Aseptic filling device and purification method thereof

Abstract

Improve the cleaning and sterilization effect of aseptic filling equipment and shorten the downtime in the filling operation of beverages. An aseptic filling device and a purification method thereof, wherein various stations including a content filling station (6) are sequentially arranged along the flow direction of a preform (1) or a container (3) from its upstream side to its downstream side, and the aseptic filling device is formed by covering the various stations with chambers (20), (21), and (56). For the content filling station (6), SIP is performed after CIP or SIP is performed in conjunction with CIP to implement sterilization, and the cleaning liquid used in the CIP or SIP is removed. For the various stations, one or both of COP and SOP are performed in a specified order; in the purification method of the aseptic filling device, during the period from the CIP performed on the content filling station (6) to the SIP, a first SOP using a first sterilizing agent and a second SOP using a second sterilizing agent are performed in stages for the various stations.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of April 26, 2018, application number 201880025406.1, and invention name “Aseptic filling device and purification method thereof”. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to an aseptic filling device and a method for purifying the aseptic filling device through cleaning and sterilization. Background Art

[0003] In the aseptic filling device, a wheel train is set up to transport containers such as bottles in one direction. Along the flow direction of the containers formed by the rotation of each wheel of the wheel train, a container sterilization station, a content filling station, and a container sealing station are set up in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0004] The container sterilization station is provided with a nozzle for spraying a mist of hydrogen peroxide solution as a sterilant onto the container moving around the wheel. The content filling station is configured as a filler in which the content filling nozzle moves around the wheel. The container sealing station is configured as a capping machine for screwing the bottle cap onto the mouth of the bottle.

[0005] In addition, a chamber is provided that covers the area from the gear train and the container sterilization station to the container sealing station (for example, refer to Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0006] In a content filling station in an aseptic filling device, a large number of filling nozzles are arranged at regular intervals along the circumference of a predetermined wheel in order to fill a large number of bottles with beverages as contents at high speed.

[0007] All the filling nozzles and the wheel perform a high-speed rotating motion together, so that each bottle moving synchronously with the movement of the filling nozzles is filled with a certain amount of beverage.

[0008] The beverage is supplied from its mixing device to the filling nozzle of the content filling station through the beverage supply system pipeline. Periodically or when the type of beverage is switched, CIP (Cleaning in Place) is applied inside the beverage supply system pipeline to remove residues and foreign matter, and further, SIP (Sterilizing in Place) is applied to sterilize (for example, refer to patent documents 3, 4, and 5).

[0009] CIP is performed by allowing a cleaning solution obtained by adding an alkaline agent such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide or an acidic agent such as nitric acid to water to flow through a flow path from the inside of the beverage supply system pipeline to the filling nozzle of the filling machine. In this way, the residue of the previous beverage adhering to the pipeline of the beverage supply system is removed (for example, refer to Patent Documents 3, 4, and 5).

[0010] SIP is performed by, for example, passing steam or hot water through the interior of the pipe after the CIP cleaning, and sterilizing the interior of the beverage supply system pipe by heating with steam or hot water (for example, see paragraph 0003 of Patent Document 5).

[0011] Specifically, CIP and SIP inside the beverage supply system pipeline are implemented in the following manner.

[0012] Since it is necessary to circulate the liquid inside the beverage supply system pipeline or to recycle the waste liquid, a cap is placed on the nozzle opening of each stationary filling nozzle. The cap is configured to rotate with the filling nozzle. A manifold is pre-set around the rotation axis of the rotational motion of the filling nozzle, which rotates together with the filling nozzle and the cap. The cap is connected to the manifold through a pipeline, and the manifold is connected to the storage tank and pump of the cleaning liquid through a disconnectable and connectable pipeline. The storage tank and pump of the cleaning liquid are fixed in the frame or chamber of the content filling station.

[0013] When CIP and SIP are implemented, the cap is automatically covered on the nozzle opening by stopping the rotational movement of the filling nozzle and the manifold, so that the cap is connected to the manifold, and the manifold is connected to the storage tank of the cleaning liquid through a pipeline.

[0014] Therefore, the cleaning liquid flows from the cleaning liquid storage tank into the beverage supply system pipe, further flows into the filling nozzle, the nozzle port, the cap and the manifold, and circulates only within a specified time. Thus, the beverage supply system pipe and the filling nozzle are CIPed.

[0015] Furthermore, when performing SIP, hot water or the like is passed through the interior of the beverage supply system pipe and the filling nozzle in the same manner as in the above-mentioned CIP to sterilize the interior of the beverage supply system pipe and the filling nozzle.

[0016] On the other hand, inside the chamber, COP (Cleaning Out of Place) and SOP (Sterilizing Out of Place) are also performed to purify the outer surface of the content filling station and the inner wall surface of the chamber (for example, refer to Patent Documents 6, 7, 8, and 9).

[0017] Various spray nozzles are arranged at various places in the chamber for COP and SOP. When COP and SOP are performed, alkaline cleaning liquid, peracetic acid cleaning liquid, hydrogen peroxide solution and other liquids, sterile water, etc. are sprayed in the chamber from these nozzles in a spray or shower state. The inner wall surface of the chamber and the surface of the filling machine and other machines are cleaned and sterilized by the spray or shower of the liquid or water.

[0018] As described above, for the aseptic filling device, after CIP, SIP, COP, and SOP are performed, beverage filling begins through the aseptic filling device, and the pre-sterilized beverage is filled into the sterilized bottle in a sterile environment, thereby producing aseptic bottled beverages.

[0019] Prior art literature

[0020] Patent Literature

[0021] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-39414

[0022] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-111295

[0023] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-331801

[0024] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-153245

[0025] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-22600

[0026] Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent No. 3315918

[0027] Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-299723

[0028] Patent Document 8: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-189034

[0029] Patent Document 9: Japanese Patent No. 5582213 Summary of the invention

[0030] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0031] As described above, when CIP and SIP are performed on the inside of the beverage supply system pipeline, the manifold is connected to the supply source of the cleaning liquid through the pipeline, so the rotation of the wheel in the content filling station stops, and the swirling movement of the filling nozzle, etc. stops. In addition, the conventional gear train is always dynamically connected between the container sterilization station, the content filling station, and the container sealing station, so if the wheel in the content filling station stops, the wheels in the container sterilization station and the container sealing station also stop.

[0032] Therefore, if Figure 6 As shown, when CIP or SIP is performed on the beverage supply system pipeline, COP and SOP are set to a standby state, and COP and SOP are started after or just before the completion of CIP and SIP.

[0033] The reason is that if you want to perform COP or SOP on the inside of the chamber at the same time as CIP or SIP, the cleaning liquid and sterilizing liquid cannot reach every corner of the container sterilization station, content filling station and container sealing station due to the wheel stop, which is prone to poor cleaning and sterilization.

[0034] In particular, since the filling nozzles of the content filling station have complex shapes and structures, even if the COP and SOP are performed on the stationary content filling station, it is easy to cause poor cleaning and sterilization. Since the filling nozzle is the part that fills the bottle with beverages, if there are microorganisms or foreign matter remaining on the surface of the filling nozzle, the risk of entering the bottle becomes high.

[0035] Therefore, in the past, COP and SOP for the interior of the chamber were carried out after CIP and SIP of the beverage supply system pipeline were completed, the pipeline between the manifold and the storage tank of the cleaning liquid was cut off, all the wheels of the gear train became able to rotate, and the filling nozzle, etc. became able to perform a rotating motion.

