JP2014050985A - Preform sterilization method and content filling method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for easily and quickly sterilizing a preform for making a container such as a bottle without using a sanitizing agent, and to provide a filling method of a beverage and the like.SOLUTION: At least an inner surface, from among an entire surface of a preform 1 including a mouth part 1a, is preheated by blowing sterile hot air H thereon. Superheated steam S made of water and having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure at 200°C to 700°C is blown onto at least the inner surface to sterilize the preform. It is preferable to generate the superheated steam by dielectrically heating water.

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for sterilizing a preform for making a container such as a bottle, and a method and apparatus for filling a beverage or the like.

  Conventionally, a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) preform is being transported and a sterilizing gas such as hydrogen peroxide is sprayed onto the preform to sterilize it, and the preform is formed into a bottle by a blow molding machine. Aseptic filling method as an in-line system has been proposed (see Patent Document 1, for example).

  In addition, the vaporized germicide is attached to the preform, and the remaining germicide is discharged by a flame with a burner (see, for example, Patent Document 2), or vapor of germicide is sprayed on the preform, There has also been proposed a method in which a preform is heated and then blow-molded (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  On the other hand, as a method of sterilizing the preform without using a sterilizing agent, the inside of the preform is sterilized by blowing water vapor into the preform and maintaining the temperature above the glass transition temperature for a predetermined time. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

JP 2001-212874 A Japanese Patent No. 3780165 JP 2008-183899 A JP 2007-111886 A

  A conventional method of sterilizing a preform using a sterilizing agent has a problem that the sterilizing agent may remain in the preform. Further, when the preform is blow-molded after sterilization, there is a problem that each part of the molding machine is easily corroded by the residual sterilizing agent.

  According to the conventional method of sterilizing the inside of the preform with water vapor, the problem of the sterilizing agent remaining is solved, but if the water vapor drain remains in the preform, it may cause whitening or the like when molded into a container. Therefore, there is a problem that it is necessary to provide a step of removing drain after sterilization. Moreover, if water vapor is applied to the mouth part of the preform for a long time, the mouth part is likely to be deformed, and when the lid is put on the mouth part later, the sealing performance is impaired. Further, the conventionally proposed sterilization with water vapor has a problem that the temperature of the water vapor cannot be increased, so that the sterilization of the preform surface tends to be insufficient.

  An object of the present invention is to eliminate such problems.

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

  That is, the invention according to claim 1 preheats at least the inner surface of the entire surface including the mouth portion (1a) of the preform (1) by spraying sterile hot air (H), A preform sterilization method in which superheated steam (S) having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure of 200 ° C. to 700 ° C. is used.

  As described in claim 2, in the preform sterilization method according to claim 1, the superheated steam (S) can be generated by dielectrically heating water.

  As described in claim 3, in the preform sterilization method according to claim 1 or 2, the sterilization of the inner surface of the preform (1) is opposed to the mouth (1a) of the preform (1). The superheated steam (S) is blown into the preform (1) from the nozzle (13a), and the flow rate of the superheated steam (S) is such that the mouth (1a) is not deformed. Is also possible.

  The invention according to claim 4 sterilizes at least the inner surface of the preform (1) while continuously running the preform (1), heats the sterilized preform (1) to the molding temperature, and heats the preform. The reformer (1) is blow-molded in a continuous continuous blow-molding die (19) to make a container (2). The molded container (2) is filled with the contents (a) and sealed with a lid (4). In the content filling method, the preform (1) is sterilized by preheating at least the inner surface of the preform (1) including the mouth (1a) by spraying aseptic hot air (H). In addition, a content filling method is adopted in which superheated steam (S) having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure of 200 ° C. to 700 ° C. is blown onto at least the inner surface.

  In the invention according to claim 5, the preform (1) is molded into the container (2), the container (2) is filled with the contents (a), and the container (2) is sealed with the lid (4). A pre-heating means for preheating the preform (1), a sterilizing means for sterilizing the pre-heated preform (1), and a sterilization A heater (17) for bringing the preform (1) into a heated state suitable for blow molding, a mold (19) for blow molding the heated preform (1) into a container (2), and a blow molded container A content in which a filler (42) for filling the content (a) in (2) and a capper (43) for sealing the container (2) filled with the content (a) are provided along the conveying path. It is an object filling apparatus, Comprising: The said preheating means is 100 to 120 degreeC. And a preheating nozzle (9a) for blowing the hot air (H) onto at least the inner surface of the entire surface including the mouth portion (1a) of the preform (1). The sterilizing means includes a superheated steam generator (12) that converts the water passing through the coiled conductive tube into superheated steam (S) having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure of 200 ° C to 700 ° C by dielectric heating, and a preform ( A content filling apparatus including a sterilizing nozzle (13a) for spraying the superheated steam (S) on at least the inner surface of the entire surface including the mouth portion (1a) of 1) is employed.

