Contents filling system, method for manufacturing a product container, sampling method, and sterilization method

Abstract

A content filling system (10) comprises: a water sterilizing machine (60) that performs non-heat sterilization of water to be used in the content filling system (10); and a control unit (90) that controls the content filling system (10). The water sterilizing machine (60) includes at least a sterilizing machine provided with an ultraviolet lamp. The control unit (90) sterilizes the water sterilizing machine (60) by supplying hot water to the water sterilizing machine (60). Thereafter, the control unit (90) uses the sterilized water sterilizing machine (60) to sterilize the water to be used in the content, and fills the container with the content including the sterilized water to produce a product container (101). The water sterilizing machine (60) keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizing machine ON from during the sterilization of the water sterilizing machine (60) until the sterilization of the water to be used in the content ends.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] An aseptic filling system (an 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, the 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.

[0005] In addition, in the aseptic filling system described above, in order to periodically inspect the content to be filled in the container, it may be required to aseptically sample the content.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such points, and an object thereof is to provide a content filling system, a method for manufacturing a product container, and a sterilization method capable of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such points, and an object thereof is to provide a sampling method capable of aseptically sampling the contents.

Disclosure of the Invention

[0009] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system for filling a container with contents, comprising a water sterilizer for non-thermally sterilizing water used in the content filling system, and a control unit for controlling the content filling system. The water sterilizer has at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp. The control unit sterilizes the water sterilizer by supplying hot water to the water sterilizer, and then uses the sterilized water sterilizer to sterilize the water used for the contents and fill the container with the contents containing the sterilized water, thereby producing a product container. The water sterilizer is a content filling system that keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer lit continuously from the start of sterilization of the water sterilizer until the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed.

[0010] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the first aspect described above, wherein the ultraviolet lamp may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0011] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the first aspect or the second aspect described above, wherein the sterilizer may include a first sterilizer and a second sterilizer provided downstream of the first sterilizer. The ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer may be a low-pressure mercury lamp, and the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp. The water sterilizer may keep the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer lit continuously from the start of sterilization of the water sterilizer until the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system for filling a container with contents, including a water sterilizer for non-thermally sterilizing water used in the content filling system, a water tank provided downstream of the water sterilizer, and a control unit for controlling the content filling system. The water sterilizer has at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp. The control unit sterilizes the water sterilizer by supplying hot water to the water sterilizer. The water sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer lit from the start of sterilization of the water sterilizer until the sterilization of the water sterilizer is completed, and if the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water is less than 15 mJ / cm 2 2, the control unit does not supply the water with an integrated irradiation dose less than 15 mJ / cm 2 2 to the water tank. This is the content filling system.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a product container, including a step of sterilizing a water sterilizer having at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp, a step of sterilizing water used for contents using the sterilized water sterilizer, and a step of producing a product container by filling the container with the contents containing the sterilized water. The water sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer lit from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer until the step of sterilizing the water used for the contents is completed. This is the method for manufacturing a product container.

[0014] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is that in the method for manufacturing a product container according to the fifth aspect described above, the ultraviolet lamp may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0015] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is that in the method for manufacturing a product container according to the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect described above, the sterilizer may include a first sterilizer and a second sterilizer provided downstream of the first sterilizer. The ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer may be a low-pressure mercury lamp, and the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp. The water sterilizer may keep the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer lit from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer until the step of sterilizing the water used for the contents is completed.

[0016] The eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a sterilization method for sterilizing a content filling system including a water sterilizer that non-thermally sterilizes water and a water tank provided downstream of the water sterilizer. The water sterilizer has at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp. The sterilization method includes a step of sterilizing the water sterilizer and a step of sterilizing water using the sterilized water sterilizer. The water sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer lit from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer until the sterilization of the water sterilizer is completed, and when the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water is less than 15 mJ / cm 2 If it is less than, the water with an integrated irradiation dose of less than 15 mJ / cm 2 is not supplied to the water tank, which is a method for manufacturing a product container.

[0017] The ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system including a storage tank for storing sterilized contents, a filling device for filling the contents in the storage tank into a container, and a content inspection line connected to the storage tank. The content inspection line has a first valve and a second valve provided downstream of the first valve.

[0018] The tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the ninth aspect described above. The content filling system may further include a control unit for controlling the content filling system. When the pressure in the storage tank is equal to or lower than the pressure between the first valve and the second valve, the control unit may not open the first valve.

[0019] The eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the ninth aspect or the tenth aspect described above. The content filling system may further include a water sterilization line for sterilizing water and a stock solution sterilization line for sterilizing a product stock solution. The storage tank may be interposed between the water sterilization line, the stock solution sterilization line, and the filling device, and the water and the product stock solution may be mixed.

[0020] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system, comprising a water sterilizer for non-thermally sterilizing water, and a sterilizer cleaning line for cleaning the water sterilizer. The water sterilizer has a first pipe, a first sterilizer provided downstream of the first pipe, and a second pipe provided downstream of the first sterilizer. A first switching unit is provided between the first pipe, the first sterilizer, the second pipe, and the sterilizer cleaning line, which is connected to the first pipe, the first sterilizer, the second pipe, and the sterilizer cleaning line and switches the flow path of the water. This is a content filling system.

[0021] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the twelfth aspect described above. When sterilizing water with the first sterilizer, the first switching unit may connect the first pipe, the first sterilizer, and the second pipe in this order so that the water flows through them. When cleaning the first sterilizer, the first switching unit may connect the first pipe and the second pipe in this order so that the water flows through them, and may also connect the first sterilizer and the sterilizer cleaning line.

[0022] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect described above. The water sterilizer may further have a second sterilizer provided downstream of the second pipe, and a third pipe provided downstream of the second sterilizer. A second switching unit may be provided between the second pipe, the second sterilizer, the third pipe, and the sterilizer cleaning line, which is connected to the second pipe, the second sterilizer, the third pipe, and the sterilizer cleaning line and switches the flow path of the water.

[0023] According to a 15th aspect of the present disclosure, in the content filling system according to each of the 12th to 14th aspects described above, when the second sterilizer sterilizes water, the second switching unit may connect the second pipe, the second sterilizer, and the third pipe in this order so that the water flows through them. When cleaning the second sterilizer, the second switching unit may connect the second pipe and the third pipe in this order so that the water flows through them, and may also connect the second sterilizer and the sterilizer cleaning line.

[0024] A 16th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system including a water sterilizer that non-thermally sterilizes water and a sterilizer cleaning line for cleaning the water sterilizer. The water sterilizer has a first pipe, a first sterilizer provided downstream of the first pipe, a second pipe provided downstream of the first sterilizer, a second sterilizer provided downstream of the second pipe, and a third pipe provided downstream of the second sterilizer. A second switching unit is provided between the second pipe, the second sterilizer, the third pipe, and the sterilizer cleaning line, which is connected to the second pipe, the second sterilizer, the third pipe, and the sterilizer cleaning line and switches the flow path of the water.

[0025] A 17th aspect of the present disclosure is a sampling method for sampling the content filled by a content filling system. The content filling system includes a storage tank for storing the sterilized content, a filling device for filling the content in the storage tank into a container, and a content inspection line connected to the storage tank. The content inspection line has a first valve and a second valve provided downstream of the first valve. The sampling method includes a sterilization step of sterilizing the content inspection line, an introduction step of introducing the content into the content inspection line by opening the first valve with the second valve closed, and a sampling step of sampling the content in the content inspection line by opening the second valve after closing the first valve.

[0026] In the 18th aspect of the present disclosure, in the sampling method according to the 17th aspect described above, the sampling method may further include a positive pressure holding step of holding the content inspection line at a positive pressure between the sterilization step and the introduction step.

[0027] In the 19th aspect of the present disclosure, in the sampling method according to the 17th aspect or the 18th aspect described above, in the introduction step, the pressure in the storage tank may be maintained at a pressure equal to or higher than the pressure between the first valve and the second valve.

[0028] The 20th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system including a water sterilizer for sterilizing water and a control unit for controlling the water sterilizer, wherein the water sterilizer has a foreign matter removal filter for removing foreign matter in the water, and a first sterilizer provided downstream of the foreign matter removal filter for sterilizing the water. The control unit sterilizes the foreign matter removal filter by circulating hot water in a sterilization circulation system including the foreign matter removal filter.

[0029] In the 21st aspect of the present disclosure, in the content filling system according to the 20th aspect described above, the hot water may circulate through the sterilization circulation system without passing through the first sterilizer.

[0030] In the 22nd aspect of the present disclosure, in the content filling system according to the 20th aspect or the 21st aspect described above, the first sterilizer may include an ultraviolet lamp, and the first sterilizer may continue to turn on the ultraviolet lamp while the hot water is circulating through the sterilization circulation system.

[0031] In the 23rd aspect of the present disclosure, in the content filling system according to each of the 20th aspect to the 22nd aspect described above, The water sterilizer may further include a first sterile filter provided on the downstream side of the first sterilizer, a second sterilizer provided on the downstream side of the first sterile filter, and a second sterile filter provided on the downstream side of the second sterilizer.

[0032] The 24th aspect of the present disclosure is A sterilization method for sterilizing a water sterilizer having a foreign matter removal filter for removing foreign matter in water and a first sterilizer provided on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter for sterilizing the water, supplying hot water to a sterilization circulation system including the foreign matter removal filter; A sterilization method comprising a step of circulating the hot water in the sterilization circulation system.

[0033] The 25th aspect of the present disclosure is, in the sterilization method according to the 24th aspect described above, In the step of circulating the hot water, the hot water may circulate through the sterilization circulation system without passing through the first sterilizer.

[0034] The 26th aspect of the present disclosure is, in the sterilization method according to the 24th aspect or the 25th aspect described above, The first sterilizer may include an ultraviolet lamp, and in the step of circulating the hot water, the first sterilizer may keep the ultraviolet lamp lit.

[0035] The 27th aspect of the present disclosure is A content filling system for filling a container with contents, a water sterilizer for non-thermally sterilizing water used in the content filling system, a control unit for controlling the content filling system, The water sterilizer has at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp, The control unit sterilizes the water sterilizer by circulating a bactericide in a circulation system including the water sterilizer, The bactericide contains peracetic acid, While the bactericide is circulating in the circulation system, the sterilizer is a content filling system that continues to turn on the ultraviolet lamp.

[0036] The 28th aspect of the present disclosure is in the content filling system according to the 27th aspect described above, The concentration of the bactericide may be 100 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less.

[0037] The 29th aspect of the present disclosure is A content filling system for filling a container with contents, A water sterilizer for non-thermally sterilizing the water used in the content filling system, And a control unit for controlling the content filling system, The water sterilizer has at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp, The control unit sterilizes the water sterilizer by circulating a bactericide in a circulation system including the water sterilizer, The bactericide contains peracetic acid, While the bactericide is circulating in the circulation system, when the sterilizer does not turn on the ultraviolet lamp, the concentration of the bactericide is a first concentration, While the bactericide is circulating in the circulation system, when the sterilizer turns on the ultraviolet lamp, the concentration of the bactericide is a second concentration that is equal to or lower than the first concentration, which is a content filling system.

[0038] The 30th aspect of the present disclosure is in the content filling system according to the 29th aspect described above, The first concentration may be 1000 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less, and the second concentration may be 100 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less.

