Carbonated beverage aseptic filling system, beverage filling system and CIP treatment method

Abstract

A aseptic filling system (10) for a carbonated beverage, comprising: a filling nozzle (72) for filling the carbonated beverage, a carbonated beverage filling tank (75) connected to the filling nozzle (72) through a carbonated beverage supply line (73) and a counter gas line (74), an exhaust line (78) connected to the filling nozzle, and a sterile chamber (13) surrounding at least a part of the filling nozzle (72), at least a part of the carbonated beverage supply line (73), and at least a part of the counter gas line (74). The carbonated beverage supply line (73) and the counter gas line (74) are installed in the sterile chamber (13) through a rotary joint (77). A discharge valve (79) is provided in the exhaust line (78) inside the sterile chamber (13) to discharge the gas from the exhaust line (78) into the sterile chamber.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of June 21, 2019, an application number of 201980040203.4, and an invention title of "Sterile Filling System for Carbonated Beverages, Beverage Filling System, and CIP Processing Method". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a sterile filling system for carbonated beverages, a beverage filling system, and a CIP processing method. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, a filling machine such as a filler provided in a sterile filling device for carbonated beverages has been used to continuously perform sterile filling of contents such as carbonated beverages into a large number of plastic bottles being transported at high speed.

[0004] In such a sterile filling device for carbonated beverages, a filling nozzle for filling carbonated beverages into plastic bottles is rotatably arranged in a sterile chamber. Therefore, a carbonated beverage supply line connected to the filling nozzle, a line for counter gas, an exhaust line, etc. are respectively attached to the sterile chamber through a rotary joint (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0005] However, since the structure of the rotary joint is complex, there is a concern that the configuration of the sterile filling device for carbonated beverages becomes complex. In addition, since the rotary joint is expensive, there is a concern that the sterile filling device for carbonated beverages becomes expensive when a large number of rotary joints are provided.

[0006] Prior Art Documents

[0007] Patent Documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-302325

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-105699

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-14918

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of such aspects, and provides a sterile filling system for carbonated beverages that can simplify the overall configuration of the system by reducing the number of rotary joints.

[0012] In addition, in recent years, there has also been a beverage filling system that can be used for both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages. In such a beverage filling system, there are also cases where the frequency of filling carbonated beverages by the user is low, while the frequency of filling non-carbonated beverages is high. In such a case, generally, the path that is usually only used when filling carbonated beverages is also subjected to CIP treatment each time. Therefore, in a beverage filling system that can be used for both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages, compared with a filling system dedicated to non-carbonated beverages, the CIP treatment takes time, resulting in a reduction in productivity and energy loss.

[0013] The present invention is made in consideration of such aspects, and provides a beverage filling system and a CIP treatment method that can shorten the CIP treatment time in a beverage filling system that can be used for both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages. Summary of the Invention

[0014] A carbonated beverage aseptic filling system according to an embodiment includes: a filling nozzle for filling carbonated beverages, a carbonated beverage filling tank connected to the filling nozzle via a carbonated beverage supply line and a counter gas line, an exhaust line connected to the filling nozzle, and an aseptic chamber surrounding at least a part of the filling nozzle, at least a part of the carbonated beverage supply line, and at least a part of the counter gas line. The carbonated beverage supply line and the counter gas line are installed in the aseptic chamber through a rotary joint. A discharge valve is provided in the exhaust line in the aseptic chamber to discharge the gas from the exhaust line into the aseptic chamber.

[0015] In a carbonated beverage aseptic filling system according to an embodiment, the exhaust line may have: a rotary inner exhaust line located in the aseptic chamber and rotating together with the filling nozzle, and a non-rotating outer exhaust line extending outward from the aseptic chamber. The discharge valve is located between the inner exhaust line and the outer exhaust line.

[0016] In a carbonated beverage aseptic filling system according to an embodiment, the outer exhaust line may be freely telescopic.

[0017] In a carbonated beverage aseptic filling system according to an embodiment, in the carbonated beverage filling tank, a carbon dioxide supply line may be connected to a carbon dioxide release line, valves may be provided in the carbon dioxide supply line and the carbon dioxide release line respectively, and the valves may be controlled respectively by a control section to control the pressure in the carbonated beverage filling tank.

[0018] In a carbonated beverage aseptic filling system according to an embodiment, a relationship of P1 > P2 may be established between the pressure P1 in the carbonated beverage filling tank and the pressure P2 in the carbon dioxide release line.

[0019] In a carbonated beverage aseptic filling system according to an embodiment, the valves provided in the carbon dioxide supply line and the carbon dioxide release line can be controlled separately so that the pressure P1 in the carbonated beverage filling tank is not less than 0.01 MPa.

[0020] According to the present invention, by reducing the number of rotary joints, the overall structure of the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system can be simplified.

[0021] A beverage aseptic filling system according to an embodiment is a beverage filling system applicable to both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages, and includes: a dedicated flow path for carbonated beverages only for filling the carbonated beverages, a carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow path for filling both the carbonated beverages and the non-carbonated beverages, and a control unit for controlling the beverage filling system. When the beverage filled in the bottle before performing the CIP cleaning is a carbonated beverage, the control unit performs CIP cleaning on both the dedicated flow path for carbonated beverages and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow path. When the beverage filled in the bottle before performing the CIP cleaning is a non-carbonated beverage, the control unit performs CIP cleaning only on the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow path.

[0022] In a beverage aseptic filling system according to an embodiment, a filling nozzle for filling the carbonated beverage or the non-carbonated beverage, a beverage filling tank connected to the filling nozzle through a beverage supply line and a counter gas line, and an exhaust line connected to the filling nozzle may be further provided. The dedicated flow path for carbonated beverages includes the counter gas line and the exhaust line, and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow path includes the filling nozzle and the beverage filling tank.

[0023] In a beverage aseptic filling system according to an embodiment, the control unit may circulate steam in the dedicated flow path for carbonated beverages after CIP cleaning, thereby performing sterilization and cleaning of the liquid contact part of the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow path.

[0024] A CIP processing method for an embodiment is a method for performing CIP processing on a beverage filling system that can be used for both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages. The beverage filling system has: a dedicated flow path for carbonated beverages that is only used for filling carbonated beverages, and a combined carbonated / non-carbonated beverage flow path that is used for filling both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages. The CIP processing method includes: a step of determining whether the beverage filled in the bottle is a carbonated beverage or a non-carbonated beverage before performing the CIP processing; a step of selecting the flow path for CIP cleaning according to the beverage filled in the bottle before performing the CIP processing; and a step of performing CIP cleaning on the selected flow path. When the beverage filled in the bottle before performing the CIP processing is a carbonated beverage, CIP cleaning is performed on both the dedicated flow path for carbonated beverages and the combined carbonated / non-carbonated beverage flow path. When the beverage filled in the bottle before performing the CIP processing is a non-carbonated beverage, CIP cleaning is only performed on the combined carbonated / non-carbonated beverage flow path.

[0025] According to the present invention, the time for CIP processing can be shortened in a beverage filling system that can be used for both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a top view schematic diagram showing the aseptic filling system for carbonated beverages of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing the fluid flow of the carbonated beverage filling part of the aseptic filling system for carbonated beverages of the first embodiment and its surroundings.

[0028] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the filling nozzle of the carbonated beverage filling part of the aseptic filling system for carbonated beverages of the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 It is a top view schematic diagram showing the aseptic filling system for beverages of the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram showing the fluid flow of the beverage filling part of the aseptic filling system for beverages of the second embodiment and its surroundings.

[0031] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the filling nozzle of the beverage filling part of the aseptic filling system for beverages of the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing the flow path for CIP cleaning after filling carbonated beverages in the beverage filling part and its surroundings.

[0033] Figure 8It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flow path for CIP cleaning after filling a carbonated beverage in the filling nozzle.

[0034] Figure 9 It is a schematic view of the flow path for CIP cleaning after filling a non-carbonated beverage in the beverage filling section and its surroundings.

[0035] Figure 10 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flow path for CIP cleaning after filling a non-carbonated beverage in the filling nozzle. Detailed implementation mode

[0036] (The first implementation mode)

[0037] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 1 to 3 The first implementation mode will be described. Figures 1 to 3 It is a diagram showing the first implementation mode. It should be noted that in the following figures, the same parts may be marked with the same reference numerals, and some detailed descriptions may be omitted.

