Content filling system, product container manufacturing method, sampling method and sterilizing method

Abstract

A content filling system (10) is provided with a water sterilization machine (60) that sterilizes water used in the content filling system (10) without heating, and a control unit (90) that controls the content filling system (10). The water sterilization machine (60) has at least a sterilization machine including an ultraviolet lamp. The control unit (90) sterilizes the water sterilizer (60) by supplying hot water to the water sterilizer (60). Thereafter, the control unit (90) sterilizes the water used in the contents using the sterilized water sterilization machine (60), and fills the contents containing the sterilized water into the container (100), thereby producing the product container (101). In the water sterilization machine (60), the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilization machine is continuously turned on from the sterilization of the water sterilization machine (60) to the end of the sterilization of the water used in the contents.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a content filling system, a method for manufacturing a product container, a sampling method, and a sterilization method. Background Art

[0002] There is known an aseptic filling system (aseptic filling system) that fills a sterilized container (PET bottle) with a sterilized content in an aseptic environment and then seals the container with a cap (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Specifically, in the aseptic filling system, a formed container is supplied to the aseptic filling system, and in the aseptic filling system, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution as a bactericide is sprayed onto the container. Thereafter, the container is sterilized by drying the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution. Then, the content is aseptically filled into the container.

[0004] However, in recent years, for the purpose of reducing the environmental load, there has been a demand to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide discharged.

[0005] In addition, in the above aseptic filling system, in order to regularly inspect the content filled into the container, there is a demand for aseptic sampling of the content.

[0006] Prior Art Documents

[0007] Patent Documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4526820

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such points, and an object thereof is to provide a content filling system, a method for manufacturing a product container, and a sterilization method capable of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide discharged.

[0010] In addition, the present disclosure has been made in consideration of such points, and an object thereof is to provide a sampling method capable of aseptically sampling the content. Summary of the Invention

[0011] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system for filling a container with content. The system includes: a water sterilizer that non-heat sterilizes water used in the content filling system; and a control unit that controls the content filling system. The water sterilizer has at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp. The control unit sterilizes the water sterilizer by supplying hot water to the water sterilizer, and then uses the sterilized water sterilizer to sterilize the water used in the content, and fills the container with the content including the sterilized water, thereby producing a product container. From the sterilization of the water sterilizer until the end of the sterilization of the water used in the content, the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer is continuously lit.

[0012] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, based on the content filling system of the first aspect, the ultraviolet lamp may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0013] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, based on the content filling system of the first aspect or the second aspect, the sterilizer may also include a first sterilizer and a second sterilizer provided downstream of the first sterilizer. The ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer may be a low-pressure mercury lamp, and the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp. From the sterilization of the water sterilizer until the end of the sterilization of the water used in the content, the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer is continuously lit.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system for filling a container with content. The system includes: a water sterilizer that non-heat sterilizes water used in the content filling system; a water tank provided downstream of the water sterilizer; and a control unit that controls the content filling system. The water sterilizer has at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp. The control unit sterilizes the water sterilizer by supplying hot water to the water sterilizer. The ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer is continuously lit from the start of the sterilization of the water sterilizer. When the cumulative irradiation dose of ultraviolet light on the water is less than 15 mJ / cm 2 before the end of the sterilization of the water sterilizer, the control unit does not supply the water with a cumulative irradiation dose less than 15 mJ / cm 2 to the water tank.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a product container, which includes the following steps: sterilizing a water sterilizer that at least has a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp; using the sterilized water sterilizer to sterilize the water used in the contents; producing a product container by filling the container with the contents containing the sterilized water, and the water sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer continuously lit from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer to the end of the step of sterilizing the water used in the contents.

[0016] Based on the method for manufacturing a product container in the above fifth aspect, in a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the ultraviolet lamp may also be a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0017] Based on the method for manufacturing a product container in the above fifth aspect or the above sixth aspect, in a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the sterilizer may also include a first sterilizer and a second sterilizer provided on the downstream side of the first sterilizer. The ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer may be a low-pressure mercury lamp, the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp, and the water sterilizer may keep the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer continuously lit from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer to the end of the step of sterilizing the water used in the contents.

[0018] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a sterilization method for sterilizing a content filling system including a water sterilizer that non-heat sterilizes water and a water tank provided on the downstream side of the water sterilizer. The water sterilizer at least has a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp, and the sterilization method includes the following steps: sterilizing the water sterilizer; using the sterilized water sterilizer to sterilize water, and the water sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer continuously lit from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer. Before the sterilization of the water sterilizer ends, when the cumulative irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water is less than 15 mJ / cm 2 , the water with the cumulative irradiation dose less than 15 mJ / cm 2 is not supplied to the water tank.

[0019] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system, which includes: a storage tank for storing sterilized contents; a filling device for filling the contents in the storage tank into a container; and a content inspection pipeline connected to the storage tank, where the content inspection pipeline has a first valve and a second valve provided on the downstream side of the first valve.

[0020] Based on the content filling system of the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the content filling system may further include a control unit for controlling the content filling system. When the pressure in the storage tank is equal to or lower than the pressure between the first valve and the second valve, the control unit may not open the first valve.

[0021] Based on the content filling system of the ninth aspect or the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the content filling system may further include a water sterilization pipeline for sterilizing water and a stock solution sterilization pipeline for sterilizing the product stock solution. The storage tank may be installed between the water sterilization pipeline, the stock solution sterilization pipeline and the filling device, and may also mix the water and the product stock solution.

[0022] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system, which includes: a water sterilizer for non-heat sterilization of water; a sterilizer cleaning pipeline for cleaning the water sterilizer. The water sterilizer has: a first pipe; a first sterilizer provided on the downstream side of the first pipe; a second pipe provided on the downstream side of the first sterilizer. A first switching unit is provided between the first pipe, the first sterilizer, the second pipe and the sterilizer cleaning pipeline. The first switching unit is connected to the first pipe, the first sterilizer, the second pipe and the sterilizer cleaning pipeline to switch the flow path of the water.

[0023] Based on the content filling system of the twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, when sterilizing water through the first sterilizer, the first switching unit may connect the first pipe, the first sterilizer and the second pipe in such a way that the water flows in the order of the first pipe, the first sterilizer and the second pipe. When cleaning the first sterilizer, the first switching unit may connect the first pipe and the second pipe in such a way that the water flows in the order of the first pipe and the second pipe, and connect the first sterilizer and the sterilizer cleaning pipeline.

[0024] Based on the content filling system of the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the water sterilizer may further have: a second sterilizer provided on the downstream side of the second pipe; a third pipe provided on the downstream side of the second sterilizer. A second switching unit is provided between the second pipe, the second sterilizer, the third pipe and the sterilizer cleaning pipeline. The second switching unit is connected to the second pipe, the second sterilizer, the third pipe and the sterilizer cleaning pipeline to switch the flow path of the water.

[0025] Based on the content filling systems of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects of the present disclosure, when the second sterilizer sterilizes water, the second switching unit can connect the second pipe, the second sterilizer, and the third pipe in such a way that the water flows in the order of the second pipe, the second sterilizer, and the third pipe. When cleaning the second sterilizer, the second switching unit can connect the second pipe and the third pipe in such a way that the water flows in the order of the second pipe and the third pipe, and connect the second sterilizer and the sterilizer cleaning pipeline.

[0026] The sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system, which includes: a water sterilizer that performs non-heat sterilization on water; a sterilizer cleaning pipeline for cleaning the water sterilizer. The water sterilizer has: a first pipe; a first sterilizer provided on the downstream side of the first pipe; a second pipe provided on the downstream side of the first sterilizer; a second sterilizer provided on the downstream side of the second pipe; a third pipe provided on the downstream side of the second sterilizer. A second switching unit is provided between the second pipe, the second sterilizer, the third pipe, and the sterilizer cleaning pipeline. The second switching unit is connected to the second pipe, the second sterilizer, the third pipe, and the sterilizer cleaning pipeline, and switches the flow path of the water.

[0027] The seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is a sampling method for sampling the content filled by a content filling system, which includes: a storage tank that stores the sterilized content; a filling device that fills the content in the storage tank into a container; a content inspection pipeline connected to the storage tank. The content inspection pipeline has a first valve and a second valve provided on the downstream side of the first valve. The sampling method includes: a sterilization process for sterilizing the content inspection pipeline; an introduction process for introducing the content into the content inspection pipeline by opening the first valve while closing the second valve; a sampling process for sampling the content in the content inspection pipeline by opening the second valve after closing the first valve.

[0028] Based on the sampling method of the seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the sampling method may further include a positive pressure holding process for holding the content inspection pipeline at a positive pressure between the sterilization process and the introduction process.

[0029] Based on the sampling method of the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the introduction process, the pressure in the storage tank can be maintained above the pressure between the first valve and the second valve.

[0030] The twentieth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system, which includes: a water sterilizer for sterilizing water; a control unit for controlling the water sterilizer. The water sterilizer has: a foreign matter removal filter for removing foreign matters in the water; a first sterilizer disposed on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter for sterilizing the water. The control unit sterilizes the foreign matter removal filter by circulating hot water in a sterilization circulation system including the foreign matter removal filter.

[0031] Based on the content filling system of the twentieth aspect above, in the twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, the hot water can circulate in the sterilization circulation system without passing through the first sterilizer.

[0032] Based on the content filling system of the twentieth aspect or the twenty-first aspect above, in the twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure, the first sterilizer may include an ultraviolet lamp, and the first sterilizer may keep the ultraviolet lamp continuously lit during the period when the hot water circulates in the sterilization circulation system.

[0033] Based on the content filling system of each of the twentieth aspect to the twenty-second aspect above, in the twenty-third aspect of the present disclosure, the water sterilizer may further have: a first sterile filter disposed on the downstream side of the first sterilizer; a second sterilizer disposed on the downstream side of the first sterile filter; a second sterile filter disposed on the downstream side of the second sterilizer.

[0034] The twenty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a sterilization method for sterilizing a water sterilizer, which has: a foreign matter removal filter for removing foreign matters in the water; a first sterilizer disposed on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter for sterilizing the water. The method includes the following steps: supplying hot water to a sterilization circulation system including the foreign matter removal filter; circulating the hot water in the sterilization circulation system.

[0035] Based on the sterilization method of the twenty-fourth aspect above, in the twenty-fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the step of circulating the hot water, the hot water can also circulate in the sterilization circulation system without passing through the first sterilizer.

[0036] Based on the sterilization method of the twenty-fourth aspect or the twenty-fifth aspect above, in the twenty-sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the first sterilizer may also include an ultraviolet lamp, and the first sterilizer may keep the ultraviolet lamp continuously lit in the step of circulating the hot water.

[0037] The twenty-seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system for filling a container with content, which includes: a water sterilizer that non-heat sterilizes water used in the content filling system; and a control unit that controls the content filling system. The water sterilizer at least has a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp. The control unit sterilizes the water sterilizer by circulating a bactericide in a circulation system including the water sterilizer. The bactericide contains peracetic acid. During the period when the bactericide circulates in the circulation system, the sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp lit.

[0038] In the twenty-eighth aspect of the present disclosure, based on the content filling system of the twenty-seventh aspect, the concentration of the bactericide can be 100 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less.

[0039] The twenty-ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system for filling a container with content, which includes: a water sterilizer that non-heat sterilizes water used in the content filling system; and a control unit that controls the content filling system. The water sterilizer at least has a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp. The control unit sterilizes the water sterilizer by circulating a bactericide in a circulation system including the water sterilizer. The bactericide contains peracetic acid. When the ultraviolet lamp is not lit by the sterilizer during the period when the bactericide circulates in the circulation system, the concentration of the bactericide is a first concentration. When the ultraviolet lamp is lit by the sterilizer during the period when the bactericide circulates in the circulation system, the concentration of the bactericide is a second concentration lower than the first concentration.

[0040] In the thirtieth aspect of the present disclosure, based on the content filling system of the twenty-ninth aspect, the first concentration can be 1000 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less, and the second concentration can be 100 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less.

[0041] The thirty-first aspect of the present disclosure is a sterilization method for sterilizing a content filling system that has a water sterilizer for non-heat sterilizing water. The water sterilizer at least has a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp. The sterilization method includes the following steps: supplying a bactericide to a circulation system including the water sterilizer; circulating the bactericide in the circulation system. The bactericide contains peracetic acid. During the step of circulating the bactericide, the sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp lit.

[0042] The thirty-second aspect of the present disclosure is a sterilization method for sterilizing a content filling system, which includes a water sterilizer for non-heat sterilization of water. The water sterilizer has at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp. The sterilization method includes the following steps: supplying a bactericide to a circulation system including the water sterilizer; circulating the bactericide in the circulation system. The bactericide contains peracetic acid. In the step of circulating the bactericide, when the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer is not lit, the concentration of the bactericide is a first concentration; when the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer is lit in the step of circulating the bactericide, the concentration of the bactericide is a second concentration lower than the first concentration.

[0043] The thirty-third aspect of the present disclosure is a sterilization method for sterilizing a content filling system, which includes a water sterilizer for non-heat sterilization of water. The water sterilizer has at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp. The sterilization method includes: a supply step of supplying a bactericide to a circulation system including the water sterilizer; a circulation step of circulating the bactericide in the circulation system; a dilution step of diluting the bactericide by supplying water to the circulation system. The bactericide contains peracetic acid. In the dilution step, the sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp lit.

[0044] Based on the sterilization method of the thirty-third aspect of the present disclosure, the flow rate of the bactericide in the dilution step can be slower than the flow rate of the bactericide in the circulation step.

[0045] Based on the sterilization method of the thirty-third or thirty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the content filling system may further include a water storage tank provided upstream of the water sterilizer for storing the water. Between the water storage tank and the water sterilizer, a first flow path connecting the water storage tank and the water sterilizer to each other and a second flow path with both ends connected to the first flow path may be formed. In the circulation step, the bactericide may pass through the first flow path instead of the second flow path. In the dilution step, the bactericide may pass through the second flow path.

[0046] Based on the sterilization methods of the thirty-third to thirty-fifth aspects of the present disclosure, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays on the water in the dilution step can be more than the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays on the water during the production of product containers.

[0047] Based on the sterilization methods of the thirty-third to thirty-sixth aspects of the present disclosure, in the dilution step, hot water may be supplied to the circulation system.

[0048] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system.

[0049] In addition, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to aseptically sample the content. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Figure 1 is a schematic top view showing a content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0051] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization pipeline according to an embodiment.

[0052] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization pipeline according to an embodiment.

[0053] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization pipeline according to an embodiment.

[0054] Figure 2D is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization pipeline according to an embodiment.

[0055] Figure 2E1 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization pipeline according to an embodiment.

[0056] Figure 2E2 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization pipeline according to an embodiment.

[0057] Figure 2E3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization pipeline according to an embodiment.

[0058] Figure 2F is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization pipeline according to an embodiment.

[0059] Figure 2G is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization pipeline according to an embodiment.

[0060] Figure 2H is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization pipeline according to an embodiment.

[0061] Figure 2I is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization pipeline according to an embodiment.

[0062] Figure 2J is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization pipeline according to an embodiment.

[0063] Figure 2K is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization pipeline according to an embodiment.

[0064] Figure 2L It is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization pipeline of an embodiment.

[0065] Figure 2M It is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization pipeline of an embodiment.

[0066] Figure 2N It is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization pipeline of an embodiment.

[0067] Figure 3 It is a top view of the first sterilizer of a water sterilizer of an embodiment.

[0068] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the first sterilizer of a water sterilizer of an embodiment ( Figure 3 Cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV).

[0069] Figure 5A It is a top view of another example of the first sterilizer of a water sterilizer of an embodiment.

[0070] Figure 5B It is a cross-sectional view of another example of the first sterilizer of a water sterilizer of an embodiment ( Figure 5A Cross-sectional view taken along line VB-VB).

[0071] Figure 6A It is a front view of another example of the first sterilizer of a water sterilizer of an embodiment.

[0072] Figure 6B It is a cross-sectional view of another example of the first sterilizer of a water sterilizer of an embodiment ( Figure 6A Cross-sectional view taken along line VIB-VIB).

[0073] Figure 6C It is a cross-sectional view of another example of the first sterilizer of a water sterilizer of an embodiment ( Figure 6B Enlarged view of part VIC).

[0074] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of a stock solution sterilization pipeline of an embodiment.

[0075] Figure 8 It is a flowchart of a content filling method using a content filling system of an embodiment.

[0076] Figure 9 It is a flowchart of a sterilization method of a content filling system of an embodiment, that is, a sterilization method of a chamber.

[0077] Figure 10AIt is a flowchart showing the sterilization method of the content filling system of an embodiment, that is, the sterilization method of the water sterilizer.

[0078] Figure 10B1 It is a flowchart showing the sterilization method of the content filling system of an embodiment, that is, the sterilization method of the water sterilizer.

[0079] Figure 10B2 It is a flowchart showing another example of the sterilization method of the content filling system of an embodiment, that is, the sterilization method of the water sterilizer.

[0080] Figure 10B3 It is a diagram showing the sterilization method of the content filling system of an embodiment, that is, the sterilization method of the water sterilizer.

[0081] Figure 10C It is a flowchart showing yet another example of the sterilization method of the content filling system of an embodiment, that is, the sterilization method of the water sterilizer.

[0082] Figure 10D It is a flowchart showing yet another example of the sterilization method of the content filling system of an embodiment, that is, the sterilization method of the water sterilizer.

[0083] Figure 10E It is a flowchart showing yet another example of the sterilization method of the content filling system of an embodiment, that is, the sterilization method of the water sterilizer.

[0084] Figure 10F It is a flowchart showing the manufacturing method of the product bottle using the content filling system of an embodiment.

[0085] Figure 11 It is a schematic top view showing the second modification of the content filling system of an embodiment.

[0086] Figure 12A It is a schematic top view showing the fourth modification of the content filling system of an embodiment.

[0087] Figure 12B It is a schematic top view showing an enlarged view of the second sterile chamber and the outlet chamber of the fourth modification of the content filling system of an embodiment.

[0088] Figure 12C It is a schematic top view showing the content filling method using the fourth modification of the content filling system of an embodiment.

[0089] Figure 12D It is a schematic top view showing the content filling method using the fourth modification of the content filling system of an embodiment.

[0090] Figure 12EIt is a schematic top view of another example (the first example) of the fourth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0091] Figure 12F It is a schematic top view of another example (the second example) of the fourth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0092] Figure 12G It is a schematic top view of another example (the third example) of the fourth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0093] Figure 12H It is a schematic top view of another example (the fourth example) of the fourth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0094] Figure 12I It is a schematic top view of another example (the fifth example) of the fourth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0095] Figure 13 It is a schematic top view of the fifth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0096] Figure 14 It is a schematic top view of another example of the fifth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0097] Figure 15 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the filling nozzle of the filling device in another example of the fifth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0098] Figure 16A It is a schematic top view of the sixth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0099] Figure 16B It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the water filling nozzle of the water filling device in the sixth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0100] Figure 16C It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stock solution filling nozzle of the stock solution filling device in the sixth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0101] Figure 17A It is a schematic diagram of the water sterilization pipeline in the seventh modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0102] Figure 17B It is a schematic diagram of the water sterilization pipeline in another example of the seventh modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0103] Figure 17CIt is a schematic diagram of the water sterilization pipeline in the eighth modified example of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0104] Figure 18A It is a schematic diagram of the stock solution sterilization pipeline in the tenth modified example of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0105] Figure 18B It is a schematic top view of the twelfth modified example of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0106] Figure 18C It is a schematic perspective view of another example of the twelfth modified example of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0107] Figure 18D1 It is a schematic top view of the sixteenth modified example of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0108] Figure 18D2 It is a schematic top view of another example of the sixteenth modified example of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0109] Figure 18E It is a schematic diagram of the water sterilization pipeline in the seventeenth modified example of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0110] Figure 18F It is a schematic top view of the eighteenth modified example of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0111] Figure 18G It is a schematic diagram of the content inspection pipeline in the eighteenth modified example of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0112] Figure 18H1 It is a flowchart of the sampling method using the eighteenth modified example of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0113] Figure 18H2 It is a schematic diagram of the sampling method using the eighteenth modified example of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0114] Figure 18H3 It is a schematic diagram of the sampling method using the eighteenth modified example of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0115] Figure 18H4 It is a schematic diagram of the sampling method using the eighteenth modified example of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0116] Figure 18H5 It is a schematic diagram of the sampling method using the eighteenth modified example of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0117] Figure 18H6 It is a schematic diagram of a sampling method showing the eighteenth modification of the content filling system using an embodiment.

[0118] Figure 18H7 It is a schematic diagram of a sampling method showing the eighteenth modification of the content filling system using an embodiment.

[0119] Figure 18I It is a schematic diagram of a water sterilization pipeline in the nineteenth modification of the content filling system of an embodiment.

[0120] Figure 18J It is a schematic diagram of a water sterilization pipeline in the nineteenth modification of the content filling system of an embodiment.

[0121] Figure 18K It is a schematic diagram of a water sterilization pipeline in the nineteenth modification of the content filling system of an embodiment.

[0122] Figure 19 It is a flowchart showing the first modification of the sterilization method of the content filling system of an embodiment.

[0123] Figure 20 It is a flowchart showing another example of the first modification of the sterilization method of the content filling system of an embodiment.

[0124] Figure 21 It is a flowchart showing the second modification of the sterilization method of the content filling system of an embodiment.

[0125] Figure 22 It is a schematic diagram showing the third modification of the sterilization method of the content filling system of an embodiment.

[0126] Figure 23 It is a flowchart showing the third modification of the sterilization method of the content filling system of an embodiment.

[0127] Figure 24 It is a flowchart showing the fourth modification of the sterilization method of the content filling system of an embodiment.

[0128] Figure 25 It is a chart showing the relationship between the concentration of the bactericide and the cumulative irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays.

[0129] Figure 26 It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the fourth modification of the sterilization method of the content filling system of an embodiment.

[0130] Figure 27AIt is a schematic diagram of a water sterilization pipeline used in a fifth modification of the sterilization method of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0131] Figure 27B It is a schematic diagram of a fifth modification of the sterilization method of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0132] Figure 27C It is a schematic diagram of a fifth modification of the sterilization method of the content filling system according to an embodiment.

[0133] Figure 27D It is a schematic diagram of another example of a fifth modification of the sterilization method of the content filling system according to an embodiment. Detailed Embodiment

[0134] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 10E It is a diagram showing an embodiment.

[0135] (Content Filling System)

[0136] First, through Figure 1 The content filling system (aseptic filling system) of the embodiment will be described.

[0137] Figure 1 The content filling system 10 shown is a system for filling contents such as beverages into a bottle (container) 100. The contents can be made by diluting the product stock solution with water. In this case, the product stock solution can be diluted with water to 1.1 times or more and 100 times or less, preferably diluted to 2 times or more and 10 times or less. In addition, the product stock solution can be diluted with water 10 times or more and 80 times or less, can also be diluted 20 times or more and 70 times or less, and can also be diluted 30 times or more and 50 times or less. The bottle 100 can be made by biaxially stretch blow molding a preform 100a made by injection molding a synthetic resin material. In addition, the bottle 100 can also be made by direct blow molding. As the material of the bottle 100, a thermoplastic resin is preferably used, especially PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate). In addition, as the container, it can also be glass, can, paper, pouch, cup, or their composite container. In the present embodiment, the case of using a synthetic resin bottle as the container will be described as an example.

[0138] As Figure 1As shown, the content filling system 10 includes a water sterilization pipeline 50 for sterilizing water, a stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 for sterilizing the product stock solution, and a filling device (packing) 20 connected to the water sterilization pipeline 50 and the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 respectively. In addition, the content filling system 10 includes a control unit 90 for controlling the filling device 20. Moreover, the content filling system 10 includes a bottle forming unit 30, a sterilization device (container sterilization device) 11, a gas flushing device 14, the above-mentioned filling device 20, a bottle cap mounting device (capping machine, seaming and plugging machine) 16, and a product bottle discharging unit 25. These bottle forming unit 30, sterilization device 11, gas flushing device 14, filling device 20, bottle cap mounting device 16, and product bottle discharging unit 25 are arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of the bottle 100. In addition, a plurality of conveying wheels 12 for conveying the bottle 100 between these devices are provided between the gas flushing device 14, the filling device 20, the bottle cap mounting device 16, etc. Here, first, the bottle forming unit 30, the sterilization device 11, the gas flushing device 14, the filling device 20, the bottle cap mounting device 16, and the product bottle discharging unit 25 will be described.

[0139] The bottle forming unit 30 is configured to receive a preform 100a from the outside and form the bottle 100. Moreover, the bottle forming unit 30 is configured to convey the formed bottle 100 toward the sterilization device 11. Thus, in the content filling system 10, the processes from the supply of the preform 100a through the formation of the bottle 100 to the filling and sealing of the content into the bottle 100 can be continuously performed. In this case, instead of the large-volume bottle 100, the small-volume preform 100a is transported from the outside to the content filling system 10. Therefore, the transportation cost can be reduced.

[0140] The bottle forming unit 30 has: a preform conveying unit 31 for conveying the preform 100a; a blow molding unit (container forming device) 32 for forming the bottle 100 from the preform 100a by performing blow molding on the preform 100a; and a bottle conveying unit 33 for conveying the formed bottle 100.

[0141] Among them, the preform conveying unit 31 includes a receiving unit 34, a heating unit 35, and a handover unit 36. Among them, the receiving unit 34 is configured to receive the preform 100a supplied from the preform supply device 1 via the preform supply conveyor 2. A preform sterilization device 34a for sterilizing the preform 100a and a preform gas flushing device 34b for gas flushing the preform 100a are provided in the receiving unit 34. In the illustrated example, one preform sterilization device 34a and one preform gas flushing device 34b are provided in the receiving unit 34. It should be noted that the number of the preform sterilization device 34a and the preform gas flushing device 34b is not limited to this.

[0142] In the receiving section 34, the preform sterilizing device 34a blows a gas or mist of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution onto the preform 100a to sterilize the preform 100a (preliminary sterilization).

[0143] As a bactericide for sterilizing the preform 100a, any substance 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 and isopropyl alcohol, chlorine dioxide, ozone water, acidic water, and surfactants may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in combination.

[0144] In this way, by pre-sterilizing (preliminary sterilization) the preform 100a using the preform sterilizing device 34a, the bacteria adhering to the bottle 100 made 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, the amount of bactericide used for sterilizing a preform 100a with a small volume can be less than the amount of bactericide used for sterilizing the bottle 100. Therefore, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a, the overall amount of bactericide used can be reduced.

