JP6673383B2 - Cap sterilizing device, contents filling system and cap sterilizing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cap sterilizing apparatus, a contents filling system, and a cap sterilizing method.

  2. Description of the Related Art A sterile filling system (an aseptic filling system) is known in which a sterilized container (PET bottle) is filled with sterilized contents in a sterile environment, and then the container is closed with a cap. Specifically, in the aseptic filling system, the formed container is supplied to the aseptic filling system, and the container is sprayed with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant in the aseptic filling system. Thereafter, it is dried to sterilize the container, and then the container is aseptically filled with the contents. As another method, a small amount of disinfectant is dropped on the inner surface of the container at the time of molding the container, the mouth is sealed, and the inner surface of the container is disinfected by vapor of the disinfectant (hydrogen peroxide) vaporized. There is also a method of supplying a container to an aseptic filling system, sterilizing the outer surface of the container in the aseptic filling system, and opening the mouth to aseptically fill the contents.

  When a container is filled with the contents by such an aseptic filling system and the product is manufactured by tightening with a cap, it is necessary to sterilize not only the container but also the cap. As cap sterilizers for sterilizing such caps, for example, those described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are known.

  However, in the conventional cap sterilizing apparatus, there is a problem that it is difficult to increase the transport speed of the cap. If the transport speed of the cap is increased by the conventional cap sterilizing apparatus, the sterilizing effect on the outer surface of the cap may be reduced. In addition, if the speed at which the cap is conveyed is increased, the size of the apparatus is increased, the capital investment cost is increased, and the cost of chemicals, heat energy or washing water required for sterilization is increased. Furthermore, in recent years, various caps, such as lightweight caps and carbonated caps, have been used in aseptic filling systems. In addition to sterilizing in a short time, the cap tightening angle and torque must be kept within specified ranges. Etc. are required.

JP-A-6-293319 JP 2011-11811 A JP 2012-500759 A

  The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and even when the speed of transporting the cap is increased, the cap sterilizing apparatus and the content filling system capable of reliably sterilizing the cap are provided. And a method for disinfecting caps.

  The present invention is a cap disinfection device, an introduction chamber, a disinfectant spray chamber that sprays disinfectant on the cap supplied from the introduction chamber, and the disinfectant sprayed in the disinfectant spray chamber. An air rinsing chamber for air rinsing the cap, wherein the introduction chamber, the disinfectant spray chamber, and the air rinsing chamber are arranged in this order along the transport direction of the cap, and at least the introduction chamber and the air rinsing The chambers are respectively evacuated, and the exhaust pressure of the introduction chamber and the exhaust pressure of the air rinse chamber are both greater than the exhaust pressure of the germicide spray chamber, or the germicide spray chamber is not evacuated. This is a cap sterilizing device.

  The present invention is the cap sterilizing apparatus, wherein the exhaust pressure of the air rinse chamber is higher than the exhaust pressure of the introduction chamber.

  The present invention is the cap sterilizing apparatus, further comprising a cleaning chamber for cleaning the cap air-rinsed in the air rinsing chamber, wherein an exhaust pressure of the cleaning chamber is higher than an exhaust pressure of the introduction chamber. .

  According to the present invention, there is provided a cap sterilizing apparatus, wherein a transport speed of the cap is not less than 100 cpm and not more than 1500 cpm.

  The present invention is a contents filling system including the cap sterilizer.

  The present invention is a cap disinfection method, comprising: supplying a cap from an introduction chamber to a disinfectant spray chamber; spraying a disinfectant on the cap in the disinfectant spray chamber; A step of air-rinsing the cap sprayed with the disinfectant in an air rinse chamber, the introduction chamber, the disinfectant spray chamber, and the air rinse chamber are arranged in this order along the transfer direction of the cap. Disposed, at least the introduction chamber and the air rinse chamber are respectively evacuated, and the exhaust pressure of the introduction chamber and the exhaust pressure of the air rinse chamber are both greater than the exhaust pressure of the germicide spray chamber, or Disinfectant spray chamber is not exhausted Cap is a sterilization method.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if the conveyance speed of a cap is increased, a cap can be sterilized reliably.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a content filling system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the cap sterilizing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing a cap sterilizing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing a cap sterilizing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view showing a cap sterilizing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are views showing an embodiment of the present invention. In the following drawings, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be partially omitted.

(Content filling system)
First, the contents filling system (sterile filling system, aseptic filling system) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The content filling system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for filling a bottle (container) 30 with a content such as a beverage. The bottle 30 can be manufactured by subjecting a preform manufactured by injection molding of a synthetic resin material to biaxial stretching blow molding. As a material of the bottle 30, it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin, in particular, PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate). In addition, the container may be glass, can, paper, pouch, or a composite container thereof. In the present embodiment, a case where a bottle is used as a container will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the content filling system 10 includes a bottle supply unit 21, a sterilizing device 11, an air rinsing device 14, a sterile water rinsing device 15, a filling device (filler) 20, and a cap mounting device (capper). , A winding and tapping machine) 16 and a product bottle unloading section 22. The bottle supply unit 21, the sterilizing device 11, the air rinsing device 14, the aseptic water rinsing device 15, the filling device 20, the cap mounting device 16, and the product bottle unloading unit 22 are arranged from the upstream side along the transport direction of the bottle 30. They are arranged in this order toward the downstream side. Further, between the sterilizing device 11, the air rinsing device 14, the sterile water rinsing device 15, the filling device 20, and the cap mounting device 16, a plurality of transport wheels 12 for transporting the bottle 30 between these devices are provided. I have.

