JP6131999B1 - Aseptic filling apparatus and purification method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to reduce the downtime in a beverage filling operation while enhancing the cleaning / sterilizing effect of an aseptic filling device. Various stations including a content filling station are provided in order from upstream to downstream along the flow of a preform or a container by rotation of each wheel of a wheel train, and the various stations are covered with a chamber for sterility. Configure the filling device, stop the rotation of the wheel in the content filling station, perform CIP (S1), and then to the SIP (S2) to perform the temperature of the cleaning liquid from the initial or midway of the CIP following the CIP Sterilize and remove the cleaning liquid by performing SIP on the content filling station while raising the temperature to the required temperature and stopping the rotation of the wheel, and filling the content while rotating the wheel immediately after the SIP is finished. For a station, one or both of COP and SOP (S3-S7) are performed in a predetermined order.[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an aseptic filling device and a method for purifying the aseptic filling device by washing and sterilization.

  The aseptic filling device is provided with a wheel train that conveys a container such as a bottle in one direction, and the container sterilization station from the upstream side to the downstream side along the flow of the container by the rotation of each wheel of the wheel train. An object filling station and a container sealing station are provided in this order.

  In the container sterilization station, a nozzle that sprays a mist of hydrogen peroxide, which is a sterilizing agent, on a container that moves around a wheel is disposed. The content filling station is configured as a filler in which a content filling nozzle pivots around a wheel. The container sealing station is configured as a capper for screwing a cap onto the bottle mouth.

  Moreover, the chamber which covers the part from a wheel train and a container sterilization station to a container sealing station is provided (for example, refer patent document 1, 2).

  A content filling station in the aseptic filling device is provided with a plurality of filling nozzles arranged at a constant pitch along a circumference of a predetermined wheel in order to fill a large number of bottles with a beverage as a content at a high speed. .

  All the filling nozzles swivel together with the wheel at a high speed, so that a certain amount of beverage is filled into bottles that run synchronously with the running of the filling nozzles.

  The beverage is supplied from the blending device to the filling nozzle of the content filling station through the beverage supply system pipe. The inside of the beverage supply system pipe is periodically or when the beverage type is switched. Residues and foreign substances are removed by being attached to (Cleaning in Place), and further sterilized by being attached to SIP (Sterilizing in Place) (see, for example, Patent Documents 3, 4, and 5).

  CIP is a cleaning liquid in which alkaline chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide and acidic chemicals such as nitric acid are added to water, for example, in the flow path from the inside of the beverage supply system pipe to the filling nozzle of the filling machine. This is done by flowing. Thereby, the residue etc. of the last drink adhering in the drink supply system piping line are removed (for example, refer patent documents 3, 4, and 5).

  SIP is performed, for example, by flowing steam, hot water, or the like in a pipe line cleaned with the CIP, and the inside of the beverage supply system pipe is sterilized by heating with steam, hot water, or the like (for example, Patent Documents). 5 See paragraph 0003.)

  Specifically, CIP and SIP in the beverage supply system pipe are performed as follows.

  Since it is necessary to circulate the liquid in the beverage supply system piping or to collect the waste liquid, the cup is put on the nozzle opening of each stationary filling nozzle. A cup is arrange | positioned so that rotation with a filling nozzle is possible. A manifold that swirls together with the filling nozzle and the cup is provided in advance around the swiveling axis of the swirling movement of the filling nozzle. The cup is connected to the manifold by a pipe line, and the manifold, the cleaning liquid storage tank, and the pump are connected by a pipe line that can be intermittently connected. The cleaning liquid storage tank and pump are fixed to the machine frame or chamber of the content filling station.

  When CIP or SIP is carried out, the swiveling movement of the filling nozzle and manifold is stopped, and the cup is automatically placed over the nozzle opening, so that the cup communicates with the manifold, and the manifold and the cleaning liquid storage tank are connected to the pipe. Connected by road.

  Accordingly, the cleaning liquid flows from the cleaning liquid storage tank into the beverage supply system piping, and further flows into the filling nozzle, the nozzle port, the cup, and the manifold, and circulates within a predetermined time. Thereby, CIP inside a drink supply system piping or a filling nozzle is performed.

  Moreover, when performing SIP, hot water etc. are poured into a drink supply system piping and a filling nozzle like the case of the said CIP, and the inside of a drink supply system piping and the inside of a filling nozzle are sterilized.

  On the other hand, in the chamber, COP (Cleaning out of Place) and SOP (Sterilizing out of Place) are performed to clean the outer surface of the content filling station and the inner wall surface of the chamber (for example, Patent Documents 6, 7, 8, 9).

  Various injection nozzles are arranged at various locations in the chamber to perform COP and SOP. When COP and SOP are performed, chemicals such as alkaline cleaning liquid, peracetic acid cleaning liquid, hydrogen peroxide water, Aseptic water or the like is sequentially sprayed or sprayed in the chamber. By this chemical solution, water mist, shower, and the like, the inner wall surface of the chamber and the surface of the equipment such as the filler are cleaned and sterilized.

  As described above, after the CIP, SIP, COP, and SOP are performed on the aseptic filling device, the filling of the beverage by the aseptic filling device is started, and the sterilized beverage is aseptically placed in the sterilized bottle. Thus, aseptic bottled beverages are produced.

JP 2001-39414 A JP 2006-111295 A JP 2007-331801 A JP 2000-153245 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-22600 Japanese Patent No. 3315918 JP 2004-299723 A JP 2010-189034 A Japanese Patent No. 5582213

  As described above, when CIP and SIP are performed in the beverage supply system pipe, the manifold and the supply source of the cleaning liquid are connected by a conduit, so that the rotation of the wheel in the content filling station is stopped, and the filling nozzle Etc. can be stopped. In addition, since the conventional wheel train is always dynamically coupled between the container sterilization station, the content filling station, and the container sealing station, when the wheel in the content filling station is stopped, the container sterilization station and the container sealing station are stopped. The wheel at will also stop.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, when CIP or SIP is performed on the beverage supply system piping, the COP or SOP is set in a standby state, and the COP or SOP is started after the CIP or SIP is completed or just before it is completed. Yes.

  The reason is that when COP or SOP is performed in the chamber at the same time as CIP or SIP, the wheel is stopped, so that the cleaning liquid and sterilizing liquid can reach every corner of the container sterilization station, content filling station, and container sealing station. This is because they do not spread and easily cause poor cleaning and sterilization.

  In particular, since the filling nozzle of the content filling station has a complicated shape and structure, even if COP or SOP is performed on the stationary content filling station, defective cleaning or sterilization is likely to occur. Since the filling nozzle is a part that fills the bottle with a beverage, if microorganisms or foreign substances remain on the surface of the filling nozzle, there is a high risk of entering the bottle.

  Therefore, conventionally, COP and SOP for the inside of the chamber have been completed for CIP and SIP for the beverage supply system piping, and after the pipeline between the manifold and the cleaning liquid storage tank has been disconnected, the rotation of all the wheels in the wheel train This is performed in a state in which the swivel movement of the filling nozzle or the like becomes possible.

  That is, when the contents filling station is driven and the various nozzles in the chamber spray the cleaning liquid etc. while the filling nozzle is in a swiveling motion, spraying and showering of the cleaning liquid etc. is performed everywhere in the contents filling station, especially the filling. The nozzles are spread all over and the contents filling station is properly cleaned and sterilized. Similarly, if various nozzles in the chamber spray the cleaning liquid etc. while the wheel of the container sterilization station is rotating, spraying and showering of the cleaning liquid etc. will reach every corner of the container sterilization station, and the container sterilization station will be cleaned and sterilized. If the nozzles in the chamber spray the cleaning liquid etc. while the container sealing station wheel is rotating, spraying and showering of the cleaning liquid will spread to every corner of the container sterilization station. The station will be properly cleaned and sterilized.

  However, if COP and SOP are performed for the inside of the chamber after waiting for completion of CIP or SIP for the beverage supply system piping, the downtime (production stop time or inter-production time) of the aseptic filling device becomes long, and bottled beverages Productivity is reduced.

  Here, FIG. 8 shows an example of the purification work such as CIP that has been conventionally performed on the aseptic filling apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 8, after the production of a bottled beverage is completed, when the production of another bottled beverage is to be started, the content filling station is operated at the stage where the production of the previous bottled beverage is completed. Is stopped and CIP is performed on the beverage supply system piping.

  After the CIP is completed, the operation of the content filling station is started, and SOP (or COP) is performed by sequentially spraying peracetic acid and sterile water to a filling nozzle or the like that performs a swiveling motion.

