Container sterilization method, container sterilization device, and content filling system

Abstract

A container sterilization method, a container sterilization device, and a content filling system. The container sterilization method of the present invention has: a conveying step of conveying a container (100) having a mouth portion (110) filled with a content; a nozzle insertion step of inserting a nozzle (90) for spraying a sterilizing agent into the container (100) being conveyed; and a sterilizing agent supply step of supplying the sterilizing agent to the container (100) into which the nozzle (90) is inserted. In the nozzle insertion step, the inside of the container (100) is made to be slightly positive by inserting the nozzle (90) into the container (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a container sterilization method, a container sterilization apparatus, and a contents filling system. Background Technology

[0002] There is a known aseptic filling system (assembly filling system) that fills sterilized contents into sterilized containers (PET bottles) in an aseptic environment and then seals the containers with caps.

[0003] Specifically, in the aseptic filling system, a molded container is supplied to the aseptic filling system, and within the aseptic filling system, an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide as a sterilizing agent is sprayed onto the container. Then, the container is dried to sterilize it, and subsequently, the contents are aseptically filled into the container. As a sterilization method for sterilizing the container, for example, a sterilization method is known where the PET bottle is sterilized after the nozzle is inserted into the PET bottle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] However, when sterilizing containers, efficient sterilization is required within a short time. In this case, it is necessary to efficiently raise the temperature of the container within a short period of time.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4012653

[0008] This disclosure was made with this in mind, and its purpose is to provide a container sterilization method, container sterilization apparatus, and contents filling system that can efficiently sterilize the container by efficiently increasing the temperature of the container. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure discloses a container sterilization method comprising: a conveying step of conveying a container having an opening filled with contents; a nozzle insertion step of inserting a nozzle for spraying a disinfectant into the conveyed container; and a disinfectant supply step of supplying the disinfectant to the container with the nozzle inserted therein, wherein in the nozzle insertion step, a slight positive pressure is created inside the container by inserting the nozzle into the container.

[0010] In the container sterilization method of this disclosure, during the nozzle insertion step, by inserting the nozzle into the container, the pressure inside the container can be maintained above 1 kPa and below 20 kPa.

[0011] In the container sterilization method of this disclosure, during the nozzle insertion step, by inserting the nozzle into the container, the pressure inside the nozzle can be increased by more than 0.01 kPa and less than 2.0 kPa.

[0012] In a container sterilization method according to one aspect of this disclosure, the nozzle may include: a small-diameter portion constituting the front end of the nozzle; a large-diameter portion disposed upstream of the flow direction of the sterilizing agent, and having an inner diameter larger than the small-diameter portion; and a narrowing-diameter portion located between the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion, the inner diameter of which gradually decreases as it moves downstream of the flow direction of the sterilizing agent.

[0013] In the container sterilization method of this disclosure, when the inner diameter of the opening is set to d1 and the outer diameter of the nozzle is set to D1, the relationship 2mm≤d1-D1≤25mm can be satisfied.

[0014] In one aspect of the container sterilization method disclosed herein, the nozzle may be provided with a flange portion protruding radially from the nozzle and an annular wall portion protruding from the periphery of the flange portion toward the front end of the nozzle, wherein when the nozzle is inserted into the container, the wall portion covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the opening.

[0015] In the container sterilization method of this disclosure, when the inner diameter of the wall is set to d2 and the outer diameter of the opening at the upper end of the opening is set to D2, the relationship 5mm≤d2-D2≤30mm can be satisfied.

[0016] In one aspect of the container sterilization method disclosed herein, a conical surface may be formed between the front end of the nozzle and the outer surface of the nozzle.

[0017] In a container sterilization method according to one aspect of this disclosure, the opening of the container may include a threaded portion and a support ring disposed below the threaded portion. When the nozzle is inserted into the container, the support ring is disposed in a vertical section between a first imaginary line extending radially outward from the front end of the nozzle in a horizontal direction and a second imaginary line extending radially outward from the front end of the nozzle along the conical surface.

[0018] In the container sterilization method of this disclosure, during the sterilizing agent supply step, the sterilizing agent can be supplied to the container while the support ring is held from below.

[0019] In a container sterilization method according to one aspect of this disclosure, at least one of the nozzle insertion step and the sterilizing agent supply step may further include a top surface sterilization step of spraying the sterilizing agent from the nozzle onto the top surface of the opening of the container.

[0020] In the container sterilization method of this disclosure, during the top surface sterilization process, the distance between the top surface of the opening and the front end of the nozzle can be more than 2 mm and less than 100 mm.

[0021] In the container sterilization method of this disclosure, during the top surface sterilization process, the time for spraying the sterilizing agent from the nozzle can be more than 0.1 seconds and less than 5.0 seconds.

[0022] In one aspect of the container sterilization method disclosed herein, a preheating step for heating the container may be included between the nozzle insertion step and the sterilizing agent supply step.

[0023] In the container sterilization method of this disclosure, during the preheating step, the container can be heated by hot air or infrared rays.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a container sterilization apparatus includes: a conveying mechanism for conveying a container having an opening filled with contents; and a supply unit for supplying a sterilizing agent to the container conveyed by the conveying mechanism, the supply unit having a nozzle for spraying the sterilizing agent, the nozzle creating a slightly positive pressure inside the container by being inserted into the container.

[0025] In the container sterilization device of this disclosure, the nozzle can maintain the pressure inside the container above 1 kPa and below 20 kPa.

[0026] In the container sterilization apparatus of this disclosure, by inserting the nozzle into the container, the pressure inside the nozzle can be increased by more than 0.01 kPa and less than 2.0 kPa.

[0027] In a container sterilization device according to one aspect of this disclosure, the nozzle may include: a small-diameter portion constituting the front end of the nozzle; a large-diameter portion disposed upstream of the flow direction of the sterilizing agent, and having an inner diameter larger than the small-diameter portion; and a narrowing-diameter portion located between the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion, the inner diameter of which gradually decreases as it moves downstream of the flow direction of the sterilizing agent.

[0028] In the container sterilization device of this disclosure, when the inner diameter of the opening is set to d1 and the outer diameter of the nozzle is set to D1, the relationship 2mm≤d1-D1≤25mm can be satisfied.

[0029] In a container sterilization apparatus of this disclosure, the nozzle may be provided with a flange portion protruding radially from the nozzle and an annular wall portion protruding from the periphery of the flange portion toward the front end of the nozzle. When the nozzle is inserted into the container, the wall portion covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the opening.

[0030] In the container sterilization device of this disclosure, when the inner diameter of the wall is set to d2 and the outer diameter of the opening at the upper end of the opening is set to D2, the relationship 5mm≤d2-D2≤30mm can be satisfied.

[0031] In the container sterilization apparatus of this disclosure, a conical surface may be formed between the front end of the nozzle and the outer surface of the nozzle.

[0032] In a container sterilization device according to one aspect of this disclosure, the opening of the container may include a threaded portion and a support ring disposed below the threaded portion. When the nozzle is inserted into the container, the support ring is disposed in a vertical section between a first imaginary line extending radially outward from the front end of the nozzle in a horizontal direction and a second imaginary line extending radially outward from the front end of the nozzle along the conical surface.

[0033] In a container sterilization apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure, the conveying mechanism may have a holding member that holds the container from below, the holding member holding the support ring.

[0034] In a container sterilization device of this disclosure, the nozzle can supply the sterilizing agent to the container while inserted into the container, and spray the sterilizing agent onto the top surface of the opening of the container while not inserted into the container.

[0035] In the container sterilization device of this disclosure, when the nozzle sprays the sterilizing agent onto the top surface, the distance between the top surface of the opening and the front end of the nozzle can be more than 2 mm and less than 100 mm.

[0036] In the container sterilization device of this disclosure, the time for the top surface to spray the sterilizing agent can be more than 0.1 seconds and less than 5.0 seconds.

[0037] In a container sterilization apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure, the supply unit may heat the container before supplying the sterilizing agent to the container.

[0038] In the container sterilization apparatus of this disclosure, the supply unit can heat the container by hot air or infrared rays.

[0039] This disclosure includes a content filling system comprising: a container sterilization device; a filling device for filling the container with contents; and a cap installation device for sealing the container with a cap.

[0040] According to this disclosure, the container can be sterilized efficiently by efficiently increasing its temperature. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view showing the contents filling system of this embodiment.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the container sterilization apparatus of this embodiment.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic top view showing the container sterilization apparatus of this embodiment.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a magnified schematic front view showing the nozzle of the container sterilization device of this embodiment.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the relationship between the nozzle and the bottle in the container sterilization device of this embodiment.

[0046] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the content filling method using the content filling system of this embodiment.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic front view showing the content filling method using the content filling system of this embodiment.

[0048] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a variation of the content filling method using the content filling system of this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 7 This is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] (Content filling system)

[0051] First, through Figure 1 The contents filling system (aseptic filling system, prefabricated filling system) of the embodiments will be described.