  The bottle supply unit 21 sequentially receives empty bottles 30 from the outside to the contents filling system 10 and conveys the received bottles 30 to the sterilizer 11.

  A bottle forming unit (not shown) for forming the bottle 30 by biaxially stretch-blowing the preform may be provided on the upstream side of the bottle supply unit 21. As described above, the steps from the supply of the preform, the molding of the bottle 30, the filling of the contents into the bottle 30, and the plugging may be continuously performed. In this case, since the contents can be transported from the outside to the contents filling system 10 in the form of a small-volume preform instead of in the form of the large-volume bottle 30, the equipment constituting the contents filling system 10 can be made compact. Can be.

  The sterilizing device 11 sterilizes the inside of the bottle 30 by injecting a sterilizing agent into the bottle 30. As the disinfectant, for example, an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide is used. In the sterilizer 11, a mist or gas that is condensed after once evaporating an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide having a concentration of 1% by weight or more, preferably 35% by weight is generated, and the mist or gas is sprayed on the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 30. Is done. Since the inside of the bottle 30 is sterilized by the mist or gas of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, the inner surface of the bottle 30 is evenly sterilized.

  The air rinsing device 14 removes foreign substances, hydrogen peroxide, and the like from the inside of the bottle 30 while activating hydrogen peroxide by supplying sterile heated air or room temperature air to the bottle 30.

  The aseptic water rinsing device 15 cleans the bottle 30 sterilized with hydrogen peroxide as a germicide with sterile water at 15 ° C. to 85 ° C. As a result, the hydrogen peroxide attached to the bottle 30 is washed away, and foreign substances are removed.

  The filling device 20 fills the bottle 30 with contents that have been previously sterilized through the mouth of the bottle 30. In the filling device 20, the empty bottle 30 is filled with the contents. In the filling device 20, the contents are filled into the bottles 30 while the plurality of bottles 30 are rotated (revolved). The contents may be filled into the bottle 30 at room temperature. The contents are sterilized in advance by heating or the like, cooled to room temperature of 3 ° C. or more and 40 ° C. or less, and then filled in the bottle 30. The contents to be filled by the filling device 20 include, for example, drinks such as tea drinks and milk drinks.

  The cap mounting device 16 closes the bottle 30 by mounting the cap 33 on the mouth of the bottle 30. In the cap mounting device 16, the mouth of the bottle 30 is closed by the cap 33, and the bottle 30 is sealed so that outside air and microorganisms do not enter the bottle 30. In the cap mounting device 16, the caps 33 are mounted on the mouths of the plurality of bottles 30 filled with the contents while rotating (revolving). By attaching the cap 33 to the mouth of the bottle 30 in this way, a product bottle 35 is obtained.

  The cap 33 is sterilized by the cap sterilizing device 50 in advance. The cap sterilizing device 50 is arranged, for example, outside the sterile chamber 13 (described later) and near the cap mounting device 16. In the cap sterilizing apparatus 50, a large number of caps 33 carried in from the outside are collected in advance and conveyed in a row toward the cap mounting apparatus 16. A mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide is blown toward the inner and outer surfaces of the cap 33 while the cap 33 is moving toward the cap mounting device 16, and is then dried with hot air and sterilized. The configuration of such a cap sterilizer 50 will be described later.

  The product bottle unloading section 22 continuously unloads the product bottle 35 with the cap 33 attached by the cap attaching device 16 to the outside of the content filling system 10.

  The contents filling system 10 has a sterile chamber 13. The sterilizing apparatus 11, the air rinsing apparatus 14, the sterile water rinsing apparatus 15, the filling apparatus 20, and the cap mounting apparatus 16 are accommodated in the sterile chamber 13. Such a content filling system 10 may comprise, for example, an aseptic filling system. In this case, the inside of the aseptic chamber 13 is maintained in an aseptic state.

  Alternatively, the contents filling system 10 may be a high-temperature filling system that fills contents at a high temperature of 85 ° C. or more and less than 100 ° C. Further, a medium-temperature filling system for filling contents at a medium temperature of 55 ° C. or higher and lower than 85 ° C. may be used.

(Cap sterilizer)
Next, the configuration of the above-described cap sterilizer 50 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the cap sterilizing apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 2, the upper side and the lower side of the paper surface indicate the upper side and the lower side in the vertical direction, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cap sterilizing apparatus 50 includes a first introduction chamber 51, a second introduction chamber 52, a germicide spray chamber 53, an air rinse chamber 54, and a cleaning chamber 55. The first introduction chamber 51, the second introduction chamber 52, the disinfectant spray chamber 53, the air rinse chamber 54, and the cleaning chamber 55 are arranged in this order along the transport direction of the cap 33. Each of the chambers 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 is arranged inside a housing 60.

