Patent Description:
Conventionally, a container with a beverage including a carbonated beverage containing components derived from animals or plants, such as fruit juice and a milk component, has been manufactured. In this case, first, a container (PET bottle) is filled with a carbonated beverage, and then heat sterilization treatment for heating the carbonated beverage together with the container is performed. By performing the heat sterilization treatment, proliferation of mold, yeast and other microorganisms in the carbonated beverage can be suppressed. For example, in a case of a carbonated beverage containing fruit juice, carbon dioxide gas is injected at a low temperature into a liquid preparation obtained by mixing nitrogen sources, such as fruit juice and a milk component. After the above, a container is filled with the liquid preparation in which carbon dioxide gas is dissolved, and the container is sealed with a cap. Next, the carbonated beverage with which the container is filled is applied with heat sterilization treatment from the outside of the container, so that the carbonated beverage and the container are sterilized simultaneously. The heat sterilization treatment is generally performed under the condition that the carbonated beverage is heated at a liquid temperature of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less for about <NUM> minutes.

However, in a case where the conventional heat sterilization treatment is performed, the content made up of a carbonated beverage, for example, a content liquid containing nitrogen sources, such as fruit juice and a milk component, may be changed in quality. Further, since the container is expanded at the time of the heat sterilization treatment, disadvantages, such as deformation of the container, occur. For this reason, it is considered not to perform heat sterilization treatment by filling a container with a carbonated beverage using an aseptic filling facility.

In a case where a container is filled with a carbonated beverage using an aseptic filling facility as described above, the aseptic filling facility is provided with a dedicated sterilizer (carbonator or the like) to be filled with the carbonated beverage. For this reason, conventionally, there has been a problem that it is difficult to use an aseptic filling facility for filling a container with a carbonated beverage directly as an aseptic filling facility for filling a container with a non-carbonated beverage.

On the other hand, some carbonated beverages, such as cola and soda, do not require a sterilization process (non-sterilized carbonated beverages). For this reason, in a case where an aseptic filling facility for filling a container with carbonated beverages (sterilized carbonated beverages) that require sterilization is used directly as an aseptic filling facility for non-sterilized carbonated beverages, non-sterilized carbonated beverages that do not require sterilization are also caused to pass through a sterilizer. In this case, it is necessary to perform useless work, such as cleaning and sterilizing the sterilizer by, for example, CIP treatment.

Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a drink filling system including a preparation apparatus for preparing, for example, tea drink, fruit drink and the like at a predetermined composition rate. A drink supply pipe line of this drink filling system is provided with three supply pipe lines so as to selectively fill a container with either one of non-sterilized carbonated drink, high acidic carbonated drink, low acidic carbonated drink, high acidic drink and low acidic drink. A first supply pipe line is for supplying the non-sterilized carbonated drink to a filling machine, wherein a carbonic acid adding apparatus, a first aseptic tank, a switch valve and a second aseptic tank in this order are provided from the preparation apparatus toward the filling machine. The non-sterilized carbonated drink is produced by preparing a drink by the preparation apparatus and sending such drink to the carbonic acid adding apparatus, in which carbonic acid is mixed with such drink. This non-sterilized carbonated drink is delivered to the filling machine via the first aseptic tank, the switch valve and the second aseptic tank. The high acidic drink or low acidic drink is produced by being prepared by the preparation apparatus, delivering the prepared one to the carbonic acid adding device via a sterilizing machine and a third aseptic tank, and being mixed with carbonic acid in the carbonic acid adding device. The thus prepared high acidic carbonated drink or low acidic carbonated drink is then delivered to the filling machine via the first aseptic tank, the switching valve and the second aseptic tank. The high acidic drink or low acidic drink is produced by being prepared by the preparation apparatus, and delivered to the filling machine from the preparation apparatus via the sterilizing machine, the third aseptic tank, the switching valve and the second aseptic tank.

Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a further liquid treatment apparatus.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a beverage aseptic filling system that can fill a container with both a carbonated beverage and a non-carbonated beverage using the same beverage aseptic filling system. Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a carbonated beverage aseptic filling system that is capable of efficiently filling a container with both a sterilized carbonated beverage for which sterilization treatment is performed and a non-sterilized carbonated beverage that does not require sterilization using the same carbonated beverage aseptic filling system.