[0145] In addition, the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the sterilizing device 11 can be reduced, and the sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, miniaturization of the sterilizing device 11 can be achieved. In addition, since the sterilization time for the bottle 100 can be shortened, the thermal load on the bottle 100 can be reduced. Therefore, even for a lightweight bottle 100 or a bottle 100 made of recycled PET, deformation of the bottle 100 due to heat from the bactericide can be suppressed.

[0146] Furthermore, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a, the bacteria adhering to the bottle 100 can be reduced. Therefore, in the sterilization device 11, the sterilization conditions can also be weakened. Here, generally, in order to improve the sterilization effect in the blow molding section 32, the main body of the bottle 100 is heat-set by supplying warm water from a mold thermostat (not shown) to the mold. Thereby, 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 the present embodiment, as described above, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a, the bacteria adhering to the bottle 100 can be reduced. Therefore, the blow molding section (container molding device) 32 can also 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 can also not be supplied to the mold. As a result, the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, since warm water does not need to be supplied to the mold of the blow molding section 32, simplification of the blow molding section 32 can be achieved. In addition, since simplification of the blow molding section 32 can be achieved, the heat applied to the bottle 100 can be reduced. Therefore, even when the above-mentioned warm water is not supplied to the mold, the shrinkage of the bottle 100 in the sterilization device 11 can be reduced.

[0147] In addition, such a sterilization process can be performed not only by the receiving section 34, but also by the heating section 35 or the transfer section 36. In addition, the sterilization process can also be performed between the bottle conveyor section 33 and the filling device 20 after the bottle 100 is molded. Furthermore, the sterilization process can also be performed at multiple locations. It should be noted that in the sterilization process, instead of using a bactericide, bacteria can be inactivated by ultraviolet irradiation or electron beam irradiation, etc.

[0148] Refer to Figure 1 , the above-mentioned preform gas flushing device 34b is provided on the downstream side of the preform sterilization device 34a. The preform 100a blown with the bactericide is heat-dried in the preform gas flushing device 34b. At this time, it is preferable to supply hot air to the preform 100a with the mouth of the preform 100a facing down. Thereby, foreign substances can be effectively removed from inside the preform 100a. Therefore, the process of cleaning the preform 100a with sterile water can be omitted, and the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, in the receiving section 34, the preform gas flushing device 34b may not be provided. In addition, in the receiving section 34, a foreign substance removing device (not shown) for removing foreign substances adhering to the preform 100a may be provided on the upstream side of the preform sterilization device 34a.

[0149] The heating unit 35 is configured to receive the preform 100a from the receiving unit 34 and heat the preform 100a while conveying it. A heater 35a for heating the preform 100a is provided in the heating unit 35. This heater 35a can also be, for example, an infrared heater. By means of this heater 35a, the preform 100a is heated to, for example, around 90°C or higher and 130°C or lower. In addition, in order to prevent deformation and the like, the temperature of the mouth portion of the preform 100a is suppressed to a temperature of 70°C or lower.

[0150] The transfer unit 36 is configured to receive the preform 100a heated by the heating unit 35 and transfer it to the blow molding unit 32.

[0151] The blow molding unit 32 includes a mold (not shown). By performing blow molding on the preform 100a using this mold, the bottle 100 is molded. Then, the molded bottle 100 is conveyed downstream by the bottle conveyor 33.

[0152] Here, between the bottle forming unit 30 and the sterilization device 11, an adjustment conveyor 5 is provided that receives the bottle 100 from the bottle conveyor 33 and transfers the bottle 100 to the sterilization device 11. At least a part of the adjustment conveyor 5 is housed inside an environment partition chamber 70c (described later) provided on the upstream side of a fungicide spray chamber 70d (described later). In the illustrated example, the adjustment conveyor 5 is arranged so as to straddle a forming unit chamber 70b (described later) that houses the bottle forming unit 30 and the environment partition chamber 70c. In this way, by housing at least a part of the adjustment conveyor 5 inside the environment partition chamber 70c, it is possible to suppress the inflow of the gas or mist of the fungicide or their mixture generated in the fungicide spray chamber 70d into the forming unit chamber 70b.

[0153] In the illustrated example, a single conveyor wheel 12 is provided between the adjustment conveyor 5 and the bottle conveyor 33 of the bottle forming unit 30. That is, between the blow molding unit 32 of the bottle forming unit 30 and the sterilization device 11, there are provided the bottle conveyor 33 of the bottle forming unit 30, a single conveyor wheel 12, and the adjustment conveyor 5. As a result, compared with the case where a plurality of conveyor wheels 12 are provided between the adjustment conveyor 5 and the bottle conveyor 33 of the bottle forming unit 30, the content filling system 10 can be made more compact. It should be noted that although not shown, it is also possible to provide only the adjustment conveyor 5 between the blow molding unit 32 of the bottle forming unit 30 and the sterilization device 11. In this case, the content filling system 10 can be made even more compact.

[0154] The sterilization device 11 is a device that sterilizes 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 sterilization 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 the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100 are uniformly sterilized.

[0155] The gas flushing device 14 is a device that supplies sterile heated gas or normal temperature gas to the bottle 100 to activate hydrogen peroxide and remove foreign substances, hydrogen peroxide, etc. from inside the bottle 100. At this time, it is preferable to supply sterile gas to the bottle 100 with the mouth of the bottle 100 facing downward. Thereby, foreign substances can be effectively removed from inside the bottle 100. Therefore, the process of cleaning the bottle 100 with sterile water can be omitted, and the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. It should be noted that, if necessary, a low-concentration condensed mist of hydrogen peroxide can also be mixed into the normal temperature sterilized gas to vaporize hydrogen peroxide and supply it to the bottle 100.

[0156] The filling device 20 is a device that fills water and the product stock solution into the bottle 100. That is, the filling device 20 fills the pre-sterilized water and the product stock solution into the bottle 100 from the mouth of the bottle 100. Thus, in the filling device 20, the content produced by diluting the product stock solution is filled into the empty bottle 100. In this filling device 20, while rotating and conveying a plurality of bottles 100, the content is filled into the inside of the bottle 100.

[0157] The filling device 20 may also have a water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization pipeline 50 and a stock solution filling device 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70. The water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22 are arranged in order 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 sterile chamber 70f described later. The stock solution filling device 22 is arranged inside the second sterile chamber 70h described later. The water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22 may also be so-called rotary fillers respectively.

[0158] The water filling device 21 fills the sterilized water into the bottle 100. In this case, the water filling device 21 fills the empty bottle 100 with the sterilized water. On the other hand, the stock solution filling device 22 fills the product stock solution that has been sterilized into the bottle filled with water. In this way, since the filling device 20 has the water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22, compared with the case of filling the content with a single filling device, the size of the filling device (i.e., the stock solution filling device 22) that comes into contact with the product stock solution or the content can be reduced. Therefore, as described later, the area for cleaning and sterilizing the filling device 20 can be reduced.

[0159] The filling speed at which the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with water can also be faster than the filling speed at which the stock solution filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 with the product stock solution. That is, by filling the empty bottle 100 with water, the water filling device 21 can increase the filling speed of water. Here, when the contents are filled into the bottle 100 all at once, for example, due to foaming in the bottle 100, etc., a part of the contents may fly outside from the mouth of the bottle 100. And due to the contents that have flown outside, there is a possibility that dirt caused by the contents adheres around the bottle 100. In contrast, when filling the empty bottle 100 with water, even if water flies outside from the mouth of the bottle 100, no dirt will adhere around the bottle 100. Therefore, the filling speed of water can be increased. As a result, the number of water filling nozzles of the water filling device 21 (for example, refer to the following Figure 16B ) can be reduced. Therefore, the size of the water filling device 21 can be reduced.

[0160] In the water filling device 21, the filling speed of water can be 100 mL / sec or more and 500 mL / sec or less, preferably 200 mL / sec or more and 400 mL / sec or less. By making the filling speed of water 100 mL / sec or more, 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 filling speed of water 500 mL / sec or less, when filling the bottle 100 with water, the scattering of water from the mouth of the bottle 100 to the outside can be suppressed. Therefore, between the product bottles 101 described later, the deviation in the volume of the contents and the dilution ratio of the product stock solution can be suppressed. In addition, in the stock solution filling device 22, the filling speed of the product stock solution can also be 30 mL / sec or more and 200 mL / sec or less.

[0161] The cap mounting device 16 is a device that closes 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 stock solution (contents) is sealed by the cap 88 so that external gas and microorganisms do not enter the bottle 100. In the cap mounting device 16, while rotating (revolving) a plurality of bottles 100 filled with the contents, the cap 88 is mounted on their mouths. In this way, by mounting the cap 88 on the bottle 100, the product bottle (product container) 101 is obtained.

[0162] The cap 88 is pre-sterilized by the cap sterilizing device 18. The cap sterilizing device 18 is arranged, for example, 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 carried in from the outside of the content filling system 10 are pre-collected and conveyed in a row toward the cap mounting device 16. During the conveyance of the cap 88 toward the cap mounting device 16, a gas or mist of hydrogen peroxide is blown onto the inner and outer surfaces of the cap 88, and then dried with hot air to perform a sterilization process.

[0163] The product bottle discharging unit 25 continuously discharges the product bottle 101 with the cap 88 mounted thereon by the cap mounting device 16 to the outside of the content filling system 10.

[0164] It should be noted that the content filling system 10 includes a preform sterilization chamber 70a, a forming section chamber 70b, an environment partition chamber 70c, a fungicide spraying chamber 70d, a gas flushing chamber (fourth aseptic chamber) 70e, a first aseptic chamber 70f, an intermediate area chamber (third aseptic chamber) 70g, a second aseptic chamber 70h, and an outlet chamber 70i. Among them, an intermediate area chamber (third aseptic chamber) 70g that connects the first aseptic chamber 70f and the second aseptic chamber 70h to each other is provided between the first aseptic chamber 70f and the second aseptic chamber 70h. In addition, a gas flushing chamber (fourth aseptic chamber) 70e is provided on the upstream side of the first aseptic chamber 70f. That is, the preform sterilization chamber 70a, the forming section chamber 70b, the environment partition chamber 70c, the fungicide spraying chamber 70d, the gas flushing chamber 70e, the first aseptic chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second aseptic chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i are arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the preform 100a and the bottle 100.

[0165] Each of the chambers 70a to 70i is separated by a partition wall. The partition wall serves to prevent the flow of fungicides and the like between the chambers 70a to 70i in an undesirable direction and to stabilize the pressure inside each of the chambers 70a to 70i. In addition, gaps through which the preform 100a or the bottle 100 can pass are formed in the partition walls respectively. The gaps are formed to be the minimum size, for example, about the size of one preform 100a or bottle 100, so that the pressure inside each of the chambers 70a to 70i does not change. Alternatively, a gate for closing the above gaps may be provided in the partition wall. The gate may be configured to open and close automatically according to a signal from the control unit 90, for example.

[0166] Inside the preform sterilization chamber 70a among the chambers 70a to 70i, a preform sterilizing device 34a and the like are housed.

[0167] Inside the forming section chamber 70b, a blow molding section 32 of the bottle forming section 30 and the like are housed.

[0168] At least a part of the adjustment conveyance unit 5 is housed inside the environmental partition chamber 70c. Additionally, a camera may be provided inside the environmental partition chamber 70c. Moreover, it is possible to check whether there are any problems with the bottle 100 in terms of molding by using the camera. Also, a thermometer may be provided inside the environmental partition chamber 70c. Moreover, the temperature of the bottle 100 before sterilization can be measured by this 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 an appropriate temperature, the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved. Therefore, by measuring the temperature of the bottle 100 before sterilization using the thermometer, the temperature of the bottle 100 during sterilization can be maintained at an appropriate temperature, and the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved.

[0169] The sterilization device 11 is housed inside the germicide spray chamber 70d. Additionally, the gas flushing device 14 is housed inside the gas flushing chamber 70e.

[0170] The water filling device 21 of the filling device 20 is housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f. Additionally, the stock solution filling device 22 of the above-mentioned filling device 20 and the cap mounting device 16 are housed inside the second sterile chamber 70h. Moreover, the product bottle discharging unit 25 is housed inside the outlet chamber 70i. Furthermore, only the conveying wheel 12 may be housed inside the intermediate area chamber 70g.

[0171] A pressure gauge (not shown) for measuring the pressure inside each of the above-mentioned preform sterilization chamber 70a, germicide spray chamber 70d, gas flushing chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, and outlet chamber 70i is installed inside. It should be noted that a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure inside each of the chambers may also be installed in the molding unit chamber 70b and / or the environmental partition chamber 70c.

[0172] Here, as described above, the content filling system 10 includes a control unit 90 that controls the content filling system 10 (such as 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. Additionally, the control unit 90 may be electrically connected to the water sterilization pipeline 50, the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70, the bottle molding unit 30, the sterilization device 11, the gas flushing device 14, the cap mounting device 16, the product bottle discharging unit 25, and the cap sterilization device 18, and the control unit 90 may also control the water sterilization pipeline 50 and the like.

[0173] The control unit 90 can clean and sterilize each chamber, and can also clean and sterilize the water sterilizer 60 and the like of the water sterilization pipeline 50 described later. In the present embodiment, the control unit 90 cleans the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state (hereinafter, the cleaning of each chamber is also referred to as COP). In addition, the control unit 90 cleans the stock solution filling device 22 while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state (hereinafter, the cleaning of 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 inside of the second sterile chamber 70h and / or the stock solution filling device 22, it does not clean (COP) and / or sterilize (hereinafter, the sterilization of each chamber is also referred to as SOP) the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f, and maintains the state of keeping the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state. In addition, when the control unit 90 cleans the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h and / or the stock solution filling device 22, it does not clean (CIP) and / or sterilize (SIP (Sterilization in Place)) the water filling device 21, and maintains the state of keeping the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state.

[0174] As described above, the water filling device 21 filled with sterilized water is accommodated in the first sterile chamber 70f. No dirt caused by the contents adheres to the flow path of the water around the water filling device 21 and inside the water filling device 21. Therefore, when switching the type of the contents, the hygiene of the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained even without cleaning (COP) and / or sterilizing (SOP) the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f. In addition, at this time, the hygiene of the water filling device 21 can be maintained even without cleaning (CIP) and / or sterilizing (SIP) the water filling device 21 accommodated in the first sterile chamber 70f, and the previous contents can be prevented from mixing into the next contents. In this way, when cleaning the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, the number of times of cleaning and / or sterilizing the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f can be reduced without cleaning and / or sterilizing the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f, and in the contents filling system 10, the area for cleaning and / or sterilizing can be reduced. Therefore, the usage amounts of water, steam, electricity, cleaning agent and / or steam can be reduced. In addition, since the area for cleaning and / or sterilizing can be reduced, the cleaning time and / or sterilizing time can be shortened. Therefore, the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the contents filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0175] In addition, while maintaining the interior of the first aseptic chamber 70f in a sterile state, the control unit 90 sterilizes the interior of the second aseptic chamber 70h (SOP). In addition, while maintaining the interior of the first aseptic chamber 70f in a sterile state, the control unit 90 sterilizes the stock solution filling device 22 (SIP). That is, when the control unit 90 sterilizes the interior of the second aseptic chamber 70h and / or the stock solution filling device 22, it does not clean (COP) and / or sterilize (SOP) the interior of the first aseptic chamber 70f, but maintains the interior of the first aseptic chamber 70f in a sterile state. In addition, when the control unit 90 sterilizes the interior of the second aseptic chamber 70h and / or the stock solution filling device 22, it does not clean (CIP) and / or sterilize (SIP) the water filling device 21, and maintains the interior of the first aseptic chamber 70f in a sterile state. Thereby, the area for cleaning and / or sterilization can be reduced. Therefore, the usage amount of steam or the like can be decreased. In addition, the cleaning time and / or the sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0176] The pressure inside the above-mentioned first aseptic chamber 70f is preferably higher than the pressure inside the second aseptic chamber 70h. Thereby, the entry of air inside the second aseptic chamber 70h into the first aseptic chamber 70f can be suppressed. Therefore, the sterile state inside the first aseptic chamber 70f can be maintained well.

[0177] When cleaning and sterilizing the interior of the second aseptic chamber 70h, the pressure inside the first aseptic chamber 70f is preferably 40 Pa or more and 100 Pa or less, and the pressure inside the second aseptic chamber 70h is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. In addition, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure inside the first aseptic chamber 70f is preferably 40 Pa or more and 100 Pa or less, and the pressure inside the second aseptic chamber 70h is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Thereby, the entry of air inside the second aseptic chamber 70h into the first aseptic chamber 70f can be effectively suppressed, and the sterile state inside the first aseptic chamber 70f can be maintained better. It should be noted that when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure inside the first aseptic chamber 70f is preferably 30 Pa or more and 60 Pa or less, and the pressure inside the second aseptic chamber 70h is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less.

[0178] In addition, the pressure in the intermediate region chamber (third aseptic chamber) 70g is preferably lower than the pressure in the first aseptic chamber 70f and equal to or higher than the pressure in the second aseptic chamber 70h. By making the pressure in the intermediate region chamber 70g lower than the pressure in the first aseptic chamber 70f, it is possible to suppress air in the intermediate region chamber 70g from entering the first aseptic chamber 70f. In addition, by making the pressure in the intermediate region chamber 70g equal to or higher than the pressure in the second aseptic chamber 70h, it is possible to suppress air in the second aseptic chamber 70h from entering the intermediate region chamber 70g. Therefore, it is possible to suppress air in the second aseptic chamber 70h from entering the first aseptic chamber 70f via the intermediate region chamber 70g. As a result, the aseptic state inside the first aseptic chamber 70f can be maintained well.

[0179] When cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the second aseptic chamber 70h, the pressure in the intermediate region chamber 70g is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. In addition, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the intermediate region chamber 70g is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. Thereby, it is possible to suppress air in the second aseptic chamber 70h from entering the intermediate region chamber 70g, and the aseptic state inside the first aseptic chamber 70f can be maintained better. In addition, when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the intermediate region chamber 70g is preferably 20 Pa or more and 50 Pa or less.

[0180] In addition, the pressure in the gas flushing chamber (fourth aseptic chamber) 70e is preferably equal to or lower than the pressure in the first aseptic chamber 70f. Thereby, it is possible to suppress air in the gas flushing chamber 70e from entering the first aseptic chamber 70f. Therefore, the aseptic state inside the first aseptic chamber 70f can be maintained well.

[0181] When cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the second aseptic chamber 70h, the pressure in the gas flushing chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. In addition, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the gas flushing chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. Thereby, it is possible to suppress air in the gas flushing chamber 70e from entering the first aseptic chamber 70f, and the aseptic state inside the first aseptic chamber 70f can be maintained better. In addition, when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the gas flushing chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less.

[0182] In addition, the pressure in the fungicide spraying chamber 70d is preferably equal to or lower than the pressure in the environmental partition chamber 70c. Thereby, the air in the fungicide spraying chamber 70d can be inhibited from entering the environmental partition chamber 70c and the molding section chamber 70b. Herein, the air in the fungicide spraying chamber 70d can be inhibited from entering the molding section chamber 70b, and thereby the rise in humidity in the molding section chamber 70b can be inhibited. As described above, the blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30 is accommodated inside the molding section chamber 70b. Therefore, by inhibiting the rise in humidity in the molding section chamber 70b, the corrosion of the machinery constituting the blow molding section 32 can be inhibited.

[0183] When cleaning and disinfecting the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure in the fungicide spraying chamber 70d is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. In addition, when cleaning and disinfecting the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the fungicide spraying chamber 70d is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Thereby, the air in the fungicide spraying chamber 70d can be inhibited from entering the environmental partition chamber 70c and the molding section chamber 70b, and the rise in humidity in the molding section chamber 70b can be inhibited. In addition, when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the fungicide spraying chamber 70d is preferably -10 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less.

[0184] When cleaning and disinfecting the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure in the outlet chamber 70i is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. In addition, when cleaning and disinfecting the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the outlet chamber 70i is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Thereby, the air in the outlet chamber 70i can be inhibited from entering the first sterile chamber 70f via the second sterile chamber 70h, etc., and the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained better. In addition, when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the outlet chamber 70i is preferably 10 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less.

[0185] In summary, the pressures in the fungicide spraying chamber 70d to the outlet chamber 70i can also be as shown in Table 1 below.

[0186] [Table 1]

[0187]

[0188] It should be noted that at this time, the pressures in the preform sterilization chamber 70a to the environmental partition chamber 70c can also be as shown in Table 2 below.

[0189] [Table 2]

[0190]

[0191] In addition, the control unit 90 can also sterilize the water sterilizer 60 by supplying hot water to the water sterilizer 60 (described later) in the water sterilization pipeline 50. In this case, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, the control unit 90 can supply hot water to the water sterilizer 60 and cool the water sterilizer 60 to which the hot water has been supplied. In addition, the control unit 90 can also use the sterilized water sterilizer 60 to sterilize the water used in the content, and fill the content containing the sterilized water into the bottle 100, thereby producing the product bottle 101.

[0192] Such a content filling system 10 can also be constituted by, for example, an aseptic filling system. In this case, the interiors of the bactericide spraying chamber 70d, the gas flushing chamber 70e, the first aseptic chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second aseptic chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i are maintained in a sterile state. It should be noted that a chamber (not shown) connecting the sterile area in the sterile state and the non-sterile area in the non-sterile state may be provided on the downstream side of the outlet chamber 70i.

[0193] Next, the water sterilization pipeline 50 and the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 of the content filling system 10 will be described. Here, first, the water sterilization pipeline 50 will be described.

[0194] Water sterilization pipeline

[0195] The water sterilization pipeline 50 is a sterilization pipeline that sterilizes water without heating. The water sterilization pipeline 50 can also sterilize water using ultraviolet rays. In this case, in the water sterilization pipeline 50, water can be sterilized using ultraviolet rays from at least one of a low-pressure mercury lamp and a medium-pressure mercury lamp. In addition, the water sterilization pipeline 50 can also sterilize water by filtering water using a sterile filter (such as the first sterile filter 63 described later). It should be noted that in this specification, "non-heating sterilization" means sterilizing water without using thermal energy based on an electric heater or steam, etc.

[0196] As Figure 2A shown, the water sterilization pipeline 50 at least has a water sterilizer 60 that sterilizes water. In Figure 2A the example shown, the water sterilization pipeline 50 has a first water tank (storage tank) 51, a water sterilizer 60, and a second water tank (water tank) 52. In addition, the water sterilization pipeline 50 may also further have: a pure water manufacturing device 50a, which is provided upstream of the first water tank 51 and manufactures water (pure water); a pure water tank 50c, which stores the 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 conveyance direction.

[0197] Among them, the pure water tank 50c is a tank that stores the water (pure water) supplied from the pure water manufacturing device 50a, which is the water supply source of water. Here, it is obligatory to use the food manufacturing water specified by the Food Sanitation Law in the raw water of soft drinks. The food manufacturing water is pure water (RO water, ion-exchange water, distilled water, etc.) produced by the pure water manufacturing device 50a equipped with activated carbon, reverse osmosis membrane, ion exchange resin (including EDI), etc. Pure water is water from which impurities such as calcium, magnesium, chlorine, iron, or mineral components have been removed. At this time, the evaporation residue of the pure water is 20 mg / L or less. In addition, the conductivity of the pure water is 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less. As will be described later, in the present embodiment, the water is sterilized by ultraviolet rays. Therefore, by making the conductivity of the sterilized water 20 μS / cm or less, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of inorganic substances (such as calcium oxides) to the surface of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a described later. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the ultraviolet transmittance. In addition, the water supplied from the pure water manufacturing device 50a is not limited to pure water and may also be ultrapure water.

[0198] The pure water tank 50c functions to make the flow of water smooth by storing water. The volume of the pure water tank 50c can be 50 m 3 or more and 100 m 3 or less. As an example, it can be 50 m 3 .

[0199] In addition, the number of bacteria in the pure water tank 50c is preferably 0.001 CFU / mL or more and 20 CFU / mL or less. The pure water supplied to the pure water tank 50c is produced by removing chlorine in tap water using activated carbon or the like. Thus, bacteria are likely to multiply in the pure water supplied to the pure water tank 50c. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a UV lamp in the pure water tank 50c to inhibit the multiplication of bacteria. In addition, when the number of bacteria in the pure water tank 50c is more than 20 CFU / mL, it is preferable to sterilize the pure water tank 50c using chlorine, hot water, steam, or the like. The number of bacteria in the pure water tank 50c can also be monitored at all times and controlled within the above range. Thus, it is possible to produce water that maintains sterility without setting up additional equipment. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the water sterilizer 60 without setting the water sterilizer 60 to a high-cost specification.

[0200] A pre-stage sterilizer 62A and a first water tank 51 are provided on the downstream side of the pure water tank 50c.

[0201] Here, when the number of bacteria concentration supplied from the pure water manufacturing device 50a is high (for example, 1 CFU / ml or more), and the foreign matter removal filter 61 described later has the pore size of a sterilization filter (0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less), the foreign matter removal filter 61 can be contaminated by bacteria in a short time. When a large amount of bacteria are captured by the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the bacteria multiply, it sometimes affects the quality of the water. Therefore, asFigure 2A As shown, a pre-stage sterilizer 62A is preferably provided upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. Thus, aseptic water of good quality can be produced for a long time. In Figure 2A the example shown, two pre-stage sterilizers 62A are provided upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. Specifically, one pre-stage sterilizer 62A is provided upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61 and on each of the upstream side and the downstream side of the first water tank 51. In addition, the number of pre-stage sterilizers 62A can be one, or it can be provided only on 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. In addition, the structure of the pre-stage sterilizer 62A can also be set to be substantially the same as the structure of the first sterilizer 62 described later in Figures 3 to 6B shown.

[0202] The first water tank 51 is a tank provided upstream of the water sterilizer 60 for storing water. The first water tank 51 is a so-called balance tank, which plays a role of smoothing the flow of water by storing water. The volume of the first water tank 51 can be 0.1 m 3 or more and 10 m 3 or less. As an example, it can be 1 m 3 .

