WO2022130872A1 - Procédé de désinfection de récipient, dispositif de désinfection de récipient et système de remplissage - Google Patents

Procédé de désinfection de récipient, dispositif de désinfection de récipient et système de remplissage Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2022130872A1
WO2022130872A1 PCT/JP2021/041896 JP2021041896W WO2022130872A1 WO 2022130872 A1 WO2022130872 A1 WO 2022130872A1 JP 2021041896 W JP2021041896 W JP 2021041896W WO 2022130872 A1 WO2022130872 A1 WO 2022130872A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
nozzle
bottle
disinfectant
mouth
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2021/041896
Other languages
English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
睦 早川
Original Assignee
大日本印刷株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 大日本印刷株式会社 filed Critical 大日本印刷株式会社
Priority to CN202180085523.9A priority Critical patent/CN116615379A/zh
Publication of WO2022130872A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022130872A1/fr

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • B65B55/04—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging
    • B65B55/10—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging by liquids or gases

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to a container sterilization method, a container sterilization device, and a content filling system.
  • An aseptic filling system (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.
  • PET bottle sterilized container
  • the molded container is supplied to the aseptic filling system, and the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution as a disinfectant is sprayed on the container in the aseptic filling system. It is then dried to sterilize the container and then aseptically fill the container with the contents.
  • a sterilization method for sterilizing a container for example, a sterilization method in which a nozzle is inserted into a PET bottle and then the PET bottle is sterilized is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
  • the present disclosure has been made in consideration of such points, and is capable of efficiently sterilizing a container by efficiently improving the temperature of the container, a container sterilization method, a container sterilizer, and filling of contents.
  • the purpose is to provide a system.
  • a transport step of transporting a container having a mouth portion filled with contents and a nozzle for spraying a sterilizing agent are inserted into the transported container.
  • a sterilizing agent supply step of supplying the sterilizing agent to the container into which the nozzle is inserted is provided, and in the nozzle inserting step, the nozzle is inserted into the container.
  • the pressure in the container may be maintained at 1 kPa or more and 20 kPa or less by inserting the nozzle into the container in the nozzle insertion step.
  • the pressure in the nozzle may be increased by 0.01 kPa or more and 2.0 kPa or less by inserting the nozzle into the container in the nozzle insertion step. ..
  • the nozzle is located on the small diameter portion constituting the tip of the nozzle and on the upstream side of the small diameter portion in the flow direction of the disinfectant, and is located on the upstream side of the small diameter portion. It may include a large-diameter portion having a large inner diameter and a reduced-diameter portion located between the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion and whose inner diameter gradually decreases toward the downstream side in the flow direction of the disinfectant. ..
  • the nozzle has a flange portion that protrudes radially from the nozzle and an annular wall portion that protrudes from the peripheral edge of the flange portion toward the tip end side of the nozzle.
  • the wall portion may cover at least a part of the outer surface of the mouth portion when the nozzle is inserted into the container.
  • a tapered surface may be formed between the tip of the nozzle and the outer surface of the nozzle.
  • the mouth portion of the container includes a screw portion and a support ring provided below the screw portion, and when the nozzle is inserted into the container, the mouth portion thereof includes a screw portion.
  • the support ring has a first virtual line extending radially outward from the tip of the nozzle in a vertical cross section, and a second virtual line extending radially outward from the tip of the nozzle along the tapered surface. It may be placed between the virtual line and the virtual line.
  • the bactericidal agent may be supplied to the container with the support ring held from below in the bactericidal agent supply step.
  • the nozzle from the nozzle to the top surface of the mouth of the container at least one of before the nozzle insertion step and after the sterilizer supply step. It may further include a top surface sterilization step of spraying the disinfectant.
  • the distance between the top surface of the mouth and the tip of the nozzle may be 2 mm or more and 100 mm or less in the top surface sterilization step.
  • the time for spraying the disinfectant from the nozzle in the top surface sterilization step may be 0.1 seconds or more and 5.0 seconds or less.
  • a preheating step for heating the container may be further provided between the nozzle insertion step and the sterilizer supply step.
  • the container may be heated by hot air or infrared rays in the preheating step.
  • the container sterilizer is a transport mechanism for transporting a container having a mouth portion filled with contents, and a supply for supplying a sterilizer to the container transported by the transport mechanism.
  • a container sterilizer that comprises a unit, the supply unit has a nozzle for spraying the sterilizing agent, and the nozzle is inserted into the container to make the inside of the container slightly positive pressure. Is.
  • the nozzle may hold the pressure in the container at 1 kPa or more and 20 kPa or less.
  • the pressure in the nozzle may be increased by 0.01 kPa or more and 2.0 kPa or less by inserting the nozzle into the container.
  • the nozzle is located on the small diameter portion constituting the tip of the nozzle and on the upstream side of the small diameter portion in the flow direction of the disinfectant, and is located on the upstream side of the small diameter portion. It may include a large-diameter portion having a large inner diameter and a reduced-diameter portion located between the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion and whose inner diameter gradually decreases toward the downstream side in the flow direction of the disinfectant. ..
  • the nozzle has a flange portion that protrudes radially from the nozzle and an annular wall portion that protrudes from the peripheral edge of the flange portion toward the tip end side of the nozzle.
  • the wall portion may cover at least a part of the outer surface of the mouth portion when the nozzle is inserted into the container.
  • a tapered surface may be formed between the tip of the nozzle and the outer surface of the nozzle.
  • the mouth portion of the container includes a screw portion and a support ring provided below the screw portion, and when the nozzle is inserted into the container, the mouth portion thereof includes a screw portion.
  • the support ring has a first virtual line extending radially outward from the tip of the nozzle in a vertical cross section, and a second virtual line extending radially outward from the tip of the nozzle along the tapered surface. It may be placed between the virtual line and the virtual line.
  • the transport mechanism may have a holding member for holding the container, and the holding member may hold the support ring from below.
  • the nozzle supplies the sterilizing agent to the container while being inserted into the container, and the nozzle is not inserted into the container.
  • the disinfectant may be sprayed onto the top surface of the mouth of the container.
  • the distance between the top surface of the mouth and the tip of the nozzle is 2 mm. It may be 100 mm or less.
  • the time for the nozzle to spray the sterilizing agent on the top surface may be 0.1 seconds or more and 5.0 seconds or less.
  • the supply unit may heat the container before supplying the sterilizer to the container.
  • the supply unit may heat the container with hot air or infrared rays.
  • the content filling system includes a container sterilizer according to one embodiment, a filling device for filling the contents in the container, and a cap mounting device for closing the container with a cap. , Content filling system.
  • the container can be sterilized efficiently by efficiently improving the temperature of the container.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a content filling system according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a container sterilizer according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a container sterilizer according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing an enlarged nozzle of the container sterilizer according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the relationship between the nozzle and the bottle of the container sterilizer according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a content filling method using the content filling system according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic front view showing a content filling method using the content filling system according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the content filling method using the content filling system according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 to 7 are views showing an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the content filling system (sterile filling system, aseptic filling system) according to the 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) 100 having a mouth portion 110 (see FIG. 4) into which the contents are filled with contents such as beverages.
  • the bottle 100 can be manufactured by biaxially stretching blow molding a preform manufactured by injection molding a synthetic resin material.
  • the bottle 100 may be manufactured by direct blow molding.
  • a thermoplastic resin particularly PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate).
  • the container may be a glass, a can, a paper, a 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.
