JP2019059554A - Bottle sterilizing method and device - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent a bactericide from being brought inside a blow molding machine.SOLUTION: Mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide or a mixture thereof is sprayed onto a bottle running in a tunnel-like cover surrounding a travel path of the bottle other than an opening where a gripper gripping a neck of the bottle turns.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sterilization of bottles.

  Conventionally, while the preform is continuously moved, a sterilizing agent is applied to the preform, the preform is introduced into the heating furnace as it is, and the heating is performed to a temperature for forming the preform into a container in the heating furnace. A method is proposed in which drying and activation of the bactericide applied to the preform are simultaneously carried out, and then the bottle is formed. The bottles thus obtained are in a sterilized state (Patent Documents 1, 2, 3).

  Also, the preform is preheated, the preheated preform is sprayed with hydrogen peroxide mist or gas, the preform is heated to the molding temperature, and the preform which has reached the molding temperature is bottled in the blow molding die which is also continuously driven. The beverage filling method has been proposed in which the bottle is formed into a mold, the bottle is removed from the blow mold, and then the bottle is filled with a beverage and sealed with a lid (see, for example, Patent Documents 4 and 5).

  Furthermore, the preform is dipped in a sterilizing solution to sterilize it, and after removing the sterilizing solution adhering to the preform from the preform, the preform is placed in a heating furnace and heated to a molding temperature, and then blow molded into a container. Have also been proposed (Patent Document 6).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-510104 JP, 2008-183899, A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-546605 JP, 2013-35561, A JP, 2013-35562, A Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 4-44902

  Although the above-mentioned prior art is intended to perform sterilization treatment at the stage of preforming before bottle molding, hydrogen peroxide attached to the preform for sterilization is introduced into the blow molding machine together with the preform. The hydrogen peroxide introduced into the blow molding machine may damage various members such as sealing members in the blow molding machine and equipment. In addition, if condensation mist of a large amount of hydrogen peroxide solution is sprayed at the stage of preform to prevent sterilization defects, the amount of hydrogen peroxide solution adhering to the preform becomes uneven, so the preform is heated. During the process of blow molding, the preform is subject to uneven heating, and the bottle is likely to have molding defects such as whitening, distortion, molding unevenness and the like.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned subject, the present invention adopts the following composition.

  Although reference symbols are attached in parentheses to facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto.

  In the method for sterilizing a bottle according to the present invention, a mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide or the like is applied to the bottle traveling in a tunnel-like cover surrounding the traveling path of the bottle other than the opening where the gripper gripping the neck of the bottle turns. Spraying the mixture of Further, the invention according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: adsorbing a sterilizing agent on a preform (1) made of resin; heating the preform (1) having the sterilizing agent adsorbed thereto to a blow molding temperature; A step of activating the sterilizing agent to which the reform (1) is adsorbed to sterilize the preform (1), and blowing air into the preform (1) in the blow molding die (4) to mold it into a bottle (2) Adopt a method of sterilizing the bottles, which sequentially performs the process.

  Further, in the method for sterilizing a bottle according to the present invention, sterile hot air is sprayed on the bottle before spraying the mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide or a mixture thereof onto the bottle running in the cover, and the inside of the cover is It is preferable to spray sterile hot air on the bottle after the mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide or a mixture thereof is sprayed on the traveling bottle. Further, in the method for sterilizing a bottle according to another embodiment of the present invention, the sterilizing agent is gasified, and the gas (G) is discharged from the nozzle (6) toward the preform (1) to perform the preform It is also possible to adsorb the germicide to (1).

  Further, in the method for sterilizing a bottle according to the present invention, the pressure of a portion of spraying the mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide or a mixture thereof onto the bottle traveling in the cover is p1, the bottle traveling in the cover Before blowing the mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide or a mixture thereof, the pressure of the portion to which sterile hot air is blown to the bottle is p0, and the mist or gas or hydrogen peroxide of hydrogen peroxide is transferred to the bottle running in the cover. It is preferable to adjust the pressure so as to satisfy the relationship of p2> p0> p1 where p2 represents the pressure of the portion to which the bottle is sprayed with sterile hot air after spraying the mixture. Further, in the method for sterilizing a bottle according to another embodiment of the present invention, the sterilizing agent is sprayed into the vaporizing part (9) to gasify it, and this gas is vaporized from the nozzle (6) of the vaporizing part (9) It is also possible to adsorb the sterilizing agent to the preform (1) by discharging it toward the reform (1).

  The apparatus for sterilizing a bottle according to the present invention is provided with a tunnel-like cover surrounding the traveling path of the bottle other than the opening part where the gripper gripping the neck of the bottle turns, and the mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide And a nozzle for spraying the mixture. Further, in the method of sterilizing a bottle according to another embodiment of the present invention, air (P) is sprayed on the preform (1) to which the sterilizing agent is attached, and the excess sterilizing agent is removed from the preform (1). It is also possible to adsorb the germicide to the preform (1).

  Further, in the apparatus for sterilizing a bottle according to the present invention, a nozzle is provided for blowing sterile hot air into the cover upstream and downstream of the nozzle for blowing the mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide or a mixture thereof provided in the cover. Is preferred. Further, in the method for sterilizing a bottle according to another embodiment of the present invention, after a bactericidal agent is dropped on the preform (1), the preform (1) is aged in a closed chamber to perform the preform (1) It is also possible to adsorb a bactericidal agent to

  Further, in the method for sterilizing a bottle according to another embodiment of the present invention, the sterilizing agent can be a solution containing at least 1% by mass or more of a hydrogen peroxide component.

  In the method of sterilizing a bottle according to another embodiment of the present invention, when heating the preform to the blow molding temperature, the upper portion of the mouth of the preform may be covered with an umbrella-like member.

  In addition, in the method for sterilizing a bottle according to another embodiment of the present invention, after heating the preform to the blow molding temperature, when transporting the preform to the blow molding die, aseptic air is directed toward the mouth of the preform. You may spray it.

  The invention according to another embodiment of the present invention is to run the preform (1) and the bottle (2) from the supply of the preform (1) to which the germicide is adsorbed to the formation of the bottle (2) Means are provided, and the preform (1) is heated to the blow molding temperature from the upstream side to the downstream side of the traveling means to activate the sterilizing agent to which the preform (1) is adsorbed. 1) A sterilization apparatus for a bottle provided with a heating furnace (33) for sterilizing 1) and a blow molding die (4) for blow molding the preform (1) into a bottle (2) with air is adopted in order.

  Further, in the apparatus for sterilizing a bottle according to another embodiment of the present invention, the germicide is sprayed by the preform spray nozzle (8) while removing the surplus germicide from the preform (1). Gasification unit (9), a sterilizing agent supply nozzle (6) for discharging the gas (G) produced in the vaporization unit (9) toward the preform (1), and a nozzle (6) The air nozzle (80) which sprays air (P) on the preform (1) to which the sterilizing agent adheres and which is adsorbed to (1) can be disposed in the traveling means.

  In the bottle sterilizer according to another embodiment of the present invention, the germicide can be a solution containing at least 1 mass% or more of the hydrogen peroxide component.

  Moreover, in the sterilization apparatus for a bottle according to another embodiment of the present invention, an umbrella-like member that covers the upper side of the mouth of the preform may be provided in the heating furnace.

  In the bottle sterilizing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, a cover is provided on the traveling path from the heating furnace to the preform toward the blow molding die, and from the cover side to the opening of the preform Sterile air can be blown toward the head.

  According to the present invention, a step of adsorbing a sterilizing agent to a preform (1) made of a resin, and heating the preform (1) having the sterilizing agent adsorbed thereto to a blow molding temperature to sterilize the preform (1) The bottle is activated sequentially to sterilize the preform (1) and sterilize the preform (1) and blow the aseptic air into the preform (1) in the blow mold (4) to form into a bottle (2). Because of the sterilization method, only the germicide such as hydrogen peroxide adsorbed on the preform (1) is brought into the blow molding machine (12) together with the preform (1). Therefore, the germicide can be prevented from entering the blow molding machine (12) alone, and damage to various devices in the blow molding machine (12) due to the germicide can be prevented.

  In addition, since the condensed germicidal agent does not adhere to the surface of the preform (1) carried into the blow molding machine (12), whitening, distortion, molding unevenness, etc. when molding the bottle (2) Can be prevented from occurring.

  In addition, the bactericidal agent adsorbed to the preform (1) is activated by heating to the blow molding temperature together with the preform (1), and accordingly, the microorganisms attached to the preform (1) are properly sterilized. The bactericidal effect of the preform (1) is improved, and the bactericidal effect of the bottle (2) is improved.

(A) and (B) respectively show the process of enforcing the method of sterilizing a bottle according to the present invention, and (C) is performed after sterilization of a preform according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It represents a heating process. (D) (E) (F) (G) shows the molding process, the bottle taking-out process, the contents filling process, and the sealing process which are performed after sterilization of a preform, respectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a top view which shows the outline of an example of the aseptic filling apparatus which integrated the sterilization apparatus of the bottle which concerns on this invention. It is a vertical sectional view showing an example of a sterilizer gas generator for generating hydrogen peroxide gas. The air nozzle integrated in the sterilization apparatus of the bottle which concerns on this invention is shown, (A) is the top view, (B) is a vertical sectional view. It is a vertical sectional view showing the supply nozzle of hydrogen peroxide built into the sterilization apparatus of the bottle concerning the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of the process of blowing a hot air to preform. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other modification of the process of blowing a hot air to preform. It is explanatory drawing which shows the further another modification of the process of blowing a hot air to preform. The Embodiment 2 of the sterilization method of the bottle which concerns on this invention is shown, (A) is a process of dripping hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution in a preform, (B) is a process of aging the preform by which hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution was dripped Represents 11 shows a method of sterilizing a bottle according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, wherein (A), (B) and (C) respectively show a hydrogen peroxide supply step for a preform, a hot air supply step and a heating step. (D), (E) and (F) show the aseptic air supply process for the preform, the forming process, and the aseptic air supply process for the bottle, respectively. (G) shows the hydrogen peroxide supply process to a bottle, (H1) or (H2) shows the air rinse process after a hydrogen peroxide supply process, respectively. (I), (J), and (k) respectively show a warm water rinsing step, a contents filling step, and a sealing step after the hydrogen peroxide supplying step. It is a top view which shows the other example of the aseptic filling apparatus which integrated the sterilization apparatus of the bottle. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the nozzle which blows in hot air in a preform in FIG.11 (C). It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the nozzle used instead of the sterilizer supply nozzle shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of a sterile air supply process. It is a top view which shows the aseptic filling apparatus which integrated the process of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of a sterile air supply process. FIG. 21 is a plan view showing an aseptic filling apparatus incorporating the process of FIG. 20. It is a top view which shows the other example of the aseptic filling apparatus which integrated the sterilization apparatus of the bottle.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Embodiment 1
According to the first embodiment, the bottle is sterilized as it is by sterilizing the preform, filled with a sterile beverage, sealed with a sterile lid, and the package shown in FIG. 2 (G) as a final product. Body can be manufactured.

  This package comprises a sterile bottle 2 and a cap 3 as a lid.

  Although the bottle 2 is made of PET in this embodiment, the bottle 2 is not limited to PET but can be made of other resins such as polypropylene and polyethylene. Resins to which recycled PET is distributed can also be used. An external thread is formed at the mouth 2 a of the bottle 2.

  The cap 3 is made of resin such as polyethylene and is formed by injection molding or the like, and at the same time the cap 3 is molded, a female screw is also formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof.

  The bottle 2 is filled with the beverage a which has been sterilized, with the inside thereof being previously sterilized. After filling the beverage a, the cap 3 is put on the mouth 2 a of the bottle 2, and the mouth 2 a of the bottle 2 is sealed by screwing the male and female screws, and the package is completed. The cap 3 is also sterilized beforehand.

  The bottle 2 is sterilized, molded, filled with a beverage, and sealed in the following procedure to be made into a package.

  First, the preform 1 shown in FIG. 1A is continuously transported at a desired speed.

  The preform 1 is formed as a bottomed cylindrical test tube by injection molding of PET or the like. The preform 1 is provided with the same mouth 2a as that in the bottle 2 shown in FIG. 2 (G) at the beginning of its molding. At the same time as molding of the preform 1, an external thread is formed on the opening 2a.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1 (A), the running preform 1 is supplied with a gas G or mist of a sterilizing agent or a mixture thereof.

  As a germicide, hydrogen peroxide is used in this embodiment, but it is also possible to use other germicides.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, a gas G of hydrogen peroxide, which is a germicide, is sprayed from the germicide supply nozzle 6 to the preform 1.

  The hydrogen peroxide gas G is divided into two parts and flows in the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 6, one of which is jetted toward the inside of the preform 1 and the other being jetted toward the outer surface of the preform 1. The hydrogen peroxide gas G flows into the inside of the preform 1 as it is or in the form of a mist or a mixture thereof after leaving the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 6, or flows into the preform 1, or the preform 1 Contact the outer surface of

  Further, the periphery of the flow of the gas G jetted toward the inside of the preform 1 is covered with the umbrella-like member 30. The gas G or mist flowing into the preform 1 overflows from the opening 2a of the preform 1, but the flow of the overflowing gas G or the like collides with the umbrella-like member 30 and is guided to the inner surface of the umbrella-like member 30 The flow is changed toward the outer surface of the preform 1 to contact the outer surface of the preform 1.