[0052] Figure 1 The contents filling system 10 shown is a reference to the opening 110 filled with contents. Figure 4This is a system for filling a bottle (container) 100 with contents such as beverages. The bottle 100 can be manufactured by biaxial stretch blow molding of a preform made by injection molding of synthetic resin material. Alternatively, the bottle 100 can also be manufactured by direct blow molding. As the material for the bottle 100, thermoplastic resins are preferred, and PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate) are particularly preferred. Furthermore, the container can be glass, a jar, paper, a bag, or a composite container thereof. In this embodiment, the case of using a bottle as a container will be described as an example.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the contents filling system 10 includes a bottle forming section 30, a sterilization device (container sterilization device) 11, a gas rinsing device 14, a sterile water rinsing device 15, a filling device (filler) 20, a cap mounting device (capping, tightening, and plugging machine) 16, and a product bottle delivery section 22. These components—the bottle forming section 30, sterilization device 11, gas rinsing device 14, sterile water rinsing device 15, filling device 20, cap mounting device 16, and product bottle delivery section 22—are arranged sequentially from upstream to downstream along the conveying direction of the bottle 100. Furthermore, multiple conveyor wheels 12 are provided between the adjusting conveying section 5, sterilization device 11, gas rinsing device 4, sterile water rinsing device 15, filling device 20, and cap mounting device 16 (described later) to transport the bottle 100 between these devices.

[0054] The bottle forming section 30 receives preforms 100a sequentially from the outside, forms bottles 100, and then conveys and supplies the formed bottles 100 to the sterilization device 11. Thus, the bottle forming section 30 is configured to receive preforms 100a and form bottles 100. Therefore, in the contents filling system 10, the processes from supplying preforms 100a, forming bottles 100, filling bottles 100 with contents, and sealing can be performed continuously. In this case, from the outside to the contents filling system 10, smaller preforms 100a can be transported instead of larger bottles 100, thus reducing transportation costs.

[0055] The bottle forming unit 30 includes: a preform conveying unit 31 that conveys a preform 100a; a blow molding unit 32 that forms a bottle 100 by blow molding the preform 100a; and a bottle conveying unit 33 that conveys the formed bottle 100.

[0056] The preform conveying section 31 includes a receiving section 34, a heating section 35, and a transfer section 36. The receiving section 34 receives the preform 100a supplied from the preform supply device 1 via the preform supply conveyor belt 2. The receiving section 34 is equipped with a preform sterilization device 34a for sterilizing the preform 100a. Through this preform sterilization device 34a, a mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution is blown onto the preform 100a, sterilizing (pre-sterilizing) the preform 100a.

[0057] As a bactericide used to sterilize the preform 100a, any agent that can inactivate microorganisms is acceptable. Examples of bactericides, besides hydrogen peroxide, include peracetic acid, acetic acid, pernitric acid, nitric acid, chlorine-based agents, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ethanol, isopropanol and other alcohols, chlorine dioxide, ozone water, acidic water, surfactants, and combinations of two or more of these agents.

[0058] The heating section 35 of the preform conveying section 31 receives the preform 100a from the receiving section 34 and heats the preform 100a during conveying. The heating section 35 is equipped with a heater 35a for heating the preform 100a. This heater 35a can be, for example, an infrared heater. Through this heater 35a, the preform 100a is heated to, for example, approximately 90°C or higher and 130°C or lower. Furthermore, to prevent deformation, the opening temperature of the preform 100a is suppressed to below 70°C.

[0059] The transfer section 36 of the preform conveying section 31 is the part that receives the preform 100a heated by the heating section 35 and transfers it to the blow molding section 32.

[0060] The blow molding section 32 includes a mold (not shown) for blow molding a preform 100a to form a bottle 100.

[0061] Additionally, an adjustment conveying section 5 is provided between the bottle forming section 30 and the sterilization device 11. This adjustment conveying section 5 receives bottles 100 from the bottle conveying section 33 of the bottle forming section 30 and transfers the bottles 100 to the sterilization device 11. At least a portion of this adjustment conveying section 5 is housed inside the ambient gas shielding chamber 70b, which will be described later. In the illustrated example, the adjustment conveying section 5 is arranged to span both the forming section chamber 70a and the ambient gas shielding chamber 70b, which will be described later.

[0062] In the illustrated example, a single conveyor wheel 12 is provided between the adjusting conveyor section 5 and the bottle conveyor section 33 of the bottle forming section 30. That is, the bottle conveyor section 33 of the bottle forming section 30, a single conveyor wheel 12, and the adjusting conveyor section 5 are provided between the blow molding section 32 of the bottle forming section 30 and the sterilization device 11. Therefore, compared to the case where multiple conveyor wheels 12 are provided between the adjusting conveyor section 5 and the bottle conveyor section 33 of the bottle forming section 30, the contents filling system 10 can be made more compact. Furthermore, although not illustrated, it is also possible to provide only the adjusting conveyor section 5 between the blow molding section 32 of the bottle forming section 30 and the sterilization device 11. In this case, the contents filling system 10 can be made even more compact.

[0063] The sterilization device 11 sterilizes the inside of the bottle 100 by spraying a sterilizing agent into it. Thus, the bottle 100 is sterilized by the sterilizing agent before the contents are filled. For example, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is used as the sterilizing agent. In the sterilization device 11, a mist or gas of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is generated and sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100. In this way, the bottle 100 is sterilized using the mist or gas of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, and therefore the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100 are uniformly sterilized.

[0064] The gas rinsing device 14 is a device that activates hydrogen peroxide and removes foreign matter and hydrogen peroxide from the bottle 100 by supplying sterile heated gas or room temperature gas to the bottle 100. Additionally, in the gas rinsing device 14, if necessary, a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide condensate mist can be mixed into a sterile room temperature gas to vaporize the hydrogen peroxide and supply it to the bottle 100. Furthermore, the structure of the gas rinsing device 14 can also be as described later. Figure 2 The sterilization device 11 shown has a roughly the same structure.

[0065] The sterile water rinsing device 15 is a device for rinsing the bottle 100, which has been sterilized by hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant, with sterile water at a temperature of 15°C or higher and 85°C. This rinses away the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the bottle 100 and removes foreign matter.

[0066] The filling device 20 is a device for filling pre-sterilized contents into the bottle 100 from the opening 110. In this filling device 20, contents are filled into the empty bottle 100. In this filling device 20, multiple bottles 100 are rotated and conveyed while contents are filled into the bottles 100.

[0067] The cap mounting device 16 is a device that seals the bottle 100 by attaching the cap 80 to the opening 110 of the bottle 100. In the cap mounting device 16, the opening 110 of the bottle 100 is sealed by the cap 80. This seals the bottle 100 in a way that prevents external gases and microorganisms from entering. In the cap mounting device 16, the cap 80 is attached to the opening 110 of multiple bottles 100 filled with contents while they are rotated (revolving). Thus, by attaching the cap 80 to the opening 110 of the bottle 100, a product bottle 101 is obtained.

[0068] The caps 80 are pre-sterilized by a cap sterilization device 18. The cap sterilization device 18 is, for example, located outside the sterile chamber 70f (described later) and near the cap mounting device 16. In the cap sterilization device 18, multiple caps 80, pre-collected from outside the contents filling system 10, are conveyed in a row to the cap mounting device 16. As the caps 80 move toward the cap mounting device 16, a mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide is blown onto the inner and outer surfaces of the caps 80. The caps 80 are then sterilized by drying them with hot air.

[0069] Product bottle removal section 22 is a section that continuously removes product bottles 101 with caps 80 attached by cap mounting device 16 to the outside of contents filling system 10.

[0070] Additionally, the contents filling system 10 includes a molding chamber 70a, an ambient gas shielding chamber 70b, a disinfectant spray chamber 70c, a first disinfectant removal chamber 70d, a second disinfectant removal chamber 70e, a sterile chamber 70f, and an outlet chamber 70g. The blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30 is housed inside the molding chamber 70a.

[0071] Furthermore, at least a portion of the adjustment delivery unit 5 is housed inside the ambient gas shielding chamber 70b. Thus, in this embodiment, the contents filling system 10 has an ambient gas shielding chamber 70b that houses at least a portion of the adjustment delivery unit 5. This prevents the undesirable situation of disinfectant gas, mist, or mixtures thereof generated in the disinfectant spray chamber 70c flowing into the forming chamber 70a of the container bottle forming section 30.

[0072] Here, a camera can be installed inside the ambient gas shielding chamber 70b. Furthermore, by using the camera, it is also possible to check whether there are any problems with the molding of the bottle 100. Additionally, a thermometer can be installed inside the ambient gas shielding chamber 70b. Moreover, the temperature of the bottle 100 before sterilization can be measured using this thermometer. Here, the temperature of the bottle 100 is a crucial factor affecting the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100. That is, by maintaining the temperature of the bottle 100 at an appropriate temperature, the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved. Therefore, by using a thermometer to measure the temperature of the bottle 100 before sterilization, the temperature of the bottle 100 during sterilization can be maintained at an appropriate temperature, thereby improving the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100.

[0073] Additionally, a sterilization device 11 is housed inside the disinfectant spray chamber 70c. A pressure gauge 71 (see reference) is installed inside the disinfectant spray chamber 70c to measure the pressure within it. Figure 2 ).

[0074] Additionally, a gas flushing device 14 is housed inside the first disinfectant removal chamber 70d. Furthermore, a sterile water flushing device 15 is housed inside the second disinfectant removal chamber 70e.

[0075] Additionally, a filling device 20 and a cap mounting device 16 are housed inside the sterile chamber 70f. Furthermore, a product bottle dispensing section 22 is housed inside the outlet chamber 70g.

