Content filling system and sterilization method

Abstract

A content filling system (10) is provided with: a water sterilization line (50) that sterilizes water without heating; a stock solution sterilization line (70) that heats and sterilizes the product stock solution; and a filling device (20) which is connected to the water sterilization line (50) and the stock solution sterilization line (70), and which fills the bottle (100) with water and the product stock solution.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application date of October 14, 2022, application number 202280069276.8, and invention name “Content filling system and sterilization method”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to content filling systems and sterilization methods. Background Art

[0003] There is known an aseptic filling system (aseptic filling system) which fills a sterilized content into a sterilized container (PET bottle) under a sterile environment and then closes the container with a cap (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Specifically, in the aseptic filling system, the formed container is supplied to the aseptic filling system, and an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution as a sterilant is sprayed onto the container in the aseptic filling system. Then, the container is sterilized by drying the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution. Next, the container is aseptically filled with the content.

[0005] However, in recent years, for the purpose of reducing environmental burden, it has been required to reduce the amount of emitted carbon dioxide.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: (Japan) Patent No. 4526820

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of this point, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a content filling system and a sterilization method capable of reducing the emission of carbon dioxide. Summary of the invention

[0010] The first scheme of the present invention is a content filling system, comprising: a water sterilization line, which sterilizes water without heating; a stock solution sterilization line, which sterilizes the product stock solution by heating; and a filling device, which is respectively connected to the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line to fill the water and the product stock solution into a container.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention is based on the content filling system of the first aspect, and may be that the water sterilization line sterilizes the water by ultraviolet rays.

[0012] A third aspect of the present invention is based on the content filling system of the first aspect or the second aspect, and may be that in the water sterilization line, the water is sterilized by ultraviolet rays from at least one of a low-pressure mercury lamp and a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0013] The fourth scheme of the present invention may be, based on the content filling system of the second scheme or the third scheme, that the content filling system further includes a control unit for controlling the water sterilization line, and the control unit discharges the water to the outside of the water sterilization line when the irradiation amount or illumination of the ultraviolet light becomes below a specified value.

[0014] The fifth scheme of the present invention is a content filling system, comprising: a water sterilization line, which sterilizes water; a stock solution sterilization line, which heats and sterilizes a product stock solution; a filling device, which is connected to the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line, respectively, and fills the water and the product stock solution into a container; when the pH of the content prepared by diluting the product stock solution with the water is less than 4.5, the water sterilization line sterilizes the water so that the F0 value is greater than 0.00029 and less than 3.1; when the pH of the content is greater than 4.5, the water sterilization line sterilizes the water so that the F0 value is greater than 3.1 and less than 100.

[0015] The F0 value is the F value calculated by the following formula,

[0016] [Formula 1]

[0017]

[0018] Here, T represents an arbitrary sterilization temperature (°C), 10^{(T-Tr) / Z} represents the lethality at an arbitrary sterilization temperature T, Tr represents the reference temperature (°C), and Z represents the Z value (10°C).

[0019] The sixth scheme of the present invention is a content filling system, comprising: a water sterilization line, which sterilizes water; a stock solution sterilization line, which heats and sterilizes a product stock solution; a filling device, which is connected to the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line, respectively, and fills the water and the product stock solution into a container; the water sterilization line sterilizes the water so that the F0 value is greater than 3.1 and less than 100, and the F0 value is an F value calculated by the following formula,

[0020] [Formula 2]

[0021]

[0022] Here, T represents an arbitrary sterilization temperature (°C), 10^{(T-Tr) / Z} represents the lethality at an arbitrary sterilization temperature T, Tr represents the reference temperature (°C), and Z represents the Z value (10°C).

[0023] A seventh aspect of the present invention is based on the content filling system of each of the first to sixth aspects, and the water sterilization line may be configured to filter the water through a sterile filter to sterilize the water.

[0024] The eighth scheme of the present invention may be, based on the content filling system of each of the first to seventh schemes, that the content filling system further includes a control unit for controlling the water sterilization line, the water sterilization line at least has a water sterilizer for sterilizing the water, the water sterilizer at least includes a sterile filter, and the control unit discharges the water to the outside of the water sterilization line when the pressure difference between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the sterile filter becomes greater than a specified value.

[0025] The ninth scheme of the present invention may be, based on the content filling system of each of the first to eighth schemes, that the content filling system further includes a control unit for controlling the water sterilization line, and the control unit discharges the water to the outside of the water sterilization line when at least one of the number of bacteria and particles in the water sampled from the water sterilization line becomes greater than a specified value.

[0026] A tenth aspect of the present invention is based on the content filling system of each of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the product stock solution is diluted by the water by 1.1 to 100 times.

[0027] The eleventh scheme of the present invention is based on the content filling system of each of the above-mentioned first scheme to the tenth scheme, and may be that the filling device has a water filling device connected to the water sterilization line and a raw liquid filling device connected to the raw liquid sterilization line, the water filling device fills the sterilized water into the container, and the raw liquid filling device fills the sterilized product raw liquid into the container.

[0028] The twelfth scheme of the present invention is based on the content filling system of the above-mentioned eleventh scheme, and may be that the water filling device fills the water into the empty container, and the filling speed of the water filling device filling the container with the water is faster than the filling speed of the liquid filling device filling the container with the product liquid.

[0029] The thirteenth scheme of the present invention is based on the content filling system of each of the above-mentioned first scheme to the above-mentioned ninth scheme, and may be that the filling device has a water filling device connected to the water sterilization line and a raw liquid filling device connected to the raw liquid sterilization line, and only one of the water filling device and the raw liquid filling device is used to fill the water or the product raw liquid into the container.

[0030] The fourteenth scheme of the present invention is based on the content filling system of each of the above-mentioned eleventh to thirteenth schemes, and may be that the water filling device includes a plurality of water filling nozzles for filling the water, and each of the water filling nozzles is respectively connected to an exhaust line for exhausting the gas inside the container, and the water filling device pressurizes and fills the water in a state where the gas inside the container can be exhausted through the exhaust line.

[0031] The fifteenth scheme of the present invention is based on the content filling system of the above-mentioned fourteenth scheme, and may be that a sealing component is provided at the front end of the water filling nozzle, and the sealing component suppresses the leakage of the gas inside the container by being in close contact with the container, and the water filling device pressurizes and fills the water while the sealing component is in close contact with the container.

[0032] The sixteenth scheme of the present invention is based on the content filling system of the above-mentioned fourteenth scheme or the above-mentioned fifteenth scheme, and it may be that the raw liquid filling device includes a plurality of raw liquid filling nozzles for filling the product raw liquid, and the diameter of the water filling nozzle is larger than the diameter of the raw liquid filling nozzle.

[0033] A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is based on the content filling system of the sixteenth aspect, and the diameter of the water filling nozzle may be not less than 1.2 times and not more than 1.5 times the diameter of the stock solution filling nozzle.

[0034] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the content filling system according to each of the eleventh to seventeenth aspects, the filling device may include a plurality of the raw liquid filling devices.

[0035] A nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the content filling system of the eighteenth aspect, wherein the content filling system comprises a plurality of the stock solution sterilization lines, and the plurality of the stock solution filling devices are respectively connected to the respective stock solution sterilization lines.

[0036] The twentieth embodiment of the present invention is based on the content filling system of the above-mentioned nineteenth embodiment, and may be that the filling device has a first liquid filling device for filling the product liquid that does not contain fragrances and a second liquid filling device for filling the product liquid that contains fragrances.

[0037] The twenty-first scheme of the present invention, based on the content filling system of the above-mentioned twentieth scheme, may be that the first stock solution filling device is accommodated in a space divided by a chamber wall, a gap for the container to pass through is formed in the chamber wall, a first wheel is arranged outside the space, the first wheel includes a first clamp which is freely opened and closed and transports the container, and a second wheel is arranged inside the space, the second wheel includes a second clamp which is freely opened and closed and transports the container, when the product stock solution is filled into the container through the first stock solution filling device, the second clamp receives the container from the first clamp, and when the product stock solution is not filled into the container through the first stock solution filling device, the second clamp is in an open position so as not to interfere with the first clamp.

[0038] The twenty-second scheme of the present invention is based on the content filling system of the above-mentioned twenty-first scheme, and may be that a baffle is provided on the chamber wall to open and close the gap, and when the product concentrate is not filled into the container through the first concentrate filling device, the gap is closed by the baffle, and the second clamp is in an open position so as not to interfere with the baffle that closes the gap.

[0039] The twenty-third embodiment of the present invention is based on the content filling system of each of the first to tenth embodiments, and may be that a mixing box for mixing the water and the product concentrate is provided between the water sterilization line and the concentrate sterilization line and the filling device.

[0040] The twenty-fourth scheme of the present invention is based on the content filling system of each of the above-mentioned first to tenth schemes, and may be that the filling device includes a plurality of filling nozzles for filling the water and the product concentrate, and the water sterilization line and the concentrate sterilization line are respectively connected to each of the filling nozzles.

[0041] The twenty-fifth scheme of the present invention is based on the content filling system of each of the above-mentioned first to twenty-fourth schemes, and may be that the water sterilization line has a first water tank for storing the water, a water sterilizer for sterilizing the water stored in the first water tank, and a second water tank for storing the water sterilized by the water sterilizer, and the stock liquid sterilization line has a first stock liquid tank for storing the product stock liquid, a product stock liquid sterilizer for heating and sterilizing the product stock liquid stored in the first stock liquid tank, and a second stock liquid tank for storing the product stock liquid sterilized by the product stock liquid sterilizer.

[0042] A twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention is based on the content filling system of the twenty-fifth aspect, and it may be that the water sterilization line has a plurality of the water sterilizers.

[0043] The twenty-seventh scheme of the present invention is based on the content filling system of the above-mentioned twenty-fifth scheme or the above-mentioned twenty-sixth scheme, and may be that the content filling system also has a cap sterilization device for sterilizing the cap installed on the container filled with the water and the product concentrate, and a bypass line connecting the water sterilization line and the cap sterilization device is provided on the downstream side of the second water tank.

[0044] A twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention is based on the content filling system of each of the twenty-fifth to twenty-seventh aspects, and may be characterized in that an adding unit for adding solid matter to the product stock solution is connected to the downstream side of the second stock solution tank.

[0045] The twenty-ninth embodiment of the present invention may be, based on the content filling systems of the first to twenty-eighth embodiments, further comprising a preform sterilization device for sterilizing the preform, a container molding device for molding the container from the preform, and a container sterilization device for sterilizing the container, wherein the container molding device molds the container without adjusting the temperature of the container by warm water.

[0046] The thirtieth scheme of the present invention, based on the content filling systems of the first to twenty-ninth schemes, may be that the water sterilization line is divided into a non-sterile area under a non-sterile atmosphere, a first gray area and a second gray area that isolate the non-sterile atmosphere from the sterile atmosphere, and a sterile area under a sterile atmosphere; the non-sterile area, the first gray area, the second gray area, and the sterile area are arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveying direction; in the first gray area, the bacteria in the water are sterilized; and in the second gray area, a state in which no bacteria are present in the water is maintained.

[0047] The thirty-first scheme of the present invention is a sterilization method, which sterilizes the content filling system of each of the first to thirtieth schemes, the water sterilization line is equipped with at least a water sterilizer, the water sterilizer has at least one sterile filter and at least one sterilizer, and the sterilization method comprises: a process of performing a first integrity test on at least one of the sterile filters; a process of sterilizing the sterile filter; and a process of performing a second integrity test on at least one of the sterile filters.

[0048] A thirty-second aspect of the present invention is the sterilization method of the thirty-first aspect, wherein the sterilization method further comprises a step of sterilizing the sterilizer.

[0049] The thirty-third scheme of the present invention, based on the sterilization method of the above-mentioned thirty-first scheme or the above-mentioned thirty-second scheme, may be that the process of sterilizing the sterilizer includes: a process of supplying hot water to the water sterilizer; a process of circulating the hot water in a circulation system including the sterilizer; and a cooling process of the circulation system.

[0050] The thirty-fourth scheme of the present invention, based on the sterilization methods of the above-mentioned thirty-first to thirty-third schemes, may be that the sterilization process of the sterilizer includes: a process of supplying a chemical to the water sterilizer; a process of circulating the chemical in a circulation system including the sterilizer; and a process of flushing the circulation system.

[0051] According to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the sterilization method according to each of the thirty-first to thirty-fourth aspects, the sterilizing step of the sterilizing filter may be performed during the sterilizing step of the sterilizer.

[0052] According to the present invention, the emission amount of carbon dioxide exhausted from the content filling system can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Figure 1 It is a schematic plan view showing a content filling system according to one embodiment.

[0054] Figure 2A It is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0055] Figure 2B It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the water sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0056] Figure 2C This is a schematic diagram showing another example of the water sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0057] Figure 2D It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the water sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0058] Figure 2E1 This is a schematic diagram showing another example of the water sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0059] Figure 2E2 This is a schematic diagram showing another example of the water sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0060] Figure 2E3 It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the water sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0061] Figure 2F It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the water sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0062] Figure 2G It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the water sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0063] Figure 2H It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the water sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0064] Fig.2I It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the water sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0065] Figure 2J It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the water sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0066] Figure 2K It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the water sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0067] Figure 2L It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the water sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0068] Figure 2M It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the water sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0069] Figure 2N It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the water sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0070] Figure 3 It is a top view showing a first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to one embodiment.

[0071] Figure 4 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a first sterilizer of a water sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention ( Figure 3 IV-IV line cross-sectional view).

[0072] Figure 5A It is a top view showing another example of the first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to the embodiment.

[0073] Figure 5B 2 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to one embodiment ( Figure 5A VB-VB line cross-sectional view).

[0074] Fig. 6A This is a front view showing another example of the first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to the embodiment.

[0075] Figure 6B 2 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to one embodiment ( Fig. 6A VIB-VIB line cross-sectional view).

[0076] Figure 6C 2 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to one embodiment ( Figure 6B (enlarged view of the VIC section).

[0077] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing a stock solution sterilization line according to one embodiment.

[0078] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing a content filling method using a content filling system according to one embodiment.

[0079] Fig. 9 The present invention shows a method for sterilizing a content filling system according to one embodiment, and is a flowchart showing a method for sterilizing a chamber.

[0080] Fig. 10A The present invention shows a sterilization method of a content filling system according to an embodiment, and is a flowchart showing a sterilization method of a water sterilizer.

[0081] Fig.10B1 The present invention shows a sterilization method of a content filling system according to an embodiment, and is a flowchart showing a sterilization method of a water sterilizer.

[0082] Fig.10B2 The flowchart shows a sterilization method of a content filling system according to one embodiment and another example of a sterilization method of a water sterilizer.

[0083] Fig. 10C The flowchart shows a sterilization method of a content filling system according to one embodiment and shows still another example of a sterilization method of a water sterilizer.

[0084] Fig. 10D The flowchart shows a sterilization method of a content filling system according to one embodiment and shows still another example of a sterilization method of a water sterilizer.

[0085] Fig.10E The flowchart shows a sterilization method of a content filling system according to one embodiment and shows still another example of a sterilization method of a water sterilizer.

[0086] Fig.11 It is a schematic plan view showing a second modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment.

[0087] Fig. 12A It is a schematic plan view showing a fourth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment.

[0088] Fig. 12B It is a plan view schematically showing an enlarged second aseptic chamber and an outlet chamber of a fourth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment.

[0089] Fig. 12CIt is a schematic plan view showing a content filling method according to a fourth modified example using the content filling system of one embodiment.

[0090] Fig.12D It is a schematic plan view showing a content filling method according to a fourth modified example using the content filling system of one embodiment.

[0091] Fig.12E It is a schematic plan view showing another example (first example) of the fourth modified example of the content filling system according to the embodiment.

[0092] Fig.12F It is a schematic plan view showing another example (second example) of the fourth modified example of the content filling system according to the embodiment.

[0093] Figure 12G It is a schematic plan view showing another example (third example) of the fourth modified example of the content filling system according to the embodiment.

[0094] Fig.12H It is a schematic plan view showing another example (fourth example) of the fourth modified example of the content filling system according to the one embodiment.

[0095] Fig.12I It is a schematic plan view showing another example (fifth example) of the fourth modified example of the content filling system according to the embodiment.

[0096] Fig.13 It is a schematic plan view showing a fifth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment.

[0097] Fig.14 It is a schematic plan view showing another example of the fifth modified example of the content filling system according to the embodiment.

[0098] Fig.15 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a filling nozzle of a filling device in another example of the fifth modified example of the content filling system according to the embodiment.

[0099] Fig.16A It is a schematic plan view showing a sixth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment.

[0100] Fig. 16B 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a water filling nozzle of a water filling device in a sixth modified example of the content filling system according to the embodiment.

[0101] Fig. 16C 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a raw liquid filling nozzle of a raw liquid filling device in a sixth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment.

[0102] Fig.17ASchematic diagram showing a water sterilization line in a seventh variation of the content filling system according to one embodiment.

[0103] Fig. 17B This is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line in another example of the seventh variation of the content filling system according to one embodiment.

[0104] Fig. 17C Schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line in an eighth modification example of the content filling system according to one embodiment.

[0105] Fig.18A Schematic diagram showing a stock solution sterilization line in a tenth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment.

[0106] Fig.18B It is a schematic plan view showing a twelfth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment.

[0107] Fig. 18C This is a schematic perspective view showing another example of the twelfth modified example of the content filling system according to the embodiment.

[0108] Fig.18D1 It is a schematic plan view showing a sixteenth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment.

[0109] Fig.18D2 It is a schematic plan view showing another example of the sixteenth variation of the content filling system according to the one embodiment.

[0110] Fig.18E 1 is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line in a seventeenth variation of the content filling system according to one embodiment.

[0111] Fig.19 This is a flowchart showing a first modified example of the sterilization method of the content filling system according to one embodiment.

[0112] Fig. 20 This is a flowchart showing another example of the first modified example of the sterilization method of the content filling system according to the one embodiment.

[0113] Fig.21 This is a flowchart showing a second modified example of the sterilization method of the content filling system according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0114] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 10E It is a figure which shows one embodiment.

[0115] (Content filling system)

[0116] First, according to Figure 1, the content filling system (aseptic filling system) of the implementation method is described.

[0117] Figure 1 The content filling system 10 shown is a system for filling a bottle (container) 100 with a beverage or other content. The content can be prepared by diluting a product stock solution with water. In this case, the product stock solution can be diluted with water to a value of 1.1 to 100 times, preferably 2 to 10 times. In addition, the product stock solution can be diluted with water to a value of 10 to 80 times, 20 to 70 times, or 30 to 50 times. The bottle 100 can be manufactured by biaxial stretch blow molding of a preform 100a, which is manufactured by injection molding a synthetic resin material. It should be noted that the bottle 100 can also be manufactured by direct blow molding. As a material for the bottle 100, a thermoplastic resin is preferably used, particularly PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and PEN (polyethylene naphthalate). In addition, as a container, it can also be a glass, a can, paper, a bag, a cup, or a composite container thereof. In this embodiment, a case where a synthetic resin bottle is used as a container is described as an example.

[0118] like Figure 1 As shown, the content filling system 10 includes: a water sterilization line 50 that sterilizes water; a stock solution sterilization line 70 that sterilizes the product stock solution; and a filling device (filler) 20 that is connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70, respectively. In addition, the content filling system 10 includes a control unit 90 that controls the filling device 20. In addition, the content filling system 10 includes a bottle forming unit 30, a sterilizing device (container sterilizing device) 11, an air flushing device 14, the above-mentioned filling device 20, a cap installation device (sealing, crimping and capping machine) 16, and a product bottle delivery unit 25. These bottle forming unit 30, sterilizing device 11, air flushing device 14, filling device 20, cap installation device 16, and product bottle delivery unit 25 are arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of the bottle 100. Furthermore, a plurality of conveying wheels 12 are provided between the air washing device 14, the filling device 20, the cap mounting device 16, etc. for conveying the bottles 100 between these devices. Here, first, the bottle forming unit 30, the sterilizing device 11, the air washing device 14, the filling device 20, the cap mounting device 16, and the product bottle delivery unit 25 are described.

[0119] The bottle forming section 30 is configured to receive the preform 100a from the outside and form the bottle 100. Furthermore, the bottle forming section 30 is configured to convey the formed bottle 100 toward the sterilizing device 11. Thus, in the content filling system 10, the process from supplying the preform 100a through forming the bottle 100 to filling the bottle 100 with the content and sealing can be continuously performed. In this case, rather than the bottle 100 with a large volume, the preform 100a with a small volume is conveyed from the outside to the content filling system 10. Therefore, the transportation cost can be reduced.

[0120] The bottle molding section 30 includes: a preform conveying section 31 that conveys the preform 100 a ; a blow molding section (container molding device) 32 that molds the bottle 100 from the preform 100 a by blow molding the preform 100 a ; and a bottle conveying section 33 that conveys the molded bottle 100 .

[0121] The preform conveying section 31 includes a receiving section 34, a heating section 35 and a handover section 36. The receiving section 34 is configured to receive the preform 100a supplied from the preform supply device 1 via the preform supply conveyor 2. The receiving section 34 is provided with: a preform sterilization device 34a for sterilizing the preform 100a; and a preform air flushing device 34b for air flushing the preform 100a. In the illustrated example, a preform sterilization device 34a and a preform air flushing device 34b are provided in the receiving section 34. It should be noted that the number of the preform sterilization devices 34a and the preform air flushing devices 34b is not limited to this.

[0122] In the receiving section 34 , the preform sterilizing device 34 a blows a gas or mist of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution toward the preform 100 a , thereby sterilizing the preform 100 a (pre-sterilization).

[0123] As a sterilizer used to sterilize the preform 100a, any sterilizer having the property of inactivating microorganisms may be used. For example, in addition to hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, acetic acid, pernitric acid, nitric acid, chlorine-based agents, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, alcohols such as ethanol or isopropanol, chlorine dioxide, ozone water, acidic water, and surfactants may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in combination.

[0124] In this way, by sterilizing the preform 100a in advance (pre-sterilization) using the preform sterilizing device 34a, the bacteria attached to the bottle 100 produced from the preform 100a can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the sterilizing device 11 for sterilizing the bottle 100 can be reduced, and the sterilization time can be shortened. Here, generally speaking, the amount of sterilizing agent used for sterilizing the preform 100a with a small volume can be less than the amount of sterilizing agent used for sterilizing the bottle 100. Therefore, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a, the total amount of sterilizing agent used can be reduced.

[0125] Furthermore, since the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the sterilization device 11 can be reduced and the sterilization time can be shortened, the sterilization device 11 can be miniaturized. Furthermore, since the sterilization time for sterilizing the bottle 100 can be shortened, the heat load on the bottle 100 can be reduced. Therefore, even if the bottle 100 is lightweight or the bottle 100 uses recycled PET, deformation of the bottle 100 caused by the heat of the sterilizer can be suppressed.

[0126] In addition, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a, the bacteria attached to the bottle 100 can be reduced, so the sterilization conditions in the sterilization device 11 can be weakened. Here, generally, in order to improve the sterilization effect in the sterilization device 11, the body of the bottle 100 is heat-set by supplying warm water from a mold temperature controller (not shown) to the mold in the blow molding section 32. As a result, the sterilization effect in the sterilization device 11 can be improved, and the shrinkage of the bottle 100 in the sterilization device 11 can be reduced. However, in this embodiment, as described above, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a, the bacteria attached to the bottle 100 can be reduced. Therefore, the blow molding section (container molding device) 32 may mold the bottle 100 without adjusting the temperature of the bottle 100 with warm water. That is, in the blow molding section 32, the warm water supplied to the mold to improve the sterilization effect may not be supplied to the mold. As a result, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to supply warm water to the mold of the blow molding unit 32, the blow molding unit 32 can be simplified. Furthermore, since the blow molding unit 32 can be simplified, it is possible to reduce the amount of heat applied to the bottle 100. Therefore, even when the warm water is not supplied to the mold, the shrinkage of the bottle 100 in the sterilizer 11 can be reduced.

[0127] It should be noted that such sterilization treatment can be performed not only in the receiving section 34 but also in the heating section 35 or the delivery section 36. Furthermore, the sterilization treatment can also be performed after the bottle 100 is formed, during the period from the bottle conveying section 33 to the filling device 20. In addition, the sterilization treatment can also be performed at multiple locations. It should be noted that in the sterilization treatment, the bacteria can be inactivated by ultraviolet irradiation, electron beam irradiation, etc. without using a sterilizing agent.

[0128] Reference Figure 1 , the above-mentioned preform air flushing device 34b is provided on the downstream side of the preform sterilizing device 34a. The preform 100a blown with the sterilizing agent is dried by hot air in the preform air flushing device 34b. At this time, it is preferred to supply hot air to the preform 100a with the mouth of the preform 100a facing downward. As a result, foreign matter can be effectively removed from the preform 100a. Therefore, the process of washing the preform 100a with sterile water can be omitted, and the emission of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. It should be noted that the preform air flushing device 34b may not be provided in the receiving section 34. In addition, a foreign matter removal device (not shown) may also be provided on the upstream side of the preform sterilizing device 34a in the receiving section 34, and the foreign matter removal device is used to remove foreign matter attached to the preform 100a.

[0129] The heating unit 35 is configured to receive the preform 100a from the receiving unit 34, and heat the preform 100a while conveying it. The heating unit 35 is provided with a heater 35a for heating the preform 100a. The heater 35a may be, for example, an infrared heater. The preform 100a is heated to, for example, a temperature of 90°C to 130°C by the heater 35a. It should be noted that the temperature of the mouth of the preform 100a is suppressed to a temperature below 70°C in order to prevent deformation, etc.

[0130] The delivery section 36 is configured to receive the preform 100 a heated by the heating section 35 and deliver it to the blow molding section 32 .

[0131] The blow molding unit 32 includes a mold (not shown). The preform 100a is blow-molded using the mold to mold the bottle 100. The molded bottle 100 is then conveyed to the downstream side by the bottle conveying unit 33.

[0132] Here, a regulating conveying unit 5 is provided between the bottle forming unit 30 and the sterilizing device 11. The regulating conveying unit 5 receives the bottle 100 from the bottle conveying unit 33 and delivers the bottle 100 to the sterilizing device 11. At least a portion of the regulating conveying unit 5 is accommodated in an atmosphere isolation chamber 70c (described later) provided on the upstream side of a sterilizing agent spray chamber 70d (described later). In the illustrated example, the regulating conveying unit 5 is arranged in a forming unit chamber 70b (described later) and an atmosphere isolation chamber 70c that accommodate the bottle forming unit 30. In this way, by accommodating at least a portion of the regulating conveying unit 5 in the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c, it is possible to suppress the sterilizing agent gas, mist, or a mixture thereof generated in the sterilizing agent spray chamber 70d from flowing into the forming unit chamber 70b.

[0133] In the example shown in the figure, a single conveying wheel 12 is provided between the regulating conveying section 5 and the bottle conveying section 33 of the bottle forming section 30. That is, the bottle conveying section 33 of the bottle forming section 30, the single conveying wheel 12, and the regulating conveying section 5 are provided between the blow molding section 32 of the bottle forming section 30 and the sterilizing device 11. Thus, the content filling system 10 can be made more compact compared to the case where a plurality of conveying wheels 12 are provided between the regulating conveying section 5 and the bottle conveying section 33 of the bottle forming section 30. It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, only the regulating conveying section 5 may be provided between the blow molding section 32 of the bottle forming section 30 and the sterilizing device 11. In this case, the content filling system 10 can be made more compact.

[0134] The sterilizing device 11 is a device for sterilizing the bottle 100 by spraying a sterilizing agent onto the bottle 100. Thus, the bottle 100 is sterilized by the sterilizing agent before the content is filled. As the sterilizing agent, for example, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is used. In the sterilizing device 11, a gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is generated, and the gas or mist is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100. In this way, the bottle 100 is sterilized by the gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, so that the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100 are uniformly sterilized.

[0135] The air flushing device 14 is a device that activates hydrogen peroxide by supplying sterile heated air or air at room temperature to the bottle 100 and removes foreign matter, hydrogen peroxide, etc. from the bottle 100. At this time, it is preferred to supply sterile air to the bottle 100 with the mouth of the bottle 100 facing downward. In this way, foreign matter can be effectively removed from the bottle 100. Therefore, the process of washing the bottle 100 with sterile water can be omitted, and the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. It should be noted that, as needed, a condensed mist of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide can be mixed with sterilized air at room temperature to gasify the hydrogen peroxide and supply it to the bottle 100.