  When the SOP (or COP) for the content filling station is completed, the operation of the content filling station is stopped and SIP is performed on the beverage supply system piping.

  As described above, the SOP is interposed between the CIP and the SIP when the cleaning liquid used in the CIP or the waste liquid leaks out from the connection portion between the cup and the nozzle port as described above. This is because there is a possibility that the waste liquid adheres to the equipment or the like of the object filling station and the waste liquid may be mixed into the beverage or the container during the subsequent filling operation. If SOP is interposed between SIP and CIP, waste liquid etc. can be washed away from the contents filling station equipment, etc., and the contents filling station equipment etc. can be kept clean and sterilized by SIP. it can.

  Further, until the SIP is performed after the CIP is completed in the beverage supply system piping, as shown in FIG. 9, the water is supplied into the beverage supply system piping from the end of the CIP, so that the rinsing in the piping is started. Then, the inside of the pipe is cooled while removing the waste liquid, the cleaning liquid, etc. from the inside of the beverage supply system, and then the supply of water into the pipe is started, and the temperature of this water reaches the temperature required for sterilization in the next SIP. Increased gradually.

  In addition, the SOP (or COP) similar to the SOP (or COP) of the content filling station is also performed for other stations. At that time, the other stations are in the drive state as well as the content filling station. SOP (or COP) is executed stepwise from the end of CIP of the content filling station to the start of SIP for the other stations to be driven.

  This SOP (or COP) is performed stepwise because it is difficult to prepare a large amount of bactericides such as peracetic acid and sterile water that can be supplied simultaneously to all stations. Therefore, after supplying peracetic acid to each station in stages, sterile water is supplied to each station in stages.

  From the above situation, the purification operation performed on the aseptic filling apparatus takes about 6 hours in the example of FIG. That is, the down time of the aseptic filling device is extremely long, which causes a decrease in the productivity of bottled beverages.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an aseptic filling apparatus and a purification method thereof that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

  In addition, although the code | symbol of drawing is shown with a parenthesis in order to make this invention easy to understand, this invention is not limited to this.

That is, the invention according to claim 1 includes the contents from the upstream side to the downstream side along the flow of the preform or the container (3) by the rotation of each wheel (12, 13, 9, 17, etc.) of the wheel train. Various stations including the material filling station (6) are provided in order, and the aseptic filling device is configured by covering the various stations with the chambers (20, 21, 56), and the wheel (9) in the content filling station (6). After stopping the rotation, CIP (step S1) is performed on the content filling station (6), and the temperature of the cleaning liquid is increased from the initial stage of the CIP or from the middle to the temperature required for the SIP performed following the CIP. the content filling station (6) of the wheel (9) content filling station while stopping the rotation of (6), heated to the desired temperature The washing solution was removed with sterilized performing SIP (step S2) by the water, while rotating the wheel (9) in the content filling station (6) immediately after the SIP (step S2) ends, For the content filling station (6), a method for purifying an aseptic filling device in which one or both of COP and SOP (step S3) are performed in a predetermined order is adopted.

  As described in claim 2, in the purification method of the aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 1, the SOP (step S3) for the content filling station (6) and the other stations (5, 7, 53) SOP (steps S5, S6, S7) can be performed stepwise immediately after the SIP (step S2) for the content filling station (6) is completed.

  As described in claim 3, in the aseptic filling device purification method according to claim 1, the SOP (step S3) for the content filling station (6) and the other stations (5, 7, 53). SOP (steps S5, S6, S7) can be performed in parallel immediately after the SIP (step S2) for the content filling station (6) is completed.

  As described in claim 4, in the purification method for an aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, the SOP is performed by spraying hot water or a bactericidal agent and spraying sterile water. it can.

  As described in claim 5, in the purification method of the aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 1, while performing CIP (step S1) or SIP (step S2) for the content filling station (6), The SOP (step S4) is performed for the stations (5, 7, 53) of this, and this SOP (step S4) can be performed by spraying a bactericide gas containing hydrogen peroxide component or mist. .

  As described in claim 6, in the purification method of the aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 1, aseptic air is always blown toward the content filling station (6) in the chamber (21). it can.

  As described in claim 7, in the purification method of the aseptic filling device according to claim 1, the wheel (9) in the content filling station (6) and the other wheels (12, 13, 17, etc.) A clutch that interrupts transmission of power between the wheels is provided between the two wheels, and when the rotation of the wheel (9) in the content filling station (6) is stopped, the clutch is disengaged. it can.

  As described in claim 8, in the purification method for an aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 1, the wheels (12, 13, 9, 17, etc.) of the wheel train can be independently rotated by the servo motor for rotation. In addition, when the rotation of the wheel (9) in the content filling station (6) is stopped, the corresponding servo motor for rotation can be stopped.

  As described in claim 9, in the method for purifying an aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 1, a station other than the content filling station (6) among the various stations is a container forming station, a container sterilizing station ( 5) Can be a container sealing station (7) or a lid sterilization station (53).

In the invention according to claim 10, the contents are filled from the upstream side to the downstream side along the flow of the preform or container (3) by the rotation of each wheel (12, 13, 9, 17 etc.) of the wheel train. In the aseptic filling apparatus in which various stations including the station (6) are sequentially provided and the various stations (5, 6, 7, 53) are covered with the chambers (20, 21, 56), the contents filling station (6) The CIP (step S1) is performed on the content filling station (6) after stopping the rotation of the wheel (9), and the temperature of the cleaning liquid is necessary for the SIP to be performed following the CIP from the beginning or midway of the CIP. temperatures to the elevated, subsequently the content filling station (6) of the wheel (9) content filling station while stopping the rotation of (6), Essential temperature with water heated to the SIP (step S2) is performed, the above-mentioned cleaning liquid while being sterilized by SIP are removed, the SIP (step S2) contents from immediately after the finished product filling station (6) in The aseptic filling device in which one or both of COP and SOP (step S3) is performed in a predetermined order for the content filling station (6) while the wheel (9) is rotated is adopted.

  As described in claim 11, in the aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 10, the SOP (step S3) for the content filling station (6) and the SOP (5, 7, 53) for the other stations (5, 7, 53). Steps S5, S6, and S7) can be performed stepwise immediately after the SIP (step S2) for the content filling station (6) is completed.

  As described in claim 12, in the aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 10, the SOP (step S3) for the content filling station (6) and the SOP (5, 7, 53) for the other stations (5, 7, 53). Steps S5, S6, and S7) may be performed in parallel immediately after the SIP (step S2) for the content filling station (6) is completed.

  As described in claim 13, in the aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, the SOP can be performed by spraying hot water or a bactericidal agent and spraying sterile water.

  As described in claim 14, in the aseptic filling device according to claim 10, another station (5) between the CIP (step S1) or SIP (step S2) for the content filling station (6). , 7, 53), SOP (step S4) is performed, and this SOP (step S4) can be performed by spraying a gas or mist of a disinfectant containing a hydrogen peroxide component.

  As described in claim 15, in the aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 10, aseptic air is constantly blown toward the content filling station (6) in the chamber (21). Can do.

  As described in claim 16, in the aseptic filling device according to claim 10, in the wheel (9) and the container sterilization station (5) in the content filling station (6) and in the container sealing station (7) A clutch for intermittently transmitting power between the wheels (12, 13, 17, etc.) is provided between the wheels (12, 13, 17 etc.), and this clutch is used to stop the rotation of the wheel (9) in the content filling station (6). Can be cut off.

  As described in claim 17, in the aseptic filling device according to claim 10, the wheels (12, 13, 9, 17, etc.) of the wheel train are each independently rotatable by a servo motor for rotation. When the rotation of the wheel (9) in the object filling station (6) is stopped, the corresponding rotation servomotor can be stopped.

  As described in claim 18, in the aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 10, the station other than the content filling station (6) among the various stations is a container forming station, a container sterilizing station (5), It can be a container sealing station (7) or a lid sterilization station (53).

  According to the present invention, the content filling station (from the upstream side to the downstream side along the flow of the preform or container (3) due to the rotation of each wheel (12, 13, 9, 17 etc.) of the wheel train. 6) including various stations in order, and covering the various stations with chambers (20, 21, 56) constitutes an aseptic filling device, and stops the rotation of the wheel (9) in the content filling station (6). In addition, CIP (step S1) is performed on the content filling station (6), and the temperature of the cleaning liquid is increased from the initial stage of the CIP or from the middle to the temperature required for SIP performed following the CIP, and the content filling station is continued. (6) The content filling station (6) is sterilized by performing SIP (step S2) while the rotation of the wheel (9) inside is stopped. At the same time, the cleaning liquid is removed and the wheel (9) in the content filling station (6) is rotated immediately after the completion of the SIP (step S2), while the COP and SOP (step Since this is a method for purifying an aseptic filling device in which one or both of S3) are performed in a predetermined order, the time required for shifting the content filling station (6) from CIP (step S1) to SIP (step S2) is shortened. Can do.