  According to the present invention, since the preform (1) is sterilized by spraying superheated steam (S), there is no problem of drug residue as in the case of using a drug. Moreover, since it can sterilize without generating the drain of water vapor | steam, the process of removing drain from a preform (1) becomes unnecessary, and the manufacturing speed of a container (2) can be improved that much. Since the temperature of the superheated steam (S) is 200 ° C. to 700 ° C., it is possible to sterilize only the surface of the preform (1) in a short time without causing deformation of the preform (1). In addition, since it is not necessary to drip or flow down the drain from the preform (1), the preform (1) should be sterilized even when the mouth (1a) is in an upright state. Can do. Moreover, since it can convey from a sterilization process to the formation process of a container (2), conveying it with an upright state after a sterilization process, filling of contents (a), such as a drink, can be performed easily. it can.

  Prior to sterilization with superheated steam (S), the preform (1) is preheated with hot air (H) to increase the surface temperature of the preform (1), and then the superheated steam (S) is transformed into the preform (1). ) Can be quickly and properly heat-sterilized and the amount of superheated steam (S) sprayed can be reduced.

  Further, by adopting the dielectric heating method as the superheated steam generating means, the energy efficiency is better than the heating by the normal heater, and the sterilization efficiency is improved.

It is explanatory drawing of the pre-heating part of a preform. It is explanatory drawing of the disinfection part of a preform. It is explanatory drawing from the sterilization process of a preform to a heating process. It is explanatory drawing from a blow molding process to a capping process. It is a schematic plan view of a content filling apparatus.

  The form for implementing this invention is demonstrated below.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the preform 1 is formed as a bottomed tubular body having a test tube shape. The preform 1 is generally made by injection molding PET. The preform 1 is later formed as a bottle 2 that is a container as shown in FIG. 4E, and the same mouth 1a as that in the bottle 2 is provided at the beginning of the forming. A male screw 3 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mouth portion 1 a simultaneously with the molding of the preform 1. The male screw 3 can be screwed with the female screw of the cap 4 that covers the mouth of the bottle 2 as shown in FIG. A support ring 5 is formed below the male screw 3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, preheating of the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 is performed by spraying aseptic hot air H onto the inner and outer surfaces of the entire preform including the mouth portion 1 a of the preform 1.

  The temperature of the hot air H sprayed on the preform 1 is desirably 80 ° C to 130 ° C, and more desirably 90 ° C to 120 ° C. If it is the temperature range of 80 degreeC-130 degreeC, only the surface of the preform 1 can be preheated to 50 degreeC-70 degreeC. When the temperature of the hot air H is less than 80 ° C., it is necessary to spray for a long time for preheating. When the temperature exceeds 130 ° C., the PET itself constituting the preform 1 becomes overheated even in a short time, and the mouth 1a of the preform 1 is likely to be deformed.

  Note that the preheating of the preform 1 can be performed only on the inner surface of the preform 1.

  The aseptic hot air H can be generated by a hot air generator as shown in FIG.

  The hot air generating unit is provided with a blower 6, a sterilizing filter 7, and an electric heater 8 as a supply source of aseptic hot air H. The outside air taken in from the blower 6 is sterilized by the sterilization filter 7, heated to a predetermined temperature by the electric heater 8, and then sent to the preheating nozzles 9a and 9b from the pipe as sterilized hot air.

  Note that heated air is added to the air from the blower 6 to the sterilization filter 7 so that the air is preheated and humidified to increase the heat capacity of the aseptic hot air H coming out of the electric heater 8. Good. The sterilization filter 7 may be a filter in which a pre-filter and a ULPA filter are connected in series. By providing the pre-filter, it is possible to extend the life of the ULPA filter.

  The preheating nozzle indicated by reference numeral 9a is a cylindrical nozzle. This cylindrical nozzle is arranged so that its opening 10 faces vertically downward.

