JP5359183B2 - Method and apparatus for sterilizing cup-shaped container - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sterilizing method and a sterilizing apparatus capable of adequately sterilizing the back side of a flange of a cup. <P>SOLUTION: In the sterilizing method of a cup-like container, the flange 3 of a cup 1 is supported by a circumferential edge of a container insertion hole 17 of a retainer 9, the cup is sterilized by blowing mist of hydrogen peroxide toward inner and outer surfaces of the cup while the retainer supporting the cup travels, and hydrogen peroxide deposited at least on the inner surface of the cup is dried by blowing hot air toward the inner and outer surfaces of the cup. Before the flange of the cup is placed on the circumferential edge of the container insertion hole of the retainer, mist of hydrogen peroxide is blown to the retainer, a film F of hydrogen peroxide is formed at least on the circumferential edge of the container insertion hole of the retainer, and the flange of the cup is placed on the film. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cup-shaped container sterilization method and apparatus.

  Conventionally, a packaged product in which a beverage or the like is filled in a cup has been distributed in the market. Most of the packaged product is a chilled product that is transported and displayed in a cooled state. However, the distribution in the chilled state is troublesome in temperature control and the cost becomes high, so distribution at normal temperature is desired. Therefore, in recent years, aseptic packaging has been performed in which the inner and outer surfaces of a cup are preliminarily sterilized with a bactericide such as hydrogen peroxide and then filled with a beverage or the like and sealed (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2). According to this method, the packaged product can be distributed at room temperature.

  The sterilization method of these cups is to sterilize the cup by spraying hydrogen peroxide mist or gas toward the inner or outer surface of the cup while conveying the cup, and then blowing hot air toward the cup. The hydrogen peroxide adhering to the substrate is dried (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In the cup sterilization process, a retainer is used to convey the cup. While a large number of retainers travel in a predetermined direction, the disinfectant is sprayed toward the cup held by the retainers. In the retainer, a cup flange is received from below by a plurality of claw pieces (see, for example, Patent Document 1), or a container insertion hole into which the cup fits into the plate surface of the retainer is drilled to insert the container. There is one in which the flange of the cup is received at the periphery of the hole (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 59-115220 A JP 2002-68142 A

  When using a retainer that has a cup flange that is received from below by a plurality of claw pieces, the flange is heated from above and below when a cover such as a sheet is placed on the cup and heat sealed to the flange. Although it is necessary to sandwich between the board and the receiving board, there is a problem that a retainer functioning as the receiving board must be prepared separately and the cup must be transferred to this retainer. In addition, a nail piece hits the back surface of the flange of the cup at the time of sterilization, but the sterilizing agent is not attached to the portion and bacteria are likely to survive, so that there is a problem that sterilization failure is likely to occur.

  As a retainer, when a container insertion hole into which a cup is fitted is formed on the plate surface and the flange of the cup is received at the periphery of this container insertion hole, the periphery of the container insertion hole of the retainer is attached to the heat seal. It is considered that the retainer can be used as a receiving plate at the time, but such a retainer covers the flange of the cup at the periphery of the container insertion hole, so that the disinfectant is difficult to adhere to the back surface of the flange, resulting in poor sterilization. There is a problem that it is more likely to occur. By spraying the sterilizing agent vigorously from below the cup, the cup floats on the retainer, and the sterilizing agent is allowed to adhere to the back of the flange by allowing the sterilizing agent to flow into the gap formed between the flange and the retainer. However, depending on the weight of the cup, the shape and size of the gap between the container insertion hole and the cup, the shape of the flange, and the like, the disinfectant may not be properly attached.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a cup-shaped container sterilization method and apparatus that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

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

That is, in the invention according to claim 1, the flat flange (3) of the cup-shaped container (1) is supported by the flat peripheral edge of the container insertion hole (17) of the retainer (9), and this container (1) is supported. The container (1) is sterilized by spraying hydrogen peroxide mist (a, b) or gas toward the inner and outer surfaces of the container (1) while running the retainer (9), and the inner and outer surfaces of the container (1). In the method for sterilizing a cup-shaped container in which hot air (c) is blown toward the container to dry hydrogen peroxide adhering to at least the inner surface of the container (1), the flat flange (3) of the container (1) is provided with the retainer (9). ) Before being placed on the flat peripheral edge of the container insertion hole (17), a mist (f) or gas of hydrogen peroxide is blown onto the retainer (9) to form at least the container insertion hole (17 of the retainer (9). hydrogen peroxide in the skin on a flat peripheral edge of) To form a (F), by the film carrying a flat flange (3) of the container (1) from the top of the (F), contacting the coating of hydrogen peroxide on the rear surface of the flat flange (3), flat The back surface of the flange (3) is sterilized .

  As described in claim 2, in the sterilization method of the cup-shaped container according to claim 1, before the mist (f) or gas of hydrogen peroxide is sprayed on the retainer (9), the retainer (9). You may make it cool.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the method for sterilizing a cup-shaped container according to the first aspect, before the mist of hydrogen peroxide or gas is sprayed on the retainer, water mist or steam is sprayed on the retainer. It is also possible to improve the adhesion of hydrogen peroxide mist or gas.

  As described in claim 4, in the method for sterilizing a cup-shaped container according to claim 1, the retainer (9) from a slit-like nozzle (20) extending so as to intersect the traveling direction of the retainer (9). It is also possible to form a hydrogen peroxide film (F) on the periphery of at least the container insertion hole (17) of the retainer (9) by spraying hydrogen peroxide mist (f) or gas toward .

  As described in claim 5, in the method for sterilizing a cup-shaped container according to claim 4, the front and rear of the retainer (9) in the slit nozzle (20) are covered with a baffle plate (21). You may do it.

The invention according to claim 6 has a container insertion hole (17) into which the body of the cup-shaped container (1) is inserted, and the container (1) is flat around the container insertion hole (17). A retainer (9) having a flat periphery on which the flange (3) is placed, traveling means (18) for traveling the retainer (9) in one direction, and an opening of the container (1) held by the retainer (9) Sterilizing nozzles (7, 8) for sterilizing the container (1) by spraying a mist (a, b) or gas of hydrogen peroxide toward the bottom and the bottom, respectively, and the hydrogen peroxide mist (a, b) Or a nozzle provided with a drying nozzle (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) for blowing hot air (c) toward at least the opening of the container (1) to which gas has been blown. Container-like sterilizer Before flat flanges 1) (3) is placed on the flat rim of the container insertion hole (17) of the retainer (9), blowing hydrogen peroxide mist (f) or gas into the retainer (9) The retainer (9) is provided with a flange sterilization nozzle (20) for forming a hydrogen peroxide film (F) on at least the flat periphery of the container insertion hole (17) , and the retainer (9) is inserted into the container. The flat flange (3) of the container is placed on the hydrogen peroxide film formed on the flat periphery of the hole (17), and the back surface of the flat flange (3) is in contact with the hydrogen peroxide film. Thus, the back surface of the flat flange (3) is sterilized .

  As described in claim 7, in the sterilization apparatus for cup-shaped containers according to claim 6, before the mist (f) or gas of hydrogen peroxide is sprayed on the retainer (9), the cooling water (e) is added. You may make it provide the nozzle (32) for cooling which sprays on the said retainer (9) and cools a retainer (9).

