JP4967871B2 - Method and apparatus for sterilizing PET cup-like containers - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sterilization method and apparatus for PET cup-shaped containers.

  Conventionally, a packaged product in which a beverage or the like is filled in a cup has been distributed in the market. Most of the packaged product is a chilled product that is transported and displayed in a cooled state. However, distribution in this chilled state is troublesome in temperature management and increases costs, so distribution at room temperature is desired. Therefore, in recent years, aseptic packaging has been performed in which the inner and outer surfaces of the cup are preliminarily sterilized with a sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide and then filled with a beverage or the like and sealed (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 8). According to this method, the packaged product can be distributed at room temperature.

  Further, in aseptic packaging using hydrogen peroxide, residual hydrogen peroxide after sterilization becomes a problem, so after sterilizing the cup, hot air is blown onto the cup to dry the hydrogen peroxide (for example, Patent Literature 1, 2, 4 to 8), and the cup is irradiated with microwaves to decompose hydrogen peroxide (for example, see Patent Document 3). For this reason, conventional cups are made exclusively of heat-resistant polypropylene.

JP 59-115220 A JP-A-6-32331 JP 10-157713 A JP 2002-68142 A JP 2002-68146 A JP 2002-193221 A JP 2002-193222 A Japanese Patent No. 3695476

  However, since polypropylene is inferior in recyclability, there is a problem in environmental measures. Therefore, in the field of beverage cups, there is a tendency to change the material from polypropylene to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) excellent in recyclability.

  However, this PET has a problem that hydrogen peroxide is much more easily adsorbed than polypropylene, so that hydrogen peroxide is likely to remain in the cup, and heat resistance is low and the cup is heated with hot air for drying hydrogen peroxide. There is a problem that is easily deformed. In particular, it is easy to deform when the cup is thin. When the cup is deformed by heat, the sealing performance of the lid material performed after filling the beverage is lowered, and microorganisms easily enter the cup.

  It may be possible to reduce the concentration or amount of hydrogen peroxide, or reduce the temperature of hot air, but in this case, sterilization defects may occur, the residual value of hydrogen peroxide increases, and the drying process A problem arises that the length of the apparatus becomes longer and the apparatus becomes longer. Further, the residual amount of hydrogen peroxide does not differ greatly whether the thickness of the cup is thick or thin. Therefore, the temperature of the hot air cannot be reduced uniformly just because the cup is thin. For this reason, if a thin cup is heated in order to reduce the residual hydrogen peroxide, the cup is easily heated and the cup is likely to be deformed. In general, the bottom of the cup is thick, but if the temperature of the hot air is lowered so that the thin portion is not deformed, the bottom may cause sterilization failure due to insufficient heating.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus capable of properly sterilizing the surface of a container without unevenness without causing thermal deformation or residual hydrogen peroxide even when the PET cup-shaped container is thin. And

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

  That is, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to the container after the container (1) is sterilized by spraying hydrogen peroxide mist or gas (a, b) toward the inner and outer surfaces of the PET cup-shaped container (1). A PET cup-shaped container that blows hot air (c, d) to such an extent that the container (1) does not deform toward the inner and outer surfaces of (1), and dries hydrogen peroxide adhering to at least the inner surface of the container (1). A sterilization method, in which the hydrogen peroxide is retained in the container (1) until the inner surface of the container (1) is sterilized to a desired degree, and immediately after the hot air (c, d) is sprayed, The hot air (c) blown to the inner surface of the container has a high temperature that can reduce the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the container and can be sterilized to a desired degree. Sterilize The hot air (c, d) is sprayed a plurality of times until the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the container (1) is within an allowable range, and the previous hot air (c, d) It is characterized in that the container (1) is cooled to a desired temperature by leaving cooling time from spraying to the next hot air (c, d).

  As described in claim 2, in the method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container according to claim 1, the body (2) of the container (1) is surrounded by a skirt wall (6), and the container (1) It is also possible to blow hydrogen peroxide mist or gas (a) between the body (2) and the skirt wall (6).

  As described in claim 3, in the method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container according to claim 1 or 2, the container (1) is transported in one direction, and the container ( It is possible to spray hydrogen peroxide mist or gas (a) toward the outer surface of 1) and spray hydrogen peroxide mist or gas (b) toward the inner surface of the container (1) on the downstream side. It is.

  As described in claim 4, in the method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the container (1) is transported in one direction and along the transport direction. Hot air (c, d) is blown toward the inner surface and outer surface of the container (1) multiple times at predetermined intervals, and the next hot air (c, d) is blown from the previous hot air (c, d). It is also possible to cool the containers (1) before reaching each other.

  As described in claim 5, in the method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the body (2) of the container (1) is covered with a skirt wall (6). It is also possible to blow hot air (d) between the body (2) of the enclosure (1) and the skirt wall (6).

  As described in claim 6, in the sterilization method for a PET cup-shaped container according to claim 5, the skirt wall (6) surrounds from the upper end to the middle of the body (2) of the container (1). It is also possible to make it.

  As described in claim 7, in the method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, hot air (c, d) is sprayed on the inner and outer surfaces of the container (1). It is also possible to carry out at least three times and to let the cooling time between each time be equal to each other.

  As described in claim 8, in the method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, hot air (c, d) is sprayed on the inner and outer surfaces of the container (1). It is possible to perform at least three times, and the cooling time between the first time and the next time can be shorter than the subsequent cooling time.

  Further, the invention according to claim 9 is provided with traveling means for traveling the retainer (9) having a fitting hole (17) into which the body (2) of the PET cup-shaped container (1) is fitted in one direction. A sterilizing nozzle for spraying hydrogen peroxide mist or gas (a, b) toward the inner and outer surfaces of the container (1) held by the retainer (9) to sterilize the container (1) ( 7, 8), and the retainer (9) runs until the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas (b) stays in the container (1) and is sterilized to a desired degree on the inner surface of the container (1). The nozzles for drying (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) are arranged at a plurality of positions at desired intervals from the position to the downstream side, and the nozzles for drying the inner surface of the container (10a, 11a, 12a). 13a) is sprayed The hot air (c) has a high temperature that can reduce the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the container and can be sterilized to a desired degree, and is sprayed by nozzles for drying the outer surface of the container (10b, 11b, 12b, 13b). The hot air (d) has a low temperature at which the outer surface of the container can be sterilized to a desired degree, and at least the inner surface of the container (1) from these drying nozzles (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b). The hot air (c, d) is blown toward the inner and outer surfaces of the container (1) until the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide in the container is within an allowable range. PET cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus in which the container (1) is cooled to a desired temperature before the hot air (c) is sprayed by the downstream drying nozzle. A.

  As described in claim 10, in the PET cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus according to claim 9, it extends from the periphery of the fitting hole (17) of the retainer (9) to the bottom surface side of the container (1). It is also possible to provide a skirt wall (6) surrounding the body (2) of the container (1).

  As described in claim 11, in the PET cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus according to claim 10, the skirt wall (6) hangs down partway of the body (2) of the container (1). It is also possible.

  As described in claim 12, in the PET cup-like container sterilizer according to any one of claims 9 to 11, the traveling means has an endless traveling path (18), and a plurality of retainers ( 9) may be provided on the endless traveling path (18) in a single row or a plurality of rows.

  As described in claim 13, in the PET cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, a flange (1) provided at the upper end of the body (2) of the container (1). A number of through holes (19) may be provided in the retainer (9) so as to face 3).