[0076] As described above, a pressure gauge 71 for measuring the pressure inside the fungicide spray chamber 70c is installed in the fungicide spray chamber 70c (refer to...). Figure 2 In addition, in each of the chambers other than the disinfectant spray chamber 70c, at least in the sterile chamber 70f, a pressure gauge (not shown) for measuring the internal pressure of the filling environment is installed. Furthermore, pressure gauges for measuring internal pressure may also be installed in the molding chamber 70a, the ambient gas shielding chamber 70b, the first disinfectant removal chamber 70d, the second disinfectant removal chamber 70e, and / or the outlet chamber 70g.

[0077] Such a content filling system 10 can also be constructed as a sterile filling system, for example. In this case, the interiors of the disinfectant spray chamber 70c, the first disinfectant removal chamber 70d, the second disinfectant removal chamber 70e, the sterile chamber 70f, and the exit chamber 70g are maintained in a sterile state. Additionally, in the illustrated example, the conveyor wheel 12 disposed between the disinfection device 11 and the gas flushing device 14 can also be disposed within a sterile space surrounded by the chamber wall 12a. Similarly, the conveyor wheel 12 disposed between the gas flushing device 14 and the sterile water flushing device 15 can also be disposed within a sterile space surrounded by the chamber wall 12a. Furthermore, a chamber (not shown) connecting the sterile area of ​​the sterile state and the non-sterile area of ​​the non-sterile state can also be provided downstream of the exit chamber 70g.

[0078] Next, using Figure 2 The sterilization apparatus (container sterilization apparatus) 11 of this embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sterilization device 11. (Example) Figure 2 As shown, the sterilization device 11 has a conveying mechanism 40 for conveying bottles 100 and a supply section 50 for supplying sterilizing agent to the bottles 100 conveyed by the conveying mechanism 40. In this embodiment, the conveying mechanism 40 has a rotatable wheel 41 and a clamp (holding member) 42 connected to the wheel 41 and conveying the bottles 100 while holding them.

[0079] The wheel 41 is configured to rotate using power from a predetermined drive source and is mounted on a rotating shaft 44 erected on the machine base 43 in such a way that the disc surface is parallel to the horizontal plane. A support column 45 extends upward from the disc surface of the wheel 41, and a manifold 52 of the supply unit 50 (described later) is connected to the upper end of the support column 45.

[0080] Additionally, other supports 48 extend upward from the disc surface of the wheel 41, and a bottle holder 42 is mounted on the upper part of the support 48. Multiple supports 48 and holders 42 are arranged around the wheel 41 at predetermined intervals. Multiple holders 42 are connected to the wheel 41 via the supports 48 and rotate together with the wheel 41. Furthermore, a tunnel 49 is provided around the wheel 41 to surround the channel through which the bottle 100 is held by the holders 42. A disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 (described later) is retained within this tunnel 49, and by passing the bottle 100 through the tunnel 49, the outer surface of the bottle 100 is completely disinfected.

[0081] Additionally, by providing tunnel 49, the outer surface of bottle 100 can be effectively sterilized, but tunnel 49 may not be provided. In this case, for example, in wheel 41 and wheels disposed on both sides of wheel 41 (in Figure 1In the example shown, a chamber wall is provided between the conveyor wheels 12) arranged on both sides of the sterilization device 11. Moreover, by utilizing the chamber wall to form a compact space, the outer surface of the bottle 100 can be effectively sterilized.

[0082] Next, the supply section 50 of the sterilization device 11 will be described. The supply section 50 is the part that supplies sterilizing agent to at least the inner surface of the bottle 100. In addition, the supply section 50 can also supply sterilizing agent to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100. The supply section 50 has a nozzle 90 for spraying sterilizing agent. The nozzle 90 is mounted on the support column 48 in a manner that allows it to move in the vertical direction, and its front end 90a (see reference) Figure 4 and Figure 5 The opening of the bottle 100 held by the clamp 42 and the mouth 110 (see reference) Figure 4 and Figure 5 (Correctly aligned.) Furthermore, the nozzle 90 is configured to be inserted into the bottle 100 by moving in the vertical direction. With this configuration, when the wheel 41 rotates, the nozzle 90 rotates together with the bottle 100 held by the clamp 42 about the rotation axis 44. Moreover, the nozzle 90 is configured to blow a bactericide (hydrogen peroxide gas) onto the bottle 100 while moving synchronously with the bottle 100 conveyed by the clamp 42 of the conveying mechanism 40.

[0083] However, the clamp (holding member) 42 preferably holds the support ring 112 of the bottle 100 from below. That is, the clamp 42 preferably holds the portion located below the support ring 112. Here, when the nozzle 90 descends and blows the disinfectant into the bottle 100, the air pressure of the disinfectant presses the bottle 100 downward. Therefore, by holding the portion below the support ring 112 with the clamp 42, the supply air volume of the disinfectant is increased, and even if the internal pressure of the bottle 100 is increased, the horizontal position of the bottle 100 can be prevented from shifting downward. Therefore, the bottle 100 can be handed over to the next reel without any problems.

[0084] Additionally, the supply unit 50 includes a manifold 52 for the inflow of hydrogen peroxide gas. A conduit 53 extends upward from the upper center of the manifold 52 along the extension line of the axis of rotation 44. The conduit 53 is held via a bearing 54 on the frame component of the disinfectant spray chamber 70c, which is connected to the machine base 43. Thus, the manifold 52 can rotate integrally with the wheel 41 around the rotation axis 44.

[0085] Hydrogen peroxide gas supply pipes 55 extend from around the manifold 52 toward each clamp 42. The aforementioned nozzle 90 is installed at the front end of each supply pipe 55.

[0086] A conduit 57 is connected to the upper end of the conduit 53 of the manifold 52 via a sealing member 56. The conduit 53 rotates integrally with the manifold 52 relative to the conduit 57, and the sealing member 56 prevents hydrogen peroxide gas from leaking from the connection between the two conduits 53 and 57. A valve 58a is installed on the conduit 57 to control the flow of hydrogen peroxide gas within it. In addition, a pressure gauge P for measuring the pressure inside the nozzle 90, a concentration gauge C for measuring the concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas, a thermometer T for measuring the temperature of hydrogen peroxide gas, and a flow meter F for measuring the flow rate of hydrogen peroxide gas are installed on the conduit 57.

[0087] A gas supply device consisting of a blower 60, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter 61, and an electric heater 62 is provided upstream of the conduit 57. A hydrogen peroxide adding device 63 is installed on one or both sides of the electric heater 62. When the hydrogen peroxide adding device 63 is located downstream of the electric heater 62, it can add hydrogen peroxide to the piping in a gaseous state. If the hydrogen peroxide added to the piping is not in a gaseous state, the residual value of hydrogen peroxide in the bottle 100 tends to increase. On the other hand, when the hydrogen peroxide adding device 63 is located upstream of the electric heater 62, the hydrogen peroxide conversion device 3 can also add hydrogen peroxide to the piping in a liquid form such as a spray. In this case, the set temperature of the electric heater 62 is preferably above the boiling point of the supplied disinfectant, but it can also be set to 100°C or higher (preferably 130°C or higher) depending on the disinfection intensity of the bottle 100. Alternatively, another electric heater can be installed upstream of the hydrogen peroxide adding device 63 to spray liquid hydrogen peroxide onto sterile hot gas (above 80°C). Alternatively, the hydrogen peroxide adding device 63 can be installed both before and after the electric heater 62.

[0088] Here, when the bottle 100 is made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), it easily adsorbs hydrogen peroxide, and the residual value tends to increase. However, when the material is HDPE (high-density polyethylene), the amount of hydrogen peroxide adsorbed is extremely small, more than 1 / 20 and less than 1 / 5 of that when the material is PET. Therefore, when the bottle 100 is made of HDPE, not only can hydrogen peroxide water be vaporized and added to the sterile gas, but hydrogen peroxide water can also be sprayed and mixed with the gas. The hydrogen peroxide gas is supplied to the manifold 52 through conduit 57 and blown into the bottle 100 through the supply pipe 55 from the nozzle 90 to sterilize the bottle 100. The sterilizing agent can also be a sterilizing agent containing more than 1% hydrogen peroxide. As a sterilizing agent, a sterilizing agent diluted with ethanol with 35% hydrogen peroxide water can also be used.

[0089] Furthermore, when hydrogen peroxide is used as a disinfectant, the stabilizer contained in the hydrogen peroxide component accumulates in the conduit 57. Therefore, to prevent the nozzle 90 from becoming clogged due to the stabilizer accumulating in the conduit 57, cleaning solutions such as water, alkali, and acid can be directed to the supply section 50, making the supply section 50 a structure capable of CIP (Cleaning In Place). In the illustrated example, a CIP conduit 64 and a valve 58b controlling the flow of cleaning solution within the conduit 64 are installed upstream of valve 58a. The CIP conduit 64 can be installed either before or after the hydrogen peroxide adding device 63, or it can be directly installed on the hydrogen peroxide adding device 63. On the other hand, to prevent the solution used in CIP from contacting the blower 60, HEPA filter 61, and heater 62, it is preferable that the solution does not flow upstream. For example, in this case, a valve can be installed between the blower 60 and other equipment and the CIP conduit 64.