  As described in claim 8, in the sterilizing apparatus for cup-shaped containers according to claim 6, before the mist of hydrogen peroxide or gas is sprayed on the retainer, water mist or steam is sprayed on the retainer. It is also possible to provide a water mist spray nozzle or a water steam spray nozzle for improving the adhesion of hydrogen peroxide mist or gas.

  As described in claim 9, in the cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus according to claim 6, the traveling means (18) has an endless traveling path, and conveys the containers (1) in a single row or a plurality of rows. A number of retainers (9) can be provided on the endless travel path.

  As described in claim 10, in the cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus according to claim 6, a baffle plate (21) is provided between the flange sterilization nozzle (20) in the traveling direction of the retainer (9). It can be covered.

According to the present invention, before the flat flange (3) of the container (1) is placed on the flat peripheral edge of the container insertion hole (17) of the retainer (9), the hydrogen peroxide mist (f) or gas Is sprayed onto the retainer (9) to form a film (F) of hydrogen peroxide on at least the flat periphery of the container insertion hole (17) of the retainer (9), and the container (1) is formed on the film (F ). Place a flat flange (3) of, by contacting the coating of hydrogen peroxide on the rear surface of the flat flange (3), since the sterilizing rear surface of the flat flange (3), the hydrogen peroxide flange ( The entire back surface of the flange (3) can be properly sterilized by adhering uniformly to the entire back surface of 3). Moreover, since the retainer (9) in which the peripheral edge of the container insertion hole (17) is formed in an annular shape over the entire periphery can be used, the container (1) is covered with the lid (5b) later and the flange (3) When heat-sealing, the flange (3) and the lid (5b) can be pressurized over the entire circumference of the flange (3) with the peripheral edge of the container insertion hole (17) of the retainer (9) and the heating platen, Accordingly, the container (1) can be properly sealed without replacing the retainer (9).

  The best mode of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the container to be sterilized is a relatively deep-bottom cup filled with a beverage or the like, and uses a desired resin such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or polypropylene, for example. Molded by vacuum / pressure forming.

  The cup 1 has a substantially cylindrical body 2. The upper part of the cup 1 is an opening, and the bottom is closed by a bottom plate. A flange 3 is provided around the opening of the cup 1. A stacking rib 2 a is provided at the boundary between the body portion 2 and the flange 3. The stacking rib 2a is used to prevent the cups from being strongly fitted to each other when a large number of cups 1 are stacked. When the cups 1 are supplied to a filling machine, the cups 1 can be easily taken out one by one from the stack of cups 1. To be provided. The body 2, the flange 3, the stacking rib 2 a and the like are integrally formed when the cup 1 is formed.

  In FIG. 12, what is indicated by a two-dot chain line is a sterilized lid 5 in the form of a sheet or film. After the cup 1 is sterilized and filled with contents, it is adhered to the upper surface of the flange 3 by heat sealing or the like. The Thereby, the aseptic packaging body in which the inside of the cup 1 is maintained in a sterile state together with the contents is completed.

  In FIG. 12, reference numeral 5 a indicates a knob provided on the lid 5. A consumer or the like who has purchased the aseptic package can pick up the tab 5a and peel the lid 5 from the flange 3 to open the aseptic package and take out the beverage 4, for example, as the contents.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cup 1 is subjected to a series of steps A to Q in a sterilization chamber 16, and the surface is sterilized, filled with a beverage 4 as a content, and closed with a lid 5. It is a sterile package. The inside of the sterilization chamber 16 is maintained at a positive pressure so that outside air does not enter by constantly supplying sterilized air d from the air supply port 16c.

  Next, each of the processes A to Q will be described in order.

(1) Process A
A retainer 9 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is prepared. The retainer 9 includes a flat plate as its main body. A plurality of container insertion holes 17 into which the body portion 2 of the cup 1 is inserted are formed in the flat plate along the length direction. In the illustrated example, four container insertion holes 17 are formed, but the number can be appropriately changed to a larger number or a smaller number. Thereby, the cup 1 can run in a plurality of rows.

  The container insertion hole 17 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the upper end of the body portion 2 of the cup 1 and smaller than the outer diameter of the flange 3. Thus, when the body portion 2 of the cup 1 is inserted into the container insertion hole 17, the flange 3 remains on the flange receiving surface 9 a at the periphery of the container insertion hole 17, and the body portion 2 is lowered from the periphery of the container insertion hole 17. Protrusively.

  The flange receiving surface 9a at the periphery of the container insertion hole 17 is formed as a flat surface over the entire circumference. The flange receiving surface 9a at the peripheral edge of the container insertion hole 17 serves as a receiving portion for pressing the flange 3 together with the heating plate (not shown) together with the lid 5b when the lid 5b is heat sealed to the flange 3 of the cup 1 later. used.

  An annular groove 6 is formed in the flange receiving surface 9a at the periphery of the container insertion hole 17 so as to surround the flange 3 on the flange receiving surface 9a. As shown in FIG. 7, the outer peripheral wall in the annular groove 6 functions as a female blade for cutting off an excess portion of the lid member 5b together with the trimming blade 19 and leaving the lid 5 and the knob 5a.

  A large number of retainers 9 are prepared, and are attached to traveling means for intermittently traveling the cup 1 together with the retainers 9 in a direction parallel to the flange 3 as shown in FIG. For example, the traveling means is configured as an endless chain 18 that is horizontally stretched between the sprocket wheels 18a and 18b, and a large number of retainers 9 are attached to the endless chain 18 at predetermined intervals. A large number of retainers 9 are attached to an endless traveling path composed of an endless chain 18 in a single row or a plurality of rows.

  The retainer 9, the endless chain 18 and the like are accommodated in the aseptic chamber 16. By driving the endless chain 18, the retainer 9 moves intermittently or continuously at a predetermined pitch while holding the cup 1 in the aseptic chamber 16. Thereby, many cups 1 are efficiently supplied to each process.

  This process A is a cooling process of the retainer 9, and as shown in FIG. 1, a mist e of cooling water is blown and cooled by the nozzle 32 to the retainer 9 positioned on the most upstream side of the endless travel path. Specifically, in FIG. 1, a mist e of cooling water is sprayed by the nozzle 32 to the retainer 9 positioned below the sprocket wheel 18 a of the endless traveling path, and a mist f or gas of hydrogen peroxide is sprayed to the retainer 9. It is cooled before being conveyed to the position of the nozzle 20 for the purpose.

  The retainer 9 is heated in the sterilization chamber 16 by the sterilized air d and the drying air c described later. The retainer 9 is cooled to about 45 ° C. or less in the cooling step A, and then In the process B, hydrogen peroxide mist f or gas is sprayed.

  Even when the retainer 9 is at a temperature of 45 ° C. or higher, the mist of hydrogen peroxide by blowing water mist or water steam onto the retainer 9 before blowing the hydrogen peroxide mist f or gas to the retainer 9. The adhesion of f or gas to the retainer 9 can be improved, and the bactericidal effect can be enhanced. The position where the water mist or water steam is blown onto the retainer is preferably immediately before the nozzle 20 which blows the hydrogen peroxide mist f or gas onto the retainer 9. By providing a nozzle for blowing this water mist or water steam to the retainer 9 and a nozzle 32 for blowing cooling water to the retainer 9, both the cooling of the retainer 9 and the formation of a water film on the surface of the retainer. It is also possible to perform.