[0038] (Carbonated beverage aseptic filling system)

[0039] First, through Figure 1 The entire carbonated beverage aseptic filling system of this embodiment will be described.

[0040] Figure 1 The carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10 shown is a system for filling a bottle (container) 30 with a content containing a sterile carbonated beverage. The bottle 30 can be manufactured by performing biaxial stretch blow molding on a preform made by injection molding a synthetic resin material. As the material of the bottle 30, it is preferably a thermoplastic resin, particularly PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate). In addition to this, as the container, a glass bottle, a can, etc. that can fill a carbonated beverage may also be used. In this embodiment, the case of using a plastic bottle as the container will be described as an example.

[0041] As Figure 1 shown, the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10 includes: a bottle supply section 21, a bottle sterilization section 11, an air spray section 14, a sterile water spray section 15, a carbonated beverage filling section (filler) 20, a cap mounting section (capper, crimper, and capper) 16, and a product bottle output section 22. These bottle supply section 21, bottle sterilization section 11, air spray section 14, sterile water spray section 15, carbonated beverage filling section 20, cap mounting section 16, and product bottle output section 22 are arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of the bottle 30. In addition, a plurality of conveying wheels 12 for conveying the bottle 30 between these devices are provided between the bottle sterilization section 11, the air spray section 14, and the sterile water spray section 15, the carbonated beverage filling section 20, and the cap mounting section 16.

[0042] The bottle supply unit 21 sequentially receives empty bottles 30 from the outside into the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10, and transports the received bottles 30 to the bottle sterilization unit 11.

[0043] It should be noted that a bottle forming unit (not shown) for forming the bottle 30 by biaxially stretch blow molding a preform can be provided on the upstream side of the bottle supply unit 21. In this way, the processes from the supply of the preform, through the forming of the bottle 30, to the filling of the aseptic carbonated beverage into the bottle 30 and capping can be carried out continuously. In this case, the preform with a small volume can be transported from the outside to the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10 instead of the bottle 30 with a large volume, so that the equipment constituting the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10 can be made compact.

[0044] The bottle sterilization unit 11 sterilizes the inside of the bottle 30 by spraying a bactericide onto the bottle 30. As the bactericide, for example, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is used. In the bottle sterilization unit 11, a mist or gas formed by temporarily vaporizing and then condensing an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution with a concentration of 1% by weight or more, preferably 35% by weight, is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 30. In this way, the inside of the bottle 30 is sterilized by the mist or gas of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, so that the inner surface of the bottle 30 can be uniformly sterilized.

[0045] The air spray unit 14 supplies sterile heated air or normal temperature air to the bottle 30 to activate hydrogen peroxide and at the same time removes foreign substances, hydrogen peroxide, etc. from the inside of the bottle 30.

[0046] The aseptic water spray unit 15 cleans the bottle 30 sterilized with hydrogen peroxide as a bactericide with sterile water at 15°C or higher and 85°C or lower. Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide attached to the bottle 30 is rinsed off and foreign substances are removed. It should be noted that the aseptic water spray unit 15 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0047] The carbonated beverage filling unit 20 fills the inside of the bottle 30 with pre-sterilized aseptic carbonated beverage from the mouth of the bottle 30. In this carbonated beverage filling unit 20, the empty bottle 30 is filled with aseptic carbonated beverage. In this carbonated beverage filling unit 20, while rotating (revolving) a plurality of bottles 30, the inside of the bottle 30 is filled with aseptic carbonated beverage. The aseptic carbonated beverage is filled into the bottle 30 at a filling temperature of 1°C or higher and 40°C or lower, preferably 5°C or higher and 10°C or lower. The reason for setting the filling temperature of the aseptic carbonated beverage to, for example, 1°C or higher and 10°C or lower is that when the liquid temperature of the aseptic carbonated beverage is higher than 10°C, carbon dioxide easily escapes from the aseptic carbonated beverage. Examples of the aseptic carbonated beverage include various beverages containing carbon dioxide, such as carbonated soft drinks like apple juice and cola, and alcoholic beverages like beer.

[0048] The cap mounting part 16 closes the bottle 30 by mounting a cap 33 on the mouth of the bottle 30. In the cap mounting part 16, the mouth of the bottle 30 is closed by the cap 33 and sealed in such a way that external air and microorganisms do not enter the bottle 30. In the cap mounting part 16, while rotating (revolving) a plurality of bottles 30 filled with aseptic carbonated beverage, the cap 33 is mounted on the mouth thereof. In this way, by mounting the cap 33 on the mouth of the bottle 30, the product bottle 35 is obtained.

[0049] The cap 33 has been sterilized in the cap sterilization part 25 in advance. The cap sterilization part 25 is arranged near the cap mounting part 16 outside, for example, the aseptic chamber 13 (described later). In the cap sterilization part 25, a plurality of caps 33 fed from the outside are gathered in advance and transported in a row to the cap mounting part 16. During the process in which the cap 33 approaches the cap mounting part 16, after blowing the mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide onto the inner and outer surfaces of the cap 33, it is dried with hot air and sterilization treatment is performed.

[0050] The product bottle output part 22 continuously sends out the product bottle 35 with the cap 33 mounted thereon by the cap mounting part 16 to the outside of the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10.

[0051] In addition, the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10 has an aseptic chamber 13. The bottle sterilization part 11, the air spray part 14, the aseptic water spray part 15, the carbonated beverage filling part 20, and the cap mounting part 16 are accommodated inside the aseptic chamber 13. The inside of the aseptic chamber 13 is maintained in an aseptic state.

[0052] Furthermore, the aseptic chamber 13 is divided into a bottle sterilization chamber 13a and a filling / flanging chamber 13b. A chamber wall 13c is provided between the bottle sterilization chamber 13a and the filling / flanging chamber 13b, and the bottle sterilization chamber 13a and the filling / flanging chamber 13b are separated from each other across the chamber wall 13c. The bottle sterilization part 11, the air spray part 14, and the aseptic water spray part 15 are arranged inside the bottle sterilization chamber 13a. On the other hand, the carbonated beverage filling part 20 and the cap mounting part 16 are arranged inside the filling / flanging chamber 13b.

[0053] Next, Figure 2 The carbonated beverage filling part 20 of the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10 and its surrounding components will be described.

[0054] As Figure 2As shown, the carbonated beverage filling section 20 is provided inside the aseptic chamber 13. Additionally, above the carbonated beverage filling section 20 outside the aseptic chamber 13, a carbonated beverage filling tank (filling high-level tank, buffer tank) 75 is arranged. The carbonated beverage filling tank 75 is filled with carbonated beverage inside. The carbonated beverage filling tank 75 is connected to the aseptic carbon dioxide supply section 63 through the carbon dioxide supply line 61. A first valve 62 is provided in the carbon dioxide supply line 61. By opening the first valve 62, aseptic carbon dioxide is supplied from the aseptic carbon dioxide supply section 63 to the carbonated beverage filling tank 75. The aseptic carbonated beverage inside the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 is pressurized by this aseptic carbon dioxide, thereby preventing the carbon dioxide dissolved in the aseptic carbonated beverage from being released into the gas phase. It is preferable to pressurize it at a pressure higher than the manufacturing reference carbon dioxide pressure. Thereby, the carbon dioxide concentration in the carbonated beverage inside the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 can be kept constant. It should be noted that the pressure P1 inside the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 is measured by a first pressure gauge 64 provided in the carbonated beverage filling tank 75.

[0055] The carbonated beverage introduction line 65 is connected to the carbonated beverage filling tank 75. This carbonated beverage introduction line 65 is connected to a carbonated beverage manufacturing device (not shown). Additionally, a second valve 66 is provided in the carbonated beverage introduction line 65. By opening this second valve 66, the aseptic carbonated beverage (product liquid) from the carbonated beverage manufacturing device is filled into the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 through the carbonated beverage introduction line 65. Additionally, the carbonated beverage introduction line 65 is connected to a CIP circulation line 81 described later. In the carbonated beverage introduction line 65, the cleaning liquid for CIP treatment, the heating steam or hot water for SIP treatment also flow through the part on the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 side.