  The first introduction chamber 51 and the second introduction chamber 52 are separated by a partition 61 provided therebetween. Similarly, the second introduction chamber 52 and the germicide spray chamber 53 are separated by a partition wall 62, and the second introduction chamber 52 and the air rinsing chamber 54 are separated by a partition wall 63, and the germicide spray chamber 53 and the air rinsing chamber 53 are separated. The chamber 54 is separated from the chamber 54 by a partition 64. Further, the air rinsing chamber 54 and the cleaning chamber 55 are separated by a partition wall 65.

  These partition walls 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 prevent gas, water and the like from flowing between the respective chambers 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and are provided in the respective chambers 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. It serves to stabilize pressure. However, gaps are formed in the partition walls 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65 such that the caps 33 and the like can pass therethrough. This gap is suppressed to a minimum size, for example, about one cap 33, so that the pressure in each of the chambers 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 does not change.

  A hopper 56, a sorter 57, and a cap inspection device 58 are provided on the pre-process side of the first introduction chamber 51 and outside the housing 60, respectively. A large number of caps 33 are randomly put into the hopper 56 from outside. The sorter 57 arranges the caps 33 randomly placed in the hopper 56 in a single row or in multiple rows, and transports the caps 33 from vertically downward to upward. The cap inspection machine 58 inspects the shape and the like of each cap 33 and discharges the cap 33 that has failed the inspection. The caps 33 that have passed the inspection are transported in a line toward the first introduction chamber 51.

  The cap 33 is a well-known one, and a cap having a substantially circular plane with an opening on the inner surface side is used. The cap 33 can be made of a thermoplastic resin such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), or biodegradable plastic. As the cap 33, a composite cap or a sports cap may be used in addition to a normal bottle cap.

  In the first introduction chamber 51 and the second introduction chamber 52, a transport guide 70 that transports the plurality of caps 33 in a line is provided. The transport guide 70 may include, for example, a plurality of rails. In this case, a space is formed in a region surrounded by a plurality of rails to such an extent that the cap 33 does not fall off, and the cap 33 is accommodated and transported in this space. The cap 33 is transferred from the first introduction chamber 51 side to the second introduction chamber 52 by its own weight. By providing such a transport guide 70, the cap 33 can be transported from the first introduction chamber 51 to the second introduction chamber 52 at high speed.

  Inside the second introduction chamber 52, the disinfectant spray chamber 53, the air rinse chamber 54, and the cleaning chamber 55, there are provided rotary transfer mechanisms 71 to 76 for rotating and transferring the cap 33, respectively. The first rotary transport mechanism 71 is provided in the second introduction chamber 52, and the second rotary transport mechanism 72 is provided in the germicide spray chamber 53. Inside the air rinsing chamber 54 and the cleaning chamber 55, a total of four rotary transport mechanisms 73 to 76 (a third rotary transport mechanism 73, a fourth rotary transport mechanism 74, a fifth rotary transport mechanism 75, and a sixth rotary transport mechanism 76) are provided. ) Is provided. Three of the rotary transport mechanisms 73 to 75 are disposed inside the air rinse chamber 54, and the sixth rotary transport mechanism 76 is disposed across the air rinse chamber 54 and the cleaning chamber 55. Each of the rotary transport mechanisms 71 to 76 rotates (rotates) along an axis parallel to the horizontal direction, and thereby transports (rotates) the plurality of caps 33. Each of the rotary transport mechanisms 71 to 76 has a star wheel located at the center and provided with a notch for accommodating the cap 33, and a plurality of rails arranged around the star wheel to prevent the cap 33 from falling off. ing. The cap 33 is conveyed by driving a star wheel, is guided and accommodated by a rail, and rotates (revolves). By using such rotary transport mechanisms 71 to 76, the cap 33 can be transported at a high speed in the cap sterilizer 50.

  A drain pipe 67 is formed on the bottom surface 66 of the housing 60 and inside the second introduction chamber 52. The bottom surface 66 is inclined downward from the cleaning chamber 55 to the second introduction chamber 52. Thus, droplets generated inside the housing 60 due to condensation or the like can be discharged from the drainage pipe 67 to the outside of the housing 60. The drainage pipe 67 is curved in an S-shape in the middle, and the drainage stays in this S-shaped portion, whereby the pressure inside the second introduction chamber 52 is maintained (water Sealing mechanism).

  Next, the configuration of each of the chambers 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 will be further described.

  The first introduction chamber 51 is to receive the cap 33 from the cap inspection machine 58 and is disposed above the second introduction chamber 52. The inside of the first introduction chamber 51 is maintained at a negative pressure or a slightly positive pressure (for example, −100 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less), so that vapor containing a germicide does not leak out of the housing 60.

