediately after filling a container such as a bottle with a content such as a beverage, the mouth is sealed with a cap, so that air is trapped in the head space between the surface of the content and the cap. The contents in the container are oxidized, altered, or deteriorated by oxygen contained in the air.

  In order to prevent this, a protrusion is conventionally provided inside the cap, and the protrusion is inserted into the head space at the time of capping, thereby trying to exclude air from the head space (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, by dropping liquid nitrogen into the headspace, overdissolving nitrogen gas in the beverage before filling, or supplying a mixture of nitrogen gas and steam into the headspace, the inside of the headspace Attempts have been made to exclude air (see, for example, Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4).

JP 200381301 A JP 2001-31010 A JP 2006-137463 A JP 2004-331127 A

  The above-described method of removing air from the head space with the protrusions in the cap requires the protrusions to be provided on the cap, which complicates the structure of the cap and makes it difficult to attach the cap to the mouth of the container. There is a problem, and since there must be a gap between the protrusion and the mouth and the liquid level in order to perform capping smoothly, a certain amount of air remains to be allowed. There is.

  Moreover, the method of filling the liquid nitrogen of Patent Document 2 into the headspace and the method of overdissolving nitrogen gas in the beverage before filling of Patent Document 3 are both in the case of opening the cap and taking out the contents from the container. In addition, there is a problem that the content is easily ejected from the mouth of the container by the pressure of nitrogen gas.

  Moreover, the method of filling liquid nitrogen of Patent Document 2 into the headspace, the method of overdissolving nitrogen gas in the beverage before filling of Patent Document 3, and the mixture of nitrogen gas and steam of Patent Document 4 in the headspace In any case, there is a problem that air in the cavity of the cap easily enters the head space when the cap is put on. Furthermore, in any case, when filling a beverage or the like while running the container at high speed with an automatic filling device, nitrogen gas in the head space is sucked out from the mouth of the container by the negative pressure, and the outside air is There is a problem that it is easy to enter inside.

  Furthermore, when the beverage is filled in the container, the beverage may foam in the head space. When the foam is blown, the air wrapped in the foam enters the head space. It is difficult to remove the bubble air from the head space by any of the above methods.

  Therefore, the present invention is a case where the container is filled with the contents while the container is traveling at a high speed and an inert gas such as nitrogen gas is supplied into the head space, or the contents are foamed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus capable of replacing air in a head space with an inert gas at a high replacement rate without using a special cap.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

  That is, in the invention according to claim 1, the content (a) is filled into the container (2) from the mouth (2a) of the container (2) and is inactive in the head space (b) of the container (2). In the filling method of the content (a) in which the gas (N) is blown and the mouth portion (2a) is closed with the cap (3), after the content (a) is filled in the container (2), the headspace (B) Hot air (d) or water vapor is blown into the contents to eliminate the bubbles (c) of the contents (a), and then the inert gas (N) is blown into the head space (b). The content filling method is characterized in that the mouth (2a) is closed with a cap (3).

  As described in claim 2, in the content filling method according to claim 1, the inert gas (N) may be heated and blown into the head space (b).

  In the invention according to claim 3, the contents (a) are filled into the container (2) from the mouth (2a) of the container (2), and are inactive in the head space (b) of the container (2). In the method of filling the contents by blowing gas (M) and closing the mouth (2a) with the cap (3), after the contents (a) are filled in the container (2), the head space (b) The contents are characterized in that the inert gas (M) heated in the inside is blown to eliminate the bubbles (c) of the contents (a), and then the mouth (2a) is closed with a cap (3). This is a filling method.

  The content filling method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inert gas (N, M) is blown into the head space (b). Covers both the mouth (2a) and the cap (3) facing the mouth (2a) with a hood (30, 87), It is also possible to carry out by supplying active gas (N, M).

  As described in claim 5, in the content filling method according to claim 4, the bottom of the hood (30, 87) may be closed in a slightly open state.

  As described in claim 6, in the filling method of the contents according to claim 4, the hood (N, M) with respect to various flow rates of the inert gas (N, M) blown into the hood (30, 87). 30, 87) covering the mouth portion (2a) of the container (2) and the cap (3) with the inert gas (N, M) blown into the hood (30, 87), and the head space. In (b), the relationship between the oxygen substitution rate with the inert gas (N, M) is obtained in advance, and the flow rate and the time are calculated based on the required substitution rate, and the inert gas (N, M ) May be supplied.

  As described in claim 7, in the content filling method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the inert gas (N, M) may be nitrogen gas.

  As described in claim 8, in the content filling method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the content (a) can be a non-carbonated beverage.

  As described in claim 9, in the method for filling contents according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the aseptic contents (a) are placed in a sterile container (2) under a sterile atmosphere. It may be filled and supplied with sterile inert gas (N, M) and covered with a sterile cap (3).

  The invention according to claim 10 has a conveying means (32) for causing the container (2) to travel along a predetermined conveying path, and the contents (a) are moved along the conveying path to the mouth of the container (2). Content filling means for filling the container (2) from the part (2a), and hot air (d) or water vapor is blown into the head space (b) of the container (2) to create bubbles ( c) a foam heating means (49) for turning off; an inert gas supply means (47, 48) for blowing an inert gas (N) into the head space (b) of the container (2); and the contents (a And a capper (8) for covering the cap (3) on the mouth part (2a) of the container (2) filled with).

  As described in claim 11, in the content filling apparatus according to claim 10, the inert gas (N) may be heated and blown into the head space (b).

  The invention according to claim 12 has a conveying means (32) for causing the container (2) to travel along a predetermined conveying path, and the contents (a) are placed along the conveying path along the mouth of the container (2). The contents filling means for filling the container (2) from the part (2a) and the heated inert gas (M) into the head space (b) of the container (2) to blow the contents (a) An inert gas supply means (47, 48) for eliminating the foam (c), and a capper (8) for covering the mouth (2a) of the container (2) filled with the contents (a) with a cap (3) Is a content filling device characterized in that is arranged.

  As described in claim 13, in the content filling device according to any of claims 10 to 12, the mouth (2a) of the container (2) held by the capper (8). A hood (30, 87) that covers both the cap (3) and the mouth (2a) facing each other is further provided, and the capper (8) covers the cap (3) over the mouth (2a). The inert gas (N, M) may be blown into the hood (30, 87) by the inert gas supply means (47, 48) until it is completely covered.

  As described in claim 14, in the content filling device according to claim 13, a gripper (carrying means) in which the conveying means moves by sandwiching the mouth portion (2a) of the container (2) from both sides thereof. 32), and a shutter (31) capable of closing the bottom of the hood (30) in a slightly opened state is attached to the sandwiching pieces (33a, 33b) of the gripper (32).

  As described in claim 15, in the content filling device according to claim 13, a perforated plate (87 c) is attached to the bottom of the hood (30, 87), and the perforated plate ( It is possible to close the bottom of the hood (30, 87) in a slightly opened state by passing the mouth (2a) of the container (2) through the hole (89) of 87c).

  As described in claim 16, in the content filling device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, various kinds of inert gas (N, M) blown into the hood (30, 87). The hood (30, 87) covers the mouth (2a) of the container (2) and the cap (3), and the inert gas (N, M) is introduced into the hood (30, 87). The relationship between the blowing time and the replacement rate of oxygen in the head space (b) with inert gas (N, M) is obtained in advance, and the flow rate and the time are calculated based on the required replacement rate. An inert gas (N, M) may be supplied.

  As described in claim 17, in the content filling device according to any one of claims 10 to 16, the transport path is covered with a sterile chamber (26, 27). it can.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the contents (a) are filled into the container (2) from the mouth (2a) of the container (2) and inactive in the head space (b) of the container (2). In the method of filling the contents by blowing gas (N) and closing the mouth (2a) with the cap (3), after the contents (a) are filled in the container (2), the head space (b) Hot air (d) or water vapor is blown into the contents to eliminate the bubbles (c) of the contents (a), and then the inert gas (N) is blown into the head space (b). 2a) is closed with the cap (3), so that even if the contents (a) are foamed in the head space (b) when the contents (a) are filled in the container (2) After the destruction of (c), the inert gas (N) is supplied into the head space (b). It can be. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air enclosed in the bubbles (c) from remaining in the head space (b) and to replace the air in the head space (b) with the inert gas (N) at a high replacement rate. it can. In addition, since the substitution rate in the head space (b) can be increased in this way, even if the oxygen permeability in the outside air is increased by reducing the thickness of the container (2) (2), the content of the contents The oxidation of the product (a) is reduced and long-term storage is possible. Further, since the inert gas (N) is supplied into the head space (b) instead of the liquefied inert gas (N), overfilling of the inert gas (N) in the head space (b) is prevented. Therefore, when the cap (3) is opened, the sudden discharge of the contents (a) from the container (2) can be prevented.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the filling method of the first aspect, if the inert gas (N) is heated and blown into the head space (b), hot air (d ) And the inert gas (N) can also break the bubbles (c) of the contents (a), thus further reducing the residual air in the head space (b).

  According to the invention of claim 3, the contents (a) are filled into the container (2) from the mouth (2a) of the container (2), and are inert in the head space (b) of the container (2). In the method of filling the contents by blowing gas (M) and closing the mouth (2a) with the cap (3), after the contents (a) are filled in the container (2), the head space (b) Since the heated inert gas (M) is blown into the foam (c) of the content (a), the mouth (2a) is closed with the cap (3), Even when the contents (a) are foamed in the head space (b) when the container (2) is filled into the container (2), the inert gas (M) is removed from the head space while destroying the foam (c). (B) can be supplied. Therefore, it is possible to prevent oxygen enclosed in the bubbles (c) from remaining in the head space (b) and replace the oxygen in the head space (b) with an inert gas (M) at a high substitution rate. it can. Moreover, since the destruction of the bubble (c) of the content (a) and the exclusion of oxygen can be performed by the same inert gas (M), the content (a) can be filled quickly and easily. . Further, since the replacement rate in the head space (b) can be increased in this way, even if the oxygen permeability in the outside air is increased by reducing the thickness and weight of the container (2), the contents (a ) Is reduced and long-term storage becomes possible. Further, since the inert gas (M), which is a gas from the beginning, is supplied into the head space (b) instead of the liquefied inert gas, overfilling of the inert gas (M) in the head space (b) is prevented. Therefore, when the cap (3) is opened, the sudden discharge of the contents (a) from the container (2) can be prevented.