  As described in claim 14, in the PET cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, a flange (1) provided at an upper end of the body (2) of the container (1) ( The retainer (9) may be provided with a protrusion (20) that floats 3) on the retainer (9).

  As described in claim 15, in the PET cup-like container sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 14, drying inner nozzles (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) may be provided at equal intervals in at least three locations along the travel direction of the retainer (9).

  As described in claim 16, in the PET cup-like container sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 14, drying inner nozzles (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) are provided in at least three locations along the traveling direction of the retainer (9), and the first and next drying nozzles (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b) are installed close to each other. It can be.

  According to the invention of claim 1, after the container (1) is sterilized by spraying hydrogen peroxide mist or gas (a, b) toward the inner and outer surfaces of the PET cup-shaped container (1), the container A method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container by blowing hot air (c) to such an extent that the container (1) does not deform toward the inner and outer surfaces of (1) and drying hydrogen peroxide adhering to at least the inner surface of the container (1). Then, after the hydrogen peroxide is allowed to stay in the container (1) until the inner surface of the container (1) is sterilized to a desired degree, the hot air (c) is started to be sprayed immediately and then sprayed on the inner surface of the container (1). The hot air (c) can reduce the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the container and at a high temperature that can be sterilized to a desired degree, and the hot air (d) blown to the outer surface of the container should be sterilized to the desired degree on the outer surface of the container. Can The hot air (c) is sprayed a plurality of times until at least the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the container (1) is within an allowable range, and the next hot air (c) is blown from the previous hot air (c). Since the container (1) is cooled to a desired temperature after a period of time for cooling until spraying, the inner surface of the container is properly sterilized with hydrogen peroxide and high-temperature hot air (c). At the same time, residual hydrogen peroxide can be reduced, and the outer surface of the container can be properly sterilized by hydrogen peroxide, low-temperature hot air (d) and heat transfer from the inner surface of the container. Moreover, since the temperature of the hot air (d) sprayed on the outer surface of the container is low, deformation due to heat is prevented even in a thin container.

  As described in claim 2, in the method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container according to claim 1, the body (2) of the container (1) is surrounded by a skirt wall (6), and the container (1) If hydrogen peroxide mist or gas (a) is blown between the body (2) and the skirt wall (6), hydrogen peroxide is injected into the outer peripheral surface of the body (2) of the container (1). Mist or gas (a) can be retained longer. Therefore, the outer surface of the container (1) can be sterilized more appropriately.

  As described in claim 3, in the method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container according to claim 1 or 2, the container (1) is transported in one direction, and the container ( If the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas (a) is sprayed toward the outer surface of 1) and the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas (b) is sprayed toward the inner surface of the container (1) downstream, The outer surface of the container (1) where hydrogen oxide does not easily stay can be sterilized for a longer time.

  As described in claim 4, in the method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the container (1) is transported in one direction and along the transport direction. The hot air (c) is blown toward the inner surface and the outer surface of the container (1) several times at predetermined intervals, and each container from the previous hot air (c) to the next hot air (c) is blown. If (1) is allowed to cool, the container (1) can be efficiently heated to dry hydrogen peroxide while preventing overheating of the container (1).

  As described in claim 5, in the method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the body (2) of the container (1) is covered with a skirt wall (6). By enclosing and blowing hot air (c) between the body (2) of the container (1) and the skirt wall (6), the outer surface of the container (1) can be heated for a longer time. The inner surface of the container (1) can also be heated longer to reduce the residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the container (1).

  As described in claim 6, in the sterilization method for a PET cup-shaped container according to claim 5, the skirt wall (6) surrounds from the upper end to the middle of the body (2) of the container (1). If it makes it, retention of the hot air (c) between a skirt wall (6) and the trunk | drum (2) of a container (1) can be reduced, and a deformation | transformation of a container (1) can be prevented. .

  As described in claim 7, in the method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, hot air (c, d) is sprayed on the inner and outer surfaces of the container (1). If it is performed at least three times and the cooling time between each time is made equal to each other, the cooling temperature can be easily managed.

  As described in claim 8, in the method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, hot air (c, d) is sprayed on the inner and outer surfaces of the container (1). If it is performed at least three times and the cooling time between the first time and the next time is shorter than the subsequent cooling time, a large amount of hot air can be blown to the container (1) at an early stage. Hydrogen residue can be further reduced.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided traveling means for traveling the retainer (9) having the fitting hole (17) into which the body (2) of the PET cup-shaped container (1) is fitted in one direction. For sterilization, the surface of the container (1) is sterilized by spraying mist of hydrogen peroxide or gas (a, b) toward the inner surface and outer surface of the container (1) held by the retainer (9), respectively. Nozzles (7, 8) are provided, and the retainer (9) until the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas (b) is sterilized to a desired degree on the inner surface of the container (1) while staying in the container (1). The nozzles for drying (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) are arranged at a plurality of locations at desired intervals from the position where the vehicle travels to the downstream side, and the nozzles for drying the inner surface of the container (10a, 11a) , 12a, 13a) The hot air (c) is set at a high temperature that can reduce the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the container and can be sterilized to a desired degree, and the nozzles for drying the outer surface of the container (10b, 11b, 12b, 13b). The hot air (d) to be blown is set to a low temperature at which the outer surface of the container can be sterilized to a desired degree. Hot air (c) is blown toward the inner and outer surfaces of the container (1) until the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface falls within an allowable range, and the next downstream from the blowing of hot air (c) by the drying nozzle on the upstream side. Sterilization apparatus for PET cup-shaped container in which the container (1) is cooled to a desired temperature before the hot air (c) is blown by the drying nozzle on the side. Therefore, the inner surface of the container can be properly sterilized with hydrogen peroxide and high-temperature hot air (c), and at the same time, the residual hydrogen peroxide can be reduced, and the outer surface of the container can be reduced with hydrogen peroxide. It can be properly sterilized by the hot air (d) at the temperature and the heat transfer from the inner surface of the container, and the temperature of the hot air (d) blown to the outer surface of the container is low, so that even a thin container can be prevented from being deformed by heat Is done.

  As described in claim 10, in the PET cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus according to claim 9, it extends from the periphery of the fitting hole (17) of the retainer (9) to the bottom surface side of the container (1). If the skirt wall (6) surrounding the body (2) of the container (1) is provided, the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas (a) against the outer peripheral surface of the body (2) of the container (1) Can be retained longer. Therefore, the outer surface of the container (1) can be sterilized more appropriately. In addition, the outer surface of the container (1) can be heated for a longer time, and the inner surface of the container (1) can be heated longer to reduce the remaining hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the container (1).

  As described in claim 11, in the PET cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus according to claim 10, the skirt wall (6) hangs down partway of the body (2) of the container (1). If so, the stay of hot air (c) between the skirt wall (6) and the body (2) of the container (1) can be reduced, and deformation of the container (1) can be prevented. .

  As described in claim 12, in the PET cup-like container sterilizer according to any one of claims 9 to 11, the traveling means has an endless traveling path (18), and a plurality of retainers ( If 9) is provided on the endless traveling path (18) in a single row or a plurality of rows, a large number of PET cup-like containers (1) can be sterilized efficiently.

  As described in claim 13, in the PET cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, a flange (1) provided at the upper end of the body (2) of the container (1). If a large number of through holes (19) are provided in the retainer (9) so as to face 3), it can be properly sterilized by attaching hydrogen peroxide, and the back surface of the flange (3) Also, excess hydrogen peroxide can be removed by blowing hot air (c).

