JP2018193091A - Aseptic filling machine and aseptic filling method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an aseptic filling machine which suppresses initial investment by making the size of a facility compact, which can reduce running cost by simplifying steps, and which performs molding and filling including a reliable aseptic property simultaneously, and to provide an aseptic filling method.SOLUTION: An aseptic filling machine includes: a heating part 14 for heating a preform 1; a sterilization part 6 for sterilizing the heated preform; a molding and filling part 22 for performing molding to a bottle 2 and filling of contents simultaneously by filling the sterilized contents at a high pressure into the sterilized preform; and a sealing part 26 for sealing the bottle filled with the contents. Before operating the aseptic filling machine, a molding and filling part and a sealing part are sterilized, and while operating the aseptic filling machine, aseptic air is supplied to the molding and filling part and the sealing part, and an aseptic property of the aseptic filling machine is maintained.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an aseptic filling machine and an aseptic filling method for sterilizing a preform, forming the sterilized preform in an aseptic atmosphere, and simultaneously filling the contents.

  Tea, sports drinks, milk drinks, fruit juice drinks, etc. are filled and distributed in biaxially stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. Since these beverages may be spoiled when bacteria or the like are mixed during filling, the sterilized bottle is filled with the sterilized beverage in a sterile atmosphere and sealed with a sterilized cap. This process is continuously performed by one aseptic filling machine from the molding of the preform into the bottle to the sealing.

  As such an aseptic filling machine, while carrying the preform, a sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide is sprayed on the preform, and then the preform is heated to activate the sterilizing agent adhering to the surface. An in-line system has been proposed in which the reform is raised to the molding temperature, and then the heated preform is molded into a bottle by a blow molding machine, the molded bottle is filled with a beverage, etc., and capped to form an aseptic package. (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  Also, the preform is heated to the molding temperature, the heated preform is molded into a container, the molded container is sterilized, and the sterilized container is filled with the sterilized contents in an aseptic atmosphere. An aseptic filling machine that seals a filled container with a sterilized lid has also been proposed (Patent Documents 3 and 4).

  The aseptic filling machine as described above is a long system because a preform is formed into a bottle and the formed bottle is filled with contents. Therefore, it has been proposed that a beverage as a content is filled into the preform at a high pressure instead of the high-pressure gas used when the preform is blow-molded, and molding and filling are performed simultaneously (Patent Documents 5 and 6). ).

  In the method described in Patent Document 5, a draw rod or an inner pipe is built in a mold core for injection molding of a preform, and the preform externally fitted to the core after injection molding is introduced into the mold as it is. This is a method that maintains sterility by filling, performs injection molding continuously, and uses the core of injection molding for blow molding, which is extremely complicated.

  Patent Document 6 discloses a method in which a preform is sterilized with steam or the like, a liquid product is sent to a heated preform at a high pressure to form a bottle, and at the same time, the liquid product is filled in the bottle. In order to obtain aseptic goods by delivering liquid goods at room temperature, the process must be performed in a sterile atmosphere, which is expensive, and there is a risk that bacterial contaminants will break through the protective measures during work and contaminate the product. It is always present, and the sterility at room temperature filling is not sufficient.

Special table 2001-510104 gazette JP 2009-274740 A JP 2006-111295 A JP 2010-155631 A JP 2000-43129 A Special table 2011-506130 gazette

  In the past, aseptic filling machines for bottles molded preforms into bottles and sterilized bottles after molding. However, a large amount of bactericidal agent is required and the equipment becomes too large. Aseptic filling machines for sterilization are spreading. However, since the preform is sterilized at the preform stage, the preform is molded into a bottle and the molded bottle is filled with the contents, so the overall size of the aseptic filling machine is smaller than sterilizing the molded bottle. It is still long.

  Therefore, it has been proposed to simultaneously mold and fill a preform into a bottle by filling the preform, which is a sterilized preform, as described in Patent Documents 5 and 6 with a high-pressure beverage. . However, it was insufficient to maintain sterility until the step of filling a sterilized preform at the same time as molding. There is a possibility that the sterilized preform is contaminated with bacteria or the like before molding and filling, and Patent Document 6 recommends high-temperature filling. This is because even if the inner surface of the preform is contaminated with bacteria or the like by performing high temperature filling, it can be sterilized by the heat of the contents to be filled. The hot-filled and sealed product must then be cooled, there is a degradation of the quality of the contents, and the advantages of aseptic filling are not exploited.

  In Patent Document 5, sterility is maintained because the core used in injection molding is molded and filled while the preform is externally fitted, but the process is complicated and it is difficult to obtain high-speed productivity. It is.

  There is a demand for an aseptic filling machine that can compact the size of the equipment, reduce initial investment, simplify the process, reduce the running cost, and simultaneously perform molding and filling with reliable sterility. The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and while maintaining the sterility of the sterilized preform, the preform bottle is filled with the sterilized contents at high pressure. An object of the present invention is to provide an aseptic filling machine and an aseptic filling method capable of simultaneously forming and filling into a container.

  The aseptic filling machine according to the present invention includes a heating unit for heating the preform, a sterilizing unit for sterilizing the heated preform, and filling the sterilized contents with high pressure with the sterilized preform, An aseptic filling machine comprising a molding filling unit for molding a preform into a bottle and a sealing unit for sealing the bottle filled with the contents, wherein the sterilization unit, the molding filling unit and the sealing unit are shielded by a chamber. A sterilization device that sterilizes at least the molding filling chamber and the sealing chamber, and at least the molding filling chamber and the sealing, among the sterilization chamber, the molding filling chamber, and the sealing chamber. A sterilized air supply device for supplying sterilized air to the inside of the partial chamber is provided.

  The aseptic filling machine according to the present invention is preferably provided with a pre-sterilization section for sterilizing the preform before the heating section.

  The aseptic filling machine according to the present invention is preferably provided with a cleaning device for cleaning the inside of the molded filling part chamber and the sealed part chamber.

  In the aseptic filling machine according to the present invention, it is preferable that the molding filling unit chamber includes a movable unit that holds the molding filling unit and a fixed unit that shields the molding filling unit.

  Further, in the aseptic filling machine according to the present invention, the preform sterilization means in the sterilization section is configured to contact the preform with a bactericide gas or mist or a mixture thereof, irradiation with an electron beam, light including ultraviolet rays. It is preferable to use one or more of the above-mentioned irradiation and superheated steam contact.

  Further, in the aseptic filling machine according to the present invention, the sterilization means of the preform in the pre-sterilization section is contacted with the sterilizing agent, irradiation with electron beams, irradiation with light including ultraviolet rays, contact with hot water, Any one or more of the superheated steam contacts are preferred.

  In the aseptic filling machine according to the present invention, it is preferable that the molding filling unit includes at least a mold, a blow nozzle, a stretching rod, a valve block, and a pressurizing device that pressurizes the contents.

  In the aseptic filling machine according to the present invention, it is preferable that the pressurizing device is a high-pressure plunger pump.

  In addition, the aseptic filling machine according to the present invention is preferably provided with a cup-shaped closing device that receives the discharge from the blow nozzle.

  In the aseptic filling machine according to the present invention, it is preferable that a stretch rod shielding chamber for shielding the stretch rod is provided.

  In the aseptic filling machine according to the present invention, it is preferable that a drive device for driving the stretching rod is provided at a position where the stretching rod is not inserted into the blow nozzle.

  The aseptic filling method according to the present invention includes a heating step of heating a preform, a sterilization step of sterilizing the heated preform, and filling the sterilized contents at high pressure with the sterilized preform, A aseptic filling method comprising forming a preform into a bottle and simultaneously filling the bottle with the contents, and a sealing process for sealing the bottle filled with the contents, wherein the molding filling process and the sealing process are performed. The inside and the inside of the chamber that shields each part are sterilized, aseptic air is supplied into the chamber, the sterility in the chamber is maintained, and in the chamber in which sterility is maintained, A sealing process is performed.

  The aseptic filling method according to the present invention preferably has a pre-sterilization step of sterilizing the preform before the heating step.

  In the aseptic filling method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the inside and the inside of the chamber are cleaned before the inside and the inside of the chamber where the molding filling step and the sealing step are performed are sterilized.

  Further, in the aseptic filling method according to the present invention, the sterilization step is performed by contacting the preform with a gas or mist of a sterilizing agent or a mixture thereof, irradiation with an electron beam, irradiation with light including ultraviolet rays, superheated steam. Any one or more of the contacts is preferred.

  Further, in the aseptic filling method according to the present invention, the pre-sterilization step is any of contact of the sterilizing agent, irradiation of electron beam, irradiation of light including ultraviolet rays, contact of hot water, contact of superheated steam with the preform. Or 1 or 2 or more.

Further, in the aseptic filling method according to the present invention, after the molding and filling step, a blow nozzle is joined to the top of the mouth of the preform, the mold is closed, and the preform is stretched in the longitudinal direction by a stretching rod, The pressurized contents are controlled by a valve block and introduced into the preform, and the preform is stretched in the lateral direction and molded into a mold-shaped bottle, and at the same time, the contents are near the lower end of the mouth of the preform. It is preferable to fill up to.

  In the aseptic filling method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the discharge port of the blow nozzle is closed with a cup-shaped closing device, and the inside of the content pipe is washed or sterilized by receiving and circulating the discharge. is there.

  In the aseptic filling method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the inside of the chamber in which the molding and filling step is performed is sterilized in a state where the stretching rod is not inserted into the blow nozzle.

  In the aseptic filling method according to the present invention, it is preferable to clean the inside of the chamber in which the molding and filling step is performed in a state where the stretching rod is not inserted into the blow nozzle.