[0203] A pump P1 for delivering water and a flowmeter F for measuring the flow rate of water may also be provided downstream of the first water tank 51. The pump P1 and the flowmeter F may be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water delivery direction. In addition, the installation location of the flowmeter F can be appropriately changed as long as it is downstream of the pump P1 and upstream of the valve V1 described later. In addition, the above-mentioned water sterilizer 60 is provided downstream of the flowmeter F.

[0204] The water sterilizer 60 is a sterilizer for sterilizing the water stored in the first water tank 51. The details of the water sterilizer 60 will be described later.

[0205] The second water tank 52 is a tank (so-called aseptic tank) for storing the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. The second water tank 52 plays a role of smoothing the flow of water by storing the sterilized water. The volume of the second water tank 52 can be 5 m 3 or more and 50 m 3 or less. As an example, it can be 10 m 3 .

[0206] In addition, an auxiliary filter 53 for filtering the sterilized water may be provided on the downstream side of the second water tank 52, and a third water tank 54 for storing the water that has passed through the auxiliary filter 53 may be provided. In this case, the third water tank 54 may be a so-called filling chassis, and may also be provided above the water filling device 21 in the vertical direction in order to improve the filling accuracy of the water filling device 21. Even when the usage amount of the water on the downstream side of the third water tank 54 changes, the third water tank 54 can function as a so-called buffer tank to ensure the smooth flow of water. The volume of the third water tank 54 may be 0.1 m 3 or more and 1 m 3 or less, and as an example, it may be 0.3 m 3 .

[0207] In addition, a first bypass pipeline (bypass pipeline) 55 for connecting the water sterilization pipeline 50 and the cap sterilization device 18 to each other may be provided on the downstream side of the second water tank 52 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2A etc.). Thereby, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 can be used for cleaning the cap 88. Here, after the cap 88 is sterilized by the bactericide, it can be cleaned with sterile water. Thereby, the cap 88 is cooled, and foreign matters attached to the cap 88 are removed. In addition, by cleaning the cap 88 with sterile water, the friction between the conveying chute (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 prevent the cap 88 from being cut by the conveying chute.

[0208] As described above, by providing the first bypass pipeline 55 on the downstream side of the second water tank 52, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 can be used for cleaning the cap 88. Therefore, compared with the case of cleaning the cap 88 with sterile water produced by a sterilizer that sterilizes water by heating, 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 cap 88, etc., the cap 88 can be conveyed without being cut. In this way, when the cap 88 is not cut, the cap 88 may not be cleaned with sterile water.

[0209] Furthermore, a second bypass line 56 that connects the water sterilization line 50 and the second sterile chamber 70h may be provided on the downstream side of the second water tank 52. Also, when cleaning the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, the control unit 90 may supply the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 to the second sterile chamber 70h via the second bypass line 56. In addition, 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 sterile chamber 70h via the second bypass line 56. Thus, compared with the case of cleaning the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h with sterile water produced by a sterilization mechanism that heats water for sterilization, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be further reduced.

[0210] In addition, inside the second sterile chamber 70h, the stock solution filling device 22 fills the product stock solution into the bottle 100. Here, after filling the product stock solution (content) into the bottle 100, the mouth of the bottle 100 can be cleaned. Thus, when cleaning the mouth of the bottle 100, the water supplied to the second sterile chamber 70h via the second bypass line 56 may also be used. Thus, compared with the case of cleaning the mouth of the bottle 100 with sterile water produced by a sterilization mechanism that heats water for sterilization, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be further reduced. It should be noted that when 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. In addition, even when the product stock solution is attached to the mouth of the bottle 100, if bacteria cannot multiply, the mouth of the bottle 100 may not be cleaned.

[0211] In addition, the second bypass line 56 may also connect the water sterilization line 50 and the chambers 70a to 70i to each other. Also, when cleaning the inside of the chambers 70a to 70i, the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 may be supplied to the chambers 70a to 70i via the second bypass line 56. In addition, when cleaning the machinery disposed inside the chambers 70a to 70i, the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 may be supplied to the chambers 70a to 70i via the second bypass line 56.

[0212] In addition, as Figure 2AAs shown, a circulation pipeline (first circulation pipeline) 59 may also be connected to the upstream side of the second water tank 52 of the water sterilization pipeline 50. One end of the circulation pipeline 59 may also be connected to the water sterilization pipeline 50 via a valve V1 provided in the water sterilization pipeline 50. The other end of the circulation pipeline 59 may also be connected to the first water tank 51 of the water sterilization pipeline 50. Thus, a circulation system (first circulation system) 59A for circulating water may also be constituted by a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, a second sterilizer 64, a second sterile filter 65, the circulation pipeline 59, and the first water tank 51, which will be described later. In addition, a thermometer T may be provided in the circulation pipeline 59. In addition, a concentration meter 59c for measuring the concentration of a bactericide or a cleaning agent may be provided in the circulation pipeline 59 when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60. And a temperature raising device (such as a heat exchanger or a heater) for heating the bactericide, etc. may be provided in the circulation pipeline 59 when cleaning and / or sterilizing the circulation pipeline 59. The temperature raising device may also be used to adjust the temperature of the water supplied to the first sterile filter 63, etc. to a certain temperature (for example, 25°C) during the integrity test to be described later. In this case, the water adjusted to a certain temperature can be used to moisten the membranes of the first sterile filter 63, etc. to be described later. Thus, in the integrity test, data that is not affected by the water temperature throughout the year can be obtained. The temperature raising device may be provided at any position as long as it is provided between the first water tank 51 and the valve V1 in addition to being provided in the circulation pipeline 59. The temperature raising device provided may be one or more than two. In addition, the valve V1 may be electrically connected to the control unit 90 and may also be controlled by the control unit 90.

[0213] In addition, as Figure 2BAs shown, a circulation pipeline (second circulation pipeline) 95 may also be connected between the first water tank 51 of the water sterilization pipeline 50 and the water sterilizer 60. One end of the circulation pipeline 95 may also be connected to a sampling line SL connected to a sampling point SP5 described later. The other end of the circulation pipeline 95 may be connected, for example, between a pump P1 provided on the downstream side of the first water tank 51 and a pre-stage sterilizer 62A. Additionally, the other end of the circulation pipeline 95 may be connected, for example, to the upstream side of the pump P1 (e.g., between the first water tank 51 and the pump P1). Thus, a circulation system (second circulation system) 95A for circulating water and the like may be constituted by the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, a third bypass pipeline 95a described later, a first sterilizer 62, a fourth bypass pipeline 95b described later, a second sterilizer 64, and the circulation pipeline 95. Additionally, a bactericide supply unit 96 including a tank, a pump, a heater, a concentration meter, etc., not shown, may be provided in the circulation pipeline 95. Additionally, a heat exchanger 97 may be provided in the circulation pipeline 95. Furthermore, a pump not shown may be provided on the circulation pipeline 95. As described later, the circulation system 95A including such a circulation pipeline 95 may also be used to circulate a bactericide or a cleaning agent when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60.

[0214] Moreover, as Figure 2C shown, one end of the circulation pipeline 95 may be connected, for example, between the second sterilizer 64 and the first sterile filter 63. Thus, the circulation system (second circulation system) 95A may also be constituted by the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, a third bypass pipeline 95a described later, a first sterilizer 62, a second sterilizer 64, and the circulation pipeline 95.

[0215] <Water sterilizer>

[0216] Next, the water sterilizer 60 will be described. The water sterilizer 60 is a sterilizer that sterilizes the water used in the content filling system 10. In the present embodiment, the water sterilizer 60 performs non-heat sterilization on water. As described above, the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes the water (pure water) stored in the first water tank 51. Therefore, the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes water with a conductivity of 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less.

[0217] As Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown, the water sterilizer 60 includes at least one sterile filter (the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65). In addition, the water sterilizer 60 includes at least one sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) including an ultraviolet lamp (such as the first ultraviolet lamp 67a described later). The water sterilizer 60 includes at least one sterile filter and at least one sterilizer, so that even when 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.

[0218] In Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the example shown, the water sterilizer 60 includes a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, a second sterilizer 64, and a second sterile filter 65. 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 arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. Thus, 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. At this time, as Figure 2C 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 may also be arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. As Figures 2A to 2C shown, the water sterilizer 60 includes a plurality of sterile filters (the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65), so that even when one of the sterile filters stops, the sterility of the water can be ensured by the other sterile filter. In addition, the water sterilizer 60 includes a plurality of sterilizers (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64), so that even when one of the sterilizers stops, the sterility of the water can be ensured by the other sterilizer.

[0219] In addition, as Figure 2D shown, the water sterilizer 60 may also 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 also be arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may also further include a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

[0220] In addition, as Figure 2E1As shown, the water sterilizer 60 may also 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 also be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may also include a second sterilizer 64 disposed between the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. Additionally, as Figure 2E2 shown, the first sterile filter 63, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterile filter 65, and the second sterilizer 64 may also be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. Moreover, as Figure 2E3 shown, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, and the second sterilizer 64 may also be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction.

[0221] Additionally, as Figure 2F shown, the water sterilizer 60 may also include a first sterilizer 62 and a first sterile filter 63. The first sterilizer 62 and the first sterile filter 63 may also be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. Additionally, as Figure 2G shown, the first sterile filter 63 and the first sterilizer 62 may also be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. In these cases, the water sterilizer 60 may also include a second sterilizer 64 disposed between the first sterile filter 63 and the valve V1 described later.

[0222] Additionally, as Figure 2H shown, the water sterilizer 60 may also 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 also be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may also include a second sterile filter 65 disposed on the downstream side of the first sterile filter 63.

[0223] Additionally, as Figure 2I shown, the water sterilizer 60 may also 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 also be arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may also include a second sterilizer 64 disposed on the downstream side of the first sterilizer 62.

[0224] In addition, the water sterilizer 60 may not be equipped with a sterile filter. That is, depending on the sterile quality level of the content produced by diluting the product stock solution with water and / or the propagation characteristics of the bacteria in the content, etc., the water sterilizer 60 may sometimes not be equipped with a sterile filter. In addition, when the sterilized water is used for cleaning (COP) and / or sterilization (SOP) in each chamber, the water does not come into direct contact with the content. In such a case, the water sterilizer 60 may sometimes not be equipped with a sterile filter. In these cases, for example, as Figure 2J shown, the water sterilizer 60 may only be equipped with the first sterilizer 62. In addition, as Figure 2K shown, the water sterilizer 60 may be equipped with the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. In this way, when the water sterilizer 60 does not have a sterile filter, the manufacturing cost of the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0225] Moreover, the water sterilizer 60 may not be equipped with a sterilizer. That is, depending on the sterile quality level of the content produced by diluting the product stock solution with water and / or the propagation characteristics of the bacteria in the content, etc., the water sterilizer 60 may sometimes not be equipped with a sterilizer. In this case, for example, as Figure 2L shown, the water sterilizer 60 may only be equipped with the first sterile filter 63. In addition, as Figure 2M shown, the water sterilizer 60 may be equipped with the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. In this way, even when the water sterilizer 60 does not have a sterilizer, the manufacturing cost of the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0226] 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 will be described. It should be noted that in the following description, mainly taking the water sterilizer 60 shown in Figure 2A as an example, 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 will be described. Here, first, the foreign matter removal filter 61 will be described.

[0227] The foreign matter removal filter 61 is a filter for removing foreign matters in water. In the illustrated example, the water sterilizer 60 is provided with a single foreign matter removal filter 61. However, it is not limited thereto, and the water sterilizer 60 may also be provided with a plurality of foreign matter removal filters 61. The mesh size (filtration accuracy) of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be, for example, 0.20 μm or more and 10 μm or less, or may be 0.45 μm or more and 10 μm or less. In addition, the mesh size of the foreign matter removal filter 61 is preferably sized to remove fungi (such as molds and yeasts). As described later, in the first sterilizer 62 and the like provided on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61, ultraviolet rays are irradiated onto the water. Therefore, the mesh size of the foreign matter removal filter 61 is preferably sized to remove molds that are resistant to ultraviolet rays, and is 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 mesh size of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may also be 0.2 μm or more and 1.2 μm or less. Thereby, almost all of the bacteria remaining in the water can be captured. In addition, in order to improve the sterility of the water that has passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61, a sterile-grade filter with a mesh size of 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less may be used as the foreign matter removal filter 61.

[0228] The first sterilizer 62 is provided on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61. In addition, the first sterilizer 62 is provided on the upstream side of the first sterile filter 63. The first sterilizer 62 is a sterilizer that sterilizes water using ultraviolet rays. Thereby, the bacteria (bacteria other than molds / yeasts) that have passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61 can be sterilized. In addition, by sterilizing the water with ultraviolet rays using the first sterilizer 62, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system can be reduced as compared with the case of sterilizing the water by heating the water. In particular, as described above, when producing the content, the product stock solution can be diluted with water to 1.1 times or more and 100 times or less, preferably diluted 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 the water without heating it, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged when producing the content can be significantly reduced.

[0229] As described above, in the present embodiment, the first sterilizer 62 sterilizes water with ultraviolet rays. In this case, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the first sterilizer 62 may also have a main body portion 66 and an ultraviolet irradiation portion 67 provided in the main body portion 66.

[0230] Among them, the main body portion 66 is formed in a hollow shape. In addition, the shape of the main body portion 66 is a truncated cone shape. Specifically, the main body portion 66 has an inner surface in the shape of a truncated cone, and the end portion on the small-diameter side faces upward relative to the end portion on the large-diameter side. An introduction portion 68 for introducing water into the main body portion 66 may be formed at the lower part of the main body portion 66, and a discharge portion 69 for discharging the sterilized water from the main body portion 66 may be formed at the upper part of the main body portion 66. An introduction pipe 68a may be connected to the introduction portion 68 formed in the main body portion 66, and the introduction pipe 68a may be arranged to extend along the tangential direction of the inner surface of the main body portion 66 in a plan view. In this case, the tangential direction of the inner surface refers to the tangential direction at the portion where the introduced water collides with the inner surface of the main body portion 66 among the tangents of the circle formed by the inner surface of the main body portion 66 in a horizontal cross section including the introduction portion 68.

[0231] The water introduced into the interior of the main body portion 66 through the introduction portion 68 is guided along the inner surface of the main body portion 66, thereby swirling in the circumferential direction. Then, the water moves upward while swirling and is discharged from the discharge portion 69. Thereby, the deviation of the flow of the water introduced into the interior of the main body portion 66 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a part of the water introduced into the interior of the main body portion 66 from being discharged from the discharge portion 69 in a short time (so-called short path).

[0232] As Figure 4 shown, a baffle 66a for restricting the flow of water may be provided inside the main body portion 66. The baffle 66a may protrude radially from the inner surface of the main body portion 66 in a spiral shape. By providing such a baffle 66a inside the main body portion 66, it is possible to suppress the water introduced into the interior of the main body portion 66 through the introduction portion 68 from moving upward without swirling in the circumferential direction. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the so-called short path. It should be noted that although not shown in the drawings, inside the main body portion 66, the baffle 66a may not be spirally wound. In this case, for example, a plurality of baffles 66a having an annular shape in a plan view may be provided inside the main body portion 66, or it may be configured to allow water to pass through the central opening.

[0233] In addition, fixing members 66b for fixing the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, which will be described later, of the ultraviolet irradiation portion 67 may be provided inside the main body portion 66. The shape of the fixing member 66b may be, for example, a cross shape in a plan view. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the upward movement of water from being obstructed by the fixing member 66b. Alternatively, the shape of the fixing member 66b may be, for example, a disc shape and may be circular in a plan view. In this case, through holes (not shown) may be formed in the fixing member 66b, and it may be configured to allow water to pass through the through holes.

[0234] Furthermore, an illuminometer (intensity meter) 66c for measuring the illuminance of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may also be provided in the main body unit 66. Preferably, at least one illuminometer 66c is provided near the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. In addition, an output meter for measuring the outputs of a first ultraviolet lamp 67a and a second ultraviolet lamp 67b, which will be described later, of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may also be provided. Further, the time (residence time) for water to pass through the inside of the main body unit 66 may always be monitored by using the above-described flowmeter F. Furthermore, the temperature, transmittance (turbidity), and / or chromaticity of the water passing through the main body unit 66 may be measured always or appropriately, and it may be always confirmed that the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet rays is normal.

[0235] 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 unit 66 and a plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b provided around the first ultraviolet lamp 67a. In the illustrated example, four second ultraviolet lamps 67b are provided around one first ultraviolet lamp 67a.

[0236] Each of the second ultraviolet lamps 67b is arranged along the inner surface of the main body unit 66. That is, each of the second ultraviolet lamps 67b is provided so as to be inclined radially inward as it goes upward. In this case, the second ultraviolet lamps 67b are preferably arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the deviation in the cumulative irradiation amount of the ultraviolet rays (mJ / cm 2 ). The first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamps 67b may each be an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 200 nm or more and 450 nm or less.

[0237] Such a first ultraviolet lamp 67a and second ultraviolet lamps 67b may each be a low-pressure mercury lamp, a medium-pressure mercury lamp, or a UV-LED. In this case, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamps 67b are preferably a low-pressure mercury lamp or a medium-pressure mercury lamp, respectively.

[0238] In addition, the wavelengths and / or outputs of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may also be different from each other. That is, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may also be different ultraviolet lamps. As an example, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may also be a medium-pressure mercury lamp (or UV-LED). Moreover, the wavelengths and / or outputs of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the multiple second ultraviolet lamps 67b may also be different from each other. That is, the multiple second ultraviolet lamps 67b may also be different ultraviolet lamps. For example, when one second ultraviolet lamp 67b is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the other second ultraviolet lamps 67b may also be medium-pressure mercury lamps (or UV-LEDs). As will be described later, a low-pressure mercury lamp can efficiently irradiate ultraviolet rays with a wavelength (253.7 nm) that has a high sterilization effect. In addition, as will be described later, compared with a low-pressure mercury lamp, a medium-pressure mercury lamp is a high-output mercury lamp. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are different ultraviolet lamps, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 can be improved, and the first sterilizer 62 can sterilize a large amount of water. In addition, as described above, even when the multiple second ultraviolet lamps 67b are different ultraviolet lamps, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 can be improved, and the first sterilizer 62 can sterilize a large amount of water.

[0239] A low-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp in which the mercury vapor pressure during lighting is less than 10 Pa. This low-pressure mercury lamp can efficiently irradiate ultraviolet rays with a wavelength (253.7 nm) that has a high sterilization effect. Therefore, when 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 may also be a mercury amalgam lamp (low-pressure high-output mercury amalgam lamp) in which an alloy of mercury and other metals, i.e., a mercury amalgam, is enclosed in a light-emitting tube.

[0240] A medium-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp in which the mercury vapor pressure during lighting is 40 kPa or more. The main wavelength of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the medium-pressure mercury lamp is 365 nm, which also has peaks at 254 nm, 302 nm, 313 nm, 405 nm, 436 nm, etc. Generally, compared with a low-pressure mercury lamp, a medium-pressure mercury lamp is a high-output mercury lamp. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are medium-pressure mercury lamps respectively, 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, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are medium-pressure mercury lamps respectively, miniaturization of the first sterilizer 62 (and the second sterilizer 64) can be achieved.

[0241] In addition, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 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 unit 67 of the second sterilizer 64 may be composed only of a medium-pressure mercury lamp. Thus, when the water sterilization pipeline 50 has a plurality of sterilizers (for example, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64), it is preferable 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 the low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and the medium-pressure mercury lamp are different from each other. Therefore, by using the low-pressure mercury lamp (including the low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and the medium-pressure mercury lamp in combination, a high sterilization effect can be obtained.

[0242] In addition, the heat resistance of the medium-pressure mercury lamp is higher than that of the low-pressure mercury lamp, so it can be lit at a high temperature. Therefore, as described later, by circulating hot water or a bactericide in the circulation system 95A (refer to Figure 2B and Figure 2C ), when sterilizing the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64, it is possible to sterilize the first sterilizer 62 etc. while the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. is lit. When a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays with a wavelength different from that of the low-pressure mercury lamp are arranged in series, the low-pressure mercury lamp can also be used in the pre-stage sterilizer 62A between the pure water tank 50c where sterilization is not performed and the first water tank 51.

[0243] Here, the sterilization effect of ultraviolet rays on bacteria varies according to the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays (mJ / cm 2 ). That is, the more the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays, the higher the sterilization effect of ultraviolet rays on bacteria. This cumulative irradiation amount is obtained by multiplying the illuminance (mW / cm 2 ) by the irradiation time (s). Therefore, in order to improve the sterilization 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 to extend the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays. In particular, the illuminance is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays. For example, when the distance from the light source is doubled, the illuminance is 1 / 4, and when the distance from the light source is tripled, the illuminance is 1 / 9. Therefore, the water passes near the light source, whereby the sterilization effect of ultraviolet rays on bacteria can be improved.

[0244] As described above, in the present embodiment, an introduction portion 68 for introducing water into the interior of the main body portion 66 is formed at the lower part of the main body portion 66, and a discharge portion 69 for discharging the sterilized water from the main body portion 66 is formed at the upper part of the main body portion 66. Thus, a short path can be prevented, and the time for water to stay inside the main body portion 66 can be extended. Therefore, the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays on the water can be extended, and the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays can be increased. In addition, by introducing water from the lower part of the main body portion 66, even the water at the initial stage of operation of the first sterilizer 62, that is, the water introduced into the empty main body portion 66, can sufficiently ensure the time for water to stay inside the main body portion 66. Therefore, the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays on the water can be extended.

[0245] In addition, the shape of the main body portion 66 is a frustum of a cone shape. Thus, at the upper part of the main body portion 66, the distance between the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b and the water can be shortened. Therefore, the sterilization effect of ultraviolet rays on bacteria can be improved. In addition, the ultraviolet irradiation portion 67 includes a first ultraviolet lamp 67a provided at the radial center of the main body portion 66 and a plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b provided around the first ultraviolet lamp 67a. Thus, ultraviolet rays can be uniformly irradiated on the water that moves upward while swirling in the circumferential direction. Therefore, deviation in the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays can be suppressed.

[0246] Here, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays with respect to water is preferably 10 mJ / cm 2 or more and 10000 mJ / cm 2 or less, and more preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 or more and 1000 mJ / cm 2 or less. That is, when passing through the main body portion 66, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays on the water is preferably 10 mJ / cm 2 or more and 10000 mJ / cm 2 or less, and more preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 or more and 1000 mJ / cm 2 or less. In this case, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays on the water is preferably 10 mJ / cm 2 or more and 10000 mJ / cm 2 or less, and more preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 or more and 1000 mJ / cm 2 or less. By making the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays 10 mJ / cm 2 or more, aquatic bacteria (genera that can reproduce in water with poor nutritional environment Pseudomonas or MethylobacteriumGram-negative bacteria such as genus, especially those with a pore size of 0.2 μm, which are reported to pass through a so-called filter sterilization-grade filter Brevundimonas vesicularis , Delftia acidovorans , Hydrogenophaga pseudoflava , Brevundimonas diminuta , Ralstonia pickettii , Cellulomonas biazotea , Microbacterium fluvii , Pseudomonas putda , Stenotrophomonas maltophilia , Acinetobacter junii , Hylemonella gracilis , or Acinetobacter baumannii etc.) for sterilization. In addition, by making the cumulative irradiation dose of ultraviolet light 100 mJ / cm 2 or more, it is also possible to sterilize bacterial spores. In addition, by making the cumulative irradiation dose of ultraviolet light 10,000 mJ / cm 2 or less, the power consumption can be reduced, and the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Here, the wavelength of the ultraviolet light can be 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less. As an example, it can be 253.7 nm (254 nm). By making the wavelength of the ultraviolet light 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less, especially 253.7 nm, the sterilization effect of the ultraviolet light on bacteria can be improved. Here, in this specification, "aquatic bacteria" refers to bacteria that can pass through a sterile filter with a mesh size of 0.2 μm.

[0247] Such a first sterilizer 62 is preferably capable of sterilization (SIP). Thus, the first sterilizer 62 can be sterilized regularly. In addition, when sterilizing the first sterilizer 62, the above control unit 90 can also sterilize the first sterilizer 62 using steam or hot water. Or, when the first sterilizer 62 is heat-sensitive, the control unit 90 can also sterilize the first sterilizer 62 by circulating a bactericide containing, for example, peracetic acid in the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60. In this case, the control unit 90 can also circulate the bactericide in the circulation system 59A for at least 10 seconds or more and 60 minutes or less.

[0248] In addition, as Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, the shape of the main body 66 of the first sterilizer 62 may also be cylindrical. In this case, a discharge pipe 69a may be connected to the discharge part 69 formed in the main body 66, and the discharge pipe 69a may be arranged to extend along the tangential direction of the inner surface of the main body 66 in a plan view. In this case, the tangential direction of the inner surface means the tangential direction at the part where the water that abuts on one side of the inner surface and surrounds the circle formed by the inner surface of the main body 66 in the horizontal cross-section including the discharge part 69 leaves the inner surface of the main body 66. When 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 on the water can be extended, and the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays can be increased. In addition, in this case, although not shown, a plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b may also be arranged to incline radially inward as they face upward.

[0249] In addition, as Figure 6A and Figure 6B shown, the shape of the main body 66 may also be an elongated substantially cylindrical shape. In this case, an introduction part 68 for introducing water into the main body 66 may be formed at one end of the main body 66. In addition, a discharge part 69 for discharging the sterilized water from the main body 66 may be formed at the other end of the main body 66. In this case, the main body 66 may be arranged such that the longitudinal direction (the traveling direction of water) of the main body 66 is parallel to the horizontal direction, or the main body 66 may be arranged such that the longitudinal direction (the traveling direction of water) of the main body 66 is parallel to the vertical direction. It should be noted that in the illustrated example, the shape of the main body 66 is a so-called diameter-reducing shape that reduces in diameter as it approaches one end and also reduces in diameter as it approaches the other end. However, it is not limited to this, and the shape of the main body 66 may also be a cylindrical shape having a substantially uniform diameter from the introduction part 68 to the discharge part 69.

[0250] In this modification, the ultraviolet irradiation part 67 may also include a plurality of third ultraviolet lamps 67c arranged along the traveling direction of water. Thereby, water can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays uniformly. Therefore, deviation in the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays can be suppressed. In the illustrated example, the ultraviolet irradiation part 67 includes eight third ultraviolet lamps 67c.