  The preform 1 is conveyed in one direction immediately below the circular opening 10 in the preheating nozzle 9a in an upright state with the mouth portion 1a facing up. The conveyance method may be a continuous conveyance method in which the preform 1 is continuously run, or an intermittent conveyance method in which the preform 1 is temporarily stopped immediately below the opening 10 of the cylindrical nozzle. The preform 1 can be transported by holding the support ring 5 by a clamper (not shown).

  In FIG. 1, the preheating nozzle indicated by reference numeral 9b is a slit nozzle. The preheating nozzle 9 b is connected to the branch pipe of the pipe, and the slit 11 is disposed so as to face the side surface of the preform 1. Desirably, the preheating nozzles 9b are paired so as to sandwich the preform 1 from its side surface, and the preform 1 is conveyed while being rotated around its axis. Although it is possible to carry the preform 1 without rotating it, a plurality of pairs of preheating nozzles 9b are arranged in that case.

  In the illustrated example, the preheating nozzle 9b is a slit-like nozzle, but a large number of circular nozzles such as the cylindrical nozzle may be arranged opposite to the side surface or the bottom surface of the preform 1.

  When the preform 1 is sterilized, aseptic hot air H is constantly supplied from the hot air generator to the preheating nozzles 9a and 9b, and the preform 1 is passed through the circular opening 10 of the preheating nozzle 9a and the slit 11 of the preheating nozzle 9b. It spouts toward. The nozzle diameter, angle, axis of the preform 1 and the like are arbitrary, and are preset so that the jetted hot air H comes into contact with the entire inner surface of the preform 1.

  Thereby, the hot air H ejected from the opening 10 of the preheating nozzle 9a enters the preform 1 from the mouth 1a of the preform 1, contacts the entire inner surface of the preform 1, and the entire inner surface is brought into contact with the predetermined inner surface. Preheat to temperature.

  Further, the hot air H ejected from the slit 11 of the preheating nozzle 9b comes into contact with the entire outer surface including the mouth portion 1a of the preform 1 rotating around the shaft core, and preheats the entire outer surface to the predetermined temperature. .

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the entire surface of the preheated preform 1 is sterilized. That is, this sterilization treatment is performed by spraying superheated steam S having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure of 200 ° C. to 700 ° C. made from water on the inner and outer surfaces of the entire preform 1 including the mouth portion 1a of the preform 1. Done.

  The temperature of the superheated steam S sprayed on the preform 1 is desirably 200 ° C to 700 ° C, and more desirably 250 ° C to 500 ° C. If it is the temperature range of 200 degreeC-700 degreeC, the microbe adhering to the surface of the preform 1 can be disinfected in a short time by exposing only the surface of the preform 1 to high temperature. When the temperature of the superheated steam S is less than 200 ° C., it is necessary to spray for a long time for sterilization, the PET itself constituting the preform 1 becomes high temperature, and the deformation of the preform 1 becomes large. If the temperature exceeds 700 ° C., the temperature of the PET itself constituting the preform 1 rises even in a short time, and the preform 1 is likely to be deformed.

  The pressure of the superheated steam sprayed on the preform 1 is higher than atmospheric pressure, desirably higher than 0.1 MPa and lower than 0.3 MPa. If it is in the vicinity of 0.1 MPa, even if the superheated steam comes into contact with the preform and the temperature drops, the possibility of condensation is low. If the pressure is higher than 0.3 MPa, the heated steam S is sprayed on the preform 1. There is a possibility of dew condensation on the surface of the preform 1 at the time. If dew condensation occurs, there is a possibility that whitening or the like may occur on the surface of the bottle 2 when blow molding into a bottle or the like later.

  Further, the time for blowing the superheated steam S onto the preform 1 is desirably 1.0 seconds to 3.0 seconds. If it is less than 1.0 second, sterilization failure is likely to occur, and if it is longer than 3.0 seconds, the mouth 1a of the preform 1 is likely to be deformed. Since the surface of the preform 1 is preheated in advance as described above, the spraying time of the superheated steam S can be shortened by 2.0 seconds to 4.0 seconds compared to the case where preheating is not performed. .

  The sterilization of the preform 1 is indispensable for the inner surface of the preform 1, but the outer surface can be performed by heating for blow molding described later, or a desired sterilization process is performed after blow molding. It is also possible to do this by adding.