  In the aseptic filling method according to the present invention, the molding filling step is performed in a state where the outer surface temperature of the blow nozzle is 60 ° C. or more by washing or sterilizing the flow path inside the blow nozzle. It is preferable that the inside is sterilized with hydrogen peroxide gas, mist or a mixture thereof.

  In the aseptic filling method according to the present invention, it is preferable to clean the inner surface of the mold while the mold is open while rotating the mold at a speed of 60 rpm or less.

  According to the aseptic filling machine of the present invention, molding and filling can be performed simultaneously by introducing the sterilized contents into the preform at high pressure while maintaining the sterility of the sterilized preform. In addition, the aseptic filling machine of the present invention is simplified in steps, so that it is smaller in each stage than before, and the initial investment cost can be suppressed. Further, according to the aseptic filling method of the present invention, compared to the conventional method, the molding and filling are performed simultaneously, so the process is simple and the running cost can be reduced. In addition, a product having high reliability with respect to sterility can be produced.

It is a top view which shows the outline of an example of the aseptic filling machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The preform supply process which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown. The preform heating process which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown. The disinfectant gas spraying process to the preform which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown. The gas generator of the disinfectant which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown. The electron beam irradiation process to the preform which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown. The light irradiation process including the ultraviolet-ray to the preform which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown. The process of spraying superheated steam onto the preform according to the embodiment of the present invention is shown. It is sectional drawing which shows the shaping | molding filling part of the preform which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The apparatus which performs CIP and SIP in the shaping | molding filling part of the preform which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown. The sealing process of the bottle which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown. It is a top view which shows the outline of an example of the aseptic filling machine which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The disinfectant spraying process to the preform which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention is shown.

  EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Embodiment 1 for implementing this invention is demonstrated with reference to drawings below.

(Embodiment 1)
First, a heating unit that heats the preform supplied from the preform supply device to a temperature at which the preform is formed into a bottle, a sterilization unit that sterilizes the heated preform, and the contents sterilized in the sterilized preform at high pressure The outline of the aseptic filling machine according to the first embodiment is provided with a molding filling unit that forms a preform into a bottle by filling and simultaneously fills the contents, and a sealing unit that seals the bottle filled with the contents. The details of the aseptic filling machine and the aseptic filling method will be described with reference to FIG. According to the first embodiment, the sterilized preform can be filled with the contents at the same time as molding, and a sterile product in which the bottles are filled with the contents can be obtained with fewer steps than before. .

(Outline of aseptic filling machine according to Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the aseptic filling machine according to this embodiment includes a preform supply device 3 that supplies a preform 1, a heating unit 14 that heats the preform 1 to a temperature at which the preform 1 is formed into a bottle 2, and a heated preform. A sterilization unit 6 for sterilizing the reform 1, a preform filling unit 21 for molding the preform 1 into the bottle 2 and simultaneously filling the sterilized contents, and a seal for sealing the bottle 2 filled with the contents with a sterilized cap 35. A portion 26 is provided. Furthermore, the sealed bottle 2 is mounted on the discharge conveyor 31 and includes a discharge unit 30 that is discharged to the non-sterile zone.

  The heating part 14 is shielded by the heating part chamber 18, the sterilization part 6 is shielded by the sterilization part chamber 5, the molded filling part 21 is shielded by the molded filling part chamber 22, the sealing part 26 and the discharge part 30 are sealed by the sealing part chamber 27. The heating unit 14 is upstream of the sterilization unit 6 and is a non-sterile area, so it may not be shielded by the chamber. The molding filling part 21 and the sealing part 26 may be shielded by a single chamber. Depending on the means for sterilizing the preform 1 in the sterilizing unit 6, a gas or mist of a sterilizing agent, a mixture thereof, or ozone is generated in the sterilizing unit chamber 5. The sterilizing unit 6 is exhausted by an exhaust blower 33 through an exhaust gas treatment device 32 that renders the gas or mist of a sterilizing agent, a mixture thereof, or ozone harmless so that they do not flow into the heating unit 14.

  At least the molding filling chamber 22 and the sealing chamber of the sterilizing chamber 5, the molding filling chamber 22 and the sealing chamber 27 are provided with a sterilizing device, and the inside of each chamber is sterilized before the operation of the aseptic filling machine is started. . By sterilizing the preform 1, the inside of the sterilization part chamber 5 may be sterilized, and it is not necessary to sterilize before the operation of the aseptic filling machine. The heating unit 14 is provided upstream of the sterilization unit 6, and the inside of the heating unit chamber 18 may not be sterilized.

  The sterilizing apparatus includes a sterilizing agent spray nozzle and a sterilizing agent supply device that supplies the sterilizing agent to these nozzles. The disinfectant spray nozzle is, for example, a one-fluid spray or a two-fluid spray that sprays a disinfectant mixed with compressed air. The sterilizing agent spray nozzle is arranged so that the sterilizing agent is attached to the entire area in each chamber. Each chamber is sterilized by the sprayed sterilizing agent. After the sterilizing agent is sprayed, each chamber is sprayed with normal temperature or heated sterilized air to activate and further remove the sterilizing agent remaining in each chamber. The germicide may be washed away by spraying sterile water into each chamber before spraying the sterile air. Moreover, since the contents in the molded filling part chamber 22 and the sealing part chamber 27 may be scattered, it is preferably cleaned before sterilization.

At least the molding filling unit chamber 22 and the sealing unit chamber 27 are provided with a sterilized air supply device. After each chamber is sterilized, sterilized air sterilized by a sterilization filter is supplied into each chamber. The inside of the chamber is maintained at a positive pressure. A sterile air supply device may be provided in the heating part chamber 18 and the sterilization part chamber 5. The inside of each chamber is maintained at a positive pressure by aseptic air, thereby maintaining the sterility in the aseptic filling machine. The pressure for holding the inside of each chamber at a positive pressure is highest in the molding filling portion chamber 22, and the sealing portion chamber 27 is set lower than the molding filling portion chamber 22. Since the sterilization part chamber 5 is evacuated, it is maintained at a pressure almost the same as the atmospheric pressure. The sterilization part chamber 5 may not be provided with a sterilized air supply device, but only sterilized air in the molded filling part chamber 22 may flow. Further, an exhaust device may be provided in each chamber other than the sterilization unit chamber 5, and the interior of each chamber may be maintained at an appropriate pressure in combination with a sterile air supply device. When the molding filling part 21 and the sealing part 26 are shielded by a single chamber, one aseptic air supply device and one exhaust device may be provided in a single chamber.

(Details of Aseptic Filling Machine and Aseptic Filling Method According to Embodiment 1)
The preform 1 shown in FIG. 2 is continuously conveyed from the preform supply apparatus 3 shown in FIG. 1 to the heating unit 14 at a desired speed by the preform conveying conveyor 4.

  The preform 1 in the embodiment of the present invention is a bottomed tubular body having a test tube shape and is shown in FIG. The preform 1 is provided with a mouth 1a similar to the bottle 2 shown in FIG. A male screw is formed at the mouth 1a simultaneously with the molding of the preform 1. In addition, a support ring 1b for conveyance is formed in the preform 1 below the mouth portion 1a. The preform 1 or the bottle 2 is gripped by the gripper 34 through the support ring 1b and travels in the aseptic filling machine. The preform 1 is molded by injection molding, compression molding or the like. The preform 1 is made of a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polypropylene, or polyethylene, and may be a single resin or a mixture of these resins, or may include a recycled thermoplastic resin. Further, in order to impart barrier properties, a thermoplastic resin such as polyamide having an aromatic amine such as an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer or metaxylylenediamine as a monomer may be included as a layer or as a mixture.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the preform 1 is supplied from a preform supply device 3 to a heating furnace transport wheel 11 by a preform transport conveyor 4. The preform 1 supplied to the heating furnace transport wheel 11 is held by the support ring 1b by a gripper 34 provided on the heating furnace transport wheel 11 as shown in FIG. After that, as shown in FIG. 3, the gripper 34 is released, the spindle 48 is inserted into the mouth 1 a of the preform 1, and is conveyed to the heating furnace 19. As shown in FIG. 3, the preform 1 conveyed to the heating furnace 19 is heated to a temperature suitable for subsequent blow molding by an infrared heater 15 or other heating means. A reflector 16 is provided on the opposite side of the infrared heater 15, and the preform 1 is efficiently heated by reflecting the heat radiated from the infrared heater 15 by the reflector 16. The temperature of the preform 1 to be heated is preferably 90 ° C to 130 ° C. Note that the temperature of the mouth portion 1a of the preform 1 is suppressed to a temperature of 70 ° C. or lower in order to prevent deformation and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the preform 1 has a spindle 48 inserted into the mouth 1a and is conveyed in the heating furnace 19 while rotating. The spindles 48 are provided on the endless chain 12 at regular intervals. The endless chain 12 is rotated by pulleys 13a and 13b. By inserting a mandrel into the preform 1 instead of the spindle 48, the preform 1 can be conveyed while being rotated in an inverted state.

The heated preform 1 is released from the spindle 48, gripped by the gripper 34, and conveyed to the sterilization wheel 7 of the sterilization unit 6 through the wheel 9.

  The preform 1 conveyed to the sterilization unit 6 is conveyed to a sterilization wheel 7 in which a number of grippers 34 are provided at a constant pitch, and is sterilized here. The sterilization process for sterilizing the preform 1 is performed by any one or two or more of contact with a sterilant gas or mist or a mixture thereof, irradiation with an electron beam, irradiation with light including ultraviolet rays, and contact with superheated steam. The sterilization wheel 7 is provided with sterilization means 8 for performing a sterilization process. The preform 1 is heated to the molding temperature in the heating unit 14, and the sterilizing effect is higher than that at normal temperature.