[0039] The 31st aspect of the present disclosure is A sterilization method for sterilizing a content filling system including a water sterilizer for non-thermally sterilizing water, The water sterilizer has at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp, The sterilization method is A step of supplying a bactericide to a circulation system including the water sterilizer; In the circulation system, a step of circulating the bactericide; The bactericide contains peracetic acid; In the step of circulating the bactericide, the sterilizer continuously lights the ultraviolet lamp, which is a sterilization method.

[0040] The 32nd aspect of the present disclosure is A sterilization method for sterilizing a content filling system including a water sterilizer for non-heat sterilizing water, The water sterilizer has at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp, The sterilization method is A step of supplying a bactericide to a circulation system including the water sterilizer; In the circulation system, a step of circulating the bactericide; The bactericide contains peracetic acid; In the step of circulating the bactericide, when the sterilizer does not light the ultraviolet lamp, the concentration of the bactericide is a first concentration, In the step of circulating the bactericide, when the sterilizer lights the ultraviolet lamp, the concentration of the bactericide is a second concentration that is equal to or lower than the first concentration, which is a sterilization method.

[0041] The 33rd aspect of the present disclosure is A sterilization method for sterilizing a content filling system including a water sterilizer for non-heat sterilizing water, The water sterilizer has at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp, The sterilization method is A supply step of supplying a bactericide to a circulation system including the water sterilizer; In the circulation system, a circulation step of circulating the bactericide; A dilution step of diluting the bactericide by supplying water to the circulation system; The bactericide contains peracetic acid; In the dilution step, the sterilizer continuously lights the ultraviolet lamp, which is a sterilization method.

[0042] The 34th aspect of the present disclosure is in the sterilization method according to the 33rd aspect described above, the flow rate of the bactericide in the dilution step may be slower than the flow rate of the bactericide in the circulation step.

[0043] The 34th aspect of the present disclosure is in the sterilization method according to the 33rd aspect or the 34th aspect described above, the content filling system may be provided upstream of the water sterilizer and may further include a water storage tank for storing the water, a first flow path connecting the water storage tank and the water sterilizer to each other and a second flow path having both ends connected to the first flow path may be formed between the water storage tank and the water sterilizer, in the circulation step, the bactericide may pass through the first flow path without passing through the second flow path, in the dilution step, the bactericide may pass through the second flow path.

[0044] The 36th aspect of the present disclosure is in the sterilization method according to each of the 33rd aspect to the 35th aspect described above, the integrated irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays on the water in the dilution step may be more than the integrated irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays on the water during the production of the product container.

[0045] The 37th aspect of the present disclosure is in the sterilization method according to each of the 33rd aspect to the 36th aspect described above, in the dilution step, hot water may be supplied to the circulation system.

[0046] According to the present disclosure, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system can be reduced.

[0047] Further, according to the present disclosure, the content can be aseptically sampled.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0048]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

Figure 2D

Figure 2E1

Figure 2E2

Figure 2E3

Figure 2F

Figure 2G

Figure 2H

Figure 2I

Figure 2J

Figure 2K

Figure 2L

Figure 2M

Figure 2N

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 6C

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10A

Figure 10B1

Figure 10B2

Figure 10B3

Figure 10C

Figure 10D

Figure 10E

Figure 10F

Figure 11

Figure 12A

Figure 12B

Figure 12C

Figure 12D

Figure 12E

Figure 12F

Figure 12G

Figure 12H

Figure 12I

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16A

Figure 16B

Figure 16C

Figure 17A

Figure 17B

Figure 17C

Figure 18A

Figure 18B

Figure 18C

Figure 18D1

Figure 18D2

Figure 18E

Figure 18F

Figure 18G

Figure 18H1

Figure 18H2

Figure 18H3

Figure 18H4

Figure 18H5

Figure 18H6

Figure 18H7

Figure 18I

Figure 18J

Figure 18K

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 25

Figure 26

Figure 27A

Figure 27B

Figure 27C

Figure 27D

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 10E are diagrams showing an embodiment.

[0050] (Content Filling System) First, with reference to FIG. 1, a content filling system (aseptic filling system) according to an embodiment will be described.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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. The content filling system 10 also includes a control unit 90 for controlling the filling device 20. Further, 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 carrying-out unit 25. These bottle forming unit 30, sterilization device 11, air rinsing device 14, filling device 20, cap attaching device 16, and product bottle carrying-out 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, a plurality of conveying wheels 12 for conveying the bottle 100 between these devices are provided between the air rinsing device 14, the filling device 20, and the cap attaching device 16, etc. 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 carrying-out unit 25 will be described.

[0053] 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 to the formation of the bottle 100 and then 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 into the content filling system 10. Therefore, the transportation cost can be reduced.

[0054] The bottle forming section 30 includes a preform conveying section 31 that conveys the preform 100a, a blow molding section (container forming device) 32 that forms the bottle 100 from the preform 100a by performing blow molding on the preform 100a, and a bottle conveying section 33 that conveys the formed bottle 100.

[0055] Among these, the preform conveying section 31 includes a receiving section 34, a heating section 35, and a delivery section 36. Among these, the receiving section 34 is configured to receive the preform 100a supplied from the preform supply device 1 via the preform supply conveyor 2. The receiving section 34 is provided with a preform 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 section 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.

[0056] In the receiving section 34, the preform 100a is sterilized (pre-sterilized) by spraying a gas or mist of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution onto the preform 100a by the preform sterilizing device 34a.

[0057] As a 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.

[0058] In this way, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a with the preform sterilizer 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 sterilizer 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 overall amount of the sterilizing agent used can be reduced.

[0059] In addition, since the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the sterilizer 11 can be reduced and the sterilization time can be shortened, the sterilizer 11 can be downsized. Also, since the sterilization time for sterilizing the bottle 100 can be shortened, the thermal load on the bottle 100 can be reduced. Therefore, even for the lightweight bottle 100 or the bottle 100 made of recycled PET by recycling, deformation of the bottle 100 due to heat of the sterilizing agent can be suppressed.

[0060] Furthermore, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a, the bacteria adhering to the bottle 100 can be reduced, so that 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 the present embodiment, as described above, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a, the bacteria adhering to the bottle 100 can be reduced. Therefore, the blow molding section (container molding device) 32 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 in order to improve the sterilization effect. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the contents 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. In addition, 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 unit 34, the preform air rinsing device 34b may not be provided. Further, in the receiving unit 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.

[0063] The heating unit 35 is configured to receive the preform 100a from the receiving unit 34 and heat the preform 100a while conveying it. The heating unit 35 is provided with a heater 35a for heating the preform 100a. 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 and the like.

[0064] The delivery unit 36 is configured to receive the preform 100a heated by the heating unit 35 and deliver it to the blow molding unit 32.

[0065] The blow molding unit 32 includes a mold (not shown). By performing blow molding on the preform 100a using this mold, the bottle 100 is formed. Then, the formed bottle 100 is conveyed downstream by the bottle conveying unit 33.

[0066] Here, between the bottle molding section 30 and the sterilization device 11, an adjustment conveyance section 5 is provided that receives the bottle 100 from the bottle conveyance section 33 and delivers the bottle 100 to the sterilization device 11. At least a part of this adjustment conveyance section 5 is housed inside an atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c (described later) provided on the upstream side of a disinfectant spray chamber 70d (described later). In the illustrated example, the adjustment conveyance section 5 is arranged so as to straddle a molding section chamber 70b (described later) that houses the bottle molding section 30 and the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c. Thus, since at least a part of the adjustment conveyance section 5 is housed inside the atmosphere cutoff 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 spray chamber 70d into the molding section chamber 70b.

[0067] In the illustrated example, a single conveyance wheel 12 is provided between the adjustment conveyance section 5 and the bottle conveyance section 33 of the bottle molding section 30. That is, between the blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30 and the sterilization device 11, the bottle conveyance section 33 of the bottle molding section 30, a single conveyance wheel 12, and the adjustment conveyance section 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 section 5 and the bottle conveyance section 33 of the bottle molding section 30. Although not shown, only the adjustment conveyance section 5 may be provided between the blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30 and the sterilization device 11. In this case, the content filling system 10 can be made even more compact.

[0068] 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 the content is filled. 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.

[0069] 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 matters, 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 matters 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 condensation 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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 made smaller compared to 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 made smaller.

[0073] 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 surroundings 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 surroundings 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 made smaller.

[0074] In the water filling device 21, the water filling rate may be 100 mL / sec or more and 500 mL / sec or less, 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 reduced. Therefore, the size of the water filling device 21 can be made smaller. Further, when the water filling rate is 500 mL / sec or less, it is possible to suppress water from scattering outside from the mouth of the bottle 100 when filling water into 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 among the product bottles 101 described later. 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.

[0075] 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 (product container) 101 is obtained.

[0076] 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 row 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.

[0077] The product bottle discharging unit 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.

[0078] The content filling system 10 includes a preform sterilization chamber 70a, a forming section chamber 70b, an atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c, a sterilizing agent spraying chamber 70d, an air rinsing 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 rinsing 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 sterilizing agent 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 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.

[0079] Each of the chambers 70a to 70i is separated by a partition wall. The partition wall serves to prevent the flow of sterilizing agents 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 on the partition wall. This shutter may be configured to open and close automatically, for example, by a signal from the control unit 90.

[0080] Among the chambers 70a to 70i, a preform sterilization device 34a and the like are accommodated inside the preform sterilization chamber 70a.

[0081] Inside the bottle forming chamber 70b, a blow molding section 32 of the bottle forming section 30 and the like are accommodated.

[0082] At least a part of the adjustment conveyance section 5 is accommodated inside the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c. Further, a camera may be provided inside the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c. Then, by using the camera, it may be inspected whether there are any problems in the molding of the bottle 100. Furthermore, 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.

[0083] The sterilization device 11 is accommodated inside the sterilant spraying chamber 70d. Also, the air rinsing device 14 is accommodated inside the air rinsing chamber 70e.

[0084] 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-described 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.

[0085] Inside the above-described preform sterilization chamber 70a, sterilant 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. Note that 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.

[0086] Here, as described above, the content filling system 10 includes a control unit 90 that controls the content filling system 10 (such as the filling device 20). 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 carry-out section 25, and the cap sterilization device 18, and the control unit 90 may control the water sterilization line 50 and the like.

[0087] This control unit 90 may clean and sterilize each chamber, and may also clean and sterilize a water sterilizer 60 and the like in 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 cleaning the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h and / or the stock solution filling device 22, the control unit 90 maintains the state where the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f is kept in a sterile state without cleaning (COP) and / or sterilizing (hereinafter, the sterilization inside each chamber is also referred to as SOP) the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f. Further, when cleaning the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h and / or the stock solution filling device 22, the control unit 90 maintains the state where the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f is kept in a sterile state without cleaning (CIP) and / or sterilizing (SIP (Sterilization in Place)) the water filling device 21.