  • the content filling system 10 includes a bottle molding unit 30, a sterilizing device (container sterilizing device) 11, an air rinsing device 14, a sterile water rinsing device 15, a filling device (filler) 20, and the filling device (filler) 20. It is provided with a cap mounting device (capper, winding and tapping machine) 16 and a product bottle unloading unit 22.
  • the bottle forming unit 30, the sterilizing device 11, the air rinsing device 14, the sterile water rinsing device 15, the filling device 20, the cap mounting device 16, and the product bottle unloading section 22 are located from the upstream side to the downstream side along the transport direction of the bottle 100. They are arranged in this order toward. Further, between the adjustment transport unit 5, the sterilizer 11, the air rinse device 14, the sterile water rinse device 15, the filling device 20, and the cap mounting device 16, which will be described later, a plurality of transport wheels for transporting the bottle 100 between these devices. 12 is provided.
  • the bottle molding unit 30 is a portion that sequentially receives the preform 100a from the outside, molds the bottle 100, and then transports and supplies the molded bottle 100 to the sterilizer 11.
  • the bottle molding unit 30 is configured to receive the preform 100a and to mold the bottle 100.
  • the bottle molding unit 30 conveys the preform transport unit 31 that conveys the preform 100a, the blow molding unit 32 that forms the bottle 100 by performing blow molding on the preform 100a, and the molded bottle 100. It has a bottle transport unit 33 and.
  • the preform transport unit 31 includes a receiving unit 34, a heating unit 35, and a delivery unit 36.
  • the receiving unit 34 is a portion that receives the preform 100a supplied from the preform supply device 1 via the preform supply conveyor 2.
  • the receiving unit 34 is provided with a preform sterilizer 34a for sterilizing the preform 100a.
  • the preform sterilizer 34a is configured to sterilize the preform 100a by spraying a mist or gas of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution onto the preform 100a (preliminary sterilization).
  • the bactericidal agent for sterilizing the preform 100a may have the property of inactivating microorganisms.
  • the bactericidal agent include hydrogen peroxide, alcohols such as peracetic acid, acetic acid, pernitrate, nitric acid, chlorine-based chemicals, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ethyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol, chlorine dioxide, ozone water, and the like.
  • Acidic water and a surfactant may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in combination.
  • the heating unit 35 of the preform transport unit 31 is a portion that receives the preform 100a from the receiving unit 34 and heats the preform 100a while transporting the preform 100a.
  • the heating unit 35 is provided with a heater 35a for heating the preform 100a.
  • the heater 35a may be, for example, an infrared heater.
  • the heater 35a heats the preform 100a to, for example, 90 ° C. or higher and 130 ° C. or lower.
  • the temperature of the mouth of the preform 100a is suppressed to 70 ° C. or lower in order to prevent deformation and the like.
  • the delivery section 36 of the preform transfer section 31 is a section that receives the preform 100a heated by the heating section 35 and delivers it to the blow molding section 32.
  • the blow molding unit 32 includes a mold (not shown), and the bottle 100 is molded by performing blow molding on the preform 100a using this mold.
  • an adjustment transport unit 5 is provided between the bottle molding unit 30 and the sterilizer 11.
  • the adjustment transport unit 5 is a portion that receives the bottle 100 from the bottle transport unit 33 of the bottle molding unit 30 and delivers the bottle 100 to the sterilizer 11.
  • At least a part of the adjustment transport unit 5 is housed inside the atmosphere blocking chamber 70b, which will be described later.
  • the adjustment transfer section 5 is arranged so as to straddle the molding section chamber 70a described later and the atmosphere blocking chamber 70b described later.
  • a single transfer wheel 12 is provided between the adjustment transfer unit 5 and the bottle transfer unit 33 of the bottle molding unit 30. That is, between the blow molding unit 32 of the bottle molding unit 30 and the sterilizer 11, a bottle transport unit 33 of the bottle molding unit 30, a single transfer wheel 12, and an adjustment transfer unit 5 are provided.
  • the content filling system 10 can be made more compact as compared with the case where a plurality of transfer wheels 12 are provided between the adjustment transfer unit 5 and the bottle transfer unit 33 of the bottle molding unit 30.
  • only the adjustment transport unit 5 may be provided between the blow molding unit 32 of the bottle molding unit 30 and the sterilizer 11. In this case, the content filling system 10 can be made more compact.
  • the sterilizing device 11 is a device that sterilizes the inside of the bottle 100 by injecting a sterilizing agent onto the bottle 100. This causes the bottle 100 to be sterilized by the disinfectant prior to filling the contents.
  • a sterilizing agent for example, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is used.
  • the sterilizer 11 a mist or gas of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is generated, and the mist or gas is sprayed on the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100. Since the bottle 100 is sterilized with the mist or gas of the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution in this way, the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100 are sterilized evenly.
  • the air rinse device 14 is a device that removes foreign substances, hydrogen peroxide, etc. from the inside of the bottle 100 while activating hydrogen peroxide by supplying sterile heated air or normal temperature air to the bottle 100. Further, in the air rinsing device 14, if necessary, hydrogen peroxide may be gasified by mixing a condensed mist of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide with sterilized air at room temperature and supplied to the bottle 100. ..
  • the configuration of the air rinse device 14 may be substantially the same as that of the sterilizer 11 shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later.
  • the sterile water rinsing device 15 is a device that cleans the bottle 100 sterilized with hydrogen peroxide, which is a sterilizing agent, with sterile water at 15 ° C. or higher and 85 ° C. or lower. As a result, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the bottle 100 is washed away and the foreign matter is removed.
  • hydrogen peroxide which is a sterilizing agent
  • the filling device 20 is a device for filling the contents sterilized in advance from the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 into the bottle 100.
  • the contents are filled in the empty bottle 100.
  • the contents are filled into the inside of the bottle 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are rotationally conveyed.
  • the cap mounting device 16 is a device that closes the bottle 100 by mounting the cap 80 on the mouth 110 of the bottle 100.
  • the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 is closed by the cap 80.
  • the bottle 100 is sealed so that external air and microorganisms do not enter the bottle 100.
  • the cap 80 is mounted on the mouth 110 while rotating (revolving) a plurality of bottles 100 filled with the contents. By attaching the cap 80 to the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 in this way, the product bottle 101 can be obtained.
  • the cap 80 is sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizer 18.
  • the cap sterilizer 18 is arranged, for example, outside the sterile chamber 70f (described later) and in the vicinity of the cap mounting device 16.
  • a large number of caps 80 carried in from the outside of the content filling system 10 are collected in advance and transported in a row toward the cap mounting device 16.
  • hydrogen peroxide mist or gas is sprayed toward the inner and outer surfaces of the cap 80.
  • the cap 80 is sterilized by drying the cap 80 with hot air.
  • the product bottle unloading unit 22 is a portion for continuously unloading the product bottle 101 to which the cap 80 is mounted by the cap mounting device 16 toward the outside of the content filling system 10.
  • the content filling system 10 includes a molding section chamber 70a, an atmosphere blocking chamber 70b, a disinfectant spray chamber 70c, a first disinfectant removal chamber 70d, a second disinfectant removal chamber 70e, and a sterile chamber 70f. , With 70 g of outlet chamber. Of these, the blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30 is housed inside the molding section chamber 70a.
  • the adjusting transport unit 5 is housed inside the atmosphere blocking chamber 70b.
  • the content filling system 10 has an atmosphere blocking chamber 70b in which at least a part of the adjusting and transporting unit 5 is housed.
  • a camera may be provided inside the atmosphere blocking chamber 70b. Then, by using a camera, it may be inspected whether the bottle 100 has no problem in molding. Further, a thermometer may be provided inside the atmosphere blocking chamber 70b. Then, the temperature of the bottle 100 before sterilization may be measured by this thermometer.
  • the temperature of the bottle 100 is one of the important factors that influence the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100. That is, by keeping the temperature of the bottle 100 at an appropriate temperature, the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved. Therefore, by measuring the temperature of the bottle 100 before sterilization with a thermometer, the temperature of the bottle 100 at the time of sterilization can be maintained at an appropriate temperature, and the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved.
  • the sterilizing device 11 is housed inside the sterilizing agent spraying chamber 70c.
  • a pressure gauge 71 (see FIG. 2) for measuring the pressure in the disinfectant spray chamber 70c is attached to the disinfectant spray chamber 70c.
  • the air rinse device 14 is housed inside the first disinfectant removing chamber 70d. Further, a sterile water rinsing device 15 is housed inside the second disinfectant removing chamber 70e.