[0136] The filling device 20 is a device for filling water and product liquid into the bottle 100. That is, the filling device 20 is a device for filling water and product liquid that have been sterilized in advance into the bottle 100 from the mouth of the bottle 100. Thus, in the filling device 20, the content prepared by diluting the product liquid is filled into the empty bottle 100. In the filling device 20, the content is filled into the inside of the bottle 100 while rotating and conveying a plurality of bottles 100.

[0137] The filling device 20 may include a water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and a stock liquid filling device 22 connected to the stock liquid sterilization line 70. The water filling device 21 and the stock liquid filling device 22 are sequentially arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of the bottle 100. The water filling device 21 is arranged inside the first aseptic chamber 70f described later. The stock liquid filling device 22 is arranged inside the second aseptic chamber 70h described later. The water filling device 21 and the stock liquid filling device 22 may be so-called rotary filling machines, respectively.

[0138] The water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with sterilized water. In this case, the water filling device 21 fills the empty bottle 100 with sterilized water. On the other hand, the raw liquid filling device 22 fills the bottle filled with water with the sterilized product raw liquid. In this way, the filling device 20 includes the water filling device 21 and the raw liquid filling device 22, thereby reducing the size of the filling device (i.e., the raw liquid filling device 22) that contacts the product raw liquid or the content compared to the case where the content is filled by a single filling device. Therefore, as described later, the area for cleaning and sterilizing the filling device 20 can be reduced.

[0139] The filling speed of the water filling device 21 filling the bottle 100 with water can be faster than the filling speed of the liquid filling device 22 filling the bottle 100 with the product liquid. That is, by filling the empty bottle 100 with water through the water filling device 21, the water filling speed can be increased. Here, in the case where the contents are violently filled into the bottle 100, for example, due to bubbles in the bottle 100, there is a case where a part of the contents flies out from the mouth of the bottle 100. Moreover, due to the contents flying out, there is a possibility that contaminants caused by the contents are attached to the periphery of the bottle 100. In contrast, in the case of filling the empty bottle 100 with water, even if water flies out from the mouth of the bottle 100 to the outside, contaminants will not be attached to the periphery of the bottle 100. Therefore, the water filling speed can be increased. As a result, the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 (for example, refer to the later-described Fig. 16B Therefore, the size of the water filling device 21 can be reduced.

[0140] In the water filling device 21, the water filling speed can be more than 100mL / sec and less than 500mL / sec, preferably more than 200mL / sec and less than 400mL / sec. By making the water filling speed more than 100mL / sec, the number of water filling nozzles of the water filling device 21 can be further reduced. Therefore, the size of the water filling device 21 can be further reduced. In addition, by making the water filling speed less than 500mL / sec, when filling water into the bottle 100, it is possible to suppress the water from scattering from the mouth of the bottle 100 to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the unevenness of the volume of the contents and the dilution ratio of the product stock solution between the product bottles 101. It should be noted that in the stock solution filling device 22, the filling speed of the product stock solution can also be more than 30mL / sec and less than 200mL / sec.

[0141] The cap mounting device 16 is a device for sealing the bottle 100 by mounting the cap 88 on the bottle 100. In the cap mounting device 16, the bottle 100 filled with water and the product liquid (content) is sealed by the cap 88, and the bottle 100 is sealed in a manner that the outside air and microorganisms do not enter. In the cap mounting device 16, a plurality of bottles 100 filled with the content are rotated (revolved) and the cap 88 is mounted on the mouth thereof. In this way, by mounting the cap 88 on the bottle 100, a product bottle 101 is obtained.

[0142] The caps 88 are sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizing device 18. The cap sterilizing device 18 is, for example, arranged outside the second aseptic chamber 70h (described later) and near the cap mounting device 16. In the cap sterilizing device 18, a plurality of caps 88 fed from the outside of the content filling system 10 are collected in advance and transported in a row toward the cap mounting device 16. On the way to the cap mounting device 16, the caps 88 are blown with hydrogen peroxide gas or mist to the inner and outer surfaces of the caps 88, and then dried with hot air for sterilization.

[0143] The product bottle discharging section 25 continuously discharges the product bottles 101 to which the caps 88 are attached by the cap attaching device 16 to the outside of the content filling system 10 .

[0144] It should be noted that the content filling system 10 has a preform sterilization chamber 70a, a molding chamber 70b, an atmosphere isolation chamber 70c, a sterilant spray chamber 70d, an air flushing chamber (fourth sterile chamber) 70e, a first sterile chamber 70f, an intermediate region chamber (third sterile chamber) 70g, a second sterile chamber 70h, and an outlet chamber 70i. Among them, an intermediate region chamber (third sterile chamber) 70g is provided between the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h to connect the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h. In addition, an air flushing chamber (fourth sterile chamber) 70e is provided on the upstream side of the first sterile chamber 70f. That is, the preform sterilization chamber 70a, the forming section chamber 70b, the atmosphere partition chamber 70c, the sterilant spray chamber 70d, the air flushing chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second sterile chamber 70h and the outlet chamber 70i are arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of the preform 100a and the bottle 100.

[0145] Each chamber 70a to 70i is separated by a partition wall. The partition wall prevents the sterilant and the like from flowing in an undesired direction between each chamber 70a to 70i, and serves to stabilize the pressure in each chamber 70a to 70i. It should be noted that a gap of a degree through which the preform 100a or the bottle 100 can pass is formed in each partition wall. The gap is formed to a minimum in a manner that the pressure in each chamber 70a to 70i does not change, for example, a size of a preform 100a or a bottle 100. In addition, a baffle for closing the above-mentioned gap may also be provided in the partition wall. The baffle may be configured to be automatically opened and closed by a signal from the control unit 90, for example.

[0146] In each of the chambers 70a to 70i, the preform sterilization device 34a and the like are accommodated inside the preform sterilization chamber 70a.

[0147] The blow molding section 32 and the like of the bottle molding section 30 are accommodated in the molding section cavity 70 b .

[0148] At least a part of the regulating and conveying part 5 is accommodated inside the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c. Furthermore, a camera may be provided inside the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c. Furthermore, the camera may be used to check whether there are any problems in the molding of the bottle 100. In addition, a thermometer may be provided inside the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c. Furthermore, the temperature of the bottle 100 before sterilization may be measured by the thermometer. Here, the temperature of the bottle 100 is one of the important factors affecting the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100. That is, by maintaining the temperature of the bottle 100 at a suitable temperature, the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved. Therefore, by measuring the temperature of the bottle 100 before sterilization with a thermometer, the temperature of the bottle 100 during sterilization can be maintained at a suitable temperature, and the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved.

[0149] The sterilizer 11 is housed in the sterilizer spray chamber 70d, and the air flushing device 14 is housed in the air flushing chamber 70e.

[0150] The first aseptic chamber 70f contains the water filling device 21 of the filling device 20. The second aseptic chamber 70h contains the liquid filling device 22 and the cap mounting device 16 of the filling device 20. The outlet chamber 70i contains the product bottle delivery unit 25. It should be noted that the middle area chamber 70g may contain only the conveying wheel 12.

[0151] Pressure gauges (not shown) for measuring the pressure in each chamber are installed in the preform sterilization chamber 70a, the sterilant spray chamber 70d, the air flushing chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second sterile chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i. It should be noted that pressure gauges for measuring the pressure in each chamber may also be installed in the molding chamber 70b and / or the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c.

[0152] Here, as described above, the content filling system 10 includes a control unit 90 for controlling the filling device 20. The control unit 90 is electrically connected to the filling device 20, and controls the water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22 of the filling device 20. In addition, the control unit 90 may also be electrically connected to the water sterilization line 50, the stock solution sterilization line 70, the bottle molding unit 30, the sterilization device 11, the air washing device 14, the cap installation device 16, the product bottle delivery unit 25, and the cap sterilization device 18, and the control unit 90 may also control the water sterilization line 50 and the like.

[0153] The control unit 90 can clean and sterilize each chamber, and can also clean and sterilize the water sterilizer 60 described later in the water sterilization line 50. In this embodiment, the control unit 90 cleans the second sterile chamber 70h while maintaining the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state (hereinafter, the cleaning in each chamber is also referred to as COP). In addition, the control unit 90 cleans the stock solution filling device 22 while maintaining the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state (hereinafter, the cleaning in the filling device 20 such as the stock solution filling device 22 is also referred to as CIP (Cleaning in Place)). That is, when the control unit 90 cleans the second sterile chamber 70h and the stock solution filling device 22, it does not clean the first sterile chamber 70f (COP), but keeps the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state. Furthermore, when cleaning the inside of the second aseptic chamber 70 h and the stock solution filling device 22 , the control unit 90 does not clean the water filling device 21 (CIP), but keeps the inside of the first aseptic chamber 70 f aseptically maintained.

[0154] As described above, the first sterile chamber 70f is provided with a water filling device 21 for filling sterilized water. No contaminants caused by the contents are attached to the periphery of the water filling device 21 and the flow path of the water in the water filling device 21. Therefore, when the type of the contents is switched, even if the cleaning (COP) or sterilization (hereinafter, sterilization in each chamber is also referred to as SOP) in the first sterile chamber 70f is not performed, the sanitation in the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained. Moreover, at this time, even if the cleaning (CIP) or sterilization (SIP (Sterilization in Place)) of the water filling device 21 stored in the first sterile chamber 70f is not performed, the sanitation of the water filling device 21 can be maintained, and the mixing of the previous contents with the next contents can be suppressed. In this way, when cleaning the second aseptic chamber 70h, without cleaning the first aseptic chamber 70f, the number of times the first aseptic chamber 70f is cleaned can be reduced, and the area to be cleaned in the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of water, steam, electricity, and cleaning agent used can be reduced. In addition, since the area to be cleaned can be reduced, the cleaning time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0155] Furthermore, the control unit 90 sterilizes the second sterile chamber 70h while maintaining the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state (SOP). Furthermore, the control unit 90 sterilizes the stock solution filling device 22 while maintaining the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state (SIP). That is, when the control unit 90 sterilizes the interior of the second sterile chamber 70h and the stock solution filling device 22, it does not sterilize the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f (SOP), but maintains the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state. Furthermore, when the control unit 90 sterilizes the interior of the second sterile chamber 70h and the stock solution filling device 22, it does not sterilize the water filling device 21 (SIP), but maintains the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state. Thus, the sterilization area can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of steam used can be reduced. Furthermore, the sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the emission amount of carbon dioxide exhausted from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0156] The pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably higher than the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h. Thus, it is possible to suppress the air in the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the first sterile chamber 70f. Therefore, the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be well maintained.

[0157] When cleaning and sterilizing the second aseptic chamber 70h, the pressure in the first aseptic chamber 70f is preferably 40Pa to 100Pa, and the pressure in the second aseptic chamber 70h is preferably 0Pa to 20Pa. In addition, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the first aseptic chamber 70f is preferably 40Pa to 100Pa, and the pressure in the second aseptic chamber 70h is preferably 0Pa to 20Pa. Thus, the air in the second aseptic chamber 70h can be effectively prevented from entering the first aseptic chamber 70f, and the aseptic state inside the first aseptic chamber 70f can be better maintained. It should be noted that when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the first aseptic chamber 70f is preferably 30Pa to 60Pa, and the pressure in the second aseptic chamber 70h is preferably 10Pa to 40Pa.

[0158] Furthermore, the pressure in the middle region chamber (third sterile chamber) 70g is preferably lower than the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f, and is greater than the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h. By making the pressure in the middle region chamber 70g lower than the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f, it is possible to suppress the air in the middle region chamber 70g from entering the first sterile chamber 70f. Furthermore, by making the pressure in the middle region chamber 70g greater than the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h, it is possible to suppress the air in the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the middle region chamber 70g. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the air in the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the first sterile chamber 70f via the middle region chamber 70g. As a result, the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be well maintained.

[0159] When cleaning and sterilizing the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure in the middle region chamber 70g is preferably 10Pa or more and 40Pa or less. Furthermore, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the middle region chamber 70g is preferably 10Pa or more and 40Pa or less. Thus, it is possible to prevent the air in the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the middle region chamber 70g, and to better maintain the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f. It should be noted that when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the middle region chamber 70g is preferably 20Pa or more and 50Pa or less.

[0160] Furthermore, the pressure in the air flushing chamber (fourth sterile chamber) 70e is preferably lower than the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f. Thus, the air in the air flushing chamber 70e can be prevented from entering the first sterile chamber 70f. Therefore, the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be well maintained.

[0161] When cleaning and sterilizing the second aseptic chamber 70h, the pressure in the air flushing chamber 70e is preferably 10Pa to 40Pa. Furthermore, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the air flushing chamber 70e is preferably 10Pa to 40Pa. Thus, the air in the air flushing chamber 70e can be prevented from entering the first aseptic chamber 70f, and the aseptic state inside the first aseptic chamber 70f can be better maintained. It should be noted that when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the air flushing chamber 70e is preferably 10Pa to 30Pa.

[0162] Furthermore, the pressure in the sterilant spray chamber 70d is preferably lower than the pressure in the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c. Thus, it is possible to suppress the air in the sterilant spray chamber 70d from entering the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c and the molding chamber 70b. Here, it is possible to suppress the air in the sterilant spray chamber 70d from entering the molding chamber 70b, thereby suppressing the increase in humidity in the molding chamber 70b. As described above, the blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30 is accommodated inside the molding chamber 70b. Therefore, by suppressing the increase in humidity in the molding chamber 70b, it is possible to suppress corrosion of the machine constituting the blow molding section 32.

[0163] When cleaning and sterilizing the second aseptic chamber 70h, the pressure in the sterilant spray chamber 70d is preferably 0Pa or more and 20Pa or less. Furthermore, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the sterilant spray chamber 70d is preferably 0Pa or more and 20Pa or less. Thus, it is possible to prevent the air in the sterilant spray chamber 70d from entering the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c and the molding chamber 70b, and to prevent the humidity in the molding chamber 70b from rising. It should be noted that when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the sterilant spray chamber 70d is preferably -10Pa or more and 10Pa or less.

[0164] When cleaning and sterilizing the second aseptic chamber 70h, the pressure in the outlet chamber 70i is preferably 0Pa or more and 20Pa or less. Furthermore, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the outlet chamber 70i is preferably 0Pa or more and 20Pa or less. Thus, it is possible to prevent the air in the outlet chamber 70i from entering the first aseptic chamber 70f via the second aseptic chamber 70h and the like, and to better maintain the aseptic state inside the first aseptic chamber 70f. It should be noted that when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the outlet chamber 70i is preferably 10Pa or more and 20Pa or less.

[0165] In summary, the pressure from the sterilant spray chamber 70d to the outlet chamber 70i can be set as shown in Table 1 below.

[0166] [Table 1]

[0167]

[0168] It should be noted that, at this time, the pressures in the preform sterilization chamber 70a to the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c can be set as shown in Table 2 below.

[0169] [Table 2]

[0170]

[0171] Such a content filling system 10 can be constituted by an aseptic filling system, for example. In this case, the interiors of the sterilant spray chamber 70d, the air flushing chamber 70e, the first aseptic chamber 70f, the intermediate region chamber 70g, the second aseptic chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i are kept in an aseptic state. It should be noted that a chamber (not shown) that connects the aseptic area in the aseptic state and the non-aseptic area in the non-aseptic state can be provided on the downstream side of the outlet chamber 70i.

[0172] Next, the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 of the content filling system 10 will be described. Here, the water sterilization line 50 will be described first.

[0173] Water sterilization line

[0174] The water sterilization line 50 is a sterilization line for sterilizing water without heating. The water sterilization line 50 can sterilize water by ultraviolet rays. In this case, in the water sterilization line 50, water can be sterilized by ultraviolet rays from at least one of a low-pressure mercury lamp and a medium-pressure mercury lamp. In addition, the water sterilization line 50 can also sterilize water by filtering water using a sterile filter (the first sterile filter 63 described later, etc.). It should be noted that in this specification, "non-heating sterilization" means sterilizing water without using heat energy generated by an electric heater or steam.

[0175] like Figure 2A As shown, the water sterilization line 50 has at least a water sterilizer 60 for sterilizing water. Figure 2A In the example shown, the water sterilization line 50 has a first water tank 51, a water sterilizer 60, and a second water tank 52. In addition, the water sterilization line 50 may further have: a pure water manufacturing device 50a, which is arranged on the upstream side of the first water tank 51 to manufacture water (pure water); and a pure water tank 50c, which stores water (pure water) supplied from the pure water manufacturing device 50a. The pure water manufacturing device 50a, the pure water tank 50c, the first water tank 51, the water sterilizer 60, and the second water tank 52 are arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveying direction.

[0176] Among them, the pure water tank 50c is a tank for storing water (pure water) supplied from the water supply source, that is, the pure water manufacturing device 50a. Here, for the raw water of the refreshing drink, the food manufacturing water stipulated in the Food Sanitation Law must be used. The food manufacturing water is pure water (RO water, ion exchange water or distilled water, etc.) prepared by the pure water manufacturing device 50a equipped with activated carbon, reverse osmosis membrane or ion exchange resin (including EDI). Pure water is water from which impurities such as calcium, magnesium, chlorine, iron or mineral components are removed. In this case, the evaporation residue of the pure water is less than 20 mg / L. In addition, the conductivity of the pure water is more than 0.1μS / cm and less than 20μS / cm. As described later, in this embodiment, water is sterilized by ultraviolet rays. Therefore, the conductivity of the sterilized water is less than 20μS / cm, which can inhibit the adhesion of inorganic substances (oxides of calcium, etc.) on the surface of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., which will be described later. Therefore, the decrease in ultraviolet transmittance can be prevented. Furthermore, the water supplied from the pure water production device 50a is not limited to pure water, and may be ultrapure water.

[0177] The pure water tank 50c plays a role in smoothing the flow of water by storing water. The volume of the pure water tank 50c can be 50m 3 Above 100m 3 As an example, the following can be 50m 3 .

[0178] Furthermore, the number of bacteria in the pure water tank 50c is preferably above 0.001CFU / mL and below 20CFU / mL. The pure water supplied to the pure water tank 50c is prepared by removing chlorine from tap water using activated carbon or the like. Thus, bacteria are easily proliferated in the pure water supplied to the pure water tank 50c. Therefore, a UV lamp may be provided in the pure water tank 50c to inhibit the proliferation of bacteria. It should be noted that when the number of bacteria in the pure water tank 50c is more than 20CFU / mL, the pure water tank 50c is preferably sterilized by chlorine, hot water or steam or the like. The number of bacteria in the pure water tank 50c may be monitored at all times and controlled within the above range. Thus, water maintaining sterility can be manufactured without providing additional equipment. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced without making the water sterilizer 60 a high-cost specification.

[0179] A pre-stage sterilizer 62A and a first water tank 51 are provided on the downstream side of the pure water tank 50c.

[0180] Here, when the bacterial count concentration supplied from the pure water production device 50a is high (for example, 1 CFU / ml or more), and when the foreign matter removal filter 61 described later is a sterilizing filter with a pore size (0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less), the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be contaminated with bacteria in a short time. If a large amount of bacteria is added to the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the bacteria proliferate, the quality of the water may be affected. Therefore, if Figure 2A As shown, it is preferable to provide a pre-stage sterilizer 62A on the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this way, high-quality sterile water can be produced for a long time. Figure 2A In the example shown, two pre-sterilizers 62A are provided on the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61. Specifically, the pre-sterilizer 62A is provided on the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61, and one is provided on the upstream side and one is provided on the downstream side of the first water tank 51. It should be noted that the number of pre-sterilizers 62A may be one, or it may be provided on only one of the upstream side and the downstream side of the first water tank 51. In this case, the cost of sterilizing water can be reduced. It should be noted that the structure of the pre-sterilizer 62A may be different from that described later. Figures 3 to 6B The first sterilizer 62 shown is substantially the same.

[0181] The first water tank 51 is a so-called balance tank, which plays a role in smoothing the flow of water by storing water. The volume of the first water tank 51 can be 30m 3 Above 100m 3 As an example, the following can be 50m 3 .

[0182] A pump P1 for conveying water and a flowmeter F for measuring the flow of water may be provided on the downstream side of the first water tank 51. The pump P1 and the flowmeter F may be provided in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of water. It should be noted that the flowmeter F may be provided at the downstream side of the pump P1 and the upstream side of the valve V1 described later, and may be appropriately changed. In addition, the water sterilizer 60 described above is provided on the downstream side of the flowmeter F.

[0183] The water sterilizer 60 is a sterilizer for sterilizing the water stored in the first water tank 51. The water sterilizer 60 will be described in detail later.

[0184] The second water tank 52 is a tank (so-called sterile tank) for storing water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. The second water tank 52 plays a role in smoothing the flow of water by storing sterilized water. The volume of the second water tank 52 can be 5m 3 Above 50m 3 As an example, the following can be 10m 3 .

[0185] In addition, an auxiliary filter 53 for filtering the sterilized water and a third water tank 54 for storing the water that has passed through the auxiliary filter 53 may be provided on the downstream side of the second water tank 52. In this case, the third water tank 54 may be a so-called filling tank, and in order to improve the filling accuracy of the water filling device 21, it may be provided above the water filling device 21 in the vertical direction. The third water tank 54 may function as a so-called buffer tank for ensuring smooth flow of water even when the amount of water used on the downstream side of the third water tank 54 changes. The volume of the third water tank 54 may be 0.1m 3 1m above 3 As an example, the following can be 0.3m 3 .

[0186] Furthermore, a first bypass line (bypass line) 55 (see FIG. 1 ) which connects the water sterilization line 50 and the cap sterilization device 18 to each other may be provided on the downstream side of the second water tank 52. Figure 1 and Figure 2A etc.). Thus, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 can be used for washing the cap 88. Here, the cap 88 can be washed with sterile water after being sterilized by the sterilizer. Thus, the cap 88 is cooled, and foreign matter attached to the cap 88 is removed. Furthermore, by washing the cap 88 with sterile water, the friction between the conveying groove (not shown) for conveying the cap 88 and the cap 88 can be reduced by the sterile water attached to the cap 88. Therefore, when the cap 88 is conveyed, it is possible to suppress the cap 88 from being scratched by the conveying groove.

[0187] As described above, by providing the first bypass line 55 on the downstream side of the second water tank 52, water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 can be used for cleaning the cover 88. Therefore, compared with the case where the cover 88 is cleaned with sterile water prepared by a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be further reduced. It should be noted that by appropriately setting the sterilization conditions, conveying speed and / or material of the cover 88, the cover 88 can be conveyed without being scratched. In this way, when the cover 88 is not scratched, the cover 88 can be cleaned without being washed with sterile water.

[0188] Furthermore, a second bypass line 56 that connects the water sterilization line 50 and the second aseptic chamber 70h to each other may be provided on the downstream side of the second water tank 52. Furthermore, when cleaning the inside of the second aseptic chamber 70h, the control unit 90 may supply the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 to the second aseptic chamber 70h via the second bypass line 56. Furthermore, when cleaning the stock solution filling device 22, the control unit 90 may supply the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 to the second aseptic chamber 70h via the second bypass line 56. Thus, compared with the case where the inside of the second aseptic chamber 70h is cleaned by sterile water prepared by a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be further reduced.

[0189] Furthermore, in the second aseptic chamber 70h, the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 by the stock solution filling device 22. Here, after the product stock solution (content) is filled into the bottle 100, the mouth of the bottle 100 can be cleaned. When cleaning the mouth of the bottle 100 in this way, water supplied to the second aseptic chamber 70h via the second bypass line 56 can be used. Thus, compared with the case where the mouth of the bottle 100 is cleaned by sterile water prepared by a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be further reduced. It should be noted that, in the case where the product stock solution (content) is not attached to the mouth of the bottle 100, the mouth of the bottle 100 may not be cleaned. Moreover, even in the case where the product stock solution is attached to the mouth of the bottle 100, the mouth of the bottle 100 may not be cleaned if there is no possibility of bacterial proliferation.

[0190] It should be noted that the second bypass line 56 can connect the water sterilization line 50 and each chamber 70a to 70i. Moreover, when cleaning each chamber 70a to 70i, the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 can be supplied to each chamber 70a to 70i via the second bypass line 56. Moreover, when cleaning the equipment arranged in each chamber 70a to 70i, the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 can be supplied to each chamber 70a to 70i via the second bypass line 56.

[0191] And, if Figure 2AAs shown, a circulation line (first circulation line) 59 can be connected to the upstream side of the second water tank 52 of the water sterilization line 50. One end of the circulation line 59 can be connected to the water sterilization line 50 via a valve V1 provided in the water sterilization line 50. The other end of the circulation line 59 can be connected to the first water tank 51 of the water sterilization line 50. Thus, a circulation system (first circulation system) 59A for circulating water can be formed by the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizing filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, the second sterilizing filter 65, the circulation line 59 and the first water tank 51 described later. In addition, a thermometer T can be provided in the circulation line 59. In addition, a concentration meter 59c for measuring the concentration of the sterilizer or the cleaning agent when the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized can also be provided in the circulation line 59. In addition, a temperature increasing device (heat exchanger or heater, etc.) for heating the sterilizer, etc. when the circulation line 59 is cleaned and / or sterilized can also be provided in the circulation line 59. The temperature increasing device can also be used to adjust the water supplied to the first sterile filter 63, etc. to a constant temperature (for example, 25°C) during the integrity test described later. In this case, the water adjusted to a constant temperature can be used to wet the film of the first sterile filter 63, etc. described later. Thus, in the integrity test, data that is not affected by the water temperature throughout the year can be obtained. The temperature increasing device can be set anywhere except the circulation line 59 as long as it is between the first water tank 51 and the valve V1. The temperature increasing device set can be one or more than two. It should be noted that the valve V1 can be electrically connected to the control unit 90, and can also be controlled by the control unit 90.

[0192] And, if Figure 2B As shown, a circulation line (second circulation line) 95 can be connected between the first water tank 51 of the water sterilization line 50 and the water sterilizer 60. One end of the circulation line 95 can be connected to the sampling line SL connected to the sampling point SP5 described later. The other end of the circulation line 95 can be connected, for example, between the pump P1 and the pre-stage sterilizer 62A provided on the downstream side of the first water tank 51. In addition, the other end of the circulation line 95 can be connected, for example, to the upstream side of the pump P1 (for example, between the first water tank 51 and the pump P1). Thus, a circulation system (second circulation system) 95A for circulating water and the like can be formed by the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the third bypass line 95a described later, the first sterilizer 62, the fourth bypass line 95b described later, the second sterilizer 64 and the circulation line 95. In addition, a sterilant supply unit 96 including a tank, a pump, a heater and a concentration meter, etc., which are not shown in the figure, can be provided in the circulation line 95. In addition, a heat exchanger 97 can be provided in the circulation line 95. In addition, a pump (not shown) may be provided in the circulation line 95. As described later, the circulation system 95A including the circulation line 95 can also be used to circulate the sterilizing agent or the cleaning agent when the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized.

[0193] In addition, if Figure 2C As shown, one end of the circulation line 95 can be connected, for example, between the second sterilizer 64 and the first sterile filter 63. Thus, the circulation system (second circulation system) 95A can be composed of the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the third bypass line 95a described later, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64 and the circulation line 95.

[0194] <Water sterilizer>

[0195] Next, the water sterilizer 60 is described. The water sterilizer 60 is a sterilizer that sterilizes water used in the content filling system 10. In the present embodiment, the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes water without heating. As described above, the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes water (pure water) stored in the first water tank 51. Therefore, the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes water having an electrical conductivity of 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less.

[0196] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the water sterilizer 60 is provided with at least one sterile filter (a first sterile filter 63 and a second sterile filter 65). In addition, the water sterilizer 60 is provided with at least one sterilizer (a first sterilizer 62 and a second sterilizer 64). Since the water sterilizer 60 is provided with at least one sterile filter and at least one sterilizer, even if one of the sterile filter and the sterilizer stops, the sterility of the water can be ensured by the other of the sterile filter and the sterilizer.

[0197] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the example shown, the water sterilizer 60 may include a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, and a second sterile filter 65. The foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 may be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water delivery direction. In this way, by arranging a sterilizer (in this case, the second sterilizer 64) on the downstream side of the sterile filter (in this case, the first sterile filter 63), even if bacteria pass through the sterile filter, the bacteria can be sterilized by the sterilizer. In this case, Figure 2C As shown, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 can be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveying direction. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2CAs shown, since the water sterilizer 60 includes a plurality of sterile filters (a first sterile filter 63 and a second sterile filter 65), even if one sterile filter stops, the sterility of water can be ensured by another sterile filter. Furthermore, since the water sterilizer 60 includes a plurality of sterilizers (a first sterilizer 62 and a second sterilizer 64), even if one sterilizer stops, the sterility of water can be ensured by another sterilizer.