[0251] In addition, when viewed from the traveling direction of water, the third ultraviolet lamps 67c adjacent to each other in the traveling direction of water may also extend in different directions. Thereby, deviation in the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays can be suppressed more effectively. In the illustrated example, each third ultraviolet lamp 67c is regularly arranged. That is, when viewed from the upstream side ( Figure 6B the left side) of the traveling direction of water, each third ultraviolet lamp 67c inclines radially inward as it faces upward. When viewed from the downstream side ( Figure 6Bto the right side) and rotate 45° clockwise around the central axis X of the main body 66 each time. In addition, the rotation angle of each third ultraviolet lamp 67c can also be appropriately changed. For example, when viewed from the upstream side in the water flow direction, each third ultraviolet lamp 67c can also rotate 90° clockwise around the central axis X as it faces the downstream side in the water flow direction. In addition, when the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 includes three or more third ultraviolet lamps 67c, when viewed from the upstream side in the water flow direction, each third ultraviolet lamp 67c can also rotate 60° clockwise around the central axis X as it faces the downstream side in the water flow direction. In addition, each third ultraviolet lamp 67c can also be arranged irregularly.

[0252] The third ultraviolet lamp 67c can also be the same ultraviolet lamp as the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b. That is, the third ultraviolet lamp 67c can also be an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 200 nm or more and 450 nm or less. In addition, the third ultraviolet lamp 67c can also be a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp), a medium-pressure mercury lamp, or a UV-LED. And the wavelengths and / or outputs of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the plurality of third ultraviolet lamps 67c can be different from each other. That is, the plurality of third ultraviolet lamps 67c can also be different ultraviolet lamps. For example, when one third ultraviolet lamp 67c is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the other third ultraviolet lamps 67c can also 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. In addition, although not shown, a baffle 66a for restricting the flow of water can also be provided in the main body 66.

[0253] In addition, in Figures 3 to 6B In the first sterilizer 62 shown, in order to improve the sterilization efficiency of the first sterilizer 62, ultraviolet rays can also be reflected inside the main body 66. For example, if Figure 6A and Figure 6B Taking the first sterilizer 62 shown as an example for description, then as Figure 6C shown, the main body 66 can also include an outer member 660 and an inner member 661 provided inside the outer member 660. The outer member 660 can be composed of, for example, a stainless steel pipe that has been mirror-finished by electrolytic polishing or the like. The inner member 661 can be composed of a glass tube. In addition, a gas layer 662 can also be installed between the outer member 660 and the inner member 661. In this case, when using glass with a high ultraviolet transmittance (such as quartz glass or fluoride glass) as the glass of the glass tube of the inner member 661, as Figure 6CAs shown, it is capable of reflecting ultraviolet ray UV at the interface between the inner member 661 and the gas layer 662. In addition, as the material of the inner member 661, a material with a high transmittance of ultraviolet ray can also be appropriately selected according to the wavelength of the ultraviolet ray irradiated by the third ultraviolet lamp 67c or the like. Further, as the material of the inner member 661, a material other than glass can also be used. For example, a plastic having the same characteristics as glass can also be used. Also, a material with a high reflectivity can be coated on the inner surface of the outer member 660 and / or the outer surface of the inner member 661. In particular, as in the case of the first sterilizer 62 shown in Figure 6A and Figure 6B , when the main body 66 is slender, by coating a material with a high reflectivity on the inner surface of the outer member 660 or the like, the attenuation of the ultraviolet ray UV can be suppressed while the ultraviolet ray UV is repeatedly reflected. Therefore, water can be efficiently sterilized. It should be noted that it is preferable that the ultraviolet ray UV is reflected once or more inside the main body 66. In this case, it is more preferable that the number of reflections of the ultraviolet ray UV is two or more by shortening the distance between the outer member 660 or the like and the third ultraviolet lamp 67c or the like. Here, compared with the ultraviolet ray irradiated by a low-pressure mercury lamp, the illuminance of the ultraviolet ray irradiated by a medium-pressure mercury lamp can be maintained farther. Therefore, when the third ultraviolet lamp 67c or the like is a medium-pressure mercury lamp, even if the ultraviolet ray UV is reflected multiple times inside the main body 66, the reduction of the sterilization effect of the ultraviolet ray UV can be effectively suppressed.

[0254] In addition, the passing time of water through the first sterilizer 62 can be 0.1 second or more and less than 10 seconds, preferably 0.5 second or more and less than 5 seconds. Further, the passing time is the time from when the water introduced from the introduction part 68 enters the inside of the main body 66 until it is discharged from the discharge part 69. By making the passing time 0.1 second or more, the deviation of the sterilization effect of water can be suppressed. Therefore, a sufficient sterilization effect can be obtained. Since the passing time is less than 10 seconds, miniaturization of the first sterilizer 62 can be achieved. Also, the passing time of water through the first sterilizer 62 can be appropriately changed based on the flow rate of the water processed (sterilized) by the first sterilizer 62.

[0255] Refer again to Figure 2A, the first sterile filter 63 is provided on the downstream side of the first sterilizer 62. The first sterile filter 63 is a precision filter (MF (Micro-Filtration)) that sterilizes water by capturing bacteria remaining in the water. The mesh size of the first sterile filter 63 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 mesh size of the first sterile filter 63 to 0.1 μm or more, a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of water can be suppressed. In addition, by setting the mesh size of the first sterile filter 63 to 0.45 μm or less, bacteria remaining in the water can be effectively captured by the first sterile filter 63. A filter with a mesh size of 0.02 μm or more and 0.1 μm or less that can remove a part of viruses can also be used as the first sterile filter 63. In addition, the material of the filter membrane (thin film) of the first sterile filter 63 can also be polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethersulfone (PES), mixed cellulose (SCWP), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyamide, or the like. The filter membrane of the first sterile filter 63 can 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.

[0256] The first sterile filter 63 preferably can be sterilized (SIP). Thereby, the first sterile filter 63 can be sterilized regularly. Here, as described above, the first sterile filter 63 captures bacteria remaining in the water that have passed through the first sterilizer 62. 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, when the corpses of bacteria as organic substances adhere to the first sterile filter 63 or the like, the corpses of bacteria may become substrates. In this case, bacteria can further multiply in the first sterile filter 63. In this way, when bacteria multiply in the first sterile filter 63, there is a possibility of entering the water passing through the first sterile filter 63. On the other hand, since the first sterile filter 63 can be sterilized, bacteria adhering to the first sterile filter 63 can be prevented from entering the water passing through the first sterile filter 63. As a result, a decrease in the filtration performance of the first sterile filter 63 can be suppressed. It should be noted that when sterilizing the first sterile filter 63, steam for sterilization or the like can also be supplied to the first sterile filter 63 from the sterile gas supply port 60a described later.

[0257] Here, regarding the sterilization degree of the first sterile filter 63, it can also be managed by the F value. In other words, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 having the first sterile filter 63, the sterilization degree of the water sterilizer 60 can also be managed by the F value. At this time, for example, the control unit 90 can also 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. Moreover, when the F value is equal to or higher than the target value, the control unit 90 can end the sterilization of the first sterile filter 63. When measuring the temperature of the heating steam or hot water, the control unit 90 can measure the temperature while allowing the heating steam or hot water to flow in the flow path of the first sterile filter 63, using the temperature sensors disposed at various locations where the temperature is difficult to rise in the flow path. Further, 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 specified temperature is equal to or longer than the specified time. Thereby, it is possible to sterilize the first sterile filter 63 without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterile filter 63. Here, the F value refers to the heating time required to kill all bacteria when the bacteria are heated for a certain time, which is expressed by the lethal time of the bacteria at 121.1 °C and is calculated by the following formula.

[0258] [Formula 1]

[0259]

[0260] (where T is an arbitrary sterilization temperature (°C), 10^{(T - Tr) / Z} is the lethality at an arbitrary sterilization temperature T, Tr is the reference temperature (°C), and Z is the Z value (°C).)

[0261] In addition, the first sterile filter 63 is preferably capable of performing an integrity test on the mesh of the first sterile filter 63. Here, the integrity test can also be performed by, for example, a bubble point test. The bubble point test can be carried out as follows. For example, first, water is supplied to a housing (not shown) inside the first sterile filter 63 to cover the filter (not shown) of the first sterile filter 63 with water. Then, the supply of water is stopped and the water inside the first sterile filter 63 is drained. Then, sterile gas is injected into the first sterile filter 63 with the filter covered by water from, for example, the sterile gas supply port 60a. Next, the pressure of the sterile gas is increased until sterile gas is discharged from the first sterile filter 63. Then, based on the pressure of the sterile gas (bubble point) when sterile gas is discharged from the first sterile filter 63, the size of the mesh of the first sterile filter 63 is judged. In this way, the first sterile filter 63 can perform an integrity test on the mesh of the first sterile filter 63, and thus the degree of deterioration of the first sterile filter 63 can be easily judged. It should be noted that in order to measure the pressure inside the first sterile filter 63, a pressure gauge P2 can also be provided near the sterile gas supply port 60a. In addition, in addition to the above-mentioned bubble point test, the integrity test can also be carried out by a diffusion flow test or a pressure holding test, etc.

[0262] The second sterilizer 64 is provided on the downstream side of the first sterile filter 63. The structure of this second sterilizer 64 can also be set to be substantially the same as the structure of Figures 3 to 6B the first sterilizer 62 shown. That is, the second sterilizer 64 can also be a sterilizer that sterilizes water by ultraviolet rays.

[0263] The second sterile filter 65 is provided on the downstream side of the second sterilizer 64. This second sterile filter 65 is a filter that sterilizes water by capturing bacteria that pass through the second sterilizer 64 and remain in the water. The mesh of the second sterile filter 65 is preferably equal to or smaller than the mesh of the first sterile filter 63. Thus, even if bacteria in the water pass through the first sterile filter 63 by chance, these bacteria can be captured by the second sterile filter 65. Therefore, the sterility of the water can be fully ensured. In addition, when the mesh of the second sterile filter 65 is the same as the mesh of the first sterile filter 63, two sets of sterilization assemblies composed of a sterilizer and a sterile filter can be arranged along the water conveyance direction. That is, the first sterilization assembly composed of the first sterilizer 62 and the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterilization assembly composed of the second sterilizer 64 and the second sterile filter 65 can be arranged in series along the water conveyance direction. Therefore, even if some abnormality occurs in one of the sterilization assemblies, the sterility of the water can be guaranteed. It should be noted that multiple sterilization assemblies can be provided according to the sterility assurance level (SAL (Sterility Assurance Level)) of the water or the final product (contents) (refer toFigure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2D to FIG. 2E). In addition, as shown in Figure 2F Figure 2F etc., the number of sterilization components can be 1, and although not shown, the number of sterilization components can also be more than 3.

[0264] The mesh 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 making the mesh of the second sterile filter 65 0.1 μm or more, a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of water can be suppressed. In addition, by making the mesh of the second sterile filter 65 0.45 μm or less, bacteria remaining in the water can be captured more effectively 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).

[0265] Other structures of the second sterile filter 65 can also be set to be substantially the same as those of the first sterile filter 63. That is, the second sterile filter 65 can also be capable of sterilization (SIP). In addition, the second sterile filter 65 can also be capable of performing an integrity test on the mesh of the second sterile filter 65.

[0266] Here, in the water sterilizer 60, the sterilization intensity of water can also be adjusted based on the target value of the bacterial count level (FSO (Food Safety Objective / ISO13409-1996) (= logN)).

[0267] In this case, for example, the initial bacterial count level in the water before entering the filter (for example, the first sterile filter 63) is set to H0 (= logN0). In this case, the initial bacterial count level H0 of the filter is reduced by the sterilization effect of the filter (the reduction level of bacteria in the 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 being sterilized by the filter (for example, the first sterile filter 63).

[0268] On the other hand, the case where bacteria in the water increase at a certain ratio during the passage through the filter (the increase level of bacteria in the water: ΣI (= log(N I )≥0)) is also considered. In addition, "N I " refers to the number of bacteria that increase during the passage through the filter.

[0269] In addition, the bacteria in the water are reduced again by the sterilization effect of the sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64) (the level of reduction of bacteria in the water: ΣR2 (= log(N I / NR2) > 0)). If the number of bacteria 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 the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization pipeline 50 is not a problem. In addition, "NR2" refers to the number of bacteria in the water after being sterilized by the sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64), and "N" refers to the target value of the number of bacteria in the water after being sterilized by the sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64).

[0270] If the relationships among the above-mentioned H0, ΣR1, ΣI, ΣR2, and FSO are expressed as equations, they are as follows.

[0271] H0 - ΣR1 + ΣI - ΣR2 ≤ FSO... (Equation 1)

[0272] Therefore, by setting the sterilization ability of the sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64) such that the value of ΣR2 is above (H0 - ΣR1 + ΣI) - FSO, the sterility of the water can be made below the target value (FSO).

[0273] In addition, as Figures 2A to 2MAs shown, sampling points SP1 to SP6 (SP) for aseptically sampling water may be provided at the inlet of the water sterilizer 60, the outlet of the water sterilizer 60, and between the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterilizer 62. In addition, a sampling line SL may be connected to at least a part of the sampling points SP1 to SP6 via a valve (not shown). Thus, by aseptically sampling water from the sampling points SP1 to SP6 or the sampling line SL, it is possible to easily measure the number of bacteria or the number of fine particles in the water, and it is possible to easily confirm the change in the state in the water such as the growth of bacteria. When measuring the number of bacteria in the water or the like and / or confirming the change in the state such as the growth of bacteria, for example, a plate culture medium may be used to count the number of bacteria or the like. In addition, for example, the number of bacteria in the water or the like and / or the change in the state of the bacteria may be measured and / or confirmed using a microorganism measuring device or a fine particle measuring device (liquid particle counter). Here, the microorganism measuring device is a measuring device that counts microorganisms by detecting fluorescence emitted when laser light irradiates particles and identifying whether they are non-living organisms or microorganisms based on the Mie scattering theory. Examples of such microorganism measuring devices include those manufactured by Lion Corporation: Biological Particle Counter, Mettler-Toledo AG: Microbial Detection Analyzer 7000 RMS, ASOVEL Corporation: Real-Time Microbial Detector, IMD-W (registered trademark), etc. In addition, when sampling water aseptically from the sampling line SL, the sampling line SL is preferably pre-sterilized. In this case, for example, the sampling line SL may be sterilized with a bactericide such as peracetic acid or hot water. In addition, the sampling line SL sterilized with the bactericide may be rinsed with pure water sterilized by the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

[0274] It should be noted that a thermometer T may be provided in the sampling line SL, and when sterilizing the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 with steam, the temperature of the steam may be monitored using the thermometer T.

[0275] In addition, as Figure 2B and Figure 2C shown, a third bypass line 95a may be provided between the pre-stage sterilizer 62A and the first sterilizer 62. Thus, when sterilizing the water sterilization line 50 with a bactericide or a cleaning agent, it is possible to prevent the bactericide or the cleaning agent from passing through the foreign matter removal filter 61. In addition, a first drain pipe 95c may be connected to the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61, and the rinsing water or the like described later may be discharged from the first drain pipe 95c. In addition, the first drain pipe 95c may be connected to the third bypass line 95a.

[0276] Moreover, as Figure 2BAs shown, a fourth bypass pipeline 95b can also be provided between the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. Thus, when sterilizing the water sterilization pipeline 50 with a bactericide or a cleaning agent, it is possible to inhibit the bactericide or the cleaning agent from passing through the first sterile filter 63. In addition, as Figure 2B and Figure 2C shown, a second drain pipe 95d can be connected to the upstream side of the first sterile filter 63, and the rinsing water and the like described later can be discharged from the second drain pipe 95d. In addition, the second drain pipe 95d can also be connected to the fourth bypass pipeline 95b.

[0277] The processing capacity of such a water sterilizer 60 is preferably 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required for the production of the product bottle 101, and more preferably 110% or more of the maximum processing capacity required for the production of the product bottle 101. For example, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 can be 5 m 3 / h or more and 50 m 3 / h or less. As an example, it can be 24 m 3 / h. In addition, when the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 is 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required for the production of the product bottle 101, a predetermined amount of water can be stored in the second water tank 52 during the production of 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 or the like, there will be no shortage of water, and the production of the product bottle 101 and the sterilization (SIP) or integrity test of the first sterile filter 63 or the like can be carried out. It should be noted that the required time for the sterilization (SIP) of the first sterile filter 63 or the like and the required time for the integrity test are each about 30 minutes or more and about 1 hour or less. Therefore, the volume of the second water tank 52 can also be set to be more than the amount of water used in the content filling system 10 during the production of the product bottle 101 for 1 hour.

[0278] In addition, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 can also be controlled by the control unit 90. For example, the control unit 90 can also 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 for which the water sterilizer 60 in the water sterilization pipeline 50 sterilizes during the production of the product bottle 101. Here, the amount of sterile water required for cleaning and / or sterilizing each chamber and the like after the production of the product bottle 101 can be grasped for each chamber and the like. Therefore, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 can also be controlled by the control unit 90 so that the sterile water used after the production of the product bottle 101 is accumulated during the production of 1 batch of product bottles 101. Thus, after the production of the product bottle 101, it is possible to immediately clean and / or sterilize each chamber and the like. Therefore, the downtime can be shortened.

[0279] In addition, when the irradiation amount or illuminance of ultraviolet light is below a specified value, the control unit 90 may also discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization pipeline 50. Here, the specified value refers to a reference value (threshold value) for determining whether water should be discharged to the outside of the water sterilization pipeline 50. Such a specified value can be arbitrarily set according to the volume of the main body 66 or the flow rate of water, etc. For example, the specified value may also be set to an irradiation amount or illuminance that can ensure the asepticity level of water or the final product (contents) without being lower. The specified value depends on, for example, the volume of the main body 66, etc., and can be 10 mJ / cm 2 or more and 10,000 mJ / cm 2 or less, and as an example, it can be 100 mJ / cm 2 . The irradiation amount of the ultraviolet light irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 can also be set based on the RED (converted ultraviolet irradiation amount: Reduction Equivalent UV Dose) obtained by an actual chemical dosimeter or biological dosimeter. For detailed content, 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".

[0280] When the control unit 90 discharges water to the outside of the water sterilization pipeline 50, the control unit 90 may also discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization pipeline 50 via the circulation pipeline 59. In this case, when the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes water with ultraviolet light, the control unit 90 may switch the valve V1 when the value of the illuminometer 66c is below the specified value. And the valve V1 can also be switched by the control unit 90 to supply water to the circulation pipeline 59. Thus, the asepticity on the downstream side of the valve V1 can be maintained. In addition, the water supplied to the circulation pipeline 59 may not be supplied to the first water tank 51 but discharged from the circulation pipeline 59. Or the water supplied to the circulation pipeline 59 may be supplied to the first water tank 51. In this case, the water can also be circulated in the circulation system 59A until the value of the illuminometer 66c becomes a sufficient value. Moreover, after the value of the illuminometer 66c becomes a sufficient value, the control unit 90 may switch the valve V1, thereby supplying the water in the circulation system 59A to the second water tank 52.

[0281] In addition, 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) deviates from a specified value, the control unit 90 may also discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization pipeline 50. For example, 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 equal to or greater than the specified value, the control unit 90 may discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization pipeline 50. In addition, 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 equal to or less than the specified value, the control unit 90 may discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization pipeline 50. That is, 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), the control unit 90 may similarly discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization pipeline 50. In this case, the sterility on the downstream side of, for example, valve V1 can also be maintained.

[0282] Moreover, when at least one of the number of bacteria and the number of fine particles in the water sampled from the water sterilization pipeline 50 becomes equal to or greater than a specified value, the control unit 90 may also discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization pipeline 50. That is, when an abnormality exists in, for example, the number of bacteria and / or the number of fine particles in the water sampled from the sampling line SL, the control unit 90 may similarly discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization pipeline 50. In this case, the sterility on the downstream side of, for example, valve V1 can also be maintained.

[0283] In these cases, after eliminating the malfunction of the water sterilizer 60, the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized with a bactericide such as peracetic acid, or hot water or steam as described later. After that, the sterilization of water by the water sterilizer 60 is started again.

[0284] Preferably, during the production of the product bottle 101 in the content filling system 10 by filling the bottle 100 with the content, the water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization pipeline 50 continuously sterilizes the water without stopping the sterilization of the water. Thereby, the proliferation 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 flow of water stops, bacteria may proliferate 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, by continuously sterilizing the water without stopping the pump P1, the proliferation of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 can be suppressed.

[0285] In addition, preferably, while filling the bottle 100 with the content in the content filling system 10, the water sterilizer 60 continuously sterilizes the water without stopping the sterilization of the water until the sterilization of the water used for the content ends during the production of the product bottle 101. In other words, after the sterilization of the specified amount of water used for the content ends, the water sterilizer 60 can stop the sterilization of the water even during the production of the product bottle 101. Here, even after the sterilization of the water used for the content ends, the production of the product bottle 101 may sometimes continue. Specifically, even after the sterilization of the water used for the content ends, a water filling process (refer to the reference numeral S5 of Figure 8 described later), a product stock solution filling process (refer to the reference numeral S6 of Figure 8 described later), a bottle cap installation process (refer to the reference numeral S8 of Figure 8 described later), etc. can be performed on the downstream side of the water sterilizer 60. On the other hand, after the sterilization of the specified amount of water used for the content ends, even if the water sterilizer 60 stops the sterilization of the water, it will not have an adverse effect on the production of the product bottle 101. Therefore, after the sterilization of the water used for the content ends, the water sterilizer 60 can also stop the sterilization of the water. At this time, the sterilization (SIP) of the water sterilizer 60 can also be started during the production of the product bottle 101. Thereby, the downtime can be significantly shortened, and the productivity of the product bottle 101 can be improved.

[0286] Moreover, the water sterilizer 60 can also keep the ultraviolet lamps (the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and / or the third ultraviolet lamp 67c) of the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and / or the second sterilizer 64) continuously lit during the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 can keep the ultraviolet lamps of the sterilizer continuously lit from the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 until the sterilization of the water used for the content ends. Thereby, the propagation of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 can be more effectively inhibited. In addition, the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization pipeline 50 can be ensured. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 can turn on the ultraviolet lamp at the same time as starting the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60, or can turn on the ultraviolet lamp in the middle of the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60.

[0287] In addition, as described above, the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 may also be a low-pressure mercury lamp, and the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 may also be a medium-pressure mercury lamp. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may also keep the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 lit from the start of the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 until the end of the sterilization of the water used for the contents. As described above, the heat resistance of the medium-pressure mercury lamp is higher than that of the low-pressure mercury lamp, so it can be lit at a high temperature. In addition, as described above, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, the control unit 90 can supply hot water to the water sterilizer 60. When the ultraviolet lamp is a medium-pressure mercury lamp, even when hot water is supplied to the water sterilizer 60 and the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 becomes high, the ultraviolet lamp can be lit. Thus, the water sterilizer 60 can keep the ultraviolet lamp lit from the state where the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 becomes high during the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60. Therefore, in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65, the growth of bacteria can be more effectively inhibited, and the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization pipeline 50 can be ensured.

[0288] In addition, after the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 becomes 130°C or lower during the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60, the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 can be continuously lit until the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed. For example, as described above, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, the control unit 90 can supply hot water to the water sterilizer 60 and cool the water sterilizer 60 supplied with hot water. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 can also continuously light the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 from when the temperature inside the cooled water sterilizer 60 becomes 130°C or lower until the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed. A low-pressure mercury lamp is an ultraviolet lamp with lower heat resistance compared to a medium-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, the water sterilizer 60 lights the ultraviolet lamp after the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 becomes 130°C or lower, thereby being able to suppress damage to the ultraviolet lamp. It should be noted that during the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 using hot water, the temperature condition is to carry out for 1 minute or more and less than 60 minutes at 130°C or higher and 145°C or lower, or for 1 minute or more and less than 60 minutes at 100°C or higher and 130°C or lower. In these cases, the water sterilizer 60 becomes a first type of pressure vessel. On the other hand, in the case of setting the water sterilizer 60 as a second type of pressure vessel with a lower cost than the first type of pressure vessel, the water sterilizer 60 can be sterilized using hot water at 90°C or higher and less than 100°C. It is also possible to light the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 after the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 becomes 100°C or lower, 90°C or lower, 70°C or lower, or 40°C or lower based on the heat resistance design value of the water sterilizer 60. On the other hand, during the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 using hot water, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 using hot water at 130°C or lower, the water sterilizer 60 can also continuously light the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 from the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 until the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed.

[0289] Here, before the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 is completed, when the cumulative irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water is less than 15 mJ / cm 2 In this case, the above-mentioned control unit 90 may not supply water with a cumulative irradiation dose less than 15 mJ / cm 2 to the second water tank 52. Thereby, the sterility of the second water tank 52 can be maintained. In addition, in this case, the control unit 90 can also discharge the water to the outside of the water sterilization pipeline 50 via the circulation pipeline 59. It should be noted that as described above, the water supplied to the circulation pipeline 59 may not be supplied to the first water tank 51 and be discharged from the circulation pipeline 59, or the water supplied to the circulation pipeline 59 may be supplied to the first water tank 51.

[0290] In addition, during the production of the product bottle 101 in the content filling system 10, when the second water tank 52 is full of water, sterilized water can also be circulated in the circulation system 59A (see Figure 2A etc.). Thus, even when the second water tank 52 is full of water, it is possible to suppress the stoppage of the water flow in the water sterilizer 60. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the propagation of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. In addition, when the circulation time of the sterilized water becomes long, due to the irradiation energy of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67, the temperature of the sterilized water may rise. In this case, instead of supplying the water flowing in the circulation pipeline 59 to the first water tank 51, the water can be discharged from the circulation pipeline 59. Moreover, the rise in the temperature of the circulated water can also be suppressed by supplying new pure water from the pure water production device 50a to the first water tank 51. For example, when the sterilized water is circulated in the circulation system 59A, about 3% or more and 30% or less of the water remaining in the circulation pipeline 59 can be discharged once an hour, and new pure water can be supplied from the pure water production device 50a to the first water tank 51. Thus, it is possible to always supply water at a constant temperature to the second water tank 52. The proportion of the discharged water can also be appropriately changed according to the irradiation dose or the number of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like.