(2) Process B
As shown in FIG. 1, hydrogen peroxide mist f or gas is sprayed toward the upper surface of the retainer 9.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the retainer 9 cooled in the step A or the retainer 9 sprayed with water mist or water steam is at least oxidized on the flange receiving surface 9a at the periphery of the container insertion hole 17. A hydrogen film F is formed. This film F may be formed on the entire upper surface of the retainer 9. By this hydrogen peroxide film F, the flange receiving surface 9a against which at least the rear surface of the flange 3 of the retainer 9 abuts is sterilized.

  The hydrogen peroxide film F is formed by blowing hydrogen peroxide mist or gas from the slit-like nozzle 20 extending so as to intersect at right angles to the travel direction of the retainer 9 to the upper surface of the retainer 9. Can do.

  In that case, as shown in FIG. 9, it is desirable to cover the slit-shaped nozzle 20 in the traveling direction of the retainer 9 with a baffle plate 21. By this baffle plate 21, the hydrogen peroxide mist f or gas blown from the slit-like nozzle 20 flows smoothly along the upper surface of the retainer 9 so as not to be disturbed by the flow of aseptic air d or the like flowing in the sterile chamber 16. It will be. As a result, the hydrogen peroxide film F is uniformly applied to the upper surface of the retainer 9 without unevenness.

(3) Process C
As shown in FIG. 1, the body 2 of the cup 1 is inserted into the container insertion hole 17 of the retainer 9 that is intermittently stopped so that the opening of the cup 1 and the flange 3 face upward. At least the flange receiving surface 9a at the periphery of the container insertion hole 17 is formed with the hydrogen peroxide film F in the above-mentioned step B, and the flange 3 of the cup 1 is formed on the film F as shown in FIG. Get on the flange receiving surface 9a. As a result, the entire back surface of the flange 3 is sterilized by the hydrogen peroxide film F. Conventionally, fungi are likely to survive on the back surface of the flange 3, and there is a risk that the surviving bacteria may be mixed into the cup 1. By this step C, the fungi attached to the back surface of the flange 3 are sterilized. Such a fear will be wiped out.

(4) Process D
As shown in FIG. 1, a mist a of hydrogen peroxide or gas is sprayed toward the outer surface of the cup 1 from the sterilizing nozzle head 7 disposed below the travel path of the cup 1, and the outer surface of the cup 1 is sterilized. Is done.

  The sterilizing nozzle head 7 is installed at a predetermined intermittent stop position of the cup 1. As shown in FIG. 10, a large number of small discharge holes 7a are formed at locations facing the bottom of the cup 1 that is temporarily stopped at the intermittent stop position in the sterilization nozzle head 7. The hydrogen peroxide mist a or gas blown out from the nozzle head 7 toward the bottom of the cup 1 adheres to the outer surface of the body 2 and the bottom of the cup 1 and sterilizes the outer surface of the cup 1 appropriately.

(5) Process E
As shown in FIG. 1, a mist b or gas of hydrogen peroxide is sprayed toward the inner surface of the cup 1 from the sterilizing nozzle head 8 disposed above the conveyance path of the cup 1, and the inner surface of the cup 1 is sterilized. Is done.

  The sterilizing nozzle head 8 is installed at a predetermined intermittent stop position of the cup 1. As shown in FIG. 10, a large number of small discharge holes 8 a are formed at locations facing the opening of the cup 1 that is temporarily stopped at the intermittent stop position in the sterilization nozzle head 8.

  A heater (not shown) is attached to the sterilizing nozzle head 8 as necessary in order to prevent condensation of hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas.

  When hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas is sprayed from the sterilizing nozzle head 8 toward the opening of the cup 1, the hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas is directed toward the opening of the cup 1 from the many discharge holes 8 a. Blow out like a shower.

  The discharge pressure of the hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas is set so that the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas blown out from the plurality of discharge holes 8a is not lowered and the sterilizing effect of the cup 1 is not reduced. It is set so that hydrogen oxide mist b or gas is not condensed in various places in the aseptic chamber 16 and dropped into the cup 1.

  Further, between the sterilizing nozzle head 8 and the opening of the cup 1, an enclosure wall 22 extending from around the sterilizing nozzle head 8 toward the flange 3 provided at the opening of the cup 1 is disposed. The In the aseptic chamber 16, hot air c for drying, which will be described later, and aseptic air d for keeping the inside of the aseptic chamber 16 at a positive pressure constantly flow, the surrounding wall 22 is sterilized with such hot air c and aseptic air d. The hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas flow blown out from the nozzle head 8 is cut off.

  As a result, the flow when hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas is sprayed onto the cup 1 is protected from the flow of hot air c or aseptic air d by the surrounding wall 22 and is uniform over the entire inner surface of the cup 1 without being disturbed. Will be spread out. As a result, the inner surface of the cup 1 is uniformly sterilized without unevenness.

  The surrounding wall 22 is heated by a heater or the like (not shown) as necessary. By this heating, dew condensation due to contact of the hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas with the surrounding wall 22 is prevented.

  When the cups 1 are transported in a plurality of rows, the sterilizing nozzle heads 8 may be arranged independently for each row of the cups 1, or all the sterilizing nozzle heads 8 communicate with each other between the rows of the cups 1. You may arrange as. Similarly, the surrounding wall 22 may be arranged independently for each row of the cups 1, or may be arranged as an integral one communicating between the rows of the cups.

  In addition, this process E may be performed before the said process D, and may be performed simultaneously with the process D.

  Further, a sterilization nozzle head is provided between the sterilization nozzle head 7 and the bottom of the cup 1 in the above step D by providing an enclosure wall extending from around the sterilization nozzle head 7 toward the bottom of the cup 1. 7 may be protected from the hot air c for drying and the sterilized air d that keeps the inside of the sterilized chamber 16 at a positive pressure.

(6) Process F
By causing the cup 1 to travel for a predetermined time immediately after the step E, the hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas sprayed in the step E stays in the cup 1. Thereby, hydrogen peroxide spreads over the entire inner surface of the cup 1 and a desired sterilizing effect is obtained.

(7) Process G
In step F, when hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas stays in the cup 1 for a predetermined time, hot air c is blown immediately toward the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 to such an extent that the cup 1 is not deformed by heat. Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 is removed to some extent. Further, the hydrogen peroxide film F sandwiched between the flange 3 of the cup 1 and the flange receiving portion 9a of the retainer 9 is also removed by drying.

  The hot air c can be sprayed by directing the drying nozzle heads 10 a and 10 b having a large number of discharge holes (not shown) toward the opening and bottom of the cup 1.

(8) Process H
From the blowing of the hot air c in the previous step G to the blowing of the hot air c in the next step I, the cup 1 is conveyed, and the cup 1 is allowed to cool to a desired temperature within this conveying time. This prevents deformation of the cup 1 due to heat.

(9) Process I
Hot air c is blown again toward the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 cooled in the process H to such an extent that the cup 1 is not deformed by heat. Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 is further removed.

  This hot air c is performed by using nozzle heads 11a and 11b similar to the drying nozzle head 10a used in the step G.

(10) Process J
From the blowing of the hot air c in the previous step I to the blowing of the hot air c in the next step K, the cup 1 is conveyed, and the cup 1 is allowed to cool to a desired temperature within this conveying time. This prevents deformation of the cup 1 due to heat.

(11) Process K
Hot air c is blown again toward the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 cooled in the process J to the extent that the cup 1 is not deformed by heat. Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 is further removed.

  The hot air c is performed by using nozzle heads 12a and 12b similar to the drying nozzle heads 10a and 10b used in the step G.