  The hydrogen peroxide gas G sprayed onto the preform 1 is generated by a sterilizing agent sterilizing gas generator 7 which will be described later with reference to FIG. The hydrogen peroxide gas G flows out of the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 6 and contacts the inner surface and the outer surface of the preform 1.

The hydrogen peroxide gas G forms a condensation film of 35% by mass of hydrogen peroxide and desirably adheres to the surface of the preform 1 in the range of 0.001 μL / cm ^{2 to} 0.5 μL / cm ² . The deposition amount is more preferably 0.002 μL / cm ^{2 to} 0.4 μL / cm ² .

  A portion of the hydrogen peroxide attached to the surface of the preform 1 is adsorbed to the preform 1, and the remaining portion is surplus and remains on the surface of the preform 1.

  Although not shown, the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 6 may be installed in a tunnel, and the gripper 32 (see FIG. 6) for transporting the preform 1 may be covered with a duct. As a result, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas, which is a sterilizing agent in the tunnel, is increased, and it is possible to condense the hydrogen peroxide gas to every corner of the introduced preform 1 at normal temperature.

  The preform 1 to which hydrogen peroxide is supplied is subsequently supplied with hot air P by the air nozzle 80, as shown in FIG. 1 (B).

  By blowing the hot air P, excess hydrogen peroxide remaining on the surface of the preform 1 is quickly removed from the surface of the preform 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (B), the hot air P is blown out from a slit-like outlet 80a formed in a box-shaped manifold 80b which is the main body of the air nozzle 80, but as shown in FIG. The hot air P may be blown toward the preform 1 from the blowout nozzle 81 shaped like a circle. Further, a suction pipe 82 is disposed in the vicinity of the blowout nozzle 81, and when the hot air P is blown into the preform 1 from the blowout nozzle 81, foreign substances such as dust discharged outside the preform 1 are suctioned by the suction pipe 82. You may do so. By collecting the foreign matter with the suction pipe 82 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter from being mixed into another preform and a bottle to be formed later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the blowout nozzle 81 for discharging the hot air P is disposed upward, the preform 1 is in the upside-down state, and the hot air P is placed in the opening 2 a of the preform 1 turned downward from the blowout nozzle 81. You may make it blow. As a result, the foreign matter in the preform 1 falls to the outside of the preform 1 due to the weight of the foreign matter as well as the air pressure of the air blown from the blowout nozzle 81.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (C), the sterilized preform 1 is heated to a temperature suitable for the subsequent blow molding by an infrared heater 18a or other heating means. This temperature is about 90.degree. C. to 130.degree.

  The opening 2a of the preform 1 is kept at a temperature of 70 ° C. or less in order to prevent deformation and the like.

  During this heating, the preform 1 is desirably hung in an upright state (or an inverted state) by inserting a spindle (or a mandrel) 43 into the opening 2a as shown in FIG. 1 (C). It is transported while being rotated with the spindle (or mandrel) 43 in a lowered state. Thereby, the preform 1 is uniformly heated by the infrared heater 18a.

  By inserting a mandrel into the preform 1 instead of the spindle 43, it is also possible to transport the preform 1 while rotating it in an inverted state.

  By heating the preform by the infrared heater 18a, the hydrogen peroxide adsorbed to the preform 1 is activated, and the microorganisms attached to the preform 1 are sterilized.

  The heated preform 1 is blow-molded into a bottle 2 in a mold 4 as shown in FIG. 2 (D).

  The mold 4 which is a blow molding mold is in a clamped state while continuously traveling at the same speed as the traveling speed of the preform 1 and after the blow molding of the preform 1 is performed in the mold 4 It is in the open state.

  As described above, in the heating step shown in FIG. 1 (C), the entire preform 1 is uniformly heated to a temperature range suitable for molding, except for the opening 2a. As shown in FIG. 2 (D), it is mounted in the mold 4, and a stretching rod (not shown) is inserted into the preform 1 from the center hole of the blow nozzle 5.

  While the mold 4 is traveling, the preform 1 is formed in the cavity C of the mold 4 by sequentially blowing, for example, aseptic air for primary blow and aseptic air for secondary blow into the preform 1 sequentially from the blow nozzle 5. The bottle is expanded to the final molded product bottle 2.

  Thus, when the bottle 2 is formed in the mold 4, the mold 4 is opened while continuing to move, and the finished product of the bottle 2 is taken out of the mold 4 as shown in FIG. 2 (E). Be

  The bottle 2 taken out of the mold 4 is filled with the beverage a from the filling nozzle 10 as shown in FIG. 2 (F), and then covered with a cap 3 which is a lid as shown in FIG. 2 (G). Be

  In addition, the beverage a which is the contents can be filled at normal temperature under an aseptic environment after sterilizing the beverage a itself.

  Alternatively, as shown in Table 1 below, the beverage a can be filled at a moderate temperature of 60 ° C to 75 ° C.

  In the case where a pasteurizer or a paste cooler is not used, a sufficient sterilizing effect can be obtained by filling at a temperature of 70 ° C. or higher, assuming an outside temperature of 3 ° C.

  When using a pasterizer or a paste cooler, the pasteurizer temperature is treated at 60 ° C to 65 ° C for 5 to 10 minutes, and even if the filling temperature is lowered to 60 ° C, a certain bactericidal effect on mold spores You can get

  If the temperature at the time of filling the beverage is higher than 75 ° C, the bactericidal effect is sufficient, but if the bottle is made of PET, the bottle may be deformed except in the case of a heat-resistant PET bottle. Because there was a problem of this, the test was conducted at a temperature of 75 ° C. or less.

  However, in Table 1, "(circle)" shows sterilization effect 6.0 Log or more, "(triangle | delta)" shows sterilization effect 5.5 Log-6.0 Log, and "x" shows less than sterilization effect 5.5 Log.

  The tests in Table 1 were conducted for the purpose of finding the filling temperature conditions of a beverage or the like capable of obtaining a bactericidal effect 6.0 Log or more against A. niger NBRC 6341 for the inner surface of the bottle and the inner surface of the cap. There is a mold that is more heat resistant than this fungus, but in view of the bactericidal effect of drug sterilization on the preform and SOP on the chamber, commercial aseptic filling is possible by securing the bactericidal effect 6 Log on this mold it is conceivable that.

The test is to fill the bacterized bottle with hot water, and perform the end-over-end sterilization for 30 seconds immediately after the filling, then treat the conditions in the table, filter the filled water with a filter, culture, and leave The liquid medium was mixed with water and cultured separately.

  In the case of medium temperature filling, survival of spore bacteria in the beverage a and the bottle 2 is acceptable, but mold, yeast and the like are sterilized by the heat of the beverage a, and they are transformed into the bottle 2 made of PET Do not come. Therefore, in the case of medium temperature filling, it is suitable when the beverage a is an acidic beverage having the property of suppressing the germination of spore bacteria, a carbonated beverage, a mineral water, and a neutral beverage which has been proven in hot packs.

  An aseptic filling apparatus for carrying out the above-described method for sterilizing the preform is configured, for example, as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the beverage filling apparatus comprises a preform feeder 11 for sequentially supplying a bottomed cylindrical preform 1 (see FIG. 1A) having a mouth 2a at predetermined intervals, and blow molding A machine 12 and a filling machine 13 for filling the formed bottle 2 (see FIG. 2 (E)) with the beverage a and sealing it with a cap 3 (see FIG. 2 (G)).

  The beverage filling device is surrounded by the chambers 41a, 41b, 41c and 41d at the location from the blow molding machine 12 to the filling machine 13. The chamber 41b may not be a sealed structure such as a chamber, but may be a shroud-like frame only structure.

  The chamber 41b is sterilized before the package is manufactured, and positive pressure air passed through a HEPA filter is supplied into the chamber 41b to maintain the interior of the chamber 41b in a sterile state, thereby producing a bottle with a high level of sterility. It is possible. As one of sterilization methods, the inside of the chamber 41b may be gas-sterilized with hydrogen peroxide gas of 10 mg / L or less. Moreover, you may irradiate with the UV lamp the place which preform 1 and the bottle 2 contact (ultraviolet sterilization). Or you may wipe up the location which materials, such as a metal mold | die, an extending | stretching rod, a gripper, etc. contact with the chemical | medical agent which contains ethanol and hydrogen peroxide 1 mass%.

  Between the preform supply machine 11 and the filling machine 13, there is a mold 4 having a preform conveying means for conveying the preform 1 on the first conveyance path and a cavity C of the finished product shape of the bottle 2 (see FIG. 2 (D)), the mold transport means for transporting on the second transport path connected to the first transport path, and the bottle 2 formed by the mold 4 in the second transport path And a bottle conveying means for conveying on a third conveyance path connected to the.

  The first conveyance path of the preform conveyance means, the second conveyance path of the mold conveyance means, and the third conveyance path of the bottle conveyance means communicate with each other, and the preform 1 is formed on these conveyance paths. And a gripper (not shown) for holding and transporting the bottle 2.

  The preform conveyance means includes a preform conveyor 14 that sequentially supplies the preforms 1 at predetermined intervals on the first conveyance path. In addition, a row of wheels 15, 16 and 17 for receiving and transporting the preform 1 from the end of the preform conveyor 14 and an endless chain 18 for receiving and traveling the preform 1 are provided.

  At a fixed position on the traveling path of the preform 1 in the wheel 15, a sterilizing agent sterilizing gas generator 7 that generates hydrogen peroxide gas G, and a sterilizing agent supply that discharges the hydrogen peroxide gas G toward the preform 1 The nozzle 6 is disposed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the bactericide bactericide gas generator 7 is a hydrogen peroxide supply unit 8 which is a two-fluid spray nozzle for supplying an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide, which is a bactericide, in the form of drops, and this peroxide And a vaporization unit 9 for heating and vaporizing the hydrogen peroxide spray supplied from the hydrogen supply unit 8 to a temperature not higher than the boiling point and not higher than the non-decomposition temperature. The hydrogen peroxide supply unit 8 introduces an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and compressed air from the hydrogen peroxide supply passage 8a and the compressed air supply passage 8b, respectively, and sprays the aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide into the vaporization unit 9. ing. The vaporizer 9 is a pipe having a heater 9a interposed between the inner and outer walls, and heats and vaporizes the hydrogen peroxide spray blown into the pipe. The vaporized hydrogen peroxide gas is ejected from the hydrogen peroxide supply nozzle 6 to the outside of the vaporization unit 9.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 6 branches into a plurality of pipelines 6a and 6b for sending a gas G of hydrogen peroxide.

  The discharge port of one of the plurality of pipelines 6 a and 6 b is opposed to the opening of the mouth 2 a of the preform 1. The gas G of hydrogen peroxide generated by the sterilizing agent bactericide gas generator 7 blows out from the outlet of the pipe line 6 a of the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 6 toward the preform 1 to become the gas G or mist or a mixture thereof Flow into the preform 1. Thereby, hydrogen peroxide adheres to the inner surface of the preform 1.

  By supplying hot air, which is sterile air, to the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 6, the conduits 6a, 6b, etc. from the middle of these, the condensation of the hydrogen peroxide solution in these pipes is prevented. It is also good. In addition, an electrical ribbon heater may be wound around the conduits 6a, 6b or the like to prevent condensation.

  Desirably, the periphery of the discharge port of this conduit 6 a is covered with an umbrella-like member 30. An annular groove 30 a having a substantially semicircular cross section is formed on the lower surface of the umbrella-like member 30. The hydrogen peroxide gas G or mist or a mixture thereof which enters the preform 1 from the discharge port of the conduit 6a fills the preform 1 and then overflows from the mouth 2a of the preform 1, The overflowed hydrogen peroxide gas G or mist or a mixture thereof is guided to the outer surface of the preform 1 by the lower surface of the umbrella 30 and the annular groove 30 a and flows down along the outer surface of the preform 1. Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide coming out of the pipeline 6 a also adheres to the outer surface of the preform 1.

  Further, the other conduit 6 b is extended in a substantially U shape so as to follow the outer surface of the preform 1, and the discharge port 31 is made to face the outer surface of the preform 1. The hydrogen peroxide gas G generated by the sterilizing agent sterilizer gas generator 7 also blows out toward the outer surface of the preform 1 from the discharge port 31 of the other conduit 6 b of the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 6. It is sprayed on the outer surface of the preform 1 as a mist or a mixture thereof. Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide from the conduit 6a and the hydrogen peroxide overflowing from the opening 2a of the preform 1 are combined and attached to the outer surface of the preform 1, and the microbes attached to the outer surface of the preform 1 are sterilized Do.