  The cap 33 is supplied to the second introduction chamber (introduction chamber) 52 from the first introduction chamber 51 by the transport guide 70. Aseptic hot air from the first hot air supply device 79 is sent into the second introduction chamber 52. The temperature of the sterile hot air is, for example, 40 ° C. or more and 120 ° C. or less. For this reason, the inside of the second introduction chamber 52 is maintained at a temperature of, for example, 30 ° C. or more and 80 ° C. or less. Thereby, the detergency of the disinfectant inside the second introduction chamber 52 is suppressed, and the degree of disinfection between the plurality of caps 33 due to the liquid disinfectant remaining in the cap 33 is prevented. it can. Further, the inside of the second introduction chamber 52 is maintained at a positive pressure (for example, 0 Pa or more and 200 Pa or less). As a result, the disinfectant does not excessively flow into the second introduction chamber 52. In the second introduction chamber 52, the transport guide 70 is provided with a first stopper 77 that can be freely opened and closed. When the first stopper 77 is opened, the cap 33 is sent to the first rotary transport mechanism 71, and when the first stopper 77 is closed, the cap 33 stays at this position. Note that the first hot air supply device 79 may be disposed on the transport path of the first rotary transport mechanism 71, and the temperature of the cap 33 may be preliminarily raised by hot air from the first hot air supply device 79.

The germicide spray chamber 53 sprays a germicide onto the cap 33 supplied from the second introduction chamber 52 by the first rotary transport mechanism 71. The disinfectant spray chamber 53 is disposed above the second introduction chamber 52. Note that the second introduction chamber 52 may be located above the germicide spray chamber 53 depending on the positional relationship of the first rotary transport mechanism 71 and the like. Here, the germicide is, for example, hydrogen peroxide solution. The cap 33 sent from the first rotary transport mechanism 71 is delivered to the second rotary transport mechanism 72, and is sprayed with the germicide by the spray nozzles 81A and 81B while being transported by the second rotary transport mechanism 72. In the upper part of the germicide spray chamber 53, two germicide spray devices 82A and 82B are arranged. One of the disinfectant spray devices 82A is connected to an external spray nozzle 81A that supplies a disinfectant to the outer surface (top surface) side of the cap 33. The other disinfectant spray device 82B is connected to an inner spray nozzle 81B that supplies disinfectant to the inner surface (opening) side of the cap 33. It is preferable that the disinfectant is first supplied to the inner surface of the cap 33 by the spray nozzle 81B on the transport path of the second rotary transport mechanism 72, and then the disinfectant is supplied to the outer surface of the cap 33 by the spray nozzle 81A. Further, a fan-shaped or arc-shaped cover 83 is disposed above the second rotary transport mechanism 72 and around the spray nozzles 81A and 81B. The cover 83 covers the periphery of the spray nozzles 81A and 81B, prevents the disinfectant from the spray nozzles 81A and 81B from scattering around, and enables the disinfectant to be effectively sprayed on the cap 33. I do. The inside of the disinfectant spray chamber 53 is maintained at a positive pressure (for example, 0 Pa or more and 50 Pa or less), so that the disinfectant does not excessively flow out of the disinfectant spray chamber 53. The adhesion amount of hydrogen peroxide necessary for sterilizing the cap 33 is 0.6 μL / cm ² or more and 4.7 μL / cm ² or less (preferably 1.2 μL / cm ² or more and 2.4 μL / cm ² or less). Within this range, the cap 33 can be sterilized at a high speed, and the medicine can be reliably removed by air rinsing described later.

The air rinsing chamber 54 air rinses the cap 33 sprayed with the germicide in the germicide spray chamber 53. The cap 33 is sequentially transported in the air rinse chamber 54 by the rotary transport mechanisms 73 to 76, and during this time, aseptic hot air is blown on the inner and outer surfaces of the cap 33. Aseptic hot air from the second hot air supply device 80 is sent into the air rinse chamber 54. In this case, aseptic hot air is blown against the cap 33 passing through the fourth rotary transport mechanism 74. The temperature of the aseptic hot air is, for example, 80 ° C or higher and 140 ° C or lower, preferably 90 ° C or higher and 120 ° C or lower. The air volume of the sterile hot air is, for example, not less than 5 m ³ / min and not more than 20 m ³ / min. The time for blowing the sterile hot air is 1 second or more and 20 seconds or less, preferably 3 seconds or more and 14 seconds or less. The temperature of the cap 33 is raised to 40 ° C. or higher, preferably to 50 ° C. or higher by blowing the aseptic hot air. Thereby, the germicide attached to the cap 33 is removed. The inside of the air rinse chamber 54 is maintained at a positive pressure (for example, 30 Pa or more and 200 Pa or less, preferably 50 Pa or more and 150 Pa or less). Note that the sterile hot air may contain a small amount of a bactericide component such as hydrogen peroxide.

  The cleaning chamber 55 is for cleaning the cap 33 air-rinsed in the air rinsing chamber 54. The cap 33 is transported in the cleaning chamber 55 by the sixth rotary transport mechanism 76. During this time, first, sterile water is sprayed on the inner surface and the outer surface of the cap 33 by the cleaning nozzle 84. Thus, even when foreign matter is attached to the cap 33, the foreign matter can be reliably removed, and the cap 33 heated by aseptic hot air can be cooled. Next, aseptic air is blown onto the inner surface and the outer surface of the cap 33 by the air blow nozzle 85 to remove aseptic water. In addition, even after the aseptic air is blown, the aseptic water slightly remains in the cap 33. Thereby, while the cap 33 is conveyed by the chute 59 described later, lubrication between the cap 33 and the chute 59 is improved, and the temperature of the cap 33 is prevented from rising due to frictional heat with the chute 59. it can. By suppressing the rise in temperature of the cap 33 in this manner, the work of tightening the cap 33 in the cap mounting device 16 can be stably performed. The inside of the cleaning chamber 55 is maintained at a positive pressure (for example, 50 Pa or more and 200 Pa or less). This prevents the atmosphere containing the germicide from flowing out to the cap mounting device 16 side. Note that, in the present embodiment, the cleaning chamber 55 is not necessarily provided.