  The content filling method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inert gas (N, M) is blown into the head space (b). Covers both the mouth (2a) and the cap (3) facing the mouth (2a) with a hood (30, 87), If it is performed by supplying active gases (N, M), the contents (a) are filled while the container (2) is running at high speed, and an inert gas such as nitrogen gas is filled in the head space (b). Even in the case of supplying (N, M), oxygen in the head space (b) can be surely eliminated without using a special cap (3), and into the head space (b). Of outside air can be prevented, and inert gas (N, N, ) By it is possible to increase the degree of substitution in the head space (b).

  As described in claim 5, in the filling method of contents according to claim 4, if the bottom of the hood (30, 87) is closed in a slightly opened state, the inside of the hood (30, 87) Intrusion of outside air into the head space (b) can be prevented, and the replacement rate with the inert gas (N, M) in the head space (b) can be further increased.

  As described in claim 6, in the filling method of the contents according to claim 4, the hood (N, M) with respect to various flow rates of the inert gas (N, M) blown into the hood (30, 87). 30, 87) covering the mouth portion (2a) of the container (2) and the cap (3) with the inert gas (N, M) blown into the hood (30, 87), and the head space. In (b), the relationship between the oxygen substitution rate with the inert gas (N, M) is obtained in advance, and the flow rate and the time are calculated based on the required substitution rate, and the inert gas (N, M ) Can be efficiently replaced with oxygen in the head space (b) with an inert gas at an appropriate replacement rate.

  As described in claim 7, in the content filling method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, if the inert gas (N, M) is nitrogen gas, the content of the contents It is possible to prevent melting into (a), to prevent an excessive increase in the internal pressure of the container (2), and to prevent damage to the container (2).

  As described in claim 8, in the content filling method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, when the content (a) is a non-carbonated beverage, the content (a ) Is non-carbonated beverages such as tea beverages and fruit juice beverages, the flavor and the like can be kept intact.

  As described in claim 9, in the method for filling contents according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the aseptic contents (a) are placed in a sterile container (2) under a sterile atmosphere. The contents (a) can be stored in a sterile state for a long period of time if filled with sterile inert gas (N, M) and covered with a sterile cap (3).

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 10, it has a conveyance means to drive a container (2) along a predetermined conveyance path, The contents (a) is the opening | mouth part of a container (2) along this conveyance path Content filling means for filling the container (2) from (2a), and foam (c) of the content (a) by blowing hot air (d) or water vapor into the head space (b) of the container (2) ) Foam heating means, an inert gas supply means for blowing an inert gas (N) into the head space (b) of the container (2), and a container (2) filled with the contents (a) Since the cap (8) covering the cap (3) is disposed on the mouth portion (2a) of the container, the content (a) is filled into the container (2). Sometimes the foam (c) is destroyed even if the contents (a) foam in the headspace (b) Inert gas (N) can be supplied to the headspace (b) after the. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air enclosed in the bubbles (c) from remaining in the head space (b) and to replace the air in the head space (b) with the inert gas (N) at a high replacement rate. it can. In addition, since the replacement rate by the inert gas (N) in the head space (b) can be increased in this way, the permeability of oxygen in the outside air by increasing the thickness and weight of the container (2) is increased. In addition, the oxidation of the content (a) of the content is reduced and long-term storage becomes possible. In addition, since the inert gas (N) is supplied into the head space (b) in a gas state from the beginning instead of being liquid, overfilling of the inert gas (N) in the head space (b) can be prevented. Therefore, when the cap (3) is opened, the content can be prevented from being rapidly blown out from the container (2).

  As described in claim 11, in the content filling apparatus according to claim 10, if the inert gas (N) is heated and blown into the head space (b), hot air (d) In addition, the bubbles (c) of the contents (a) can be broken by the inert gas (N), so that the residual air in the head space (b) can be further reduced.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 12, it has a conveyance means to drive a container (2) along a predetermined conveyance path, A content (a) is the opening | mouth part of a container (2) along this conveyance path The content filling means for filling the container (2) from (2a) and the bubble of the content (a) by blowing the heated inert gas (M) into the head space (b) of the container (2) (C) An inert gas supply means for erasing and a capper (8) for covering the mouth (2a) of the container (2) filled with the content (a) with the cap (3) are disposed. Since the content filling device is characterized, even when the content (a) is foamed in the head space (b) when the content (a) is filled in the container (2), the foam (c Inert gas (M) can be supplied into the head space (b). Therefore, it is possible to prevent oxygen trapped in the bubbles (c) from remaining in the head space (b) and replace the oxygen in the head space (b) with the inert gas (M) at a high substitution rate. it can. Moreover, since the destruction of the bubble (c) of the content (a) and the exclusion of oxygen can be performed by the same inert gas (M), the content (a) can be filled quickly and easily. . Further, since the replacement rate in the head space (b) can be increased in this way, even if the oxygen permeability in the outside air is increased by reducing the thickness and weight of the container (2), the contents (a ) Is reduced and long-term storage becomes possible. Further, since the inert gas (M), which is a gas from the beginning, is supplied into the head space (b) instead of the liquefied inert gas, overfilling of the inert gas (M) in the head space (b) is prevented. Therefore, when the cap (3) is opened, the sudden discharge of the contents (a) from the container (2) can be prevented.

  As described in claim 13, in the content filling device according to any of claims 10 to 12, the mouth (2a) of the container (2) held by the capper (8). A hood (30, 87) that covers both the cap (3) and the mouth (2a) facing each other is further provided, and the capper (8) covers the cap (3) over the mouth (2a). The inert gas (N, M) is blown into the hood (30, 87) by the inert gas supply means (47, 48) until it is completely covered with the hood (30, 87). Assuming that air is excluded from the head space (b) and the cap (3) in (2), the contents are being moved while the container (2) is traveling at high speed by the conveying means (32). (A) filled head Even when supplying inert gas (N, M) such as nitrogen gas into the pace (b), the air in the head space (b) is highly replaced without using a special cap (3). The air can be prevented from being trapped in the head space (b), and the replacement rate in the head space (b) with the inert gas (N, M) can be increased.

  As described in claim 14, in the content filling apparatus according to claim 13, the conveying means sandwiches the mouth portion (2a) of the container (2) from both sides with sandwiching pieces (33a, 33b). And a gripper (32) that is moved by the shutter, and a shutter (31) that can close the bottom of the hood (30, 87) in a slightly opened state is attached to the sandwiching pieces (33a, 33b) of the gripper (32) Then, it is possible to prevent the outside air from entering the hood (30, 87) while supplying the inert gas (N, M) into the hood (30, 87). Therefore, air can be more efficiently removed from the hood (30, 87), the head space (b), and the cap (3).

  As described in claim 15, in the content filling device according to claim 13, a perforated plate (87 c) is attached to the bottom of the hood (30, 87), and the perforated plate ( If the bottom of the hood (30, 87) is closed in a slightly open state by passing the mouth (2a) of the container (2) through the hole (89) of 87c), the hood ( 30 and 87) can be easily closed to further reduce the gap, and the replacement rate of oxygen in the head space (b) with inert gas (N, M) can be further increased.

  As described in claim 16, in the content filling device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, various kinds of inert gas (N, M) blown into the hood (30, 87). The hood (30, 87) covers the mouth (2a) of the container (2) and the cap (3), and the inert gas (N, M) is introduced into the hood (30, 87). The relationship between the blowing time and the replacement rate of oxygen in the head space (b) with inert gas (N, M) is obtained in advance, and the flow rate and the time are calculated based on the required replacement rate. When the inert gas (N, M) is supplied, oxygen in the head space (b) can be efficiently replaced with the inert gas (N, M) at an appropriate replacement rate.

  As described in claim 17, in the content filling device according to any one of claims 10 to 16, if the transport path is covered with a sterile chamber (26, 27), A package (1) capable of storing the contents (a) in a sterile condition for a long time can be produced.

  The best mode of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
As illustrated in FIG. 1, a package 1 manufactured by the method according to the present invention includes a bottle 2 as a container and a cap 3 as a lid. A male screw 2b is formed in the mouth 2a of the bottle 2, a female screw 3a is formed in the cap 3, and the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 is sealed by screwing of the female male screws 3a and 2b. The bottle 2 is filled with a beverage a which is a content. Moreover, nitrogen gas which is an inert gas is blown into the head space b above the liquid level of the beverage a in the bottle 2. In the first embodiment, the bottle 2 is filled with sencha, which is a non-carbonated beverage, as the beverage a. Since nitrogen gas that is hardly soluble in the liquid is blown into the head space b, the content of sencha is not impaired in flavor or the like.

  The bottle 2 is formed by blow-molding a substantially test tubular PET preform (not shown). The bottle 2 is not limited to PET, and can be manufactured using other resins such as polypropylene and polyethylene. The preform is formed by injection molding or the like, and includes a substantially test tube main body and a mouth portion 2 a similar to that in the bottle 2. A male screw 2b is formed at the mouth 2a simultaneously with the molding of the preform. The cap 3 is formed by injection molding or the like using a resin such as high-density polyethylene or polypropylene, and the female screw 3a is formed simultaneously with the molding of the cap 3.

  The inside of the bottle 2 is sterilized with, for example, a sterilizing agent and warm water before filling the beverage a which is the content. As the disinfectant, for example, hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid is used. When the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas is introduced into the bottle 2 from the mouth 2a, the inner surface of the bottle 2 is sterilized without unevenness. In addition, when hot water is introduced into the bottle 2 after sterilization with hydrogen peroxide, the inside of the bottle 2 is washed, and the hydrogen peroxide used for sterilization is washed away.

  The beverage a is filled in the sterilized bottle 2 at normal temperature (for example, 2 ° C. to 40 ° C.). The beverage a is preliminarily sterilized by heating or the like, cooled to room temperature, and then filled into the bottle 2.

  Nitrogen gas, which is an inert gas, is blown into the head space b of the bottle 2 by the method shown in FIG.

  In the bottle 2, the beverage a is filled in advance from the nozzle through the mouth 2 a of the bottle 2.

  Specifically, the bottle 2 is gripped by a gripper 32 (see FIG. 8), which will be described later, or placed on a conveyor and travels at a high speed in the horizontal direction and travels synchronously with the bottle 2 (see FIG. 3). ) Fills the bottle 2 with the beverage a from the mouth 2a of the bottle 2. The traveling speed of the bottle 2 is set to, for example, 0.2 m / second to 2 m / second from the viewpoint of production efficiency and the like.