  Adjust the inner diameter of the discharge port of the pipeline 6a that supplies the gas G to the inner surface of the preform 1, the inner diameter of the discharge port 31 of the pipeline 6b that supplies the gas G to the outer surface of the preform 1, the number of discharge ports 31, etc. It is possible to adjust the adhesion amount of hydrogen peroxide to the inner surface and the outer surface of the preform 1 respectively.

  Reference numeral 32 in FIG. 6 denotes a gripper disposed around the wheel 15 for transporting the preform 1.

  By discharging hot air P toward the preform 1 on the traveling path of the preform 1 in the wheel 16, the hydrogen peroxide attached to the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 is activated and discharged to the outside of the preform 1. An air nozzle 80 (see FIG. 1B) is disposed.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the air nozzle 80 has a box-shaped manifold 80b curved according to the arc of the wheel 16, and has a slit-shaped outlet 80a at the bottom of the manifold 80b. The air nozzle 80 is arranged above the wheel 18 so that the outlet 80 a extends along the path of the preform 1 at the wheel 18. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the blower 76, the HEPA filter 77, and the electric heater 78 are connected to the manifold 80b. The external air taken in from the blower 76 is disinfected by the HEPA filter 77, heated by the electric heater 78, and sent as hot air P into the air nozzle 80.

  The air supplied to the air nozzle 80 may not be the air from the blower 76, but may be compressed air with higher motive force, which is sterilized by a sterile filter. Further, high pressure air used for blow molding in the blow molding machine 12 may be recovered and reused.

  The hot air P supplied into the manifold 80b of the air nozzle 80 blows out from the blowout port 80a and flows toward the preform 1 which travels under the blowout port 80a with the port portion 2a upward, and a part thereof is the preform 1 The other part flows along the outer surface of the preform 1.

  By blowing the hot air P, excess hydrogen peroxide attached to the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 is removed from the preform 1 and the introduction of hydrogen peroxide into the next heating furnace 50 is prevented.

  When the suction pipe 82 is disposed as shown in FIG. 7 or the nozzle 81 and the preform 1 are inverted as shown in FIG. 8, the foreign matter removal rate in the preform 1 is increased.

  Also, the supply of the hot air P may be performed by an air nozzle 83 shown in FIG. The air nozzle 83 has the same configuration as the sterilizing agent supply nozzle shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, reference numerals 83 a and 83 b indicate a plurality of branched pipes for sending the hot air P. The discharge port of one pipe line 83 a among the plurality of pipe lines 83 a and 83 b is opposed to the opening of the port 2 a of the preform 1. The hot air P blows out from the discharge port of the conduit 83 a toward the preform 1 and flows into the preform 1. Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide attached to the inner surface of the preform 1 is activated, and the excess hydrogen peroxide is removed.

  The code | symbol 84 shows the umbrella shaped member 84 which covers the surroundings of the discharge port of the pipe line 83a. An annular groove 84 a having a substantially semicircular cross section is formed on the lower surface of the umbrella-like member 84. The hot air P entering the preform 1 from the discharge port of the conduit 83a fills the preform 1 and then overflows from the opening 2a of the preform 1. The overflowing hot air P is an umbrella-like member The outer surface of the preform 1 is guided by the lower surface 84 and the annular groove 84 a and flows along the outer surface of the preform 1. As a result, the hot air P coming out of the conduit 83 a also contacts the outer surface of the preform 1.

  Further, the other conduit 83 b is extended in a substantially U shape so as to follow the outer surface of the preform 1, and the discharge port 85 is made to face the outer surface of the preform 1. The hot air P also blows toward the outer surface of the preform 1 from the discharge port 85 of the other pipeline 83 b of the air nozzle 83 and contacts the outer surface of the preform 1. As a result, the hot air P from the conduit 83 a and the hot air P overflowing from the opening 2 a of the preform 1 are combined and adhere to the outer surface of the preform 1 and excess hydrogen peroxide attached to the outer surface of the preform 1 Remove

  As shown in FIG. 3, the wheels 15 and 16 are surrounded by a chamber 41 a. Connected to the chamber 41a is an exhaust means comprising a filter 36 for filtering the air in the chamber 41a and a blower 37. As a result, the excess hydrogen peroxide discharged from the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 6 is removed by the filter 36 of the exhaust means and then discharged out of the chamber 41a. Therefore, hydrogen peroxide can be prevented from flowing into the adjacent blow molding machine 12. It is desirable to adjust the amount of air supplied into and discharged from the chamber 41a so that the pressure in the chamber 41a is a negative pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure.

  The chamber 41a, the heating furnace 33, the chamber 41b and the like may be placed in a clean room (not shown) to prevent the infiltration of microorganisms and the like into the chamber 41a which has been under negative pressure.

  The endless chain 18 is disposed as a transport path of the preform 1 in the heating furnace 33 provided with the above-described infrared heater 18a. A large number of spindles 43 shown in FIG. 1C are attached to the endless chain 18 at a constant pitch. Each spindle 43 is capable of rotating while traveling as the endless chain 18 travels. A spindle 43 is inserted into the opening 2a of the preform 1 sent from the wheel 17 side to the endless chain 18 side as shown in FIG. 1C, whereby the preform 1 is erected on the spindle 43 Is held by. By using a mandrel instead of the spindle, it is possible to transport the preform 1 while supporting it in an inverted state as shown in FIG.

  The heating furnace 33 has a furnace chamber extending in one direction. In the furnace chamber, an endless chain 18 is bridged between a pair of pulleys 34a and 34b disposed opposite to each other on a horizontal surface. The endless chain 18 and the like constitute an endless conveyor which conveys a large number of preforms 1 in a hanging state. An infrared heater 18 a is attached to the inner wall surface of the furnace chamber along the forward path and the return path of the endless chain 18.

  The preform 1 travels while rotating along the inner wall surface of the heating furnace 33 when it is received by the spindle 43 through the row of the preform conveyor 14 and the wheels 15, 16, 17. An infrared heater 18a is stretched around the inner wall surface of the heating furnace 33, and the preform 1 conveyed by the spindle 43 is heated by the infrared heater 18a. The preform 1 rotates on the inside of the heating furnace 33 while rotating the spindle 43 while rotating, and is uniformly heated by the infrared heater 18a, and the temperature other than the opening 2a is raised to 90 ° C. to 130 ° C. which is a temperature suitable for blow molding. . The opening 2a is kept at a temperature of 70 ° C. or less which does not cause deformation or the like so that the sealing performance when the cap 3 is covered is not impaired.

  The blow molding machine 12 is provided with a plurality of sets of a mold 4 and a blow nozzle 5 (see FIG. 2D) for receiving the preform 1 heated by the infrared heater 18a of the preform supply machine 11 and forming it into a bottle 2. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the blow molding machine 12, a second transfer path of the transfer means for the above mold passes. The second transport path is constituted by a row of wheels 19, 20, 21, 22.

  A plurality of molds 4 and blow nozzles 5 are arranged around the wheel 20 and pivots around the wheel 20 at a constant speed as the wheel 20 rotates.

  When a gripper (not shown) of the wheel 19 receives the preform 1 heated in the heating furnace 33 of the preform feeder 11 and delivers it to the mold 4 around the wheel 20, the two molds 4 are closed and the preform is formed. 1 is held as shown in FIG. 2 (D). The preform 1 in the mold 4 is blown with high pressure air from the blow nozzle 5 through the aseptic filter for blow molding while being swirled around the wheel 20 with the mold 4 and the blow nozzle 5. It is molded into a finished product. Since the preform 1 is uniformly heated to a predetermined temperature in the heating furnace 33 as shown in FIG. 1C, the preform 1 is blow molded smoothly.

  Further, as described above, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to each of the preforms 1 is removed from the preforms 1 by the blowing of the hot air P before entering the heating furnace 33. Therefore, damage to various devices such as the seal member in the blow molding machine 12 due to hydrogen peroxide is prevented. In addition, the occurrence of molding defects such as whitening of the bottle, distortion, molding unevenness and the like due to adhesion of hydrogen peroxide is prevented.

  When the preform 1 is in close contact with the cavity C of the mold 4 and the bottle 2 is formed, the mold 4 opens at the point where it is in contact with the wheel 21 and is received by a gripper (not shown) of the wheel 21.

  The bottle 2 that has exited the blow molding machine 12 and reached the wheel 21 is inspected for molding defects and the like by the inspection device 35 disposed on the outer periphery of the wheel 21. Although not shown, the inspection apparatus 35 may be equipped with, for example, a light source and a camera for inspecting whether the top surface of the mouth 2a of the molded bottle 2 is smooth.

  In the case of a rejection, the bottle 2 that has been inspected is removed from the transport path by a displacement device (not shown), and only the accepted products are transported to the wheel 22.

  The filling machine 13 has a third transfer path of the bottle transfer means inside. This third transport path has a row of wheels 23, 24, 25, 26, 27.

  A filler 39 is constituted by providing a large number of filling nozzles 10 for filling the aseptic bottle 2 with the beverage a on the outer periphery of the wheel 24, and a bottle filled with the beverage a around the wheel 26. A capper 40 for attaching and sealing the cap 3 (see FIG. 2 (G)) to the cover 2 is configured.

  The filler 39 and the capper 40 may be the same as known devices, so the description will be omitted.

  The periphery of the wheel 22 is surrounded by a chamber 41c. The chamber 41c functions as an atmosphere blocking chamber that shuts off the atmosphere between the chamber 41b and the chamber 41d. The same exhaust means as the exhaust means consisting of the filter 36 and the blower 37 connected to the chamber 41a shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the chamber 41c, and the internal air of the chamber 41c is exhausted to the outside. Thus, by performing, for example, COP (cleaning out of place) in the chamber 41d of the filling machine 13, the germicide, cleaning agent gas and mist generated in the chamber 41d are discharged out of the chamber 41c, and these mists It can be prevented from flowing into the chamber 41 b of the blow molding machine 12.

  Next, the operation of the beverage filling apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the preform 1 is conveyed toward the heating furnace 33 by the row of the preform conveyor 14 and the wheels 15, 16, 17.

  When the preform 1 travels around the wheel 15 before entering the heating furnace 33, the hydrogen peroxide gas G or mist or a mixture thereof is supplied from the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 6 toward the preform 1.

  A part of the hydrogen peroxide supplied from the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 6 is adsorbed to the preform 1, and the remaining part remains on the surface of the preform 1 as a surplus.

  Subsequently, when the preform 1 to which the hydrogen peroxide is attached travels around the wheel 16, the hot air P is sprayed from the air nozzle 80 onto the preform 1. The blowing of the hot air P removes excess hydrogen peroxide remaining on the surface of the preform 1 from the surface of the preform 1.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the blowing of the hot air P is performed by the air nozzle 81 so that foreign substances in the preform 1 can be blown out of the preform 1 and the blown foreign substances can be collected by the suction pipe 82. . Further, as shown in FIG. 8, by turning the air nozzle 81 and the preform 1 in the opposite direction to that shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to easily remove foreign substances in the preform 1 to the outside of the preform 1. It is.

  Thereafter, the preform 1 is received by the spindle 43 on the endless chain 18 and conveyed into the heating furnace 33.

  In the heating furnace 33, the preform 1 is heated by the infrared heater 18a, and the entire temperature excluding the opening 2a is uniformly heated to a temperature range suitable for blow molding.

  By this heating, the hydrogen peroxide adsorbed to the preform 1 is activated, and the microorganisms attached to the preform 1 are sterilized.

  The preform 1 heated to the molding temperature in the heating furnace 33 and simultaneously sterilized is held by the mold 4 as it passes through the outer periphery of the wheel 20 as shown in FIG. The air is blown to expand the cavity C to a finished product of the bottle 2.

  The molded bottle 2 is taken out of the mold 4 by the gripper of the wheel 21 after the mold 4 is opened, and is inspected by the inspection device 35 for the presence or absence of a molding defect or the like.

  Thereafter, the defective bottles are removed out of the line by a discharge device (not shown), and only the non-defective bottles 2 are transferred to the row of wheels 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and travel in the filling machine 13. Do.

  In the filling machine 13, the bottle 2 is filled with the sterilized beverage a by the filling nozzle 10 of the filler 39 as shown in FIG. 2 (F). The bottle 2 filled with the beverage a is capped with the capper 40 and sealed (see FIG. 2 (G)) and discharged from the outlet of the chamber 41d.

  As described above, since the filler 39 and the capper 40 are known devices, the description of the method for filling the bottle 2 with the beverage and the method for sealing the bottle 2 will be omitted.

  The interior of the chamber 41d of the aseptic filling machine 13 is sterilized by spraying a hydrogen peroxide gas or a peracetic acid solution before the production of the package (SOP). Then, the interior of the chamber 41d is maintained at a positive pressure by supplying air through a sterile filter after sterilization. As a result, air in the chamber 41d and the like tends to flow to the blow molding machine 12 side, but the atmosphere blocking chamber 41c intervenes between the two chambers 41b and 41d, and the chamber 41d is evacuated from this. The high humidity air in the filling area is properly prevented from flowing into the forming area in the chamber 41b.