  The contact of the sterilant gas or mist or a mixture thereof with the preform 1 means that the mist or the mixture thereof, which has been liquefied by gasifying the sterilizer and cooling, is applied to the preform 1 as shown in FIG. Is to spray.

  The disinfectant sprayed onto the preform 1 as a gas or mist or a mixture thereof preferably contains at least hydrogen peroxide. The content is suitably in the range of 0.5% to 65% by mass. If it is less than 0.5% by mass, the sterilizing power may be insufficient, and if it exceeds 65% by mass, it becomes difficult to handle for safety. Furthermore, 0.5 mass% to 40 mass% is more preferable, and handling is easier at 40 mass% or less, and since the hydrogen peroxide has a low concentration, the residual amount of the bactericidal agent after sterilization can be reduced. The bactericide contains water, but alcohol such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, normal propyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, acetylacetone, glycol ethers, etc. You may include 2 or more types. Furthermore, bactericides include organic acids such as peracetic acid and acetic acid, inorganic acids such as nitric acid, basic compounds such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, compounds having a bactericidal effect such as sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide and ozone, An additive such as a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, or a phosphoric acid compound may be included.

  The germicide gas or mist or mixture thereof sprayed onto the preform 1 is obtained by a germicide gas generator 36 shown in FIG. The sterilizing agent gas generator 36 is a two-fluid spray nozzle that supplies the sterilizing agent in a drop form, and heats the sterilizing agent supplied from the sterilizing agent supplying unit 37 to a decomposition temperature or lower. A vaporization unit 38 for vaporization. The disinfectant supply unit 37 introduces disinfectant and compressed air from the disinfectant supply path 37a and the compressed air supply path 37b, respectively, and sprays the disinfectant into the vaporization unit 38. The vaporizing section 38 is a pipe having a heater 38a sandwiched between inner and outer walls, and heats and disinfects the bactericide blown into the pipe. The vaporized bactericidal gas is ejected from the bactericidal gas spray nozzle 39 to the outside of the vaporizing section 38. The vaporizing section 38 may be heated by dielectric heating or superheated steam instead of the heater 38a.

  As operating conditions of the sterilizing agent supply unit 37, for example, the pressure of the compressed air is adjusted in a range of 0.05 MPa to 0.6 MPa. At this time, the supply amount of compressed air is 50 L / min. -300 L / min. Is appropriate. In addition, the bactericidal agent may be a gravity drop or a pressure may be applied, and the supply amount of the bactericidal agent can be freely set. For example, the bactericidal agent is supplied to the bactericidal agent supply path 37a by 1 g / min. ~ 100 g / min. Supplied in the range of Moreover, the sprayed disinfectant is gasified by heating the inner surface of the vaporization part 38 from 120 degreeC to 450 degreeC.

As shown in FIG. 4, the germicide gas is sprayed from the germicide gas spray nozzle 39 to the preform 1. The disinfectant gas flows in two ways in the disinfectant gas spray nozzle 39, is sprayed from one nozzle 39a toward the inside of the preform 1, and from the other nozzle 39b toward the outer surface of the preform 1. Be sprayed. The germicide gas exits from the germicide gas spray nozzle 39 and then flows into the preform 1 in the gas state or as a mist or a mixture thereof. Touch the outer surface.

  The bactericidal gas or mist or mixture sprayed toward the inside of the preform 1 flows into the preform 1 and then overflows from the mouth portion 1a of the preform 1, and the overflowing bactericidal gas, etc. The current collides with the umbrella-shaped member 40, is guided by the inner surface of the umbrella-shaped member 40, changes the flow toward the outer surface of the preform 1, and contacts the outer surface of the preform 1. When the annular groove 40 a is provided in the umbrella-like member 40, the overflowing germicide gas or the like flows along the outer surface of the preform 1.

  The amount of spray of the germicide gas or mist or a mixture thereof is arbitrary, but the spray amount is determined by the amount of germicide supplied to the germicide gas generator 36 and the spray time. A plurality of the bactericidal gas generators 36 may be provided. The amount of spraying varies depending on the size of the preform 1. The germicide gas or mist ejected from the germicide gas spray nozzle 39 or a mixture thereof may be diluted with hot air and sprayed onto the preform 1.

When the sterilizing agent is hydrogen peroxide solution, the amount of sprayed hydrogen peroxide solution gas is as follows. The amount of hydrogen peroxide adhering to the preform 1 due to the hydrogen peroxide gas blown from the disinfectant gas spray nozzle 39 to the preform 1 is converted to hydrogen peroxide containing 35% by mass of hydrogen peroxide. 0.0035 μL / cm ^{2 to} 0.35 μL / cm ² is preferable. Further, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide such as hydrogen peroxide water sprayed on the preform 1 is preferably 2 mg / L to 20 mg / L, and more preferably 5 mg / L to 10 mg / L.

  The preform 1 sprayed with a bactericide gas or mist or a mixture thereof is preferably aseptically air-rinsed with sterilized air. A nozzle that blows aseptic air to the preform 1 may be provided to face the mouth 1a of the preform 1, or a nozzle that follows the conveying speed of the preform 1 may be inserted into the preform 1. Aseptic air rinsing has the effect of activating the bactericide sprayed on the preform 1 and eliminating the bactericide sprayed on the interior of the preform 1 and foreign matter and dust present inside. Aseptic air rinsing air may be heated at room temperature. Heating is more effective in activating the bactericide. The aseptic air rinsing may be performed with the preform 1 upright or inverted. Inverting is more effective for removing foreign substances. Furthermore, in order to eliminate foreign matter, it is preferable to suck the vicinity of the mouth portion 1a of the inverted preform 1. The amount of air blown is preferably 0.04 L / preform to 400 L / preform.

  In the sterilization method in which the sterilizing gas or mist or a mixture thereof is sprayed on the preform 1, the sterilizing gas or mist or a mixture thereof is generated in the spraying process and the subsequent aseptic air rinsing process. Need to be exhausted. The exhausted air is rendered harmless by the exhaust gas treatment device 32 and discharged.

The irradiation of the electron beam onto the preform 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention means that an electron beam is applied to the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 conveyed by the electron beam irradiation devices 42a, 42b and 42c as shown in FIG. It is to irradiate. The electron beam has a bactericidal action, and the bacteria attached to the surface of the preform 1 are sterilized by irradiation with the electron beam. In FIG. 6, the electron beam is irradiated from three directions of the preform 1, but any method may be used as long as the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 are irradiated with the electron beam. For example, if the preform 1 is rotated, the electron beam irradiation device 42b becomes unnecessary. Further, a reflection mirror is provided above the mouth portion 1a of the preform 1, and an electron beam irradiated from the electron beam irradiation device 42a is introduced into the preform 1 from the upper portion of the mouth portion 1a of the preform 1. I do not care. Furthermore, a rod-shaped electron beam irradiation device may be inserted into the preform 1 to irradiate the inner surface of the preform 1 with an electron beam.

  The electron beam irradiation devices 42a, 42b, and 42c may have any structure. For example, there are a scanning type and a monofilament type, and the output is preferably a low output type of 100 kV to 500 kV because it is easy to handle.

  Before irradiating the preform 1 with an electron beam, it is preferable to remove foreign substances adhering to the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1. This is because when a foreign substance adheres to the surface of the preform 1, an electron beam is not irradiated on that portion, which may cause sterilization failure. In order to remove foreign matters from the preform 1, the preform 1 is erect or inverted before being heated and then air is blown or water is blown. When water is sprayed, it is necessary to further remove it, so air spraying is preferable. Before the air is blown, it is preferable to neutralize the preform 1 by blowing ionized air or the like. Furthermore, it is preferable that a suction nozzle is provided in the vicinity of the mouth portion 1a of the preform 1 to suck out foreign matter and remove it outside the aseptic filling machine. The step of removing the foreign matter from the preform 1 is preferably performed by the preform conveying conveyor 4 outside the heating unit 14. After removing the foreign matter, the preform 1 is conveyed to the heating unit 14.

  Since the electron beam changes oxygen to ozone, ozone is generated when oxygen is present in the atmosphere in which the electron beam is irradiated. In order to remove the generated ozone, the inside of the sterilization unit chamber 5 needs to be evacuated. The generation of ozone can be suppressed by substituting the atmosphere for electron beam irradiation with nitrogen or the like.

  Irradiation of light including ultraviolet rays to the preform 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention means that the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 are irradiated with light including ultraviolet rays emitted from the light irradiation lamp 43 as shown in FIG. is there. On the opposite side of the preform 1 with respect to the light irradiation lamp 43, it is preferable to provide a light reflection plate 44 that reflects the irradiated light and directs it toward the preform 1.

  Ultraviolet rays contained in the irradiated light are one type of electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of 100 nm to 380 nm. Irradiated light includes any one of these wavelengths, but ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 100 nm to 280 nm, which is called UV-C, are particularly effective for sterilization. Furthermore, the ultraviolet ray having a wavelength of 253.7 nm has the most bactericidal effect, and it is optimal to include this.

  The light irradiation lamp 43 that emits ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 100 nm to 380 nm is a low-pressure mercury lamp, a high-pressure mercury lamp, a xenon flash lamp, or the like. In particular, the light irradiation lamp 43 is preferably a xenon flash lamp because the sterilization effect of light (wavelength: 100 to 950 nm) emitted from a xenon flash lamp in which xenon gas is sealed is high.

