Contents filling system and sterilization method

Abstract

To provide a content filling system and a sterilization method that are capable of reducing the carbon dioxide emission.SOLUTION: A content filling system 10 comprises: a water sterilization line 50 for subjecting water to non-heat sterilization; a stock solution sterilization line 70 for subjecting a product stock solution to heat sterilization; and a filling device 20 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70, and configured to fill a bottle 100 with water and the product stock solution.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a content filling system and a sterilization method.

Background Art

[0002] An aseptic filling system (aseptic filling system) is known in which a sterilized container (PET bottle) is filled with a sterilized content in a sterile environment and then the container is closed with a cap (for example, see Patent Document 1).

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

[0004] By the way, in recent years, for the purpose of reducing the environmental load, it has been required to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such points, and an object thereof is to provide a content filling system and a sterilization method capable of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system including a water sterilization line for non-heat sterilizing water, a stock solution sterilization line for heat sterilizing a product stock solution, and a filling device connected to the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line respectively for filling the water and the product stock solution into a container.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is that in the content filling system according to the first aspect described above, the water in the water sterilization line may be sterilized by ultraviolet rays.

[0009] A third aspect of the present disclosure is that in the content filling system according to the first aspect or the second aspect described above, in the water sterilization line, the water may be sterilized by ultraviolet rays from at least one of a low-pressure mercury lamp and a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is that in the content filling system according to the second aspect or the third aspect described above, the content filling system may further include a control unit for controlling the water sterilization line, and when the irradiation amount or illuminance of the ultraviolet rays becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control unit may discharge the water to the outside of the water sterilization line.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system including a water sterilization line for sterilizing water, a stock solution sterilization line for heat sterilizing a product stock solution, and a filling device connected to the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line respectively for filling the water and the product stock solution into a container. When the pH of the content produced by diluting the product stock solution with the water is less than 4.5, the water sterilization line sterilizes the water so that the F0 value is not less than 0.00029 and less than 3.1. When the pH of the content is 4.5 or more, the water sterilization line sterilizes the water so that the F0 value is not less than 3.1 and not more than 100. The F0 value is the F value calculated by the following formula.

Equation

[0012] The sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system including a water sterilization line for sterilizing water, a stock solution sterilization line for heat-sterilizing a product stock solution, and a filling device connected to the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line respectively for filling the water and the product stock solution into a container. The water sterilization line sterilizes the water such that the F0 value is 3.1 or more and 100 or less, and the F0 value is the F value calculated by the following formula. [Number] (However, T represents an arbitrary sterilization temperature (°C), 10^{(T-Tr) / Z} represents the lethality at an arbitrary sterilization temperature T, Tr represents the reference temperature (°C), and Z represents the Z value (10°C).)

[0013] In the content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the sixth aspect described above, the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the water sterilization line may sterilize the water by filtering the water with a sterile filter.

[0014] In the content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the seventh aspect described above, the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the content filling system may further include a control unit for controlling the water sterilization line. The water sterilization line may at least have a water sterilizer for sterilizing the water. The water sterilizer may at least include a sterile filter. When the pressure difference between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the sterile filter becomes a predetermined value or more, the control unit may discharge the water to the outside of the water sterilization line.

[0015] The ninth aspect of the present disclosure is in the content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the eighth aspect described above. The content filling system may further include a control unit for controlling the water sterilization line. When at least one of the number of bacteria and fine particles in the water sampled from the water sterilization line reaches a predetermined value or more, the control unit may discharge the water outside the water sterilization line.

[0016] The tenth aspect of the present disclosure is in the content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the ninth aspect described above. The product stock solution may be diluted 1.1 times or more and 100 times or less with the water.

[0017] The eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is in the content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the tenth aspect described above. The filling device may include a water filling device connected to the water sterilization line and a stock solution filling device connected to the stock solution sterilization line. The water filling device may fill the sterilized water into the container, and the stock solution filling device may fill the sterilized product stock solution into the container.

[0018] The twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is in the content filling system according to the eleventh aspect described above. The water filling device may fill the water into the empty container, and the filling speed at which the water filling device fills the water into the container may be faster than the filling speed at which the stock solution filling device fills the product stock solution into the container.

[0019] The thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is in the content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the ninth aspect described above. The filling device may include a water filling device connected to the water sterilization line and a stock solution filling device connected to the stock solution sterilization line. The water or the product stock solution may be filled into the container using only one of the water filling device and the stock solution filling device.

[0020] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects described above. The water filling device may include a plurality of water filling nozzles for filling the water. A snift line for discharging the gas inside the container may be connected to each of the water filling nozzles. The water filling device may pressurize and fill the water in a state where the gas inside the container can be discharged through the snift line.

[0021] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the fourteenth aspect described above. A seal member for suppressing leakage of the gas inside the container may be provided at the tip of the water filling nozzle by closely adhering to the container. The water filling device may pressurize and fill the water in a state where the seal member is closely adhered to the container.

[0022] A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect described above. The stock solution filling device may include a plurality of stock solution filling nozzles for filling the product stock solution. The diameter of the water filling nozzle may be larger than the diameter of the stock solution filling nozzle.

[0023] A seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the sixteenth aspect described above. The diameter of the water filling nozzle may be 1.2 times or more and 1.5 times or less the diameter of the stock solution filling nozzle.

[0024] An eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the eleventh to seventeenth aspects described above. The filling device may have a plurality of the stock solution filling devices.

[0025] A nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the eighteenth aspect described above. The content filling system may include a plurality of the stock solution sterilization lines. The plurality of the stock solution filling devices may be respectively connected to each of the stock solution sterilization lines.

[0026] The 20th aspect of the present disclosure is that in the content filling system according to the 19th aspect described above, the filling device may include a first stock solution filling device for filling the product stock solution without flavor and a second stock solution filling device for filling the product stock solution containing flavor.

[0027] The 21st aspect of the present disclosure is that in the content filling system according to the 20th aspect described above, the first stock solution filling device may be accommodated in a space partitioned by a chamber wall, a gap through which the container passes may be formed in the chamber wall, and a first wheel including a first gripper that is provided outside the space and is openable and closable and conveys the container may be arranged, and a second wheel including a second gripper that is provided inside the space and is openable and closable and conveys the container may be arranged. When the product stock solution is filled into the container by the first stock solution filling device, the second gripper may receive the container from the first gripper. When the product stock solution is not filled into the container by the first stock solution filling device, the second gripper may take an open position so as not to interfere with the first gripper.

[0028] The 22nd aspect of the present disclosure is that in the content filling system according to the 21st aspect described above, a shutter for opening and closing the gap may be provided in the chamber wall. When the product stock solution is not filled into the container by the first stock solution filling device, the gap may be closed by the shutter, and the second gripper may take an open position so as not to interfere with the shutter closing the gap.

[0029] The 23rd aspect of the present disclosure is that in the content filling system according to each of the 1st aspect to the 10th aspect described above, a mixing tank for mixing the water and the product stock solution may be interposed between the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line and the filling device.

[0030] The 24th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the 1st to 10th aspects described above, wherein the filling device may include a plurality of filling nozzles for filling the water and the product stock solution, and the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line may be respectively connected to each of the filling nozzles.

[0031] The 25th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the 1st to 24th aspects described above, wherein the water sterilization line may include a first water tank for storing the water, a water sterilizer for sterilizing the water stored in the first water tank, and a second water tank for storing the water sterilized by the water sterilizer, and the stock solution sterilization line may include a first stock solution tank for storing the product stock solution, a product stock solution sterilizer for heat-sterilizing the product stock solution stored in the first stock solution tank, and a second stock solution tank for storing the product stock solution sterilized by the product stock solution sterilizer.

[0032] The 26th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the 25th aspect described above, wherein the water sterilization line may have a plurality of the water sterilizers.

[0033] The 27th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the 25th or 26th aspect described above, wherein the content filling system may further include a cap sterilization device for sterilizing a cap attached to the container filled with the water and the product stock solution, and a bypass line for connecting the water sterilization line and the cap sterilization device to each other may be provided on the downstream side of the second water tank.

[0034] The 28th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the 25th to 27th aspects described above, wherein an addition unit for adding solids to the product stock solution may be connected on the downstream side of the second stock solution tank.

[0035] The 29th aspect of the present disclosure is that the content filling system according to each of the 1st aspect to the 28th aspect described above may further include a preform sterilization device for sterilizing a preform, a container molding device for molding the container from the preform, and a container sterilization device for sterilizing the container, and the container molding device may mold the container without adjusting the temperature of the container with warm water.

[0036] The 30th aspect of the present disclosure is that in the content filling system according to each of the 1st aspect to the 29th aspect described above, the water sterilization line may be partitioned into a non-sterile zone in a non-sterile atmosphere, a first gray zone and a second gray zone that isolate the non-sterile atmosphere and the sterile atmosphere, and a sterile zone in a sterile atmosphere, and the non-sterile zone, the first gray zone, the second gray zone, and the sterile zone may be provided in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. In the first gray zone, the bacteria in the water may be sterilized, and in the second gray zone, a state where no bacteria exist in the water may be maintained.

[0037] The 31st aspect of the present disclosure is a sterilization method for sterilizing the content filling system according to each of the 1st aspect to the 30th aspect described above. The water sterilization line includes at least a water sterilizer, and the water sterilizer has at least one sterile filter and at least one sterilizer. The sterilization method includes a step of performing a first integrity test on at least one of the sterile filters, a step of sterilizing the sterile filter, and a step of performing a second integrity test on at least one of the sterile filters.

[0038] The 32nd aspect of the present disclosure is that in the sterilization method according to the 31st aspect described above, the sterilization method may further include a step of sterilizing the sterilizer.

[0039] The 33rd aspect of the present disclosure is that in the sterilization method according to the 31st aspect or the 32nd aspect described above, the step of sterilizing the sterilizer may include a step of supplying hot water to the water sterilizer, a step of circulating the hot water in a circulation system including the sterilizer, and a step of cooling the circulation system.

[0040] The 34th aspect of the present disclosure is that in the sterilization method according to each of the 31st aspect to the 33rd aspect described above, the step of sterilizing the sterilizer may include a step of supplying a chemical to the water sterilizer, a step of circulating the chemical in a circulation system including the sterilizer, and a step of rinsing the circulation system.

[0041] The 35th aspect of the present disclosure is that in the sterilization method according to each of the 31st aspect to the 34th aspect described above, the step of sterilizing the sterile filter may be performed while the step of sterilizing the sterilizer is being performed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0042] According to the present disclosure, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0043]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 10E are diagrams showing an embodiment.

[0045] (Content Filling System) First, with reference to FIG. 1, a content filling system (aseptic filling system) according to an embodiment will be described.

[0046] The content filling system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for filling a bottle (container) 100 with a content such as a beverage. The content can be produced by diluting the product stock solution with water. In this case, the product stock solution may be diluted with water by 1.1 times or more and 100 times or less, preferably 2 times or more and 10 times or less. Also, the product stock solution may be diluted with water by 10 times or more and 80 times or less, 20 times or more and 70 times or less, or 30 times or more and 50 times or less. The bottle 100 can be produced by biaxially stretching and blowing a preform 100a made by injection molding a synthetic resin material. Note that the bottle 100 may be produced by direct blow molding. As the material of the bottle 100, it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin, particularly PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate). In addition, as the container, glass, can, paper, pouch, cup, or a composite container thereof may be used. In the present embodiment, the case of using a synthetic resin bottle as the container will be described as an example.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1, the content filling system 10 includes a water sterilization line 50 for sterilizing water, a stock solution sterilization line 70 for sterilizing the product stock solution, and a filling device (filler) 20 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70, respectively. Further, the content filling system 10 includes a control unit 90 for controlling the filling device 20. Furthermore, the content filling system 10 includes a bottle forming unit 30, a sterilization device (container sterilization device) 11, an air rinsing device 14, the above-described filling device 20, a cap attaching device (capper, crimper, and stopper) 16, and a product bottle discharging unit 25. These bottle forming unit 30, sterilization device 11, air rinsing device 14, filling device 20, cap attaching device 16, and product bottle discharging unit 25 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of the bottle 100. In addition, between the air rinsing device 14, the filling device 20, the cap attaching device 16, etc., a plurality of conveying wheels 12 for conveying the bottle 100 between these devices are provided. Here, first, the bottle forming unit 30, the sterilization device 11, the air rinsing device 14, the filling device 20, the cap attaching device 16, and the product bottle discharging unit 25 will be described.

[0048] The bottle forming unit 30 is configured to receive the preform 100a from the outside and form the bottle 100. And the bottle forming unit 30 is configured to convey the formed bottle 100 toward the sterilization device 11. Thereby, in the content filling system 10, the process from the supply of the preform 100a through the forming of the bottle 100 to the filling and closing of the content into the bottle 100 can be continuously performed. In this case, instead of the bottle 100 with a large volume, the preform 100a with a small volume is transported from the outside to the content filling system 10. Therefore, the transportation cost can be reduced.

[0049] The bottle forming unit 30 includes a preform conveying unit 31 for conveying the preform 100a, a blow forming unit (container forming device) 32 for forming the bottle 100 from the preform 100a by performing blow forming on the preform 100a, and a bottle conveying unit 33 for conveying the formed bottle 100.

[0050] Among these, the preform transfer unit 31 includes a receiving unit 34, a heating unit 35, and a delivery unit 36. Among these, the receiving unit 34 is configured to receive the preform 100a supplied from the preform supply device 1 via the preform supply conveyor 2. The receiving unit 34 is provided with a preform sterilizing device 34a for sterilizing the preform 100a and a preform air rinsing device 34b for air rinsing the preform 100a. In the illustrated example, the receiving unit 34 is provided with one preform sterilizing device 34a and one preform air rinsing device 34b. Note that the number of the preform sterilizing device 34a and the preform air rinsing device 34b is not limited to this.

[0051] In the receiving unit 34, a gas or mist of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is sprayed onto the preform 100a by the preform sterilizing device 34a, and the preform 100a is sterilized (pre-sterilization).

[0052] As the sterilizing agent for sterilizing the preform 100a, it is only necessary to have the property of inactivating microorganisms. 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 ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, chlorine dioxide, ozone water, acidic water, and surfactants may be used alone, or two or more of these may be used in combination.

[0053] Thus, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a with the preform sterilization device 34a, the number of bacteria adhering to the bottle 100 produced from the preform 100a can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the sterilization device 11 for sterilizing the bottle 100 can be reduced, and the sterilization time can be shortened. Here, generally, the amount of the sterilizing agent used for sterilizing the preform 100a with a small volume may be less than the amount of the sterilizing agent used for sterilizing the bottle 100. Therefore, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a, the total amount of the sterilizing agent used can be reduced.

[0054] In addition, since the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the sterilization device 11 can be reduced and the sterilization time can be shortened, the sterilization device 11 can be downsized. Also, since the sterilization time for sterilizing the bottle 100 can be shortened, the heat load on the bottle 100 can be reduced. Therefore, even for the bottle 100 made of lightweight material or the recycled PET bottle 100 by recycling, deformation of the bottle 100 due to heat of the sterilizing agent can be suppressed.

[0055] Furthermore, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a, the bacteria adhering to the bottle 100 can be reduced, so in the sterilization device 11, the sterilization conditions may be weakened. Here, generally, in order to improve the sterilization effect in the sterilization device 11, in the blow molding section 32, the body portion of the bottle 100 is heat-set by supplying warm water from a mold temperature controller (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 this 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 may mold the bottle 100 without adjusting the temperature of the bottle 100 with warm water. That is, in the blow molding section 32, it is not necessary to supply the warm water that was supplied to the mold to improve the sterilization effect to the mold. As a result, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, since it is not necessary to supply warm water to the mold of the blow molding section 32, the blow molding section 32 can be simplified. Also, since the blow molding section 32 can be simplified, the amount of heat applied to the bottle 100 can be reduced. Therefore, even when the above-described warm water is not supplied to the mold, the shrinkage of the bottle 100 in the sterilization device 11 can be reduced.

[0056] Note that such a sterilization process may be performed not only in the receiving section 34 but also in the heating section 35 or the delivery section 36. Further, the sterilization process may be performed between the bottle conveying section 33 and the filling device 20 after the bottle 100 is molded. Furthermore, the sterilization process may be performed at a plurality of locations. Note that in the sterilization process, the bacteria may be inactivated by ultraviolet irradiation or electron beam irradiation or the like without using a sterilizing agent.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, on the downstream side of the preform sterilization device 34a, the above-described preform air rinsing device 34b is provided. The preform 100a sprayed with the bactericide is dried with hot air in the preform air rinsing device 34b. At this time, it is preferable that hot air is supplied to the preform 100a with the mouth portion of the preform 100a facing downward. Thereby, foreign matters can be effectively removed from the preform 100a. For this reason, the step of washing the preform 100a with sterile water can be omitted, and the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Note that in the receiving section 34, the preform air rinsing device 34b may not be provided. Further, in the receiving section 34, a foreign matter removing device (not shown) for removing foreign matters attached to the preform 100a may be provided on the upstream side of the preform sterilization device 34a.

[0058] The heating section 35 is configured to receive the preform 100a from the receiving section 34 and heat the preform 100a while conveying it. The heating section 35 is provided with a heater 35a for heating the preform 100a. This heater 35a may be, for example, an infrared heater. By this heater 35a, the preform 100a is heated to, for example, about 90°C or higher and 130°C or lower. Note that the temperature of the mouth portion of the preform 100a is suppressed to a temperature of 70°C or lower in order to prevent deformation or the like.

[0059] The delivery section 36 is configured to receive the preform 100a heated by the heating section 35 and deliver it to the blow molding section 32.

[0060] The blow molding section 32 includes a mold (not shown). By performing blow molding on the preform 100a using this mold, the bottle 100 is formed. Then, the formed bottle 100 is conveyed downstream by the bottle conveying section 33.

[0061] Here, between the bottle molding unit 30 and the sterilization device 11, an adjustment conveyance unit 5 is provided that receives the bottle 100 from the bottle conveyance unit 33 and delivers the bottle 100 to the sterilization device 11. At least a part of this adjustment conveyance unit 5 is housed inside an atmosphere blocking chamber 70c (described later) provided upstream of a disinfectant spraying chamber 70d (described later). In the illustrated example, the adjustment conveyance unit 5 is arranged so as to straddle a molding unit chamber 70b (described later) that houses the bottle molding unit 30 and the atmosphere blocking chamber 70c. In this way, since at least a part of the adjustment conveyance unit 5 is housed inside the atmosphere blocking chamber 70c, it is possible to suppress the inflow of the gas or mist of the disinfectant or a mixture thereof generated in the disinfectant spraying chamber 70d into the molding unit chamber 70b.

[0062] In the illustrated example, a single conveyance wheel 12 is provided between the adjustment conveyance unit 5 and the bottle conveyance unit 33 of the bottle molding unit 30. That is, between the blow molding unit 32 of the bottle molding unit 30 and the sterilization device 11, the bottle conveyance unit 33 of the bottle molding unit 30, a single conveyance wheel 12, and the adjustment conveyance unit 5 are provided. Thereby, the content filling system 10 can be made more compact compared to the case where a plurality of conveyance wheels 12 are provided between the adjustment conveyance unit 5 and the bottle conveyance unit 33 of the bottle molding unit 30. Although not shown, only the adjustment conveyance unit 5 may be provided between the blow molding unit 32 of the bottle molding unit 30 and the sterilization device 11. In this case, the content filling system 10 can be made even more compact.

[0063] The sterilization device 11 is a device that sterilizes the bottle 100 by injecting a disinfectant into the bottle 100. Thereby, the bottle 100 is sterilized with the disinfectant before filling the content. As the disinfectant, 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. Since the bottle 100 is sterilized with the gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution in this way, the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100 are sterilized evenly.

[0064] The air rinsing device 14 is a device that supplies sterile heated air or normal-temperature air to the bottle 100 to activate hydrogen peroxide while removing foreign substances, hydrogen peroxide, etc. from inside the bottle 100. At this time, it is preferable that sterile air is supplied 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. For this reason, the step of washing the bottle 100 with sterile water can be omitted, and the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Incidentally, if necessary, a condensed mist of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide may be mixed into the normal-temperature sterilized air to gasify the hydrogen peroxide and supply it to the bottle 100.

[0065] The filling device 20 is a device that fills the bottle 100 with water and the product stock solution. That is, the filling device 20 fills the inside of the bottle 100 with the water and the product stock solution that have been sterilized in advance from the mouth of the bottle 100. Thereby, 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 a plurality of bottles 100 are rotationally conveyed, the inside of the bottle 100 is filled with the content.

[0066] The filling device 20 may have a water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and a stock solution filling device 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization line 70. The water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance 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 each be a so-called rotary filler.

[0067] The water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with sterilized water. In this case, the water filling device 21 fills the empty bottle 100 with sterilized water. On the other hand, the stock solution filling device 22 fills the bottle filled with water with sterilized product stock solution. Thus, since the filling device 20 has the water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22, 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 contents can be reduced as compared with the case of filling the contents with a single filling device. For this reason, as will be described later, the area for cleaning and sterilizing the filling device 20 can be narrowed.

[0068] The filling speed at which the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with water may 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 the water filling device 21 filling the empty bottle 100 with water, the water filling speed can be increased. Here, when the contents are vigorously filled into the bottle 100, for example, due to foaming or the like inside the bottle 100, a part of the contents may scatter outside from the mouth of the bottle 100. And there is a possibility that dirt due to the contents adheres to the periphery of the bottle 100 due to the scattered contents outside. In contrast, when filling the empty bottle 100 with water, even if the water scatters outside from the mouth of the bottle 100, no dirt adheres to the periphery of the bottle 100. For this reason, the water filling speed can be increased. As a result, the number of water filling nozzles (for example, refer to FIG. 16B described later) of the water filling device 21 can be reduced. For this reason, the size of the water filling device 21 can be reduced.

[0069] In the water filling device 21, the water filling rate may be 100 mL / sec or more and 500 mL / sec or less, and preferably 200 mL / sec or more and 400 mL / sec or less. When the water filling rate is 100 mL / sec or more, the number of water filling nozzles of the water filling device 21 can be made smaller. Therefore, the size of the water filling device 21 can be made smaller. Also, when the water filling rate is 500 mL / sec or less, when filling water into the bottle 100, it is possible to suppress the water from scattering outside from the mouth of the bottle 100. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in the volume of the contents and the dilution ratio of the product stock solution between the product bottles 101. In the stock solution filling device 22, the filling rate of the product stock solution may be 30 mL / sec or more and 200 mL / sec or less.