  • the filling device 20 and the cap mounting device 16 are housed inside the sterile chamber 70f. Further, the product bottle carry-out portion 22 is housed inside the outlet chamber 70 g.
  • the disinfectant spray chamber 70c is equipped with a pressure gauge 71 (see FIG. 2) for measuring the pressure in the disinfectant spray chamber 70c. Further, among the chambers other than the disinfectant spray chamber 70c, at least the inside of the sterile chamber 70f is equipped with a pressure gauge (not shown) for measuring the internal pressure of the filling environment. A pressure gauge for measuring the internal pressure may also be attached to the molding section chamber 70a, the atmosphere blocking chamber 70b, the first disinfectant removing chamber 70d, the second disinfectant removing chamber 70e and / or the outlet chamber 70g.
  • Such a content filling system 10 may consist of, for example, an aseptic filling system.
  • the insides of the disinfectant spray chamber 70c, the first disinfectant removal chamber 70d, the second disinfectant removal chamber 70e, the sterile chamber 70f, and the outlet chamber 70g are maintained in a sterile state.
  • the transfer wheel 12 provided between the sterilizer 11 and the air rinse device 14 may be arranged in a sterile space surrounded by the chamber wall 12a.
  • the transfer wheel 12 provided between the air rinsing device 14 and the sterile water rinsing device 15 may be arranged in a sterile space surrounded by the chamber wall 12a.
  • a chamber (not shown) connecting the aseptic zone in the sterile state and the non-sterile zone in the non-sterile state may be provided on the downstream side of the outlet chamber 70 g.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the sterilizer 11.
  • the sterilizing device 11 includes a transport mechanism 40 for transporting the bottle 100 and a supply unit 50 for supplying the sterilizing agent to the bottle 100 transported by the transport mechanism 40.
  • the transport mechanism 40 has a rotatable wheel 41 and a gripper (holding member) 42 connected to the wheel 41 to transport the bottle 100 while holding the bottle 100.
  • the wheel 41 is configured to rotate by power from a predetermined drive source, and is attached to a swivel shaft 44 standing on the machine base 43 so that the board surface is parallel to the horizontal plane.
  • a support column 45 extends upward from the board surface of the wheel 41, and a manifold 52 described later of the supply unit 50 is connected to the upper end of the support column 45.
  • another support column 48 extends upward from the board surface of the wheel 41, and the gripper 42 of the bottle 100 is attached to the upper part of this support column 48.
  • a large number of columns 48 and grippers 42 are arranged around the wheel 41 at a predetermined pitch.
  • a large number of grippers 42 are connected to the wheel 41 via the support column 48 and rotate with the rotation of the wheel 41.
  • a tunnel 49 is provided around the wheel 41 so as to surround the path of the bottle 100 held by the gripper 42.
  • a bactericidal agent sprayed from a nozzle 90 which will be described later, is retained in the tunnel 49, and the outer surface of the bottle 100 is evenly sterilized by passing the bottle 100 through the tunnel 49. ..
  • the tunnel 49 does not have to be provided.
  • a chamber wall is provided between the wheel 41 and the wheels arranged on both sides of the wheel 41 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the transfer wheels 12 arranged on both sides of the sterilizer 11). It may have been. It is also possible to efficiently sterilize the outer surface of the bottle 100 by forming a space having a compact volume by the chamber wall.
  • the supply unit 50 is a unit that supplies a bactericidal agent to at least the inner surface of the bottle 100.
  • the supply unit 50 may supply the bactericidal agent to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100.
  • the supply unit 50 has a nozzle 90 for spraying a disinfectant.
  • the nozzle 90 is attached to the support column 48 so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and the opening of the tip 90a (see FIGS. 4 and 5) of the nozzle 90 is held by the gripper 42 at the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 (FIG. 4). And see Figure 5).
  • the nozzle 90 is configured to be inserted into the bottle 100 by moving in the vertical direction.
  • the nozzle 90 swivels around the swivel shaft 44 together with the bottle 100 held by the gripper 42.
  • the nozzle 90 is configured to spray the bactericidal agent (hydrogen peroxide gas) onto the bottle 100 while moving in synchronization with the bottle 100 conveyed by the gripper 42 of the transfer mechanism 40.
  • the gripper (holding member) 42 holds the support ring 112 of the bottle 100 from below. That is, it is preferable that the gripper 42 grips a portion located below the support ring 112.
  • the gripper 42 grips a portion located below the support ring 112.
  • the supply unit 50 has a manifold 52 into which hydrogen peroxide gas flows. From the upper center of the manifold 52, a conduit 53 extends upward on an extension of the axis of the swivel shaft 44. The conduit 53 is held by a frame member of the disinfectant spray chamber 70c connected to the machine base 43 via a bearing 54. As a result, the manifold 52 can rotate around the turning shaft 44 integrally with the wheel 41.
  • hydrogen peroxide gas supply pipes 55 extend toward each gripper 42.
  • the nozzle 90 described above is attached to the tip of each supply pipe 55.
  • a conduit 57 is connected to the upper end of the conduit 53 of the manifold 52 via a sealing member 56.
  • the conduit 53 rotates integrally with the manifold 52 with respect to the conduit 57, and the sealing member 56 prevents the hydrogen peroxide gas from leaking from the connection portion of both the pipes 53 and 57.
  • a valve 58a for controlling the passage of hydrogen peroxide gas in the conduit 57 is attached to the conduit 57.
  • the conduit 57 has a pressure gauge P for measuring the pressure in the nozzle 90, a densitometer C for measuring the concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas, a thermometer T for measuring the temperature of the hydrogen peroxide gas, and hydrogen peroxide.
  • An air flow meter F for measuring the air volume of gas is attached.
  • a gas supply device composed of a blower 60, a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) 61, and an electric heater 62 is provided.
  • a hydrogen peroxide addition device 63 is incorporated in one or both of the front and rear of the electric heater 62.
  • the hydrogen peroxide addition device 63 may add hydrogen peroxide to the pipe in a gas state. If the hydrogen peroxide added to the pipe is not in a gas state, the residual value of hydrogen peroxide in the bottle 100 tends to increase.
  • the hydrogen peroxide transfer device 3 may add hydrogen peroxide in a liquid form such as a spray into the pipe.
  • the set temperature of the electric heater 62 is preferably 100 ° C. or higher (preferably 130 ° C. or higher) depending on the sterilizing strength of the bottle 100, although it is preferable that the set temperature is equal to or higher than the boiling point of the sterilizing agent to be supplied.
  • another electric heater may be provided on the upstream side of the hydrogen peroxide addition device 63, and liquid hydrogen peroxide may be sprayed on sterile hot air (80 ° C. or higher).
  • the hydrogen peroxide addition device 63 may be incorporated in both the front and rear of the electric heater 62.
  • the material of the bottle 100 is PET (polyethylene terephthalate), hydrogen peroxide is easily adsorbed and the residual value is likely to increase, but when the material is HDPE (high density polyethylene), the adsorption amount of hydrogen peroxide is When the material is PET (polyethylene terephthalate), it is extremely small, 1/20 or more and 1/5 or less. Therefore, when the material of the bottle 100 is HDPE (high density polyethylene), not only the method of gasifying the hydrogen peroxide solution and adding it to sterile air, but also the method of spraying the hydrogen peroxide solution and mixing it is adopted. Is also good.
  • the disinfectant may be a disinfectant containing 1% or more of hydrogen peroxide.
  • a disinfectant obtained by diluting 35% hydrogen peroxide solution with ethanol may be used.
  • a cleaning liquid such as water, alkali, or acid is allowed to flow through the supply unit 50 so that the supply unit 50 can be CIP (Cleaning In Place). Then it is good.
  • a conduit 64 for CIP and a valve 58b that controls the passage of the cleaning liquid in the conduit 64 are attached to the upstream side of the valve 58a.
  • the conduit 64 for CIP may be attached to one or both of the front and rear of the hydrogen peroxide addition device 63, or the conduit 64 for CIP is directly attached to the hydrogen peroxide addition device 63. Is also good.
  • the conduit 64 for CIP in order to prevent the chemical solution used in CIP from coming into contact with the blower 60, the HEPA filter 61 and the electric heater 62, it is preferable to prevent the chemical solution from flowing upstream.
  • the nozzle 90 is configured to have a slight positive pressure in the bottle 100 by being inserted into the bottle 100.
  • the static pressure in the conduit 57 connected to the nozzle 90 and the pressure in the bottle 100 become substantially the same. Therefore, when the pressure inside the bottle 100 is made slightly positive by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, the static pressure inside the conduit 57 increases. As a result, the flow velocity when the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 is blown out from the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 can be increased.
  • the temperature of the bottle 100 can be efficiently improved.
  • the pressure in the bottle 100 is substantially the same as the static pressure in the conduit 57. Therefore, the pressure inside the bottle 100 can be measured by the pressure gauge P attached to the conduit 57.
  • the nozzle 90 keeps the pressure in the bottle 100 at 1 kPa or more and 20 kPa or less.
  • the pressure in the bottle 100 at 1 kPa or more by the nozzle 90, the flow velocity when the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 is blown out from the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 can be made faster, and the temperature of the bottle 100 can be made higher. It can be effectively improved.