  A chute 59 for transporting the cap 33 to the cap mounting device 16 is connected to the cleaning chamber 55. The chute 59 may include, for example, a plurality of rails. In this case, a space is formed in a region surrounded by a plurality of rails to such an extent that the cap 33 does not fall off, and the cap 33 is accommodated and transported in this space. In the cleaning chamber 55, the chute 59 is provided with a second stopper 78 which can be freely opened and closed. When the second stopper 78 is opened, the cap 33 is sent to the cap mounting device 16 by the chute 59. On the other hand, when the second stopper 78 is closed, the cap 33 stays at this position. Alternatively, the second stopper 78 may be provided on the chute 59 and near the cap mounting device 16.

  In the present embodiment, exhaust pipes 86A to 86E are connected to the first introduction chamber 51, the second introduction chamber 52, the germicide spray chamber 53, the air rinse chamber 54, and the cleaning chamber 55, respectively. The first introduction chamber 51, the second introduction chamber 52, the germicide spray chamber 53, the air rinse chamber 54, and the cleaning chamber 55 are evacuated via the exhaust pipes 86A to 86E. The exhaust pipes 86A to 86E are connected to a blower 68 that draws the gas in the exhaust pipes 86A to 86E, and the blower 68 is connected to a scrubber 69 that processes a sterilizing agent component of the gas.

  In this case, the exhaust pressure E4 of the air rinsing chamber 54 is higher than the exhaust pressure E1 of the first introduction chamber 51. Accordingly, even if a large amount of sterile hot air is supplied to the air rinsing chamber 54, air can be sucked from the air rinsing chamber 54 and the pressure in the air rinsing chamber 54 can be prevented from excessively increasing.

  Further, the exhaust pressure E5 of the cleaning chamber 55 is higher than the exhaust pressure E1 of the first introduction chamber 51. This makes it possible to strongly suck the gas containing the germicide from the cleaning chamber 55 and prevent the atmosphere containing the germicide from flowing out to the cap mounting device 16 side.

  The exhaust pressure E1 of the first introduction chamber 51 is higher than the exhaust pressure E2 of the second introduction chamber 52. This makes it possible to strongly suck the gas containing the germicide from the first introduction chamber 51 and prevent the atmosphere containing the germicide from flowing out of the housing 60.

  The exhaust pressure E2 of the second introduction chamber 52 is higher than the exhaust pressure E3 of the germicide spray chamber 53. That is, the exhaust pressure E3 of the disinfectant spray chamber 53 is lower than any of the exhaust pressures E1, E2, E4, E5 of the other chambers 51, 52, 54, 55. The germicide spray chamber 53 does not necessarily need to be exhausted (the exhaust pressure may be zero). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the gas containing the germicide from staying in the second introduction chamber 52 and to prevent the gas containing the germicide from being dewed in the second introduction chamber 52. On the other hand, by sufficiently reducing the exhaust pressure E3 of the disinfectant spray chamber 53 or not exhausting the disinfectant spray chamber 53, the disinfectant is highly concentrated in the atmosphere of the disinfectant spray chamber 53, and Thus, the cap 33 can be reliably sterilized. In addition, by increasing the concentration of the germicide in the germicide spray chamber 53, even when the cap 33 is transported at a high speed, the cap 33 can be reliably sterilized.

  In summary, the relationship of E5, E4> E1> E2> E3 is established. The magnitude relationship between E5 and E4 does not matter. When the positive pressure of the cap sterilizing device 50 is higher than the positive pressure of the capper portion of the filling chamber of the filling device 20, the transportability of the cap 33 is good. Specifically, it is preferable that the pressure be higher than the positive pressure of the filling chamber by 30 Pa or more and 200 Pa or less. If a pressure difference of 200 Pa or more is provided, there is a risk that the disinfectant gas (hydrogen peroxide) flows into the filling chamber from the cap disinfection device 50 and the disinfectant dissolves in the product liquid at the opening of the filling valve.

  In addition, the conveyance speed of the cap 33 throughout the entire cap sterilizing apparatus 50 is 100 cpm or more and 1500 cpm or less, and preferably 500 cpm or more and 1000 cpm or less. According to the cap sterilizing apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment, even when the cap 33 is transported at such a high speed, the cap 33 can be surely sterilized. Note that cpm (cap per minute) refers to the number of caps 33 that pass through a predetermined position per minute. When the filling speed of the bottle 30 is slow, for example, when the bottle 30 is a large-sized bottle (having a capacity of 1 L or more), the transport speed of the cap 33 is set to be slower than the above speed in accordance with the filling speed. Is also good. In this case, the supply conditions (temperature, flow rate, etc.) of the hot air in the second introduction chamber 52 and the air rinse chamber 54 may be adjusted so that the temperature of the cap 33 does not increase.