  As described in claim 14, in the PET cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, a flange (1) provided at an upper end of the body (2) of the container (1) ( 3) If the protrusion (20) that floats on the retainer (9) is provided on the retainer (9), hydrogen peroxide (a) or the like may be formed between the flange (3) and the retainer (9). Hot air (c) can be introduced smoothly, and therefore, the back surface of the flange (3) can be properly sterilized, and excess hydrogen peroxide can be efficiently removed.

  As described in claim 15, in the PET cup-like container sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 14, drying inner nozzles (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, If the 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) are provided at equal intervals in at least three locations along the traveling direction of the retainer (9), the cooling temperature can be easily managed.

  As described in claim 16, in the PET cup-like container sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 14, drying inner nozzles (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) are provided in at least three locations along the traveling direction of the retainer (9), and the first and next drying nozzles (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b) are installed close to each other. If so, a large amount of hot air can be blown to the container (1) at an early stage, so that the residual hydrogen peroxide can be further reduced.

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

<Embodiment 1>
In the first embodiment, the container to be sterilized is formed of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) as a relatively deep cup filled with a beverage or the like, and can be obtained, for example, by vacuum-pressure forming a preform.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the cup 1 includes a body portion 2 having an upper end opened and a lower end closed by a bottom plate, and a flange 3 provided around the opening of the body portion 2. A stacking rib 2 a is provided at the boundary between the opening of the body 2 and the flange 3. The stacking rib 2a is used to prevent the cups from being strongly fitted to each other when a large number of cups 1 are stacked. When the cups 1 are supplied to a filling machine, the cups 1 can be easily taken out one by one from the stack of cups 1. To be provided. The trunk | drum 2, the flange 3, the stacking rib 2a, etc. are integrally formed when shape | molding the cup 1 with PET.

  The cup 1 is subjected to a series of steps A to N shown in FIG. 1, the surface thereof is sterilized, filled with a beverage 4 as a content, and closed with a lid material 5 to form an aseptic package.

  Next, each of the processes A to N will be described in order.

(1) Process A
As shown in FIG. 1, the cup 1 is arranged so that the opening and the flange 3 face upward, the outer periphery of the body 2 of the cup 1 is surrounded by the skirt wall 6, and the cup 1 is transported in one direction together with the skirt wall 6. . This conveyance may be continuous, or may be performed every process or intermittently at a desired pitch.

(2) Process B
Hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a is sprayed toward the outer surface of the cup 1 from the sterilizing nozzle 7 disposed below the traveling path of the cup 1 to sterilize the outer surface of the cup 1. Hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a enters and stays between the body 2 of the cup 1 and the skirt wall 6, whereby the outer surface of the body 2 of the cup 1 is properly sterilized.

  The skirt wall 6 can be omitted when hydrogen peroxide is uniformly deposited on the outer surface of the cup 1 by spraying a large amount or vigorously of hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a onto the cup 1.

(3) Process C
Hydrogen peroxide mist or gas b is sprayed toward the inner surface of the cup 1 from the sterilizing nozzle 8 disposed above the conveying path of the cup 1 to sterilize the inner surface of the cup 1.

  Although it is conceivable to perform the process C before the process B, in that case, there is a possibility that fungi attached to the outer surface may enter the inner surface of the sterilized cup 1, which is not desirable. Further, by performing Step B at the same time as Step C, it is possible to simultaneously spray hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a and b on the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1, but in that case, the outer surface of the cup 1 is not sufficiently sterilized. In order to sufficiently sterilize the outer surface of the cup 1, the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the cup 1 increases if the supply amount of hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a, b is increased. There is a fear. If the outer surface of the cup 1 is first sterilized first and then the inner surface of the cup 1 is sterilized as in the first embodiment, such a problem is prevented.

(4) Process D
By causing the cup 1 to run for a predetermined time immediately after the step C, the hydrogen peroxide mist or the gases a and b sprayed in the step C are retained in the cup 1. Thereby, hydrogen peroxide can be spread over the entire inner surface of the cup 1 to obtain a desired sterilizing effect.

(5) Process E
After the hydrogen peroxide mist or gases a and b are retained in the cup 1 for a predetermined time in the process D, the hot air c and d are respectively applied to the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 so that the cup 1 is not deformed by heat. Spray. Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 is removed to some extent.

  The temperature of the hot air c sprayed on the inner surface of the cup 1 is desirably 140 ° C. to 180 ° C., more desirably 150 ° C. to 165 ° C. By blowing this hot air c on the inner surface of the cup 1, the sterilizing effect of the inner surface of the cup 1 is enhanced by the hydrogen peroxide and the high temperature hot air c, and the residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the cup 1 is reduced.

  Since the outer surface of the body part 2 of the cup 1 is covered with the skirt wall 6, the outer surface of the cup 1 can be heated more efficiently by blowing hot air d between the body part 2 of the cup 1 and the skirt wall 6. it can.

  The temperature of the hot air d sprayed on the outer surface of the cup 1 is lower than the temperature of the hot air c, desirably 50 ° C. to 80 ° C., more desirably 60 ° C. to 70 ° C. The hot air c sprayed on the inner surface of the cup 1 has a relatively high temperature, whereas the hot air d sprayed on the outer surface of the cup 1 has a relatively low temperature. Thus, since the temperature of the hot air d sprayed on the outer surface of the cup 1 is low, deformation due to heat is prevented even if the cup 1 is thin. The outer surface of the cup 1 is properly sterilized by hydrogen peroxide, the low temperature hot air d and heat transfer from the inner surface of the container, and the cup 1 is heated by the low temperature hot air d and heat transfer from the inner surface of the container. Residual hydrogen peroxide on the outer surface is reduced. When the cup 1 is made from a preform by pressure forming or the like, the bottom of the cup 1 becomes relatively thick, heat from the inner surface of the container is difficult to be transferred, and hydrogen peroxide tends to remain. The sterilizing effect of the outer surface of the cup 1 is achieved to a desired extent by the hot air d.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the skirt wall 6 covers only from the upper end of the cup 1 to the middle of the body 2. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the hot air c from being deformed by the heat of the cup 1 without excessively blowing the hot air c around the body portion 2.

(6) Process F
From the blowing of the hot air c, d in the previous step E to the blowing of the hot air c, d in the next step G, the cup 1 is transported, and the cup 1 is allowed to cool within this transport time and lowered to a desired temperature. This prevents deformation of the cup 1 due to heat.

(7) Process G
Hot air c and d are blown again toward the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 cooled in step F to the extent that the cup 1 is not deformed by heat. Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 is further removed.

(8) Process H
From the blowing of the hot air c, d in the previous step G to the blowing of the hot air c, d in the next step I, the cup 1 is conveyed, and the cup 1 is allowed to cool within this conveying time to be lowered to a desired temperature. This prevents deformation of the cup 1 due to heat.

(9) Process I
Hot air c and d are blown again toward the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 cooled in step H to the extent that the cup 1 is not deformed by heat. Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 is further removed.

(10) Process J
From the blowing of the hot air c, d in the previous step I to the blowing of the hot air c, d in the next step K, the cup 1 is transported, and the cup 1 is allowed to cool within this transport time and lowered to a desired temperature. This prevents deformation of the cup 1 due to heat.