  The superheated steam S can be obtained by using a commercially available superheated steam generator 12. Specifically, a superheated steam generator having a trade name UPSS manufactured by Tokuden Corporation can be used. Although this is not shown in the figure, an induction heating coil is inserted in the center of the spiral of a water passage pipe made of a spirally wound conductor. An alternating voltage is applied. It is also possible to energize the AC voltage by converting the frequency with an inverter. By applying the AC voltage, the induction heating coil generates an alternating magnetic flux, an induction current flows through the water pipe, and the water pipe generates heat. The water flowing inside is heated by this heat generation of the water passage pipe to become saturated steam, further becomes superheated steam S, and is taken out of the water passage pipe.

  In addition, it is also possible to make a heating effect further by making an induction heating coil into a conductive tube and letting water flow through this.

  According to the superheated steam generator 12, it is possible to obtain the superheated steam S having a pressure of about 0.1 MPa and a temperature of 200 ° C to 700 ° C. By adopting the dielectric heating method, water can be turned into superheated steam at 200 ° C. or more in a short time from the start of energization.

  In FIG. 2, reference numerals 13a and 13b denote sterilizing nozzles. One of the sterilizing nozzles 13a is a cylindrical nozzle and is attached so as to hang down from the end of the conduit 14 connected to the end of the water passage pipe of the superheated steam generator 12, and the opening 15 thereof is directed vertically downward.

  The preheated preform 1 is conveyed in one direction directly below the circular opening 15 of the sterilizing nozzle 13a in an upright state with the mouth portion 1a facing up. The conveyance method may be a continuous conveyance method in which the preform 1 is continuously run, or an intermittent conveyance method in which the preform 1 is temporarily stopped immediately below the opening 15 of the sterilization nozzle 13a. The preform 1 can be transported by holding the support ring 5 by a clamper (not shown).

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the other sterilizing nozzle 13b is a slit-shaped nozzle. This slit-like nozzle is connected to the tip of the branch pipe 14 a branched from the conduit 14, and the slit 16 is disposed so as to face the side surface of the preform 1. Desirably, the slit-like nozzles, which are the sterilizing nozzles 13b, are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the preform 1 from the side surface, and the preform 1 is conveyed while being rotated around its axis. . Although it is possible to carry the preform 1 without rotating it, a plurality of pairs of sterilizing nozzles 13b are arranged in that case.

  In the illustrated example, the sterilizing nozzle 13 b is a slit-like nozzle, but a large number of circular nozzles such as the one sterilizing nozzle 13 a may be disposed opposite to the side surface or bottom surface of the preform 1.

  When the preform 1 is sterilized, the superheated steam S is constantly supplied from the superheated steam generator 12 to the sterilization nozzles 13a and 13b, and this superheated steam S is used for the circular opening 15 of one sterilization nozzle 13a and the other sterilization nozzle. It ejects toward the preform 1 from the slit 16 of the nozzle 13b. The nozzle diameter, angle, axis of the preform 1 and the like are arbitrary, and are set in advance so that the jetted superheated steam S contacts the entire inner surface of the preform 1.

  Thereby, the superheated steam S ejected from the opening 15 of one of the sterilizing nozzles 13a enters the preform 1 from the mouth 1a of the preform 1, contacts the entire inner surface of the preform 1, and Sterilizes general bacteria, molds and yeasts attached to the inner surface. Moreover, since this sterilization can be achieved by blowing superheated steam S toward the inside of the preform 1 for a short time, excessive heating from the inside of the mouth portion 1a of the preform 1 is prevented. The deformation of the mouth 1a is reliably avoided.

  Further, the superheated steam S ejected from the slit 16 of the other sterilizing nozzle 13b comes into contact with the entire outer surface including the mouth portion 1a of the preform 1 rotating around the shaft core, and sterilizes by heating. Thereby, the general bacteria, molds and yeasts attached to the outer surface of the preform 1 are sterilized. Further, this sterilization can be achieved by spraying the superheated steam S toward the outer surface of the preform 1 for a short time, so that excessive heating from the outside in the mouth portion 1a of the preform 1 is prevented. The deformation of the mouth 1a is reliably avoided.

  The preform sterilization method can be incorporated into an in-line system as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, thereby enabling mass production of aseptic packaging.