  In the present embodiment, the case where two chambers of the first introduction chamber 51 and the second introduction chamber 52 are provided as the introduction chamber has been described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this. One introduction chamber may be provided by combining the first introduction chamber 51 and the second introduction chamber 52. Further, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the rotation axes of the rotary transport mechanisms 71 to 76 are oriented in the horizontal direction, and the cap 33 is transported in a substantially vertical plane. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the rotation axes of the rotary transport mechanisms 71 to 76 may be oriented in the vertical direction, and the cap 33 may be transported in a substantially horizontal plane.

(Content filling method)
Next, a method for filling contents using the above-described contents filling system 10 (FIG. 1) will be described. In the following, a filling method in a normal state, that is, a filling method of filling a bottle 30 with contents such as a beverage to produce a product bottle 35 will be described.

  First, a plurality of empty bottles 30 are sequentially supplied to the bottle supply unit 21 from outside the content filling system 10. The bottle 30 is sent from the bottle supply unit 21 to the sterilizer 11 by the transport wheel 12 (container supply step).

  Next, in the sterilizer 11, a sterilization process is performed on the bottle 30 using an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide as a sterilizer (sterilization process). At this time, the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is a gas or mist that is condensed after once evaporating the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution having a concentration of 1% by weight or more, preferably 35% by weight, and this gas or mist is directed toward the bottle 30. Supplied.

  Subsequently, the bottle 30 is sent to the air rinsing device 14 by the transport wheel 12, and the sterilizing air or the normal temperature air is supplied to the air rinsing device 14 to activate the hydrogen peroxide and to remove foreign matter from the bottle 30. , Hydrogen peroxide and the like are removed. Next, the bottle 30 is transported to the sterile water rinsing device 15 by the transport wheel 12. In the aseptic water rinsing device 15, washing with sterile water at 15 ° C to 85 ° C is performed (rinsing step). Specifically, sterile water at 15 ° C. to 85 ° C. is supplied into the bottle 30 at a flow rate of 5 L / min or more and 15 L / min or less. At this time, the bottle 30 is preferably in an inverted state, and sterile water is supplied into the bottle 30 from the downwardly directed mouth, and the sterile water flows out of the bottle 30 from the mouth. With this sterile water, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the bottle 30 is washed away and foreign substances are removed. It should be noted that the step of supplying sterile water into the bottle 30 is not necessarily provided.

  Subsequently, the bottle 30 is transported to the filling device 20 by the transport wheel 12. In the filling device 20, the contents are filled into the bottle 30 from its mouth while the bottle 30 is rotated (revolved) (filling step). In the filling device 20, the contents that have been prepared in advance, sterilized by heat, and cooled to room temperature are filled into the sterilized bottle 30 at room temperature.

  Subsequently, the bottle 30 filled with the contents is transported to the cap mounting device 16 by the transport wheel 12.

  On the other hand, the cap 33 is previously sterilized by the cap sterilizing device 50 shown in FIG. 2 (cap sterilizing step). During this time, first, a large number of caps 33 are randomly put into the hopper 56 from outside the cap sterilizer 50. Next, the caps 33 randomly placed in the hopper 56 are aligned by a sorter 57 and then conveyed to a cap inspection machine 58. Next, the cap inspection machine 58 inspects the shape and the like of each cap 33, and the caps 33 that pass the inspection are conveyed in a line toward the first introduction chamber 51.

  The cap 33 introduced into the first introduction chamber 51 is sent to the second introduction chamber 52 by the transport guide 70. As described above, the inside of the second introduction chamber 52 is maintained at, for example, 30 ° C. or more and 80 ° C. or less by aseptic hot air. Next, the cap 33 is transported in the second introduction chamber 52 by the first rotary transport mechanism 71 and sent to the germicide spray chamber 53. Next, in the disinfectant spray chamber 53, the disinfectant such as hydrogen peroxide is sprayed from the spray nozzles 81 </ b> A and 81 </ b> B while the cap 33 is transported by the second rotary transport mechanism 72, and the inner and outer surfaces thereof are disinfected. You.

Subsequently, the cap 33 sprayed with the germicide is sent to the air rinse chamber 54.
In the air rinse chamber 54, the cap 33 is sequentially transported by the rotary transport mechanisms 73 to 76, and during this time, aseptic hot air is blown onto the inner and outer surfaces of the cap 33. Thereby, the germicide attached to the cap 33 is air-rinsed.

  Next, the cap 33 is sent from the air rinse chamber 54 to the cleaning chamber 55. In the cleaning chamber 55, the cap 33 is sprayed with sterile water by the cleaning nozzle 84 while being transported by the sixth rotary transport mechanism 76, thereby removing attached foreign substances and the like and cooling the cap 33. Subsequently, aseptic air is blown to the cap 33 by the air blow nozzle 85 to remove aseptic water.

  Thereafter, the cap 33 is unloaded from the air rinse chamber 54 and sent to the cap mounting device 16 by the chute 59.

  Referring to FIG. 1 again, the cap 33 sterilized by the cap sterilizing device 50 in this manner is mounted on the mouth of the bottle 30 conveyed from the filling device 20 in the cap mounting device 16. Thus, a product bottle 35 having the bottle 30 and the cap 33 is obtained (cap attaching step).