  The bactericidal effect by irradiation with light including ultraviolet rays is proportional to the irradiation amount per unit area of light and the irradiation time. However, since the light emitted from the xenon flash lamp has a higher sterilizing effect than light emitted from a low-pressure mercury lamp or a high-pressure mercury lamp, it can be sufficiently sterilized by short-time irradiation. Temperature rise at the mouth 1a can be avoided.

The number of the light irradiation lamps 43 is not limited as long as light including ultraviolet rays is irradiated on the entire inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1. As shown in FIG. 7, a large number may be provided to irradiate the outer surface and the inner surface with light containing ultraviolet rays. However, if the preform 1 is rotated, the light irradiation lamps 43 that irradiate the side surfaces of the preform 1 may be arranged in one row. In order to irradiate the inner surface of the preform 1 with light containing ultraviolet rays, a light irradiation lamp 43 is provided facing the mouth portion 1a of the preform 1, and light containing ultraviolet rays is passed through the opening portion of the mouth portion 1a. It is preferable to irradiate the inner surface. Further, it is preferable that the light reflecting plate 44 is provided in a dome shape toward the mouth portion 1a, and light including ultraviolet rays emitted from the light irradiation lamp 43 is efficiently irradiated onto the inner surface of the preform 1. In order to irradiate the inner surface of the preform 1 with light containing ultraviolet rays, a rod-shaped light irradiation lamp may be inserted into the preform 1 and the inner surface of the preform 1 may be irradiated with light containing ultraviolet rays. The light irradiation lamp 43 may have any shape such as a round shape, a rod shape, or a U shape.

  The light reflection plate 44 shown in FIG. 7 has the purpose of efficiently irradiating the preform 1 with light including ultraviolet rays emitted from the light irradiation lamp 43. Accordingly, the light irradiation lamp 43 is provided on the opposite side to the preform 1. The light reflection plate 44 may be a flat surface, a curved surface, a combination of a plurality of surfaces, or any shape. The light reflection plate 44 may have any configuration as long as it can reflect light including ultraviolet rays. For example, it is made of synthetic resin, metal, glass, and the surface is smoothed, or for further smoothing, coating of metal, plating of metal, etc., vapor deposition processing of metal or metal oxide, etc. A combination of these may be used.

  Prior to irradiating the preform 1 with light containing ultraviolet rays, it is preferable to remove foreign substances adhering to the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1. This is because when a foreign substance adheres to the surface of the preform 1, the portion is not irradiated with light containing ultraviolet rays, which may cause sterilization failure. In order to remove foreign matters from the preform 1, the preform 1 is erect or inverted before being heated and then air is blown or water is blown. When water is sprayed, it is necessary to remove it, so air spraying is preferable. Before the air is blown, it is preferable to neutralize the preform 1 by blowing ionized air or the like. Furthermore, it is preferable that a suction nozzle is provided in the vicinity of the mouth portion 1a of the preform 1 to suck out foreign matter and remove it outside the aseptic filling machine. The step of removing foreign matter from the preform 1 is preferably performed by the preform transport conveyor 4 outside the heating unit 14. After the foreign matter is removed, the preform 1 is transported into the heating unit 14.

  Since light containing ultraviolet rays changes oxygen to ozone, ozone is generated when oxygen is present in an atmosphere in which light containing ultraviolet rays is irradiated. In order to remove the generated ozone, the inside of the sterilization unit chamber 5 needs to be evacuated. The generation of ozone can be suppressed by substituting the atmosphere for irradiation with light including ultraviolet rays with nitrogen or the like.

  The contact of the superheated steam with the preform 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention means that the superheated steam generated from the superheated steam generator 45 is supplied from the superheated steam spray nozzle 46 and the superheated steam spray slit 47 as shown in FIG. This is to spray superheated steam on the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1. The bacteria adhering to the surface of the preform 1 are sterilized by the heat of the superheated steam.

  Superheated steam is steam generated from water and having a pressure of 0.1 MPa to 0.3 MPa, which is higher than atmospheric pressure of 200 ° C to 500 ° C. The water flow pipe of the superheated steam generator 45 is heated by a heater or an induction coil to generate superheated steam. The generated superheated steam is ejected from the superheated steam spray nozzle 46 and sprayed to the inner surface of the preform 1. Further, the superheated steam generated by the superheated steam generator 45 is introduced into the superheated steam blowing slit 47, and the superheated steam is blown onto the outer surface of the preform 1.

  The water supplied to the superheated steam generator 45 may be added with a sterilizing compound such as hydrogen peroxide. For example, the bactericidal effect is improved by adding 1% by mass to 5% by mass of hydrogen peroxide to water.

By rotating the preform 1, the superheated steam is efficiently sprayed onto the outer surface. Further, the superheated steam spray nozzle 46 may be inserted into the preform 1 to spray the superheated steam on the inner surface of the preform 1. Since it is sterilized by spraying for a short time, the mouth 1a is not deformed, and the resin forming the preform 1 is not excessively heated. Further, the vapor drain does not remain inside the preform 1, and the preform 1 can be transported to the molding filling unit 21 without removing the drain.

  As described above, the preform 1 is sterilized in the sterilizing unit 6 by the sterilizing means 8 provided on the sterilizing wheel 7, contact with a bactericide gas or mist or a mixture thereof, irradiation with an electron beam, irradiation with light including ultraviolet rays. And sterilization by one or more methods of contact with superheated steam. Although the sterilizing means 8 is provided around the sterilizing wheel 7, one or more wheels may be provided in addition to the sterilizing wheel 7, and the sterilizing means may be provided on a plurality of wheels.

  The inside of the sterilizing unit chamber 5 may be sterilized by means such as spraying a sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide into the sterilizing unit chamber 5 before the operation of the aseptic filling machine. Therefore, a spray nozzle for sterilizing agent is provided on the wall surface in the sterilizing unit chamber 5. Further, in order to sterilize the surface of the sterilization part chamber 5 side of the sterilization filter of the sterile air supply device in contact with the sterilization part chamber 5, a similar sterilizing agent spray nozzle may be provided.

  The preform 1 sterilized by the sterilization unit 6 is gripped by the support ring 1 b, and is conveyed to the molding filling wheel 20 of the molding filling unit 21 via the wheel 10.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the molding filling unit 21 includes a mold 23, a blow nozzle 49, a valve block 50, a stretching rod 51, and a pressure device 55. Moreover, the drive part 62 for driving the shaping | molding filling part 21 is provided. In order to ensure the sterility of the preform 1 and the bottle 2, the molded filling portion 21 must be cleaned and sterilized before operation, and sterility must be maintained during operation. Although not shown, the drive unit 62 includes a motor, a hydraulic device, an operation transmission unit, an air cylinder, and the like. Since the drive unit 62 requires a lubricant and accumulates dirt, it is difficult to maintain sterility.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the molding filling unit 21 is shielded by a molding filling unit chamber 22 in order to ensure the sterility of the molding filling unit 21. The molding filling unit 21 includes a cleaning device and a sterilization device for cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the molding filling unit chamber 22 before operation. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the molding filling unit chamber 22 holds the molding filling unit 21, a movable part 63 that isolates the molding filling unit 21 from the drive unit 62, and a fixed that shields the molding filling unit 21 from the outside. Part 64. The movable part 63 rotates around the double pipe 65 as a central axis. The molding filling unit 21 held by the movable unit 63 also rotates, and the preform 1 is molded into the bottle 2 at the same time with the rotation, and the contents are filled at the same time.

  The preform 1 is transferred from the wheel 10 to the molding and filling wheel 20 by closing the mold 23. Thereafter, the blow nozzle 49 is joined to the mouth 1 a of the preform 1, the stretching rod 51 is guided into the hole provided in the blow nozzle 49 and inserted into the preform 1, and the bottom surface of the preform 1 is placed on the mold 23. The stretching rod 51 extends the preform 1 in the longitudinal direction until it contacts the bottom surface. Thereafter, the stretching rod 51 is raised, and at the same time, the medium pressure content P1 and the high pressure content P2 are sequentially fed into the preform 1 by the operation of the solenoid valve of the valve block 50, and the preform 1 is stretched in the lateral direction. It is formed into a shaped bottle 2 and filled with the contents at the same time.

The high pressure contents P2 must be filled until the preform 1 is formed into a bottle in the shape of the mold 23. Therefore, the high-pressure contents P2 are filled up to the lower end of the mouth 1a. If the bottle 1 is filled up to the vicinity of the upper end of the mouth 1a, the contents may overflow from the bottle 2 when the molded and filled bottle 2 is conveyed. The filling amount of the high-pressure contents P2 must be controlled by the vicinity of the lower end of the mouth portion 1a. The pressure of the medium pressure content P1 is 1 MPa to 2.5 MPa, and the pressure of the high pressure content P2 is a pressure of 2.5 MPa to 4 MPa. As shown in FIG. 9, the medium pressure content P <b> 1 and the high pressure content P <b> 2 are obtained by pressurizing the content sterilized by a sterilization device (not shown) with a pressurization device 55. The pressurizing device 55 is, for example, a multiple-type high-pressure plunger pump.