  In this in-line system, the preform 1 is continuously conveyed at a desired speed, and is formed into a sterile package through the steps shown in FIGS.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3A, while the preform 1 is conveyed in an upright state, the preform 1 passes through the installation locations of the cylindrical nozzles and the slit nozzles, which are the preheating nozzles 9a and 9b, at a constant speed. During this passage, as described above, aseptic hot air H is blown into the preform 1 from the mouth 1a, and aseptic hot air H is blown onto the outer surface of the preform 1, including the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1. Thus, the entire inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 are preheated within a short time.

  In the illustrated example, the preform 1 is in an upright state when the hot air H is blown, but it may be in an inverted state.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3B, while the preform 1 is conveyed in an upright state, the preform 1 passes through the installation locations of the cylindrical nozzles and slit-shaped nozzles which are the sterilizing nozzles 13a and 13b at a constant speed. During this passage, as described above, the superheated steam S is blown into the preform 1 from the mouth portion 1a, and the superheated steam S is blown onto the outer surface of the preform 1, thereby including the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1. The entire inner and outer surfaces of the reform 1 are sterilized within a short time.

  In the illustrated example, the preform 1 is in an upright state when the superheated steam S is blown, but may be in an inverted state.

  Since the sterilization is performed within a short time, the mouth 1a of the preform 1 is not deformed and the resin of the preform 1 is not excessively heated. Further, since the vapor drain does not condense and remain on the surface of the preform 1, whitening or the like does not occur in the bottle 2 manufactured in the subsequent blow molding.

  Note that the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 can be sterilized by shifting in time by shifting the positions where the sterilizing nozzles 13a and 13b are installed.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, a heater 17 is arranged in a wall shape along the conveyance path of the preform 1, and the preform 1 is heated while traveling by the heater 17. The preform 1 is uniformly heated from about 90 ° C. to about 130 ° C. by this heating, and is brought into a heating state suitable for blow molding.

  At the time of heating, the preform 1 is suspended in an upright state by inserting the spindle 18 into the mouth portion 1 a, and is uniformly heated by the heater 17 by rotating together with the spindle 18.

  The preform 1 which has been brought into a temperature suitable for blow molding by heating is subjected to blow molding as shown in FIG. 4 (D) and molded into a bottle 2 as a container as shown in FIG. 4 (E). Is done.

  In FIG. 4D, the mold 19 as a blow mold is continuously clamped while continuously running at the same speed as the preform 1, and is blown against the preform 1 in the mold 19. After molding is performed, the mold is opened.

  The preform 1 is heated almost uniformly in the heating step shown in FIG. 3C so that the entire temperature rises to a temperature range suitable for molding. As shown in D), the entire spindle 18 is mounted in the mold 19. Further, the blow nozzle 20 is inserted into the preform 1 through the upper part of the mold 19 and the spindle 18 in the mouth 1 a of the preform 1.

  While the mold 19 is traveling, for example, primary blow air and secondary blow air are sequentially blown into the preform 1 from the blow nozzle 20 so that the preform 1 is finally finished in the cavity C of the mold 19. It expands to the bottle 2 of the molded product.

  When the bottle 2 is molded in the mold 19 in this way, the mold 19 is opened while traveling, and the finished product of the bottle 2 is taken out of the mold 19 as shown in FIG. .

  While the bottle 2 continues to run after molding, the contents a such as mineral water, tea drink containing catechin, carbonated drink, etc., are contained in the bottle 2 from the filling nozzle 21 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4 (G), it is filled and sealed with a cap 4 that is a lid.

  In addition, you may make it improve a bactericidal effect by performing external surface sterilization of the bottle 2 by spraying of the vapor | steam containing disinfectants, such as hydrogen peroxide, electron beam irradiation, etc. after the said blow molding. When the inner surface of the bottle is sterilized by spraying with hydrogen peroxide, it is necessary to reduce the concentration of hydrogen peroxide as much as possible to reduce the residual hydrogen peroxide in the bottle.

  Thus, the bottle 2 made into a package is collected and carried out to the market.

  A filling apparatus for carrying out the filling method is configured as shown in FIG. 5, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the filling device includes a preform feeder 22 that sequentially supplies a bottomed cylindrical preform 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 3A) having a mouth portion 1a at predetermined intervals. The blow molding machine 23 and the filling machine 24 for filling and sealing the contents a in the molded bottle 2 are provided.