[0070] The cap mounting device 16 is a device for closing 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 closed by the cap 88 and sealed so that external air and microorganisms do not enter the bottle 100. In the cap mounting device 16, while a plurality of bottles 100 filled with the contents are rotated (revolved), the cap 88 is mounted on the mouth thereof. In this way, by mounting the cap 88 on the bottle 100, the product bottle 101 is obtained.

[0071] The cap 88 is sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizing device 18. The cap sterilizing device 18 is arranged, for example, outside the second aseptic chamber 70h (described later) and in the vicinity of the cap mounting device 16. In the cap sterilizing device 18, the caps 88 carried in from the outside of the content filling system 10 are collected in advance in large numbers and conveyed in a line toward the cap mounting device 16. On the way to the cap mounting device 16, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed toward the inner and outer surfaces of the cap 88, and then dried with hot air and sterilized.

[0072] The product bottle discharging section 25 continuously discharges the product bottle 101 with the cap 88 attached by the cap attaching device 16 toward the outside of the content filling system 10.

[0073] The content filling system 10 includes a preform sterilization chamber 70a, a forming section chamber 70b, an atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c, a bactericide spraying chamber 70d, an air rinse 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 these, 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. Also, an air rinse chamber (fourth aseptic chamber) 70e is provided upstream of the first aseptic chamber 70f. That is, the preform sterilization chamber 70a, the forming section chamber 70b, the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c, the bactericide spraying chamber 70d, the air rinse 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 this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the preform 100a and the bottle 100.

[0074] Each of the chambers 70a to 70i is separated by a partition wall. The partition wall serves to prevent the flow of bactericides and the like in an unintended direction between the chambers 70a to 70i and to stabilize the pressure inside each of the chambers 70a to 70i. Note that a gap through which the preform 100a or the bottle 100 can pass is formed in each partition wall. This gap is formed to be minimized, for example, to the size of about one preform 100a or bottle 100 so that the pressure inside each of the chambers 70a to 70i does not change. Also, a shutter for closing the above-described gap may be provided in the partition wall. This shutter may be configured to open and close automatically, for example, by a signal from the control unit 90.

[0075] Among the chambers 70a to 70i, a preform sterilization device 34a and the like are accommodated inside the preform sterilization chamber 70a.

[0076] Inside the bottle forming chamber 70b, a blow molding section 32 of the bottle forming section 30 and the like are accommodated.

[0077] At least a part of the adjustment conveyance section 5 is accommodated inside the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c. Also, a camera may be provided inside the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c. And by using the camera, it may be inspected whether there are any problems in the molding of the bottle 100. Further, a thermometer may be provided inside the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c. And by this thermometer, the temperature of the bottle 100 before sterilization may be measured. Here, the temperature of the bottle 100 is one of the important factors that affect 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. For this reason, by measuring the temperature of the bottle 100 before sterilization with 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.

[0078] The sterilization device 11 is accommodated inside the sterilizing agent spraying chamber 70d. Also, the air rinsing device 14 is accommodated inside the air rinsing chamber 70e.

[0079] The water filling device 21 of the filling device 20 is accommodated inside the first sterile chamber 70f. Also, the stock solution filling device 22 and the cap attaching device 16 of the above-mentioned filling device 20 are accommodated inside the second sterile chamber 70h. Further, the product bottle carry-out section 25 is accommodated inside the outlet chamber 70i. Note that only the conveyance wheel 12 may be accommodated inside the intermediate area chamber 70g.

[0080] Inside the above-described preform sterilization chamber 70a, sterilizing agent spraying chamber 70d, air rinsing chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, and outlet chamber 70i, a pressure gauge (not shown) for measuring the pressure inside each chamber is attached. In addition, a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure inside each chamber may also be attached to the molding section chamber 70b and / or the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c.

[0081] Here, as described above, the content filling system 10 includes a control unit 90 that controls the filling device 20. This 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. Further, the control unit 90 may be electrically connected to the water sterilization line 50, the stock solution sterilization line 70, the bottle molding section 30, the sterilization device 11, the air rinsing device 14, the cap attaching device 16, the product bottle carrying-out section 25, and the cap sterilization device 18, and the control unit 90 may control the water sterilization line 50 and the like.

[0082] This control unit 90 may clean and sterilize the inside of each chamber, and may also clean and sterilize the water sterilizer 60 and the like of the water sterilization line 50 described later. In the present embodiment, the control unit 90 cleans the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h (hereinafter, the cleaning inside each chamber is also referred to as COP) while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state. Further, the control unit 90 cleans the stock solution filling device 22 (hereinafter, the cleaning inside the filling device 20 such as the stock solution filling device 22 is also referred to as CIP (Cleaning in Place)) while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state. That is, when the control unit 90 cleans the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h and the stock solution filling device 22, it maintains the state of keeping the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state without cleaning the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f (COP). Further, when the control unit 90 cleans the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h and the stock solution filling device 22, it maintains the state of keeping the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state without cleaning the water filling device 21 (CIP).

[0083] As described above, the water filling device 21 for filling sterilized water is accommodated in the first sterile chamber 70f. Dirt due to the contents does not adhere to the periphery of the water filling device 21 and the water flow path inside the water filling device 21. Therefore, even when cleaning (COP) or sterilization (hereinafter, sterilization in each chamber is also referred to as SOP) in the first sterile chamber 70f is not performed when switching the type of contents, the hygiene in the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained. Further, at this time, even when cleaning (CIP) or sterilization (SIP (Sterilization in Place)) of the water filling device 21 accommodated in the first sterile chamber 70f is not performed, the hygiene of the water filling device 21 can be maintained and the mixing of the previous contents into the next contents can be suppressed. Thus, when cleaning the second sterile chamber 70h, if the first sterile chamber 70f is not cleaned, the number of times of cleaning the first sterile chamber 70f can be reduced, and in the content filling system 10, the area to be cleaned can be narrowed. Therefore, the usage amounts of water, steam, electricity, and cleaning agents can be reduced. Further, since the area to be cleaned can be narrowed, the cleaning time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0084] Further, the control unit 90 sterilizes (SOP) the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state. Further, the control unit 90 sterilizes (SIP) the stock solution filling device 22 while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state. That is, when sterilizing the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h and the stock solution filling device 22, the control unit 90 maintains the state in which the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f is kept in a sterile state without sterilizing (SOP) the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f. Further, when sterilizing the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h and the stock solution filling device 22, the control unit 90 maintains the state in which the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f is kept in a sterile state without sterilizing (SIP) the water filling device 21. Thereby, the area to be sterilized can be narrowed. Therefore, the usage amount of steam can be reduced. Further, the sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0085] The pressure in the above-described first sterile chamber 70f is preferably higher than the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air in the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the first sterile chamber 70f. For this reason, the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained well.

[0086] When cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably 40 Pa or more and 100 Pa or less, and the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Further, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably 40 Pa or more and 100 Pa or less, and the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Thereby, it is possible to effectively suppress the air in the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the first sterile chamber 70f, and the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained even better. Incidentally, when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably 30 Pa or more and 60 Pa or less, and the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less.

[0087] Also, the pressure in the intermediate area chamber (third sterile chamber) 70g is preferably lower than the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f and equal to or higher than the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h. Since the pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g is lower than the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f, it is possible to suppress the air in the intermediate area chamber 70g from entering the first sterile chamber 70f. Also, since the pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g is equal to or higher than the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h, it is possible to suppress the air in the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the intermediate area chamber 70g. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the air in the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the first sterile chamber 70f via the intermediate area chamber 70g. As a result, the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained well.

[0088] When cleaning and sterilizing the second aseptic chamber 70h within 70 hours, the pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. Also, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air in the second aseptic chamber 70h from entering the intermediate area chamber 70g, and the aseptic state inside the first aseptic chamber 70f can be maintained even better. When producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g is preferably 20 Pa or more and 50 Pa or less.

[0089] Also, the pressure in the air rinsing chamber (the 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 the air in the air rinsing chamber 70e from entering the first aseptic chamber 70f. Therefore, the aseptic state inside the first aseptic chamber 70f can be maintained well.

[0090] When cleaning and sterilizing the second aseptic chamber 70h within 70 hours, the pressure in the air rinsing chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. Also, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the air rinsing chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air in the air rinsing chamber 70e from entering the first aseptic chamber 70f, and the aseptic state inside the first aseptic chamber 70f can be maintained even better. When producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the air rinsing chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less.

[0091] Also, the pressure inside the disinfectant spraying chamber 70d is preferably equal to or lower than the pressure inside the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air inside the disinfectant spraying chamber 70d from entering the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c and the molding section chamber 70b. Here, by being able to suppress the air inside the disinfectant spraying chamber 70d from entering the molding section chamber 70b, it is possible to suppress an increase in the humidity inside the molding section chamber 70b. As described above, inside the molding section chamber 70b, the blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30 is accommodated. Therefore, by suppressing an increase in the humidity inside the molding section chamber 70b, corrosion of the machines constituting the blow molding section 32 can be suppressed.

[0092] When cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure inside the disinfectant spraying chamber 70d is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Also, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure inside the disinfectant spraying chamber 70d is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air inside the disinfectant spraying chamber 70d from entering the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c and the molding section chamber 70b, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the humidity inside the molding section chamber 70b. Incidentally, when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure inside the disinfectant spraying chamber 70d is preferably -10 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less.

[0093] When cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure inside the outlet chamber 70i is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Also, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure inside the outlet chamber 70i is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air inside the outlet chamber 70i from entering the first sterile chamber 70f via the second sterile chamber 70h and the like, and it is possible to maintain the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f even better. Incidentally, when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure inside the outlet chamber 70i is preferably 10 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less.

[0094] Summarizing the above, the pressure in the disinfectant spray chamber 70d to the outlet chamber 70i may be as shown in Table 1 below.

[0095]

Table 1

[0096] At this time, the pressure in the preform sterilization chamber 70a to the atmosphere blocking chamber 70c may be as shown in Table 2 below.

[0097]

Table 2

[0098] Such a content filling system 10 may be composed of, for example, an aseptic filling system. In this case, the interiors of the disinfectant spray chamber 70d, the air rinse 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 an aseptic state. Note that a chamber (not shown) that connects an aseptic zone in an aseptic state and a non-aseptic zone in a non-aseptic state may be provided on the downstream side of the outlet chamber 70i.

[0099] Next, the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 of the content filling system 10 will be described. Here, first, the water sterilization line 50 will be described.

[0100] Water sterilization line The water sterilization line 50 is a sterilization line that non-thermally sterilizes water. This water sterilization line 50 may sterilize water by ultraviolet rays. In this case, in the water sterilization line 50, the water may be sterilized by ultraviolet rays from at least one of a low-pressure mercury lamp and a medium-pressure mercury lamp. Also, the water sterilization line 50 may sterilize water by filtering the water through an aseptic filter (such as the first aseptic filter 63 described later). Note that in this specification, "non-thermal sterilization" means sterilizing water without using thermal energy such as an electric heater or steam.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 2A, the water sterilization line 50 has at least a water sterilizer 60 for sterilizing water. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the water sterilization line 50 has a first water tank 51, a water sterilizer 60, and a second water tank 52. Further, the water sterilization line 50 may be provided upstream of the first water tank 51 and may further include a pure water production device 50a for producing water (pure water) and a pure water tank 50c for storing the water (pure water) supplied from the pure water production device 50a. The pure water production 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 this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction.

[0102] Among these, the pure water tank 50c is a tank for storing the water (pure water) supplied from the pure water production device 50a which is the water supply source. Here, it is obligatory to use the water for food production defined by the Food Sanitation Law as the raw water for soft drinks. The water for food production is pure water (RO water, ion-exchanged water, distilled water, etc.) produced by a pure water production device 50a equipped with activated carbon, a reverse osmosis membrane, or an ion exchange resin (including EDI). Pure water is water from which impurities such as calcium, magnesium, chlorine, iron, or mineral components have been removed. In this case, the evaporation residue of the pure water is 20 mg / L or less. Further, the electrical conductivity of the pure water is 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the water is sterilized by ultraviolet rays. Therefore, by having the electrical conductivity of the water to be sterilized be 20 μS / cm or less, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of inorganic substances (oxides such as calcium) etc. to the surface of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. described later. For this reason, a decrease in the ultraviolet transmittance can be prevented. Also, the water supplied from the pure water production device 50a is not limited to pure water and may be ultrapure water.

[0103] This pure water tank 50c serves to smooth the flow of water by storing water. The volume of the pure water tank 50c is 50 m 3 or more and 100 m 3 or less, and as an example, it may be 50 m 3 or so.

[0104] Also, the number of bacteria in the pure water tank 50c is desirably 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 with activated carbon or the like. As a result, bacteria are likely to grow in the pure water supplied to the pure water tank 50c. For this reason, it is preferable to install a UV lamp in the pure water tank 50c to suppress the growth of bacteria. When the number of bacteria in the pure water tank 50c exceeds 20 CFU / mL, it is preferable to sterilize the pure water tank 50c with chlorine, hot water, steam, or the like. The number of bacteria in the pure water tank 50c is constantly monitored and may be controlled to be within the above range. Thereby, water with asepticity can be produced without providing additional equipment. For this reason, without making the water sterilizer 60 into a high-cost specification, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0105] Downstream of this pure water tank 50c, a pre-stage sterilizer 62A and a first water tank 51 are provided.

[0106] Here, when the number concentration of bacteria supplied from the pure water production device 50a is high (for example, 1 CFU / ml or more), and when the foreign matter removal filter 61 described later has a pore size of the sterilization filter (0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less), the foreign matter removal filter 61 can be bacterially contaminated in a short period. When a large amount of bacteria are trapped by the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the bacteria grow, it may affect the quality of water. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2A, it is preferable that a pre-stage sterilizer 62A is installed upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. This makes it possible to produce high-quality sterile water for a long period. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, two pre-stage sterilizers 62A are provided upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. Specifically, the pre-stage sterilizers 62A are provided one each on the upstream side of the first water tank 51 and on the upstream and downstream sides of the foreign matter removal filter 61. Note that the number of pre-stage sterilizers 62A may be one, or it may be provided only on one of the upstream and downstream sides of the first water tank 51. In this case, the cost of sterilizing water can be reduced. Note that the configuration of the pre-stage sterilizer 62A may be substantially the same as that of the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6B described later.

[0107] The first water tank 51 is a so-called balance tank and serves to smooth the flow of water by storing water. The volume of the first water tank 51 may be 30 m 3 or more and 100 m 3 or less, and as an example, it may be 50 m 3 or less.

[0108] A pump P1 for conveying water and a flow meter F for measuring the flow rate of water may be provided downstream of the first water tank 51. The pump P1 and the flow meter F may be provided in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. Note that the installation location of the flow meter F may be appropriately changed as long as it is downstream of the pump P1 and upstream of the valve V1 described later. Further, the water sterilizer 60 described above is provided downstream of the flow meter F.

[0109] The water sterilizer 60 is a sterilizer that sterilizes the water stored in the first water tank 51. Details of the water sterilizer 60 will be described later.

[0110] The second water tank 52 is a tank (so-called aseptic tank) that stores the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. By storing the sterilized water, this second water tank 52 serves to smooth the flow of water. The volume of the second water tank 52 may be 5 m 3 or more and 50 m 3 or less, and as an example, it may be 10 m 3 or more.

[0111] Also, an auxiliary filter 53 for filtering the sterilized water and a third water tank 54 for storing the water that has passed through the auxiliary filter 53 may be provided on the downstream side of the second water tank 52. In this case, the third water tank 54 may be a so-called filling machine tank, and may be installed vertically above the water filling device 21 in order to improve the filling accuracy of the water filling device 21. The third water tank 54 may serve as a so-called cushion tank that ensures a smooth flow of water even when the amount of water used on the downstream side of the third water tank 54 changes. The volume of the third water tank 54 may be 0.1 m 3 or more and 1 m 3 or less, and as an example, it may be 0.3 m 3 or more.

[0112] Also, a first bypass line (bypass line) 55 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A, etc.) that connects the water sterilization line 50 and the cap sterilization device 18 to each other may be provided on the downstream side of the second water tank 52. Thereby, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 can be used for washing the cap 88. Here, the cap 88 can be washed with sterile water after being sterilized with a sterilizing agent. Thereby, the cap 88 is cooled and foreign substances attached to the cap 88 are removed. Further, when the cap 88 is washed with sterile water, the friction between the cap 88 and a transport chute (not shown) for transporting the cap 88 can be reduced by the sterile water attached to the cap 88. Therefore, when the cap 88 is transported, it is possible to suppress the cap 88 from being scraped by the transport chute.

[0113] As described above, since the first bypass line 55 is provided on the downstream side of the second water tank 52, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 can be used for washing the cap 88. Therefore, compared with the case where the cap 88 is washed with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the carbon dioxide emission amount discharged by the content filling system 10 can be further reduced. Note that by appropriately setting the sterilization conditions, transport speed, and / or material of the cap 88, etc., the cap 88 can be transported without being scraped. Thus, when the cap 88 is not scraped, the cap 88 does not have to be washed with sterile water.

[0114] Furthermore, a second bypass line 56 may be provided downstream of the second water tank 52 to connect the water sterilization line 50 and the second aseptic chamber 70h to each other. When cleaning the inside of the second aseptic chamber 70h, the control unit 90 may supply the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 to the second aseptic chamber 70h via the second bypass line 56. Also, when cleaning the stock solution filling device 22, the control unit 90 may supply the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 to the second aseptic chamber 70h via the second bypass line 56. Thereby, compared with the case of cleaning the inside of the second aseptic chamber 70h with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be further reduced.

[0115] Also, inside the second aseptic 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 portion of the bottle 100 can be cleaned. When cleaning the mouth portion of the bottle 100 in this way, the water supplied to the second aseptic chamber 70h via the second bypass line 56 may be used. Thereby, compared with the case of cleaning the mouth portion of the bottle 100 with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be further reduced. Note that when the product stock solution (content) does not adhere to the mouth portion of the bottle 100, the mouth portion of the bottle 100 does not have to be cleaned. Also, even when the product stock solution adheres to the mouth portion of the bottle 100, if there is no possibility of bacteria growing, the mouth portion of the bottle 100 does not have to be cleaned.

[0116] Note that the second bypass line 56 may connect the water sterilization line 50 and each of the chambers 70a to 70i to each other. When cleaning the inside of each of the chambers 70a to 70i, the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 may be supplied to each of the chambers 70a to 70i via the second bypass line 56. Also, when cleaning the machines arranged inside each of the chambers 70a to 70i, the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 may be supplied to each of the chambers 70a to 70i via the second bypass line 56.

[0117] Also, as shown in FIG. 2A, a circulation line (first circulation line) 59 may be connected to the upstream side of the second water tank 52 of the water sterilization line 50. One end of this circulation line 59 may be connected to the water sterilization line 50 via a valve V1 provided in the water sterilization line 50. The other end of the circulation line 59 may be connected to the first water tank 51 of the water sterilization line 50. Thereby, a circulation system (first circulation system) 59A for circulating water may be configured 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 line 59, and the first water tank 51, which will be described later. Also, a thermometer T may be provided in the circulation line 59. Also, a concentration meter 59c for measuring the concentration of a bactericide or a cleaning agent may be provided in the circulation line 59 when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60. Further, a temperature raising device (such as a heat exchanger or a heater) for warming a bactericide or the like may be installed in the circulation line 59 when cleaning and / or sterilizing the circulation line 59. The temperature raising device may be used to adjust the water supplied to the first sterile filter 63 and the like to a constant temperature (for example, 25° C.) during the integrity test described later. In this case, the water adjusted to the constant temperature can be used to moisten the membranes of the first sterile filter 63 and the like, which will be described later. Thereby, 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 installed anywhere as long as it is between the first water tank 51 and the valve V1 other than the circulation line 59. The number of temperature raising devices installed may be one or two or more. Note that the valve V1 may be electrically connected to the control unit 90 and may be controlled by the control unit 90.

[0118] Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, a circulation line (second circulation line) 95 may be connected between the first water tank 51 of the water sterilization line 50 and the water sterilizer 60. One end of this circulation line 95 may be connected to a sampling line SL connected to a sampling point SP5 described later. The other end of the circulation line 95 may be connected, for example, between a pump P1 provided on the downstream side of the first water tank 51 and the pre-stage sterilizer 62A. Further, the other end of the circulation line 95 may be connected, for example, to the upstream side of the pump P1 (for example, between the first water tank 51 and the pump P1). Thereby, a circulation system (second circulation system) 95A for circulating water or the like may be configured by the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, a third bypass line 95a described later, the first sterilizer 62, a fourth bypass line 95b described later, the second sterilizer 64, and the circulation line 95. Further, a bactericide supply unit 96 including a tank, a pump, a heater, a densitometer, etc. (not shown) may be provided in the circulation line 95. Further, a heat exchanger 97 may be provided in the circulation line 95. Furthermore, a pump (not shown) may be provided in the circulation line 95. As will be described later, such a circulation system 95A including the circulation line 95 may be used to circulate a bactericide or a cleaning agent when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60.

[0119] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2C, one end of the circulation line 95 may be connected, for example, between the second sterilizer 64 and the first sterile filter 63. Thereby, the circulation system (second circulation system) 95A may be configured by the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, a third bypass line 95a described later, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the circulation line 95.

[0120] <Water sterilizer> Next, the water sterilizer 60 will be described. This 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 non-heat sterilizes the 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 having an electrical conductivity of 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less.

[0121] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the water sterilizer 60 includes at least one sterile filter (the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65). The water sterilizer 60 also includes at least one sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64). Since the water sterilizer 60 includes at least one sterile filter and at least one sterilizer, even when one of the sterile filter and the sterilizer stops, the other of the sterile filter and the sterilizer can guarantee the sterility of the water.

[0122] In the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, 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 this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. In this way, since the sterilizer (in this case, the second sterilizer 64) is arranged on the downstream side of the sterile filter (in this case, the first sterile filter 63), even when bacteria pass through the sterile filter, the bacteria can be sterilized by the sterilizer. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2C, 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 be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, since the water sterilizer 60 includes a plurality of sterile filters (the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65), even when one of the sterile filters stops, the other sterile filter can guarantee the sterility of the water. Also, since the water sterilizer 60 includes a plurality of sterilizers (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64), even when one of the sterilizers stops, the other sterilizer can guarantee the sterility of the water.

