Aseptic forming method and aseptic forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an aseptic forming method and an aseptic forming apparatus which realize, with a simple structure, efficient sterilization.SOLUTION: The aseptic forming method forms aseptically a sterilized container having been subjected to sterilization treatment. The sterilization treatment completes sterilization of the container only through a preform sterilization treatment at a preform stage before formation of the container through an aseptic blow forming. The preform sterilization treatment at least supplies an aseptic liquid onto an internal surface of a mouth portion P2 of a preform P, supplies, onto an inner surface of a trunk portion P1 of the preform P along the inner surface of the preform P, at least part of the aseptic liquid supplied onto the inner surface of the mouth portion P2, and heats the aseptic liquid supplied onto the inner surface of a trunk portion P1 through contact with the inner surface of the trunk portion P1 so as to evaporate the aseptic liquid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aseptic molding method and aseptic molding apparatus for aseptically molding sterilized containers that have been subjected to a sterilization treatment, and in particular to an aseptic molding apparatus and aseptic molding method that are incorporated into an in-line blow type aseptic filling system that performs an integrated process from container molding to filling and sealing the contents. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an in-line blow type filling system that performs an integrated process from forming containers by blow molding to filling and sealing the contents within the same factory (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In such a filling system, the containers must be thoroughly sterilized before being transported to a filling device maintained in a sterile environment. In the filling system described in Patent Document 1, in addition to a sterilization process at the preform stage before the container is molded by blow molding, a sterilization process is also performed at the container stage after blow molding. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-202284 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when sterilization is performed at the container stage, there are problems such as the need for a larger sterilization mechanism, the need for a larger amount of sterilant because the container has a larger surface area than the preform, and the sterilization time being longer. Therefore, the applicant is attempting to develop an aseptic molding device that completes sterilization of containers only by sterilization at the preform stage before the container is molded by aseptic blow molding, and for this reason, further improvements in sterilization efficiency are required.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention is intended to solve these problems, and has an object to provide an aseptic molding method and an aseptic molding apparatus that realize efficient sterilization with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the aseptic molding method of the present invention is a method for aseptically molding a sterilized container that has been subjected to a sterilization treatment, in which the sterilization of the container is completed only by a preform sterilization treatment at the preform stage before the container is molded by aseptic blow molding, and in the preform sterilization treatment, a sterilizing fluid is supplied to at least the inner surface of the mouth of the preform, at least a portion of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the mouth is supplied along the inner surface of the preform, and the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the body of the preform is heated and vaporized by contact with the inner surface of the body, thereby solving the above problem. Another aspect of the aseptic molding method of the present invention is a method for aseptically molding a sterilized container that has been subjected to a sterilization treatment, in which sterilization of the container is completed only by a preform sterilization treatment at the preform stage before the container is molded by aseptic blow molding, and in the preform sterilization treatment, a sterilizing fluid is supplied to at least the inner surface of the mouth of the preform, so that a liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is adhered to the inner surface of the mouth immediately after the sterilizing fluid is supplied, and the sterilizing fluid is heated and vaporized by contact with the inner surface of the body of the preform, so that the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is not adhered to the inner surface of the body at the start of aseptic blow molding, thereby solving the above problem. One aspect of the aseptic molding apparatus of the present invention is an aseptic molding apparatus that aseptically molds sterilized containers, and is equipped with a blow molding turret and a sterilization mechanism. The aseptic molding apparatus is configured to complete sterilization of the container only by preform sterilization processing at the preform stage before the container is molded by aseptic blow molding. The aseptic molding apparatus is configured to supply a sterilizing fluid to at least the inner surface of the mouth of the preform, supply at least a portion of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the mouth along the inner surface of the preform to the inner surface of the body of the preform, and heat and vaporize the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the body by contact with the inner surface of the body, thereby solving the above-mentioned problem. Another aspect of the aseptic molding apparatus of the present invention is an aseptic molding apparatus for aseptically molding sterilized containers, comprising a blow molding turret and a sterilization mechanism, the aseptic molding apparatus being configured to complete sterilization of the container solely by preform sterilization processing at the preform stage prior to molding the container by aseptic blow molding, the aseptic molding apparatus being configured to supply a sterilizing fluid to at least the inner surface of the mouth of the preform, so that immediately after supplying the sterilizing fluid, a liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is adhered to the inner surface of the mouth, and the sterilizing fluid is heated and vaporized by contact with the inner surface of the body of the preform, so that at the start of aseptic blow molding, no liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is adhered to the inner surface of the body, thereby solving the above problem. In any of the above aseptic molding methods or aseptic molding apparatus, the preform sterilization treatment may include supplying a sterilizing fluid to at least the inner surface of the mouth of the preform, supplying at least a portion of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the mouth along the inner surface of the preform to the inner surface of the body of the preform, and heating and vaporizing the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the body through contact with the inner surface of the body. In any of the above-mentioned aseptic molding methods or aseptic molding apparatuses, the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the mouth contains a steam component, and in the preform sterilization treatment, the steam component of the sterilizing fluid is cooled and liquefied by contact with the inner surface of the mouth, and at least a portion of the liquid component of the liquefied sterilizing fluid is supplied along the inner surface of the preform to the inner surface of the body, and the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is heated and vaporized by contact with the inner surface of the body. In any of the above-mentioned aseptic molding methods or aseptic molding apparatuses, the preform sterilization treatment may be such that immediately after supplying the sterilizing fluid, the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid adheres to the inner surface of the mouth portion, and when aseptic blow molding begins, the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is not adhered to the inner surface of the body portion. In any of the above-mentioned aseptic molding methods or aseptic molding apparatuses, during or after the preform sterilization process, a drying process may be performed on the inner surface of the mouth portion after the supply of the sterilizing fluid and before the start of the aseptic blow molding, so that no liquid component of the sterilizing fluid adheres to the inner surface of the mouth portion. In any of the above aseptic molding methods or aseptic molding apparatus, the preform sterilization treatment may include supplying a sterilizing fluid to at least the outer surface of the mouth of the preform, supplying at least a portion of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the outer surface of the mouth along the outer surface of the preform to the outer surface of the body of the preform, and heating and vaporizing the sterilizing fluid supplied to the outer surface of the body by contact with the outer surface of the body. In any of the above-mentioned aseptic molding methods or aseptic molding apparatuses, the sterilizing fluid supplied to the outer surface of the mouth portion contains a steam component, and in the preform sterilization treatment, the steam component of the sterilizing fluid is cooled and liquefied by contact with the outer surface of the mouth portion, and at least a portion of the liquid component of the liquefied sterilizing fluid is supplied along the outer surface of the preform to the outer surface of the body portion, and the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is heated and vaporized by contact with the outer surface of the body portion. In any of the above aseptic molding methods or aseptic molding apparatus, the temperature of the sterilizing fluid when it reaches the surface of the preform may be set to be higher than the surface temperature of the inner surface of the mouth portion. In any of the above aseptic molding methods or aseptic molding apparatuses, in the preform sterilization treatment, the preform may be sterilized before heating the preform with an oven mechanism. In any of the above aseptic molding methods or apparatus, the sterilizing fluid may be either hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, or water. In any of the above aseptic molding methods or apparatus, the sterilizing fluid may be peracetic acid having a concentration of 0.25 wt % or more. In any of the above-mentioned aseptic molding methods or aseptic molding apparatuses, the sterilizing fluid may be hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, or water, and the amount of the sterilizing fluid supplied to at least the inner surface of the mouth portion may be 50 μl or more and 225 μl or less. In any of the above-mentioned aseptic molding methods or aseptic molding apparatus, in the preform sterilization treatment, the sterilizing fluid may be sprayed from a spray nozzle arranged so that the central axis of the spray outlet faces the inner surface of the mouth portion, and supplied to the inner surface of the mouth portion. In any of the above-mentioned aseptic molding methods or aseptic molding apparatus, the preform sterilization treatment may involve spraying the sterilizing fluid from the spray nozzle arranged outside the preform at an angle to the axis of the preform, and supplying the sterilizing fluid to the inner surface of the mouth. In any of the above aseptic molding methods or aseptic molding apparatus, the preform sterilization treatment may involve supplying the sterilizing fluid to the inner surface of the mouth so that the temperature of the sterilizing fluid adhering to the inner surface of the mouth becomes 55°C or higher, or the inner surface of the mouth may be subjected to a heat treatment after supplying the sterilizing fluid to the inner surface of the mouth. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, efficient sterilization can be achieved with a simple configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an aseptic filling system including an aseptic molding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for sterilizing the inner surface of a preform. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for sterilizing the outer surface of a preform. [Figure 4] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a sterile filling system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" used in this specification refer to the upstream and downstream in the conveying direction of the preform P or the container.