(11) Process K
Hot air c and d are blown again toward the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 cooled in step J to the extent that the cup 1 is not deformed by heat. As a result, hydrogen peroxide adhering to the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 is further removed, and at least the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the cup 1 is reduced to an allowable range.

  As described above, since the hot air c and d are repeatedly blown onto the cup 1 in the steps E, G, I and K, a large amount of hot air is supplied to the cup 1 as a whole. Since it is sprayed in a plurality of times, the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 can be properly sterilized without causing thermal deformation of the cup 1, and hydrogen peroxide adhering to the cup 1 can be efficiently removed. Can do.

  In the illustrated example, the cooling process is not provided after the process K. However, the cooling process may be provided as necessary.

  In addition, the cooling steps F, H, and J are all set at the same time, but may be different times.

  In the illustrated example, the drying process (E, G, I, K) and the cooling process (F, H, J) are alternately repeated a certain number of times, but the number of times of the drying process and the cooling process is at least that of the cup 1. It can be appropriately increased or decreased according to the allowable value of the residual hydrogen peroxide amount on the inner surface.

  In the cooling step (F, H, J), the cup 1 is naturally allowed to cool, but forced cooling can be performed by blowing cold air onto the cup 1.

  Immediately after this step K, the cup 1 may be immediately accumulated and placed in an unillustrated outer bag or the like and stored in a sterile state. Thereby, even if it is a case where the filling apparatus of the drink which is a content is put in the place where it left | separated, it is possible to supply a lot of cups 1 to a filling apparatus rapidly.

(12) Process L
The sterilized cup 1 is filled with the beverage 4 which is the content from the opening. The beverage 4 is sterilized in advance and cooled.

(13) Process M
The lid 5 is put on the opening of the cup 1, and the lid 5 is bonded to the flange 3 of the cup 1. Thereby, the aseptic package using the cup 1 is completed. As described above, since the cup 1 is dried by hot air c and d so as not to be thermally deformed, the lid 5 is properly sealed so as not to impair the sealing performance of the cup 1 on the flange 3 that is kept flat. Is done.

(14) Process N
Remove the aseptic package from the transport path.

  Next, an aseptic filling apparatus for carrying out the steps A to N will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the aseptic filling device includes a number of retainers 9 that hold the cup 1, a skirt wall 6 that surrounds the outer periphery of the body 2 of the cup 1, traveling means that continuously travels the retainer 9, and an outer surface of the cup 1. Sterilizing nozzle 7 for sterilizing, sterilizing nozzle 8 for sterilizing the inner surface of the cup 1, and drying nozzles 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b for removing hydrogen peroxide from the surface of the cup 1 , 13a, 13b, a filling part 14, a lid seal part 15, a sterile chamber 16 that covers the entire travel path of the cup 1 by the travel means, and the like.

  At the front and rear ends of the sterilization chamber 16, a supply unit 16a for supplying the cup 1 to the retainer 9 and an extraction unit 16b for taking out the aseptic packaged product from the retainer 9 are provided. The supply unit 16a is configured to take out the cups 1 one by one from a cup assembly in which a large number of cups 1 are stacked one by one using soccer or the like and fit the retainer 9 therein. The take-out portion 16b is configured so that a cup 1 is filled with a beverage 4, sealed with a lid member 5, and a completed aseptic package is taken out of the retainer 9 by soccer or the like and taken out of the aseptic chamber 16.

  The retainer 9 is configured as shown in FIGS. The retainer 9 includes a flat plate as its main body. A plurality of insertion holes 17 into which the body portion 2 of the cup 1 is fitted are formed in the flat plate along the length direction. In the illustrated example, four insertion holes 17 are formed. However, the number of insertion holes 17 can be appropriately changed to more or less. The insertion hole 17 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter at the upper end of the body portion 2 of the cup 1 and smaller than the outer diameter of the flange 3. Thus, when the body portion 2 of the cup 1 is inserted into the insertion hole 17, the flange 3 stays on the upper side of the periphery of the insertion hole 17, and the body portion 2 protrudes downward from the periphery of the insertion hole 17.

  A large number of retainers 9 are prepared, and are attached to traveling means for intermittently traveling the cup 1 together with the retainers 9 in a direction parallel to the flange 3 as shown in FIG. For example, the traveling means is configured as an endless chain 18 that is horizontally stretched between the sprocket wheels 18a and 18b, and a large number of retainers 9 are attached to the endless chain 18 at predetermined intervals. A large number of retainers 9 are attached to an endless traveling path composed of the endless chain 18 in a single row or in a plurality of rows, whereby a large number of cups 1 are efficiently sterilized.

  The endless chain 18 is driven by a motor controlled by a control unit (not shown). As the endless chain 18 is driven, the retainer 9 holds the cup 1 and intermittently travels in the sterile chamber 16 by a predetermined pitch from the supply unit 16a toward the extraction unit 16b. Of course, it is also possible to run continuously as required.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the skirt wall 6 is attached to the lower surface of the flat plate of the retainer 9 so as to extend from the periphery of each insertion hole 17 to the bottom surface side of the cup 1. Thereby, the skirt wall 6 surrounds the trunk | drum 2 of the cup 1 hold | maintained at the retainer 9 from the outer periphery.

  The skirt wall 6 is formed in a cylindrical shape in the first embodiment, but may be formed in a square tube such as a square tube. Further, it can be appropriately changed to a tapered truncated cone shape, a truncated pyramid shape, a divergent truncated truncated cone shape, a truncated pyramid shape or the like.

  Further, as in the retainer 9a shown in FIG. 5, the cylinder shown in FIG. 4 may be a skirt wall 6a formed so that adjacent ones communicate with each other. As in the retainer 9b shown in FIG. The corrugated wall shown may be a skirt wall 6b having a square cylindrical shape.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the lower sterilizing nozzle 7 has a box body 7 a extending in a direction crossing the travel path of the retainer 9, and the upper surface of the box body 7 a is all aligned in a row on the retainer 9. It faces the bottom of the cup 1. A large number of small holes 7b for ejecting hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a are formed on the upper surface of the box 7a. The small holes 7b can be formed in the entire upper surface of the box 7a, but may be formed in a region facing the bottom surface of the cup 1 or the flange 3. Alternatively, instead of the box 7a, a cone such as a head having a large number of small holes for rain dew may be provided for each cup 1 on the retainer 9.

  The lower sterilization nozzle 7 sprays hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a supplied into the box 7a from the small hole 7b toward the bottom surface of the cup 1 which is temporarily stopped while being held by the retainer 9. As a result, hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a flows in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7 and adheres to the outer surface of the body 2 of the cup 1, and the outer surface is sterilized. Further, the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a enters and stays between the skirt wall 6 and the body portion 2 of the cup 1, thereby contacting the outer surface of the body portion 2 without unevenness and the entire outer surface of the body portion 2. Sterilize properly.

  Further, the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a blown out from the lower sterilization nozzle 7 is in contact with the outer surface of the body 2 of the cup 1 as shown by the arrows in FIG. It flows into the gap between the insertion hole 17. Thereby, the root of the flange 3 of the cup 1 can be sterilized.

  In order to more effectively sterilize the cup 1, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 7, a large number of small through holes 19 are formed in the flat plate of the retainer 9 at a location facing the flange 3 of the cup 1. Established. As a result, the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a sprayed on the cup 1 from the bottom surface side has a through hole in addition to the gap between the outer surface of the body portion 2 and the insertion hole 17 as shown by an arrow in FIG. 19 also flows to the back surface of the flange 3 and contacts the shadowed portion of the flange 3 to sterilize.