[0198] And, if Figure 2D As shown, the water sterilizer 60 may include a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, and a second sterile filter 65. The foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 may be sequentially arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water delivery direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 arranged between the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

[0199] And, if Fig.2E1 As shown, the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, and a second sterile filter 65. The first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 may be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveying direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 arranged between the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. Figure 2E2 As shown, the first sterile filter 63, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterile filter 65 and the second sterilizer 64 can be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveying direction. Figure 2E3 As shown, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65 and the second sterilizer 64 may be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of water.

[0200] And, if Figure 2F As shown in FIG. 1 , the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62 and a first sterile filter 63. The first sterilizer 62 and the first sterile filter 63 may be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveying direction. Figure 2G As shown, the first sterile filter 63 and the first sterilizer 62 may be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveying direction. In these cases, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterile filter 63 and the valve V1 described later.

[0201] And, if Figure 2HAs shown, the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62, a second sterilizer 64, and a first sterile filter 63. The first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the first sterile filter 63 may be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water delivery direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterile filter 65 arranged on the downstream side of the first sterile filter 63.

[0202] And, if Fig.2I As shown, the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterile filter 63, a second sterile filter 65, and a first sterilizer 62. The first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, and the first sterilizer 62 may be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water delivery direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 arranged on the downstream side of the first sterilizer 62.

[0203] Furthermore, the water sterilizer 60 may not have a sterile filter. That is, depending on the sterile quality level of the contents prepared by diluting the product stock solution with water and / or the proliferation characteristics of the bacteria in the contents, there are cases where the water sterilizer 60 may not have a sterile filter. Furthermore, when sterilized water is used in the cleaning (COP) and / or sterilization (SOP) in each chamber, the water does not come into direct contact with the contents. In such a case, there are also cases where the water sterilizer 60 may not have a sterile filter. In these cases, for example, Figure 2J As shown in FIG. 1 , the water sterilizer 60 may only include the first sterilizer 62. Figure 2K As shown, the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62 and a second sterilizer 64. In this way, when the water sterilizer 60 does not include a sterile filter, the manufacturing cost of the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0204] In addition, the water sterilizer 60 may be equipped with a sterilizer. That is, depending on the aseptic quality level of the contents prepared by diluting the product stock solution with water and / or the proliferation characteristics of the bacteria in the contents, there are cases where the water sterilizer 60 may not be equipped with a sterilizer. In this case, for example, Figure 2L As shown, the water sterilizer 60 may only have the first sterile filter 63. Figure 2M As shown, the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterile filter 63 and a second sterile filter 65. Thus, even when the water sterilizer 60 does not include a sterilizer, the manufacturing cost of the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0205] Next, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, and the second sterile filter 65 are described. Figure 2ATaking the water sterilizer 60 shown as an example, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizing filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, and the second sterilizing filter 65 will be described. Here, first, the foreign matter removal filter 61 will be described.

[0206] The foreign matter removal filter 61 is a filter for removing foreign matter in water. In the example shown in the figure, the water sterilizer 60 is provided with a single foreign matter removal filter 61. However, the water sterilizer 60 is not limited thereto, and may be provided with a plurality of foreign matter removal filters 61. The pore size (filtration accuracy) of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be, for example, 0.20 μm or more and 10 μm or more and 0.45 μm or more and 10 μm or less. In addition, the pore size of the foreign matter removal filter 61 is preferably a size that can remove fungi (molds, yeasts, etc.). As described later, in the first sterilizer 62 or the like provided on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61, ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the water. Therefore, the pore size of the foreign matter removal filter 61 is preferably a size that can remove molds that are resistant to ultraviolet rays, preferably 0.45 μm or more and 1.2 μm or less. It should be noted that in order to improve the sterility of the water that has passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61, the pore size of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be 0.2 μm or more and 1.2 μm or less. In this way, almost all bacteria remaining in the water can be captured. In order to improve the sterility of the water that has passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61 , a sterilization grade filter with a pore size of 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less can be used as the foreign matter removal filter 61 .

[0207] The first sterilizer 62 is arranged on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61. In addition, the first sterilizer 62 is arranged on the upstream side of the first sterile filter 63. The first sterilizer 62 is a sterilizer that sterilizes water using ultraviolet rays. Thus, bacteria (bacteria other than mold and yeast) that have passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61 can be sterilized. In addition, compared with the case where the water is sterilized by heating the water using ultraviolet rays by the first sterilizer 62, the emission of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system can be reduced. In particular, as described above, when preparing the content, the product stock solution is diluted with water to 1.1 times or more and 100 times or less, preferably to 2 times or more and 10 times or less. When the product stock solution is diluted with water to 2 times or more and 10 times or less, 50% or more and 90% or less of the content is water. Therefore, by sterilizing without heating the water, the emission of carbon dioxide discharged when preparing the content can be greatly reduced.

[0208] As described above, in this embodiment, the first sterilizer 62 sterilizes water using ultraviolet rays. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the first sterilizer 62 may include a main body 66 and an ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 disposed in the main body 66 .

[0209] Among them, the main body 66 is formed in a hollow shape. And the shape of the main body 66 is a truncated cone shape. Specifically, the main body 66 has an inner surface in the shape of a truncated cone, and its end on the small diameter side is located above the end on the large diameter side. An introduction part 68 for introducing water into the interior of the main body 66 can be formed at the lower part of the main body 66, and a discharge part 69 for discharging sterilized water from the main body 66 can be formed at the upper part of the main body 66. The introduction part 68 formed in the main body 66 can be connected to the introduction pipe 68a, and the introduction pipe 68a can be set to extend along the tangent direction of the inner surface of the main body 66 when viewed from above. In this case, the tangent direction of the inner surface refers to the tangent direction of the part where the introduced water collides with the inner surface of the main body 66 in the tangent of the circle formed by the inner surface of the main body 66 in the horizontal cross-section including the introduction part 68.

[0210] The water introduced into the main body 66 through the introduction portion 68 is guided along the inner surface of the main body 66, thereby rotating in the circumferential direction. Then, the water moves upward while rotating, and is discharged from the discharge portion 69. Thus, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the flow of the water introduced into the main body 66. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a part of the water introduced into the main body 66 from being discharged from the discharge portion 69 in a short time (so-called shortcut).

[0211] And, if Figure 4 As shown, a barrier plate 66a that restricts the flow of water may be provided in the main body 66. The barrier plate 66a may protrude radially from the inner surface of the main body 66 in a spirally surrounding manner. By providing such a barrier plate 66a in the main body 66, it is possible to suppress the water introduced into the interior of the main body 66 through the introduction portion 68 from moving upward without rotating in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the so-called shortcut can be prevented more reliably. It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, the barrier plate 66a may not be spirally surrounding in the main body 66. In this case, for example, a plurality of barrier plates 66a each having a circular ring shape when viewed from above may be provided in the main body 66 to allow water to pass through the central opening.

[0212] In addition, a fixing member 66b for fixing the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b described later of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may be provided in the main body 66. The shape of the fixing member 66b may be, for example, a cross shape when viewed from above. Thus, it is possible to suppress the upward movement of water from being hindered by the fixing member 66b. Alternatively, the shape of the fixing member 66b may be, for example, a disc shape, or a circular shape when viewed from above. In this case, a through hole not shown in the figure may be formed in the fixing member 66b, so that water can pass through the through hole.

[0213] In addition, the main body 66 may be provided with an illuminometer (intensity meter) 66c for measuring the illuminance of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation section 67. It is preferred that at least one illuminometer 66c is provided near the ultraviolet irradiation section 67. It should be noted that an output meter for measuring the output of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b described later of the ultraviolet irradiation section 67 may be provided. In addition, the time (retention time) for water to pass through the inside of the main body 66 may be constantly monitored by the flow meter F. In addition, the temperature, transmittance (turbidity) and / or chromaticity of the water passing through the main body 66 may be constantly or appropriately measured to constantly confirm that there is no abnormality in the irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays.

[0214] Next, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 will be described. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may include a first ultraviolet lamp 67a provided at the radial center of the main body 66, and a plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b provided around the first ultraviolet lamp 67a. In the example shown in the figure, four second ultraviolet lamps 67b are provided around one first ultraviolet lamp 67a.

[0215] Each second ultraviolet lamp 67b is arranged along the inner surface of the main body 66. That is, each second ultraviolet lamp 67b is arranged in a manner that inclines radially inward as it goes upward. In this case, the second ultraviolet lamps 67b are preferably arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. This can suppress the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays (mJ / cm 2 The first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may be ultraviolet lamps that irradiate ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 200 nm to 450 nm.

[0216] Such a first ultraviolet lamp 67a and a second ultraviolet lamp 67b can be a low-pressure mercury lamp, a medium-pressure mercury lamp or a UV-LED, respectively. In this case, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are preferably a low-pressure mercury lamp or a medium-pressure mercury lamp, respectively. A low-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp in which the mercury vapor pressure during lighting is less than 10Pa. The low-pressure mercury lamp can efficiently irradiate ultraviolet rays of a wavelength (253.7nm) with a high sterilization effect. Therefore, in the case where the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are low-pressure mercury lamps, respectively, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 can be improved. The low-pressure mercury lamp can be an amalgam lamp (low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) in which an alloy of mercury and other metals, i.e., amalgam, is sealed in a light-emitting tube.

[0217] Furthermore, the wavelength and / or output of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may be different from each other. That is, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may be ultraviolet lamps different from each other. As an example, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp (or UV-LED). In addition, the wavelength and / or output of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be different from each other. That is, the plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be ultraviolet lamps different from each other. For example, when one second ultraviolet lamp 67b is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the other second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be medium-pressure mercury lamps (or UV-LED). As described later, the low-pressure mercury lamp can efficiently irradiate ultraviolet rays of a wavelength (253.7nm) with a high sterilization effect. Furthermore, as described later, the medium-pressure mercury lamp is a high-output mercury lamp compared to the low-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are ultraviolet lamps different from each other, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 can be improved, and the first sterilizer 62 can sterilize a large amount of water. And, as described above, when the plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b are ultraviolet lamps different from each other, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 can also be improved, and the first sterilizer 62 can sterilize a large amount of water.

[0218] The low-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp whose mercury vapor pressure during lighting is less than 10Pa. The low-pressure mercury lamp can efficiently irradiate ultraviolet rays of a wavelength (253.7nm) with a high sterilization effect. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are low-pressure mercury lamps, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 (and the second sterilizer 64) can be improved. The low-pressure mercury lamp can be an amalgam lamp (low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) in which an alloy of mercury and other metals, i.e., amalgam, is sealed in a light-emitting tube.

[0219] The medium-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp with a mercury vapor pressure of 40 kPa or more during lighting. The wavelength of ultraviolet rays irradiated by the medium-pressure mercury lamp is a main wavelength of 365 nm, and has a wavelength with peaks at 254 nm, 302 nm, 313 nm, 405 nm, 436 nm, etc. Generally speaking, compared with low-pressure mercury lamps, medium-pressure mercury lamps are high-output mercury lamps. Therefore, in the case where the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are medium-pressure mercury lamps, the first sterilizer 62 (and the second sterilizer 64) can sterilize a large amount of water. In addition, since the medium-pressure mercury lamp is a high-output mercury lamp, in the case where the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are medium-pressure mercury lamps, the first sterilizer 62 (and the second sterilizer 64) can be miniaturized.

[0220] Furthermore, the ultraviolet irradiation section 67 of the first sterilizer 62 may be composed only of a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp), and the ultraviolet irradiation section 67 of the second sterilizer 64 may be composed only of a medium-pressure mercury lamp. In this way, when the water sterilization line 50 has a plurality of sterilizers (for example, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64), it is preferred to use a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and a medium-pressure mercury lamp in combination. The sterilization wavelengths of the low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and the medium-pressure mercury lamp are different from each other. Therefore, by using a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and a medium-pressure mercury lamp in combination, a high sterilization effect can be obtained.

[0221] Furthermore, since the medium-pressure mercury lamp has a higher heat resistance than the low-pressure mercury lamp, it can be lit at a high temperature. Therefore, as described later, by passing hot water or a disinfectant through the circulation system 95A (refer to Figure 2B and Figure 2C ) to sterilize the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64, the first sterilizer 62 and the like can be sterilized while the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like are lit. In the case where a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays of a wavelength different from that of the low-pressure mercury lamp are arranged in series, the low-pressure mercury lamp can be used in the pre-stage sterilizer 62A between the pure water tank 50c and the first water tank 51 where no sterilization is performed.

[0222] Here, the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet rays on bacteria is determined by the cumulative exposure to ultraviolet rays (mJ / cm 2 ). That is, the more the cumulative exposure of ultraviolet rays, the higher the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet rays on bacteria. The cumulative exposure is measured by the illuminance (mW / cm 2 ) and the irradiation time (s). Therefore, in order to improve the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet rays on bacteria, it is required to shorten the distance between the light source (the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b) and the water, and extend the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays. In particular, the illumination is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the light source irradiating ultraviolet rays. For example, when the distance from the light source is 2 times, the illumination is 1 / 4, and when the distance from the light source is 3 times, the illumination is 1 / 9. Therefore, when water passes near the light source, the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet rays on bacteria can be improved.

[0223] As described above, in this embodiment, an introduction portion 68 for introducing water into the interior of the main body 66 is formed at the lower portion of the main body 66, and a discharge portion 69 for discharging sterilized water from the main body 66 is formed at the upper portion of the main body 66. Thus, shortcuts can be prevented and the time for water to stay in the interior of the main body 66 can be extended. Therefore, the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays to the water can be extended, and the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays can be increased. In addition, by introducing water from the lower portion of the main body 66, even if it is water at the initial stage of operation of the first sterilizer 62, that is, water introduced into the main body 66 in an empty state, the time for water to stay in the interior of the main body 66 can be fully ensured. Therefore, the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays to the water can be extended.

[0224] Furthermore, the main body 66 is in the shape of a truncated cone. Thus, the distance between the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b and the water can be shortened at the upper part of the main body 66. Therefore, the sterilization effect of ultraviolet rays on bacteria can be improved. Furthermore, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 includes a first ultraviolet lamp 67a arranged at the radial center of the main body 66 and a plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b arranged around the first ultraviolet lamp 67a. Thus, the water moving upward while rotating in the circumferential direction can be uniformly irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Therefore, the deviation of the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays can be suppressed.

[0225] Here, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays to water is preferably 10 mJ / cm 2 Above 10000mJ / cm 2 Below, more preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 Above 1000mJ / cm 2 That is, when passing through the main body 66, the cumulative exposure amount of ultraviolet rays to water is preferably 10 mJ / cm 2 Above 10000mJ / cm 2 Below, more preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 Above 1000mJ / cm 2 In this case, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays to water is preferably 10 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 254 nm. 2 Above 10000mJ / cm 2 Below, more preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 Above 1000mJ / cm 2 The cumulative exposure to ultraviolet light is 10mJ / cm 2As described above, aquatic bacteria (Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Methylobacterium that can proliferate in water in a poor nutrient environment) that may pass through the second sterile filter 65 can be effectively sterilized. 2 The above can also sterilize bacterial spores. In addition, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet light is 10000mJ / cm 2 The following can reduce power consumption and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10. Here, the wavelength of the ultraviolet light can be between 250 nm and 260 nm, and as an example, can be 253.7 nm (254 nm). By making the wavelength of the ultraviolet light between 250 nm and 260 nm, especially 253.7 nm, the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet light on bacteria can be improved. Here, the "aquatic bacteria" in this specification refers to bacteria that can pass through a sterile filter with a pore size of 0.2 μm.

[0226] Such a first sterilizer 62 is preferably capable of sterilization (SIP). Thus, the first sterilizer 62 can be sterilized regularly. It should be noted that, when sterilizing the first sterilizer 62, the control unit 90 can sterilize the first sterilizer 62 using steam or hot water. Alternatively, when the first sterilizer 62 has poor heat resistance, the control unit 90 can sterilize the first sterilizer 62 by circulating a sterilizing agent including peracetic acid in the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60, for example. In this case, the control unit 90 can circulate the sterilizing agent in the circulation system 59A for at least 10 seconds to 60 minutes.

[0227] It should be noted that if Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the shape of the main body 66 of the first sterilizer 62 can be cylindrical. In this case, the discharge portion 69 formed in the main body 66 can be connected to the discharge pipe 69a, and the discharge pipe 69a can be set to extend along the tangent direction of the inner surface of the main body 66 when viewed from above. In this case, the tangent direction of the inner surface is the tangent direction of the part where the water contacting and surrounding the inner surface leaves the inner surface of the main body 66 in the tangent of the circle formed by the inner surface of the main body 66 in the horizontal cross section including the discharge portion 69. In the case where the shape of the main body 66 is cylindrical, the time for water to stay inside the main body 66 can be extended. Therefore, the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays to water can be extended, and the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays can be increased. It should be noted that in this case, although not shown in the figure, the plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b can be set to be inclined radially inward as they move upward.

[0228] And, if Fig. 6Aand Figure 6B As shown, the shape of the main body 66 can be an elongated substantially cylindrical shape. In this case, an inlet 68 for introducing water into the interior of the main body 66 can be formed at one end of the main body 66. In addition, a discharge portion 69 for discharging sterilized water from the main body 66 can be formed at the other end of the main body 66. In this case, the main body 66 can be arranged in a manner that the length direction of the main body 66 (the direction of water travel) is parallel to the horizontal direction, or in a manner that the length direction of the main body 66 (the direction of water travel) is parallel to the up and down direction. It should be noted that in the example shown in the figure, the shape of the main body 66 is a so-called tapered tube shape in which the diameter decreases as it approaches one end and the diameter decreases as it approaches the other end. However, without limitation thereto, the shape of the main body 66 can also be a cylindrical shape having a substantially uniform diameter from the inlet 68 to the discharge portion 69.

[0229] In this modified example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may include a plurality of third ultraviolet lamps 67c arranged along the direction of water flow. Thus, the water can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays uniformly. Therefore, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays can be suppressed from being uneven. In the example shown in the figure, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 includes eight third ultraviolet lamps 67c.

[0230] Furthermore, the third ultraviolet lamps 67c adjacent to each other in the direction of water travel may extend in different directions when viewed from the direction of water travel. This can more effectively suppress the deviation of the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays. In the example shown in the figure, the third ultraviolet lamps 67c are regularly arranged. That is, the third ultraviolet lamps 67c are arranged on the upstream side ( Figure 6B When observing from the left side of the water, as the water moves downstream ( Figure 6B ), rotate 45° in the clockwise direction with the central axis X of the main body 66 as the center. It should be noted that the rotation angle of each third ultraviolet lamp 67c can be appropriately changed. For example, each third ultraviolet lamp 67c can be rotated 90° in the clockwise direction with the central axis X as the center as it moves toward the downstream side of the water's travel direction when viewed from the upstream side of the water's travel direction. In addition, in the case where the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 includes more than three third ultraviolet lamps 67c, each third ultraviolet lamp 67c can be rotated 60° in the clockwise direction with the central axis X as the center as it moves toward the downstream side of the water's travel direction when viewed from the upstream side of the water's travel direction. It should be noted that each third ultraviolet lamp 67c can be irregularly arranged.

[0231] The third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be the same ultraviolet lamp as the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b. That is, the third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 200 nm or more and 450 nm or less. Furthermore, the third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp), a medium-pressure mercury lamp, or a UV-LED. Furthermore, the wavelength and / or output of ultraviolet rays irradiated by the plurality of third ultraviolet lamps 67c may be different from each other. That is, the plurality of third ultraviolet lamps 67c may also be ultraviolet lamps that are different from each other. For example, when one third ultraviolet lamp 67c is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the other third ultraviolet lamps 67c may be medium-pressure mercury lamps (or UV-LEDs). In this case, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 can also be improved, and the first sterilizer 62 can sterilize a large amount of water. It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, a barrier plate 66a that restricts the flow of water may be provided in the main body 66.

[0232] And, in Figures 3 to 6B In the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIG. 1 , in order to improve the sterilization efficiency in the first sterilizer 62, ultraviolet rays can be reflected in the main body 66. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The first sterilizer 62 shown in FIG. Figure 6C As shown, the main body 66 may include an outer member 660 and an inner member 661 provided inside the outer member 660. The outer member 660 may be formed of, for example, a stainless steel tube that has been mirror-finished by electrolytic polishing or the like. The inner member 661 may also be formed of a glass tube. In addition, an air layer 662 may be present between the outer member 660 and the inner member 661. In this case, when glass having a high ultraviolet transmittance (for example, quartz glass or fluoride glass) is used as the glass of the glass tube of the inner member 661, as shown in FIG. Figure 6C As shown, the ultraviolet light UV can be reflected at the interface between the inner member 661 and the air layer 662. It should be noted that as the material of the inner member 661, a material with high ultraviolet light transmittance can be appropriately selected according to the wavelength of the ultraviolet light irradiated by the third ultraviolet lamp 67c, etc. In addition, as the material of the inner member 661, a material other than glass can also be used, for example, plastic having the same properties as glass can be used. In addition, the inner surface of the outer member 660 and / or the outer surface of the inner member 661 can be plated with a material with high reflectivity. In particular, as Fig. 6A and Figure 6BAs shown in the first sterilizer 62, when the main body 66 is slender, by coating the inner surface of the outer member 660 with a material having a high reflectivity, the attenuation of the ultraviolet UV can be suppressed, and the ultraviolet UV can be repeatedly reflected. Therefore, water can be sterilized efficiently. It should be noted that the ultraviolet UV is preferably reflected more than once inside the main body 66. In this case, it is more preferable to shorten the distance between the outer member 660 and the third ultraviolet lamp 67c, etc., so that the number of reflections of the ultraviolet UV is more than two times. Here, the ultraviolet light irradiated from the medium-pressure mercury lamp can maintain the illumination to a farther distance than the ultraviolet light irradiated from the low-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, when the third ultraviolet lamp 67c, etc. is a medium-pressure mercury lamp, even if the ultraviolet UV is reflected multiple times inside the main body 66, the sterilization effect of the ultraviolet UV can be effectively suppressed from decreasing.

[0233] Furthermore, the passage time of water through the first sterilizer 62 may be 0.1 seconds or more and less than 10 seconds, preferably 0.5 seconds or more and less than 5 seconds. It should be noted that the passage time is the time for water introduced from the introduction part 68 to the inside of the main body 66 to be discharged from the discharge part 69. By making the passage time more than 0.1 seconds, it is possible to suppress the deviation of the sterilization effect of water. Therefore, a sufficient sterilization effect can be obtained. By making the passage time less than 10 seconds, the miniaturization of the first sterilizer 62 can be achieved. It should be noted that the passage time of water through the first sterilizer 62 can be appropriately changed based on the flow rate of water treated (sterilized) by the first sterilizer 62.

[0234] Refer again Figure 2A, the first sterile filter 63 is arranged on the downstream side of the first sterilizer 62. The first sterile filter 63 is a precision filtration filter (MF (Micro-Filtration)) that sterilizes water by capturing bacteria remaining in the water. The pore size of the first sterile filter 63 can be greater than 0.1μm and less than 0.45μm, preferably greater than 0.1μm and less than 0.22μm. By making the pore size of the first sterile filter 63 greater than 0.1μm, the decrease in the sterilization efficiency of water can be suppressed. In addition, by making the pore size of the first sterile filter 63 less than 0.45μm, the bacteria remaining in the water can be effectively captured by the first sterile filter 63. A filter with a pore size of greater than 0.02μm and less than 0.1μm that can remove some viruses can also be used as the first sterile filter 63. Furthermore, the material of the filter membrane (membrane) of the first sterile filter 63 may be polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethersulfone (PES), mixed cellulose (SCWP), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP) or polyamide, etc. The filter membrane of the first sterile filter 63 may be, for example, a reverse osmosis membrane (RO (Reverse Osmosis) membrane) or an ultrafiltration membrane (UF (Ultra-Filtration) membrane) according to the adaptability of the content.

[0235] The first sterile filter 63 is preferably capable of sterilization (SIP). Thus, the first sterile filter 63 can be sterilized regularly. Here, as described above, the first sterile filter 63 captures bacteria that pass through the first sterilizer 62 and remain in the water. Therefore, if the sterilization of water is continued for a long time in the water sterilizer 60, the captured bacteria may multiply in the first sterile filter 63. In addition, in the case where the dead bodies of bacteria, which are organic matter, are attached to the first sterile filter 63, the dead bodies of bacteria may become a matrix. In this case, the bacteria may further multiply in the first sterile filter 63. In this way, when the bacteria multiply in the first sterile filter 63, they may enter the water passing through the first sterile filter 63. In contrast, by making the first sterile filter 63 capable of sterilization, it is possible to suppress the bacteria attached to the first sterile filter 63 from entering the water passing through the first sterile filter 63. As a result, it is possible to suppress the reduction of the filtering performance of the first sterile filter 63. In addition, when sterilizing the first sterile filter 63, steam for sterilization or the like can be supplied to the first sterile filter 63 from a sterile air supply port 60a described later.

[0236] Here, the degree of sterilization of the first sterile filter 63 can be managed by the F value. In other words, when the water sterilizer 60 having the first sterile filter 63 is sterilized, the degree of sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 can be managed by the F value. At this time, for example, the control unit 90 can measure the temperature of the heating steam (fluid) or hot water (fluid) flowing in the flow path of the first sterile filter 63, and calculate the F value based on the measured temperature. In addition, when the F value becomes greater than the target value, the control unit 90 can end the sterilization of the first sterile filter 63. In the case of measuring the temperature of the heating steam or hot water, the control unit 90 can make the heating steam or hot water flow in the flow path of the first sterile filter 63, and measure the temperature using temperature sensors arranged at various locations in the flow path where the temperature is difficult to rise. In addition, the control unit 90 can end the heating of the flow path by the heating steam or the like when the time for the temperature from each temperature sensor to reach the prescribed temperature reaches more than the prescribed time. Thus, the first sterile filter 63 can be sterilized without heating the first sterile filter 63 more than necessary. Here, the F value refers to the heating time required to kill all bacteria when heating the bacteria for a certain period of time, and is expressed by the lethal time of bacteria at 121.1°C and calculated by the following formula.

[0237] [Formula 3]

[0238]

[0239] (Wherein, T represents an arbitrary sterilization temperature (°C), 10^{(T-Tr) / Z} represents the lethality at an arbitrary sterilization temperature T, Tr represents the reference temperature (°C), and Z represents the Z value (°C))

[0240] In addition, the first sterile filter 63 is preferably capable of performing an integrity test on the pore size of the first sterile filter 63. Here, the integrity test can be performed, for example, by a bubble point test. The bubble point test can be performed as follows. For example, first, water is supplied to a housing (not shown) in the first sterile filter 63 to cover the filter (not shown) of the first sterile filter 63 with water. Then, the water supply is stopped and the water in the first sterile filter 63 is discharged. Then, sterile air is injected into the first sterile filter 63 whose filter is covered with water, for example, from the sterile air supply port 60a. Then, the pressure of the sterile air is increased until the sterile air escapes from the first sterile filter 63. Then, based on the pressure of the sterile air when the sterile air escapes from the first sterile filter 63 (bubble point method), the size of the pore size of the first sterile filter 63 is determined. In this way, for the first sterile filter 63, by being able to perform an integrity test on the pore size of the first sterile filter 63, the deterioration of the first sterile filter 63 can be easily determined. It should be noted that a pressure gauge P2 may be provided near the sterile air supply port 60a to measure the pressure in the first sterile filter 63. It should be noted that the integrity test may be performed by a diffusion flow test or a pressure holding test in addition to the above-mentioned bubble point test.

[0241] The second sterilizer 64 is disposed on the downstream side of the first sterile filter 63. The structure of the second sterilizer 64 can be Figures 3 to 6B The first sterilizer 62 shown is substantially the same. That is, the second sterilizer 64 may be a sterilizer that sterilizes water by ultraviolet rays.

[0242] The second sterile filter 65 is arranged on the downstream side of the second sterilizer 64. The second sterile filter 65 is a filter for sterilizing the water by capturing the bacteria remaining in the water after passing through the second sterilizer 64. The pore size of the second sterile filter 65 is preferably less than the pore size of the first sterile filter 63. Thus, even if the bacteria in the water pass through the first sterile filter 63, the bacteria can be captured by the second sterile filter 65. Therefore, the sterility of the water can be fully ensured. In addition, when the pore size of the second sterile filter 65 is at the same level as the pore size of the first sterile filter 63, the sterilization group consisting of the sterilizer and the sterile filter can be configured in two groups along the conveying direction of the water. That is, the first sterilization group consisting of the first sterilizer 62 and the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterilization group consisting of the second sterilizer 64 and the second sterile filter 65 can be configured in series along the conveying direction of the water. Therefore, even if some abnormality occurs in one sterilization group, the sterility of the water can be guaranteed. It should be noted that the sterilization group can be set up in multiples according to the sterility assurance level (SAL (Sterility Assurance Level)) of water or the final product (contents) (refer to Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2D to Figure 2E3 ). And, if Figure 2F As shown in the figure, the number of sterilization groups may be one, and although not shown in the figure, the number of sterilization groups may be three or more.