  Between the preform feeder 22 and the filling machine 24, a mold 19 having a preform conveying means for conveying the preform 1 on the first conveying path and a cavity C of the finished product shape of the bottle 2 (FIG. 4 (D)) is connected to the second conveying path, and the mold conveying means for conveying the second conveying path on the second conveying path connected to the first conveying path, and the bottle 2 formed by the mold 19 And a bottle transport means for transporting on the third transport path.

  The first conveying path of the preform conveying means, the second conveying path of the mold conveying means, and the third conveying path of the bottle conveying means communicate with each other, and the preform 1 is placed on these conveying paths. And a gripper (not shown) that conveys the bottle 2 while holding it.

  The preform conveying means includes a preform conveyor 25 that sequentially supplies the preform 1 at a predetermined interval on the first conveying path. Further, a row of wheels 26, 27, 28, and 29 for receiving and conveying the preform 1 from the end of the preform conveyor 25 and a conveyor 30 for receiving and running the preform 1 from the wheel 29 are provided.

  Preheating nozzles 9 a and 9 b for blowing aseptic hot air H toward the preform 1 are provided slightly upstream of the preform conveyor 25 in the preform feeder 22 where the preform conveyor 25 is connected to the wheel 26. Hot air H is blown toward the preform 1 from these nozzles 9a, 9b (see FIGS. 1 and 3A). Thereby, the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 are preheated evenly.

  Further, sterilizing nozzles 13a and 13b for injecting the superheated steam S toward the preform 1 are provided so as to be adjacent to the preheating nozzles 9a and 9b from the downstream side. Superheated steam S is blown from the nozzles 13a and 13b toward the surface of the preform 1 preheated (see FIGS. 2 and 3B). Thereby, the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 are evenly sterilized.

  The preheating nozzles 9a and 9b and the sterilization nozzles 13a and 13b can be installed at fixed positions on the outer periphery of the wheels 28 and 29 before the preform 1 reaches the conveyor 30, for example.

  The conveyor 30 has an endless transport chain extending in the horizontal direction, and a heating unit 30a is provided along the endless transport chain. A large number of spindles 18 shown in FIG. 3C are attached to the endless transport chain at a constant pitch. Each spindle 18 can rotate while traveling along with the traveling of the endless conveyance chain. As shown in FIG. 3C, the spindle 18 is inserted into the preform 1 sent from the wheel 29 side to the conveyor 30 through the mouth 1a, and is held on the spindle 18 in an upright state.

  The preform 1 is received by the conveyor 30 through a row of the preform conveyor 25 and the wheels 26, 27, 28, and 29, and reciprocally moves in the heating unit 30 a by the conveyor 30. A heater 17 (see FIG. 3C) is stretched around the inner wall surface of the heating unit 30 a, and the preform 1 conveyed by the conveyor 30 is heated by the heater 17. The preform 1 rotates along with the rotation of the spindle 18 while traveling on the conveyor 30, and is uniformly heated by the heater 17.

  The blow molding machine 23 receives the preform 1 heated by the heating unit 30a of the preform supply machine 22 and sets a plurality of molds 19 and blow nozzles 20 (see FIG. 4D) for thermoforming the preform 2 into the bottle 2. Prepare.

  In the blow molding machine 23, the second conveying path of the mold conveying means passes. This second transport path is constituted by a row of wheels 31, 32, 33, 28, 34. The wheel 28 is shared between the row of the wheels 31, 32, 33, 28, 34 and the row of the wheels 26, 27, 28, 29 of the preform conveying means.

  A plurality of molds 19 and blow nozzles 20 are arranged around the wheel 32, and turn around the wheel 32 at a constant speed as the wheel 32 rotates.

  When the gripper (not shown) of the wheel 31 receives the preform 1 heated by the heating unit 30a of the preform feeder 22 together with the spindle 18 and passes it to the mold 19 around the wheel 32, the split mold 19 is closed. The preform 1 is gripped as shown in FIG. The preform 1 in the mold 19 is molded into a finished product of the bottle 2 by being blown with the high pressure air for blow molding from the blow nozzle 20 while turning around the wheel 32 together with the mold 19 and the blow nozzle 20. The As shown in FIG. 3C, the preform 1 is uniformly heated to a predetermined temperature by the heater 17, so that it is smoothly blow-molded.