  The through-hole 19 is formed in a desired shape in which a hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a, a hydrogen peroxide mist or gas b, which will be described later, and hot air d easily pass, such as a circle, an ellipse, a square, a rectangle, and a slit. In addition, a desired number and arrangement are provided.

  In order to more effectively sterilize the cup 1, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 7, around the fitting hole 17 of the retainer 9, the flange 3 is brought into contact with the flange 3 of the cup 1 and placed on the retainer 9. Protrusions 20 are provided that float slightly. The protrusion 3 separates the flange 3 from the upper surface of the retainer 9, so that the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a is more smoothly guided to the back surface of the flange 3, and the shadow portion of the flange 3 and the like is also properly sterilized. .

  The upper sterilizing nozzle 8 has a box 8 a extending in a direction crossing the travel path of the retainer 9, and the openings and flanges 3 of all the cups 1 whose lower surfaces of the box 8 a are arranged in a row on the retainer 9. Opposite to. A large number of small holes 8b for ejecting hydrogen peroxide mist or gas b are formed on the upper surface of the box 8a. The small hole 7b can be drilled in the entire lower surface of the box 7a, but may be drilled in a region facing the opening of the cup 1 and the flange 3.

  The upper sterilizing nozzle 8 has substantially the same configuration except that the mounting direction is opposite to that of the lower sterilizing nozzle 7.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the upper sterilizing nozzle 8 is disposed so as to be shifted by, for example, the width of one retainer 9 on the downstream side of the lower sterilizing nozzle 7 when viewed in the conveying direction of the cup 1. Is done. As a result, the outer surface of the cup 1 is first sterilized and then the inner surface is sterilized. As described above, the outer surface of the cup 1 can be sufficiently sterilized, and the residual peroxidation of the inner surface of the cup 1 can be performed. The amount of hydrogen can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the vicinity of the lower and upper sterilization nozzles 7 and 8, excess hydrogen peroxide mist or gases a and b blown from the sterilization nozzles 7 and 8 are placed in a sterile chamber 16. Duct openings 21 and 22 are provided as exhaust means for removal from the inside.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the aseptic filling apparatus includes a generator 23 for producing hydrogen peroxide mist or gases a and b.

  The generator 23 includes a hydrogen peroxide supply unit 24 that is a two-fluid spray that supplies an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide that is a sterilizing agent in the form of drops, and a hydrogen peroxide supply unit 24 that supplies hydrogen peroxide. A vaporizing section 25 that vaporizes the spray by heating it to a boiling point or higher and a non-decomposition temperature or lower. The hydrogen peroxide supply unit 24 introduces an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and compressed air from the hydrogen peroxide supply channel 24a and the compressed air supply channel 24b, respectively, and sprays the aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide into the vaporization unit 25. ing. The vaporization unit 25 is a pipe having a heater 25a sandwiched between inner and outer walls, and heats and vaporizes the spray of hydrogen peroxide blown into the pipe. The vaporized hydrogen peroxide gas flows from the nozzle 26 into the boxes 7a and 8a of the upper and lower sterilizing nozzles 7 and 8, and is ejected from the small holes 7b and 8b upward and downward of the cup 1. Part of the hydrogen peroxide vaporized in the vaporization section 25 is condensed and liquefied by dropping to a temperature equal to or lower than the boiling point before leaving the small holes 7b and 8b and reaching the vicinity of the cup 1. As a result, fine mists a and b which are gas-liquid mixtures of hydrogen peroxide are generated. The hydrogen peroxide fine mist or gas a, b is sprayed onto the cup 1 from the small holes 7b, 8b and adheres to the surface of the cup 1 as a thin film. The mists a and b adhering to the surface of the cup 1 are condensed to form high-concentration hydrogen peroxide, and the surface of the cup 1 is quickly sterilized.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the drying nozzles 10 a and 10 b are installed at positions separated from the position of the upper sterilization nozzle 8 by a predetermined distance. As a result, the cup 1 that has been blown with hydrogen peroxide mist or gas b and retained therein is held for a certain period of time, so that the mist b adheres uniformly to the inner surface of the cup 1 and at least the inner surface of the cup 1 is sterilized to a desired extent. Immediately after being done, it will be subjected to a drying process.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 8, the drying nozzles 10 a and 10 b are disposed to face each other so as to sandwich the traveling path of the retainer 9 that holds the cup 1 from above and below.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the upper cup inner surface drying nozzle 10 a has a box body 27 extending in a direction crossing the travel path of the retainer 9, and the lower surface of the box body 27 is aligned on the retainer 9. Opposes all cup 1 openings and flanges 3. A large number of small holes 27 a for ejecting hot air c are formed on the lower surface of the box 27. The small hole 27 a may be formed on the entire lower surface of the box 27, but may be formed in a region facing the opening of the cup 1 and the flange 3. Alternatively, instead of the box 27, a cone such as a head having many small holes for rain dew may be provided for each cup 1 on the retainer 9.

  Further, a blow cylinder 27 b is fixed to the lower surface of the box 27 so as to face the opening of the cup 1. A large amount of hot air c is also blown out from the blowing cylinder 27b toward the opening of the cup 1 to discharge the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas b staying in the cup 1 to the outside of the cup 1 and to make the inner surface of the cup 1 efficient. The hydrogen peroxide adhering to the inner surface of the cup 1 is dried by heating.

  The hot air c blown from the cup inner surface drying nozzle 10a is a relatively high temperature air as described above.

  The lower cup outer surface drying nozzle 10 b has a box body 28 extending in a direction crossing the travel path of the retainer 9, and the upper surfaces of the box bodies 28 are the bottom surfaces of all the cups 1 aligned in a row on the retainer 9. Opposite to. A large number of small holes 28 a for ejecting hot air d are formed on the upper surface of the box 28. This lower cup outer surface drying nozzle 10b has substantially the same configuration except that the opening direction of the upper drying nozzle 10a and the small hole 28a is opposite and the blowout cylinder 27b is omitted.

  However, the hot air d blown out from the cup outer surface drying nozzle 10b is a relatively lower temperature than the warm air c as described above.

  The hot air d discharged from the lower cup outer surface drying nozzle 10b comes into contact with the bottom surface of the cup 1 and is taken into the skirt wall 6 and flows while being guided by the skirt wall 6, and the body 2 and the skirt of the cup 1 are flown. It stays between the wall 6 and contacts the entire outer surface of the body 2 of the cup 1. Accordingly, appropriate heating is also performed on the outer surface of the body portion 2 of the cup 1, and excess hydrogen peroxide is removed from the outer surface of the cup 1.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the skirt wall 6 is formed to hang down so as to cover part of the body portion 2 of the cup 1 and to expose a portion below the skirt wall 6. Thereby, the excessive residence of the hot air d between the skirt wall 6 and the trunk | drum 2 of the cup 1 is prevented, and the deformation | transformation by the heat | fever of the cup 1 is prevented.

  The hot air d blown onto the cup 1 from the bottom surface side, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 8, in addition to the gap between the outer surface of the body portion 2 and the insertion hole 17 of the retainer 9, also from the through hole 19, the flange 3. Flows to the back of the. Further, since the flange 3 of the cup 1 comes into contact with the protrusion 20 and slightly floats on the retainer 9, the hot air d is further smoothly moved from the gap between the flange 3 and the upper surface of the retainer 9 to the rear surface of the flange 3. Led. Thereby, hydrogen peroxide is more effectively removed from the outer surface of the cup 1.