The present invention is a carbonated beverage aseptic filling system for a sterilized carbonated beverage for which sterilization treatment is performed, a non-sterilized carbonated beverage that does not require sterilization, and a non-carbonated beverage, the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system including a raw material liquid preparation unit that prepares a raw material liquid, a beverage sterilization unit that is connected to the raw material liquid preparation unit and sterilizes a beverage, a first aseptic tank for storing the beverage and that is connected to the beverage sterilization unit, a beverage cooling unit that is connected to the first aseptic tank and cools the beverage, a carbonated beverage production unit that is connected to the beverage cooling unit and injects carbon dioxide gas into the beverage, a beverage filling unit that is connected to the carbonated beverage production unit and fills a container with the beverage, and a switching valve that supplies the beverage sent from the first aseptic tank toward either one of a first filling line positioned on the beverage filling unit side and a second filling line positioned on the beverage cooling unit side selectively, wherein the raw material liquid preparation unit and the beverage cooling unit are connected by a first bypass filling line.

An embodiment of the present invention is the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system, wherein the raw material liquid preparation unit and the first aseptic tank are connected by a second bypass filling line.

An embodiment of the present invention is the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system, wherein a second aseptic tank for storing the beverage from the carbonated beverage production unit is provided between the carbonated beverage production unit and the beverage filling unit.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the same carbonated beverage aseptic filling system can be used to efficiently fill a container with both a sterilized carbonated beverage for which sterilization treatment is performed and a non-sterilized carbonated beverage that does not require sterilization.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG> illustrate one embodiment of the present invention. Note that, in the drawings below, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and a part of the detailed description may be omitted.

First, a beverage aseptic filling system will be described with reference to <FIG>.

A beverage aseptic filling system <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a system for both a carbonated beverage and a non-carbonated beverage, that is, a filling system that can fill a bottle (container) <NUM> with both a beverage including a carbonated beverage and a beverage including a non-carbonated beverage selectively. Further, the beverage aseptic filling system <NUM> is a system for both a sterilized carbonated beverage for which sterilization treatment is performed and a non-sterilized carbonated beverage, that is, a filling system that can fill the bottle (container) <NUM> with both a beverage including a sterilized carbonated beverage and a beverage including a non-sterilized carbonated beverage selectively. The bottle <NUM> can be made by performing biaxial stretching blow molding on a preform made by performing injection molding on a synthetic resin material. A material of the bottle <NUM> to be used is preferably a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-terephthalate (PET), or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). In addition, as a container, glass, a can, or the like may be used. The present embodiment will describe an example of a case where a plastic bottle is used for the container.

As shown in <FIG>, the beverage aseptic filling system <NUM> includes a bottle feeding portion <NUM>, a bottle sterilization unit <NUM>, an air rinse unit <NUM>, a sterile water rinse unit <NUM>, a beverage filling unit (filler) <NUM>, a cap attachment unit (a capper, a seamer, and a capping machine) <NUM>, and a product bottle conveyor <NUM>. These bottle feeding portion <NUM>, bottle sterilization unit <NUM>, air rinse unit <NUM>, sterile water rinse unit <NUM>, beverage filling unit <NUM>, cap attachment unit <NUM>, and product bottle conveyor <NUM> are disposed in this order along a conveying direction of the bottle <NUM> from an upstream side to a downstream side. Further, between the bottle sterilization unit <NUM>, the air rinse unit <NUM>, the sterile water rinse unit <NUM>, the beverage filling unit <NUM>, and the cap attachment unit <NUM>, a plurality of convey wheels <NUM> for conveying the bottle <NUM> between these devices is provided.

The bottle feeding portion <NUM> successively receives the empty bottle <NUM> from an outside to the beverage aseptic filling system <NUM>, and conveys the received bottle <NUM> to the bottle sterilization unit <NUM>.

A bottle molding portion (not shown) which molds the bottle <NUM> by performing biaxial stretching blow molding on a preform may be provided on the upstream side of the bottle feeding portion <NUM>. As described above, the process starting upon feeding of the preform, and then molding of the bottle <NUM>, and ending upon filling of the bottle <NUM> with the beverage and capping may be performed continuously. In this case, since the beverage can be transported from the outside to the beverage aseptic filling system <NUM> in the form of a preform having small volume instead of the bottle <NUM> having large volume, a facility constituting the beverage aseptic filling system <NUM> can be made compact.

The bottle sterilization unit <NUM> sterilizes the inside of the bottle <NUM> by injecting a disinfectant into the bottle <NUM>. As the disinfectant, a hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution is used, for example. In the bottle sterilization unit <NUM>, mist or gas obtained by temporarily vaporizing and then condensing a hydrogen peroxide solution having a concentration of <NUM>% by weight or more, preferably <NUM>% by weight, is generated, and the mist or gas is sprayed to inner and outer surface of the bottle <NUM>. Since the inside of the bottle <NUM> is thus sterilized by the mist or gas of the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution, the inner surface of the bottle <NUM> is sterilized uniformly.