[0011] First, the aseptic filling system 10 is configured as a so-called in-line blow type filling system that aseptically fills sterilized containers with sterilized contents (particularly liquid contents), and as shown in Figure 1, it includes an aseptic molding device 20 that aseptically molds containers, and a filling device 60 that aseptically fills the containers with the contents.

[0012] Below, each component of the aseptic filling system 10 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] First, the aseptic molding apparatus 20 aseptically molds sterilized containers that have been subjected to a sterilization treatment, and as shown in FIG. 1, is equipped with an inlet section 21 for feeding the preform P, a blow molding turret 22, an oven mechanism 30 for heating the preform P in an oven area A1 set downstream of the inlet section 21, a preform transport mechanism 40 for transporting the preform P, and a sterilization treatment mechanism 50 for sterilizing the preform P.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the inlet portion 21 is a portion for introducing the preform P into the aseptic molding apparatus 20 (aseptic filling system 10).

[0015] The blow molding turret 22, as shown in FIG. 1, is disposed downstream of the oven area A1 and performs aseptic blow molding on the preforms P. Specifically, the blow molding turret 22 is configured as a turret equipped with a blow machine (not shown) that performs biaxial stretch blow molding of containers such as PET bottles by blowing sterile air into a preform P that has been heated to the molding temperature during aseptic blow molding.

[0016] The molding area A3 in which the blow molding turret 22 is installed is covered by a chamber, and is kept in a sterile atmosphere and under positive pressure by blowing sterile air that has passed through a HEPA filter from above using an FFU (Fan Filter Unit). In addition, the blow molding turret 22, blow machine, and other equipment installed in the molding area A3 are sterilized up to the ends of the blow piping. Preforms P, which have been sterilized only at the preform stage, are transported to molding area A3 and aseptically blow molded. As a result, aseptic blow molding is performed in a sterile environment in molding area A3, which means that it is not necessary to locally create an atmosphere of sterile air or sterilizing gas near the transport path when transporting preforms P or bottles after blow molding in molding area A3, and it is also not necessary to sterilize the bottles after blow molding.

[0017] The oven mechanism 30 performs a heating process to raise the temperature of the preform P to the molding temperature during aseptic blow molding in the blow molding turret 22, and has an oven chamber 31 with an oven area A1 inside, and a plurality of heating heaters 32 configured as infrared heaters that raise the temperature of the preform P. In addition, the oven mechanism 30 may be provided with a simple cover surrounding the periphery of the oven instead of the oven chamber 31, and the oven chamber 31 may not be provided.

[0018] In addition, in the oven area A1, in order to prevent the temperature of the mouth portion P2 of the preform P from rising too much due to heating by the heating heater 32 and to prevent deformation of the mouth portion P2 of the preform P due to heat, multiple air jets (not shown) that introduce non-sterilized air and spray it toward the mouth portion P2 of the preform P, or a shielding plate that blocks the heat from the heating heater 32 and prevents heating of the mouth portion P2, are installed. Since the air blower (not shown) introduces and blows out non-sterile air, the oven area A1 becomes an area whose atmosphere is contaminated by external bacteria and the like introduced by the air blower (not shown), and the atmosphere in the oven area A1 is more contaminated than the atmosphere in the transfer area A2 downstream of the oven area A1. Even if an air blower is not installed, the oven area A1 becomes a contaminated area because environmental sterilization before production is not performed. In addition, the heating heater 32 is not installed to the side of the mouth portion P2 of the preform P, but to the side of the body portion P1 of the preform P, so as to raise the temperature of the body portion P1 of the preform P while avoiding raising the temperature of the mouth portion P2 of the preform P.

[0019] The body portion P1 of the preform P is a portion that is placed inside the mold during aseptic blow molding and is expanded within the mold, while the mouth portion P2 of the preform P is a portion that is placed outside the mold during aseptic blow molding and is not expanded.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the transfer area A2 is an area downstream of the oven area A1 and upstream of the molding area A3, and is more contaminated than the molding area A3 but less contaminated than the oven area A1.

[0021] The preform conveying mechanism 40 conveys the preforms P inserted from the entrance 21 to the blow molding turret 22, and as shown in FIG. 1, comprises a conveying machine 41 that conveys the preforms P mainly in the oven area A1, and a number of turrets 42 that convey the preforms P removed from the oven area A1 toward the blow molding turret 22.

[0022] The turrets 42 transport the preforms P in the transfer area A2 and the molding area A3, and as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the turrets 42 have a plurality of grippers 42a that grip the preforms P from the outer periphery. It is desirable to sterilize the gripping parts of the grippers 42a by UV irradiation or with a germicide.