[0036] That is, if the content filling station is driven, and the various nozzles in the chamber spray cleaning liquid while the filling nozzle is rotating, the spray and shower of the cleaning liquid will spread all over the content filling station, especially every corner of the filling nozzle, so that the content filling station is properly cleaned and sterilized. Similarly, if the wheel of the container sterilization station is rotating, and the various nozzles in the chamber spray cleaning liquid, the spray and shower of the cleaning liquid will spread all over the container sterilization station, so that the container sterilization station is properly cleaned and sterilized. In addition, if the wheel of the container sealing station is rotating, and the various nozzles in the chamber spray cleaning liquid, the spray and shower of the cleaning liquid will spread all over the container sterilization station, so that the container sterilization station is properly cleaned and sterilized.

[0037] However, if the CIP or SIP of the beverage supply system pipeline is completed before performing COP and SOP on the inside of the chamber, the downtime (production rest time or production interval time, downtime) of the aseptic filling device will be prolonged and the productivity of bottled beverages will be reduced.

[0038] Here, in Figure 6 FIG. 2 shows an example of a conventional purification operation such as CIP performed on an aseptic filling device.

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, when it is desired to start production of another bottled beverage after production of a certain bottled beverage is completed, the content filling station is stopped at the stage where production of the previous bottled beverage has been completed, and CIP is performed on the beverage supply system pipeline.

[0040] After the CIP is completed, the SOP (or COP) is carried out by starting the content filling station and spraying peracetic acid and sterile water in sequence to the rotating filling nozzles.

[0041] If the SOP (or COP) for the content filling station is completed, the content filling station is stopped and a SIP is performed on the beverage supply system pipeline.

[0042] The reason for inserting SOP between CIP and SIP is that there is a concern that if the cleaning liquid used in CIP or its waste liquid leaks from the connection between the cap and the nozzle, the waste liquid may adhere to the equipment at the content filling station, and then mix into beverages and containers during the subsequent filling operation. If SOP is inserted between SIP and CIP, the waste liquid can be flushed away from the equipment at the content filling station, and the SIP can be used to sterilize the equipment while keeping the exterior of the equipment at the content filling station clean.

[0043] In addition, until SIP is performed on the inside of the beverage supply system pipeline after CIP is completed, such as Figure 7 As shown, water is supplied to the inside of the beverage supply system pipe from the last stage of CIP to start rinsing the inside of the pipe, and waste liquid, cleaning liquid, etc. are removed from the inside of the beverage supply system pipe. At the same time, the inside of the pipe is cooled, and then water is started to be supplied to the inside of the pipe. The temperature of the water gradually increases to the temperature required for sterilization in the next SIP.

[0044] In addition, the same SOP (or COP) as the SOP (or COP) of the content filling station is also implemented for other stations. At this time, the other stations are also in the same driving state as the content filling station. During the period from the end of the CIP of the content filling station to the start of the SIP, the SOP (or COP) is implemented in stages for the other driven stations.

[0045] The reason for carrying out this SOP (or COP) in stages is that it is difficult to prepare to supply such a large amount of peracetic acid and other disinfectants and sterile water to all stations at the same time. Therefore, after peracetic acid is supplied to each station in stages, sterile water is supplied to each station in stages.

[0046] According to the above, in the purification operation of the aseptic filling device, Figure 6 For example, it takes about 6 hours. That is, the downtime of the aseptic filling device is very long, which becomes the reason for the reduction of the productivity of the bottled beverage.

[0047] In addition, according to the previous SOP (or COP), a single type of disinfectant such as peracetic acid was used as a disinfectant. However, it is difficult to reliably perform disinfection with a single type of disinfectant to the same level of detail as that in other stations, and further improvement of the disinfection capability is required.

[0048] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an aseptic filling device and a purification method thereof that can eliminate the above-mentioned problems.

[0049] Means for solving problems

[0050] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention adopts the following structure.

[0051] That is, the purification method of the aseptic filling device involved in the present invention is to sequentially arrange various stations including the content filling station along the flow direction of the preform or container from the upstream side to the downstream side thereof, and the aseptic filling device is formed by covering the various stations with a chamber, and for the content filling station, SIP is performed after CIP or SIP is performed in combination with CIP to implement sterilization, and the cleaning liquid used in the CIP or SIP is removed, and for the various stations, one or both of COP and SOP are performed in a prescribed order; the purification method of the aseptic filling device is characterized in that, during the period from the CIP performed on the content filling station to the SIP performed, a first SOP using a first sterilizer and a second SOP using a second sterilizer are performed in stages for the various stations.

[0052] In addition, in the purification method of the aseptic filling device involved in the present invention, preferably, the first sterilizer and the second sterilizer are respectively selected from the following group, which group includes: a hydrogen peroxide solution containing more than 1 mass% of hydrogen peroxide components; and one or more substances containing ethanol, peracetic acid, acetic acid, octanoic acid, peroxyoctanoic acid, ozone, chlorine dioxide, alkali chloride and sodium hypochlorite, or a combination of these.

[0053] Furthermore, in the purification method of the aseptic filling device involved in the present invention, preferably, the first SOP and the second SOP are performed by spraying the first sterilizer or the second sterilizer, and spraying sterile water.

[0054] Furthermore, in the purification method of the aseptic filling device according to the present invention, sterile air can be always blown toward the content filling station in the chamber.

[0055] Furthermore, in the purification method of the aseptic filling device according to the present invention, preferably, the various stations other than the content filling station are container forming stations, container sterilizing stations, container sealing stations or cap sterilizing stations.

[0056] In addition, the aseptic filling device involved in the present invention is equipped with various stations including a content filling station in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the flow direction of the preform or container, and the various stations are covered by a chamber. For the content filling station, SIP is performed after CIP or SIP is performed in conjunction with CIP to implement sterilization, and the cleaning liquid used in the CIP or SIP is removed. For the various stations, one or both of COP and SOP are performed in a prescribed order; the aseptic filling device is characterized in that, during the period from the CIP to the SIP for the content filling station, a first SOP using a first sterilizer and a second SOP using a second sterilizer are performed in stages for the various stations.

[0057] In addition, in the aseptic filling device involved in the present invention, preferably, the first sterilizer and the second sterilizer are respectively selected from the following group, which group includes: a hydrogen peroxide solution containing more than 1 mass% of hydrogen peroxide; and one or more substances containing ethanol, peracetic acid, acetic acid, octanoic acid, peroxyoctanoic acid, ozone, chlorine dioxide, alkali chloride and sodium hypochlorite, or a combination of these.

[0058] Furthermore, in the aseptic filling device of the present invention, preferably, the first SOP and the second SOP are performed by spraying the first bactericide or the second bactericide, and spraying sterile water.

[0059] Furthermore, in the aseptic filling device according to the present invention, aseptic air can be blown toward the content filling station in the chamber at all times.

[0060] Furthermore, in the aseptic filling device according to the present invention, preferably, the various stations other than the content filling station are container forming stations, container sterilizing stations, container sealing stations or cap sterilizing stations.

[0061] Effects of the Invention

[0062] According to the present invention, a method for purifying an aseptic filling device is provided as follows, that is, various stations including a content filling station are sequentially arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side along the flow direction of preforms or containers, and an aseptic filling device is formed by covering various stations with chambers, and sterilization is performed by performing SIP after CIP or performing SIP in combination with CIP for the content filling station, and the cleaning liquid used in the CIP or SIP is removed, and one or both of COP and SOP are performed for the various stations in a prescribed order; in the method for purifying an aseptic filling device, during the period of performing SIP from the CIP performed on the content filling station, a first SOP using a first sterilizing agent and a second SOP using a second sterilizing agent are performed in stages for the various stations, so that one or both of COP and SOP can be performed for the various stations during the period of performing SIP from the CIP performed on the content filling station, so that the time required for purifying the aseptic filling device can be shortened.