[0123] Also, as shown in FIG. 2D, the water sterilizer 60 may include a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, and a second sterile filter 65. The foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

[0124] Also, as shown in FIG. 2E1, the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, and a second sterile filter 65. The first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. Also, as shown in FIG. 2E2, the first sterile filter 63, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterile filter 65, and the second sterilizer 64 may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 2E3, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, and the second sterilizer 64 may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction.

[0125] Also, as shown in FIG. 2F, the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62 and a first sterile filter 63. The first sterilizer 62 and the first sterile filter 63 may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 2G, the first sterile filter 63 and the first sterilizer 62 may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. In these cases, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterile filter 63 and a valve V1 described later.

[0126] Further, as shown in FIG. 2H, the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62, a second sterilizer 64, and a first sterile filter 63. The first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the first sterile filter 63 may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterile filter 65 provided on the downstream side of the first sterile filter 63.

[0127] Further, as shown in FIG. 2I, the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterile filter 63, a second sterile filter 65, and a first sterilizer 62. The first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, and the first sterilizer 62 may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided on the downstream side of the first sterilizer 62.

[0128] Further, the water sterilizer 60 may not include 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 growth characteristics of bacteria in the content, etc., there may be cases where the water sterilizer 60 does not need to include a sterile filter. Also, when using the sterilized water for cleaning (COP) and / or sterilization (SOP) in each chamber, the water does not directly contact the content. Even in such cases, there may be cases where the water sterilizer 60 does not need to include a sterile filter. In these cases, for example, as shown in FIG. 2J, the water sterilizer 60 may include only the first sterilizer 62. Also, as shown in FIG. 2K, the water sterilizer 60 may include the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. Thus, when the water sterilizer 60 does not include a sterile filter, the manufacturing cost of the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0129] Furthermore, the water sterilizer 60 may not be equipped with a sterilizer. That is, depending on the aseptic quality level of the content produced by diluting the product stock solution with water and / or the growth characteristics of bacteria in the content, there may be cases where the water sterilizer 60 does not need to be equipped with a sterilizer. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 2L, the water sterilizer 60 may be equipped with only the first aseptic filter 63. Also, as shown in FIG. 2M, the water sterilizer 60 may be equipped with the first aseptic filter 63 and the second aseptic filter 65. Thus, even when the water sterilizer 60 is not equipped with a sterilizer, the manufacturing cost of the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0130] Next, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first aseptic filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, and the second aseptic filter 65 will be described. In the following description, mainly taking the water sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2A as an example, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first aseptic filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, and the second aseptic filter 65 will be described. Here, first, the foreign matter removal filter 61 will be described.

[0131] The foreign matter removal filter 61 is a filter for removing foreign matter in water. In the illustrated example, the water sterilizer 60 includes a single foreign matter removal filter 61. However, it is not limited to this, and the water sterilizer 60 may include 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 0.45 μm or more and 10 μm or less. Further, the mesh size of the foreign matter removal filter 61 is preferably such that it can remove fungi (such as mold and yeast). As will be 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. For this reason, the mesh size of the foreign matter removal filter 61 is preferably such that it can remove molds resistant to ultraviolet rays, and is preferably 0.45 μm or more and 1.2 μm or less. In addition, in order to enhance the sterility of the water that has passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61, the mesh size may be 0.2 μm or more and 1.2 μm or less. Thereby, almost all the bacteria remaining in the water can be collected. Further, in order to enhance the sterility of the water that has passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61, a sterile grade filter having 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.

[0132] The first sterilizer 62 is provided on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61. Further, 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 by ultraviolet rays. Thereby, bacteria (bacteria other than mold and yeast) that have passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61 can be sterilized. Also, when the first sterilizer 62 sterilizes water by ultraviolet rays, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system can be reduced as compared with the case where water is sterilized by heating water. In particular, as described above, when producing the content, the product stock solution can be diluted 1.1 times or more and 100 times or less, preferably 2 times or more and 10 times or less, with water. When the product stock solution is diluted 2 times or more and 10 times or less with water, 50% or more and 90% or less of the content is water. Therefore, by sterilizing without heating the water, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged when producing the content can be significantly reduced.

[0133] As described above, in this embodiment, the first sterilizer 62 sterilizes water by ultraviolet rays. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first sterilizer 62 may have a main body 66 and an ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 provided in the main body 66.

[0134] Among these, the main body 66 is formed in a hollow shape. Also, the shape of the main body 66 is a frustum of a cone shape. Specifically, the main body 66 has an inner surface in the shape of a frustum of a cone, and the end on the smaller diameter side is oriented so as to be positioned above the end on the larger diameter side. At the lower part of the main body 66, an introduction part 68 for introducing water into the main body 66 may be formed, and at the upper part of the main body 66, a discharge part 69 for discharging the sterilized water from the main body 66 may be formed. A introduction pipe 68a may be connected to the introduction part 68 formed in the main body 66, and the introduction pipe 68a may be provided so as to extend in the tangential direction of the inner surface of the main body 66 in plan view. In this case, the tangential direction of the inner surface is the tangential direction at the portion where the introduced water collides with the inner surface of the main body 66 among the tangents of the circle formed by the inner surface of the main body 66 in the horizontal cross section including the introduction part 68.

[0135] The water introduced into the main body 66 through the introduction part 68 swirls in the circumferential direction as it is guided along the inner surface of the main body 66. Then, the water moves upward while swirling and is discharged from the discharge part 69. Thereby, the bias of the flow of the water introduced into the main body 66 can be suppressed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a part of the water introduced into the main body 66 from being discharged from the discharge part 69 in a short time (so-called short path).

[0136] As shown in FIG. 4, a baffle plate 66a for regulating the flow of water may be provided in the main body 66. This baffle plate 66a may protrude radially from the inner surface of the main body 66 so as to circulate in a spiral shape. By providing such a baffle plate 66a in the main body 66, it is possible to suppress the water introduced into the main body 66 through the introduction part 68 from moving upward without swirling in the circumferential direction. For this reason, it is possible to more reliably prevent a so-called short path. Although not shown, in the main body 66, the baffle plate 66a does not have to circulate in a spiral shape. In this case, for example, a plurality of baffle plates 66a each having an annular shape in plan view may be provided in the main body 66, and the central opening may be configured to allow water to pass through.

[0137] Also, a fixing member 66b for fixing the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, which will be described later, of the ultraviolet irradiation part 67 may be provided in the main body 66. The shape of the fixing member 66b may be, for example, a cross shape in plan view. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the upward movement of the water from being obstructed by the fixing member 66b. Alternatively, the shape of the fixing member 66b may be, for example, a disk shape and may be circular in plan view. In this case, a through hole (not shown) may be formed in the fixing member 66b, and the through hole may be configured to allow water to pass through.

[0138] Furthermore, an illuminometer (intensity meter) 66c for measuring the illuminance of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may be installed in the main body 66. It is desirable that at least one illuminometer 66c is installed 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 be installed. Also, the flow meter F described above may constantly monitor the time (residence time) for water to pass through the inside of the main body 66. Furthermore, the temperature, transmittance (turbidity), and / or chromaticity of the water passing through the main body 66 may be measured constantly or as appropriate, and it may be constantly confirmed that there is no abnormality in the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet rays.

[0139] Next, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 will be described. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may include a first ultraviolet lamp 67a provided at the center in the radial direction of the main body 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.

[0140] Each of the second ultraviolet lamps 67b is arranged along the inner surface of the main body 66. That is, each of the second ultraviolet lamps 67b is provided so as to incline radially inward as it goes upward. In this case, it is preferable that the second ultraviolet lamps 67b are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Thereby, variations in the integrated irradiation amount (mJ / cm 2 ) of the ultraviolet rays can be suppressed. The first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may each be an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 200 nm or more and 450 nm or less.

[0141] Such first ultraviolet lamp 67a and second ultraviolet lamp 67b may each be a low-pressure mercury lamp, a medium-pressure mercury lamp, or a UV-LED. In this case, it is preferable that the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are each a low-pressure mercury lamp or a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0142] 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 be different from each other. That is, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may be different ultraviolet lamps from each other. As an example, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp (or UV-LED). Further, the wavelengths and / or outputs of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be different from each other. That is, the plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be different ultraviolet lamps from each other. For example, when one of the second ultraviolet lamps 67b is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the other second ultraviolet lamp 67b may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp (or UV-LED). As will be described later, the low-pressure mercury lamp can efficiently irradiate ultraviolet rays with a wavelength (253.7 nm) having a high sterilization effect. Also, as will be described later, the medium-pressure mercury lamp is a high-output mercury lamp as compared with the low-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are different ultraviolet lamps from each other, the sterilization effect in the first sterilizer 62 can be improved, and the first sterilizer 62 can sterilize a large amount of water. Also, as described above, even when the plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b are different ultraviolet lamps from each other, the sterilization effect in the first sterilizer 62 can be improved, and the first sterilizer 62 can sterilize a large amount of water.

[0143] The 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) having a high sterilization effect. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are each a low-pressure mercury lamp, the sterilization effect in the first sterilizer 62 (and the second sterilizer 64) can be improved. The low-pressure mercury lamp may be an amalgam lamp (low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) in which an amalgam, which is an alloy of mercury and another metal, is enclosed in the arc tube.

[0144] A medium-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp in which the mercury vapor pressure during lighting is 40 kPa or more. The wavelength of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the medium-pressure mercury lamp has a main wavelength of 365 nm and peaks at 254 nm, 302 nm, 313 nm, 405 nm, 436 nm, etc. Generally, a medium-pressure mercury lamp is a high-output mercury lamp compared with a low-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are medium-pressure mercury lamps respectively, a large amount of water can be sterilized by the first sterilizer 62 (and the second sterilizer 64). Also, 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, the first sterilizer 62 (and the second sterilizer 64) can be miniaturized.

[0145] 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 line 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 low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and the medium-pressure mercury lamp have different sterilization wavelengths. Therefore, a high sterilization effect can be obtained by using a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and a medium-pressure mercury lamp in combination.

[0146] In addition, since the medium-pressure mercury lamp has higher heat resistance than the low-pressure mercury lamp, it can be lit at high temperatures. Therefore, as described later, when sterilizing the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 by circulating hot water or a bactericide in the circulation system 95A (see FIGS. 2B and 2C), the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like can be lit and the first sterilizer 62 or the like can be sterilized. 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 installed in series, the low-pressure mercury lamp may be used in the pre-stage sterilizer 62A between the pure water tank 50c that does not perform sterilization and the first water tank 51.

[0147] Here, the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet rays on bacteria changes depending on the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays (mJ / cm 2 ). That is, the higher the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays, the higher the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet rays on bacteria. This integrated irradiation dose is obtained by multiplying the illuminance (mW / cm 2 ) by the irradiation time (s). Therefore, in order to enhance the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet rays on bacteria, it is required to shorten the distance between the light source (the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b) and the water and to lengthen 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 becomes 1 / 4, and when the distance from the light source is tripled, the illuminance becomes 1 / 9. Therefore, by passing water near the light source, the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet rays on bacteria can be enhanced.

[0148] As described above, in the present embodiment, an introduction unit 68 for introducing water into the inside of the main body 66 is formed at the lower part of the main body 66, and a discharge unit 69 for discharging the sterilized water from the main body 66 is formed at the upper part of the main body 66. Thereby, a short circuit can be prevented, and the time for which water stays inside the main body 66 can be lengthened. For this reason, the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays on the water can be lengthened, and the integrated irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays can be increased. Further, by introducing water from the lower part of the main body 66, even the water at the initial stage of operation of the first sterilizer 62, that is, the water introduced into the main body 66 in an empty state, can secure a sufficient time for staying inside the main body 66. For this reason, the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays on the water can be lengthened.

[0149] Further, the shape of the main body 66 is a frustum of a cone shape. Thereby, the distance between the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b and the water can be shortened at the upper part of the main body 66. For this reason, the bactericidal effect of bacteria by ultraviolet rays can be enhanced. Further, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 includes a first ultraviolet lamp 67a provided at the center in the radial direction of the main body 66 and a plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b provided around the first ultraviolet lamp 67a. Thereby, the water moving upward while swirling in the circumferential direction can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays evenly. For this reason, it is possible to suppress variations in the integrated irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays.

[0150] Here, the integrated 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. That is, when passing through the main body 66, the integrated 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 integrated irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays on the water is 10 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 254 nm 210000 mJ / cm or less is preferable, and 100 mJ / cm or more and 1000 mJ / cm or less is more preferable. When the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays is 10 mJ / cm or more, it is possible to effectively sterilize aquatic bacteria (Gram-negative bacteria such as those belonging to the genus or genus that can grow in water with a poor nutrient environment) that may pass through the second sterile filter 65. Also, when the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays is 100 mJ / cm or more, bacterial spores can also be sterilized. Further, when the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays is 10000 mJ / cm or less, the power consumption can be reduced, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Here, the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays may be 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less, and for example, it may be 253.7 nm (254 nm). By the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays being 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less, particularly 253.7 nm, the bactericidal effect of the ultraviolet rays can be enhanced. Here, in this specification, "aquatic bacteria" means bacteria that can pass through a sterile filter with an aperture of 0.2 μm. 2 or less is preferable, and 100 mJ / cm 2 or more and 1000 mJ / cm 2 or less is more preferable. When the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays is 10 mJ / cm 2 or more, there is a possibility of aquatic bacteria (Gram-negative bacteria such as those belonging to the genus or genus that can grow in water with a poor nutrient environment) passing through the second sterile filter 65. Pseudomonas genus or Methylobacterium genus, etc.) can be effectively sterilized. Also, when the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays is 100 mJ / cm 2 or more, bacterial spores can also be sterilized. Further, when the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays is 10000 mJ / cm 2 or less, the power consumption can be reduced, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Here, the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays may be 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less, and for example, it may be 253.7 nm (254 nm). By the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays being 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less, particularly 253.7 nm, the bactericidal effect of the ultraviolet rays can be enhanced. Here, in this specification, "aquatic bacteria" means bacteria that can pass through a sterile filter with an aperture of 0.2 μm.

[0151] Such a first sterilizer 62 is preferably sterilizable (SIP). Thereby, the first sterilizer 62 can be sterilized regularly. When sterilizing the first sterilizer 62, the above-described control unit 90 may sterilize the first sterilizer 62 with steam or hot water. Alternatively, when the first sterilizer 62 is vulnerable to heat, the control unit 90 may 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 may circulate the bactericide in the circulation system 59A for at least 10 seconds and 60 minutes or less.

[0152] Note that, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the shape of the main body 66 of the first sterilizer 62 may be cylindrical. In this case, a discharge pipe 69a may be connected to the discharge portion 69 formed in the main body 66, and the discharge pipe 69a may be provided so as to extend in 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 portion where the water that circulates while contacting the inner surface separates from the inner surface of the main body 66 among the tangents of the circle formed by the inner surface of the main body 66 in a horizontal cross section including the discharge portion 69. When the shape of the main body 66 is cylindrical, the time for water to stay inside the main body 66 can be lengthened. For this reason, the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays on the water can be lengthened, and the integrated irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays can be increased. Note that, in this case, although not shown, a plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be provided so as to incline radially inward as going upward.

[0153] Also, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the shape of the main body 66 may be an elongated substantially cylindrical shape. In this case, an introduction portion 68 for introducing water into the main body 66 may be formed at one end of the main body 66. Further, a discharge portion 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 so that the longitudinal direction (the water flow direction) of the main body 66 is parallel to the horizontal direction, or the main body 66 may be arranged so that the longitudinal direction (the water flow direction) of the main body 66 is parallel to the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the shape of the main body 66 is a so-called reducer shape in which the diameter decreases toward one end and the diameter decreases toward the other end. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shape of the main body 66 may be a cylindrical shape having a substantially uniform diameter from the introduction portion 68 to the discharge portion 69.

[0154] In this modified example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may include a plurality of third ultraviolet lamps 67c arranged along the water flow direction. Thereby, the water can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays evenly. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in the integrated irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays. In the illustrated example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 includes eight third ultraviolet lamps 67c.

[0155] Also, the third ultraviolet lamps 67c adjacent to each other in the water flow direction may extend in different directions when viewed from the water flow direction. Thereby, it is possible to more effectively suppress variations in the integrated irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays. In the illustrated example, each of the third ultraviolet lamps 67c is regularly arranged. That is, when viewed from the upstream side in the water flow direction (the left side in FIG. 6B), each of the third ultraviolet lamps 67c rotates clockwise by 45° around the central axis X of the main body 66 as it goes toward the downstream side in the water flow direction (the right side in FIG. 6B). Note that the rotation angle of each of the third ultraviolet lamps 67c may be changed as appropriate. For example, when viewed from the upstream side in the water flow direction, each of the third ultraviolet lamps 67c may rotate clockwise by 90° around the central axis X as it goes toward the downstream side in the water flow direction. Also, 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 of the third ultraviolet lamps 67c may rotate clockwise by 60° around the central axis X as it goes toward the downstream side in the water flow direction. Note that each of the third ultraviolet lamps 67c may be irregularly arranged.

[0156] The third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be an ultraviolet lamp similar to the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b. That is, the third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 200 nm or more and 450 nm or less. Further, the third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp), a medium-pressure mercury lamp, or a UV-LED. Further, the wavelengths and / or outputs of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the plurality of third ultraviolet lamps 67c may be different from each other. That is, the plurality of third ultraviolet lamps 67c may be different ultraviolet lamps from each other. For example, when one third ultraviolet lamp 67c is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the other third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp (or a UV-LED). Even in this case, the sterilization effect in the first sterilizer 62 can be improved, and the first sterilizer 62 can sterilize a large amount of water. Although not shown, a baffle plate 66a for restricting the flow of water may be provided in the main body 66.

[0157] Also, in the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6B, in order to enhance the sterilization efficiency of the first sterilizer 62, ultraviolet rays may be reflected inside the main body 66. For example, taking the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B as an example, as shown in FIG. 6C, the main body 66 may include an outer member 660 and an inner member 661 provided inside the outer member 660. The outer member 660 may be composed of, for example, a stainless steel pipe mirror-finished by electrolytic polishing or the like. The inner member 661 may be composed of a glass tube. Also, an air layer 662 may be interposed between the outer member 660 and the inner member 661. In this case, when using a glass with a high ultraviolet transmittance (for example, quartz glass or fluoride glass) as the glass of the glass tube of the inner member 661, as shown in FIG. 6C, ultraviolet rays UV can be reflected at the interface between the inner member 661 and the air layer 662. Note that as the material of the inner member 661, a material with a high ultraviolet transmittance may be appropriately selected according to the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the third ultraviolet lamp 67c or the like. Also, as the material of the inner member 661, other than glass may be used, for example, plastic having the same characteristics as glass may be used. Further, a material with a high reflectivity may be coated on the inner surface of the outer member 660 and / or the outer surface of the inner member 661. In particular, when the main body 66 is elongated as in the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, 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 rays UV can be suppressed while the ultraviolet rays UV can be repeatedly reflected. Therefore, water can be sterilized efficiently. Note that the ultraviolet rays UV preferably reflect one or more times inside the main body 66. In this case, by shortening the distance between the outer member 660 or the like and the third ultraviolet lamp 67c or the like, it is more preferable that the number of reflections of the ultraviolet rays UV is two or more. Here, the ultraviolet rays irradiated from a medium-pressure mercury lamp can maintain the illuminance farther than the ultraviolet rays irradiated from a low-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, when the third ultraviolet lamp 67c or the like is a medium-pressure mercury lamp, even when the ultraviolet rays UV are reflected a plurality of times inside the main body 66, it is possible to effectively suppress the reduction of the sterilization effect by the ultraviolet rays UV.

[0158] Also, the passing time for water to pass through the first sterilizer 62 may be 0.1 second or more and less than 10 seconds, preferably 0.5 second or more and less than 5 seconds. The passing time is the time from when the water introduced into the interior of the main body 66 from the introduction part 68 is discharged from the discharge part 69. By the passing time being 0.1 second or more, it is possible to suppress variations in the sterilization effect of the water. For this reason, a sufficient sterilization effect can be obtained. By the passing time being less than 10 seconds, miniaturization of the first sterilizer 62 can be achieved. Note that the passing time for water to pass through the first sterilizer 62 may be appropriately changed based on the flow rate of the water processed (sterilized) by the first sterilizer 62.

[0159] Referring again to FIG. 2A, the first sterile filter 63 is provided on the downstream side of the first sterilizer 62. This first sterile filter 63 is a microfiltration filter (MF) that sterilizes water by collecting bacteria remaining in the water. The aperture of the first sterile filter 63 may 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 the aperture of the first sterile filter 63 being 0.1 μm or more, a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of the water can be suppressed. Also, by the aperture of the first sterile filter 63 being 0.45 μm or less, bacteria remaining in the water can be effectively collected by the first sterile filter 63. A filter with an aperture of 0.02 μm or more and 0.1 μm or less, which can also remove some viruses, may be used as the first sterile filter 63. Also, the material of the filter membrane (membrane) of the first sterile filter 63 may be polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethersulfone (PES), mixed cellulose (SCWP), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyamide, or the like. The filter membrane of the first sterile filter 63 may be, for example, a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane) or an ultrafiltration membrane (UF membrane) according to the suitability of the contents.

[0160] This first sterile filter 63 is preferably capable of being sterilized (SIP). Thereby, the first sterile filter 63 can be sterilized regularly. Here, as described above, the first sterile filter 63 passes through the first sterilizer 62 and collects the bacteria remaining in the water. Therefore, if the sterilization of water continues for a long time in the water sterilizer 60, the collected bacteria can multiply in the first sterile filter 63. Also, if the remains of bacteria, which are organic substances, adhere to the first sterile filter 63 or the like, the remains of bacteria can become a substrate. In this case, the bacteria can multiply further in the first sterile filter 63. Thus, if the 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 is capable of being sterilized, it is possible to suppress the bacteria attached to the first sterile filter 63 from entering the water passing through the first sterile filter 63. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the filtration performance of the first sterile filter 63. When sterilizing the first sterile filter 63, steam for sterilization or the like may be supplied from the sterile air supply port 60a, which will be described later, to the first sterile filter 63.