[0291] In addition, when the sterilized water is circulated in the circulation system 59A (see Figure 2AIn the case of the internal circulation (such as [list of items]), if the water contains nitrogen compounds such as nitrogen oxides, nitric acid nitrogen or nitrous acid nitrogen may sometimes be generated by irradiation with ultraviolet light. In addition, there is also a case where ozone is generated. In the Food Sanitation Law of Japan, it is necessary to suppress nitric acid nitrogen and nitrous acid nitrogen in the water to 10 mg / L or less, and nitrous acid nitrogen to 0.04 mg / L or less. In addition, if ozone is generated, it may deteriorate the seals and gaskets after the ultraviolet lamp. Therefore, in order not to generate these substances when circulating water in the circulation system 59A, an ultraviolet lamp that cuts off short wavelengths of 10 nm or more and 240 nm or less, preferably 100 nm or more and 230 nm or less, with high energy can also be used. In addition, the quartz tube that cuts off these short wavelengths can also be used for the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. Alternatively, after circulating the water, water in which nitric acid nitrogen, nitrous acid nitrogen, ozone, etc. have been generated may not be supplied to the downstream side. In this case, new water can be supplied from the pure water production device 50a to the first water tank 51, and while squeezing the water in which nitric acid nitrogen, etc. have been generated with the new water, the water in which nitric acid nitrogen, etc. have been generated can be discharged from the circulation pipeline 59 to the outside of the circulation system 59A. It should be noted that when these substances are generated, when the water flowing in the circulation pipeline 59 is supplied to the first water tank 51, the inside of the first water tank 51 is contaminated with these substances. Therefore, the circulation pipeline 59 can also be connected to the pipe on the downstream side of the first water tank 51 and upstream side of the pump P1, or the pipe on the downstream side of the pump P1, so that the water flowing in the circulation pipeline 59 can be discharged to the outside of the circulation system 59A without passing through the first water tank 51.

[0292] Here, as Figure 2N shown, the water sterilization pipeline 50 is divided into a non-sterile area Z1, a first gray area Z2, a second gray area Z3, and a sterile area Z4. The non-sterile area Z1, the first gray area Z2, the second gray area Z3, and the sterile area Z4 are arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction.

[0293] Among them, the non-sterile area Z1 is an area in a non-sterile environment and is an area where bacteria may exist. In the illustrated example, the non-sterile area Z1 is an area upstream of the pre-stage sterilizer 62A. In the non-sterile area Z1, before the production of the product bottle 101, the first water tank 51 and the flow path downstream of the first water tank 51 are sterilized. On the other hand, in the non-sterile area Z1, after the start of the production of the product bottle 101, bacteria are introduced from a position upstream of the first water tank 51, and thus the first water tank 51, etc. may be contaminated with bacteria.

[0294] The first gray area Z2 and the second gray area Z3 are respectively areas for isolating the non-sterile environment from the sterile environment. Among them, the first gray area Z2 is an area for sterilizing the bacteria in water. The second gray area Z3 is an area for maintaining the state where there are no bacteria in water when manufacturing the product bottle 101. In the illustrated example, the first gray area Z2 is the area from the pre-stage sterilizer 62A to the outlet of the second sterilizer 64. In addition, the second gray area Z3 is the area 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 pipeline 50 is sterilized (SIP) before water sterilization of the water sterilization pipeline 50. At this time, the sterilization is carried out under conditions that can at least sterilize aquatic bacteria. The temperature of the steam or hot water used for sterilization and the sterilization time can be at least 60 °C or more and 5 minutes or more, preferably 85 °C and 30 minutes or more. The temperature of the steam or hot water used for sterilization and the sterilization time can be set to conditions equivalent to a sterilization value and a Z value = 5 °C, that is, 90 °C and 3 minutes. In addition, the sterilization conditions can also be the high-temperature short-time conditions where the temperature of the steam or hot water used for sterilization and the sterilization time are 95 °C and 0.3 minutes. On the other hand, the sterilization value under these sterilization conditions usually cannot sterilize bacterial spores. Therefore, bacterial spores may exist in the area up to the front of the first sterile filter 63. Therefore, the area from the pre-stage sterilizer 62A to the front of the first sterile filter 63 is called the gray area. After the sterilization of the pure water manufacturing device 50a, by continuously supplying water to the second gray area Z3 all the time, the second gray area Z3 is maintained in a positive pressure state. Thus, the state where there are no aquatic bacteria is maintained in the second gray area Z3. In addition, the positive pressure state of the second gray area 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 also be carried out not by steam or hot water but by a medicament that inactivates aquatic bacteria, etc.

[0295] The sterile area Z4 is an area in the sterile environment. That is, the sterile area Z4 is an area maintained in a sterile state. In the illustrated example, the sterile area Z4 is the area on the downstream side of the first sterile filter 63. In the sterile area Z4, after all the bacteria including bacterial spores are sterilized by sterilizing each device with steam or hot water (SIP (F0 value is 3 or more, Z value = 10 °C)), sterile gas or sterile water is supplied. Thus, the sterile area Z4 is maintained in a positive pressure state, and the sterile area Z4 is maintained in a sterile state. In addition, when sterilizing (SIP) the sterile area Z4, it is preferable to sterilize at least the boundary part with the second gray area Z3. When sterilizing the sterile area Z4, the pipes in the second gray area Z3 can also be sterilized together with the sterile area Z4.

[0296] In the first gray area Z2 among these non-sterile areas Z1, the first gray area Z2, the second gray area Z3, and the sterile area Z4, ultraviolet rays can be irradiated onto the water. In the first gray area Z2, the cumulative irradiation dose of the ultraviolet rays irradiated onto the water by the pre-stage sterilizer 62A can be at least 10 mJ / cm 2 or more, preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 or more. In this case, the pre-stage sterilizer 62A can also include a low-pressure mercury lamp. Additionally, in the first gray area Z2, the total cumulative irradiation dose of the ultraviolet rays irradiated onto the water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 can also be 100 mJ / cm 2 or more at a wavelength of 254 nm. In this way, by the total cumulative irradiation dose of the ultraviolet rays irradiated onto the water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 being 100 mJ / cm 2 or more, it is possible to sterilize aquatic bacteria in the first gray area Z2. Therefore, the sterility of the water in the second gray area Z3 can be ensured. In this case, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 can also each include a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0297] In the first gray area Z2, when the total cumulative irradiation dose of the ultraviolet rays irradiated onto the water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is less than 100 mJ / cm 2 at a wavelength of 254 nm, the water before being supplied to the first sterile filter 63 can also be circulated through the circulation pipeline 95. Thereby, 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 area Z4 can be ensured. Additionally, in this case, before supplying the water to the sterile area Z4 (the first sterile filter 63), the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 can also be sterilized (SIP).

[0298] In addition, for at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65, it is preferable that the test results of the integrity tests (the first integrity test and the second integrity test) before and after production, which will be described later, are qualified. Thus, through at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65, bacteria other than aquatic bacteria can be filtered and sterilized. Therefore, the sterility of the water in the sterile area Z4 can be ensured. It should be noted that in the case where the integrity test results before and after production are unqualified for the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65, as the foreign matter removal filter 61, for example, a sterile-grade filter with a mesh size of 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less can also be used. In this case, it is preferable that the integrity test results before and after production are qualified for the foreign matter removal filter 61. Thus, through the foreign matter removal filter 61, bacteria other than aquatic bacteria can be filtered and sterilized, and the sterility of the water in the sterile area Z4 can be ensured.

[0299] In this way, in the water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization pipeline 50 of the present embodiment, by ensuring that the ultraviolet irradiation amount during production is above a specified value or within a specified range, and the integrity test results before and after the start of production are qualified, the sterility of the water is ensured.

[0300] Next, the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 will be described. The stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 is a sterilization pipeline for heating and sterilizing the product stock solution.

[0301] As Figure 7 shown, the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 includes 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 arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of the product stock solution. It should be noted that on the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70, a circulation pipeline (third circulation pipeline) 89 may be connected between the third-stage cooling unit 86, which will be described later, and the second stock solution tank 72. Moreover, it can be configured such that the product stock solution that has passed through the third-stage cooling unit 86 can return to the first stock solution tank 71 via the circulation pipeline 89.

[0302] The first stock solution tank 71 is a tank for storing the product stock solution supplied from a supply source (not shown). The first stock solution tank 71 functions to make the flow of the product stock solution smooth by storing the product stock solution. The volume of the first stock solution tank 71 can be 0.3 m 3 or more and 3 m 3 or less, and as an example, it can be 1 m 3 .

[0303] A pump P3 for conveying the product stock solution may also be provided on the downstream side of the first stock solution tank 71. In addition, the above-mentioned product stock solution sterilizer 80 is provided on the downstream side of the pump P3.

[0304] The product stock solution sterilizer 80 is a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes the product stock solution stored in the first stock solution tank 71. In this embodiment, the product stock solution sterilizer 80 can also be a sterilizer that sterilizes the product stock solution by the ultra-high temperature heating treatment method (Ultra High-temperature, hereinafter simply referred to as UHT). The UHT 80 has a first-stage heating section 81, a second-stage heating section 82, a holding pipe 83, a first-stage cooling section 84, a second-stage cooling section 85, and a third-stage cooling section 86. The product stock solution supplied to the UHT 80 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 pipe 83. In this case, for example, the product stock solution can be heated to above 60°C and below 80°C by the first-stage heating section 81, and heated to above 80°C and below 150°C by the second-stage heating section 82. And, in the holding pipe 83, the temperature of the product stock solution is maintained for a certain period of time. The product stock solution passing through the holding pipe 83 is gradually cooled by the first-stage cooling section 84, the second-stage cooling section 85, and the third-stage cooling section 86. In addition, the number of stages of the heating section and the cooling section can be increased or decreased as needed. Also, between the first-stage heating section 81 and the second-stage heating section 82, the pressure loss of the product stock solution may become high. Therefore, an additional pump (not shown) can be provided between the first-stage heating section 81 and the second-stage heating section 82. Also, a homogenizer for homogenizing the product stock solution can 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, etc.

[0305] The processing capacity of such a UHT 80 can be 3 m 3 / h or more and 30 m 3 / h or less. As an example, it can be 6 m 3 / h.

[0306] Also, the scale (deposits such as calcium) attached to the UHT 80 can be monitored by monitoring the temperature of the place (for example, the second-stage heating section 82) that becomes the highest temperature in the UHT 80. Moreover, when cleaning (CIP) the UHT 80, the removal state of the scale can also be monitored. Thereby, the optimization of the cleaning process for cleaning the UHT 80 can be achieved. Therefore, the cleaning time can be shortened, and the usage amounts of water, steam, and cleaning agents used for cleaning can be reduced. As a result, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0307] It should be noted that the UHT 80 can be of the injection type or the injection type. Also, the heat exchangers such as the heat exchanger of the UHT 80 for heat exchange in the content filling system 10 can be plate type, shell and tube type, or scraping type heat exchanger.

[0308] The second stock solution tank 72 is a tank (so-called aseptic tank) for storing the product stock solution sterilized by the product stock solution sterilizer 80. By storing the sterilized product stock solution, the second stock solution tank 72 serves to make the flow of the product stock solution smooth. The volume of the second stock solution tank 72 can be 1 m 3 or more and 20 m 3 or less, and as an example, it can be 2 m 3 .

[0309] In addition, an auxiliary filter 73 for filtering the sterilized product stock solution and a third stock solution tank 74 for storing the product stock solution that has passed through the auxiliary filter 73 may be provided on the downstream side of the second stock solution tank 72. In this case, the third stock solution tank 74 can be a so-called filling machine tank, and in order to improve the filling accuracy of the stock solution filling device 22, it can also be provided above the stock solution filling device 22 in the vertical direction. Even when the usage amount of the product stock solution on the downstream side of the third stock solution tank 74 changes, the third stock solution tank 74 can serve as a so-called buffer tank to ensure the smooth flow of the product stock solution. The volume of the third stock solution tank 74 can be 0.1 m 3 or more and 1 m 3 or less, and as an example, it can be 0.3 m 3 . In addition, the auxiliary filter 73 can also be provided inside or at the front end of all the stock solution filling nozzles of the stock solution filling device 22 (for example, refer to Figure 16C described later).

[0310] Moreover, an addition unit 75 for adding solid substances to the product stock solution may be connected to the downstream side of the second stock solution tank 72. Thereby, in the content filling system 10, it is possible to fill the bottle 100 with the content containing solid substances. In this case, as the solid substances added to the product stock solution by the addition unit 75, for example, they can also be fruit grains, coconut oil, tapioca, aloe vera, etc. In addition, the solid substances can also be pre-sterilized aseptic solid substances.

[0311] (Content filling method)

[0312] Next, a content filling method using the above content filling system 10 ( Figure 8 ) will be described. Figure 1 ) will be described.

[0313] First, through the preform supply device 1, via the preform supply conveyor 2, a plurality of preforms 100a are sequentially supplied to the receiving portion 34 of the preform conveying portion 31 (preform supply process, Figure 8 symbol S1). At this time, the preform 100a is sterilized by blowing a gas or mist of hydrogen peroxide onto the preform 100a in the preform sterilization device 34a and then dried with hot air.

[0314] Next, the preform 100a is sent to the heating unit 35 and heated to about 90°C or higher and 130°C or lower by the heater 35a. Next, the preform 100a heated by the heating unit 35 is sent to the transfer unit 36. Then, the preform 100a is sent from the transfer unit 36 to the blow molding unit 32.

[0315] Next, blow molding is performed on the preform 100a conveyed to the blow molding unit 32 using a mold (not shown), thereby blow molding the bottle 100 (bottle molding process, Figure 8 symbol S2). Then, the blow-molded bottle 100 is sent to the bottle conveyor unit 33.

[0316] Next, in the sterilization device 11, the bottle 100 is sterilized using an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution as a bactericide (container sterilization process, Figure 8 symbol S3). At this time, the bactericide may be a gas or mist formed by temporarily vaporizing the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution above the boiling point. The gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100, sterilizing the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100.

[0317] Next, the bottle 100 is sent to the gas flushing device 14. In the gas flushing device 14, activation of hydrogen peroxide is carried out by supplying sterile heated gas or normal temperature gas to the bottle 100, and foreign substances and hydrogen peroxide, etc. are removed from the bottle 100 (gas flushing process, Figure 8 symbol S4). In addition, in the gas flushing process, if necessary, a condensed mist of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide may be mixed in the sterile heated gas or normal temperature sterile gas. In this case, hydrogen peroxide is vaporized by the sterile gas. Moreover, in the gas flushing process, the vaporized hydrogen peroxide may also be supplied to the bottle 100.

[0318] Next, the bottle 100 is conveyed 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 symbol S5). In this water filling device 21, the bottle 100 rotates (revolves) while water is filled into the bottle 100 from its mouth. Before the water is filled into the bottle 100 through the water filling device 21, it is sterilized in the water sterilization pipeline 50 in advance.

[0319] In the water filling device 21, sterilized water is filled into the sterilized bottle 100 at normal temperature. The temperature of the water during filling is, for example, about 3°C or higher and 40°C or lower. In addition, the filling speed of the water filling device 21 for filling the bottle 100 with water can also be faster than the filling speed of the product stock solution filling device 22 for filling the product stock solution into the bottle 100. In the water filling device 21, the filling speed of the water can also be 100 mL / sec or higher and 500 mL / sec or lower.

[0320] Next, in the product stock solution filling device 22 of the filling device 20, the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 filled with water (product stock solution filling process, Figure 8 symbol S6). In this product stock solution filling device 22, while rotating (revolving) the bottle 100, the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 from its mouth. The product stock solution is pre-heated and sterilized in the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 before being filled into the bottle 100 by the product stock solution filling device 22. The heating temperature for heating the product stock solution can generally be about 60°C or higher and 120°C or lower when the acidity of the content is less than pH 4.5, and the heating time can be about 30 seconds or longer and 120 seconds or shorter. In addition, when the acidity of the content is pH 4.5 or higher, the heating temperature for heating the product stock solution can be about 115°C or higher and 150°C or lower. In addition, the heating time can be about 30 seconds or longer and 120 seconds or shorter. Thus, all the microorganisms in the product stock solution before filling that can grow in the product bottle 101 are sterilized. The product stock solution after the heat sterilization treatment is cooled to a temperature of about 3°C or higher and 40°C or lower.

[0321] In the product stock solution filling device 22, the product stock solution that has been sterilized and cooled to normal temperature through the above sterilization treatment is filled into the bottle 100 filled with water at normal temperature. The temperature of the product stock solution during filling is, for example, about 3°C or higher and 40°C or lower. In the product stock solution filling device 22, the filling speed of the product stock solution can be 30 mL / sec or higher and 200 mL / sec or lower.

[0322] Next, the bottle 100 filled with the content is conveyed by the conveying wheel 12 to the cap mounting device 16.

[0323] On the other hand, the cap 88 is pre-sterilized by the cap sterilization device 18 (cap sterilization process, Figure 8 symbol S7). During this period, first, the cap 88 is carried into the cap sterilization device 18 from the outside of the content filling system 10. Then, the cap 88 is blown with a gas or mist of hydrogen peroxide in the cap sterilization device 18, sterilized on its inner and outer surfaces, dried with hot air, and sent to the cap mounting device 16.

[0324] 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 to seal the bottle 100, obtaining the product bottle 101 (cap mounting process, Figure 8 symbol S8).

[0325] After that, the product bottle 101 is conveyed from the cap mounting device 16 to the product bottle discharging section 25 and discharged to the outside of the content filling system 10 (bottle discharging process, Figure 8 symbol S9). Then, the product bottle 101 is transported to an unillustrated packaging line and packaged.

[0326] It should be noted that the above-mentioned container sterilization process, gas flushing process, water filling process, product stock solution filling process, cap mounting process, and bottle discharging process are carried out in a sterile environment surrounded by the bactericide spraying chamber 70d, gas flushing chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, and 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 bactericide spraying chamber 70d, gas flushing chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, outlet chamber 70i, and cap sterilization device 18 are pre-sterilized by spraying hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid, or discharging hot water, etc.

[0327] Moreover, after the sterilization treatment of each chamber, positive-pressure sterile gas is always supplied into the bactericide spraying chamber 70d, gas flushing chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, and outlet chamber 70i in such a way that the sterile gas is blown out toward the outside of the bactericide spraying chamber 70d, gas flushing chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, and outlet chamber 70i. In addition, positive-pressure sterile gas is always supplied into the cap sterilization device 18 so that the sterile gas is blown out toward the outside of the cap sterilization device 18.

[0328] Thus, in the case of supplying positive-pressure sterile gas into the chambers 70d to 70i, the sterile gas in each chamber and the bactericide used in bottle sterilization are exhausted in the environmental partition chamber 70c, the bactericide spray chamber 70d, and the outlet chamber 70i. At this time, the pressure in each chamber can also be adjusted so that the pressures in the bactericide spray chamber 70d, the gas flushing chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second sterile chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i are positive pressures respectively. In this case, as described above, the pressure in the bactericide spray chamber 70d can be -10 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less. The pressure in the gas flushing chamber 70e can also be 10 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. The pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f can be 30 Pa or more and 60 Pa or less. The pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g can also be 20 Pa or more and 50 Pa or less. The pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h can be 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. The pressure in the outlet chamber 70i can be 10 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less.

[0329] In addition, the production (transportation) speed of the bottle 100 in the content filling system 10 is preferably set to 100 bpm or more and 1500 bpm or less. Here, bpm (bottle per minute) refers to the transportation speed of the bottle 100 per minute.

[0330] (Sterilization method of the content filling system)

[0331] Next, a sterilization method of the above content filling system 10 ( Figure 1 ) will be described. Here, first, Figure 9 a sterilization method of the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, and the second sterile chamber 70h (hereinafter, simply referred to as the chamber sterilization method) will be described.

[0332] Sterilization method for the chamber

[0333] First, after filling the beverage in the content filling system 10, for example, an operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. As a result, the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 covers a CIP cup (not shown). In this way, by covering the CIP cup (not shown) with the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21, the sterile state inside the water filling device 21 is maintained. That is, the water filling device 21 is physically protected from bacteria mixing into the water filling device 21 from the tip of the water filling nozzle. In addition, by operating the operation button of the control unit 90, the gaps formed in the partitions separating the bactericide spray chamber 70d, the gas flushing chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, and the second sterile chamber 70h are closed by gates (not shown).

[0334] 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 gas from a sterile gas supply device (not shown) into the first sterile chamber 70f. In addition, at this time, the gas supply amount and / or the 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, for example, 30 Pa, is increased to, for example, 40 Pa. Thereby, the air in the bactericide spray chamber 70d and the air in the intermediate area chamber 70g do not flow into the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0335] In this case, as described above, the pressure in the bactericide spray chamber 70d may be 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. The pressure in the gas purge chamber 70e may be 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. The pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f may be 40 Pa or more and 100 Pa or less. The pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g may be 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. The pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h may be 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. The pressure in the outlet chamber 70i may be 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less.

[0336] Next, sterile water is supplied into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h (rinsing process, Figure 9 symbol S11). Thereby, the contents attached to the inside of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h are rinsed with sterile water. At this time, the sterile water may also be water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. In addition, there is a possibility that the contents flow from the second sterile chamber 70h into the first sterile chamber 70f via the intermediate area chamber 70g. Therefore, the contents attached to the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f may also be rinsed by supplying sterile water into the first sterile chamber 70f. In addition, if there are bottle caps 88 or bottles 100 that have fallen into the second sterile chamber 70h, they are recovered. In addition, the mold of the conveyor wheel 12 provided on the downstream side of the bottle cap mounting device 16 may be changed according to the shape of the bottle 100 to be used next. Moreover, the chuck (not shown) of the cover in the bottle cap mounting device 16 may be changed according to the size of the bottle cap 88 to be used next.

[0337] Next, while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state, the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h is cleaned. At this time, first, the inside of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h are cleaned (COP) (COP process, Figure 9symbol S12). At this time, cleaning agents such as alkaline agents and water such as water are sprayed into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h from spray nozzles (not shown) disposed in the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h. Thereby, the inner wall surfaces of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the like and the surfaces of equipment such as the filling device 20 are purified. At this time, the water can also be sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

[0338] Here, when cleaning (COP) the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, it is preferable that at least the second bypass line 56 among the first bypass line 55 and the second bypass line 56 is cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). In the case of cleaning (CIP) or sterilizing (SIP) the second bypass line 56, for example, a cleaning agent or a sterilizing agent can also be supplied to the second bypass line 56 from a connection point CP1 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2A etc.) that connects the second bypass line 56 to the water sterilizing line 50. The cleaning agent and the sterilizing agent can be, for example, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, alkaline agents, acidic agents, sodium hypochlorite, etc. After that, sterile water can also be supplied to the second bypass line 56 from the second water tank 52 that pre-stores sterile water, thereby rinsing the second bypass line 56 with sterile water. It should be noted that in the case of cleaning (CIP) or sterilizing (SIP) the first bypass line 55, for example, a cleaning agent or a sterilizing agent can also be supplied to the first bypass line 55 from a connection point CP2 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2A etc.) that connects the first bypass line 55 to the water sterilizing line 50.

[0339] Next, while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state, the stock solution filling device 22 is cleaned (CIP) (CIP process, Figure 9 symbol S13). At this time, first, a CIP cup (not shown) is covered on the stock solution filling nozzle of the stock solution filling device 22. Next, 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 sodium hydroxide or an acidic agent such as nitric acid added to the water is supplied to the flow path. Thereby, residues 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 can also be sterile water that has been sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

[0340] Next, while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state, the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h is sterilized. At this time, first, the stock solution filling device 22 is sterilized (SIP) (SIP process, Figure 9Symbol S14). At this time, heating steam or hot water is supplied to the flow path of the content in the stock solution filling device 22. Thereby, the flow path of the content in the stock solution filling device 22 is sterilized. At this time, the water can also be sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

[0341] Next, the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h are sterilized (SOP) (SOP process, Figure 9 Symbol S15). At this time, a bactericide such as peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide water is sprayed into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h from a spray nozzle (not shown) disposed in the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h. Then, sterile water is sprayed into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h from the spray nozzle (not shown). Thereby, the inner wall surfaces of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the like and the surfaces of equipment such as the filling device 20 are sterilized. At this time, the sterile water can also be sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. Thereby, the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, before, after, or simultaneously with the sterilization of the second sterile chamber 70h using a bactericide, at least the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f, the gas purge chamber 70e, and the inside of the bactericide spray chamber 70d can also be cleaned with a peracetic acid cleaning agent and rinsed with sterile water that has been sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. Thereby, long-term stable sterility can be maintained and the sterility level can be improved.

[0342] In addition, during the sterilization of the second sterile chamber 70h, the corners of the first sterile chamber 70f can also be re-sterilized. At this time, for example, a bactericide such as hydrogen peroxide water can be sprayed into the first sterile chamber 70f, and then the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f can be dried with hot air, thereby re-sterilizing the corners of the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0343] In this way, the content filling system 10 is sterilized.

[0344] Next, remove the CIP cup (not shown) covering the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21. Then, drain the water aseptically held in the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 into the first aseptic chamber 70f. Thus, in the event that a bactericide or the like mixes into the water filling nozzle from outside the CIP cup, it is possible to prevent the bactericide from being filled into the bottle 100. Further, as described above, when re-sterilizing the inside of the first aseptic chamber 70f, even if the bactericide is not completely removed from the CIP cup covering the water filling nozzle and there is a bactericide attached to the CIP cup, it is possible to prevent the bactericide or the like from being filled into the bottle 100. Note that the amount of water drained into the first aseptic chamber 70f is preferably more than the amount of one bottle of the bottle 100 used in the next production. Then, after the gap closed by the shutter is opened, the filling of the next content starts.

[0345] Next, Figures 10A to 10E A sterilization method of the water sterilizer 60 will be described.

[0346] Sterilization method for the water sterilizer

[0347] First, after the filling of the beverage in the content filling system 10 is completed, for example, an operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. Thereby, the sterilization (SIP) of the water sterilizer 60 starts. Note that the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 can also be performed during the production of the product bottle 101. In this case, even when the sterilization of water by the water sterilizer 60 is stopped, the production of the product bottle 101 can be performed by using the aseptic water stored in the second water tank 52.

[0348] During the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60, first, the filling (production) of the content by the content filling system 10 is completed ( Figure 10A "production end").

[0349] After that, an integrity test (first integrity test) after production is performed on at least one of the aseptic filters (the first aseptic filter 63 and the second aseptic filter 65) of the water sterilizer 60 ( Figure 10A reference numeral S20A in ). That is, an integrity test after production is performed on at least one of the first aseptic filter 63 and the second aseptic filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60. When the foreign matter removal filter 61 is also an aseptic filter, an integrity test is performed on at least one or more of the three filters. By passing the integrity test results before and after the start of production (no leakage is confirmed) and the amount of ultraviolet irradiation during production being equal to or more than a specified value or within a specified range, the asepticity of the water can be ensured.