[0063] Therefore, it is of course possible to improve the cleaning and sterilization effects of the content filling station. By shortening the time of the purification operation, the filling operation of beverages and other contents can be started in advance, the production downtime time of the aseptic filling device and the production interval time when switching beverages can be shortened, and the production efficiency can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] Figure 1 It is a schematic top view of the aseptic filling device involved in the present invention.

[0065] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a vaporizer for sterilizing agent in an aseptic filling device.

[0066] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a content filling station in an aseptic filling device, wherein the left half shows a state in which a beverage is being filled, and the right half shows a state in which a cleaning process or a sterilization process is being performed.

[0067] Figure 4 is a flow chart showing a method for purifying an aseptic filling device.

[0068] Figure 5 (A) shows Figure 4 An illustration of the process of switching from CIP to SIP within a beverage supply system pipeline, Figure 5 (B) shows Figure 4 1 is an explanatory diagram of the process in which SIP, which combines sterilization and CIP, is performed inside the beverage supply system pipeline.

[0069] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing a purification method of a conventional aseptic filling device.

[0070] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 An illustration of the process of switching from CIP to SIP inside a beverage supply system pipeline.

[0071] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the relationship between the temperature of the filling nozzle and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas with respect to the sterilization performance of the outer surface of the filling nozzle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, the aseptic filling device comprises: a preform supply station 2 for sequentially supplying preforms 1 at predetermined intervals, a preform supply station 2 for molding the preforms 1 into containers, namely bottles 3 (see Figure 3 ), a container forming station 4 for sterilizing the formed bottles 3, a content filling station 6 for filling the sterilized bottles 3 with contents such as beverages, and a container sealing station 7 for sealing the bottles 3 filled with the contents.

[0074] The preform 1 is a test tube-shaped bottomed cylindrical body, and is made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) by injection molding or the like. The preform 1 is blow molded in the container molding station 4 to form a container, i.e., a bottle 3, but has a mouth 3a (see Figure 3 ) and external threads are imparted to the preform 1 from the initial molding of the preform 1.

[0075] Between the preform supply station 2 and the container sealing station 7, there are provided a preform conveying path for conveying the preform 1 in one direction, a molding die conveying path for conveying the molding die 8 for molding the preform 1 into the bottle 3 in one direction, and a bottle conveying path for conveying the bottle 3 molded by the molding die 8 in one direction.

[0076] The above-mentioned various conveying paths are composed of various conveying components. The conveying path for preforms is composed of a combination of shooters, wheels, etc., and the conveying path from the conveying path for molding molds to the conveying path for bottles is composed of a wheel train composed of a combination of various wheels. In addition, around the predetermined wheels, a gripper (not shown) is provided for holding the mouth 3a of the preform 1 or bottle 3 to convey it, or for transferring the preform 1 or bottle 3 between the wheels.

[0077] The various conveying paths described above are integrally driven by transmission of power from a predetermined power source, and the driving of the wheels and the like within the conveying paths is interlocked with each other.

[0078] Among them, in this embodiment 1, for example, for the wheel 9 corresponding to the content filling station 6, a clutch (clutch) (not shown) is provided for disconnecting or connecting the transmission of power in the power transmission system. By cutting off the clutch, the rotation of the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6 can be stopped even if other wheels are driven.

[0079] In addition, it is also possible to replace the clutch, but to make each wheel of the wheel train to be able to rotate independently by the servomotor for self-rotation. In this case, it is possible to stop the rotation of the wheel 9 in the content filling station 6 by stopping the corresponding servomotor for self-rotation, and rotate other servomotors for self-rotation and corresponding other wheels.

[0080] The preform supply station 2 is arranged along the flow direction of the preform 1 moving on the above-mentioned preform conveying path, the container molding station 4 is arranged along the outer periphery of the specified wheel 10 of the above-mentioned molding mold conveying path, and the container sterilization station 5, the content filling station 6 and the container sealing station 7 are arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the flow direction of the bottle 3 based on the rotation of the wheels 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 9, 16, 17, 18 of the gear train.

[0081] The portion from the preform supply station 2 to the container forming station 4 is covered by a first chamber 19 as a protective cover on each conveying path for the preform 1, etc., the container sterilization station 5 is covered by a second chamber 20 on each bottle conveying path, and the content filling station 6 and the container sealing station 7 are covered by a third chamber 21 on each bottle conveying path.

[0082] The first to third chambers 19, 20, 21 are connected to each other, but are separated from each other by partition walls. In addition, the second chamber 20 is connected to an exhaust pipe not shown in the figure, and the air in the second chamber 20 is always discharged to the outside of the second chamber 20 during the operation of the aseptic filling device. Further, in the third chamber 21, the content filling station 6 and the container sealing station 7 are separated by a partition wall. Moreover, on the content filling station 6 side in the third chamber 21, during the operation of the aseptic filling device, sterile air is always supplied from a sterile air supply source not shown in the figure, thereby keeping the inside of the third chamber 21 under positive pressure. The sterile air supplied to the content filling station 6 side flows to the container sealing station 7 side through the gap in the partition wall for passing the bottle.

[0083] In the aseptic filling device, if the description starts from the conveying path for preforms and the preform supply station 2, the conveying components for preforms are composed of an emitter 22 that supplies preforms 1 in sequence at prescribed intervals, a wheel 23 that receives the preforms 1 from the end of the emitter 22 and conveys them, and a long chain 24 extending in the horizontal direction that receives the preforms 1 from the wheel 23 and moves them.

[0084] The endless chain 24 is laid between a pair of pulleys 24 a and 24 b disposed opposite to each other on a horizontal plane, and the launcher 22 is connected to one of the pulleys 24 a via a wheel 23 .

[0085] A large number of retaining members (not shown) for the preform 1 are mounted at regular intervals on the endless chain 24. Each retaining member can rotate while moving together with the endless chain 24. The retaining member is formed into a spindle, and a plurality of spherical elastic bodies are embedded on the outer peripheral surface of the lower part. When the retaining member is inserted into the mouth 3a of the preform 1, the preform 1 is retained on the retaining member by the elastic deformation of these elastic bodies.

[0086] The holding member is inserted into the mouth portion 3a of the preform 1 fed from the wheel 23 side to the chain 24 side, whereby the preform 1 is held by the holding member in an upright state.

[0087] The endless chain 24 is surrounded by a furnace wall of a heating furnace, and heaters 25 radiating infrared rays are arranged on the inner surface of the furnace wall.

[0088] The preform 1 is received by the holding member installed on the endless chain 24 via the launcher 22, and is heated by the heater 25 to a temperature that allows blow molding while moving along with the movement of the endless chain 24. It is best that the preform 1 is uniformly heated while rotating along with the rotation of the holding member, and the temperature of the preform 1 other than the mouth 3a is raised to a temperature suitable for blow molding, that is, 90°C to 130°C. The temperature of the mouth 3a is suppressed to a temperature below 70°C where deformation does not occur, so as not to reduce the damage when the bottle cap 51 (see Figure 1 ) when sealing.