  • the pressure in the bottle 100 at 20 kPa or less by the nozzle 90 it is possible to suppress the deformation of the bottle 100 even when the bottle 100 is thinned.
  • the pressure in the nozzle 90 is increased by 0.01 kPa or more and 2.0 kPa or less (preferably 0.05 kPa or more and 1.5 kPa or less). That is, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, the static pressure in the conduit 57 is increased by 0.01 kPa or more and 2.0 kPa or less (preferably 0.05 kPa or more and 1.5 kPa or less).
  • the pressure in the nozzle 90 By increasing the pressure in the nozzle 90 by 0.01 kPa or more, the flow velocity when the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 is blown out from the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 can be made faster, and the temperature of the bottle 100 can be made more effective. Can be improved. Further, by setting the increase in pressure in the nozzle 90 to 2.0 kPa or less, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the bottle 100 when the disinfectant is sprayed from the nozzle 90.
  • the ratio of the nozzle 90 inserted inside the bottle 100 among the plurality of nozzles 90 may be 56% or more and 86% or less.
  • the central angle ⁇ 1 of the fan shape (region shown by the satin finish) in which the locus of the bottle 100 in which the nozzle 90 is inserted forms an arc is 200 ° or more and 310 ° or less. Is preferable.
  • the rotation angle ⁇ 1 in which one nozzle 90 rotates while being inserted inside the bottle 100 is preferably 200 ° or more and 310 ° or less.
  • the central angle (rotation angle) ⁇ 1 is 200 ° or more, the number of nozzles 90 inserted into the bottle 100 can be increased.
  • the static pressure in the conduit 57 can be effectively increased.
  • the transport wheel 12 that delivers the bottle 100 to the sterilizer 11 and the transport wheel 12 that receives the bottle 100 from the sterilizer 11 interfere with each other, or due to so-called container runout. It is possible to eliminate delivery defects.
  • container runout means that the bottle 100 is shaken by the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90.
  • the nozzle 90 includes a small diameter portion 91, a large diameter portion 92, and a reduced diameter portion 93.
  • the small diameter portion 91 is a portion constituting the tip 90a of the nozzle 90.
  • the large diameter portion 92 is located on the upstream side in the flow direction of the disinfectant with respect to the small diameter portion 91, and has a larger inner diameter than the small diameter portion 91.
  • the reduced diameter portion 93 is located between the large diameter portion 92 and the small diameter portion 91, and the inner diameter gradually decreases toward the downstream side in the flow direction of the disinfectant.
  • the nozzle 90 since the nozzle 90 includes the small diameter portion 91, the large diameter portion 92, and the reduced diameter portion 93, the flow velocity of the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 can be increased.
  • the inner diameter dn1 of the small diameter portion 91 may be, for example, 2 mm or more and 15 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less. Since the inner diameter dn1 of the small diameter portion 91 is 2 mm or more, the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 can be efficiently adhered not only to the inner surface of the bottle 100 but also to the outer surface. Therefore, not only the inner surface of the bottle 100 but also the outer surface of the bottle 100 can be sterilized.
  • the sterilizing agent can be effectively sprayed on the inner surface of the bottle 100, and as will be described later, the bottle 100 is sterilized while being heated to a desired temperature.
  • the inner diameter dn2 of the large diameter portion 92 may be, for example, 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less.
  • the length of the small diameter portion 91 of the nozzle 90 is preferably 5 mm or more and 400 mm or less.
  • the length of the small diameter portion 91 is 5 mm or more, the propulsive force of the disinfectant gas can be kept good.
  • the length of the small diameter portion 91 is 400 mm or less, it is possible to prevent the nozzle 90 from becoming too long, and it is possible to shorten the ascending / descending time of the nozzle 90. Therefore, the state in which the nozzle 90 is fully lowered can be maintained for as long as possible.
  • the internal pressure of the bottle 100 and the static pressure in the conduit 57 connected to the nozzle 90 are maximized when the nozzle 90 is fully lowered. Therefore, when the length of the small diameter portion 91 is 400 mm or less, it is possible to maintain a state in which the internal pressure of the bottle 100 and the static pressure in the conduit 57 connected to the nozzle 90 are maximized for as long as possible.
  • the nozzle 90 is provided with a flange portion 95 projecting radially from the nozzle 90 and an annular wall portion 96 projecting from the peripheral edge of the flange portion 95 toward the tip 90a of the nozzle 90.
  • the hot air blown out from the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 to the outside of the bottle 100 can be guided to the outer peripheral side of the mouth 110. This makes it possible to effectively preheat and sterilize the mouth portion 110. Therefore, the boundary portion between the outer surface and the inner surface of the bottle 100 (the top surface 115 of the mouth portion 110 (see FIG. 5) and the like) can be sterilized efficiently and reliably.
  • the flange portion 95 includes a facing surface 95a facing the mouth portion 110 of the bottle 100 when the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100.
  • the facing surface 95a includes a curved surface 95b that is recessed on the side away from the mouth portion 110.
  • the radius of curvature R of the curved surface 95b may be 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less.
  • the mouth portion 110 of the bottle 100 includes a screw portion 111 screwed to the cap 80 and a support ring 112 provided below the screw portion 111.
  • the nozzle 90 is configured to be inserted into the bottle 100.
  • the insertion amount L1 of the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100 in the vertical direction is, for example, 5 mm or more. It may be 50 mm or less.
  • the pressure in the bottle 100 can be effectively improved when the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100.
  • the insertion amount L1 is 50 mm or less, the moving distance of the nozzle 90 along the vertical direction can be shortened, and the working time for supplying the disinfectant can be shortened.
  • the insertion amount L1 is 50 mm or less, it is possible to suppress the spraying of the high-temperature disinfectant on the bottom of the bottle 100, so that the bottom of the bottle 100 can be suppressed from being deformed.
  • the inner diameter of the mouth portion 110 of the bottle 100 is d1 and the outer diameter of the nozzle 90 is D1. 2 mm ⁇ d1-D1 ⁇ 25 mm It is preferable that the relationship is satisfied. Thereby, when the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100, the pressure in the bottle 100 can be effectively increased. Further, the flow velocity when the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 is blown out from the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 can be made faster, and the temperature of the bottle 100 can be improved more effectively. Further, it is possible to prevent the bottle 100 from being deformed when the disinfectant is sprayed from the nozzle 90.
  • the "nozzle outer diameter D1" means the outer diameter of the portion of the outer diameter of the nozzle 90 that is located inside the bottle 100 when the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100. ..
  • the wall portion 96 is configured to cover at least a part of the outer surface of the mouth portion 110.
  • the amount of overlap L2 between the wall portion 96 and the mouth portion 110 in the vertical direction may be, for example, 1 mm or more and 25 mm or less.
  • the overlapping amount L2 is 1 mm or more, the flow rate of the hot air guided to the outer peripheral side of the mouth portion 110 can be increased. Therefore, the disinfectant gas can be attached to the screw portion 111 having a complicated shape, and the mouth portion 110 can be effectively sterilized.
  • the overlapping amount L2 is 25 mm or less, it is possible to prevent the pressure in the bottle 100 from becoming too high when the disinfectant is sprayed into the bottle 100 from the nozzle 90.
  • the wall portion 96 is located at least above the support ring 112.
  • the wall portion 96 may be brought closer to the gripper 42 in order to increase the internal pressure of the bottle 100.
  • the distance L3 between the wall portion 96 and the gripper 42 in the vertical direction is preferably 1 mm or more and 25 mm or less.
  • the distance L3 between the wall portion 96 and the gripper 42 is 1 mm or more, it is possible to prevent the pressure in the bottle 100 from becoming too high.
  • the distance L3 between the wall portion 96 and the gripper 42 is 25 mm or less, the internal pressure required for sterilization can be sufficiently secured.
  • the distance L3 between the wall portion 96 and the gripper 42 is 25 mm or less, the flow rate of hot air guided to the outer peripheral side of the mouth portion 110 can be increased. Therefore, the disinfectant gas can be attached to the screw portion 111 having a complicated shape, and the mouth portion 110 can be effectively sterilized.
  • the inner diameter of the wall portion 96 is d2 and the outer diameter of the mouth portion 110 at the upper end of the mouth portion 110 is D2, 5 mm ⁇ d2-D2 ⁇ 30 mm It is preferable that the relationship is satisfied. As a result, the flow rate of the hot air guided to the outer peripheral side of the mouth portion 110 can be effectively increased. Further, when the disinfectant is sprayed into the bottle 100 from the nozzle 90, it is possible to effectively prevent the pressure in the bottle 100 from becoming too high. Therefore, even when the bottle 100 is thinned, it is possible to prevent the bottle 100 from being deformed.
  • a tapered surface 90c is formed between the tip 90a of the nozzle 90 and the outer surface 90b of the nozzle 90.