The air rinse unit <NUM> supplies sterile heated air or room temperature air into the bottle <NUM> to remove foreign matter, hydrogen peroxide, and the like from the inside of the bottle <NUM> while activating the hydrogen peroxide.

The sterile water rinse unit <NUM> washes the bottle <NUM>, sterilized by hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant, with sterilized water at <NUM> or more to <NUM> or less. As a result, hydrogen peroxide adhering to the bottle <NUM> is washed off, and foreign matter is removed. Note that the sterile water rinse unit <NUM> is not necessarily provided.

The beverage filling unit <NUM> fills the bottle <NUM> with a sterilized carbonated beverage or a sterilized non-carbonated beverage for which sterilization treatment is performed in advance, or a non-sterilized carbonated beverage that does not require sterilization treatment (hereinafter simply referred to as "beverage"), from a mouth of the bottle <NUM>. The beverage filling unit <NUM> fills the bottle <NUM> in an empty state with a beverage. In the beverage filling unit <NUM>, while a plurality of the bottles <NUM> is rotated (revolved), the inside of the bottles <NUM> is filled with a beverage.

In a case where a beverage with which the bottle <NUM> is filled is a carbonated beverage (sterilized carbonated beverage or non-sterilized carbonated beverage), the bottle <NUM> is filled with the beverage at a filling temperature of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, preferably <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. The reason for setting the filling temperature of the carbonated beverage to, for example, <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less is that carbon dioxide gas is easily released from the carbonated beverage when the liquid temperature of the carbonated beverage exceeds <NUM>. Note that, as a carbonated beverage with which the beverage filling unit <NUM> is filled, a carbonated beverage (sterilized carbonated beverage) containing a component derived from an animal or a plant, such as fruit juice and a milk component, or a carbonated beverage (non-sterilized carbonated beverage) containing no component derived from an animal or a plant, such as soda, cola, and the like, can be used.

When the beverage with which the bottle <NUM> is filled is a sterilized non-carbonated beverage, the bottle <NUM> is filled with the beverage at a filling temperature of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, preferably <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. Note that, as a sterilized non-carbonated beverage with which the beverage filling unit <NUM> fills a bottle, a non-carbonated beverage containing a component derived from an animal or a plant, such as fruit juice and a milk component, can be used.

The beverage supplied to the beverage filling unit <NUM> is prepared by a beverage preparation unit <NUM> in advance. The beverage filling unit <NUM> fills the inside of the bottle <NUM> with a beverage sent from the beverage preparation unit <NUM>. Note that a configuration of the beverage preparation unit <NUM> will be described later.

The cap attachment unit <NUM> caps the bottle <NUM> by attaching a cap <NUM> to the mouth of the bottle <NUM>. In the cap attachment unit <NUM>, the mouth of the bottle <NUM> is capped with the cap <NUM> and then sealed so as to prevent external air or microorganisms from invading into the bottle <NUM>. In the cap attachment unit <NUM>, while a plurality of the bottles <NUM> filled with the beverage rotates (revolves), the caps <NUM> are attached to the mouths of the bottles <NUM>. In this manner, by attaching the cap <NUM> to the mouth of the bottle <NUM>, it is possible to obtain a product bottle <NUM>.

The cap <NUM> is sterilized by a cap sterilization unit <NUM> in advance. The cap sterilization unit <NUM> is disposed outside a sterile chamber <NUM> (to be described later) and near the cap attachment unit <NUM>, for example. In the cap sterilization unit <NUM>, a large number of the caps <NUM> carried in from the outside are collected in advance and then conveyed in a row toward the cap attachment unit <NUM>. Mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide is blown against an inner and outer surfaces of the cap <NUM> on the way of conveyance of the cap <NUM> toward the cap attachment unit <NUM> and then dried with hot air and sterilized.

The product bottle conveyor <NUM> continuously conveys the product bottle <NUM> with the cap <NUM> attached by the cap attachment unit <NUM> to the outside of the beverage aseptic filling system <NUM>.

Note that the beverage aseptic filling system <NUM> includes the sterile chamber <NUM>. Inside the sterile chamber <NUM>, the above-mentioned bottle sterilization unit <NUM>, air rinse unit <NUM>, sterile water rinse unit <NUM>, beverage filling unit <NUM>, and cap attachment unit <NUM> are accommodated. The inside of the sterile chamber <NUM> is kept in a sterile state.