  Thereafter, the product bottle 35 is transported from the cap mounting device 16 to the product bottle unloading section 22, and is unloaded to the outside of the content filling system 10.

  The steps from the sterilization step to the cap mounting step are performed in a sterile atmosphere surrounded by a sterile chamber 13, that is, in a sterile environment. After the sterilization process, positive pressure aseptic air is supplied into the aseptic chamber 13 so that the aseptic air always blows out of the aseptic chamber 13.

  In addition, it is preferable that the production (conveyance) speed of the bottle 30 in the content filling system 10 is 100 bpm or more and 1500 bpm or less. Here, bpm (bottle per minute) refers to the transport speed of the bottle 30 per minute.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the cap sterilizing device 50 is divided into a plurality of chambers 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and the pressure in each of the chambers 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 is controlled. I have. Therefore, the cap 33 can be surely sterilized while the cap 33 is transported at a high speed in the cap sterilizing apparatus 50.

  Specifically, the exhaust pressure E4 of the air rinse chamber 54 is higher than the exhaust pressure E1 of the first introduction chamber 51. Accordingly, even if a large amount of sterile hot air is supplied to the air rinsing chamber 54 in order to reliably air rinse the cap 33 that is being conveyed at a high speed, the sterilized hot air can be removed from the air rinsing chamber 54 without remaining. Can be.

  Further, the exhaust pressure E1 of the first introduction chamber 51 is higher than the exhaust pressure E2 of the second introduction chamber 52. Accordingly, even if the concentration of the germicide in the germicide spray chamber 53 is increased in order to surely sterilize the cap 33 conveyed at a high speed, the atmosphere containing the germicide is prevented from flowing out of the housing 60. be able to.

  Further, the exhaust pressure E2 of the second introduction chamber 52 and the exhaust pressure E4 of the air rinse chamber 54 are both higher than the exhaust pressure E3 of the disinfectant spray chamber 53, or the disinfectant spray chamber 53 is not exhausted. Thus, the concentration of the germicide in the germicide spray chamber 53 can be increased, and the cap 33 that is being conveyed at a high speed can be surely sterilized.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the exhaust pressure E5 of the cleaning chamber 55 is higher than the exhaust pressure E1 of the first introduction chamber 51. Thus, it is possible to prevent the atmosphere containing the germicide from flowing out of the cleaning chamber 55 to the cap mounting device 16 side.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, by exhausting each of the chambers 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, it is possible to prevent the pressure inside each of the chambers 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 from becoming too high. ing. Thereby, the cap 33 can be reliably introduced into each of the chambers 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. On the other hand, if the chambers 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 are not sufficiently evacuated, the internal pressure of each of the chambers 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 becomes too high, and the cap 33 becomes There is a possibility that the vehicle cannot enter the insides of 52, 53, 54 and 55.

  As described above, even when the conveying speed of the cap 33 in the cap sterilizing device 50 is set to a high speed of 100 cpm or more and 1500 cpm, the cap 33 is surely sterilized while preventing the sterilizing agent from leaking from the housing 60. can do.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing a cap sterilizing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment shown in FIG. 3 differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the rotary transfer mechanism in the air rinse chamber 54, and the other configuration is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.

  In the cap sterilizing apparatus 50A shown in FIG. 3, a large-sized rotary transfer mechanism 87 larger than the rotary transfer mechanisms 71, 72, 76 is provided in the air rinse chamber 54. The large-size rotary transport mechanism 87 rotates (rotates) along an axis parallel to the horizontal direction, and thereby transports the cap 33 directly from the second rotary transport mechanism 72 to the sixth rotary transport mechanism 76. Like the rotary transport mechanisms 71, 72, and 76, the large rotary transport mechanism 87 has a star wheel provided with a notch for accommodating the cap 33, and a plurality of rails disposed around the star wheel. Is also good. Alternatively, the large-sized rotary transport mechanism 87 may be composed of a rotary joint.

  According to the present embodiment, the cap sterilizing device 50A can be made compact. Further, according to the present embodiment, the sterile hot air can be supplied in the air rinse chamber 54 while following the large rotary transfer mechanism 87 such as a rotary joint. The temperature can be raised.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing a cap sterilizer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is different from the first embodiment in that the cap 33 is mainly conveyed by the chute 88. In FIG. 4, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the cap sterilizing device 50 </ b> B includes a first introduction chamber 51, a second introduction chamber 52, a germicide spray chamber 53, an air rinse chamber 54, and a cleaning chamber 55 from top to bottom. And Each of the chambers 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 is arranged inside a tubular body 89.

  In the chambers 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55, a chute 88 for transporting the plurality of caps 33 in a line is provided. The chute 88 may include, for example, a plurality of rails. In this case, a space is formed in a region surrounded by a plurality of rails to such an extent that the cap 33 does not fall off, and the cap 33 is accommodated and transported in this space. In FIG. 4, the chute 88 extends substantially linearly, but is not limited to this, and may extend spirally.

  The first introduction chamber 51 and the second introduction chamber 52 are separated by a partition wall 61, and the second introduction chamber 52 and the germicide spray chamber 53 are separated by a partition wall 62. Further, the disinfectant spray chamber 53 and the air rinse chamber 54 are separated by a partition 64, and the air rinse chamber 54 and the cleaning chamber 55 are separated by a partition 65. Further, a partition wall 91 is provided downstream of the cleaning chamber 55 (on the side of the cap mounting device 16).