[0161] Here, the degree of sterilization of the first sterile filter 63 may be controlled by the F value. In other words, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 having the first sterile filter 63, the degree of sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 may be controlled by the F value. At this time, for example, the control unit 90 may measure the temperature of the heated steam (fluid) or hot water (fluid) flowing through the flow path of the first sterile filter 63, and calculate the F value based on the measured temperature. Then, when the F value becomes equal to or greater than the target value, the control unit 90 may end the sterilization of the first sterile filter 63. When measuring the temperature of the heated steam or hot water, the control unit 90 may measure the temperature with a temperature sensor arranged at each location in the flow path where the temperature is difficult to rise while flowing the heated steam or hot water through the flow path of the first sterile filter 63. Then, when the time for the temperature from each temperature sensor to reach the predetermined temperature becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined time, the control unit 90 may end the heating of the flow path by the heated steam or the like. Thereby, the first sterile filter 63 can be sterilized without applying more heat to the first sterile filter 63 than necessary. Here, the F value is the heating time required to kill all bacteria when heating the bacteria for a certain time, is indicated by the lethal time of the bacteria at 121.1 °C, and is calculated by the following formula.

[0162] [Number] (However, T represents an arbitrary sterilization temperature (°C), 10^{(T - Tr) / Z} represents the lethality at an arbitrary sterilization temperature T, Tr represents the reference temperature (°C), and Z represents the Z value (°C).)

[0163] Further, it is preferable that the first sterile filter 63 can perform a integrity test on the aperture of the first sterile filter 63. Here, the integrity test may be performed, for example, by a bubble point test. The bubble point test can be performed as follows. For example, first, water is supplied to a housing (not shown) inside the first sterile filter 63 to cover a filter (not shown) of the first sterile filter 63 with water. Next, the supply of water is stopped, and the water inside the first sterile filter 63 is discharged. Then, sterile air is injected into the first sterile filter 63 covered with water, for example, from a sterile air supply port 60a. Then, the pressure of the sterile air is increased until the sterile air leaks from the first sterile filter 63. And based on the pressure of the sterile air when the sterile air leaks from the first sterile filter 63 (bubble point), the aperture size of the first sterile filter 63 is determined. In this way, since the first sterile filter 63 can perform an integrity test on the aperture of the first sterile filter 63, the degree of deterioration of the first sterile filter 63 can be easily determined. In addition, a pressure gauge P2 may be provided near the sterile air supply port 60a to measure the pressure inside the first sterile filter 63. Note that the integrity test may be performed by a diffusion flow test, a pressure hold test, or the like, in addition to the above-described bubble point test.

[0164] The second sterilizer 64 is provided on the downstream side of the first sterile filter 63. The configuration of this second sterilizer 64 may be substantially the same as that of the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6B. That is, the second sterilizer 64 may be a sterilizer that sterilizes water by ultraviolet rays.

[0165] 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 passing through the second sterilizer 64 and collecting the bacteria remaining in the water. The aperture of the second sterile filter 65 is preferably equal to or smaller than the aperture of the first sterile filter 63. Thereby, even if the bacteria in the water pass through the first sterile filter 63 by any chance, the bacteria can be collected by the second sterile filter 65. Therefore, the sterility of the water can be sufficiently ensured. Further, when the aperture of the second sterile filter 65 is equal to the aperture of the first sterile filter 63, two sets of sterilization sets composed of a sterilizer and a sterile filter can be arranged along the water conveyance direction. That is, a first sterilization set composed of the first sterilizer 62 and the first sterile filter 63 and a second sterilization set 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 sterilization set, the sterility of the water can be guaranteed. Note that a plurality of sterilization sets may be provided according to the sterility assurance level (SAL (Sterility Assurance Level)) of water or the final product (contents) (see FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2D to 2E3). Further, as shown in FIG. 2F and the like, the number of sterilization sets may be one, and although not shown, the number of sterilization sets may be three or more.

[0166] The aperture of the second sterile filter 65 may be 0.1 μm or more and 0.45 μm or less, and is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less. By the aperture of the second sterile filter 65 being 0.1 μm or more, a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of water can be suppressed. Further, by the aperture of the second sterile filter 65 being 0.45 μm or less, the bacteria remaining in the water can be more effectively collected by the second sterile filter 65. The filter membrane of the second sterile filter 65 may be, for example, a reverse osmosis membrane (RO (Reverse Osmosis) membrane) or an ultrafiltration membrane (UF (Ultra-Filtration) membrane).

[0167] Other configurations of the second sterile filter 65 may be substantially the same as those of the first sterile filter 63. That is, the second sterile filter 65 may be sterilizable (SIP). Also, it may be possible to perform a integrity test on the aperture of the second sterile filter 65.

[0168] Here, in the water sterilizer 60, the sterilization intensity of water may be adjusted based on the target value of the bacterial count level (FSO (Food Safety Objective / ISO13409-1996) (=logN)).

[0169] In this case, for example, let the initial bacterial count level in the water before entering the filter (for example, the first sterile filter 63) be H0 (=logN0). In this case, the initial bacterial count level H0 of the filter decreases due to the sterilization effect of the filter (the level of the reduction in the number of bacteria in the water: ΣR1 (=log(N0 / NR1)>0)). Note that "N0" means the initial bacterial count in the water, and "NR1" means the number of bacteria in the water after being sterilized by the filter (for example, the first sterile filter 63).

[0170] On the other hand, it is also conceivable that the bacteria in the water increase at a certain rate while passing through the filter (the level of the increase in the number of bacteria in the water: ΣI (=log(N I )≧0)). Note that "N I " means the number of bacteria that have increased while passing through the filter.

[0171] Also, the bacteria in the water are affected by the sterilization effect of the sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64) (the level of the reduction in the number of bacteria in the water: ΣR2 (=log(N IIt decreases again by (NR2)>0)). If the number of bacteria level in the water after passing through the water sterilizer 60 is below the target value (FSO (Food Safety Objective / ISO13409-1996)(=logN)), it can be considered that there is no problem with the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50. Note that "NR2" means the number of bacteria in the water after being sterilized by a sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64), and "N" means the target value of the number of bacteria in the water after being sterilized by a sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64).

[0172] Expressing the relationships of H0, ΣR1, ΣI, ΣR2, and FSO described above as equations is as follows. H0 - ΣR1 + ΣI - ΣR2 ≤ FSO ··· (Equation 1) Therefore, by setting the sterilization ability of the sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64) so that the value of ΣR2 is equal to or greater than (H0 - ΣR1 + ΣI) - FSO, it becomes possible to make the sterility of the water below the target value (FSO).

[0173] Also, as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2M, 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. Further, a sampling line SL may be connected to at least a part of the sampling points SP1 to SP6 via a valve (not shown). By aseptically sampling water from the sampling points SP1 to SP6 or the sampling line SL, the number of bacteria or the number of fine particles in the water can be easily measured, and the state change in the water such as the growth of bacteria can be easily confirmed. When measuring the number of bacteria in the water or the like, or when confirming the state change such as the growth of bacteria, for example, the number of bacteria or the like may be counted using a plate medium. Further, for example, the number of bacteria in the water or the like and / or the state change of the bacteria may be measured and / or confirmed using a microorganism measuring instrument or a fine particle measuring instrument (liquid particle counter). Here, the microorganism measuring instrument is an instrument that counts microorganisms by irradiating particles with a laser beam, detecting the fluorescence emitted when irradiated with the laser beam, and identifying whether the particles are non-living organisms or microorganisms based on the Mie scattering theory. Examples of such microorganism measuring instruments include: manufactured by Ion Corporation: biological particle measuring instrument; manufactured by METTLER TOLEDO GmbH: microorganism detection analyzer 7000RMS; manufactured by Azbil Corporation: real-time microorganism detector, IMD-W (registered trademark), and the like. When aseptically sampling water from the sampling line SL, it is preferable that the sampling line SL has been sterilized in advance. In this case, for example, the sampling line SL may be sterilized with a bactericide such as peracetic acid or hot water. Further, the sampling line SL sterilized with a bactericide may be rinsed with pure water sterilized by the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

[0174] The sampling line SL may be provided with a thermometer T, and when sterilizing the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 with steam, the temperature of the steam may be monitored by the thermometer T.

[0175] Also, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, a third bypass line 95a may be provided between the pre-stage sterilizer 62A and the first sterilizer 62. Thereby, when sterilizing the water sterilization line 50 with a sterilizing agent or a cleaning agent, it is possible to suppress the sterilizing agent or the cleaning agent from passing through the foreign matter removal filter 61. Also, a first drain pipe 95c may be connected to the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61, and rinsing water or the like described later may be discharged from the first drain pipe 95c. Note that the first drain pipe 95c may be connected to the third bypass line 95a.

[0176] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2B, a fourth bypass line 95b may be provided between the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. Thereby, when sterilizing the water sterilization line 50 with a sterilizing agent or a cleaning agent, it is possible to suppress the sterilizing agent or the cleaning agent from passing through the first sterile filter 63. Also, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, a second drain pipe 95d may be connected to the upstream side of the first sterile filter 63, and rinsing water or the like described later may be discharged from the second drain pipe 95d. Note that the second drain pipe 95d may be connected to the fourth bypass line 95b.

[0177] The processing capacity of such a water sterilizer 60 is preferably 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required during the production of the product bottle 101, and more preferably 110% or more of the maximum processing capacity required during the production of the product bottle 101. For example, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 may be 5 m 3 / h or more and 50 m 3 / h or less. As an example, 24 m 3It may also be / h. Further, when the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 is 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required during 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 described above, 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 performed without shortage of water. Note 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 may be set to be equal to or greater than the amount of water used in the content filling system 10 when producing the product bottle 101 for one hour.

[0178] Also, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 may be controlled by the control unit 90. For example, the control unit 90 determines the amount of water used for cleaning and sterilizing the content filling system 10, and may also determine the amount of water that the water sterilizer 60 in the water sterilization line 50 sterilizes during the production of the product bottle 101 based on the determined amount of water. Here, the amount of sterile water required for cleaning and / or sterilizing each chamber etc. after the production of the product bottle 101 can be grasped for each chamber etc. Therefore, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 may be controlled by the control unit 90 so that the sterile water used after the production of the product bottle 101 can be stored during the production of one lot of the product bottle 101. Thereby, each chamber etc. can be immediately cleaned and / or sterilized after the production of the product bottle 101. Therefore, the downtime can be shortened.

[0179] In addition, when the irradiation amount or illuminance of ultraviolet rays becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control unit 90 may discharge water outside the water sterilization line 50. Here, the predetermined value is a reference value (threshold value) for determining whether to discharge water outside the water sterilization line 50. Such a predetermined value can be arbitrarily set according to the volume of the main body 66, the flow rate of water, or the like. For example, the predetermined value may be the irradiation amount or illuminance that can prevent the aseptic guarantee level of water or the final product (contents) from falling below. The predetermined value depends on, for example, the volume of the main body 66, etc., but may be 10 mJ / cm 2 or more and 10000 mJ / cm 2 or less, and as an example, it may be 100 mJ / cm 2 . The irradiation amount of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may be set based on the RED (Reduction Equivalent UV Dose) obtained by an actual chemical dosimeter or biological dosimeter. For details, refer 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".

[0180] When the control unit 90 discharges water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50, the control unit 90 may discharge the water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 via the circulation line 59. In this case, when the value of the illuminometer 66c becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value while the water sterilizer 60 is sterilizing water by ultraviolet rays, the control unit 90 may switch the valve V1. Then, by the control unit 90 switching the valve V1, water may be supplied to the circulation line 59. Thereby, the asepticity on the downstream side of the valve V1 can be maintained. Note that the water supplied to the circulation line 59 may be discharged from the circulation line 59 without being supplied to the first water tank 51. Alternatively, the water supplied to the circulation line 59 may be supplied to the first water tank 51. In this case, the water may be circulated within the circulation system 59A until the value of the illuminometer 66c becomes a sufficient value. Then, after the value of the illuminometer 66c becomes a sufficient value, by the control unit 90 switching the valve V1, the water within the circulation system 59A may be supplied to the second water tank 52.

[0181] Also, 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 a predetermined value, the control unit 90 may discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50. That is, even when an abnormality is recognized 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 line 50. Also in this case, for example, the asepticity on the downstream side of the valve V1 can be maintained.

[0182] Furthermore, when at least one of the number of bacteria and the number of fine particles in the water sampled from the water sterilization line 50 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 90 may discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50. That is, even when there is an abnormality in 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 line 50. Also in this case, for example, the asepticity on the downstream side of the valve V1 can be maintained.

[0183] In these cases, after eliminating the malfunction of the water sterilizer 60, the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized with a disinfectant such as peracetic acid, or hot water or steam, as described later. Then, the water sterilization by the water sterilizer 60 is resumed.

[0184] Such a water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization line 50 preferably continues to sterilize water without stopping the water sterilization while producing the product bottle 101 by filling the bottle 100 with the contents in the contents filling system 10. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the growth of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. That is, when the water flow stops in the water sterilizer 60, bacteria may grow in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. On the other hand, while producing the product bottle 101 in the contents filling system 10, by continuing to sterilize water without stopping the pump P1, it is possible to suppress the growth of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. When the second water tank 52 is full while producing the product bottle 101 in the contents filling system 10, the sterilized water may be circulated in the circulation system 59A (see FIG. 2A etc.). Thereby, even when the second water tank 52 is full, it is possible to suppress the water flow from stopping in the water sterilizer 60. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the growth of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. When the circulation time of the sterilized water becomes long, the temperature of the sterilized water may rise due to the irradiation energy of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. In this case, the water flowing through the circulation line 59 may be discharged from the circulation line 59 without supplying it to the first water tank 51. And the rise in the temperature of the circulating water may be suppressed by supplying new pure water from the pure water production device 50a to the first water tank 51. For example, when circulating the sterilized water in the circulation system 59A, about 3% or more and 30% or less of the water staying inside the circulation line 59 may be discharged once an hour, and new pure water may be supplied from the pure water production device 50a to the first water tank 51. Thereby, it becomes possible to supply water at a constant temperature to the second water tank 52 at all times. The ratio of the water to be discharged may be appropriately changed according to the irradiation dose or the number of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc.

[0185] Here, as shown in FIG. 2N, the water sterilization line 50 is partitioned into a non-sterile zone Z1, a first gray zone Z2, a second gray zone Z3, and a sterile zone Z4. The non-sterile zone Z1, the first gray zone Z2, the second gray zone Z3, and the sterile zone Z4 are provided in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction.

[0186] Among these, the non-sterile zone Z1 is a zone under a non-sterile atmosphere and is a zone where bacteria may exist. In the illustrated example, the non-sterile zone Z1 is a region upstream of the pre-stage sterilizer 62A. In the non-sterile zone 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 zone Z1, after the start of the production of the product bottle 101, the first water tank 51 and the like may be contaminated by bacteria due to the bacteria being brought in from upstream of the first water tank 51.

[0187] The first gray zone Z2 and the second gray zone Z3 are zones for isolating the non-sterile atmosphere and the sterile atmosphere, respectively. Among them, the first gray zone Z2 is a zone for sterilizing bacteria in water. The second gray zone Z3 is a zone for maintaining a state where there are no bacteria in water during the manufacture of the product bottle 101. In the illustrated example, the first gray zone Z2 is the area from the pre-stage sterilizer 62A to the outlet of the second sterilizer 64. Also, the second gray zone 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 production device 50a that supplies water to the water sterilization line 50 is sterilized (SIP) before sterilizing the water in the water sterilization line 50. At this time, the sterilization is performed under conditions capable of sterilizing at least aquatic bacteria. The temperature of the steam or hot water used for sterilization and the sterilization time may 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 may be 90°C and 3 minutes, which is a condition where the sterilization value is equivalent to a Z value of 5°C. Also, the sterilization conditions may be 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, generally, bacterial spores cannot be sterilized by the sterilization value under these sterilization conditions. Therefore, bacterial spores may be present in the area up to before the first sterile filter 63. For this reason, the area from the pre-stage sterilizer 62A to before the first sterile filter 63 is called the gray zone. After sterilizing the pure water production device 50a, by continuously supplying water to the second gray zone Z3 at all times, the second gray zone Z3 is maintained in a positive pressure state. Thereby, in the second gray zone Z3, a state where there are no aquatic bacteria is maintained. Note that the positive pressure state of the second gray zone Z3 is managed by a pressure gauge (not shown). Note that the sterilization (SIP) of the pure water production device 50a may be performed by an agent or the like that inactivates aquatic bacteria, rather than steam or hot water.

[0188] The aseptic zone Z4 is a zone under an aseptic atmosphere. That is, the aseptic zone Z4 is a zone maintained in an aseptic state. In the illustrated example, the aseptic zone Z4 is a region downstream of the first aseptic filter 63. In the aseptic zone Z4, after sterilizing all bacteria including bacterial spores by sterilizing each device with steam or hot water (SIP (F0 value is 3 or more, Z value = 10 °C)), aseptic air or aseptic water is supplied. Thereby, the aseptic zone Z4 is maintained in a positive pressure state, and the aseptic zone Z4 is maintained in an aseptic state. When sterilizing (SIP) the aseptic zone Z4, it is preferable to sterilize at least up to the boundary with the second gray zone Z3. When sterilizing the aseptic zone Z4, the piping in the second gray zone Z3 may be sterilized together with the aseptic zone Z4.

[0189] Among these non-aseptic zone Z1, first gray zone Z2, second gray zone Z3 and aseptic zone Z4, in the first gray zone Z2, water can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays. In the first gray zone Z2, the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water by the pre-stage sterilizer 62A is at least 10 mJ / cm 2 or more at a wavelength of 254 nm, and preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 or more. In this case, the pre-stage sterilizer 62A may include a low-pressure mercury lamp. Also, in the first gray zone Z2, the total integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is 100 mJ / cm 2 or more at a wavelength of 254 nm. Thus, by the total integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 being 100 mJ / cm 2 or more, aquatic bacteria can be sterilized in the first gray zone Z2. Therefore, the sterility of the water in the second gray zone Z3 can be guaranteed. In this case, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 may each include a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0190] In the first gray zone Z2, the total integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is 100 mJ / cm 2If it is less than that, the water before being supplied to the first sterile filter 63 may be circulated by the circulation line 95. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the water in which aquatic bacteria may be present from being supplied to the first sterile filter 63. For this reason, the sterility of the water in the sterile zone Z4 can be guaranteed. Further, in this case, before supplying the water to the sterile zone 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 may be sterilized (SIP).

[0191] Further, in 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 before and after production (the first integrity test and the second integrity test) described later are qualified. Thereby, at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 can filter and sterilize bacteria other than aquatic bacteria. For this reason, the sterility of the water in the sterile zone Z4 can be guaranteed. In the case where the integrity test results before and after production are unqualified in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65, for example, a sterile grade filter having 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. In this case, it is preferable that the integrity test results before and after production are qualified in the foreign matter removal filter 61. Thereby, the foreign matter removal filter 61 can filter and sterilize bacteria other than aquatic bacteria, and the sterility of the water in the sterile zone Z4 can be guaranteed.

[0192] As described above, in the water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization line 50 according to the present embodiment, during production, the irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays is equal to or greater than a predetermined value or within a predetermined range, and the integrity test results before and after the start of production are qualified, whereby the sterility of the water is ensured.

[0193] Next, the stock solution sterilization line 70 will be described. The stock solution sterilization line 70 is a sterilization line for heat-sterilizing a product stock solution.

[0194] As shown in FIG. 7, the stock solution sterilization line 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 this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the product stock solution. A circulation line (third circulation line) 89 may be connected between the third-stage cooling section 86, which will be described later, and the second stock solution tank 72 in the stock solution sterilization line 70. The product stock solution that has passed through the third-stage cooling section 86 may be configured to be returned to the first stock solution tank 71 via the circulation line 89.

[0195] The first stock solution tank 71 is a tank that stores the product stock solution supplied from a supply source (not shown). By storing the product stock solution, the first stock solution tank 71 serves to smooth the flow of the product stock solution. The volume of the first stock solution tank 71 may be 0.3 m 3 or more and 3 m 3 or less. As an example, it may be 1 m 3 or so.

[0196] A pump P3 for conveying the product stock solution may be provided on the downstream side of the first stock solution tank 71. Further, the above-described product stock solution sterilizer 80 is provided on the downstream side of the pump P3.

[0197] 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 may be a sterilizer (Ultra High-temperature, hereinafter simply referred to as UHT) that sterilizes the product stock solution by the ultra-high temperature heat treatment method. This UHT 80 has a first-stage heating section 81, a second-stage heating section 82, a holding tube 83, a first-stage cooling section 84, a second-stage cooling section 85, and a third-stage cooling section 86. The product 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 tube 83. In this case, for example, the product stock solution may be heated to 60°C or higher and 80°C or lower by the first-stage heating section 81, and heated to 80°C or higher and 150°C or lower by the second-stage heating section 82. Also, in the holding tube 83, the temperature of the product stock solution is maintained for a certain period of time. The product stock solution that has passed through the holding tube 83 is gradually cooled by the first-stage cooling section 84, the second-stage cooling section 85, and the third-stage cooling section 86. Note that 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 can increase. For this reason, an additional pump (not shown) may 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 may be provided between the first-stage heating section 81 and the second-stage heating section 82, or between the first-stage cooling section 84 and the second-stage cooling section 85, etc.

[0198] The processing capacity of such a UHT 80 is 3 m 3 / h or more and 30 m 3 / h or less, and as an example, it may be 6 m 3 / h.

[0199] Also, by monitoring the temperature at the hottest location (e.g., the second-stage heating section 82) of the UHT80, the scale (deposits such as calcium) adhering to the UHT80 may be monitored. And when cleaning (CIP) the UHT80, the removal state of the scale may be monitored. Thereby, optimization of the cleaning process for cleaning the UHT80 can be achieved. For this reason, the cleaning time can be shortened, and the amounts of water, steam, and cleaning agent 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.

[0200] Note that the UHT80 may be of an injection type or an infusion type. Also, the heat exchanger used for heat exchange in the content filling system 10, such as the heat exchanger of the UHT80, may be a plate type, a shell & tube type, or a scraping type heat exchanger.