[0243] The pore size of the second sterile filter 65 can be 0.1 μm or more and 0.45 μm or less, preferably 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less. By setting the pore size of the second sterile filter 65 to be 0.1 μm or more, the reduction in the sterilization efficiency of water can be suppressed. In addition, by setting the pore size of the second sterile filter 65 to be 0.45 μm or less, the bacteria remaining in the water can be more effectively captured by the second sterile filter 65. The filter membrane of the second sterile filter 65 can be, for example, a reverse osmosis membrane (RO (Reverse Osmosis) membrane) or an ultrafiltration membrane (UF (Ultra-Filtration) membrane).

[0244] The other structures of the second sterile filter 65 may be substantially the same as the first sterile filter 63. That is, the second sterile filter 65 may be capable of sterilization (SIP). In addition, the second sterile filter 65 may be capable of performing an integrity test on the pore size of the second sterile filter 65.

[0245] Here, in the water sterilizer 60 , the sterilization intensity of water can be adjusted based on the target value of the bacterial count level (FSO (Food Safety Objective / ISO13409-1996) (=logN)).

[0246] In this case, for example, the initial bacterial count level in the water before entering the filter (e.g., the first sterile filter 63) is set to H0 (=logN0). In this case, the initial bacterial count level H0 of the filter is reduced due to the sterilization effect of the filter (e.g., the first sterile filter 63) (bacteria reduction level in water: ΣR1 (=log(N0 / NR1)>0). It should be noted that "N0" refers to the initial bacterial count in the water, and "NR1" refers to the bacterial count in the water after sterilization by the filter (e.g., the first sterile filter 63).

[0247] On the other hand, we also consider the case where the bacteria in the water increase at a constant rate during the period of passing through the filter (the level of increase in the number of bacteria in the water: ΣI (=log (N I )≥0)). It should be noted that “N I ” refers to the increase in the number of bacteria during the period of passing through the filter.

[0248] Furthermore, the bacteria in the water are sterilized by the sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64) (the number of bacteria in the water is reduced by ΣR2 (=log (NI / NR2)>0)) decreases again. If the bacterial count level in the water after passing through the water sterilizer 60 is below the target value (FSO (Food Safety Objective / ISO13409-1996) (=logN)), it can be considered that there is no problem with the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50. It should be noted that "NR2" refers to the bacterial count in the water after sterilization by a sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64), and "N" refers to the target value of the bacterial count in the water after sterilization by a sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64).

[0249] If the relationship among H0, ΣR1, ΣI, ΣR2 and FSO is expressed as an equation, it is as follows.

[0250] H0-ΣR1+ΣI-ΣR2≤FSO...(Formula 1)

[0251] Therefore, by setting the sterilization capability of the sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64 ) so that the value of ΣR2 is equal to or greater than (H0−ΣR1+ΣI)−FSO, the sterility of water can be set to be equal to or less than the target value (FSO).

[0252] And, if Figures 2A to 2MAs shown, sampling points SP1 to SP6 (SP) for sampling water aseptically may be provided at the inlet of the water sterilizer 60, the outlet of the water sterilizer 60, between the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterilizer 62, etc. Furthermore, a sampling line SL may be connected to at least a portion of the sampling points SP1 to SP6 via a valve not shown. Thus, by sampling water aseptically from the sampling points SP1 to SP6 or the sampling line SL, the number of bacteria or the number of particles in the water can be easily measured, and the change in the state of the water such as the growth of bacteria can be easily confirmed. In the case of measuring the number of bacteria in the water and / or confirming the change in the state such as the growth of bacteria, for example, the number of bacteria can be counted using a plate culture medium. Furthermore, for example, the number of bacteria in the water and / or the change in the state of bacteria can be measured and / or confirmed using a microorganism counter or a particle counter (particle counter in liquid). Here, the microorganism counter is a counter that detects the fluorescence generated when the particles are irradiated with laser light, and identifies whether it is a non-biological or microbiological particle based on the MIE scattering theory, thereby counting the microorganisms. As such a microorganism counter, for example, there can be cited the biological particle counter manufactured by RION Co., Ltd., the microorganism detection analyzer 7000RMS manufactured by Mettler Toledo Co., Ltd., and the real-time microorganism detector, IMD-W (registered trademark) manufactured by Azbil Corporation. It should be noted that when sampling water aseptically from the sampling line SL, it is preferred to sterilize the sampling line SL in advance. In this case, for example, the sampling line SL can be sterilized by a sterilizing agent such as peracetic acid or hot water. In addition, the sampling line SL sterilized by the sterilizing agent can be rinsed with pure water sterilized by the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65.

[0253] It should be noted that a thermometer T may be provided on the sampling line SL, and when the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are sterilized by steam, the temperature of the steam may be monitored by the thermometer T.

[0254] And, if Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown, a third bypass line 95a may be provided between the pre-stage sterilizer 62A and the first sterilizer 62. Thus, when the water sterilization line 50 is sterilized by a sterilizer or a cleaning agent, the sterilizer or the cleaning agent can be prevented from passing through the foreign matter removal filter 61. In addition, a first drainage pipe 95c may be connected to the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61, and flushing water, etc., which will be described later, may be discharged from the first drainage pipe 95c. It should be noted that the first drainage pipe 95c may be connected to the third bypass line 95a.

[0255] In addition, if Figure 2BAs shown in FIG. 1 , a fourth bypass line 95b may be provided between the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. Thus, when the water sterilization line 50 is sterilized with a sterilizer or a cleaning agent, the sterilizer or the cleaning agent can be prevented from passing through the first sterile filter 63. Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown, a second drain pipe 95d may be connected to the upstream side of the first sterile filter 63, and flushing water, etc., which will be described later, may be discharged from the second drain pipe 95d. It should be noted that the second drain pipe 95d may be connected to the fourth bypass line 95b.

[0256] The processing capacity of such a water sterilizer 60 is preferably 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required for producing the product bottle 101, and more preferably 110% or more of the maximum processing capacity required for producing the product bottle 101. For example, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 can be 5m 3 / h and above 50m 3 / h or less, as an example, it can be 24m 3 / h. Furthermore, when the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 is 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required when producing the product bottle 101, a predetermined amount of water can be stored in the second water tank 52 when producing the product bottle 101. In this case, by appropriately designing the volume of the second water tank 52, even during the sterilization (SIP) or integrity test of the first sterile filter 63, etc., the production of the product bottle 101, the sterilization (SIP) or integrity test of the first sterile filter 63, etc. can be performed without water shortage. It should be noted that the time required for the sterilization (SIP) of the first sterile filter 63, etc. and the time required for the integrity test are respectively about 30 minutes or more and about 1 hour or less. Therefore, the volume of the second water tank 52 can be set to be greater than the amount of water used in the content filling system 10 when the product bottle 101 is produced for 1 hour.

[0257] Furthermore, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 can be controlled by the control unit 90. For example, the control unit 90 can determine the amount of water used for cleaning and sterilizing the content filling system 10, and based on the determined amount of water, determine the amount of water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization line 50 in the production of the product bottle 101. Here, the amount of sterile water required for cleaning and / or sterilizing each chamber after the production of the product bottle 101 can be grasped for each chamber. Therefore, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 can be controlled by the control unit 90 so that the sterile water used after the production of the product bottle 101 can be stored during the production of a batch of product bottles 101. Thus, after the production of the product bottle 101, the chamber can be cleaned and / or sterilized immediately. Therefore, the downtime can be shortened.

[0258] Furthermore, the control unit 90 can discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 when the ultraviolet irradiation amount or illumination is below a specified value. Here, the specified value refers to a reference value (threshold) for judging whether water should be discharged to the outside of the water sterilization line 50. Such a specified value can be arbitrarily set according to the volume of the main body 66 or the flow rate of water. For example, the specified value can be set to an irradiation amount or illumination that is not lower than the sterility assurance level of the water or the final product (contents). The specified value also depends on the volume of the main body 66, etc., but can also be 10mJ / cm 2 Above 10000mJ / cm 2 As an example, the following may be 100 mJ / cm 2 The irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 can be set based on the RED (Reduction Equivalent UV Dose) obtained by an actual chemical dosimeter or biological dosimeter. Specifically, reference can be made to "ULTRAVIOLET DISINFECTION GUIDANCE MANUAL FOR THE FINAL LONG TERM 2 ENHANCED SURFACE WATER TREATMENT RULE, United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA 815-R-06-007, November 2006".

[0259] When the control unit 90 discharges water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50, the control unit 90 may discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 via the circulation line 59. In this case, the control unit 90 may switch the valve V1 when the value of the illuminometer 66c becomes less than a predetermined value when the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes water by ultraviolet rays. Moreover, the control unit 90 may switch the valve V1 to supply water to the circulation line 59. Thus, the sterility of the part downstream of the valve V1 can be maintained. It should be noted that the water supplied to the circulation line 59 may be discharged from the circulation line 59 without being supplied to the first water tank 51. Alternatively, the water supplied to the circulation line 59 may be supplied to the first water tank 51. In this case, the water may be circulated in the circulation system 59A until the value of the illuminometer 66c becomes a sufficient value. Moreover, the control unit 90 may switch the valve V1 after the value of the illuminometer 66c becomes a sufficient value, thereby supplying the water in the circulation system 59A to the second water tank 52.

[0260] Furthermore, the control unit 90 may discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 when the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the sterile filter (the first sterile filter 63 or the second sterile filter 65) becomes a predetermined value or more. That is, the control unit 90 may discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 in the same manner when an abnormality is confirmed in the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the first sterile filter 63 (or the second sterile filter 65). In this case, for example, the sterility of the portion downstream of the valve V1 can also be maintained.

[0261] In addition, the control unit 90 can discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 when at least one of the number of bacteria and particles in the water sampled from the water sterilization line 50 reaches a predetermined value or more. That is, the control unit 90 can also discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 when there is an abnormality in the number of bacteria and / or the number of particles in the water sampled from the sampling line SL. In this case, for example, the sterility of the portion downstream of the valve V1 can also be maintained.

[0262] In these cases, after the malfunction of the water sterilizer 60 is resolved, the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized with a sterilizing agent such as peracetic acid, hot water or steam as described below. Then, the water sterilization by the water sterilizer 60 is restarted.

[0263] The water sterilizer 60 of such a water sterilization line 50 preferably fills the contents into the bottle 100 in the content filling system 10, thereby continuously sterilizing the water without stopping the sterilization of the water during the production of the product bottle 101. As a result, the growth of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 can be suppressed. That is, in the water sterilizer 60, when the circulation of water is stopped, there is a possibility that bacteria will grow in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. In contrast, during the production of the product bottle 101 in the content filling system 10, the water is continuously sterilized without stopping the pump P1, thereby suppressing the growth of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. It should be noted that during the production of the product bottle 101 in the content filling system 10, when the second water tank 52 is full of water, the sterilized water can be allowed to flow through the circulation system 59A (refer to Figure 2AIn this way, even when the second water tank 52 is full of water, it is possible to prevent the circulation of water from stopping in the water sterilizer 60. Therefore, it is possible to prevent bacteria from growing in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. It should be noted that when the circulation time of the sterilized water becomes longer, there is a case where the temperature of the sterilized water rises due to the irradiation energy of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. In this case, the water circulating in the circulation line 59 may not be supplied to the first water tank 51 but discharged from the circulation line 59. In addition, the temperature rise of the circulating water may be suppressed by supplying new pure water from the pure water manufacturing device 50a to the first water tank 51. For example, when the sterilized water is circulated in the circulation system 59A, about 3% to 30% of the water retained in the inside of the circulation line 59 may be discharged once every hour, and new pure water may be supplied from the pure water manufacturing device 50a to the first water tank 51. In this way, water at a constant temperature can be supplied to the second water tank 52 at all times. The ratio of the discharged water can be appropriately changed according to the irradiation dose or number of the first ultraviolet lamps 67 a and the like.

[0264] Here, if Figure 2N As shown, the water sterilization line 50 is divided into a non-sterile zone Z1, a first gray zone Z2, a second gray zone Z3 and a sterile zone Z4. The non-sterile zone Z1, the first gray zone Z2, the second gray zone Z3 and the sterile zone Z4 are arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water delivery direction.

[0265] Among them, the non-sterile zone Z1 is an area under a non-sterile atmosphere, and is an area where bacteria may exist. In the example shown in the figure, the non-sterile zone Z1 is an area on the upstream side of the front-stage sterilizer 62A. In the non-sterile zone Z1, before manufacturing the product bottle 101, the first water tank 51 and the flow path on the downstream side of the first water tank 51 are sterilized. On the other hand, in the non-sterile zone Z1, after the manufacturing of the product bottle 101 starts, bacteria are brought in from the upstream side of the first water tank 51, and thus the first water tank 51 and the like may be contaminated by bacteria.

[0266] The first gray zone Z2 and the second gray zone Z3 are respectively used to isolate the non-sterile atmosphere and the sterile atmosphere. Among them, the first gray zone Z2 is a zone for sterilizing bacteria in water. The second gray zone Z3 is a zone in which the state of no bacteria in water is maintained when the product bottle 101 is manufactured. In the example shown in the figure, the first gray zone Z2 is a zone from the pre-sterilizer 62A to the outlet of the second sterilizer 64. And the second gray zone Z3 is a zone from the outlet of the second sterilizer 64 to the inlet of the first sterile filter 63. Here, the pure water manufacturing device 50a that supplies water to the water sterilization line 50 sterilizes (SIP) before sterilizing the water sterilization line 50. At this time, the sterilization is carried out under conditions that can sterilize aquatic bacteria at least. The temperature and sterilization time of the steam or hot water used in the sterilization can be at least 60°C and more than five minutes, preferably 85°C and more than thirty minutes. The temperature and sterilization time of the steam or hot water used in the sterilization can be set to the conditions of 90°C and three minutes, which are equivalent to the sterilization value of Z value = 5°C. Furthermore, the sterilization conditions may be the conditions that the temperature of the steam or hot water used in the sterilization and the sterilization time are 95°C and 0.3 minutes, i.e., high temperature and short time. On the other hand, in the sterilization values ​​under these sterilization conditions, bacterial spores generally cannot be sterilized. Therefore, bacterial spores may exist in the area just before the first sterile filter 63. Therefore, the area from the front-stage sterilizer 62A to just before the first sterile filter 63 is called the gray zone. After the sterilization of the pure water manufacturing device 50a, the second gray zone Z3 is maintained in a positive pressure state by constantly supplying water to the second gray zone Z3. Thus, in the second gray zone Z3, a state in which no aquatic bacteria exist is maintained. It should be noted that the positive pressure state of the second gray zone Z3 is managed by a pressure gauge (not shown). It should be noted that the sterilization (SIP) of the pure water manufacturing device 50a can be carried out not by steam or hot water, but by a drug that inactivates aquatic bacteria.

[0267] The sterile zone Z4 is an area under a sterile atmosphere. That is, the sterile zone Z4 is an area maintained in a sterile state. In the illustrated example, the sterile zone Z4 is an area on the downstream side of the first sterile filter 63. In the sterile zone Z4, after all bacteria including bacterial spores are sterilized by sterilizing each device with steam or hot water (SIP (F0 value is greater than 3, Z value = 10°C)), sterile air or sterile water is supplied. As a result, the sterile zone Z4 maintains a positive pressure state, and the sterile zone Z4 is maintained in a sterile state. It should be noted that when sterilizing the sterile zone Z4 (SIP), it is preferred to sterilize at least up to the boundary with the second gray zone Z3. When sterilizing the sterile zone Z4, the piping in the second gray zone Z3 can be sterilized together with the sterile zone Z4.

[0268] In the non-sterile zone Z1, the first gray zone Z2, the second gray zone Z3, and the first gray zone Z2 of the sterile zone Z4, ultraviolet rays may be irradiated to the water. In the first gray zone Z2, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays to the water by the pre-sterilizer 62A may be at least 10 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 254 nm. 2 Above, preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 In this case, the front-stage sterilizer 62A may include a low-pressure mercury lamp. In addition, in the first gray zone Z2, the total cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays to water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 may be 100 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 254 nm. 2 Thus, by setting the total cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays to water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 to 100 mJ / cm 2 In the above, aquatic bacteria can be sterilized in the first gray zone Z2. Therefore, the sterility of water in the second gray zone Z3 can be ensured. In this case, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 can each include a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0269] In the first gray zone Z2, the total cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays to water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is less than 100 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 254 nm. 2 In the case of , the water before being supplied to the first sterile filter 63 can be circulated through the circulation line 95. As a result, it is possible to prevent water that may contain aquatic bacteria from being supplied to the first sterile filter 63. Therefore, the sterility of the water in the sterile zone Z4 can be ensured. In addition, in this case, the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 can be sterilized (SIP) before supplying water to the sterile zone Z4 (first sterile filter 63).

[0270] Furthermore, it is preferred that the test results of the integrity test (first integrity test and second integrity test) before and after production described later are qualified in at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. Thus, bacteria other than aquatic bacteria can be filtered and sterilized by at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. Therefore, the sterility of the water in the sterile zone Z4 can be ensured. It should be noted that, in the case where the results of the integrity test before and after production are unqualified in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65, a sterile grade filter with a pore size of 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less can be used as the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this case, it is preferred that the results of the integrity test before and after production are qualified in the foreign matter removal filter 61. Thus, bacteria other than aquatic bacteria can be filtered and sterilized by the foreign matter removal filter 61, and the sterility of the water in the sterile zone Z4 can be ensured.

[0271] Thus, in the water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization line 50 of the present embodiment, during production, the sterility of water is ensured by ensuring that the ultraviolet irradiation amount is above a prescribed value or within a prescribed range and that the integrity test results before and after the start of production are qualified.

[0272] Next, the stock solution sterilization line 70 will be described. The stock solution sterilization line 70 is a sterilization line for heat-sterilizing the product stock solution.

[0273] like Figure 7 As shown, the stock solution sterilization line 70 has a first stock solution tank 71, a product stock solution sterilizer 80, and a second stock solution tank 72. The first stock solution tank 71, the product stock solution sterilizer 80, and the second stock solution tank 72 are sequentially arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of the product stock solution. It should be noted that in the stock solution sterilization line 70, a circulation line (third circulation line) 89 can be connected between the third-stage cooling section 86 described later and the second stock solution tank 72. Moreover, the product stock solution that has passed through the third-stage cooling section 86 can be returned to the first stock solution tank 71 via the circulation line 89.

[0274] The first liquid tank 71 is a tank for storing the product liquid supplied from a supply source (not shown). The first liquid tank 71 plays a role in smoothing the flow of the product liquid by storing the product liquid. The volume of the first liquid tank 71 can be 0.3m 3 More than 3m 3 As an example, the following can be 1m 3 .

[0275] A pump P3 for conveying the product raw liquid may be provided on the downstream side of the first raw liquid tank 71. In addition, the product raw liquid sterilizer 80 is provided on the downstream side of the pump P3.

[0276] The product liquid sterilizer 80 is a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes the product liquid stored in the first liquid tank 71. In the present embodiment, the product liquid sterilizer 80 may be a sterilizer (Ultra High-temperature, hereinafter referred to as UHT) that sterilizes the product liquid by ultra-high temperature heating treatment. The UHT80 has a first-stage heating section 81, a second-stage heating section 82, a holding tube 83, a first-stage cooling section 84, a second-stage cooling section 85, and a third-stage cooling section 86. The product liquid supplied to the UHT80 is gradually heated by the first-stage heating section 81 and the second-stage heating section 82, and is heated to the target temperature in the holding tube 83. In this case, for example, the product liquid can be heated to a temperature of 60°C to 80°C by the first-stage heating section 81, and the product liquid can be heated to a temperature of 80°C to 150°C by the second-stage heating section 82. In addition, in the holding tube 83, the temperature of the product liquid is maintained for a certain period of time. The product concentrate that has passed through the retaining tube 83 is gradually cooled by the first-stage cooling section 84, the second-stage cooling section 85, and the third-stage cooling section 86. It should be noted that the number of stages of the heating section and the cooling section may be increased or decreased as needed. In addition, the pressure loss of the product concentrate may increase between the first-stage heating section 81 and the second-stage heating section 82. Therefore, an additional pump (not shown) may be provided between the first-stage heating section 81 and the second-stage heating section 82. In addition, a homogenizer for homogenizing the product concentrate may be provided between the first-stage heating section 81 and the second-stage heating section 82 or between the first-stage cooling section 84 and the second-stage cooling section 85.

[0277] Such UHT80 can handle 3m 3 / h above 30m 3 / h or less, as an example, it can be 6m 3 / h.

[0278] Furthermore, the scale (deposits such as calcium) attached to the UHT 80 can be monitored by monitoring the temperature of the highest temperature portion (e.g., the second stage heating portion 82) in the UHT 80. Furthermore, when the UHT 80 is cleaned (CIP), the removal state of the scale can be monitored. Thus, the cleaning process for cleaning the UHT 80 can be optimized. Therefore, the cleaning time can be shortened, and the amount of water, steam, and cleaning agent used in the cleaning can be reduced. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0279] It should be noted that the UHT80 may be an injection type or a diffusion type. Furthermore, the heat exchanger such as the heat exchanger of the UHT80 used for heat exchange in the content filling system 10 may be a plate type, a shell and tube type or a scraped surface heat exchanger.

[0280] The second liquid tank 72 is a tank (so-called aseptic tank) for storing the product liquid sterilized by the product liquid sterilizer 80. The second liquid tank 72 plays a role in smoothing the flow of the product liquid by storing the sterilized product liquid. The volume of the second liquid tank 72 can be 1m 3 More than 20m 3 As an example, the following can be 2m 3 .

[0281] In addition, an auxiliary filter 73 for filtering the sterilized product liquid and a third liquid tank 74 for storing the product liquid that has passed through the auxiliary filter 73 may be provided on the downstream side of the second liquid tank 72. In this case, the third liquid tank 74 may be a so-called filling box, and in order to improve the filling accuracy of the liquid filling device 22, it may be provided above the liquid filling device 22 in the vertical direction. Even if the usage amount of the product liquid on the downstream side of the third liquid tank 74 changes, the third liquid tank 74 may function as a so-called buffer tank to ensure the smooth flow of the product liquid. The volume of the third liquid tank 74 may be 0.1m 3 1m above 3 As an example, the following may be 0.3 m 3 It should be noted that the auxiliary filter 73 may be provided at all the stock solution filling nozzles of the stock solution filling device 22 (for example, see the following description). Fig. 16C ) inside or on the front end.

[0282] In addition, an adding unit 75 for adding a solid to the product stock solution may be connected to the downstream side of the second stock solution tank 72. Thus, in the content filling system 10, the content containing the solid can be filled into the bottle 100. In this case, the solid added to the product stock solution by the adding unit 75 may be, for example, fruit pulp, coconut fruit, cassava flour, or aloe vera. Furthermore, the solid may be a sterile solid that has been sterilized in advance.

[0283] (Content filling method)

[0284] Next, use Figure 8 Using the above-mentioned content filling system 10 ( Figure 1 ) is explained below.

[0285] First, the preform supply device 1 sequentially supplies a plurality of preforms 100a to the receiving portion 34 of the preform conveying portion 31 via the preform supply conveyor 2 (preform supply process, Figure 8 At this time, after the preform 100a is sterilized by blowing hydrogen peroxide gas or mist in the preform sterilizing device 34a, the preform 100a is dried by hot air.

[0286] Next, the preform 100a is sent to the heating section 35 and heated by the heater 35a to, for example, about 90° C. to 130° C. Next, the preform 100a heated by the heating section 35 is sent to the delivery section 36. Then, the preform 100a is sent from the delivery section 36 to the blow molding section 32.

[0287] Next, the preform 100a sent to the blow molding section 32 is blow-molded using a mold (not shown), thereby blow-molding the bottle 100 (bottle molding step, Figure 8 Then, the blow-molded bottle 100 is sent to the bottle conveying unit 33.

[0288] Next, in the sterilization device 11, the bottle 100 is sterilized using a sterilizing agent, namely, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution (container sterilization step, Figure 8 In this case, the sterilizing agent may be a gas or mist obtained by vaporizing a hydrogen peroxide solution at a temperature above the boiling point. The gas or mist of the hydrogen peroxide solution adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100 to sterilize the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100.

[0289] Next, the bottle 100 is sent to the air washing device 14. In the air washing device 14, sterile heated air or room temperature air is supplied to the bottle 100 to activate the hydrogen peroxide, and foreign matter and hydrogen peroxide are removed from the bottle 100 (air washing process, Figure 8 4). It should be noted that, in the air flushing process, as needed, the condensed mist of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide can be mixed with sterile heated air or sterilized air at room temperature. In this case, the hydrogen peroxide is vaporized by the sterile air. Then, in the air flushing process, the vaporized hydrogen peroxide can be supplied to the bottle 100.

[0290] Next, the bottle 100 is sent to the filling device 20. At this time, first, in the water filling device 21 of the filling device 20, water is filled into the bottle 100 (water filling process, Figure 8 In the water filling device 21, water is filled into the bottle 100 from the mouth while the bottle 100 is rotated (revolved). Before the water is filled into the bottle 100 by the water filling device 21, the water is sterilized in the water sterilization line 50 in advance.

[0291] In the water filling device 21, the sterilized bottle 100 is filled with sterilized water at room temperature. The temperature of the water during filling is, for example, about 3°C ​​or more and 40°C or less. In addition, the filling speed of the water filling device 21 into the bottle 100 with water can be faster than the filling speed of the liquid filling device 22 into the bottle 100 with the product liquid. In the water filling device 21, the water filling speed can be 100 mL / sec or more and 500 mL / sec or less.

[0292] Next, in the raw liquid filling device 22 of the filling device 20, the bottle 100 filled with water is filled with the product raw liquid (product raw liquid filling step, Figure 8 ). In the stock solution filling device 22, the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 from its mouth while the bottle 100 is rotated (revolved). The product stock solution is heat-sterilized in the stock solution sterilization line 70 before being filled into the bottle 100 by the stock solution filling device 22. Generally speaking, the heating temperature for heating the product stock solution can be between 60°C and 120°C when the acidity of the content is less than pH 4.5, and the heating time can be between 30 seconds and 120 seconds. Moreover, when the acidity of the content is above pH 4.5, the heating temperature for heating the product stock solution can be between 115°C and 150°C. Moreover, the heating time can also be between 30 seconds and 120 seconds. Thus, among the microorganisms in the product stock solution before filling, all the microorganisms that can grow in the product bottle 101 are sterilized. The product stock solution that has been heat-sterilized is cooled to a temperature of between 3°C and 40°C.

[0293] In the stock solution filling device 22, the product stock solution that has been sterilized and cooled to room temperature is filled at room temperature into the bottle 100 filled with water. The temperature of the product stock solution during filling is, for example, about 3° C. to 40° C. In the stock solution filling device 22, the filling speed of the product stock solution can be 30 mL / sec to 200 mL / sec.

[0294] Next, the bottle 100 filled with the content is transported to the cap mounting device 16 by the transport wheel 12 .

[0295] On the other hand, the cap 88 is sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizing device 18 (cap sterilizing step, Figure 8 During this period, first, the cap 88 is sent to the cap sterilizing device 18 from the outside of the content filling system 10. Then, the cap 88 is blown with hydrogen peroxide gas or mist in the cap sterilizing device 18, and its inner and outer surfaces are sterilized, and then it is dried by hot air and sent to the cap installing device 16.

[0296] Next, in the cap mounting device 16, the sterilized cap 88 is mounted on the mouth of the bottle 100 conveyed from the filling device 20, thereby sealing the bottle 100 to obtain a product bottle 101 (cap mounting step, Figure 8 denoted by S8 in the figure).

[0297] Then, the product bottle 101 is conveyed from the cap mounting device 16 to the product bottle delivery unit 25 and delivered to the outside of the content filling system 10 (bottle discharge process, Figure 8 Then, the product bottle 101 is transported to a packaging line (not shown) for packaging.