  The bottle 2 is desirably sterilized in advance as described above. Further, the outer surface of the bottle 2 is similarly sterilized.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (A), a bubble c of the beverage a is generated in the head space b of the bottle 2 with the filling of the beverage a. The amount and size of the bubble c differ depending on the type of contents. Air is trapped in each bubble c.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, hot air d is blown from the nozzle 49 toward the head space b of the bottle 2. The hot air d breaks the bubbles c in the head space b and releases the air in the bubbles c. The nozzle 49 may be fixed at a fixed position, or may run in parallel with the bottle 2.

  It is also possible to use water vapor instead of hot air d and heat the bubbles c with the water vapor to eliminate the bubbles.

  The inventor examined the effect of reducing the amount of oxygen in the head space b by defoaming in the head space b, and was able to obtain the results shown in Table 1 and FIG.

  The data in Table 1 and FIG. 9 were obtained by filling a PET bottle with a liquid to form a 15 ml head space and injecting various volumes of air into the liquid with a pipette. When the bubbles c are erased by the hot air d as described above, the amount of oxygen in the head space b is 0.04 ml. However, even if the amount of bubbles is 1 ml, the amount of oxygen increases remarkably and the volume of the bubbles increases. As a result, the amount of oxygen tends to increase.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 2 (B), the cap 3 faces the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 filled with the beverage a. The cap 3 travels synchronously with the bottle 2 while being held by the capping holder 4.

  Further, in a state where the bottle 2 and the cap 3 run side by side, both the cap 3 and the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2 are covered with a hood 30 as shown in FIG. While the hood 30 travels integrally with the capping holder 4 that holds the cap 3, the hood 30 descends toward the bottle 2 and covers the mouth 2 a of the bottle 2 and the cap 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, nitrogen gas N, which is an inert gas sterilized in advance from when the cap 3 is opposed to the mouth portion 2 a of the bottle 2 until it is covered, is blown into the hood 30. It is. The hood 30 is provided with nitrogen gas N inlets 47 and 48 at a plurality of locations. In the illustrated example, there are two injection ports, but there may be one injection port or three or more injection ports. Nitrogen gas N flows into the hood 30, the head space b, and the cap 3 as indicated by arrows in the figure, and oxygen is released from the hood 30, the head space b, and the cap 3 to the outside of the hood 30. Exclusion replaces oxygen. One inlet 48 faces the direction crossing the opening of the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 with the hood 30 covering the mouth 2a of the bottle 2. Therefore, the nitrogen gas that has flowed into the hood 30 from there. N flows at high speed so as to give up the opening of the mouth 2a of the bottle 2. As a result, air is easily sucked out of the head space b, and oxygen in the head space b is easily replaced with nitrogen gas N.

  In this way, since the hood 30 is covered and the nitrogen gas N is supplied into the hood 30, the beverage 2 is filled and the nitrogen gas N is supplied into the head space b while the bottle 2 is running at high speed. Even in such a case, oxygen in the head space b is surely eliminated, the outside air is prevented from being entrapped in the head space b, and the substitution rate of the oxygen in the head space b by the nitrogen gas N is improved.

  When nitrogen gas N is blown into the head space b, since the bubbles c of the beverage a in the head space b have already been broken as described above, oxygen in the air contained in the bubbles c is nitrogen. It does not remain in the head space b after the gas N is blown in or after capping.

  The hood 30 may be omitted when the nitrogen gas N is supplied while the bottle 2 or the like is traveling at a low speed, or when the hood 30 is supplied in a stationary state. Even in that case, it is possible to exclude oxygen from the head space b with a certain degree of substitution.

  This nitrogen gas N may be preheated in the same manner as the hot air d. In addition to the defoaming by the hot air d or water vapor spraying, the defoaming effect can be obtained by the heated nitrogen gas N, so that oxygen can be more effectively excluded from the head space b.

  2B and 2C, the opening at the lower end of the hood 30 is covered with a plate-shaped shutter 31 as necessary. By closing the bottom of the hood 30 with the shutter 31 in a slightly opened state, the inside of the hood 30 can be filled with the nitrogen gas N while discharging the nitrogen gas N from the shutter 31 little by little. Can be prevented from entering. Thereby, the substitution rate of oxygen in the head space b by nitrogen gas is further improved.

  As shown in FIG. 2C, the capping holder 4 is rotated and the mouth 2 a of the bottle 2 is closed with the cap 3. Nitrogen gas N is preferably supplied until the cap 3 is closed.

  Thereafter, the shutter 31 is opened, the capping holder 4 releases the cap 3, rises together with the hood 30, and the bottle 2 is taken out from the capping process as the package 1 of the beverage a.

  Thus, nitrogen gas N is injected into the hood 30, and oxygen in the head space b is expelled from the hood 30, head space b, and cap 3 while excluding oxygen from the hood 30. Even when the vehicle is traveling at high speed, the replacement rate of oxygen in the head space b with nitrogen gas N has reached about 100% at the maximum, which was about 50% when the volume of the head space b is 20 cc. It becomes.

  The inventor determined the relationship between the various flow rates of nitrogen gas blown into the hood, the time for replacing oxygen in the headspace of the bottle with nitrogen gas, and the replacement rate of oxygen in the headspace with nitrogen gas. The results in Table 1 were obtained. However, the time for replacing oxygen in the head space with nitrogen gas is the time required to cover the bottle mouth and cap with the hood and blow the nitrogen gas into the hood for capping (referred to as “holding time”). . The holding time corresponds to the time during which the mouth and cap of the bottle are covered with the hood and these are run in the horizontal direction while nitrogen gas is blown into the hood. The bottle was as shown in FIG. 1, and the volume of the head space b was 20 cc.

  As a method approximate to the conventional method, when nitrogen gas is blown from the nozzle toward the head space of the bottle, the replacement is performed by setting the holding time to 0.0 second and the nitrogen gas flow rate to 300 L / min. The rate was able to reach 50%.

  A graph of the data in Table 2 is shown in FIG.

  In this way, the time for covering the mouth 2a and the cap 3 of the bottle 2 with the hood 30 and blowing the nitrogen gas N into the hood 30 and replacing the oxygen in the head space b with the nitrogen gas N is defined as the holding time, and the head space b If the relationship between the oxygen content in the gas and the nitrogen gas substitution rate is obtained in advance, and the flow rate and holding time of the nitrogen gas N are determined based on the required substitution rate, the oxygen in the head space b is converted to nitrogen gas. Can be efficiently replaced at an appropriate replacement rate. For example, in FIG. 10, in order to set the replacement rate to 90%, nitrogen gas N is blown into the hood at a flow rate of 100 L / min and the holding time is 0.2 seconds, or nitrogen gas N is 50 L. It is possible to blow into the hood 30 at a flow rate of / min and set the holding time to 0.4 seconds.

  Further, since the substitution rate of oxygen in the head space b by nitrogen gas N is increased as described above, the oxidation of the content beverage a is reduced and long-term storage is possible as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a graph showing the degradation rate of ascorbic acid when ascorbic acid is added to beverage a and filled in two bottles 2 as shown in FIG. In the figure, the broken line indicates the deterioration rate of ascorbic acid when capping after blowing nitrogen gas N into the head space b of the bottle 2 by the conventional method. The solid line shows the degradation rate of ascorbic acid when nitrogen gas N is supplied into the head space b of the bottle 2 based on the above embodiment of the present invention and capping is performed. In FIG. 11, a portion with a large gradient between the broken line and the solid line indicates consumption of ascorbic acid by oxygen confined in the head space b. As is clear from FIG. 11, the higher the substitution rate of oxygen in the head space b by the nitrogen gas N, the longer the long-term storage is possible with the deterioration of the beverage a. For example, according to the conventional method, the expiration date of 8 months can be further extended by E = 6 months.

  2A, 2B, and 2C are performed in a sterile atmosphere. The aseptic atmosphere can be formed by covering the traveling path of the bottle 2 with a chamber (see FIG. 3) and filling the inside of the chamber with positive pressure aseptic air. Under such an aseptic atmosphere, the aseptic bottle 2 can be filled with aseptic beverage a, supplied with aseptic nitrogen gas N, and covered with an aseptic cap 3 to store the beverage a in aseptic condition for a long time. it can.

  The steps of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are desirably performed in a sterile atmosphere. The aseptic atmosphere can be formed by covering the traveling path of the bottle 2 with a chamber (see FIG. 4) and filling the inside of the chamber with positive pressure aseptic air. Under such an aseptic atmosphere, the aseptic bottle 2 can be filled with aseptic beverage a, supplied with aseptic nitrogen gas N, and covered with an aseptic cap 3 to store the beverage a in aseptic condition for a long time. it can.

<Embodiment 2>
In Embodiment 2, nitrogen gas, which is an inert gas, is filled in the head space b of the bottle 2 by the method shown in FIG.

  The bottle 2 runs continuously at a high speed, and the beverage a is filled into the bottle 2 from the mouth 2a of the bottle 2. Of course, the bottle 2 may be intermittently run from the filling of the beverage a to the subsequent capping, or may be kept stationary.

  The bottle 2 is gripped by a gripper 32 (see FIG. 8), which will be described later, or placed on a conveyor and travels at a high speed in the horizontal direction. The nozzle 7 (see FIG. Directly facing the mouth 2a, the beverage a is quantitatively filled from the nozzle 7 into the bottle 2 through the mouth 2a. The traveling speed of the bottle 2 is desirably 0.2 m / second to 2 m / second from the viewpoint of production efficiency and the like.

  The bottle 2 is desirably sterilized in advance as described above. Further, the outer surface of the bottle 2 is similarly sterilized.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, bubbles c of the beverage a are generated in the head space b of the bottle 2 as the beverage a is filled. The amount and size of the bubble c differ depending on the type of contents. Air is trapped in each bubble c.

  The cap 3 faces the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 filled with the beverage a. The cap 3 travels synchronously with the bottle 2 while being held by the capping holder 4.

  Further, both the cap 3 and the mouth portion 2 a of the bottle 2 are covered with the hood 30 in a state where the bottle 2 and the cap 3 run side by side. While the hood 30 travels integrally with the capping holder 4 that holds the cap 3, the hood 30 descends toward the bottle 2 and covers the mouth 2 a of the bottle 2 and the cap 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 (A), (B), and (C), the inertness that has been sterilized and heated in advance from when the cap 3 is confronted to the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 until the bottle 2 is sealed. Nitrogen gas M, which is a gas, is blown into the hood 30. Although not shown, the nitrogen gas M is heated by a heating means such as a heater.