[0090] Next, the nozzle 90 of the supply unit 50 will be described in more detail. In this embodiment, the nozzle 90 is configured such that by inserting it into the bottle 100, a slight positive pressure is created inside the bottle 100. At this time, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, the static pressure inside the conduit 57 connected to the nozzle 90 is approximately the same as the pressure inside the bottle 100. Therefore, when the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100 to create a slight positive pressure, the static pressure inside the conduit 57 increases. As a result, the flow rate of the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 as it is blown out from the opening 110 of the bottle 100 can be increased. Thus, when the disinfectant is sprayed into the bottle 100 from the nozzle 90, the temperature of the bottle 100 can be effectively increased. Furthermore, as described above, the pressure inside the bottle 100 is approximately the same as the static pressure inside the conduit 57. Therefore, the pressure inside the bottle 100 can be measured by a pressure gauge P installed on the conduit 57.

[0091] The nozzle 90 maintains the pressure inside the bottle 100 between 1 kPa and 20 kPa. Maintaining the pressure inside the bottle 100 at 1 kPa or higher allows for a faster flow rate of the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 as it exits the bottle 100 through the opening 110, thus more effectively increasing the temperature of the bottle 100. Furthermore, maintaining the pressure inside the bottle 100 at 20 kPa or lower prevents deformation of the bottle 100 even when the bottle has a thin wall.

[0092] Furthermore, at this time, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, the pressure inside the nozzle 90 is increased by 0.01 kPa or more and 2.0 kPa or less (preferably 0.05 kPa or more and 1.5 kPa or less). That is, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, the static pressure inside the conduit 57 is increased by 0.01 kPa or more and 2.0 kPa or less (preferably 0.05 kPa or more and 1.5 kPa or less). By increasing the pressure inside the nozzle 90 by 0.01 kPa or more, the flow rate of the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 when blown out from the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 can be faster, and the temperature of the bottle 100 can be increased more effectively. In addition, by increasing the pressure inside the nozzle 90 to 2.0 kPa or less, deformation of the bottle 100 when the disinfectant is sprayed from the nozzle 90 can be suppressed.

[0093] Here, in the sterilization device 11, the proportion of nozzles 90 inserted into the bottle 100 among the plurality of nozzles 90 can be more than 56% and less than 86%. In other words, such as Figure 3 As shown, the central angle θ1 of the arc-shaped fan-shaped trajectory (shaded area) formed by the nozzle 90 inserted into the bottle 100 is preferably 200° or more and 310° or less. In other words, the rotation angle θ1 of the nozzle 90 when it is inserted into the bottle 100 is preferably 200° or more and 310° or less. By making the central angle (rotation angle) θ1 200° or more, the number of nozzles 90 inserted into the bottle 100 can be increased. This can effectively increase the static pressure in the conduit 57. In addition, by making the central angle θ1 310° or less, interference or poor handover caused by so-called container vibration can be eliminated between the conveyor wheel 12 that transfers the bottle 100 to the sterilization device 11 and the conveyor wheel 12 that receives the bottle 100 from the sterilization device 11. In addition, "container vibration" in this specification refers to the vibration of the bottle 100 caused by the sterilizing agent blown from the nozzle 90.

[0094] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the nozzle 90 includes a small-diameter portion 91, a large-diameter portion 92, and a reduced-diameter portion 93. The small-diameter portion 91 forms the front end 90a of the nozzle 90. The large-diameter portion 92 is located upstream of the small-diameter portion 91 in the flow direction of the disinfectant, and its inner diameter is larger than that of the small-diameter portion 91. The reduced-diameter portion 93 is located between the large-diameter portion 92 and the small-diameter portion 91, and its inner diameter gradually decreases downstream in the flow direction of the disinfectant. Thus, because the nozzle 90 includes the small-diameter portion 91, the large-diameter portion 92, and the reduced-diameter portion 93, the flow rate of the disinfectant blown from the nozzle 90 can be increased.

[0095] Therefore, the inner diameter dn1 of the small diameter portion 91 can be, for example, 2 mm or more and 15 mm or less, or preferably 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less. By making the inner diameter dn1 of the small diameter portion 91 2 mm or more, the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 can adhere not only to the inner surface of the bottle 100 but also effectively to the outer surface. Therefore, not only the inner surface of the bottle 100 can be disinfected, but also the outer surface of the bottle 100 can be disinfected. In addition, by making the inner diameter dn1 of the small diameter portion 91 15 mm or less, the disinfectant can be effectively blown onto the inner surface of the bottle 100, and as will be described later, disinfection can be performed while heating the bottle 100 to the desired temperature. In addition, the inner diameter dn2 of the large diameter portion 92 can also be, for example, 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0096] Furthermore, the length of the small-diameter portion 91 of the nozzle 90 is preferably 5 mm or more and 400 mm or less. By making the length of the small-diameter portion 91 5 mm or more, the propulsion force of the disinfectant gas can be maintained well. Furthermore, by making the length of the small-diameter portion 91 400 mm or less, the excessive length of the nozzle 90 can be prevented, and the raising and lowering time of the nozzle 90 can be shortened. Therefore, the lowered state of the nozzle 90 can be maintained for a slightly longer period. Here, the internal pressure of the bottle 100 and the static pressure in the conduit 57 connected to the nozzle 90 are both at their maximum when the nozzle 90 is in the lowered state. Therefore, by making the length of the small-diameter portion 91 400 mm or less, the maximum state of the internal pressure of the bottle 100 and the static pressure in the conduit 57 connected to the nozzle 90 can be maintained for a slightly longer period.

[0097] Furthermore, the nozzle 90 is provided with a flange portion 95 protruding radially from the nozzle 90 and an annular wall portion 96 protruding from the periphery of the flange portion 95 toward the front end 90a of the nozzle 90. In the case of this umbrella-shaped nozzle 90, hot air supplied to the bottle 100 and blown from the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 to the outside of the bottle 100 can be guided to the outer periphery of the mouth 110. This allows for effective preheating and sterilization of the mouth 110. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently and reliably preheat and sterilize the junction between the outer and inner surfaces of the bottle 100 (the top surface 115 of the mouth 110). Figure 5 Sterilize using (e.g.)

[0098] Here, as Figure 5 As shown, the flange 95 includes a facing surface 95a that faces the opening 110 of the bottle 100 when the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100. This facing surface 95a includes a curved surface 95b that is recessed towards the side away from the opening 110. This allows hot air blown from the opening 110 of the bottle 100 to the outside of the bottle 100 to be effectively guided to the outer periphery of the opening 110. The radius of curvature R of the curved surface 95b can be 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

[0099] Next, the relationship between the nozzle 90 and the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 will be explained in more detail. Here, the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 includes a threaded portion 111 that screws onto the cap 80 and a support ring 112 disposed below the threaded portion 111.

[0100] As described above, the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100. Figure 5 As shown, when the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100, the insertion depth L1 of the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100 in the vertical direction (along the central axis of the bottle 100) can be, for example, 5 mm or more and 50 mm or less. By making the insertion depth L1 5 mm or more, the pressure inside the bottle 100 can be effectively increased when the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100. In addition, by making the insertion depth L1 50 mm or less, the moving distance of the nozzle 90 in the vertical direction can be shortened, thereby shortening the operation time for supplying the disinfectant. Furthermore, by making the insertion depth L1 50 mm or less, the adsorption of high-temperature disinfectant to the bottom of the bottle 100 can be suppressed, thus suppressing deformation of the bottom of the bottle 100.

[0101] Furthermore, when the inner diameter of the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 is set to d1 and the outer diameter of the nozzle 90 is set to D1, it is preferable to satisfy the relationship 2mm≤d1-D1≤25mm.

[0102] Therefore, when the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100, the pressure inside the bottle 100 can be effectively increased. Furthermore, the flow rate of the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 as it exits the bottle 100 through the opening 110 is increased more rapidly, thus more effectively raising the temperature of the bottle 100. Additionally, when the disinfectant is sprayed from the nozzle 90, deformation of the bottle 100 can be suppressed. Here, in this specification, "the outer diameter D1 of the nozzle" refers to the outer diameter of the portion of the nozzle 90 that is located inside the bottle 100 when the nozzle 90 is inserted.

[0103] Furthermore, when the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100, the wall portion 96 is configured to cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the opening 110. This allows for more reliable guidance of the hot air blown from the opening 110 of the bottle 100 to the outside of the bottle 100. Consequently, preheating and sterilization of the opening 110 can be performed more effectively.

[0104] In this case, the overlap L2 between the wall portion 96 and the mouth portion 110 in the vertical direction (along the central axis of the bottle 100) can be, for example, 1 mm or more and 25 mm or less. By making the overlap L2 1 mm or more, the flow rate of hot air guided to the outer periphery of the mouth portion 110 can be increased. Therefore, the disinfectant gas can be attached to the threaded portion 111 with a complex shape, and the mouth portion 110 can be effectively disinfected. In addition, by making the overlap L2 25 mm or less, excessive pressure inside the bottle 100 can be suppressed when the disinfectant is sprayed from the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100. Therefore, even when the bottle 100 is thin-walled, deformation of the bottle 100 can be suppressed. In addition, by making the overlap L2 25 mm or less, the moving distance of the nozzle 90 in the vertical direction can be shortened, and the operation time for supplying the disinfectant can be shortened. Furthermore, if the wall portion 96 is too close to the support ring 112, the internal pressure of the bottle 100 will rise, and the bottle 100 will be at risk of deformation. Therefore, the wall portion 96 is preferably located at least above the support ring 112.