(12) Process L
From the blowing of the hot air c in the previous step K to the blowing of the hot air c in the next step M, the cup 1 is conveyed, and the cup 1 is allowed to cool to a desired temperature within this conveying time. This prevents deformation of the cup 1 due to heat.

(13) Process M
Hot air c is blown again toward the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 that has been cooled in the process L to the extent that the cup 1 is not deformed by heat. As a result, hydrogen peroxide adhering to the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 is further removed, and at least the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide on the inner surface of the cup 1 is reduced to an allowable range.

  This hot air c is performed by using the nozzle heads 13a and 13b similar to the drying nozzle heads 10a and 10b used in the step G.

  Thus, since the hot air c is repeatedly blown onto the cup 1 in the steps G, I, K, and M, a large amount of hot air is supplied to the cup 1 as a whole, and the hot air c has a plurality of cooling times. Since the spray is divided into times, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the cup 1 can be efficiently removed without causing thermal deformation of the cup 1.

  In the illustrated example, the cooling step is not provided after the drying step M, but the cooling step may be provided as necessary.

  In the illustrated example, the drying process (G, I, K, M) and the cooling process (H, J, L) are alternately repeated a certain number of times, but the number of times of the drying process and the cooling process is at least that of the cup 1. It can be appropriately increased or decreased according to the allowable value of the residual hydrogen peroxide amount on the inner surface.

  In the cooling step (H, J, L), the cup 1 is naturally allowed to cool, but forced cooling can be performed by blowing cool air to the cup 1.

  Immediately after this step M, the cup 1 may be accumulated and placed in an unillustrated outer bag or the like and stored in a sterile state. Thereby, even if it is a case where the filling apparatus of the drink 4 which is the contents is put in the place where it left | separated, it is possible to supply a lot of cups 1 to a filling apparatus rapidly.

  In addition, about the said cooling process H, J, and L, when processing the cup 1 made from PET which is easy to carry out a thermal deformation like in this embodiment, it is indispensable, but in the case of a heat-resistant cup, The cooling steps H, J, and L can be omitted or shortened, and the drying steps (G, I, K, and M) can be performed continuously.

(14) Process N
The sterilized cup 1 is filled with the beverage 4 which is the content from the opening. The beverage 4 is sterilized in advance and cooled.

(15) Process O
The opening portion of the cup 1 is covered with a sterilized lid member 5b of a sheet or continuous sheet, and the lid member 5b is heat sealed to the flange 3 of the cup 1. This heat sealing is performed by a heating plate (not shown) descending to the retainer and thermocompression bonding with the flange 3 of the cup 1 and the lid member 5b between the retainer flange receiving surface 9a.

(16) Process P
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the trimming blade 19 descends toward the retainer 9 and enters the annular groove 6 of the retainer 9. Thereby, the excess part of the cover material 5b is cut | disconnected between the trimming blade 19 and the outer peripheral wall in the annular groove 6. FIG.

  Thus, a sterile package sealed with the lid 5 as shown in FIG. 12 is completed.

(17) Process Q
The sterile package is extracted from the retainer 9 and taken out of the sterile chamber 16.

  Next, an aseptic filling apparatus for carrying out the steps A to Q will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the aseptic filling apparatus includes a number of retainers 9 for holding the cup 1, traveling means for continuously running the retainers 9, a cooling nozzle 32 for cooling the retainers 9, and the flange 3 of the cup 1. A sterilizing nozzle 20 for sterilizing the outer surface of the cup 1, a sterilizing nozzle head 8 for sterilizing the inner surface of the cup 1, and hydrogen peroxide from the surface of the cup 1. Nozzle heads 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b for removal, filling portion 14, lid material seal portion 15, lid material trimming portion 15a, the entire area of the travel path of the cup 1 by travel means Aseptic chamber 16 and the like are provided.

  At the front and rear ends of the sterilization chamber 16, a supply unit 16a for supplying the cup 1 to the retainer 9 and an extraction unit 16b for taking out the sterilized package from the retainer 9 are provided. The supply unit 16a is configured to take out the cups 1 one by one from a cup assembly in which a large number of cups 1 are stacked one by one using a football or the like (not shown) and insert the cups 1 into the retainer 9. The take-out portion 16b is configured so that the cup 1 is filled with the beverage 4, and is sealed with the lid 5, and the completed aseptic package is extracted from the retainer 9 with a football or the like (not shown) and taken out of the aseptic chamber 16.

  The retainer 9 is configured as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and as shown in FIG. 1, a large number of retainers 9 are attached to an endless chain 18 as a traveling means at a predetermined interval.

  The endless chain 18 is driven by a motor controlled by a control unit (not shown). As the endless chain 18 is driven, the retainer 9 holds the cup 1 while traveling in the aseptic chamber 16 intermittently or as needed from the supply unit 16a toward the extraction unit 16b.

  A cooling nozzle 32 for cooling the retainer 9 or a nozzle for spraying water mist or water steam for improving the adhesion of hydrogen peroxide extends, for example, so as to intersect the traveling direction of the retainer 9 at a right angle. It is configured as a slit nozzle.

  The nozzle 32 faces the surface of the retainer 9 that faces downward below the sprocket wheel 18a. A cooling water mist e is sprayed from the nozzle 32 toward the surface of the retainer 9. The retainer 9 is cooled to 45 ° C. or less, which is a temperature at which hydrogen peroxide easily exhibits a sterilizing effect, due to adhesion of the mist e of cooling water.

  In order to improve the adhesion of hydrogen peroxide, the nozzle that sprays water mist or water steam onto the surface of the retainer 9 is provided immediately before the nozzle 20 that sprays hydrogen peroxide mist or gas to the retainer 9. Opposite the top surface. Even if the surface temperature of the retainer 9 is 45 ° C. or higher, the drying of hydrogen peroxide mist or gas is suppressed by the adhesion of water mist or water steam. Thereby, the surface of the retainer 9 is properly sterilized, and when the cup 1 is inserted later, the back surface of the flange 3 is properly sterilized by hydrogen peroxide mist or gas adhering to the upper surface of the retainer 9.

  The water used for cooling or improving the adhesion of hydrogen peroxide may be ordinary tap water, but it is also possible to use water filtered with a filter or sterile water produced by a plate sterilizer or the like. Is possible.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the flange sterilizing nozzle 20 for sterilizing the flange 3 of the cup 1 is configured as a slit-like nozzle extending so as to intersect, for example, at right angles to the traveling direction of the retainer 9. The nozzle 20 is connected to a box 33, and the mist generator 23 is connected to the box 33.

  The mist generator 23 includes a hydrogen peroxide supply unit 24 that is a two-fluid spray that supplies an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide that is a sterilizing agent in the form of drops, and a hydrogen peroxide supplied from the hydrogen peroxide supply unit 24. And a vaporizing section 25 for heating and vaporizing the spray to a temperature not lower than the boiling point and not higher than the non-decomposition temperature. The hydrogen peroxide supply unit 24 introduces an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and compressed air from the hydrogen peroxide supply channel 24a and the compressed air supply channel 24b, respectively, and sprays the aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide into the vaporization unit 25. ing. The vaporization unit 25 is a pipe having a heater 25a sandwiched between inner and outer walls, and heats and vaporizes the spray of hydrogen peroxide blown into the pipe. The vaporized hydrogen peroxide gas becomes mist f or is ejected from the spray tube 26 as a gas.

  The hydrogen peroxide mist f or gas generated in the mist generator 23 flows from the nozzle 26 into the box 33 and blows out from the slit nozzle 20 toward the upper surface of the retainer 9 that travels below. .