[0298] It should be noted that the above-mentioned container sterilization process, air flushing process, water filling process, product liquid filling process, cap installation process and bottle discharge process are performed in a sterile atmosphere surrounded by the sterilant spray chamber 70d, the air flushing chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the middle area chamber 70g, the second sterile chamber 70h and the outlet chamber 70i, that is, in a sterile environment. In addition, the cap sterilization process is performed by the cap sterilization device 18. In this case, the sterilant spray chamber 70d, the air flushing chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the middle area chamber 70g, the second sterile chamber 70h, the outlet chamber 70i and the cap sterilization device 18 are sterilized in advance by spraying hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid or draining hot water.

[0299] Furthermore, after the sterilization treatment of each chamber, sterile air under positive pressure is always supplied to the sterilant spray chamber 70d, the air flushing chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate region chamber 70g, the second sterile chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i, so that the sterile air is blown out of the sterilant spray chamber 70d, the air flushing chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate region chamber 70g, the second sterile chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i. Furthermore, sterile air under positive pressure is always supplied to the cap sterilizing device 18, so that the sterile air is blown out of the cap sterilizing device 18.

[0300] In this way, when sterile air of positive pressure is supplied to each chamber 70d to 70i, the sterile air in each chamber and the sterilant used in bottle sterilization are discharged in the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c, the sterilant spray chamber 70d and the outlet chamber 70i. At this time, the pressure in each chamber can be adjusted so that the pressure in the sterilant spray chamber 70d, the air flushing chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second sterile chamber 70h and the outlet chamber 70i becomes positive pressure respectively. In this case, as described above, the pressure in the sterilant spray chamber 70d can be above -10Pa and below 10Pa. The pressure in the air flushing chamber 70e can be above 10Pa and below 30Pa. The pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f can be above 30Pa and below 60Pa. The pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g can be above 20Pa and below 50Pa. The pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h can be above 10Pa and below 40Pa. The pressure in the outlet chamber 70i may be between 10 Pa and 20 Pa.

[0301] It should be noted that the production (conveying) speed of the bottles 100 in the content filling system 10 is preferably 100 bpm or more and 1500 bpm or less. Here, bpm (bottle per minute) refers to the conveying speed of the bottles 100 per minute.

[0302] (Sterilization method of content filling system)

[0303] Next, the content filling system 10 ( Figure 1 Here, first, by Fig. 9 A sterilization method for the first aseptic chamber 70f, the intermediate region chamber 70g, and the second aseptic chamber 70h (hereinafter, simply referred to as a chamber sterilization method) will be described.

[0304] Chamber sterilization method

[0305] First, after the filling of the beverage in the content filling system 10 is completed, for example, the operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. As a result, the CIP cup (not shown) covers the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21. In this way, the aseptic state in the water filling device 21 is maintained by covering the CIP cup (not shown) at the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21. That is, the water filling device 21 is physically protected so that bacteria are not mixed into the filling device 21 from the front end of the water filling nozzle. In addition, by operating the operation button of the control unit 90, the gap formed by the partition wall separating the disinfectant spray chamber 70d, the air flushing chamber 70e, the first aseptic chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, and the second aseptic chamber 70h is closed by the baffle (not shown).

[0306] Next, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is increased. At this time, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is increased by supplying sterile air from a sterile air supply device (not shown) to the first sterile chamber 70f. In addition, at this time, the air supply amount and / or exhaust amount in each chamber are adjusted so that the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f becomes a specified pressure. At this time, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f, which is, for example, 30Pa, is increased to, for example, 40Pa. As a result, the air in the sterilant spray chamber 70d and the air in the intermediate area chamber 70g will not flow into the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0307] In this case, as described above, the pressure in the sterilant spray chamber 70d can be 0Pa to 20Pa. The pressure in the air flushing chamber 70e can be 10Pa to 40Pa. The pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f can be 40Pa to 100Pa. The pressure in the middle area chamber 70g can be 10Pa to 40Pa. The pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h can be 0Pa to 20Pa. The pressure in the outlet chamber 70i can be 0Pa to 20Pa.

[0308] Next, sterile water is supplied to the middle region chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h (rinsing step, Fig. 9 ). Thus, the contents attached to the middle area chamber 70g and the second aseptic chamber 70h are rinsed with sterile water. At this time, the sterile water may be water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. It should be noted that the contents may flow from the second aseptic chamber 70h into the first aseptic chamber 70f via the middle area chamber 70g. Therefore, the contents attached to the first aseptic chamber 70f can be rinsed by supplying sterile water to the first aseptic chamber 70f. Furthermore, if there is a cap 88 or bottle 100 that falls into the second aseptic chamber 70h, it is recovered. Furthermore, the mold of the conveying wheel 12 provided on the downstream side of the cap installation device 16 can be replaced according to the shape of the bottle 100 to be used next. In addition, the chuck (not shown) of the sealing machine head can be replaced in the cap installation device 16 according to the size of the cap 88 to be used next.

[0309] Next, while the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f is maintained in a sterile state, the second sterile chamber 70h is cleaned. At this time, first, the interior of the intermediate region chamber 70g and the interior of the second sterile chamber 70h are cleaned (COP) (COP process, Fig. 9At this time, a cleaning agent such as an alkaline agent and water are sprayed into the middle area chamber 70g and the second aseptic chamber 70h from a spray nozzle (not shown) arranged in the middle area chamber 70g and the second aseptic chamber 70h. As a result, the inner wall surface of the middle area chamber 70g and the surface of the equipment such as the filling device 20 are purified. At this time, the water may be sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

[0310] Here, when the second aseptic chamber 70h is cleaned (COP), it is preferred that at least the second bypass line 56 of the first bypass line 55 and the second bypass line 56 is cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). When the second bypass line 56 is cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP), for example, the second bypass line 56 may be connected to the water sterilization line 50 from the connection point CP1 (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2A The second bypass line 56 is supplied with a cleaning agent or a sterilizing agent. The cleaning agent and the sterilizing agent may be, for example, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, an alkaline agent, an acidic agent, sodium hypochlorite, etc. Then, sterile water may be supplied to the second bypass line 56 from the second water tank 52 in which sterile water is pre-stored, so that the second bypass line 56 is flushed with sterile water. It should be noted that, when the first bypass line 55 is cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP), for example, the first bypass line 55 may be connected to the water sterilization line 50 from the connection point CP2 (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2A etc.) to supply cleaning agent or sterilizing agent to the first bypass line 55.

[0311] Next, while the interior of the first aseptic chamber 70f is maintained in an aseptic state, the stock solution filling device 22 is cleaned (CIP) (CIP process, Fig. 9 At this time, first, the CIP cup (not shown) is covered at the stock solution filling nozzle of the stock solution filling device 22. Then, the flow path of the contents in the stock solution filling device 22 is rinsed with water, and a cleaning agent such as an alkaline agent such as caustic soda or an acidic agent such as nitric acid is added to the water is supplied to the flow path. In this way, the residue of the previous beverage and the like attached to the flow path of the contents in the stock solution filling device 22 are removed. At this time, the water may be sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

[0312] Next, while the interior of the first aseptic chamber 70f is maintained in an aseptic state, the interior of the second aseptic chamber 70h is sterilized. At this time, first, the stock solution filling device 22 is sterilized (SIP) (SIP process, Fig. 9At this time, heating steam or hot water is supplied to the flow path of the contents in the stock solution filling device 22. As a result, the flow path of the contents in the stock solution filling device 22 is sterilized. At this time, the water may be sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

[0313] Next, the interior of the intermediate region chamber 70g and the interior of the second aseptic chamber 70h are sterilized (SOP) (SOP process, Fig. 9 At this time, a sterilant such as peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide water is sprayed into the middle area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h from a spray nozzle (not shown) arranged in the middle area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h. Then, sterile water is sprayed into the middle area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h from the spray nozzle (not shown). As a result, the inner wall surface of the middle area chamber 70g and the surface of the equipment such as the filling device 20 are sterilized. At this time, sterile water can be used that has been sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. As a result, the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, before, during, or at the same time as the second sterile chamber 70h is sterilized with the sterilizer, at least the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f, the air flushing chamber 70e, and the inside of the sterilizer spray chamber 70d can be cleaned with a peracetic acid cleaning agent and rinsed with sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. Thus, stable sterility can be maintained for a long time, and the sterility level can be improved.

[0314] Furthermore, during the sterilization of the second sterile chamber 70h, each corner of the first sterile chamber 70f can be sterilized again. At this time, for example, a sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide solution can be sprayed into the first sterile chamber 70f, and then the first sterile chamber 70f can be dried by hot air, thereby sterilizing each corner of the first sterile chamber 70f again.

[0315] In this way, the content filling system 10 is sterilized.

[0316] Next, the CIP cup (not shown) covering the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 is removed. Then, the water kept sterile in the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 is discharged into the first aseptic chamber 70f. Thus, in the event that a sterilizing agent or the like is mixed into the water filling nozzle from the outside of the CIP cup, the sterilizing agent can be prevented from being filled into the bottle 100. Furthermore, as described above, in the case where the first aseptic chamber 70f is re-sterilized, even if the sterilizing agent is not completely removed from the CIP cup covering the water filling nozzle and the sterilizing agent adheres to the CIP cup, the sterilizing agent or the like can be prevented from being filled into the bottle 100. It should be noted that the amount of water discharged into the first aseptic chamber 70f is preferably an amount of one or more bottles 100 to be used in the next production. Then, after the gap closed by the baffle is opened, the next filling of the contents is started.

[0317] Next, through FIG. 10A to FIG. 10E The sterilization method of the water sterilizer 60 will be described.

[0318] Sterilization method of water sterilizer

[0319] First, after the filling of the beverage in the content filling system 10 is completed, for example, the operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. As a result, the sterilization (SIP) of the water sterilizer 60 is started. It should be noted that the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 can be performed during the production of the product bottle 101. In this case, even if the sterilization of water by the water sterilizer 60 is stopped, the production of the product bottle 101 can be performed by using the sterile water stored in the second water tank 52.

[0320] During the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60, first, the filling (production) of the contents by the contents filling system 10 is completed ( Fig. 10A of “end of production”).

[0321] Then, at least one of the sterile filters (the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65) of the water sterilizer 60 is subjected to a post-production integrity test (a first integrity test) ( Fig. 10A In other words, at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60 is subjected to a post-production integrity test. In the case where the foreign matter removal filter 61 is also a sterile filter, at least one of the three filters is subjected to a filter integrity test. The sterility of the water is ensured by the integrity test results before and after the start of production being qualified (no leakage is confirmed) and the ultraviolet irradiation amount during production being above a prescribed value or within a prescribed range.

[0322] Next, the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and / or the second sterilizer 64 (hereinafter, referred to as the first sterilizer 62, etc.)) is cleaned and / or sterilized (the sterilizer cleaning and sterilization step, Fig. 10A ). At this time, first, the first sterilizer 62 and the like are cleaned (CIP treatment). The CIP treatment is performed by flowing an acidic cleaning solution to which an acidic agent of a nitric acid system or a phosphoric acid system is added into the flow path after the alkaline cleaning solution flows into the flow path or before the alkaline cleaning solution flows into the flow path. The alkaline cleaning solution is a cleaning solution to which caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, sodium hypochlorite, an alkaline agent mixed with a surfactant and a chelating agent, etc. are added into the water. It should be noted that the alkaline cleaning process performed by the alkaline cleaning solution and the acid cleaning process performed by the acidic cleaning solution can be freely combined and implemented. Thus, the residues attached to the flow path through which the water passes are removed. In addition, the CIP treatment can be performed with warm water or hot water only without adding a cleaning agent. It should be noted that no contents will be attached to the water sterilization line 50. Furthermore, in the first sterilizer 62 of the water sterilization line 50, ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a during the production of the product bottle 101. Thus, the water sterilization line 50 is less likely to be contaminated by bacteria. Therefore, the CIP treatment of the water sterilization line 50 can be omitted.

[0323] Next, the first sterilizer 62 and the like are sterilized (SIP treatment). In the SIP process, first, steam or hot water is supplied to the water sterilizer 60 (hot water supply process, Fig.10B1 59A). In this case, for example, steam or hot water is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60. Thus, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b and the third ultraviolet lamp 67c (hereinafter, only referred to as the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc.) of the first sterilizer 62, etc. are heat-sterilized by steam or hot water, respectively. In addition, the inside of the piping of the first sterilizer 62 and the corner inside the piping of the second sterilizer 64 are heat-sterilized by steam or hot water, respectively. It should be noted that when the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 are sterilized, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 can be sterilized at the same time. In addition, the temperature, concentration and / or time of the cleaning agent used in the above-mentioned CIP treatment can be adjusted to simultaneously inactivate bacteria (SIP treatment), so that the subsequent SIP treatment (CSIP treatment) is not performed. After the CIP treatment and the SIP treatment, or the CSIP treatment, the cleaning agent is discharged from the circulation system 59A. Then, in order to completely remove the cleaning agent, the rinsing process is started. The rinsing water is supplied from the pure water tank of the pure water production device 50a. In the rinsing process, the irradiation amount or illumination of ultraviolet rays can be confirmed to be above a predetermined value by lighting the first ultraviolet lamp 67a.

[0324] Furthermore, if the first sterilizer 62 or the like has poor heat resistance, the first sterilizer 62 or the like can be sterilized by a sterilizer (agent) or a cleaning agent (agent). In this case, first, a sterilizer is supplied to the water sterilizer 60 (a sterilizer supplying step, Fig.10B2 In this case, for example, a sterilizing agent is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60. The sterilizing agent or the cleaning agent can be supplied from the sterilizing agent supply unit 96 (see Figure 2B and Figure 2C ) is supplied to the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 installed in the water sterilization line 50. At this time, it is preferred that the sterilizer or cleaning agent does not pass through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63. That is, it is preferred that the sterilizer or cleaning agent circulates in the circulation system 95A. Specifically, for example, Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown by the bold line, the sterilizing agent or cleaning agent preferably passes through the third bypass line 95a provided between the pre-sterilizer 62A and the first sterilizer 62. Figure 2B As shown by the bold line, the sterilizer or cleaning agent preferably passes through the fourth bypass line 95b provided between the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. Thus, when the water sterilization line 50 is sterilized by the sterilizer or cleaning agent, it is possible to suppress the sterilizer or cleaning agent from passing through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63. The sterilizer or cleaning agent can be supplied from the sampling points SP2 to SP4.

[0325] The bactericide may include peracetic acid. Furthermore, when the bactericide includes peracetic acid, the concentration of the bactericide may be 1000 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less. When the concentration of the bactericide is 1000 ppm or more, the bactericidal effect of the bactericide on the first sterilizer 62 and the like can be improved. Furthermore, when the concentration of the bactericide is 3000 ppm or less, the amount of peracetic acid used can be reduced, and the cost of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0326] Furthermore, the temperature of the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent supplied to the circulation system 59A may be 50° C. or higher and 150° C. or lower. By setting the temperature of the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent to 50° C. or higher, the disinfection effect and cleaning effect of the disinfectant on the first disinfector 62, etc. can be improved. Furthermore, by setting the temperature of the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent to 150° C. or lower, the first disinfector 62, etc. can be manufactured at a low cost without using special heat-resistant materials.

[0327] Next, hot water, a sterilizing agent, or a cleaning agent is circulated in a circulation system 95A including a sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and / or the second sterilizer 64) (hot water circulation step, Fig.10B1Reference numeral S202a; bactericide circulation process, Fig.10B2 202b). For example, hot water, disinfectant or cleaning agent is circulated in a circulation system 95A including a pre-stage sterilizer 62A, a first sterilizer 62 and a second sterilizer 64 provided in a water sterilization line 50. In this case, disinfectant etc. can be circulated in the circulation system 95A including the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 for at least ten seconds to sixty minutes, thereby sterilizing the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. By having a circulation time of more than ten seconds, the sterilization effect of disinfectant etc. on the first sterilizer 62 etc. can be improved. Moreover, by having a circulation time of less than sixty minutes, the sterilization time of the first sterilizer 62 etc. can be shortened. Therefore, the downtime can be shortened. It should be noted that in the disinfectant circulation process, hot water, disinfectant or cleaning agent can be circulated in the circulation system 59A instead of in the circulation system 95A.

[0328] Furthermore, the circulation of hot water, disinfectant or cleaning agent can be performed while the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. is lit. In the case where the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. is not heat-resistant, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. can be cooled to a temperature at which the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. can be lit while the hot water, disinfectant or cleaning agent is circulated. At this time, it is preferred to perform heat exchange between the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. and the disinfectant or cleaning agent through a heat exchanger 97 provided in the circulation system 95A.

[0329] Then, the disinfectant etc. is discharged from any one of the sampling points SP2 to SP5 (hot water discharge process, Fig.10B1 Reference numeral S203a; bactericide discharge process, Fig.10B2 Then, the circulation system 95A is cooled or flushed (cooling process, Fig.10B1 Reference numeral S204a; flushing process, Fig.10B2 That is, when hot water is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60 (the above hot water supply process, Fig.10B1 denoted by reference numeral S201a), the circulation system 59A is cooled (cooling process, Fig.10B1 On the other hand, when a disinfectant or the like is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water disinfector 60 (the disinfectant supplying step, Fig.10B2 denoted by S201b), the circulation system 95A is flushed (flushing process, Fig.10B2In order to prevent bacterial contamination in the sterilized piping when the sterilizer is discharged, the sterilizer can be discharged in a short time while sterile air is supplied to the piping. It should be noted that the flushing step can be performed without the sterilizer discharge step.

[0330] In the flushing process, first, in order to prevent the bactericide from adhering to the foreign matter removal filter 61, the front-stage sterilizer 62A is flushed with flushing water. At this time, the flushing water can be discharged from the first drainage pipe 95c provided on the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61. At this time, it is preferable to discharge water from the first drainage pipe 95c while maintaining a positive pressure in the pipe supplying water to the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this case, it can be confirmed that the pipe is under positive pressure during the period of discharging water from the first drainage pipe 95c. Then, the flushing water is passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61.

[0331] Next, the disinfectant remaining in the first sterilizer 62 is fully rinsed with flushing water. At this time, the flushing water can be discharged from the second drainage pipe 95d provided on the upstream side of the first sterile filter 63. At this time, it is also preferred to discharge water from the second drainage pipe 95d while maintaining a positive pressure in the pipe supplying water to the first sterile filter 63. In this case, it can be confirmed that the pipe becomes positive pressure during the period when the water is discharged from the second drainage pipe 95d. Then, the flushing water is passed through the first sterile filter 63. Thereafter, the same operation is performed sequentially toward the downstream side. Before discharging water from the first drainage pipe 95c or the second drainage pipe 95d, the first drainage pipe 95c and the like can be sterilized in advance using steam or hot water.

[0332] Next, the sterile filters (the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the first sterile filter 63, etc.)) are sterilized (filter cleaning and sterilization step, Fig. 10A At this time, first, heating steam (fluid) or hot water (fluid) is supplied to the flow path of the first sterile filter 63 and the like (fluid supply process, Fig. 10A At this time, for example, steam for sterilization is supplied from the sterile air supply port 60a to the first sterile filter 63 and the like.

[0333] Next, the temperature of the heating steam or hot water supplied to the flow path of the first sterile filter 63 and the like is measured, and the F value is calculated based on the measured temperature (F value calculation step, Fig. 10A denoted by S212).

[0334] Then, when the F value becomes equal to or greater than the target value, the sterilization of the first sterile filter 63 and the like is terminated. In this way, the first sterile filter 63 and the like are sterilized. In this way, by performing heat sterilization of the first sterile filter 63 and the like using the F value, the first sterile filter 63 and the like can be sterilized without heating the first sterile filter 63 and the like more than necessary. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, the first sterile filter 63 and the like can be sterilized without heating the first sterile filter 63 and the like more than necessary, so damage to the membrane of the first sterile filter 63 and the like can be suppressed. Therefore, the life of the first sterile filter 63 and the like can be extended, and the first sterile filter 63 and the like can be used for a long time without replacement. The calculation of the F value can be omitted, for example, the first sterile filter 63 and the like can be sterilized at 121° C. or more for 20 minutes (timer mode).

[0335] It should be noted that when sterilizing the first sterile filter 63 and the like, the area to be sterilized by steam can be divided by opening and closing the valves (not shown) provided at the sampling points SP1 to SP6. For example, the area between the sampling points SP3 and SP4 can be sterilized by supplying steam for sterilizing the first sterile filter 63 to the area. Furthermore, the area between the sampling points SP5 and SP6 can be sterilized by supplying steam for sterilizing the second sterile filter 65 to the area. It should be noted that the foreign matter removal filter 61 can be sterilized together with the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

[0336] In this way, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are subjected to SIP treatment. Then, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are cooled ( Fig. 10A denoted by S213).

[0337] Next, at least one of the sterile filters (the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65) of the water sterilizer 60 is subjected to an integrity test (a second integrity test) ( Fig. 10A That is, at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60 is subjected to a pre-production integrity test ( Fig. 10Adenoted by the reference numeral S22). In the integrity test, first, water is supplied to the housing (not shown) in the first sterile filter 63, etc. (wetting process (not shown)). The wetting process is performed in a state where the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. is lit. Thus, the water irradiated with ultraviolet rays passes through the first sterile filter. Next, the valve (not shown) near the first sterile filter 63, etc. is closed to discharge the water in the first sterile filter 63, etc., and then sterile air is supplied to the first sterile filter 63, etc. At this time, sterile air is injected into the first sterile filter 63, etc. filled with water, for example, from the sterile air supply port 60a. Then, the sterile air supplied to the first sterile filter 63, etc. is gradually pressurized, and the bubble point value of the first sterile filter 63, etc. is measured. Then, based on the results of the bubble point values ​​obtained by measuring multiple times (for example, three times), it is confirmed whether the first sterile filter 63, etc. is intact (whether the sterile air leaks at a specified pressure).

[0338] Here, for example, during the period of the integrity test of the first sterile filter 63, water cannot be supplied to the first sterile filter 63. On the other hand, when water is continuously retained in the main body 66 (see Figures 3 to 6B ), the temperature of the water in the main body 66 rises due to the heat of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like. In particular, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like is a medium-pressure mercury lamp, the operating temperature of the medium-pressure mercury lamp is high (approximately 600° C. to 900° C.), so the temperature of the water in the main body 66 can be easily raised. Therefore, for example, during the integrity test of the first sterile filter 63, for example, Figure 2C As shown by the bold line, it is preferable to circulate the water irradiated with ultraviolet rays by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. in the circulation system 95A. Thereby, the overheating of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. can be suppressed, and the damage of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. can be suppressed.

[0339] Then, the filling (production) of the contents by the content filling system 10 is restarted. It should be noted that the water used in the integrity test can be water sterilized in the first sterilizer 62. Also, the air used in the integrity test can be sterile air.

[0340] It should be noted that if Fig. 10C As shown, the sterilizer can clean and sterilize the process ( Fig. 10A S20) and filter cleaning and sterilization process ( Fig. 10A The order of S21 is the opposite. And, Fig. 10DAs shown, the cleaning and sterilization process of the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 can be performed in parallel during the SIP of the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 (for example, during the cooling of the first sterile filter 63, etc.). In this case, the piping or valve located on the upstream side or downstream side of the first sterile filter 63, etc. comes into contact with the sterilant. Therefore, the cooling time can be shortened. Specifically, the sterilant can be supplied to the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 from the moment when the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 are cooled to less than 110°C, respectively. As a result, the sterilizer cleaning and sterilization process can be completed during the cooling of the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65.

[0341] Furthermore, in the first sterilizer 62, etc., ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. during the production of the product bottle 101. As a result, the first sterilizer 62, etc. is less likely to be contaminated by bacteria. Therefore, when the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized, the first sterilizer 62, etc. may not be sterilized.

[0342] It should be noted that, as other implementations, Fig.10E As shown, the sterilization process of the sterile filters (the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65) of the water sterilizer 60 can be performed during the process of cleaning the sterilizers (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) or the process of sterilizing the sterilizers (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64). That is, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60, and the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 can be cleaned and sterilized at the same time.

[0343] In this case, if Fig.10E As shown, first, the filling (production) is completed. Then, at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 is subjected to a post-production integrity test (first integrity test) ( Fig.10E denoted by reference numeral S30).

[0344] Next, the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 are cleaned (CIP) ( Fig.10E At this time, the cleaning agent and the bactericidal agent are supplied from the front (upstream) of the foreign matter removal filter 61, and the cleaning agent and the bactericidal agent are circulated in the circulation system 59A for a predetermined time using the circulation line 59.

[0345] After the CIP treatment, the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 can be sterilized (SIP) ( Fig.10E Alternatively, instead of the CIP process and the SIP process, the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 may be cleaned and sterilized at the same time (CSIP process) ( Fig.10E denoted by S33 in the figure).

[0346] As cleaning agents and bactericides used in CIP treatment, SIP treatment, or CSIP treatment, acidic agents such as peracetic acid, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, pernitric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, alkaline agents such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, chlorine-based agents such as sodium hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide, alcohols such as ethanol and isopropanol, or ozone water, acidic water, surfactants can be used alone, or two or more of them can be used in combination. The temperature of the cleaning agent and bactericide can be increased by a heater not shown. CIP treatment, SIP treatment, or CSIP treatment can be carried out under specified conditions (temperature, concentration, time) based on the values ​​of the thermometer T and the concentration meter 59c set in the water sterilizer 60 and the circulation line 59.

[0347] The discharge of the cleaning agent and the disinfectant from the circulation system 59A can be performed by supplying pure water from the pure water tank 50c to the circulation system 59A and conveying the pure water by the pump P1, thereby replacing the disinfectant with pure water. In addition, water can be supplied to the circulation system 59A from another device (not shown) to discharge the disinfectant. The discharge of the disinfectant can be performed while monitoring the value of the concentration meter 59c set on the downstream side of the circulation line 59. In this case, for example, it is preferable to flush the circulation system 59A with flushing water until the value of the concentration meter 59c becomes the same as the value of the concentration meter (not shown) set in the pure water manufacturing device 50a. In addition, in the flushing process, the flushing time can be managed by timing. In addition, the flushing process can be set to end when a specified time has passed. In the CIP process and the SIP process, or the CSIP process, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. may be lit or not. In addition, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. may be lit only in the flushing process. After the CIP process and the SIP process, or the CSIP process, at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 is subjected to a pre-production integrity test (second integrity test) ( Fig.10E That is, one or both of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are subjected to a pre-production integrity test.

[0348] Next, if the integrity test before production starts passes (if no leakage is confirmed), the production preparation process begins ( Fig.10E In the production preparation process, pure water is circulated in the circulation system 59A, and it is confirmed that the illuminance of ultraviolet rays irradiated from the first ultraviolet lamp 67a is greater than a predetermined value. In this case, in each sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 or the second sterilizer 64), the total irradiation amount of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., can be, for example, 10 mJ / cm 2 Above, preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 above.

[0349] Then, production begins.

[0350] It should be noted that the contents will not adhere to the water sterilizer 60. In addition, in the first sterilizer 62, etc., when the product bottle 101 is produced, ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. Therefore, the possibility of the first sterilizer 62, etc. being contaminated by bacteria is small. Therefore, when the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized, the first sterilizer 62, etc. may not be sterilized.

[0351] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the content filling system 10 includes: a water sterilization line 50 that performs non-heat sterilization on water; a stock solution sterilization line 70 that performs heat sterilization on the product stock solution; and a filling device 20 that is connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70, respectively, and fills the bottle 100 with water and the product stock solution. As a result, compared with the case where the product stock solution is diluted by using sterile water prepared by a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged when preparing the content can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0352] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the content filling system 10 further includes a control unit 90 for controlling the water sterilization line 50. Furthermore, when the irradiation amount or illumination of ultraviolet rays becomes below a predetermined value, the control unit 90 discharges water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50. Thus, the sterility of the second water tank 52 and the like can be maintained.

[0353] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the filling device 20 has a water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and a stock solution filling device 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization line 70. Furthermore, the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with sterilized water, and the stock solution filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 with sterilized product stock solution. Thus, the area to which pollutants caused by the contents adhere can be reduced. Therefore, the area for cleaning and sterilization can be reduced. As a result, the amount of steam used can be reduced. Furthermore, the cleaning time and the sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0354] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the water filling device 21 fills the empty bottle 100 with water. Furthermore, the filling speed of the water filling device 21 filling the bottle 100 with water is faster than the filling speed of the raw liquid filling device 22 filling the bottle 100 with the product raw liquid. Thus, the number of water filling nozzles of the water filling device 21 can be reduced without causing contaminants to adhere to the vicinity of the bottle 100. Therefore, the size of the water filling device 21 can be reduced without causing contaminants to adhere to the vicinity of the bottle 100.