[0023] The transport posture of the preform P by the preform transport mechanism 40 may be any posture, such as an upright state, an inverted state (i.e., a downward state in which the mouth portion P2 of the preform P faces downward), or a horizontal state (i.e., a horizontal state in which the mouth portion P2 of the preform P faces to the side).

[0024] The aseptic molding apparatus 20 is configured to perform sterilization treatment using a sterilization treatment mechanism 50 or the like so that, when the contents are filled in the filling apparatus 60, the container is brought into a commercially sterile state (i.e., a state in which all microorganisms harmful to public health that may grow in the beverage under normal non-refrigerated storage and distribution conditions have been killed).

[0025] In this embodiment, the sterilization process by the sterilization mechanism 50 etc. is configured so that sterilization of the container is completed only by the preform sterilization process at the preform stage before the container is molded by aseptic blow molding without performing sterilization at the container stage after aseptic blow molding (without requiring sterilization at the container stage) (more specifically, in this embodiment, sterilization is completed by the time of transfer area A2, and the preform P after sterilization is completed is transported to molding area A3). In other words, the container is configured so that the preform sterilization process at the preform stage alone is sufficient to make the container commercially sterile. In other words, the preform sterilization process at the preform stage alone is configured to obtain a sterilization effect of 5D or more for the bacteria to be sterilized (bacteria that can grow in the contents to be filled into the container, such as mold, general bacteria, spore-forming bacteria, etc.) (for the entire outer surface including the inner and outer surfaces of the preform P). The bactericidal effect (D) is expressed by the formula: bactericidal effect (D) = LOG((initial number of bacteria) / (number of surviving bacteria)). For example, if the number of bacteria is reduced from 100 to 10, then LOG(100 / 10) = 1D. In addition, if the content to be filled is a low-acid beverage, a bactericidal effect of 5 to 6 D or more against mold, general bacteria, and spore-forming bacteria is required, and if the content to be filled is mineral water, green tea, etc., a bactericidal effect of 5 to 6 D or more against mold is required.

[0026] The sterilization mechanism 50 is configured to sterilize the inner surface (the inner surface of the body portion P1 and the mouth portion P2) and outer surface (the outer surface of the body portion P1 and the mouth portion P2) of the preform P in an area (in this embodiment, the transfer area A2) downstream of the oven area A1 and upstream of the blow molding turret 22, and is equipped with a sterilization processor 51 that supplies a sterilizing fluid to the inner surface of the preform P to sterilize, and a sterilization processor 52 that supplies a sterilizing fluid to the outer surface of the preform P to sterilize.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilization treatment device 51 sterilizes the inner surface of the preform P by supplying a sterilizing fluid to the inner surface of the preform P while it is being transported by the turret 42 in an area downstream of the oven area A1 and upstream of the blow molding turret 22 (in this embodiment, the transfer area A2).

[0028] The sterilization treatment device 51 has an ejection nozzle 51a that ejects the sterilizing fluid, and this ejection nozzle 51a is preferably positioned so that the central axis L of the ejection nozzle faces the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 when the sterilizing fluid is supplied (when the sterilizing fluid is supplied to the preform P by the sterilization treatment device 51), as shown in Figures 2(b) and (c).

[0029] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the ejection nozzle 51a is disposed outside the preform P so as to eject the sterilizing fluid obliquely with respect to the axis X of the preform P and supply it to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 when the sterilizing fluid is supplied. In other words, the ejection nozzle 51a is disposed so that the central axis L of the ejection nozzle is oblique with respect to the axis X of the preform P and ejects the sterilizing fluid from obliquely above onto the inner surface of the mouth portion P2.

[0030] In this embodiment, the sterilizing fluid is sprayed from the spray nozzle 51a so that the sterilizing fluid is directly sprayed only onto the inner surface of the mouth portion P2. However, the sterilizing fluid may be sprayed from the spray nozzle 51a so that the sterilizing fluid is directly sprayed onto the inner surface of the body portion P1 in addition to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2.

[0031] In the above description, the ejection nozzle 51a is disposed outside the preform P when the sterilizing fluid is supplied as shown in FIG. 2(b), but the arrangement of the ejection nozzle 51a when the sterilizing fluid is supplied is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 2(c), the ejection nozzle 51a may be inserted into the preform P when the sterilizing fluid is supplied, and the sterilizing fluid may be ejected from the ejection nozzle 51a. In either case, it is preferable that the ejection nozzle 51a is disposed so that the central axis L of the ejection port faces the inner surface of the mouth P2. As shown in FIG. 2(d), the ejection nozzle 51a may be configured to eject the sterilizing fluid in a hollow cone (annular) shape, and the ejection nozzle 51a may be disposed so that the ejected sterilizing fluid faces only the inner surface of the mouth P2 (or the inner surface of the mouth P2 and the inner surface of the body P1). Also, a ejection nozzle that ejects the sterilizing fluid directly onto the inner surface of the body P1 may be further provided. In addition, a spray nozzle may be further provided to spray the sterilizing fluid directly onto the inner surface of the body P1, or a spray nozzle that sprays in a full cone shape may be provided to spray the sterilizing fluid simultaneously onto the mouth P2 and the inner surface of the body P1.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilization treatment device 52 sterilizes the outer surface of the preform P by supplying a sterilizing fluid to the outer surface of the preform P while it is being transported by the turret 42 in an area downstream of the oven area A1 and upstream of the blow molding turret 22 (in this embodiment, the transfer area A2).

[0033] The sterilization processor 52 has a spray nozzle 52a that sprays sterilizing fluid, and this spray nozzle 52a is preferably positioned so that the central axis L of the nozzle faces the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 when the sterilizing fluid is supplied (when the sterilizing fluid is supplied to the preform P by the sterilization processor 52), as shown in Figures 3(a) and (b).

[0034] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the ejection nozzle 52a is disposed outside the preform P so as to eject the sterilizing fluid obliquely with respect to the axis X of the preform P and supply it to the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 when the sterilizing fluid is supplied. In other words, the ejection nozzle 52a is disposed so that the central axis L of the ejection nozzle is oblique with respect to the axis X of the preform P and ejects the sterilizing fluid from obliquely above onto the outer surface of the mouth portion P2.

[0035] In this embodiment, the sterilizing fluid is sprayed from the spray nozzle 52a so that the sterilizing fluid is directly sprayed only onto the outer surface of the mouth portion P2. However, the sterilizing fluid may be sprayed from the spray nozzle 52a so that the sterilizing fluid is directly sprayed onto the outer surface of the body portion P1 in addition to the outer surface of the mouth portion P2.