[0056] The carbon dioxide release line 86 is connected to the carbonated beverage filling tank 75. This carbon dioxide release line 86 is connected to a discharge tank 85 described later. Additionally, a third valve 87 is provided in the carbon dioxide release line 86. When the third valve 87 is opened, the carbon dioxide inside the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 can be released to the discharge tank 85. Additionally, the pressure P2 inside the carbon dioxide release line 86 can be measured by a second pressure gauge 88 provided in the carbon dioxide release line 86. This pressure P2 is equal to the pressure inside the discharge tank 85.

[0057] In this case, the first valve 62 and the third valve 87 are controlled by the control unit 60, thereby controlling the pressure inside the carbonated beverage filling tank 75. Specifically, a relationship of P1 > P2 is established between the pressure P1 inside the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 measured by the first pressure gauge 64 and the pressure P2 inside the carbon dioxide release line 86 measured by the second pressure gauge 88. It should be noted that the pressure P1 inside the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 can be controlled to be, for example, 0.01 MPa or more and 1.0 MPa or less. In addition, the pressure P2 inside the carbon dioxide release line 86 can be controlled to a pressure slightly higher than 0 MPa, for example, 0.0001 MPa or more and 0.01 MPa or less. Thereby, it is possible to prevent non-sterile gas from invading the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 from the outside of the sterile chamber 13. Therefore, as the discharge tank 85, a non-sterile tank that is not controlled to be in a sterile state can be used. In this case, since it is not necessary to connect the carbon dioxide release line 86 to a sterile tank that has become sterile, such a sterile tank can be removed from the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10 can be reduced. It should be noted that the control unit 60 is composed of a control unit that controls the entire carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10, but is not limited thereto, and the first valve 62 and the third valve 87 can also be controlled independently. In addition, control can be performed only by the first pressure gauge 64 without providing the second pressure gauge 88. Specifically, the opening degrees of the first valve 62 and the third valve 87 can be adjusted according to the indicated value of the first pressure gauge 64, and the value of the first pressure gauge 64 can be controlled to be 0.01 MPa or more and 1.0 MPa or less from the in-line sterilization (SIP) process to the end of production only by the two valves 62 and 87.

[0058] In addition, the carbonated beverage supply line 73 is connected to the carbonated beverage filling tank 75. The carbonated beverage supply line 73 is a line that supplies the sterile carbonated beverage filled in the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 to a filling nozzle 72 described later. The carbonated beverage filling tank 75 is connected to the filling nozzle 72 through the carbonated beverage supply line 73.

[0059] Furthermore, the counter gas line 74 is connected to the carbonated beverage filling tank 75. The counter gas line 74 is a line that supplies the sterile carbon dioxide filled in the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 to the filling nozzle 72 described later. The carbonated beverage filling tank 75 is connected to the filling nozzle 72 through the counter gas line 74.

[0060] In the carbonated beverage filling section 20, a sterile carbonated beverage filled in a carbonated beverage filling can 75 is filled into an empty bottle 30. The carbonated beverage filling section 20 has a conveying wheel 71 that rotates about an axis parallel to the vertical direction. While rotating (revolving) a plurality of bottles 30 by means of this conveying wheel 71, a sterile carbonated beverage is filled into the interior of the bottles 30. In addition, a plurality of filling nozzles 72 are arranged along the outer periphery of the conveying wheel 71. One bottle 30 is mounted on each filling nozzle 72, and a sterile carbonated beverage is injected into the interior of the bottle 30 from the filling nozzle 72. It should be noted that the structure of the filling nozzle 72 will be described later.

[0061] At least a part of the conveying wheel 71, the filling nozzle 72, the carbonated beverage supply line 73, and at least a part of the counter gas line 74 are surrounded by a cover 76 that forms part of a sterile chamber 13. A rotary joint 77 is mounted on the upper part of the cover 76. The carbonated beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74 are mounted on the cover 76 of the sterile chamber 13 through the rotary joint 77. This rotary joint 77 seals the rotating body (such as the conveying wheel 71, the filling nozzle 72, and the rotating pipes of the carbonated beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74) and the non-rotating body (such as the cover 76 and the fixed pipes of the carbonated beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74) in a sterile state.

[0062] The carbonated beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74 are connected to each filling nozzle 72. Among them, one end of the carbonated beverage supply line 73 is connected to a carbonated beverage filling can 75 filled with a sterile carbonated beverage, and the other end communicates with the interior of the bottle 30. Moreover, the sterile carbonated beverage supplied from the carbonated beverage filling can 75 is injected into the interior of the bottle 30 through the carbonated beverage supply line 73.

[0063] As also described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-105699, one end of the counter gas line 74 is connected to the carbonated beverage filling can 75, and the other end communicates with the interior of the bottle 30. A counter pressure gas containing sterile carbon dioxide supplied from the carbonated beverage filling can 75 is filled into the interior of the bottle 30 through the counter gas line 74. A counter gas bifurcation section 53 is provided in the middle of the counter gas line 74, and the counter gas line 74 from the carbonated beverage filling can 75 bifurcates into a plurality of branches at the counter gas bifurcation section 53 and extends to each filling nozzle 72.

[0064] Furthermore, the exhaust line 78 is connected to each filling nozzle 72. One end of the exhaust line 78 is connected to the counter gas line 74, and the other end extends outside the sterile chamber 13. The gas inside the bottle 30 can be discharged through the exhaust line 78. An exhaust line bifurcation portion 56 is provided in the middle of the exhaust line 78, and the carbon dioxide from the exhaust line 78 is aggregated at the exhaust line bifurcation portion 56 and discharged into the sterile chamber 13. A discharge valve 79 is provided in the exhaust line 78 inside the sterile chamber 13. The carbon dioxide from the exhaust line 78 is discharged into the sterile chamber 13 through the discharge valve 79. It should be noted that the exhaust line bifurcation portion 56 and the counter gas bifurcation portion 53 are connected by a first bypass line 54. A fourth valve 55 is provided in the first bypass line 54, and this fourth valve 55 is usually closed.

[0065] In this case, the exhaust line 78 has an inner exhaust line 78a and an outer exhaust line 78b. One end of the inner exhaust line 78a is connected to the filling nozzle 72, and the other end is connected to the discharge valve 79. The entire inner exhaust line 78a is located inside the sterile chamber 13, and the above-mentioned exhaust line bifurcation portion 56 is located in the middle of the inner exhaust line 78a. In addition, the inner exhaust line 78a is a rotary type that rotates together with the filling nozzle 72.

[0066] One end of the outer exhaust line 78b is connected to the discharge valve 79, and the other end is open to the outside of the sterile chamber 13. A part of the outer exhaust line 78b is located inside the sterile chamber 13, and the remaining part is located outside the sterile chamber 13. Moreover, the outer exhaust line 78b is a non-rotary type that does not rotate together with the filling nozzle 72.

[0067] The above-mentioned discharge valve 79 is located between the inner exhaust line 78a and the outer exhaust line 78b. The inner exhaust line 78a and the outer exhaust line 78b can be attached and detached at the discharge valve 79. In addition, the discharge valve 79 can be opened and closed, and is usually open. In the state where the discharge valve 79 is open, the inner exhaust line 78a is physically separated from the outer exhaust line 78b, and the inner exhaust line 78a communicates with the inside of the sterile chamber 13 at the discharge valve 79. When the discharge valve 79 is closed, the inner exhaust line 78a is connected to the outer exhaust line 78b, and the inner exhaust line 78a communicates with the outer exhaust line 78b. At this time, the inner exhaust line 78a does not communicate with the inside of the sterile chamber 13. It should be noted that in the past, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-14918, the exhaust line was opened to the atmosphere through a rotary joint and a suction pipe.

[0068] In addition, the outer exhaust line 78b can freely expand and contract at the wrinkled portion 78c. Moreover, when the discharge valve 79 is open, the wrinkled portion 78c of the outer exhaust line 78b contracts, and the outer exhaust line 78b disengages from the inner exhaust line 78a. At this time, the inner exhaust line 78a can rotate and communicate with the inside of the sterile chamber 13 in the discharge valve 79. On the other hand, when the discharge valve 79 is closed, the rotation of the inner exhaust line 78a is stopped, and at the same time, the inner exhaust line 78a and the outer exhaust line 78b are positioned in the rotational direction. In this state, the wrinkled portion 78c of the outer exhaust line 78b is extended, and in the discharge valve 79, the outer exhaust line 78b is connected to the inner exhaust line 78a.