  The first introduction chamber 51 is for introducing the cap 33 from the cap inspection machine 58. The cap 33 from the first introduction chamber 51 is supplied to the second introduction chamber 52. Aseptic hot air from the first hot air supply device 79 is sent into the second introduction chamber 52.

  The germicide spray chamber 53 sprays a germicide on the cap 33 supplied from the second introduction chamber 52. In the second introduction chamber 52, the cap 33 is sprayed with a germicide while being conveyed by the chute 88. The air rinsing chamber 54 air rinses the cap 33 sprayed with the germicide in the germicide spray chamber 53. The cap 33 is conveyed by a chute 88 in the air rinse chamber 54, and during this time, aseptic hot air is blown on the inner and outer surfaces of the cap 33.

  The cleaning chamber 55 is for cleaning the cap 33 air-rinsed in the air rinsing chamber 54. Aseptic water is first sprayed on the cap 33 by the washing nozzle 84 in the washing chamber 55, and then sterile air is blown by the air blow nozzle 85 to remove the aseptic water. Note that the cleaning chamber 55 may not be provided.

  The cap 33 carried out of the cleaning chamber 55 is sent to the cap mounting device 16 by the chute 88.

  According to the present embodiment, the existing equipment (such as the chute 88) is used, and the cap 33 can be sterilized by modifying the equipment, so that the existing equipment can be used efficiently.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view showing a cap sterilizing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 5 differs from the first embodiment in that the cap 33 is sterilized using a sorter 57. In FIG. 5, the same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the cap sterilizer 50C is provided in a sorter 57. Such a cap sterilizing apparatus 50C includes a first introduction chamber 51, a second introduction chamber 52, a germicide spraying chamber 53, and an air rinsing chamber 54 in an upward direction from below.

  In the chambers 51, 52, 53, and 54, a conveyor 92 that transports the plurality of caps 33 from below to above is provided. The conveyor 92 has, for example, an endless shape, and conveys the cap 33 from the hopper 56 to the chute 59 via the sorter 57 while circulating vertically. A cleaning chamber 55 is provided in the chute 59, and a drainage pipe 67 is connected to the cleaning chamber 55. Note that the cleaning chamber 55 does not necessarily have to be provided.

  The first introduction chamber 51 is for introducing the cap 33 from the hopper 56. The cap 33 from the first introduction chamber 51 is supplied to the second introduction chamber 52. Aseptic hot air from the first hot air supply device 79 is sent into the second introduction chamber 52.

  The germicide spray chamber 53 sprays a germicide on the cap 33 supplied from the second introduction chamber 52. In the second introduction chamber 52, a germicide is sprayed on the cap 33 raised by the conveyor 92. The air rinsing chamber 54 air rinses the cap 33 sprayed with the germicide in the germicide spray chamber 53. The cap 33 is conveyed by a conveyor 92 in the air rinse chamber 54, and during this time, aseptic hot air is blown on the inner and outer surfaces of the cap 33.

  The cap 33 carried out of the air rinse chamber 54 is sent to the cap mounting device 16 via the cleaning chamber 55 by the chute 59.

  The cleaning chamber 55 is for cleaning the cap 33 air-rinsed in the air rinsing chamber 54. Aseptic water is first sprayed on the cap 33 by the washing nozzle 84 in the washing chamber 55, and then sterile air is blown by the air blow nozzle 85 to remove the aseptic water.

  According to the present embodiment, the cap sterilizing device 50C can be made compact.

  It is preferable that the above-mentioned cap sterilizers (cap transport / sterilizer) 50A, 50B, 50C be sterilized with hydrogen peroxide or a peracetic acid detergent before actually using the cap 33.

Reference Signs List 10 Contents filling system 30 Bottle 33 Cap 50 Cap sterilizer 51 First introduction chamber 52 Second introduction chamber 53 Disinfectant spray chamber 54 Air rinse chamber 55 Cleaning chamber

Claims (3)

A cap sterilizer,
An introduction chamber;
A disinfectant spray chamber that sprays a disinfectant on the cap supplied from the introduction chamber ,
An air rinsing chamber for air rinsing the cap on which the germicide is sprayed in the germicide spray chamber,
A cleaning chamber for cleaning the cap that has been air-rinsed in the air-rinsing chamber ,
The introduction chamber , the disinfectant spray chamber , the air rinse chamber and the cleaning chamber are arranged in this order along the transport direction of the cap,
The introduction chamber is provided with a water seal mechanism for holding the pressure inside the introduction chamber,
The introduction chamber is maintained at a positive pressure ,
The introduction chamber, the disinfectant spray chamber, the air rinse chamber and the cleaning chamber are arranged in a housing,
The bottom surface of the housing is inclined downward from the cleaning chamber toward the introduction chamber .   The cap sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the water seal mechanism is formed inside the introduction chamber, and includes a drain pipe that is curved in an S shape in the middle and retains drain liquid. . A contents filling system comprising the cap sterilizing device according to claim 1 or 2 .

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