[0350] Next, cleaning and / or sterilization of the sterilizing machine (the first sterilizing machine 62 and / or the second sterilizing machine 64 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the first sterilizing machine 62, etc.)) is performed (sterilizing machine cleaning and sterilization process, Figure 10A with the reference sign S20 in the drawings). At this time, first, the first sterilizing machine 62, etc. is cleaned (CIP treatment). The CIP treatment is performed by flowing an acidic cleaning solution containing an acidic agent of a nitric acid-based or phosphoric acid-based type added to water through the flow path after or before flowing an alkaline cleaning solution through the flow path. The alkaline cleaning solution is a cleaning solution containing an alkaline agent mixed with caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, sodium hypochlorite, a surfactant, and a chelating agent, etc. added to water. It should be noted that the alkali cleaning process using the alkaline cleaning solution and the acid cleaning process using the acidic cleaning solution can be freely combined and implemented. Thereby, residues, etc. adhering in the flow path through which water passes are removed. In addition, it is also possible to perform only CIP treatment with warm water or hot water without adding a cleaning agent. It should be noted that no content adheres to the water sterilization pipeline 50. In addition, in the first sterilizing machine 62, etc. of the water sterilization pipeline 50, when producing the product bottle 101, ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. Thereby, the possibility of the water sterilization pipeline 50 being contaminated by bacteria is small. Therefore, the CIP treatment of the water sterilization pipeline 50 can also be omitted.

[0351] Next, the first sterilizing machine 62, etc. is sterilized (SIP treatment). In the SIP process, first, steam or hot water is supplied to the water sterilizing machine 60 (hot water supply process, Figure 10B1 with the symbol S201a in the drawings). In this case, for example, steam or hot water is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizing machine 60. Thereby, as Figure 10B3As shown, the temperature rises inside the water sterilizer 60. And by supplying a specified amount of steam or hot water, the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 rises to a specified temperature suitable for sterilization. In this way, the first ultraviolet lamps 67a, second ultraviolet lamps 67b, and third ultraviolet lamps 67c (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the first ultraviolet lamps 67a, etc.) of the first sterilizer 62, etc. are respectively heated and sterilized by steam or hot water. In addition, each corner inside the pipes of the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is respectively heated and sterilized by steam or hot water. It should be noted that when sterilizing the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 can also be sterilized simultaneously. In addition, by adjusting the temperature, concentration, and / or time of the cleaning agent used in the above CIP treatment, the inactivation of bacteria (SIP treatment) can be carried out simultaneously without performing the subsequent SIP treatment (CSIP treatment). After the CIP treatment and the SIP treatment or CSIP treatment are completed, the cleaning agent is discharged from the circulation system 59A. After that, it is transferred to the rinsing process to completely remove the cleaning agent. The rinsing water is supplied with pure water from the pure water tank of the pure water manufacturing device 50a. In the rinsing process, the irradiation amount or illuminance of the ultraviolet rays can be confirmed to be above a specified value by lighting the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc.

[0352] In addition, when the first sterilizer 62, etc. is heat - intolerant, the first sterilizer 62, etc. can also be sterilized using a bactericide (agent) or a cleaning agent (agent). At this time, first, a bactericide is supplied to the water sterilizer 60 (bactericide supply process, Figure 10B2 symbol S201b). In this case, for example, a bactericide is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60. The bactericide or the cleaning agent can also be supplied from the bactericide supply unit 96 (refer to Figure 2B and Figure 2C ) to the pre - stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, etc. provided in the water sterilization pipeline 50. At this time, the bactericide or the cleaning agent can also not pass through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63. That is, the bactericide or the cleaning agent can also be circulated in the circulation system 95A. Specifically, for example, as shown by the thick lines in Figure 2B and Figure 2C , the bactericide or the cleaning agent can also pass through the third bypass pipeline 95a provided between the pre - stage sterilizer 62A and the first sterilizer 62. In addition, as Figure 2BAs shown by the thick line, the bactericide or cleaning agent can also pass through the fourth bypass pipeline 95b provided between the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. Thus, when sterilizing the water sterilization pipeline 50 with the bactericide or cleaning agent, it is possible to inhibit the bactericide or cleaning agent from passing through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63. The bactericide or cleaning agent can also be supplied from the sampling points SP2 to SP4. It should be noted that the bactericide or cleaning agent can also pass through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63.

[0353] The bactericide can contain peracetic acid. Additionally, when the bactericide contains peracetic acid, the concentration of the bactericide can be 1000 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less. By making the concentration of the bactericide 1000 ppm or more, it is possible to improve the bactericidal effect of the bactericide on the first sterilizer 62 and the like. Additionally, by making the concentration of the bactericide 3000 ppm or less, it is possible to reduce the usage amount of peracetic acid and reduce the cost when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60.

[0354] Furthermore, the temperature of the hot water, bactericide, or cleaning agent supplied to the circulation system 59A can be 50°C or more and 150°C or less. By making the temperature of the hot water, bactericide, or cleaning agent 50°C or more, it is possible to improve the bactericidal effect and cleaning effect of the bactericide on the first sterilizer 62 and the like. Additionally, by making the temperature of the hot water, bactericide, or cleaning agent 150°C or less, it is possible to manufacture the first sterilizer 62 and the like at low cost without using special heat-resistant materials.

[0355] Next, in the circulation system 95A including the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and / or the second sterilizer 64), the hot water, bactericide, or cleaning agent is circulated (the hot water circulation process, Figure 10B1 symbol S202a, the bactericide circulation process, Figure 10B2 symbol S202b). For example, in the circulation system 95A including the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 provided in the water sterilization pipeline 50, the hot water, bactericide, or cleaning agent is circulated. In this case, in the circulation system 95A including the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64, it is also possible to sterilize the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 by circulating the bactericide and the like for at least 10 seconds or more and 60 minutes or less. By making the circulation time 10 seconds or more, it is possible to improve the bactericidal effect of the bactericide and the like on the first sterilizer 62 and the like. Additionally, by making the circulation time 60 minutes or less, it is possible to shorten the sterilization time of the first sterilizer 62 and the like. Therefore, the downtime can be shortened. It should be noted that in the bactericide circulation process, instead of the circulation system 95A, the hot water, bactericide, or cleaning agent can also be circulated in the circulation system 59A.

[0356] In addition, the circulation of hot water, a bactericide, or a cleaning agent can also be performed while the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like is lit. When the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like has no heat resistance, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like can be cooled to a temperature at which the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like can be lit while circulating hot water, a bactericide, or a cleaning agent. At this time, it is preferable to perform heat exchange between the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like and the bactericide or the cleaning agent through a heat exchanger 97 provided in the circulation system 95A.

[0357] As described above, the bactericide may contain peracetic acid. In this case, the bactericide can also be circulated in the circulation system. In this case, the control unit 90 can also sterilize the water sterilizer 60 by circulating the bactericide in the circulation system (circulation system 59A and / or circulation system 95A) including the water sterilizer 60. In addition, the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 or the like) can also keep the ultraviolet lamp (the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and / or the third ultraviolet lamp 67c) lit during the period when the bactericide is circulated in the circulation system (circulation system 59A and / or circulation system 95A). Thereby, the sterilization efficiency of the water sterilizer 60 can be improved. Here, during the period when the bactericide is circulated in the circulation system (circulation system 59A and / or circulation system 95A), when the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 or the like) does not light the ultraviolet lamp (the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and / or the third ultraviolet lamp 67c), the concentration of the bactericide (peracetic acid) can also be the first concentration. At this time, the concentration of the bactericide (the first concentration) can be 1000 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less. On the other hand, during the period when the bactericide is circulated in the circulation system, when the sterilizer lights the ultraviolet lamp, the concentration of the bactericide (peracetic acid) can also be the second concentration. The second concentration can be equal to or less than the above-mentioned first concentration, or can be lower than the first concentration. At this time, the concentration of the bactericide (the second concentration) can be 100 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less, or can be 100 ppm or more and 2000 ppm or less. As an example, it can be 1500 ppm. By making the concentration of the bactericide (peracetic acid) 100 ppm or more, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 or the like based on ultraviolet rays and the bactericide can be improved. In addition, by making the concentration of the bactericide (peracetic acid) 2000 ppm or less, the reduction of the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 or the like based on ultraviolet rays can be suppressed. Here, when ultraviolet rays are irradiated on the bactericide containing peracetic acid, the ultraviolet rays can be absorbed by peracetic acid. In this case, as the concentration of the bactericide (peracetic acid) increases, the ultraviolet rays are more likely to be absorbed by peracetic acid. Thereby, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays becomes smaller (refer to Figure 25). Therefore, by making the concentration of the bactericide (peracetic acid) 2000 ppm or less, it is possible to suppress the absorption of ultraviolet rays by peracetic acid and suppress the reduction of the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 or the like based on ultraviolet rays.

[0358] After that, the bactericide or the like is discharged from any one of the sampling points SP2 to SP5 (hot water discharge process, Figure 10B1 symbol S203a of, bactericide discharge process, Figure 10B2 symbol S203b of). After that, the cooling or rinsing circulation system 95A (cooling process, Figure 10B1 symbol S204a of, rinsing process, Figure 10B2 symbol S204b of). That is, when hot water is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60 (the above hot water supply process, symbol S201a in FIG. 10B), the circulation system 59A is cooled (cooling process, symbol S204a in FIG. 10B). On the other hand, when a bactericide or the like is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60 (the above bactericide supply process, reference numeral S201b in FIG. 10B), the rinsing circulation system 95A (rinsing process, reference numeral S204b in FIG. 10B). When discharging the bactericide or the like, in order to prevent contamination of bacteria in the sterilized pipe, the bactericide can also be discharged in a short time in a state where sterile gas is supplied to the pipe. It should be noted that the rinsing process can also be transferred without performing the bactericide discharge process.

[0359] In the rinsing process, first, in order to prevent the bactericide from adhering to the foreign matter removal filter 61, the pre-stage sterilizer 62A is sufficiently rinsed with rinsing water. At this time, the rinsing water can also be discharged from the first drain pipe 95c provided on the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61. At this time, it is preferable to discharge the water from the first drain pipe 95c while maintaining the pipe for supplying water to the foreign matter removal filter 61 under a positive pressure state. In this case, it is only necessary to confirm that the inside of the pipe becomes a positive pressure during the discharge of water from the first drain pipe 95c. After that, the rinsing water is passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61.

[0360] Next, the bactericide remaining in the first sterilizer 62 is thoroughly rinsed with rinsing water. At this time, the rinsing water can also be discharged from the second drain pipe 95d provided on the upstream side of the first sterile filter 63. Similarly in this case, it is preferable to discharge water from the second drain pipe 95d while maintaining a positive pressure in the pipe that supplies water to the first sterile filter 63. In this case, it suffices to confirm that the inside of the pipe becomes a positive pressure during the discharge of water from the second drain pipe 95d. After that, the rinsing water is passed through the first sterile filter 63. Thereafter, the same operation is sequentially performed toward the downstream side. It is also possible to sterilize the first drain pipe 95c, etc. in advance with steam or hot water before discharging water from the first drain pipe 95c or the second drain pipe 95d.

[0361] Next, the sterile filters (the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the first sterile filter 63, etc.)) are sterilized (filter cleaning and sterilization process, Figure 10A symbol S21). At this time, first, heating steam (fluid) or hot water (fluid) is supplied to the flow path of the first sterile filter 63, etc. (fluid supply process, Figure 10A symbol S211). At this time, for example, sterilizing steam is supplied to the first sterile filter 63, etc. from the sterile gas supply port 60a.

[0362] Next, the temperature of the heating steam or hot water supplied to the flow path of the first sterile filter 63, etc. is measured, and the F value is calculated based on the measured temperature (F value calculation process, Figure 10A symbol S212).

[0363] Thereafter, when the F value becomes equal to or higher than the target value, the sterilization of the first sterile filter 63, etc. is ended. In this way, the first sterile filter 63, etc. are sterilized. In this way, by performing heat sterilization of the first sterile filter 63, etc. using the F value, it is possible to sterilize the first sterile filter 63, etc. without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterile filter 63, etc. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10. In addition, since it is possible to sterilize the first sterile filter 63, etc. without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterile filter 63, etc., it is possible to suppress damage to the membranes of the first sterile filter 63, etc. Therefore, it is possible to extend the life of the first sterile filter 63, etc., and it is possible to use them for a long time without replacing the first sterile filter 63, etc. It is also possible not to calculate the F value, and for example, sterilize the first sterile filter 63, etc. at 121°C or higher for 20 minutes (timer method).

[0364] It should be noted that when sterilizing the first sterile filter 63 or the like, the area sterilized by steam can also be divided by opening and closing the valves (not shown) provided at the sampling points SP1 to SP6. For example, the steam for sterilizing the first sterile filter 63 can also be supplied to the area between the sampling point SP3 and the sampling point SP4 to sterilize this area. In addition, the steam for sterilizing the second sterile filter 65 can also be supplied to the area between the sampling point SP5 and the sampling point SP6 to sterilize this area. It should be noted that the foreign matter removal filter 61 can also be sterilized together with the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

[0365] In this way, the SIP treatment of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 is carried out. After that, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are cooled ( Figure 10A symbol S213).

[0366] Next, an integrity test (second integrity test) is performed on at least one of the sterile filters (the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65) of the water sterilizer 60 ( Figure 10A symbol S22). That is, an integrity test before production is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60 ( Figure 10A symbol S22). In the integrity test, first, water is supplied to the housing (not shown) inside the first sterile filter 63 or the like (wetting process (not shown)). The wetting process is carried out in a state where the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like is lit. Thus, the water irradiated with ultraviolet rays passes through the first sterile filter. Next, after closing the valves (not shown) near the first sterile filter 63 or the like and draining the water inside the first sterile filter 63 or the like, sterile gas is supplied to the first sterile filter 63 or the like. At this time, sterile gas is injected into the first sterile filter 63 or the like filled with water from, for example, the sterile gas supply port 60a. Then, the sterile gas supplied to the first sterile filter 63 or the like is gradually pressurized, and the bubble point value of the first sterile filter 63 or the like is measured. After that, based on the results of the bubble point values measured multiple times (for example, 3 times), it is confirmed whether the first sterile filter 63 or the like is complete (whether the sterile gas does not leak at the specified pressure).

[0367] Here, for example, during 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 continues to remain in the main body 66 of the first sterilizer 62 or the like (refer to Figures 3 to 6BWhen it is within Figure 2C , due to the heat of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like, the temperature of the water in the main body 66 rises. In particular, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like is a medium-pressure mercury lamp, since the operating temperature of the medium-pressure mercury lamp is high (about 600 °C or more and 900 °C or less), the temperature of the water in the main body 66 can easily rise. Therefore, for example, during the integrity test of the first sterile filter 63, for example, as shown by the thick line in

[0368] , it is preferable to circulate the water irradiated with ultraviolet rays by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like in the circulation system 95A. Thereby, overheating of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like can be suppressed, and damage to the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like can be suppressed.

[0369] After that, the content filling system 10 resumes filling (producing) the content. In addition, the water used in the integrity test can be the water sterilized by the first sterilizer 62. Additionally, the gas used in the integrity test can be a sterile gas. Figure 10C As shown in Figure 10A , the order of the sterilizer cleaning and sterilization process ( Figure 10A S20) and the filter cleaning and sterilization process ( Figure 10D S21) can also be reversed. As shown in

[0370] , the cleaning and sterilization processes of the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 can also 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 or the like). In this case, the pipes or valves on the upstream side or downstream side of the first sterile filter 63 or the like come into contact with the bactericide. Therefore, the cooling time can be shortened. Specifically, the bactericide can be supplied to the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 starting from the moment when the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 are each cooled to less than 110 °C. Thereby, the sterilizer cleaning and sterilization process can also be completed during the cooling of the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65.

[0371] Note that, as another embodiment, as shown in Figure 10EAs shown, the process of sterilizing the aseptic filters (the first aseptic filter 63 and the second aseptic filter 65) of the water sterilizer 60 can also be carried out during the process of cleaning the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) or the process of sterilizing the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64). That is, the first aseptic filter 63 and the second aseptic filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60 and the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 can be cleaned and sterilized simultaneously.

[0372] In this case, as Figure 10E shown, first, the filling (production) is completed. After that, an integrity test (the first integrity test) ( Figure 10E reference numeral S30 in the drawing) is carried out on at least one of the first aseptic filter 63 and the second aseptic filter 65 after production.

[0373] Next, a cleaning (CIP) treatment ( Figure 10E symbol S31 in the drawing) of the first aseptic filter 63, the second aseptic filter 65, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 is carried out. At this time, a cleaning agent and a bactericide are supplied from the front (upstream side) of the foreign matter removal filter 61, and the cleaning agent and the bactericide are circulated in the circulation system 59A for a specified time using the circulation pipeline 59.

[0374] After the CIP treatment, a sterilization (SIP) treatment ( Figure 10E symbol S32 in the drawing) of the first aseptic filter 63, the second aseptic filter 65, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 can also be carried out. Alternatively, instead of the CIP treatment and the SIP treatment, a cleaning and sterilization (CSIP treatment) ( Figure 10E symbol S33 in the drawing) of the first aseptic filter 63, the second aseptic filter 65, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 can be carried out simultaneously.

[0375] As the cleaning agent and the bactericide used in the CIP treatment and the SIP treatment, or the CSIP treatment, peracetic acid, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, pernitric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid and other acidic agents, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and other alkaline agents, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine-based agents such as chlorine dioxide, alcohols such as ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, or ozone water, acidic water, and surfactants can be used alone, or two or more of them can be used in combination. The temperature increase of the cleaning agent and the bactericide can be carried out using a heater (not shown). The CIP treatment and the SIP treatment, or the CSIP treatment can also be carried out under specified conditions (temperature, concentration, time) based on the values of the thermometer T and the concentration meter 59c provided in the water sterilizer 60 and the circulation pipeline 59.

[0376] Pure water is supplied from the pure water tank 50c to the circulation system 59A, and the pure water is pumped by the pump P1. Thereby, while replacing the bactericide with pure water, the cleaning agent and the bactericide can be discharged from the circulation system 59A. In addition, water can also be supplied from other devices (not shown) to the circulation system 59A to discharge the bactericide. The discharge of the bactericide can also be performed while monitoring the value of the concentration meter 59c provided on the downstream side of the circulation pipeline 59. In this case, for example, it is preferable to rinse the circulation system 59A with rinse water until the value of the concentration meter 59c becomes the same as the value of the concentration meter (not shown) provided in the pure water manufacturing device 50a. In addition, in the rinsing process, the rinsing time can also be managed by a timer. In addition, the rinsing process can also be set to be completed after a specified time has elapsed. In the CIP process, the SIP process, or the CSIP process, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like can be lit or not lit. In addition, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like can also be lit only in the rinsing process. It should be noted that the timing of lighting the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like can be at least after the SIP process or the CSIP process, but it is preferable that the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like is lit before bacteria are mixed (contaminated) into the water sterilizer 60. After the CIP process, the SIP process, or the CSIP process is completed, a pre-production integrity test (second integrity test) ( Figure 10E symbol S34) of at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 is performed. That is, a pre-production integrity test is performed on one or both of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

[0377] Next, when the result of the integrity test before production start is qualified (no leakage is confirmed), the process proceeds to the production preparation process ( Figure 10E reference symbol S35). In the production preparation process, while circulating pure water in the circulation system 59A, it is confirmed that the illuminance of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like is equal to or higher than a specified 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 or the like can be, for example, 10 mJ / cm 2 or more, preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 or more. When the illuminance of the ultraviolet rays is lower than the specified value, it may not be possible to obtain a specified bactericidal effect on aquatic bacteria. Therefore, it is preferable to restart from the SIP process or the CSIP process. This is the same after starting the production described later.

[0378] After that, production starts.

[0379] In addition, no contents will adhere to the water sterilizer 60. Further, in the first sterilizer 62 or the like, when producing the product bottle 101, ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like. As a result, the possibility of the first sterilizer 62 or the like being contaminated by bacteria is low. Therefore, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, the first sterilizer 62 or the like may not be sterilized either.

[0380] Here, the water sterilizer 60 may also keep the ultraviolet lamps (the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and / or the third ultraviolet lamp 67c) of the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and / or the second sterilizer 64) continuously lit from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may also keep the ultraviolet lamps of the sterilizer continuously lit from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 to the end of the step of sterilizing the water used in the contents (the water sterilization step, Figure 10F the reference sign S37 in the drawings). In this case, first, as described above, the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized (the water sterilizer sterilization step, Figure 10F the reference sign S36 in the drawings). At this time, as described with reference to FIG. 10B, the water sterilizer sterilization step may also include: a hot water supply step (the reference sign S201a in FIG. 10B) of supplying hot water to the water sterilizer; a hot water circulation step (the reference sign S202a in FIG. 10B) of circulating hot water in the circulation system 59A (or the circulation system 95A) including the water sterilizer 60; and a cooling step (the reference sign S204a in FIG. 10B) of cooling the circulation system 59A (or the circulation system 95A). Further, as described with Figure 10B1 reference to, the water sterilizer sterilization step may also have a hot water discharge step ( Figure 10B1 the reference sign S202a) between the hot water circulation step ( Figure 10B1 the reference sign S202a) and the cooling step ( Figure 10B1 the reference sign S204a).

[0381] In addition, as described above, the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 can also be a low-pressure mercury lamp, and the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 can also be a medium-pressure mercury lamp. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 can also keep the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 lit from the process of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 until the end of the process of sterilizing the water used in the content. In this way, the water sterilizer 60 keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 lit from the process of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, thereby being able to more effectively inhibit the reproduction of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. In addition, the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization pipeline 50 can be ensured. At this time, the water sterilizer 60 preferably lights the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 before the cooling process (symbol S204a in Fig. 10B) for cooling the circulation system 59A (or the circulation system 95A). In other words, the water sterilizer 60 preferably starts to light the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 during the hot water supply process ( Figure 10B1 symbol S201a). In this case, the water sterilizer 60 can also start to light the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64, for example, from Figure 10B3 point A. In addition, the water sterilizer 60 preferably starts to light the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 during the hot water circulation process ( Figure 10B1 symbol S202a). In this case, the water sterilizer 60 can also start to light the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64, for example, from Figure 10B3 point B.

[0382] On the other hand, the water sterilizer 60 can also keep the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 lit from the time when the temperature in the circulation system 59A (or the circulation system 95A) becomes 130°C or less until the end of the process of sterilizing the water used in the content during the process of cooling the circulation system 59A (or the circulation system 95A). In addition, during the process of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 with hot water at 130°C or less, the water sterilizer 60 can also keep the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 lit from the process of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 until the end of the process of sterilizing the water used in the content.

[0383] Here, before the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 is completed, if the cumulative irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water is less than 15 mJ / cm 2 the water with a cumulative irradiation dose less than 15 mJ / cm 2 may not be supplied to the second water tank 52.

[0384] Next, the sterilized water sterilizer 60 is used to sterilize the water (water sterilization process, Figure 10Fsymbol S37). In this case, the water can be the water for the contents or the water for cleaning the bottle cap 88 and / or the bottle 100, etc.

[0385] Moreover, when the water is the water for the contents, after sterilizing the water, the contents containing the sterilized water are filled into the bottle 100, and the bottle 100 filled with the contents is sealed with the bottle cap 88, thereby producing the product bottle 101 (filling and bottle cap mounting process, Figure 10F with the reference symbol S38).

[0386] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the content filling system 10 includes a water sterilizer 60 that non-heat sterilizes the water used in the content filling system 10 and a control unit 90 that controls the content filling system 10. Then, from the start of sterilization by the water sterilizer 60 until the sterilization of the water for the contents ends, the water sterilizer 60 keeps the ultraviolet lamps (the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and / or the third ultraviolet lamp 67c) of the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and / or the second sterilizer 64) lit continuously. Thereby, it is possible to more effectively suppress the propagation of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, and the piping on the downstream side of the ultraviolet lamp. In addition, the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization pipeline 50 can be ensured.

[0387] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 is a low-pressure mercury lamp, and the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 is a medium-pressure mercury lamp. And, from the start of sterilization by the water sterilizer 60 until the sterilization of the water for the contents ends, the water sterilizer 60 keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 lit continuously. Since the heat resistance of the medium-pressure mercury lamp is higher than that of the low-pressure mercury lamp, even when the temperature in the water sterilizer 60 becomes high, the ultraviolet lamp can be lit. Thereby, during the sterilization by the water sterilizer 60, the water sterilizer 60 can keep the ultraviolet lamp lit continuously from the state where the temperature in the water sterilizer 60 becomes high. Therefore, in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65, the propagation of bacteria can be more effectively suppressed, and the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization pipeline 50 can be ensured.

[0388] In addition, according to the present embodiment, after the temperature in the water sterilizer 60 becomes 130 °C or lower during the sterilization by the water sterilizer 60, the water sterilizer 60 keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 lit until the sterilization of the water for the contents ends. The low-pressure mercury lamp is an ultraviolet lamp with lower heat resistance than the medium-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, by lighting the ultraviolet lamp after the temperature in the water sterilizer 60 becomes 130 °C or lower, damage to the ultraviolet lamp can be suppressed.

[0389] Further, according to the present embodiment, the content filling system 10 includes: a water sterilizer 60 that non-heat sterilizes water used in the content filling system 10; a second water tank 52 provided downstream of the water sterilizer 60; and a control unit 90 that controls the content filling system 10. In addition, the water sterilizer 60 keeps the ultraviolet lamps (the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and / or the third ultraviolet lamp 67c) of the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and / or the second sterilizer 64) lit continuously during the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60. Moreover, before the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 ends, when the cumulative irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water is less than 15 mJ / cm 2 , the control unit 90 does not supply water with a cumulative irradiation dose less than 15 mJ / cm 2 to the second water tank 52. Thereby, the sterility of the second water tank 52 can be maintained.

[0390] (Modification example of the content filling system)

[0391] Next, a modification example of the content filling system will be described.