  When the preform 1 comes into close contact with the cavity C of the mold 19 to form the bottle 2, the mold 19 is opened when it comes into contact with the wheel 33, and the bottle 2 and the spindle 18 are released. Then, the bottle 2 is received from the spindle 18 by a gripper (not shown) of the wheel 33.

  On the other hand, the spindle 18 that has released the bottle 2 returns to the conveyor 30 via the wheel 31 and continues to hold and carry another preform 1.

  The bottle 2 that comes out of the blow molding machine 23 and reaches the wheel 33 is inspected for molding defects and the like by the inspection device 35 disposed on the outer periphery of the wheel 33.

  Although not shown, the inspection device 35 includes bottle body inspection means for determining the quality of the body of the bottle 2, support ring inspection means for determining the quality of the support ring 5 of the bottle 2 (see FIG. 1), and the bottle 2. Bottle neck top surface inspection means for determining the quality of the neck top surface of the bottle, and bottle bottom portion inspection means for determining the quality of the bottom of the bottle 2.

  The bottle body inspection means, the support ring inspection means, and the bottle neck top surface inspection means are arranged along the outer periphery of the wheel 33.

  The bottle body inspection means, the support ring inspection means, and the bottle neck top surface inspection means are not shown in the figure, but each of the bottles 2 is imaged with a lamp and a camera, processed by an image processing device, and shaped, scratched, foreign matter, It is determined whether there is an abnormality in discoloration or the like.

  The inspection device 35 is installed as necessary. The bottle body inspection means, the support ring inspection means, and the bottle neck top surface inspection means are selected as necessary.

  When the bottle 2 is inspected, it is removed from the conveyance path by a rejecting device (not shown), and only the acceptable product is conveyed from the wheel 33 through the wheel 28 to the wheel 34.

  The bottle 2 after blow molding is sprayed with steam containing a sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide or irradiated with an electron beam to add sterilization on the outer surface of the bottle 2 or to enhance the sterilizing effect on the inner surface of the bottle 2. Or you may. For example, the wheel 28 or 34 may be provided with a sterilizing means such as a sterilizing agent-containing vapor spray device or an electron beam irradiation device.

  The filling machine 24 has a third transfer path of the bottle transfer means inside. This third transport path has a row of wheels 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41.

  In the filling machine 24, a filler 42 for filling the bottle 2 with the beverage a is provided, and a capper for attaching and sealing the cap 4 (see FIG. 4G) to the bottle 2 filled with the beverage a. 43 is provided.

  In addition, since the filler 42 and the capper 43 may be the same as a well-known apparatus, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The filling device is surrounded by a chamber 44, and the inside of the chamber 44 is divided into a sterilization zone and a gray zone. The preform feeder 22 and the blow molding machine 23 are arranged in the gray zone, and the filling machine 24 is arranged in the aseptic zone.

  Air sterilized with HEPA is constantly blown into the gray zone, whereby the bottle 2 sterilized at the time of molding is conveyed to the sterilization zone without being contaminated with microorganisms.

  Next, operation | movement of a filling apparatus is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 2 thru | or FIG.

  First, the preform 1 is conveyed to the heating unit 30a by the preform conveyor 25 and the rows of wheels 26, 27, 28, and 29.

  Before entering the heating unit 30a, aseptic hot air H is blown toward the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 from the preheating nozzles 9a and 9b shown in FIG. 1 (see FIG. 3A). As a result, the entire surface of the preform 1 is preheated and warmed to a predetermined temperature.

  Subsequently, superheated steam S is sprayed from the sterilizing nozzles 13a and 13b toward the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 (see FIG. 3B). Thereby, the whole surface of the preform 1 is sterilized by heating.

  In the heating unit 30a, the preform 1 is uniformly heated to a temperature range suitable for molding while being conveyed by the conveyor 30 (see FIG. 3C).

  The preform 1 heated by the heating unit 30 a is held by the mold 19 when passing through the outer periphery of the wheel 32, and is expanded to the finished product of the bottle 2 in the cavity C by blowing high-pressure air from the blow nozzle 20. (See FIG. 4D).

  The molded bottle 2 (see FIG. 4E) is taken out of the mold 19 by the gripper of the wheel 33 after the mold 19 is opened, and inspected by the inspection device 35 for the presence of molding defects or the like.