[0105] To increase the internal pressure of the bottle 100, the wall portion 96 can also be close to the clamp 42. In this case, the distance L3 between the wall portion 96 and the clamp 42 in the vertical direction is preferably 1 mm or more and 25 mm or less. By making the distance L3 between the wall portion 96 and the clamp 42 1 mm or more, excessive pressure inside the bottle 100 can be suppressed. In addition, by making the distance L3 between the wall portion 96 and the clamp 42 25 mm or less, the internal pressure required for sterilization can be sufficiently ensured. Furthermore, by making the distance L3 between the wall portion 96 and the clamp 42 25 mm or less, the flow rate of hot air guided to the outer periphery of the opening 110 can be increased. Therefore, the sterilizing gas can adhere to the threaded portion 111 with its complex shape, and the opening 110 can be effectively sterilized.

[0106] Furthermore, when the inner diameter of the wall portion 96 is set to d2 and the outer diameter of the opening portion 110 at the upper end of the opening portion 110 is set to D2, it is preferable to satisfy the relationship 5mm≤d2-D2≤30mm.

[0107] This effectively increases the flow rate of hot air directed to the outer periphery of the opening 110. Furthermore, when the disinfectant is sprayed into the bottle 100 from the nozzle 90, excessive pressure inside the bottle 100 is effectively prevented. Therefore, even when the bottle 100 is made thin-walled, deformation of the bottle 100 can be prevented.

[0108] Furthermore, a conical surface 90c is formed between the tip 90a of the nozzle 90 and the outer surface 90b of the nozzle 90. Therefore, when hot air blown into the bottle 100 is blown outward from the mouth 110 of the bottle 100, the direction of travel of the hot air blowing onto the conical surface 90c changes, and the hot air is blown onto the support ring 112 of the mouth 110 of the bottle 100. Here, the support ring 112 is thicker than other parts, and compared to other thin-walled parts, it takes longer to heat up. In contrast, by blowing hot air into the bottle 100 onto the support ring 112, the support ring 112, which is thicker than other parts, can be effectively heated. Therefore, the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 can be effectively heated.

[0109] Here, when the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100, the support ring 12 is preferably positioned in the vertical section between the first imaginary line 1L1 and the second imaginary line 1L2. The first imaginary line 1L1 is an imaginary line extending radially outward from the front end 90a of the nozzle 90 in the horizontal direction in the vertical section. The second imaginary line 1L2 is an imaginary line extending radially outward from the front end 90a of the nozzle 90 along the conical surface 90c in the vertical section.

[0110] In this way, the support ring 112 is positioned in the vertical section between the first imaginary line 1L1 and the second imaginary line 1L2, thereby increasing the airflow of hot air blown onto the support ring 112. Therefore, the support ring 112, which is thicker than other parts, can be heated more effectively. In this case, in the vertical section, the angle θ2 formed by the first imaginary line 1L1 and the second imaginary line 1L2 can be 5° or more and 80° or less, and for example, it can be 45°.

[0111] Furthermore, the nozzle 90 is configured to supply disinfectant to the bottle 100 when inserted into the bottle 100, and to spray disinfectant onto the top surface 115 of the opening 110 of the bottle 100 when not inserted into the bottle 100. This improves the disinfection efficiency of the top surface 115 of the opening 110.

[0112] When the disinfectant is sprayed from nozzle 90 onto the top surface 115 of orifice 110, the distance L4 (vertical distance, referring to the distance between the top surface 115 of orifice 110 and the front end 90a of nozzle 90) is... Figure 7 The diameter is preferably 2 mm or more and 100 mm or less. This allows the bactericide to adhere to the entire top surface 115 of the opening 110.

[0113] Furthermore, the spraying time of the disinfectant from the nozzle 90 onto the top surface 115 of the mouth 110 is preferably 0.1 seconds or more and 5.0 seconds or less. By ensuring that the spraying time of the disinfectant from the nozzle 90 is 0.1 seconds or more, a sufficient supplementary effect can be obtained. In addition, by ensuring that the spraying time of the disinfectant from the nozzle 90 is 5.0 seconds or less, the risk of deformation of the mouth 110 can be reduced.

[0114] (Content filling method)

[0115] Next, using Figure 6 and Figure 7 For the use of the above-mentioned content filling system 10 ( Figure 1 The method of filling the contents of the document will be explained.

[0116] First, multiple preforms 100a are sequentially supplied to the receiving section 34 of the preform conveying section 31 via the preform supply device 1 and the preform supply conveyor 2 (preform supply process). Figure 6 (Symbol S1). At this time, the preform 100a is sterilized by being blown with hydrogen peroxide mist or gas in the preform sterilization device 34a, and then dried with hot gas.

[0117] Next, the preform 100a is sent to the heating section 35 and heated by the heater 35a to, for example, 90°C or higher and about 130°C or lower. Then, the preform 100a heated by the heating section 35 is sent to the transfer section 36. Then, the preform 100a is sent from the transfer section 36 to the blow molding section 32.

[0118] Next, the preform 100a, which is fed to the blow molding section 32, is blow molded using a mold (not shown) to form the bottle 100 (bottle forming process). Figure 6 (Symbol S2). Then, the formed bottle 100 is sent to the bottle conveying unit 33.

[0119] Next, in the sterilization device 11, the bottle 100 is sterilized using an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution as a sterilizing agent (container sterilization process). Figure 6 (Symbol S3). At this time, the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution is a gas or mist that is temporarily vaporized above the boiling point and supplied to bottle 100. The mist of the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of bottle 100, sterilizing the inner and outer surfaces of bottle 100.

[0120] At this point, firstly, bottle 100 is conveyed via conveyor mechanism 40 (conveying process, Figure 6 (Signature S31). In this embodiment, the clamp 42 (see reference 41) connected to the wheel 41 is used. Figure 2 The bottle 100 is conveyed by the support ring 112. At this time, the bottle 100 is held from below by the clamp 42 (see reference). Figure 5 The bottle was then transported from... Figure 3 Point A moves to point B as shown. Additionally, at this time, as... Figure 7 As shown, the bottle 100 is conveyed in the vertical direction at a predetermined interval from the nozzle 90. Furthermore, in Figure 7 In the diagram, points A to F correspond to... Figure 3Points A to F.

[0121] Additionally, at this time, a disinfectant is sprayed from nozzle 90 onto the top surface 115 of the opening 110 of bottle 100 (top surface disinfection process). Figure 6 (Signature S32). In this case, firstly, the disinfectant is supplied to the nozzle 90 through the conduit 57. Then, the disinfectant supplied to the nozzle 90 is supplied to the bottle 100. Here, as will be described later, after the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100, sterilization is performed while the bottle 100 is heated. On the other hand, in this top surface sterilization process, sterilization of the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 can be supplemented by spraying the disinfectant onto the bottle 100 from above. In addition, in the above-described conveying process, while the bottle 100 is being handed over to the clamp 42, disinfectant can also be blown onto the top surface 115 of the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 from the nozzle 90.

[0122] Here, as Figure 7 As shown, when the disinfectant is sprayed from the nozzle 90 onto the top surface 115 of the opening 110 (when the bottle 100 moves from point A to point B), the vertical position of the nozzle 90 relative to the bottle 100 remains unchanged. That is, the disinfectant is blown from the nozzle 90 onto the bottle 100 with a predetermined vertical distance between the nozzle 90 and the bottle 100. At this time, the distance L4 between the top surface 115 of the opening 110 and the tip 90a of the nozzle 90 is preferably 2 mm or more and 100 mm or less. This allows the disinfectant to adhere to the entire top surface 115 of the opening 110.

[0123] Furthermore, the spraying time of the disinfectant from nozzle 90 is preferably 0.1 seconds or more and 5.0 seconds or less. By ensuring that the spraying time of the disinfectant from nozzle 90 is 0.1 seconds or more, a sufficient replenishment effect can be obtained. In addition, by ensuring that the spraying time of the disinfectant from nozzle 90 is 5.0 seconds or less, the risk of deformation of the mouth 110 can be reduced.

[0124] Next, the nozzle 90 for spraying the disinfectant is inserted into the conveyed bottle 100 (nozzle insertion process). Figure 6 (Symbol S33). At this time, bottle 100 from Figure 3 Point B is moved to point C as shown. Additionally, at this time, as... Figure 7 As shown, by moving the nozzle 90 downwards, the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100. Then, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, a slight positive pressure is created inside the bottle 100. Here, a disinfectant is continuously sprayed from the nozzle 90. Therefore, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, the pressure inside the bottle 100 increases due to the disinfectant sprayed into it. Furthermore, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, the pressure inside the bottle 100 increases due to the volume of the nozzle 90. Therefore, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, a slight positive pressure is created inside the bottle 100.

[0125] Furthermore, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, the static pressure within the conduit 57 connected to the nozzle 90 is approximately the same as the pressure inside the bottle 100. Therefore, when the bottle 100 is under a slight positive pressure due to the nozzle 90, the static pressure within the conduit 57 increases, which accelerates the flow rate of the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 as it exits the bottle 100 through the opening 110. Consequently, when the disinfectant is sprayed from the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, the temperature of the bottle 100 can be effectively increased.

[0126] Furthermore, at this time, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, it is preferable to maintain the pressure inside the bottle 100 at a level of 1 kPa or more and 20 kPa or less. Additionally, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, it is preferable to increase the pressure inside the nozzle 90 by 0.01 kPa or more and 2.0 kPa or less.