  The nitrogen gas M flows into the hood 30, the head space b, and the cap 3 as indicated by arrows in the figure, and oxygen is released from the hood 30, the head space b, and the cap 3 to the outside of the hood 30. Exclude.

  Thus, since the hood 30 is covered and the nitrogen gas M is supplied into the hood 30, the beverage 2 is filled and the nitrogen gas M is supplied into the head space b while the bottle 2 is running at high speed. Even in such a case, oxygen in the head space b is surely excluded, the outside air is prevented from being entrapped in the head space b, and the substitution rate of the oxygen in the head space b by the nitrogen gas M is improved.

  Since this nitrogen gas M is heated, as shown in FIG. 3 (A), it is blown onto the bubbles c in the head space b, so that the head space b as shown in FIG. The bubble c inside disappears and the air in the bubble c is released. Therefore, oxygen in the air contained in the bubbles c does not remain in the head space b after the nitrogen gas M is blown in or after capping.

  The hood 30 may be omitted when the nitrogen gas M is supplied while the bottle 2 or the like is traveling at a low speed or when the hood 30 is supplied in a stationary state. Even in that case, it is possible to exclude oxygen from the head space b with a certain degree of substitution.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3 </ b> B, and 3 </ b> C, the opening at the lower end of the hood 30 may be covered with a plate-shaped shutter 31 as necessary. By closing the bottom of the hood 30 with the shutter 31 in a slightly open state, the inside of the hood 30 can be filled with the nitrogen gas M while exhausting the nitrogen gas M from the shutter 31 little by little. Can be prevented from entering. Thereby, the substitution rate of oxygen in the head space b by the nitrogen gas M is further improved.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, the capping holder 4 is rotated and the mouth 2 a of the bottle 2 is closed with the cap 3. The nitrogen gas M is preferably supplied until the cap 3 is closed.

  Thereafter, the shutter 31 is opened, the capping holder 4 releases the cap 3, rises together with the hood 30, and the bottle 2 is taken out from the capping process as the package 1 of the beverage a.

  In this way, the nitrogen gas M is injected into the hood 30 while the bottle 2 is running at a high speed, the foam c of the beverage a disappears, and oxygen is released from the hood 30, the head space b, and the cap 3 to the outside of the hood 30. Since the oxygen in the head space b is expelled while being eliminated, the replacement rate of the oxygen in the head space b with the nitrogen gas M is 50% as in the case of the first embodiment when the volume of the head space b is 20 cc. What was about will reach almost 100%.

  Therefore, as in the case of the first embodiment, even if the permeability of oxygen in the outside air into the bottle 2 is increased by reducing the thickness and weight of the bottle 2, the oxidation of the content beverage is reduced and stored for a long time. Is possible.

  The steps of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are desirably performed in a sterile atmosphere, as in the first embodiment. The aseptic atmosphere can be formed by covering the traveling path of the bottle 2 with a chamber (see FIG. 4) and filling the inside of the chamber with positive pressure aseptic air. Under such an aseptic atmosphere, the aseptic bottle 2 is filled with the aseptic beverage a, supplied with aseptic nitrogen gas M, and covered with the aseptic cap 3, whereby the beverage a can be stored in an aseptic condition for a long time. it can.

<Embodiment 3>
An example of an aseptic filling apparatus for carrying out the filling method according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the aseptic filling apparatus has a conveying means for conveying the bottle 2 along a predetermined conveying path.

  The conveying means arranges a plurality of various wheels 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 horizontally so as to be adjacent one after another, and each wheel 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, A plurality of bowl-shaped grippers described later are arranged around 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 at a predetermined pitch. These wheels 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 can be added or deleted as appropriate.

  Adjacent wheels rotate in opposite directions at the same peripheral speed, and a gripper on each wheel 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 has a gripper on each wheel 11, 12, 13, 14 , 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 at the same peripheral speed.

  The conveying path of the conveying means extends as a continuous arc by connecting various wheels 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20, and a number of bottles are formed on the continuous line of the arc. 2 runs at a predetermined interval.

  Thereby, the bottle 2 is gripped by the gripper of the upstream wheel and swivels together with the wheel. When the bottle 2 reaches the downstream wheel, the bottle 2 is gripped by the gripper of the wheel, and thereafter sequentially sent to the downstream wheel at a predetermined speed. .

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the gripper 32 has a pair of sandwiching pieces 33a and 33b that sandwich the mouth 2a protruding from the body of the bottle 2 from the outside. The pair of sandwiching pieces 33a and 33b are rotatably supported on the base 34 by vertical pins 35, respectively, and are always pulled in a closing direction by a tension spring 36. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8 (B), the pair of sandwiching pieces 33a and 33b always try to grip the mouth 2a of the bottle 2, and the bottle 1 gripped by the gripper 32 is suspended as shown in FIG. Become. The base 34 slides in the radial direction of the wheels 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 with the vertical shaft 37 fitted to the bases of both sandwiching pieces 33 a, 33 b. The cam follower 38 connected to the vertical shaft 37 is also slidably mounted in the radial direction of each wheel 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. Each wheel 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 is engaged with a groove of a cam follower 38, and the cam follower 38 and the vertical shaft 37 are connected to each wheel 11, at a predetermined position. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 are slid in the radial direction, and cams (not shown) for switching the sandwiching pieces 33a, 33b of the gripper 32 to an open state or a closed state are arranged. When each wheel 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 rotates and the gripper 32 faces the gripper 32 of the adjacent wheel, both grippers 32 once become the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2. After that, the gripping pieces 33a and 33b of the upstream gripper 32 are opened to release the bottle 2, and the bottle 2 is transported while the gripping pieces 33a and 33b of the downstream gripper 32 are closed. Thereafter, the same operation is performed, whereby the bottles 2 are conveyed in a row to the downstream wheel.

  In FIGS. 8A and 8B, reference numeral 31 denotes a shutter. This shutter is provided only on the gripper 32 that turns around an eighth wheel 18 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 4, along the conveyance path, the nozzle 5 of the first sterilization processing means for sterilizing the inside of the bottle 2 with hydrogen peroxide as a sterilizing agent, and sterilizing by injecting hot water into the bottle 2 Nozzle 6 of the second sterilization processing means, nozzle 7 of the filling means for filling the beverage 2 as the content into the sterilized bottle 2 at room temperature, and sealing means for sealing the bottle 2 with the cap 3 which is a lid Are arranged in order.

  Further, an outer surface sterilizing means for sterilizing the outer surface of the bottle 2 with hydrogen peroxide mist is also provided along the conveying path. In this embodiment, the nozzle 5 of the first sterilizing means is provided with the outer surface sterilizing process. It also serves as a means.

  An introduction conveyor 11a is connected to the upstream side of the first wheel 11 provided with the nozzle 5 and the like of the first sterilization processing means, and a blow molding machine 9 is disposed on the introduction conveyor 11a. A preform 10 is supplied to the blow molding machine 9, and the bottles 2 molded from the preform 10 by the blow molding machine 9 are sent to the first wheel 11 at a constant pitch by the introduction conveyor 11a.

  The number of nozzles 5 serving as the first sterilization processing means may be one or more. The opening at the tip of the nozzle 5 faces the opening of the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 at a predetermined interval. A mist of hydrogen peroxide discharged from the opening of the nozzle 5 flows into the bottle 2 from the mouth portion 2 a of the bottle 2.

  Further, a tunnel 29 is provided at a location where the bottle 2 passes under the nozzle 5 in the first wheel 11 so as to surround the bottle 2. Part of the mist of hydrogen peroxide discharged from the opening of the nozzle 5 fills the tunnel 29 and adheres to the outer surface of the bottle 2 to efficiently sterilize the outer surface of the bottle 2.

  Hydrogen peroxide mist is generated by a mist generator. Although not shown, the mist generating device includes a two-fluid spray that ejects hydrogen peroxide using aseptic air, and a vaporization unit that heats and vaporizes the spray of hydrogen peroxide supplied from the two-fluid spray. Since this is a known device, detailed description thereof is omitted. A fine mist of hydrogen peroxide discharged from the mist generating device is blown into the bottle 2 from the nozzle 5 and adheres uniformly to the entire inner surface of the bottle 2. The mist adhering to the inner surface of the bottle 2 is condensed to form high-concentration hydrogen peroxide, which quickly sterilizes the inner surface of the bottle 2.

  In the third embodiment, the supply amount of this mist is smaller than that in the conventional aseptic method. This mist kills the vegetative cells, molds and yeast of the bacteria in the bottle 2, but the bacterial spores remain alive.

  The first wheel 11 is surrounded by a first aseptic chamber 23 so as to include the nozzle 5 of the first sterilization processing means. The inside of the first aseptic chamber 23 is filled with the mist b discharged from the nozzle 5 and blows out from the entrance and exit of the bottle 2 in the first aseptic chamber 23 together with the aseptic air supplied into the first aseptic chamber 23. Prevent intrusion of outside air containing. The nozzle 5 is fixed at a fixed position in the first aseptic chamber 23.

  The mist discharged from the nozzle 5 stays as a high-concentration hydrogen peroxide mist in the bottle 2 in the tunnel 29 in the first aseptic chamber 23, and also flows out of the bottle 2 to the bottle. 2. Sterilize bacterial vegetative cells, molds and yeast that adhere on the outer surface of 2 or float in the first aseptic chamber 23.

  Although not shown, the gripper disposed on the outer periphery of the second wheel 12 is supported on the second wheel 12 side via a horizontal pivot, and is a cam that is curved in an arc shape around the turning axis of the second wheel 12. When the bottle 2 is received from the contact point with the first wheel 11 and travels, it is turned upside down by the cam guide. Thereby, the bottle 2 is also turned upside down, and the mouth part 2a faces downward.

  One or a plurality of nozzles 6 of the second sterilization processing means are arranged upward in order to supply hot water into the bottle 2 which is directed downward. The nozzle 6 is provided so as to swivel together with the gripper immediately below each gripper. Although not shown, each nozzle 2 can move up and down in the bottle 2 by moving up and down by a cam mechanism just below each gripper. Further, the second sterilization processing means supplies aseptic hot water to the nozzle 6 from a manifold, a hollow tube or the like. The hot water blown out from the nozzle 6 flows through the bottle 2 and then flows out from the mouth 2a. Sterilization of each bottle 2 with warm water is performed in a region indicated by a two-dot chain line around the wheel 12 in FIG.

  This hot water is allowed to survive in the spore but is sterilized by heating under sterilization conditions capable of sterilizing mold and yeast, and then cooled to a temperature of 65 ° C. to 75 ° C., and a flow rate of 5 to 10 L / min. Then, it is supplied from the nozzle 6 into each bottle 2.