[0088] As described above, the water filling device 21 for filling sterilized water is accommodated in the first aseptic chamber 70f. There is no contamination by the contents adhering to the periphery of the water filling device 21 and the water flow path in the water filling device 21. Therefore, even when cleaning (COP) and / or sterilization (SOP) in the first aseptic chamber 70f are not performed when switching the type of contents, the hygiene in the first aseptic chamber 70f can be maintained. Also, at this time, even when cleaning (CIP) and / or sterilization (SIP) of the water filling device 21 accommodated in the first aseptic chamber 70f are not performed, the hygiene of the water filling device 21 can be maintained, and mixing of the previous contents into the next contents can be suppressed. Thus, when cleaning the second aseptic chamber 70h, if the first aseptic chamber 70f is not cleaned and / or sterilized, the number of times of cleaning and / or sterilizing the first aseptic chamber 70f can be reduced, and in the content filling system 10, the area to be cleaned and / or sterilized can be narrowed. For this reason, the usage amounts of water, steam, electricity, cleaning agents, and / or steam can be reduced. Also, since the area to be cleaned and / or sterilized can be narrowed, the cleaning time and / or sterilization time can be shortened. For this reason, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0089] Further, while maintaining the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state, the control unit 90 sterilizes (SOP) the interior of the second sterile chamber 70h. Also, while maintaining the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state, the control unit 90 sterilizes (SIP) the stock solution filling device 22. That is, when sterilizing the interior of the second sterile chamber 70h and / or the stock solution filling device 22, the control unit 90 maintains the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state without cleaning (COP) and / or sterilizing (SOP) the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f. Further, when sterilizing the interior of the second sterile chamber 70h and / or the stock solution filling device 22, the control unit 90 maintains the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state without cleaning (CIP) and / or sterilizing (SIP) the water filling device 21. Thereby, the area to be cleaned and / or sterilized can be narrowed. For this reason, the amount of use of steam or the like can be reduced. Also, the cleaning time and / or 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.

[0090] The pressure inside the first sterile chamber 70f described above is preferably higher than the pressure inside the second sterile chamber 70h. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air inside 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.

[0091] When cleaning and sterilizing the second sterile chamber 70h within 70 hours, the pressure inside the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably 40 Pa or more and 100 Pa or less, and the pressure inside the second sterile chamber 70h 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 first sterile chamber 70f is preferably 40 Pa or more and 100 Pa or less, and the pressure inside 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 inside the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the first sterile chamber 70f, and the aseptic state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained better. When producing the product bottle 101, the pressure inside the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably 30 Pa or more and 60 Pa or less, and the pressure inside the second sterile chamber 70h is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less.

[0092] Also, the pressure inside the intermediate area chamber (third sterile chamber) 70g is preferably lower than the pressure inside the first sterile chamber 70f and equal to or higher than the pressure inside the second sterile chamber 70h. Since the pressure inside the intermediate area chamber 70g is lower than the pressure inside the first sterile chamber 70f, it is possible to suppress the air inside the intermediate area chamber 70g from entering the first sterile chamber 70f. Also, since the pressure inside the intermediate area chamber 70g is equal to or higher than the pressure inside the second sterile chamber 70h, it is possible to suppress the air inside the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the intermediate area chamber 70g. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the air inside the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the first sterile chamber 70f via the intermediate area chamber 70g. As a result, the aseptic state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained well.

[0093] When cleaning and sterilizing the second sterile chamber 70h, 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 sterile chamber 70h from entering the intermediate area chamber 70g, and the sterile state inside the first sterile 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.

[0094] Also, the pressure in the air rinse chamber (fourth sterile chamber) 70e is preferably equal to or lower than the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air in the air rinse chamber 70e from entering the first sterile chamber 70f. Therefore, the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained well.

[0095] When cleaning and sterilizing the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure in the air rinse 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 rinse chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air in the air rinse chamber 70e from entering the first sterile chamber 70f, and the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained even better. When producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the air rinse chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less.

[0096] Further, the pressure inside the disinfectant spraying chamber 70d is preferably equal to or lower than the pressure inside the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c. This can 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, an increase in the humidity inside the molding section chamber 70b can be suppressed. 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.

[0097] 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. This can suppress the air inside the disinfectant spraying chamber 70d from entering the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c and the molding section chamber 70b, and can suppress an increase in the humidity inside the molding section chamber 70b. 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.

[0098] 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. This can 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 can better maintain the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f. When producing the product bottle 101, the pressure inside the outlet chamber 70i is preferably 10 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less.

[0099] Summarizing the above, the pressure within the disinfectant spray chamber 70d to the outlet chamber 70i may be as shown in Table 1 below.

[0100]

Table 1

[0101] Note that at this time, the pressure within the preform sterilization chamber 70a to the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c may be as shown in Table 2 below.

[0102]

Table 2

[0103] Also, the control unit 90 may sterilize the water sterilizer 60 by supplying hot water to the water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization line 50 described later. In this case, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, the control unit 90 may supply hot water to the water sterilizer 60 and may also cool the water sterilizer 60 to which the hot water has been supplied. Further, the control unit 90 may use the sterilized water sterilizer 60 to sterilize the water used for the contents and fill the bottle 100 with the contents containing the sterilized water, thereby producing the product bottle 101.

[0104] 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) connecting 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] Water sterilization line The water sterilization line 50 is a sterilization line for non-heat sterilizing 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 with a sterile filter (such as the first sterile filter 63 described later). In the present specification, "non-heat sterilization" means sterilizing water without using thermal energy such as an electric heater or steam.

[0107] 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 (water storage tank) 51, a water sterilizer 60, and a second water tank (water tank) 52. Also, the water sterilization line 50 may further have a pure water production device 50a provided upstream of the first water tank 51 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.

[0108] Among these, the pure water tank 50c is a tank that stores water (pure water) supplied from a pure water production device 50a which is a water supply source. Here, for the raw water of soft drinks, it is obligatory to use the water for food production defined by the Food Sanitation Law. 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), etc. 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. Furthermore, 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. For this reason, when the electrical conductivity of the water to be sterilized is 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 may be not only pure water but also ultrapure water.

[0109] This pure water tank 50c serves to smooth the water flow by storing water. The volume of the pure water tank 50c may be 50 m 3 or more and 100 m 3 or less, and as an example, it may be 50 m 3 .

[0110] 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. Therefore, it is advisable 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 a high-cost specification, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0111] On the downstream side of this pure water tank 50c, a pre-stage sterilizer 62A and a first water tank 51 are provided.

[0112] Here, when the number concentration of bacteria supplied from the pure water production apparatus 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 collected by the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the bacteria grow, it may affect the quality of the 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 sterilizer 62A is provided one by one upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61 and on the upstream side and the downstream side of the first water tank 51. Note that the number of pre-stage sterilizers 62A may be one, or it may be provided only on one of the upstream side and the downstream side of the first water tank 51. In this case, the cost of sterilizing the 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.

[0113] The first water tank 51 is provided upstream of the water sterilizer 60 and is a tank for storing water. 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 0.1 m 3 or more and 10 m 3 or less, and as an example, it may be 1 m 3 or so.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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. As an example, it may be 10 m 3 or so.

[0117] 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. As an example, it may be 0.3 m 3 or so.

[0118] 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 bactericide. 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 conveying chute (not shown) that conveys the cap 88 and the cap 88 can be reduced by the sterile water attached to the cap 88. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the cap 88 from being scraped by the conveying chute when the cap 88 is conveyed.

[0119] 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, the carbon dioxide emission amount discharged from the content filling system 10 can be further reduced as compared with the case of washing the cap 88 with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water. Note that by appropriately setting the sterilization conditions, conveying speed, and / or material of the cap 88, etc., the cap 88 can be conveyed without being scraped. Thus, when the cap 88 is not scraped, the cap 88 does not have to be washed with sterile water.

[0120] Furthermore, a second bypass line 56 may be provided to connect the water sterilization line 50 and the second aseptic chamber 70h to each other on the downstream side of the second water tank 52. 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.

[0121] 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 of the bottle 100 can be cleaned. When cleaning the mouth 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 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 of the bottle 100, the mouth of the bottle 100 does not have to be cleaned. Also, even when the product stock solution adheres to the mouth of the bottle 100, if there is no possibility of bacteria growing, the mouth of the bottle 100 does not have to be cleaned.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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 constituted by a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, a second sterilizer 64, a second sterile filter 65, the circulation 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. Furthermore, 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 or 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 or 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.

[0124] 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 sterilant 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 sterilant or a cleaning agent when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60.

[0125] 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.

[0126] <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 sterilizes water without heating. 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.

[0127] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the water sterilizer 60 includes at least one sterile filter (a first sterile filter 63 and a second sterile filter 65). Further, the water sterilizer 60 includes at least one sterilizer (a first sterilizer 62 and a second sterilizer 64) including an ultraviolet lamp (a first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. to be described later). 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 water.

[0128] 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. Thus, 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 sterilizer can sterilize the bacteria. 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 (a first sterile filter 63 and a second sterile filter 65), even when one of the sterile filters stops, the other sterile filter can guarantee the sterility of water. Further, since the water sterilizer 60 includes a plurality of sterilizers (a first sterilizer 62 and a second sterilizer 64), even when one of the sterilizers stops, the other sterilizer can guarantee the sterility of water.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] Also, 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.

[0133] Also, 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.

[0134] Also, the water sterilizer 60 may not include a sterile filter. 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, etc., there may be cases where the water sterilizer 60 does not need to include a sterile filter. Also, when the sterilized water is used 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.

[0135] 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, etc., 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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 aperture (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 aperture of the foreign matter removal filter 61 is preferably sized to remove fungi (such as mold and yeast). As will be described later, in the first sterilizer 62 provided on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the like, water is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. For this reason, the aperture of the foreign matter removal filter 61 is preferably sized to remove molds resistant to ultraviolet rays, and 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 aperture of the foreign matter removal filter 61 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 an aperture of 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less may be used as the foreign matter removal filter 61.

[0138] 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. Further, 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 of sterilizing water by heating the 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.

[0139] As described above, in the present 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 include a main body 66 and an ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 provided in the main body 66.

[0140] Among these, the main body 66 is formed in a hollow shape. Further, 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 directed upward from the end on the larger diameter side. An introduction part 68 for introducing water into the inside of the main body 66 may be formed at the lower part of the main body 66, and a discharge part 69 for discharging the sterilized water from the main body 66 may be formed at the upper part of the main body 66. An 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 a horizontal cross section including the introduction part 68.

[0141] 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).

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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 or a circular shape in plan view. In this case, the fixing member 66b may be formed with a through hole (not shown), and the through hole may be configured to allow water to pass through.

[0144] Furthermore, an illuminance meter (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 illuminance meter 66c is installed near the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. An output meter for measuring the outputs of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, which will be described later, of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may be installed. Also, the time (residence time) for water to pass through the inside of the main body 66 may be constantly monitored by the flow meter F described above. 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 dose of the ultraviolet rays.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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, it is possible to suppress variations in the integrated irradiation dose (mJ / cm 2 ) of the ultraviolet rays. 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] In addition, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may have different wavelengths and / or outputs of the irradiated ultraviolet light. 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 plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b may have different wavelengths and / or outputs of the irradiated ultraviolet light. That is, the plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be different ultraviolet lamps from each other. For example, when one second ultraviolet lamp 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, a low-pressure mercury lamp can efficiently irradiate ultraviolet light with a wavelength (253.7 nm) having a high sterilization effect. Also, as will be described later, a medium-pressure mercury lamp is a high-output mercury lamp as compared with a 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.

[0149] A low-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp in which the mercury vapor pressure during lighting is less than 10 Pa. This low-pressure mercury lamp can efficiently irradiate ultraviolet light 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 a discharge tube.

[0150] 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 also has 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 to 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 downsized.

[0151] Also, 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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 necessary 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 doubles, the illuminance becomes 1 / 4, and when the distance from the light source triples, the illuminance becomes 1 / 9. Therefore, by passing water near the light source, the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet rays on bacteria can be enhanced.

[0154] As described above, in this embodiment, an introduction unit 68 for introducing water into the interior 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 during 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 ensure 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.