  The molded bottle 2 is opened by the mold 23, is gripped by the gripper 34 of the wheel 24, and is conveyed from the molding filling unit chamber 22 to the wheel 25 in the sealing unit 28. The molding of the preform 1 into the bottle 2 and the simultaneous filling are performed by opening and closing the mold 23 along with the rotation of the molding and filling unit 21 held by the movable unit 63 and the movable unit 63 of the molding and filling unit chamber 22, and the stretching rod 51 This is performed by repeating the lowering and rising, and filling the preform 1 with the medium pressure content P1 and the high pressure content P2.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the inside of the molding filling unit chamber 22 is maintained in a sterile atmosphere when the aseptic filling machine is in operation. The drive unit 62 is provided in a non-sterile atmosphere. The sterile atmosphere and the non-sterile atmosphere are isolated by sealing the lower part of the movable part 63 with a liquid seal device 66 provided at the lower part of the movable part 63. The liquid may be any liquid such as water, but peracetic acid (the concentration contained in the liquid is preferably 100 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less) or hydrogen peroxide (the liquid contains 1% by mass or more and 36% by mass or less). A liquid containing a bactericide such as The end surface of the movable part 63 immersed in the liquid of the liquid seal device 66 is provided so as not to contact the bottom of the liquid seal device 66. The liquid communicates with both end surfaces of the movable portion 63 immersed in the liquid seal device 66. Accordingly, when the inside of the molding filling unit chamber 22 is at a positive pressure due to the supply of sterile air, the liquid level of the liquid on the non-sterile atmosphere side of the liquid seal device 66 is higher than the liquid level of the liquid on the sterile atmosphere side. It is high.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the intermediate pressure content P <b> 1 and the high pressure content P <b> 2 necessary for forming the preform 1 into the bottle 2 and simultaneously filling it are provided in the double pipe 65 from the upper part of the molding filling portion 21. Supplied by piping. The double pipe 65 and the fixed part 64 are joined by a rotary joint 67. The medium pressure content P1 and the high pressure content P2 are introduced into a high pressure content supply manifold 68 in a non-sterile atmosphere from a pipe in the double pipe 65 that passes through the sterile atmosphere. Since the medium pressure content P1 and the high pressure content P2 are supplied from the high pressure content supply manifold 68 to the valve block 50 held by the movable portion 63, the high pressure content supply manifold 68 is rotatable.

  The inside of the molding filling unit chamber 22 is cleaned before the operation of the aseptic filling machine. For this purpose, the molding filling unit chamber 22 is provided with a cleaning device. As shown in FIG. 9, the cleaning device is a spray nozzle 56 provided in the fixed portion 64 of the molding filling unit chamber 22 and a cleaning agent supply device that supplies the cleaning agent to the spray nozzle 56. The spray nozzle 56 uses a two-fluid spray that mixes and sprays one fluid or a cleaning agent with compressed air, and forms the cleaning agent from the spray nozzle 56 before or at the same time as sterilizing the inside and the inner surface of the molding filling unit chamber 22. Spray into the filling chamber 22. Thereafter, water or sterile water is sprayed from the spray nozzle 56 into the molding filling unit chamber 22 to wash away the cleaning agent.

  Since the area in which the inside of the mold 23 is opened is limited, in order to clean the inside of the mold 23, the spray nozzle 56 has an area in which the mold 23 is open (a short distance between the wheel 10 and the wheel 24). It is desirable to provide a large amount of the cleaning agent, and spray the cleaning agent while rotating the mold 23 at a speed of 60 rpm or less. This is because the cleaning effect on the inner surface of the mold 23 is improved by spraying the cleaning agent on the mold 23 rotating at a relatively low speed. The outer surfaces of the mold 23, the blow nozzle 49, the stretching rod chamber 52, the valve block 50, etc. and the inner surface of the molding filling portion chamber 22 existing inside the molding filling portion chamber 22 are cleaned by the cleaning. The spray pressure of the cleaning agent is at least 0.05 MPa, preferably 0.2 MPa or more.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the stretching rod 51 is held by a stretching rod holding material 53. The operation of raising or lowering the stretching rod 51 is performed by operating the stretching rod holding member 53. The drawing rod holding material 53 moves up and down by the movement of the drawing rod holding material operating shaft 54. The drawing rod holding material 53 is operated by rotating the drawing rod holding material operating shaft 54 by a servo motor or by connecting the drawing rod holding material operating shaft 54 to a pneumatic cylinder. However, in the case of using a pneumatic cylinder, it is necessary to sterilize the inside of the cylinder by introducing a sterilizing gas into the cylinder or to sterilize air that generates pressure through a sterilizing filter. Moreover, you may protect the axis | shaft which goes in and out of a pneumatic cylinder with a bellows. The stretching rod 51 may not be directly held by the stretching rod holding member 53 but may be raised and lowered using a magnetic material.

  The stretching rod 51 is inserted into the blow nozzle 49. Since the contents are filled into the preform 1 from the outer peripheral portion of the stretching rod 51, the stretching rod 51 comes into contact with the contents. The stretching rod 51, the stretching rod holding material 53 and the stretching rod holding material operating shaft 54 are shielded by the stretching rod chamber 52 in order to prevent the contents adhering to the stretching rod 51 from scattering into the molding filling unit chamber 22. Is done. Therefore, the drawing rod 51, the drawing rod holding material 53, and the drawing rod holding material operating shaft 54 are washed by the blowing nozzle 56 provided in the drawing rod chamber 52 with the cleaning agent and the drawing rod 51 that drives the drawing rod. This is done by spraying the material 53 and the stretching rod holding material operating shaft 54. The drawing rod chamber 52 has, for example, a cylindrical shape, but may have any shape as long as the drawing rod 51, the drawing rod holding material 53, and the drawing rod holding material operating shaft 54 can be shielded.

  When the extending rod 51 is inserted into the blow nozzle 49, the inserted portion is not cleaned. Therefore, when the stretching rod 51 is cleaned, the stretching rod 51 is not inserted into the blow nozzle 49. For this reason, a driving device including a stretching rod holding material 53 and a stretching rod holding material operating shaft 54 is provided so that the stretching rod 51 rises from the blow nozzle 49 to a non-insertion position. Although the mouth of the preform 1 is shown in FIG. 9, the preform 1 may be inverted. In this case, the extending rod 51 is not inserted through the blow nozzle 49 by moving downward.

  The cleaning agent is water containing an acidic compound or a basic compound. The water may be water sterilized by heating or filtration, pure water, ion exchange water, distilled water or tap water. The acidic compound is an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid or phosphoric acid or an organic acid such as acetic acid, formic acid, octanoic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid, succinic acid or gluconic acid. The basic compound is an inorganic basic compound such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, or an organic basic compound such as ethanolamine or diethylamine. In addition, non-ionic sequestering agents such as alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts, ammonium salts and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid of organic acids, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers and the like. Contains ionic surfactants, solubilizers such as sodium cumene sulfonate, acid polymers such as polyacrylic acid or metal salts thereof, corrosion inhibitors, preservatives, antioxidants, dispersants, antifoaming agents, etc. It doesn't matter. Further, when these cleaning liquids are heated to 50 ° C. or higher, they also have a sterilizing action, so they may be used as a sterilizing agent for sterilizing the inside of the chamber.

  After cleaning the inside and the inner surface of the molding filling portion chamber 22, the inside and the inner surface of the molding filling portion chamber 22 are sterilized. A sterilizing agent is sprayed from the spray nozzle 56 into the molding filling unit chamber 22. For this purpose, a sterilizer is provided in the molding filling unit chamber 22. As shown in FIG. 9, the sterilizer is a spray nozzle 56 provided in the fixed portion 64 of the molding filling unit chamber 22 and a sterilizer supply device that supplies the sterilizer to the spray nozzle 56. The spray nozzle 56 may be used as a nozzle for spraying the cleaning agent or may be provided separately. Further, the spray nozzle 56 is arranged so that the sterilizing agent is attached to the entire area of the molding filling unit chamber 22. The inside of the molding filling part chamber 22 is sterilized by the sprayed sterilizing agent.

  Since the area where the inside of the mold 23 is opened is limited, in order to sterilize the inside of the mold 23, the spray nozzle 56 is an area where the mold is open (between the short distance between the wheel 10 and the wheel 24). The disinfectant is sprayed while the mold 23 is rotated at a speed of 60 rpm or less. By sterilization, the mold 23, the blow nozzle 49, the stretching rod chamber 52, the valve block 49, etc. existing inside the molding filling unit 22 and the inner surface of the molding filling unit chamber 22 are sterilized. Further, the spraying pressure of the bactericide is at least 0.05 MPa or more, preferably 0.2 MPa or more.

  The inside of the drawing rod 51, the drawing rod holding material 53, the drawing rod holding material operating shaft 54 and the drawing rod chamber 52 is sterilized by a sterilizing agent sprayed from a spray nozzle 56 provided in the drawing rod chamber 52. In this case as well, the stretching rod 51 is not inserted into the blow nozzle 49.

  As the disinfectant, a disinfectant gas or mist used for disinfecting the preform 1 or a mixture thereof can be used. A liquid disinfectant may also be used. The liquid disinfectant preferably contains peracetic acid, more preferably an equilibrium peroxide composition comprising peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid and water. The concentration of peracetic acid is preferably 500 mg / L to 4,000 mg / L. If it is less than 500 mg / L, the sterilizing power is insufficient, and if it exceeds 4,000 mg / L, the concentration of peracetic acid is high, so there is a possibility that members such as packing used in an aseptic filling machine are deteriorated. In addition, a bactericidal agent containing a bactericidal component such as hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, or ozone may be used as the liquid bactericidal agent. The liquid disinfectant contains water, but alcohols such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, normal propyl alcohol, and butyl alcohol, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and acetylacetone, glycol ethers, and the like 1 You may contain a seed or two or more sorts. Furthermore, additives such as inorganic acids such as nitric acid, basic compounds such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and phosphoric acid compounds may be included. The sterilizing agent may be sprayed several times with different sterilizing agents. Further, the sterilizing power is improved by heating the liquid sterilizing agent.