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the front and back of the slit-like nozzle 20 in the traveling direction of the retainer 9 are preferably covered with a baffle plate 21. The baffle plate 21 extends parallel to the upper surface of the retainer 9. The hydrogen peroxide mist f or gas blown from the slit nozzle 20 flows in the gap between the baffle plate 21 and the retainer 9 along the traveling direction of the retainer 9. The hydrogen peroxide mist f or gas flowing into the gap is blocked by the baffle plate 21 from the flow of the sterilized air d or the like flowing through the sterilization chamber 16, and smoothly flows along the upper surface of the retainer 9 without being disturbed. As shown in FIG. 4, the uniform flow of uniform hydrogen peroxide on the upper surface of the retainer 9 is made. As shown in FIG. 4, the flow comes into contact with the entire upper surface of the retainer 9 including the flange receiving portion 9 a at the periphery of the container insertion hole 17 of the retainer 9. It adheres as film F.

  As described above, since the retainer 9 is cooled by the mist e of the cooling water, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the retainer 9 exhibits an appropriate sterilizing effect, and the retainer 9 includes the peripheral edge of the container insertion hole 17 in the retainer 9. Sterilize almost the entire area of the top surface of

  As described above, when the retainer 9 is sprayed with water mist or water steam even when the retainer 9 is 45 ° C. or higher, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the retainer 9 exhibits an appropriate sterilizing effect, and the container in the retainer 9 The substantially entire area of the upper surface of the retainer 9 including the peripheral edge of the insertion hole 17 is sterilized.

  The supply part 16a for supplying the cup 1 to the retainer 9 is installed slightly downstream of the slit nozzle 20 in the retainer traveling direction. Since the supply part 16a has a well-known structure, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Each cup 1 is inserted into each container insertion hole 17 of the retainer 9 in an upright state by the supply part 16 a, and the body part 2 is inserted into the container insertion hole 17. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the flange 3 rides on the flange receiving surface 9 a at the periphery of the container insertion hole 17 of the retainer 9, and the back surface of the flange 3 is applied on the flange receiving surface 9 a of the retainer 9. Contact the hydrogen film F. Thereby, the back surface of the flange 3 is appropriately sterilized over the entire surface.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilization nozzle head 7 for sterilizing the outer surface of the cup 1 is installed below the intermittent stop position of the cup 1 slightly downstream of the cup supply unit 16a.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the sterilizing nozzle head 7 is formed in a truncated cone shape, and is installed below the cup 1 so that the truncated cone shape is inverted. The upper end plate of the inverted truncated cone is formed so as to face the bottom of the cup 1 temporarily stopped at the intermittent stop position, and a large number of small discharge holes 7a are formed in the upper end plate in the form of rain dew.

  When the cups 1 are conveyed in a plurality of rows, the sterilizing nozzle head 7 is desirably arranged independently for each row of the cups 1.

  The sterilization nozzle head 7 is also supplied with hydrogen peroxide mist a or gas from the mist generator 23 similar to the mist generator 23 described above to each sterilization nozzle head 7.

  Each sterilizing nozzle head 7 blows off the hydrogen peroxide mist a or gas supplied into each head chamber from the discharge hole 7 b toward the bottom of the cup 1 temporarily stopped while being held by the retainer 9. The hydrogen peroxide mist a or gas blown to the cup 1 from the discharge hole 7a adheres to the outer surface of the cup 1 as a thin film and is condensed to form high-concentration hydrogen peroxide on the outer surface of the cup 1. Quickly sterilize.

  The lower sterilizing nozzle head can be configured as an integral unit in which the frustoconical nozzle head 7 communicates in a direction intersecting the row of cups 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilizing nozzle head 8 for sterilizing the inner surface of the cup 1 is installed at a predetermined intermittent stop position of the cup 1 on the downstream side of the lower sterilizing nozzle head 7. When the cup 1 is transported in a plurality of rows, the sterilizing nozzle head 8 is desirably arranged independently for each row of the cup 1.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the sterilizing nozzle head 8 is formed in a truncated cone shape, and is installed above the cup 1 so that the truncated cone shape stands upright. The end plate at the bottom of the truncated cone is formed so as to face the opening of the cup 1 temporarily stopped at the intermittent stop position, and a large number of small discharge holes 8a are formed in this end plate in the form of rain dew.

  The sterilizing nozzle head 8 is also supplied with hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas from the mist generator 23 similar to the mist generator 23 described above to each sterilizing nozzle head 8. The hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas supplied from the mist generator 23 is shaped like a shower from the discharge hole 8a of the sterilizing nozzle head 8 toward the opening of the cup 1 that is temporarily held while being held by the retainer 9. Blow out.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, between the sterilizing nozzle head 8 and the opening of the cup 1, the sterilizing nozzle head 8 and the flange 3 around the opening of the cup 1 An encircling wall 22 extending toward is provided.

  In the aseptic chamber 16, the drying hot air c blown out from the drying nozzle heads 10 a, 10 b, 11 a, 11 b, 12 a, 12 b, 13 a, 13 b, which will be described later, or aseptic air d for keeping the inside of the aseptic chamber 16 at a positive pressure. However, the surrounding wall 22 interrupts the flow of the hot air c, the sterilized air d, and the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas b blown from the sterilizing nozzle head 8.

  Accordingly, the hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas flow with respect to the cup 1 is protected from the flow of hot air c or aseptic air d by the surrounding wall 22 and flows from the opening of the cup 1 to the inside without being disturbed. The hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas comes into contact with the inner surface of the barrel 2 of the cup 1, the inner surface of the bottom, and the upper surface of the flange 3 to form dew, and adheres as a highly concentrated thin film of hydrogen peroxide. 1. Sterilize the surface of 1 quickly and properly.

  The upper sterilizing nozzle head can also be configured as an integral unit in which the frustoconical nozzle head 8 communicates in a direction intersecting the row of cups 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the drying nozzle heads 10 a and 10 b are installed at a position away from the position of the upper sterilizing nozzle head 8 by a predetermined distance downstream. As a result, the mist b or gas of hydrogen peroxide blown and the cup 1 staying inside is held for a certain period of time until reaching the drying nozzle heads 10a and 10b, and the mist b or gas is evenly distributed on the inner surface of the cup 1. Immediately after at least the inner surface of the cup 1 is sterilized to a desired degree, it is subjected to a drying process.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 11, the drying nozzle heads 10 a and 10 b are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the traveling path of the retainer 9 holding the cup 1 from above and below.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the upper drying nozzle head 10 a has a box body extending in a direction crossing the travel path of the retainer 9, and all the cups whose lower surfaces are aligned in a row on the retainer 9. 1 opening and the flange 3. A large number of small discharge holes 27a for ejecting hot air c are formed on the lower surface of the box. The discharge hole 27a may be formed in the entire lower surface of the box, or may be formed in a region facing the opening of the cup 1 and the flange 3. Alternatively, instead of the box, for each cup 1 on the retainer 9, a cone having a large number of discharge holes such as rain dew may be provided.

  Moreover, the blowing cylinder 27b is attached to the lower surface of the box as necessary so as to face the opening of the cup 1. Hot air c also blows out from the blowing cylinder 27b toward the opening of the cup 1, discharges hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas remaining in the cup 1 to the outside of the cup 1, and efficiently heats the inner surface of the cup 1. Then, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the inner surface of the cup 1 is dried.