[0392] (First modification example)

[0393] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the water sterilization pipeline 50 (water sterilizer 60) non-heat sterilizes water has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the water sterilization pipeline 50 (water sterilizer 60) may also sterilize water by heating the water to a specified temperature. If the pure water manufacturing device 50a is properly managed, the number of bacteria in the pure water produced 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 attaching the cap 88 to the bottle 100 is less than 4.5, the water sterilization pipeline 50 (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) may also sterilize water in such a manner that the F0 value is 0.00029 or more and less than 3.1. In addition, when the pH of the content is 4.5 or more, the water sterilization pipeline 50 (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) may also sterilize water in such a manner that the F0 value is 3.1 or more and 100 or less. When filling while switching contents with different pH values, in order to reduce the number of cleanings and / or sterilizations of the water sterilization pipeline 50, the water sterilization pipeline 50 (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) may also sterilize water in such a manner that the F0 value is uniformly 3.1 or more and 100 or less. Here, the F0 value is in the following formula:

[0394] [Formula 2]

[0395]

[0396] (where T is any sterilization temperature (°C), 10^{(T-Tr) / Z} is the lethality at any sterilization temperature T, Tr is the reference temperature (°C), and Z is the Z value (°C).)

[0397] is the F value calculated when the reference temperature Tr is 121.1 °C and the Z value is 10 °C.

[0398] According to this modification example, compared with the case of using a sterilizer that heats water and the product stock solution to a high temperature simultaneously with the same sterilization intensity as the product stock solution (usually, the F0 value is about 30 or more and 80 or less), it is possible to reduce the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged when sterilizing water. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10. In addition, when the sterilization conditions are changed based on the pH of the content in the water sterilization pipeline 50 (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64), it is possible to further reduce the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged when sterilizing water, and it is possible to further reduce the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10.

[0399] (Second modification example)

[0400] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with sterilized water and the stock solution filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 filled with water with the sterilized product stock solution has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the stock solution filling device 22 may fill the bottle 100 with the sterilized product stock solution, and the water filling device 21 may fill the bottle 100 filled with the product stock solution with the sterilized water.

[0401] In this case, as Figure 11 shown, the stock solution filling device 22 may also be disposed at a position upstream of the water filling device 21 in the conveying direction of the bottle 100. In addition, the stock solution filling device 22 may be housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f, and the water filling device 21 may be housed inside the second sterile chamber 70h.

[0402] (Third modification example)

[0403] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, an example in which the product stock solution is diluted with water has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, only one of the water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22 may be used to fill the bottle 100 with water or the product stock solution. Specifically, the bottle 100 may be filled with only water by using only the water filling device 21. That is, in the content filling system 10, mineral water may also be produced by using only the water filling device 21. Alternatively, the bottle 100 may be filled with only the product stock solution by using only the stock solution filling device 22. That is, in the content filling system 10, a so-called concentrated product (concentrated product) may also be produced by using only the stock solution filling device 22. In addition, when only the product stock solution that does not require sterilization is filled into the bottle 100, the bottle 100 may also be supplied to the conveying wheel 12 housed inside the intermediate area chamber 70g.

[0404] According to this modification, only one of the water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22 is used to fill the bottle 100 with water or the product stock solution. Thereby, in the content filling system 10, mineral water and so-called concentrated products can be produced. Therefore, the types of product bottles 101 produced in the content filling system 10 can be increased.

[0405] (Fourth modification)

[0406] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, an example in which the filling device 20 includes a water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization pipeline 50 and a stock solution filling device 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 has been described. In this case, the filling device 20 may also include a plurality of stock solution filling devices 22. In addition, for example, as Figure 12A shown, the content filling system 10 may also include a plurality of (for example, two) stock solution sterilization pipelines 70. Moreover, the filling device 20 may also include a plurality of (for example, two) stock solution filling devices 22 respectively connected to the respective stock solution sterilization pipelines 70.

[0407] In this case, the filling device 20 may also include a first stock solution filling device 22a for filling a product stock solution that does not contain flavor and a second stock solution filling device 22b for filling a product stock solution that contains flavor. In other words, one of the two stock solution filling devices 22, for example, may be a filling device (first stock solution filling device 22a) for filling a product stock solution that does not contain flavor such as tea-based beverages. And 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 flavor such as fruit-based beverages, milk beverages, or sports beverages. In addition, the second stock solution filling device 22b may also be a filling device for filling solids.

[0408] Thus, since the filling device 20 has the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b, when filling a content such as a tea beverage that does not contain flavor into the bottle 100, it is possible to suppress the attachment of the flavor of the previous content to this content. In addition, when one of the stock solution filling devices 22 is set as a filling device (the first stock solution filling device 22a) for filling a product stock solution that does not contain flavor, the flavor does not attach to the flow path of the product stock solution in the first stock solution filling device 22a. For example, the flavor does not attach to sealing elements such as gaskets provided at the connection parts of each pipe and each device. Therefore, when switching the type of content, it is possible to reduce the cleaning (CIP) area. As a result, the cleaning time can be shortened. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10.

[0409] In the illustrated example, the first stock solution filling device 22a, the second stock solution filling device 22b, and the cap mounting device 16 are housed inside the second aseptic chamber 70h. In addition, as Figure 12B shown, a chamber wall 710 is provided inside the second aseptic chamber 70h. The chamber wall 710 separates the first space (space) 701 that houses the first stock solution filling device 22a, the second space 702 that houses the second stock solution filling device 22b, and the third space 703 that houses the cap mounting device 16. In other words, the first stock solution filling device 22a is housed in the first space 701 divided by the chamber wall 710. In addition, the second stock solution filling device 22b is housed in the second space 702 divided by the chamber wall 710, and the cap mounting device 16 is housed in the third space 703 divided by the chamber wall 710.

[0410] The chamber wall 710 functions to prevent the circulation of bactericides and the like in each space to an undesired space and to stabilize the pressure in each space. Gaps G1 to G6 (refer to the following Figure 12C ) through which the bottle 100 can pass are formed in the chamber wall 710. The gaps G1 to G6 are formed to be the minimum size, for example, about the size of one bottle 100, so that the pressure in each space does not change. In addition, gates sh1 to sh6 for opening and closing the above-mentioned gaps G1 to G6 (refer to the following Figure 12C ) may be provided on the chamber wall 710. The gates sh1 to sh6 may be configured to automatically open and close according to a signal from the control unit 90, for example.

[0411] In addition, in this way, by providing a 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 significantly 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 cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the second stock solution filling device 22b, the gate sh1 provided on the chamber wall 710 can also be closed. Thus, bactericides, etc. can also be prevented from invading the space (aseptic space) accommodating the first stock solution filling device 22a from the space (non-aseptic space) accommodating the second stock solution filling device 22b.

[0412] In addition, the first conveyor wheel (first wheel) 12a that transfers the bottle 100 to the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second conveyor wheel 12b that receives the bottle 100 from the first stock solution filling device 22a among the conveyor wheels 12 accommodated in the second aseptic chamber 70h are respectively arranged outside the first space 701. Further, the third conveyor wheel 12c that transfers the bottle 100 to the second stock solution filling device 22b and the fourth conveyor wheel 12d that receives the bottle 100 from the second stock solution filling device 22b among the conveyor wheels 12 accommodated in the second aseptic chamber 70h are respectively arranged outside the second space 702.

[0413] Here, as Figure 12C shown, the first conveyor wheel 12a includes a gripper (first gripper) 121 for conveying the bottle 100. The gripper 121 is provided to be openable and closable.

[0414] Similarly, the second conveyor wheel 12b to the fourth conveyor wheel 12d respectively include grippers 122, 123, 124 for conveying the bottle 100. The grippers 122, gripper 123, and gripper 124 are respectively provided to be openable and closable.

[0415] In addition, the first stock solution filling device 22a includes a wheel 221 (second wheel), and the wheel 221 (second wheel) is arranged inside the first space 701. The wheel 221 includes a gripper (second gripper) 222 for conveying the bottle 100. The gripper 222 is provided to be openable and closable.

[0416] 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 gripper 224 for conveying the bottle 100. The gripper 224 is provided to be openable and closable.

[0417] Next, by Figure 12CA description will be given of the case where the second space 702 (and / or the second stock solution filling device 22b) is cleaned and sterilized during the operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a housed in the first space 701. That is, a description will be given of the case where the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 by the first stock solution filling device 22a while the second space 702 and / or the second stock solution filling device 22b (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the second space 702, etc.) is cleaned and sterilized.

[0418] First, after the filling of the product stock solution in the second stock solution filling device 22b is completed, for example, an operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. As a result, for example, the gaps G1 and G4 among the gaps G1 to G6 formed in the chamber wall 710 are closed by the gates sh1 and sh4, respectively.

[0419] Next, the bottle 100 is conveyed from the first conveying wheel 12a to the first stock solution filling device 22a. At this time, the gripper 123 of the third conveying wheel 12c is in the open position so as not to interfere with the gripper 121 of the first conveying wheel 12a. In the present embodiment, the gripper 123 is in the open position by rotating 90 degrees in the horizontal direction from the closed position by a pair of claws of the gripper 123. In addition, the rotation angle of one claw may be 60 degrees or more and 130 degrees or less, respectively.

[0420] In this open position, the gripper 123 does not interfere with the gate sh1 that closes the gap G1. As a result, when the second space 702, etc. is cleaned and sterilized, the inside of the first space 701 can be maintained in a sterile state, and the bottle 100 can be conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a.

[0421] Moreover, when the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 by the first stock solution filling device 22a, the gripper (second gripper) 222 of the wheel 221 of the first stock solution filling device 22a receives the bottle 100 from the gripper (first gripper) 121 of the first conveying wheel 12a. That is, the bottle 100 is transferred from the first conveying wheel (first wheel) 12a disposed outside the first space 701 to the wheel 221 (second wheel) disposed inside the first space 701.

[0422] Next, in the first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100. At this time, the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 conveyed by the gripper 222.

[0423] Next, the bottle 100 filled with the content is conveyed by the second conveying wheel 12b to the cap mounting device 16. At this time, the gripper 124 of the fourth conveying wheel 12d is in the open position so as not to interfere with the gripper 122 of the second conveying wheel 12b. In the present embodiment, the gripper 124 is in the open position by rotating 90 degrees in the horizontal direction from the closed position by a pair of claws of the gripper 124. In addition, the rotation angle of one claw may be 60 degrees or more and 130 degrees or less, respectively.

[0424] In the open position, the gripper 124 does not interfere with the shutter sh4 closing the gap G4. Thus, when cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702 and the like, the interiors of the first space 701 and the third space 703 can be maintained in a sterile state, and the bottle 100 can be conveyed to the cap mounting device 16.

[0425] In this way, the product bottle 101 filled with the product stock solution by the first stock solution filling device 22a is obtained. During this period, the second space 702 and the like are cleaned and sterilized.

[0426] In this way, when cleaning the second space 702 during the operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a housed in the first space 701, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably 1 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably 5 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. Thereby, it is possible to effectively suppress the air in the second space 702 and the air in the third space 703 from entering the first space 701, and the sterile state in the first space 701 can be maintained better.

[0427] When sterilizing the second space 702 during the 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 cleaning the second space 702 during the 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 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably 5 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. Thereby, it is possible to effectively suppress the air in the second space 702 and the air in the third space 703 from entering the first space 701, and the sterile state in the first space 701 can be maintained well.

[0428] Next, a case where the product stock solution is not filled into the bottle 100 using the first stock solution filling device 22a will be described. Here, by Figure 12DA description will be given of the case where the first space 701 and / or the first stock solution filling device 22a (hereinafter also simply 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, a description will be given of the case where the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 by the second stock solution filling device 22b while the first space 701, etc. are cleaned and sterilized.

[0429] First, after the filling of the product stock solution in the first stock solution filling device 22a is completed, for example, an operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. As a result, for example, the gaps G5 and G6 among the gaps G1 to G6 formed in the chamber wall 710 are closed by the gates sh5 and sh6, respectively.

[0430] Next, the bottle 100 is conveyed from the first conveying wheel 12a to the second stock solution filling device 22b. At this time, the gripper (second gripper) 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 gripper (first gripper) 121 of the first conveying wheel 12a. In the present embodiment, the gripper 222 is in the open position by rotating 90 degrees in the horizontal direction from the closed position by a pair of claws of the gripper 222. In addition, the rotation angle of one claw may be 60 degrees or more and 130 degrees or less, respectively.

[0431] In the open position, the gripper 222 does not interfere with the gate sh6 that closes the gap G6. As a result, when the first space 701, etc. are cleaned and sterilized, the inside 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.

[0432] Moreover, when the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 by the second stock solution filling device 22b, the gripper 123 of the third conveying wheel 12c receives the bottle 100 from the gripper 121 of the first conveying wheel 12a.

[0433] In addition, when the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 by the second stock solution filling device 22b, the gripper 224 of the wheel 223 of the second stock solution filling device 22b receives the bottle 100 from the gripper 123 of the third conveying wheel 12c. That is, 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.

[0434] Next, in the second stock solution filling device 22b, the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100. At this time, the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 conveyed by the gripper 224.

[0435] Next, the bottle 100 filled with the content is conveyed by the fourth conveying wheel 12d to the second conveying wheel 12b.

[0436] After that, the bottle 100 is conveyed to the cap mounting device 16 by the second conveying wheel 12b. At this time, the gripper 222 of the wheel 221 of the first stock solution filling device 22a is in the open position so as not to interfere with the gripper 122 of the second conveying wheel 12b. In addition, in the open position, the gripper 222 does not interfere with the gate sh5 closing the gap G5. Thereby, when cleaning and sterilizing the first space 701 and the like, the interiors of the second space 702 and the third space 703 can be maintained in a sterile state, and the bottle 100 can be conveyed to the cap mounting device 16.

[0437] In this way, the product bottle 101 filled with the product stock solution by the second stock solution filling device 22b is obtained. During this period, the first space 701 and the like are cleaned and sterilized.

[0438] When cleaning the first space 701 during the operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b housed in the second space 702, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably -10 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably 5 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. Thereby, it is possible to effectively suppress the air in the first space 701 and the air in the third space 703 from entering the second space 702, and the sterile state in the second space 702 can be maintained better.

[0439] When sterilizing the first space 701 during the operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b housed in the second space 702, the pressure in the first space 701 can be higher than the pressure in the first space 701 when cleaning the first space 701 during the operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b housed in the second space 702. When sterilizing the first space 701, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably 5 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. Thereby, it is possible to effectively suppress the air in the first space 701 and the air in the third space 703 from entering the second space 702, and the sterile state in the second space 702 can be maintained well.

[0440] In summary, the pressures in the respective spaces can also be as shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

[0441] [Table 3]

[0442]

[0443] [Table 4]

[0444]

[0445] According to this modification example, the filling device 20 has a plurality of stock solution filling devices 22. Thus, for example, during the operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a, the second stock solution filling device 22b can be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). As a result, the downtime can be significantly shortened, and the productivity of the product bottles 101 can be improved.

[0446] In addition, according to this modification example, the content filling system 10 includes a plurality of stock solution sterilization pipelines 70. Moreover, the plurality of stock solution filling devices 22 are respectively connected to the respective stock solution sterilization pipelines 70. As a result, the types of product bottles 101 produced in the content filling system 10 can be increased.

[0447] In addition, according to this modification example, the filling device 20 has a first stock solution filling device 22a for filling a product stock solution without fragrance and a second stock solution filling device 22b for filling a product stock solution containing fragrance. Thus, when filling the content without fragrance into the bottle 100, the attachment of the fragrance of the previous content can be suppressed. In addition, since the first stock solution filling device 22a fills the product stock solution without fragrance, the fragrance does not adhere to the flow path of the product stock solution in the first stock solution filling device 22a. Therefore, when switching the type of content, the cleaning (CIP) area can be reduced. As a result, the cleaning time can be shortened. Therefore, the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, at this time, the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b are respectively connected to different stock solution sterilization pipelines 70. Thus, for example, in the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 connected to the first stock solution filling device 22a, the cleaning (so-called deodorizing CIP) for removing fragrance may not be performed. Here, the deodorizing CIP requires time and energy compared to the normal CIP. Therefore, when the deodorizing CIP is not performed, the downtime can be shortened and energy saving can be achieved compared to the case where the deodorizing CIP is performed.

[0448] In addition, according to this modification example, when filling the product stock solution into the bottle 100 through the first stock solution filling device 22a, the gripper (second gripper) 222 of the wheel 221 of the first stock solution filling device 22a receives the bottle 100 from the gripper (first gripper) 121 of the first conveying wheel 12a. Moreover, when the product stock solution is not filled into the bottle 100 through the first stock solution filling device 22a, the gripper (second gripper) 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 gripper (first gripper) 121 of the first conveying wheel 12a. As a result, when cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702 or the like, the bottle 100 can be conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a.

[0449] Moreover, according to this modification example, when the product stock solution is not filled into the bottle 100 through the first stock solution filling device 22a, the gaps G5 and G6 are closed by the gates sh5 and sh6. And, the gripper (second gripper) 222 of the wheel 221 of the first stock solution filling device 22a is in the open position so as not to interfere with the gates sh5 and sh6 that close the gaps G5 and G6. Thus, when cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702 and the like, the interiors of the second space 702 and the third space 703 can be maintained in a sterile state, and the bottle 100 can be conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a.

[0450] In addition, an example in which the gripper 222 and the like are rotated in the horizontal direction from the closed position to the open position has been described, but it is not limited thereto. The gripper 222 and the like can also be in the open position by any structure. For example, the gripper 222 and the like can also be in the open position by bending the pair of claws upward or downward. Alternatively, the gripper 222 and the like can be opened and closed by configuring the pair of claws to be telescopic.

[0451] (Other examples of the fourth modification example)

[0452] Next, other examples of the fourth modification example will be described.

[0453] <First example>

[0454] In Figure 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 provided on the upstream side of the first sterile chamber 70f. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is provided on the downstream side of the second sterile chamber 70h. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is provided on the downstream side of the sixth sterile chamber 70k. That is, in the example shown, 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 in order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of the bottle 100 (refer to Figure 12A etc.). In addition, the fifth sterile chamber 70j, the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m are arranged and disposed on the outer periphery of the circular conveying body 110 that rotates and conveys the bottle 100.

[0455] Among them, a conveying wheel 12 for conveying the bottle 100 after being purged with gas may be accommodated inside the fifth sterile chamber 70j. A second stock solution filling device 22b may be accommodated inside the sixth sterile chamber 70k. In addition, a cap mounting device 16 may be accommodated inside the seventh sterile chamber 70m. That is, in Figure 12EIn the example shown, the second stock solution filling device 22b and the cap mounting device 16 are housed inside a sterile chamber (the sixth sterile chamber 70k or the seventh sterile chamber 70m) different from the second sterile chamber 70h in which the first stock solution filling device 22a is housed.

[0456] In Figure 12E , the bottle 100 pre-sterilized on the upstream side is transported to the first sterile chamber 70f via the transport wheel 12 and the circular transporter 110 arranged in the fifth sterile chamber 70j. Then, the bottle 100 is transported to the water filling device 21 via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0457] Next, in the water filling device 21, the water sterilized by the water sterilization pipeline 50 is filled into the empty bottle 100. In this water filling device 21, while rotating and transporting a plurality of bottles 100, water is filled into the inside of the bottles 100.

[0458] Next, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is transported to the first stock solution filling device 22a via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f, the circular transporter 110, and the transport wheel 12 arranged in the second sterile chamber 70h.

[0459] Next, in the first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 is filled into the bottle 100 that has been pre-filled with water by the water filling device 21. In this first stock solution filling device 22a, while rotating and transporting a plurality of bottles 100, the product stock solution is filled into the inside of the bottles 100.

[0460] Then, the bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is transported to the second stock solution filling device 22b via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the second sterile chamber 70h, the circular transporter 110, and the transport wheel 12 arranged in the sixth sterile chamber 70k.

[0461] Next, in the second stock solution filling device 22b, other product stock solutions sterilized by the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 are filled into the bottle 100 that has been pre-filled with water and the product stock solution. In this second stock solution filling device 22b, while rotating and transporting a plurality of bottles 100, other product stock solutions are filled into the inside of the bottles 100.

[0462] After that, the bottle 100 in the sixth sterile chamber 70k is transported to the cap mounting device 16 via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the circular transporter 110, and the transport wheel 12 arranged in the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0463] Next, in the cap mounting device 16, the bottle 100 filled with water and the product stock solution is capped with the cap 88 (refer to Figure 12Asealed with (etc.). In this way, the bottle 100 is sealed so that external gas and / or microorganisms do not enter the bottle 100. In this cap mounting device 16, while rotating and conveying a plurality of bottles 100 filled with water and the product stock solution, a cap 88 is mounted on the mouth of the bottle 100. In this way, the product bottle 101 is obtained (refer to Figure 12A etc.).

[0464] <Second Example>

[0465] Next, an explanation is given by Figure 12F referring to the second example. In Figure 12F the second example shown, the content filling system further has a sixth aseptic chamber 70k, a seventh aseptic chamber 70m, and an eighth aseptic chamber 70n. The sixth aseptic chamber 70k is provided on the downstream side of the first aseptic chamber 70f. The seventh aseptic chamber 70m is provided on the downstream side of the second aseptic chamber 70h and the sixth aseptic chamber 70k. The eighth aseptic chamber 70n is provided between the second aseptic chamber 70h and the sixth aseptic chamber 70k. Here, in Figure 12F the second aseptic chamber 70h and the sixth aseptic chamber 70k are arranged side by side on the downstream side of the first aseptic chamber 70f along the conveying direction of the bottle 100 (refer to Figure 12A etc.). 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 in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of the bottle 100 (refer to Figure 12A etc.).

[0466] Among them, a second stock solution filling device 22b is housed inside the sixth aseptic chamber 70k. In addition, a cap mounting device 16 is housed inside the seventh aseptic chamber 70m. Furthermore, a conveying wheel 12 for conveying the bottle 100 filled with water by the water filling device 21 may also be housed inside the eighth aseptic chamber 70n.

[0467] In Figure 12F the bottle 100 pre-sterilized on the upstream side is conveyed to the water filling device 21 via the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the first aseptic chamber 70f.

[0468] Next, in the water filling device 21, the water sterilized by the water sterilization pipeline 50 is filled into the empty bottle 100. In this water filling device 21, while rotating and conveying a plurality of bottles 100, water is filled into the inside of the bottle 100.

[0469] Next, the bottle 100 in the first aseptic chamber 70f is conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a via, for example, the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the first aseptic chamber 70f, the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the eighth aseptic chamber 70n, and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the second aseptic chamber 70h.

[0470] Next, in the first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 is filled into the bottle 100 that has been pre-filled with water by the water filling device 21. In this first stock solution filling device 22a, while rotating and conveying a plurality of bottles 100, the product stock solution is filled into the interior of the bottles 100.

[0471] After that, the bottles 100 in the second aseptic chamber 70h are conveyed to the cap mounting device 16 via the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the second aseptic chamber 70h, the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the eighth aseptic chamber 70n, and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the seventh aseptic chamber 70m.

[0472] Next, in the cap mounting device 16, the bottle 100 filled with water and the product stock solution is sealed with a cap 88 (refer to Figure 12A etc.). In this way, the product bottle 101 (refer to Figure 12A etc.) is obtained.

[0473] Here, the bottle 100 in the first aseptic chamber 70f may not be conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a, but may be conveyed to the second stock solution filling device 22b. For example, the bottle 100 in the first aseptic chamber 70f may also be conveyed to the second stock solution filling device 22b via the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the first aseptic chamber 70f, the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the eighth aseptic chamber 70n, and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the sixth aseptic chamber 70k. In this case, the bottle 100 in the first aseptic chamber 70f is not conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a arranged in the second aseptic chamber 70h.

[0474] When the bottle 100 is conveyed to the second stock solution filling device 22b, in the second stock solution filling device 22b, other product stock solutions sterilized by the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 are filled into the bottle 100 that has been pre-filled with water. In this second stock solution filling device 22b, while rotating and conveying a plurality of bottles 100, other product stock solutions are filled into the interior of the bottles 100.

[0475] Then, the bottle 100 in the sixth aseptic chamber 70k is conveyed to the cap mounting device 16 via the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the sixth aseptic chamber 70k and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the seventh aseptic chamber 70m.

[0476] In this way, in Figure 12F the second example shown, when the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 using the second stock solution filling device 22b, the bottle 100 passes through each aseptic chamber in the order of the first aseptic chamber 70f, the eighth aseptic chamber 70n, the sixth aseptic chamber 70k, and the seventh aseptic chamber 70m.

[0477] In addition, in Figure 12F In the example shown, when manufacturing mineral water in the content filling system 10, the bottle 100 filled with water by the water filling device 21 in the first aseptic chamber 70f can also be directly transported to the cap mounting device 16 disposed in the seventh aseptic chamber 70m. That is, the bottle 100 filled with water can also be directly transported to the cap mounting device 16 via the transport wheel 12 disposed in the eighth aseptic chamber 70n without transporting the bottle 100 filled with water to the first stock solution filling device 22a or the second stock solution filling device 22b. In this case, the product bottle 101 is obtained by mounting the cap 88 only on the mouth of the bottle 100 filled with water. In addition, in this case, as described using Figure 12C and Figure 12D , it is preferable that the grippers of the transport wheel 12 adjacent to the first stock solution filling device 22a or the second stock solution filling device 22b are in the open position. Thereby, interference between the grippers can be suppressed.

[0478] <Third Example>

[0479] Next, the third example will be described by Figure 12G In the third example shown in Figure 12G , different from the second example shown in Figure 12F , when filling the product stock solution into the bottle 100 using the second stock solution filling device 22b, the bottle 100 passes through each aseptic chamber in the order of the first aseptic chamber 70f, the sixth aseptic chamber 70k, the eighth aseptic chamber 70n, and the seventh aseptic chamber 70m. Other structures of the content filling system 10 in the third example are the same as those in the second example shown in Figure 12F , so the detailed description is omitted here.

[0480] <Fourth Example>

[0481] Next, the fourth example will be described according to Figure 12H In the fourth example shown in Figure 12H , the content filling system further includes a sixth aseptic chamber 70k, a seventh aseptic chamber 70m, and a ninth aseptic chamber 70p. The sixth aseptic chamber 70k is provided on the downstream side of the first aseptic chamber 70f and the second aseptic chamber 70h. The seventh aseptic chamber 70m is provided on the downstream side of the sixth aseptic chamber 70k. The ninth aseptic chamber 70p is provided between the first aseptic chamber 70f, the second aseptic chamber 70h, and the sixth aseptic chamber 70k and the seventh aseptic chamber 70m.