Furthermore, the sterile chamber <NUM> is divided into a bottle sterilization chamber 13a and a filling and seaming chamber 13b. A chamber wall 13c is provided between the bottle sterilization chamber 13a and the filling and seaming chamber 13b, and the bottle sterilization chamber 13a and the filling and seaming chamber 13b are separated from each other with the chamber wall 13c interposed between them. Inside the bottle sterilization chamber 13a, the bottle sterilization unit <NUM>, the air rinse unit <NUM>, and the sterile water rinse unit <NUM> are disposed. Further, the beverage filling unit <NUM> and the cap attachment unit <NUM> are disposed inside the filling and seaming chamber 13b.

Next, a configuration of the beverage preparation unit <NUM> and the beverage filling unit <NUM> of the beverage aseptic filling system <NUM> will be described using <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is a diagram showing the configuration of the beverage preparation unit <NUM> and the beverage filling unit <NUM>, and <FIG> is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration shown in <FIG>. Note that, in <FIG>, a solid arrow indicates a process of the beverage (a raw material liquid, a sterilized beverage, a non-sterilized beverage, a sterilized carbonated beverage, a sterilized non-carbonated beverage, or a non-sterilized carbonated beverage), a dotted arrow indicates a process of gas (vapor, sterile carbon dioxide gas), and a dashed-dotted arrow indicates a process of water (sterile water).

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the beverage preparation unit <NUM> includes a raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM>, a beverage sterilization unit <NUM>, a first aseptic tank <NUM>, a switching valve <NUM>, a beverage cooling unit <NUM>, a carbonated beverage production unit <NUM>, and a second aseptic tank <NUM>.

Further, the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM>, the beverage sterilization unit <NUM>, the first aseptic tank <NUM>, the switching valve <NUM>, the beverage cooling unit <NUM>, the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM>, the second aseptic tank <NUM>, and the beverage filling unit <NUM> are connected by beverage supply system pipes 60a to <NUM>. Beverages (raw material liquids, sterilized beverages, non-sterilized beverages, sterilized carbonated beverages, sterilized non-carbonated beverages, or non-sterilized carbonated beverages) sequentially pass through the inside of the beverage supply system pipes 60a to <NUM>.

The raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> prepares a raw material liquid from a beverage raw material. Here, the beverage raw material includes a sweetener, fruit juice, a plant extract, a dairy product, a flavor, a sourness modifier, vitamins, and the like. Further, the beverage may be prepared, for example, by mixing one or more of the above-mentioned beverage raw materials with beverage water at a predetermined ratio.

The raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> is connected to the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> via the beverage supply system pipe 60a. A raw material liquid prepared in the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> is supplied to the beverage sterilization unit <NUM>. Then, the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> produces a sterilized beverage by sterilizing the supplied raw material liquid. The beverage sterilization unit <NUM> may be constituted by, for example, an ultra high-temperature (UHT) sterilizer. In this case, the raw material liquid is supplied from the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> to the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> constituted by a UHT sterilizer, and the raw material liquid is instantaneously heated and sterilized to produce a sterilized beverage.

Further, the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> is connected to the beverage cooling unit <NUM> by a first bypass filling line (third filling line) 50C. The first bypass filling line 50C is a supply path for directly feeding the raw material liquid from the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> to the beverage cooling unit <NUM> without using the beverage sterilization unit <NUM>, the first aseptic tank <NUM>, and the switching valve <NUM>. The first bypass filling line 50C has a beverage supply system pipe 70a through which the beverage (raw material liquid) passes. Note that the beverage supply system pipe 70a may be provided with a pump (not shown) for feeding the raw material liquid from the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM>.

For example, in a case where the beverage with which the bottle <NUM> is filled by the beverage filling unit <NUM> is a non-sterilized carbonated beverage, a non-sterilized beverage (raw material liquid) from the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> can be supplied to the beverage cooling unit <NUM> via the first bypass filling line 50C. That is, the non-sterilized beverage (raw material liquid) prepared in the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> is directly sent to the beverage cooling unit <NUM>. Next, in the beverage cooling unit <NUM>, the raw material liquid is cooled to, for example, <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, and then, in the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM>, carbon dioxide gas is injected into the beverage cooled by the beverage cooling unit <NUM>, and a carbonated beverage is manufactured.

Furthermore, the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> is connected to the first aseptic tank <NUM> by a second bypass filling line (fourth filling line) 50D. The second bypass filling line 50D is a supply path for directly feeding the raw material liquid from the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> to the first aseptic tank <NUM> without using the beverage sterilization unit <NUM>. The second bypass filling line 50D has a beverage supply system pipe 70b through which the beverage (raw material liquid) passes. Note that the beverage supply system pipe 70b may be provided with a pump (not shown) for feeding the raw material liquid from the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM>.