  The upper and lower drying nozzles 10a and 10b may be shifted in the traveling direction of the cup 1, but are preferably arranged so as to face each other across the traveling path of the cup 1. By making the nozzles 10a and 10b face each other, wind pressure can be applied to the cup 1 from above and below, and the cup 1 can be prevented from falling off from the retainer 9. The wind pressure is desirably larger on the upper side than on the lower side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, drying nozzles 11 a, 11 b, 12 a, 12 b, 13 a, 13 b similar to the upper and lower drying nozzles 10 a, 10 b form a predetermined pair along the traveling path of the cup 1. Arranged at intervals.

  The number of installation of the drying nozzles 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b is to obtain a total air volume that can reduce the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the cup 1 to an allowable range. Is determined to be able to.

  Further, between the pairs of drying nozzles 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b, hot air c from the upstream drying nozzle, hot air c from the subsequent drying nozzle from the blow of d. , D are sprayed until the cups 1 are naturally cooled to a desired temperature. The hot air c and d discharged from each of the drying nozzles 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b is deformed by the PET constituting the cup 1, and in particular, the smoothness and flatness of the flange 3 thereof. The temperature and flow rate can be set so as not to be damaged.

  By repeating heating and cooling of the cup 1 in this manner, residual hydrogen peroxide can be properly removed without causing deformation of the cup 1. Then, the subsequent filling of the beverage 4 and the sealing of the lid material 5 can be performed appropriately.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the aseptic filling apparatus includes a blower 29, a filter 30, heaters 31 and 31a, and the like for producing the hot air c and d. The air blown from the blower 29 is sterilized by the filter 30 and heated by the heater 31 to produce hot air c, and this hot air c is supplied into the box body 27 of the upper cup inner surface drying nozzles 10a, 10a, 12a, 13a. It is supposed to be. Further, the air sterilized by the filter 30 is heated by the heater 31a to produce hot air d having a temperature lower than that of the hot air c, and the hot air d is used as a box for the lower cup outer surface drying nozzles 10b, 11b, 12b, 13b. It is designed to be supplied into the body 28.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the filling unit 14 is installed on the downstream side of the final drying nozzles 13 a and 13 b in the traveling path of the cup 1. The filling unit 14 is configured to fill a sterilized cup 1 that has been carried by the retainer 9 with a predetermined amount of, for example, a beverage 4 that has been sterilized. Since the filling part 14 is well-known, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the lid seal part 15 is installed on the downstream side of the filling part 14 in the traveling path of the cup 1. The lid member seal portion 15 covers the opening of the filled cup 1 carried by the retainer 9 with the lid member 5 and heat-seals around the lid member 5 to the flange 3 of the cup 1. . Since the lid seal 15 is well known, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The aseptic filling device is configured to perform only the sterilization process by omitting the filling part 14 and the lid seal part 15 and immediately take out the cup 1 after the drying process from the aseptic chamber 16. It is also possible. In this case, filling and sealing are performed elsewhere.

  Next, the operation of the aseptic filling apparatus having the above configuration will be described.

  The inside of the aseptic chamber 16 is sterilized in advance by supplying a bactericide mist or gas, irradiating with ultraviolet rays or the like. Further, aseptic air is constantly blown into the aseptic chamber 16, and this aseptic air is blown out from a predetermined entrance / exit and a gap (not shown) of the aseptic chamber 16 so that the aseptic condition in the aseptic chamber 16 is maintained. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cup 1 is supplied from the supply unit 16 a into the aseptic chamber 16 and inserted into the insertion hole 17 of the retainer 9.

  The retainer 9 is driven intermittently by, for example, one pitch of the retainer 9 by driving the endless chain 18, and sends the received cup 1 to the lower sterilizing nozzle 7.

  The sterilizing nozzle 7 sprays hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a from the many small holes 7 b toward the bottom surface of the cup 1. Thereby, the outer surface of the cup 1 is sterilized.

  The skirt wall 6 attached to the retainer 9 takes in the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a discharged from the lower sterilization nozzle 7 and guides it to the outer surface of the body 2 of the cup 1. Hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a stays between the body 2 of the cup 1 and the skirt wall 6 to enhance the sterilizing effect on the outer surface of the cup 1.

  The mist or gas a flowing between the body 2 of the cup 1 and the skirt wall 6 is a gap between the outer surface of the body 2 and the insertion hole 17 of the retainer 9, the through hole 19, the protrusion 20, and the flange. 3 flows to the back surface of the flange 3 through the space 3 and the shaded portion such as the back surface of the flange 3 is also effectively sterilized.

  The retainer 9 sends the cup 1 whose outer surface is sterilized to the next upper sterilizing nozzle 8.

  The upper sterilizing nozzle 8 sterilizes the inner surface of the cup 1 by spraying hydrogen peroxide mist or gas b from the numerous small holes 8 b toward the opening of the cup 1 and the flange 3.

  The retainer 9 travels while holding the cup 1 coated with hydrogen peroxide, and sends it to the next drying nozzles 10a and 10b.

  The cup 1 on the retainer 9 is cupped with hydrogen peroxide during the period from the spraying of hydrogen peroxide mist or gas b by the upper sterilizing nozzle 8 to the spraying of hot air c by the first drying nozzles 10a and 10b. It stays in 1 and sterilizes the inner surface of the cup 1 to a desired degree. The hydrogen peroxide mist or gas a discharged from the lower sterilization nozzle 7 stays between the body 2 of the cup 1 and the skirt wall 6 and sterilizes the outer surface of the body 2 of the cup 1. .

  Each pair of drying nozzles 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b blows hot air c, d so that the cup 1 is sandwiched from the opening side and the bottom side of the cup 1, so the cup 1 is light. Even if it is a thing with a large area, it travels without dropping from the retainer 9.

  The first drying nozzles 10a and 10b heat the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 by blowing hot air c and d from the numerous small holes 27a and 28a and the blow tube 27b toward the opening and bottom of the cup 1, respectively. Dry the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the surface.

  The skirt wall 6 attached to the retainer 9 takes in the hot air d discharged from the lower cup outer surface drying nozzle 10 b and guides it toward the cup 1. Thereby, the hot air d spreads evenly from the trunk | drum 2 of the cup 1 to the flange 3. FIG.

  The hot air d has a temperature and an air volume that do not deform the cup 1 with heat. Further, since the skirt wall 6 extends from the upper end side of the cup 1 to the middle of the body part 2 and the lower part of the body part 2 is exposed, animal heat between the skirt wall 6 and the body part 2 is not exposed. The deformation of the cup 1 due to heat is prevented.

  As indicated by an arrow in FIG. 8, the hot air d flows from the through hole 19 formed in the retainer 9 to the back surface of the flange 3 in addition to the gap 16a between the body portion 2 and the insertion hole 17, and this flange Heat evenly in contact with shadows such as 3 etc. Further, since the flange 3 is lifted and floats on the retainer 9 by the protrusion 20, the hot air d contacts the back surface of the flange 3 evenly, and the shadow portion of the flange 3 and the like is appropriately heated.

  After the first hot air c, d is blown, the retainer 9 transports the cup 1 to the next drying nozzles 11a, 11b, and cools the cup 1 in the meantime. Although the cooling of the cup 1 is natural cooling, the cup 1 may be forcibly cooled by blowing cooling air or the like onto the cup 1. By cooling the cup 1, a part of the heat accumulated in the cup 1 is removed.