[0155] Further, the shape of the main body 66 is a frustum of a cone. 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 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.

[0156] 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 2 or more and 10000 mJ / cm2 It is preferably the following, 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 passing through the second sterile filter 65, and aquatic bacteria (capable of growing in water in an oligotrophic environment Pseudomonas genus or Methylobacterium genus, etc.), Gram-negative bacteria, especially those reported to pass through a so-called sterilizing filtration grade filter with a pore size of 0.2 μm Brevundimonas vesicularis , Delftia acidovorans , Hydrogenophaga pseudoflava , Brevundimonas diminuta , Ralstonia pickettii , Cellulomonas biazotea , Microbacterium fluvii , Pseudomonas putida , Stenotrophomonas maltophilia , Acinetobacter junii , Hylemonella gracilis , or Acinetobacter baumannii 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 emission 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 may be 253.7 nm (254 nm) as an example. When the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays is 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less, especially 253.7 nm, the bactericidal effect of the ultraviolet rays on bacteria can be enhanced. Here, in this specification, "aquatic bacteria" means bacteria capable of passing through a sterile filter with a pore size of 0.2 μm.

[0157] Such a first sterilizer 62 is preferably capable of being sterilized (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 sterilizing agent 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 sterilizing agent in the circulation system 59A for at least 10 seconds and at most 60 minutes.

[0158] In addition, 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 part 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 is the tangential direction in the horizontal cross section including the discharge part 69, at the portion where the water that has circulated while contacting the inner surface of the main body 66 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. 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. In addition, 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.

[0159] 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 part 68 for introducing water into the inside of the main body 66 may be formed at one end of the main body 66. Further, a discharge part 69 for discharging the sterilized water from the main body 66 may be formed at the other end of the main body 66. In this case, the main body 66 may be arranged such that the longitudinal direction (the direction of water flow) of the main body 66 is parallel to the horizontal direction, or the main body 66 may be arranged such that the longitudinal direction (the direction of water flow) 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 also 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 part 68 to the discharge part 69.

[0160] In this modification, the ultraviolet irradiation part 67 may include a plurality of third ultraviolet lamps 67c arranged along the direction of water flow. 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 part 67 includes eight third ultraviolet lamps 67c.

[0161] 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, variations in the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays can be more effectively suppressed. In the illustrated example, each of the third ultraviolet lamps 67c is regularly arranged. That is, when viewed from the upstream side (the left side in FIG. 6B) in the water flow direction, 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 (the right side in FIG. 6B) in the water flow direction. 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, 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 when viewed from the upstream side in the water flow direction. Note that each of the third ultraviolet lamps 67c may be irregularly arranged.

[0162] 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 regulating the flow of water may be provided in the main body 66.

[0163] 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 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, materials other than glass may be used. For example, plastics 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 ultraviolet rays UV can be suppressed while ultraviolet rays UV can be repeatedly reflected. Therefore, water can be sterilized efficiently. Note that it is preferable that the ultraviolet rays UV are reflected 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.

[0164] Also, the passing time for water to pass through the first sterilizer 62 may be 0.1 seconds or more and less than 10 seconds, and preferably 0.5 seconds 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 seconds 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.

[0165] 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, and 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.

[0166] This first sterile filter 63 is preferably capable of being sterilized (SIP). Thereby, the first sterile filter 63 can be sterilized periodically. Here, as described above, the first sterile filter 63 passes through the first sterilizer 62 and collects the bacteria remaining in the water. For this reason, when sterilizing water continuously for a long time in the water sterilizer 60, the collected bacteria can multiply within the first sterile filter 63. Also, when 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 within the first sterile filter 63. Thus, when multiplying within 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 a decrease in 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 to the first sterile filter 63 from the sterile air supply port 60a described later.

[0167] 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 represented by the lethal time of the bacteria at 121.1 °C, and is calculated by the following formula.

[0168] [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).)

[0169] Also, it is preferable that the first sterile filter 63 be capable of performing a integrity test on the pore size 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 drained. Then, sterile air is injected into the first sterile filter 63 with the filter 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 escapes from the first sterile filter 63. And based on the pressure of the sterile air when the sterile air escapes from the first sterile filter 63 (bubble point), the size of the pore size of the first sterile filter 63 is determined. In this way, since the first sterile filter 63 is capable of performing an integrity test on the pore size of the first sterile filter 63, the degree of deterioration of the first sterile filter 63 can be easily determined. Incidentally, in order to measure the pressure inside the first sterile filter 63, a pressure gauge P2 may be provided near the sterile air supply port 60a. Incidentally, 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.

[0170] 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 the configuration 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.

[0171] 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 bacteria remaining in the water. The aperture of the second sterile filter 65 is preferably equal to or smaller than that of the first sterile filter 63. Thereby, even if bacteria in the water pass through the first sterile filter 63 by any chance, the second sterile filter 65 can collect the bacteria. For this reason, the sterility of water can be sufficiently ensured. Also, when the aperture of the second sterile filter 65 is equal to that of the first sterile filter 63, two sets of sterilization sets each 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. For this reason, even if any abnormality occurs in one sterilization set, the sterility of water can be guaranteed. Note that a plurality of sterilization sets may be provided according to the sterility assurance level (SAL) of water or the final product (contents) (see FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2D to 2E3). Also, 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.

[0172] 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. Also, by the aperture of the second sterile filter 65 being 0.45 μm or less, 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 membrane) or an ultrafiltration membrane (UF membrane).

[0173] The other configuration of the second sterile filter 65 may be substantially the same as that of the first sterile filter 63. That is, the second sterile filter 65 may be sterilizable (SIP). Further, it may be possible to perform a integrity test on the aperture of the second sterile filter 65.

[0174] Here, in the water sterilizer 60, the sterilization intensity of water may be adjusted based on the target value of the bacteria count level (FSO (Food Safety Objective / ISO13409-1996)(=logN)).

[0175] In this case, for example, let the initial bacteria count level in the water before entering the filter (for example, the first sterile filter 63) be H0(=logN0). In this case, the initial bacteria count level H0 of the filter decreases by 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 bacteria 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).

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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. Here, "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).

[0178] Expressing the relationships of H0, ΣR1, ΣI, ΣR2, and FSO described above as equations gives the following. 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).

[0179] 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). Thereby, 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. Also, 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 detecting fluorescence emitted when a laser beam is applied to particles and identifying whether they are abiotic or microorganisms based on the MIE scattering theory. Examples of such microorganism measuring instruments include: manufactured by Ion Corporation: Biological Particle Counter; manufactured by METTLER TOLEDO GmbH: Microbial Detection Analyzer 7000RMS; manufactured by Azbil Corporation: Real-Time Microbial Detector, IMD-W (registered trademark), etc. In addition, when aseptically sampling water from the sampling line SL, the sampling line SL is preferably 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. Also, 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.

[0180] Note that a thermometer T may be provided in the sampling line SL, and when sterilizing the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 with steam, the temperature of the steam may be monitored by the thermometer T.

[0181] 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 bactericide or a cleaning agent, it is possible to suppress the bactericide 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.

[0182] 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 bactericide or a cleaning agent, it is possible to suppress the bactericide 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.

[0183] 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 and the like described above, the production of the product bottle 101 and the sterilization (SIP) or integrity test of the first sterile filter 63 and the like can be carried out without shortage of water. The required time for the sterilization (SIP) of the first sterile filter 63 and 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 1 hour.

[0184] 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 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.

[0185] Further, 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 to the outside of the water sterilization line 50. Here, the predetermined value is a reference value (threshold value) for determining whether water should be discharged to the outside of the water sterilization line 50. Such a predetermined value can be arbitrarily set according to the volume of the main body 66 or the flow rate of water, etc. 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 to 10000 mJ / cm 2 or less, and as an example, it may be 100 mJ / cm 2 . The irradiation amount of 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".

[0186] 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, when the control unit 90 switches 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, when the control unit 90 switches the valve V1, the water within the circulation system 59A may be supplied to the second water tank 52.

[0187] Further, when the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the aseptic filter (the first aseptic filter 63 or the second aseptic filter 65) deviates from a predetermined value, the control unit 90 may discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50. For example, when the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the aseptic filter (the first aseptic filter 63 or the second aseptic 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. Also, when the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the aseptic filter (the first aseptic filter 63 or the second aseptic filter 65) becomes equal to or less 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 aseptic filter 63 (or the second aseptic 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.

[0188] 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 the water outside 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 the water outside the water sterilization line 50. Even in this case, for example, the asepticity on the downstream side of the valve V1 can be maintained.

[0189] In these cases, after eliminating the malfunction of the water sterilizer 60, the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized with a bactericide such as peracetic acid, or hot water or steam as described later. Then, the water sterilization by the water sterilizer 60 is resumed.

[0190] Such a water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization line 50 preferably continues to sterilize the water without stopping the water sterilization while producing the product bottle 101 by filling the bottle 100 with the content in the content filling system 10. Thereby, the propagation of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 can be suppressed. That is, when the water flow stops in the water sterilizer 60, there is a possibility that bacteria may grow in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. On the other hand, by continuing to sterilize the water without stopping the pump P1 while producing the product bottle 101 in the content filling system 10, the propagation of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 can be suppressed.

[0191] Also, while the water sterilizer 60 is producing the product bottle 101 by filling the bottle 100 with the contents in the content filling system 10, it is preferable that the water sterilizer 60 continues to sterilize the water without stopping until the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed. In other words, after the sterilization of a predetermined amount of water used for the contents is completed, the water sterilizer 60 may stop the water sterilization even while the product bottle 101 is being produced. Here, even after the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed, the production of the product bottle 101 may continue. Specifically, even after the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed, on the downstream side of the water sterilizer 60, a water filling process (see reference numeral S5 in FIG. 8 described later), a product stock solution filling process (see reference numeral S6 in FIG. 8 described later), a cap attaching process (see reference numeral S8 in FIG. 8 described later), etc. may be performed. On the other hand, after the sterilization of a predetermined amount of water used for the contents is completed, even if the water sterilizer 60 stops the water sterilization, it will not have an adverse effect on the production of the product bottle 101. Therefore, after the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed, the water sterilizer 60 may stop the water sterilization. At this time, during the production of the product bottle 101, the sterilization (SIP) of the water sterilizer 60 may be started. Thereby, the downtime can be significantly shortened and the productivity of the product bottle 101 can be improved.

[0192] Furthermore, the water sterilizer 60 may continue to turn on the ultraviolet lamps (the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and / or the third ultraviolet lamp 67c) of the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and / or the second sterilizer 64) from during the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may continue to turn on the ultraviolet lamps of the sterilizer until the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed from during the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60. Thereby, the growth of bacteria can be more effectively suppressed in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. Also, the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 can be ensured. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may turn on the ultraviolet lamps simultaneously with the start of the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60, or may turn on the ultraviolet lamps from the middle of the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60.

[0193] Also, as described above, the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 may be a low-pressure mercury lamp, and the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may keep the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 lit from during the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 until the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed. As described above, since the medium-pressure mercury lamp has higher heat resistance than the low-pressure mercury lamp, it can be lit at high temperatures. Also, as described above, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, the control unit 90 can supply hot water to the water sterilizer 60. When the ultraviolet lamp is a medium-pressure mercury lamp, even when hot water is supplied to the water sterilizer 60 and the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 is high, the ultraviolet lamp can be lit. Thereby, the water sterilizer 60 can keep the ultraviolet lamp lit from a state where the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 is high during the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60. For this reason, it is possible to more effectively suppress the growth of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65, and to ensure the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50.