  Therefore, not only can the cleaning and sterilizing effects of the content filling station (6) be improved, but also the work for filling the contents such as beverages can be started early by shortening the time for the purification work. It is possible to shorten the production suspension time of the aseptic filling device and the production time at the time of switching the beverage, and increase the production efficiency.

It is a schematic plan view of the aseptic filling apparatus according to the present invention. It is the schematic of the vaporizer of the disinfectant in an aseptic filling apparatus. It is the schematic of the content filling station in an aseptic filling apparatus, The left half shows the state in the middle of drink filling, and the right half shows the state in the process of washing | cleaning or sterilization. It is a flowchart which shows the purification | cleaning method of an aseptic filling apparatus. In FIG. 4, it is explanatory drawing which shows the process which transfers to CIP in a drink supply system piping from SIP. It is a flowchart which shows the other purification method. It is a flowchart which shows another purification method. It is a flowchart which shows the purification | cleaning method of the conventional aseptic filling apparatus. In FIG. 8, it is explanatory drawing which shows the process which transfers to CIP in a drink supply system piping from SIP. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the temperature of a filling nozzle, and hydrogen peroxide gas density | concentration regarding the disinfection property of the outer surface of a filling nozzle.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
As shown in FIG. 1, this aseptic filling apparatus is a container forming for forming a preform 1 into a bottle 3 (see FIG. 3) as a container, and a preform supply station 2 that sequentially supplies the preform 1 at a predetermined interval. The station 4, the container sterilization station 5 for sterilizing the molded bottle 3, the content filling station 6 for filling the sterilized bottle 3 with contents such as beverages, and the bottle 3 filled with the contents are sealed. And a container sealing station 7.

  The preform 1 is a bottomed tubular body having a test tube shape, and is made, for example, by injection molding or the like using PET (polyethylene terephthalate) as a material. The preform 1 is finished into a bottle 3 which is a container by blow molding at a container molding station 4, and the same mouth 3 a (see FIG. 3) and male screw as in the bottle 3 are formed from the beginning of the molding of the preform 1. It is given to the preform 1.

  Between the preform supply station 2 and the container sealing station 7, a preform conveyance path for conveying the preform 1 in one direction and a mold 8 for forming the preform 1 into the bottle 3 in one direction. A forming die conveying path for conveying and a bottle conveying path for conveying the bottle 3 formed by the forming die 8 in one direction are provided.

  The above-mentioned various conveyance paths are constituted by various conveyance means, but the preform conveyance path is constituted by a combination of a shooter, a wheel, etc., and the conveyance path from the mold conveyance path to the bottle conveyance path is a combination of various wheels. It is comprised by the wheel train which consists of. In addition, a gripper or the like (not shown) is used around a predetermined wheel to convey the preform 1 or the bottle 3 while holding the mouth 3a, or to deliver the preform 1 or the bottle 3 between the wheels. ) Is provided.

  The various conveyance paths are integrally driven by transmission of power from a predetermined power source, and driving of wheels and the like in the conveyance path are interlocked with each other.

  However, in the first embodiment, for example, the wheel 9 corresponding to the content filling station 6 is provided with a clutch (not shown) that interrupts the transmission of power in the power transmission system, and by disengaging this clutch, The other wheels and the like are driven, but the rotation of the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6 can be stopped.

  Instead of installing the clutch, each wheel of the wheel train may be independently rotated by a rotating servo motor. In this case, the rotation of the wheel 9 in the content filling station 6 is stopped by stopping the corresponding rotation servomotor, but the other rotation servomotor and the corresponding other wheel can be rotated. is there.

  The preform supply station 2 is arranged along the flow of the preform 1 traveling on the preform conveying path, and the container forming station 4 is arranged along the outer periphery of a predetermined wheel 10 of the molding die conveying path. The container sterilization station 5, the content filling station 6 and the container sealing station 7 follow the flow of the bottle 3 by the rotation of each wheel 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 9, 16, 17, 18 of the wheel train. Thus, they are arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side.

  The part from the preform supply station 2 to the container forming station 4 is covered with a first chamber 19 that is a protective cover for each conveyance path of the preform 1 and the like, and the container sterilization station 5 is a second chamber 20 for each conveyance path for bottles. The content filling station 6 and the container sealing station 7 are covered with the third chamber 21 together with the bottle conveyance path.

  The first to third chambers 19, 20, and 21 are connected to each other, but are separated from each other by a partition wall. Further, an exhaust duct (not shown) is connected to the second chamber 20, and the air in the second chamber 20 is always exhausted outside the second chamber 20 during operation of the aseptic filling apparatus. ing. Further, in the third chamber 21, the content filling station 6 and the container sealing station 7 are partitioned by a partition wall. Then, the contents filling station 6 side in the third chamber 21 is constantly supplied with aseptic air from an aseptic air supply source (not shown) during operation of the aseptic filling apparatus, so that the inside of the third chamber 21 is maintained. It is designed to be maintained at a positive pressure. The aseptic air supplied to the content filling station 6 side flows to the container sealing station 7 side through a gap for passing the bottle of the partition wall.

  In the aseptic filling apparatus, the preform conveying path and the preform supply station 2 will be described. The preform conveying means includes a shooter 22 that sequentially supplies the preform 1 at predetermined intervals, and a preform 1 from the end of the shooter 22. The wheel 23 is configured to receive and convey the preform 1 and the endless chain 24 extending in the horizontal direction for receiving the preform 1 from the wheel 23 and traveling.

  The endless chain 24 is bridged between a pair of pulleys 24 a and 24 b arranged opposite to each other on a horizontal plane, and the shooter 22 is connected to one pulley 24 a via a wheel 23.

  A number of holding members (not shown) for the preform 1 are attached to the endless chain 24 at a constant pitch. Each holding member can rotate while traveling with the traveling of the endless chain 24. The holding member is formed as a spindle, and a plurality of ball-like elastic bodies are embedded in the outer peripheral surface of the lower part thereof. When the holding member is inserted into the mouth portion 3a of the preform 1, the preform 1 is held by the holding member by elastic deformation of these elastic bodies.

  A holding member is inserted into the mouth portion 3a of the preform 1 sent from the wheel 23 side to the endless chain 24 side, whereby the preform 1 is held upright by the holding member.

  The endless chain 24 is surrounded by a furnace wall of a heating furnace, and a heater 25 radiating infrared rays is stretched around the inner surface of the furnace wall.

  The preform 1 is received by a holding member attached to the endless chain 24 via the shooter 22 and is heated to a temperature at which blow molding is possible by the heater 25 while moving as the endless chain 24 travels. The preform 1 is desirably heated uniformly while rotating with the rotation of the holding member, and the temperature of the portion other than the mouth portion 3a is raised to 90 ° C. to 130 ° C. which is a temperature suitable for blow molding. The mouth portion 3a is suppressed to a temperature of 70 ° C. or less without causing deformation or the like so as not to impair the sealing performance when the cap 51 (see FIG. 1) as a lid is put on.

  A wheel 26 that receives the preform 1 heated by the heater 25 and passes it to the mold 8 on the second conveyance path is in contact with a position where one pulley 24a of the endless chain 24 contacts the return path of the endless chain 24.

  Next, the mold conveyance path and the container molding station 4 will be described. The mold conveyance path includes a wheel train including wheels 26, 10, and 11 connected to the pulley 24a of the preform conveyance path.

  Around the wheel 10, a plurality of sets of forming dies 8 are arranged at predetermined intervals as receiving molds for receiving the preform 1 heated by the heater 25 and blow-molding it into the bottle 3. The mold 8 can turn around the wheel 10 at a constant speed as the wheel 10 rotates.

  When the finished product of the bottle 3 is exposed from the mold 8 that has been opened, the bottle 3 is taken out of the mold 8 by the gripper around the wheel 11 that is in contact with the wheel 10 and is passed to the gripper of the wheel 12 on the downstream side.

  A camera 55 is installed at a location along the outer periphery of the wheel 11. The top surface of the mouth 3a of the bottle 3 is imaged by the camera 55, and the suitability of the smoothness of the top surface is determined based on this image.