[0069] At this time, the inner exhaust line 78a is integrated with the outer exhaust line 78b and communicates with the outer exhaust line 78b.

[0070] In this way, by using the discharge valve 79 to discharge carbon dioxide from the exhaust line 78 into the sterile chamber 13, the carbon dioxide in the bottle 30 can be discharged into the sterile chamber 13 as a sterile space without bacterial contamination. In addition, there is no need to provide a rotary joint for connecting the rotating exhaust line 78 to the outside of the sterile chamber 13. Such a rotary joint generally has a complex device and is expensive. Therefore, by omitting the rotary joint for the exhaust line 78, the device of the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10 can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0071] However, it is preferable to perform CIP (Cleaning in Place) treatment on the flow path through which the beverage (raw material liquid, sterilized beverage, or aseptic carbonated beverage) passes in the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10 regularly or when changing the beverage type, and it is more preferable to perform SIP (Sterilizing in Place) treatment. The CIP treatment is performed as follows: After circulating a cleaning liquid obtained by adding an alkaline agent such as caustic soda to water in the flow path from the pipeline in the path for supplying the raw material liquid to the filling nozzle 72 of the carbonated beverage filling unit 20, a cleaning liquid obtained by adding an acidic agent to water is circulated. Thereby, residues of the previous beverage attached to the flow path through which the beverage passes are removed. In addition, the SIP treatment is a treatment for pre-sterilizing the flow path through which the beverage passes before starting the beverage filling operation. For example, it is performed by circulating heated steam or hot water in the flow path that has been subjected to the above CIP cleaning. Thereby, the flow path through which the beverage passes is sterilized and becomes an aseptic state.

[0072] In order to perform the above-mentioned CIP process, a CIP cap 82 for receiving the cleaning liquid from the filling nozzle 72 is provided near the filling nozzle 72. A CIP line 83 is connected to the CIP cap 82. One end of the CIP line 83 is connected to the CIP cap 82, and the other end is connected to a discharge tank 85 disposed outside the sterile chamber 13. The cleaning liquid from the filling nozzle 72 can be discharged to the discharge tank 85 through the CIP line 83. A CIP line bifurcation portion 59 is provided in the middle of the CIP line 83. The cleaning liquid from the CIP line 83 is collected and recovered at the CIP line bifurcation portion 59 and discharged to the discharge tank 85. It should be noted that the CIP line bifurcation portion 59 and the exhaust line bifurcation portion 56 are connected by a second bypass line 57. A fifth valve 58 is provided in the second bypass line 57. Usually, the fifth valve 58 is closed.

[0073] In this case, the CIP line 83 has an inner CIP line 83a and an outer CIP line 83b. One end of the inner CIP line 83a is connected to the CIP cap 82, and the other end is connected to a connection valve 84. The entire inner CIP line 83a is located inside the sterile chamber 13, and the above-mentioned CIP line bifurcation portion 59 is located midway through the inner CIP line 83a. In addition, the inner CIP line 83a is a rotary type that rotates together with the filling nozzle 72.

[0074] One end of the outer CIP line 83b is connected to the connection valve 84, and the other end is connected to the discharge tank 85. A part of the outer CIP line 83b is located inside the sterile chamber 13, and the remaining part is located outside the sterile chamber 13. Moreover, the outer CIP line 83b is a non-rotary type that does not rotate together with the filling nozzle 72.

[0075] The connection valve 84 is located between the inner CIP line 83a and the outer CIP line 83b. The inner CIP line 83a and the outer CIP line 83b are detachable at the connection valve 84. Moreover, the connection valve 84 can be opened and closed and is usually open. In the state where the connection valve 84 is open, the inner CIP line 83a is physically separated from the outer CIP line 83b, and the inner CIP line 83a communicates with the inside of the sterile chamber 13 at the connection valve 84. When the connection valve 84 is closed, the inner CIP line 83a is connected to the outer CIP line 83b, and the inner CIP line 83a communicates with the discharge tank 85 through the outer CIP line 83b. The configuration of the connection valve 84 can be substantially the same as the configuration of the above-mentioned discharge valve 79. It should be noted that by opening the fifth valve 58, the gas inside the bottle 30 sent from the exhaust line 78 can be discharged from the connection valve 84 to the inside of the sterile chamber 13.

[0076] In addition, the outer CIP line 83b can freely expand and contract at the wrinkled portion 83c. Moreover, when the connection valve 84 is open, the wrinkled portion 83c of the outer CIP line 83b contracts, and in the connection valve 84, the outer CIP line 83b detaches from the inner CIP line 83a. At this time, the inner CIP line 83a can rotate and communicate with the inside of the aseptic chamber 13. On the other hand, when the connection valve 84 is closed, the inner CIP line 83a and the outer CIP line 83b are positioned in the rotational direction. In this state, the wrinkled portion 83c of the outer CIP line 83b is elongated, and in the connection valve 84, the outer CIP line 83b is connected to the inner CIP line 83a. At this time, the inner CIP line 83a is integrated with the outer CIP line 83b and communicates with the outer CIP line 83b.

[0077] An exhaust line 89 for discharging the gas inside the discharge tank 85 is provided at the upper part of the discharge tank 85. A scrubber (not shown) for treating the gas is connected to the exhaust line 89. In addition, the above-mentioned CIP circulation line 81 is connected to the lower part of the discharge tank 85. The CIP circulation line 81 is a line for sending the cleaning liquid stored in the discharge tank 85 to the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 side and circulating it. The CIP circulation line 81 connects the discharge tank 85 to the middle of the carbonated beverage introduction line 65. A cleaning liquid supply section 94, a pump 91, a sixth valve 92, a heater 93, and a seventh valve 95 are provided in sequence on the CIP circulation line 81 starting from the discharge tank 85 side. In addition, a drain line 96 is connected between the pump 91 and the sixth valve 92, and an eighth valve 97 is provided in the drain line 96. The drain line 96 can be provided between the heater 93 and the seventh valve 95, and in addition, it can be appropriately added at a position where the residual water in each pipe can be quickly removed.

[0078] An aseptic air supply device 70 for sending a large amount of aseptic air into the aseptic chamber 13 is provided on the cover 76 of the aseptic chamber 13. By introducing aseptic air into the aseptic chamber 13, the aseptic air supply device 70 maintains the inside of the aseptic chamber 13 at a positive pressure and suppresses the intrusion of external gas into the aseptic chamber 13. In addition, since a large amount of aseptic air is sent into the aseptic chamber 13 by the aseptic air supply device 70, as described above, even when carbon dioxide is discharged from the discharge valve 79 into the aseptic chamber 13, there is no concern that the carbon dioxide concentration in the aseptic chamber 13 will rise excessively. The supply amount of aseptic air for achieving the above purpose is 5 m 3 / min or more and 100 m 3 / min or less, preferably 10 m 3 / min or more and 50 m 3 / min or less.

[0079] (Filling nozzle)

[0080] Next, the structure of the filling nozzle 72 of the carbonated beverage filling section 20 described above will be described. Figure 3 As shown in Figure 3 , the filling nozzle 72 has a main body portion 72a. The carbonated beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74 are respectively connected to the main body portion 72a. Among them, the upper end of the carbonated beverage supply line 73 is connected to the carbonated beverage filling tank 75, and the lower end communicates with the inside of the bottle 30. Moreover, the aseptic carbonated beverage supplied from the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 is injected into the bottle 30 through the carbonated beverage supply line 73.

[0081] As Figure 3 shown, the filling nozzle 72 has a main body portion 72a. The carbonated beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74 are respectively connected to the main body portion 72a. Among them, the upper end of the carbonated beverage supply line 73 is connected to the carbonated beverage filling tank 75, and the lower end communicates with the inside of the bottle 30. Moreover, the aseptic carbonated beverage supplied from the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 is injected into the bottle 30 through the carbonated beverage supply line 73.