[0089] A wheel 26 is connected to a portion of one pulley 24a of the endless chain 24 that is in contact with the return path of the endless chain 24. The wheel 26 receives the preform 1 heated by the heater 25 and delivers it to the molding die 8 on the second conveying path.

[0090] Next, the mold conveying path and the container molding station 4 will be described. The mold conveying path has a gear train consisting of wheels 26, 10, and 11 connected to the pulley 24a of the preform conveying path.

[0091] A plurality of molding dies 8 are arranged at predetermined intervals around the wheel 10, and the molding dies 8 are separate molds that receive the preform 1 heated by the heater 25 and blow-mold the preform 1 into the bottle 3. The molding dies 8 can rotate around the wheel 10 at a constant speed together with the rotation of the wheel 10.

[0092] When the finished bottle 3 emerges from the mold 8 after the mold is opened, the bottle 3 is taken out of the mold 8 by the gripper around the wheel 11 connected to the wheel 10 and handed over to the gripper of the wheel 12 on the downstream side.

[0093] In addition, a camera 55 is provided at a location along the outer circumference of the wheel 11. The top surface of the mouth 3a of the bottle 3 is photographed by the camera 55, and whether the smoothness of the top surface is good or not is determined based on the image.

[0094] Next, the bottle conveying path and the container sterilizing station 5 will be described. The bottle conveying path is composed of a gear train consisting of wheels 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 9 , 16 , 17 , and 18 .

[0095] The container sterilizing station 5 includes a sterilizing agent spray nozzle 27 and an air flushing nozzle 28 which are arranged around each of the wheels 12 and 13 in the above-mentioned wheel train.

[0096] The disinfectant spray nozzle 27 is arranged so that the nozzle ejection hole faces the opening of the mouth portion 3a of the bottle 3 moving around the wheel 12, and the upstream side of the disinfectant spray nozzle 27 is connected to the Figure 2 A vaporizer 29 of sterilant is illustrated.

[0097] As the bactericide, it is effective to use a bactericide containing 1 mass % or more of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, it may contain one or more of ethanol, peracetic acid, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chlorine-based bactericides, or a combination of these.

[0098] The vaporizer 29 is provided with a hydrogen peroxide supply unit 30, which is a two-fluid sprayer for spraying an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide as a sterilant, and a vaporizer 31 for vaporizing the spray of hydrogen peroxide supplied from the hydrogen peroxide supply unit 30 by heating it to a temperature above its boiling point and below its non-decomposition temperature. The hydrogen peroxide supply unit 30 introduces an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and compressed air from a hydrogen peroxide supply path 30a and a compressed air supply path 30b, respectively, and forms a spray of the aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide in the vaporizer 31. The vaporizer 31 is a pipe having a heater 31a sandwiched between inner and outer walls, and heats the spray of hydrogen peroxide blown into the pipe to vaporize it. The vaporized hydrogen peroxide is sprayed out of the vaporizer 29 as mist or gas or a mixture thereof from the sterilant spray nozzle 27, a part of which flows into the bottle 3, and another part flows along the outer surface of the bottle 3, thereby forming and adhering a uniform thin film on the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 3.

[0099] The air flushing nozzle 28 is disposed so that the nozzle ejection hole faces the opening of the mouth portion 3 a of the bottle 3 moving around the wheel 13 .

[0100] One or more air flushing nozzles 28 are arranged around the wheel 13, for example. However, the air flushing nozzles 28 can also be arranged around the wheel 14 or the wheel 15 instead of the wheel 13. The air flushing nozzles 28 can also be arranged around the wheels 13, 14, and 15.

[0101] When the bottle 3 sprayed with the sterilizing agent moves around the wheel 13, sterile air is sprayed from the air flushing nozzle 28 toward the mouth 3a of the bottle 3. Thus, the hydrogen peroxide remaining on the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 3 is decomposed and removed. The sterilized bottle 3 reaches the next content filling station 6 via the wheels 14 and 15.

[0102] Sterile air can also be heated air. In this case, because the hydrogen peroxide attached to the inner and outer surfaces of bottle 3 is activated, the sterilization effect of bottle 3 improves.

[0103] In addition, when a preform sterilization station is provided at a moving portion of the preform 1 so as to perform sterilization treatment at the stage of the preform 1, the container sterilization station 5 can be omitted. Although not shown in the figure, in the preform sterilization station, for example, a nozzle for spraying a sterilizing agent such as a hydrogen peroxide solution onto the preform is provided at a predetermined position around the reel 23, around the endless chain 24, or around the reel 26.

[0104] The content filling station 6 is constructed as a filling machine in an integrated manner with the wheels 9 in the bottle conveying path.

[0105] The content filling station 6 has a large number of filling nozzles 32 around the wheel 9. Each filling nozzle 32 performs a swirling motion together with the wheel 9, and the bottle 3 moves synchronously below the filling nozzle 32. Thus, each bottle 3 is filled with beverage from each filling nozzle 32.

[0106] like Figure 3 As shown, the content filling station 6 is connected to a beverage supply system pipe 34 extending from a beverage mixing tank (not shown) via a surge tank 33. The beverage mixed in the mixing tank is supplied to the content filling station 6 after being sterilized by a heater (not shown) in the beverage supply system pipe 34.

[0107] The filling machine as the content filling station 6 is a device for filling a large number of bottles 3 with beverages at high speed, such as Figure 3As shown in FIG. 1 , the filling machine is provided with the above-mentioned wheel 9 constituting a part of the conveying path of the bottle 3. The wheel 9 is mounted on a portion of a support shaft 35 vertically erected from the bottom surface of the aseptic filling device, which becomes a rotating shaft 35a. Around the wheel 9, a gripper 36 for holding the neck of the bottle 3 is arranged at a certain interval. The gripper 36 can rotate in one direction integrally with the wheel 9. In addition, around the wheel 9, a large number of filling nozzles 32 arranged at the same interval as the gripper 36 are installed.

[0108] The upper portion of the support shaft 35 is fixed to the frame of the content filling station 6, and a rotary joint 35b is provided between the fixed upper portion and the upper end of the rotating shaft 35a. In addition, an upper manifold 37 is provided at a portion of the rotating shaft 35a located below the rotary joint 35b. The portion from the upper portion of the support shaft 35 to the upper manifold 37 is hollow, and the upper portion of the support shaft 35 is connected to the beverage supply system pipe 34. In addition, the beverage supply system pipe 34 extends from the upper manifold 37 to each filling nozzle 32.

[0109] Through the operation of the content filling station 6, the wheel 9 rotates at high speed, and conveys the bottle 3 held by the gripper 36 on the bottle conveying path at high speed in synchronization with the rotational movement. A large number of bottles 3 are arranged in a row and move just below the nozzle opening 32a of the filling nozzle 32, so that a certain amount of beverage is successively filled into each bottle 3.

[0110] The container sealing station 7 is integrally formed as a capping machine with the wheel 17 in the bottle conveying path and is covered together with the content filling station 6 by a chamber 21 covering the content filling station 6 .

[0111] The bottle 3 is filled with beverage in the content filling station 6 while moving on the bottle conveying path. The bottle 3 filled with beverage moves around the wheel 17 of the capping machine while its mouth 3a is screwed by the bottle cap 51, thereby completing the aseptic bottled beverage.

[0112] like Figure 1 As shown, a station for sterilizing the caps, namely a bottle cap sterilizing station 53, is attached to the capping machine.