  Thereafter, the bottle 2 travels in the filling machine 24 while being transferred to the rows of wheels 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 via the wheels 28, 34.

  In the filling machine 24, the bottle 2 is filled with the beverage a that has been sterilized as shown in FIG. The bottle 2 filled with the beverage a is sealed by the cap 4 having the sterilized cap 4 placed on the mouth 1a by the capper 43 (see FIG. 4G), and discharged from the outlet of the chamber 44.

  As described above, since the filler 42 and the capper 43 are well-known devices, description of the method for filling the bottle 2 with the beverage and the method for sealing the bottle 2 will be omitted.

  The present invention can be implemented in various forms without being limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the container to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a PET bottle, and can be applied to various resin containers. Molding of the container is not limited to injection blow, and can be molded by various blow molding such as direct blow. Moreover, the conveyance means which conveys a preform and a container is not limited to the wheel conveyance apparatus shown in FIG. Various transport devices that can be transported at a predetermined transport speed in the order in which the containers are formed, for example, a belt transport device, a bucket transport device, and an air transport device can also be used.

  500 ml (milliliter) PET bottle preform and 2 liters of superheated steam with a flow rate of 0.7 g / second, generated by heating water using a dielectric heating superheated steam generator from a nozzle with an inner diameter of 8 mmφ, at a blowing temperature of 300 ° C. (Liter) The following time was sprayed toward each inner surface of the PET bottle preform.

  The sterilizing effect of the superheated steam spray was confirmed by the indicator bacteria inoculated on the inner surface, as shown in Table 1.

In Table 1, “B.sub” is an abbreviation for Bacillus subtilis , and “A.niger” is an abbreviation for Aspergillus niger . “D” is a D value indicating a bactericidal effect. The preheating temperature is the temperature of the inner surface of the preform.

  As is clear from Table 1, when trying to obtain a sterilizing effect of 6.0 D or more on A. niger, when pre-heating the PET bottle preform, the spraying time of superheated steam is longer than when not pre-heating. It could be shortened to about 1/5.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Preform 1a ... Mouth part 2 ... Container 4 ... Lid 9a ... Preheating nozzle 12 ... Superheated steam generation part 13a ... Sterilization nozzle 17 ... Heater 19 ... Blow molding die 42 ... Filler 43 ... Capper H ... Hot air S ... Overheating Steam a ... Contents

Claims (5)

  At least the inner surface of the entire surface including the mouth of the preform is preheated by spraying sterile hot air, and at least the superheated steam having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure of 200 ° C. to 700 ° C. made from water is applied to at least the inner surface. A preform sterilization method characterized by spraying.   2. The preform sterilization method according to claim 1, wherein the superheated steam is generated by dielectrically heating water.   The preform sterilization method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein sterilization of the inner surface of the preform is performed by blowing superheated steam into a preform from a nozzle opposed to the mouth of the preform. The preform sterilization method is characterized in that the flow rate is set so as not to deform the mouth.   While continuously running the preform, at least the inner surface of the preform is sterilized, the sterilized preform is heated to the molding temperature, and the heated preform is blow-molded in a blow-molding mold that continuously runs, to make a container, In the content filling method in which the molded container is filled with the content and sealed with a lid, the preform is sterilized by preheating at least the inner surface of the entire surface including the mouth of the preform by spraying aseptic hot air. The content filling method is performed by spraying superheated steam having a pressure higher than an atmospheric pressure of 200 ° C. to 700 ° C. at least on the inner surface.   The preform is formed into a container, the container is filled with the contents, and a transport path is provided for continuously running the preform and the container until the container is sealed with a lid. Sterilization means for sterilizing the preform, a heater for heating the sterilized preform to a heating state suitable for blow molding, a mold for blow molding the heated preform into a container, and filling the blow molded container with contents The content filling device is provided with a filler to be sealed and a capper for sealing the container filled with the content along the conveyance path, and the preheating means creates aseptic hot air of 80 ° C to 130 ° C. Comprising a hot air generating portion and a preheating nozzle for blowing the hot air on at least the inner surface of the entire surface including the mouth portion of the preform; The superheated steam generation part which makes the water passing through the il-like conductive tube a superheated steam having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure of 200 ° C. to 700 ° C. by dielectric heating, and the superheat on at least the inner surface among all the surfaces including the mouth of the preform A content filling apparatus comprising a sterilizing nozzle for spraying steam.

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