[0201] The second stock solution tank 72 is a tank (so-called aseptic tank) that stores the product stock solution sterilized by the product stock solution sterilizer 80. This second stock solution tank 72 serves to smooth the flow of the product stock solution by storing the sterilized product stock solution. The volume of the second stock solution tank 72 may be 1 m 3 or more and 20 m 3 or less. As an example, it may be 2 m 3 or the like.

[0202] Also, on the downstream side of the second stock solution tank 72, 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. In this case, the third stock solution tank 74 may be a so-called filling machine tank, and may be installed above the vertical direction of the stock solution filling device 22 in order to improve the filling accuracy of the stock solution filling device 22. The third stock solution tank 74 may serve as a so-called cushion tank that ensures a smooth flow of the product stock solution even when the usage amount of the product stock solution on the downstream side of the third stock solution tank 74 changes. The volume of the third stock solution tank 74 is 0.1 m 3 or more and 1 m 3It may be as follows. As an example, 0.3 m 3 is also acceptable. Note that the auxiliary filter 73 may be provided inside or at the tip of all the stock solution filling nozzles of the stock solution filling device 22 (for example, refer to FIG. 16C described later).

[0203] Furthermore, an addition unit 75 for adding solids 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, the content containing solids can be filled into the bottle 100. In this case, examples of the solids added by the addition unit 75 to the product stock solution may include, for example, seaweed, nata de coco, tapioca, or aloe. Also, the solids may be pre-sterilized aseptic solids.

[0204] (Content filling method) Next, a content filling method using the above-described content filling system 10 (FIG. 1) will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0205] First, by the preform supply device 1, a plurality of preforms 100a are sequentially supplied to the receiving portion 34 of the preform conveying portion 31 via the preform supply conveyor 2 (preform supply step, reference numeral S1 in FIG. 8). At this time, the preform 100a is sterilized by spraying a gas or mist of hydrogen peroxide on the preform 100a in the preform sterilizing device 34a, and then dried with hot air.

[0206] Next, the preform 100a is sent to the heating portion 35 and heated by the heater 35a to about 90°C or more and 130°C or less, for example. Next, the preform 100a heated by the heating portion 35 is sent to the delivery portion 36. Then, the preform 100a is sent from the delivery portion 36 to the blow molding portion 32.

[0207] Next, blow molding is performed on the preform 100a sent to the blow molding section 32 using a mold (not shown), thereby blow molding the bottle 100 (bottle molding step, reference symbol S2 in Fig. 8). Then, the blow-molded bottle 100 is sent to the bottle conveying section 33.

[0208] Next, in the sterilization device 11, the bottle 100 is sterilized using an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution as a sterilizing agent (container sterilization step, reference symbol S3 in Fig. 8). At this time, the sterilizing agent may be a gas or mist obtained by once vaporizing the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution above its 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.

[0209] Subsequently, the bottle 100 is sent to the air rinsing device 14. In the air rinsing device 14, activation of hydrogen peroxide is performed by supplying sterile heated air or normal-temperature air to the bottle 100, and foreign substances, hydrogen peroxide, etc. are removed from the bottle 100 (air rinsing step, reference symbol S4 in Fig. 8). In the air rinsing step, if necessary, a condensed mist of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide may be mixed into the sterile heated air or normal-temperature sterilized air. In this case, hydrogen peroxide is gasified by the sterile air. Then, in the air rinsing step, the gasified hydrogen peroxide may be supplied to the bottle 100.

[0210] Subsequently, 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 step, reference symbol S5 in Fig. 8). In this water filling device 21, while the bottle 100 is rotated (revolved), water is filled into the bottle 100 from its mouth. The water is sterilized in advance in the water sterilization line 50 before being filled into the bottle 100 by the water filling device 21.

[0211] In the water filling device 21, sterilized water is filled into the sterilized bottle 100 at room temperature. The temperature of the water during filling is, for example, about 3°C or higher and 40°C or lower. Also, the filling speed at which the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with water may be faster than the filling speed at which the stock solution filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 with the product stock solution. In the water filling device 21, the filling speed of the water may be 100 mL / sec or more and 500 mL / sec or less.

[0212] Next, in the 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 step, symbol S6 in Fig. 8). In this stock solution filling device 22, while the bottle 100 is rotated (revolved), the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 from its mouth. The product stock solution is heat-sterilized in advance in the stock solution sterilization line 70 before being filled into the bottle 100 by the stock solution filling device 22. The heating temperature for heating the product stock solution may 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 may be about 30 seconds or more and 120 seconds or less. Also, when the acidity of the content is pH 4.5 or higher, the heating temperature for heating the product stock solution may be about 115°C or higher and 150°C or lower. Also, the heating time may be about 30 seconds or more and 120 seconds or less. Thereby, all of the microorganisms in the product stock solution before filling that can grow in the product bottle 101 are sterilized. The heat-sterilized product stock solution is cooled to a temperature of about 3°C or higher and 40°C or lower.

[0213] In the stock solution filling device 22, the product stock solution that has been sterilized and cooled to room temperature is filled into the bottle 100 filled with water at room 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 stock solution filling device 22, the filling speed of the product stock solution may be 30 mL / sec or more and 200 mL / sec or less.

[0214] Subsequently, the bottle 100 filled with the content is conveyed by the conveying wheel 12 to the cap mounting device 16.

[0215] On the one hand, the cap 88 is pre-sterilized by the cap sterilization device 18 (cap sterilization step, reference symbol S7 in FIG. 8). During this time, first, the cap 88 is carried into the cap sterilization device 18 from the outside of the content filling system 10. Subsequently, in the cap sterilization device 18, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed onto the cap 88, and after its inner and outer surfaces are sterilized, it is dried with hot air and sent to the cap mounting device 16.

[0216] Next, in the cap mounting device 16, the sterilized cap 88 is mounted on the mouth of the bottle 100 conveyed from the filling device 20, thereby closing the bottle 100 to obtain the product bottle 101 (cap mounting step, reference symbol S8 in FIG. 8).

[0217] Thereafter, the product bottle 101 is conveyed from the cap mounting device 16 to the product bottle unloading section 25 and unloaded outside the content filling system 10 (bottle discharging step, reference symbol S9 in FIG. 8). Then, the product bottle 101 is transported to a packaging line (not shown) and packaged.

[0218] Note that the above container sterilization step, air rinsing step, water filling step, product stock solution filling step, cap mounting step, and bottle discharging step are performed in a sterile atmosphere, that is, in a sterile environment surrounded by the sterilant spraying chamber 70d, air rinsing chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, and outlet chamber 70i. Also, the cap sterilization step is performed by the cap sterilization device 18. In this case, the sterilant spraying chamber 70d, air rinsing 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.

[0219] After the sterilization treatment of each chamber, aseptic air is constantly supplied into the sterilant spraying chamber 70d, the air rinsing chamber 70e, the first aseptic chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second aseptic chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i so as to blow out toward the outside of the sterilant spraying chamber 70d, the air rinsing chamber 70e, the first aseptic chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second aseptic chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i. Also, aseptic air is constantly supplied into the cap sterilization device 18 so as to blow out toward the outside of the cap sterilization device 18.

[0220] In this way, when positive-pressure aseptic air is supplied into each of the chambers 70d to 70i, in the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c, the sterilant spraying chamber 70d, and the outlet chamber 70i, the aseptic air in each chamber and the sterilant used for bottle sterilization are exhausted. At this time, the pressure in each chamber may be adjusted so that the pressures in the sterilant spraying chamber 70d, the air rinsing chamber 70e, the first aseptic chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second aseptic chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i become positive pressures respectively. In this case, as described above, the pressure in the sterilant spraying chamber 70d may be -10 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less. The pressure in the air rinsing chamber 70e may be 10 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. The pressure in the first aseptic chamber 70f may be 30 Pa or more and 60 Pa or less. The pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g may be 20 Pa or more and 50 Pa or less. The pressure in the second aseptic chamber 70h may be 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. The pressure in the outlet chamber 70i may be 10 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less.

[0221] Note that the production (conveying) speed of the bottle 100 in the content filling system 10 is preferably 100 bpm or more and 1500 bpm or less. Here, bpm (bottle per minute) refers to the conveying speed of the bottle 100 per minute.

[0222] (Sterilization method of content filling system) Next, the sterilization method of the above-described content filling system 10 (FIG. 1) will be described. Here, first, the 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 with reference to FIG. 9.

[0223] Sterilization method of chamber First, after the filling of the beverage in the content filling system 10 is completed, for example, the operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. As a result, a CIP cup (not shown) is placed on the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21. In this way, by placing a CIP cup (not shown) on 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 so that bacteria do not enter the water filling device 21 from the tip of the water filling nozzle. Further, by operating the operation button of the control unit 90, the gaps formed in the partitions separating the sterilant spray chamber 70d, the air rinse chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, and the second sterile chamber 70h are closed by shutters (not shown).

[0224] Next, the pressure inside the first sterile chamber 70f is increased. At this time, the pressure inside the first sterile chamber 70f is increased by supplying sterile air from a sterile air supply device (not shown) into the first sterile chamber 70f. Further, at this time, the air supply amount and / or the exhaust amount in each chamber are adjusted so that the pressure inside the first sterile chamber 70f becomes a predetermined pressure. At this time, for example, the pressure inside the first sterile chamber 70f, which was 30 Pa, is increased to, for example, 40 Pa. As a result, the air in the sterilant spray chamber 70d and the air in the intermediate area chamber 70g do not flow into the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0225] In this case, as described above, the pressure inside the disinfectant spray chamber 70d may be 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. The pressure inside the airlock chamber 70e may be 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. The pressure inside the first sterile chamber 70f may be 40 Pa or more and 100 Pa or less. The pressure inside the intermediate area chamber 70g may be 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. The pressure inside the second sterile chamber 70h may be 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. The pressure inside the outlet chamber 70i may be 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less.

[0226] Next, sterile water is supplied into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h (rinsing step, reference symbol S11 in Fig. 9). Thereby, the contents adhering to the inside of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h are washed away by the sterile water. At this time, the sterile water may be water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. Note that the contents may have flowed from inside the second sterile chamber 70h into the first sterile chamber 70f via the intermediate area chamber 70g. For this reason, by supplying sterile water into the first sterile chamber 70f, the contents adhering to the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f may be washed away. Also, if there are caps 88 or bottles 100 that have fallen into the second sterile chamber 70h, they are collected. Also, according to the shape of the bottle 100 to be used next, etc., the conveyance wheel 12 provided on the downstream side of the cap mounting device 16 may be retooled. Further, according to the size of the cap 88 to be used next, etc., in the cap mounting device 16, the chuck (not shown) of the capper head may be replaced.

[0227] Next, with the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f maintained in a sterile state, the interior of the second sterile chamber 70h is cleaned. At this time, first, the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h are cleaned (COP) (COP process, reference symbol S12 in FIG. 9). At this time, a cleaning agent such as an alkaline agent and water are sprayed into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h from injection 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 devices such as the filling device 20 are purified. At this time, the water may be sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

[0228] Here, when cleaning (COP) the interior of the second sterile chamber 70h, at least the second bypass line 56 of the first bypass line 55 and the second bypass line 56 is preferably cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). When cleaning (CIP) or sterilizing (SIP) the second bypass line 56, for example, a cleaning agent or a sterilizing agent may be supplied to the second bypass line 56 from a connection point CP1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A, etc.) connecting the second bypass line 56 to the water sterilization line 50. The cleaning agent and the sterilizing agent may be, for example, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, an alkaline agent, an acidic agent, sodium hypochlorite, or the like. Thereafter, the second bypass line 56 may be rinsed with sterile water by supplying sterile water from the second water tank 52 in which sterile water is previously stored to the second bypass line 56. When cleaning (CIP) or sterilizing (SIP) the first bypass line 55, for example, a cleaning agent or a sterilizing agent may be supplied to the first bypass line 55 from a connection point CP2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A, etc.) connecting the first bypass line 55 to the water sterilization line 50.

[0229] Next, with the interior of the first aseptic chamber 70f maintained in an aseptic state, the stock solution filling device 22 is cleaned (CIP) (CIP process, reference symbol S13 in FIG. 9). At this time, first, a CIP cup (not shown) is placed over the stock solution filling nozzle of the stock solution filling device 22. Next, while rinsing the flow path of the contents inside the stock solution filling device 22 with water, a cleaning agent in which an alkaline agent such as caustic soda or an acidic agent such as nitric acid is added to the water is supplied to the flow path. Thereby, residues of the previous beverage and the like adhering to the flow path of the contents inside the stock solution filling device 22 are removed. At this time, the water may be aseptic water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

[0230] Next, with the interior of the first aseptic chamber 70f maintained in an aseptic state, the interior of the second aseptic chamber 70h is sterilized. At this time, first, the stock solution filling device 22 is sterilized (SIP) (SIP process, reference symbol S14 in FIG. 9). At this time, heated steam or hot water is supplied to the flow path of the contents inside the stock solution filling device 22. Thereby, the flow path of the contents inside the stock solution filling device 22 is sterilized. At this time, the water may be aseptic water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

[0231] Next, sterilize (SOP) the inside of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h (SOP process, reference symbol S15 in FIG. 9). At this time, a sterilizing agent such as peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide water is sprayed into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h from injection nozzles (not shown) arranged inside 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 injection nozzles (not shown). Thereby, the inner wall surface of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the like and the surfaces of devices such as the filling device 20 are sterilized. At this time, sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 may be used. Thereby, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Also, before, after, or simultaneously with sterilizing the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h with a sterilizing agent, at least the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f, the inside of the air rinse chamber 70e, and the inside of the sterilizing agent spray chamber 70d may be washed with a peracetic acid cleaning agent and rinsed with sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. Thereby, it becomes possible to maintain stable sterility for a long time and raise the sterility level.

[0232] Also, while sterilizing the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, the corners of the first sterile chamber 70f may be re-sterilized. At this time, for example, a sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide water may be sprayed into the first sterile chamber 70f, and then the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f may be dried with hot air to re-sterilize the corners of the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0233] In this way, the content filling system 10 is sterilized.

[0234] Next, the CIP cup (not shown) covering the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 is removed. Then, the water held in a sterile state in the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 is discharged into the first sterile chamber 70f. This makes it possible to prevent the sterilant from being filled into the bottle 100 in the unlikely event that a sterilant or the like gets mixed into the water filling nozzle from outside the CIP cup. Also, as described above, when the first sterile chamber 70f is re-sterilized, even if the sterilant is not completely removed from the CIP cup covering the water filling nozzle and the sterilant is attached to the CIP cup, it is possible to prevent the sterilant or the like from being filled into the bottle 100. The amount of water discharged into the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably equal to or more than the amount of one bottle 100 to be used in the next production. After that, the gap closed by the shutter is opened, and the filling of the next content begins.

[0235] Next, the sterilization method of the water sterilizer 60 will be described with reference to Figs. 10A to 10E.

[0236] Sterilization method of water sterilizer First, after filling of the beverage in the content filling system 10 is completed, for example, an operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. This starts sterilization (SIP) by the water sterilizer 60. Sterilization by the water sterilizer 60 may be performed during production of the product bottles 101. In this case, even if the sterilization of water by the water sterilizer 60 is stopped, the product bottles 101 can be produced by using the sterile water stored in the second water tank 52.

[0237] When sterilizing with the water sterilizer 60, first, filling (production) of the contents by the contents filling system 10 is completed ("End of production" in FIG. 10A).

[0238] Thereafter, a post-production integrity test (first integrity test) is performed on at least one of the sterile filters (first sterile filter 63 and second sterile filter 65) of the water sterilizer 60 (reference sign S20A in FIG. 10A). That is, a post-production integrity test is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60. If the foreign matter removal filter 61 is also a sterile filter, the integrity test is performed on at least one of the three filters. The asepticity of water is ensured by the passing of the integrity test results before and after the start of production (no leak is recognized) and the irradiation dose of ultraviolet light being equal to or within a predetermined value during production.

[0239] Next, the sterilizer (first sterilizer 62 and / or second sterilizer 64 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the first sterilizer 62 etc.)) is cleaned and / or sterilized (sterilizer cleaning and sterilization step, reference sign S20 in FIG. 10A). At this time, first, the first sterilizer 62 etc. is cleaned (CIP treatment). The CIP treatment is performed by flowing an acidic cleaning solution in which a nitric acid-based or phosphoric acid-based acidic agent is added to water into the flow path after or before flowing an alkaline cleaning solution into the flow path. The alkaline cleaning solution is a cleaning solution obtained by adding an alkaline agent in which caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, sodium hypochlorite, a surfactant, a chelating agent, etc. are mixed into water. Note that the alkaline cleaning step using the alkaline cleaning solution and the acid cleaning step using the acidic cleaning solution may be freely combined and implemented. Thereby, residues etc. adhering to the flow path through which water passes are removed. Also, a CIP treatment using only warm water or hot water without adding a cleaning agent may be sufficient. Note that no content adheres to the water sterilization line 50. Also, in the first sterilizer 62 etc. of the water sterilization line 50, ultraviolet light is irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. during the production of the product bottle 101. Thereby, the possibility that the water sterilization line 50 is contaminated by bacteria is low. For this reason, the CIP treatment of the water sterilization line 50 may be omitted.

[0240] Next, the first sterilizer 62 and the like are sterilized (SIP treatment). In the SIP process, first, steam or hot water is supplied to the water sterilizer 60 (hot water supply process, reference sign S201a in FIG. 10B1). In this case, for example, steam or hot water is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60. As a result, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and the third ultraviolet lamp 67c (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc.) of the first sterilizer 62 and the like are each heat-sterilized with steam or hot water. Also, every corner in the piping of the first sterilizer 62 and the piping of the second sterilizer 64 are each heat-sterilized with steam or hot water. 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 may be sterilized simultaneously. Further, by adjusting the temperature, concentration, and / or time of the cleaning agent used in the above CIP treatment, inactivation of bacteria (SIP treatment) can be performed simultaneously, and the subsequent SIP treatment does not have to be executed (CSIP treatment). After the CIP treatment and the SIP treatment, or the CSIP treatment are completed, the cleaning agent is discharged from the circulation system 59A. Thereafter, in order to completely remove the cleaning agent, the process proceeds to the rinsing step. The rinsing water is supplied with pure water from the pure water tank 50a. In the rinsing step, it is advisable to confirm that the irradiation dose or illuminance of ultraviolet rays is equal to or greater than a predetermined value by turning on the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc.

[0241] Also, when the first sterilizer 62 or the like is vulnerable to heat, the first sterilizer 62 or the like may be sterilized with a bactericide (chemical agent) or a cleaning agent (chemical agent). At this time, first, a bactericide is supplied to the water sterilizer 60 (bactericide supply step, reference numeral S201b in FIG. 10B2). In this case, for example, the bactericide is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60. The bactericide or the cleaning agent may be supplied from the bactericide supply unit 96 (see FIGS. 2B and 2C) to the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, etc. provided in the water sterilization line 50. At this time, it is preferable that the bactericide or the cleaning agent does not pass through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63. That is, it is preferable to circulate the bactericide or the cleaning agent in the circulation system 95A. Specifically, for example, as shown by the thick lines in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the bactericide or the cleaning agent preferably passes through the third bypass line 95a provided between the pre-stage sterilizer 62A and the first sterilizer 62. Also, as shown by the thick line in FIG. 2B, the bactericide or the cleaning agent preferably passes through the fourth bypass line 95b provided between the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. Thereby, when sterilizing the water sterilization line 50 with the bactericide or the cleaning agent, it is possible to suppress the bactericide or the cleaning agent from passing through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63. The bactericide or the cleaning agent may be supplied from the sampling points SP2 to SP4.

[0242] The bactericide may contain peracetic acid. Also, when the bactericide contains peracetic acid, the concentration of the bactericide may be 1000 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less. By the concentration of the bactericide being 1000 ppm or more, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 or the like by the bactericide can be enhanced. Also, by the concentration of the bactericide being 3000 ppm or less, the amount of peracetic acid used can be reduced, and the cost of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0243] Also, the temperature of the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent supplied to the circulation system 59A may be 50°C or higher and 150°C or lower. When the temperature of the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent is 50°C or higher, the disinfection effect and cleaning effect of the first disinfection machine 62 and the like by the disinfectant can be enhanced. Also, when the temperature of the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent is 150°C or lower, the first disinfection machine 62 and the like can be manufactured at low cost without using special heat-resistant materials.

[0244] Next, in the circulation system 95A including the disinfection machine (the first disinfection machine 62 and / or the second disinfection machine 64), hot water, a disinfectant, or a cleaning agent is circulated (hot water circulation step, symbol S202a in FIG. 10B1, disinfectant circulation step, symbol S202b in FIG. 10B2). For example, in the circulation system 95A including the pre-stage disinfection machine 62A, the first disinfection machine 62, and the second disinfection machine 64 provided in the water disinfection line 50, hot water, a disinfectant, or a cleaning agent is circulated. In this case, in the circulation system 95A including the pre-stage disinfection machine 62A, the first disinfection machine 62, and the second disinfection machine 64, the disinfectant or the like may be circulated for at least 10 seconds and 60 minutes or less to disinfect the pre-stage disinfection machine 62A, the first disinfection machine 62, and the second disinfection machine 64. When the circulation time is 10 seconds or more, the disinfection effect of the first disinfection machine 62 and the like by the disinfectant or the like can be enhanced. Also, when the circulation time is 60 minutes or less, the disinfection time of the first disinfection machine 62 and the like can be shortened. Therefore, the downtime can be shortened. In the disinfectant circulation step, hot water, a disinfectant, or a cleaning agent may be circulated not in the circulation system 95A but in the circulation system 59A.

[0245] Also, the circulation of the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent may be performed with the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like lit. When the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like has no heat resistance, it is preferable to cool the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like to a temperature at which the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like can be lit while circulating the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent. At this time, it is preferable that heat exchange is performed between the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like and the disinfectant or cleaning agent by the heat exchanger 97 provided in the circulation system 95A.

[0246] Thereafter, the bactericide and the like are discharged from any one of the sampling points SP2 to SP5 (hot water discharge process, reference sign S203a in FIG. 10B1, bactericide discharge process, reference sign S203b in FIG. 10B2), and then, the circulation system 95A is cooled or rinsed (cooling process, reference sign S204a in FIG. 10B1, rinsing process, reference sign S204b in FIG. 10B2). That is, when hot water is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60 (the above-described hot water supply process, reference sign S201a in FIG. 10B1), the circulation system 59A is cooled (cooling process, reference sign S204a in FIG. 10B1). On the other hand, when a bactericide or the like is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60 (the above-described bactericide supply process, reference sign S201b in FIG. 10B2), the circulation system 95A is rinsed (rinsing process, reference sign S204b in FIG. 10B2). When discharging the bactericide and the like, in order to prevent bacterial contamination in the sterilized pipe, the bactericide may be discharged in a short time while supplying sterile air into the pipe. Note that it is also possible to shift to the rinsing process without performing the bactericide discharge process.