[0082] As described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-105699, the upper end of the counter gas line 74 is connected to the carbonated beverage filling tank 75, and the lower end communicates with the inside of the bottle 30. The gas for counter pressure such as carbon dioxide supplied from the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 is filled into the bottle 30 through the counter gas line 74. The exhaust line 78 is connected to the middle of the counter gas line 74, and the carbon dioxide and the like inside the bottle 30 can be discharged through the exhaust line 78.

[0083] The carbonated beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74 pass through the rotary joint 77 provided in the cover 76. On the other hand, as described above, the exhaust line 78 discharges the carbon dioxide from the exhaust line 78 into the aseptic chamber 13 without passing through the rotary joint.

[0084] (Aseptic carbonated beverage filling method)

[0085] Next, an aseptic carbonated beverage filling method using the above-described aseptic carbonated beverage filling system 10 ( Figure 1 ) will be described. It should be noted that hereinafter, an aseptic carbonated beverage filling method for filling an aseptic carbonated beverage into the bottle 30 to manufacture the product bottle 35, that is, a normal filling method, will be described.

[0086] First, a plurality of empty bottles 30 are sequentially supplied from the outside of the aseptic carbonated beverage filling system 10 to the bottle supply section 21. The bottle 30 is sent from the bottle supply section 21 to the bottle sterilization section 11 by the transport wheel 12 (container supply process).

[0087] Next, in the bottle sterilization section 11, the bottle 30 is sterilized using an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution as a bactericide (sterilization process). At this time, the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is a gas or mist obtained by temporarily vaporizing and then condensing an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution having a concentration of 1% by weight or more, preferably 35% by weight, and the gas or mist is supplied to the bottle 30.

[0088] Next, the bottle 30 is sent to the air spray section 14 by the conveying wheel 12. In the air spray section 14, by supplying sterile heated air or normal temperature air, the activation of hydrogen peroxide is carried out, and at the same time, foreign matters, hydrogen peroxide, etc. are removed from the bottle 30. Next, the bottle 30 is conveyed to the sterile water spray section 15 by the conveying wheel 12. In this sterile water spray section 15, cleaning (rinsing process) using sterile water at 15°C or higher and 85°C or lower is carried out. Specifically, sterile water at 15°C or higher and 85°C or lower is supplied into the bottle 30 at a flow rate of 5 L / min or higher and 15 L / min or lower. At this time, it is preferable that the bottle 30 is in an inverted state, and sterile water is supplied into the bottle 30 from the downward-facing mouth, and the sterile water flows out from the mouth to the outside of the bottle 30. Through this sterile water, the hydrogen peroxide attached to the bottle 30 is rinsed, and foreign matters are removed. It should be noted that it is not necessarily required to provide a process of supplying sterile water into the bottle 30.

[0089] Next, the bottle 30 is conveyed to the carbonated beverage filling section 20 by the conveying wheel 12. In this carbonated beverage filling section 20, while rotating the bottle 30 (revolving), sterile carbonated beverage is filled into the bottle 30 from its mouth (filling process). In the carbonated beverage filling section 20, the sterile carbonated beverage sent out from the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 is filled into the sterilized bottle 30 at a filling temperature of 1°C or higher and 40°C or lower, preferably 5°C or higher and 10°C or lower.

[0090] During this period, as Figure 3 shown, in the carbonated beverage filling section 20, the filling nozzle 72 is sealed with the mouth of the bottle 30, and the counter gas line 74 communicates with the bottle 30. It should be noted that at this time, the exhaust line 78 is closed. Next, sterile carbon dioxide for counter pressure is supplied into the inside of the bottle 30 from the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 through the counter gas line 74. As a result, the internal pressure of the bottle 30 is higher than the atmospheric pressure, and the internal pressure of the bottle 30 becomes the same pressure as the internal pressure of the carbonated beverage filling tank 75.

[0091] Next, sterile carbonated beverage is filled into the inside of the bottle 30 from the carbonated beverage supply line 73. In this case, the sterile carbonated beverage is injected into the inside of the bottle 30 from the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 through the carbonated beverage supply line 73.

[0092] Next, the supply of sterile carbonated beverage from the carbonated beverage supply line 73 is stopped. Next, the carbonated beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74 are closed, and the exhaust line 78 is opened, and the gas inside the bottle 30 is discharged from the exhaust line 78. As a result, the pressure inside the bottle 30 is equal to the atmospheric pressure, and the filling of sterile carbonated beverage into the bottle 30 is completed. At this time, the gas from the bottle 30 is discharged into the sterile chamber 13 through the exhaust line 78 and then from the discharge valve 79.

[0093] Refer to againFigure 1 After the bottle 30 filled with the aseptic carbonated beverage is filled through the carbonated beverage filling section 20, it is transported to the cap mounting section 16 by the transport wheel 12.

[0094] On the other hand, the cap 33 is sterilized in advance by the cap sterilization section 25 (cap sterilization process). In the cap mounting section 16, the cap 33 sterilized by the cap sterilization section 25 is mounted on the mouth of the bottle 30 transported from the carbonated beverage filling section 20. Thus, the product bottle 35 having the bottle 30 and the cap 33 is obtained (cap mounting process).

[0095] Then, the product bottle 35 is transported from the cap mounting section 16 to the product bottle output section 22 and sent out to the outside of the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10.

[0096] It should be noted that each process from the above sterilization process to the cap mounting process is performed in a sterile atmosphere surrounded by the aseptic chamber 13, that is, in a sterile environment. Positive-pressure sterile air is supplied from the sterile air supply device 70 to the inside of the aseptic chamber 13 in such a manner that sterile air is continuously blown out of the aseptic chamber 13.

[0097] It should be noted that it is preferable to set the production (transport) speed of the bottle 30 in the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10 to be 100 bpm or more and 1500 bpm or less. Here, bpm (bottle per minute) means the transport speed of the bottle 30 per 1 minute.

[0098] As described above, according to the present embodiment, a discharge valve 79 is provided in the exhaust line 78 inside the aseptic chamber 13, and the gas from the exhaust line 78 is discharged from the discharge valve 79 into the aseptic chamber 13. Thus, there is no need to provide a rotary joint for connecting the exhaust line 78 between the rotating body (for example, the filling nozzle 72) and the non-rotating body (for example, the outside of the aseptic chamber 13). As a result, the rotary joint for the exhaust line 78 can be omitted. Therefore, the number of rotary joints in the entire system can be reduced, and the overall configuration of the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10 can be simplified. In addition, the manufacturing cost of the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0099] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the discharge valve 79 is located between the rotary inner exhaust line 78a and the non-rotary outer exhaust line 78b. Thus, generally, the inner exhaust line 78a and the outer exhaust line 78b are separated, and the gas from the exhaust line 78 can be discharged from the discharge valve 79 into the aseptic chamber 13. On the other hand, by stopping the rotation of the inner exhaust line 78a, the inner exhaust line 78a and the outer exhaust line 78b can be connected, the discharge valve 79 can be closed, and the exhaust line 78 can be communicated with the outside of the aseptic chamber 13.

[0100] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the outer exhaust line 78b is freely extensible. Thus, generally, the inner exhaust line 78a and the outer exhaust line 78b can be separated so that the rotating inner exhaust line 78a and the outer exhaust line 78b do not interfere with each other. In addition, when the discharge valve 79 is closed, the wrinkled portion 78c of the outer exhaust line 78b can be extended to connect the outer exhaust line 78b and the inner exhaust line 78a in the discharge valve 79.

[0101] In addition, according to the present embodiment, in the carbonated beverage filling tank 75, the carbon dioxide supply line 61 is connected to the carbon dioxide release line 86. In addition, a first valve 62 and a third valve 87 are respectively provided in the carbon dioxide supply line 61 and the carbon dioxide release line 86, and the control unit 60 controls the first valve 62 and the third valve 87 respectively to control the pressure in the carbonated beverage filling tank 75. In particular, control is performed such that a relationship of P1 > P2 is established between the pressure P1 in the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 and the pressure P2 in the carbon dioxide release line 86. Thereby, it is possible to prevent non-sterile gas from invading the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 from the outside of the sterile chamber 13. Therefore, as the discharge tank 85, a non-sterile tank that is not controlled to a sterile state can be used. In this case, since it is not necessary to connect the carbon dioxide release line 86 to a sterile tank in a sterile state, it is not necessary to provide such a sterile tank in the carbonated beverage sterile filling system 10, and the manufacturing cost of the carbonated beverage sterile filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0102] Alternatively, the second pressure gauge 88 may not be provided, and control may be performed only by the first pressure gauge 64. Specifically, the opening degrees of the first valve 62 and the third valve 87 are adjusted according to the indicated value of the first pressure gauge 64, and the value of the first pressure gauge 64 is controlled to be 0.01 MPa or more and 1.0 MPa or less from the in-line sterilization (SIP) treatment to the end of production only by the two valves 62 and 87. Thereby, it is possible to prevent non-sterile gas from invading the carbonated beverage filling tank 75 from the outside of the sterile chamber 13, and the same effect as described above can be obtained.