  • the temperature of the support ring 112 which is thicker than the other portions, can be effectively raised. As a result, the temperature of the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 can be efficiently raised.
  • the support ring 112 is arranged between the first virtual line IL1 and the second virtual line IL2 in the vertical cross section.
  • the first virtual line IL1 is a virtual line extending radially outward from the tip 90a of the nozzle 90 along the horizontal direction in a vertical cross section.
  • the second virtual line IL2 is a virtual line extending radially outward from the tip 90a of the nozzle 90 along the tapered surface 90c in a vertical cross section.
  • the angle ⁇ 2 formed by the first virtual line IL1 and the second virtual line IL2 may be 5 ° or more and 80 ° or less, and may be 45 ° as an example.
  • the nozzle 90 supplies a bactericidal agent to the bottle 100 in a state of being inserted into the bottle 100, and also to a top surface 115 of the mouth portion 110 of the bottle 100 in a state of not being inserted into the bottle 100. It is configured to spray a disinfectant. This makes it possible to improve the sterilization efficiency of the top surface 115 of the mouth portion 110.
  • the distance L4 vertical distance, see FIG. 7
  • the bactericidal agent can be attached to the entire top surface 115 of the mouth portion 110.
  • the time for the nozzle 90 to spray the disinfectant on the top surface 115 of the mouth 110 is preferably 0.1 seconds or more and 5.0 seconds or less.
  • the time for spraying the disinfectant from the nozzle 90 is 0.1 seconds or more, a sufficient complementary effect can be obtained. Further, since the time for spraying the disinfectant from the nozzle 90 is 5.0 seconds or less, the risk of deformation of the mouth portion 110 can be reduced.
  • the preform supply device 1 sequentially supplies a plurality of preforms 100a to the receiving unit 34 of the preform transfer unit 31 via the preform supply conveyor 2 (preform supply step, reference numeral S1 in FIG. 6). ). At this time, the preform 100a is sterilized by spraying a mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide in the preform sterilizer 34a, and then dried with hot air.
  • the preform 100a is sent to the heating unit 35, and is heated to, for example, 90 ° C. or higher and 130 ° C. or lower by the heater 35a.
  • the preform 100a heated by the heating unit 35 is sent to the delivery unit 36.
  • the preform 100a is sent from the delivery section 36 to the blow molding section 32.
  • the preform 100a sent to the blow molding unit 32 is blow molded using a mold (not shown) to form the bottle 100 (bottle molding step, reference numeral S2 in FIG. 6). Then, the molded bottle 100 is sent to the bottle transport unit 33.
  • the bottle 100 is sterilized using a hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution as a sterilizer (container sterilization step, reference numeral S3 in FIG. 6).
  • the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution is a gas or mist once vaporized above the boiling point and is supplied toward the bottle 100.
  • the mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100 and sterilizes the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100.
  • the bottle 100 is transported by the transport mechanism 40 (conveyance process, reference numeral S31 in FIG. 6).
  • the bottle 100 is conveyed by the gripper 42 (see FIG. 2) connected to the wheel 41.
  • the bottle 100 is conveyed in a state where the support ring 112 is held from below by the gripper 42 (see FIG. 5).
  • the bottle 100 moves from the point A to the point B shown in FIG.
  • the bottle 100 is conveyed in the vertical direction with a predetermined distance from the nozzle 90.
  • points A to F correspond to points A to F in FIG. 3, respectively.
  • the disinfectant is sprayed from the nozzle 90 onto the top surface 115 of the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 (top surface sterilization step, reference numeral S32 in FIG. 6).
  • the disinfectant passes through the conduit 57 and is supplied to the nozzle 90.
  • the disinfectant supplied to the nozzle 90 is supplied to the bottle 100.
  • sterilization is performed while raising the temperature of the bottle 100.
  • the sterilization of the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 can be complemented by spraying the sterilizing agent on the bottle 100 from above the bottle 100.
  • the bottle 100 may be delivered to the gripper 42, and at the same time, the disinfectant may be sprayed from the nozzle 90 onto the top surface 115 of the mouth 110 of the bottle 100.
  • the bottle 100 of the nozzle 90 when the disinfectant is sprayed from the nozzle 90 onto the top surface 115 of the mouth portion 110 (when the bottle 100 moves from the point A to the point B), the bottle 100 of the nozzle 90 The vertical position with respect to is unchanged. That is, the disinfectant is sprayed from the nozzle 90 onto the bottle 100 with the nozzle 90 and the bottle 100 spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.
  • the distance L4 between the top surface 115 of the mouth portion 110 and the tip 90a of the nozzle 90 is preferably 2 mm or more and 100 mm or less.
  • the bactericidal agent can be attached to the entire top surface 115 of the mouth portion 110.
  • the time for spraying the disinfectant from the nozzle 90 is preferably 0.1 seconds or more and 5.0 seconds or less.
  • the time for spraying the disinfectant from the nozzle 90 is 0.1 seconds or more, a sufficient complementary effect can be obtained. Further, since the time for spraying the disinfectant from the nozzle 90 is 5.0 seconds or less, the risk of deformation of the mouth portion 110 can be reduced.
  • the nozzle 90 for spraying the disinfectant is inserted into the conveyed bottle 100 (nozzle insertion step, reference numeral S33 in FIG. 6).
  • the bottle 100 moves from the point B to the point C shown in FIG.
  • the nozzle 90 moves downward, so that the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100.
  • the inside of the bottle 100 is made a slight positive pressure.
  • the disinfectant continues to be sprayed from the nozzle 90. Therefore, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, the pressure inside the bottle 100 increases due to the disinfectant sprayed into the bottle 100.
  • the pressure in the bottle 100 increases due to the volume of the nozzle 90. Therefore, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, the inside of the bottle 100 becomes a slight positive pressure.
  • the static pressure in the conduit 57 connected to the nozzle 90 and the pressure in the bottle 100 become substantially the same. Therefore, when the pressure inside the bottle 100 is made slightly positive by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, the static pressure in the conduit 57 increases, and the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 is discharged from the mouth 110 of the bottle 100. The flow velocity when blowing out to the outside can be increased. Thereby, when the disinfectant is sprayed into the bottle 100 from the nozzle 90, the temperature of the bottle 100 can be effectively improved.
  • the pressure in the bottle 100 is maintained at 1 kPa or more and 20 kPa or less by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100. Further, it is preferable to increase the pressure in the nozzle 90 by 0.01 kPa or more and 2.0 kPa or less by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100.
  • the disinfectant is supplied to the bottle 100 into which the nozzle 90 is inserted (bactericidal agent supply step, reference numeral S34 in FIG. 6).
  • the bactericide continues to be sprayed from the nozzle 90. Therefore, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, a bactericidal agent is further supplied to the bottle 100.
  • the bottle 100 moves from the point C to the point D shown in FIG. Further, at this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the vertical position of the nozzle 90 with respect to the bottle 100 does not change.
  • the above-mentioned top surface sterilization step reference numeral S32 in FIG.
  • the spraying of the disinfectant from the nozzle 90 is stopped, and after the above-mentioned nozzle insertion step (reference numeral S33 in FIG. 6), the nozzle 90 is sterilized again.
  • the agent may be configured to be sprayed.
  • a valve (not shown) may be provided on the nozzle 90 so that the valve is opened only for a required time in accordance with a predetermined timing. As a result, the amount of the disinfectant used can be reduced.
  • the bottle 100 is conveyed in a state where the support ring 112 is held from below by the gripper 42. Therefore, the disinfectant is supplied to the bottle 100 in a state where the support ring 112 is held from below by the gripper 42. As a result, even when the bottle 100 is pressed downward by the wind pressure of the disinfectant, it is possible to prevent the horizontal position of the bottle 100 from shifting downward.
  • the nozzle 90 supplies the bactericidal agent to the bottle 100 while moving in synchronization with the bottle 100 conveyed by the gripper 42 of the conveying mechanism 40. Further, the bactericidal agent is supplied to the bottle 100 in a state where the inside of the bottle 100 is held at a slight positive pressure. This allows the bottle 100 to be heated to a desired temperature.
  • the nozzle 90 can supply the disinfectant to the bottle 100 while following the bottle 100.
  • the disinfectant can be efficiently supplied to the inner surface of the bottle 100, and the amount of the disinfectant used can be reduced.
  • the bottle 100 can be heated to a desired temperature by the heat of the disinfectant.
  • the concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas may be, for example, 5 mg / L or more and 600 mg / L or less.
  • the concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas is 5 mg / L or more, the bactericidal effect can be sufficiently exhibited.
  • the concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas is 600 mg / L or less, it is possible to suppress a long supply time of hot air for removing residual hydrogen peroxide. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the sterilizer 11 and the content filling system 10.
  • the amount of hydrogen peroxide mist may be, for example, 5 ⁇ L / bottle or more and 100 ⁇ L / bottle or less in terms of 35% by weight.