  Next, the bottle conveyance path and the container sterilization station 5 will be described. The bottle conveyance path is constituted by a wheel train including wheels 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 9, 16, 17, and 18.

  The container sterilization station 5 includes a sterilizing agent spray nozzle 27 and an air rinse nozzle 28 arranged around each of the wheels 12 and 13 in the wheel train.

  The sterilizing agent spray nozzle 27 is arranged so that the nozzle ejection hole faces the opening of the mouth portion 3a of the bottle 3 traveling around the wheel 12, and the upstream side of the sterilizing agent spray nozzle 27 is shown in FIG. An exemplary germicidal vaporizer 29 is connected.

  As the disinfectant, it is effective to use one containing 1% by mass or more of a hydrogen peroxide component. Other than that, it may be one containing at least one component of ethanol, peracetic acid, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chlorine-based disinfectant, or a combination thereof.

  The vaporizer 29 includes a hydrogen peroxide supply unit 30 that is a two-fluid spray that injects an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide that is a sterilizing agent, and a spray of hydrogen peroxide supplied from the hydrogen peroxide supply unit 30 at a boiling point or higher. And a vaporization section 31 that is vaporized by heating below the non-decomposition temperature. The hydrogen peroxide supply section 30 introduces an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and compressed air from the hydrogen peroxide supply path 30a and the compressed air supply path 30b, respectively, and sprays the aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide into the vaporization section 31. ing. The vaporizer 31 is a pipe having a heater 31a sandwiched between inner and outer walls, and heats and vaporizes the spray of hydrogen peroxide blown into the pipe. The vaporized hydrogen peroxide is sprayed out of the vaporizer 29 as a mist or gas or a mixture thereof from the sterilizing agent spray nozzle 27, a part of which flows into the bottle 3 and another part of the bottle 3. It flows along the outer surface of the bottle 3 and adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 3 as a uniform film.

  The air rinsing nozzle 28 is disposed so that the nozzle ejection hole faces the opening of the mouth 3 a of the bottle 3 that travels around the wheel 13.

  For example, one or a plurality of air rinse nozzles 28 are arranged around the wheel 13. However, the air rinse nozzle 28 may be disposed around the wheel 14 or the wheel 15 instead of the wheel 13. It is also possible to arrange around the wheels 13, 14, 15.

  When the bottle 3 to which the sterilizing agent is sprayed travels around the wheel 13, aseptic air is sprayed from the air rinse nozzle 28 toward the mouth 3 a of the bottle 3. Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide remaining on the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 3 is decomposed and removed. The sterilized bottle 3 reaches the next content filling station 6 via the wheels 14 and 15.

  Aseptic air may be heated air. In that case, since the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 3 is activated, the sterilizing effect of the bottle 3 is improved.

  The container sterilization station 5 can be omitted when the preform 1 is sterilized at the stage of the preform 1 by providing a preform sterilization station at the travel location of the preform 1. Although not shown, in the preform sterilization station, for example, nozzles for spraying a sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide water on the preform are provided around the wheel 23, around the endless chain 24, or around the wheel 26. Installed.

  The content filling station 6 is configured as a filler integrally with the wheel 9 in the bottle conveyance path.

  The content filling station 6 has a number of filling nozzles 32 around the wheel 9. Each filling nozzle 32 swivels together with the wheel 9, and the bottle 3 runs synchronously under the filling nozzle 32. Thereby, each bottle 3 is filled with a beverage from each filling nozzle 32.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a beverage supply system pipe 34 extending from a beverage preparation tank (not shown) through a surge tank 33 is connected to the content filling station 6. The beverage prepared in the preparation tank is sterilized by a heater (not shown) in the beverage supply system pipe 34 and then supplied to the content filling station 6.

  The filler that is the content filling station 6 is a device that fills a large number of bottles 3 with a high speed, and includes the wheel 9 that constitutes a part of the conveyance path of the bottles 3 as shown in FIG. The wheel 9 is attached to a portion serving as a rotation shaft 35a in a support shaft 35 that stands vertically from the floor surface of the aseptic filling apparatus. Around the wheel 9, grippers 36 that hold the neck of the bottle 3 are arranged at a constant pitch. The gripper 36 is integrated with the wheel 9 and can turn in one direction. A large number of filling nozzles 32 arranged at the same pitch as the grippers 36 are attached around the wheel 9.

  The upper portion of the support shaft 35 is fixed to the machine frame of the content filling station 6, and a rotary joint 35b is provided between the fixed upper portion and the upper end of the rotary shaft 35a. Further, an upper manifold 37 is provided at a position below the rotary joint 35b in the rotating shaft 35a. A portion from the upper portion of the support shaft 35 to the upper manifold 37 is hollow, and the beverage supply system pipe 34 is connected to the upper portion of the support shaft 35. The beverage supply system pipe 34 extends from the upper manifold 37 to each filling nozzle 32.

  The operation of the content filling station 6 causes the wheel 9 to rotate at high speed, and the bottle 3 gripped by the gripper 36 is conveyed at high speed on the bottle conveyance path in synchronization with this rotational movement. When a large number of bottles 3 run in a row immediately below the nozzle port 32a of the filling nozzle 32, a constant amount of beverage is filled in each bottle 3 one after another.

  The container sealing station 7 is configured as a capper integrally with the wheel 17 in the bottle conveyance path, and is covered together with the content filling station 6 by a chamber 21 covering the content filling station 6.

  The bottle 3 filled with the beverage at the content filling station 6 while traveling on the bottle transport path is screwed with the cap 51 to the mouth 3a while traveling around the wheel 17 of the capper. A bottled beverage is completed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a cap sterilization station 53 that is a station for sterilizing the lid is attached to the capper.

  The cap 51 for closing the mouth 3 a of the bottle 3 is sterilized in advance by the cap sterilization station 53 before being supplied to the container sealing station 7. This cap sterilization station 53 is also covered with a chamber 56 to maintain sterility.

  The cap sterilization station 53 is supplied with a number of preformed caps. While these caps travel through the cap sterilization station 53, sprays of a sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide are sprayed, and sterilization is performed by spraying aseptic hot air. The sterilized cap is supplied from the cap sterilization station 53 to the capper by a shooter or the like.

  During manufacture of the bottled beverage, aseptic air, preferably aseptic hot air, is constantly blown from the above-described aseptic air supply source toward the content filling station 6 in the chamber 21. As a result, the atmosphere in the chamber 21 is positively pressurized, and the entry of outside air containing microorganisms, dust and the like into the chamber 21 is prevented. In addition, since the sterile air flows to the container sealing station 7 in the same chamber 21 and the container sterilization station 5 in the chamber 20, entry of outside air into the container sealing station 7 and the like is also prevented. In addition, aseptic air is always supplied into the chamber 56 of the cap sterilization station 53 from another aseptic air supply source (not shown).

  The above aseptic filling device is used for the container forming station 4, the container sterilizing station 5, the content filling station 6, the container sealing station 7, and the cap sterilizing station 53 in the various chambers 20, 21, 56, periodically or for the type of beverage. When switching, a purification device is provided for performing a purification process consisting of CIP, SIP, COP, and SOP while the beverage filling operation is stopped.

  In addition, the purification apparatus does not necessarily need to be provided in all the stations, and may be omitted in a station that does not require the purification apparatus.

  First, the purification device of the content filling station 6 will be described.

  As described above, the beverage is supplied from the preparation device to the filling nozzle 32 of the content filling station 6 through the beverage supply system pipe 34. The inside of the beverage supply system pipe 34 is regularly or beverage. When switching the type of CIP, it is added to CIP and then to SIP.

  In FIG. 3, the code | symbol 38 shows the storage tank as a supply source of the working fluid which is a washing | cleaning liquid and disinfection liquid used for implementation of CIP, and the code | symbol 39 shows a liquid feeding pump. Although the number of the storage tanks 38 is provided according to a predetermined type of working fluid, only one storage tank 38 is shown for the sake of drawing. The illustration of the supply source of the working fluid for sterilization such as steam is omitted.

  Further, in FIG. 3, reference numeral 40 indicates an outward pipe extending from the storage tank 38 to the surge tank 33, and reference numeral 41 indicates a return pipe extending from each filling nozzle 32 to the storage tank 38. The outgoing pipe 40 and the backward pipe 41 form a circulation path for cleaning liquid and the like together with the beverage supply system pipe 34.