[0103] It should be noted that in the above, for sterilizing containers such as the bottle 30, the preform, and the cap 33, the case of using a bactericide containing hydrogen peroxide for sterilization has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto, and a bactericide such as peracetic acid or an electron beam may be used for sterilization.

[0104] (Second Embodiment)

[0105] Next, refer to Figures 4 to 10 to describe the second embodiment. Figures 4 to 10 FIG. shows the second embodiment. In Figures 4 to 10In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In addition, hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0106] (Beverage aseptic filling system)

[0107] First, Figure 4 the overall beverage aseptic filling system of this embodiment will be described.

[0108] Figure 4 The beverage aseptic filling system 110 shown is a system that can be used for both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages, that is, an aseptic filling system that can alternatively fill a bottle (container) 30 with both a beverage containing a carbonated beverage and a beverage containing a non-carbonated beverage. In this embodiment, the case of using a plastic bottle as the container is taken as an example for description, but as the container, it can also be a paper container, a glass bottle, a can, etc.

[0109] As Figure 4 shown, the beverage aseptic filling system 110 includes: a bottle supply unit 21, a bottle sterilization unit 11, an air spray unit 14, a sterile water spray unit 15, a beverage filling unit (filler) 120, a cap mounting unit (capper, crimper and capper) 16, and a product bottle output unit 22.

[0110] The beverage filling unit 120 fills a pre-sterilized aseptic carbonated beverage or aseptic non-carbonated beverage, or a non-sterilized carbonated beverage that does not require sterilization treatment (hereinafter also simply referred to as "beverage") into the bottle 30 from the mouth of the bottle 30.

[0111] When the beverage to be filled into the bottle 30 is a carbonated beverage (aseptic carbonated beverage or non-sterilized carbonated beverage), the carbonated beverage is filled into the bottle 30 at a filling temperature of 1°C or higher and 40°C or lower, preferably 5°C or higher and 10°C or lower.

[0112] When the beverage to be filled into the bottle 30 is an aseptic non-carbonated beverage, the beverage is filled into the bottle 30 at a filling temperature of 1°C or higher and 40°C or lower, preferably 10°C or higher and 30°C or lower. It should be noted that as the aseptic non-carbonated beverage filled in the beverage filling unit 120, for example, non-carbonated beverages containing components from animals and plants such as fruit juice and milk components can be cited.

[0113] In addition, the configurations of the bottle supply unit 21, the bottle sterilization unit 11, the air spray unit 14, the sterile water spray unit 15, the cap mounting unit 16, and the product bottle output unit 22 are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0114] Next, Figure 5 the configuration of the beverage filling unit 120 of the beverage aseptic filling system 110 and its surroundings will be described.

[0115] As Figure 5 shown, a beverage filling tank (filling high-level tank, buffer tank) 175 is disposed above the beverage filling section 120. Beverage (carbonated beverage or non-carbonated beverage) is filled inside the beverage filling tank 175. The beverage filling tank 175 is connected to the sterile carbon dioxide supply section 63 through a carbon dioxide supply line 61. In the present embodiment, the carbon dioxide supply line 61, the first valve 62, and the sterile carbon dioxide supply section 63 are used when the beverage to be filled is a carbonated beverage.

[0116] A beverage introduction line 165 is connected to the beverage filling tank 175. This beverage introduction line 165 is connected to a beverage manufacturing apparatus (not shown). A carbon dioxide release line 86 is connected to the beverage filling tank 175. When the beverage to be filled is a carbonated beverage, this carbon dioxide release line 86 is connected to a discharge tank 85. Alternatively, the discharge tank 85 may not be provided, and a sterilization filter (not shown) sterilized with steam before manufacturing may be provided in the carbon dioxide release line 86 to discharge carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide release line 86. In addition, the configuration of the beverage filling tank 175 is substantially the same as the configuration of the above-described carbonated beverage filling tank 75.

[0117] In addition, a beverage supply line 173 is connected to the beverage filling tank 175. The beverage supply line 173 is a line for supplying the beverage filled in the beverage filling tank 175 to a filling nozzle 72 described later. The beverage filling tank 175 is connected to the filling nozzle 72 through the beverage supply line 173.

[0118] Furthermore, a counter gas line 74 is connected to the beverage filling tank 175. The counter gas line 74 is used when the beverage to be filled is a carbonated beverage, and is a line for supplying sterile carbon dioxide filled in the beverage filling tank 175 to the filling nozzle 72 described later. The beverage filling tank 175 is connected to the filling nozzle 72 through the counter gas line 74.

[0119] A counter gas valve 67 is provided at the connection portion between the beverage filling tank 175 and the counter gas line 74 on the counter gas line 74. The counter gas valve 67 is directly connected to the beverage filling tank 175. The counter gas valve 67 is opened when the beverage to be filled is a carbonated beverage, and is closed when the beverage to be filled is a non-carbonated beverage. In addition, during CIP processing, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before CIP processing is a carbonated beverage, the counter gas valve 67 is opened, and when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before CIP processing is a non-carbonated beverage, it is closed.

[0120] In the beverage filling section 120, the beverage filled in the beverage filling can 175 is filled into the empty bottle 30. The beverage filling section 120 has a transport wheel 71 that rotates about an axis parallel to the vertical direction. While rotating (revolving) a plurality of bottles 30 by this transport wheel 71, the beverage is filled into the bottles 30. In addition, a plurality of filling nozzles 72 are arranged along the outer periphery of the transport wheel 71. One bottle 30 is mounted on each filling nozzle 72, and the beverage is injected into the bottle 30 from the filling nozzle 72. Note that the configuration of the filling nozzle 72 will be described later.

[0121] In addition, an exhaust line 78 is connected to each filling nozzle 72. The exhaust line 78 is used when the beverage to be filled is a carbonated beverage. One end of the exhaust line 78 is connected to the counter gas line 74, and the other end extends outside the aseptic chamber 13.

[0122] The control unit 60 controls the beverage aseptic filling system 110 and performs CIP processing and SIP processing on the flow paths through which the beverage and carbon dioxide pass. As described above, the beverage aseptic filling system 110 is a system that can be used for both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages, that is, a filling system that can alternatively fill the bottle 30 with both a beverage containing a carbonated beverage and a beverage containing a non-carbonated beverage.

[0123] In the present embodiment, when performing CIP processing, the control unit 60 performs different controls when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before performing the above CIP processing is a carbonated beverage and when it is a non-carbonated beverage.

[0124] Specifically, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before performing CIP processing is a carbonated beverage, the control unit 60 performs CIP processing on the entire flow path through which the carbonated beverage and carbon dioxide for filling the carbonated beverage pass. As such a flow path, a carbonated beverage dedicated flow path used only for filling carbonated beverages and a carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow path used for filling both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages can be cited.

[0125] On the other hand, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before performing CIP processing is a non-carbonated beverage, the control unit 60 performs only CIP cleaning on the flow path through which the non-carbonated beverage for filling the non-carbonated beverage passes. As such a flow path, a carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow path shared in filling both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages can be cited. In this case, CIP cleaning is not performed on the carbonated beverage dedicated flow path.

[0126] In Figure 5In the example shown, as the flow path for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, examples include the beverage introduction line 165, the second valve 66, the beverage filling tank 175, the beverage supply line 173, the rotary joint 77, the beverage supply line 173, the filling nozzle 72, the CIP cover 82, the CIP line 83, the connection valve 84, the CIP line bifurcation section 59, the discharge tank 85, the cleaning liquid supply section 94, the pump 91, the eighth valve 97, the drain line 96, the sixth valve 92, the heater 93, the CIP circulation line 81, the seventh valve 95, etc. It should be noted that although not shown, the flow paths for the fluids (beverages / gases, etc.) used for filling both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, that is, the flow paths that need to be cleaned by CIP, are also included in the flow path for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages.