  This warm water sterilizes some molds such as ascomycetes damaged by hydrogen peroxide. In addition, excess hydrogen peroxide remaining in the bottle 2 is washed away by the warm water and discharged out of the bottle 2. Moreover, the disinfection effect of the outer surface of the bottle 2 by the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the outer surface of the bottle 2 is enhanced by the heat of the hot water.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the second to fourth wheels 12, 13, and 14 are covered with a second aseptic chamber 24 so as to include the nozzle 6 of the second sterilization processing means. Positive pressure aseptic air is also supplied into the second aseptic chamber 24.

  The bottle 2 sterilized with warm water is transferred from the second wheel 12 to the sixth wheel 16 via the third to fifth wheels 13, 14, 15. A filling machine 25 which is a content filling means is installed at a predetermined position of the sixth wheel 16. The bottle 2 is filled with the beverage a which is the content by the filling machine 25 while being held by the gripper of the sixth wheel 16 and being conveyed. The filling machine 25 has a nozzle 7, and the bottle 2 is filled with a predetermined amount of beverage a from the nozzle 7. One or a plurality of nozzles 7 can be provided.

  The temperature of the beverage a at the time of filling is a normal temperature of about 3 ° C to 40 ° C. Further, the acidity of the beverage a is desirably less than pH 4.6, more desirably less than pH 4, and tomato juice, vegetable juice, lemon tea, orange juice, milky carbonated drink, functional drink, carbonated lemon juice, Grape juice, fruit juice juice, etc. are filled.

  A portion from the fifth wheel 15 to the seventh wheel 17 is surrounded by a third aseptic chamber 26 so as to include the nozzle 7 of the filling machine 25. Positive pressure sterile air is also supplied into the third aseptic chamber 26.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the capper 8 serving as a sealing means is installed at a predetermined position of the eighth wheel 18.

  In the bottle 2 reaching the capper 8, a head space b is formed on the liquid surface of the beverage a, and a heated nitrogen gas M is blown into the head space b, so that the head space b is blown. The air inside is replaced with nitrogen gas M.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the capper 8 has a capping holder 4 for covering the cap 3 against the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 filled with the beverage a. The capping holder 4 is disposed around a swivel 39 that can swivel together with the eighth wheel 18. Each capping holder 4 moves synchronously with the gripper 32 that holds the bottle 2 as the eighth wheel 18 rotates, and makes the cap 3 face the mouth 2 a of the bottle 2.

  The cap 3 is sterilized in advance by a sterilization apparatus similar to the sterilization apparatus for the bottle 2.

  The capping holder 4 includes a fitting portion 4a that fits and holds the cap 3, and a rod 4b that extends in the vertical direction and supports the fitting portion 4a at the lower end. The rod 4b is configured to reciprocate up and down and rotate by power from a driving unit (not shown) disposed above the swivel board 39. When the rod 4b reciprocates up and down, the cap 3 can be gripped by the fitting portion 4a at a predetermined location, and the cap 3 can be applied to the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2 at another predetermined location. Further, when the rod 4b rotates, the cap 3 can be wound around the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a sleeve 40 into which the rod 4 b is inserted is fixed vertically to the lower surface of the swivel disc 39, and a bearing for rotatably supporting the rod 4 b on the rod 4 b below the sleeve 40. 41 and the bearing holder 42 are attached. A guide rail 43 for guiding the vertical reciprocation of the rod 4 b and a roller 44 fitted into the guide rail 43 are attached to the sleeve 40 and the bearing holder 42. Further, a bellows 45 for blocking a gap between the sleeve 40 and the bearing holder 42 is attached.

  Further, the capper 8 has a hood 30 that covers both the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2 and the cap 3 opposite to the cap 2, and heating that is an inert gas until the cap 3 is covered before the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2 is covered. Nitrogen gas supply means for blowing the nitrogen gas M into the hood 30 is provided. Although not shown, the nitrogen gas supply means includes means for heating the nitrogen gas M such as a heater.

  The hood 30 is formed to be vertically extendable by having a double cylinder structure of an upper cylinder 30a and a lower cylinder 30b that hang from the swivel disc 39 so as to surround the sleeve 40 and the bellows 45. The upper cylinder 30a and the lower cylinder 30b are fitted in a nested manner, the upper cylinder 30a is fixed to the swivel disc 39, and the lower cylinder 30b is slidable in the vertical direction with respect to the upper cylinder 30a. The lower cylinder 30b is connected to a piston rod 46a of a piston / cylinder device 46 fixed to the swivel board 39, and slides up and down with respect to the upper cylinder 30a by the expansion and contraction of the piston rod 46a.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the lower cylinder 30 b is narrowed between the lower cylinder 30 b and the outer periphery of the mouth portion 2 a to facilitate the flow of nitrogen gas M to the bottom side of the hood 30. Is provided.

  The nitrogen gas supply means includes nitrogen gas inlets 47 and 48 in the upper and lower cylinders 30 a and 30 b of the hood 30, respectively. The lower nitrogen gas inlet 48 faces the direction crossing the opening of the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2 with the hood 30 covering the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2, as described above. The nitrogen gas M that has flowed into 30 flows at a high speed so as to give up the opening of the mouth 2a of the bottle 2. Therefore, air is easily sucked out from the head space b, and oxygen in the head space b is easily replaced with the nitrogen gas M. The nitrogen gas inlet 48 penetrates from the lower cylinder 30b to the inner cylinder 30c and opens into the inner cylinder 30c. A conduit 30d for forming a nitrogen gas inlet 48 is provided between the lower cylinder 30b and the inner cylinder 30c. As shown in FIG. 4, a vertical groove 30e is formed in the upper cylinder 30a so that the upper cylinder 30a does not interfere with the conduit 30d when the upper cylinder 30a and the lower cylinder 30b overlap.

  The hood 30 swivels at a high speed together with the swivel disc 39, but the nitrogen gas M passes to the nitrogen gas fill ports 47 and 48 through a rotary joint (not shown) provided between the nitrogen gas inlets 47 and 48 and the swivel plate 39. And be supplied smoothly.

  The nitrogen gas M is heated in advance by a heating means such as a heater before reaching the nitrogen gas inlets 47 and 48. The nitrogen gas inlets 47 and 48 may be provided at one place or at three or more places.

  As shown in FIGS. 5, 8 </ b> A, and 8 </ b> B, a shutter 31 that opens and closes the opening of the bottom of the hood 30 is provided on the sandwich piece of the gripper 32 that travels around the eighth wheel 18 as necessary. Attached. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the shutter 31 closes the opening at the bottom of the hood 30 at the same time that the sandwiching pieces 33a and 33b of the gripper 32 sandwich the mouth 2a of the bottle 2, as shown in FIG. When the nitrogen gas M is supplied into the hood 30, the outside air is prevented from entering the hood 30.

  When the capping holder 4 reaches the position V in FIG. 4, the lower cylinder 30b rises and overlaps with the upper cylinder 30a by the contraction operation of the piston rod 46a, as shown in FIG. The joint portion 4a and the cap 3 fitted into the joint portion 4a face the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2 with the hood 30 exposed below. At this stage, the nitrogen gas M is supplied from the nitrogen gas inlet 47 into the hood 30, and the hood 30 is filled with the nitrogen gas M.

  Further, at the position V, as shown in FIG. 5, many bubbles c due to the film of the beverage a are generated on the liquid level of the beverage a filled in the bottle 2 from the nozzle 7 of the filling machine 25.

  Next, when the capping holder 4 reaches the position VI in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 6, the lower cylinder 30b is lowered from the periphery of the upper cylinder 30a by the extension operation of the piston rod 46a, and the mouth of the bottle 2 Both the part 2a and the cap 3 opposite to the part 2a are covered. The nitrogen gas M continues to be injected into the hood 30 and flows into the hood 30, the head space b of the bottle 2, and the cap 3, excludes oxygen from them, and pushes it out of the hood 30. At that time, the bottle 2 is traveling at a high speed, but the hood 30 covers the periphery of the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2, so that the nitrogen gas M is not sucked out of the head space b.

  Since the nitrogen gas M is blown into the head space b as heated hot air, the bubble c shown in FIG. 5 is heated and bounces and disappears as shown in FIG. Thereby, the air in the bubble c is discharged into the head space b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, while the bottle 2 travels, the gripper 32 grips the mouth 2a of the bottle 2, and the shutter 31 closes in a slightly opened state, and the opening at the lower end of the hood 30 is outside. Is cut off from. As a result, the nitrogen gas M fills the hood 30 while being gradually discharged to the outside through the gap of the shutter 31, and pushes oxygen out of the hood 30. Accordingly, the entanglement of outside air into the hood 30 is prevented, and oxygen is further efficiently removed from the hood 30, the head space b, and the cap 3.

  When the capping holder 4 moves from the position VI to the position VII in FIG. 4, the capping holder 4 rotates in the arrow w direction while descending in the arrow v direction in FIG. 6, and the cap 3 is moved as shown in FIG. The bottle 2 is wound around the mouth 2a. During this time, the nitrogen gas M flows through the hood 30 and prevents the outside air from entering the hood 30. Thus, the bubble c of the beverage a in the head space b disappears, and the bubble c does not bounce after capping and does not release air. Therefore, the oxygen in the head space b of the bottle 2 is, for example, about 99% nitrogen gas. Replaced with M.

  Around the eighth to tenth wheels 18, 19, and 20 so as to include the capper 8, the fourth aseptic chamber 27 is covered. Positive pressure aseptic air is also supplied into the fourth aseptic chamber 27.

  The bottle 2 closed with the cap 3 by the capper 8 is unloaded from the unloading conveyor 20a to the outside of the fourth aseptic chamber 27 via the tenth wheel 20 for rejection, and shipped. On the other hand, the bottle 2 having trouble in filling, capping and the like is taken out of the fourth sterilization chamber 27 through the other route from the reject conveyor 20b and collected.

  In addition, the first to fourth aseptic chambers 23, 24, 26, and 27 are provided with an in-chamber sterilizer. All the aseptic chambers 23, 24, 26, and 27 are sterilized by the sterilization apparatus in the chamber prior to the start of manufacturing the package 1. This sterilization is performed by spraying a bactericide such as hydrogen peroxide, spraying hot water, discharging water, etc., and is performed to such an extent that bacterial spore remains but bacterial vegetative cells, mold and yeast are sterilized.