[0127] Next, a disinfectant is supplied to bottle 100 with nozzle 90 inserted (disinfectant supply process). Figure 6 (Signature S34). In this embodiment, the disinfectant is continuously sprayed from the nozzle 90. Therefore, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, the disinfectant is further supplied to the bottle 100. At this time, the bottle 100 is sprayed from... Figure 3 Point C is moved to point D as shown. Additionally, at this time, as... Figure 7 As shown, the vertical position of nozzle 90 relative to bottle 100 remains unchanged. Alternatively, it can be configured such that, during the aforementioned top surface sterilization process ( Figure 6 After the symbol S32), the spraying of the disinfectant from the nozzle 90 is stopped, in the above-mentioned nozzle insertion process ( Figure 6 After the symbol S33), the disinfectant is sprayed again from nozzle 90. In this case, for example, a valve (not shown) can be installed on nozzle 90, which is opened only when necessary according to a specified timing. This reduces the amount of disinfectant used.

[0128] Here, the bottle 100 is conveyed with the support ring 112 held from below by the clamp 42. Therefore, while the support ring 112 is held from below by the clamp 42, a disinfectant is supplied to the bottle 100. Thus, even if the bottle 100 is pressed downward due to the air pressure of the disinfectant, the downward displacement of the horizontal position of the bottle 100 can be prevented.

[0129] Furthermore, the nozzle 90 supplies sterilizing agent to the bottle 100 while moving synchronously with the bottle 100 conveyed by the gripper 42 of the conveying mechanism 40. The sterilizing agent is supplied to the bottle 100 while maintaining a slight positive pressure inside the bottle 100. This allows the bottle 100 to be heated to the desired temperature.

[0130] Furthermore, by synchronizing the movement of the nozzle 90 with that of the bottle 100 conveyed by the gripper 42 of the conveying mechanism 40, the nozzle 90 can supply disinfectant to the bottle 100 while following it. This allows for efficient supply of disinfectant to the inner surface of the bottle 100, reducing the amount of disinfectant used. Additionally, by efficiently supplying disinfectant to the inner surface of the bottle 100, the heat from the disinfectant can also heat the bottle 100 to a desired temperature.

[0131] In this case, when the disinfectant supplied to bottle 100 is hydrogen peroxide gas, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas can be, for example, 5 mg / L or more and 600 mg / L or less. By keeping the concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas at 5 mg / L or more, the disinfection effect can be fully utilized. In addition, by keeping the concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas at 600 mg / L or less, the supply time of the hot gas used to remove residual hydrogen peroxide can be prevented from becoming too long. As a result, the sterilization device 11 and the contents filling system 10 can be miniaturized. In addition, when the disinfectant is hydrogen peroxide mist, the amount of hydrogen peroxide mist, calculated at 35% by weight, can be, for example, 5 μL / bottle or more and 100 μL / bottle or less. By keeping the amount of hydrogen peroxide mist at 5 μL / bottle or more, the disinfection effect can be fully utilized. In addition, by keeping the amount of hydrogen peroxide mist at 100 μL / bottle or less, the supply time of the hot gas used to remove residual hydrogen peroxide can be prevented from becoming too long. This enables the miniaturization of the sterilization device 11 and the contents filling system 10.

[0132] Furthermore, when the disinfectant is 35% by weight hydrogen peroxide, the flow rate of the disinfectant in each nozzle 90 can be 30 L / min or more and 400 L / min or less, preferably 50 L / min or more and 300 L / min or less. By making the flow rate of the disinfectant 30 L / min or more, the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved. In addition, by making the flow rate of the disinfectant 400 L / min or less, the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be maintained while reducing costs.

[0133] Furthermore, the temperature of the disinfectant can be above 70°C and below 200°C. By setting the temperature of the disinfectant above 70°C, the sterilization efficiency of bottle 100 can be improved. In addition, by setting the temperature of the disinfectant below 200°C, even for thin-walled bottles 100, deformation of bottle 100 due to the heat of the disinfectant can be prevented.

[0134] Furthermore, the time for supplying the disinfectant to the bottle 100 with the nozzle 90 inserted can be 0.1 seconds or more and 10 seconds or less, preferably 0.5 seconds or more and 10 seconds or less. By supplying the disinfectant for 0.1 seconds or more, the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved. In addition, by supplying the disinfectant for 0.5 seconds or more, the heat of the disinfectant can be used to effectively heat the bottle 100. Furthermore, by supplying the disinfectant for 10 seconds or less, the operation time for supplying the disinfectant can be shortened while maintaining the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100.

[0135] Next, bottle 100 from Figure 3 Point D is moved to point E as shown. Additionally, at this time, as... Figure 7 As shown, nozzle 90 is removed from bottle 100 by moving nozzle 90 upward.

[0136] After that, bottle 100 from Figure 3 Point E moves to point F as shown. Additionally, at this time, as... Figure 7 As shown, the bottle 100 is conveyed in the vertical direction at a predetermined interval from the nozzle 90. Furthermore, as the bottle 100... Figure 3 When point D moves to point F, as shown above, a disinfectant can also be sprayed from the top surface 115 of the nozzle 90 opposite the mouth 110 (top surface disinfection process). Figure 6 (Symbol S35). This improves the sterilization effect of the mouth 110 of the bottle 100. In addition, the above-mentioned top surface sterilization process can be performed either before the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100 (before the above-mentioned nozzle insertion process) or only after the nozzle 90 is removed from the bottle 100 (after the above-mentioned sterilizing agent supply process).

[0137] Next, bottle 100 is sent to gas rinsing device 14. In gas rinsing device 14, sterile heated gas or room temperature gas is supplied to bottle 100, thereby removing foreign matter, hydrogen peroxide, etc. from bottle 100 while activating the hydrogen peroxide (gas rinsing process). Figure 6(Symbol S4). In the gas rinsing process, sterilized hot air is introduced into bottle 100, and bottle 100 is heated from the inner wall surface by the hot air. As a result, the sterilization effect based on the disinfectant mist is improved. In addition, by suppressing the adsorption and penetration of hydrogen peroxide into bottle 100, hydrogen peroxide easily floats on the inner surface of bottle 100. Furthermore, the mist floating inside bottle 100 is discharged to the outside of bottle 100 by the hot air. At this time, sterilization has been sufficiently achieved by the disinfectant mist adhering to the inner surface of bottle 100. Therefore, even if the mist floating in the internal space of bottle 100 is discharged, the sterilization effect is not lost. By discharging excess mist in a early manner, excessive adsorption or penetration of hydrogen peroxide into the inner surface of bottle 100 can be suppressed. In addition, if necessary, a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide condensate mist can be mixed with sterile heated gas or sterilized gas at room temperature to vaporize the hydrogen peroxide and supply it to bottle 100.

[0138] When hydrogen peroxide condensate mist is mixed with sterile heated gas and the hydrogen peroxide is vaporized and supplied to bottle 100, the amount of hydrogen peroxide contained in the hot air supplied to bottle 100 is preferably 1 mg or more and 10 mg or less per 1 L of hot air, more preferably 2 mg or more and 8 mg or less. Furthermore, the duration of supplying the heated gas to bottle 100 should be sufficient to completely expel the disinfectant floating inside bottle 100 and to compensate for any poor sterilization caused by the disinfectant. From the viewpoint of removing hydrogen peroxide from bottle 100, the temperature of the hot air is preferably set as high as possible within a range that prevents bottle 100 from deforming. For example, if bottle 100 is a PET bottle, the temperature of the hot air used in gas rinsing is set in the range of 50°C or more and less than 150°C, preferably in the range of 75°C or more and less than 120°C. Furthermore, when bottle 100 is an HDPE bottle, the temperature of the hot air used in gas rinsing is set in the range of 100°C or higher and less than 200°C, preferably in the range of 110°C or higher and less than 180°C. If the temperatures of the hot air and hydrogen peroxide gas are above the heat resistance temperature of bottle 100, and the blowing time is too long, bottle 100 may be heated above its heat resistance temperature, causing deformation, etc., so care must be taken. The blowing time of the hot air and hydrogen peroxide gas is set, for example, to be 2 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less. In addition, in this embodiment, the time from stopping the introduction of the disinfectant mist to starting the blowing of hot air should be as short as possible. This time is set to a maximum of 10 seconds or less, preferably 5 seconds or less.

[0139] Bottle 100 is then conveyed to the sterile water rinsing device 15. In this sterile water rinsing device 15, sterile water at a temperature above 15°C and below approximately 85°C is used to clean (rinse) bottle 100 (sterile water rinsing process). Figure 6(Symbol S5). Specifically, sterile water at approximately 15°C to 85°C is supplied to bottle 100 at a flow rate of 5 L / min to 15 L / min. Preferably, bottle 100 is in an inverted position, and sterile water is supplied into bottle 100 from the downward-facing opening 110. Furthermore, the sterile water flows out from the downward-facing opening 110 to the outside of bottle 100. This warm water is used to rinse away hydrogen peroxide adhering to bottle 100 and remove foreign matter. The cleaning method for bottle 100 using sterile water is not limited to a method performed while sterile water is flowing. Additionally, to remove residual water from the sterile water rinsing process, sterile gas can be supplied to bottle 100 after rinsing with sterile water. For example, sterile gas can be supplied to bottle 100 at a pressure of 0.1 MPa or higher using a sterile gas supply device (not shown), and residual water can be removed by blowing for 0.5 seconds or more. In addition, the oxygen concentration in bottle 100 can be reduced by replacing the sterile gas with sterile nitrogen.