For example, in a case where the beverage with which the bottle <NUM> is filled by the beverage filling unit <NUM> is a non-sterilized carbonated beverage, a non-sterilized beverage (raw material liquid) from the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> can be supplied to the first aseptic tank <NUM> via the second bypass filling line 50D. That is, the non-sterilized beverage (raw material liquid) prepared in the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> is directly sent to the first aseptic tank <NUM>. Such non-sterilized carbonated beverages include a carbonated beverage which does not require sterilization, such as soda and cola.

Note that, in the present embodiment, although both the first bypass filling line 50C and the second bypass filling line 50D are provided, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the configuration may be such that only the first bypass filling line 50C is provided.

The beverage sterilization unit <NUM> is connected to the first aseptic tank <NUM> via the beverage supply system pipe 60b. The first aseptic tank <NUM> is supplied with the sterilized beverage sterilized in the beverage sterilization unit <NUM>. Alternatively, the non-sterilized beverage from the second bypass filling line 50D is supplied to the first aseptic tank <NUM> without passing through the beverage sterilization unit <NUM>. The first aseptic tank <NUM> temporarily stores the sterilized beverage sterilized by the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> or the non-sterilized beverage from the second bypass filling line 50D. Sterile air is supplied from an aseptic air supply unit <NUM> to the first aseptic tank <NUM>, and the first aseptic tank <NUM> is filled with the sterile air. Note that the first aseptic tank <NUM> does not need to be provided, and the sterilized beverage from the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> or the non-sterilized beverage from the second bypass filling line 50D may be directly supplied to the switching valve <NUM>.

The first aseptic tank <NUM> is connected to the switching valve <NUM> via the beverage supply system pipe 60c. The switching valve <NUM> is supplied with the sterilized beverage or the non-sterilized beverage from the first aseptic tank <NUM>.

The switching valve <NUM> feeds the sterilized beverage or non-sterilized beverage sent from the first aseptic tank <NUM> by switching between a first filling line 50A used for both a carbonated beverage and a non-carbonated beverage and a second filling line 50B exclusively used for a carbonated beverage. That is, the switching valve <NUM> supplies the sterilized beverage or non-sterilized beverage sent from the first aseptic tank <NUM> toward either one of the first filling line 50A positioned on the beverage filling unit <NUM> side and the second filling line 50B positioned on the beverage cooling unit <NUM> side selectively. As the switching valve <NUM>, for example, a valve manifold can be used. Further, the switching valve <NUM> may be controlled by a control signal from a control unit (not shown) of the beverage aseptic filling system <NUM> so that the first filling line 50A and the second filling line 50B can be switched to each other. Alternatively, the first filling line 50A and the second filling line 50B may be switched by manual operation of the switching valve <NUM>.

Furthermore, a return line (the beverage supply system pipe <NUM>) from the second filling line 50B is connected to the switching valve <NUM>. That is, in a case where the sterilized beverage or the non-sterilized beverage from the first aseptic tank <NUM> is supplied to the second filling line 50B, the switching valve <NUM> also plays a role of supplying a sterilized carbonated beverage or a non-sterilized carbonated beverage from the second filling line 50B (beverage supply system pipe <NUM>) to the beverage filling unit <NUM> side. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and the configuration may be such that a separate valve is provided on a downstream side (the beverage supply system pipe 60d) of the switching valve <NUM>, and the return line (the beverage supply system pipe <NUM>) from the second filling line 50B is connected to the separate valve. Alternatively, the return line (the beverage supply system pipe <NUM>) from the second filling line 50B may be directly connected to the beverage filling unit <NUM>. Note that the details of the first filling line 50A and the second filling line 50B will be described later.

An outlet on the second filling line 50B side of the switching valve <NUM> is connected to the beverage cooling unit <NUM> via the beverage supply system pipe 60e. In a case where the switching valve <NUM> is switched to the second filling line 50B side, the sterilized beverage or the non-sterilized beverage that is sterilized by the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> and sent from the first aseptic tank <NUM> is supplied to the beverage cooling unit <NUM>. Alternatively, the non-sterilized beverage from the first bypass filling line 50C is supplied to the beverage cooling unit <NUM> without passing through the beverage sterilization unit <NUM>. The beverage cooling unit <NUM> cools the sterilized beverage or the non-sterilized beverage. The beverage cooling unit <NUM> has a cooling plate or a cooling shell and a tube. In the beverage cooling unit <NUM>, the sterilized beverage or non-sterilized beverage is cooled to, for example, <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, preferably <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. In this manner, the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM> facilitates dissolving of the carbon dioxide gas in the sterilized beverage or the non-sterilized beverage.

The beverage cooling unit <NUM> is connected to the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM> via the beverage supply system pipe 60f. The sterilized beverage or the non-sterilized beverage from the beverage cooling unit <NUM> is supplied to the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM>.