[0355] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the water sterilization line 50 comprises: a first water tank 51 for storing water; a water sterilizer 60 for performing non-heating sterilization on the water stored in the first water tank 51; and a second water tank 52 for storing water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. Furthermore, the stock solution sterilization line 70 comprises: a first stock solution tank 71 for storing product stock solution; a product stock solution sterilizer 80 for performing heat sterilization on the product stock solution stored in the first stock solution tank 71; and a second stock solution tank 72 for storing the product stock solution sterilized by the product stock solution sterilizer 80. Thus, the flow of water and product stock solution can be smoothed.

[0356] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, a first bypass line 55 is provided on the downstream side of the second water tank 52 to connect the water sterilization line 50 and the cap sterilization device 18. Thus, water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 can be used for cleaning the cap 88. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be further reduced.

[0357] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, an adding unit 75 for adding solid matter to the product stock solution is connected to the downstream side of the second stock solution tank 72. Thus, in the content filling system 10, the bottle 100 can be filled with the content to which the solid matter has been added.

[0358] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the content filling system 10 further includes: a preform sterilizing device 34a, which sterilizes the preform 100a; a blow molding unit (container molding device) 32, which molds the bottle 100 from the preform 100a; and a sterilizing device (container sterilizing device) 11, which sterilizes the bottle 100. Moreover, the blow molding unit (container molding device) 32 molds the bottle 100 without adjusting the temperature of the bottle 100 by the warm water of the mold temperature controller. As a result, the bacteria attached to the bottle 100 can be reduced, and the emission of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, warm water does not need to be supplied to the mold of the blow molding unit 32, so the blow molding unit 32 can be simplified.

[0359] (Variation of the content filling system)

[0360] Next, a modification of the content filling system will be described.

[0361] (First Modification)

[0362] In the above embodiment, an example of non-heat sterilization of water by the water sterilization line 50 (water sterilizer 60) is described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the water sterilization line 50 (water sterilizer 60) can sterilize water by heating the water to a predetermined temperature. If the pure water manufacturing device 50a is properly managed, the number of bacteria in the pure water manufactured by the pure water manufacturing device 50a is generally less than that of the product stock solution. Therefore, when the pH of the content after filling or installing the cap 88 on the bottle 100 is less than 4.5, the water sterilization line 50 (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) can sterilize the water so that the F0 value becomes greater than 0.00029 and less than 3.1. In addition, when the pH of the content is greater than 4.5, the water sterilization line 50 (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) can sterilize the water so that the F0 value becomes greater than 3.1 and less than 100. In the case of switching and filling the contents with different pH values, in order to reduce the number of times of cleaning and / or sterilization of the water sterilization line 50, the water sterilization line 50 (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) can sterilize the water uniformly so that the F0 value is greater than or equal to 3.1 and less than or equal to 100. Here, the F0 value is the F value calculated when the reference temperature Tr is 121.1°C and the Z value is 10°C in the following mathematical formula described above.

[0363] [Formula 4]

[0364]

[0365] (Wherein, T represents an arbitrary sterilization temperature (°C), 10^{(T-Tr) / Z} represents the lethality at an arbitrary sterilization temperature T, Tr represents the reference temperature (°C), and Z represents the Z value (°C))

[0366] According to this variation, compared with the case where a sterilizer is used to sterilize water and the product stock solution by heating the water and the product stock solution to a high temperature at the same sterilization intensity as the product stock solution (usually, the F0 value is about 30 or more and 80 or less), the emission of carbon dioxide discharged when the water is sterilized can be reduced. Therefore, the emission of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, when the water sterilization line 50 (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) changes the sterilization conditions based on the pH of the content, the emission of carbon dioxide discharged when the water is sterilized can be further reduced, and the emission of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be further reduced.

[0367] (Second Modification)

[0368] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with sterilized water, and the raw liquid filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 filled with water with the sterilized raw liquid of the product, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the raw liquid filling device 22 may fill the bottle 100 with the sterilized raw liquid of the product, and the water filling device 21 may fill the bottle 100 filled with the raw liquid of the product with sterilized water.

[0369] In this case, if Fig.11 As shown, the liquid filling device 22 may be disposed upstream of the water filling device 21 in the conveying direction of the bottle 100. Furthermore, the liquid filling device 22 may be housed in the first aseptic chamber 70f, and the water filling device 21 may be housed in the second aseptic chamber 70h.

[0370] (Third Modification)

[0371] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example in which the product stock solution is diluted with water is described, but it is not limited to this. For example, water or product stock solution can be filled into the bottle 100 using only one of the water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22. Specifically, water can be filled into the bottle 100 only by using only the water filling device 21. That is, in the content filling system 10, mineral water can be manufactured by using only the water filling device 21. Alternatively, only the product stock solution can be filled into the bottle 100 by using only the stock solution filling device 22. That is, in the content filling system 10, the so-called conc product (concentrated product) can be manufactured by using only the stock solution filling device 22. It should be noted that, in the case where only the product stock solution that does not need to be sterilized is filled into the bottle 100, the bottle 100 can be supplied to the conveying wheel 12 housed inside the middle area chamber 70g.

[0372] According to this modification, water or product concentrate is filled into the bottle 100 using only one of the water filling device 21 and the concentrate filling device 22. Thus, mineral water and so-called conc products can be manufactured in the content filling system 10. Therefore, the types of product bottles 101 produced in the content filling system 10 can be increased.

[0373] (Fourth Modification)

[0374] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is described in which the filling device 20 includes the water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution filling device 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization line 70. In this case, the filling device 20 may include a plurality of stock solution filling devices 22. Furthermore, for example, Fig. 12AAs shown, the content filling system 10 may include a plurality of (for example, two) stock solution sterilization lines 70 . Furthermore, the filling device 20 may include a plurality of (for example, two) stock solution filling devices 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization lines 70 , respectively.

[0375] In this case, the filling device 20 may include: a first stock solution filling device 22a, which is filled with a product stock solution that does not contain fragrances; and a second stock solution filling device 22b, which is filled with a product stock solution that contains fragrances. In other words, one of the two stock solution filling devices 22 may be a filling device (first stock solution filling device 22a) for filling a product stock solution that does not contain fragrances, such as tea beverages. Moreover, the other stock solution filling device 22 may be a filling device (second stock solution filling device 22b) for filling a product stock solution that contains fragrances, such as fruit beverages, milk beverages, or sports drinks. It should be noted that the second stock solution filling device 22b may be a filling device for filling solid objects.

[0376] In this way, the filling device 20 has a first stock solution filling device 22a and a second stock solution filling device 22b, so that when a content that does not contain fragrances, such as a tea beverage, is filled into the bottle 100, the aroma of the previous content can be suppressed from adhering to the content. In addition, when one stock solution filling device 22 is set as a filling device (first stock solution filling device 22a) for filling a product stock solution that does not contain fragrances, the fragrance will not adhere to the flow path of the product stock solution in the first stock solution filling device 22a. For example, the fragrance will not adhere to sealing components such as seals provided at the connection parts of each piping and each device. Therefore, when switching the type of content, the area for cleaning (CIP) can be reduced. As a result, the cleaning time can be shortened. Therefore, the emission of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0377] In the example shown in the figure, the first raw liquid filling device 22a, the second raw liquid filling device 22b and the cap mounting device 16 are accommodated in the second aseptic chamber 70h. Fig. 12B As shown, a chamber wall 710 is provided inside the second aseptic chamber 70h. The chamber wall 710 separates a first space (space) 701 for accommodating the first stock solution filling device 22a, a second space 702 for accommodating the second stock solution filling device 22b, and a third space 703 for accommodating the cap mounting device 16. In other words, the first stock solution filling device 22a is accommodated in the first space 701 divided by the chamber wall 710. Furthermore, the second stock solution filling device 22b is accommodated in the second space 702 divided by the chamber wall 710, and the cap mounting device 16 is accommodated in the third space 703 divided by the chamber wall 710.

[0378] The chamber wall 710 prevents the sterilant in each space from flowing into an unexpected space and stabilizes the pressure in each space. The chamber wall 710 is formed with gaps G1 to G6 (see below) through which the bottle 100 can pass. Fig. 12C The gaps G1 to G6 are formed to be the minimum size, for example, the size of one bottle 100, so that the pressure in each space does not change. In addition, the chamber wall 710 may be provided with baffles sh1 to sh6 (see below) for opening and closing the gaps G1 to G6. Fig. 12C The shutters sh1 to sh6 can be automatically opened and closed according to a signal from the control unit 90, for example.

[0379] In addition, by providing the chamber wall 710 inside the second aseptic chamber 70h, for example, during the operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a, the second space 702 can be cleaned (COP) and sterilized (SOP), and the second stock solution filling device 22b can be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). As a result, the downtime can be greatly shortened, and the productivity of the product bottle 101 can be improved. Here, for example, during the operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a, when the second stock solution filling device 22b is cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP), the baffle sh1 provided on the chamber wall 710 can be closed. As a result, the sterilant and the like can be prevented from invading the space (non-sterile space) containing the second stock solution filling device 22b into the space (sterile space) containing the first stock solution filling device 22a.

[0380] It should be noted that, among the conveying wheels 12 stored in the second sterile chamber 70h, the first conveying wheel (first wheel) 12a that delivers the bottle 100 to the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second conveying wheel 12b that receives the bottle 100 from the first stock solution filling device 22a are respectively arranged outside the first space 701. Moreover, among the conveying wheels 12 stored in the second sterile chamber 70h, the third conveying wheel 12c that delivers the bottle 100 to the second stock solution filling device 22b and the fourth conveying wheel 12d that receives the bottle 100 from the second stock solution filling device 22b are respectively arranged outside the second space 702.

[0381] Here, if Fig. 12C As shown, the first conveying wheel 12a includes a clamp (first clamp) 121 for conveying the bottle 100. The clamp 121 is provided to be openable and closable.

[0382] Similarly, the second to fourth conveying wheels 12b to 12d respectively include grippers 122, 123, and 124 for conveying the bottle 100. The grippers 122, 123, and 124 are respectively provided to be freely openable and closable.

[0383] Furthermore, the first stock solution filling device 22a includes a wheel 221 (second wheel) disposed inside the first space 701. The wheel 221 includes a clamp (second clamp) 222 for conveying the bottle 100. The clamp 222 is provided to be openable and closable.

[0384] Similarly, the second stock solution filling device 22b includes a wheel 223, and the wheel 223 is arranged inside the second space 702. The wheel 223 includes a clamp 224 for conveying the bottle 100. The clamp 224 is provided to be openable and closable.

[0385] Next, use Fig. 12C The following describes a case where the second space 702 (and / or the second raw liquid filling device 22b) is cleaned and sterilized during the operation of the first raw liquid filling device 22a housed in the first space 701. That is, the following describes a case where the product raw liquid is filled into the bottle 100 by the first raw liquid filling device 22a and the second space 702 and / or the second raw liquid filling device 22b (hereinafter, also referred to as the second space 702, etc.) are cleaned and sterilized.

[0386] First, after the filling of the product concentrate in the second concentrate filling device 22b is completed, for example, the operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. Thereby, for example, the gaps G1 and G4 among the gaps G1 to G6 formed in the chamber wall 710 are closed by the shutters sh1 and sh4, respectively.

[0387] Next, the bottle 100 is transported from the first conveying wheel 12a to the first stock solution filling device 22a. At this time, the clamp 123 of the third conveying wheel 12c is in the open position so as not to interfere with the clamp 121 of the first conveying wheel 12a. In this embodiment, the clamp 123 is in the open position by rotating a pair of claws of the clamp 123 from the closed position to the horizontal direction by 90 degrees respectively. It should be noted that the rotation angle of one claw can be greater than 60 degrees and less than 130 degrees.

[0388] In this open position, the clamp 123 does not interfere with the shutter sh1 closing the gap G1. Thus, when cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702, etc., the interior of the first space 701 can be maintained in an aseptic state and the bottle 100 can be conveyed to the first raw liquid filling device 22a.

[0389] Then, when the product raw liquid is filled into the bottle 100 by the first raw liquid filling device 22a, the clamp (second clamp) 222 of the wheel 221 of the first raw liquid filling device 22a receives the bottle 100 from the clamp (first clamp) 121 of the first conveying wheel 12a. That is, the bottle 100 is transferred from the first conveying wheel (first wheel) 12a arranged outside the first space 701 to the wheel 221 (second wheel) arranged inside the first space 701.

[0390] Next, in the first raw liquid filling device 22a, the product raw liquid is filled into the bottle 100. At this time, the bottle 100 conveyed by the jig 222 is filled with the product raw liquid.

[0391] Next, the bottle 100 filled with the content is transported to the cap mounting device 16 by the second conveying wheel 12b. At this time, the clamp 124 of the fourth conveying wheel 12d is in the open position so as not to interfere with the clamp 122 of the second conveying wheel 12b. In this embodiment, the clamp 124 is in the open position by rotating a pair of claws of the clamp 124 from the closed position to the horizontal direction by 90 degrees respectively. It should be noted that the rotation angle of one claw can be greater than 60 degrees and less than 130 degrees.

[0392] In this open position, the clamp 124 does not interfere with the shutter sh4 closing the gap G4. Thus, when cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702, etc., the first space 701 and the third space 703 can be kept aseptic and the bottle 100 can be conveyed to the cap mounting device 16.

[0393] In this way, the product bottle 101 filled with the product raw liquid by the first raw liquid filling device 22a is obtained. During this period, the second space 702 and the like are cleaned and sterilized.

[0394] Thus, during the operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a housed in the first space 701, when cleaning the second space 702, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably 10Pa to 40Pa, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably -10Pa to 10Pa, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably 5Pa to 30Pa. Thus, it is possible to effectively prevent the air in the second space 702 and the air in the third space 703 from entering the first space 701, and to better maintain the sterile state in the first space 701.

[0395] Alternatively, when the second space 702 is sterilized during operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a housed in the first space 701, the pressure in the second space 702 may be higher than the pressure in the second space 702 when the second space 702 is cleaned during operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a housed in the first space 701. When sterilizing the second space 702, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably 10Pa to 40Pa, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably 0Pa to 20Pa, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably 5Pa to 30Pa. Thus, it is possible to effectively prevent the air in the second space 702 and the air in the third space 703 from entering the first space 701, and to maintain the aseptic state in the first space 701 well.

[0396] Next, the case where the product stock solution is not filled into the bottle 100 by the first stock solution filling device 22a will be described. Fig.12D The following describes a case where the first space 701 and / or the first stock solution filling device 22a (hereinafter, also referred to as the first space 701, etc.) are cleaned and sterilized during the operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b housed in the second space 702. That is, the following describes a case where the first space 701, etc. is cleaned and sterilized while the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 by the second stock solution filling device 22b.

[0397] First, after the first raw liquid filling device 22a is filled with the product raw liquid, for example, the operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. As a result, for example, the gaps G5 and G6 of the gaps G1 to G6 formed in the chamber wall 710 are closed by the shutters sh5 and sh6, respectively.

[0398] Next, the bottle 100 is transported from the first conveying wheel 12a to the second stock solution filling device 22b. At this time, the clamp (second clamp) 222 of the wheel 221 (second wheel) of the first stock solution filling device 22a is in an open position so as not to interfere with the clamp (first clamp) 121 of the first conveying wheel 12a. In this embodiment, the clamp 222 is in an open position by rotating a pair of claws of the clamp 222 from the closed position to the horizontal direction by 90 degrees respectively. It should be noted that the rotation angle of one claw can be greater than 60 degrees and less than 130 degrees.

[0399] In this open position, the clamp 222 does not interfere with the baffle sh6 closing the gap G6. Thus, when the first space 701 and the like are cleaned and sterilized, the interior of the second space 702 can be maintained in a sterile state and the bottle 100 can be conveyed to the second stock solution filling device 22b.

[0400] Then, when the bottle 100 is filled with the product raw liquid by the second raw liquid filling device 22 b , the gripper 123 of the third conveying wheel 12 c receives the bottle 100 from the gripper 121 of the first conveying wheel 12 a .

[0401] When the second liquid filling device 22b is used to fill the bottle 100 with the product liquid, the clamp 224 of the wheel 223 of the second liquid filling device 22b receives the bottle 100 from the clamp 123 of the third conveying wheel 12c. In other words, the bottle 100 is transferred from the third conveying wheel 12c disposed outside the second space 702 to the wheel 223 disposed inside the second space 702.

[0402] Next, in the second raw liquid filling device 22b, the product raw liquid is filled into the bottle 100. At this time, the bottle 100 conveyed by the gripper 224 is filled with the product raw liquid.

[0403] Next, the bottle 100 filled with the content is conveyed to the second conveying wheel 12b by the fourth conveying wheel 12d.

[0404] Then, the bottle 100 is conveyed to the cap installation device 16 by the second conveying wheel 12b. At this time, the clamp 222 of the wheel 221 of the first raw liquid filling device 22a is in an open position so as not to interfere with the clamp 122 of the second conveying wheel 12b. In addition, in this open position, the clamp 222 does not interfere with the baffle sh5 that closes the gap G5. Thus, when the first space 701 and the like are cleaned and sterilized, the bottle 100 can be conveyed to the cap installation device 16 while maintaining the interior of the second space 702 and the third space 703 in a sterile state.

[0405] In this way, the product bottle 101 filled with the product raw liquid by the second raw liquid filling device 22b is obtained. During this period, the first space 701 and the like are cleaned and sterilized.

[0406] When the first space 701 is cleaned during operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b housed in the second space 702, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably between -10Pa and 10Pa, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably between 10Pa and 40Pa, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably between 5Pa and 30Pa. Thus, it is possible to effectively prevent the air in the first space 701 and the air in the third space 703 from entering the second space 702, and to better maintain the aseptic state in the second space 702.

[0407] When the first space 701 is sterilized during operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b housed in the second space 702, the pressure in the first space 701 may be higher than the pressure in the first space 701 when the first space 701 is cleaned during operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b housed in the second space 702. When the first space 701 is sterilized, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably 0Pa to 20Pa, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably 10Pa to 40Pa, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably 5Pa to 30Pa. Thus, it is possible to effectively prevent the air in the first space 701 and the air in the third space 703 from entering the second space 702, and to maintain the aseptic state in the second space 702 well.

[0408] In summary, the pressure in each space can be set as shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

[0409] [Table 3]

[0410]

[0411] [Table 4]

[0412]

[0413] According to this modification, the filling device 20 has a plurality of stock solution filling devices 22. Thus, for example, while the first stock solution filling device 22a is in operation, the second stock solution filling device 22b can be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). Thus, downtime can be greatly reduced and the productivity of the product bottles 101 can be improved.

[0414] Furthermore, according to this modification, the content filling system 10 includes a plurality of stock solution sterilization lines 70. Furthermore, the plurality of stock solution filling devices 22 are respectively connected to the stock solution sterilization lines 70. Thus, the types of product bottles 101 produced in the content filling system 10 can be increased.

[0415] Furthermore, according to this modification, the filling device 20 includes: a first stock solution filling device 22a, which is filled with a product stock solution that does not contain fragrance; and a second stock solution filling device 22b, which is filled with a product stock solution that contains fragrance. Thus, when the content that does not contain fragrance is filled into the bottle 100, the fragrance of the previous content can be suppressed from adhering. Furthermore, since the first stock solution filling device 22a is filled with a product stock solution that does not contain fragrance, fragrance will not adhere to the flow path of the product stock solution in the first stock solution filling device 22a. Therefore, when the type of content is switched, the area for cleaning (CIP) can be reduced. Thus, the cleaning time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, at this time, by connecting the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b to different stock solution sterilization lines 70, for example, in the stock solution sterilization line 70 connected with the first stock solution filling device 22a, cleaning for removing fragrance (so-called deodorization CIP) can be omitted. Here, deodorization CIP requires time and energy compared to normal CIP. Therefore, when deodorization CIP is not performed, the downtime can be shortened compared to when deodorization CIP is performed, and energy saving can be achieved.

[0416] Furthermore, according to this modified example, when the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 by the first stock solution filling device 22a, the clamp (second clamp) 222 of the wheel 221 of the first stock solution filling device 22a receives the bottle 100 from the clamp (first clamp) 121 of the first conveying wheel 12a. Furthermore, when the product stock solution is not filled into the bottle 100 by the first stock solution filling device 22a, the clamp (second clamp) 222 of the wheel 221 (second wheel) of the first stock solution filling device 22a is in an open position so as not to interfere with the clamp (first clamp) 121 of the first conveying wheel 12a. Thus, when the second space 702 and the like are cleaned and sterilized, the bottle 100 can be conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a.

[0417] In addition, according to this modification, when the product stock solution is not filled into the bottle 100 by the first stock solution filling device 22a, the gaps G5 and G6 are closed by the baffles sh5 and sh6. Moreover, the clamp (second clamp) 222 of the wheel 221 of the first stock solution filling device 22a is in an open position so as not to interfere with the baffles sh5 and sh6 that close the gaps G5 and G6. As a result, when the second space 702 and the like are cleaned and sterilized, the bottle 100 can be conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a while maintaining the interior of the second space 702 and the third space 703 in a sterile state.

[0418] It should be noted that the example in which the pair of claws of the clamp 222 or the like is rotated from the closed position to the horizontal direction so that the clamp 222 or the like is in the open position is described, but the invention is not limited thereto. The clamp 222 or the like can be in the open position by any structure. For example, the clamp 222 or the like can be in the open position by bending the pair of claws upward or downward. Furthermore, the clamp 222 or the like can be opened and closed freely by making the pair of claws structure retractable.

[0419] (Other Examples of the Fourth Modification)

[0420] Next, other examples of the fourth modification will be described.

[0421] <First example>

[0422] exist Fig.12E In the first example shown, the content filling system further includes a fifth sterile chamber 70j, a sixth sterile chamber 70k, and a seventh sterile chamber 70m. The fifth sterile chamber 70j is disposed on the upstream side of the first sterile chamber 70f. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is disposed on the downstream side of the second sterile chamber 70h. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is disposed on the downstream side of the sixth sterile chamber 70k. That is, in the example shown in the figure, the fifth sterile chamber 70j, the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the seventh sterile chamber 70m, and the outlet chamber 70i are arranged along the bottle 100 (refer to Fig. 12A Furthermore, the fifth aseptic chamber 70j, the first aseptic chamber 70f, the second aseptic chamber 70h, the sixth aseptic chamber 70k and the seventh aseptic chamber 70m are arranged in a row on the outer periphery of the circular conveying body 110 that performs rotational conveying on the bottle 100.

[0423] The fifth sterile chamber 70j may contain a conveying wheel 12 for conveying the air-flushed bottle 100. The sixth sterile chamber 70k may contain a second stock solution filling device 22b. The seventh sterile chamber 70m may contain a cap mounting device 16. Fig.12EIn the example shown, the second stock solution filling device 22b and the cap mounting device 16 are housed in a sterile chamber (sixth sterile chamber 70k or seventh sterile chamber 70m) different from the second sterile chamber 70h housing the first stock solution filling device 22a.

[0424] exist Fig.12E In the embodiment, the bottle 100 sterilized in advance on the upstream side is transported to the first aseptic chamber 70f via the transport wheel 12 and the circular transport body 110 arranged in the fifth aseptic chamber 70j. Then, the bottle 100 is transported to the water filling device 21 via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the first aseptic chamber 70f.

[0425] Next, in the water filling device 21, the water sterilized in the water sterilizing line 50 is filled into the empty bottles 100. In the water filling device 21, the plurality of bottles 100 are rotary-conveyed and the insides of the bottles 100 are filled with water.

[0426] Next, the bottles 100 in the first aseptic chamber 70f are transported to the first raw liquid filling device 22a via the transport wheel 12 disposed in the first aseptic chamber 70f, the circular transport body 110, and the transport wheel 12 disposed in the second aseptic chamber 70h.

[0427] Next, in the first liquid filling device 22a, the product liquid sterilized by the liquid sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100 previously filled with water by the water filling device 21. In the first liquid filling device 22a, a plurality of bottles 100 are rotated and conveyed, and the product liquid is filled into the bottle 100.

[0428] Then, the bottle 100 in the second aseptic chamber 70h is transported to the second raw liquid filling device 22b via the transport wheel 12 disposed in the second aseptic chamber 70h, the circular transport body 110, and the transport wheel 12 disposed in the sixth aseptic chamber 70k.

[0429] Next, in the second stock solution filling device 22b, the other product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100 pre-filled with water and product stock solution. In the second stock solution filling device 22b, a plurality of bottles 100 are rotated and conveyed, and other product stock solutions are filled into the bottles 100.

[0430] Then, the bottles 100 in the sixth aseptic chamber 70 k are conveyed to the cap mounting device 16 via the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the sixth aseptic chamber 70 k , the circular conveying body 110 , and the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the seventh aseptic chamber 70 m .

[0431] Next, in the cap installation device 16, the bottle 100 filled with water and product concentrate is capped 88 (see Fig. 12AIn this way, the bottle 100 is sealed so that the outside air and / or microorganisms cannot enter the bottle 100. In the cap installation device 16, a plurality of bottles 100 filled with water and product liquid are rotated and transported, and the caps 88 are installed on the mouths of the bottles 100. In this way, the product bottle 101 (see Fig. 12A wait).

[0432] <Second example>

[0433] Next, through Fig.12F The second example is explained below. Fig.12F In the second example shown, the content filling system further includes a sixth sterile chamber 70k, a seventh sterile chamber 70m, and an eighth sterile chamber 70n. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is disposed on the downstream side of the first sterile chamber 70f. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is disposed on the downstream side of the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The eighth sterile chamber 70n is disposed between the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k. Here, Fig.12F , the second aseptic chamber 70h and the sixth aseptic chamber 70k are arranged along the bottle 100 (refer to Fig. 12A That is, in the example shown in the figure, the first aseptic chamber 70f, the second aseptic chamber 70h or the sixth aseptic chamber 70k, the seventh aseptic chamber 70m and the outlet chamber 70i are arranged along the bottle 100 (refer to Fig. 12A The conveying direction of the plurality of containers is from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0434] The sixth sterile chamber 70k contains the second stock solution filling device 22b. The seventh sterile chamber 70m contains the cap mounting device 16. The eighth sterile chamber 70n contains the conveying wheel 12 for conveying the bottle 100 filled with water by the water filling device 21.

[0435] exist Fig.12F In the process, the bottle 100 sterilized in advance on the upstream side is transported to the water filling device 21 via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the first aseptic chamber 70f.

[0436] Next, in the water filling device 21, the water sterilized in the water sterilization line 50 is filled into the empty bottle 100. In the water filling device 21, a plurality of bottles 100 are rotationally conveyed, and the inside of the bottle 100 is filled with water.

[0437] Next, the bottles 100 in the first aseptic chamber 70f are transported to the first raw liquid filling device 22a via, for example, the transport wheels 12 arranged in the first aseptic chamber 70f, the transport wheels 12 arranged in the eighth aseptic chamber 70n, and the transport wheels 12 arranged in the second aseptic chamber 70h.

[0438] Next, the first liquid filling device 22a fills the product liquid sterilized by the liquid sterilization line 70 into the bottle 100 previously filled with water by the water filling device 21. In the first liquid filling device 22a, the plurality of bottles 100 are rotated and conveyed, and the product liquid is filled into the bottle 100.

[0439] Then, the bottles 100 in the second aseptic chamber 70h are conveyed to the cap mounting device 16 via the conveying wheels 12 arranged in the second aseptic chamber 70h, the conveying wheels 12 arranged in the eighth aseptic chamber 70n, and the conveying wheels 12 arranged in the seventh aseptic chamber 70m.

[0440] Next, in the cap installation device 16, the bottle 100 filled with water and product concentrate is capped 88 (see Fig. 12A In this way, the product bottle 101 (refer to Fig. 12A wait).

[0441] Here, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f may be transported to the second raw liquid filling device 22b instead of the first raw liquid filling device 22a. For example, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f may be transported to the second raw liquid filling device 22b via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f, the transport wheel 12 arranged in the eighth sterile chamber 70n, and the transport wheel 12 arranged in the sixth sterile chamber 70k. In this case, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is not transported to the first raw liquid filling device 22a arranged in the second sterile chamber 70h.

[0442] When the bottle 100 is conveyed to the second stock solution filling device 22b, the other product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100 previously filled with water in the second stock solution filling device 22b. In the second stock solution filling device 22b, a plurality of bottles 100 are conveyed in a rotation manner, and other product stock solutions are filled into the bottles 100.

[0443] Then, the bottles 100 in the sixth aseptic chamber 70 k are conveyed to the cap mounting device 16 via the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the sixth aseptic chamber 70 k and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the seventh aseptic chamber 70 m .