  In addition, in order to sterilize the bottle 2, it is also possible to provide the sterilizer supply nozzle 6 for sterilizing the said preform 1, and the apparatus similar to the air nozzle 80 in the location of the wheels 22 and 23, respectively. In this case, since the bactericide is exhausted from the atmosphere blocking chamber 41c by the exhaust means in the atmosphere blocking chamber 41c, the flow of the bactericide to the blow molding machine 12 side is blocked.

Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment, in place of the steps shown in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B), the steps shown in FIGS. 10 (A) and 10 (B) are employed.

    As shown in FIG. 10A, first, a droplet Q of a hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution, which is a bactericidal agent, is dropped into the preform 1 from its mouth 2 a. The amount of drops Q is in the range of the saturated amount of hydrogen peroxide adsorbed in one preform 1.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10 (B), the multiple preforms 1 to which the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is dropped are placed in the container 86 and sealed. Specifically, a sealed bag 87 is placed in a waisted container 86, and after a large number of preforms 1 are placed in the sealed bag 87, the sealed bag 87 is sealed and a lid 86a is placed on the container 86. . In this container, aging is performed for a predetermined period, and the hydrogen peroxide supplied in the preform is adsorbed to the preform 1.

  A place where aging is performed may be any closed chamber, and is not limited to the above-mentioned closed bag 87.

  After aging, the sealed bag 87 is opened and the preform 1 is removed from the sealed bag 87 and heated to the blow molding temperature as shown in FIG. 1 (C). Thereafter, through the steps of FIG. 1 (D) to FIG. 2 (G), a package is obtained.

Embodiment 3
Also according to the third embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, an aseptic package provided with a bottle 2 and a cap 3 as shown in FIG. 14 (K) can be manufactured.

  As shown in FIGS. 11A to 14K, the bottle 2 is sterilized, shaped, filled with a beverage, sealed, and made into an aseptic package.

  First, the preform 1 shown in FIG. 11 (A) is continuously conveyed at a desired speed, and the gas G or mist of the sterilizing agent or a mixture thereof is supplied to the running preform 1.

  The preform 1 has the same structure as that of the first embodiment.

  Also, the bactericidal agent is supplied in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the bactericidal agent hydrogen peroxide gas G, mist or a mixture thereof contacts and adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1.

  A portion of the hydrogen peroxide attached to the surface of the preform 1 is adsorbed to the preform 1, and the remaining portion is surplus and remains on the surface of the preform 1.

  The preform may be preheated by blowing hot air onto the preform 1 immediately before the gas G is blown onto the preform 1 shown in FIG. 11A.

  The preform 1 to which hydrogen peroxide is supplied is supplied with hot air P by the air nozzle 80 as shown in FIG. The supply of the hot air P can be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  By spraying the hot air P, excess hydrogen peroxide remaining on the surface of the preform 1 is quickly removed from the surface of the preform 1.

  As shown in FIG. 11C, the sterilized preform 1 is heated to a temperature suitable for subsequent blow molding by an infrared heater 18a and other heating means. This temperature is about 90.degree. C. to 130.degree. In order to prevent deformation or the like, the opening 2a of the preform 1 is configured so as not to receive the heat from the infrared heater 18a.

  As shown in FIG. 11C, the preform 1 is supported by the spindle 43 when the preform 1 is heated.

  As shown in FIG. 16, an umbrella-like member 43 a is attached to the outside of the spindle 43 as necessary. Further, a plurality of ball-shaped elastic bodies 43 b are embedded in the lower part of the spindle 43.

  The preform 1 is supported on the spindle 43 by the elastic deformation of the elastic body 43b when the lower portion of the spindle 43 is inserted into the opening 2a. And when umbrella-like member 43a is provided, mouth 2a of preform 1 is simultaneously covered with umbrella-like member 43a.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when the umbrella-like member 43a is provided, the gap between the outer surface of the opening 2a of the preform 1 and the umbrella-like member 43a from between the inner surface of the opening 2a of the preform 1 and the lower part of the spindle 43 Since a gap is formed over the space, the air in the preform 1 heated by the heat from the infrared heater 18a becomes hot air and flows from the preform 1 to the outside of the preform 1 in the gap, The mouth 2a of the preform 1 is heated.

  The mouth 2a of the preform 1 should be considered so as not to be deformed by the heat applied at the stage of the preform 1 so that the sealing property of the bottle 2 will not be impaired when sealed later by the cap 3 in the state of the bottle 2 It does not.

  The hot air flowing through the gap heats the opening 2a, but heats only to a temperature of about 70 ° C. or less at which the opening 2a is not deformed. Such heating of the mouth 2a activates a small amount of hydrogen peroxide remaining in the preform 1, and the mouth 2a is appropriately sterilized.

  At the time of the heating, the preform 1 is conveyed while being rotated around the axis with the spindle 43, preferably in a state of being hung in the erect state by inserting the spindle 43 into the opening 2a. Thereby, the preform 1 is uniformly heated to about 90 ° C. to 130 ° C. by the infrared heater 18 a except for the opening 2 a.

  The preform 1 can also be conveyed in an inverted state.

  By heating the preform 1 by the infrared heater 18 a, the hydrogen peroxide adsorbed to the preform 1 is activated, and the microorganisms attached to the preform 1 are sterilized.

  As shown in FIG. 12D, the heated preform 1 is released from the spindle 43, and blows aseptic air Q from the side of the opening 2a while being a blow mold as shown in FIG. 12E. It is transported to the mold 4. By blowing the sterile air Q, the preform 1 is supplied to the mold 4 while maintaining sterility.

  The sterile air Q may be hot air. The blowing of the hot air prevents the temperature drop of the preform 1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12 (D), at a portion where the preform 1 finishes heating and the preform 1 goes to the mold 4, a cover 96 is formed in a tunnel shape so as to surround the traveling path of the preform 1. Provided. A ceiling portion covering the mouth 2a of the preform 1 in the tunnel-like covering 96 from above is formed like a roof having an inclined surface. Further, in the ceiling portion, nozzles 96a for blowing out the sterile air Q toward the mouth 2a of the preform 1 are provided in a row of pipes or in a slit. As a result, the sterile air Q is efficiently supplied to the preform 1, and the preform 1 is in the chamber 41b and travels while maintaining sterility.

  The preform 1 transported while maintaining sterility by the spray of the sterile air Q is housed in the mold 4 as shown in FIG. 12 (E).

  The mold 4 is brought into a clamped state while traveling continuously at the same speed as the traveling speed of the preform 1 and brought into a mold open state after blow molding of the preform 1 is performed in the mold 4 .

  As described above, since the preform 1 is uniformly heated to a temperature range suitable for molding in the heating step shown in FIG. 11C except for the opening 2a, the preform 1 is shown in FIG. Thus, after the heated preform 1 is mounted in the mold 4, when the drawing rod 5 is inserted into the preform 1, the preform 1 is stretched in the mold 4 in the length direction thereof. Be

  Subsequently, for example, as the primary blow sterile air and the secondary blow sterile air are sequentially blown into the preform 1 from a blow nozzle (not shown) from the blow nozzle (not shown), the preform 1 is a molded product bottle 2 in the cavity C of the mold 4 Expand to.

  Thus, when the bottle 2 is formed in the mold 4, the mold 4 is opened while continuing to move, and the finished product of the bottle 2 is taken out of the mold 4.

  After the bottle 2 is taken out of the mold 4 and until the step of supplying hydrogen peroxide shown in FIG. 13 (G), as shown in FIG. 12 (F), the sterile air Q is passed through the nozzle 97a. It is conveyed while being sprayed from the mouth 2 a side. The spray of the aseptic air Q causes the bottle 2 to be sent immediately below the hydrogen peroxide supply nozzle 93 as little as possible to be contaminated with microorganisms.

  The sterile air Q shown in FIG. 12 (F) is preferably hot air. Since the temperature drop of the bottle 2 is prevented by the blowing of the hot air, the sterilizing effect by the next hydrogen peroxide is improved.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12 (F), the bottle 2 is moving to the next hydrogen peroxide supply nozzle 93 (see FIG. 13 (G)) so as to surround the traveling path of the bottle 2 A cover 97 is provided in the form of a tunnel. A ceiling portion covering the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 in the tunnel-like cover 97 from above is formed like a roof having an inclined surface. Further, in the ceiling portion, nozzles 97a for blowing out the sterile air Q toward the mouth 2a of the bottle 2 or toward the traveling path are provided in a row of pipes or in a slit. As a result, the sterile air Q is efficiently supplied to the bottle 2, and the bottle 2 is in the chambers 41b and 41c 1 and travels while maintaining sterility.

  As shown in FIG. 13 (G), the bottle 2 sprayed with the sterile air Q is sterilized by supplying hydrogen peroxide which is a sterilizing agent.

  Specifically, mist M or gas G of hydrogen peroxide or a mixture thereof is sprayed from the sterilization nozzle 93 onto the bottle 2 being transported. The sterilizing nozzle 93 is disposed to face the mouth 2 a of the bottle 2. The mist M or gas G of hydrogen peroxide or a mixture thereof flows down from the tip of the sterilizing nozzle 93 and enters the bottle 2 from the mouth 2 a of the bottle and contacts the inner surface of the bottle 2.

  In addition, a tunnel 44 is formed at the traveling point of the bottle 2 and the mist M or gas G of hydrogen peroxide discharged from the sterilizing nozzle 93 or a mixture thereof flows along the outer surface of the bottle 2 and further tunnel 44 Because it stays inside, it also adheres to the outer surface of the bottle 2 effectively.

  The mist M or gas G of hydrogen peroxide can be generated, for example, by the mist generator 7 shown in FIG.

  The sterilizing nozzle 93 may be installed at a fixed position on the transport path of the bottle 2 or may be moved in synchronization with the bottle 2.

  As shown in FIG. 13 (G), the mist M or the gas G of hydrogen peroxide blown out from the sterilizing nozzle 93 or the mixture thereof comes in contact with the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 2. The heat applied at the stage of and the heat applied to the bottle 2 at the stage of FIG. 12 (F) is maintained at a predetermined temperature by remaining, so the sterilization is efficiently performed.

  The predetermined temperature is preferably 40 ° C. to 80 ° C., more preferably 50 ° C. to 75 ° C., when the preform 1 is made of PET. When the temperature is lower than 40 ° C., the bactericidal activity is significantly reduced. If the temperature is higher than 80 ° C., the bottle shrinks after molding.

  After spraying the hydrogen peroxide mist M or gas G or a mixture thereof, the bottle 2 is subjected to air rinse as shown in FIG. 13 (H1). The air rinse is performed by blowing the aseptic air N into the bottle 2 from the nozzle 45, and the flow of the aseptic air N removes foreign matter, hydrogen peroxide and the like from the interior of the bottle 2. At this time, the bottle 2 is in the upright state.

  Preferably, the nozzle 45 is fitted with an umbrella 84 similar to that shown in FIG. As a result of the guiding action of the umbrella member 30, the aseptic air N overflows from inside the bottle 2 and then travels to the outer surface of the bottle 2 to air rinse the outer surface of the bottle 2.

  In addition, it may replace with the air rinse process of FIG. 13 (H1), and may employ | adopt the air rinse process like FIG. 13 (H2). By adopting the process of FIG. 13 (H2), the sterile air N is blown into the bottle 2 from the opening 2a with the bottle 2 upside down from the downward facing opening 2a, so that foreign matters etc. in the bottle 2 are opened. It can be dropped out of the bottle 2 from 2a. Alternatively, following the air rinse step of FIG. 13 (H1), the step of FIG. 13 (H2) may be performed without blowing the sterile air N. Further, the umbrella-like member 84 may be attached also to the nozzle 45 shown in FIG. 13 (H2).

  After air rinsing, if necessary, as shown in FIG. 14 (I), to wash away the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the bottle 2 and remove foreign substances with sterile normal temperature water or hot water of 15 ° C. to 85 ° C. A sterile water rinse is performed. The flow rate per nozzle is preferably 5 L / min to 15 L / min, and the washing rinse time is preferably 0.2 to 10 seconds.

  As described above, since the bottle 2 is further sterilized with hydrogen peroxide after sterilization at the stage of preform 1, the amount of hydrogen peroxide used can be reduced. Therefore, after the air rinse, the hot water rinse step shown in FIG. 14 (I) to wash away the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the bottle 2 with water such as hot water becomes unnecessary. However, there is no problem in performing aseptic water rinse if necessary.

  The mist M or gas G of hydrogen peroxide used in the step of FIG. 13 (G) is as follows.

  When the amount of hydrogen peroxide used is converted to the amount of mist M, in order to sterilize bottle 2 by performing only the process of FIG. 13G, the amount of 50 μL / 500 mL bottle to 100 μL / 500 mL bottle in bottle 2 If it is necessary to attach hydrogen peroxide but if sterilization of preform 1 is performed as in the present invention, attach hydrogen peroxide mist M in an amount of 10 μL / 500 mL bottle to 50 μL / 500 mL bottle Commercial aseptic filling became possible.

  When the amount of hydrogen peroxide used is converted to the amount of gas G, the gas concentration is 5 mg / L to 10 mg / L in order to sterilize the bottle 2 by performing only the process of FIG. It was necessary to spray hydrogen oxide gas G onto bottle 2, but if pre-sterilization with pre-heating of preform 1 is performed as in the present invention, hydrogen peroxide having a gas concentration of 1 mg / L to 5 mg / L Spraying with gas G enabled commercial aseptic filling.