  • the amount of hydrogen peroxide mist is 5 ⁇ L / bottle or more, the bactericidal effect can be sufficiently exhibited.
  • the amount of hydrogen peroxide mist is 100 ⁇ L / bottle or less, it is possible to suppress a long supply time of hot air for removing residual hydrogen peroxide. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the sterilizer 11 and the content filling system 10.
  • the flow rate of the disinfectant per nozzle 90 may be 30 L / min or more and 400 L / min or less, preferably 50 L / min or less and 300 L. It may be less than / min.
  • the flow rate of the sterilizing agent is 30 L / min or more, the sterilizing efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved. Further, when the flow rate of the sterilizing agent is 400 L / min or less, it is possible to reduce the cost while maintaining the sterilizing efficiency of the bottle 100.
  • the temperature of the disinfectant may be 70 ° C. or higher and 200 ° C. or lower.
  • the sterilizing efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved.
  • the temperature of the disinfectant is 200 ° C. or lower, even if the bottle 100 is thinned, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the bottle 100 due to the heat of the disinfectant.
  • the time for supplying the disinfectant to the bottle 100 into which the nozzle 90 is inserted may be 0.1 seconds or more and 10 seconds or less, preferably 0.5 seconds or more and 10 seconds or less. ..
  • the sterilizing efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved.
  • the time for supplying the bactericidal agent is 0.5 seconds or more, the bottle 100 can be effectively heated by the heat of the bactericidal agent.
  • the time for supplying the sterilizing agent is 10 seconds or less, the working time for supplying the sterilizing agent can be shortened while maintaining the sterilizing efficiency of the bottle 100.
  • the bottle 100 moves from the point D to the point E shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the nozzle 90 moves upward, so that the nozzle 90 is taken out from the bottle 100.
  • the bottle 100 moves from the point E to the point F shown in FIG. Further, at this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the bottle 100 is conveyed in the vertical direction with a predetermined distance from the nozzle 90.
  • the sterilizing agent may be sprayed from the nozzle 90 onto the top surface 115 of the mouth portion 110 (top surface sterilization). Step, reference numeral S35 in FIG. This makes it possible to improve the bactericidal effect of the mouth 110 of the bottle 100.
  • the above-mentioned top surface sterilization step may be performed only before the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100 (before the above-mentioned nozzle insertion step), and after the nozzle 90 is taken out from the bottle 100 (described above). It may be done only after the disinfectant supply step).
  • the bottle 100 is sent to the air rinse device 14.
  • aseptic heating air or normal temperature air is supplied to the bottle 100 to activate hydrogen peroxide and remove foreign substances, hydrogen peroxide and the like from the bottle 100 (air rinsing).
  • Step, reference numeral S4 in FIG. In the air rinsing step, when aseptic hot air is sent into the bottle 100, the hot air heats the bottle 100 from the inner surface. This enhances the bactericidal effect of the fungicide mist. Further, by suppressing the adsorption and permeation of hydrogen peroxide into the bottle 100, hydrogen peroxide easily floats on the inner surface of the bottle 100.
  • mist floating inside the bottle 100 is discharged to the outside of the bottle 100 by hot air.
  • the sterilizing agent mist adhering to the inner surface of the bottle 100 has already sufficiently sterilized. Therefore, even if the mist floating in the internal space of the bottle 100 is discharged, the bactericidal effect is not impaired. Rather, by discharging excess mist at an early stage, it is possible to suppress excessive adsorption and permeation of hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the bottle 100.
  • hydrogen peroxide may be gasified by mixing a condensed mist of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide with sterile heated air or aseptic air at room temperature and supplied to the bottle 100. ..
  • the amount of hydrogen peroxide contained in the hot air supplied into the bottle 100 is the hot air. It is preferably 1 mg or more and 10 mg or less per 1 L, and more preferably 2 mg or more and 8 mg or less. Further, the time for supplying the heated air to the bottle 100 may be set within a range in which all the sterilizing agent floating inside the bottle 100 can be discharged and the sterilizing defect due to the sterilizing agent can be compensated. From the viewpoint of removing hydrogen peroxide in the bottle 100, it is desirable to set the temperature of the hot air as high as possible within the range where the bottle 100 is not deformed.
  • the temperature of the hot air used for air rinsing is preferably set in the range of 50 ° C. or higher and lower than 150 ° C., preferably in the range of 75 ° C. or higher and lower than 120 ° C.
  • the temperature of the hot air used for air rinsing is preferably set in the range of 100 ° C. or higher and lower than 200 ° C., preferably in the range of 110 ° C. or higher and lower than 180 ° C.
  • the blowing time of hot air and hydrogen peroxide gas is set to, for example, 2 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less. Further, in the present embodiment, it is desirable that the time from stopping the introduction of the disinfectant mist to starting the blowing of hot air is shorter. It is desirable to set the time within 10 seconds at the longest, preferably within 5 seconds.
  • the bottle 100 is transported to the sterile water rinsing device 15.
  • the bottle 100 is washed (rinsed) with sterile water having a temperature of 15 ° C. or higher and 85 ° C. or lower (sterile water rinsing step, reference numeral S5 in FIG. 6).
  • sterile water rinsing step reference numeral S5 in FIG. 6
  • sterile water having a temperature of 15 ° C. or higher and 85 ° C. or lower is supplied into the bottle 100 at a flow rate of 5 L / min or higher and 15 L / min or lower.
  • the bottle 100 is turned upside down, and sterile water is supplied into the bottle 100 from the downwardly facing mouth 110.
  • sterile water flows out of the bottle 100 from the downwardly facing mouth 110.
  • the warm water washes away the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the bottle 100 and removes foreign matter.
  • the method of cleaning the bottle 100 with sterile water is not limited to the method of flowing sterile water.
  • sterile air may be supplied to the bottle 100 after rinsing the bottle 100 with sterile water.
  • aseptic air may be supplied to the bottle 100 from a sterile air supply device (not shown) at a pressure of 0.1 MPa or more and blown for 0.5 seconds or longer to remove residual water. Further, by replacing this sterile air with sterile nitrogen, it is possible to reduce the oxygen concentration in the bottle 100.
  • the bottle 100 is conveyed to the filling device 20.
  • the contents are filled into the bottle 100 from the mouth 110 while rotating (revolving) the bottle 100 (filling step, reference numeral S6 in FIG. 6).
  • the contents are prepared in advance and the contents are sterilized by heating.
  • the heating temperature is generally 60 ° C. or higher and 120 ° C. or lower when the acidity of the content is less than pH 4.0, and 115 ° C. or higher and 150 ° C. or lower when the pH is 4.0 or higher.
  • the heat-sterilized contents are cooled to a temperature of 3 ° C. or higher and 40 ° C. or lower.
  • the sterilized bottle 100 is filled with the contents sterilized and cooled to room temperature at room temperature.
  • the temperature of the contents at the time of filling is, for example, about 3 ° C. or higher and 40 ° C. or lower.
  • the bottle 100 filled with the contents is conveyed to the cap mounting device 16 by the transfer wheel 12.
  • the cap 80 is sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizer 18 (cap sterilization step, reference numeral S7 in FIG. 6). During this time, the cap 80 is first carried into the cap sterilizer 18 from the outside of the content filling system 10. Subsequently, in the cap sterilizer 18, a mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide is sprayed toward the inner and outer surfaces of the cap 80. Then, the inner and outer surfaces of the cap 80 are dried with hot air to sterilize the cap 80. Then, the sterilized cap 80 is sent to the cap mounting device 16.
  • the sterilized cap 80 is mounted on the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 conveyed from the filling device 20.
  • the bottle 100 is closed and the product bottle 101 is obtained (closing step, reference numeral S8 in FIG. 6).
  • the product bottle 101 is transported from the cap mounting device 16 to the product bottle carry-out unit 22 and is carried out to the outside of the content filling system 10 (bottle discharge process, reference numeral S9 in FIG. 6). Then, the product bottle 101 is transported to a packaging line (not shown) and packaged.
  • Each step from the container sterilization step to the bottle discharge step is aseptic surrounded by a sterilizing agent spraying chamber 70c, a first sterilizing agent removing chamber 70d, a second sterilizing agent removing chamber 70e, a sterile chamber 70f, or an outlet chamber 70g. It is performed in the atmosphere of the above, that is, in a sterile environment.
  • the inside of the disinfectant spray chamber 70c, the first disinfectant removal chamber 70d, the second disinfectant removal chamber 70e, the sterile chamber 70f, and the outlet chamber 70g is sterilized in advance by spraying hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, discharging hot water, or the like. It is being processed.
  • the disinfectant is sprayed so that the sterile air is constantly blown out of the disinfectant spray chamber 70c, the first disinfectant removal chamber 70d, the second disinfectant removal chamber 70e, the sterile chamber 70f, and the outlet chamber 70g.
  • Positive pressure sterile air is supplied into the chamber 70c, the first disinfectant removal chamber 70d, the second disinfectant removal chamber 70e, the sterile chamber 70f and the outlet chamber 70g.