  The lower drying nozzle head 10 b has a box extending in a direction crossing the travel path of the retainer 9, and the upper surface of the box faces the bottom of all the cups 1 arranged in a row on the retainer 9. . A large number of discharge holes 28 for ejecting hot air c are formed on the upper surface of the box. This lower drying nozzle head 10b has substantially the same configuration except that the upper drying nozzle head 10a and the opening direction of the discharge holes 28 are opposite and the blowout cylinder 27b is omitted.

  The hot air c discharged from the lower drying nozzle head 10 b contacts the entire outer surface of the cup 1. Accordingly, appropriate heating is also performed on the outer surface of the body portion 2 of the cup 1, and excess hydrogen peroxide is removed from the outer surface of the cup 1.

  The upper and lower drying nozzle heads 10a and 10b may be displaced in the traveling direction of the cup 1, but are preferably arranged so as to face each other across the traveling path of the cup 1. By making the nozzle heads 10 a and 10 b face each other, wind pressure can be applied to the cup 1 from above and below, and the cup 1 can be prevented from falling off from the retainer 9. The wind pressure is desirably larger on the upper side than on the lower side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, drying nozzle heads 11 a, 11 b, 12 a, 12 b, 13 a, 13 b similar to the upper and lower drying nozzle heads 10 a, 10 b form a pair of upper and lower along the traveling path of the cup 1. Arranged at predetermined intervals.

  The number of installed nozzle heads 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b for drying obtains a total air volume that can reduce the amount of residual hydrogen peroxide at least on the inner surface of the cup 1 to within an allowable range. Determined to be able to.

  Further, between the pair of drying nozzle heads 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b, the hot air from the drying nozzle head on the upstream side is blown by the next drying nozzle head on the downstream side. The cups 1 are separated to such a degree that they are naturally cooled to a desired temperature until c is sprayed. The hot air c discharged from each of the drying nozzle heads 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b is deformed by PET or polypropylene constituting the cup 1, and in particular, the smoothness and flatness of the flange 3 thereof. The temperature and the flow rate are such that the air flow can be kept intact.

  By repeating heating and cooling of the cup 1 in this manner, residual hydrogen peroxide can be properly removed without causing deformation of the cup 1. Then, the subsequent filling of the beverage 4 and the sealing of the lid material 5 can be performed appropriately.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the aseptic filling apparatus includes a blower 29, a filter 30, a heater 31 and the like for producing the hot air c. The air blown from the blower 29 is sterilized by the filter 30 and heated by the heater 31 to become hot air c. The hot air c is supplied into the box bodies 27, 28 of the upper and lower drying nozzle heads 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b, and is cupped from the discharge holes 27a, 28 of the box bodies 27, 28. It will blow out toward 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the filling unit 14 is installed on the downstream side of the final drying nozzle heads 13 a and 13 b in the traveling path of the cup 1. The filling unit 14 is configured to fill a sterilized cup 1 that has been carried by the retainer 9 with a predetermined amount of, for example, a beverage 4 that has been sterilized. Since the filling part 14 is well-known, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the lid seal part 15 is installed on the downstream side of the filling part 14 in the traveling path of the cup 1. The lid member seal portion 15 covers the opening portion of the filled cup 1 carried by the retainer 9 with the lid member 5b, and heat-seals around the lid member 5b to the flange 3 of the cup 1. Yes. The lid member 5b is supplied onto the opening of the cup 1 as a single sheet or as a continuous sheet.

  Although not shown, a heating plate having a heating portion having a shape corresponding to the flange 3 of the cup 1 is provided in the lid material seal portion 15 so as to be movable up and down. This heating plate presses the lid member 5b together with the flange 3 of the cup 1 against the flange receiving surface 9a at the peripheral edge of the container insertion hole 17 of the retainer 9. Thereby, the cover material 5b is heat-sealed to the flange 3 of the cup 1, and the inside of the cup 1 is sealed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the lid material trimming portion 15 a is installed on the downstream side of the lid material seal portion 15 in the traveling path of the cup 1. In the lid material trimming portion 15a, a trimming blade 19 for punching the lid 5 shown in FIG. 12 from the lid material 5b is provided so as to be movable up and down.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the trimming blade 19 descends toward the retainer 9 and enters the annular groove 6 of the retainer 9, the surplus portion of the lid member 5 b is formed between the trimming blade 19 and the outer peripheral wall in the annular groove 6. Disconnected between. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 12, the outline of the lid 5 having the knob 5a is adjusted, and an aseptic package sealed with the lid 5 is completed.

  Note that this aseptic filling apparatus can be configured such that the sterilization process is performed by omitting the filling unit 14 and the subsequent parts, and the cup 1 after the drying process is immediately taken out of the aseptic chamber 16. In this case, filling and sealing are performed elsewhere.

  Next, the operation of the aseptic filling apparatus having the above configuration will be described.

  The inside of the sterilization chamber 16 is sterilized in advance by supplying a sterilizing agent mist such as hydrogen peroxide or gas, or irradiation with ultraviolet rays. In addition, aseptic air d is constantly blown into the aseptic chamber 16 from the air supply port 16c, and the aseptic air d is discharged from a predetermined inlet / outlet or a gap (not shown) of the aseptic chamber 16, so Is maintained.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the retainer 9 intermittently travels for each dimension in the travel direction of the retainer 9 by driving the endless chain 18.

  The retainer 9 is sprayed with a mist e of cooling water from the nozzle 32 at the beginning of the upper travel path. The retainer 9 is heated in the aseptic chamber 16 by aseptic air d, drying air c, etc., but the retainer 9 is cooled to a temperature of 45 ° C. or less by spraying the mist e of this cooling water.

  When the cooled retainer 9 travels to the next flange sterilization nozzle 20, hydrogen peroxide mist f or gas is sprayed from the flange sterilization nozzle 20 onto the upper surface of the retainer 9. As shown in FIG. 4, the sprayed hydrogen peroxide mist f or gas adheres to the upper surface of the retainer 9 as a film F of hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide mist f or gas blown from the nozzle 20 smoothly flows between the baffle plate 21 and the retainer 9 as shown in FIG. 9 so as not to be disturbed by the aseptic air d flowing in the aseptic chamber 16. It adheres to the upper surface of 9 as a uniform film F with no hydrogen peroxide unevenness. Thereby, the upper surface including the flange receiving surface 9a of the retainer 9 is sterilized through a subsequent drying step.

  Even when the surface temperature of the retainer 9 is 45 ° C. or higher, by spraying water mist or water steam immediately before spraying of hydrogen peroxide, the hydrogen peroxide does not dry until the cup 1 is put on the retainer surface. Only the amount necessary for sterilization remains. That is, the hydrogen peroxide mist f or gas blown from the nozzle 20 is smoothly disturbed between the baffle plate 21 and the retainer 9 as shown in FIG. It adheres as a uniform film F with no hydrogen peroxide unevenness on the upper surface of the retainer 9 to which a water film by flow, water mist or water steam is adhered. Thereby, the upper surface including the flange receiving surface 9a of the retainer 9 is sterilized through a subsequent drying step.

  When the retainer 9 having hydrogen peroxide attached to the upper surface reaches the next cup supply unit 16 a, the cup supply unit 16 a supplies the cup 1 into the container insertion hole 17 of the retainer 9. As shown in FIG. 5, the flange 3 of the cup 1 rides on the flange receiving surface 9 a at the periphery of the container insertion hole 17 from above the hydrogen peroxide film F. Thus, the entire back surface of the flange 3 is sterilized by the hydrogen peroxide film F through a subsequent drying step.