  At the starting end of the return pipe 41, there are provided cups 42 that can contact and separate from the nozzle ports 32a of the filling nozzles 32, respectively. When CIP or SIP is performed, each cup 42 is put on the nozzle port 32a at the tip of the filling nozzle 32 of the content filling station 6 by an actuator (not shown), so that the starting end of the return pipe 41 is connected to the nozzle port 32a of the filling nozzle 32. Connected. Each cup 42 is connected to the lower manifold 43 by a flexible pipe constituting a part of the return pipe 41. The lower manifold 43 is attached to the rotary shaft 35a, and can rotate with the wheel 9, the filling nozzle 32, and the like.

  A joint 44 that can be intermittently connected is provided at a location where the return pipe 41 extends from the lower manifold 43 to the storage tank 38. The joint 44 is connected during the CIP or SIP. In that case, the wheel 9, the filling nozzle 32, etc. cannot turn. When CIP or SIP is completed and the joint 44 is disconnected, the wheel 9, the filling nozzle 32, and the like can turn.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the content filling station 6 is programmed in a control unit (not shown) so that CIP, SIP, SOP, or COP are sequentially executed in order.

  First, when starting the CIP (step S1) for the content filling station 6, the clutch in the power transmission system of the aseptic filling device is disengaged and only the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6 is stopped from rotating. 32 stops turning motion.

  Next, as shown in the right half of FIG. 3, the nozzle opening 32 a of the filling nozzle 32 is closed by the cup 42. A joint 44 is connected. As a result, a circulation path is formed through which a predetermined working fluid such as a cleaning liquid or a sterilizing liquid for CIP flows.

  Therefore, CIP (step S1) is started, and a predetermined working fluid such as alkaline cleaning liquid and water is sent out from the storage tank 38 by the pump 39 in a predetermined order. The cleaning liquid or the like flows from the storage tank 38 to the surge tank 33 through the forward pipe 40, flows into the upper manifold 37 through the beverage supply system pipe 34, and then flows to the filling nozzles 32. It returns to the storage tank 38 through the pipe 41. Accordingly, the cleaning liquid or the like flows in the circulation path in a predetermined order for a predetermined time, and the inside of the beverage supply system pipe 34 including the inside of the filling nozzle 32 is cleaned.

As shown in FIG. 5, the working fluid such as the cleaning liquid circulates in the beverage supply system pipe 34 for 20 minutes, for example, while being heated to about 80 ° C., for example. And it is raised to 95 degreeC which is the sterilization temperature required by the following SIP from the middle of CIP, for example from the end stage. The use range of the temperature is desirably 80 to 99 ° C.
The cleaning liquid used from the middle of the CIP is preferably water since it also serves as a rinse of the cleaning liquid. The working fluid can be raised from the beginning of the CIP to the sterilization temperature.

  After the CIP (step S1) is completed, the SIP (step S2) is performed on the content filling station 6 while the rotation of the wheel 9 in the content filling station 6 is continuously stopped.

  This SIP is performed by passing, for example, water, which is a working fluid used in the CIP, into the beverage supply system pipe 34 while maintaining a temperature necessary for sterilization. As shown in FIG. 5, the working fluid circulates in the beverage supply system pipe 34 for 10 minutes, for example, while being heated to, for example, about 95 ° C. Thereby, the inside of the beverage supply system piping 34 is sterilized. In the case of SIP that also serves as a rinse, hot water is sent in one way without being circulated.

  After the inside of the beverage supply system pipe 34 is sterilized, the water passing through the pipe is gradually cooled to room temperature as shown in FIG.

  As described above, the temperature of the cleaning liquid is increased from the initial stage of CIP (step S1) to the temperature required for SIP (step S2) performed subsequent to CIP, and then the process immediately proceeds to SIP (step S2). Therefore, downtime can be shortened.

  After the completion of the SIP (step S2), the content filling station 6 is immediately subjected to SOP or COP (step S3).

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 45 indicates an injection nozzle for SOP or COP (step S <b> 3) disposed in the chamber 21 so as to face each other of the content filling station 6. These injection nozzles 45 are fixed at predetermined positions in the chamber 21.

  Reference numeral 46 denotes a storage tank which is a supply source of a predetermined working fluid such as an alkaline cleaning solution, a peracetic acid cleaning solution, a chemical solution such as hydrogen peroxide solution, and sterile water. The storage tank 46 is provided for each of a chemical solution such as hydrogen peroxide solution, aseptic water, etc., but only one is shown for convenience of drawing. Reference numerals 47 and 48 denote supply pipes extending from the respective storage tanks 46 to the injection nozzle 32. Each of the supply pipes 47 and 48 is provided with a pump 49.

  Note that the pumps 39 and 49 and the like may be omitted, and the storage tanks 38 and 46 may be placed at a high place so that the cleaning liquid, the chemical liquid, and the like are supplied into the chamber 21 and the like by hydrostatic pressure.

  When the SIP (step S2) in the beverage supply system pipe 34 in the content filling station 6 is completed and the joint 44 is disconnected, the above-described clutch is engaged, so that the other wheels 13, 17 and the like are rotated. In conjunction with this, the wheel 9 can be rotated. Alternatively, the wheel 9 can be rotated by driving the rotation servomotor for the wheel 9.

  Therefore, at the same time as the wheel 9 starts to rotate, the SOP or COP (step S3) in the chamber 21 is started.

  The SOP or COP (step S3) for the content filling station 6 in the chamber 21 is aseptic from the same injection nozzle 45 after a disinfectant such as an aqueous solution of peracetic acid is sprayed from the injection nozzle 45 to the outside of the content filling station 6. This is done by spraying water. The disinfectant is sprayed toward the content filling station 6 so that the outer surface of the content filling station 6 is sterilized, and then the aseptic water is sprayed, so that the beverage residue, peracetic acid, etc. The disinfectant is washed away from the surface of the content filling station 6.

  During this SOP or COP (step S3), the filling nozzle 32 and the like perform a turning motion as the wheel 9 rotates. By spraying the working fluid onto the content filling station 6 that performs the swivel movement, foreign matters are efficiently washed out from the outer surface of the filling nozzle 32 having a particularly complicated shape and structure. The surface is sterilized efficiently.

  From the beginning of the CIP (step S1) to the end of the final SOP or COP (step S7), which will be described later, supplied from the above-described aseptic air supply source toward the content filling station 6 in the chamber 21. Aseptic air, preferably aseptic hot air is constantly blown. As a result, the atmosphere in the chamber 21 is positively pressurized, and the entry of outside air containing microorganisms, dust and the like into the chamber 21 is prevented. In addition, since the sterile air flows to the container sealing station 7 in the same chamber 21 and the container sterilization station 5 in the chamber 20, entry of outside air into the container sealing station 7 and the like is also prevented.

  The purification devices of the container molding station 4, the container sealing station 7, the container sterilization station 5, and the cap sterilization station 53 will be described. SOP and COP for each station 4, 7, 5, 53 (steps S4, S5, S6, S7) As shown in FIG. 1, an injection nozzle 57 having the same structure as the injection nozzle 45 is disposed in the chamber 19 so as to face the container forming station 4 as shown in FIG. An injection nozzle 52 having the same structure as the injection nozzle 45 is disposed in the chamber 21 so as to face the container sealing station 7, and the injection nozzle 45 in the chamber 20 is opposed to the container sterilization station 5. The injection nozzle 50 having the same structure as that shown in FIG. The injection nozzle 54 of the same structure as the injection nozzle 45 is arranged throughout so as to face to-up sterilization station 53.

  A supply pipe (not shown) extends from the storage tank 46 to these injection nozzles 57, 52, 50, and 54, and a pump (not shown) for pumping a chemical solution or the like is also provided in these supply pipes. It is done.

  The SOP or COP (steps S4, S5, S6, S7) for the container forming station 4, the container sealing station 7, the container sterilization station 5 and the cap sterilization station 53 is as shown in FIG. The control unit (not shown) is programmed so as to start from the start of the CIP (step S1). Moreover, it is programmed so that two types of SOP (steps S4, S5, S6, and S7) are performed for each station.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first SOP (step S4) is performed synchronously with one or both of CIP (step S1) and SIP (step S2) for the content filling station 6 to form a container. It is performed simultaneously for all of the station 4, the container sealing station 7, the container sterilization station 5, and the cap sterilization station 53.

  This SOP or COP (step S4) is a SOP or COP different from the SOP or COP (step S3) for the content filling station 6, and the hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied from the injection nozzles 57, 50, 52, and 54. It is performed by spraying toward the outer surfaces of the container forming station 4, the container sterilizing station 5, the container sealing station 7, and the cap sterilizing station 53. In this SOP or COP (step S4), hydrogen peroxide solution may be sprayed from the injection nozzle 45 onto the content filling station 6 at the same time, dried with aseptic hot air, and gasified.