The carbonated beverage production unit <NUM> injects carbon dioxide gas into the sterilized beverage or the non-sterilized beverage cooled by the beverage cooling unit <NUM> to dissolve the carbon dioxide gas in the sterilized beverage or the non-sterilized beverage, so as to produce a sterilized carbonated beverage or a non-sterilized carbonated beverage. For the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM>, for example, a publicly-known mechanism, such as a carbonator, can be used. In the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM>, carbon dioxide gas is introduced into the sterilized beverage or non-sterilized beverage under high pressure, and a sterilized carbonated beverage or non-sterilized carbonated beverage in which the carbon dioxide gas is dissolved is produced.

The carbonated beverage production unit <NUM> is connected to the second aseptic tank <NUM> via the beverage supply system pipe <NUM>. The sterilized carbonated beverage or non-sterilized carbonated beverage from the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM> is supplied to the second aseptic tank <NUM>.

The second aseptic tank <NUM> temporarily stores the sterilized carbonated beverage or the non-sterilized carbonated beverage in which the carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM>. Sterile carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the second aseptic tank <NUM>, and the second aseptic tank <NUM> is filled with the sterile carbon dioxide gas. By pressurizing the sterilized carbonated beverage or the non-sterilized carbonated beverage with sterile carbon dioxide gas, the carbon dioxide gas dissolved in the sterilized carbonated beverage or the non-sterilized carbonated beverage is prevented from being released into a gas phase. The second aseptic tank <NUM> is preferably pressurized at a pressure higher than a carbon dioxide gas pressure of the product standard. In this manner, a concentration of the carbon dioxide gas in the sterilized carbonated beverage or non-sterilized carbonated beverage is kept constant. Note that the second aseptic tank <NUM> does not need to be provided, and the sterilized carbonated beverage or non-sterilized carbonated beverage from the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM> may be directly supplied to the switching valve <NUM> or a filling head tank <NUM> of the beverage filling unit <NUM>.

The second aseptic tank <NUM> is connected to the switching valve <NUM> via the beverage supply system pipe <NUM>. The sterilized carbonated beverage or non-sterilized carbonated beverage from the second aseptic tank <NUM> is supplied to the switching valve <NUM>. Further, a filter <NUM> is interposed in the beverage supply system pipe 60d between the switching valve <NUM> and the filling head tank <NUM> of the beverage filling unit <NUM>. The filter <NUM> filters out impurities, foreign matters, and the like contained in the beverage sent from the switching valve <NUM> to the filling head tank <NUM>. Note that the filter <NUM> may be provided anywhere on the pipe up to the tip of a filling valve.

The filling head tank (buffer tank) <NUM> is disposed in an upper portion of the beverage filling unit <NUM>. The filling head tank <NUM> is filled with a beverage. In a case where the inside of the filling head tank <NUM> is filled with a sterilized carbonated beverage or a non-sterilized carbonated beverage, the filling head tank <NUM> is supplied with carbon dioxide gas in a sterile state. By pressurizing the sterilized carbonated beverage or the non-sterilized carbonated beverage with the sterile carbon dioxide gas, the carbon dioxide gas dissolved in the sterilized carbonated beverage or the non-sterilized carbonated beverage is prevented from being released into a gas phase. The filling head tank <NUM> is preferably pressurized at a pressure higher than a carbon dioxide gas pressure of the product standard. In this manner, a concentration of the carbon dioxide gas in the carbonated beverage in the filling head tank <NUM> is kept constant.

In the beverage filling unit <NUM>, the bottle <NUM> in an empty state is filled with the beverage with which the filling head tank <NUM> is filled. The beverage filling unit <NUM> has a convey wheel <NUM> that rotates. While the convey wheel <NUM> rotates (revolves) a plurality of the bottles <NUM>, the inside of the bottles <NUM> is filled with the beverage. Further, a plurality of filling nozzles <NUM> is disposed along an outer circumference of the convey wheel <NUM>. One of the bottle <NUM> is attached to each of the filling nozzles <NUM>, and the filling nozzle <NUM> injects the beverage into the bottle <NUM>. As the filling nozzle <NUM>, a publicly-known one can be used (for example, <CIT>). A beverage supply line <NUM> and a gas supply line <NUM> are connected to the filling nozzle <NUM>. Among the above, the beverage supply line <NUM> has one end connected to the filling head tank <NUM> filled with the beverage, and communicates with the inside of the bottle <NUM> at the other end. Then, the beverage supplied from the filling head tank <NUM> passes through the beverage supply line <NUM> and is injected into the bottle <NUM>. Further, the gas supply line <NUM> has one end connected to the filling head tank <NUM>, and communicates with the inside of the bottle <NUM> at the other end.