[0036] Furthermore, in the above description, the ejection nozzle 52a is disposed so as to eject the sterilizing fluid obliquely onto the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 as shown in Fig. 3(a), but the arrangement of the ejection nozzle 52a when supplying the sterilizing fluid is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in Fig. 3(b), the sterilizing fluid may be ejected sideways onto the preform P so that the central axis L of the ejection port is perpendicular to the axis X of the preform P. Also, an ejection nozzle that ejects the sterilizing fluid directly onto the outer surface of the body portion P1 may be provided.

[0037] In this embodiment, when the sterilizing fluid is supplied to the preform P by the sterilizing processors 51, 52, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the preform P is gripped from the outer periphery by the gripper 42a of the turret 42 and is in an upright position (as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the mouth portion P2 of the preform P faces upward). However, the posture of the preform P when the sterilizing fluid is supplied to the preform P by the sterilizing processors 51, 52 is not limited to the above, and may be, for example, in an oblique state (a state in which the axis of the preform P is oriented obliquely relative to the vertical direction). Furthermore, as will be described in more detail later, when sterilizing fluid is supplied to the preform P by the sterilization processors 51, 52, in order to efficiently supply at least a portion of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 (or the outer surface of the mouth portion P2) along the inner surface (or outer surface) of the preform to the inner surface of the body portion P1 (or the outer surface of the body) by utilizing gravity, it is preferable to set the posture of the preform P so that the mouth portion P2 is positioned higher than the body portion P1.

[0038] In addition, although the above description has been given of sterilization processor 52 being installed upstream of sterilization processor 51, conversely, sterilization processor 52 may be installed downstream of sterilization processor 51, and sterilization processors 51 and 52 may be placed in the same turret so that processing by sterilization processor 51 and processing by sterilization processor 52 are carried out at the same time.

[0039] The filling device 60 is installed downstream of the aseptic molding device 20, and as shown in Figure 1, is equipped with a filling section 61 that fills the contents into the container, and a capping section 62 that is located downstream of the filling section 61 and attaches a sterilized cap to the mouth of the container.

[0040] Each step in the filling device 60 is carried out within a chamber the interior of which is maintained in a sterile condition. The sterile state of the container is also maintained in the section where the container is transported between the aseptic molding apparatus 20 and the filling apparatus 60; in other words, the sterile state of the container is maintained throughout the entire section from when the container is aseptically blow-molded by the blow molding turret 22 to when the contents are aseptically filled into the container in the filling section 61; in this embodiment, the entire section is covered by a chamber to maintain the sterile state of the container in this section.

[0041] Next, the sterilization process included in the aseptic molding method of this embodiment will be described below.

[0042] First, as described above in detail, the sterilization treatment in this embodiment is such that sterilization of the container is completed only by the preform sterilization treatment at the preform stage before the container is molded by aseptic blow molding.

[0043] First, a method for sterilizing the preform P (preform sterilization process) in the case of using a sterilizing fluid containing a liquid component (for example, a mist-like sterilizing fluid) will be described below.

[0044] The sterilization of the inner surface of the preform P is as follows.

[0045] First, the preform is heated by the oven mechanism 30 so that the surface temperature of the inner surface of the body portion P1 of the preform P becomes equal to or higher than the boiling point of the sterilizing fluid when the sterilizing processor 51 supplies the sterilizing fluid to the preform P. Furthermore, the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 of the preform P is adjusted to have a temperature lower than the boiling point of the sterilizing fluid when the sterilizing fluid is supplied to the preform P by the sterilizing device 51.

[0046] Here, the boiling point of the sterilizing fluid refers to the temperature at which the sterilizing fluid vaporizes (evaporates), taking into consideration the air pressure in the environment in which the sterilizing fluid is supplied to the preform P (in this embodiment, the transfer area A2). In this embodiment, the air pressure in the environment to which the sterilizing fluid is supplied (in this embodiment, the transfer area A2) is kept positive (slightly higher than atmospheric pressure) by supplying sterile air as described above, but from the perspective of determining the boiling point (and the dew point temperature described later), it is approximately equal to atmospheric pressure.

[0047] Next, with the surface temperatures of the body portion P1 and the mouth portion P2 set as described above, a sterilizing fluid containing a liquid component is supplied to at least the inner surface of the mouth portion P2, and at least a portion of the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 is supplied along the inner surface of the preform P to the inner surface of the body portion P1, and the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the body portion P1 is heated and vaporized by contact with the inner surface of the body portion P1, thereby sterilizing the inner surfaces of the mouth portion P2 and the body portion P1.

[0048] Specifically, a sterilizing fluid containing a liquid component is first supplied to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 so that the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid adheres to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2, thereby sterilizing (wet sterilization) the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 with the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid.

[0049] At this time, at least a portion of the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 is moved along the inner surface of the preform P by gravity (and the momentum of the sprayed sterilizing fluid itself) to the inner surface of the body portion P1 (i.e., at least a portion of the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is dripped along the inner surface of the preform P to move to the inner surface of the body portion P1), and the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is vaporized on the inner surface of the body portion P1, thereby sterilizing (dry sterilizing) the inner surface of the body portion P1 with the vapor component of the vaporized sterilizing fluid. At this time, in addition to the above, a portion of the sterilizing fluid containing the liquid component may be vaporized by directly contacting the inner surface of the body portion P1, and the inner surface of the body portion P1 may be sterilized (dry sterilized) with the vapor component of the vaporized sterilizing fluid.

[0050] In the preform sterilization process of this embodiment, the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is adhered to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 at least immediately after the supply of the sterilizing fluid (or at the start of aseptic blow molding), and as described above, the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is heated and vaporized by contact with the inner surface of the body portion P1, so that at the start of aseptic blow molding, the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is not adhered to the inner surface of the body portion P1. In this manner, the sterilization time can be shortened by sterilizing the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 with a liquid sterilizing fluid (wet sterilization), while at the same time, by ensuring that no liquid components of the sterilizing fluid are adhering to the inner surface of the body portion P1 at the start of aseptic blow molding, molding defects in the body portion P1 of the preform P due to the liquid components of the sterilizing fluid adhering to the inner surface of the body portion P1 can be prevented.

[0051] In addition, during or after the preform sterilization process, after the sterilizing fluid has been supplied and before aseptic blow molding begins, a drying process, such as blowing room temperature air or hot air, on the inner surface of mouth portion P2 may be performed so that no liquid components of the sterilizing fluid adhere to the inner surface of mouth portion P2. By doing this, if liquid components (droplets) of the sterilizing fluid remain on the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 during aseptic blow molding, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of droplet marks that may form on the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 after molding.

[0052] Next, when a sterilizing fluid containing a liquid component (for example, a mist-like sterilizing fluid) is used, the sterilization of the outer surface of the preform P is as follows.