[0247] In the rinsing process, first, the pre-stage sterilizer 62A is sufficiently rinsed with rinsing water so that the bactericide does not adhere to the foreign matter removal filter 61. At this time, the rinsing water may 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 water from the first drain pipe 95c while maintaining a positive pressure in the pipe that supplies water to the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this case, it is good to confirm that the inside of the pipe is under positive pressure while discharging water from the first drain pipe 95c. Thereafter, the rinsing water is passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61.

[0248] Next, thoroughly rinse the disinfectant remaining in the first sterilizer 62 with rinsing water. At this time, the rinsing water may be discharged from the second drain pipe 95d provided on the upstream side of the first sterile filter 63. Similarly, in this case as well, 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 is advisable to confirm that the inside of the pipe is under positive pressure while water is being discharged from the second drain pipe 95d. Thereafter, pass the rinsing water through the first sterile filter 63. Thereafter, perform the same operations in sequence toward the downstream side. Before discharging water from the first drain pipe 95c or the second drain pipe 95d, the first drain pipe 95c or the like may be sterilized in advance with steam or hot water.

[0249] Next, sterilize 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.)) (filter washing and sterilization step, reference sign S21 in FIG. 10A). At this time, first, supply heated steam (fluid) or hot water (fluid) to the flow paths of the first sterile filter 63 etc. (fluid supply step, reference sign S211 in FIG. 10A). At this time, for example, sterilizing steam is supplied to the first sterile filter 63 etc. from the sterile air supply port 60a.

[0250] Next, measure the temperature of the heated steam or hot water supplied to the flow paths of the first sterile filter 63 etc., and calculate the F value based on the measured temperature (F value calculation step, reference sign S212 in FIG. 10A).

[0251] Thereafter, when the F value becomes equal to or greater than the target value, sterilization of the first sterile filter 63 and the like is terminated. In this way, the first sterile filter 63 and the like are sterilized. In this manner, by performing heat sterilization of the first sterile filter 63 and the like using the F value, the first sterile filter 63 and the like can be sterilized without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterile filter 63 and the like. For this reason, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Also, since the first sterile filter 63 and the like can be sterilized without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterile filter 63 and the like, damage to the membrane of the first sterile filter 63 and the like can be suppressed. For this reason, the lifespan of the first sterile filter 63 and the like can be extended, and the first sterile filter 63 and the like can be used for a long period without replacement. Even if sterilization of the first sterile filter 63 and the like is performed at, for example, 121°C or higher for 20 minutes (timer method) without calculating the F value, it may be acceptable.

[0252] When sterilizing the first sterile filter 63 and the like, the region to be sterilized by steam may be partitioned by opening and closing valves (not shown) provided at the sampling points SP1 to SP6. For example, the steam for sterilizing the first sterile filter 63 may be supplied to the region between the sampling point SP3 and the sampling point SP4 to sterilize the region. Also, the steam for sterilizing the second sterile filter 65 may be supplied to the region between the sampling point SP5 and the sampling point SP6 to sterilize the region. Note that the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be sterilized together with the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

[0253] In this way, the SIP process for the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 is performed. Thereafter, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are cooled (reference symbol S213 in Fig. 10A).

[0254] Next, a integrity test (second integrity test) is performed on at least one of the sterile filters (first sterile filter 63 and second sterile filter 65) of the water sterilizer 60 (reference symbol S22 in FIG. 10A). That is, a pre-production integrity test is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60 (reference symbol S22 in FIG. 10A). In the integrity test, first, water is supplied to a housing (not shown) inside the first sterile filter 63 or the like (a wetting process (not shown)). The wetting process is performed with the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like lit. Thereby, the water irradiated with ultraviolet rays passes through the first sterile filter. Next, a valve (not shown) near the first sterile filter 63 or the like is closed, and after the water inside the first sterile filter 63 or the like is discharged, sterile air is supplied to the first sterile filter 63 or the like. At this time, sterile air is injected into the first sterile filter 63 or the like filled with water, for example, from a sterile air supply port 60a. Then, the sterile air 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. Thereafter, based on the results of the bubble point values measured a plurality of times (for example, 3 times), it is confirmed whether the first sterile filter 63 or the like is complete (whether sterile air leaks at a predetermined pressure).

[0255] Here, for example, while the integrity test is being performed on the first sterile filter 63, water cannot be supplied to the first sterile filter 63. On the other hand, if water continues to remain in the main body 66 (see FIGS. 3 to 6B) of the first sterilizer 62 or the like, the temperature of the water in the main body 66 rises due to the heat of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like. In particular, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like is a medium-pressure mercury lamp, 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. For this reason, for example, while the integrity test is being performed on the first sterile filter 63, as shown by the thick line in FIG. 2C, 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.

[0256] Thereafter, the filling (production) of the contents by the content filling system 10 is restarted. Note that it is preferable to use the water sterilized by the first sterilizer 62 for the water used in the integrity test. Also, it is preferable to use sterile air for the air used in the integrity test.

[0257] Note that, as shown in FIG. 10C, the order of the sterilizer cleaning and sterilization process (S20 in FIG. 10A) and the filter cleaning and sterilization process (S21 in FIG. 10A) may be reversed. Also, as shown in FIG. 10D, 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), the cleaning and sterilization processes of the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 may be performed in parallel. In this case, the piping or valve located upstream or downstream of the first sterile filter 63 or the like comes into contact with the sterilant. Therefore, the cooling time can be shortened. Specifically, the sterilant may be supplied to the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 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, it is also possible to complete the sterilizer cleaning and sterilization process during the cooling of the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65.

[0258] Also, in the first sterilizer 62 or the like, during the production of the product bottle 101, ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like. Thereby, the possibility that the first sterilizer 62 or the like is contaminated by bacteria is low. Therefore, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, the first sterilizer 62 or the like does not have to be sterilized.

[0259] Note that, as another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10E, the process of sterilizing the sterile filters (the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65) of the water sterilizer 60 may be performed while the process of cleaning the sterilizers (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) or the process of sterilizing the sterilizers (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) is being performed. That is, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60 and the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 may be cleaned and sterilized simultaneously.

[0260] In this case, as shown in FIG. 10E, first, filling (production) is completed. Then, a post-production integrity test (first integrity test) is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 (step S30 in FIG. 10E).

[0261] Next, cleaning (CIP) of the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 is performed (step S31 in FIG. 10E). At this time, a cleaning agent and a disinfectant are supplied from upstream (before) the foreign matter removal filter 61, and using the circulation line 59, the cleaning agent and the disinfectant are circulated in the circulation system 59A for a predetermined time.

[0262] After the CIP treatment, sterilization (SIP) of the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 may be performed (step S32 in FIG. 10E). Alternatively, instead of the CIP treatment and the SIP treatment, cleaning and sterilization of the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 may be performed simultaneously (CSIP treatment) (step S33 in FIG. 10E).

[0263] As the cleaning agent and the disinfectant used for the CIP treatment and the SIP treatment, or the CSIP treatment, acidic agents such as peracetic acid, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, pernitric acid, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid, alkaline agents such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, chlorine-based agents such as sodium hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide, alcohols such as ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, or ozone water, acidic water, and surfactants may be used alone, or two or more of these may be used in combination. The temperature increase of the cleaning agent and the disinfectant may be performed using a heater (not shown). The CIP treatment and the SIP treatment, or the CSIP treatment, may be performed under predetermined conditions (temperature, concentration, time) based on the values of the thermometer T and the densitometer 59c installed in the water sterilizer 60 and the circulation line 59.

[0264] The discharge of the cleaning agent and the disinfectant from the circulation system 59A may be performed while replacing the disinfectant with pure water by supplying pure water from the pure water tank 50c to the circulation system 59A and transporting the pure water by the pump P1. Also, water may be supplied from another device (not shown) to the circulation system 59A to discharge the disinfectant. The discharge of the disinfectant may be performed while monitoring the value of the densitometer 59c provided on the downstream side of the circulation line 59. In this case, for example, it is preferable to rinse the circulation system 59A with rinse water until the value of the densitometer 59c becomes the same as the value of the densitometer (not shown) provided in the pure water production device 50a. Also, in the rinsing process, the rinsing time may be managed by a timer. Also, the rinsing process may be set to be completed when a predetermined time has elapsed. During CIP processing, SIP processing, or CSIP processing, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like may be lit or may not be lit. Also, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like may be lit only during the rinsing process. After the CIP process, SIP process, or CSIP process is completed, a pre-production integrity test (second integrity test) is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 (reference symbol S34 in FIG. 10E). 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.

[0265] Next, when the result of the integrity test before production start is qualified (when no leak is recognized), the process proceeds to the production preparation process (reference symbol S35 in FIG. 10E). 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 greater than a predetermined value. In this case, in each sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 or the second sterilizer 64), the total irradiation dose of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like may be, for example, 10 mJ / cm 2 or more, and preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 or more.

[0266] Thereafter, production is started.

[0267] Note that the water sterilizer 60 will not have any contents adhering to it. Also, in the first sterilizer 62 and the like, during the production of the product bottle 101, ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like. As a result, the possibility of the first sterilizer 62 and the like being contaminated by bacteria is low. Therefore, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, the first sterilizer 62 and the like do not have to be sterilized.

[0268] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the content filling system 10 includes a water sterilization line 50 for non-heat sterilizing water, a stock solution sterilization line 70 for heat sterilizing the product stock solution, and a filling device 20 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 respectively for filling the bottle 100 with water and the product stock solution. Thereby, compared with the case of diluting the product stock solution with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged when producing the contents can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0269] Also, according to the present embodiment, the content filling system 10 further includes a control unit 90 for controlling the water sterilization line 50. When the irradiation amount or illuminance of ultraviolet rays becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control unit 90 discharges the water outside the water sterilization line 50. Thereby, the sterility of the second water tank 52 and the like can be maintained.

[0270] Also, according to the present embodiment, the filling device 20 has a water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and a stock solution filling device 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization line 70. The water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with sterilized water, and the stock solution filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 with sterilized product stock solution. Thereby, the area where dirt adheres due to the contents can be narrowed. Therefore, the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed. As a result, the usage amount of steam and the like can be reduced. Also, the cleaning time and the sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0271] Also, according to the present embodiment, the water filling device 21 fills the empty bottle 100 with water. Further, the filling speed at which the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with water is faster than the filling speed at which the stock solution filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 with the product stock solution. Thereby, the number of water filling nozzles of the water filling device 21 can be reduced without adhering dirt to the periphery of the bottle 100. For this reason, the size of the water filling device 21 can be reduced without adhering dirt to the periphery of the bottle 100.

[0272] Also, according to the present embodiment, the water sterilization line 50 includes a first water tank 51 that stores water, a water sterilizer 60 that non-thermally sterilizes the water stored in the first water tank 51, and a second water tank 52 that stores the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. Further, the stock solution sterilization line 70 includes a first stock solution tank 71 that stores the product stock solution, a product stock solution sterilizer 80 that heat-sterilizes the product stock solution stored in the first stock solution tank 71, and a second stock solution tank 72 that stores the product stock solution sterilized by the product stock solution sterilizer 80. Thereby, the flow of water and the product stock solution can be made smooth.

[0273] Also, according to the present embodiment, a first bypass line 55 that connects the water sterilization line 50 and the cap sterilization device 18 to each other is provided on the downstream side of the second water tank 52. Thereby, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 can be used for washing the cap 88. For this reason, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be further reduced.

[0274] Also, according to the present embodiment, an addition unit 75 that adds solids to the product stock solution is connected to the downstream side of the second stock solution tank 72. Thereby, in the content filling system 10, the bottle 100 can be filled with the content containing solids.

[0275] Further, according to this embodiment, the content filling system 10 further includes a preform sterilization device 34a for sterilizing the preform 100a, a blow molding section (container molding device) 32 for molding the bottle 100 from the preform 100a, and a sterilization device (container sterilization device) 11 for sterilizing the bottle 100. Then, the blow molding section (container molding device) 32 molds the bottle 100 without adjusting the temperature of the bottle 100 with warm water from a mold thermostat. Thereby, the bacteria adhering to the bottle 100 can be reduced, and the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, since it is not necessary to supply warm water to the mold of the blow molding section 32, the blow molding section 32 can be simplified.

[0276] (Modification example of content filling system) Next, a modification example of the content filling system will be described.

[0277] (First modification example) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the water sterilization line 50 (water sterilizer 60) non-heat sterilizes water has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the water sterilization line 50 (water sterilizer 60) may sterilize water by heating the water to a predetermined temperature. The number of bacteria in the pure water produced by the pure water production device 50a is generally smaller than that of the product stock solution if the pure water production device 50a is properly managed. Therefore, when the pH of the content after filling or after the cap 88 is attached to the bottle 100 is less than 4.5, the water sterilization line 50 (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) may sterilize water so that the F0 value is 0.00029 or more and less than 3.1. Further, when the pH of the content is 4.5 or more, the water sterilization line 50 (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) may sterilize water so 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 times of cleaning and / or sterilization of the water sterilization line 50, the water sterilization line 50 (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) may sterilize water so that the F0 value is uniformly 3.1 or more and 100 or less. Here, the F0 value is calculated by the following formula described above

Equation

[0278] According to this modification example, when using a sterilizer that heats water to a high temperature and sterilizes it at the same sterilization intensity as the product stock solution (usually, the F0 value is about 30 or more and 80 or less) simultaneously with the product stock solution, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged when sterilizing water can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Further, when the water sterilization line 50 (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) changes the sterilization conditions based on the pH of the content, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged when sterilizing water can be further reduced, and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged by the content filling system 10 can be further reduced.

[0279] (Second Modification Example) Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the water filling device 21 fills the sterilized water into the bottle 100, and the stock solution filling device 22 fills the sterilized product stock solution into the bottle 100 filled with water. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the stock solution filling device 22 may fill the sterilized product stock solution into the bottle 100, and the water filling device 21 may fill the sterilized water into the bottle 100 filled with the product stock solution.

[0280] In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the stock solution filling device 22 may be disposed on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the bottle 100 with respect to the water filling device 21. Further, the stock solution filling device 22 may be housed inside the first aseptic chamber 70f, and the water filling device 21 may be housed inside the second aseptic chamber 70h.

[0281] (Third Modification Example) In addition, in the above-described embodiments, an example in which the product stock solution is diluted with water has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. 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, by using only the water filling device 21, the bottle 100 may be filled with only water. That is, in the content filling system 10, mineral water may be produced by using only the water filling device 21. Alternatively, by using only the stock solution filling device 22, the bottle 100 may be filled with only the product stock solution. That is, in the content filling system 10, a so-called conc product (concentrated product) may be produced by using only the stock solution filling device 22. When only the product stock solution that does not require sterilization is filled into the bottle 100, the bottle 100 may be supplied to the transport wheel 12 housed inside the intermediate area chamber 70g.

[0282] According to this modified example, 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 conc products can be produced. Therefore, the types of product bottles 101 produced in the content filling system 10 can be increased.

[0283] (Fourth Modified Example) In addition, in the above-described embodiments, an example in which the filling device 20 includes the water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution filling device 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization line 70 has been described. In this case, the filling device 20 may have a plurality of stock solution filling devices 22. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 12A, the content filling system 10 may include a plurality (for example, two) of stock solution sterilization lines 70. And the filling device 20 may have a plurality (for example, two) of stock solution filling devices 22 respectively connected to each of the stock solution sterilization lines 70.

[0284] In this case, the filling device 20 may have a first stock solution filling device 22a for filling a product stock solution without flavor and a second stock solution filling device 22b for filling a product stock solution with flavor. In other words, among the two stock solution filling devices 22, one of the stock solution filling devices 22 may be a filling device (first stock solution filling device 22a) for filling a product stock solution without flavor such as a tea-based beverage. 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 with flavor such as a fruit-based beverage, a milk beverage, or a sports drink. Note that the second stock solution filling device 22b may be a filling device for filling solids.

[0285] Thus, since the filling device 20 has the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b, when filling the bottle 100 with a content without flavor such as a tea-based beverage, it is possible to suppress the fragrance of the previous content from adhering to the content. Also, when one of the stock solution filling devices 22 is a filling device (first stock solution filling device 22a) for filling a product stock solution without flavor, no flavor will adhere to the flow path of the product stock solution in the first stock solution filling device 22a. For example, no flavor will adhere to the seal elements such as packings provided at the connection points of each pipe and each device. Therefore, when switching the type of content, the area to be cleaned (CIP) can be narrowed. Thereby, the cleaning time can be shortened. For this reason, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0286] In the illustrated example, the first stock solution filling device 22a, the second stock solution filling device 22b, and the cap attaching device 16 are housed inside the second sterile chamber 70h. Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, a chamber wall 710 is provided inside the second sterile chamber 70h. This chamber wall 710 separates a first space (space) 701 in which the first stock solution filling device 22a is housed, a second space 702 in which the second stock solution filling device 22b is housed, and a third space 703 in which the cap attaching device 16 is housed. In other words, the first stock solution filling device 22a is housed in the first space 701 partitioned by the chamber wall 710. Further, the second stock solution filling device 22b is housed in the second space 702 partitioned by the chamber wall 710, and the cap attaching device 16 is housed in the third space 703 partitioned by the chamber wall 710.

[0287] The chamber wall 710 serves to prevent the disinfectant, etc. in each space from flowing into an unintended space and to stabilize the pressure in each space. The chamber wall 710 is formed with gaps G1 to G6 (see FIG. 12C described later) through which the bottle 100 can pass. These gaps G1 to G6 are formed to be at least as small as, for example, the size of one bottle 100 so that the pressure in each space does not change. Further, the chamber wall 710 may be provided with shutters sh1 to sh6 (see FIG. 12C described later) for opening and closing the above-described gaps G1 to G6. These shutters sh1 to sh6 may be configured to open and close automatically, for example, by a signal from the control unit 90.

[0288] Also, since the chamber wall 710 is provided inside the second sterile chamber 70h in this way, 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, when cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the second stock solution filling device 22b during the operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a, the shutter sh1 or the like provided on the chamber wall 710 may be closed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a sterilizing agent or the like from entering from the space (non-sterile space) housing the second stock solution filling device 22b into the space (sterile space) housing the first stock solution filling device 22a.

[0289] Among the conveying wheels 12 housed in the second sterile chamber 70h, the first conveying wheel (first wheel) 12a that delivers the bottle 100 to the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second conveying wheel 12b that receives the bottle 100 from the first stock solution filling device 22a are respectively arranged outside the first space 701. Also, among the conveying wheels 12 housed in the second sterile chamber 70h, the third conveying wheel 12c that delivers the bottle 100 to the second stock solution filling device 22b and the fourth conveying wheel 12d that receives the bottle 100 from the second stock solution filling device 22b are respectively arranged outside the second space 702.

[0290] Here, as shown in FIG. 12C, the first conveying wheel 12a includes a gripper (first gripper) 121 that conveys the bottle 100. This gripper 121 is provided to be openable and closable.

[0291] Similarly, the second conveying wheel 12b to the fourth conveying wheel 12d each include grippers 122, 123, 124 that convey the bottle 100. The grippers 122, 123, 124 are each provided to be openable and closable.

[0292] Further, the first stock solution filling device 22a includes a wheel 221 (second wheel), and the wheel 221 (second wheel) is disposed inside the first space 701. This wheel 221 includes a gripper (second gripper) 222 for transporting the bottle 100. This gripper 222 is provided to be openable and closable.

[0293] Similarly, the second stock solution filling device 22b includes a wheel 223, and the wheel 223 is disposed inside the second space 702. This wheel 223 includes a gripper 224 for transporting the bottle 100. This gripper 224 is provided to be openable and closable.

[0294] Next, the case of cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702 (and / or the second stock solution filling device 22b) during the operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a accommodated in the first space 701 will be described with reference to FIG. 12C. That is, the case of cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702 and / or the second stock solution filling device 22b (hereinafter also simply referred to as the second space 702 etc.) while filling the product stock solution into the bottle 100 by the first stock solution filling device 22a will be described.

[0295] First, after the filling of the product stock solution in the second stock solution filling device 22b is completed, for example, the operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. Thereby, for example, among the gaps G1 to G6 formed in the chamber wall 710, the gaps G1 and G4 are closed by the shutters sh1 and sh4, respectively.

[0296] Next, the bottle 100 is transported from the first transport wheel 12a to the first stock solution filling device 22a. At this time, the gripper 123 of the third transport wheel 12c takes an open position so as not to interfere with the gripper 121 of the first transport wheel 12a. In the present embodiment, the gripper 123 takes an open position by rotating each of the pair of claws of the gripper 123 90 degrees in the horizontal direction from the closed position. Note that the rotation angle of each claw may be 60 degrees or more and 130 degrees or less.

[0297] In this open position, the gripper 123 does not interfere with the shutter sh1 that closes the gap G1. As a result, when cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702 and the like, the inside of the first space 701 can be maintained in a sterile state while the bottle 100 can be conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a.

[0298] 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.

[0299] Next, in the first stock solution filling device 22a, the bottle 100 is filled with the product stock solution. At this time, the bottle 100 conveyed by the gripper 222 is filled with the product stock solution.

[0300] Subsequently, the bottle 100 filled with the contents is conveyed to the cap attaching device 16 by the second conveying wheel 12b. At this time, the gripper 124 of the fourth conveying wheel 12d takes an open position so as not to interfere with the gripper 122 of the second conveying wheel 12b. In the present embodiment, the gripper 124 takes an open position by each of a pair of claws of the gripper 124 rotating 90 degrees in the horizontal direction from the closed position. Note that the rotation angle of each claw may be 60 degrees or more and 130 degrees or less.

[0301] In this open position, the gripper 124 does not interfere with the shutter sh4 that closes the gap G4. As a result, when cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702 and the like, the inside of the first space 701 and the third space 703 can be maintained in a sterile state while the bottle 100 can be conveyed to the cap attaching device 16.