  After the air rinse, as shown in FIG. 14 (J), the beverage a is filled from the filling nozzle 10 into the bottle 2, and as shown in FIG. 14 (K), it is sealed by the cap 3 which is a lid. The bottle 2 is an aseptic package.

  In the second embodiment, the sterilization process of the bottle corresponding to FIG. 13 (G) (H1) (H2) is omitted, and after the sterilization treatment of the beverage a itself which is the contents is performed under a sterile environment, normal temperature It is also possible to fill with

  Moreover, it is also possible to skip the said sterilization process of a bottle, and to fill the drink a in the state of about 70 degreeC medium temperature. In the case of medium temperature filling, survival of spore bacteria in the beverage a and the bottle 2 is acceptable, but mold, yeast and the like are sterilized by the heat of the beverage a, and they are transformed into the bottle 2 made of PET Do not come. Therefore, in the case of medium temperature filling, it is suitable in the case where the beverage a is an acidic beverage having the property of suppressing the germination of spores, mineral water.

  The aseptic filling apparatus for carrying out the method of sterilizing the bottle 2 is configured as shown in FIG. 14, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the aseptic filling apparatus comprises a preform feeder 11 for sequentially feeding a bottomed cylindrical preform 1 (see FIG. 11A) having a mouth 2a at predetermined intervals, and blow molding 12, a sterilizer 88 for sterilizing the molded bottle 2, and a filling machine 13 for filling the beverage 2 into the bottle 2 (see FIG. 12F) and sealing with the cap 3 (see FIG. 14K). And

  The aseptic filling apparatus is surrounded by chambers 41a, 41b, 41c1, 41c2, 41d, 41e and 41f at locations from the blow molding machine 12 to the filling machine 13.

  The chamber 41a corresponds to the place where the sterilizing agent is supplied to the preform, the chamber 41b corresponds to the place where the bottle 2 is formed, the chamber 41c1 corresponds to the place where the bottle is transported to the sterilizer 88, and the chamber 41c2 is a bottle The chamber 41d corresponds to the place where the bottle 2 is filled with the beverage a which is the contents, and the chamber 41d corresponds to the place where the sterilizing agent is supplied to 2 and the rinse is performed.

  The place from the chamber 41b to the chamber 41c1 is maintained as a clean room. In order to make a clean room, sterile positive air passing through the HEPA filter is supplied into the chambers 41b to 41c1 before the manufacture of the sterile package. Thereby, the insides of the chambers 41b to 41c1 are maintained in a clean state, and it becomes possible to manufacture a bottle with a high level of sterility.

  The chambers 41b to 41c1 may be gas-sterilized with hydrogen peroxide gas of 10 mg / L or less before blowing positive aseptic pressure air into the chambers 41b to 41c1. Moreover, you may irradiate with the UV lamp the place which preform 1 and the bottle 2 contact (ultraviolet sterilization). Or you may wipe up the location which materials, such as the metal mold | die 4 and the extending | stretching rod 5, and the gripper 32, contact with the chemical | medical agent which contains 1 mass% of ethanol and hydrogen peroxide.

  Between the preform supply machine 11 and the filling machine 13, there is a mold 4 having a preform conveying means for conveying the preform 1 on the first conveyance path and a cavity C of the finished product shape of the bottle 2 (see FIG. 2 (D)), the mold transport means for transporting on the second transport path connected to the first transport path, and the bottle 2 formed by the mold 4 in the second transport path The bottle conveying means for sterilizing, filling, etc. the bottle 2 is provided while conveying on the third conveyance path connected to the.

  The first conveyance path of the preform conveyance means, the second conveyance path of the mold conveyance means, and the third conveyance path of the bottle conveyance means communicate with each other, and the preform 1 is formed on these conveyance paths. And a gripper (not shown) for holding and transporting the bottle 2.

  The preform conveyance means includes a preform conveyor 14 that sequentially supplies the preforms 1 at predetermined intervals on the first conveyance path. In addition, a row of wheels 15, 16 and 17 for receiving and transporting the preform 1 from the end of the preform conveyor 14 and an endless chain 18 for receiving and traveling the preform 1 are provided.

  At a fixed position on the traveling path of the preform 1 in the wheel 15, a sterilizing gas generator 7 as shown in FIG. 4 that generates the hydrogen peroxide gas G, and the hydrogen peroxide gas G toward the preform 1 A sterilizing agent supply nozzle 6 as shown in FIG. 11A which discharges is disposed.

  By discharging hot air P toward the preform 1 on the traveling path of the preform 1 in the wheel 16, the hydrogen peroxide attached to the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 is activated and discharged to the outside of the preform 1. An air nozzle 80 (see FIG. 11B) is disposed.

  As the air nozzle 80, one similar to that shown in FIG. 5 (A) (B) or FIG. 9 in the first embodiment can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the wheels 15 and 16 are surrounded by a chamber 41a. As in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, an exhausting means comprising a filter 36 for decomposing a sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide in the air in the chamber 41 and a blower 37 is connected to the chamber 41a. Ru. Thereby, hydrogen peroxide can be prevented from flowing into the adjacent blow molding machine 12. A heating furnace 33 for heating the preform 1 to a molding temperature is provided at a position from the wheel 17 in contact with the wheel 16 to the wheel 19 in contact with the second conveyance path in the first conveyance path. The heating furnace 33 is configured in the same manner as that in the first embodiment.

  The preform 1 is uniformly heated while traveling in the heating furnace 33, and the temperature other than the opening 2a is raised to 90 ° C. to 130 ° C. which is a temperature suitable for blow molding. The opening 2a is kept at a temperature of 70 ° C. or less which does not cause deformation or the like so that the sealing performance when the cap 3 is covered is not impaired.

  The blow molding machine 12 is disposed around the second transport path. The blow molding machine 12 has a structure similar to that of the first embodiment, and receives the preform 1 heated in the heating furnace 33 and shapes it into a bottle 2.

  Above the wheel 19 located between the first transport path of the preform transport means and the second transport path of the mold transport means, relative to the preform 1 traveling around the wheel 19 A cover 96 (see FIG. 12D) covering from above the mouth 2a is provided in the tunnel. In the cover 96, sterile air Q is blown toward the mouth 2a of the preform 1. The sterile air Q may be a part of the sterile air P supplied from the sterile air supply apparatus shown in FIG. 5 (B) in the first embodiment.

  As a result, the preform 1 is surrounded by the clean room chamber 41b and further covered by the cover 96 for covering the sterile air Q, and the head is directed to the blow molding machine 12 in a state where the sterility is maintained at a high level. .

  The mold 4 in the blow molding machine 12 opens at a point where it contacts the wheel 21 which is the beginning of the third conveyance path, and is received by a gripper (not shown) of the wheel 21.

  The bottle 2 which has come out of the blow molding machine 12 and reached the wheel 21 is inspected for the presence or absence of a molding defect or the like by an inspection device 35 disposed on the outer periphery of the wheel 21 as needed. As the inspection apparatus 35, one similar to that used in the first embodiment can be used.

  In the case of a rejection, the bottle 2 that has been inspected is removed from the transport path by a displacement device (not shown), and only the accepted products are transported to the wheel 22.

  Over the travel path of the bottle 2 at the wheels 21, 22, and 89 in the third transport path, a cover 97 (see FIG. 12F) covering the bottle 2 from above the opening 2a forms a tunnel. Provided. The sterile air Q blown into the cover 97 may be a part of the sterile air P supplied from the sterile air supply device shown in FIG. 5 (B) in the first embodiment.

  In the third transport path, in the row of wheels 90, 91, 92, 23 following the wheel 89, a sterilizing agent supply nozzle 93 (see FIG. 13 (G)) and a sterile air supply nozzle 45 (FIG. 13 (H1) Or (see H2)).

  Specifically, a plurality (four in FIG. 15) of sterilant supply nozzles 93 are installed at predetermined positions on the travel path of the bottle 2 around the wheel 90. In addition, a tunnel 44 (see FIG. 13G) through which the bottle 2 passes corresponding to the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 93 is also installed. The hydrogen peroxide solution mist M or gas G or mixture thereof blown out from the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 93 enters the inside of the bottle 2 and adheres to the inner surface of the bottle 2 as a thin film, and along the outer surface of the bottle 2 And flows into the tunnel 44 and adheres to the outer surface of the bottle 2 as a thin film.

  At a fixed position on the travel path of the bottle 2 around the wheel 92, one or more sterile air supply nozzles 45 are installed. The aseptic air N blown out from the aseptic air supply nozzle 45 contacts the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 2 to remove the film of the excess hydrogen peroxide solution adhering to the surface of the bottle 2. When the sterile air N is hot air, the hydrogen peroxide attached to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 2 is activated to enhance the bactericidal effect.

  A large number of sterilizing agent supply nozzles 93 and sterile air supply nozzles 45 are arranged around the respective wheels 90, 92 at the same pitch as the pitch of the bottles 2, and the bottles are rotated while being synchronized with the respective wheels 90, 92. The gas G of hydrogen peroxide or the aseptic air N may be blown into the chamber 2.

  In the third transport path, a filler 39 and a capper 40 are provided at a position from the wheel 24 in contact with the wheel 23 to the wheel 27.

  Specifically, filler 39 is formed by providing a large number of filling nozzles 10 (see FIG. 14 (J)) for filling beverage a in bottle 2 around wheel 24, and around wheel 26. A capper 40 is configured to attach and seal the cap 3 (see FIG. 14 (K)) to the bottle 2 filled with the beverage a.

  The filler 39 and the capper 40 are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  In the first to third transport paths, the periphery of the wheel 15 is surrounded by the chamber 41a. The periphery from the wheel 16 to the wheel 21 is surrounded by the chamber 41 b. The periphery of the wheel 22 and the wheel 89 is surrounded by a chamber 41c1. A periphery of a portion from the wheel 90 to the wheel 23 is surrounded by a chamber 41c2. A periphery of a portion from the wheel 24 to the wheel 27 is surrounded by a chamber 41 d.

  Aseptic air purified by a HEPA filter or the like (not shown) is constantly supplied to the inside of the chamber 41b. Thereby, the chamber 41b is made into a clean room, and the invasion of microorganisms into the inside thereof is prevented.

  The inside of each of the chambers 41a, 41b, 41c2, 41d, 41e and 41f is sterilized, for example, by performing a cleaning outside of place (COP) or a sterilizing outside of place (SOP), and then these chambers 41a, 41b, 41c2, 41d, 41e, 41f or the exhaust means similar to that shown in FIG. 3 installed integrally with each chamber 41a, 41b, 41c2, 41d, 41e, 41f from the inside of the germicide, cleaning agent gas or Mist is discharged out of the chamber. And sterile air in each of the chambers 41a, 41b, 41c2, 41d, 41f is supplied by supplying sterile air purified by a scrubber, a filter or the like (not shown) into the chambers 41a, 41b, 41c2, 41d, 41e. Sex is maintained. Although COP and SOP are always carried out for the chambers 41d, 41e and 41f, the chambers 41a, 41b and 41c need not necessarily be carried out.

  Further, the chamber 41c1 functions as an atmosphere blocking chamber that shuts off the atmosphere between the chamber 41b and the chamber 41c2. The same exhaust means as the above-mentioned exhaust means is connected to the chamber 41c1, and the internal air of the chamber 41c1 is exhausted to the outside. Thus, the cleaning agent gas and the like generated by COP and SOP in the chamber 41d, the mist of the sterilizing agent and the like generated in the chamber 41c2 flow into the chamber 41b of the blow molding machine 12 through the chamber 41c1. It can be blocked.

  Next, the operation of the beverage filling device will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the preform 1 is conveyed toward the heating furnace 33 by the row of the preform conveyor 14 and the wheels 15, 16, 17.

  When the preform 1 travels around the wheel 15 before entering the heating furnace 33, the hydrogen peroxide gas G or mist or a mixture thereof is supplied from the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 6 toward the preform 1.

  Subsequently, when the preform 1 to which the hydrogen peroxide is attached travels around the wheel 16, the hot air P is sprayed from the air nozzle 80 onto the preform 1. The heat of the hot air P activates the hydrogen peroxide attached to the preform 1 and kills the microorganisms attached to the preform 1. Further, excess hydrogen peroxide is removed from the surface of the preform 1 by the hot air P.

  By blowing the hot air P with the air nozzle 81 shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to blow off foreign substances in the preform 1 to the outside of the preform 1 and collect the blown foreign substances by the suction pipe 82. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to remove foreign substances in the preform 1 to the outside of the preform 1 by reversing the air nozzle 81 and the preform 1 as shown in FIG. .

  Thereafter, the preform 1 is received by the spindle 43 (see FIG. 11C) on the endless chain 18 and conveyed into the heating furnace 33.

  In the heating furnace 33, the preform 1 is heated by the infrared heater 18a, and the entire temperature excluding the opening 2a is uniformly heated to a temperature range suitable for blow molding.