[0053] First, the preform is heated by the oven mechanism 30 so that the surface temperature of the outer surface of the body portion P1 of the preform P becomes equal to or higher than the boiling point of the sterilizing fluid when the sterilizing processor 52 supplies the sterilizing fluid to the preform P. Furthermore, the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 of the preform P is adjusted to have a temperature lower than the boiling point of the sterilizing fluid when the sterilizing fluid is supplied to the preform P by the sterilizing device 52.

[0054] Next, with the surface temperatures of the body P1 and the mouth P2 set as described above, a sterilizing fluid containing a liquid component is supplied to at least the outer surface of the mouth P2, and at least a portion of the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the outer surface of the mouth P2 is supplied to the outer surface of the body P1 along the outer surface of the preform P, and the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the outer surface of the body P1 is heated and vaporized by contact with the outer surface of the body P1, sterilizing the outer surfaces of the mouth P2 and the body P1.

[0055] Specifically, a sterilizing fluid containing a liquid component is first supplied to the outer surface of the mouth portion P2, causing the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid to adhere to the outer surface of the mouth portion P2, thereby sterilizing (wet sterilization) the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 with the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid.

[0056] At this time, at least a portion of the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the outer surface of the mouth P2 is moved along the outer surface of the preform P by gravity (and the momentum of the sprayed sterilizing fluid itself) to the outer surface of the trunk P1 (i.e., at least a portion of the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is dripped along the outer surface of the preform P to move to the outer surface of the trunk P1), and the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is vaporized on the outer surface of the trunk P1, thereby sterilizing (dry sterilizing) the outer surface of the trunk P1 with the vapor component of the vaporized sterilizing fluid. At this time, in addition to the above, a portion of the sterilizing fluid containing the liquid component may be vaporized by directly contacting the outer surface of the trunk P1, and the outer surface of the trunk P1 may be sterilized (dry sterilized) with the vapor component of the vaporized sterilizing fluid.

[0057] In the preform sterilization process of this embodiment, the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is adhered to the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 at least immediately after the sterilizing fluid is supplied (or at the start of aseptic blow molding), and as described above, the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is heated and vaporized by contact with the outer surface of the body portion P1, so that at the start of aseptic blow molding, the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is not adhered to the outer surface of the body portion P1. In this manner, the sterilization time can be shortened by sterilizing the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 with a liquid sterilizing fluid (wet sterilization), while at the same time, by ensuring that no liquid components of the sterilizing fluid are adhering to the outer surface of the body portion P1 at the start of aseptic blow molding, molding defects in the body portion P1 of the preform P due to the liquid components of the sterilizing fluid adhering to the outer surface of the body portion P1 can be prevented.

[0058] In addition, during or after the preform sterilization process, after the sterilizing fluid has been supplied and before aseptic blow molding begins, the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 may be subjected to a drying process, such as by blowing hot air, so that no liquid components of the sterilizing fluid adhere to the outer surface of the mouth portion P2. By doing this, if liquid components (droplets) of the sterilizing fluid remain on the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 during aseptic blow molding, it is possible to avoid the formation of droplet marks on the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 after molding.

[0059] Next, a method for sterilizing the preform P (preform sterilization process) in the case of using a sterilizing fluid containing a steam component (for example, a gaseous sterilizing fluid) will be described.

[0060] The sterilization of the inner surface of the preform P is as follows.

[0061] First, the preform is heated by the oven mechanism 30 so that the surface temperature of the inner surface of the body portion P1 of the preform P becomes equal to or higher than the boiling point of the sterilizing fluid when the sterilizing processor 51 supplies the sterilizing fluid to the preform P. Furthermore, the temperature of the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 of the preform P is adjusted to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature of the sterilizing fluid when the sterilizing fluid is supplied to the preform P by the sterilizing device 51.

[0062] Here, the dew point temperature of the sterilizing fluid refers to the temperature at which liquefaction (condensation) of the sterilizing fluid occurs, taking into consideration the air pressure in the environment in which the sterilizing fluid is supplied to the preform P.

[0063] Next, with the surface temperatures of the body portion P1 and the mouth portion P2 set as described above, a sterilizing fluid containing a steam component is supplied to at least the inner surface of the mouth portion P2, at least a portion of the steam component of the sterilizing fluid is cooled and liquefied by contact with the inner surface of the mouth portion P2, and at least a portion of the liquid component of the liquefied sterilizing fluid is supplied along the inner surface of the preform P to the inner surface of the body portion P1, where the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is heated and vaporized by contact with the inner surface of the body portion P1, sterilizing the inner surfaces of the mouth portion P2 and the body portion P1.

[0064] Specifically, a sterilizing fluid containing a steam component is first supplied to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2, and at least a portion of the steam component of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 is liquefied on the inner surface of the mouth portion P2, causing the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid to adhere to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2, thereby sterilizing the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 with the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid (wet sterilization).

[0065] At this time, at least a portion of the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 is moved along the inner surface of the preform P by gravity (and the momentum of the sprayed sterilizing fluid itself) to the inner surface of the body portion P1 (i.e., at least a portion of the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is dripped along the inner surface of the preform P to move to the inner surface of the body portion P1), and the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is vaporized on the inner surface of the body portion P1, thereby sterilizing (dry sterilizing) the inner surface of the body portion P1 with the vapor component of the vaporized sterilizing fluid. At this time, in addition to the above, a portion of the sterilizing fluid containing a vapor component may directly contact the inner surface of the body portion P1, and the vapor component of the sterilizing fluid may sterilize (dry sterilize) the inner surface of the body portion P1.

[0066] In the preform sterilization process of this embodiment, the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is adhered to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 at least immediately after the supply of the sterilizing fluid (or at the start of aseptic blow molding), and as described above, the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is heated and vaporized by contact with the inner surface of the body portion P1, so that at the start of aseptic blow molding, the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is not adhered to the inner surface of the body portion P1.

[0067] In addition, during or after the preform sterilization process, after the sterilizing fluid has been supplied and before aseptic blow molding begins, a drying process, such as by blowing hot air, may be performed on the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 so that no liquid components of the sterilizing fluid adhere to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2. By doing this, if liquid components (droplets) of the sterilizing fluid remain on the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 during aseptic blow molding, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of droplet marks that may form on the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 after molding.

[0068] Next, when a sterilizing fluid containing a steam component (for example, a gaseous sterilizing fluid) is used, the sterilization of the outer surface of the preform P is as follows.

[0069] First, the preform is heated by the oven mechanism 30 so that the surface temperature of the outer surface of the body portion P1 of the preform P becomes equal to or higher than the boiling point of the sterilizing fluid when the sterilizing processor 52 supplies the sterilizing fluid to the preform P. Furthermore, the temperature of the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 of the preform P is adjusted to be equal to or lower than the dew point temperature when the sterilizing fluid is supplied to the preform P by the sterilizing device 52.