[0127] In addition, in Figure 5 the example shown, as the flow path dedicated to carbonated beverages, examples include the anti-gas valve 67, the anti-gas line 74, the anti-gas bifurcation section 53, the exhaust line 78, the fourth valve 55, the first bypass line 54, the exhaust line bifurcation section 56, the fifth valve 58, the discharge valve 79, the carbon dioxide release line 86, the third valve 87, etc. It should be noted that although not shown, the flow paths for the fluids (beverages / gases, etc.) used only for filling carbonated beverages, that is, the flow paths that need to be cleaned by CIP, also belong to the flow path dedicated to carbonated beverages.

[0128] In addition to the above, the beverage filling section 120 of the beverage aseptic filling system 110 and its surrounding structure are substantially the same as those in the above-described first embodiment.

[0129] (Filling nozzle)

[0130] Next, the structure of the filling nozzle 72 of the above-described beverage filling section 120 will be described using Figure 6 .

[0131] As Figure 6 shown, the filling nozzle 72 has a main body portion 72a. The beverage supply line 173 and the anti-gas line 74 are respectively connected to the main body portion 72a. Among them, the upper end of the beverage supply line 173 is connected to the beverage filling tank 175, and the lower end is in communication with the inside of the bottle 30. Moreover, the beverage supplied from the beverage filling tank 175 is injected into the inside of the bottle 30 through the beverage supply line 173.

[0132] The anti-gas line 74 is used when the beverage to be filled is a carbonated beverage. The upper end of the anti-gas line 74 is connected to the beverage filling tank 175, and the lower end is in communication with the inside of the bottle 30. The gas for counteracting pressure, such as carbon dioxide, supplied from the beverage filling tank 175 is filled into the inside of the bottle 30 through the anti-gas line 74. The exhaust line 78 is connected to the middle of the anti-gas line 74, and the carbon dioxide, etc. inside the bottle 30 can be discharged through the exhaust line 78.

[0133] The beverage supply line 173 and the counter gas line 74 pass through the rotary joint 77 provided in the hood 76. On the other hand, as described above, the exhaust line 78 discharges carbon dioxide from the exhaust line 78 into the sterile chamber 13 without passing through the rotary joint.

[0134] (Sterile carbonated beverage filling method)

[0135] The sterile carbonated beverage filling method using the beverage sterile filling system 110 ( Figure 4 ) can be carried out in substantially the same manner as in the case of the first embodiment.

[0136] (Sterile non-carbonated beverage filling method)

[0137] Next, a sterile non-carbonated beverage filling method using the beverage sterile filling system 110 ( Figure 4 ) will be described. It should be noted that hereinafter, a method for filling a normal sterile non-carbonated beverage, that is, a method for filling a sterile non-carbonated beverage into the bottle 30 to produce the product bottle 35, will be described.

[0138] First, in the same manner as in the case of the sterile carbonated beverage filling method in the first embodiment, the bottle 30 is sequentially transported through the bottle supply unit 21 (container supply process), the bottle sterilization unit 11 (sterilization process), the air spray unit 14, and the sterile water spray unit 15 (rinsing process) to the beverage filling unit 120. In this beverage filling unit 120, the sterile non-carbonated beverage is filled into the bottle 30 (filling process).

[0139] During this period, as Figure 6 shown, in the beverage filling unit 120, the sterile non-carbonated beverage is filled into the bottle 30 with the filling nozzle 72 not in close contact with the mouth of the bottle 30. The sterile non-carbonated beverage is injected into the bottle 30 from the beverage filling tank 175 through the beverage supply line 173. Then, the supply of the sterile non-carbonated beverage from the beverage supply line 173 is stopped. It should be noted that at this time, the counter gas line 74 and the exhaust line 78 are respectively closed by the counter gas valve 67 and a valve (not shown).

[0140] The bottle 30 filled with the sterile non-carbonated beverage through the beverage filling unit 120 is transported to the cap mounting unit 16, and in the cap mounting unit 16, the cap 33 is mounted on the mouth of the bottle 30. Thus, the product bottle 35 having the bottle 30 and the cap 33 is obtained (cap mounting process).

[0141] Then, the product bottle 35 is transported from the cap mounting unit 16 to the product bottle output unit 22 and sent out of the beverage sterile filling system 110.

[0142] (CIP Processing Method)

[0143] Next, the function in the case of performing CIP (Cleaning in Place) processing in the beverage aseptic filling system 110, for example, regularly or when changing the type of beverage, will be described.

[0144] First, CIP processing is performed on the piping of the beverage supply system in the beverage aseptic filling system 110. In this case, first, it is determined whether the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before performing CIP processing is a carbonated beverage or a non-carbonated beverage. The control unit 60 selects the flow path for CIP cleaning according to the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before performing CIP processing, and performs CIP cleaning on the selected flow path.

[0145] (CIP Processing Method after Filling Carbonated Beverage)

[0146] Specifically, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before performing CIP processing is a carbonated beverage, the control unit 60 performs CIP cleaning on all the flow paths through which the beverage and carbon dioxide for filling carbonated beverages pass. In this case, a cleaning liquid obtained by adding an alkaline agent such as caustic soda to water is circulated through all the flow paths of the carbonated beverage dedicated flow path and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow path, and then a cleaning liquid obtained by adding an acidic agent to water is circulated.

[0147] That is, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, the alkaline cleaning liquid is caused to flow in, for example, from the beverage introduction line 165, pass through the beverage filling tank 175, the beverage supply line 173, the filling nozzle 72, the CIP line 83, the discharge tank 85, and the CIP circulation line 81, and flow out from the drain line 96. In addition, the alkaline cleaning liquid is caused to pass through, for example, the beverage filling tank 175, the counter gas line 74, the exhaust line 78, the CIP line 83, the discharge tank 85, and the CIP circulation line 81, circulate / clean for a given time, and then flow out from the drain line 96. Further, the alkaline cleaning liquid is caused to pass through, for example, the carbon dioxide release line 86, the discharge tank 85, and the CIP circulation line 81, circulate / clean for a given time, and then flow out from the drain line 96. Similarly, for other carbonated beverage dedicated flow paths and carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow paths, alkaline cleaning liquid is also used for cleaning. In this way, the alkaline cleaning liquid is circulated through all the flow paths of the carbonated beverage dedicated flow path and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow path, and the entire carbonated beverage dedicated flow path and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow path are subjected to alkaline cleaning.

[0148] Next, similarly, an acidic cleaning liquid is circulated through all the flow paths of the dedicated flow path for carbonated beverages and the shared flow path for carbonated / non-carbonated beverages, and the dedicated flow path for carbonated beverages and the entire shared flow path for carbonated / non-carbonated beverages are subjected to acid cleaning. Then, sterile water is circulated through all the flow paths of the dedicated flow path for carbonated beverages and the shared flow path for carbonated / non-carbonated beverages, and the dedicated flow path for carbonated beverages and the entire shared flow path for carbonated / non-carbonated beverages are rinsed. In this way, residues of the previous beverage attached to the flow path through which the beverage passes are removed. It should be noted that in Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the dedicated flow path for carbonated beverages and the shared flow path for carbonated / non-carbonated beverages subjected to CIP cleaning are shown in thick lines and shaded areas. It should be noted that the order of using the acidic cleaning liquid and the alkaline cleaning liquid can be appropriately determined considering the cleanability. For example, acid cleaning can be performed first and then alkaline cleaning.

[0149] (CIP treatment method after filling non-carbonated beverages)

[0150] On the other hand, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before CIP treatment is a non-carbonated beverage, the control unit 60 performs CIP cleaning only on the flow path through which the beverage for filling non-carbonated beverages passes. Specifically, only the shared flow path for carbonated / non-carbonated beverages is circulated with a cleaning liquid obtained by adding an alkaline agent such as caustic soda to water, and then, a cleaning liquid obtained by adding an acidic agent to water is circulated. On the other hand, the dedicated flow path for carbonated beverages can be closed by a pre-valve or the like without performing CIP cleaning.