  After the sterilizing agent is sprayed from the spray nozzle 56, aseptic water is sprayed over the entire area of the molding filling unit chamber 22 by using the spray nozzle 56 or by a nozzle provided separately. The disinfectant remaining in the molded filling part chamber 22 is washed away by the aseptic water. Sterile water is heated at 121 ° C. or higher for 4 minutes or longer, or sterilized by passing through a sterilization filter. The aseptic water sprayed into the molding filling part chamber 22 is preferably heated to 60 ° C to 100 ° C.

  After aseptic water is sprayed into the molding filling unit chamber 22, aseptic air is sprayed into the molding filling unit chamber 22. The aseptic air evaporates and removes aseptic water remaining in the molded filling portion chamber 22. In order to spray aseptic air into the molding and filling unit chamber 22, as shown in FIG. 9, a sterilizing air supply device 57 is provided above the fixed portion 64 of the molding and filling unit chamber 22. The aseptic air supply device 57 includes a blower 58 and a sterilization filter 59. Moreover, aseptic air may be heated, and it is preferable to provide an aseptic air heating device 60 between the blower 58 and the sterilization filter 59.

  After the air by the blower 58 is heated by the heating device 60 and sterilized by the sterilization filter 59, it is sterilized hot air and blown into the molded filling portion chamber 22. Aseptic air does not need to be heated, but as it is heated, aseptic water is removed quickly. When aseptic air is supplied to the molding filling unit chamber 22 in order to maintain sterility in the molding filling unit chamber 22 during operation of the aseptic filling machine, it is not always necessary to heat the aseptic air.

  The sterilization in the molding filling unit chamber 22 is performed by the following procedure, for example. After spraying a cleaning agent containing sodium hydroxide, which is a basic compound, into the molding filling unit chamber 22, the sterilizing water is sprayed to wash out the cleaning agent, and a disinfectant containing peracetic acid is sprayed into the molding filling unit chamber 22, Further, the sterilizing water is sprayed to wash away the sterilizing agent, and then hydrogen peroxide gas or mist similar to that used for sterilizing the preform 1 or a mixture thereof is sprayed into the molding and filling unit chamber 22 and sterilized heated air. Is supplied to dry the inside of the molding filling unit chamber 22 to complete sterilization.

  When the hydrogen peroxide water gas or mist or a mixture thereof is sprayed, the blow nozzle 49 and the valve block 50 exposed in the molding filling portion chamber 22 by washing or sterilizing the flow path inside the blow nozzle 49. When the outer surface temperature of these is 60 ° C. or higher and exposed to hydrogen peroxide gas or mist or a mixture thereof having a concentration of 5 mg / L or higher, the outer surfaces of these parts are suitably sterilized.

  In the sterilization before the operation of the aseptic filling machine, the inner surface side of the sterilization filter 59 is also sterilized by spraying the sterilizing agent with the spray nozzle 56.

  Sterile air that has passed through the sterilization filter 59 may be blown into the molding filling unit chamber 22 and exhausted by the exhaust device 61 provided in the molding filling unit chamber 22. Further, aseptic air may flow from the molding filling unit chamber 22 into the sterilization unit chamber 5 and be exhausted from the exhaust blower provided in the sterilization unit chamber 18 from the 33.

  By sterilizing the mold filling part chamber 22 with the sterilizing agent, the members exposed in the mold filling part chamber 22 are sterilized. However, the inside of the piping of the medium pressure content P1 and the high pressure content P2 of the blow nozzle 49 and the valve block 50 which are not exposed is not cleaned and sterilized. Therefore, before operating the aseptic filling machine, cleaning (CIP) and sterilization (SIP) in the pipe is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 10, CIP is performed by attaching a cup-shaped closing device 69 to the tip of the blow nozzle 49. A cleaning agent tank 70 is provided, and the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent tank 70 is pumped by a cleaning agent supply pump 71, and the cleaning agent is heated by a heating device 72 as necessary. The cleaning agent is fed from 50 to the blow nozzle 49 and the stretching rod 51. The cleaning agent discharged from the blow nozzle 49 is received by the cup-shaped closing device 69 attached to the tip of the blow nozzle 49, flows into the high-pressure content supply manifold 68 via the passage in the valve block 50, The pipe inside the tube provided at the center of the drive unit 62 is returned to the cleaning agent tank 70 via the rotary joint 73 below the drive unit 62. CIP is performed by circulating the cleaning agent in the circulation path. As long as all the parts in contact with the contents can be washed, the order of the circulation path may be changed as appropriate.

  As the cleaning agent, the same cleaning agent as that used for cleaning the molded filling portion chamber 22 is used. Some cleaning agents have a sterilizing action by being heated to 50 ° C. or higher, and may be heated by the heating device 72.

  The SIP is performed by supplying superheated steam to the pressurizing device 55 by the superheated steam supply device 74 as shown in FIG. The superheated steam supplied to the pressurizing device 55 is supplied to the blow nozzle 49 and the stretching rod 51 through the high-pressure content supply manifold 68 and the valve block 50. Further, the superheated steam discharged by the blow nozzle 49 is received by the cup-shaped closing device 69 attached to the tip of the blow nozzle 49 and is discharged from the lower portion of the drive unit 62. SIP is performed by the heat of superheated steam. Superheated steam is supplied above 121 ° C.

  SIP may be performed with warm water. As shown in FIG. 10, SIP with hot water is performed by pumping sterile water heated by a sterile water supply pump 76 from a sterile water tank 75. The sterile water to be pumped is heated to 70 ° C. to 100 ° C. by the heating device 72, and is fed from the valve block 50 to the blow nozzle 49 through the pressurizing device 55. Aseptic water discharged from the blow nozzle 49 is received by the cup-shaped closing device 69 attached to the tip of the blow nozzle 49 and flows into the high-pressure content supply manifold 68 via the passage in the valve block 50, The pipe inside the tube provided at the center of the drive unit 62 is returned to the sterile water tank 75 through the rotary joint 73 below the drive unit 62. SIP is performed by circulating hot water in the circulation path. The heating device 72 may be provided separately from the cleaning agent heating device. As long as all the parts in contact with the product liquid can be sterilized, the order of the circulation path may be appropriately changed.

  The bottle 2 filled with the contents is conveyed to the sealing part 26 through the wheel 24 shown in FIG. The bottle 2 is conveyed to the sealing wheel 25 provided in the sealing part 26, and the cap 35 sterilized by the cap sterilizing device 28 as shown in the figure is supplied to the sealing wheel 25, and the sealing process shown in FIG. As described above, the cap 35 is wound around the mouth 1a of the bottle 2 by a capper (not shown), and the bottle 2 is sealed.

  The sealed bottle 2 is transferred from the gripper 34 of the sealing wheel 25 to the gripper 34 of the discharge wheel 29 of the discharge unit 30. The bottle 2 delivered to the discharge wheel 29 is placed on the discharge conveyor 31. The bottles 2 placed on the discharge conveyor 31 are discharged from the sealed portion chamber 27 to the outside of the aseptic filling machine.

  Before the aseptic filling machine operation, the inside of the sealing part chamber 27 is cleaned by spraying a cleaning agent, flushing the cleaning agent by spraying sterile water, sterilizing by spraying a sterilizing agent, and spraying sterile water. The sterilizing agent is washed away by sterilization, and aseptic water is removed by spraying aseptic air. Further, during operation of the aseptic filling machine, the pressure in the sealed portion chamber 27 is maintained at a positive pressure by the sterilized air supplied by the sterilized air supply device provided in the sealed portion chamber 27. Sterility is maintained. In order to properly maintain the pressure in the sealed portion chamber 27, an exhaust device may be provided in the sealed portion chamber 27.

  In order to sterilize the inside of the sealed portion chamber 27 and maintain sterility, the inside of the sealed portion chamber 27 is supplied with a sterilizer for sterilizing the inside and the inside of the sealed portion chamber 27, and aseptic air is supplied to the inside of the sealed portion chamber 27. A sterile air supply device is provided. A cleaning device for cleaning the inside of the sealed portion chamber 27 is also provided. The sterilizing apparatus includes a spray nozzle that sprays the sterilizing agent into the sealed portion chamber 27 and a sterilizing agent supply device that supplies the sterilizing agent thereto. In addition, the cleaning device includes a spray nozzle that sprays the cleaning agent into the sealed portion chamber 27 and a cleaning agent supply device that supplies the cleaning agent thereto. As the sterilizing agent and the cleaning agent, the same sterilizing agent and cleaning agent used for sterilization and cleaning in the molded filling portion chamber 22 are used.

  A second embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 2)
First, a pre-sterilization unit that sterilizes the preform supplied from the preform supply device, a heating unit that heats the sterilized preform to a temperature for molding into a bottle, a sterilization unit that sterilizes the heated preform, The preform is molded into a bottle by filling the sterilized contents with high pressure, and at the same time, a molding filling part for filling the contents and a sealing part for sealing the bottle filled with the contents are provided. An outline of the aseptic filling machine according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12, and further different points from the first embodiment will be described. According to the second embodiment, since the preform is sterilized before the preform is heated, the sterilization after the heating can be performed simply, and the temperature of the heated preform is suppressed while lowering the temperature. The contents can be filled at the same time as reforming, and an aseptic product in which the contents are filled in the bottle can be obtained by a smaller number of processes than before.