[0302] In this way, a product bottle 101 filled with product stock solution is obtained by the first stock solution filling device 22a. During this period, the second space 702 and the like are washed and sterilized.

[0303] In this manner, when washing the second space 702 during the operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a accommodated 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 -10 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 aseptic state in the first space 701 can be maintained better.

[0304] When sterilizing the second space 702 during the operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a accommodated in the first space 701, the pressure in the second space 702 may be higher than the pressure in the second space 702 when washing the second space 702 during the operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a accommodated 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 aseptic state in the first space 701 can be maintained well.

[0305] Next, the case where the product stock solution is not filled into the bottle 100 by the first stock solution filling device 22a will be described. Here, 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.) is washed and sterilized during the operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b accommodated in the second space 702 will be described with reference to FIG. 12D. That is, the case where the first space 701, etc. is washed and sterilized while filling the product stock solution into the bottle 100 by the second stock solution filling device 22b will be described.

[0306] 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, among the gaps G1 to G6 formed in the chamber wall 710, the gaps G5 and G6 are closed by the shutters sh5 and sh6, respectively.

[0307] 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 assumes 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 assumes an open position by rotating each of a pair of claws of the gripper 222 90 degrees in the horizontal direction from the closed position. Note that the rotation angle of each claw may be 60 degrees or more and 130 degrees or less.

[0308] In this open position, the gripper 222 does not interfere with the shutter sh6 that closes the gap G6. Thereby, when cleaning and sterilizing the first space 701 or the like, the bottle 100 can be conveyed to the second stock solution filling device 22b while maintaining the inside of the second space 702 in a sterile state.

[0309] Then, when filling the product stock solution 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.

[0310] Also, when filling the product stock solution 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.

[0311] 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.

[0312] Subsequently, the bottle 100 filled with the content is conveyed from the fourth conveying wheel 12d to the second conveying wheel 12b.

[0313] Thereafter, the bottle 100 is conveyed from the second conveying wheel 12b to the cap attaching device 16. At this time, the gripper 222 of the wheel 221 of the first stock solution filling device 22a takes an open position so as not to interfere with the gripper 122 of the second conveying wheel 12b. Also, at this open position, the gripper 222 does not interfere with the shutter sh5 that closes the gap G5. Thereby, when cleaning and sterilizing the first space 701 and the like, the inside of the second space 702 and the third space 703 can be maintained in a sterile state while conveying the bottle 100 to the cap attaching device 16.

[0314] 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.

[0315] During the operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b accommodated in the second space 702, when cleaning the first space 701, 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.

[0316] 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 may 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 aseptic state in the second space 702 can be maintained well.

[0317] Summarizing the above, the pressures in the respective spaces may be as shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

[0318]

Table 3

[0319]

Table 4

[0320] According to this modification, the filling device 20 has a plurality of stock solution filling devices 22. Thereby, 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). Thereby, the downtime can be significantly shortened, and the productivity of the product bottle 101 can be improved.

[0321] Also, according to this modification, the content filling system 10 includes a plurality of stock solution sterilization lines 70. And a plurality of stock solution filling devices 22 are respectively connected to the respective stock solution sterilization lines 70. Thereby, the types of product bottles 101 produced in the content filling system 10 can be increased.

[0322] Also, according to this modification example, the filling device 20 has 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. Thereby, when filling the bottle 100 with the content that does not contain flavor, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of the fragrance of the previous content. Further, since the first stock solution filling device 22a fills the product stock solution that does not contain flavor, the flavor 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 area to be cleaned (CIP) can be narrowed. Thereby, the cleaning time can be shortened. For this reason, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Also, at this time, since the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b are respectively connected to different stock solution sterilization lines 70, for example, in the stock solution sterilization line 70 to which the first stock solution filling device 22a is connected, it is not necessary to perform cleaning (so-called deodorizing CIP) for removing the flavor. Here, deodorizing CIP requires more time and energy than normal CIP. Therefore, when deodorizing CIP is not performed, the downtime can be shortened and energy saving can be achieved as compared with the case where deodorizing CIP is performed.

[0323] Also, according to this modification example, when filling the product stock solution 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. And when the product stock solution is not filled into the bottle 100 by 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 takes an open position so as not to interfere with the gripper (first gripper) 121 of the first conveying wheel 12a. Thereby, 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.

[0324] Furthermore, according to this modification example, when the product stock solution is not filled into the bottle 100 by the first stock solution filling device 22a, the gaps G5 and G6 are closed by the shutters sh5 and sh6. Then, the gripper (second gripper) 222 of the wheel 221 of the first stock solution filling device 22a takes an open position so as not to interfere with the shutters sh5 and sh6 that close the gaps G5 and G6. Thereby, when cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702 and the like, the bottle 100 can be conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a while maintaining the interiors of the second space 702 and the third space 703 in a sterile state.

[0325] Note that, although an example has been described in which a pair of claws such as the gripper 222 takes an open position by rotating horizontally from a closed position, the present invention is not limited to this. The gripper 222 and the like may take an open position by any configuration. For example, the gripper 222 and the like may take an open position by bending a pair of claws upward or downward. Further, by configuring the pair of claws to be telescopically movable, the gripper 222 and the like may be provided so as to be openable and closable.

[0326] (Another example of the fourth modification example) Next, another example of the fourth modification example will be described.

[0327] <The first example> In the first example shown in FIG. 12E, 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 upstream of the first sterile chamber 70f. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is provided downstream of the second sterile chamber 70h. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is provided downstream of the sixth sterile chamber 70k. That is, in the illustrated example, 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 this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the bottle 100 (see FIG. 12A etc.). Further, 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 side by side on the outer periphery of a circular conveyance body 110 that rotationally conveys the bottle 100.

[0328] Among these, a conveyance wheel 12 for conveying the air-rinsed bottle 100 may be accommodated inside the fifth sterile chamber 70j. A second stock solution filling device 22b is accommodated inside the sixth sterile chamber 70k. Further, a cap attaching device 16 is accommodated inside the seventh sterile chamber 70m. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 12E, the second stock solution filling device 22b and the cap attaching device 16 are accommodated 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 accommodated.

[0329] In FIG. 12E, the bottle 100 that has been sterilized upstream in advance is conveyed to the first sterile chamber 70f via the conveyance wheel 12 and the circular conveyance body 110 arranged in the fifth sterile chamber 70j. Then, the bottle 100 is conveyed to the water filling device 21 via the conveyance wheel 12 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0330] Next, in the water filling device 21, the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 is filled into the empty bottle 100. In this water filling device 21, while a plurality of bottles 100 are rotationally conveyed, water is filled into the inside of the bottle 100.

[0331] 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 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f, the circular conveying body 110, and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the second sterile chamber 70h.

[0332] Next, in the first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 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 a plurality of bottles 100 are rotationally conveyed, the product stock solution is filled into the inside of the bottle 100.

[0333] After that, the bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is conveyed to the second stock solution filling device 22b via the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the second sterile chamber 70h, the circular conveying body 110, and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the sixth sterile chamber 70k.

[0334] Next, in the second stock solution filling device 22b, another product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100 that has been previously filled with water and the product stock solution. In this second stock solution filling device 22b, while a plurality of bottles 100 are rotationally conveyed, another product stock solution is filled into the inside of the bottle 100.

[0335] After that, the bottle 100 in the sixth sterile chamber 70k is conveyed to the cap attaching device 16 via the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the circular conveying body 110, and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0336] Next, in the cap attaching device 16, the bottle 100 filled with water and the product stock solution is closed by a cap 88 (see FIG. 12A etc.). In this way, the bottle 100 is sealed so that external air and / or microorganisms do not enter the bottle 100. In this cap attaching device 16, while a plurality of bottles 100 filled with water and the product stock solution are rotationally conveyed, the cap 88 is attached to the mouth of the bottle 100. In this way, the product bottle 101 (see FIG. 12A etc.) is obtained.

[0337] <Second example> Next, with reference to FIG. 12F, a second example will be described. In the second example shown in FIG. 12F, the content filling system further has a sixth sterile chamber 70k, a seventh sterile chamber 70m, and an eighth sterile chamber 70n. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is provided on the downstream side of the first sterile chamber 70f. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is provided on the downstream side of the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The eighth sterile chamber 70n is provided between the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k. Here, in FIG. 12F, the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k are arranged in parallel on the downstream side of the first sterile chamber 70f along the conveyance direction of the bottle 100 (see FIG. 12A etc.). That is, in the illustrated example, the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h or the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the seventh sterile chamber 70m, and the outlet chamber 70i are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the bottle 100 (see FIG. 12A etc.).

[0338] Among these, inside the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the second stock solution filling device 22b is accommodated. Also, inside the seventh sterile chamber 70m, the cap attaching device 16 is accommodated. Further, inside the eighth sterile chamber 70n, a conveyance wheel 12 for conveying the bottle 100 filled with water by the water filling device 21 may be accommodated.

[0339] In FIG. 12F, the bottle 100 pre-sterilized upstream is conveyed to the water filling device 21 via the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0340] Next, in the water filling device 21, the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 is filled into the empty bottle 100. In this water filling device 21, while a plurality of bottles 100 are rotationally conveyed, water is filled into the inside of the bottle 100.

[0341] Next, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a via, for example, the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the first sterile chamber 70f, the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the eighth sterile chamber 70n, and the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the second sterile chamber 70h.

[0342] Next, in the first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 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 a plurality of bottles 100 are rotationally conveyed, the product stock solution is filled into the inside of the bottle 100.

[0343] Thereafter, the bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is conveyed to the cap attaching device 16 via the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the second sterile chamber 70h, the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the eighth sterile chamber 70n, and the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0344] Next, in the cap attaching device 16, the bottle 100 filled with water and the product stock solution is closed with a cap 88 (see FIG. 12A etc.). In this way, the product bottle 101 (see FIG. 12A etc.) is obtained.

[0345] Here, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f may be conveyed to the second stock solution filling device 22b without being conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a. For example, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f may be conveyed to the second stock solution filling device 22b via the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f, the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the eighth sterile chamber 70n, and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the sixth sterile chamber 70k. In this case, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is not conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a arranged in the second sterile chamber 70h.

[0346] 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 line 70 are filled into the bottle 100 that has been pre-filled with water. In this second stock solution filling device 22b, while a plurality of bottles 100 are rotationally conveyed, other product stock solutions are filled into the inside of the bottles 100.

[0347] Thereafter, the bottle 100 in the sixth sterile chamber 70k is conveyed to the cap attaching device 16 via the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the sixth sterile chamber 70k and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0348] Thus, in the second example shown in FIG. 12F, when filling the product stock solution into the bottle 100 by the second stock solution filling device 22b, the bottle 100 passes through each sterile chamber in the order of the first sterile chamber 70f, the eighth sterile chamber 70n, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0349] In the example shown in FIG. 12F, 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 sterile chamber 70f may be directly transported to the cap attaching device 16 arranged in the seventh sterile chamber 70m. That is, the bottle 100 filled with water may be directly transported to the cap attaching device 16 only through the transport wheel 12 arranged in the eighth sterile chamber 70n without being transported 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 attaching the cap 88 to the mouth of the bottle 100 filled only with water. In this case, as described with reference to FIGS. 12C and 12D, the grippers of the transport wheel 12 adjacent to the first stock solution filling device 22a or the second stock solution filling device 22b preferably take the open position. Thereby, interference between the grippers can be suppressed.

[0350] <The third example> Next, the third example will be described with reference to FIG. 12G. In the third example shown in FIG. 12G, different from the second example shown in FIG. 12F, when the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 by the second stock solution filling device 22b, the bottle 100 passes through each sterile chamber in the order of the first sterile chamber 70f, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the eighth sterile chamber 70n, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m. Since other configurations of the content filling system 10 according to the third example are the same as those of the second example shown in FIG. 12F, detailed description is omitted here.

[0351] <The fourth example> Next, the fourth example will be described with reference to FIG. 12H. In the fourth example shown in FIG. 12H, the content filling system further has a sixth sterile chamber 70k, a seventh sterile chamber 70m, and a ninth sterile chamber 70p. 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 ninth sterile chamber 70p is provided between the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0352] In addition, inside the sixth sterile chamber 70k, a second stock solution filling device 22b is accommodated. Also, inside the seventh sterile chamber 70m, a cap attaching device 16 is accommodated. Furthermore, a conveying wheel 12 may be accommodated inside the ninth sterile chamber 70p.

[0353] In FIG. 12H, the bottle 100 that has been sterilized upstream in advance is conveyed to the water filling device 21 via the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the ninth sterile chamber 70p and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0354] Next, in the water filling device 21, the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 is filled into the empty bottle 100. In this water filling device 21, while a plurality of bottles 100 are rotationally conveyed, water is filled into the inside of the bottles 100.

[0355] 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 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f, the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the second sterile chamber 70h.

[0356] Next, in the first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100 that has been filled with water by the water filling device 21 in advance. In this first stock solution filling device 22a, while a plurality of bottles 100 are rotationally conveyed, the product stock solution is filled into the inside of the bottles 100.

[0357] After that, the bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is conveyed to the second stock solution filling device 22b via the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the second sterile chamber 70h, the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the sixth sterile chamber 70k.

[0358] Next, in the second stock solution filling device 22b, other product stock solutions sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 70 are filled into the bottle 100 that has been pre-filled with water. In this second stock solution filling device 22b, while a plurality of bottles 100 are rotationally conveyed, other product stock solutions are filled into the inside of the bottles 100.

[0359] Thereafter, the bottle 100 in the sixth sterile chamber 70k is conveyed to the cap attaching device 16 via the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0360] Thus, in the fourth example shown in FIG. 12H, when filling the product stock solution into the bottle 100 by the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b, the bottle 100 passes through each sterile chamber in the order of the first sterile chamber 70f, the ninth sterile chamber 70p, the second sterile chamber 70h, the ninth sterile chamber 70p, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0361] <The Fifth Example> Next, the fifth example will be described with reference to FIG. 12I. In the fifth example shown in FIG. 12I, 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.

[0362] Also, the second stock solution filling device 22b is accommodated inside the sixth sterile chamber 70k. Further, the cap attaching device 16 is accommodated inside the seventh sterile chamber 70m. Furthermore, a conveying wheel 12 may be accommodated inside the ninth sterile chamber 70p.

[0363] In the fifth example shown in FIG. 12I, 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 metering type filling nozzle 22e and a filling nozzle 22f that are fixed on the mouth of the bottle 100. Note that the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b may each include a plurality of filling nozzles 22e and 22f.

[0364] Then, when the bottle 100 reaches the filling nozzles 22e and 22f, the bottle 100 is detected by near-infrared rays. Thereby, the product stock solution is intermittently filled into each bottle 100 only while the mouth of the bottle 100 is passing below the filling nozzles 22e and 22f. Note that the filling nozzles 22e and 22f do not have to be filling nozzles of the type that intermittently fill the product stock solution, and may be filling nozzles of the type that continuously fill the product stock solution.

[0365] In FIG. 12I, the bottle 100 that has been sterilized upstream in advance is conveyed to the water filling device 21 via the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the first aseptic chamber 70f.

[0366] Next, in the water filling device 21, the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 is filled into the empty bottle 100. In this water filling device 21, water is filled into the bottle 100 while a plurality of bottles 100 are rotationally conveyed.

[0367] 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.

[0368] Next, in the first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 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.

[0369] Thereafter, 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.

[0370] Next, in the second stock solution filling device 22b, another product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100 that has been pre-filled with water. In this second stock solution filling device 22b, another product stock solution is intermittently filled into the bottle 100.

[0371] Thereafter, the bottle 100 in the sixth sterile chamber 70k is conveyed to the cap attaching device 16 via the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0372] (Fifth Modification Example) Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the filling device 20 includes a water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and a stock solution filling device 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization line 70 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the content filling system 10 may include a single filling device 20.

[0373] In this case, the content filling system 10 may include a preform sterilization chamber 70a, a forming section chamber 70b, an atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c, a sterilant spraying chamber 70d, an air rinsing chamber 70e, a first sterile chamber 70f, and an outlet chamber 70i. That is, the content filling system 10 may not include the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h. Further, the filling device 20 and the cap attaching device 16 may be accommodated inside the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0374] In this modification example, a mixing tank 57 for mixing water and the product stock solution may be interposed between the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 and the filling device 20. Thereby, the content can be prepared by diluting the product stock solution with water before filling. Further, in this case, the mixing tank 57 may be a so-called filling machine tank, and may be installed above the filling device 20 in the vertical direction to improve the filling accuracy of the filling device 20. Furthermore, even when the usage amount of the content on the downstream side of the mixing tank 57 changes, the mixing tank 57 may serve as a so-called cushion tank that ensures a smooth flow of the content.

[0375] Such a mixing tank 57 may be provided with a densitometer for measuring the concentration of the prepared content. Further, in order to ensure the concentration of the content prepared in the mixing tank 57, at least one tank such as a filling machine tank may be provided on the downstream side of the mixing tank 57 where the densitometer is installed. 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 . Note that in this modification example, the above-described addition unit 75 may be connected to the downstream side of the mixing tank 57.

[0376] In this modification example, when cleaning (COP) and sterilizing (SOP) the inside of the first aseptic chamber 70f, for example, in the water sterilization line 50, the downstream side of the connection point CP3 may be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP) while maintaining the upstream side of the connection point CP3 connecting the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 in a sterile state. Similarly, when cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the filling device 20 housed inside the first aseptic chamber 70f, for example, the downstream side of the connection point CP3 may be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP) while maintaining the upstream side of the connection point CP3 in a sterile state. Also in this case, the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed. For this reason, the usage amount of steam or the like can be reduced. Also, since the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed, the cleaning time and the sterilization time can be shortened. For this reason, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0377] Also, in this modification example as well, compared with the case of diluting the product stock solution with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged when producing the content can be reduced. For this reason, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0378] Note that, as shown in FIG. 14, a mixing tank 57 for mixing water and the product stock solution may not be interposed between the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 and the filling device 20. In this case, the filling device 20 may include a plurality of filling nozzles 20a (see FIG. 15) for filling water and the product stock solution, and the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 may be respectively connected to each filling nozzle 20a. Then, water and the product stock solution may be filled with one filling nozzle 20a.

[0379] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the filling nozzle 20a may include a nozzle body portion 20b. And a water sterilization line 50 and a stock solution sterilization line 70 may be respectively connected to the nozzle body portion 20b. Flow meters F for measuring the flow rates of water or the product stock solution, and valves V2 may be respectively provided in the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70. Also, the respective 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 with a load cell. In this case, the order of filling water and the product stock solution into the bottle 100 may be appropriately changed in consideration of foaming in the bottle 100, or the ease of mixing of water and the product stock solution, etc. For example, the product stock solution may be filled after water is filled, or water may be filled after the product stock solution is filled. When water is filled after the product stock solution is filled, the risk of contamination by the contents adhering to the tip of the filling nozzle 20a can be reduced. Also, the product stock solution may be filled after water is filled, and then water may be filled further. Alternatively, water and the product stock solution may be filled simultaneously.

[0380] In the example shown in FIG. 14, when cleaning (COP) and sterilizing (SOP) the inside of the first aseptic chamber 70f, for example, while maintaining the state of keeping the part up to the third water tank 54 in the water sterilization line 50 in a sterile state, the downstream side of the third water tank 54 may be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). Similarly, when cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the filling device 20 housed inside the first aseptic chamber 70f, for example, while maintaining the state of keeping the part up to the third water tank 54 in the water sterilization line 50 in a sterile state, the downstream side of the third water tank 54 may be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). Also in this case, the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed. Therefore, the usage amount of steam or the like can be reduced. Also, since the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed, the cleaning time and the sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0381] Even in this modification example, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged when producing the content can be reduced as compared with the case where the product stock solution is diluted with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0382] (Sixth Modification Example) Also, 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 shown in FIG. 16A, a carbon dioxide adding device 58 for adding carbon dioxide to water may be connected to the upstream side of the third water tank 54.

[0383] Here, the water filling device 21 includes a plurality of water filling nozzles 21a (see FIG. 16B) for filling water. In this modification example, the water filling nozzles 21a of the water filling device 21 fill carbonated water. As shown in FIG. 16B, a water sterilization line 50 and a counter gas line 58a are connected to each water filling nozzle 21a. Specifically, the water filling nozzle 21a includes a nozzle main body portion 21b. And the water sterilization line 50 and the counter gas line 58a are respectively connected to the nozzle main body portion 21b. Among these, one end of the water sterilization line 50 is connected to the third water tank 54 filled with sterile carbonated water, and the other end communicates with the inside of the bottle 100. Then, the sterile carbonated water supplied from the third water tank 54 passes through the water sterilization line 50 and is injected into the inside of the bottle 100.

[0384] The counter gas line 58a is a line for supplying the sterile carbon dioxide gas filled in the third water tank 54 toward the water filling nozzle 21a. One end of the counter gas line 58a is connected to the third water tank 54, and the other end communicates with the inside of the bottle 100. Then, the gas for counter pressure composed of the sterile carbon dioxide gas supplied from the third water tank 54 passes through the counter gas line 58a and is filled into the inside of the bottle 100.

[0385] In addition, a snift line 58b for discharging the gas inside the bottle 100 is connected to each water filling nozzle 21a. One end of the snift line 58b is connected to the counter gas line 58a. Through this snift line 58b, the gas inside the bottle 100 is configured to be discharged into the first sterile chamber 70f from the other end of the snift line 58b.

[0386] Furthermore, at the tip of each water filling nozzle 21a, a packing P (sealing member) is provided to suppress leakage of the gas inside the bottle 100 by closely adhering to the bottle 100. When filling the bottle 100 with carbonated beverage, the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with carbonated beverage (sealing filling) with the packing P in close contact with the mouth of the bottle 100. In this way, it is configured to suppress the sterile carbon dioxide gas for counter pressure from leaking out of the bottle 100. For this reason, the internal pressure of the bottle 100 can be increased above 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. Although not shown in the figure, the water sterilization line 50 etc. may be provided with a flow meter and a valve etc. for measuring the flow rate of water etc.

[0387] According to this modification example, a carbon dioxide adding device 58 for adding carbon dioxide to water is connected upstream of the third water tank 54. Thereby, in the content filling system 10, the bottle 100 can be filled with carbonated beverage. Also, in this way, since the carbon dioxide adding device 58 is connected to the water sterilization line 50, when filling carbonated water as the content, it is possible to suppress the flavor of the previous content from adhering to the carbonated water. When filling the bottle 100 with carbonated beverage only, the water from the second water tank 52 may be supplied to the carbon dioxide adding device 58, cooled, and then sterile carbon dioxide gas added aseptically by a sterile carbonator, and then the water with carbon dioxide added may be supplied to the third water tank 54. Also, when manufacturing carbonated water as the content, the stock solution filling device 22 may or may not be used.