[0194] Also, after the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 reaches 130°C or lower during the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 and until the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed, the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 may continue to be lit. For example, as described above, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, the control unit 90 supplies hot water to the water sterilizer 60 and can cool the water sterilizer 60 to which the hot water has been supplied. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may continue to keep the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 lit after the temperature inside the cooled water sterilizer 60 reaches 130°C or lower and until the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed. The low-pressure mercury lamp is an ultraviolet lamp with lower heat resistance compared to the medium-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, by lighting the ultraviolet lamp after the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 reaches 130°C or lower, damage to the ultraviolet lamp can be suppressed. In the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 with hot water, the temperature conditions are 130°C or higher and 145°C or lower for 1 minute or more and less than 60 minutes, or 100°C or higher and 130°C or lower for 1 minute or more and less than 60 minutes. In these cases, the water sterilizer 60 becomes a first-class pressure vessel. On the other hand, when the water sterilizer 60 is a second-class pressure vessel with a lower cost than the first-class pressure vessel, it is advisable to sterilize the water sterilizer 60 with hot water at 90°C or higher and less than 100°C. Based on the heat-resistant design value of the water sterilizer 60, the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 may be lit after the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 reaches 100°C or lower, 90°C or lower, 70°C or lower, or 40°C or lower. On the other hand, in the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 with hot water, when the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized with hot water at 130°C or lower, the water sterilizer 60 may continue to keep the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 lit from the start of the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 until the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed.

[0195] Here, until the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 is completed, if the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water is less than 15 mJ / cm 2 the above-mentioned control unit 90 will, when the integrated irradiation dose is less than 15 mJ / cm 2It is not necessary to supply water less than a certain amount to the second water tank 52. Thereby, the sterility of the second water tank 52 can be maintained. In this case, the control unit 90 may discharge water outside the water sterilization line 50 via the circulation line 59. As described above, 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, or the water supplied to the circulation line 59 may be supplied to the first water tank 51.

[0196] In addition, when the second water tank 52 is full while the product bottle 101 is being produced in the content 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 stop of the water flow in the water sterilizer 60. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the propagation 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 being supplied to the first water tank 51. And the rise of 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 the sterilized water is circulated 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 discharged water may be appropriately changed according to the irradiation dose or the number of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc.

[0197] Also, when circulating sterilized water in the circulation system 59A (see Fig. 2A, etc.), if nitrogen compounds such as nitrogen oxides are contained in the water, nitrate nitrogen or nitrite nitrogen may be generated by ultraviolet irradiation. Also, ozone may be generated. In Japan's Food Sanitation Law, it is necessary to keep nitrate nitrogen and nitrite nitrogen in water at 10 mg / L or less and nitrite nitrogen at 0.04 mg / L or less. Also, when ozone is generated, it may deteriorate the packing and gasket after the ultraviolet lamp. Therefore, in order to prevent the generation of these substances when water is circulated in the circulation system 59A, an ultraviolet lamp that cuts off wavelengths of 10 nm or more and 240 nm or less, preferably short wavelengths of 100 nm or more and 230 nm or less, with high energy may be used. Also, a quartz tube that cuts off these short wavelengths may be used for the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. Alternatively, after circulating the water, water in which nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, ozone, etc. are generated may not be supplied to the downstream side. In this case, by supplying new water from the pure water production device 50a to the first water tank 51, while pushing the water in which nitrate nitrogen, etc. are generated with the new water, the water in which nitrate nitrogen, etc. are generated may be discharged from the circulation line 59 to the outside of the circulation system 59A. Note that when these substances are generated, if the water flowing through the circulation line 59 is supplied to the first water tank 51, the inside of the first water tank 51 will be contaminated with these substances. Therefore, so that the water flowing through the circulation line 59 can be discharged to the outside of the circulation system 59A without passing through the first water tank 51, the circulation line 59 may be connected to the pipe on the downstream side of the first water tank 51 and upstream side of the pump P1, or the pipe on the downstream side of the pump P1.

[0198] 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.

[0199] 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.

[0200] 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 equivalent to a sterilization value with 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 with the sterilization value under these sterilization conditions. Therefore, bacterial spores may exist 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 instead of steam or hot water.

[0201] 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 kept in an aseptic state. When sterilizing (SIP) the aseptic zone Z4, it is preferable to sterilize at least up to the boundary with at least 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.

[0202] Among these non-aseptic zone Z1, the first gray zone Z2, the second gray zone Z3, and the 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 amount 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 amount 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 amount 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 asepticity 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.

[0203] In the first gray zone Z2, the total integrated irradiation amount 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. Also, 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).

[0204] Also, 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, as the foreign matter removal filter 61, for example, a sterile grade filter having a pore size of 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less may be used. 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.

[0205] As described above, in the water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization line 50 according to the present embodiment, during production, since the ultraviolet irradiation amount 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, the sterility of the water is ensured.

[0206] Next, the stock solution sterilization line 70 will be described. The stock solution sterilization line 70 is a sterilization line for heat-sterilizing the product stock solution.

[0207] 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. Note that a circulation line (third circulation line) 89 may be connected between the third-stage cooling unit 86, which will be described later, and the second stock solution tank 72 in the stock solution sterilization line 70. And the product stock solution that has passed through the third-stage cooling unit 86 may be configured to be returned to the first stock solution tank 71 via the circulation line 89.

[0208] 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 the like.

[0209] 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.

[0210] 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 more and 80°C or less by the first-stage heating section 81, and heated to 80°C or more and 150°C or less 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.

[0211] 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.

[0212] 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 usage amounts of water, steam, and cleaning agent used for cleaning can be reduced. As a result, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0213] 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.

[0214] The second stock solution tank 72 is a tank (so-called aseptic tank) for storing the product stock solution sterilized by the product stock solution sterilizer 80. 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.

[0215] 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 may be 0.1 m 3 or more and 1 m 3It may also be, for example, 0.3 m 3 It may be. 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 (see, for example, FIG. 16C described later).

[0216] 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, nata de coco, tapioca, or aloe. Also, the solids may be pre-sterilized aseptic solids.

[0217] (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.

[0218] 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 hydrogen peroxide gas or mist onto the preform 100a in the preform sterilizing device 34a and then dried with hot air.

[0219] Next, the preform 100a is sent to the heating portion 35 and heated to about 90°C or more and 130°C or less, for example, by the heater 35a. Then, the preform 100a heated by the heating portion 35 is sent to the delivery portion 36. And the preform 100a is sent from the delivery portion 36 to the blow molding portion 32.

[0220] 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 sign S2 in FIG. 8). Then, the blow molded bottle 100 is sent to the bottle conveying section 33.

[0221] 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 sign 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 the boiling point. The gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100 and sterilizes the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100.

[0222] Subsequently, the bottle 100 is sent to the air rinsing device 14. In the air rinsing device 14, activation of hydrogen peroxide is performed and foreign substances, hydrogen peroxide, etc. are removed from the bottle 100 by supplying sterile heated air or normal temperature air to the bottle 100 (air rinsing step, reference sign 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 normally temperature sterilized air. In this case, hydrogen peroxide is gasified by the sterile air. And in the air rinsing step, the gasified hydrogen peroxide may be supplied to the bottle 100.

[0223] 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 sign 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.

[0224] 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 water into the bottle 100 may be faster than the filling speed at which the stock solution filling device 22 fills the product stock solution into the bottle 100. 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.

[0225] 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, reference 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 among 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.

[0226] 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.

[0227] Subsequently, the bottle 100 filled with the content is conveyed to the cap mounting device 16 by the conveying wheel 12.

[0228] On the one hand, the cap 88 is pre-sterilized by the cap sterilization device 18 (cap sterilization step, reference sign S7 in FIG. 8). During this period, 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.

[0229] 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 sign S8 in FIG. 8).

[0230] Thereafter, the product bottle 101 is conveyed from the cap mounting device 16 to the product bottle discharge section 25 and discharged outside the content filling system 10 (bottle discharging step, reference sign S9 in FIG. 8). Then, the product bottle 101 is transported to a packaging line (not shown) and packaged.

[0231] 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 exit 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, exit chamber 70i, and cap sterilization device 18 are pre-sterilized by spraying hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid, or discharging hot water, etc.

[0232] After the sterilization treatment of each chamber, sterile air is constantly supplied into the sterilant spraying chamber 70d, the air rinsing chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second sterile chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i so that it blows out towards the outside of the sterilant spraying chamber 70d, the air rinsing chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second sterile chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i. Also, sterile air is constantly supplied into the cap sterilizer 18 so that it blows out towards the outside of the cap sterilizer 18.

[0233] In this way, when positive-pressure sterile air is supplied into each of the chambers 70d to 70i, the sterile air in each chamber and the sterilant used for bottle sterilization are exhausted in the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c, the sterilant spraying chamber 70d, and the outlet chamber 70i. 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 sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second sterile 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 sterile 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 sterile 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.

[0234] Note that the production (conveying) speed of the bottles 100 in the content filling system 10 is preferably 100 bpm or more and 1500 bpm or less. Here, bpm (bottle per minute) refers to the conveying speed of the bottles 100 per minute.

[0235] (Sterilization method of content filling system) Next, a sterilization method for the above-described content filling system 10 (FIG. 1) will be described. Here, first, a sterilization method for 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.

[0236] Sterilization method for the chamber First, after the filling of the beverage in the content filling system 10 is completed, for example, an operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. As a result, a CIP cup (not shown) is placed on the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21. By placing the CIP cup (not shown) on the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 in this way, 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 partition walls 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).

[0237] 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.

[0238] 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.

[0239] Next, sterile water is supplied into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h (rinse step, reference symbol S11 in Fig. 9). As a result, 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 etc. that have fallen into the second sterile chamber 70h, they are collected. Further, according to the shape etc. of the bottle 100 to be used next, the conveyance wheel 12 provided on the downstream side of the cap mounting device 16 may be retooled. Furthermore, according to the size etc. of the cap 88 to be used next, in the cap mounting device 16, the chuck (not shown) of the capper head may be replaced.

[0240] 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 interior of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the interior of the second sterile chamber 70h are cleaned (COP) (COP process, reference numeral 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 surface 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.

[0241] 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 being 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, etc. 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 has been previously stored to the second bypass line 56. In addition, 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.

[0242] 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 in the stock solution filling device 22 with water, a cleaning agent obtained by adding an alkaline agent such as caustic soda or an acidic agent such as nitric acid 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 in the stock solution filling device 22 are removed. At this time, the water may be aseptic water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

[0243] 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 in the stock solution filling device 22. Thereby, the flow path of the contents in the stock solution filling device 22 is sterilized. At this time, the water may be aseptic water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

[0244] 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, as the sterile water, sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 may be used. Thereby, the discharge 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 the sterilizing agent, at least the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f, 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 period and raise the sterility level.

[0245] 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.

[0246] In this way, the content filling system 10 is sterilized.

[0247] Next, a CIP cup (not shown) covering the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 is removed. Then, the water aseptically held in the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 is discharged into the first aseptic chamber 70f. This can prevent the bactericide or the like from being filled into the bottle 100 in case the bactericide or the like mixes into the water filling nozzle from the outside of the CIP cup. Also, as described above, when the first aseptic chamber 70f is re-sterilized, even if the bactericide adheres to the CIP cup without being completely removed from the CIP cup covering the water filling nozzle, it is possible to prevent the bactericide or the like from being filled into the bottle 100. Note that the amount of water discharged into the first aseptic chamber 70f is preferably equal to or more than the amount for one bottle 100 used in the next production. After that, after the gap closed by the shutter is opened, the filling of the next content is started.