  The preform 1 heated to the forming temperature in the heating furnace 33 is sprayed with the aseptic air Q while passing under the cover 96 while traveling around the wheel 19. Thereby, the preform 1 is transported to the blow molding machine 12 while maintaining sterility. When the sterile air Q is hot air, the preform 1 reaches the blow molding machine 12 while suitably maintaining a temperature suitable for molding.

  The preform 1 is held by the mold 4 as it passes through the outer periphery of the wheel 20 as shown in FIG. 12E, and is expanded into the finished product of the bottle 2 in the cavity C by blowing sterile high-pressure air. Do.

  The molded bottle 2 is taken out of the mold 4 by the gripper of the wheel 21 after the mold 4 is opened, and is inspected by the inspection device 35 for the presence or absence of a molding defect or the like.

  Defective bottles 2 are removed out of the line by a discharge device (not shown), and only non-defective bottles 2 are conveyed to the sterilizer 88 while being transferred to the wheel 22.

  In addition, when traveling from the wheel 21 to the wheel 89, the bottle 2 is sprayed with the aseptic air Q while passing under the cover 97. Thereby, the bottle 2 is transported to the sterilizer 88 while maintaining sterility. When the aseptic air Q is hot air, the bottle 2 reaches the sterilizer 88 while suitably maintaining a temperature suitable for sterilization.

  While traveling around the wheel 90 in the sterilizer 88, the bottle 2 is sprayed with the mist M or the gas G of hydrogen peroxide solution or a mixture thereof as shown in FIG. While traveling around the wheel 92, as shown in FIG. 13 (H1) or (H2), aseptic air N is blown to perform air rinse.

  Thereafter, the bottle 2 reaches the inside of the filling machine 13.

In the filling machine 13, the bottle 2 is filled with the beverage a, which has been subjected to the sterilization treatment in advance, by the filling nozzle 10 of the filler 39 as shown in FIG. 14 (J). The bottle 2 filled with the beverage a is capped with a cap 3 by a capper 40 and sealed (see FIG. 14 (K)), and discharged from the outlet of the chamber 41d to the outside of the aseptic filling device.
Fourth Preferred Embodiment
In the fourth embodiment, in the step of supplying the sterilizing agent to the preform 1 shown in FIG. 11A in the third embodiment, a sterilizing agent supply nozzle shown in FIG. 17 instead of the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 6 94 is used.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 94 is provided with a pipe line 94 a extending substantially in a U-shape to follow the outer surface of the preform 1, and the pipe line 94 a is formed on the outer surface of the preform 1. The opposing discharge port 95 is provided. The discharge port 95 is provided at a plurality of locations so as to face the portion below the mouth 2 a of the preform 1 so that hydrogen peroxide, which is a sterilizing agent, does not enter the preform 1.

  A gas G of hydrogen peroxide generated by a generator similar to the sterilant gas generator 7 used in Embodiment 2 is blown out from the discharge port 95 of the sterilant supply nozzle 94 toward the outer surface of the preform 1; The gas G or mist or a mixture thereof is sprayed on the outer surface of the preform 1 excluding the mouth 2 a. The hydrogen peroxide gas G or the like adheres to the outer surface of the preform 1 without entering the preform 1. Thereby, the microorganisms present on the outer surface of the preform 1 are sterilized.

  The dew condensation of the hydrogen peroxide solution in these tubes may be prevented by supplying hot air, which is sterile air, to the tubes 94 a of the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 94.

  In addition, the ribbon heater may be wound around the conduit 94a to prevent condensation of the hydrogen peroxide solution in the conduit 94a.

  In the fourth embodiment, the preform 1 which has passed the step of supplying a sterilizing agent to the preform 1 shown in FIG. 11 (A) is subjected to the steps of FIGS. It is subjected to the warm water rinse process shown in I). Although excess hydrogen peroxide is removed from the outer surface of the preform 1 by the process of FIG. 11B, this process may be omitted in some cases. The steps shown in FIGS. 13 (G) (H1) and (H2) are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 14 (I), in the hot water rinsing step, the bottle 2 is in an inverted state with the mouth 2a facing downward, and is sterile by the hot water rinsing nozzle 46 inserted into the bottle 2 from the mouth 2a. Hot water H is supplied into the bottle 2. After the hot water H contacts the inner surface of the bottle 2 evenly, it is discharged from the mouth 2 a to the outside of the bottle 2. The temperature of the warm water H is maintained in a range in which the bottle 2 is not deformed or the like, and is about 70 ° C. to 85 ° C. The flow rate per nozzle is preferably 5 L / min to 15 L / min, and the washing rinse time is preferably 0.2 to 10 seconds.

  The heating in the hot water rinse sterilizes the microorganisms in the bottle 2. Microorganisms to be killed are molds, yeasts and the like, and spore-forming bacteria can survive.

  Therefore, the method of the third embodiment is suitable for the production of beverages other than low-acid beverages, such as acidic beverages, carbonated beverages, mineral water, etc. which do not require sterilization of spore-forming bacteria.

  After the hot water rinse, the bottle 2 is filled with the beverage a as shown in FIG. 14 (J), and as shown in FIG. 14 (K), the cap 3 is covered to seal the bottle 2.

  In the fourth embodiment, the hot water rinsing step (FIG. 14 (I)) of the bottle 2 is omitted, and instead, the inside of the bottle 2 is sterilized by filling the beverage a at a medium temperature of about 70.degree. It is also possible to process. In the case of medium temperature filling, survival of spore bacteria in the beverage a and the bottle 2 is acceptable, but mold, yeast and the like are sterilized by the heat of the beverage a, and they are transformed into the bottle 2 made of PET Do not come. Therefore, in the case of medium temperature filling, it is suitable in the case where the beverage a is an acidic beverage having the property of suppressing the germination of spores, mineral water.

The Fifth Preferred Embodiment
Also according to this fifth embodiment, an aseptic package provided with a bottle 2 and a cap 3 as shown in FIG. 14 (K) can be manufactured.

  The above-mentioned bottle 2 is each process of sterilization, molding, beverage filling and sealing shown in FIGS. 11 (A) (B) (C), FIG. 12 (D) (E), FIG. 18 and FIG. Through aseptic packaging.

  First, the preform 1 shown in FIG. 11 (A) is continuously transported at a desired speed, and the gas G or mist of hydrogen peroxide solution, which is a bactericide, or a mixture thereof is added to the running preform 1. Supplied.

  The preform may be preheated by blowing hot air onto the preform 1 immediately before the gas G is blown onto the preform 1 shown in FIG. 11A.

  The preform 1 to which hydrogen peroxide is supplied is supplied with hot air P by the air nozzle 80 as shown in FIG.

  By the spraying of the hot air P, the hydrogen peroxide attached to the surface of the preform 1 is activated by the heat of the hot air P, whereby the microorganisms in the preform 1 are sterilized. Further, the hydrogen peroxide attached to the preform 1 by the blowing of the hot air P is rapidly removed from the surface of the preform 1.

  As shown in FIG. 11C, the sterilized preform 1 is heated to a temperature suitable for subsequent blow molding by an infrared heater 18a and other heating means.

  As shown in FIG. 12D, the heated preform 1 is released from the spindle 43, and blows aseptic air Q from the side of the opening 2a while being a blow mold as shown in FIG. 12E. It is transported to the mold 4. By blowing the sterile air Q, the preform 1 is supplied to the mold 4 while maintaining sterility.

  The preform 1 transported while maintaining sterility by spraying the aseptic air Q is housed in a mold 4 and molded into a bottle 2 as shown in FIG. 12 (E).

  After the bottle 2 is taken out of the mold 4 and until the process of filling the beverage a shown in FIG. 14 (J), as shown in FIG. 18, the hydrogen peroxide mist M is on the side of the mouth 2 a It is conveyed while being sprayed from

  In FIG. 18, the same components as the devices shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 (B) will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The hydrogen peroxide mist M is produced by an apparatus as shown in FIG. That is, the air flow by the blower 76 is disinfected by passing through the HEPA filter 77, and is heated by the heater 78, and is sent to the outlet of the sterilizing gas generator 7 as hot air. The hydrogen peroxide gas G generated by the sterilizing gas generator 7 is taken into the hot air and carried from the nozzle 97 a into the cover 97 to become mist M.

  The hydrogen peroxide mist M flows down from above the mouth 2 a to the bottle 2 traveling in the cover 97 and adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 2.

  In addition, since the mist M fills the tunnel-like cover 97, the mist M uniformly adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 2 as a very thin film. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the mist M is dilute, and the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 2 are lightly sterilized by the hydrogen peroxide component and the heat of the air flow.

  In addition, the air flow carrying the mist M has a positive pressure in the cover 97 to prevent microbes and the like from entering the cover 97 and prevent the bottle 2 from being contaminated. Even if the microbes contaminate the cover 97, they are killed by hydrogen peroxide.

  After the bottle 2 passes through the cover 97, as shown in FIG. 14 (J), the beverage a is filled from the filling nozzle 10 into the bottle 2, and as shown in FIG. 14 (K), the cap 3 which is a lid is used. The bottle 2 is made into an aseptic package by being sealed.

  The aseptic filling apparatus for carrying out the method of sterilizing the bottle 2 is configured, for example, as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the aseptic filling apparatus comprises a preform feeder 11 for sequentially feeding a bottomed cylindrical preform 1 (see FIG. 11A) having an opening 2a at predetermined intervals, and blow molding A filling machine 13 for filling the beverage a into the formed bottle 2 (see FIG. 18) (see FIG. 14 (J)) and sealing with a cap 3 (see FIG. 14 (K)) is provided.

  The aseptic filling apparatus is surrounded by chambers 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 41e and 41f at locations from the blow molding machine 12 to the filling machine 13.

  The chamber 41a corresponds to the place where the sterilizing agent is supplied to the preform, the chamber 41b corresponds to the place where the bottle 2 is formed, the chamber 41c corresponds to the place where the bottle is sent to the filling position of the contents, and the chamber 41d The bottle 2 is filled with the content of the beverage a, and the chamber 41 e corresponds to the place where the bottle 2 is sealed with the cap 3.

  Although an outlet conveyor (not shown) is provided at the outlet of the bottle 2 in the chamber 41e, the outlet conveyor is surrounded by the chamber 41f.

  The place from the chamber 41b to the chamber 41c is maintained as a clean room. In order to provide a clean room, sterile positive air passing through the HEPA filter is supplied into the chambers 41b to 41c prior to production of the sterile package. As a result, the interiors of the chambers 41b to 41c are maintained in a clean state, and it becomes possible to manufacture a bottle with a high level of sterility.

  The chambers 41b to 41c may be gas-sterilized with hydrogen peroxide gas of 10 mg / L or less before blowing positive aseptic air into the chambers 41b to 41c. Moreover, you may irradiate with the UV lamp the place which preform 1 and the bottle 2 contact (ultraviolet sterilization). Or you may wipe off the chemical | medical agent which ethanol and the hydrogen peroxide contain 1%, for the location which materials, such as the metal mold | die 4 and the extending | stretching rod 5, and the gripper 32, contact.

  Between the preform supply machine 11 and the filling machine 13, there is a mold 4 having a preform conveying means for conveying the preform 1 on the first conveyance path and a cavity C of the finished product shape of the bottle 2 (see FIG. 2 (D)), the mold transport means for transporting on the second transport path connected to the first transport path, and the bottle 2 formed by the mold 4 in the second transport path The bottle conveying means for sterilizing, filling, etc. the bottle 2 is provided while conveying on the third conveyance path connected to the.

  The first conveyance path of the preform conveyance means, the second conveyance path of the mold conveyance means, and the third conveyance path of the bottle conveyance means communicate with each other, and the preform 1 is formed on these conveyance paths. And a gripper (not shown) for holding and transporting the bottle 2.

  The apparatus structure from the first transport path to the second transport path is the same as that of the second embodiment, so the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Over the travel path of the bottle 2 in the wheels 21, 22, and 89 in the third transport path, a cover 97 (see FIG. 18) covering the bottle 2 from above the opening 2a is provided in a tunnel shape.

  At a location corresponding to the wheel 22, which is substantially at the center of the cover 97, a sterile air supply device as shown in FIG. 18 is connected.

  The sterile air supply system has a conduit leading from the blower 76 to the cover 97, and has a HEPA filter 77 and a heater 78 in this order on the conduit downstream. In addition, a sterilizer gas generator similar to the sterilizer gas generator 7 shown in FIG. 4 is provided between the heater 78 and the cover 97 in the conduit.

  Thus, the air flow from the blower 76 is disinfected by the HEPA filter 77, heated by the heater 78, becomes sterile hot air, flows through the conduit, and the gas G of the hydrogen peroxide solution from the sterilizing gas generator 7 It flows into the cover 97 from the nozzle 97a while being added in a small amount. The hydrogen peroxide gas G enters the cover 97 from the nozzle 97a, and the bottle 2 travels in the cover 97 filled with the hydrogen peroxide gas G.