[0070] Next, with the surface temperatures of the body P1 and the mouth P2 set as described above, a sterilizing fluid containing a steam component is supplied to at least the outer surface of the mouth P2, at least a portion of the steam component of the sterilizing fluid is cooled and liquefied by contact with the outer surface of the mouth P2, and at least a portion of the liquid component of the liquefied sterilizing fluid is supplied to the outer surface of the body P1 along the outer surface of the preform P, where the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is heated and vaporized by contact with the outer surface of the body P1, sterilizing the outer surfaces of the mouth P2 and the body P1.

[0071] Specifically, first, a sterilizing fluid containing a steam component is supplied to the outer surface of the mouth portion P2, and at least a portion of the steam component of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 is liquefied on the outer surface of the mouth portion P2, causing the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid to adhere to the outer surface of the mouth portion P2, thereby sterilizing the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 with the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid (wet sterilization).

[0072] At this time, at least a portion of the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the outer surface of the mouth P2 is moved along the outer surface of the preform P by gravity (and the momentum of the sprayed sterilizing fluid itself) to the outer surface of the body P1 (i.e., at least a portion of the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is dripped along the outer surface of the preform P to move to the outer surface of the body P1), and the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is vaporized on the outer surface of the body P1, thereby sterilizing (dry sterilization) the outer surface of the body P1 with the vapor component of the vaporized sterilizing fluid. At this time, in addition to the above, a portion of the sterilizing fluid containing a vapor component may directly contact the outer surface of the body P1, and the inner surface of the body P1 may be sterilized (dry sterilized) with the vapor component of the sterilizing fluid.

[0073] In the preform sterilization process of this embodiment, the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is adhered to the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 at least immediately after the sterilizing fluid is supplied (or at the start of aseptic blow molding), and as described above, the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is heated and vaporized by contact with the outer surface of the body portion P1, so that at the start of aseptic blow molding, the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is not adhered to the outer surface of the body portion P1.

[0074] In addition, during or after the preform sterilization process, after the sterilizing fluid has been supplied and before aseptic blow molding begins, the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 may be subjected to a drying process, such as by blowing hot air, so that no liquid components of the sterilizing fluid adhere to the outer surface of the mouth portion P2. By doing this, if liquid components (droplets) of the sterilizing fluid remain on the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 during aseptic blow molding, it is possible to avoid the formation of droplet marks on the outer surface of the mouth portion P2 after molding.

[0075] In addition, in both cases where a sterilizing fluid containing the above-mentioned liquid component is used and where a sterilizing fluid containing a steam component is used, it is possible to use hydrogen peroxide (aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution), peracetic acid (aqueous peracetic acid solution), etc. as the sterilizing fluid. Also, if the only object to be sterilized is mold, it is possible to use water (hot water, water vapor), etc.

[0076] Furthermore, both in the case of using a sterilizing fluid containing a liquid component as described above and in the case of using a sterilizing fluid containing a vapor component as described above, the various behaviors of the sterilizing fluid described above can be achieved by setting the surface temperature of each part of the preform P described above (body portion P1, mouth portion P2), as well as the size of the preform P, the amount of sterilizing fluid supplied, the temperature, the air pressure of the environment into which the sterilizing fluid is supplied, the time from when the sterilizing fluid is supplied to when aseptic blow molding begins (i.e., the distance from the position where the sterilizing fluid is supplied to the position where aseptic blow molding begins, and the conveying speed of the preform P), etc.

[0077] In addition, in both the case of using a sterilizing fluid containing a liquid component and the case of using a sterilizing fluid containing a steam component, it is preferable to set the temperature of the sterilizing fluid when it is sprayed from the spray nozzles 51a, 52a of the sterilizing processors 51, 52 (when it reaches the surface of the preform P) higher than the surface temperature of the inner surface (or outer surface) of the mouth part P2 to which the sterilizing fluid is supplied, and more specifically, it is preferable to set the temperature of the sterilizing fluid when it is sprayed from the spray nozzle 51a of the sterilizing processor 51 and supply it to the inner surface (or outer surface) of the mouth part P2 so that the temperature of the sterilizing fluid adhering to the inner surface (or outer surface) of the mouth part P2 is 55°C or higher, more preferably 65°C or higher. The temperature of the sterilizing fluid adhering to the inner surface (or outer surface) is the temperature measured by attaching a thermocouple to the surface of the preform P. The heated sterilization medium may be produced by heating a liquid sterilization medium and turning it into vapor or mist, or by mixing a room temperature sterilization medium with high temperature air and turning it into vapor or mist. Alternatively, when using a sterilizing fluid containing a liquid component, the sterilizing fluid at room temperature may be sprayed onto the inner surface (or outer surface) of the mouth part P2, and then the inner surface (or outer surface) of the mouth part P2 may be subjected to a heating treatment such as supplying hot air or heating with a heater so that the temperature of the sterilizing fluid adhering to the inner surface (or outer surface) of the mouth part P2 becomes 55°C or higher, more preferably 65°C or higher. By setting the temperature of the sterilizing fluid in this manner, a high sterilizing effect can be obtained on the surface of the mouth portion P2.

[0078] Furthermore, in both cases where a sterilizing fluid containing the above-mentioned liquid component is used and where a sterilizing fluid containing a steam component is used, when hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, or water is used as the sterilizing fluid, the amount of the sterilizing fluid sprayed is preferably set to 10 μl or more and 1000 μl or less, and more preferably set to 50 μl or more and 225 μl or less.

[0079] In addition, in both cases where a sterilizing fluid containing the above-mentioned liquid component is used and where a sterilizing fluid containing a steam component is used, when peracetic acid (i.e., an aqueous solution of peracetic acid) is used as the sterilizing fluid, it is preferable that the concentration of peracetic acid is 0.25 wt% or more (in other words, the concentration of peracetic acid contained in the aqueous solution of peracetic acid is 0.25 wt%) and, as described above, the temperature of peracetic acid (the temperature after it is attached to the surface of the preform P) is 55°C or more, more preferably 65°C or more (and 90°C or less).

[0080] Next, a test conducted to confirm the relationship between the surface temperature of the preform P, the concentration and temperature of the sterilizing fluid, and the sterilizing effect will be described with reference to FIG.

[0081] In this test, spores (B. atrophaeus spores) were first applied to each of 10 measurement points on the inner surface of the body P1 and the inner surface of the mouth P2 of the preform P. 2 After the cfu was attached, the inoculated preform P was prepared by drying it in a clean room.