  As described above, according to the apparatus of the third embodiment, it is not necessary to sterilize bacterial spores, and the inside of the aseptic chambers 23, 24, 26, 27 and the bottle 2 can be sterilized easily and quickly. Further, most of the microorganisms except the bacterial spores in the bottle 2 are sterilized by the first sterilizing means 5 with the sterilizing agent, and other microorganisms which are not easily sterilized by the aseptic fungi such as ascomycetes are sterilized by the first and second sterilizing means. Since it is sterilized by the synergistic effect of the means 6, only the spore of the germ which the germination is suppressed by the acidity of the drink a and is kept in a bacteriostatic state remains in the bottle 2, thereby preventing the drink a from being spoiled. a can be stored normally over a long period of time. Moreover, since the oxygen in the head space b (see FIG. 1) of the bottle 2 is replaced by the nitrogen gas M at a high substitution rate, the oxidation of the beverage a is eliminated or reduced, and the beverage a can be stored for a long time. .

<Embodiment 4>
In the fourth embodiment, the above-described filling method is performed by an aseptic filling apparatus having a configuration different from that of the aseptic filling apparatus of the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, this aseptic filling apparatus has a transport means for transporting the bottle 2 along a predetermined transport path.

  The conveying means is configured so that a plurality of various wheels 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, and 66 are adjacent one after another. 8, around each wheel 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 ( It is configured by arranging a number of grippers 32 exemplified in B) at a predetermined pitch.

  Of course, these wheels 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 can be added or deleted as appropriate.

  The adjacent wheels rotate in opposite directions at a predetermined peripheral speed, and each wheel 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, On the outer periphery of 65, 66, the gripper 32 has the same peripheral speed as each wheel 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66. Turn at.

  The conveying path of the conveying means is an arc by connecting various wheels 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66. A number of bottles 2 run at predetermined intervals on a continuous line of the arc. That is, the bottle 2 is gripped by the gripper 32 of the upstream wheel and swivels together with the wheel. When the bottle 2 reaches the downstream wheel, the bottle 2 is gripped by the gripper 32 of the wheel, and thereafter sequentially sent to the downstream wheel.

  A means 67 for preheating the bottle 2 along the conveying path, a means 68 for introducing a mist of hydrogen peroxide into the preheated bottle 2 to sterilize the inner surface of the bottle 2, and a bottle whose inner surface is sterilized A means 69 for blowing hot air into the bottle 2 to heat the bottle 2 and discharging the mist to the outside of the bottle 2, and a hydrogen peroxide extraction means 70 for introducing the vapor of sterile water into the bottle 2 from which the mist has been discharged; , The hydrogen peroxide discharging means 71 for cleaning the inside of the bottle 2 introduced with steam with the cleaning liquid and discharging the hydrogen peroxide to the outside of the bottle 2, and aseptic hot air is blown into the bottle 2 after cleaning to remove water droplets from the bottle 2. Air blow means 72 is arranged in order. Further, an outer surface sterilizing means 74 for sterilizing the outer surface of the bottle 2 with hydrogen peroxide mist is also provided along the transport path. In this embodiment, the outer surface sterilizing means 74 is provided at the same location as the preheating means 67.

  The preheating means 67 and the outer surface sterilizing means 74 are arranged along the outer periphery of the first wheel 52, and the bottle inner surface sterilizing means 68 is arranged along the outer periphery of the second wheel 53 in contact with the first wheel 52. Is done. Both wheels 52 and 53 are surrounded by a sterilization chamber 73 filled with positive pressure sterilized air.

  A row of a plurality of introduction wheels 49, 50, 51 is connected to the upstream side of the first wheel 52 provided with the preheating means 67 and the like, and a screw 75 is connected to the most upstream introduction wheel 49. These introduction wheels 49, 50, 51 and screw 75 are also surrounded by a sterile chamber 76. When the bottle 2 molded by a blow molding machine (not shown) or the like is introduced into the aseptic chamber 76 by a screw 75 at a constant pitch, the bottle 2 is gripped by the most upstream introduction wheel 49 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). The mouth portion 2a is gripped by reference, and sequentially passed to the gripper 32 of the first wheel 52 through the gripper 32 of the introduction wheels 50 and 51 on the downstream side.

  The preheating means 67 has a hot air supply box 77 that curves along the outer periphery of the first wheel 52. Although not shown, a blower, a HEPA filter, and an electric heater are connected to the hot air supply box 77. The air drawn from the blower is purified by the HEPA filter, heated to a predetermined temperature by the electric heater, and sent as hot air into the hot air supply box 77. Although not shown, a gripper 32 for gripping the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 and a manifold (not shown) for distributing hot air are pivotally attached to the turning shaft of the first wheel 52 so as to be integrated with the first wheel 52. It is designed to turn. Further, a nozzle (not shown) is disposed above each gripper 32 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction and to be able to turn together with the first wheel 52. The sliding operation of the nozzle can be performed by an air cylinder device (not shown) or a cylindrical cam arranged so as to surround the turning shaft of the first wheel 52. Each nozzle is connected to a branch tube made of a flexible hose extending from the manifold.

  The hot air in the hot air supply box 77 passes through the hollow portion of the turning shaft of the first wheel 52 and reaches the nozzle through the manifold and the branch pipe. When the bottle 2 is introduced into the first wheel 52, the nozzle that travels with the bottle 2 descends and enters the bottle 2 to blow hot air. Hot air preheats the entire bottle 2. Hot air blowing is performed until the first wheel 52 comes into contact with the second wheel 53. When the bottle 2 approaches this location, the nozzle rises out of the bottle 2 and stops blowing hot air.

  The preliminary heating means 67 includes a mouth heating means for heating the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 separately from the body of the bottle 2 as necessary. The mouth heating means is an umbrella-shaped guide body that is attached to the outer periphery of the nozzle (not shown), and at the same time the nozzle is inserted into the bottle 2, the guide body covers the mouth edge of the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2. . The hot air blown into the bottle 2 from the tip of the nozzle is blown out from the rear mouth portion 2a that circulates in the bottle 2, contacts the outer periphery of the mouth portion 2a while being guided by the guide body, and heats the mouth portion 2a from the outside.

  The outer surface sterilizing means 74 includes a mist generating device 78 and a tunnel-shaped enclosure 79 that covers the conveyance path of the bottle 2 with a predetermined length. Since the mist generating device 78 is a known device, its detailed description is omitted.

  The tunnel-shaped enclosure 79 extends in an arc shape from a position where the first wheel 52 contacts the most downstream introduction wheel 51 to a position where the first wheel 52 contacts the second wheel 53. The bottle 2 held by the gripper 32 and the nozzle pass through the enclosure 79. The hydrogen peroxide mist blown from the nozzle fills the enclosure 79 and adheres uniformly to the entire outer surface of the bottle 2 passing through the enclosure 79. The mist adheres to the outer surface of the bottle 2 and condenses to become high-concentration hydrogen peroxide, thereby sterilizing the outer surface of the bottle 2 appropriately.

  The bottle inner surface sterilizing means 68 is provided on the conveyance path from the position where the second wheel 53 contacts the first wheel 52 to the position where the second wheel 53 contacts the third wheel 54. A base (not shown) of the bottle inner surface sterilizing means 68 is installed so as to be positioned immediately above the gripper 32 on the outer periphery of the second wheel 53. A plurality of mist generating devices similar to the mist generating device 78 are attached to the base at intervals equal to the pitch of the gripper 32, and the mouth 2 a of the bottle 2 in which the nozzles of each mist generating device are held by the gripper 32. Opposite to. The hydrogen peroxide mist generated by each mist generating device is blown from the mouth 2a into the bottle 2 running under each nozzle, and adheres to the entire inner surface of the bottle 2 without unevenness. The mist adheres and condenses on the inner surface of the bottle 2 to become high-concentration hydrogen peroxide and quickly sterilizes the inner surface of the bottle 2.

  The mist discharging means 69 is provided on the conveyance path from the position where the third wheel 54 contacts the second wheel 53 to the position where the third wheel 54 contacts the fourth wheel 55. The circumference of the third wheel 54 and the circumference of the fourth wheel 55 are surrounded by aseptic chambers 80 and 81 filled with positive pressure sterile air, respectively.

  The mist discharging means 69 includes a nozzle (not shown) that rotates together with the gripper 32 just above each gripper 32 of the third wheel 54. The nozzle can be moved up and down by a mechanism similar to that of the bottle inner surface sterilizing means 68, and is supplied with hot air which is aseptic air heated in the same manner as the bottle inner surface sterilizing means 68. The nozzle enters the bottle 2 and blows hot air when the bottle into which the mist has been blown by the bottle inner surface sterilization means 68 is gripped by the gripper 32. The hot air heats the entire bottle 2 and discharges mist out of the bottle 2. Hot air blowing is performed until the third wheel 54 comes into contact with the fourth wheel 55. When the bottle 2 approaches a location in contact with the fourth wheel 55, the nozzle rises outside the bottle 2 and stops blowing hot air.

  The bottle 2 in which mist has been blown by the bottle inner surface sterilization means 68 is held for a certain period of time in a state where the inside is filled with mist on the transport path leading to the mist discharging means 69. The high concentration of hydrogen peroxide adhering to and condensing on the inner surface of the bottle 2 sterilizes the inner surface of the bottle 2 more effectively.

  Since high-concentration hydrogen peroxide adheres to the inner surface of the bottle 2 and the outer surface of the bottle 2 as described above, the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle are sterilized and the bacteria remaining in the second embodiment are removed. Even spores will be sterilized.

  The fourth wheel 55 is provided, for example, for collecting the bottle 2 with poor sterilization that occurs at the beginning of the sterilization apparatus. When a signal notifying the arrival of the sterilized defective bottle 2 is issued from a control unit (not shown), the gripper 32 of the fourth wheel 55 receives the bottle 2 from the gripper 32 of the third wheel 54 and discharges it out of the conveyance path. The bottle 2 sterilized normally passes from the conveyance path of the third wheel 54 through the fourth wheel 55 to the conveyance path of the next fifth wheel 56.

  The hydrogen peroxide extraction means 70 is provided on the conveyance path from the position where the fifth wheel 56 contacts the third wheel 54 to the position where the fifth wheel 56 contacts the sixth wheel 57. The fifth wheel 56 and the sixth wheel 57 are surrounded by a sterilization chamber 82 filled with positive-pressure sterilized air, together with the seventh wheel 58 in contact with the sixth wheel 57.