[0113] The bottle cap 51 for closing the mouth 3a of the bottle 3 is sterilized in advance by the bottle cap sterilization station 53 before being supplied to the container sealing station 7. The bottle cap sterilization station 53 is also covered by the chamber 56 to maintain sterility.

[0114] A large number of preformed bottle caps are supplied to the bottle cap sterilization station 53. These bottle caps are sterilized by being sprayed with a spray of a sterilant such as a hydrogen peroxide solution and sterile hot air while moving into the bottle cap sterilization station 53. The sterilized bottle caps are supplied from the bottle cap sterilization station 53 to the above-mentioned capping machine through a transmitter or the like.

[0115] In addition, during the manufacture of the bottled beverage, sterile air is always blown from the sterile air supply source into the content filling station 6 in the chamber 21. As a result, the ambient gas in the chamber 21 is set to a positive pressure, and external gas containing microorganisms, dust, etc. is prevented from intruding into the chamber 21. In addition, the sterile air also flows to the container sealing station 7 in the same chamber 21 and the container sterilization station 5 in the chamber 20, thereby preventing external gas from intruding into the container sealing station 7, etc. In addition, sterile air is also always supplied to the chamber 56 of the bottle cap sterilization station 53 from other sterile air supply sources not shown.

[0116] The above-mentioned aseptic filling device is equipped with the following purification device, which is used to implement a purification process consisting of CIP, SIP, COP, and SOP on the container forming station 4, container sterilization station 5, content filling station 6, container sealing station 7, and bottle cap sterilization station 53 in various chambers 20, 21, and 56 regularly or when the type of beverage is switched, when the beverage filling operation is stopped.

[0117] In addition, the purification device does not necessarily have to be installed in all stations, and may be omitted in a station where the purification device is not required according to circumstances.

[0118] First, the purification device of the content filling station 6 will be described.

[0119] As described above, the beverage is supplied from its mixing device to the filling nozzle 32 of the content filling station 6 through the beverage supply system pipe 34, in which CIP is applied regularly or when the type of beverage is switched, followed by SIP.

[0120] exist Figure 3 In the figure, reference numeral 38 denotes a storage tank as a supply source of a cleaning liquid or a sterilizing liquid, i.e., a working fluid, used in the implementation of CIP, and reference numeral 39 denotes an infusion pump. A number of storage tanks 38 corresponding to the type of the prescribed working fluid is provided, but only one is shown for the convenience of drawing. The supply source of the sterilizing working fluid, such as steam, is omitted from the figure.

[0121] In addition, Figure 3 In the figure, reference numeral 40 indicates a forward pipe from the storage tank 38 to the pressure regulating tank 33, and reference numeral 41 indicates a return pipe from each filling nozzle 32 to the storage tank 38. The forward pipe 40 and the return pipe 41 together with the beverage supply system pipeline 34 form a circulation path for the cleaning liquid and the like.

[0122] The starting end of the return pipe 41 is provided with a cap 42 that can be connected or separated with respect to the nozzle opening 32a of each filling nozzle 32. When CIP or SIP is performed, each cap 42 is covered on the nozzle opening 32a at the front end of the filling nozzle 32 of the content filling station 6 by an actuator not shown, thereby connecting the starting end of the return pipe 41 to the nozzle opening 32a of the filling nozzle 32. Each cap 42 is connected to the lower manifold 43 through a flexible tube that constitutes a part of the return pipe 41. The lower manifold 43 is installed on the rotating shaft 35a, and can rotate integrally with the above-mentioned wheel 9, the filling nozzle 32, etc.

[0123] A connector 44 that can be freely disconnected or connected is provided at the portion where the return pipe 41 extends from the lower manifold 43 to the storage tank 38. When the CIP or SIP is performed, the connector 44 is connected. In this case, the wheel 9, the filling nozzle 32, etc. cannot be rotated. When the CIP or SIP is completed and the connector 44 is cut off, the wheel 9, the filling nozzle 32, etc. can be rotated.

[0124] In the purification device of the aseptic filling device involved in this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the content filling station 6 is programmed in a control unit (not shown) so that SIP is performed after CIP, and the first SOP and the second SOP are performed while CIP and SIP are being performed.

[0125] First, when CIP is started for the content filling station 6 (step S1 ), the clutch in the power transmission system of the aseptic filling device is disconnected to stop only the rotation of the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6 , thereby stopping the rotating motion of the filling nozzle 32 .

[0126] Then, if Figure 3 As shown in the right half of the figure, the nozzle opening 32a of the filling nozzle 32 is blocked with a cap 42. In addition, a joint 44 is connected. Thus, a circulation path for a predetermined working fluid such as a cleaning liquid and a sterilizing liquid used for CIP is formed.

[0127] Therefore, CIP is started (step S1), and a predetermined working fluid such as alkaline cleaning liquid and water is sent out from the storage tank 38 in a predetermined order by the pump 39. The cleaning liquid and the like flow from the storage tank 38 to the pressure regulating tank 33 through the outgoing pipe 40, and then flow into the upper manifold 37 through the beverage supply system pipeline 34 to each filling nozzle 32, and further return to the storage tank 38 through the return pipe 41. Thus, the cleaning liquid and the like flow in the circulation path in a predetermined order for only a predetermined time, thereby cleaning the inside of the beverage supply system pipeline 34 including the inside of the filling nozzle 32.

[0128] like Figure 5As shown in (A), the working fluid such as cleaning liquid is heated to about 80°C, for example, and circulated in the beverage supply system pipe 34 for, for example, 20 minutes. Then, in the middle of CIP, for example, from the last stage, it is raised to the sterilization temperature required in the subsequent SIP, for example, 95°C. The temperature range is preferably 80-99°C. The cleaning liquid used from the middle of CIP is also used for rinsing the cleaning liquid, so it is preferably water. The working fluid can also be raised to the sterilization temperature from the beginning of CIP.

[0129] After the CIP (step S1) is completed, the wheel 9 in the content filling station 6 is kept in a stopped state, and the SIP is performed on the content filling station 6 (step S2).

[0130] The SIP is performed by keeping the working fluid used in the CIP, such as water, at the temperature required for sterilization and passing it into the beverage supply system pipe 34. Figure 5 As shown in (A), the working fluid is heated to about 95°C, for example, and circulated inside the beverage supply system pipe 34 for, for example, 10 minutes. Thus, the inside of the beverage supply system pipe 34 is sterilized. In the case of a SIP that also serves as a rinse, it is not necessary to circulate, but hot water is transported in a one-way manner.

[0131] After the interior of the beverage supply system pipeline 34 has been sterilized, Figure 5 As shown in (A), the water passing through the pipe gradually cools down to room temperature.

[0132] In this way, after the temperature of the cleaning liquid is raised to the temperature required for SIP (step S2) performed following CIP from the beginning or midway of CIP (step S1), it is possible to immediately switch to SIP (step S2), thereby shortening downtime.

[0133] During the execution of the above-mentioned CIP (step S1) and SIP (step S2), the first SOP (step S3) and the second SOP (step S4) are performed on the content filling station 6.

[0134] exist Figure 3 In the figure, reference numeral 45 indicates a spray nozzle for the first or second SOP (steps S3 and S4) arranged in the chamber 21 and facing each position of the content filling station 6. A plurality of these spray nozzles 45 are arranged in an arc shape along the outer circumference of the wheel 9 so as to face the filling nozzles 32 respectively, and are fixed at a predetermined position in the chamber 21.