[0140] Next, bottle 100 is conveyed to filling device 20. In filling device 20, the bottle 100 is rotated (revolved) while its contents are filled into the bottle 100 through opening 110 (filling process). Figure 6 The symbol S6).

[0141] Before being filled into bottle 100 by the filling device 20, the contents are pre-mixed and subjected to heat sterilization. The heating temperature is generally between 60°C and 120°C when the acidity of the contents is below pH 4.0, and between 115°C and 150°C when the pH is above 4.0. This process sterilizes all microorganisms present in the contents before filling that can develop within product bottle 101. After heat sterilization, the contents are cooled to a temperature between 3°C and 40°C.

[0142] In the filling device 20, the sterilized and cooled contents are filled into the sterilized bottle 100 at room temperature. The temperature of the contents at the time of filling is, for example, between 3°C and 40°C.

[0143] Next, the bottle 100 filled with contents is conveyed to the cap mounting device 16 via the conveyor wheel 12.

[0144] On the other hand, the lid 80 is pre-sterilized by the lid sterilization device 18 (lid sterilization process, Figure 6(Symbol S7). During this process, firstly, the cap 80 is moved from outside the contents filling system 10 into the cap sterilization device 18. Then, in the cap sterilization device 18, a mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide is blown onto the inner and outer surfaces of the cap 80. Then, the cap 80 is sterilized by drying the inner and outer surfaces of the cap 80 with hot air. Then, the sterilized cap 80 is sent to the cap mounting device 16.

[0145] Next, in the cap installation device 16, a sterilized cap 80 is installed on the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 conveyed from the filling device 20. Thus, the bottle 100 is capped, resulting in product bottle 101 (capping process). Figure 6 The symbol S8).

[0146] Subsequently, the product bottle 101 is conveyed from the cap mounting device 16 to the product bottle discharging unit 22, and then discharging to the outside of the contents filling system 10 (bottle discharge process). Figure 6 (Symbol S9). Then, product bottle 101 is transported to a packaging line (not shown) and packaged.

[0147] Furthermore, each step from the container sterilization process to the bottle discharge process is carried out in a sterile environment, surrounded by a sterile atmosphere gas, namely, a sterile environment gas. This sterile environment includes the sterilizing agent spray chamber 70c, the first sterilizing agent removal chamber 70d, the second sterilizing agent removal chamber 70e, the sterile chamber 70f, or the outlet chamber 70g. The sterilizing agent spray chamber 70c, the first sterilizing agent removal chamber 70d, the second sterilizing agent removal chamber 70e, the sterile chamber 70f, and the outlet chamber 70g are pre-sterilized by spraying with hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, or releasing warm water. Furthermore, after sterilization, sterile gas under positive pressure is supplied to the disinfectant spray chamber 70c, the first disinfectant removal chamber 70d, the second disinfectant removal chamber 70e, the sterile chamber 70f, and the outlet chamber 70g in a manner that sterile gas is always blown out of them. In this case, the sterile gas and the disinfectant used in bottle sterilization are exhausted from the ambient gas shielding chamber 70b, the disinfectant spray chamber 70c, and the outlet chamber 70g. At this time, the first disinfectant removal chamber 70d, the second disinfectant removal chamber 70e, and the sterile chamber 70f are each adjusted to a positive pressure of 1 Pa or more, preferably 10 Pa or more. In addition, at this time, similar to the first bactericide removal chamber 70d, the pressure of the oral cavity 70g can be adjusted to 1 Pa or more, preferably 10 Pa or more.

[0148] Furthermore, the production (conveyor) speed of the bottles 100 in the contents filling system 10 is preferably 100 bpm or more and 1500 bpm or less. Here, bpm (bottle per minute) refers to the conveyor speed of the bottles 100 per minute.

[0149] As described above, according to this embodiment, the supply unit 50 has a nozzle 90 for spraying a disinfectant, and the nozzle 90 creates a slight positive pressure inside the bottle 100 by inserting it into the bottle 100. In this case, by inserting the nozzle 90 into the bottle 100, the static pressure inside the conduit 57 connected to the nozzle 90 is approximately the same as the pressure inside the bottle 100. Therefore, when a slight positive pressure is created inside the bottle 100 by inserting the nozzle 90, the static pressure inside the conduit 57 increases, which can increase the flow rate of the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle 90 as it is expelled from the opening 110 of the bottle 100. As a result, the temperature of the bottle 100 can be effectively increased when the disinfectant is sprayed into the bottle 100 from the nozzle 90. Consequently, the disinfection efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved.

[0150] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the nozzle 90 includes a small-diameter portion 91 constituting the front end 90a of the nozzle 90, a large-diameter portion 92 which is located upstream of the small-diameter portion 91 in the flow direction of the disinfectant and has an inner diameter larger than the small-diameter portion 91, and a narrow-diameter portion 93 located between the large-diameter portion 92 and the small-diameter portion 91 whose inner diameter gradually decreases as it flows downstream in the flow direction of the disinfectant. This allows for a faster flow rate of the disinfectant blown from the nozzle 90. Therefore, when spraying disinfectant into the bottle 100 from the nozzle 90, the temperature of the bottle 100 can be increased more effectively.

[0151] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the nozzle 90 is provided with a flange portion 95 protruding radially from the nozzle 90, and an annular wall portion 96 protruding from the periphery of the flange portion 95 toward the front end 90a of the nozzle 90. With this umbrella-shaped nozzle 90, hot air supplied to the bottle 100 and blown from the mouth 110 of the bottle 100 to the outside of the bottle 100 can be guided to the outer periphery of the mouth 110. This allows for effective preheating and sterilization of the mouth 110. Therefore, the interface between the outer and inner surfaces of the bottle 100 can be sterilized efficiently and reliably.

[0152] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a conical surface 90c is formed between the front end 90a of the nozzle 90 and the outer surface 90b of the nozzle 90. This allows hot air blown into the bottle 100 to adhere to the support ring 112 of the bottle 100's opening 110. Therefore, the support ring 112, which is thicker than other parts, can be effectively heated. Consequently, the opening 110 of the bottle 100 can be effectively heated.

[0153] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100, the support ring 112 is positioned in the vertical cross-section between a first imaginary line 1L1 extending radially outward from the front end 90a of the nozzle 90 in the horizontal direction and a second imaginary line L2 extending radially outward from the front end 90a of the nozzle 90 along the conical surface 90c. This increases the volume of hot air blown onto the support ring 112. Therefore, the support ring 112, which is thicker than other parts, can be heated more effectively.

[0154] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the clamp 42 holds the support ring 112 from below. Therefore, with the support ring 112 held from below by the clamp 42, the sterilizing agent is supplied to the bottle 100. As a result, even if the bottle 100 is pressed downward due to the air pressure of the sterilizing agent, the downward displacement of the horizontal position of the bottle 100 can be suppressed.

[0155] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the nozzle 90 supplies disinfectant to the bottle 100 while inserted into the bottle 100, and sprays disinfectant onto the top surface 115 of the opening 110 of the bottle 100 when not inserted into the bottle 100. This improves the disinfection efficiency of the top surface 115 of the opening 110.

[0156] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of supplying the disinfectant after the nozzle insertion step was described. However, the supply unit 50 may also heat the bottle 100 before supplying the disinfectant to it. This allows the temperature of the bottle 100 to be easily raised to the desired temperature. As a result, the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be further improved.

[0157] In this case, the supply unit 50 can also use hot air to heat the bottle 100. For example, the supply unit 50 can heat the bottle 100 by supplying hot air into the bottle 100 from the nozzle 90, or by using a heating mechanism not shown. Alternatively, the supply unit 50 can also heat the bottle 100 by infrared radiation.

[0158] In this variation, when filling the contents, for example with Figure 6 Similarly, the preform feeding process is carried out sequentially for symbols S1 to S2. Figure 8 The symbol S11), bottle forming process ( Figure 8 (Symbol S12).

[0159] Next, in the sterilization device 11, the bottle 100 is sterilized using an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution as a sterilizing agent (container sterilization process). Figure 8 (Symbol S13).

[0160] At this point, firstly, with Figure 6 Similarly, symbols S31 to S33 are conveyed sequentially. Figure 8 (Symbol S131), Top surface sterilization process ( Figure 8 (Symbol S132), nozzle insertion process ( Figure 8 The symbol S133).

[0161] Next, bottle 100 is heated (preheating process). Figure 8 (Symbol S134). At this time, bottle 100 is heated, for example, by hot air. In this way, by heating bottle 100 before supplying sterilizing agent to it, the temperature of bottle 100 can be easily raised to the desired temperature. As a result, the sterilization efficiency of bottle 100 can be further improved. The preheating process of bottle 100 can also be as described above. Figure 5 In this way, the nozzle 90 is inserted into the bottle 100 while following it. In this case, the entire bottle 100 can be heated. Alternatively, the preheating process of the bottle 100 can be performed by following the bottle 100 with the nozzle 90 in a non-inserted state. In this case, the mouth 110 of the bottle 100, where the temperature may be low after molding, can be actively heated.

[0162] Next, with Figure 6 Similarly, the bactericide supply process is carried out sequentially for symbols S34 to S35. Figure 8 The symbol S135), top surface sterilization process ( Figure 8 (Symbol S136).