  • the atmosphere blocking chamber 70b, the disinfectant spray chamber 70c, and the outlet chamber 70g exhaust the sterile air in each chamber and the disinfectant used in bottle disinfection.
  • the first disinfectant removing chamber 70d, the second disinfectant removing chamber 70e, and the sterile chamber 70f are adjusted so as to have a positive pressure of 1 Pa or more, preferably 10 Pa or more, respectively.
  • the outlet chamber 70 g may be adjusted to have a positive pressure of 1 Pa or more, preferably 10 Pa or more.
  • the production (transportation) speed of the bottle 100 in the content filling system 10 is preferably 100 bpm or more and 1500 bpm or less.
  • bpm bottle per minute means the transport speed of the bottle 100 per minute.
  • the supply unit 50 has a nozzle 90 for spraying a bactericidal agent, and the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100 to allow the inside of the bottle 100 to be slightly positive.
  • Make pressure In this case, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, the static pressure in the conduit 57 connected to the nozzle 90 and the pressure in the bottle 100 become substantially the same. Therefore, when the pressure inside the bottle 100 is made slightly positive by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, the static pressure in the conduit 57 increases, and the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 is discharged from the mouth 110 of the bottle 100.
  • the flow velocity when blowing out to the outside can be increased. Thereby, when the disinfectant is sprayed into the bottle 100 from the nozzle 90, the temperature of the bottle 100 can be efficiently improved. As a result, the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved.
  • the nozzle 90 is located on the small diameter portion 91 constituting the tip 90a of the nozzle 90 and on the upstream side of the small diameter portion 91 in the flow direction of the disinfectant, and has an inner diameter larger than that of the small diameter portion 91. It includes a large diameter portion 92 and a reduced diameter portion 93 that is located between the large diameter portion 92 and the small diameter portion 91 and whose inner diameter gradually decreases toward the downstream side in the flow direction of the disinfectant.
  • the flow velocity of the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 can be increased. Therefore, when the disinfectant is sprayed into the bottle 100 from the nozzle 90, the temperature of the bottle 100 can be further effectively improved.
  • the nozzle 90 has a flange portion 95 projecting radially from the nozzle 90 and an annular wall portion 96 projecting from the peripheral edge of the flange portion 95 toward the tip 90a of the nozzle 90. It is provided.
  • the hot air blown out from the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 to the outside of the bottle 100 can be guided to the outer peripheral side of the mouth 110. This makes it possible to effectively preheat and sterilize the mouth portion 110. Therefore, the boundary portion between the outer surface and the inner surface of the bottle 100 can be sterilized efficiently and reliably.
  • a tapered surface 90c is formed between the tip 90a of the nozzle 90 and the outer surface 90b of the nozzle 90.
  • the support ring 112 when the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100, the support ring 112 extends radially outward from the tip 90a of the nozzle 90 in a vertical cross section. It is arranged between the virtual line IL1 and the second virtual line IL2 extending radially outward from the tip 90a of the nozzle 90 along the tapered surface 90c. As a result, the amount of hot air blown to the support ring 112 can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to raise the temperature of the support ring 112, which is thicker than the other portions, more effectively.
  • the gripper 42 holds the support ring 112 from below. Therefore, the disinfectant is supplied to the bottle 100 in a state where the support ring 112 is held from below by the gripper 42. As a result, even when the bottle 100 is pressed downward by the wind pressure of the disinfectant, it is possible to prevent the horizontal position of the bottle 100 from shifting downward.
  • the nozzle 90 supplies the bactericidal agent to the bottle 100 in a state of being inserted into the bottle 100, and at the same time, the mouth portion of the bottle 100 is not inserted into the bottle 100.
  • the disinfectant is sprayed on the top surface 115 of the 110. This makes it possible to improve the sterilization efficiency of the top surface 115 of the mouth portion 110.
  • the supply unit 50 heats the bottle 100 before supplying the disinfectant to the bottle 100. You may. Thereby, the temperature of the bottle 100 can be easily increased to a desired temperature. As a result, the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be further improved.
  • the supply unit 50 may heat the bottle 100 with hot air.
  • the supply unit 50 may heat the bottle 100 by supplying hot air from the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, or may heat the bottle 100 by a heating mechanism (not shown).
  • the supply unit 50 may heat the bottle 100 with infrared rays.
  • the preform supply step (reference numeral S11 in FIG. 8) and the bottle molding step (reference numeral S12 in FIG. 8) are sequentially performed in the same manner as in reference numerals S1 to S2 in FIG. conduct.
  • the bottle 100 is sterilized using a hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution as a sterilizer (container sterilization step, reference numeral S13 in FIG. 8).
  • the transfer step (reference numeral S131 in FIG. 8), the top surface sterilization step (reference numeral S132 in FIG. 8), and the nozzle insertion step (reference numeral S133 in FIG. 8) are performed in the same manner as with reference numerals S31 to S33 in FIG. Do it in order.
  • the bottle 100 is heated (preheating step, reference numeral S134 in FIG. 8).
  • the bottle 100 is heated by, for example, hot air.
  • the preheating step of the bottle 100 may be performed by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100 while making the nozzle 90 follow the bottle 100 as shown in FIG. 5 described above. In this case, the temperature of the entire bottle 100 can be raised.
  • the preheating step of the bottle 100 may be performed by a method in which the nozzle 90 follows the bottle 100 in a non-inserted state without inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100. In this case, it is possible to positively raise the temperature of the mouth portion 110 where the temperature of the bottle 100 after molding can be low.
  • the disinfectant supply step (reference numeral S135 in FIG. 8) and the top surface sterilization step (reference numeral S136 in FIG. 8) are sequentially performed in the same manner as with reference numerals S34 to S35 in FIG.
  • the air rinsing step (reference numeral S14 in FIG. 8), the sterile water rinsing step (reference numeral S15 in FIG. 8), the filling step (reference numeral S16 in FIG. 8), and the cap sterilization step (reference numeral S16 in FIG.
  • the reference numeral S17 in FIG. 8, the closing step (reference numeral S18 in FIG. 8), and the bottle discharge step (reference numeral S19 in FIG. 8) are performed in this order. In this way, the bottle 100 is closed and the product bottle 101 is obtained.
  • the temperature of the bottle 100 can be easily raised to a desired temperature by heating the bottle 100 before supplying the disinfectant to the bottle 100. Therefore, the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be further improved.
  • the sterilizer for the container is a sterilizer that performs a peracetic acid sterilization method in which the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle are sterilized with a peracetic acid solution (or gas, mist or a mixture thereof) and then the inner and outer surfaces are rinsed with sterile water. good.
  • the sterilizer for the container may be a sterilizer that uses peracetic acid, acetic acid, pernitrate, nitric acid, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine, caustic soda, etc.
  • the sterilizer in addition to hydrogen peroxide and ethanol. Further, a sterilizing device using a sterilizing agent in which two or more of these are combined may be used. Further, the sterilizer may be used not only for sterilizing bottles but also for sterilizing preforms, cups, pouches, paper containers, or complexes thereof.
  • the transport mechanism 40 has a rotatable wheel 41 and a gripper 42 connected to the wheel 41 and transporting while holding the bottle 100 has been described. Not limited to this.
  • a star wheel (holding member) or a conveyor may be adopted as the transport mechanism 40.
  • the content filling system 10 includes the bottle molding unit 30
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the content filling system may be configured to sequentially receive the molded empty bottles 100 from the outside by air transport or the like, and transport the received bottles 100 toward the sterilizer 11. Even in this case, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained.
  • the bottles 100 sterilized by the sterilizer 11 may be cooled by the heat of blow molding. Even in this case, since the bottle 100 can be heated to a desired temperature by the heat of the sterilizing agent, the sterilizing efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved without providing a temperature control facility on the downstream side of the blow molding unit 32.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé de désinfection de récipient qui comprend une étape de transport pour transporter un récipient (100) qui présente une partie ouverte (110) à travers lequel le récipient (100) doit être remplie de contenu, une étape d'insertion de buse pour insérer une buse de pulvérisation de désinfectant (90) dans le récipient (100) transporté, et une étape d'alimentation en désinfectant pour fournir un désinfectant dans le récipient (100) dans lequel la buse (90) a été insérée. Lors de l'étape d'insertion de buse, l'insertion de la buse (90) génère à l'intérieur du récipient (100) une pression légèrement positive.
PCT/JP2021/041896 2020-12-17 2021-11-15 Procédé de désinfection de récipient, dispositif de désinfection de récipient et système de remplissage WO2022130872A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202180085523.9A CN116615379A (zh) 2020-12-17 2021-11-15 容器杀菌方法、容器杀菌装置及内容物填充系统