  At the time of this SOP or COP (step S4), hydrogen peroxide water as a working fluid is sprayed to each station 4, 5, 7, 53 while rotating the other wheels 10, 12, 13, etc. except the wheel 9. The sterilizing effect of each station 4, 5, 7, 53 is improved.

  That is, at the time of CIP (step S1), as described above, the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6 is stopped when the clutch is disengaged, but the other wheels 17 and the like are rotatable. Or even if the servo motor for rotation of the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6 stops, the other wheel 17 and the like can be rotated by driving the other servo motor for rotation. For this reason, when CIP (step S1) is performed on the content filling station 6, even if the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6 is stopped, the other wheels 17 corresponding to the container sterilization station 5 and the like are rotated. SOP or COP (step S4) is more effectively performed on the outer surfaces of the container forming station 4, the container sterilization station 5, the container sealing station 7, and the cap sterilization station 53 other than the content filling station 6.

  As a disinfectant used in SOP, it is effective to use one containing 1% by mass or more of a hydrogen peroxide component. In addition, it may be one containing at least one component of ethanol, peracetic acid, acetic acid, octanoic acid, peroxyoctanoic acid, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chlorinated alkali, sodium hypochlorite, or a combination thereof. The disinfectant is not liquid and may be gas or mist.

  When performing the SOP or COP (step S4), if aseptic hot air is blown into the chambers 19, 20, 21, and 56 before the hydrogen peroxide solution is sprayed, the chambers 19, 20, and 21 are blown. 56, the ambient temperature rises, whereby hydrogen peroxide is activated, and the sterilizing effect by SOP or COP (step S4) is enhanced. Moreover, after spraying the hydrogen peroxide solution, the dry removal of excess hydrogen peroxide solution is promoted by the aseptic hot air.

  The SOP or COP (steps S5, S6, S7) for the container sealing station 7, the container sterilization station 5 and the cap sterilization station 53 performed after the SIP (step S2) is the SOP or COP for the content filling station 6. This is the same type as (Step S3), and is performed step by step with the SOP or COP (Step S3) of the content filling station 6.

  In this SOP or COP (steps S5, S6, S7), first, an aqueous solution of peracetic acid is sprayed stepwise from the injection nozzles 52, 50, 54 toward the container sealing station 7, the container sterilization station 5, and the cap sterilization station 53. The outer surfaces of the stations 7, 5, 53 are sterilized.

  When the injection of the aqueous solution of peracetic acid is completed, aseptic water is subsequently sprayed onto the outer surfaces of the stations 7, 5 and 53 in a stepwise manner. Thereby, the residue of the drink which concerns on the last filling, the surplus of the said peracetic acid aqueous solution, etc. are washed away from the surface of each station 7,5,53.

  In this way, by injecting a peracetic acid aqueous solution or aseptic water stepwise in SOP (or COP), it is possible to prevent insufficient supply of bactericides such as peracetic acid or aseptic water.

  When the SOP (step S3) is performed for the content filling station 6, the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6 can rotate, and other containers corresponding to the container sealing station 7, the container sterilization station 5, and the cap sterilization station 53 can be used. The wheels 12, 13 and the like can also rotate. Therefore, when the SOP or COP for the content filling station 6 (step S3) to the SOP for another station (step S7), each station 6, 7, The cleaning effect of 5, 53 is improved.

  In addition, also when this SOP or COP (step S3, S5, S6, S7) is implemented, the said aseptic hot air is blown into the chambers 21, 20, and 56.

  In addition, when SOP or COP (steps S5, S6, S7) is carried out, when a sterilizing agent such as peracetic acid or a cleaning liquid comes into contact with the filling valve 32, heat is taken away from the filling valve 32, so that the filling valve 32 is sterilized. There is a risk of failure. Accordingly, preferably, a partition wall is provided between the content filling station 6 and another station to prevent the sterilizing agent and the cleaning liquid from flowing to the content filling station 6. Alternatively, a sterilizing gas or mist is preferably used as the sterilizing agent instead of the sterilizing liquid for the SOP or COP in the other chamber.

  Next, the operation of the aseptic filling apparatus will be described together with a purification method for the aseptic filling apparatus.

  (1) First, the purification operation of the aseptic filling device will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  When the manufacture of bottled beverages is completed and the type of beverage that has been filled is switched to start production of other bottled beverages, CIP (step S1), SIP (step S2), and SOP for the aseptic filling device Alternatively, COP (steps S3, S4, S5, S6, S7) is performed.

  From the beginning of the CIP (step S1) to the end of the final SOP (step S7), preferably sterile hot air is constantly blown toward the content filling station 6 in the chamber 21. As a result, the atmosphere in the chamber 21 is positively pressurized, and the entry of outside air containing microorganisms, dust and the like into the chamber 21 is prevented. Aseptic air also flows to the container sealing station 7 in the same chamber 21 and the container sterilization station 5 in the chamber 20, contamination of the container sealing station 7 and the like is prevented. Sterile air is also supplied into the chamber 56 of the cap sterilization station 53.

  (2) When the CIP (step S1) is started for the content filling station 6, the clutch in the power transmission system of the aseptic filling device is disengaged and only the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6 is stopped. As a result, the filling nozzle 32 stops rotating. Further, the surge tank 33 is emptied.

  (3) As shown in the right half of FIG. 3, the nozzle opening 32 a of the filling nozzle 32 is closed by the cup 42. A joint 44 is connected. As a result, a circulation path through which a predetermined working fluid such as a cleaning liquid and a sterilizing liquid for CIP (step S1) flows is formed.

  (4) CIP (step S1) is started, and a predetermined working fluid such as alkaline cleaning liquid and water is sent out from the storage tank 38 by the pump 39 in a predetermined order. The cleaning liquid or the like flows from the storage tank 38 to the surge tank 33 through the forward pipe 40, flows into the upper manifold 37 through the beverage supply system pipe 34, and then flows to the filling nozzles 32. It returns to the storage tank 38 through the pipe 41. Accordingly, the cleaning liquid or the like flows in the circulation path in a predetermined order for a predetermined time, and the inside of the beverage supply system pipe 34 including the inside of the filling nozzle 32 is cleaned.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the temperature required for sterilization in the next SIP (step S2) is the water circulating from the middle of the CIP (step S1) while maintaining the temperature of the beverage supply system pipe 34 at, for example, 80 ° C. For example, it is heated to 95 ° C. At this stage, the CIP (step S1) ends.

  (5) After CIP (step S1) is completed, SIP (step S2) is performed on the content filling station 6 while the rotation of the wheel 9 in the content filling station 6 is continuously stopped. This SIP (step S2) is performed by passing the 95 ° C. hot water through the beverage supply system pipe. By passing hot water, the inside of the beverage supply system pipe 34 including the filling nozzle 32 and the like is sterilized, and at the same time, residual cleaning liquid and waste liquid in the CIP (step S1) are removed from the inside of the beverage supply system pipe 34. The removal of waste liquid or the like from the beverage supply system pipe 34 is performed by, for example, collecting the liquid waste in the storage tank 38 and then extracting it from the storage tank 38.

  As described above, the SIP (step S2) is started immediately after the temperature is raised from the washing step with a chemical such as alkali in the CIP (step S1) or the rinsing step with hot water after washing with the chemical. As is clear from the comparison between FIG. 5 and FIG. 9, the production time from the end of filling of a certain beverage to the start of filling of the next beverage is shortened.

  The conditions of the temperature and time of hot water when implementing SIP (step S2) are determined according to the conditions necessary for sterilizing the contents of the product. For example, for products with a pH of less than 4, at least 60 ° C. for 10 minutes, for products with a pH of 4.0 to 4.6, 30 minutes at 85 ° C., and for products with a pH of 4.6 or higher, 4 minutes at 120 ° C. This is the above (generally at 130 ° C. for 30 minutes or more). When temperature conditions of 100 ° C. or higher are necessary in SIP (step S2), not only hot water but also steam may be used.

  (6) When one or both of the CIP (step S1) and SIP (step S2) is performed on the beverage supply system pipe 34 of the content filling station 6, (i) container molding in the chamber 19 In the outer surface of the various devices of the station 4, (ii) the outer surface of the various devices of the container sterilization station 5 in the chamber 20, (iii) the outer surface of the various devices of the container sealing station 7 in the chamber 21, and (iv) in the cap sterilization station 53. SOP or COP (step S4) is performed on the outer surfaces of various devices in the chamber 56.