[0163] After that, with Figure 6 Similarly, symbols S4 to S9 are subjected to gas rinsing processes in sequence. Figure 8 (Symbol S14), sterile water rinsing process ( Figure 8 Symbol S15), filling process ( Figure 8 The symbol S16), the sterilization process ( Figure 8 The symbol S17), the capping process ( Figure 8 Symbol S18), bottle discharge process ( Figure 8 (Symbol S19). Thus, bottle 100 is capped, resulting in product bottle 101.

[0164] According to this modified example, the temperature of bottle 100 can be easily raised to a desired temperature by heating bottle 100 before supplying the sterilizing agent to it. Therefore, the sterilization efficiency of bottle 100 can be further improved.

[0165] Furthermore, while the above embodiments described a sterilization device for containers using hydrogen peroxide sterilization and warm water sterilization, the method is not limited to this. For example, the container sterilization device could also be a peracetic acid sterilization method where the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle are sterilized with a peracetic acid solution (or gas, mist, or a mixture thereof) and then rinsed with sterile water. Alternatively, the container sterilization device could use peracetic acid, acetic acid, pernitric acid, nitric acid, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine, caustic soda, etc., as sterilizing agents other than hydrogen peroxide or ethanol. It could also be a sterilization device using a combination of two or more of these sterilizing agents. Moreover, the sterilization device can be used not only for sterilizing bottles but also for sterilizing preforms, cups, bags, paper containers, or composites thereof.

[0166] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a conveying mechanism 40 having a rotatable wheel 41 and a clamp 42 connected to the wheel 41 and conveying the bottle 100 while holding it has been described, but this is not a limitation. For example, a star wheel (holding member) or a conveyor belt may also be used as the conveying mechanism 40.

[0167] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the contents filling system 10 includes the bottle forming section 30 has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the contents filling system may also be configured to sequentially receive formed empty bottles 100 from the outside via gas conveying or the like, and then transport the received bottles 100 to the sterilization device 11. In this case, the aforementioned effects can also be obtained. In particular, when the contents filling system 10 sequentially receives formed empty bottles 100 from the outside, the bottles 100 sterilized by the sterilization device 11 may sometimes cool down due to the heat generated during blow molding. In this case, since the bottles 100 can also be heated to the desired temperature by the heat of the sterilizing agent, it is not necessary to provide a temperature control device downstream of the blow molding section 32, thereby improving the sterilization efficiency of the bottles 100.

[0168] The constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications can also be appropriately combined as needed. Alternatively, several constituent elements can be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the above embodiments and modifications.

Claims

1. A method for sterilizing containers, wherein, have: The conveying process involves transporting containers with openings that are filled with contents. The nozzle insertion process involves inserting a nozzle for spraying the disinfectant into the container being transported. The disinfectant supply process involves supplying the disinfectant to the container through which the nozzle is inserted. In the nozzle insertion process, the nozzle is inserted into the container while the disinfectant is being sprayed from the nozzle, creating a slight positive pressure inside the container. In the disinfectant supply process, the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle is blown outward from the opening of the container. A tapered surface is formed between the tip of the nozzle and the outer surface of the nozzle. The opening of the container includes a threaded portion and a support ring disposed below the threaded portion and having the largest outer diameter in the opening. When the nozzle is inserted into the container, the support ring is positioned in a vertical section between a first imaginary line extending radially outward from the front end of the nozzle in a horizontal direction and a second imaginary line extending radially outward from the front end of the nozzle along the conical surface.

2. The container sterilization method as described in claim 1, wherein, In the nozzle insertion process, the pressure inside the container is maintained between 1 kPa and 20 kPa by inserting the nozzle into the container.

3. The container sterilization method as described in claim 1, wherein, In the nozzle insertion process, the pressure inside the nozzle is increased by more than 0.01 kPa and less than 2.0 kPa by inserting the nozzle into the container.

4. The container sterilization method as described in claim 1, wherein, The nozzle includes: a small-diameter portion forming the front end of the nozzle; a large-diameter portion disposed upstream of the flow direction of the bactericide, and having an inner diameter larger than the small-diameter portion; and a narrowing-diameter portion located between the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion, the inner diameter of which gradually decreases as it moves downstream of the flow direction of the bactericide.

5. The container sterilization method as described in claim 1, wherein, When the inner diameter of the orifice is set to d1 and the outer diameter of the nozzle is set to D1, the following conditions are met: The relationship is 2mm≤d1-D1≤25mm.

6. The container sterilization method as described in claim 1, wherein, The nozzle has a flange portion that protrudes radially from the nozzle and an annular wall portion that protrudes from the periphery of the flange portion toward the front end of the nozzle. When the nozzle is inserted into the container, the wall portion covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the opening.

7. The container sterilization method as described in claim 6, wherein, When the inner diameter of the wall portion is set to d2 and the outer diameter of the opening at the upper end of the opening portion is set to D2, the following conditions are met: The relationship is 5mm≤d2-D2≤30mm.

8. The container sterilization method as described in claim 1, wherein, In the disinfectant supply process, the disinfectant is supplied to the container while the support ring is held from below.

9. The container sterilization method as described in claim 1, wherein, At least one of the steps before the nozzle insertion step and after the disinfectant supply step further includes a top surface disinfection step of spraying the disinfectant from the nozzle onto the top surface of the opening of the container.

10. The container sterilization method as described in claim 9, wherein, In the top surface sterilization process, the distance between the top surface of the mouth and the front end of the nozzle is more than 2 mm and less than 100 mm.

11. The container sterilization method as described in claim 9, wherein, In the top surface sterilization process, the time for spraying the sterilizing agent from the nozzle is more than 0.1 seconds and less than 5.0 seconds.

12. The container sterilization method as described in claim 11, wherein, Between the nozzle insertion step and the bactericide supply step, there is also a preheating step for heating the container.

13. The container sterilization method as described in claim 12, wherein, In the preheating process, the container is heated by hot air or infrared radiation.

14. A container sterilization device, wherein, It has: a conveying mechanism for conveying a container with an opening filled with contents; A supply unit that supplies a disinfectant to the containers conveyed by the conveying mechanism; The supply unit has a nozzle for spraying the bactericide. The nozzle is inserted into the container to create a slightly positive pressure inside the container, allowing the disinfectant to be sprayed from the nozzle. By supplying the disinfectant from the nozzle inserted into the container relative to the container, the disinfectant sprayed from the nozzle is blown outward from the opening of the container. A tapered surface is formed between the tip of the nozzle and the outer surface of the nozzle. The opening of the container includes a threaded portion and a support ring disposed below the threaded portion and having the largest outer diameter in the opening. When the nozzle is inserted into the container, the support ring is positioned in a vertical section between a first imaginary line extending radially outward from the front end of the nozzle in a horizontal direction and a second imaginary line extending radially outward from the front end of the nozzle along the conical surface.

15. The container sterilization device as described in claim 14, wherein, The nozzle maintains the pressure inside the container above 1 kPa and below 20 kPa.

16. The container sterilization device as described in claim 14, wherein, By inserting the nozzle into the container, the pressure inside the nozzle is increased by more than 0.01 kPa and less than 2.0 kPa.

17. The container sterilization apparatus as described in claim 14, wherein, The nozzle includes: a small-diameter portion forming the front end of the nozzle; a large-diameter portion disposed upstream of the flow direction of the bactericide, and having an inner diameter larger than the small-diameter portion; and a narrowing-diameter portion located between the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion, the inner diameter of which gradually decreases as it moves downstream of the flow direction of the bactericide.

18. The container sterilization apparatus as described in claim 14, wherein, When the inner diameter of the orifice is set to d1 and the outer diameter of the nozzle is set to D1, the following conditions are met: The relationship is 2mm≤d1-D1≤25mm.

19. The container sterilization device as described in claim 14, wherein, The nozzle has a flange portion that protrudes radially from the nozzle and an annular wall portion that protrudes from the periphery of the flange portion toward the front end of the nozzle. When the nozzle is inserted into the container, the wall portion covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the opening.

20. The container sterilization apparatus as described in claim 19, wherein, When the inner diameter of the wall portion is set to d2 and the outer diameter of the opening at the upper end of the opening portion is set to D2, the following conditions are met: The relationship is 5mm≤d2-D2≤30mm.

21. The container sterilization apparatus as described in claim 14, wherein, The conveying mechanism has a retaining member that holds the container, and the retaining member holds the support ring from below.

22. The container sterilization apparatus as described in claim 14, wherein, The nozzle supplies the disinfectant to the container when it is inserted into the container, and sprays the disinfectant onto the top surface of the opening of the container when it is not inserted into the container.

23. The container sterilization device as described in claim 22, wherein, When the nozzle sprays the bactericide onto the top surface, the distance between the top surface of the mouth and the front end of the nozzle is more than 2 mm and less than 100 mm.

24. The container sterilization apparatus as described in claim 22, wherein, The time for spraying the bactericide onto the top surface is more than 0.1 seconds and less than 5.0 seconds.

25. The container sterilization apparatus as described in claim 14, wherein, The supply unit heats the container before supplying the disinfectant to it.

26. The container sterilization apparatus as described in claim 25, wherein, The supply unit heats the container using hot air or infrared radiation.

27. A content filling system, wherein, have: The container sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 26; A filling device for filling the contents into the container; A lid installation device that seals the container with a lid.

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