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2020-209457 2020-12-17
JP2020209457A JP7406727B2 (ja) 2020-12-17 2020-12-17 容器殺菌方法、容器殺菌装置および内容物充填システム

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022130872A1 true WO2022130872A1 (fr) 2022-06-23

Family

ID=82059745

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2021/041896 WO2022130872A1 (fr) 2020-12-17 2021-11-15 Procédé de désinfection de récipient, dispositif de désinfection de récipient et système de remplissage

Country Status (3)

Country Link
JP (1) JP7406727B2 (fr)
CN (1) CN116615379A (fr)
WO (1) WO2022130872A1 (fr)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH01134003U (fr) * 1988-03-04 1989-09-12
JP2006124038A (ja) * 2001-09-05 2006-05-18 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd 物品の殺菌方法及び殺菌装置
JP2006206158A (ja) * 2005-01-31 2006-08-10 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Food & Packaging Machinery Co Ltd 容器の殺菌装置、プラスチック容器の殺菌方法、プラスチック容器の殺菌洗浄方法及び装置
JP2008133049A (ja) * 2006-10-05 2008-06-12 Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd 薄肉プラスチックボトルの加熱殺菌方法
EP2008667A1 (fr) * 2007-06-18 2008-12-31 Krones AG Dispositif de traitement de récipient dans un système de désinfection des récipients
JP2015074452A (ja) * 2013-10-07 2015-04-20 三菱重工食品包装機械株式会社 殺菌装置
DE102016125721A1 (de) * 2016-12-27 2018-06-28 Krones Ag Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Sterilisieren von Behältnissen
WO2018151306A1 (fr) * 2017-02-20 2018-08-23 大日本印刷株式会社 Procédé de récupération après une panne pour machine de remplissage aseptique, et machine de remplissage aseptique

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5974029A (ja) * 1982-10-09 1984-04-26 大日本印刷株式会社 無菌包装方法
JP6272214B2 (ja) * 2014-12-02 2018-01-31 三菱重工機械システム株式会社 容器の殺菌方法、及び、殺菌システム

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH01134003U (fr) * 1988-03-04 1989-09-12
JP2006124038A (ja) * 2001-09-05 2006-05-18 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd 物品の殺菌方法及び殺菌装置
JP2006206158A (ja) * 2005-01-31 2006-08-10 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Food & Packaging Machinery Co Ltd 容器の殺菌装置、プラスチック容器の殺菌方法、プラスチック容器の殺菌洗浄方法及び装置
JP2008133049A (ja) * 2006-10-05 2008-06-12 Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd 薄肉プラスチックボトルの加熱殺菌方法
EP2008667A1 (fr) * 2007-06-18 2008-12-31 Krones AG Dispositif de traitement de récipient dans un système de désinfection des récipients
JP2015074452A (ja) * 2013-10-07 2015-04-20 三菱重工食品包装機械株式会社 殺菌装置
DE102016125721A1 (de) * 2016-12-27 2018-06-28 Krones Ag Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Sterilisieren von Behältnissen
WO2018151306A1 (fr) * 2017-02-20 2018-08-23 大日本印刷株式会社 Procédé de récupération après une panne pour machine de remplissage aseptique, et machine de remplissage aseptique

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN116615379A (zh) 2023-08-18
JP2022096386A (ja) 2022-06-29
JP7406727B2 (ja) 2023-12-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10449708B2 (en) Method and apparatus for sterilizing bottle
US10137217B2 (en) Method and apparatus for sterilizing preform
JP5585128B2 (ja) 飲料充填方法及び装置
US20140311095A1 (en) Drink filling method and drink filling system
JP2019048672A (ja) 飲料充填装置
WO2013021882A1 (fr) Procédé et dispositif de remplissage de boisson
US11655133B2 (en) Cap sterilizer, content filling system, cap sterilization method, and content filling method
WO2020179521A1 (fr) Dispositif de stérilisation de récipient, système de remplissage de contenu, procédé de stérilisation de récipient et procédé de remplissage de contenu
JP7205783B2 (ja) 炭酸飲料無菌充填システム
WO2022130872A1 (fr) Procédé de désinfection de récipient, dispositif de désinfection de récipient et système de remplissage
WO2022130868A1 (fr) Procédé de stérilisation de contenant, dispositif de stérilisation de contenant et système de remplissage de contenu
JP6551557B2 (ja) キャップ殺菌装置、内容物充填システムおよびキャップ殺菌方法
JP6551556B2 (ja) キャップ殺菌装置、内容物充填システムおよびキャップ殺菌方法
JP6551809B2 (ja) キャップ殺菌装置、内容物充填システムおよびキャップ殺菌方法
JP6673383B2 (ja) キャップ殺菌装置、内容物充填システムおよびキャップ殺菌方法
JP6673384B2 (ja) キャップ殺菌装置、内容物充填システムおよびキャップ殺菌方法
JP2018184221A (ja) キャップ殺菌装置および内容物充填システム

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 21906236

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 202180085523.9

Country of ref document: CN

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 21906236

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1