[0388] Even when the water filling device 21 includes a water filling nozzle 21a capable of filling carbonated water, the water filling device 21 may fill water without added carbon dioxide gas. In this case, in the content filling system 10, mineral water may be produced by using only the water filling device 21. Also in this case, the water filling device 21 may fill water with the packing P in close contact with the mouth of the bottle 100. Thereby, it is possible to minimize the spillage of water from inside the bottle 100. In this case, the water filling device 21 may fill water under pressure. Thereby, water can be filled in a short time. Here, when the pressure resistance of the bottle 100 is low, it is preferable that the water filling device 21 fills water under pressure in a state where the gas inside the bottle 100 can be discharged via the sniff line 58b. For example, it is preferable that the water filling device 21 fills water under pressure with the sniff line 58b open after bringing the packing P into close contact with the mouth of the bottle 100. Thereby, even when water is filled under pressure, deformation and / or breakage of the bottle 100 due to 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.

[0389] In addition, when using the stock solution filling device 22 together with the water filling device 21, the liquid level of the water filled by the water filling device 21 drops compared to the case of using only the water filling device 21. Therefore, the risk of the filled water spilling is also small. For this reason, the water filling speed may be 100 mL / sec or more, and preferably 200 mL / sec or more. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce the number of the water filling nozzles 21a. In this case, water can be filled into the bottle 100 with the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 higher than the internal pressure of the third stock solution tank 74. At the time of close contact filling, the internal pressure of the third stock solution tank 74 may be 0.02 MPa or more and 0.1 MPa or less, and the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 may be 0.03 MPa or more and 0.9 MPa.

[0390] Further, the water filling device 21 may fill the bottle 100 with water in a state where a gap is formed between the water filling nozzle 21a (packing P) and the bottle 100 without bringing the packing P into close contact with the mouth of the bottle 100 (over-mouth filling). Even in this case, the water can be filled into the bottle 100 with the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 being higher than the internal pressure of the third stock solution tank 74. Specifically, at the time of over-mouth filling, the internal pressure of the third stock solution tank 74 may be 0.02 MPa or more and 0.1 MPa or less, and the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 may be 0.03 MPa or more and 0.07 MPa or less.

[0391] Furthermore, when the stock solution filling device 22 is used together with the water filling device 21, as described above, the water filling device 21 may fill the empty bottle 100 with water. In this case, since foaming in the bottle 100 can be suppressed, there is little risk that a part of the filled liquid scatters outside from the mouth of the bottle 100. Here, the stock solution filling device 22 includes a plurality of stock solution filling nozzles 22c (see FIG. 16C) for filling the product stock solution. As shown in FIG. 16C, a stock solution sterilization line 70 is connected to each stock solution filling nozzle 22c. Specifically, the stock solution filling nozzle 22c includes a nozzle main body portion 22d. And the stock solution sterilization line 70 is connected to the nozzle main body portion 22d. Although not shown, the stock solution sterilization line 70 may be provided with a flow meter and a valve or the like for measuring the flow rate of the product stock solution.

[0392] As described above, when the water filling device 21 fills an empty bottle 100 with water, foaming inside the bottle 100 can be suppressed, so there is little risk that a part of the filled liquid scatters outside from the mouth of the bottle 100. For this reason, the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a of the water filling device 21 may be larger than the diameter of the stock solution filling nozzle 22c of the stock solution filling device 22. Thereby, the filling time for filling water can be shortened. For example, the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a of the water filling device 21 may be 1.2 times or more and 1.5 times or less the diameter of the stock solution filling nozzle 22c of the stock solution filling device 22. When the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a is 1.2 times or more the diameter of the stock solution filling nozzle 22c, the filling time for filling water can be further shortened. Further, when the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a is 1.5 times or less the diameter of the stock solution filling nozzle 22c, the risk that a part of the filled liquid scatters outside from the mouth of the bottle 100 can be further reduced. In addition, in order to reduce the number of the water filling nozzles 21a of the water filling device 21 and make the water filling device 21 compact, the filling method (close contact filling, lip filling), the filling pressure, and / or the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a may be appropriately changed.

[0393] (Seventh Modification Example) Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example (see FIG. 2C, etc.) in which the circulation system (second circulation system) 95A is constituted by the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the third bypass line 95a, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the circulation line 95 has been described. In this case, with the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like lit, by circulating water in the circulation system 95A, the bacteria collected by the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be periodically sterilized. The sterilization of the bacteria collected by the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be performed, for example, while the production of the product bottle 101 is stopped. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 17A, one end of the circulation line 95 may be connected between the second sterilizer 64 and the first sterile filter 63, and the other end of the circulation line 95 may be connected to the first water tank 51. Further, by changing the frequency of the pump P1, the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be changed. And by changing the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61, the bacteria collected by the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be actively pushed out to the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61. Specifically, when sterilizing bacteria by circulating water in the circulation system 95A, the pressure on the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be made 0.05 MPa or more higher than the pressure during the production of the product bottle 101, and preferably 0.1 MPa or more higher. Also, if there are no structural problems with the foreign matter removal filter 61, as shown in FIG. 17B, by making the water flow backward, the bacteria collected by the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be circulated in the circulation system 95A. In these cases, the pressure difference between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 should not exceed the allowable maximum pressure both for the positive pressure and the negative pressure of the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this way, by periodically sterilizing the bacteria collected by the foreign matter removal filter 61, even when water is continuously sterilized for a long time by the water sterilization line 50, the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 can be ensured.

[0394] (Eighth Modification Example) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the water sterilization line 50 includes a first water tank 51, a water sterilizer 60, and a second water tank 52 has been described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17C, the water sterilization line 50 may include a plurality (for example, two) of water sterilizers 60. Thereby, even when one of the water sterilizers 60 stops or the amount of ultraviolet irradiation decreases in one of the water sterilizers 60, the other water sterilizer 60 can ensure the sterility of the water. Further, when one of the water sterilizers 60 is being cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP), the other water sterilizer 60 can be used to sterilize the water. For this reason, the production of the product bottle 101 can be continuously performed. Further, for example, when cleaning the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h or the like using the other water sterilizer 60 while cleaning (CIP) or sterilizing (SIP) one of the water sterilizers 60, it is possible to suppress a shortage of water supplied to the second sterile chamber 70h or the like. Further, for example, when cleaning the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h or the like using the other water sterilizer 60 while sterilizing (SIP) or performing an integrity test on the first sterile filter 63 or the like of one of the water sterilizers 60, it is possible to suppress a shortage of water supplied to the second sterile chamber 70h or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 17C, the configuration of the water sterilizer 60 is the same as the configuration of the water sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2A, but it is not limited thereto. Although not shown, for example, the water sterilizer 60 may be the water sterilizer 60 shown in FIGS. 2B to 2M. Further, when the water sterilization line 50 includes a plurality of water sterilizers 60, the water sterilizers 60 included in the water sterilization line 50 may be different from each other. As an example, the water sterilization line 50 may include the water sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2A and the water sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2C.

[0395] (Ninth Modification Example) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which 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 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the purity of the pure water produced by the pure water production apparatus 50a is high and no mold is detected in the first water tank 51, the water sterilizer 60 may not include the foreign matter removal filter 61. When the number of bacteria in the first water tank 51 is large, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a third sterilizer (not shown) provided upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this case, the configuration of the third sterilizer may be substantially the same as that of the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6B. That is, the third sterilizer may be a sterilizer that sterilizes water by ultraviolet rays.

[0396] (First Modified Example 10) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the UHT 80 includes a first-stage heating unit 81, a second-stage heating unit 82, a holding tube 83, a first-stage cooling unit 84, a second-stage cooling unit 85, and a third-stage cooling unit 86 has been described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18A, the UHT 80 may include a plurality (for example, two) of second-stage heating units 82, a plurality (for example, two) of holding tubes 83, and a plurality (for example, two) of first-stage cooling units 84. Thereby, even when charring or the like adheres to one of the second-stage heating unit 82, the holding tube 83, or the first-stage cooling unit 84, the product stock solution can be sterilized using the other holding tube 83 or the like. That is, when one of the holding tubes 83 or the like is being cleaned (CIP), sterilized (SIP), or cleaned and sterilized (CSIP), the product stock solution can be sterilized using the other holding tube 83 or the like. Therefore, the production of the product bottle 101 can be continuously performed.

[0397] (First Modified Example 11) In addition, in the above-described embodiments, an example where the product stock solution sterilizer 80 is a UHT has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the product stock solution sterilizer 80 may be an ohmic (Joule type) heating sterilizer that directly applies electricity to the product stock solution and causes self-heating. Further, the product stock solution sterilizer 80 may be a sterilizer that sterilizes the product stock solution using microwaves (915 MHz, 2450 MHz). In this case, the microwaves may be irradiated from the outside of the pipe through which the product stock solution or solid matter passes. Thereby, the temperature of the product stock solution or solid matter can be increased, and the product stock solution or solid matter can be sterilized. Also in these cases, the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0398] (12th Modification Example) In addition, in the above-described embodiments, an example where the filling device 20 (water filling device 21 and stock solution filling device 22) is a so-called rotary filler has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the filling device 20 may be a so-called linear aseptic filling machine that fills a container (such as a cup or paper container) conveyed by a conveyor with water or the like. In this case, for example, first, sterile water may be filled, and then the product stock solution may be filled. Further, a stock solution filling device 22 that fills the product stock solution or solid matter containing flavor may be provided downstream of the stock solution filling device 22 that fills the product stock solution. Note that the order of filling the sterile water and the product stock solution is not limited to this. For example, the product stock solution may be filled first, and then the sterile water may be filled. Also, as described with reference to FIG. 15, the sterile water and the product stock solution may be filled by one filling nozzle 20a.

[0399] Here, when the filling device 20 is a so-called linear aseptic filling machine, as shown in FIG. 18B, the content filling system 10 may include a container forming unit 150 that forms a container 140 (paper container, carton) from a packaging material 130 (sleeve). This container forming unit 150 may be disposed within the eleventh aseptic chamber 70r. A conveyor 125 for transporting the container 140 may be provided within this eleventh aseptic chamber 70r. Further, the content filling system 10 may include a disinfectant spraying nozzle 11A, an air lance nozzle 160, a creasing section 170, a heating section 180, and a sealing section 190. Among these, the disinfectant spraying nozzle 11A is a nozzle that sprays disinfectant onto the inner and outer surfaces of the container 140. The air lance nozzle 160 is a nozzle for blowing sterile air onto the inner surface of the container 140. The creasing section 170 is a portion for folding the container 140. The heating section 180 is a portion for heating the container 140. The sealing section 190 is a portion for sealing the container 140. The disinfectant spraying nozzle 11A, the air lance nozzle 160, the water filling device 21, the stock solution filling device 22, the creasing section 170, the heating section 180, and the sealing section 190 may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the transport direction of the container 140. In such a content filling system 10, water and the product stock solution may be simultaneously filled into one container 140 from the water filling nozzle 21a and the stock solution filling nozzle 22c. The order of filling water and the product stock solution into the bottle 100 may be appropriately changed in consideration of foaming within the bottle 100, the ease of mixing between water and the product stock solution, or production capacity, etc. Also, as described with reference to FIG. 15, sterile water and the product stock solution may be filled using one filling nozzle 20a.

[0400] Moreover, the content filling system 10 may be a so-called roll-fed aseptic filling system, rather than an aseptic filling system that forms the container 140 from the packaging material 130 (sleeve). The roll-fed aseptic filling system is a filling system that forms a container (paper container or pouch) from a packaging material supplied in a roll shape and fills the formed container with the content. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18C, the packaging material 200 supplied in a roll shape is first sterilized by being immersed in a sterilizing liquid (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) in the sterilizing tank 201. Note that the two sides of the packaging material may be sterilized by spraying a gas or mist of a sterilizing agent onto both sides of the packaging material and then drying and removing the sterilizing agent with hot air. Also, the two sides of the packaging material may be sterilized by irradiating both sides of the packaging material with an electron beam. Next, in the forming section 202, a predetermined process is performed on the packaging material, whereby a container (paper container or pouch) 203 is formed. In the illustrated example, in the forming section 202, a process such as heat sealing is performed on the packaging material, whereby the paper container 203 is formed. At this time, water and the product stock solution may be simultaneously filled from the water filling nozzle 21a and the stock solution filling nozzle 22c. Although not shown, as described with reference to FIG. 15, sterile water and the product stock solution may be filled by one filling nozzle 20a. Thereafter, in the forming section 202, the paper container 203 is cut into a predetermined shape, whereby a product containing the content is obtained.

[0401] (13th Modified Example) Moreover, in the above-described embodiments, the case where a sterilizing device that performs hydrogen peroxide sterilization is used as the preform sterilizing device and the container sterilizing device has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sterilization device that performs hydrogen peroxide sterilization may be either a preform sterilization device or a container sterilization device. Also, the preform sterilization device and the container sterilization device may be a sterilization device that performs a peracetic acid sterilization method in which the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle are sterilized with a peracetic acid solution (or gas, mist, or a mixture thereof) and then rinsed with sterile water. Alternatively, the preform sterilization device and the container sterilization device may be a sterilization device that uses, as a sterilizing agent, peracetic acid, acetic acid, pernitric acid, nitric acid, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine, caustic soda, etc. alone, or may be a sterilization device that uses a sterilizing agent combining two or more of these. Also, the sterilization device may be used not only for sterilizing bottles but also for sterilizing cups, pouches, paper containers, or composites thereof. Furthermore, the preform sterilization device may sterilize the preform by chemical spraying, chemical rinsing, steam, sterile water, sterile air, electron beam, X-ray, or ultraviolet ray. Similarly, the container sterilization device may sterilize the container by chemical spraying, chemical rinsing, steam, sterile water, sterile air, electron beam, X-ray, or ultraviolet ray.

[0402] (14th Modified Example) Also, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the content filling system 10 includes the bottle molding unit 30 has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the content filling system may be configured to sequentially receive the formed empty bottles 100 from the outside by air conveyance or the like and convey the received bottles 100 toward the sterilization device 11. Even in this case, the above-described effects can be obtained.

[0403] (15th Modified Example) In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the content filling system 10 is a system for filling the bottle 100 with the content has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The content filling system 10 according to the present embodiment is also applicable to a filling system for filling a container such as a cup with a so-called chilled beverage such as a milk beverage. Also in this case, compared with the case where the product stock solution is diluted with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged when producing the content can be reduced. For this reason, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Further, when the content is a milk beverage or the like, the number of bacteria in the product stock solution can increase. Thus, even when the number of bacteria in the product stock solution increases, the product stock solution is heat-sterilized. For this reason, even when the content is a milk beverage or the like, the sterility of the content can be sufficiently ensured. Further, in the content filling system 10 according to the present embodiment, any liquid that requires sterilization (for example, a seasoning, an alcoholic beverage, or a milk beverage) may be filled into the container.

[0404] (16th Modification Example) In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the content filling system 10 is a system for filling the bottle 100 with the content has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the content filling system 10 may be a filling system (so-called Blow-Fill-Seal (BFS)) that forms the bottle 100 from the preform 100a by filling the preform 100a with water (or the product stock solution or the content).

[0405] In this case, as shown in FIG. 18D1, a part of the filling device 20 (in the illustrated example, the water filling device 21) may be incorporated in the bottle forming unit 30. Although not shown, for example, when the bottle 100 is formed from the preform 100a by filling the preform 100a with the product stock solution, the stock solution filling device 22 may be incorporated in the bottle forming unit 30.

[0406] Also, as shown in FIG. 18D1, in the preform conveying section 31 of the bottle forming section 30, the preform sterilizing device 34a may be provided on the downstream side of the heating section 35. And the preform sterilizing device 34a may be configured to sterilize the preform 100a heated by the heating section 35. The preform sterilizing device 34a may be disposed within the 12th aseptic chamber 70s.

[0407] In this modification, in the water filling device 21, pressurized water can be filled into the sterilized preform 100a. Thereby, the forming of the bottle 100 and the filling of water into the bottle 100 can be performed simultaneously.

[0408] In addition, in this modification, an example in which the filling device 20 has a water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and a stock solution filling device 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization line 70 has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 18D2, the content filling system 10 may include a single filling device 20. In this case, as described with reference to FIG. 13, a mixing tank 57 for mixing water and the product stock solution may be interposed between the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 and the filling device 20. Although not shown, as described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the mixing tank 57 for mixing water and the product stock solution may not be interposed between the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 and the filling device 20. In these cases, in the filling device 20, pressurized content (or water or product stock solution) can be filled into the sterilized preform 100a. Thereby, the forming of the bottle 100 and the filling of the content or the like into the bottle 100 can be performed simultaneously.

[0409] (17th Modification) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes water having an electric conductivity of 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 may have an electric conductivity greater than 20 μS / cm. In this case, the water may be tap water or well water. That is, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 may be used not as the raw water for soft drinks but as mineral water, purified water used as pharmaceutical water, or water for injection. When sterilizing pharmaceutical water or the like, it is necessary to inactivate or reduce endotoxins in addition to bacteria. In this case, the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays to the water is preferably 2 500 mJ / cm or more. Thereby, endotoxins can be inactivated or reduced.

[0410] In this modification, as shown in FIG. 18E, the water sterilization line 50 may be provided upstream of the first water tank 51 and may have a pre-stage water tank 50d for storing water (such as tap water or well water). When the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes tap water or the like, inorganic substances (oxides such as calcium) may adhere to the surface of the quartz sleeve that protects the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like (for example, the surface formed of quartz glass). When inorganic substances or the like adhere to the surface of the quartz sleeve of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like, the intensity (irradiation dose) of ultraviolet rays in the water sterilizer 60 may decrease. Therefore, when the intensity (irradiation dose) of ultraviolet rays in the water sterilizer 60 decreases, it is preferable to remove inorganic substances or the like adhering to the surface of the quartz sleeve by cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the water sterilizer 60.

[0411] In this case, as described with reference to FIG. 17C, the water sterilization line 50 may have a plurality (for example, two) of water sterilizers 60. Thereby, when one of the water sterilizers 60 is being cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP), the other water sterilizer 60 can be used to sterilize the water. For this reason, the production of the product bottle 101 can be carried out continuously. Note that when cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the water sterilizer 60, the disinfectant or cleaning agent may not be allowed to pass through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63. That is, as described with reference to FIGS. 2B and 2C, the disinfectant or cleaning agent may pass through the third bypass line 95a and the fourth bypass line 95b to clean and sterilize only the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64.

[0412] (Modification Example of Sterilization Method for Contents Filling System) Next, a modification example of the sterilization method for the contents filling system will be described.

[0413] (First Modification Example) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the sterilization method of the chamber sequentially performs the COP process (reference symbol S12 in FIG. 9), the CIP process (reference symbol S13 in FIG. 9), the SIP process (reference symbol S14 in FIG. 9), and the SOP process (reference symbol S15 in FIG. 9) has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, in the sterilization method of the chamber, after the rinsing process (reference symbol S310 in FIG. 19), the COP process (reference symbol S320 in FIG. 19) and the CIP process (reference symbol S330 in FIG. 19) may be performed simultaneously. Further, after the COP process and the CIP process, the SIP process (reference symbol S340 in FIG. 19) and the SOP process (reference symbol S350 in FIG. 19) may be performed simultaneously. Thereby, the downtime can be significantly shortened and the productivity of the product bottle 101 can be improved.

[0414] Also, as shown in Fig. 20, in the method for sterilizing the chamber, after the rinsing step (reference sign S41 in Fig. 20), a CSOP step (reference sign S42 in Fig. 20) in which the COP step and the SOP step are performed simultaneously, and a CSIP step (reference sign S43 in Fig. 20) in which the CIP step and the SIP step are performed simultaneously may be performed simultaneously. In this case, for example, during the CSOP step, it is preferable that a cleaning agent at a temperature of 70°C or higher is sprayed into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h for at least 1 minute or more, and more preferably for 5 minutes or more. Thereby, the inner wall surface of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the like and the surface of equipment such as the filling device 20 are purified and sterilized. Also, for example, during the CSIP step, while rinsing the product stock solution flow path in the stock solution filling device 22 with sterile water, a cleaning agent at a temperature of 70°C or higher is supplied to a circulation path (not shown) including the flow path. And in the circulation path, it is preferable to circulate the cleaning agent for at least 5 minutes or more, and more preferably for 10 minutes or more. Thereby, the product stock solution flow path in the stock solution filling device 22 is sterilized. Also in this case, the downtime can be significantly shortened and the productivity of the product bottle 101 can be improved.

[0415] Also, also in this modified example, the number of times of cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f can be reduced, and in the content filling system 10, the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed. Also, the number of times of cleaning and sterilizing the filling device 20 housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be reduced, and in the content filling system 10, the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed. For this reason, the usage amount of steam or the like can be reduced. Also, since the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed, the cleaning time and the sterilizing time can be shortened. For this reason, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0416] When performing the CSIP process that simultaneously conducts the CIP process and the SIP process, after the CSIP process, it is necessary to rinse the cleaning agent used while maintaining a sterile state inside the stock solution filling device 22 and the like. At this time, by using the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 for rinsing, the discharge amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, since the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 can be stored in the second water tank 52, the cleaning agent can be rinsed immediately after the CSIP process. Therefore, the downtime can be shortened...

Claims

1. A water sterilization line that sterilizes water without heating; A stock solution sterilization line that heats and sterilizes the stock solution; a filling device connected to the water sterilization line and the concentrate sterilization line, respectively, for filling the water and the concentrate product into containers; A control unit that controls the water sterilization line, The water sterilization line sterilizes the water by ultraviolet light, The water sterilization line has at least a water sterilizer that sterilizes the water, The water sterilizer includes at least a sterile filter, The control unit discharges the water to the outside of the water sterilization line when a pressure difference between the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure of the sterilization filter becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the container is a can, The opening of the sterile filter is 0.1 μm or more and 0.45 μm or less.

2. A content filling system as described in claim 1, wherein the evaporation residue of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line is 20 mg / L or less.

3. A content filling system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical conductivity of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line is 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less.

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