  The drying nozzles 11a and 11b heat the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 by blowing hot air c and d, respectively, from the small holes 27a and 28a and the blowing cylinder 27b toward the opening and bottom of the cup 1 in the same manner as the previous time. The hydrogen peroxide adhering to the surface of the cup 1 is further dried.

  The retainer 9 conveys the cup 1 from which hydrogen peroxide has been further removed to the next drying nozzles 12a and 12b while allowing the cup 1 to cool.

  The upper and lower drying nozzles 12a and 12b also blow hot air c and d from the large number of small holes 27a and 28a and the blowing cylinder 27b to the upper and lower sides of the cup 1 respectively to heat the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 in the same manner as the previous time. The hydrogen peroxide adhering to the surface of the cup 1 is further dried.

  The retainer 9 conveys the cup 1 from which hydrogen peroxide has been further removed to the next drying nozzles 13a and 13b while allowing the cup 1 to cool.

  The upper and lower drying nozzles 13a and 13b are also sprayed with hot air c and d from the large number of small holes 27a and 28a and the blowing cylinder 27b upward and downward of the cup 1, respectively, to heat the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1. The hydrogen peroxide adhering to the surface of the cup 1 is further dried.

  As described above, the heating by each of the drying nozzles 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b and the cooling between each heating are repeated, and the hot air blows on the outer surface of the cup 1. By setting the temperature of d to be lower than the temperature of the hot air c sprayed on the inner surface of the cup 1, the hydrogen peroxide is removed from the surface of the cup 1 while avoiding deformation due to the heat of the cup 1.

  The retainer 9 passes between the final drying nozzles 13a and 13b, holds the cup 1 whose residual hydrogen peroxide has fallen to an allowable value, and sends it to the next filling section 14. The filling unit 14 fills the cup 4 running continuously with a fixed amount of the beverage 4 from the opening.

  The retainer 9 travels while holding the cup 1 filled with the beverage 4 and sends the cup 1 to the next lid material seal portion 15. The lid material seal portion 15 covers the opening of the cup 1 with the lid material 5 and adheres the lid material 5 to the flange 3 of the cup 1 to seal the cup 1. Thereby, an aseptic package is completed.

  The retainer 9 conveys the aseptic packaged product to the takeout part 16b. The take-out unit 16b takes out the aseptic packaged product from the aseptic chamber 16 by a robot (not shown).

<Embodiment 2>
As shown in FIG. 10, in this second embodiment, hot air c and d are blown on the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 the same number of times as in the first embodiment, but unlike the first embodiment, the first and next times The cooling time between the times is shortened so that there is almost no time, and the cooling time is set longer than in the first embodiment after the next time. That is, the first and next cup inner / outer surface drying nozzles 10a, 10b, 11a, and 11b are installed close to each other in the traveling direction of the retainer 6, and the cups are disposed after the next cup inner / outer surface drying nozzles 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b. Inner and outer surface drying nozzles 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b are installed at equal intervals.

  Thus, by shortening the time between the first time and the next time and omitting the cooling, a large amount of hot air can be blown to the cup 1 at an early stage, and the residual hydrogen peroxide can be further reduced. it can.

  In addition, in this Embodiment 2, the same part as Embodiment 1 is shown with the same code | symbol, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

  Next, specific examples will be described.

  A number of PET cups having an appearance as shown in FIG. 9 and having an opening inner diameter of 52 mm, an opening outer diameter of 71 mm, a flange width of 4 mm, a bottom surface diameter of 46 mm, and a height of 107 mm are prepared. BI (biological indicator) was affixed to each part of the cup.

BI sterilizes each petri dish with 5 mm square aluminum foil and double-sided adhesive tape attached with ethylene oxide gas (EOG), and attaches the aluminum foil onto the double-sided adhesive tape attached inside each petri dish. It was prepared by applying 2.7 × 10 ⁵ / spot Bacillus subtilis spores to aluminum foil and then air-drying in a clean bench.

  For each cup, the BI is attached to the upper surface of the flange, the inner surface of the stacking rib, the inner surface of the upper portion of the barrel, the inner surface of the middle height of the barrel portion, the inner surface of the lower portion of the barrel portion, The inner surface of the bottom angle of the part. The outer surface of each cup is the back surface of the flange, the outer surface of the stacking rib, the outer surface of the upper side of the trunk, the outer surface of the middle height of the trunk, the outer surface of the bottom angle of the trunk, the outer surface of the bottom angle of the trunk. .

  The sterilization process of FIG. 1 was implemented about each cup which stuck BI. A retainer having a skirt wall, a through hole, and a protrusion as shown in FIG. 4 was used, and a cup was also loaded into the retainer as shown in FIG. The retainer was to run intermittently. The width of the retainer in the traveling direction was 110 mm, the traveling speed was 110 mm / sec, and the retainer was stopped for 1 sec each time the retainer was fed.

  The sterilization process was performed on the outer surface of the cup as shown in FIGS. 1B, 2 and 7, and the hydrogen peroxide supply rate was set to 12 g / min. The supply amount of hydrogen peroxide is shown as the supply amount to the generator 26. A sterilizing nozzle having a shape as shown in FIG. 2 was used. The nozzle for sterilization was installed 15 mm away from the bottom of the cup, and hydrogen peroxide mist or gas was discharged at a pressure of 0.5 MPa.

  Moreover, it performed as shown in FIG.1 (C), FIG.2 and FIG.7 about the inner surface of the cup, and it implemented by setting the supply amount of hydrogen peroxide to 5 g / min. The supply amount of hydrogen peroxide is shown as the supply amount to the generator 26. A sterilizing nozzle having a shape as shown in FIG. 2 was used. The nozzle for sterilization was installed 15 mm away from the bottom of the cup, and hydrogen peroxide mist or gas was discharged at a pressure of 0.5 MPa.

  After sterilizing each cup, as shown in FIG. 1D, the cup was held for 7 seconds, and hydrogen peroxide was retained in the cup.

  Subsequently, the drying process was performed by blowing hot air on the inner and outer surfaces of each cup. The cooling steps F, H, and J were all 7 seconds.

The retainer shown in FIG. 4 was used, and the drying nozzle having the structure shown in FIG. 3 was used. The drying nozzle on the inner surface of the cup is installed so that the tip of the blowout cylinder at the center is 15 mm away from the opening of the cup, the diameter of the blowout cylinder is 12 mmφ, and the discharge air volume is 0.6 m ³ / min per cup. . Also, the drying nozzle on the outer surface of the cup was installed 15 mm away from the opening of the cup, and the discharge air volume was 0.3 m ³ / min per cup.

  Moreover, 162 degreeC hot air was sprayed toward the cup inner surface from the nozzle for cup inner surface drying. From the nozzle for drying the cup outer surface, hot air having five different temperatures of 30 ° C., 50 ° C., 60 ° C., 80 ° C., and 90 ° C. was blown toward the outer surface of each cup.

  This drying process was performed four times (E, G, I, K) as shown in FIG. Moreover, when the temperature of the hot air from the cup outer surface drying nozzle was set to 60 ° C., the cooling time of the cooling process (F, H, J) was variously changed.