[0248] Next, the sterilization method of the water sterilizer 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10E.

[0249] Sterilization method for the water sterilizer First, after the filling of the beverage in the content filling system 10 is completed, for example, an operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. Thereby, the sterilization (SIP) of the water sterilizer 60 is started. Note that the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 may be performed during the production of the product bottle 101. In this case, even when the sterilization of the water by the water sterilizer 60 is stopped, the product bottle 101 can be produced by using the aseptic water stored in the second water tank 52.

[0250] During the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60, first, the filling (production) of the content by the content filling system 10 is completed ("production end" in FIG. 10A).

[0251] 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 leakage is recognized) and the irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays being equal to or within a predetermined value during production.

[0252] 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 process, 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 obtained by adding a nitric acid-based or phosphoric acid-based acidic agent 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 such as caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, sodium hypochlorite, a surfactant, and a chelating agent to 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 and the like 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 contents adhere to the water sterilization line 50. Also, in the first sterilizer 62, etc. of the water sterilization line 50, ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. during the production of the product bottle 101. Therefore, 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.

[0253] Next, the first sterilizer 62 and the like are sterilized (SIP process). 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, as shown in FIG. 10B3, the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 rises. Then, when a predetermined amount of steam or hot water is supplied, the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 rises to a predetermined temperature appropriate for sterilization. In this way, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and the third ultraviolet lamp 67c of the first sterilizer 62 and the like (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like) are each heated and sterilized with steam or hot water. Also, every corner inside the piping of the first sterilizer 62 and inside the piping of the second sterilizer 64 is heated and sterilized with steam or hot water, respectively. 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. Also, by adjusting the temperature, concentration, and / or time of the cleaning agent used in the above CIP process, inactivation of bacteria (SIP process) can be performed simultaneously, and the subsequent SIP process does not have to be executed (CSIP process). After the CIP process and the SIP process, or the CSIP process are completed, the cleaning agent is discharged from the circulation system 59A. Then, 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 turn on the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like to confirm that the irradiation dose or illuminance of ultraviolet rays is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

[0254] Also, when the first sterilizer 62 or the like is heat-sensitive, 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, the bactericide or the cleaning agent may be prevented from passing through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63. That is, the bactericide or the cleaning agent may be circulated within the circulation system 95A. Specifically, for example, as shown by the thick lines in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the bactericide or the cleaning agent may pass 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 may pass 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. Note that the bactericide or the cleaning agent may be allowed to pass through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63.

[0255] 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. When the concentration of the bactericide is 1000 ppm or more, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 or the like by the bactericide can be enhanced. Also, when the concentration of the bactericide is 3000 ppm or less, the amount of peracetic acid used can be reduced, and the cost of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0256] 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. Since 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, since 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 a special heat-resistant material.

[0257] 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 and 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. Since the circulation time is 10 seconds or longer, the disinfection effect of the first disinfection machine 62 and the like by the disinfectant and the like can be enhanced. Also, since 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.

[0258] 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 does not have heat resistance, it is advisable 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.

[0259] As described above, the bactericide may contain peracetic acid. Even in this case, in the circulation system, the bactericide may be circulated. In this case, the control unit 90 may sterilize the water sterilizer 60 by circulating the bactericide in the circulation system (circulation system 59A and / or circulation system 95A) including the water sterilizer 60. Further, while the bactericide is circulating in the circulation system (circulation system 59A and / or circulation system 95A), the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62, etc.) may keep the ultraviolet lamp (the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and / or the third ultraviolet lamp 67c) lit. Thereby, the sterilization efficiency of the water sterilizer 60 can be improved. Here, while the bactericide is circulating in the circulation system (circulation system 59A and / or circulation system 95A), if the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62, etc.) does not turn on the ultraviolet lamp (the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and / or the third ultraviolet lamp 67c), the concentration of the bactericide (peracetic acid) may be the first concentration. In this case, the concentration of the bactericide (the first concentration) may be 1000 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less. On the other hand, while the bactericide is circulating in the circulation system, if the sterilizer turns on the ultraviolet lamp, the concentration of the bactericide (peracetic acid) may be the second concentration. The second concentration may be equal to or less than the above-described first concentration, or may be lower than the first concentration. In this case, the concentration of the bactericide (the second concentration) may be 100 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less, may be 100 ppm or more and 2000 ppm or less, and as an example, may be 1500 ppm. Since the concentration of the bactericide (peracetic acid) is 100 ppm or more, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62, etc. by ultraviolet rays and the bactericide can be enhanced. Further, since the concentration of the bactericide (peracetic acid) is 2000 ppm or less, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62, etc. by ultraviolet rays. Here, when the bactericide containing peracetic acid is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the ultraviolet rays can be absorbed by the peracetic acid. In this case, as the concentration of the bactericide (peracetic acid) increases, the ultraviolet rays are more easily absorbed by the peracetic acid. Thereby, the integrated irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays decreases (see FIG. 25 described later). Therefore, since the concentration of the bactericide (peracetic acid) is 2000 ppm or less, it is possible to suppress the absorption of ultraviolet rays by the peracetic acid and suppress a decrease in the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62, etc. by ultraviolet rays.

[0260] Thereafter, the bactericide or the like is discharged from any one of the sampling points SP2 to SP5 (hot water discharge step, reference sign S203a in FIG. 10B1, bactericide discharge step, reference sign S203b in FIG. 10B2), and then the circulation system 95A is cooled or rinsed (cooling step, reference sign S204a in FIG. 10B1, rinsing step, 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 step, reference sign S201a in FIG. 10B1), the circulation system 59A is cooled (cooling step, 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 step, reference sign S201b in FIG. 10B2), the circulation system 95A is rinsed (rinsing step, reference sign S204b in FIG. 10B2). When discharging the bactericide or 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 step without performing the bactericide discharge step.

[0261]

[0262] In the rinsing step, 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 advisable 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.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 at this time, 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 similar operations in order toward the downstream side. Before discharging water from the first drain pipe 95c or the second drain pipe 95d, the first drain pipe 95c etc. may be sterilized in advance with steam or hot water.

[0263] 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 symbol S21 in Fig. 10A). At this time, first, supply heated steam (fluid) or hot water (fluid) to the flow path of the first sterile filter 63 etc. (fluid supply step, reference symbol 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.

[0264] Next, measure the temperature of the heated steam or hot water supplied to the flow path of the first sterile filter 63 etc., and calculate the F value based on the measured temperature (F value calculation step, reference symbol S212 in Fig. 10A).

[0265] After that, 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. Further, 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.

[0266] When sterilizing the first sterile filter 63 and the like, the area 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 area between the sampling point SP3 and the sampling point SP4 to sterilize the area. Also, the steam for sterilizing the second sterile filter 65 may be supplied to the area between the sampling point SP5 and the sampling point SP6 to sterilize the area. Note that the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be sterilized together with the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

[0267] In this way, the SIP process for the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 is performed. After that, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are cooled (reference numeral S213 in FIG. 10A).

[0268] 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 sign 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 sign 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 step (not shown)). The wetting step 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 discharging the water inside the first sterile filter 63 or the like, 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 the 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).

[0269] 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, 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, as shown by the thick line in FIG. 2C. 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.

[0270] After that, 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.

[0271] 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 is in 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 finish the sterilizer cleaning and sterilization process while the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 are being cooled.

[0272] Also, in the first sterilizer 62 or the like, when producing the product bottle 101, ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like. 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.

[0273] 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.

[0274] In this case, as shown in FIG. 10E, first, filling (production) is completed. Thereafter, 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 (reference symbol S30 in FIG. 10E).

[0275] Next, a cleaning (CIP) process is performed on the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 (reference symbol S31 in FIG. 10E). At this time, a cleaning agent and a disinfectant are supplied from the front (upstream side) of 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.

[0276] After the CIP process, a sterilization (SIP) process may be performed on the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 (reference symbol S32 in FIG. 10E). Alternatively, instead of the CIP process and the SIP process, 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 process) (reference symbol S33 in FIG. 10E).

[0277] As the cleaning agent and the disinfectant used in the CIP process and the SIP process, or the CSIP process, 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 by a heater (not shown). The CIP process and the SIP process, or the CSIP process, 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.

[0278] 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 rinsing 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. Note that the timing of lighting the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like may be at least after SIP processing or CSIP processing, but it is preferable that the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like is lit before bacteria enter (contaminate) the water sterilizer 60. After the CIP processing, SIP processing, or CSIP processing 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 numeral 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.

[0279] 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 numeral 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 light 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 100 mJ / cm 2It is preferably as described above. When the illuminance of ultraviolet rays becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value, there is a possibility that a predetermined bactericidal effect is not obtained for the aquatic bacteria. Therefore, it is preferable to start over from the step of SIP treatment or CSIP treatment. This also applies after the production described later starts.

[0280] Thereafter, production is started.

[0281] Note that no content adheres to the water sterilizer 60. Also, in the first sterilizer 62 or the like, ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like during the production of the product bottle 101. Thus, 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.

[0282] Here, the water sterilizer 60 may keep the ultraviolet lamps (the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and / or the third ultraviolet lamp 67c) of the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and / or the second sterilizer 64) lit from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may keep the ultraviolet lamps of the sterilizer lit until the step of sterilizing the water used for the content (the water sterilization step described later, reference sign S37 in FIG. 10F) ends from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60. In this case, first, as described above, the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized (the water sterilizer sterilization step, reference sign S36 in FIG. 10F). At this time, as described with reference to FIG. 10B1, the water sterilizer sterilization step may include a hot water supply step (reference sign S201a in FIG. 10B1) of supplying hot water to the water sterilizer, a hot water circulation step (reference sign S202a in FIG. 10B1) of circulating the hot water in the circulation system 59A (or the circulation system 95A) including the water sterilizer 60, and a cooling step (reference sign S204a in FIG. 10B1) of cooling the circulation system 59A (or the circulation system 95A). Also, as described with reference to FIG. 10B1, the water sterilizer sterilization step may have a hot water discharge step (reference sign S203a in FIG. 10B1) between the hot water circulation step (reference sign S202a in FIG. 10B1) and the cooling step (reference sign S204a in FIG. 10B1).

[0283] Also, as described above, the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 may be a low-pressure mercury lamp, and the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may keep the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 lit from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 until the step of sterilizing the water used for the contents is completed. In this way, by keeping the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 lit from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, the growth of bacteria can be more effectively suppressed in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. Also, the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 can be ensured. At this time, it is preferable that the water sterilizer 60 turns on the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 before the cooling step (reference symbol S204a in FIG. 10B1) of cooling the circulation system 59A (or the circulation system 95A). In other words, it is preferable that the water sterilizer 60 starts to turn on the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 during the hot water supply step (reference symbol S201a in FIG. 10B1). In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may start to turn on the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64, for example, from point A in FIG. 10B3. Also, it is preferable that the water sterilizer 60 starts to turn on the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 during the hot water circulation step (reference symbol S202a in FIG. 10B1). In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may start to turn on the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64, for example, from point B in FIG. 10B3.