  The hydrogen peroxide extraction means 70 includes a nozzle (not shown) that rotates with the gripper 32 directly above each gripper 32 of the fifth wheel 56. Each nozzle is fixed directly above each gripper 32. Of course, the nozzle may be moved up and down by a mechanism similar to the bottle inner surface sterilizing means 68 so as to enter and exit the bottle 2.

  The hydrogen peroxide extraction means 70 includes a steam generator (not shown) for generating steam of sterile water. The steam generator has a structure substantially similar to that of the mist generator, for example, and includes a two-fluid spray and a vaporization unit that heats and vaporizes water spray supplied from the two-fluid spray. The water gas vaporized in the vaporizing section flows into the nozzle as high-temperature steam by aseptic hot air, and is blown into the bottle 2 from the nozzle.

  The steam blown into the bottle 2 heats the entire bottle 2 and condenses in contact with the inner surface of the bottle 2 and adheres to the inner surface of the bottle 2 as a film of sterile water. This film adsorbs the hydrogen peroxide remaining on the inner surface of the bottle 2. This sterile water film prevents hydrogen peroxide from penetrating into the wall of the bottle 2, and the hydrogen peroxide particles that have already penetrated into the bottle 2 wall are extracted into the sterile water film.

  Steam blowing is performed until the fifth wheel 56 contacts the sixth wheel 57. When the bottle 2 approaches a location in contact with the sixth wheel 57, the blowing of steam is stopped. A steam generator is provided as needed.

  The hydrogen peroxide discharging means 71 is provided on the conveyance path from the position where the sixth wheel 57 contacts the fifth wheel 56 to the position where the sixth wheel 57 contacts the seventh wheel 58.

  The grippers 32 similar to the grippers 32 are also arranged on the outer periphery of the sixth wheel 57 at a predetermined pitch, but these grippers 32 are supported on the sixth wheel 57 side via a horizontal pivot (not shown). . Although not shown, each gripper 32 comes into contact with a cam that is curved in an arc shape around the turning axis of the sixth wheel 57. When the gripper 32 receives the bottle 2 from the contact point with the fifth wheel 56 by the turning of the sixth wheel 57, the bottle 2 is turned upside down by the guide of the cam. Downward.

  The hydrogen peroxide discharging means 71 includes a nozzle (not shown) that rotates with the grippers 32 just below each gripper 32. Each nozzle can move up and down in the bottle 2 by moving up and down by a mechanism similar to the preheating means 67 just above each gripper 32. Further, the hydrogen peroxide discharging means 71 is configured to supply a cleaning liquid which is sterile water to the nozzle from a manifold, a hollow tube or the like by the same mechanism as the preheating means 67. Sterile water may be at room temperature, but is preferably preheated to a predetermined temperature in order to enhance the cleaning effect. The cleaning liquid blown from the nozzle flows into the bottle 2 and then flows out from the mouth 2a.

  When the bottle 2 held upside down by the gripper 32 arrives, the nozzle enters the bottle 2 and ejects the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid sprayed into the bottle 2 rinses the hydrogen peroxide used for sterilization from the inner surface of the bottle 2 together with the sterile water film, and flows down below the bottle 2. The cleaning liquid is injected until the position where the sixth wheel 57 contacts the seventh wheel 58. When the bottle 2 approaches the location in front of the seventh wheel 58, the injection of the cleaning liquid is stopped. Since hydrogen peroxide is extracted in the bottle 2 by the vapor film formed by the hydrogen peroxide extraction means 70, the cleaning by the hydrogen peroxide extraction means 70 is performed in a simple manner. Hydrogen is discharged out of the container, and the amount of sterile water used for cleaning is reduced.

  The air blow means 72 is disposed on the conveyance path of the sixth wheel 57 between the position where the hydrogen peroxide is discharged from the bottle and the position where the sixth wheel 57 contacts the seventh wheel 58. The air blowing means 72 includes a nozzle (not shown) for blowing hot air made of aseptic air into the bottle 2 held downward by the gripper 32 of the sixth wheel 57. These nozzles are fixed to the gripper 32 similarly to the nozzles of the hydrogen peroxide extraction means 70.

  As with the preheating means 67, each nozzle is supplied with hot air of sterile air through a manifold or the like. Sterile air is used at room temperature as needed. When the nozzle 2 arrives with the gripper 32 holding the bottle 2 after the discharge of hydrogen peroxide, hot air is blown into the bottle 2 from the mouth 2a of the bottle 2. The hot air heats the entire bottle 2, blows away aseptic water adhering to the inner surface of the bottle 2, and further dries it if necessary. Thereby, the removal of hydrogen peroxide is promoted. The blowing of hot air is performed up to the point before the sixth wheel 57 contacts the seventh wheel 58. When the bottle 2 comes close to a portion that contacts the seventh wheel 58, the gripper 32 comes into contact with the cam to return to the original upright state and is gripped by the gripper 32 of the seventh wheel 58.

  A sterile chamber 83 is provided in contact with the sterile chamber 82 where the hydrogen peroxide is discharged from the container and the like, and the contents are filled into the aseptically treated bottle 2. A row of various wheels 59, 60, 61 connected to the seventh wheel 58 is arranged in the aseptic chamber 83, and a filling machine 84 is installed so as to contact the predetermined wheel 61. The bottle 2 is gripped by the grippers 32 of the various wheels 59, 60 and 61 and is filled with contents by the filling machine 84, and then moves into the next aseptic chamber 85.

  In the next aseptic chamber 85, rows of various wheels 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 are arranged, and a capper 86 that is a plugging machine is installed for a predetermined wheel 63. When the bottle 2 filled with the contents is carried into the sterile chamber 85, the cap 3 (see FIG. 1) is applied to the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 held by the gripper 32 at the wheel 63 by the capper 86. .

  This capper 86 has the same structure as the capper 8 in the second embodiment, and operates as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 at positions V, VI, and VII in FIG.

  That is, when the capping holder 4 reaches the position V in FIG. 12, the fitting portion 4a of the capping holder 4 and the cap 3 fitted thereto are exposed under the hood 30 as shown in FIG. Then, face the mouth 2a of the bottle 2. At this stage, the nitrogen gas M is supplied from the nitrogen gas inlet 47 into the hood 30, and the hood 30 is filled with the nitrogen gas M.

  Next, when the capping holder 4 moves from the position V to the position VI in FIG. 12, the lower cylinder 30b is lowered from around the upper cylinder 30a by the extending operation of the piston rod 46a in the arrow u direction in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, both the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2 and the cap 3 facing the mouth 2a are covered. The nitrogen gas M continues to be injected into the hood 30 and flows into the hood 30, the head space b of the bottle 2, and the cap 3, excludes oxygen from them, and pushes it out of the hood 30. At that time, the bottle 2 is traveling at a high speed, but the hood 30 covers the periphery of the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2, so that the nitrogen gas M is not sucked out of the head space b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, while the bottle 2 is traveling, the gripper 32 grips the mouth 2a of the bottle 2, and the shutter 31 is closed accordingly, and the opening at the lower end of the hood 30 is blocked from the outside. . Accordingly, the entanglement of outside air into the hood 30 is prevented, and oxygen is further efficiently removed from the hood 30, the head space b, and the cap 3.

  When the capping holder 4 moves from the position VI to the position VII in FIG. 12, the capping holder 4 rotates in the arrow w direction while descending in the arrow v direction in FIG. 6, and as shown in FIG. The cap 3 is wound around the mouth 2a of the bottle 2. During this time, the nitrogen gas M flows through the hood 30 and prevents the outside air from entering the hood 30. Thus, the oxygen in the head space b of the bottle 2 is replaced with the nitrogen gas M up to about 100% at maximum.

  The bottle 2 closed by the cap 3 is unloaded from the unloading wheel 66 through the reject wheel 65 to the outside of the aseptic chamber 85 and shipped. On the other hand, the bottle 2 having troubles in filling, capping and the like is taken out of the aseptic chamber 85 through a separate path from the reject wheel 65 and collected.

  As described above, according to the apparatus of the fourth embodiment, microorganisms including bacterial spores in the bottle 2 can be sterilized, so that the beverage a in the bottle 2 is prevented from being spoiled and the beverage a is long. Can be stored normally over a period of time. Moreover, since the oxygen in the head space b (see FIG. 1) of the bottle 2 is replaced by the nitrogen gas M at a high substitution rate, the oxidation of the beverage a is eliminated or reduced, and the beverage a can be stored for a long time. .

<Embodiment 5>
As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, in the fifth embodiment, a capper having a different structure from that of the third and fourth embodiments is used.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the capper has a capping holder 4 for covering the cap 2 against the mouth 2 a of the bottle 2 filled with the beverage a. The capping holder 4 has the same structure as that used in the second and third embodiments, and a large number of capping holders 4 are arranged around the eighth wheel 18 in FIG. 4 or the wheel 63 in FIG. Each capping holder 4 is moved synchronously with the gripper 32 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B) holding the bottle 2 as the eighth wheel 18 or the wheel 63 rotates, and the cap 3 is moved to the bottle 2. It is made to oppose to the opening part 2a.

  The capping holder 4 includes a fitting portion 4a that fits and holds the cap 3, and a rod 4b that supports the fitting portion 4a and extends in the vertical direction. The rod 4b is reciprocated up and down by guidance by an end face cam (not shown) disposed above the eighth wheel 18 or wheel 63, and is rotated by a motor (not shown). When the rod 4b reciprocates up and down, the cap 3 is gripped by the fitting portion 4a at a predetermined location, the cap 3 is applied to the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 at another predetermined location, and the rod 4b rotates. By performing the exercise, the cap 3 is wound around the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 as shown in FIG.

  Further, the capper includes a hood 87 that covers both the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2 and the cap 3 opposed thereto, and nitrogen that is an inert gas from before the cap 3 is put on the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2 until it is covered. Nitrogen gas supply means for blowing the gas M into the hood 87 is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the hood 87 is attached to the rod 4b so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. That is, a rod 88 extending in the vertical direction is connected to the hood 87, and this rod 88 is disposed above the eighth wheel 18 (see FIG. 4) or the wheel 63 (see FIG. 12) and is not shown. It is designed to reciprocate up and down by guidance.

  The hood 87 includes a cylindrical cylindrical body 87a, an upper end plate 87b fixed to the upper end of the cylindrical body 87a, and a perforated plate 87c fixed to the lower end of the cylindrical body 87a.

  A bush 87d, which is a bearing, is provided at a location where the rod 4b vertically penetrates the center of the upper end plate 87b and the upper end plate 87b contacts the rod 4b. Thus, the hood 87 and the rod 4b can be slid relative to each other in the vertical direction.