[0135] In addition, reference numeral 46 denotes a storage tank as a supply source of a prescribed working fluid such as an alkaline cleaning solution, a peracetic acid cleaning solution, a hydrogen peroxide solution, or sterile water. The storage tank 46 is provided for each of the hydrogen peroxide solution, or sterile water, but only one is shown for the convenience of drawing. In addition, reference numerals 47 and 48 denote supply pipes from each storage tank 46 to the above-mentioned injection nozzle 32. A pump 49 is provided on each of the supply pipes 47 and 48.

[0136] Alternatively, the pumps 39, 49, etc. may be omitted, and the storage tanks 38, 46 may be placed at a high location to supply cleaning liquid, chemical solution, etc. to the chamber 21, etc., by hydrostatic pressure.

[0137] When the SIP (step S2) in the beverage supply system pipe 34 in the content filling station 6 is completed and the joint 44 is cut off, the above-mentioned clutch is engaged, so that the wheel 9 can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of other wheels 13, 17, etc. Alternatively, the wheel 9 can rotate by driving the servo motor for self-rotation.

[0138] For the first SOP (step S3) of the content filling station 6 in the chamber 21, after spraying a first sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide solution from the injection nozzle 45 to the outside of the content filling station 6, drying is performed by sterile hot air. If the temperature in the chamber is raised by sterile hot air before spraying the sterilizing agent, the sterilization effect is further improved. In addition, the second SOP (step S4) is performed by spraying a second sterilizing agent such as peracetic acid aqueous solution from the injection nozzle 45 as a second sterilizing agent different from the sterilizing agent sprayed in the first SOP (step S3) to the outside of the content filling station 6, and then spraying sterile water from the same injection nozzle 45. Since the SOP is performed in two stages, for example, the parts that cannot be sterilized by the hydrogen peroxide solution can be supplementally sterilized by sterilizing with the peracetic acid aqueous solution. In addition, since the SOP is performed during the CIP or SIP process, the sterilizing agent is sprayed while the beverage supply system pipe 34 is heated in conjunction with the CIP and SIP, so the sterilization effect of the sterilizing agent is improved by the heating. Thus, the outer surface of the content filling station 6 is sterilized by spraying different sterilizing agents to the content filling station 6, and then the residue of the beverage involved in the previous filling operation, peracetic acid and other sterilizing agents are washed away from the surface of the content filling station 6 by spraying sterile water.

[0139] In addition, regarding the timing of SIP and SOP, when SIP is performed with hot water, steam or chemicals above 85°C, if the SOP chemicals hit the filling valve, the temperature of the SIP will drop, so you need to pay attention. When SIP is performed with steam, after the SIP sterilization process is completed and the cooling step is entered, you can start SOP. By performing SIP in this way, the temperature of the filling valve can be quickly reduced by the SOP chemical spray.

[0140] When the first SOP (step S3) or the second SOP (step S4) is performed, the filling nozzle 32 and the like stop with the stop of the wheel 9. In the purification device of the aseptic filling device involved in this embodiment, the number of the injection nozzles 45 is increased compared with the past, and the injection nozzles 45 are arranged in a circular arc shape in a manner facing each filling nozzle 32, so that even when the wheel 9 is stopped, the working fluid can be reliably injected to the outer peripheral surface of the filling nozzle 32 and the like, thereby improving the sterilization effect of the SOP. In addition, by configuring the injection nozzle 45 in this way, foreign matter can be efficiently washed away from the outer surface of the filling nozzle 32 having a particularly complex shape and structure, and the surface of the filling nozzle 32 can be efficiently sterilized.

[0141] In addition, during the period from the beginning of the CIP (step S1) to the end of the second SOP (step S4), sterile air, preferably sterile hot air, supplied from the sterile air supply source is always blown into the content filling station 6 in the chamber 21. As a result, the ambient gas in the chamber 21 is set to positive pressure to prevent external gas including microorganisms, dust, etc. from invading the chamber 21. In addition, since the sterile air also flows to the container sealing station 7 in the same chamber 21 and the container sterilization station 5 in the chamber 20, the external gas is also prevented from invading the container sealing station 7, etc.

[0142] The purification devices of the container forming station 4, the container sealing station 7, the container sterilizing station 5 and the bottle cap sterilizing station 53 are described. For each station 4, 7, 5, 53, the first SOP (step S3) and the second SOP (step S4) are also executed simultaneously with the first SOP (step S3) and the second SOP (step S4) in the content filling station 6. Figure 1 As shown, in chamber 19, a jet nozzle 57 having the same structure as the above-mentioned jet nozzle 45 is arranged everywhere to face the container forming station 4, in chamber 21, a jet nozzle 52 having the same structure as the above-mentioned jet nozzle 45 is arranged everywhere to face the container sealing station 7, in chamber 20, a jet nozzle 50 having the same structure as the above-mentioned jet nozzle 45 is arranged everywhere to face the container sterilization station 5, and in chamber 56, a jet nozzle 54 having the same structure as the above-mentioned jet nozzle 45 is arranged everywhere to face the bottle cap sterilization station 53.

[0143] Supply pipes (not shown) extend from the storage tank 46 to the injection nozzles 57, 52, 50, and 54, and pumps (not shown) for pumping liquid medicine and the like are also provided on the supply pipes.

[0144] When the first SOP (step S3) or the second SOP (step S4) is performed, since the other wheels 10, 12, 13, etc. except the wheel 9 are rotated while the hydrogen peroxide solution and the peracetic acid aqueous solution as the working fluid are sprayed to each station 4, 5, 7, 53, the sterilization effect of each station 4, 5, 7, 53 is improved.

[0145] That is, when CIP (step S1) is performed, the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6 is stopped by cutting off the clutch as described above, and the other wheels 17, etc. can rotate. Alternatively, even if the servo motor for self-rotation of the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6 is stopped, the other wheels 17, etc. can be rotated by driving the other servo motor for self-rotation. Therefore, when CIP (step S1) is performed on the content filling station 6, even if the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6 is stopped, the other wheels 17 corresponding to the container sterilization station 5, etc. are rotated to more effectively perform the first SOP (step S3) or the second SOP (step S4) on the outer surface of the container molding station 4, the container sterilization station 5, the container sealing station 7, and the bottle cap sterilization station 53 other than the content filling station 6.

[0146] As the bactericide used in the first SOP, it is effective to use a bactericide containing 1% by mass or more of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, as the bactericide used in the second SOP, it is effective to use an aqueous solution of peracetic acid. In addition, a bactericide containing one or more of ethanol, acetic acid, octanoic acid, peroxyoctanoic acid, ozone, chlorine dioxide, alkali chloride, sodium hypochlorite, or a combination of these can also be used. The bactericide can also be in a gas or mist instead of a liquid.

[0147] In addition, when the first SOP (step S3) is implemented, if sterile hot air is blown into the chambers 19, 20, 21, 56 before the spraying of the hydrogen peroxide solution, the temperature of the ambient gas in the chambers 19, 20, 21, 56 rises, thereby activating the hydrogen peroxide, and the sterilization effect of the first SOP (step S3) is improved. In addition, after the spraying of the hydrogen peroxide solution, the sterile hot air is used to promote the drying and removal of the remaining hydrogen peroxide solution.

[0148] In the second SOP (step S4), first, an aqueous solution of peracetic acid is sprayed in stages from the spray nozzles 52, 50, 54 to the container sealing station 7, the container sterilizing station 5 and the bottle cap sterilizing station 53 to sterilize the outer surfaces of each station 7, 5, 53.