[0284] On the other hand, in the step of cooling the circulation system 59A (or the circulation system 95A), the water sterilizer 60 may keep the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 lit after the temperature in the circulation system 59A (or the circulation system 95A) reaches 130° C. or lower until the step of sterilizing the water used for the contents is completed. Also, in the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 with hot water at 130° C. or lower, the water sterilizer 60 may keep the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 lit from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 until the step of sterilizing the water used for the contents is completed.

[0285] Here, until the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 is completed, the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water is 15 mJ / cm 2If it is less than, the integrated irradiation dose is 15 mJ / cm 2 Water that is less than may not be supplied to the second water tank 52.

[0286] Next, water is sterilized using the sterilized water sterilizer 60 (water sterilization step, reference sign S37 in Fig. 10F). In this case, the water may be water used for the contents, or may be water used for washing the cap 88 and / or the bottle 100, etc.

[0287] And when the water is water used for the contents, after sterilizing the water, the contents containing the sterilized water are filled into the bottle 100, and the bottle 100 filled with the contents is sealed with the cap 88, thereby producing the product bottle 101 (filling and capping step, reference sign S38 in Fig. 10F).

[0288] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the content filling system 10 includes a water sterilizer 60 that non-thermally sterilizes the water used in the content filling system 10, and a control unit 90 that controls the content filling system 10. And the water sterilizer 60 keeps the ultraviolet lamps (the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and / or the third ultraviolet lamp 67c) of the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and / or the second sterilizer 64) lit from during the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 until the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed. Thereby, it is possible to more effectively suppress the growth of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, and the piping on the downstream side of the ultraviolet lamp. Also, the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 can be ensured.

[0289] Further, according to the present embodiment, the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 is a low-pressure mercury lamp, and the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 is a medium-pressure mercury lamp. Then, the water sterilizer 60 keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer 64 lit from the start of sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 until the sterilization of the water used for the content is completed. Since the medium-pressure mercury lamp has higher heat resistance than the low-pressure mercury lamp, the ultraviolet lamp can be lit even when the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 is high. Thereby, the water sterilizer 60 can keep the ultraviolet lamp lit from the state where the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 is high during the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the growth of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65, and to ensure the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50.

[0290] Also, according to the present embodiment, the water sterilizer 60 keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer 62 lit from when the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 becomes 130° C. or lower during the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 until the sterilization of the water used for the content is completed. The low-pressure mercury lamp is an ultraviolet lamp with lower heat resistance compared to the medium-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, by lighting the ultraviolet lamp after the temperature inside the water sterilizer 60 becomes 130° C. or lower, damage to the ultraviolet lamp can be suppressed.

[0291] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the content filling system 10 includes a water sterilizer 60 that non-thermally sterilizes the water used in the content filling system 10, a second water tank 52 provided on the downstream side of the water sterilizer 60, and a control unit 90 that controls the content filling system 10. Also, the water sterilizer 60 keeps the ultraviolet lamp (the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and / or the third ultraviolet lamp 67c) of the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and / or the second sterilizer 64) lit from the start of sterilization of the water sterilizer 60. Then, if the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water is less than 15 mJ / cm 2 before the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 is completed, the control unit 90 makes the integrated irradiation dose 15 mJ / cm 2Water less than a certain amount is not supplied to the second water tank 52. Thereby, the sterility of the second water tank 52 can be maintained.

[0292] (Modification example of the content filling system) Next, a modification example of the content filling system will be described.

[0293] (First modification example) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the water sterilization line 50 (water sterilizer 60) non-thermally sterilizes water has been described, but it is not limited thereto. 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 less 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 the water so that the F0 value is 0.00029 or more and less than 3.1. Also, 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 the 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 uniformly sterilize the water so that the F0 value is 3.1 or more and 100 or less. Here, the F0 value is the F value calculated in the following formula

Equation

[0294] According to this modification example, when using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water at the same sterilization intensity as the product stock solution and simultaneously heats it to a high temperature (usually, the F0 value is about 30 or more and 80 or less), the amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged when sterilizing water can be reduced compared to the case of using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water at the same sterilization intensity as the product stock solution and simultaneously heats it to a high temperature (usually, the F0 value is about 30 or more and 80 or less). 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.

[0295] (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.

[0296] 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.

[0297] (Third Modification Example) 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 thereto. For example, only one of the water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22 may be used to fill the bottle 100 with water or the product stock solution. Specifically, 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.

[0298] According to this modification, only one of the water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22 is used to fill the bottle 100 with water or the product stock solution. Thereby, in the content filling system 10, mineral water and so-called conc products can be produced. Therefore, the types of product bottles 101 produced in the content filling system 10 can be increased.

[0299] (Fourth Modification) 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.

[0300] 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 stock solution filling device 22 may be a filling device (the 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 (the 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.

[0301] 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 smell of the previous content from adhering to the content. Also, when one of the stock solution filling devices 22 is a filling device (the first stock solution filling device 22a) for filling a product stock solution without flavor, the flavor will not adhere to the flow path of the product stock solution in the first stock solution filling device 22a. For example, the flavor will not adhere to 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. As a result, 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.

[0302] 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.

[0303] 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 minimally sized, for example, about 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.

[0304] Also, since the chamber wall 710 is provided inside the second aseptic 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 reduced, 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 provided on the chamber wall 710 etc. may be closed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a sterilizing agent or the like from entering from the space (non-aseptic space) housing the second stock solution filling device 22b into the space (aseptic space) housing the first stock solution filling device 22a.

[0305] Among the transfer wheels 12 housed in the second aseptic chamber 70h, the first transfer wheel (first wheel) 12a that delivers the bottle 100 to the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second transfer 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 transfer wheels 12 housed in the second aseptic chamber 70h, the third transfer wheel 12c that delivers the bottle 100 to the second stock solution filling device 22b and the fourth transfer wheel 12d that receives the bottle 100 from the second stock solution filling device 22b are respectively arranged outside the second space 702.

[0306] Here, as shown in FIG. 12C, the first transfer wheel 12a includes a gripper (first gripper) 121 that transfers the bottle 100. This gripper 121 is provided to be openable and closable.

[0307] Similarly, the second transfer wheel 12b to the fourth transfer wheel 12d respectively include grippers 122, 123, 124 that transfer the bottle 100. The grippers 122, 123, 124 are each provided to be openable and closable.

[0308] In addition, 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 conveying the bottle 100. This gripper 222 is provided so as to be openable and closable.

[0309] 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 conveying the bottle 100. This gripper 224 is provided so as to be openable and closable.

[0310] Next, a case where the second space 702 (and / or the second stock solution filling device 22b) is cleaned and sterilized during operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a housed in the first space 701 will be described with reference to FIG. 12C. That is, a case where the second space 702 and / or the second stock solution filling device 22b (hereinafter also simply referred to as the second space 702 etc.) is cleaned and sterilized while the product stock solution is being filled into the bottle 100 by the first stock solution filling device 22a will be described.

[0311] First, after filling of the product stock solution in the second stock solution filling device 22b is completed, for example, an operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. 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.

[0312] Next, the bottle 100 is conveyed from the first conveying wheel 12a to the first stock solution filling device 22a. At this time, the gripper 123 of the third conveying wheel 12c assumes an open position so as not to interfere with the gripper 121 of the first conveying wheel 12a. In the present embodiment, the gripper 123 assumes 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.

[0313] 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.

[0314] 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 conveyance wheel 12a. That is, the bottle 100 is transferred from the first conveyance wheel (first wheel) 12a disposed outside the first space 701 to the wheel 221 (second wheel) disposed inside the first space 701.

[0315] 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.

[0316] Subsequently, the bottle 100 filled with the content is conveyed to the cap attaching device 16 by the second conveyance wheel 12b. At this time, the gripper 124 of the fourth conveyance wheel 12d assumes an open position so as not to interfere with the gripper 122 of the second conveyance wheel 12b. In the present embodiment, the gripper 124 assumes 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.

[0317] 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.

[0318] In this way, a product bottle 101 filled with the product stock solution is obtained by the first stock solution filling device 22a. During this time, the second space 702 and the like are washed and sterilized.

[0319] In this manner, when washing the second space 702 during the operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a housed in the first space 701, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably -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.

[0320] When sterilizing the second space 702 during the operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a housed in the first space 701, the pressure in the second space 702 may be higher than the pressure in the second space 702 when washing the second space 702 during the operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a housed in the first space 701. When sterilizing the second space 702, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably 5 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. Thereby, it is possible to effectively suppress the air in the second space 702 and the air in the third space 703 from entering the first space 701, and the aseptic state in the first space 701 can be maintained well.

[0321] 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 of washing and sterilizing the first space 701 and / or the first stock solution filling device 22a (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the first space 701, etc.) during the operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b housed in the second space 702 will be described with reference to FIG. 12D. That is, the case of washing and sterilizing the first space 701, etc. while filling the product stock solution into the bottle 100 by the second stock solution filling device 22b will be described.

[0322] 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.

[0323] 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 takes 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 takes an open position by each of a pair of claws of the gripper 222 rotating 90 degrees in the horizontal direction from the closed position. Note that the rotation angle of one claw may be 60 degrees or more and 130 degrees or less, respectively.

[0324] 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.

[0325] And 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.

[0326] 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.

[0327] 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.

[0328] Subsequently, the bottle 100 filled with the contents is conveyed from the fourth conveying wheel 12d to the second conveying wheel 12b.

[0329] 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 the 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 etc., while maintaining the interior of the second space 702 and the third space 703 in a sterile state, the bottle 100 can be conveyed to the cap attaching device 16.

[0330] 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 etc. are cleaned and sterilized.

[0331] When cleaning the first space 701 during the operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b accommodated in the second space 702, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably -10 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably 5 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. Thereby, it is possible to effectively suppress the air in the first space 701 and the air in the third space 703 from entering the second space 702, and the sterile state in the second space 702 can be maintained even better.

[0332] 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.

[0333] Summarizing the above, the pressure in each space may be as shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

[0334]

Table 3

[0335]

Table 4

[0336] 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.

[0337] 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 each stock solution sterilization line 70. Thereby, the types of product bottles 101 produced in the content filling system 10 can be increased.

[0338] Also, according to this modified example, the filling device 20 has a first stock solution filling device 22a that fills a product stock solution without flavor and a second stock solution filling device 22b that fills a product stock solution containing flavor. Thereby, when filling the bottle 100 with the content without flavor, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of the scent of the previous content. Further, since the first stock solution filling device 22a fills the product stock solution without flavor, the flavor does not adhere to the flow path of the product stock solution in the first stock solution filling device 22a. For this reason, 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. At this time, the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b are respectively connected to different stock solution sterilization 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. For this reason, when deodorizing CIP is not performed, the downtime can be shortened and energy can be saved as compared with the case where deodorizing CIP is performed.

[0339] Also, according to this modified 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 transfer wheel 12a. 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 transfer wheel 12a. 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.

[0340] Furthermore, according to this modified 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.

[0341] Note that, although an example has been described in which the pair of claws such as the gripper 222 rotate in the horizontal direction from the closed position so that the gripper 222 and the like take the open position, the present invention is not limited to this. The gripper 222 and the like may take the open position by any configuration. For example, the gripper 222 and the like may take the open position by bending the pair of claws upward or downward. Further, by configuring the pair of claws to be telescopic, the gripper 222 and the like may be provided so as to be openable and closable.

[0342] (Another example of the fourth modified example) Next, another example of the fourth modified example will be described.

[0343] <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 upstream to downstream along the conveyance direction of the bottle 100 (see FIG. 12A etc.). Also, 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.