  Thereafter, the BI was peeled from the cup, cultured in a tryptic soy broth medium at 35 ° C. for 7 days, and the presence or absence of bacteria was confirmed. As a result, the bactericidal effect (LRV (Logarithmic reduction value) = log ( The number of adhered bacteria / number of surviving bacteria)) was 6 or more. Moreover, the result of Table 1 was obtained as a bactericidal effect of the cup outer surface.

  Further, the cup was filled with sterile water, sealed, and allowed to stand at 35 ° C. for 2 days. The amount of hydrogen peroxide contained in the sterile water was measured, and the results shown in Tables 2 and 3 were obtained. Moreover, this inventor observed about the external shape of the cup visually, and the result of Table 3 and Table 4 was obtained.

  From Table 1, it was found that when the hot air for drying the cup outer surface was set to 50 ° C. or higher, a sterilizing effect of LRV 6 or higher could be obtained on the cup outer surface. That is, except for the thick bottom part of the cup, the outer surface of the cup is sufficiently heated by the heat of drying the inner surface, and can be sterilized even when the outer surface drying temperature is less than 50 ° C. The above external surface drying temperature is required.

  From Table 2, it was found that when the hot air for drying the outer surface of the cup was 50 ° C. or higher, the residual amount of hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the cup could be 0.45 ppm or less per 200 ml of sterile water. This residual value is smaller than the residual hydrogen peroxide amount of 0.5 ppm immediately after beverage production as determined by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

  From Table 3, it was found that the cooling time was short in the first cooling step, and that the hydrogen peroxide residue was reduced when the cooling time was long in the subsequent cooling step.

  From Table 4, it was found that if the temperature of the hot air for drying the outer surface of the cup is lower than about 80 ° C., the deformation of the cup body is suppressed.

  The temperature of the hot air from the cup outer surface drying nozzle was set to 60 ° C., and the cooling time between the first time and the next time was substantially omitted to be 1 second. Moreover, it implemented about the case where the cooling time after the blowing of the next hot air was made into 7 second, and the case where it set longer than that. Thereafter, the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the cup was measured, and the results shown in Table 5 were obtained.

  From Table 5, it was found that the residual amount of hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the cup can be further reduced by eliminating the cooling time in the initial cooling process, and the deformation of the cup can be prevented by increasing the subsequent cooling time. .

It is a vertical sectional view showing the outline of the cup sterilizer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the sterilization process B and C in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a drying step E in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows a retainer. It is a perspective view which shows the retainer of another form. It is a perspective view which shows the retainer of another form. It is a vertical sectional view of a retainer and a cup in a sterilization process. It is a vertical sectional view of a retainer and a cup in a drying process. It is a perspective view of an example of a cup. It is a vertical sectional view showing an outline of a cup sterilizer according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cup 2 ... Body part 3 ... Flange 5 ... Cover material 6 ... Skirt wall 7, 8 ... Disinfection nozzle 9 ... Retainer 10a, 11a, 12a, 13a ... Nozzle for container inner surface drying 10b, 11b, 12b, 13b ... Container Nozzle for outer surface drying 17 ... Insertion hole 18 ... Endless chain 19 ... Through hole 20 ... Protrusion a, b ... Mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide c, d ... Hot air

Claims (16)

  After sterilizing the container by spraying hydrogen peroxide mist or gas toward the inner and outer surfaces of the PET cup-shaped container, hot air is blown toward the inner and outer surfaces of the container to such an extent that the container does not deform, and at least the inner surface of the container A method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container that dries hydrogen peroxide adhering to the container, and spraying the hot air immediately after the hydrogen peroxide is retained in the container until the inner surface of the container is sterilized to a desired degree. The hot air blown on the inner surface of the container can reduce the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the container and at a high temperature that can be sterilized to a desired level. The temperature is low, and the hot air is blown at least several times until the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the container is within an allowable range. PET-made cup-shaped container method sterilization, characterized by cooling the blowing of hot air until the next desired temperature of the container at a respective cooling time to blow the hot air.   The PET cup-shaped container sterilization method according to claim 1, characterized in that the body of the container is surrounded by a skirt wall, and hydrogen peroxide mist or gas is blown between the body of the container and the skirt wall. A method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container.   The PET cup-shaped container sterilization method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container is transported in one direction, and a mist of hydrogen peroxide or gas is sprayed toward an outer surface of the container at an upstream side in the transport direction. A method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container, characterized by spraying hydrogen peroxide mist or gas toward the inner surface of the container on the downstream side.   The PET cup-shaped container sterilization method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the container is transported in one direction, and an inner surface of the container is placed a plurality of times at predetermined intervals along the transport direction. A method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container, characterized in that hot air is blown toward the outer surface, and the container is allowed to cool from the previous hot air blowing to the next hot air blowing.   The PET cup-shaped container sterilization method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the container body is surrounded by a skirt wall, and hot air is blown between the container body and the skirt wall. A method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container.   6. The method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container according to claim 5, wherein the skirt wall surrounds the upper end of the container body partway up to the middle.   The method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein hot air is blown on the inner and outer surfaces of the container at least three times, and the cooling time between each time is equal to each other. A method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container.   The method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the hot air is blown at least three times on the inner and outer surfaces of the container, and the cooling time between the first time and the next time is A method for sterilizing a PET cup-shaped container, characterized by shortening the cooling time later.   A traveling means is provided for traveling in one direction a retainer having a fitting hole into which a barrel portion of a PET cup-shaped container is fitted, and a mist of hydrogen peroxide is respectively provided toward the inner surface and the outer surface of the container held by the retainer. Alternatively, a sterilization nozzle for sterilizing the container by blowing gas is provided, and the retainer travels from the position where the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas stays in the container until the inner surface of the container is sterilized to a desired degree. To the downstream side, the drying nozzles are arranged at a plurality of positions at desired intervals, and the hot air blown by the container inner surface drying nozzle can reduce the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide on the container inner surface and can be sterilized to a desired degree. The hot air blown by the nozzle for drying the outer surface of the container is set to a low temperature at which the outer surface of the container can be sterilized to a desired degree. The hot air is blown from the drying nozzle toward the inner and outer surfaces of the container until at least the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the container is within an allowable range, and from the blowing of hot air by the upstream drying nozzle, A PET cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus, wherein each container is cooled to a desired temperature before hot air is blown by a drying nozzle.   10. The PET cup-like container sterilization apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a skirt wall is provided that extends from around the fitting hole of the retainer to the bottom surface side of the container and surrounds the body of the container. Sterilizer for cup-shaped containers.   The PET cup-shaped container sterilizer according to claim 10, wherein the skirt wall is suspended partway of the body of the container.   The PET cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the traveling means has an endless traveling path, and a plurality of retainers are provided on the endless traveling path in a single row or in a plurality of rows. A PET sterilizer for cup-shaped containers.   The PET cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein a plurality of through holes are provided in the retainer so as to face a flange provided at an upper end of a body portion of the container. A sterilization apparatus for PET cup-shaped containers.   The PET cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein a protrusion is provided on the retainer so that a flange provided on an upper end of a body portion of the container is floated on the retainer. A PET cup-shaped sterilizer.   The PET cup-shaped container sterilizer according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein drying nozzles for the inner and outer surfaces of the container are provided at equal intervals in at least three locations along the running direction of the retainer. A sterilizer for PET cup-shaped containers.   The PET cup-shaped container sterilizer according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein drying nozzles for the inner and outer surfaces of the container are provided in at least three locations along the running direction of the retainer, A sterilizer for PET cup-shaped containers, characterized in that the drying nozzles are installed close to each other.

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