(Outline of aseptic filling machine according to Embodiment 2)
As shown in FIG. 12, the aseptic filling machine according to this embodiment includes a preform supply device 3 that supplies the preform 1, a pre-sterilization unit 77 that sterilizes the preform 1, and a temperature at which the preform 1 is molded into the bottle 2. A heating unit 14 that heats the preform 1, a sterilization unit 6 that sterilizes the heated preform 1, a molding filling unit 21 that molds the preform 1 into the bottle 2 and simultaneously fills the sterilized content, and a bottle filled with the content 2 is sealed with a sterilized cap 35. Furthermore, the sealed bottle 2 is mounted on the discharge conveyor 31 and includes a discharge unit 30 that is discharged to the non-sterile zone.

  Pre-sterilization part 77 is pre-sterilization part chamber 78, heating part 14 is heating part chamber 18, sterilization part 6 is sterilization part chamber 5, molding filling part 21 is molding filling part chamber 22, sealing part 26 and discharge part 30 are sealing parts. Each chamber 27 is shielded. Since the heating unit 14 is not an aseptic area, it may not be shielded. Depending on the means for sterilizing the preform 1 in the pre-sterilization section 77, a gas or mist of a sterilizing agent, a mixture thereof, or ozone is generated in the pre-sterilization section chamber 78. Like the sterilization unit 6, the pre-sterilization unit 77 is exhausted by the exhaust blower 82 through the exhaust gas treatment device 81 that detoxifies the gas or mist of the sterilizer, a mixture thereof, or ozone so that they do not flow into the heating unit 14. The Other chambers are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The pre-sterilization unit chamber 78 is provided with a sterilization device, and the inside of the pre-sterilization unit chamber 78 may be sterilized before the operation of the aseptic filling machine is started. The inside of the pre-sterilization part chamber 78 may be sterilized by sterilizing the preform 1 and may not be sterilized before operating the aseptic filling machine. The sterilizer is the same as the sterilizer provided in the sterilizer of the first embodiment.

(Details of Aseptic Filling Machine and Aseptic Filling Method According to Embodiment 2)
The preform 1 shown in FIG. 2 is continuously conveyed from the preform supply device 3 shown in FIG. 12 to the pre-sterilization unit 77 at a desired speed by the preform conveying conveyor 4. The preform 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  The preform 1 conveyed to the pre-sterilization unit 77 is transferred to a pre-sterilization wheel 79 in which a number of grippers 34 are provided at a constant pitch, and is sterilized here. The sterilization process for sterilizing the preform 1 is performed by any one or more of contact with a bactericide, irradiation with an electron beam, irradiation with light including ultraviolet rays, contact with warm water, and contact with superheated steam. The sterilization wheel 79 is provided with sterilization means 80 for performing a sterilization process. The preform 1 may be preheated with hot air before being sterilized. In order to preheat the preform 1, a preheating wheel may be provided in front of the sterilization wheel 79. The sterilization effect is improved by preheating the preform 1.

  The contact of the disinfectant with the preform 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention means that a disinfectant gas or mist or a mixture thereof is sprayed on the preform 1 as shown in FIG. 4, or as shown in FIG. This is performed by spraying a liquid disinfectant on the preform 1 inverted. The spraying of the germicide gas or mist or a mixture thereof onto the preform 1 is the same as in the first embodiment.

  The spraying of the liquid germicide on the inverted preform 1 is performed as shown in FIG. The support ring 1b of the inverted preform 1 is gripped by the gripper 34, and the sterilizing agent spray nozzle 41a facing upward allows the liquid sterilizing agent to contact the entire inner surface of the preform 1 through the mouth 1a. Spray liquid disinfectant on the inside. Further, a liquid sterilizing agent is sprayed onto the outer surface of the preform 1 by a downward sterilizing agent spray nozzle 41 b so that the liquid sterilizing agent contacts the entire outer surface of the preform 1. The sterilizing agent spray nozzle 41 a may be provided to face the mouth portion 1 a of the preform 1, or the nozzle 41 a that follows the conveyance speed of the preform 1 may be provided in order to be inserted into the preform 1. Further, the sterilizing agent spray nozzle 41b may be plural. Furthermore, as long as the liquid disinfectant can contact the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1, the method may immerse the preform 1 in the liquid disinfectant instead of spraying the liquid disinfectant with the nozzle.

  The liquid bactericidal agent preferably contains peracetic acid, and the liquid bactericidal agent is preferably an equilibrium peroxide composition comprising peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid and water. The concentration of peracetic acid is preferably 500 mg / L to 4,000 mg / L. If it is less than 500 mg / L, the sterilizing power is insufficient, and if it exceeds 4,000 mg / L, the concentration of peracetic acid is high, so there is a possibility that members such as packing used in an aseptic filling machine are deteriorated. In addition, a bactericidal agent containing a bactericidal component such as hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, or ozone may be used as the liquid bactericidal agent. The liquid disinfectant contains water, but alcohols such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, normal propyl alcohol, and butyl alcohol, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and acetylacetone, glycol ethers, and the like 1 You may contain a seed or two or more sorts. Furthermore, additives such as inorganic acids such as nitric acid, basic compounds such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and phosphoric acid compounds may be included.

The liquid disinfectant may be at normal temperature, but is preferably heated to 40 ° C to 80 ° C. When heated, the bactericidal effect of the bactericide improves. The flow rate per one of the disinfectant spray nozzles 41a and 41b is 1 L / min. ~ 15 L / min. , Preferably 3 L / min. -10 L / min. Is appropriate. The spraying time is suitably 0.2 seconds to 5 seconds. The amount of the liquid sterilizing agent sprayed onto the preform 1 is determined by the flow rate of the sterilizing agent spray nozzles 41a and 41b and the spraying time. The surface area of the preform 1 is 0.05 ml / cm ^{2 to} 20 ml / cm. ² is preferred. If it is less than 0.05 ml / cm ² , the sterilization is insufficient, and if it exceeds 20 ml / cm ² , it is excessive and wastes energy and a disinfectant.

The preform 1 brought into contact with the liquid bactericide is rinsed with sterile water in order to remove the adhering bactericide. Sterile water is produced by heating the water at 121 ° C. or higher for 4 minutes or longer or passing it through a sterilizing filter. Further, the sterile water may be water treated under sterilization conditions equivalent to or higher than the contents to be filled. For example, when the content to be filled is mineral water, the preform 1 may be rinsed with the mineral water to be filled. The rinsing of the preform 1 with sterile water is performed by the same process and apparatus as the spraying of the bactericide shown in FIG. The support ring 1b of the inverted preform 1 is gripped by the gripper 34, and sterilized water is sprayed from the mouth portion 1a to the inner surface of the preform 1 with the upward nozzle so that the entire inner surface of the preform 1 is rinsed with sterile water. . Further, aseptic water is sprayed onto the outer surface of the preform 1 with a downward nozzle so that the entire surface of the preform 1 is rinsed with sterile water. The upward nozzle may be provided so as to face the mouth portion 1 a of the preform 1, or a nozzle that follows the conveyance speed of the preform 1 may be provided in order to be inserted into the preform 1. Further, a plurality of downward nozzles may be provided.

The sterile water is conditioned at 10 to 80 ° C, preferably 30 to 70 ° C. The flow rate per nozzle for spraying sterile water is 1 L / min. ~ 15 L / min. , Preferably 3 L / min. -10 L / min. Is appropriate. The spraying time is suitably 0.1 seconds to 15 seconds. The amount of aseptic water sprayed onto the preform 1 is determined by the flow rate of the nozzle and the spraying time, but is 0.05 ml / cm ^{2 to} 20 ml / with respect to the surface area of the preform 1.
it is preferable that the cm ^2. If it is less than 0.05 ml / cm ² , rinsing becomes insufficient, and if it exceeds 20 ml / cm ² , it is excessive and energy is wasted.

  Sterile water adhering to the preform 1 rinsed with sterile water is preferably removed by spraying sterile air onto the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1. The preform 1 is heated to the molding temperature by the heating unit 14, but heating unevenness occurs in the portion where the aseptic water adheres, and there is a possibility that molding defects such as whitening and uneven thickness may occur in the bottle 2 to be molded. It is. Aseptic air is preferably compressed air rather than blower air, and the pressure of aseptic air is 0.01 MPa or more, preferably 0.1 to 0.6 MPa. The inner diameter of the nozzle for blowing sterile air is φ1 mm to φ10 mm, preferably φ2 mm to φ8 mm.

When the sterilizing agent is hydrogen peroxide, the amount of hydrogen peroxide adhering to the preform 1 after aseptic air rinsing is 0.0003 μL / cm ² in terms of hydrogen peroxide containing 35% by mass of hydrogen peroxide. A range of ˜0.35 μL / cm ² is preferred. More preferably, it is 0.0004 μL / cm ^{2 to} 0.2 μL / cm ² . A sufficient sterilizing effect can be obtained when the amount of hydrogen peroxide deposited becomes 0.0003 μL / cm ² or more. Moreover, when the adhesion amount of hydrogen peroxide exceeds 0.35 μL / cm ² , the residue of the bactericide on the bottle 2 increases.

  In the pre-sterilization section 77, the electron beam irradiation, the light irradiation including ultraviolet rays, and the contact with superheated steam in the pre-sterilization step are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The contact of the hot water with the preform 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention means that the hot water is blown out of the preform 1 through a nozzle in the same manner as the step of spraying the liquid sterilizing agent on the inverted preform 1 shown in FIG. This is done by spraying on the inside and outside surfaces. The bacteria adhering to the surface of the preform 1 are sterilized by the heat of warm water. The support ring 1b of the inverted preform 1 is gripped by the gripper 34, and hot water is sprayed onto the inner surface of the preform 1 with an upward nozzle from the mouth 1a so that the entire inner surface of the preform 1 is sterilized by the hot water. Moreover, warm water is sprayed on the outer surface of the preform 1 by a downward nozzle so that the entire area of the preform 1 is sterilized by warm water. The upward nozzle may be provided so as to face the mouth portion 1 a of the preform 1, or a nozzle that follows the conveyance speed of the preform 1 may be provided in order to be inserted into the preform 1. Further, a plurality of downward nozzles may be provided.