  The concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas G is 5 mg / L or less, preferably 3 mg / L or less. If the gas concentration is higher than 5 mg / L, hydrogen peroxide may remain in the bottle 2 and exceed the FDA standard of 0.5 ppm. However, when the volume of the bottle 2 is large, the residual value of hydrogen peroxide tends to be low, so the gas concentration of hydrogen peroxide may sometimes be set higher than 5 mg / L.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the aseptic hot air from the aseptic air supply device is heated by the other heater 96 and then supplied to the air nozzle 80. It is also supplied into the cover 86 of the preform 1.

  A filler 39 and a capper 40 are provided in a portion from the wheel 24 following the wheel 89 to the wheel 27 in the third transport path.

  Specifically, filler 39 is formed by providing a large number of filling nozzles 10 (see FIG. 14 (J)) for filling beverage a in bottle 2 around wheel 24, and around wheel 26. A capper 40 is configured to attach and seal the cap 3 (see FIG. 14 (K)) to the bottle 2 filled with the beverage a.

  Next, the operation of the aseptic filling apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19.

  First, the preform 1 is conveyed toward the heating furnace 33 by the row of the preform conveyor 14 and the wheels 15, 16, 17.

  When the preform 1 travels around the wheel 15 before entering the heating furnace 33, the hydrogen peroxide gas G or mist or a mixture thereof is supplied from the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 6 toward the preform 1.

  Subsequently, when the preform 1 to which the hydrogen peroxide is attached travels around the wheel 16, the hot air P is sprayed from the air nozzle 80 onto the preform 1. The heat of the hot air P activates the hydrogen peroxide attached to the preform 1 and kills the microorganisms attached to the preform 1. Further, excess hydrogen peroxide is removed from the surface of the preform 1 by the hot air P.

  By blowing the hot air P with the air nozzle 81 shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to blow off foreign substances in the preform 1 to the outside of the preform 1 and collect the blown foreign substances by the suction pipe 82. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to remove foreign substances in the preform 1 to the outside of the preform 1 by reversing the air nozzle 81 and the preform 1 as shown in FIG. .

  Thereafter, the preform 1 is received by the spindle 43 (see FIG. 11C) on the endless chain 18 and conveyed into the heating furnace 33.

  In the heating furnace 33, the preform 1 is heated by the infrared heater 18a, and the entire temperature excluding the opening 2a is uniformly heated to a temperature range suitable for blow molding.

  When traveling around the wheel 19, the preform 1 heated to the forming temperature in the heating furnace 33 is sprayed with the aseptic air Q while passing through the cover 86 (see FIG. 12D). Thereby, the preform 1 is transported to the blow molding machine 12 while maintaining sterility. When the sterile air Q is hot air, the preform 1 reaches the blow molding machine 12 while suitably maintaining a temperature suitable for molding.

  The preform 1 is held by the mold 4 as it passes through the outer periphery of the wheel 20 as shown in FIG. 12E, and is expanded into the finished product of the bottle 2 in the cavity C by blowing sterile high-pressure air. Do.

  The molded bottle 2 is taken out of the mold 4 by the gripper of the wheel 21 after the mold 4 is opened, and is inspected by the inspection device 35 for the presence or absence of a molding defect or the like.

  Defective bottles 2 are removed out of the line by a discharge device (not shown), and only non-defective bottles 2 are conveyed downstream while being delivered to the wheels 22 and 89.

  As the bottle 2 travels from the wheel 21 to the wheel 89, it is sprayed with sterile hot air Q to which a trace amount of hydrogen peroxide is added while passing through the cover 97. The heat and hydrogen peroxide contained in the hot air Q sterilize microbes that can enter the chamber 41b, so the bottle 2 is transported to the downstream side while maintaining the aseptic condition. Also, the hydrogen peroxide is decomposed around or after leaving the cover 97, and the bottle 2 is conveyed to the filling machine 13 with no hydrogen peroxide remaining.

  The bottle 2 coming out of the cover 97 reaches the filling machine 13, and the bottle 2 in the filling machine 13 is filled with the beverage a which has been previously sterilized by the filling nozzle 10 of the filler 39 as shown in FIG. The bottle 2 filled with the beverage a is capped with a cap 3 by a capper 40 and sealed (see FIG. 14 (K)), and discharged from the outlet of the chamber 41d to the outside of the aseptic filling device.

  In the fourth embodiment, the same parts as those in the other embodiments are indicated by the same reference numerals, and the redundant description will be omitted.

Embodiment 6
Also according to this sixth embodiment, an aseptic package provided with a bottle 2 and a cap 3 as shown in FIG. 14 (K) can be manufactured.

  The bottle 2 is sterilized as shown in FIGS. 11 (A) (B) (C), 12 (D) (E), 20 (F 1) (F 2) (F 3) and 14 (J) (K). Through the steps of molding, sterilization, beverage filling and sealing, it is made into an aseptic package.

  First, the preform 1 shown in FIG. 11 (A) is continuously conveyed at a desired speed, and the gas G or mist of the sterilizing agent or a mixture thereof is supplied to the running preform 1.

  The preform may be preheated by blowing hot air onto the preform 1 immediately before the gas G is blown onto the preform 1 shown in FIG. 11A.

  The preform 1 to which hydrogen peroxide is supplied is supplied with hot air P by the air nozzle 80 as shown in FIG.

  By the spraying of the hot air P, the hydrogen peroxide attached to the surface of the preform 1 is activated by the heat of the hot air P, whereby the microorganisms in the preform 1 are sterilized. Further, the hydrogen peroxide attached to the preform 1 by the blowing of the hot air P is rapidly removed from the surface of the preform 1.

  As shown in FIG. 11C, the sterilized preform 1 is heated to a temperature suitable for subsequent blow molding by an infrared heater 18a and other heating means.

  As shown in FIG. 12D, the heated preform 1 is released from the spindle 43, and blows aseptic air Q from the side of the opening 2a while being a blow mold as shown in FIG. 12E. It is transported to the mold 4. By blowing the sterile air Q, the preform 1 is supplied to the mold 4 while maintaining sterility.

  The preform 1 transported while maintaining sterility by spraying the aseptic air Q is housed in a mold 4 and molded into a bottle 2 as shown in FIG. 12 (E).

  After the bottle 2 is taken out of the mold 4 and conveyed until the process of filling the beverage a shown in FIG. 14 (J), the bottle 2 is conveyed in the cover 97, and in the front stage of the cover 97, FIG. As shown in Fig. 2), the material is transported while being sprayed with sterile hot air Q, and then in the middle stage of the cover 97, as shown in Fig. 6F, the hydrogen peroxide gas G or mist M or a mixture thereof is It is transported while being sprayed from the side of the part 2a, and subsequently, it is transported while being sprayed with the aseptic hot air Q at the rear stage of the cover 97 as shown in FIG. When the residual hydrogen peroxide concentration in the bottle 2 is less than 0.5 ppm, which is the FDA standard, the hot air Q may be at normal temperature.

  The bottle 2 is heated while maintaining sterility by being sprayed with sterile hot air Q at the front stage of the cover 97. As a result, the bottle 2 travels to the middle stage of the cover 97 while maintaining a predetermined temperature, the hydrogen peroxide flowing into the middle stage of the cover 97 is activated, and microorganisms that may enter from the molding machine 12 side Sterilized. Then, when the bottle 2 comes to a later stage of the cover 97, excess hydrogen peroxide attached to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 2 is rinsed by the aseptic hot air Q and removed from the surface of the bottle 2. Thus, the bottle 2 goes to the next filling machine 13 while maintaining sterility.

  When the bottle 2 passes through the cover 97 and then enters the filling machine 13, first, as shown in FIG. 14 (J), the beverage a is filled from the filling nozzle 10 into the bottle 2 and then FIG. 14 (K) The bottle 2 is made into an aseptic package by being sealed by the cap 3 which is a lid as shown in FIG.

  The aseptic filling apparatus for carrying out the method of sterilizing the bottle 2 is configured, for example, as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the aseptic filling apparatus comprises a preform feeder 11 for sequentially feeding a bottomed cylindrical preform 1 (see FIG. 11A) having a mouth 2a at predetermined intervals, and blow molding A filling machine 13 for filling the beverage a into the formed bottle 2 (see FIG. 20) (see FIG. 14 (J)) and sealing with the cap 3 (see FIG. 14 (K)) is provided.

  This aseptic filling apparatus is surrounded by chambers 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 41e, 41f at the locations from the blow molding machine 12 to the filling machine 13.

  The chamber 41a corresponds to the place where the sterilizing agent is supplied to the preform, the chamber 41b corresponds to the place where the bottle 2 is formed, the chamber 41c corresponds to the place where the bottle is sent to the filling position of the contents, and the chamber 41d The bottle 2 is filled with the beverage a, which is the contents, and corresponds to the place where it is sealed.

  The place from the chamber 41b to the chamber 41c is maintained as a clean room. In order to make a clean room, sterile positive air passing through a HEPA filter (not shown) is supplied into the chambers 41b to 41c prior to production of the sterile package. As a result, the interiors of the chambers 41b to 41c are maintained in a clean state, and the manufacture of the bottle 2 with a high level of sterility becomes possible.

  The chambers 41b to 41c may be gas-sterilized with hydrogen peroxide gas of 10 mg / L or less before blowing positive aseptic air into the chambers 41b to 41c. Moreover, you may irradiate with the UV lamp the place which preform 1 and the bottle 2 contact (ultraviolet sterilization). Or you may wipe up the location which materials, such as the metal mold | die 4 and the extending | stretching rod 5, and the gripper 32, contact with the chemical | medical agent which contains 1 mass% of ethanol and hydrogen peroxide.

  Between the preform supply machine 11 and the filling machine 13, there is a mold 4 having a preform conveying means for conveying the preform 1 on the first conveyance path and a cavity C of the finished product shape of the bottle 2 (see FIG. 12 (E)) on the second conveyance path connected to the first conveyance path, and the mold conveyance means for the mold, and the bottle 2 formed by the mold 4 are the second conveyance path The bottle conveying means for sterilizing, filling, etc. the bottle 2 is provided while conveying on the third conveyance path connected to the.

  The first conveyance path of the preform conveyance means, the second conveyance path of the mold conveyance means, and the third conveyance path of the bottle conveyance means communicate with each other, and the preform 1 is formed on these conveyance paths. And a gripper (not shown) for holding and transporting the bottle 2.

  The apparatus structure from the first transport path to the second transport path is the same as that of the second embodiment, so the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Over the travel path of the bottle 2 in the wheels 21, 22, and 89 in the third transport path, a cover 97 (see FIG. 20) covering the bottle 2 from above the opening 2a is provided in a tunnel shape.

  At a location corresponding to the wheel 22, which is substantially at the center of the cover 97, a sterile air supply device as shown in FIG. 18 is connected.

  The sterile air supply system has a conduit leading from the blower 76 to the cover 87, and has a HEPA filter 77 and a heater 78 in this order on the conduit downstream. In addition, a sterilizer gas generator similar to the sterilizer gas generator 7 shown in FIG. 4 is provided between the heater 78 and the cover 97 in the conduit.

  Thus, the air flow from the blower 76 is disinfected by the HEPA filter 77, heated by the heater 78, becomes sterile hot air, flows through the conduit, and the gas G of the hydrogen peroxide solution from the sterilizing gas generator 7 It flows into the cover 97 from the nozzle 97a while being added in a small amount. The hydrogen peroxide gas G enters the cover 97 from the nozzle 97a, and the bottle 2 travels in the cover 97 filled with the hydrogen peroxide gas G.

  The concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas G is 5 mg / L or less, preferably 3 mg / L or less. If the gas concentration is higher than 5 mg / L, hydrogen peroxide may remain in the bottle 2 and exceed the FDA standard of 0.5 ppm. However, when the volume of the bottle 2 is large, the residual value of hydrogen peroxide tends to be low, so the gas concentration of hydrogen peroxide may sometimes be set higher than 5 mg / L.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the aseptic hot air from the aseptic air supply device is heated by another heater 96 and then supplied to the air nozzle 80. It is also supplied into the cover 86 of the preform 1.

  A filler 39 and a capper 40 are provided in a portion from the wheel 24 following the wheel 89 to the wheel 27 in the third transport path.

  Specifically, filler 39 is formed by providing a large number of filling nozzles 10 (see FIG. 14 (J)) for filling beverage a in bottle 2 around wheel 24, and around wheel 26. A capper 40 is configured to attach and seal the cap 3 (see FIG. 14 (K)) to the bottle 2 filled with the beverage a.

  In the first to third transport paths, the periphery of the wheel 15 is surrounded by the chamber 41a. The periphery from the wheel 16 to the wheel 21 is surrounded by the chamber 41 b. The periphery of the wheel 22 and the wheel 89 is surrounded by a chamber 41 c. A periphery of a portion from the wheel 24 to the wheel 27 is surrounded by a chamber 41 d.

  Aseptic air purified by a HEPA filter or the like (not shown) is constantly supplied to the inside of the chamber 41b. Thereby, the chamber 41b is made into a clean room, and the invasion of microorganisms into the inside thereof is prevented.