In a case where a bottle is to be filled with a sterilized carbonated beverage or a non-sterilized carbonated beverage, a counter pressure gas made from sterile carbon dioxide gas supplied from the filling head tank <NUM> passes through the gas supply line <NUM> and is put into the inside of the bottle <NUM>. Furthermore, separately from the gas supply line <NUM>, a snift line (not shown) is connected to each filling valve (not shown), and the gas inside the bottle <NUM> can be discharged through the snift line. The snift line of each filling valve is connected by a manifold, and has the tip that is opened into a filler in the sterile chamber <NUM>. In this manner, the gas in the bottle <NUM> can be discharged into the filler which is sterile space without contamination of bacteria. Note that, when a non-sterilized beverage is produced, a product liquid route, an air route, a carbon dioxide gas route, and the like do not need to be sterilized (sterilization), but may be sterilized.

The convey wheel <NUM> and the filling nozzle <NUM> are covered with a cover <NUM>. A rotary joint (rotating machine) <NUM> is attached to the top of the cover <NUM>. The rotary joint (the convey wheel <NUM>, the filling nozzle <NUM>, and the like) and a nonrotating body (the cover <NUM> and the like) are sealed in a sterile state by the rotary joint <NUM>. The rotary joint <NUM> is connected to a sterilizing gas supply unit <NUM> for pipe sterilization and a sterile air supply unit <NUM>. Valves <NUM> and <NUM> are provided in a supply pipe from the sterilizing gas supply unit <NUM> and a supply pipe from the sterile air supply unit <NUM>, respectively. The sterilizing gas supplied from the sterilizing gas supply unit <NUM> includes, for example, hydrogen peroxide gas and steam. The sterile air supply unit <NUM> supplies sterile air toward the rotary joint <NUM> after the supply pipe is sterilized by the sterilizing gas from the sterilizing gas supply unit <NUM>. The sterile air from the sterile air supply unit <NUM> is used for a mechanical seal of the rotary joint <NUM>. As described above, by supplying sterile air to the space surrounding a boundary surface of the mechanical seal, it is possible to prevent bacteria and microorganisms from the outside from being mixed into the beverage through the boundary surface. Note that, when a non-sterilized beverage is produced, the rotary joint <NUM> does not need to be sterilized (sterilization), but may be sterilized.

As described above, the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM>, the beverage sterilization unit <NUM>, the first aseptic tank <NUM>, the switching valve <NUM>, the beverage cooling unit <NUM>, the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM>, the second aseptic tank <NUM>, and the beverage filling unit <NUM> are connected by the beverage supply system pipes 60a to <NUM>. Beverages pass sequentially through the inside of the beverage supply system pipes 60a to <NUM>. In this case, the sterilization degree of the inside of the switching valve <NUM>, the beverage cooling unit <NUM>, the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM>, the beverage filling unit <NUM>, and the beverage supply system pipes 60b to <NUM> is higher than the sterilization degree of the sterilized beverage after sterilization in the beverage sterilization unit <NUM>. In this manner, in a process after the beverage sterilization unit <NUM>, the sterilization degree of the beverage can be maintained to be higher than the sterilization degree of the sterilized beverage after sterilization in the beverage sterilization unit <NUM>. As a result, even in a case where the bottle <NUM> is filled with a beverage containing a component derived from an animal or a plant, such as fruit juice and a milk component, it is possible to reliably prevent proliferation of mold, yeast, and other microorganisms in the beverage after filling.

Next, the first filling line 50A and the second filling line 50B described above will be further described.

As described above, the first filling line 50A is interposed between the switching valve <NUM> and the beverage filling unit <NUM>. In this case, the first filling line 50A includes the beverage supply system pipe 60d, and the filter <NUM> is disposed in the beverage supply system pipe 60d that constitutes the first filling line 50A. The sterilized carbonated beverage, non-sterilized carbonated beverage, or sterilized non-carbonated beverage from the switching valve <NUM> pass through the first filling line 50A. Specifically, in a case where the beverage with which the bottle <NUM> is filled by the beverage filling unit <NUM> is a non-carbonated beverage, the switching valve <NUM> directly connects the beverage supply system pipe 60c and the beverage supply system pipe 60d. In this case, the sterilized non-carbonated beverage consisting of the sterilized beverage from the switching valve <NUM> is supplied to the beverage filling unit <NUM> via the first filling line 50A without passing through the second filling line 50B. On the other hand, in a case where the beverage with which the bottle <NUM> is filled by the beverage filling unit <NUM> is a sterilized carbonated beverage or a non-sterilized carbonated beverage, the switching valve <NUM> connects the beverage supply system pipe 60c and the beverage supply system pipe 60e, and also connects the beverage supply system pipe <NUM> and the beverage supply system pipe 60d. In this case, the sterilized beverage or the non-sterilized beverage sent from the switching valve <NUM> to the second filling line 50B becomes a sterilized carbonated beverage or a non-sterilized carbonated beverage in the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM>. This sterilized carbonated beverage or non-sterilized carbonated beverage passes through the switching valve <NUM> again and is supplied to the beverage filling unit <NUM> via the first filling line 50A.