  The perforated plate 87c has a circular hole 89 at the center thereof, and the capping holder 4 and the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2 pass through the hole 89 as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 14, when the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2 is passed through the hole 89 of the perforated plate 87c, the bottom of the hood 87 is closed in a slightly opened state. That is, the bottom of the hood 87 is closed in a state where the gap between the edge of the hole 89 of the perforated plate 87c and the outer surface of the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2 is reduced. Thus, according to this perforated plate 87c, the bottom of the hood 87 can be easily closed in a slightly opened state, and the edge of the hole 89 of the perforated plate 87c and the outer surface of the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2 It is possible to further reduce the gap between the two. As a result, the nitrogen gas M supplied by the nitrogen gas supply means described below easily fills the hood 87, and it becomes difficult for outside air to enter the hood 87, so that the nitrogen gas M of oxygen in the head space b is reduced. The replacement efficiency by is further improved.

  The nitrogen gas supply means includes nitrogen gas inlets 47 and 48 in the cylinder 87 a of the hood 87. The hood 87 swivels together with the bottle 2 at a high speed. However, the nitrogen gas M passes through a rotary joint (not shown) provided between the nitrogen gas inlets 47 and 48 and a nitrogen gas supply source (not shown). 48 is smoothly supplied. In particular, as shown in FIG. 14, the lower nitrogen gas inlet 48 faces the direction crossing the opening of the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 with the hood 87 covering the mouth 2a of the bottle 2. The nitrogen gas N flowing into the hood 30 from there flows at a high speed so as to give up the opening of the mouth 2a of the bottle 2. Therefore, air is easily sucked out from the head space b, and oxygen in the head space b is easily replaced with the nitrogen gas M.

  Next, the operation of this capper will be described.

  When the capping holder 4 reaches the position V in FIG. 4 or FIG. 12, as shown in FIG. 13, the hood 87 is raised, and the fitting portion 4a of the capping holder 4 and the cap fitted therein 3 faces the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 with the hood 87 exposed. At this stage, the nitrogen gas M heated in advance is supplied into the hood 87 from the nitrogen gas inlets 47 and 48, and the inside of the hood 87 is filled with the nitrogen gas M.

  Next, when the capping holder 4 moves from the position V to the position VI in FIG. 4 or FIG. 12, the rod 88 descends with the hood 87 in the direction of the arrow u in FIG. 13, and as shown in FIG. The hood 87 slides downward along the rod 4b and covers both the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2 and the cap 3 facing the mouth portion 2a. The hood 87 is lowered to such an extent that the perforated plate 87 c at the lower end thereof is in contact with the gripper 32.

  The mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2 penetrates the hole 89 of the perforated plate 87c into the hood 87, and the bottom of the hood 87 is closed in a slightly opened state. That is, the bottom of the hood 87 is closed in a state where a small gap is formed between the edge of the hole 89 of the perforated plate 87c and the outer surface of the mouth portion 2a of the bottle 2. As a result, the nitrogen gas M supplied from the nitrogen gas inlets 47 and 48 is easily filled into the hood 87, and the outside air is less likely to enter the hood 87, which is caused by the nitrogen gas of oxygen in the head space b. The replacement efficiency is further improved.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the nitrogen gas M is continuously injected into the hood 87 and flows into the hood 87, the head space b of the bottle 2, and the cap 3. Extrude into. In the hood 87, the nitrogen gas M flowing in from the lower nitrogen gas inlet 48 flows at a high speed so as to give up the opening of the mouth 2a of the bottle 2, so that air is easily sucked out from the head space b. Further, the replacement efficiency of oxygen in the head space b by the nitrogen gas M is improved.

  Further, in the process of FIG. 14, the bottle 2 is traveling at a high speed, but since the periphery of the mouth 2 a of the bottle 2 is covered by the hood 87, the nitrogen gas M is sucked out from the head space b. Absent.

  When the capping holder 4 moves from position VI to position VII in FIG. 4 or FIG. 12, the rod 4b descends with the cap 3 in the direction of arrow v in FIG. 14, and the rod 4b caps in the direction of arrow w. 3 is rotated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, the mouth 2 a of the bottle 2 is closed with the cap 3 in the hood 87. During this time, the nitrogen gas M flows in the hood 87 and prevents the outside air from entering the hood 87. Thus, the oxygen in the head space b of the bottle 2 is replaced with the nitrogen gas M up to about 100% at maximum.

  Thus, the bottle 2 whose mouth 2a is closed with the cap 3 by the capper is carried out and shipped as a package 1 outside the filling device.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, a bottle is used as a container. However, the present invention is in a form other than a bottle, such as a cup-shaped container, a pouch, and a spout. The present invention can also be applied to containers such as attached pouches. For example, glass and metal containers other than plastic containers are also applicable. It is also possible to use a gas other than nitrogen gas as the inert gas. The contents to be filled are sencha, which is a beverage, but other tea drinks such as matcha tea, black tea, oolong tea, juices, functional drinks, drinks with significant oxidative degradation, and filling of contents other than drinks. Is possible. Furthermore, in this invention, it is also possible to sterilize a container using other sterilization methods other than the said sterilization method.

It is a partial notch front view of the bottle with which the drink was filled with the filling method and apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing showing the filling method which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, (A) is the state which is blowing the hot air on the opening part of a bottle, (B) is a cap with a cap facing the opening part of a bottle, and a cap. A state in which the periphery of the mouth is covered with a hood and nitrogen gas is supplied, (C) shows a state in which the cap is wound around the mouth. It is explanatory drawing showing the filling method which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, (A) is the state which sprayed the heated nitrogen gas on the opening part of the bottle, and started the defoaming process, (B) is a defoaming process and A state where the replacement of nitrogen gas is completed, (C) shows a state where the cap is wound around the mouth. It is a top view which shows the apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 for enforcing the filling method which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view at a position V in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view at a position VI in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view at a position VII in FIG. 4. It is a top view of a gripper, (A) shows an open state and (B) shows a closed state. It is a graph which shows the residual amount of the oxygen amount by the bubble in a head space. It is a graph showing the relationship between the flow volume of nitrogen gas, holding time, and the substitution rate in a head space. It is a graph which shows the deterioration rate of ascorbic acid by oxygen. It is a top view of the filling apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a vertical sectional view showing the state where the cap of the filling device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention faces the cap to the mouth of the bottle. It is a vertical sectional view showing the state where the cap of the filling device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention covers the cap and the mouth of the bottle with a hood. It is a vertical sectional view which shows the state which the capper of the filling apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention wound the cap around the opening part of the bottle.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Packaging 2 ... Bottle 2a ... Bottle opening 3 ... Cap 8 ... Capper 26, 27 ... Aseptic chamber 30 ... Hood 31 ... Shutter 32 ... Gripper 33a, 33b ... Clipping piece 47, 48 ... Nitrogen gas injection port a ... Beverage b ... Head space c ... Foam d ... Hot air M, N ... Nitrogen gas

Claims (17)

  After filling the contents into the container, the contents are filled into the container from the mouth of the container, the inert gas is blown into the head space of the container, and the mouth is closed with a cap. , Hot air or water vapor is blown into the head space to eliminate bubbles in the contents, then the inert gas is blown into the head space, and then the mouth is closed with a cap. Filling method.   2. The content filling method according to claim 1, wherein the inert gas is heated.   After filling the contents into the container, the contents are filled into the container from the mouth of the container, the inert gas is blown into the head space of the container, and the mouth is closed with a cap. A filling method for contents, wherein the heated inert gas is blown into the head space to eliminate bubbles in the contents, and then the mouth is closed with a cap.   The content filling method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inert gas is blown into the head space through both the mouth portion and the cap facing the mouth portion. A method for filling contents, which is performed by supplying the inert gas into the hood after covering with a hood.   5. The content filling method according to claim 4, wherein the bottom of the hood is closed in a slightly opened state.   5. The filling method for contents according to claim 4, wherein the inert gas is blown into the hood by covering the mouth portion of the container and the cap with the hood with respect to various flow rates of the inert gas blown into the hood. The relationship between the time and the replacement rate of oxygen in the head space with an inert gas is obtained in advance, and the inert gas is supplied by calculating the flow rate and the time based on the required replacement rate. Filling method of contents.   7. The method for filling contents according to claim 1, wherein the inert gas is nitrogen gas.   The content filling method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the content is a non-carbonated beverage.   The method for filling contents according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the aseptic container is filled with aseptic contents under an aseptic atmosphere, aseptic inert gas is supplied, and the aseptic cap is attached. A content filling method characterized by covering.   It has conveying means for running the container along a predetermined conveying path, and the content filling means for filling the container into the container from the mouth of the container along the conveying path, and the head space of the container A bubble heating means for blowing off hot air or water vapor to eliminate bubbles in the contents, an inert gas supply means for blowing inert gas into the head space of the container, and a cap at the mouth of the container filled with the contents The content filling device is provided with a capper to be covered.   The content filling apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the inert gas is heated and blown into the head space.   It has conveying means for running the container along a predetermined conveying path, and the content filling means for filling the container into the container from the mouth of the container along the conveying path, and in the head space of the container A content comprising: an inert gas supply means that blows in a heated inert gas to eliminate bubbles in the content; and a capper that covers the mouth of a container filled with the content. Filling equipment.   The content filling device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising a hood that is held by the capper and covers both the cap facing the mouth of the container and the mouth. The filling apparatus for contents according to claim 1, wherein the inert gas is supplied into the hood by the inert gas supply means until the cap is completely covered before the cap is put on the mouth.   14. The content filling apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the conveying means has a gripper that moves by sandwiching the mouth portion of the container from both sides thereof, and the bottom of the hood is slightly opened in the gripping piece of the gripper. An apparatus for filling contents, wherein a shutter that can be closed in a state is attached.   14. The content filling apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a perforated plate is attached to the bottom of the hood, and the mouth of the container is passed through the hole of the perforated plate, so that the bottom of the hood is small. A filling device for contents, which is closed in an open state.   16. The contents filling apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the hood covers the mouth of the container and the cap with the hood for various flow rates of the inert gas blown into the hood. The relationship between the time during which the inert gas is blown into the gas and the replacement rate of the oxygen in the head space with the inert gas is determined in advance, and the flow rate and the time are calculated based on the required replacement rate, and the inertness is determined. A filling device for contents, characterized by supplying gas.   17. The content filling apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the transport path is covered with a sterile chamber.

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