[0082] Next, as Example 1, first, 30 inoculated preforms P under the above conditions were subjected to a heating process (for 15 seconds) using an infrared heater so that the surface temperature of the inner surface of the body portion P1 of the preform P was approximately 117°C and the surface temperature of the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 of the preform P was approximately 45°C (i.e., so as to heat the body portion P1 of the preform P while avoiding a temperature rise in the mouth portion P2 of the preform P). Then, mist of peracetic acid (i.e., aqueous peracetic acid solution) with various peracetic acid concentrations (0 wt%, 0.10 wt%, 0.25 wt%, 0.50 wt%, 1.00 wt%, 2.00 wt%) and at 22°C (unheated room temperature) was supplied (sprayed) to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 of the preform P as shown in Figure 2(d) to perform a sterilization treatment, and then the preform P was cooled in a sterile environment, and the number of surviving bacteria on the inner surfaces of the body portion P1 and the mouth portion P2 was measured using the following standard method. That is, after putting the sterilized surfactant aqueous solution and sterilized beads into a preform, the preform was sealed with a sterilized cap, and the preform was shaken to extract the bacteria remaining in the surfactant aqueous solution, which were then suspended in a sterilized dilution solution, and the number of bacteria was counted by the membrane filter method on a standard agar medium for each dilution ratio. The medium was cultured at 35°C for one week, and the number of colonies that appeared according to the dilution ratio was counted to determine the number of surviving bacteria. In addition, a total of 100 μl of peracetic acid was directly sprayed onto the inner surface of the mouth part P2, thereby supplying peracetic acid to the inner surface of the mouth part P2. Further, peracetic acid was sprayed in the form of a mist so that a part of the sprayed peracetic acid was also supplied (adhered) to the inner surface of the body portion P1 of the preform P.

[0083] In Example 2, the test was carried out using peracetic acid under temperature conditions different from those in Example 1. Specifically, in Example 2, a mist of peracetic acid was supplied to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 of the preform P so that the temperature of the sterilizing fluid attached to the surface of the mouth portion P2 of the preform P became 55°C. The experimental conditions of Example 2 were exactly the same as those of Example 1, except that peracetic acid having a different temperature from that of Example 1 was supplied to the preform P during sterilization.

[0084] In Example 3, after a sterilizing fluid (peracetic acid) was supplied to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2, the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 was subjected to a heat treatment. Specifically, in Example 3, a mist of peracetic acid at 22°C (room temperature) was supplied to the inner surface of the preform P, and then hot air at 120°C was supplied to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 of the preform P to perform a heat treatment so that the temperature of the sterilizing fluid adhering to the surface of the mouth portion P2 of the preform P became 55°C. The experimental conditions for Example 3 were exactly the same as those for Example 1, except that heating with hot air was performed during sterilization.

[0085] As a comparative example, a test was performed by subjecting the preform P to only a temperature increase treatment without supplying peracetic acid. The experimental conditions of the comparative example were exactly the same as those of Example 1, except for the presence or absence of supply of peracetic acid.

[0086] From the results of the above tests, it was found that when the concentration of peracetic acid is 0.25 wt% or more and the temperature of peracetic acid is 55°C (or higher) (i.e., when the temperature of peracetic acid adhered to the surface of the preform P is 55°C or higher), a good sterilization effect (sterilization effect of 5D or more) can be obtained on both the inner surface of the body portion P1 and the inner surface of the mouth portion P2.

[0087] Furthermore, from the results of the above tests, it was found that even when the temperature of the peracetic acid adhered to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 of the preform P is 22°C (room temperature), when the concentration of peracetic acid is 0.50 wt% or more, a good sterilization effect (sterilization effect of 5D or more) can be obtained on both the inner surface of the body portion P1 and the inner surface of the mouth portion P2.

[0088] In the present embodiment thus obtained, even if it is difficult to supply sterilizing fluid directly to the inner surface of the body portion P1 of the preform P due to physical constraints, etc., it is possible to supply sterilizing fluid to the inner surface of the mouth portion P2 of the preform P, to which it is easier to supply sterilizing fluid than the inner surface of the body portion P1, so that the sterilizing fluid can be supplied along the inner surface of the preform P to the inner surface of the body portion P1 and vaporized. Therefore, the inner surface of the preform P can be efficiently sterilized by the sterilizing fluid vaporized inside the preform P, and the amount of sterilizing fluid required can be reduced.

[0089] Similarly, even if it is difficult to supply sterilizing fluid directly to the outer surface of the body P1 of the preform P due to physical constraints, etc., it is possible to supply sterilizing fluid to the outer surface of the mouth P2 of the preform P, so that the sterilizing fluid can be supplied along the outer surface of the preform P to the outer surface of the body P1 and vaporized. Therefore, the outer surface of the preform P can be efficiently sterilized by the vaporized sterilizing fluid, and the amount of sterilizing fluid required can be reduced.

[0090] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various design modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention described in the claims. In addition, the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments and the modified examples described below may be arbitrarily combined to configure the aseptic filling system 10 (aseptic molding device 20).

[0091] For example, the specific embodiment of the sterilization mechanism 50 (sterilization process by the sterilization mechanism 50) is not limited to the above, and any embodiment may be used as long as it sterilizes at least the inner surface of the preform P by supplying a sterilizing fluid. For example, even before heating the preform in the oven area A1 (i.e., even in an area upstream of the oven area A1), sterilization may be performed on any location of the preform P by any method (supplying a sterilizing fluid to the preform P, irradiating UV light from a UV lamp (including UV-LED) or xenon light from a xenon lamp, irradiating with an electron beam, etc.). To explain more specifically, first, with regard to sterilization of the inner surface of the preform P, in addition to the above-mentioned sterilization (sterilization by supplying sterilizing fluid in an area downstream of the oven area A1 and upstream of the blow molding turret 22), additional sterilization may be performed in any area (an area downstream of the oven area A1, an area upstream of the oven area A1, within the oven area A1, etc.) by any method (supplying sterilizing fluid to the preform P, irradiating UV light from a UV lamp or xenon light from a xenon lamp, irradiating with an electron beam, etc.) any number of times (one or multiple times). Furthermore, sterilization of the outer surface of the preform P may be performed in any area (an area downstream of the oven area A1, an area upstream of the oven area A1, within the oven area A1, etc.) in any manner (supply of a sterilizing fluid to the preform P, irradiation with UV light or xenon light, irradiation with an electron beam, etc.) any number of times (one or multiple times) instead of or in addition to that described in the above embodiment. In addition, when sterilization by irradiation with light such as UV light or xenon light is adopted, it is possible to sterilize spore-forming bacteria by irradiation with light, so not only can the range of use of the aseptic molding apparatus 20 be expanded to contents other than green tea and water, but it is also possible to sterilize mold and yeast by irradiation with light, so it is possible to reduce the amount of disinfectant needed to keep the number of mold and yeast bacteria attached below a certain value, and as a result, the risk of disinfectant remaining in the molded container can be reduced. Furthermore, when water (hot water, steam) is used as the sterilizing fluid, the risk of the sterilizing agent remaining in the molded container can be eliminated. Furthermore, various processors other than those mentioned above may be installed as components of the sterilization mechanism 50. For example, a dust remover for removing dust adhering to the preform P may be installed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10. Aseptic filling system 20... Aseptic molding equipment 21 Entrance 22 Blow Molding Turret 30 Oven mechanism 31 Oven chamber 32 Heating heater 40 Preform transport mechanism 41 ...Conveyor 42 Turret 42a Gripper 50 Sterilization mechanism 51 Sterilization equipment 51a: Jet nozzle 52 Sterilization equipment 52a: Jet nozzle 60... Filling equipment 61 Filling section 62 Capping section P ··· Preform P1: Body of the preform P2: Mouth of preform A1 Oven area A2: Transfer area A3: Molding area