  At that time, the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6 is stopped, but the wheels 10, 12, 13, 17, 18 in the container forming station 4, the container sterilizing station 5, the container sealing station 7, the cap sterilizing station 53, etc. The device is driving.

  This SOP or COP (step S4) is a different SOP or COP from the SOP or COP (step S3 to step S7) for the content filling station 6 and other stations, and the injection nozzles 57, 50, 52, 54. The hydrogen peroxide solution is sprayed from the container forming station 4, the container sterilizing station 5, the container sealing station 7, and the cap sterilizing station 53.

  At that time, since the container forming station 4, the container sterilizing station 5, the container sealing station 7, and the cap sterilizing station 53 are in operation, the hydrogen peroxide solution as the working fluid spreads to every corner of these devices, and the cleaning effect, Bactericidal effect is improved.

  (7) At the time of SOP or COP (step S4) with respect to other stations such as the container forming station 4, the spray nozzle 45 sprays toward the stationary content filling station 6 at the same time, and CIP (step S1) and SIP When one or both of (Step S2) is performed, SOP or COP (Step S3) may be performed in parallel for the content filling station 6.

  By spraying hydrogen peroxide simultaneously with CIP (step S1), the outer surface of the filling nozzle 32 having a complicated shape can be sterilized efficiently. Specifically, even when the filling nozzle 32 is at 130 ° C., when the inside of the chamber 21 is in a dry state, the heat-resistant spore bacteria are difficult to sterilize because of dry heat sterilization. However, as is clear from FIG. 10 showing the experimental results of the present inventors, the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration in the chamber 21 is set to 5 mg / L or more during CIP (step S1), and the temperature of the filling valve is 60 ° C. Under the above conditions, the outer surface of the filling valve can be easily sterilized.

  When this SOP or COP (step 4) is performed, the atmosphere in the chamber 20 is heated by the sterile hot air blown into the chamber 21 described above, whereby hydrogen peroxide is activated, and the SOP or COP (step The sterilizing effect by S4) is enhanced, and after spraying the hydrogen peroxide solution, excess hydrogen peroxide solution is dried and removed by aseptic hot air.

  (8) When the SIP (step S2) in the beverage supply system pipe 34 in the content filling station 6 is completed and the joint 44 is disconnected, the clutches described above are put in, so that the other wheels 13, 17, etc. The wheel 9 can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation. Alternatively, the wheel 9 can be rotated by driving the rotation servomotor for the wheel 9.

  Therefore, at the same time as the rotation of the wheel 9 and the like, the same kind of SOP or COP (Steps S3, S5) is used for the content filling station 6, the container sterilization station 5, the container sealing station 7, the cap sterilization station 53, and the container molding station 4. , S6, S7) are performed stepwise. The execution order of steps S3, S5, S6, and S7 is arbitrary.

  (9) Assuming that the process starts from step S3, an aqueous solution of peracetic acid is sprayed from the spray nozzle 45 toward the content filling station 6 during spraying of sterile water in step S3.

  At the start of step S3, the wheel 9 of the content filling station 6 rotates together with the other wheels, and the filling nozzle 32 also starts a swiveling motion along with this.

  When step S3 is started for the content filling station 6, a predetermined working fluid such as a chemical solution or sterile water is sprayed from the spray nozzle 45 toward the outside of the content filling station 6 in a predetermined order. Since the working fluid is sprayed on the filling nozzle 32 or the like that performs the turning motion, the outer surface of the filling nozzle 32 or the like is efficiently cleaned and sterilized.

  The SOP or COP in step S3 may be a process for inactivating bacteria by using hot water or the like of 60 ° C. or higher and lower than 100 ° C. instead of the bactericidal agent.

  In step S3, an aqueous peracetic acid solution is first sprayed from the spray nozzle 45 toward the content filling station 6 as a sterilizing agent, the outer surface of the content filling station 6 is sterilized, and then the sterile water is sprayed. Excess disinfectant peracetic acid and dirt are washed away from the surface of the filling station 6.

  (10) Next, assuming that Steps S5 to S7 are performed in sequence, the injection of the peracetic acid aqueous solution in Steps S5 to Step 7 starts stepwise from the injection of the peracetic acid aqueous solution in Step 3 and is stepwise. To be done. Thereby, the peracetic acid aqueous solution is sprayed to each of the content filling station 6, the container sterilization station 5, the container sealing station 7, the cap sterilization station 53, and the container molding station 4 in an appropriate amount without causing insufficient supply.

  (11) When the injection of the aqueous solution of peracetic acid in step S5 to step 7 is completed, the sterilized water is subsequently supplied in the order of step S3, step S5, step S6, and step 7 in the contents filling station 6, container sterilization station 5, and container sealing. Sprayed to the station 7, the cap sterilization station 53 and the container forming station 4. Thereby, aseptic water is supplied to each of the content filling station 6, the container sterilization station 5, the container sealing station 7, the cap sterilization station 53, and the container molding station 4 in an appropriate amount without causing a shortage of supply.

  (11) Thus, CIP (step S1), SIP (step S2), SOP or COP (steps S3, S4, S5, S6, S7) is carried out for the place where the contamination of the aseptic filling device is particularly disliked. Aseptic filling equipment is cleaned.

  Further, aseptic air is continuously blown into the chamber 21, and the surroundings of the content filling station 7 are positively pressurized. Further, this aseptic air flows to the container forming station 4, the container sterilization station 5, and the container sealing station 7. Thereby, the sterility in the chambers 19, 20, and 21 is maintained.

  About the cap sterilization station 53, the sterility of the atmosphere in the chamber 56 is maintained by aseptic air is blown into the chamber 56 from another system.

  The time required for purification of the aseptic filling device by CIP (step S1), SIP (step S2) and SOP or COP (steps S3, S4, S5, S6, S7) described in (1) to (11) above is As shown in FIG. 4, it is about 4 hours. The time required for the purification of the conventional aseptic filling apparatus was about 6 hours as shown in FIG. 8, but according to the present invention, it can be seen that the downtime is reduced.

  (12) After the CIP (step S1), SIP (step S2) and SOP or COP (steps S3, S4, S5, S6, S7) are completed, production of a new bottled beverage is started.

  The production of a new bottled beverage will be described. First, in FIG. 1, the preform 1 is introduced into the heating furnace by the shooter 22 and the wheel 23, and is conveyed by the endless chain 24 in the heating furnace.

  The preform 1 is heated to a temperature range suitable for molding by the heater 25 while being conveyed in the heating furnace by the endless chain 24.

  (13) The heated preform 1 is placed in a mold 8 that swivels around the wheel 10 and the mold 8 is closed. A drawing rod (not shown) descends into the preform 1 and comes into contact with the bottom of the preform 1 to start stretching the preform 1. Further, the preform 1 expands into the bottle 3 in the mold 8 by blowing blow molding air. When the molding of the bottle 3 in the molding die 8 is completed, the molding die 8 is opened, and the finished product of the bottle 3 is taken out of the molding die 8 by a gripper (not shown) around the wheel 11.

  (14) The bottle 3 sent from the wheel 11 side travels around the wheel 12 in the chamber 20 in which SOP or COP (step S6) has been completed, and the disinfectant from the disinfectant spray nozzle 27 of the container disinfection station 5 Of mist. As a result, a disinfectant film is formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 3, and the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 3 are sterilized.

  Subsequently, heated air is sprayed from the air rinsing nozzle 28 of the container sterilization station 5 while traveling around the wheel 13. Thereby, the disinfectant adhering to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 3 is activated to enhance the disinfecting effect, and the excess disinfectant is removed.

  (15) The sterilized bottle 3 travels in the chamber 21 while being transferred to the wheels 14, 15, 9, 16, 17, and 18 in the bottle conveyance path. The SOP or COP in the chamber 21 (step S3) has already been completed, and aseptic air is constantly blown into the chamber 21.

  (16) When the bottle 3 travels around the wheel 9, the bottle 3 is filled with contents such as beverages through the beverage supply system piping 34.

  The inside of the beverage supply system pipe 34 has already been cleaned by cleaning with CIP (step S1) and sterilization with SIP (step S2).

  Content such as beverage is filled into the bottle 3 from the filling nozzle 32 through the purified beverage supply system pipe 34 of the content filling station 6.

  The contents are prepared in advance by a preparation device and sterilized, and then stored in the surge tank 33.