[0149] When the spraying of the aqueous solution of peracetic acid is completed, sterile water is then sprayed in stages on the outer surface of each station 7, 5, 53. In this way, the residue of the beverage involved in the previous filling, the remaining part of the aqueous solution of peracetic acid, etc. are washed away from the surface of each station 7, 5, 53.

[0150] Thus, in the second SOP, by spraying the aqueous peracetic acid solution and sterile water in stages, it is possible to prevent the supply shortage of the disinfectant such as peracetic acid and sterile water.

[0151] In addition, when the first SOP or the second SOP (steps S3 and S4) is implemented, the above-mentioned sterile hot air is also blown into the chambers 21, 20, and 56.

[0152] In addition, when the second SOP (step S4) is implemented, if a sterilizing agent such as peracetic acid or a cleaning liquid contacts the filling valve 32, there is a concern that the filling valve 32 may not be properly sterilized due to heat being taken away from the filling valve 32. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a partition wall between the content filling station 6 and other stations to prevent the sterilizing agent or the cleaning liquid from flowing to the content filling station 6. Alternatively, in the SOP or COP in other chambers, it is preferable to use a sterilizing agent gas or mist instead of a sterilizing liquid as the sterilizing agent.

[0153] Next, the function of the above-mentioned aseptic filling device will be described together with the purification method of the aseptic filling device.

[0154] (1) First, for the purification operation of the aseptic filling device, based on Figure 4 The flowchart is described below.

[0155] When the production of bottled beverages is completed and the type of beverage filled so far is switched to start production of other bottled beverages, CIP (step S1), SIP (step S2), the first SOP (step S3) and the second SOP (step S4) are performed on the aseptic filling device.

[0156] From the beginning of CIP (step S1) to the end of SIP (step S2) or the second SOP (step S4), hot air, preferably sterile, is always blown into the content filling station 6 in the chamber 21. As a result, the ambient gas in the chamber 21 is set to positive pressure to prevent external gas containing microorganisms, dust, etc. from invading the chamber 21. Since the sterile air also flows to the container sealing station 7 in the same chamber 21 and the container sterilization station 5 in the chamber 20, contamination of the container sealing station 7 and the like can also be prevented. Sterile air is also supplied to the chamber 56 of the bottle cap sterilization station 53.

[0157] (2) When CIP is started for the content filling station 6 (step S1), the clutch in the power transmission system of the aseptic filling device is disconnected to stop only the rotation of the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6, thereby stopping the rotation of the filling nozzle 32. In addition, the interior of the pressure regulating tank 33 is set to be empty.

[0158] (3) Figure 3 As shown in the right half of FIG. 4 , the nozzle opening 32a of the filling nozzle 32 is blocked with a cap 42. In addition, a joint 44 is connected. Thus, a circulation path for a predetermined working fluid such as a cleaning liquid and a sterilizing liquid used for CIP (step S1) is formed.

[0159] (4) CIP is started (step S1), and a predetermined working fluid such as alkaline cleaning liquid and water is sent out from the storage tank 38 in a predetermined order by the pump 39. The cleaning liquid and the like flow from the storage tank 38 to the pressure regulating tank 33 through the outgoing pipe 40, and then flow into the upper manifold 37 through the beverage supply system pipeline 34 to each filling nozzle 32, and further return to the storage tank 38 through the return pipe 41. Thus, the cleaning liquid and the like flow in the circulation path in a predetermined order for only a predetermined time, thereby cleaning the inside of the beverage supply system pipeline 34 including the inside of the filling nozzle 32.

[0160] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown in (A), from the middle of CIP (step S1), the water circulating in the beverage supply system pipe 34 while maintaining a temperature of, for example, 80° C. is heated to a temperature required for sterilization in the following SIP (step S2), for example, 95° C. At this stage, CIP (step S1) is completed.

[0161] (5) After the CIP (step S1) is completed, the wheel 9 in the content filling station 6 is kept in a stopped state, and the content filling station 6 is subjected to SIP (step S2). The SIP (step S2) is performed by passing the above-mentioned hot water at 95°C into the beverage supply system pipeline 34. By passing the hot water, the inside of the beverage supply system pipeline 34 including the filling nozzle 32 is sterilized, and at the same time, the residual cleaning liquid and waste liquid in the CIP (step S1) are removed from the beverage supply system pipeline 34. The waste liquid is removed from the beverage supply system pipeline 34 by, for example, extracting the waste liquid from the storage tank 38 after recovering it to the storage tank 38.

[0162] In this way, since the temperature is raised from the cleaning step using an alkali or other chemical in the CIP (step S1) or the rinsing step using hot water after the cleaning using a chemical, the SIP (step S2) is immediately started, Figure 5 (A) Figure 7The comparison also clearly shows that the production interval from the end of filling of a certain beverage to the start of filling of the next beverage is shortened.

[0163] The temperature and time conditions of the hot water when performing SIP (step S2) are determined according to the conditions required for sterilization of the contents of the product. For example, in the case of a product with a pH of less than 4, at least 10 minutes at 60°C, in the case of a product with a pH of 4.0 to 4.6, 30 minutes at 85°C, and in the case of a product with a pH of 4.6 or more, at 120°C for more than 4 minutes (generally, at 130°C for more than 30 minutes). In SIP (step S2), in the case of a temperature condition of more than 100°C, not only hot water but also steam may be used.

[0164] (6) When one or both of the above-mentioned CIP (step S1) and SIP (step S2) are performed on the beverage supply system pipeline 34 of the content filling station 6, in parallel, the first SOP (step S3) and the second SOP (step S4) are performed on (i) the outer surfaces of various machines of the container forming station 4 in the chamber 19, (ii) the outer surfaces of various machines of the container sterilizing station 5 in the chamber 20, (iii) the outer surfaces of various machines of the container sealing station 7 in the chamber 21, (iv) the outer surfaces of various machines in the chamber 56 of the bottle cap sterilizing station 53, and (v) the outer surfaces of various machines of the content filling station 6.

[0165] At this time, the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6 stops, but the wheels 10, 12, 13, 17, 18 and other machines in the container forming station 4, the container sterilizing station 5, the container sealing station 7, and the bottle cap sterilizing station 53 are driving.

[0166] In the first SOP (step S3), the first sterilizing agent, i.e., hydrogen peroxide solution, is sprayed from the spray nozzles 45, 57, 50, 52, and 54 onto the outer surfaces of the container forming station 4, the container sterilizing station 5, the content filling station 6, the container sealing station 7, and the bottle cap sterilizing station 53.

[0167] At this time, since the container forming station 4, the container sterilizing station 5, the container sealing station 7, and the bottle cap sterilizing station 53 are being driven, the working fluid, namely the hydrogen peroxide solution, reaches every corner of these machines, and the cleaning effect and the sterilizing effect are improved. In addition, although the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6 stops, since the injection nozzle 45 is arranged in an arc shape along the outer circumference of the content filling station 6 in a manner facing the filling nozzle 32, even if the wheel 9 stops, the working fluid, namely the hydrogen peroxide solution, can reach every corner of these machines, and the cleaning effect and the sterilizing effect are improved.

[0168] According to the purification device of the aseptic filling device involved in this embodiment, it is possible to efficiently sterilize the outer surface of the filling nozzle 32 with a complex shape by spraying hydrogen peroxide at the same time as CIP (step S1). Specifically, even if the filling nozzle 32 is at 130°C, it is difficult to sterilize heat-resistant spore-forming bacteria because dry heat sterilization is performed in a dry state in the chamber 21. However, according to the experimental results of the inventors of the present invention, Figure 8 It is clear that in CIP (step S1 ), if the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration in the chamber 21 is set to 5 mg / L or more and the temperature of the filling valve is set to 60° C. or more, the outer surface of the filling valve can be easily sterilized.