Claims

1. A method for aseptically molding a sterilized container that has been subjected to a sterilization treatment, comprising the steps of: The sterilization treatment is completed by only the preform sterilization treatment at the preform stage before the container is molded by aseptic blow molding, The preform sterilization treatment is an aseptic molding method characterized in that a sterilizing fluid is supplied to at least the inner surface of the mouth of the preform, at least a portion of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the mouth is supplied along the inner surface of the preform to the inner surface of the body of the preform, and the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the body is heated and vaporized by contact with the inner surface of the body.

2. The sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the mouth portion includes a steam component, 2. The aseptic molding method according to claim 1, wherein in the preform sterilization treatment, a vapor component of the sterilizing fluid is cooled and liquefied by contact with the inner surface of the mouth, at least a portion of the liquefied liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is supplied along the inner surface of the preform to the inner surface of the body, and the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is heated and vaporized by contact with the inner surface of the body.

3. 2. The aseptic molding method according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the preform sterilization treatment, a liquid component of the sterilizing fluid adheres to the inner surface of the mouth portion immediately after the supply of the sterilizing fluid, and when aseptic blow molding begins, no liquid component of the sterilizing fluid adheres to the inner surface of the body portion.

4. The aseptic molding method according to claim 3, characterized in that during or after the preform sterilization process, a drying process is performed on the inner surface of the mouth portion after the supply of the sterilizing fluid and before the start of the aseptic blow molding, so that no liquid component of the sterilizing fluid adheres to the inner surface of the mouth portion.

5. The aseptic molding method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the preform sterilization treatment, a sterilizing fluid is supplied to at least the outer surface of the mouth of the preform, at least a portion of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the outer surface of the mouth is supplied along the outer surface of the preform to the outer surface of the body of the preform, and the sterilizing fluid supplied to the outer surface of the body is heated and vaporized by contact with the outer surface of the body.

6. The sterilizing fluid supplied to the outer surface of the mouth portion includes a steam component, 6. The aseptic molding method according to claim 5, wherein in the preform sterilization treatment, a vapor component of the sterilizing fluid is cooled and liquefied by contact with the outer surface of the mouth, at least a portion of the liquefied liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is supplied along the outer surface of the preform to the outer surface of the body, and the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is heated and vaporized by contact with the outer surface of the body.

7. 2. The aseptic molding method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the sterilizing fluid when it reaches the surface of the preform is set to be higher than the surface temperature of the inner surface of the mouth portion.

8. 2. The aseptic molding method according to claim 1, wherein in the preform sterilization treatment, the preform is sterilized even before the preform is heated by an oven mechanism.

9. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the sterilizing fluid is one of hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, or water.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the sterilizing fluid is peracetic acid having a concentration of 0.25 wt % or more.

11. the sterilizing fluid is hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid or water; 10. The aseptic molding method according to claim 9, wherein the amount of the sterilizing fluid supplied to at least the inner surface of the mouth portion is 50 μl or more and 225 μl or less.

12. 2. The aseptic molding method according to claim 1, wherein in the preform sterilization treatment, the sterilizing fluid is sprayed from a spray nozzle arranged so that the central axis of the spray outlet faces the inner surface of the mouth portion, and supplied to the inner surface of the mouth portion.

13. The aseptic molding method according to claim 12, characterized in that, in the preform sterilization treatment, the sterilizing fluid is sprayed from the spray nozzle arranged outside the preform at an angle to the axis of the preform and supplied to the inner surface of the mouth.

14. 2. The aseptic molding method according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the preform sterilization treatment, the sterilizing fluid is supplied to the inner surface of the mouth so that the temperature of the sterilizing fluid attached to the inner surface of the mouth becomes 55° C. or higher, or the sterilizing fluid is supplied to the inner surface of the mouth and then the inner surface of the mouth is subjected to a heat treatment.

15. A method for aseptically molding a sterilized container that has been subjected to a sterilization treatment, comprising the steps of: The sterilization treatment is completed by only the preform sterilization treatment at the preform stage before the container is molded by aseptic blow molding, The preform sterilization process is characterized in that a sterilizing fluid is supplied to at least the inner surface of the mouth of the preform, so that the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is adhered to the inner surface of the mouth immediately after the supply of the sterilizing fluid, and the sterilizing fluid is heated and vaporized by contact with the inner surface of the body of the preform, so that the liquid component of the sterilizing fluid is not adhered to the inner surface of the body at the start of aseptic blow molding.

16. An aseptic molding apparatus for aseptically molding a sterilized container, comprising: The blow molding machine includes a blow molding turret and a sterilization mechanism. The aseptic molding apparatus is configured to complete sterilization of the container only by a preform sterilization process at the preform stage before the container is molded by aseptic blow molding, The aseptic molding apparatus is configured to supply a sterilizing fluid to at least the inner surface of a mouth of a preform, supply at least a portion of the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the mouth along the inner surface of the preform to the inner surface of a body of the preform, and heat and vaporize the sterilizing fluid supplied to the inner surface of the body by contact with the inner surface of the body.

17. An aseptic molding apparatus for aseptically molding a sterilized container, comprising: The blow molding machine includes a blow molding turret and a sterilization mechanism. The aseptic molding apparatus is configured to complete sterilization of the container only by a preform sterilization process at the preform stage before the container is molded by aseptic blow molding, The aseptic molding apparatus is configured to supply a sterilizing fluid to at least the inner surface of the mouth of a preform, so that a liquid component of the sterilizing fluid adheres to the inner surface of the mouth immediately after supplying the sterilizing fluid, and to heat and vaporize the sterilizing fluid by contact with the inner surface of the body of the preform, so that no liquid component of the sterilizing fluid adheres to the inner surface of the body at the start of aseptic blow molding.

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