  (17) The bottle 3 filled with the beverage is sequentially transferred from the gripper 36 on the wheel 9 side to the gripper of the downstream wheels 16 and 17, and the mouth 3 a is closed with the cap 51 sterilized in the container sealing station 7. Is closed and then discharged out of the chamber 21.

  The cap 51 is sterilized in advance in the cap sterilization station 53 and then supplied to the container sealing station 7. The inside of the cap sterilization station 53 has already been cleaned and cleaned by the COP or COP (steps S4 and S7).

  Thus, aseptic bottled beverages are manufactured for new beverages.

<Embodiment 2>
As shown in FIG. 6, in the second embodiment, SOP or COP (step S4) by spraying CIP (step S1), SIP (step S2) and hydrogen peroxide is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. SOP or COP (steps S 3, S 5, S 6, S 7) by spraying an aqueous solution of peracetic acid and sterile water is performed step by step for the content filling station 6, the container sealing station 7, the container sterilization station 5, and the cap sterilization station 53. Done.

  However, steps S3, S5, S6 and S7 are different from the case of the first embodiment as follows.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 6, first, an aqueous solution of peracetic acid is stepped from the injection nozzles 45, 52, 50, 54 toward the content filling station 6, the container sealing station 7, the container sterilization station 5, and the cap sterilization station 53. The outer surfaces of the stations 7, 5 and 53 are sterilized and then sterilized water is blown in stages, so that the beverage residue related to the previous filling, the excess of the peracetic acid aqueous solution, etc. The surfaces of the stations 7, 5 and 53 are washed away. At this time, the cleaning of the preceding SOP or COP with sterile water and the subsequent cleaning of the SOP or COP with peracetic acid are performed in an overlapping manner. Is called. This prevents the peracetic acid supplied in the next SOP or COP from adhering to the location where the peracetic acid is being washed away in the preceding SOP or COP.

  As described above, the SOP or COP (steps S3, S5, S6, and S7) for the content filling station 6, the container sterilization station 5, the container sealing station 7, and the cap sterilization station 53 performs cleaning with sterile water and cleaning with peracetic acid. Since the steps are performed so as to overlap, the downtime of the aseptic filling device is further shortened, and the productivity of the bottled beverage is further improved.

<Embodiment 3>
As shown in FIG. 7, in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, SOP or COP (steps S3, S5) by spraying CIP (step S1), SIP (step S2) and hydrogen peroxide solution is performed. , S6, S7), SOP or COP (steps S3, S5, S6, S7) by spraying an aqueous solution of peracetic acid and sterile water is performed in the content filling station 6, the container sealing station 7, and the container sterilization station 5. And the cap sterilization station 53 are performed simultaneously.

  In this way, SOP or COP (steps S5, S6, S7) is performed on the container sterilization station 5, the container sealing station 7, and the cap sterilization station 53 in parallel with the SOP or COP (step S3) for the content filling station 6. Therefore, the downtime of the aseptic filling device is further shortened, and the productivity of the bottled beverage is further improved.

  Further, when one or both of CIP (step S1) and SIP (step S2) are performed for the content filling station 6, SOP or COP (step S4) with hydrogen peroxide is performed in parallel for the other stations such as the container sealing station 7. Done. At this time, since the wheel 17 and the like of the other station such as the container sealing station 7 rotate, the sterilizing effect of the other station such as the container sealing station 7 is improved.

  Although the present invention is configured as described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, the cleaning and sterilization (S5, S6, S7) of the chambers other than the content filling station is performed at the same timing as CIP (S1) or SIP (S2) of the content filling station. You can go.

  Further, for example, the container is not limited to a bottle but may be a paper container. The contents are not limited to beverages but may be liquid foods.

  Further, the method for sterilizing the container (bottle, cap) may be sterilization by chemical rinse such as peracetic acid or electron beam sterilization instead of hydrogen peroxide sterilization. Instead of sterilizing the bottle, the preform may be sterilized.

3 ... Container (bottle)
5 ... Container sterilization station 6 ... Contents filling station 7 ... Container sealing station 9, 12, 13, 17 ... Wheel 20, 21, 56 ... Chamber 32 ... Filling nozzle 51 ... Lid (cap)
53 ... Lid sterilization station (cap sterilization station)

Claims (18)

Various stations including a content filling station are sequentially provided from the upstream side to the downstream side along the flow of the preform or container by the rotation of each wheel of the wheel train, and the aseptic filling device is covered by covering each station with a chamber. The CIP is performed on the content filling station after the rotation of the wheel in the content filling station is stopped, and the temperature of the cleaning liquid is changed to the temperature necessary for the SIP performed following the CIP from the initial stage or the middle of the CIP. Then, the content filling station is sterilized by performing water sterilization with water heated to a necessary temperature while the rotation of the wheel in the content filling station is stopped, and the cleaning liquid is removed. Immediately after rotating the wheel in the content filling station, Purification method of aseptic filling apparatus which is characterized in that one or both of the COP and SOP for contents-filled stations in a predetermined order.   2. The purification method for an aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the SOP for the content filling station and the SOP for another station are performed stepwise immediately after the SIP for the content filling station is finished. A purification method for an aseptic filling apparatus.   2. The method for purifying an aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the SOP for the content filling station and the SOP for another station are performed in parallel immediately after the SIP for the content filling station is finished. A purification method for an aseptic filling apparatus.   4. The purification method for an aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the SOP is performed by spraying hot water or a bactericidal agent and spraying aseptic water.   2. The purification method for an aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein during the CIP or SIP for the content filling station, the SOP is performed for another station, and the SOP contains a hydrogen peroxide component. A method for purifying an aseptic filling device, characterized in that the method is carried out by spraying or spraying a gas or mist of this disinfectant.   2. The purification method for an aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein aseptic air is constantly blown toward a content filling station in the chamber.   2. The purification method for an aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a clutch for interrupting transmission of power between the wheels in the content filling station and a wheel in another station is provided to fill the contents. A method for purifying an aseptic filling device, wherein the clutch is disengaged when the rotation of the wheel in the station is stopped.   2. The purification method for an aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wheels in the wheel train are independently rotatable by a servo motor for rotation, and the rotation of the wheels in the content filling station is stopped. A method for purifying an aseptic filling device, wherein the diverting servo motor is stopped.   In the purification method of the aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 1, the station other than the content filling station among the various stations is a container forming station, a container sterilizing station, a container sealing station, or a lid sterilizing station. A method for purifying an aseptic filling apparatus. Aseptic filling apparatus in which various stations including a content filling station are provided in order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the flow of the preform or container by the rotation of each wheel of the wheel train, and the various stations are covered with a chamber. , The CIP is performed on the content filling station after the rotation of the wheel in the content filling station is stopped, and the temperature of the cleaning liquid reaches the temperature required for the SIP performed following the CIP from the initial stage or the middle of the CIP. The content filling station is then subjected to SIP with water heated to the required temperature while the rotation of the wheel in the content filling station is stopped. The SIP is sterilized and the cleaning liquid is removed. The content filling station immediately after this SIP is over While rotating the wheel, aseptic filling apparatus, characterized in that one or both of the COP and SOP for content filling station has to be performed in a predetermined order.   The aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the SOP for the content filling station and the SOP for the other stations are performed step by step immediately after the SIP for the content filling station is over. Aseptic filling device characterized.   The aseptic filling device according to claim 10, wherein the SOP for the content filling station and the SOP for another station are performed in parallel immediately after the SIP for the content filling station is finished. Aseptic filling device characterized.   The aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the SOP is performed by spraying hot water or a bactericidal agent and spraying sterile water.   11. The aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 10, wherein SOP is performed for another station during CIP or SIP for the content filling station, and the SOP is sprayed with a disinfectant containing a hydrogen peroxide component, or this An aseptic filling device, which is performed by spraying a gas or mist of a disinfectant.   The aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 10, wherein aseptic air is constantly blown toward a content filling station in the chamber.   The aseptic filling device according to claim 10, wherein a clutch for intermittently transmitting power between the wheels is provided between the wheel in the content filling station and the wheel in the container sterilization station and the container sealing station, An aseptic filling device characterized in that the clutch is disengaged when the rotation of the wheel in the filling station is stopped.   11. The aseptic filling device according to claim 10, wherein each wheel of the wheel train is independently rotatable by a rotation servomotor, and when the rotation of the wheel in the content filling station is stopped, the corresponding rotation servomotor is An aseptic filling device characterized by being stopped.   The aseptic filling apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the station other than the content filling station among the various stations is a container forming station, a container sterilizing station, a container sealing station, or a lid sterilizing station. apparatus.

Images