[0151] That is, as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the alkaline cleaning liquid is caused to flow in, for example, from the beverage introduction line 165, passes through the beverage filling tank 175, the beverage supply line 173, the filling nozzle 72, the CIP line 83, the discharge tank 85, and the CIP circulation line 81, and flows out from the drain line 96. Similarly, the other shared flow paths for carbonated / non-carbonated beverages are also cleaned with the alkaline cleaning liquid. In this way, only the shared flow path for carbonated / non-carbonated beverages is circulated with the alkaline cleaning liquid, and only the shared flow path for carbonated / non-carbonated beverages is subjected to alkaline cleaning.

[0152] Next, similarly, only the shared flow path for carbonated / non-carbonated beverages is circulated with the acidic cleaning liquid, and only the shared flow path for carbonated / non-carbonated beverages is subjected to acid cleaning. Then, only the shared flow path for carbonated / non-carbonated beverages is circulated with water, and the shared flow path for carbonated / non-carbonated beverages is rinsed. In this way, residues of the previous beverage attached to the flow path through which the beverage passes are removed. It should be noted that in Figure 9 and Figure 10In the figure, the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage dual-purpose flow path for CIP cleaning is shown by thick lines and shading. It should be noted that during the flushing of the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage dual-purpose flow path, the valves for counteracting gas, such as valve 67, and the valves on the exhaust line 78 can be intermittently opened and closed for about 2 seconds to 10 seconds every 1 minute, and the positions that may come into contact with the beverage, such as O-rings and the valve seats of the valves, can be cleaned.

[0153] (SIP treatment method)

[0154] Next, in the beverage aseptic filling system 110, a SIP (Sterilizing in Place) treatment is performed. This SIP treatment is a treatment for pre-sterilizing the flow path through which the beverage passes before starting the filling operation of the beverage. For example, it is performed by circulating heated steam or hot water in the flow path that has been cleaned by the above-mentioned CIP cleaning. Thus, the flow path through which the beverage passes is sterilized and becomes aseptic.

[0155] In the present embodiment, regardless of whether the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before the CIP treatment is a carbonated beverage or a non-carbonated beverage, the entire flow paths of the carbonated beverage dedicated flow path and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage dual-purpose flow path are subjected to SIP treatment.

[0156] That is, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before the CIP treatment is a carbonated beverage, the carbonated beverage dedicated flow path and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage dual-purpose flow path after the CIP treatment are directly subjected to SIP treatment. On the other hand, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before the CIP treatment is a non-carbonated beverage, after the CIP treatment, the carbonated beverage dedicated flow path is opened, and not only the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage dual-purpose flow path but also the carbonated beverage dedicated flow path is subjected to SIP treatment. Thus, regardless of whether the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before the CIP treatment is a carbonated beverage or a non-carbonated beverage, all the flow paths are sterilized, so that the entire beverage aseptic filling system 110 can be reliably sterilized. In addition, compared with the CIP treatment, the SIP treatment has a short treatment time. Therefore, even if the entire flow paths of the carbonated beverage dedicated flow path and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage dual-purpose flow path are subjected to SIP treatment, the productivity will not be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the control unit 60 sterilizes and cleans the valves and the like at the liquid contact part of the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage dual-purpose flow path by circulating steam in the carbonated beverage dedicated flow path. That is, when performing SIP treatment with steam, steam at 100°C or higher, preferably 121.1°C or higher, can be circulated, and the product liquid that has penetrated into the gasket, gasket, and valve seat can be simultaneously sterilized and cleaned with the initially generated high-temperature condensed water. Especially when the material of the valve seat is Teflon-based, the cleaning effect of the SIP treatment is high, and it is not necessary to actively clean the small amount of product liquid adhering to the gap of the valve seat with CIP.

[0157] That is, for example, after CIP processing, hot water is made to flow into the beverage introduction line 165, passes through the beverage filling tank 175, the beverage supply line 173, the filling nozzle 72, the CIP line 83, the discharge tank 85, and the CIP circulation line 81, and flows out from the drain line 96. Thereby, the interiors of these paths are sterilized, and then, they are cooled with sterile water or sterile air within these paths, thereby performing SIP processing.

[0158] On the other hand, steam is made to flow out from the beverage filling tank 175, from the counter gas line 74, the exhaust line 78, and the CIP line 83. Further, steam is made to flow out from the beverage filling tank 175, for example, through the carbon dioxide release line 86, the discharge tank 85, and the CIP circulation line 81, and from the drain line 96. Thereby, the interiors of these paths are sterilized, and then, they are cooled in sequence with cooling air and sterile water within these paths, thus ending the SIP processing.

[0159] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before CIP cleaning is a carbonated beverage, CIP cleaning is performed on both the carbonated beverage dedicated flow path and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow path. On the other hand, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before CIP cleaning is a non-carbonated beverage, only the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow path is subjected to CIP cleaning.

[0160] Generally, CIP cleaning divides the flow paths in the beverage aseptic filling system 110 into multiple routes and performs them individually. For example, the first flushing process, the alkali cleaning process, the acid cleaning process, and the second flushing process are sequentially performed on the multiple routes. Therefore, CIP cleaning takes time, and there is a concern that productivity may decrease.

[0161] In contrast, in the present embodiment, especially when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before CIP cleaning is a non-carbonated beverage, only the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow path is subjected to CIP cleaning. Thereby, in the beverage aseptic filling system 110 that is shared by carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages, the time for CIP processing can be shortened. As a result, the productivity in the beverage aseptic filling system 110 can be improved, and the energy used for CIP cleaning can be reduced. In addition, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 before CIP cleaning is a non-carbonated beverage, the carbonated beverage dedicated flow path is not used in the filling of non-carbonated beverages, and therefore, it is not necessary to perform CIP cleaning on the carbonated beverage dedicated flow path.

[0162] In the above, the beverage aseptic filling system 110 using the aseptic filling method as the beverage filling system has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. As the beverage filling system, for example, a hot filling method beverage filling system that fills beverages at a high temperature of 55°C or higher and 95°C or lower may also be used.

[0163] If necessary, a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above-described embodiments and modified examples may be appropriately combined. Alternatively, several constituent elements may be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the above-described embodiments and modified examples.

Claims

1. A beverage filling system, which is a beverage filling system applicable to both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages. The beverage filling system includes: A dedicated flow path for carbonated beverages only used for filling carbonated beverages, A carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow path for filling both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages, and A filling nozzle for filling carbonated beverages or non-carbonated beverages, The filling nozzle is surrounded by a cover of a sterile chamber, A sterile air supply device for sending a large volume of sterile air into the sterile chamber is provided on the cover, The supply amount of the sterile air from the sterile air supply device is 5 m 3 / min or more and 100 m 3 / min or less, The beverage filling system further includes an exhaust line connected to the filling nozzle, A discharge valve is provided on the exhaust line in the sterile chamber. Through the discharge valve, carbon dioxide from the exhaust line is discharged into the sterile chamber, The exhaust line has an inner exhaust line located in the sterile chamber and an outer exhaust line opening to the outside of the sterile chamber, The discharge valve is located between the inner exhaust line and the outer exhaust line, The inner exhaust line and the outer exhaust line are detachable at the discharge valve.

2. The beverage filling system according to claim 1, which further includes a beverage filling tank connected to the filling nozzle through a beverage supply line and a counter gas line, The dedicated flow path for carbonated beverages includes the counter gas line and the exhaust line, and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow path includes the filling nozzle and the beverage filling tank.

3. The beverage filling system according to claim 1, which further includes A beverage filling tank connected to the filling nozzle, A carbon dioxide release line is connected to the beverage filling tank, which is used when the beverage to be filled is a carbonated beverage, A sterilization filter is provided on the carbon dioxide release line to discharge carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide release line.

4. The beverage filling system according to claim 1, which further includes a CIP line for discharging the cleaning liquid from the filling nozzle, A discharge tank is not connected to the CIP line.

5. The beverage filling system according to claim 3, wherein, The beverage filling tank is connected to the filling nozzle through a beverage supply line and a counter gas line, The dedicated flow path for carbonated beverages includes the counter gas line and the exhaust line, and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage shared flow path includes the filling nozzle and the beverage filling tank.

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