[0482] In addition, the second stock solution filling device 22b is housed inside the sixth aseptic chamber 70k. In addition, the cap mounting device 16 is housed inside the seventh aseptic chamber 70m. Furthermore, the transport wheel 12 can also be housed inside the ninth aseptic chamber 70p.

[0483] In Figure 12H the bottle 100 pre-sterilized on the upstream side is conveyed to the water filling device 21 via the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the ninth aseptic chamber 70p and the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the first aseptic chamber 70f.

[0484] Next, in the water filling device 21, water sterilized by the water sterilization pipeline 50 is filled into the empty bottle 100. In this water filling device 21, while rotating and conveying a plurality of bottles 100, water is filled into the inside of the bottles 100.

[0485] Next, the bottle 100 in the first aseptic chamber 70f is conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a via the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the first aseptic chamber 70f, the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the ninth aseptic chamber 70p, and the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the second aseptic chamber 70h.

[0486] Next, in the first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 is filled into the bottle 100 that has been previously filled with water by the water filling device 21. In this first stock solution filling device 22a, while rotating and conveying a plurality of bottles 100, the product stock solution is filled into the inside of the bottles 100.

[0487] Then, the bottle 100 in the second aseptic chamber 70h is conveyed to the second stock solution filling device 22b via the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the second aseptic chamber 70h, the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the ninth aseptic chamber 70p, and the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the sixth aseptic chamber 70k.

[0488] Next, in the second stock solution filling device 22b, other product stock solutions sterilized by the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 are filled into the bottle 100 that has been previously filled with water. In this second stock solution filling device 22b, while rotating and conveying a plurality of bottles 100, other product stock solutions are filled into the inside of the bottles 100.

[0489] After that, the bottle 100 in the sixth aseptic chamber 70k is conveyed to the cap mounting device 16 via the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the sixth aseptic chamber 70k, the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the ninth aseptic chamber 70p, and the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the seventh aseptic chamber 70m.

[0490] Thus, in Figure 12H the fourth example shown, when filling the product stock solution into the bottle 100 using the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b, the bottle 100 passes through each aseptic chamber in the order of the first aseptic chamber 70f, the ninth aseptic chamber 70p, the second aseptic chamber 70h, the ninth aseptic chamber 70p, the sixth aseptic chamber 70k, the ninth aseptic chamber 70p, and the seventh aseptic chamber 70m.

[0491] <Fifth Example>

[0492] Next, an explanation will be given for Figure 12I the fifth example. In Figure 12I the fifth example shown, the content filling system further includes a sixth sterile chamber 70k, a seventh sterile chamber 70m, and a tenth sterile chamber 70q. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is provided on the downstream side of the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is provided on the downstream side of the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The tenth sterile chamber 70q is provided between the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k.

[0493] In addition, a second stock solution filling device 22b is housed inside the sixth sterile chamber 70k. In addition, a cap mounting device 16 is housed inside the seventh sterile chamber 70m. Furthermore, a conveying wheel 12 can also be housed inside the ninth sterile chamber 70p.

[0494] In Figure 12I 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 each include a quantitative filling nozzle 22e and a filling nozzle 22f that are fixed to the mouth of the bottle 100 for use. In addition, the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b can also each include a plurality of filling nozzles 22e and a plurality of filling nozzles 22f.

[0495] Then, when the bottle 100 reaches the filling nozzles 22e, 22f, the bottle 100 is detected using near-infrared light. Thus, the product stock solution is intermittently filled into each bottle 100 from the filling nozzles 22e, 22f only during the period when the mouth of the bottle 100 passes below the filling nozzles 22e, 22f. It should be noted that the filling nozzles 22e, 22f may not be filling nozzles of the type that intermittently fill the product stock solution, and may also be filling nozzles of the type that continuously fill the product stock solution.

[0496] In Figure 12I , the bottle 100 that has been sterilized on the upstream side in advance is conveyed to the water filling device 21 via the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0497] Next, in the water filling device 21, the water sterilized by the water sterilization pipeline 50 is filled into the empty bottle 100. In this water filling device 21, while rotating and conveying a plurality of bottles 100, water is filled into the inside of the bottles 100.

[0498] Next, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a via the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0499] Next, in the first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 is filled into the bottle 100 that has been pre-filled with water by the water filling device 21. In this first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution is intermittently filled into the bottle 100.

[0500] Then, the bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is conveyed to the second stock solution filling device 22b via the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the tenth sterile chamber 70q.

[0501] Next, in the second stock solution filling device 22b, other product stock solutions sterilized by the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 are filled into the bottle 100 that has been pre-filled with water. In this second stock solution filling device 22b, other product stock solutions are intermittently filled into the bottle 100.

[0502] After that, the bottle 100 in the sixth sterile chamber 70k is conveyed to the cap mounting device 16 via the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0503] (Fifth modification example)

[0504] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the filling device 20 has a water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization pipeline 50 and a stock solution filling device 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, as Figure 13 shown, the content filling system 10 may also include a single filling device 20.

[0505] In this case, the content filling system 10 may also have a preform sterilization chamber 70a, a forming section chamber 70b, an environmental partition chamber 70c, a fungicide spraying chamber 70d, a gas flushing chamber 70e, a first sterile chamber 70f, and an outlet chamber 70i. That is, the content filling system 10 may not have the intermediate area 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.

[0506] In this modification example, a mixing tank (storage tank) 57 for mixing water and the product stock solution may also be provided between the water sterilization pipeline 50 and the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 and the filling device 20. Thus, by diluting the product stock solution with water before filling, the content can be prepared. In addition, in this case, the mixing tank 57 may be a tank for storing the sterilized content, or a so-called filling machine tank. In addition, in order to improve the filling accuracy of the filling device 20, the mixing tank 57 may also be provided above the filling device 20 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, even when the usage amount of the content on the downstream side of the mixing tank 57 changes, the mixing tank 57 can also function as a so-called buffer tank to ensure the smooth flow of the content. In this modification example, the filling device 20 is configured to fill the content in the mixing tank 57 into the bottle 100.

[0507] In such a mixing tank 57, a concentration meter for measuring the concentration of the prepared content may also be provided. In addition, in order to ensure the concentration of the content prepared in the mixing tank 57, at least one or more tanks such as filling machine tanks may be provided on the downstream side of the mixing tank 57 provided with the concentration meter. The volume of the mixing tank 57 may be 0.1 m 3 or more and 30 m 3 or less. As an example, it may be 0.3 m 3 . It should be noted that in this modification example, the above-mentioned addition unit 75 may also be connected to the downstream side of the mixing tank 57.

[0508] In this modification example, when cleaning (COP) and sterilizing (SOP) the inside of the first aseptic chamber 70f, for example, the position on the upstream side of the connection point CP3 connecting the water sterilization pipeline 50 and the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 in the water sterilization pipeline 50 may be maintained in a sterile state, and the position on the downstream side of this connection point CP3 may be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). Similarly, when cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the filling device 20 accommodated inside the first aseptic chamber 70f, for example, the position on the upstream side of the connection point CP3 may be maintained in a sterile state, and the position on the downstream side of this connection point CP3 may be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). In this case, the cleaning and sterilization areas can also be reduced. Therefore, the usage amount of steam and the like can be reduced. In addition, since the cleaning and sterilization areas can be reduced, the cleaning time and the sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0509] In addition, in this modified example, compared with the case of diluting the product stock solution with sterile water produced by a sterilization machine that sterilizes by heating water, it is also possible to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide discharged when producing the content. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10.

[0510] It should be noted that, as Figure 14 shown, a mixing tank 57 for mixing water and the product stock solution may not be provided between the water sterilization pipeline 50 and the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 and the filling device 20. In this case, the filling device 20 may include a plurality of filling nozzles 20a for filling water and the product stock solution (refer to Figure 15 ), and the water sterilization pipeline 50 and the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 may be respectively connected to each filling nozzle 20a. Moreover, water and the product stock solution may be filled with one filling nozzle 20a.

[0511] Specifically, as Figure 15 shown, the filling nozzle 20a may also include a nozzle main body 20b. Moreover, the water sterilization pipeline 50 and the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70 may be respectively connected to the nozzle main body 20b. Flow meters F for measuring the flow rate of water or the product stock solution and valves V2 may be respectively provided on the water sterilization pipeline 50 and the stock solution sterilization pipeline 70. In addition, the filling amounts of water or the product stock solution may be measured by detecting the actual weight of the filled water or the product stock solution using a force sensor. In this case, the order of filling water and the product stock solution into the bottle 100 may also be appropriately changed in consideration of foaming 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 filling water, or water may be filled after filling the product stock solution. When filling water after filling the product stock solution, the risk of dirt caused by the content adhering to the front end of the filling nozzle 20a can be reduced. In addition, the product stock solution may be filled after filling water, and then water may be further filled. Or, water and the product stock solution may be filled simultaneously.

[0512] In Figure 14In the example shown, in the case of cleaning (COP) and sterilizing (SOP) the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f, for example, it is also possible to perform cleaning (CIP) and sterilization (SIP) at a position downstream of the third water tank 54 while maintaining the state of the water sterilization pipeline 50 up to the third water tank 54 in a sterile state. Similarly, in the case of cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the filling device 20 housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f, for example, it is also possible to perform cleaning (CIP) and sterilization (SIP) at a position downstream of the third water tank 54 while maintaining the state of the water sterilization pipeline 50 up to the third water tank 54 in a sterile state. In this case, it is also possible to reduce the area of cleaning and sterilization. Therefore, the amount of steam and the like used can be reduced. In addition, since the area of 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.

[0513] In this modified example, compared with the case of diluting the product stock solution with sterile water produced by using a sterilization mechanism that sterilizes water by heating, it is also possible to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide discharged when producing the content. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0514] (Sixth Modified Example)

[0515] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the third water tank 54 is provided on the downstream side of the second water tank 52 has been described. In this case, as Figure 16A shown, a carbonic acid adding device 58 for adding carbonic acid to water may be connected on the upstream side of the third water tank 54.

[0516] Here, the water filling device 21 includes a plurality of water filling nozzles 21a for filling water (refer to Figure 16B ). In this modified example, the water filling nozzles 21a of the water filling device 21 fill carbonated water. As Figure 16B shown, a water sterilization pipeline 50 and a reverse gas pipeline 58a are connected to each water filling nozzle 21a. Specifically, the water filling nozzle 21a includes a nozzle main body portion 21b. Moreover, the water sterilization pipeline 50 and the reverse gas pipeline 58a are respectively connected to the nozzle main body portion 21b. Among them, one end of the water sterilization pipeline 50 is connected to the third water tank 54 filled with sterile carbonated water, and the other end communicates with the inside of the bottle 100. Then, the sterile carbonated water supplied from the third water tank 54 is injected into the inside of the bottle 100 through the water sterilization pipeline 50.

[0517] The reverse gas pipeline 58a is a line that supplies aseptic carbon dioxide filled in the third water tank 54 to the water filling nozzle 21a. One end of the reverse gas pipeline 58a is connected to the third water tank 54, and the other end communicates with the inside of the bottle 100. Moreover, the gas for counterpressure composed of aseptic carbonated gas supplied from the third water tank 54 is filled into the inside of the bottle 100 through the reverse gas pipeline 58a.

[0518] In addition, an exhaust gas pipeline 58b for discharging the gas inside the bottle 100 is connected to each water filling nozzle 21a. One end of the exhaust gas pipeline 58b is connected to the reverse gas pipeline 58a. It is configured to discharge the gas inside the bottle 100 from the other end of the exhaust gas pipeline 58b into the first aseptic chamber 70f through the exhaust gas pipeline 58b.

[0519] Moreover, a gasket P (sealing member) for suppressing the leakage of the gas inside the bottle 100 is provided at the front end of each water filling nozzle 21a. And when filling the carbonated beverage into the bottle 100, the water filling device 21 fills the carbonated beverage into the bottle 100 (tight fitting filling) in a state where the gasket P is tightly fitted to the mouth of the bottle 100. Thus, it is configured to be able to suppress the leakage of aseptic carbon dioxide for back pressure from the inside of the bottle 100. Therefore, the internal pressure of the bottle 100 can be made higher than 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. In addition, although not shown, a flowmeter and a valve for measuring the flow rate of water or the like can also be provided in the water sterilization pipeline 50 or the like.

[0520] According to this modification example, a carbonic acid 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 bottle 100. In addition, in this way, by connecting the carbonic acid adding device 58 to the water sterilization pipeline 50, when filling carbonated water as the content, the flavor of the previous content can be suppressed from adhering to the carbonated water. It should be noted that only when filling the carbonated beverage into the bottle 100, the water from the second water tank 52 can be supplied to the carbonic acid adding device 58, and after cooling, carbon dioxide gas can be aseptically added using an aseptic carbonator, and then the water added with carbonic acid can be supplied to the third water tank 54. In addition, when manufacturing carbonated water as the content, a stock solution filling device 22 can be used or not used.

[0521] 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 also fill water without added carbon dioxide. In this case, in the content filling system 10, mineral water can also be produced by only using the water filling device 21. In this case, the water filling device 21 can also fill water in a state where the gasket P is closely attached to the mouth of the bottle 100. Thereby, the overflow of water from inside the bottle 100 can be suppressed to a minimum. In this case, the water filling device 21 can also fill water under pressure. Thereby, water can be filled in a short time. Here, when the pressure resistance of the bottle 100 is low, the water filling device 21 preferably fills water under pressure in a state where the gas inside the bottle 100 can be discharged via the exhaust pipe 58b. For example, it is preferable that the water filling device 21 fills water under pressure with the exhaust pipe 58b opened after the gasket P is closely attached to the mouth of the bottle 100. Thereby, even when water is filled under pressure, deformation and / or breakage of the bottle 100 caused by pressure can be suppressed. Therefore, water can be filled in a short time, and deformation and / or breakage of the bottle 100 can be suppressed.

[0522] It should be noted that when the stock solution filling device 22 is used together with the water filling device 21, compared with the case of only using the water filling device 21, the liquid level of the water filled by the water filling device 21 drops. Therefore, the risk of the filled water overflowing is also small. Therefore, the water filling speed can be 100 mL / sec or more, preferably 200 mL / sec or more. 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 solution tank 74. During close-fitting filling, the internal pressure of the third stock solution 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 0.9 MPa or less.

[0523] In addition, the water filling device 21 can also fill water into the bottle 100 (filling at the mouth) in a state where there is a gap between the water filling nozzle 21a (gasket P) and the bottle 100 without closely attaching the gasket P to th...

Claims

1. A content filling system for filling a container with content, characterized in that, Comprising: A water sterilizer that non-heat sterilizes the water used in the content filling system; A control unit that controls the content filling system, The water sterilizer at least has a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp, The control unit sterilizes the water sterilizer by supplying hot water to the water sterilizer, and then uses the sterilized water sterilizer to sterilize the water used in the content, and fills the container with the content including the sterilized water, thereby producing a product container. The water sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer continuously lit from the sterilization of the water sterilizer until the sterilization of the water used in the content ends.

2. The content filling system according to claim 1, wherein: The ultraviolet lamp is a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

3. The content filling system according to claim 1, wherein: The sterilizer includes a first sterilizer and a second sterilizer provided on the downstream side of the first sterilizer. The ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer is a low-pressure mercury lamp, and the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer is a medium-pressure mercury lamp. The water sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer continuously lit from the sterilization of the water sterilizer until the sterilization of the water used in the content ends.

4. A content filling system for filling a container with content, characterized in that, Comprising: A water sterilizer that non-heat sterilizes the water used in the content filling system; A water tank provided on the downstream side of the water sterilizer; A control unit that controls the content filling system, The water sterilizer at least has a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp, The control unit sterilizes the water sterilizer by supplying hot water to the water sterilizer, The water sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer continuously lit from the sterilization of the water sterilizer, Before the sterilization of the water sterilizer ends, when the cumulative irradiation dose of the ultraviolet rays on the water is less than 15 mJ / cm 2 , the control unit does not supply the water with a cumulative irradiation dose less than 15 mJ / cm 2 to the water tank.

5. A manufacturing method of a product container, characterized in that, Comprising the following steps: Sterilize the water sterilizer that at least has a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp; Use the sterilized water sterilizer to sterilize the water used in the content; Produce a product container by filling the container with the content including the sterilized water, The water sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer continuously lit from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer until the step of sterilizing the water used in the content ends.

6. The method for manufacturing a product container according to claim 5, wherein: The ultraviolet lamp is a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

7. The method for manufacturing a product container according to claim 5, wherein: The sterilizer includes a first sterilizer and a second sterilizer provided on the downstream side of the first sterilizer. The ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer is a low-pressure mercury lamp, and the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer is a medium-pressure mercury lamp. The water sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer continuously lit from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer until the step of sterilizing the water used in the content ends.

8. A manufacturing method of a product container is a sterilization method for sterilizing a content filling system including a water sterilizer for non-heat sterilizing water and a water tank provided on the downstream side of the water sterilizer, characterized in that, the water sterilizer at least has a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp, the sterilization method includes the following steps: sterilize the water sterilizer; use the sterilized water sterilizer to sterilize water, from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer, the water sterilizer continuously turns on the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer, Before the sterilization of the water sterilizer ends, when the cumulative irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water is less than 15 mJ / cm 2 , the water with a cumulative irradiation dose less than 15 mJ / cm 2 is not supplied to the water tank.

9. A content filling system, characterized in that, including: a storage tank for storing sterilized contents; a filling device for filling the contents in the storage tank into a container; a content inspection pipeline connected to the storage tank, the content inspection pipeline has a first valve and a second valve provided on the downstream side of the first valve.

10. The content filling system according to claim 9, characterized in that, it further includes a control unit for controlling the content filling system, and the control unit does not open the first valve when the pressure in the storage tank is below the pressure between the first valve and the second valve.

11. The content filling system according to claim 9, characterized in that, it further includes a water sterilization pipeline for sterilizing water and a stock solution sterilization pipeline for sterilizing a product stock solution, and the storage tank is installed between the water sterilization pipeline and the stock solution sterilization pipeline and the filling device to mix the water and the product stock solution.

12. A content filling system, characterized in that, including: a water sterilizer for non-heat sterilizing water; a sterilizer cleaning pipeline for cleaning the water sterilizer, the water sterilizer has: a first pipeline; a first sterilizer provided on the downstream side of the first pipeline; a second pipeline provided on the downstream side of the first sterilizer, a first switching part is provided between the first pipeline, the first sterilizer, the second pipeline and the sterilizer cleaning pipeline, and the first switching part is connected to the first pipeline, the first sterilizer, the second pipeline and the sterilizer cleaning pipeline to switch the flow path of the water.

13. The content filling system according to claim 12, characterized in that, when sterilizing water through the first sterilizer, the first switching part connects the first pipeline, the first sterilizer and the second pipeline in such a way that the water flows in the order of the first pipeline, the first sterilizer and the second pipeline, and when cleaning the first sterilizer, the first switching part connects the first pipeline and the second pipeline in such a way that the water flows in the order of the first pipeline and the second pipeline, and connects the first sterilizer and the sterilizer cleaning pipeline.

14. The content filling system according to claim 12, characterized in that, It further includes: a second sterilizer provided on the downstream side of the second pipe; a third pipe provided on the downstream side of the second sterilizer, and a second switching unit is provided between the second pipe, the second sterilizer, the third pipe, and the sterilizer cleaning pipeline. The second switching unit is connected to the second pipe, the second sterilizer, the third pipe, and the sterilizer cleaning pipeline to switch the flow path of the water.

15. The content filling system according to claim 14, wherein when the water is sterilized by the second sterilizer, the second switching unit connects the second pipe, the second sterilizer, and the third pipe in such a way that the water flows in the order of the second pipe, the second sterilizer, and the third pipe. When the second sterilizer is cleaned, the second switching unit connects the second pipe and the third pipe in such a way that the water flows in the order of the second pipe and the third pipe, and connects the second sterilizer and the sterilizer cleaning pipeline.

16. A content filling system, characterized in that, It includes: a water sterilizer that performs non-heat sterilization on water; a sterilizer cleaning pipeline for cleaning the water sterilizer, the water sterilizer has: a first pipe; a first sterilizer provided on the downstream side of the first pipe; a second pipe provided on the downstream side of the first sterilizer; a second sterilizer provided on the downstream side of the second pipe; a third pipe provided on the downstream side of the second sterilizer, a second switching unit is provided between the second pipe, the second sterilizer, the third pipe, and the sterilizer cleaning pipeline. The second switching unit is connected to the second pipe, the second sterilizer, the third pipe, and the sterilizer cleaning pipeline to switch the flow path of the water.

17. A sampling method for sampling the content filled by the content filling system, characterized in that the content filling system includes: a storage tank for storing the sterilized content; a filling device for filling the content in the storage tank into a container; a content inspection pipeline connected to the storage tank, the content inspection pipeline has a first valve and a second valve provided on the downstream side of the first valve, the sampling method includes: a sterilization process for sterilizing the content inspection pipeline; an introduction process in which, with the second valve closed, the content is introduced into the content inspection pipeline by opening the first valve; a sampling process in which, after closing the first valve, the content in the content inspection pipeline is sampled by opening the second valve.

18. The sampling method according to claim 17, characterized in that a positive pressure holding process for holding the content inspection pipeline at a positive pressure is further included between the sterilization process and the introduction process.

19. The sampling method according to claim 17, characterized in that in the introduction process, the pressure in the storage tank is maintained above the pressure between the first valve and the second valve.

20. A content filling system, characterized in that, It includes: a water sterilizer for sterilizing water; A control unit that controls the water sterilizer The water sterilizer has: A foreign matter removal filter that removes foreign matter in the water; A first sterilizer disposed downstream of the foreign matter removal filter that sterilizes the water, The control unit sterilizes the foreign matter removal filter by circulating hot water in a sterilization circulation system including the foreign matter removal filter.

21. The content filling system according to claim 20, characterized in that The hot water circulates in the sterilization circulation system without passing through the first sterilizer.

22. The content filling system according to claim 20, characterized in that The first sterilizer includes an ultraviolet lamp, and the first sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp lit during the circulation of the hot water in the sterilization circulation system.

23. The content filling system according to claim 20, characterized in that The water sterilizer further has: a first sterile filter disposed downstream of the first sterilizer; a second sterilizer disposed downstream of the first sterile filter; a second sterile filter disposed downstream of the second sterilizer.

24. A sterilization method for sterilizing a water sterilizer, the water sterilizer having: a foreign matter removal filter that removes foreign matter in water; a first sterilizer that is provided on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter and sterilizes the water, characterized in that, It includes the following steps: Supply hot water to a sterilization circulation system including the foreign matter removal filter; Circulate the hot water in the sterilization circulation system.

25. The sterilization method according to claim 24, characterized in that In the step of circulating the hot water, the hot water circulates in the sterilization circulation system without passing through the first sterilizer.

26. The sterilization method according to claim 25, characterized in that The first sterilizer includes an ultraviolet lamp, and the first sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp lit during the step of circulating the hot water.

27. A content filling system for filling a container with content, characterized in that, It includes: A water sterilizer that performs non-heating sterilization on the water used in the content filling system; A control unit that controls the content filling system, The water sterilizer has at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp, The control unit sterilizes the water sterilizer by circulating a bactericide in a circulation system including the water sterilizer, The bactericide contains peracetic acid, During the circulation of the bactericide in the circulation system, the sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp lit.

28. The content filling system according to claim 27, characterized in that The concentration of the bactericide is 100 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less.

29. A content filling system for filling a container with content, characterized in that, It includes: A water sterilizer that performs non-heating sterilization on the water used in the content filling system; A control unit that controls the content filling system, The water sterilizer has at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp, The control unit sterilizes the water sterilizer by circulating a bactericide in a circulation system including the water sterilizer, The bactericide contains peracetic acid, During the circulation of the bactericide in the circulation system, when the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer is not lit, the concentration of the bactericide is a first concentration. During the period when the bactericide circulates in the circulation system, when the ultraviolet lamp is lit by the bactericidal machine, the concentration of the bactericide is a second concentration that is below the first concentration.

30. The content filling system according to claim 29, characterized in that The first concentration is 1000 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less, and the second concentration is 100 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less.

31. A sterilization method for sterilizing a content filling system, the content filling system having a water sterilizing machine for non-thermally sterilizing water, characterized in that The water sterilizing machine at least has a sterilizing machine including an ultraviolet lamp The sterilization method includes the following steps: Supplying a bactericide to a circulation system including the water sterilizing machine; Circulating the bactericide in the circulation system The bactericide contains peracetic acid In the step of circulating the bactericide, the bactericidal machine keeps the ultraviolet lamp lit.

32. A sterilization method for sterilizing a content filling system, the content filling system having a water sterilizing machine for non-thermally sterilizing water, characterized in that The water sterilizing machine at least has a sterilizing machine including an ultraviolet lamp The sterilization method includes the following steps: Supplying a bactericide to a circulation system including the water sterilizing machine; Circulating the bactericide in the circulation system The bactericide contains peracetic acid In the step of circulating the bactericide, when the ultraviolet lamp is not lit by the bactericidal machine, the concentration of the bactericide is a first concentration In the step of circulating the bactericide, when the ultraviolet lamp is lit by the bactericidal machine, the concentration of the bactericide is a second concentration that is below the first concentration.

33. A sterilization method for sterilizing a content filling system, the content filling system having a water sterilizing machine for non-thermally sterilizing water, characterized in that The water sterilizing machine at least has a sterilizing machine including an ultraviolet lamp The sterilization method includes: A supply step of supplying a bactericide to a circulation system including the water sterilizing machine; A circulation step of circulating the bactericide in the circulation system; A dilution step of diluting the bactericide by supplying water to the circulation system The bactericide contains peracetic acid In the dilution step, the bactericidal machine keeps the ultraviolet lamp lit.

34. The sterilization method according to claim 33, characterized in that The flow rate of the bactericide in the dilution step is slower than the flow rate of the bactericide in the circulation step.

35. The sterilization method according to claim 33, characterized in that The content filling system further has a water storage tank provided on the upstream side of the water sterilizing machine for storing the water A first flow path connecting the water storage tank and the water sterilizing machine to each other and a second flow path having both ends connected to the first flow path are formed between the water storage tank and the water sterilizing machine In the circulation step, the bactericide does not pass through the second flow path but passes through the first flow path In the dilution step, the bactericide passes through the second flow path.

36. The sterilization method according to claim 33, wherein the cumulative irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water in the dilution step is greater than the cumulative irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water during the production of the product container.

37. The sterilization method according to claim 33, wherein in the dilution step, hot water is supplied to the circulation system.

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