  The inside of each of the chambers 41a to 41f is sterilized by carrying out, for example, COP and SOP, and thereafter, exhaust means similar to that shown in FIG. 3 installed in each of the chambers 41a, 41c and 41f or integrally. As a result, the germicide and the cleaning agent gas and mist are discharged out of the chambers 41a, 41c and 41f. Then, aseptic air purified by a filter or the like (not shown) is supplied into the chambers 41a, 41c, and 41f, the sterility of the chambers 41a and 41d is maintained.

  On the other hand, the chambers 41a, 41b and 41c are not places where product liquid such as a beverage is scattered. Since the chambers 41a and 41c are exposed to the drug in the chambers during manufacture, these chambers have a low risk of microbial contamination without performing COP and SOP.

  Here, assuming that the pressure in the chamber 41d by the injection of the above-mentioned sterile air is p3, and the pressures in the central part, the upstream side, and the downstream side in the cover 97 are p1, p0 and p2, p3> p2> p0. The pressure is adjusted to be in the relationship of> p1. Specifically, based on atmospheric pressure, for example, p3 is set to 30 to 100 Pa, p2 to 10 to 30 Pa, p0 to 0 to 10 Pa, and p1 to -30 to 0 Pa. From such a pressure relationship, the hydrogen peroxide supplied to the central portion of the cover 97 is prevented from flowing to the upstream side and the downstream side, and into the chamber 41 d in which the filling machine 39 is present. The inflow of air from the side of the chamber 41c and the inflow of air containing hydrogen peroxide are completely blocked.

  Next, the operation of the aseptic filling apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

  First, the preform 1 is conveyed toward the heating furnace 33 by the row of the preform conveyor 14 and the wheels 15, 16, 17.

  When the preform 1 travels around the wheel 15 before entering the heating furnace 33, the hydrogen peroxide gas G or mist or a mixture thereof is supplied from the sterilizing agent supply nozzle 6 toward the preform 1.

  Subsequently, when the preform 1 to which the hydrogen peroxide is attached travels around the wheel 16, the hot air P is sprayed from the air nozzle 80 onto the preform 1. The heat of the hot air P activates the hydrogen peroxide attached to the preform 1 and kills the microorganisms attached to the preform 1. Further, excess hydrogen peroxide is removed from the surface of the preform 1 by the hot air P.

  By blowing the hot air P with the air nozzle 81 shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to blow off foreign substances in the preform 1 to the outside of the preform 1 and collect the blown foreign substances by the suction pipe 82. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to remove foreign substances in the preform 1 to the outside of the preform 1 by reversing the air nozzle 81 and the preform 1 as shown in FIG. .

  Thereafter, the preform 1 is received by the spindle 43 (see FIG. 11C) on the endless chain 18 and conveyed into the heating furnace 33.

  In the heating furnace 33, the preform 1 is heated by the infrared heater 18a, and the entire temperature excluding the opening 2a is uniformly heated to a temperature range suitable for blow molding.

  The preform 1 heated to the forming temperature in the heating furnace 33 is sprayed with the aseptic air Q while passing through the cover 86 as it travels around the wheel 19. Thereby, the preform 1 is transported to the blow molding machine 12 while maintaining sterility. When the sterile air Q is hot air, the preform 1 reaches the blow molding machine 12 while suitably maintaining a temperature suitable for molding.

  The preform 1 is held by the mold 4 as it passes through the outer periphery of the wheel 20 as shown in FIG. 12E, and is expanded into the finished product of the bottle 2 in the cavity C by blowing sterile high-pressure air. Do.

  The molded bottle 2 is taken out of the mold 4 by the gripper of the wheel 21 after the mold 4 is opened, and is inspected by the inspection device 35 for the presence or absence of a molding defect or the like.

  Defective bottles 2 are removed out of the line by a discharge device (not shown), and only non-defective bottles 2 are conveyed to the sterilizer 88 while being transferred to the wheel 22.

  Also, as the bottle 2 travels from the wheel 21 to the wheel 89, as it passes through the cover 97, the sterile air Q is sprayed in the upstream side as shown in FIG. 20 (F1). Thereby, the bottle 2 goes to the central part while maintaining sterility. In the central portion, the bottle 2 is sprayed with a mist M of hydrogen peroxide solution. Thereby, a coating of hydrogen peroxide solution is formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 2. Furthermore, on the downstream side, aseptic air Q is blown to activate the hydrogen peroxide attached to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 2 and to decompose and remove the excess hydrogen peroxide.

  Thereafter, the bottle 2 reaches the filling machine 13, and the beverage a which has been previously sterilized is filled by the filling nozzle 10 of the filler 39 as shown in FIG. 14 (J). The bottle 2 filled with the beverage a is capped with a cap 3 by a capper 40 and sealed (see FIG. 14 (K)), and discharged from the outlet of the chamber 41d to the outside of the aseptic filling device.

  In the fifth embodiment, the same parts as those in the other embodiments are indicated by the same reference numerals, and the redundant description will be omitted.

Seventh Embodiment
Also according to the seventh embodiment, as in the case of the sixth embodiment, an aseptic package provided with the bottle 2 and the cap 3 as shown in FIG. 14 (K) can be manufactured.

  Further, as in the case of the sixth embodiment, the bottle 2 is shown in FIGS. 11 (A) (B) (C), 12 (D) (E), 20 (F1) (F2) (F3), The sterilization, molding, sterilization, beverage filling, and sealing steps shown in FIG. 14 (J) (K) are followed to make a sterile package.

  The aseptic filling apparatus in the seventh embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. 22, but the method of supplying hydrogen peroxide to the central portion in the cover 97 is different from that in the sixth embodiment.

  That is, a plurality of generators similar to the sterilizing gas generator 7 shown in FIG. 4 are attached to the portion corresponding to the central portion of the cover 97. The hydrogen peroxide solution gas G generated from the sterilizing gas generator 7 is supplied to the central portion, so that the mist M of the hydrogen peroxide solution is sprayed directly on the top of the bottle 2 traveling in the cover 97. Hydrogen peroxide will adhere to the inner and outer surfaces. In FIG. 22, reference numeral 93 denotes a hydrogen peroxide supply nozzle of the sterilizing gas generator 7.

  In the seventh embodiment, the same parts as those in the other embodiments are indicated by the same reference numerals and the description will not be repeated.

  The amount of hydrogen peroxide adsorbed to the preform and the bactericidal effect of the inner surface of the preform were examined, and the results shown in Table 2 were obtained.

Experiment No. 1: 35% by mass of hydrogen peroxide gas was blown into a preform at a flow rate of 6 g / min. The amount of hydrogen peroxide attached to the inner surface of the preform was 0.028 μL / cm ² .

Experiment No. 2: The same amount of hydrogen peroxide gas as Experiment No. 1 was blown into the preform. Subsequently, hot air was blown into the preform for 1.2 seconds. By blowing of hot air, the hydrogen peroxide in the preform was vaporized and dried, but a portion was adsorbed in the preform (PET layer). The amount of adsorption of hydrogen peroxide was 0.013 μL / cm ² . The amount of adsorbed hydrogen peroxide was obtained by measuring the amount of hydrogen peroxide dissolved in water with a hydrogen peroxide concentration meter after leaving water in the preform and leaving for 24 hours.

Experimental Example No. 3: In the same manner as in Experimental Example No. 2, blowing of hydrogen peroxide gas and blowing of hot air were performed on the preform. Following blowing of the hot air, the preform was heated for 20 seconds until it reached 120.degree. The bactericidal effect against B. atrophaeus spores under these conditions was confirmed to be 6.0 LRV or more. Further, water was added to the preform in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2, and the amount of hydrogen peroxide dissolved in the water was measured. The residual amount of hydrogen peroxide was 0.006 μL / cm ² .

As apparent from the comparison between experimental examples No. 2 and No. 3, the amount of adsorption of hydrogen peroxide by the preform 0.007 μL / cm ² (= 0.013 to 0.006) is heated and activated. Thus, a bactericidal effect of 6.0 LRV or more can be obtained on the inner surface of the preform.

Experiment No. 4: The preform was sterilized in the same manner as in Experiment No. 2. However, unlike the experimental example No. 2, the hot air was supplied for 5.0 seconds. The amount of hydrogen peroxide adsorption of the preform by this was 0.003 μL / cm ² .

Experiment No. 5: The preform was sterilized in the same manner as in Experiment No. 3. However, unlike the experimental example No. 3, the hot air was supplied for 5.0 seconds. The residual amount of hydrogen peroxide of the preform according to this was 0.001 μL / cm ² . Moreover, the bactericidal effect was more than 6.0LRV.

As apparent from the comparison between Experimental Examples No. 4 and No. 5, the amount of adsorption of hydrogen peroxide by the preform 0.002 μL / cm ² (= 0.003 to 0.001) is heated and activated. Thus, a bactericidal effect of 6.0 LRV or more can be obtained on the inner surface of the preform.

In addition, as apparent from the comparison between Experimental Examples No. 3 and No. 5, when the supply time of the hot air is set to 1.2 seconds to 5.0 seconds, the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide is 0.006 μL / cm ^2. It turns out that it reduces to 0.001 microliter / cm < ² > from this.

Experimental Example No. 6: The preform was sterilized in the same manner as in Experimental Example No. 4. However, unlike the experimental example No. 4, the hot air was supplied for 10.0 seconds. The hydrogen peroxide adsorption amount of the preform according to this was 0.001 μL / cm ² .

Experiment No. 7: The preform was sterilized in the same procedure as Experiment No. 5. However, unlike the experimental example No. 5, the hot air was supplied for 10.0 seconds. The residual amount of hydrogen peroxide of the preform according to this was 0.000 μL / cm ² . Moreover, the bactericidal effect was more than 6.0LRV.

As apparent from the comparison between experimental examples No. 6 and No. 7, the adsorption amount of hydrogen peroxide 0.001 μL / cm ² (= 0.001 to 0.000) by the preform is activated by heating. Thus, a bactericidal effect of 6.0 LRV or more can be obtained on the inner surface of the preform.

Further, as apparent from the comparison between Experimental Examples No. 6 and No. 7, when the supply time of the hot air is set to 5.0 seconds to 10.0 seconds, the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide is 0.001 μL / cm ^2. It can be seen that the amount decreases to an unmeasurable amount.

For example, as described in Japanese Patent No. 4012653, the adhesion amount of hydrogen peroxide conventionally required to sterilize a bottle is 5 μL to 100 μL. Since the inner surface area of the preform for a 500 ml bottle is approximately 500 cm ² , the amount of adsorption of hydrogen peroxide of 0.001 to 0.006 μL / cm ² in the above example of the present invention corresponds to 0.5 μL to 3 μL. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to sterilize the bottle with an extremely small amount of hydrogen peroxide of 1/33 to 1/10, and the hydrogen peroxide adsorption amount is 0.001 to 0.006 μL / cm ² . Although very small, it was confirmed that a bactericidal effect against spore bacteria could be obtained at 6 LRV or more. This is the level at which aseptic filling is possible for bottle sterilization performance.

  In the experimental examples No. 3, No. 5 and No. 7, heating of the preform was performed in the heating furnace of the blow molding machine, but occurrence of corrosion or the like in various devices such as packing in the blow molding machine may be observed. could not.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Preform 2 ... Bottle 4 ... Blow molding type 6 ... Nozzle 9 ... Vaporization part 80 ... Air nozzle 80a ... Air outlet G ... Gas P ... Hot air

Claims (5)

  A bottle characterized by spraying a mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide or a mixture thereof onto the bottle traveling in the tunnel-like cover surrounding the traveling path of the bottle other than the opening part where the gripper grips the neck of the bottle turns. Sterilization method.   In the method for sterilizing a bottle according to claim 1, sterile hot air is blown to the bottle before the mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide or a mixture thereof is sprayed to the bottle traveling in the cover, and the inside of the cover is A method of sterilizing a bottle, comprising spraying the bottle with hydrogen peroxide mist or gas or a mixture thereof onto the traveling bottle and then blowing sterile hot air onto the bottle.   The method for sterilizing a bottle according to claim 2, wherein a pressure of a portion of spraying the mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide or a mixture thereof onto the bottle traveling in the cover is p1, the bottle traveling in the cover Before blowing the mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide or a mixture thereof, the pressure of the portion to which sterile hot air is blown to the bottle is p0, and the mist or gas or hydrogen peroxide of hydrogen peroxide is transferred to the bottle running in the cover. A method of sterilizing a bottle, wherein the pressure is adjusted so as to satisfy the relationship of p2> p0> p1 where p2 represents the pressure of the portion to which sterile hot air is sprayed to the bottle after spraying the mixture.   It is characterized by providing a tunnel-like cover surrounding the traveling path of the bottle other than the opening part where the gripper gripping the neck of the bottle turns, and providing a nozzle for spraying a mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide or a mixture thereof in the cover. And a bottle sterilization device.   The apparatus for sterilizing a bottle according to claim 4, further comprising: a nozzle for blowing sterile hot air in the cover upstream and downstream of the nozzle for spraying the mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide or a mixture thereof provided in the cover A bottle sterilizer characterized by

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