[0169] When the first SOP (step S3) is implemented, the sterile hot air blown into the above-mentioned chamber 21 causes the ambient gas in the chamber 20 to heat up, thereby activating the hydrogen peroxide. The sterilization effect based on the first SOP (step S3) is improved. After the hydrogen peroxide solution is sprayed, the remaining hydrogen peroxide solution is dried and removed by the sterile hot air.

[0170] After the first SOP (step S3) is completed, the second SOP (step S4) is implemented. In the second SOP (step S4), the peracetic acid aqueous solution is sprayed from the spray nozzle 45 to the outer surfaces of the container forming station 4, the container sterilizing station 5, the content filling station 6, the container sealing station 7, and the bottle cap sterilizing station 53.

[0171] The second SOP (step S4) may be a treatment for inactivating bacteria by using warm water at 60°C or higher and lower than 100°C, etc. instead of using a bactericide.

[0172] (7) Then, the aseptic filling device is cleaned by implementing CIP (step S1), SIP (step S2), the first SOP (step S3) and the second SOP (step S4) for the parts of the aseptic filling device that are particularly undesirable to be contaminated.

[0173] Furthermore, sterile air is continuously blown into the chamber 21 to set a positive pressure around the content filling station 6. Furthermore, the sterile air flows to the container molding station 4, the container sterilizing station 5, and the container sealing station 7. Thus, the sterility in the chambers 19, 20, and 21 is maintained.

[0174] For the bottle cap sterilization station 53, the sterility of the ambient gas in the chamber 56 is maintained by blowing sterile air into the chamber 56 from other systems.

[0175] like Figure 4As shown, the time required for the purification of the aseptic filling device through CIP (step S1), SIP (step S2), the first SOP (step S3) and the second SOP (step S4) described in (1) to (7) above is about 2 hours. Figure 6 As shown, the time required for the purification of the conventional aseptic filling device is about 6 hours. It can be seen that the use of the present invention can reduce the downtime.

[0176] (8) After the above-mentioned CIP (step S1), SIP (step S2), first SOP (step S3) and second SOP (step S4) are completed, the production of new bottled beverages begins.

[0177] The production of new bottled beverages is explained. First, Figure 1 In the process, the preform 1 is introduced into the heating furnace by the launcher 22 and the wheel 23, and is transported in the heating furnace by the endless chain 24.

[0178] The preform 1 is conveyed in the heating furnace by the endless chain 24 and heated to a temperature range suitable for molding by the heater 25 .

[0179] (9) The heated preform 1 is placed in the molding die 8 that is rotating around the wheel 10, and the molding die 8 is closed. An extension rod (not shown) falls into the preform 1 and contacts the bottom of the preform 1 to start stretching the preform 1. In addition, the preform 1 is expanded into the bottle 3 in the molding die 8 by blowing in air for blow molding. When the molding of the bottle 3 in the molding die 8 is completed, the molding die 8 is opened, and the finished bottle 3 is taken out of the molding die 8 by a gripper (not shown) around the wheel 11.

[0180] (10) The bottle 3 sent out from the wheel 11 side moves around the wheel 12 in the chamber 20 that has completed the second SOP (step S4), and is sprayed with a mist of sterilant from the sterilant spray nozzle 27 of the container sterilization station 5. As a result, a thin film of sterilant is formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 3, and the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 3 are sterilized.

[0181] Then, while moving around the wheel 13, the heated sterile air is sprayed from the air flushing nozzle 28 of the container sterilizing station 5. Thus, the sterilizing agent attached to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 3 is activated to improve the sterilization effect, and the excess sterilizing agent is removed.

[0182] (11) The sterilized bottle 3 is delivered to the wheels 14, 15, 9, 16, 17, 18 in the bottle conveying path while moving in the chamber 21. The second SOP (step S4) in the chamber 21 has been completed, and sterile air is always blown into the chamber 21.

[0183] (12) When the bottle 3 moves around the wheel 9, the beverage supply system pipe 34 is used to fill the bottle 3 with beverage or other contents.

[0184] The interior of the beverage supply system pipe 34 has been cleaned by CIP (step S1 ) and sterilized by SIP (step S2 ).

[0185] The content such as a beverage is filled into the bottle 3 from the filling nozzle 32 through the purified beverage supply system pipe 34 of the content filling station 6 .

[0186] The content is prepared in advance in a preparation device, sterilized, and then stored in a pressure regulating tank 33 .

[0187] (13) The bottle 3 filled with the beverage is sequentially transferred from the gripper 36 on the wheel 9 side to the grippers of the wheels 16 and 17 on the downstream side, and is discharged out of the chamber 21 after the mouth 3a is sealed with the sterilized bottle cap 51 in the container sealing station 7.

[0188] The bottle caps 51 are sterilized in advance in the bottle cap sterilization station 53 and then supplied to the container sealing station 7. In the bottle cap sterilization station 53, the interior has been cleaned and sterilized by the first SOP or the second SOP (steps S3 and S4).

[0189] Therefore, for new beverages, aseptic bottled beverages are produced.

[0190] The present invention is constructed as described above, but is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various changes can be made within the scope of the purpose of the present invention. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the SIP of the content filling station 6 is described for the case where the SIP is performed after the CIP, but it can also be that the SIP is combined with the CIP, such as Figure 5 As shown in (B), the working fluid such as the cleaning fluid is heated to 80-150°C (at Figure 5 (B) is about 95°C), and is circulated in the beverage supply system pipe 34 for 5 to 30 minutes, for example, and water is used as the working fluid, i.e., the cleaning fluid, from the middle of the SIP. By circulating the working fluid in this way, the inside of the beverage supply system pipe 34 is cleaned and sterilized. Next, after the inside of the beverage supply system pipe 34 is sterilized, Figure 5 As shown in (B), the water passing through the pipe is gradually cooled to room temperature. In this way, by combining SIP with CIP, the conventional CIP can be omitted and the downtime can be greatly shortened.

[0191] In addition, for example, the container is not limited to a bottle, but may be a paper container. The content is not limited to a beverage, but may be a liquid food or the like.

[0192] In addition, the sterilization method of the container (bottle, bottle cap) may not be hydrogen peroxide sterilization, but peracetic acid or other agents for washing sterilization or electron beam sterilization. Instead of sterilizing the bottle, the preformed product may be sterilized. Furthermore, the above sterilization method may also be replaced by a method for inactivating microorganisms.

[0193] Description of symbols

[0194] 3…Container (bottle)

[0195] 5…Container sterilization station

[0196] 6…Content filling station

[0197] 7…Container Sealing Station

[0198] 9th, 12th, 13th, 17th…rounds

[0199] 20, 21, 56… chambers

[0200] 32…Filling nozzle

[0201] 51…Cap (bottle cap)

[0202] 53…Cap sterilization station (bottle cap sterilization station)

Claims

1. A method for purifying an aseptic filling device, Various stations including a content filling station are arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the flow direction of preforms or containers. By covering the various stations with chambers, an aseptic filling device is formed, For the content filling station, after the SIP sterilization treatment using steam is completed and the beverage supply system pipeline enters the cooling process, the filling valve is cooled by chemical spray when the SOP of the content filling station is carried out.

Images