  When the retainer 9 sends the cup 1 to the next lower sterilization nozzle head 7, the sterilization nozzle head 7 supplies hydrogen peroxide mist a or gas from the numerous discharge holes 7 b toward the bottom of the cup 1. Spray. Thereby, the outer surface of the cup 1 is sterilized through a subsequent drying step.

  When the retainer 9 sends the cup 1 whose outer surface has been sterilized to the next upper sterilizing nozzle head 8, the upper sterilizing nozzle head 8 is connected to the opening of the cup 1 and the flange 3 from the numerous discharge holes 8b. The mist b or gas of hydrogen peroxide is sprayed toward. Thereby, the inner surface of the cup 1 is sterilized through a subsequent drying step.

  In the aseptic chamber 16, drying hot air c blown from the drying nozzle heads 10 a, 10 b, 11 a, 11 b, 12 a, 12 b, 13 a, 13 b and aseptic air d for keeping the inside of the aseptic chamber 16 at a positive pressure constantly flow. However, the surrounding wall 22 interposed between the sterilizing nozzle head 8 and the cup 1 is between such hot air c or aseptic air d and the hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas flow blown out from the sterilizing nozzle head 8. Shut off.

  Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide mist b or gas discharged from the upper sterilizing nozzle head 8 is not disturbed by the flow of hot air c or aseptic air d, and the upper surface of the flange 3 of the cup 1 or the inner surface of the cup 1. , And adheres evenly to the inner surface of the body portion 2, the inner surface of the bottom portion, and the upper surface of the flange 3 of the cup 1.

  The retainer 9 travels while holding the cup 1 coated with hydrogen peroxide, and sends the cup 1 to the next drying nozzle heads 10a and 10b.

  During the period from the time when the cup 1 on the retainer 9 is sprayed with the mist b or gas of hydrogen peroxide by the upper sterilizing nozzle head 8 until the hot air c is sprayed by the first drying nozzle heads 10a and 10b, the hydrogen peroxide Stays in the cup 1 and sterilizes the inner surface of the cup 1 to a desired extent.

  Each pair of drying nozzle heads 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b blows hot air c so that the cup 1 is sandwiched from the opening side and the bottom side of the cup 1, so that the cup 1 is light. Even if the area is large, the vehicle travels without dropping from the retainer 9.

  The first drying nozzle heads 10a and 10b heat the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 by blowing hot air c from the numerous small holes 27a and 28 and the blowing cylinder 27b toward the opening and bottom surface of the cup 1, and the surface of the cup 1 The hydrogen peroxide adhering to is dried.

  After the first hot air c is blown, the retainer 9 transports the cup 1 to the next drying nozzle heads 11a and 11b, and cools the cup 1 during the transport. Although the cooling of the cup 1 is natural cooling, the cup 1 may be forcibly cooled by blowing cooling air or the like onto the cup 1. By cooling the cup 1, a part of the heat accumulated in the cup 1 is removed.

  The nozzle heads 11a and 11b for drying heat the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1 by blowing hot air c toward the opening and bottom surface of the cup 1 from the numerous small holes 27a and 28 and the blowing cylinder 27b in the same manner as the previous time. The hydrogen peroxide adhering to the surface of 1 is further dried.

  The retainer 9 conveys the cup 1 from which hydrogen peroxide has been removed to some extent to the next-stage drying nozzle heads 12a and 12b while allowing it to cool.

  The upper and lower drying nozzle heads 12a and 12b also blow hot air c upward and downward from the cup 1 from the large number of small holes 27a and 28 and the blowing cylinder 27b in the same manner as in the previous time to heat the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1, The hydrogen peroxide adhering to the surface of 1 is further dried.

  The retainer 9 conveys the cup 1 from which hydrogen peroxide has been further removed to the next-stage drying nozzle heads 13a and 13b while allowing the cup 1 to cool.

  The upper and lower drying nozzle heads 13a and 13b are also blown with hot air c from the large number of small holes 27a and 28 and the blowing cylinder 27b to the upper and lower sides of the cup 1 to heat the inner and outer surfaces of the cup 1. The hydrogen peroxide adhering to the surface of 1 is further dried.

  As described above, the heating by the drying nozzle heads 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b and the cooling between the heatings are repeated, thereby avoiding deformation of the cup 1 due to heat. While being performed, the hydrogen peroxide is removed from the surface of the cup 1.

  However, the heat-resistant cup may be continuously dried without providing a cooling step.

  The retainer 9 passes between the final drying nozzle heads 13 a and 13 b, holds the cup 1 in which the residual hydrogen peroxide has fallen to an allowable value, and sends it to the next filling unit 14. The filling unit 14 fills the cup 4 running continuously with a fixed amount of the beverage 4 from the opening.

  The retainer 9 travels while holding the cup 1 filled with the beverage 4 and sends the cup 1 to the next lid material seal portion 15. The lid material sealing portion 15 covers the opening of the cup 1 with a sterilized lid material 5b, and the lid material 5b is bonded to the flange 3 of the cup 1 by heat sealing to seal the cup 1.

  The retainer 9 sends the cup 1 with the lid 5b heat-sealed to the next lid trimming unit 15a. The lid material trimming unit 15 a trims the lid material 5 b and adjusts the contour as the lid 5. Thereby, an aseptic package is completed.

  The retainer 9 conveys the aseptic package to the takeout part 16b. The take-out unit 16b takes out the sterile package from the aseptic chamber 16 by a robot (not shown).

  Thus, aseptic packaging can be shipped.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible within the range of the summary of this invention.

  A cup made of PET and a cup made of polypropylene (PP) having an appearance as shown in FIG. 12 and formed into an opening inner diameter of 52 mm, an opening outer diameter of 71 mm, a flange width of 4 mm, a bottom surface diameter of 46 mm, and a height of 107 mm. A large number of each was prepared, and BI (biological indicator) was pasted on the flange back surface of each cup.

BI sterilizes each petri dish with 5 mm square aluminum foil and double-sided adhesive tape attached with ethylene oxide gas (EOG), and attaches the aluminum foil onto the double-sided adhesive tape attached inside each petri dish. It was prepared by applying 2.3 × 10 ⁵ / spot Bacillus subtilis spores to aluminum foil and then air-drying in a clean bench.

  The steps (A) to (K) in FIG. 1 were performed for each cup to which the BI was attached. A retainer as shown in FIG. 2 was used. The retainer was to run intermittently. The width of the retainer in the traveling direction was 110 mm, the traveling speed was 110 mm / sec, and the retainer was stopped for 1 sec each time the retainer was fed.

The temperature of the retainer was changed in the range of 40 to 42 ° C. in the example, and was changed in the range of 46 to 47 ° C. in the comparative example. The flow rate of hydrogen peroxide discharged from the flange sterilization nozzle (slit length 350 mm) was 14 to 16 g / min, and sprayed during conveyance at a traveling speed of 110 mm / sec. After the hydrogen peroxide film was formed on the upper surface of the retainer, the time until the cup was put into the container insertion hole was changed within a range of 5 to 12 seconds, and was set to 12 seconds as a comparative example. Mist of hydrogen peroxide is sprayed from above and below on the cup put into the retainer, and then hot air of 140 ° C. is blown on the inner surface of the cup at a flow rate of 0.6 m ³ / min for 1 second each for 3 seconds. Dried.