[0344] Among these, a conveyance wheel 12 for conveying the air-rinsed bottle 100 may be accommodated inside the fifth sterile chamber 70j. The second stock solution filling device 22b is accommodated inside the sixth sterile chamber 70k. Also, 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.

[0345] In FIG. 12E, the bottle 100 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.

[0346] 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.

[0347] Next, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a via the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the first sterile chamber 70f, the circular conveying body 110, and the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the second sterile chamber 70h.

[0348] 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.

[0349] 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 second sterile chamber 70h, the circular conveying body 110, and the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the sixth sterile chamber 70k.

[0350] 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.

[0351] 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 circular conveying body 110, and the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0352] 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.

[0353] <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 aseptic chamber 70k, a seventh aseptic chamber 70m, and an eighth aseptic chamber 70n. The sixth aseptic chamber 70k is provided on the downstream side of the first aseptic chamber 70f. The seventh aseptic chamber 70m is provided on the downstream side of the second aseptic chamber 70h and the sixth aseptic chamber 70k. The eighth aseptic chamber 70n is provided between the second aseptic chamber 70h and the sixth aseptic chamber 70k. Here, in FIG. 12F, the second aseptic chamber 70h and the sixth aseptic chamber 70k are arranged in parallel on the downstream side of the first aseptic chamber 70f along the conveyance direction of the bottle 100 (see FIG. 12A etc.). That is, in the illustrated example, the first aseptic chamber 70f, the second aseptic chamber 70h or the sixth aseptic chamber 70k, the seventh aseptic chamber 70m, and the outlet chamber 70i are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the bottle 100 (see FIG. 12A etc.).

[0354] Among these, inside the sixth aseptic chamber 70k, the second stock solution filling device 22b is accommodated. Also, inside the seventh aseptic chamber 70m, the cap attaching device 16 is accommodated. Further, inside the eighth aseptic chamber 70n, a conveying wheel 12 for conveying the bottle 100 filled with water by the water filling device 21 may be accommodated.

[0355] In FIG. 12F, 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.

[0356] 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.

[0357] Next, the bottle 100 in the first aseptic chamber 70f is conveyed to the first stock solution filling device 22a via, for example, the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the first aseptic chamber 70f, the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the eighth aseptic chamber 70n, and the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the second aseptic chamber 70h.

[0358] 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.

[0359] Thereafter, the bottle 100 in the second aseptic chamber 70h is conveyed to the cap attaching device 16 via the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the second aseptic chamber 70h, the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the eighth aseptic chamber 70n, and the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the seventh aseptic chamber 70m.

[0360] 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.

[0361] 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 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 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 disposed in the second sterile chamber 70h.

[0362] 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 solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100 pre-filled with water. In this second stock solution filling device 22b, while a plurality of bottles 100 are rotationally conveyed, other product stock solution is filled into the inside of the bottles 100.

[0363] 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 and the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0364] 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.

[0365] 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 aseptic chamber 70f may be directly conveyed to the cap attaching device 16 disposed in the seventh aseptic chamber 70m. That is, the bottle 100 filled with water may be directly conveyed to the cap attaching device 16 only through the conveying wheel 12 disposed in the eighth aseptic chamber 70n without being conveyed 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, it is preferable that the grippers of the conveying wheel 12 adjacent to the first stock solution filling device 22a or the second stock solution filling device 22b take the open position. Thereby, interference between the grippers can be suppressed.

[0366] <The third example> Next, a third example will be described with reference to FIG. 12G. In the third example shown in FIG. 12G, unlike 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 aseptic chamber in the order of the first aseptic chamber 70f, the sixth aseptic chamber 70k, the eighth aseptic chamber 70n, and the seventh aseptic chamber 70m. 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 thereof is omitted here.

[0367] <The fourth example> Next, a fourth example will be described with reference to FIG. 12H. In the fourth example shown in FIG. 12H, the content filling system further includes a sixth aseptic chamber 70k, a seventh aseptic chamber 70m, and a ninth aseptic chamber 70p. The sixth aseptic chamber 70k is provided on the downstream side of the first aseptic chamber 70f and the second aseptic chamber 70h. The seventh aseptic chamber 70m is provided on the downstream side of the sixth aseptic chamber 70k. The ninth aseptic chamber 70p is provided between the first aseptic chamber 70f, the second aseptic chamber 70h, and the sixth aseptic chamber 70k and the seventh aseptic chamber 70m.

[0368] Further, 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. Further, inside the ninth sterile chamber 70p, a conveying wheel 12 may be accommodated.

[0369] In FIG. 12H, a bottle 100 that has been sterilized upstream in advance is conveyed to a water filling device 21 via a conveying wheel 12 disposed in the ninth sterile chamber 70p and a conveying wheel 12 disposed in the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0370] Next, in the water filling device 21, water sterilized by a water sterilization line 50 is filled into an 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.

[0371] Next, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is conveyed to a first stock solution filling device 22a via a conveying wheel 12 disposed in the first sterile chamber 70f, a conveying wheel 12 disposed in the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and a conveying wheel 12 disposed in the second sterile chamber 70h.

[0372] Next, in the first stock solution filling device 22a, a product stock solution sterilized by a 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.

[0373] Thereafter, the bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is conveyed to a second stock solution filling device 22b via a conveying wheel 12 disposed in the second sterile chamber 70h, a conveying wheel 12 disposed in the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and a conveying wheel 12 disposed in the sixth sterile chamber 70k.

[0374] 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.

[0375] 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.

[0376] As described above, 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.

[0377] <The Fifth Example> Next, with reference to FIG. 12I, the fifth example will be described. 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.

[0378] 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. Additionally, the conveying wheel 12 may be accommodated inside the ninth sterile chamber 70p.

[0379] 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 filling nozzles 22f.

[0380] 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 passes 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.

[0381] 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.

[0382] 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.

[0383] Then, 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.

[0384] 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.

[0385] 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.

[0386] 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.

[0387] 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.

[0388] (Fifth Modification Example) Also, in the above-described embodiment, 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 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.

[0389] In this case, the content filling system 10 may have a preform sterilization chamber 70a, a forming section chamber 70b, an atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c, a sterilizing agent 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 have 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.

[0390] In this modification example, a mixing tank (storage 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 contents can be prepared by diluting the product stock solution with water before filling. Further, in this case, the mixing tank 57 may be a tank for storing the sterilized contents or a so-called filling machine tank. Further, the mixing tank 57 may be installed above the filling device 20 in the vertical direction in order to improve the filling accuracy of the filling device 20. Furthermore, even when the usage amount of the contents 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 contents. In this modification example, the filling device 20 is configured to fill the contents in the mixing tank 57 into the bottle 100.

[0391] Such a mixing tank 57 may be provided with a densitometer for measuring the concentration of the prepared contents. Further, in order to ensure the concentration of the contents 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.

[0392] 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. Therefore, the usage amount of steam or the like can be reduced. Further, 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.

[0393] Also in this modification example, 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. Therefore, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0394] 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.

[0395] 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 rate 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. Further, each filling amount 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. 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.

[0396] 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 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 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. 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.

[0397] Even in this modified example, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged when producing the content can be reduced compared to 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.

[0398] (Sixth Modified 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 that adds carbon dioxide to water may be connected to the upstream side of the third water tank 54.

[0399] Here, the water filling device 21 includes a plurality of water filling nozzles 21a (see FIG. 16B) for filling water. In this modified 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. The water sterilization line 50 and the counter gas line 58a are respectively connected to the nozzle main body portion 21b. 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.

[0400] The counter gas line 58a is a line that supplies 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.

[0401] 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.

[0402] Furthermore, a packing P (sealing member) for suppressing the leakage of the gas inside the bottle 100 by closely adhering to the bottle 100 is provided at the tip of each water filling nozzle 21a. When filling the carbonated beverage into the bottle 100, the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with the carbonated beverage in a state where the packing P is in close contact with the mouth of the bottle 100 (close contact filling). Thereby, it is configured to suppress the leakage of the sterile carbon dioxide gas for the counter pressure from inside the bottle 100. For this reason, the internal pressure of the bottle 100 can be increased above the atmospheric pressure so that the internal pressure of the bottle 100 becomes the same pressure as the internal pressure of the third water tank 54. Although not shown, a flow meter and a valve for measuring the flow rate of water or the like may be provided in the water sterilization line 50 or the like.

[0403] According to this modification, 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, a carbonated beverage can be filled into the bottle 100. 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 carbonated beverage into the bottle 100 only, the water from the second water tank 52 may be supplied to the carbon dioxide adding device 58, cooled, and then aseptically added with carbon dioxide gas by an aseptic carbonator, and then the water added with carbon dioxide 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.

[0404] 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 the inside of 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.

[0405] 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 rate 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.

[0406] 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 portion of the bottle 100 (topping-up filling). Also 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 topping-up 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.

[0407] 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 an empty bottle 100 with water. In this case, since foaming inside the bottle 100 can be suppressed, there is little risk that a part of the filled liquid scatters outside from the mouth portion 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.

[0408] 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. Incidentally, 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.

[0409] (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 composed of the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the ...

Claims

1. A content filling system for filling a container with contents, comprising: a water sterilizer for non-heat sterilizing water used in the content filling system; a water tank provided downstream of the water sterilizer; a control unit for controlling the content filling system; the water sterilizer having at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp; the control unit sterilizes the water sterilizer by supplying hot water to the water sterilizer, and then uses the sterilized water sterilizer to sterilize the water used for the contents, and fills the container with the contents containing the sterilized water to produce a product container; the water sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer lit continuously from the start of sterilization of the water sterilizer until the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed; the control unit controls the supply of the sterilized water to the water tank; when the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water is less than 15 mJ / cm2 before the sterilization of the water sterilizer is completed, the control unit does not supply the water with an integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays less than 15 mJ / cm2 to the water tank. A content filling system.

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

3. The sterilizer includes a first sterilizer and a second sterilizer provided downstream of the first sterilizer. The ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer is a low-pressure mercury lamp, and the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer is a medium-pressure mercury lamp. The water sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer lit continuously from the start of sterilization of the water sterilizer until the sterilization of the water used for the contents is completed. The content filling system according to claim 1.

4. A method for manufacturing a product container, comprising: a step of sterilizing a water sterilizer having at least a sterilizer including an ultraviolet lamp; a step of sterilizing water used for contents using the sterilized water sterilizer; a step of supplying the sterilized water to a water tank; a step of producing a product container by filling the container with the contents containing the water supplied to the water tank; the water sterilizer keeps the ultraviolet lamp of the sterilizer lit continuously from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer until the step of sterilizing the water used for the contents is completed; the supply of the water to the water tank is controlled by a control unit that controls the water sterilizer. A method for manufacturing a product container, wherein when the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on the water is less than 15 mJ / cm2 before the sterilization of the water sterilizer is completed, the control unit does not supply the water with an integrated irradiation dose of less than 15 mJ / cm2 to the water tank.

5. The method for manufacturing a product container according to claim 4, wherein the ultraviolet lamp is a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

6. The sterilizer includes a first sterilizer and a second sterilizer provided downstream of the first sterilizer. The ultraviolet lamp of the first sterilizer is a low-pressure mercury lamp, and the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer is a medium-pressure mercury lamp. The water sterilizer continuously lights the ultraviolet lamp of the second sterilizer from the step of sterilizing the water sterilizer until the step of sterilizing the water used for the content is completed. The method for manufacturing a product container according to claim 4.

Images