[0444] In this way, Fig.12F In the second example shown, when the product concentrate is filled into the bottle 100 by the second concentrate filling device 22b, the bottle 100 passes through each sterile chamber in the order of the first sterile chamber 70f, the eighth sterile chamber 70n, the sixth sterile chamber 70k and the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0445] It should be noted that in Fig.12F In the example shown, when mineral water is produced in the content filling system 10, the bottle 100 filled with water by the water filling device 21 in the first sterile chamber 70f can be directly conveyed to the cap installation device 16 arranged in the seventh sterile chamber 70m. That is, the bottle 100 filled with water can be directly conveyed to the cap installation device 16 only via the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the eighth sterile chamber 70n instead of being conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a or the second stock solution filling device 22b. In this case, by installing the cap 88 on the mouth of the bottle 100 filled only with water, a product bottle 101 is obtained. It should be noted that in this case, if the bottle 100 is used Fig. 12C and Fig.12D As described above, it is preferable that the clamps of the transport wheel 12 adjacent to the first raw liquid filling device 22a or the second raw liquid filling device 22b are in the open position. This can suppress interference between the clamps.

[0446] <Third Example>

[0447] Next, through Figure 12G The third example is described below. Figure 12G In the third example shown, Fig.12F Unlike the second example shown, when the product liquid is filled into the bottle 100 by the second liquid filling device 22b, the bottle 100 passes through the first sterile chamber 70f, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the eighth sterile chamber 70n and the seventh sterile chamber 70m in this order. Fig.12F The second example shown is the same, so detailed description is omitted here.

[0448] <Case 4>

[0449] Next, through Fig.12H The fourth example is described below. Fig.12H In the fourth example shown, the content filling system also has a sixth sterile chamber 70k, a seventh sterile chamber 70m, and a ninth sterile chamber 70p. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is arranged on the downstream side of the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is arranged on the downstream side of the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The ninth sterile chamber 70p is arranged between the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h, and the sixth sterile chamber 70k and the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0450] Furthermore, the second stock solution filling device 22b is housed in the sixth aseptic chamber 70k. Furthermore, the cover attaching device 16 is housed in the seventh aseptic chamber 70m. Furthermore, the conveying wheel 12 may be housed in the ninth aseptic chamber 70p.

[0451] exist Fig.12H In the embodiment, the bottle 100 sterilized in advance on the upstream side is transported to the water filling device 21 via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the ninth aseptic chamber 70p and the transport wheel 12 arranged in the first aseptic chamber 70f.

[0452] Next, in the water filling device 21, the water sterilized in the water sterilization line 50 is filled into the empty bottle 100. In the water filling device 21, a plurality of bottles 100 are rotationally conveyed, and the inside of the bottle 100 is filled with water.

[0453] Next, the bottles 100 in the first aseptic chamber 70f are transported to the first raw liquid filling device 22a via the transport wheels 12 arranged in the first aseptic chamber 70f, the transport wheels 12 arranged in the ninth aseptic chamber 70p, and the transport wheels 12 arranged in the second aseptic chamber 70h.

[0454] Next, in the first liquid filling device 22a, the product liquid sterilized by the liquid sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100 previously filled with water by the water filling device 21. In the first liquid filling device 22a, a plurality of bottles 100 are rotated and conveyed, and the product liquid is filled into the bottle 100.

[0455] Then, the bottle 100 in the second aseptic chamber 70h is transported to the second raw liquid filling device 22b via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the second aseptic chamber 70h, the transport wheel 12 arranged in the ninth aseptic chamber 70p, and the transport wheel 12 arranged in the sixth aseptic chamber 70k.

[0456] Next, in the second liquid filling device 22b, the other product liquid sterilized by the liquid sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100 filled with water in advance. In the second liquid filling device 22b, the plurality of bottles 100 are rotated and conveyed, and the other product liquid is filled into the bottles 100.

[0457] Then, the bottles 100 in the sixth aseptic chamber 70k are conveyed to the cap mounting device 16 via the conveying wheels 12 arranged in the sixth aseptic chamber 70k, the conveying wheels 12 arranged in the ninth aseptic chamber 70p, and the conveying wheels 12 arranged in the seventh aseptic chamber 70m.

[0458] In this way, Fig.12H In the fourth example shown, when the product liquid is filled into the bottle 100 by the first liquid filling device 22a and the second liquid filling device 22b, the bottle 100 passes through the sterile chambers in the order of the first sterile chamber 70f, the ninth sterile chamber 70p, the second sterile chamber 70h, the ninth sterile chamber 70p, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the ninth sterile chamber 70p and the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0459] <Example 5>

[0460] Next, through Fig.12I The fifth example is described below. Fig.12I In the fifth example shown, the content filling system also has a sixth sterile chamber 70k, a seventh sterile chamber 70m and a tenth sterile chamber 70q. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is arranged on the downstream side of the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is arranged on the downstream side of the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The tenth sterile chamber 70q is arranged between the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k.

[0461] Furthermore, the second stock solution filling device 22b is housed in the sixth aseptic chamber 70k. Furthermore, the cover attaching device 16 is housed in the seventh aseptic chamber 70m. Furthermore, the conveying wheel 12 may be housed in the ninth aseptic chamber 70p.

[0462] exist Fig.12I In the fifth example shown, the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b are filling devices used when the filling amount of the product stock solution is small. In this case, the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b respectively include a quantitative type filling nozzle 22e and a filling nozzle 22f fixed to the mouth of the bottle 100. It should be noted that the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b can each include a plurality of filling nozzles 22e and filling nozzles 22f.

[0463] When the bottle 100 reaches the filling nozzles 22e and 22f, the bottle 100 is detected by near infrared rays. Thus, the product liquid is intermittently filled into each bottle 100 from the filling nozzles 22e and 22f only while the mouth of the bottle 100 passes under the filling nozzles 22e and 22f. It should be noted that the filling nozzles 22e and 22f may not be the type of filling nozzles that intermittently fill the product liquid, but may be the type of filling nozzles that continuously fill the product liquid.

[0464] exist Fig.12I In the process, the bottle 100 sterilized in advance on the upstream side is transported to the water filling device 21 via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the first aseptic chamber 70f.

[0465] Next, in the water filling device 21, the water sterilized in the water sterilization line 50 is filled into the empty bottle 100. In the water filling device 21, a plurality of bottles 100 are rotationally conveyed, and the inside of the bottle 100 is filled with water.

[0466] Next, the bottle 100 in the first aseptic chamber 70 f is transported to the first raw liquid filling device 22 a via the transport wheel 12 disposed in the first aseptic chamber 70 f.

[0467] Next, in the first liquid filling device 22a, the product liquid sterilized in the liquid sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100 previously filled with water by the water filling device 21. In the first liquid filling device 22a, the bottle 100 is intermittently filled with the product liquid.

[0468] Then, the bottle 100 in the second aseptic chamber 70h is transported to the second raw liquid filling device 22b via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the tenth aseptic chamber 70q.

[0469] Next, in the second stock solution filling device 22b, the other product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100 previously filled with water. In the second stock solution filling device 22b, the other product stock solution is intermittently filled into the bottle 100.

[0470] Then, the bottles 100 in the sixth aseptic chamber 70 k are transported to the cap mounting device 16 via the transport wheel 12 disposed in the seventh aseptic chamber 70 m.

[0471] (Fifth Modification)

[0472] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example in which the filling device 20 includes the water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution filling device 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization line 70 is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig.13 As shown, the content filling system 10 may include a single filling device 20 .

[0473] In this case, the content filling system 10 may include a preform sterilization chamber 70a, a forming chamber 70b, an atmosphere isolation chamber 70c, a sterilant spray chamber 70d, an air flushing chamber 70e, a first sterile chamber 70f, and an outlet chamber 70i. That is, the content filling system 10 may not include the intermediate region chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h. In addition, the filling device 20 and the cap mounting device 16 may be accommodated inside the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0474] In this modification, a mixing box 57 for mixing water and product stock solution may be provided between the water sterilization line 50, the stock solution sterilization line 70 and the filling device 20. Thus, the content can be adjusted by diluting the product stock solution with water before filling. In this case, the mixing box 57 may be a so-called filling machine box, and in order to improve the filling accuracy of the filling device 20, it may be provided above the filling device 20 in the vertical direction. In addition, even if the usage amount of the content on the downstream side of the mixing box 57 changes, the mixing box 57 may also function as a so-called buffer box to ensure smooth flow of the content.

[0475] Such a mixing box 57 may be provided with a concentration meter for measuring the concentration of the blended contents. In addition, in order to ensure the concentration of the blended contents in the mixing box 57, at least one filling box or the like may be provided on the downstream side of the mixing box 57 provided with the concentration meter. The volume of the mixing box 57 may be 0.1 m 3 Above 30m 3 As an example, the following can be 0.3m 3 It should be noted that, in this modification, the adding unit 75 may be connected to the downstream side of the mixing box 57 .

[0476] In this modification, when the first sterile chamber 70f is cleaned (COP) and sterilized (SOP), for example, the portion of the water sterilization line 50 that is upstream of the connection point CP3 connecting the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 can be maintained in a sterile state, and the portion downstream of the connection point CP3 can be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). Similarly, when the filling device 20 housed in the first sterile chamber 70f is cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP), for example, the portion upstream of the connection point CP3 can be maintained in a sterile state, and the portion downstream of the connection point CP3 can be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). In this case, the narrowing of the cleaning and sterilization area can be reduced. Therefore, the use of steam and the like can be reduced. In addition, since the cleaning and sterilization area can be reduced, the cleaning time and the sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the emission amount of carbon dioxide exhausted from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0477] Furthermore, in this modification, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged when preparing the contents can be reduced compared to the case where the product stock solution is diluted by using sterile water prepared by a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0478] It should be noted that if Fig.14 As shown, there may be no mixing box 57 for mixing water and product liquid between the water sterilization line 50, the liquid sterilization line 70 and the filling device 20. In this case, the filling device 20 may include a plurality of filling nozzles 20a (see FIG. 2 ) for filling water and product liquid. Fig.15 ), the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 can be connected to each filling nozzle 20a. Moreover, water and product stock solution can be filled through one filling nozzle 20a.

[0479] Specifically, if Fig.15As shown, the filling nozzle 20a may include a nozzle body 20b. Moreover, the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 may be connected to the nozzle body 20b, respectively. A flowmeter F and a valve V2 for measuring the flow of water or product stock solution may be provided on the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70, respectively. Furthermore, the actual weight of the filled water or product stock solution may be detected by a force sensor, thereby measuring each filling amount of the water or product stock solution. In this case, the order of filling the bottle 100 with water and the product stock solution may be appropriately changed in consideration of the bubbling in the bottle 100 or the ease of mixing of water and the product stock solution. For example, the product stock solution may be filled after the water is filled, or the water may be filled after the product stock solution is filled. In the case of filling water after the product stock solution is filled, the risk of contaminants caused by the contents adhering to the front end of the filling nozzle 20a can be reduced. Furthermore, the product stock solution may be filled after the water is filled, and then the water may be filled. Alternatively, the water and the product stock solution may be filled at the same time.

[0480] exist Fig.14 In the example shown, when cleaning (COP) and sterilizing (SOP) are performed in the first sterile chamber 70f, for example, the portion to the third water tank 54 in the water sterilization line 50 can be maintained in a sterile state, and the portion on the downstream side of the third water tank 54 can be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). Similarly, when the filling device 20 housed in the first sterile chamber 70f is cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP), for example, the portion to the third water tank 54 in the water sterilization line 50 can be maintained in a sterile state, and the portion on the downstream side of the third water tank 54 can be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). In this case, the area for cleaning and sterilization can also be reduced. Therefore, the amount of steam used can be reduced. In addition, since the area for cleaning and sterilization can be reduced, the cleaning time and sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0481] In this modification, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged when preparing the contents can also be reduced compared to the case where the product stock solution is diluted by using sterile water prepared by a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0482] (Sixth Modification)

[0483] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which the third water tank 54 is provided on the downstream side of the second water tank 52. In this case, Fig.16A As shown, a carbonic acid adding device 58 for adding carbonic acid to water may be connected to the upstream side of the third water tank 54 .

[0484] Here, the water filling device 21 includes a plurality of water filling nozzles 21a (see Fig. 16B ). In this modification, the water filling nozzle 21a of the water filling device 21 is filled with carbonated water. Fig. 16B As shown, each water filling nozzle 21a is connected to a water sterilization line 50 and an anti-gas line 58a. Specifically, the water filling nozzle 21a includes a nozzle body 21b. Moreover, the water sterilization line 50 and the anti-gas line 58a are respectively connected to the nozzle body 21b. Among them, one end of the water sterilization line 50 is connected to the third water tank 54 filled with sterile carbonated water, and the other end is connected to the inside of the bottle 100. Moreover, the sterile carbonated water supplied from the third water tank 54 is injected into the inside of the bottle 100 through the water sterilization line 50.

[0485] The counter-gas line 58a is a line for supplying the sterile carbon dioxide gas filled in the third water tank 54 to the water filling nozzle 21a. One end of the counter-gas line 58a is connected to the third water tank 54, and the other end is connected to the inside of the bottle 100. Then, the counter-pressure gas composed of the sterile carbon dioxide gas supplied from the third water tank 54 is filled into the inside of the bottle 100 through the counter-gas line 58a.

[0486] Furthermore, each water filling nozzle 21a is connected to an exhaust line 58b for exhausting the gas inside the bottle 100. One end of the exhaust line 58b is connected to the anti-gas line 58a. The gas inside the bottle 100 is discharged from the other end of the exhaust line 58b into the first aseptic chamber 70f via the exhaust line 58b.

[0487] In addition, a seal P (sealing member) is provided at the front end of each water filling nozzle 21a, and the seal P is in close contact with the bottle 100 to suppress the leakage of the gas inside the bottle 100. Moreover, when filling the carbonated beverage into the bottle 100, the water filling device 21 fills the carbonated beverage into the bottle 100 (close filling) in a state where the seal P is in close contact with the mouth of the bottle 100. As a result, it is possible to suppress the sterile carbonic acid gas for counter pressure from leaking from the inside of the bottle 100. Therefore, the internal pressure of the bottle 100 can be increased compared to the atmospheric pressure so that the internal pressure of the bottle 100 becomes the same pressure as the internal pressure of the third water tank 54. It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, a flow meter and a valve for measuring the flow rate of water, etc. can be provided in the water sterilization line 50, etc.

[0488] According to this variation, a carbonation adding device 58 for adding carbonic acid to water is connected to the upstream side of the third water tank 54. Thus, in the content filling system 10, carbonated beverages can be filled into the bottles 100. And, in this way, by connecting the carbonation adding device 58 to the water sterilization line 50, when carbonated water is filled as a content, the spices of the previous content can be suppressed from adhering to the carbonated water. It should be noted that, only when carbonated beverages are filled into the bottles 100, water from the second water tank 52 can be supplied to the carbonation adding device 58, and after cooling, carbonic acid gas is aseptically added using a sterile carbonator, and then the water added with carbonic acid is supplied to the third water tank 54. And, when carbonated water is manufactured as a content, the stock solution filling device 22 may be used or not.

[0489] It should be noted that, even when the water filling device 21 includes a water filling nozzle 21a capable of filling carbonated water, the water filling device 21 can be filled with water without adding carbonic acid gas. In this case, in the content filling system 10, mineral water can be produced using only the water filling device 21. In this case, the water filling device 21 can fill water in a state where the seal P is close to the mouth of the bottle 100. Thus, the overflow of water from the bottle 100 can be suppressed to a minimum. In this case, the water filling device 21 can pressurize and fill water. Thus, water can be filled in a short time. Here, in the case where the pressure resistance of the bottle 100 is low, the water filling device 21 preferably pressurizes and fills water in a state where the gas inside the bottle 100 can be discharged via the exhaust line 58b. For example, the water filling device 21 preferably pressurizes and fills water in a state where the exhaust line 58b is opened after the seal P is close to the mouth of the bottle 100. Thus, even when water is pressurized and filled, deformation and / or damage of the bottle 100 due to pressure can be suppressed. Therefore, water can be filled in a short time, and deformation and / or damage of the bottle 100 can be suppressed.

[0490] It should be noted that when the stock liquid filling device 22 is used together with the water filling device 21, the liquid level of the water filled by the water filling device 21 is lowered compared to the case where only the water filling device 21 is used. Therefore, the risk of overflow of the filled water is small. Therefore, the filling speed of water can be above 100mL / sec, preferably above 200mL / sec. Thereby, the number of water filling nozzles 21a can be further reduced. In this case, water can be filled into the bottle 100 in a state where the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 is higher than the internal pressure of the third stock liquid tank 74. When filling closely, the internal pressure of the third stock liquid tank 74 can be above 0.02MPa and below 0.1MPa, and the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 can be above 0.03MPa and below 0.9MPa.

[0491] Furthermore, the water filling device 21 can fill the bottle 100 with water (filling on the mouth) without making the seal member P close to the mouth of the bottle 100, while a gap is formed between the water filling nozzle 21a (seal member P) and the bottle 100. In this case, the water can be filled into the bottle 100 in a state where the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 is higher than the internal pressure of the third raw liquid tank 74. Specifically, during the filling on the mouth, the internal pressure of the third raw liquid tank 74 can be 0.02 MPa or more and 0.1 MPa or less, and the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 can be 0.03 MPa or more and 0.07 MPa or less.

[0492] In addition, when the liquid filling device 22 is used together with the water filling device 21, as described above, the water filling device 21 can fill the empty bottle 100 with water. In this case, the foaming in the bottle 100 can be suppressed, so the risk of part of the filled liquid flying out from the mouth of the bottle 100 is low. Here, the liquid filling device 22 includes a plurality of liquid filling nozzles 22c (see Fig. 16C ).like Fig. 16C As shown, each stock solution filling nozzle 22c is connected to a stock solution sterilization line 70. Specifically, the stock solution filling nozzle 22c includes a nozzle body 22d. Moreover, the stock solution sterilization line 70 is connected to the nozzle body 22d. It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, a flow meter and a valve for measuring the flow rate of the product stock solution can be provided on the stock solution sterilization line 70.

[0493] As described above, when the water filling device 21 fills the empty bottle 100 with water, the bubbling in the bottle 100 can be suppressed, so the risk of a part of the filled liquid flying out from the mouth of the bottle 100 is low. Therefore, the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a of the water filling device 21 can be larger than the diameter of the stock liquid filling nozzle 22c of the stock liquid filling device 22. Thus, the filling time of the filled water can be shortened. For example, the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a of the water filling device 21 can be 1.2 times or more and 1.5 times or less of the diameter of the stock liquid filling nozzle 22c of the stock liquid filling device 22. By making the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a 1.2 times or more of the diameter of the stock liquid filling nozzle 22c, the filling time of the filled water can be further shortened. In addition, by making the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a 1.5 times or less of the diameter of the stock liquid filling nozzle 22c, the risk of a part of the filled liquid flying out from the mouth of the bottle 100 can be further reduced. It should be noted that in order to reduce the number of water filling nozzles 21a of the water filling device 21 and make the water filling device 21 compact, the filling method (close filling, top filling), filling pressure and / or the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a can be appropriately changed.

[0494] (Seventh Modification)

[0495] In the above embodiment, the circulation system (second circulation system) 95A is constituted by the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the third bypass line 95a, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64 and the circulation line 95 (see Figure 2C In this case, water can be circulated in the circulation system 95A while the first ultraviolet lamp 67a is turned on, so that the bacteria captured by the foreign matter removal filter 61 can be sterilized regularly. The sterilization of the bacteria captured by the foreign matter removal filter 61 can be performed, for example, during the period when the production of the product bottle 101 is stopped. In this case, for example, Fig.17A As shown, one end of the circulation line 95 can be connected between the second sterilizer 64 and the first sterile filter 63, and the other end of the circulation line 95 can be connected to the first water tank 51. Furthermore, the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 can be changed by changing the frequency of the pump P1. Furthermore, by changing the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61, the bacteria captured by the foreign matter removal filter 61 can be actively pushed to the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61. Specifically, when the bacteria are sterilized by circulating water in the circulation system 95A, the pressure on the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 can be made higher than the pressure when the product bottle 101 is manufactured by more than 0.05 MPa, preferably more than 0.1 MPa. Furthermore, if there is no problem with the structure of the foreign matter removal filter 61, as shown Fig. 17B As shown, the bacteria captured by the foreign matter removal filter 61 can be circulated in the circulation system 95A by making the water flow backward. It should be noted that in these cases, the pressure difference between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61, the positive pressure and the reverse pressure of the foreign matter removal filter 61 do not exceed the maximum allowable pressure. In this way, by regularly sterilizing the bacteria captured by the foreign matter removal filter 61, even if the water is sterilized continuously for a long time through the water sterilization line 50, the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 can be ensured.

[0496] (Eighth Modification)

[0497] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water sterilization line 50 is described as including the first water tank 51, the water sterilizer 60 and the second water tank 52. In this case, Fig. 17CAs shown, the water sterilization line 50 may have a plurality of (for example, two) water sterilizers 60. Thus, even when one water sterilizer 60 stops, or when the amount of ultraviolet radiation in one water sterilizer 60 decreases, the sterility of water can be ensured by another water sterilizer 60. Furthermore, when one water sterilizer 60 is cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP), another water sterilizer 60 can be used to sterilize water. Therefore, the product bottles 101 can be manufactured continuously. Furthermore, for example, when one water sterilizer 60 is cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP) and another water sterilizer 60 is used to clean the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, etc., insufficient water supplied to the second sterile chamber 70h, etc. can be suppressed. Furthermore, for example, when the first sterile filter 63 of one water sterilizer 60 is sterilized (SIP) or integrity tested and the second sterile chamber 70h is cleaned using another water sterilizer 60, insufficient water supply to the second sterile chamber 70h can be suppressed. Fig. 17C In the example shown, the water sterilizer 60 is constructed as follows Figure 2A The structure of the water sterilizer 60 shown is the same as that of the water sterilizer 60, but is not limited thereto. Figures 2B to 2M In addition, when the water sterilization line 50 has a plurality of water sterilization machines 60, the water sterilization machines 60 of the water sterilization line 50 may be different from each other. As an example, the water sterilization line 50 may have Figure 2A The water sterilizer 60 shown and Figure 2C The water sterilizer 60 is shown.

[0498] (Ninth Modification)

[0499] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example in which the water sterilizer 60 includes the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, and the second sterile filter 65 is described, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the sanitation of the pure water produced by the pure water production device 50a is high and no mold is detected in the first water tank 51, the water sterilizer 60 may not include the foreign matter removal filter 61. It should be noted that, when the number of bacteria in the first water tank 51 is large, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a third sterilizer (not shown) provided on the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this case, the structure of the third sterilizer may be the same as that of the first water tank 51. Figures 3 to 6B The third sterilizer 62 is substantially the same as the first sterilizer 62. That is, the third sterilizer may be a sterilizer that sterilizes water by ultraviolet rays.

[0500] (Tenth Modification)

[0501] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is described in which the UHT 80 includes the first stage heating unit 81, the second stage heating unit 82, the holding pipe 83, the first stage cooling unit 84, the second stage cooling unit 85, and the third stage cooling unit 86. In this case, Fig.18A As shown, the UHT 80 may have a plurality of (for example, two) second-stage heating parts 82, a plurality of (for example, two) holding tubes 83, and a plurality of (for example, two) first-stage cooling parts 84. Thus, even if one of the second-stage heating parts 82, holding tube 83, or first-stage cooling part 84 is burnt, the other holding tube 83 can be used to sterilize the product liquid. That is, when one holding tube 83 is cleaned (CIP), sterilized (SIP), or cleaned and sterilized (CSIP), the other holding tube 83 can be used to sterilize the product liquid. Therefore, the product bottles 101 can be manufactured continuously.

[0502] (Eleventh Modification)

[0503] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the example of the product stock solution sterilizer 80 being UHT is described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the product stock solution sterilizer 80 can be an ohmic (Joule) heating sterilizer that directly energizes the product stock solution to make it heat itself. Furthermore, the product stock solution sterilizer 80 can be a sterilizer that sterilizes the product stock solution using microwaves (915MHz, 2450MHz). In this case, the microwaves can be irradiated from the outside of the piping through which the product stock solution or solid passes. Thus, the temperature of the product stock solution or solid can be increased, and the product stock solution or solid can be sterilized. In these cases, the emission of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can also be reduced.

[0504] (Twelfth Modification)

[0505] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the example in which the filling device 20 (water filling device 21 and raw liquid filling device 22) is a so-called rotary filling machine is described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the filling device 20 may be a so-called linear aseptic filling machine that fills water, etc. into a container (cup or paper container, etc.) transported by a conveyor. In this case, for example, sterile water may be filled first, and then the product raw liquid may be filled. In addition, a raw liquid filling device 22 that fills a product raw liquid or solid matter containing a flavor may be provided on the downstream side of the raw liquid filling device 22 that fills the product raw liquid. It should be noted that the order of filling sterile water and product raw liquid is not limited to this. For example, the product raw liquid may be filled first, and then the sterile water may be filled. Furthermore, if using Fig.15 As described, sterile water and product concentrate can be filled through a filling nozzle 20a.

[0506] Here, in the case where the filling device 20 is a so-called linear aseptic filling machine, Fig.18B As shown, the content filling system 10 may include a container forming unit 150 for forming a container 140 (paper container, carton) from a packaging material 130 (sleeve). The container forming unit 150 may be arranged in the eleventh aseptic chamber 70r. A conveyor 125 for conveying the container 140 may be provided in the eleventh aseptic chamber 70r. In addition, the content filling system 10 may include a sterilant spray nozzle 11A, an air flushing nozzle 160, a bending portion 170, a heating portion 180, and a sealing portion 190. Among them, the sterilant spray nozzle 11A is a nozzle for spraying a sterilant in a mist form onto the inner and outer surfaces of the container 140. The air flushing nozzle 160 is a nozzle for blowing sterile air onto the inner surface of the container 140. The bending portion 170 is a portion for folding the container 140. The heating portion 180 is a portion for heating the container 140. The sealing portion 190 is a portion for sealing the container 140. The disinfectant spray nozzle 11A, the air flushing nozzle 160, the water filling device 21, the liquid filling device 22, the bending portion 170, the heating portion 180 and the sealing portion 190 can be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of the container 140. In such a content filling system 10, water and product liquid can be simultaneously filled into one container 140 from the water filling nozzle 21a and the liquid filling nozzle 22c. The order of filling the bottle 100 with water and the product liquid can be appropriately changed in consideration of the foaming in the bottle 100, the ease of mixing of water and product liquid, or the production capacity. In addition, if using Fig.15 As described, sterile water and product concentrate can be filled through a filling nozzle 20a.

[0507] Furthermore, the content filling system 10 may be a so-called roll-feed type aseptic filling system instead of an aseptic filling system that forms the container 140 from the packaging material 130 (sleeve). For example, a roll-feed type aseptic filling system is a filling system that forms a container (paper container or bag) from a packaging material supplied in a roll form and fills the formed container with the content. In this case, Fig. 18CAs shown, the packaging material 200 supplied in a roll form is first sterilized by being immersed in a sterilizing liquid (such as hydrogen peroxide) in a sterilization tank 201. It should be noted that after the gas or mist of the sterilizer is blown to both sides of the packaging material, hot air is used to dry and remove the sterilizer, thereby sterilizing both sides of the packaging material. In addition, both sides of the packaging material can be sterilized by irradiating electron beams to both sides of the packaging material. Next, in the forming section 202, a container (paper container or bag) 203 is formed by performing prescribed processing on the packaging material. In the example shown in the figure, in the forming section 202, a paper container 203 is formed by performing processes such as heat sealing on the packaging material. At this time, water and product concentrate can be filled simultaneously from the water filling nozzle 21a and the concentrate filling nozzle 22c. It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, if using Fig.15 As described above, sterile water and product concentrate can be filled through a filling nozzle 20a. Then, in the molding unit 202, the paper container 203 is cut into a predetermined shape to obtain a product containing the content.

[0508] (Thirteenth Modification)

[0509] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, as the sterilization device for preforms and the sterilization device for containers, the case of using a sterilization device for hydrogen peroxide sterilization is described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the sterilization device for hydrogen peroxide sterilization may be any one of the sterilization device for preforms and the sterilization device for containers. Furthermore, the sterilization device for preforms and the sterilization device for containers may be a sterilization device of a peracetic acid sterilization method in which the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle are sterilized with a peracetic acid solution (gas, mist or a mixture thereof) and then the inner and outer surfaces are rinsed with sterile water. Alternatively, the sterilization device for preforms and the sterilization device for containers may be a sterilization device that uses peracetic acid, acetic acid, pernitric acid, nitric acid, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine, caustic soda, etc. alone as a sterilant in addition to hydrogen peroxide and ethanol, or may be a sterilization device that uses a sterilant composed of two or more of them. Furthermore, the sterilization device may be used not only for sterilizing bottles, but also for sterilizing cups, bags, paper containers or composites thereof. In addition, the sterilization device for preforms can sterilize the preforms by means of a spray of a medicament, a rinse of a medicament, steam, sterile water, sterile air, electron beam, X-ray or ultraviolet light. Similarly, the sterilization device for containers can sterilize the containers by means of a spray of a medicament, a rinse of a medicament, steam, sterile water, sterile air, electron beam, X-ray or ultraviolet light.