  Thereafter, the BI is peeled off from the cup and cultured in a tryptic soy bouillon medium at 35 ° C. for 7 days to confirm the presence or absence of bacteria. The bactericidal effects shown in Tables 1 and 2 (LRV (Logarithmic reduction value)) = Log (number of adherent bacteria / number of surviving bacteria)).

  Table 1 shows the sterilization effect using the flow rate of the hydrogen peroxide mist in the flange sterilization nozzle and the time until the cup is put in the retainer as parameters, and Table 2 shows the flow rate and retainer of the hydrogen peroxide mist in the flange sterilization nozzle. The bactericidal effect is shown with the surface temperature as a parameter.

  In Tables 1 and 2, for example, 0/5 and 5/5 represent (the number of positive cups in which bacteria were generated) / (total number of cups), for example, 6,5.2 represents the bactericidal effect.

  As can be seen from Table 1, when the retainer surface temperature is less than 45 ° C., if the cup is put into the retainer within 10 seconds after the hydrogen peroxide is sprayed on the retainer, a sterilizing effect 6D is achieved on the back surface of the flange. can do. Further, as is clear from Table 2, when the surface temperature of the retainer is higher than 45 ° C., even if the cup is inserted 5 seconds after spraying hydrogen peroxide on the retainer, the sterilizing effect 6D is achieved on the back surface of the flange. However, if the temperature is 45 ° C. or lower, the bactericidal effect 6D can be achieved even after 10 seconds.

The temperature of the retainer was maintained in the range of 46 to 47 ° C., and steam was sprayed on the surface of the retainer 5 seconds before spraying hydrogen peroxide. Steam was produced and supplied with a mist generator having the same structure as the mist generator that generates hydrogen peroxide mist. Steam discharged from a steam spray nozzle (slit length 350 mm) was sprayed onto a retainer that transported at a running speed of 110 mm / sec at a pure water supply rate of 18 g / min. Five seconds after spraying steam onto the retainer surface, hydrogen peroxide was sprayed onto the retainer surface under the same conditions as in Example 1. The time until the cup was put into the container insertion hole of the retainer was set to 10 seconds. Thereafter, 140 ° C. hot air was blown onto the inner surface of the cup at a flow rate of 0.6 m ³ / min three times for 1 second each to dry the hydrogen peroxide. In the comparative example, no steam treatment was performed.

  From Table 3, even if the temperature of the retainer is 45 ° C. or higher, by spraying steam onto the retainer surface, drying of hydrogen peroxide is suppressed until the cup is put in, and a sterilizing effect 6D can be achieved on the flange back surface.

It is a vertical sectional view showing the outline of the cup sterilizer concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a perspective view which shows a retainer. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which the film | membrane of hydrogen peroxide adhered to the upper surface of the retainer. It is sectional drawing which shows the state in which the cup was thrown into the retainer. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which heat-sealed the cover material to the flange of the cup. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which trimmed the cover material. It is a perspective view which shows the process of spraying hydrogen peroxide mist on the upper surface of a retainer. It is sectional drawing explaining the effect | action of the baffle plate attached to the nozzle for flange sterilization. It is a perspective view which shows the process of spraying hydrogen peroxide mist from the upper and lower sides on the cup hold | maintained at the retainer. It is a perspective view which shows the process of spraying a hot air on the cup hold | maintained at the retainer from the upper and lower sides. It is a perspective view of an example of a cup.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cup 3 ... Flange 7,8 ... Nozzle head for sterilization 9 ... Retainer 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b ... Nozzle head for drying 17 ... Container insertion hole 18 ... Endless chain 20 ... Flange sterilization Nozzle 21 ... baffle plate 32 ... cooling nozzle a, b, f ... hydrogen peroxide mist c ... hot air F ... hydrogen peroxide film

Claims (10)

The flat flange of the cup-shaped container is supported by the flat peripheral edge of the container insertion hole of the retainer, and the container is removed by spraying hydrogen peroxide mist or gas toward the inner and outer surfaces of the container while running the retainer supporting the container. sterilized in the sterilization method of the cup-shaped container for drying hydrogen peroxide adhering to at least the inner surface of the container by blowing hot air toward the inner and outer surfaces of the container, the flat flanges of the containers of the container insertion hole of the retainer flat such before being placed on the periphery, the mist or gas of the hydrogen peroxide sprayed into the retainer, a flat peripheral edge of at least the container insertion hole of the retainer to form a film of hydrogen peroxide, the container from the top of the film Place the flat flange by contacting the coating of hydrogen peroxide on the rear surface of the flat flange, and characterized by sterilizing the back surface of the flat flanges Sterilization method of the cup-shaped container that.   2. The method for sterilizing a cup-shaped container according to claim 1, wherein the retainer is cooled before spraying hydrogen peroxide mist or gas onto the retainer.   The sterilization method for a cup-shaped container according to claim 1, wherein before the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas is sprayed onto the retainer, the water mist or steam is sprayed onto the retainer to adhere hydrogen peroxide mist or gas. A method for sterilizing cup-shaped containers, characterized by   2. The sterilization method for a cup-shaped container according to claim 1, wherein a mist of hydrogen peroxide or a gas is blown toward the retainer from a slit-like nozzle that extends so as to intersect a traveling direction of the retainer, thereby at least the retainer. A method for sterilizing a cup-shaped container, wherein a film of hydrogen peroxide is formed on the periphery of the container insertion hole.   The cup-shaped container sterilization method according to claim 4, wherein the slit-shaped nozzle covers the front and rear of the retainer in the running direction with a baffle plate. Has a container insertion hole barrel of the cup-shaped container is inserted, a retainer flat flange of the container around the container insertion hole had a flat peripheral edge rests, traveling means for moving the retainer in one direction And a sterilizing nozzle for sterilizing the container by spraying hydrogen peroxide mist or gas toward the opening and bottom of the container held by the retainer, and the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas sprayed above. In a cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus comprising a drying nozzle that blows hot air toward at least the opening of the container, before the flat flange of the container is placed on the flat peripheral edge of the container insertion hole of the retainer, it is peroxidized. the mist or gas of hydrogen is blown into the retainer flange to form a film of hydrogen peroxide to the flat peripheral edge of at least the container insertion hole of the retainer Bacteria nozzles are provided, the flat flange is placed in the container from the top of the film of hydrogen peroxide formed in the flat rim of the container insertion hole of the retainer, the back surface of the flat flanges in the film of hydrogen peroxide A cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus characterized in that the back surface of a flat flange is sterilized by contact .   7. The cup-shaped container sterilizing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a cooling nozzle is provided for cooling the retainer by spraying cooling water onto the retainer before spraying hydrogen peroxide mist or gas onto the retainer. A sterilizer for cup-shaped containers.   The sterilization apparatus for a cup-shaped container according to claim 6, wherein before the hydrogen peroxide mist or gas is sprayed onto the retainer, the water mist or steam is sprayed onto the retainer to adhere hydrogen peroxide mist or gas. A cup-shaped container sterilizing apparatus provided with a water mist spraying nozzle or a water steam spraying nozzle for improving the temperature.   The cup-shaped container sterilization apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the traveling means has an endless traveling path, and a plurality of retainers for conveying the containers in a single row or a plurality of rows are provided on the endless traveling path. A sterilizer for cup-shaped containers.   The cup-shaped container sterilizer according to claim 6, wherein the front and rear of the retainer in the flange sterilization nozzle are covered with a baffle plate.

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