Hot water is water heated to 70 ° C to 100 ° C or sterile water. The flow rate per nozzle for spraying hot water is 1 L / min. ~ 15 L / min. , Preferably 3 L / min. -10 L / min. Is appropriate. The inner diameter of the nozzle is φ1 mm to φ10 mm, preferably φ2 mm to φ8 mm. The spraying time is suitably 0.1 seconds to 15 seconds. Blowing amount of hot water into the preform 1 is determined by the flow rate and blowing time of the nozzle, it is preferred for the surface area of the preform 1 is ^{0.05ml / cm 2 ~20ml / cm 2} . If it is less than 0.05 ml / cm ² , the sterilization is insufficient, and if it exceeds 20 ml / cm ² , it is excessive and wastes energy.

  It is preferable that the hot water adhering to the preform 1 sterilized by the hot water is removed by spraying aseptic air on the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1. This is because the preform 1 is heated to the molding temperature by the heating unit 14, but heating unevenness occurs in the portion where the hot water adheres, and there is a risk that molding defects such as whitening and uneven thickness may occur in the molded container. . Since the preform 1 is further sterilized after heating, the air blown onto the preform 1 may not be aseptic air.

  As described above, the preform 1 is pre-sterilized in the pre-sterilization section 77 by the pre-sterilization means 80 provided on the pre-sterilization wheel 79, contact with a bactericide, irradiation with an electron beam, irradiation with light including ultraviolet rays, Sterilized by any one or more methods of contact with superheated steam. Although the pre-sterilization means 80 is provided around the pre-sterilization wheel 79, one or two or more wheels may be provided in addition to the pre-sterilization wheel 79, and the pre-sterilization means 80 may be provided on a plurality of wheels. In addition to the pre-sterilization wheel 79, sterilization may be performed by the preform supply device 3 or the preform conveyance conveyor 4.

  The inside of the pre-sterilization part chamber 78 may be sterilized by means such as spraying a pre-sterilization part chamber 78 with a sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide before the operation of the aseptic filling machine. For this purpose, a spray nozzle for sterilizing agent is provided on the wall surface in the front sterilizing unit chamber 78. Further, in order to sterilize the surface on the side of the pre-sterilization part chamber 78 of the sterilization filter of the aseptic air supply device in contact with the pre-sterilization part chamber 78, a spray nozzle for sterilizing agent may be provided.

  The preform 1 sterilized by the pre-sterilization unit 77 is held by the gripper 34 with the support ring 1 b and is transferred to the heating furnace transport wheel 11 via the wheel 81. The preform 1 conveyed to the heating furnace conveyance wheel 11 is heated by the heating unit 14 in the same process as in the first embodiment, and the heated preform 1 is sterilized by the sterilization unit 6 and sterilized. The bottle 2 filled with the contents is simultaneously sealed with the sealing part 26 and discharged to the outside of the aseptic filling machine through the discharge part 30.

  Although the present invention is configured as described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, as a form of aseptic filling machine, the above-described wheel type aseptic filling machine is not used, but a linear aseptic filling. Various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention, such as a machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Preform 2 ... Bottle 5 ... Sterilization part chamber 6 ... Sterilization part 14 ... Heating part 18 ... Heating part chamber 21 ... Molding filling part 22 ... Molding filling part chamber 23 ... Mold 26 ... Sealing part 27 ... Sealing part chamber 49 ... Blow nozzle 50 ... Valve block 51 ... Extension rod 55 ... Pressure device 57 ... Aseptic air supply device 62 ... Moving part 64 ... Fixed part 68 ... High pressure content supply manifold 69 ... Occlusion device 77 ... Pre-sterilization part

Claims (22)

A heating part for heating the preform, a sterilizing part for sterilizing the heated preform, and molding filling for forming the preform into a bottle by filling the sterilized preform with sterilized contents at high pressure Part, a sterile filling machine comprising a sealing part for sealing the bottle filled with the contents,
The sterilization part, the molded filling part, and the sealing part are shielded by a chamber, and at least the inside of the molded filling part chamber and the sealing part chamber among the sterilization part chamber, the molding filling part chamber, and the sealing part chamber that shield each part. And a sterilizing device for sterilizing the inner surface, and a sterilizing air supply device for supplying sterilized air to at least the inside of the molded filling portion chamber and the sealing portion chamber. In the aseptic filling machine according to claim 1,
An aseptic filling machine, wherein a pre-sterilization section for sterilizing the preform is provided before the heating section. In the aseptic filling machine according to claim 1 or 2,
An aseptic filling machine provided with a cleaning device for cleaning the inside of the molded filling chamber and the sealed chamber. In the aseptic filling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The aseptic filling machine, wherein the molding filling unit chamber includes a movable part that holds the molding filling part and a fixed part that shields the molding filling part. In the aseptic filling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The sterilization means of the preform in the sterilization section is any one of contact of a gas or mist of a sterilizer or a mixture thereof, irradiation of an electron beam, irradiation of light including ultraviolet rays, or contact of superheated steam to the preform. Or aseptic filling machine characterized by two or more. In the aseptic filling machine according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
Preform sterilization means in the pre-sterilization part is any one or more of contact of the sterilizer, irradiation of electron beam, irradiation of light including ultraviolet rays, contact of warm water, contact of superheated steam to the preform Aseptic filling machine characterized by that. The aseptic filling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The aseptic filling machine, wherein the molding and filling unit includes at least a mold, a blow nozzle, a stretching rod, a valve block, and a pressurizing device that pressurizes the contents. The aseptic filling machine according to claim 7,
The aseptic filling machine, wherein the pressurizing device is a high-pressure plunger pump. In the aseptic filling machine according to claim 7 or claim 8,
An aseptic filling machine characterized in that a cup-shaped closing device for receiving the discharge from the blow nozzle is provided. The aseptic filling machine according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
An aseptic filling machine, characterized in that a stretching rod shielding chamber for shielding the stretching rod is provided. The aseptic filling machine according to any one of claims 7 to 10,
An aseptic filling machine characterized in that a drawing rod driving device for driving the drawing rod is provided at a position where the drawing rod is not inserted into the blow nozzle. A heating step for heating the preform, a sterilization step for sterilizing the heated preform, and filling the sterilized contents with sterilized content at high pressure, thereby forming the preform into a bottle at the same time A molding and filling step for filling the bottle with the contents, a sterile filling method having a sealing step for sealing the bottle filled with the contents,
Sterilizes the inside and the inside of the chamber that shields each part where the molding and filling process and the sealing process are performed from the outside, supplies sterile air into the chamber, maintains sterility in the chamber, and maintains sterility An aseptic filling method characterized in that the molding filling step and the sealing step are performed in a sealed chamber. The aseptic filling method according to claim 12,
An aseptic filling method comprising a pre-sterilization step of sterilizing the preform before the heating step. In the aseptic filling method according to claim 12 or 13,
An aseptic filling method characterized in that the inside and the inside of the chamber are cleaned before the inside and the inside of the chamber where the molding and filling step and the sealing step are performed are sterilized. The aseptic filling method according to any one of claims 12 to 14,
The sterilization step is performed by any one or more of contact of a sterilant gas or mist or a mixture thereof, irradiation of an electron beam, irradiation of light including ultraviolet rays, or contact of superheated steam with the preform. Aseptic filling method characterized. The aseptic filling method according to any one of claims 13 to 15,
The pre-sterilization step is performed by any one or more of contact of a disinfectant, irradiation of an electron beam, irradiation of light including ultraviolet rays, contact of warm water, and contact of superheated steam to the preform. Aseptic filling method. The aseptic filling method according to any one of claims 12 to 16,
In the molding and filling process, a blow nozzle is joined to the top of the mouth of the preform, the mold is closed, the preform is stretched in the longitudinal direction by a stretching rod, and the pressurized content is controlled by a valve block. And assembling the preform, stretching the preform in the lateral direction, forming into a mold-shaped bottle, and simultaneously filling the contents up to the vicinity of the lower end of the mouth of the preform. . The aseptic filling method according to claim 17,
An aseptic filling method characterized in that the discharge port of the blow nozzle is closed by a cup-shaped closing device, and the inside of the content piping is washed or sterilized by receiving and circulating the discharge. In the aseptic filling method according to claim 17 or 18,
An aseptic filling method characterized in that the inside of the chamber in which the molding and filling step is performed is sterilized in a state where the stretching rod is not inserted into the blow nozzle. The aseptic filling method according to any one of claims 17 to 19,
An aseptic filling method characterized in that the inside of the chamber in which the molding and filling step is performed is washed in a state where the drawing rod is not inserted into the blow nozzle. The aseptic filling method according to any one of claims 17 to 20,
By cleaning or sterilizing the flow path inside the blow nozzle, the inside of the chamber in which the molding and filling step is performed in a state where the outer surface temperature of the blow nozzle is 60 ° C. or higher Aseptic filling method characterized by sterilizing with a mixture thereof. The aseptic filling method according to any one of claims 17 to 21,
An aseptic filling method characterized in that the inner surface of the mold is cleaned while the mold is open while rotating the mold at a speed of 60 rpm or less.

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