[0510] (Fourteenth Modification)

[0511] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the content filling system 10 is described as having the bottle forming unit 30, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the content filling system may be configured to sequentially receive formed empty bottles 100 from the outside by air transport or the like, and to transport the received bottles 100 to the sterilizing device 11. In this case, the above-mentioned effects can also be obtained.

[0512] (Fifteenth Modification)

[0513] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the content filling system 10 is a system for filling the bottle 100 with content is described as an example, but it is not limited to this. The content filling system 10 of this embodiment can also be applied to a filling system for filling so-called refrigerated beverages such as milk drinks into containers such as cups. In this case, compared with the case where the product stock solution is diluted by sterilized water prepared by a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the emission of carbon dioxide discharged when preparing the content can also be reduced. Therefore, the emission of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, in the case where the content is a milk drink, the number of bacteria in the product stock solution may increase. In this way, even if the number of bacteria in the product stock solution increases, the product stock solution is also heated and sterilized. Therefore, even if the content is a milk drink, the aseptic property of the content can be fully ensured. In addition, in the content filling system 10 of this embodiment, any liquid (such as seasoning, alcoholic beverage or milk drink) that needs to be sterilized can be filled into the container.

[0514] (Sixteenth Modification)

[0515] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the content filling system 10 is described as a system for filling the bottle 100 with content, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the content filling system 10 may be a filling system (so-called Blow-Fill-Seal (BFS)) that molds the bottle 100 from the preform 100a by filling the preform 100a with water (product stock solution or content).

[0516] In this case, if Fig.18D1 As shown, a part of the filling device 20 (in the example shown in the figure, the water filling device 21) can be assembled in the bottle molding part 30. It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, for example, when the bottle 100 is formed from the preform 100a by filling the preform 100a with a product liquid, the liquid filling device 22 can be assembled in the bottle molding part 30.

[0517] And, if Fig.18D1As shown, in the preform conveying section 31 of the bottle forming section 30, the preform sterilizing device 34a may be provided on the downstream side of the heating section 35. Furthermore, the preform sterilizing device 34a may sterilize the preform 100a heated by the heating section 35. The preform sterilizing device 34a may be disposed in the twelfth aseptic chamber 70s.

[0518] In this modification, the sterilized preform 100a can be filled with pressurized water in the water filling device 21. Thus, the bottle 100 can be formed and the bottle 100 can be filled with water at the same time.

[0519] It should be noted that in this modification, the example in which the filling device 20 includes the water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock liquid filling device 22 connected to the stock liquid sterilization line 70 is described, but the invention is not limited thereto. Fig.18D2 As shown, the content filling system 10 can be provided with a single filling device 20. In this case, if using Fig.13 As described above, a mixing box 57 for mixing water and product stock solution may be provided between the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 and the filling device 20. It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, if a mixing box 57 is provided, the water and product stock solution may be mixed. Fig.14 and Fig.15 As described above, there may be no mixing box 57 for mixing water and product stock solution between the water sterilization line 50, the stock solution sterilization line 70 and the filling device 20. In these cases, the sterilized preform 100a can be filled with pressurized contents (or water, product stock solution) in the filling device 20. Thus, the molding of the bottle 100 and the filling of the contents into the bottle 100 can be performed simultaneously.

[0520] (Seventeenth Modification)

[0521] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes water with an electrical conductivity of not less than 0.1μS / cm and not more than 20μS / cm, but the example is not limited to this. For example, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 may be water with an electrical conductivity greater than 20μS / cm. In this case, the water may be tap water or well water. That is, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 may not be used as raw water for refreshing drinking water, but may be used for mineral water, purified water used as pharmaceutical water, or water for injection, etc. It should be noted that in the case of sterilizing pharmaceutical water, etc., in addition to bacteria, endotoxins need to be inactivated or reduced. In this case, the cumulative exposure of ultraviolet rays to water is preferably 500mJ / cm 2 Thereby, endotoxin can be inactivated or reduced.

[0522] In this variation, if Fig.18EAs shown, the water sterilization line 50 may have a front-stage water tank 50d disposed on the upstream side of the first water tank 51 and storing water (tap water or well water, etc.). It should be noted that when the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes tap water, etc., inorganic substances (oxides such as calcium) may adhere to the surface of the quartz sleeve that protects the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. (for example, a surface made of quartz glass). Moreover, when inorganic substances are attached to the surface of the quartz sleeve of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., the intensity (irradiation amount) of the ultraviolet rays in the water sterilizer 60 may decrease. Therefore, when the intensity (irradiation amount) of the ultraviolet rays in the water sterilizer 60 decreases, it is preferred to remove the inorganic substances attached to the surface of the quartz sleeve by cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the water sterilizer 60.

[0523] In this case, if you use Fig. 17C As described above, the water sterilization line 50 may include a plurality of (for example, two) water sterilizers 60. Thus, when one water sterilizer 60 is being cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP), another water sterilizer 60 can be used to sterilize water. Therefore, the product bottles 101 can be manufactured continuously. It should be noted that when the water sterilizer 60 is being cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP), the sterilizing agent or the cleaning agent may not pass through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63. That is, when using Figure 2B and Figure 2C As described above, the sterilizing agent or the cleaning agent can be passed through the third bypass line 95a and the fourth bypass line 95b, so that only the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 are cleaned and sterilized.

[0524] (Modification of the sterilization method of the content filling system)

[0525] Next, a modification of the sterilization method of the content filling system will be described.

[0526] (First Modification)

[0527] In the above embodiment, the sterilization method of the chamber is sequentially performed by the COP process ( Fig. 9 Figure S12), CIP process ( Fig. 9 S13), SIP process ( Fig. 9 S14), SOP process ( Fig. 9 The example of the reference numeral S15 is described, but is not limited thereto. Fig.19 As shown, in the chamber sterilization method, in the flushing step ( Fig.19 After that, the COP process ( Fig.19 S320) and CIP process ( Fig.19 In addition, after the COP process and the CIP process, the SIP process can be performed simultaneously ( Fig.19 S340) and SOP process ( Fig.19 As a result, the downtime can be greatly shortened and the productivity of the product bottles 101 can be improved.

[0528] And, if Fig. 20 As shown, in the chamber sterilization method, in the flushing step ( Fig. 20 After that, a CSOP process (which is a process of performing the COP process and the SOP process simultaneously) is performed. Fig. 20 denoted by S42), a CSIP process ( Fig. 20 (S43 in the figure). In this case, for example, in the CSOP process, it is preferred to spray a cleaning agent at a temperature of 70°C or above in the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second aseptic chamber 70h for at least 1 minute, and more preferably for more than 5 minutes. Thus, the inner wall surface of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the surface of the equipment such as the filling device 20 are purified and sterilized. And, for example, in the CSIP process, the flow path of the product stock solution in the stock solution filling device 22 is rinsed with sterile water, and a cleaning agent at a temperature of 70°C or above is supplied to the circulation path (not shown) containing the flow path. Then, in the circulation path, it is preferred to circulate the cleaning agent for at least 5 minutes, and more preferably for more than 10 minutes. Thus, the flow path of the product stock solution in the stock solution filling device 22 is sterilized. In this case, the downtime can also be greatly shortened, and the productivity of the product bottle 101 can be improved.

[0529] Furthermore, in this modification, the number of times the first aseptic chamber 70f is cleaned and sterilized can be reduced, and the area for cleaning and sterilization in the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, the number of times the filling device 20 stored inside the first aseptic chamber 70f is cleaned and sterilized can be reduced, and the area for cleaning and sterilization in the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of steam used can be reduced. Furthermore, since the area for cleaning and sterilization can be reduced, the cleaning time and the sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0530] It should be noted that in the case of a CSIP process in which the CIP process and the SIP process are performed simultaneously, after the CSIP process, while maintaining the inside of the stock solution filling device 22 in a sterile state, it is necessary to flush the cleaning agent after use. At this time, by using water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 for flushing, the emission of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, since the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 can be stored in the second water tank 52, the cleaning agent can be flushed immediately after the CSIP process. Therefore, the downtime can be shortened. It should be noted that the flow path from the second water tank 52 to the sterile area where the CSIP process and the CSOP process are performed is preferably cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP) before flushing the cleaning agent after the CSIP process. In this case, for example, the second bypass line 56 can be connected to the water sterilization line 50 from the connection point CP1 (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2A A cleaning agent or a sterilizing agent is supplied to the second bypass line 56, and the above-mentioned flow path can be sterilized by steam or hot water.

[0531] (Second Modification)

[0532] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which the first sterilizer 62 of the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized by steam, hot water or a sterilizing agent, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the case where the first sterilizer 62 has poor heat resistance and / or low drug resistance, the first sterilizer 62 may be sterilized by sterilized water. In this case, the sterilized water may be water sterilized by ultraviolet rays inside the first sterilizer 62. Furthermore, the control unit 90 may control the circulation system 59A (refer to Figure 2A The sterilized water is circulated in the circulation system 59A to gradually reduce the number of bacteria in the circulated water, thereby sterilizing the first sterilizer 62, etc. At this time, the control unit 90 can circulate the sterilized water in the circulation system 59A at least three times, preferably more than ten times.

[0533] In this modification, first, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are sterilized (SIP) (SIP process, Fig.21 Note that, in this case, the foreign matter removal filter 61 is also preferably sterilized in advance by steam (SIP).

[0534] Next, water is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60 (water supply process, Fig.21At this time, first, pure water is delivered by pump P1. At this time, pure water adjusted to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 25° C.) by a heat exchanger or the like (not shown) is supplied to the first sterile filter 63 or the like. Thus, the membrane of the first sterile filter 63 or the like is wetted. Then, pump P1 is stopped.

[0535] Next, an integrity test is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 (integrity test step, Fig.21 In the integrity test, the valve near the first sterile filter 63, etc. (not shown) is closed, and sterile air is supplied to the first sterile filter 63, etc. Then, the sterile air supplied to the first sterile filter 63, etc. is gradually pressurized, and the bubble point value of the first sterile filter 63, etc. is measured. Then, based on the results of the bubble point values ​​measured multiple times (for example, three times), it is confirmed whether the first sterile filter 63, etc. is intact (whether sterile air leaks at a specified pressure). It should be noted that in the integrity test, if it is confirmed that the first sterile filter 63, etc. is incomplete, the first sterile filter 63, etc. is replaced.

[0536] Next, the water is sterilized in the first sterilizer 62 or the like (water sterilization step, Fig.21 At this time, first, pure water is delivered by pump P1. Then, after the first sterilizer 62 etc. is filled with water, ultraviolet light is irradiated to the water by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. In this case, the irradiation time (sterilization time) of ultraviolet light is preferably not less than 10 seconds and not more than 30 minutes. It should be noted that at this time, the illuminance of ultraviolet light irradiated from the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. can be confirmed. Moreover, if the illuminance of ultraviolet light irradiated from the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. is abnormal, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. can be replaced.

[0537] Here, the operating temperature of the medium pressure mercury lamp is about 600°C to 900°C. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like is a medium pressure mercury lamp, it is preferable to irradiate the water with ultraviolet rays while conveying water through the pump P1. In this way, overheating of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like can be suppressed. At this time, the water irradiated with ultraviolet rays can be stored in the second water tank 52, for example. Alternatively, the water irradiated with ultraviolet rays can be circulated in the circulation system 59A. When the water irradiated with ultraviolet rays is circulated in the circulation system 59A, the sterility level of the water can be improved.

[0538] On the other hand, the operating temperature of a low-pressure mercury lamp is approximately 40° to 100°. There...

Claims

1. A content filling system, characterized in that: have: Water sterilization line, which sterilizes water without heating; The stock solution sterilization line is used to heat and sterilize the product stock solution; A filling device is connected to the water sterilization line and the raw liquid sterilization line respectively to fill the water and the product raw liquid into the container.

2. The content filling system according to claim 1, The water sterilization line sterilizes the water by ultraviolet rays.

3. The content filling system according to claim 2, In the water sterilization line, the water is sterilized by ultraviolet rays from at least one of a low-pressure mercury lamp and a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

4. The content filling system according to claim 1, The water sterilization line includes a first sterile filter, a second sterile filter disposed downstream of the first sterile filter, and a first sterilizer disposed between the first sterile filter and the second sterile filter or upstream of the first sterile filter and sterilizing the water by ultraviolet rays.

5. The content filling system according to claim 1, It also includes a control unit for controlling the water sterilization line. The water sterilization line at least has a water sterilizer for sterilizing the water. The water sterilizer at least comprises a sterile filter, The control unit discharges the water to the outside of the water sterilization line when a pressure difference between a pressure on an upstream side and a pressure on a downstream side of the sterile filter becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

6. The content filling system according to claim 5, The control unit supplies the water to the circulation line connected to the water sterilization line via the valve when the pressure difference between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the sterile filter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

7. The content filling system according to claim 2, It also includes a control unit for controlling the water sterilization line. The control unit discharges the water to the outside of the water sterilization line when the irradiation amount or illumination of the ultraviolet rays becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value.

8. The content filling system according to claim 7, The control unit supplies the water to the circulation line connected to the water sterilization line via a valve when the irradiation amount or illumination of the ultraviolet rays is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

9. The content filling system according to claim 1, The stock solution sterilization line includes a product stock solution sterilizer for heating and sterilizing the product stock solution. The product stock solution sterilizer is a Joule-type heating sterilizer.

10. The content filling system according to any one of claims 1, 5, 6 and 9, The water sterilization line filters the water through a sterile filter, thereby sterilizing the water.

11. The content filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, It also includes a control unit for controlling the water sterilization line. The control unit discharges the water to the outside of the water sterilization line when at least one of the number of bacteria and particles in the water sampled from the water sterilization line becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

12. The content filling system according to claim 11, The control unit supplies the water to a circulation line connected to the water sterilization line via a valve when at least one of the number of bacteria and particles in the water sampled from the water sterilization line reaches or exceeds a predetermined value.

13. The content filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The product stock solution is diluted by the water to a value of 1.1 to 100 times.

14. The content filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The filling device includes a water filling device connected to the water sterilization line and a raw liquid filling device connected to the raw liquid sterilization line.

15. The content filling system according to claim 14, The water filling device fills the sterilized water into the container, and the raw liquid filling device fills the sterilized product raw liquid into the container.

16. The content filling system according to claim 14, The water filling device fills the empty container with the water, and a filling speed of the water filling device filling the container with the water is faster than a filling speed of the raw liquid filling device filling the container with the product raw liquid.

17. The content filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The filling device includes a water filling device connected to the water sterilization line and a raw liquid filling device connected to the raw liquid sterilization line, and only one of the water filling device and the raw liquid filling device is used to fill the water or the product raw liquid into the container.

18. The content filling system according to claim 14, The water filling device includes a plurality of water filling nozzles for filling the water, each of the water filling nozzles being connected to an exhaust line for exhausting the gas inside the container. The water filling device pressurizes and fills the water while the gas inside the container can be exhausted via the exhaust line.

19. The content filling system according to claim 18, A sealing member is provided at the front end of the water filling nozzle, and the sealing member suppresses leakage of gas inside the container by being in close contact with the container. The water filling device pressurizes and fills the water in a state where the sealing member is in close contact with the container.

20. The content filling system according to claim 18, The raw liquid filling device includes a plurality of raw liquid filling nozzles for filling the product raw liquid, and the diameter of the water filling nozzle is larger than the diameter of the raw liquid filling nozzle.

21. The content filling system according to claim 20, The diameter of the water filling nozzle is not less than 1.2 times and not more than 1.5 times the diameter of the stock solution filling nozzle.

22. The content filling system according to claim 14, The filling device includes a plurality of the raw liquid filling devices.

23. The content filling system according to claim 22, A plurality of the stock solution sterilization lines are provided, and a plurality of the stock solution filling devices are respectively connected to the respective stock solution sterilization lines.

24. The content filling system according to claim 23, The filling device includes a first raw liquid filling device for filling the product raw liquid not containing a fragrance, and a second raw liquid filling device for filling the product raw liquid containing a fragrance.

25. The content filling system according to claim 24, The first stock solution filling device is accommodated in a space partitioned by the chamber wall. A gap is formed in the chamber wall for the container to pass through. A first wheel is arranged outside the space, the first wheel including a first clamp which is freely opened and closed and transports the container. A second wheel is arranged inside the space, and the second wheel includes a second clamp which is freely opened and closed and transports the container. When the container is filled with the product liquid by the first liquid filling device, the second fixture receives the container from the first fixture. When the product raw liquid is not filled into the container by the first raw liquid filling device, the second clamp is in an open position so as not to interfere with the first clamp.

26. The content filling system according to claim 25, A baffle for opening and closing the gap is provided on the chamber wall. When the product raw liquid is not filled into the container by the first raw liquid filling device, the gap is closed by the baffle. The second clamp is in an open position so as not to interfere with the shutter closing the gap.

27. The content filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A mixing box for mixing the water and the product raw liquid is provided between the water sterilization line, the raw liquid sterilization line and the filling device.

28. The content filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The filling device includes a plurality of filling nozzles for filling the water and the product raw liquid, and each of the filling nozzles is connected to the water sterilization line and the raw liquid sterilization line.

29. The content filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The water sterilization line includes a first water tank for storing the water, a water sterilizer for sterilizing the water stored in the first water tank, and a second water tank for storing the water sterilized by the water sterilizer.

30. The content filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The stock solution sterilization line includes a first stock solution tank for storing the product stock solution, a product stock solution sterilizer for heating and sterilizing the product stock solution stored in the first stock solution tank, and a second stock solution tank for storing the product stock solution sterilized by the product stock solution sterilizer.

31. The content filling system according to claim 29, The water sterilization line has a plurality of the water sterilizers.

32. The content filling system according to claim 29, A cap sterilizing device is further provided for sterilizing a cap mounted on the container filled with the water and the product concentrate, and a bypass line is provided downstream of the second water tank for connecting the water sterilizing line and the cap sterilizing device to each other.

33. The content filling system according to claim 30, An adding unit for adding solid matter to the product raw liquid is connected to the downstream side of the second raw liquid tank.

34. The content filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The invention also includes a preform sterilizing device for sterilizing the preform, a container forming device for forming the container from the preform, and a container sterilizing device for sterilizing the container, wherein the container forming device forms the container without adjusting the temperature of the container by warm water.

35. The content filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The water sterilization line is divided into a non-sterile area under a non-sterile atmosphere, a first gray area and a second gray area that isolate the non-sterile atmosphere from the sterile atmosphere, and a sterile area under a sterile atmosphere. The non-sterile area, the first gray area, the second gray area, and the sterile area are arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water delivery direction. In the first gray area, the bacteria in the water are sterilized, and in the second gray area, the state in which no bacteria are present in the water is maintained.

36. The content filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The evaporation residue of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line is less than 20 mg / L.

37. The content filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The electrical conductivity of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line is greater than or equal to 0.1 μS / cm and less than or equal to 20 μS / cm.

38. The content filling system according to claim 4, The water sterilization line further includes a second sterilizer which is disposed on the downstream side of the first sterilizer and sterilizes the water by ultraviolet rays.

39. The content filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: A carbonic acid adding device is connected to the water sterilization line to add carbonic acid to the water; and a water filling device is connected to the water sterilization line to fill the water to which the carbonic acid is added into a container.

40. The content filling system according to claim 39, The water filling device includes a water filling nozzle for filling the container with water, and a seal is provided at a front end of the water filling nozzle. The seal is in close contact with the container to suppress leakage of gas inside the container.

41. The content filling system according to claim 40, The water filling device fills the container with the water under pressure while the sealing member is in close contact with the container.

42. A content filling system, characterized in that: have: A water sterilization line, which sterilizes water; The stock solution sterilization line is used to heat and sterilize the product stock solution; A filling device, which is connected to the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line respectively, and fills the water and the product stock solution into the container; When the pH of the content prepared by diluting the product stock solution with the water is less than 4.5, the water sterilization line sterilizes the water so that the F0 value is greater than 0.00029 and less than 3.1, When the pH of the content is 4.5 or more, the water sterilization line sterilizes the water so that the F0 value is 3.1 or more and 100 or less. The F0 value is the F value calculated by the following formula, [Formula 1] ， Here, T represents an arbitrary sterilization temperature (°C), 10^{(T-Tr) / Z} represents the lethality at an arbitrary sterilization temperature T, Tr represents the reference temperature (°C), and Z represents the Z value (10°C).

43. A content filling system, characterized in that: have: A water sterilization line, which sterilizes water; The stock solution sterilization line is used to heat and sterilize the product stock solution; A filling device, which is connected to the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line respectively, and fills the water and the product stock solution into the container; The water sterilization line sterilizes the water so that the F0 value is greater than 3.1 and less than 100. The F0 value is the F value calculated by the following formula, [Formula 2] ， Here, T represents an arbitrary sterilization temperature (°C), 10^{(T-Tr) / Z} represents the lethality at an arbitrary sterilization temperature T, Tr represents the reference temperature (°C), and Z represents the Z value (10°C).

44. A sterilization method for sterilizing the content filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, 42, and 43, characterized in that: The water sterilization line at least has a water sterilizer. The water sterilizer has at least one sterile filter and at least one sterilizer, The sterilization method comprises: The step of performing a first integrity test on at least one of the sterile filters; A step of sterilizing the sterile filter; The step of subjecting at least one of the sterile filters to a second integrity test.

45. The sterilization method according to claim 44, The method further comprises the step of sterilizing the sterilizer.

46. ​​The sterilization method according to claim 45, The process of sterilizing the sterilizer includes: The step of supplying hot water to the water sterilizer; A step of circulating the hot water in a circulation system including the sterilizer; The cooling process of the circulation system.

47. The sterilization method according to claim 45, The sterilization process of the sterilizer includes: The step of supplying a chemical to the water sterilizer; A step of circulating the agent in a circulation system including the sterilizer; The circulation system is flushed.

48. The sterilization method according to claim 45, The step of sterilizing the sterile filter is performed during the step of sterilizing the sterilizer.

49. A content filling system, characterized in that: have: a water sterilizer having a first sterile filter and a first sterilizer disposed on the upstream side or the downstream side of the first sterile filter and sterilizing water; A control unit, which controls the water sterilizer; The first sterilizer sterilizes the water by ultraviolet rays.

50. The content filling system according to claim 49, The water sterilizer has a second sterile filter provided on the downstream side of the first sterile filter.

51. The content filling system according to claim 49, further comprising: A circulation system including a water sterilizer for sterilizing water without heating; A water tank, which is arranged at the downstream side of the water sterilizer and outside the circulation system; The control unit circulates the sterilized water in the circulation system when the water tank is full of water during production of product bottles in the content filling system.

52. The content filling system according to claim 49, A tank is also provided for storing the water sterilized by the water sterilizer. The control unit stores water in the tank during production of product containers in the content filling system, The control unit does not supply the water to the tank during the sterilization or integrity test of the first sterile filter, and uses the water stored in the tank to produce a product container.

53. The content filling system according to claim 49, The control unit sterilizes the first sterilizer by circulating sterilized water in a circulation system including the water sterilizer.

54. The content filling system according to claim 53, The control unit performs sterilization or integrity testing of the first sterile filter using sterilized water during production of product containers in the content filling system, The sterilized water is water sterilized by ultraviolet rays inside the first sterilizer.

55. A content filling system that performs non-heating sterilization on water instead of heating it, characterized in that: have: a water sterilizer having a first sterile filter for sterilizing the water without heating; A box for storing water sterilized by the water sterilizer; A control unit, which controls the water sterilizer; The control unit stores water in the tank during production of product containers in the content filling system, The control unit stops sterilizing water by the water sterilizer during the sterilization or integrity test of the first sterile filter, and uses the water stored in the tank for production.

56. The content filling system according to claim 55, The water sterilizer further includes a first sterilizer which is provided on the upstream side or the downstream side of the first sterile filter and sterilizes the water.

57. A content filling system according to any one of claims 49 to 56, The water sterilizer sterilizes water with an electrical conductivity of not less than 0.1 μS / cm and not more than 20 μS / cm.

58. A content filling system according to any one of claims 49 to 56, The water sterilizer sterilizes the water by ultraviolet rays. In the water sterilizer, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays to the water is 10 mJ / cm 2 Above 10000mJ / cm 2 the following.

59. A content filling system according to any one of claims 49 to 56, During the production of product bottles by filling the contents into containers in the content filling system, the water sterilizer does not stop sterilizing the water but continues to sterilize the water.

60. The content filling system according to claim 56, The water sterilizer further comprises a second sterile filter disposed downstream of the first sterile filter. The pore size of the second sterile filter is not less than 0.1 μm and not more than 0.45 μm.

61. A content filling system according to any one of claims 49 to 56, The pore size of the first sterile filter is not less than 0.1 μm and not more than 0.45 μm.

62. The content filling system according to any one of claims 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, and 56, The first sterilizer includes an ultraviolet irradiation unit including a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

63. The content filling system according to claim 60, The water sterilizer further includes a second sterilizer disposed between the first sterilizing filter and the second sterilizing filter. A first sterilization group consisting of the first sterilizer and the first sterilizing filter and a second sterilization group consisting of the second sterilizer and the second sterilizing filter are arranged in an array along a water conveying direction.

64. The content filling system according to claim 60 or 63, A sampling point for aseptically sampling water is provided at least one of between the first sterilizer and the first sterile filter and between the first sterile filter and the second sterile filter.

65. A content filling system according to any one of claims 49 to 56, The processing capacity of the water sterilizer is more than 105% of the maximum processing capacity required for producing product bottles.

66. The content filling system according to any one of claims 51, 53, and 54, The circulation system includes a bypass line for bypassing the first sterile filter.

67. A content filling system according to any one of claims 49 to 56, The time required for sterilizing the first sterile filter and the time required for the integrity test of the first sterile filter are respectively not less than 30 minutes and not more than 1 hour.

68. The content filling system according to claim 52 or 55, The volume of the tank is greater than the amount of water used in the content filling system during 1 hour of production of the product container.

69. The content filling system according to any one of claims 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, and 56, The control unit sterilizes the first sterilizer using steam or hot water.

70. The content filling system according to claim 53, The control part circulates the sterilized water in the circulation system at least three times.

71. The content filling system according to claim 60 or 63, The water sterilizer further includes a second sterilizer provided downstream of the first sterile filter and upstream of the second sterile filter.

72. The content filling system according to claim 55, The water sterilizer does not have a sterilizer for sterilizing the water by ultraviolet rays.

73. The content filling system according to claim 49, The control unit sterilizes the first sterilizer by circulating a sterilizing agent in a circulation system including the water sterilizer. The sterilant circulates in the circulation system without passing through the first sterile filter.

74. The content filling system according to claim 49, The water sterilizer further comprises a second sterilizer disposed on the downstream side of the first sterilizing filter, and a second sterilizing filter disposed on the downstream side of the second sterilizer. The control unit sterilizes the first sterilizer by circulating a sterilizer in a circulation system including the water sterilizer.

75. The content filling system according to claim 49, The water sterilizer further comprises a second sterile filter disposed between the first sterile filter and the first sterilizer, The control unit sterilizes the first sterile filter, the second sterile filter, and the first sterilizer by circulating a sterilizer in a circulation system including the water sterilizer.

76. A content filling system according to any one of claims 73 to 75, The bactericide comprises peracetic acid.

77. A content filling system according to any one of claims 73 to 75, The concentration of the bactericide is greater than 1000 ppm and less than 3000 ppm.

78. A content filling system according to any one of claims 73 to 75, The temperature of the bactericide is 50° C. or higher and 150° C. or lower.

79. A content filling system according to any one of claims 73 to 75, The control unit allows the disinfectant to circulate in the circulation system for at least 10 seconds to 60 minutes.

80. The content filling system according to claim 49, The water sterilizer further includes a second sterilizer provided on the downstream side of the first sterilizing filter, and a second sterilizing filter provided on the downstream side of the second sterilizer.

81. The content filling system according to claim 74, The sterilant circulates in the circulation system without passing through the second sterile filter.

82. The content filling system according to claim 49, The water sterilizer further comprises a second sterilizer disposed on the downstream side of the first sterile filter and sterilizing water. The control unit sterilizes the second sterilizer by circulating a sterilizer in a circulation system including the water sterilizer.

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