Further, the second filling line 50B is configured in a loop, and both ends of the loop are connected to the switching valve <NUM>. The second filling line 50B includes the beverage supply system pipes 60e to <NUM>. A beverage cooling unit <NUM>, the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM>, and the second aseptic tank <NUM> are disposed in the second filling line 50B.

Note that, for a channel through which a beverage passes in the beverage filling unit <NUM> and the beverage preparation unit <NUM>, cleaning in place (CIP) processing is performed periodically or at the time of switching a type of a beverage, and sterilizing in place (SIP) processing is preferably further performed. In the CIP processing, for example, a cleaning solution obtained by adding an alkaline agent, such as caustic soda, to water is caused to flow through a channel from the inside of a pipeline of a path for supplying the beverage raw material to the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> to the filling nozzle <NUM> of the beverage filling unit <NUM>, and then a cleaning solution obtained by adding an acidic agent to water is caused to flow. In this manner, a residue and the like of a previous beverage adhering in a channel through which a beverage passes are removed. Further, the SIP processing is processing for sterilizing the inside of a channel through which the beverage passes in advance before the filling operation of the beverage is performed, and, for example, heating steam or hot water is caused to flow into the channel cleaned by the CIP. In this manner, the inside of the channel through which the beverage passes is sterilized and becomes in a sterile state.

The degree of sterilization of the channel through which the beverage of the beverage filling unit <NUM> and the beverage preparation unit <NUM> passes may be controlled by an F value. For example, while heating steam or hot water is caused to flow through the channel of the beverage filling unit <NUM> and the beverage preparation unit <NUM>, the temperature may be measured by temperature sensors disposed at various places in the channel where temperature does not easily rise. Then, when the time in which the temperature from each temperature sensor reaches a predetermined temperature becomes equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the heating of the channel by the heating steam or the like may be finished. Here, the F value is a heating time required to kill all bacteria when the bacteria are heated for a certain period of time, and is indicated by a lethal time of the bacteria at <NUM>, and is calculated by the equation below. <MAT> (where T is an optional sterilization temperature (°C), <NUM>^{(T-Tr)/Z} is a lethality at the optional sterilization temperature T, Tr is a reference temperature (°C), and Z is a Z value (°C).

Next, a beverage filling method using the above-described beverage aseptic filling system <NUM> (<FIG>) will be described. Note that, in the description below, a filling method at a normal time, that is, a beverage filling method in which the bottle <NUM> is filled with a beverage to produce the product bottle <NUM> will be described.

First, a plurality of the empty bottles <NUM> is sequentially fed from the outside of the beverage aseptic filling system <NUM> to the bottle feeding portion <NUM>. The bottle <NUM> is sent from the bottle feeding portion <NUM> to the bottle sterilization unit <NUM> by the convey wheel <NUM> (container feeding process).

Next, in the bottle sterilization unit <NUM>, the bottle <NUM> is sterilized using a hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution as a disinfectant (sterilization process). At this time, the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution is gas or mist which is obtained by temporarily vaporizing and then condensing the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution having a concentration of <NUM>% by weight or more, preferably <NUM>% by weight, and the gas or mist is supplied toward the bottle <NUM>.

Subsequently, the bottle <NUM> is sent to the air rinse unit <NUM> by the convey wheel <NUM>, and sterile heated air or room temperature air is supplied in the air rinse unit <NUM>, whereby foreign matter, hydrogen peroxide, and the like are removed from the bottle <NUM> while hydrogen peroxide is activated. Subsequently, the bottle <NUM> is conveyed to the sterile water rinse unit <NUM> by the convey wheel <NUM>. In the sterile water rinse unit <NUM>, cleaning with sterile water at <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less is performed (rinsing process). Specifically, sterile water at <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less is supplied into the bottle <NUM> at a flow rate of <NUM>/min or more and <NUM>/min or less. At this time, it is preferable that the bottle <NUM> take an inverted attitude, and the sterile water is supplied into the bottle <NUM> through the downwardly opened mouth, and flows out of the bottle <NUM> from the mouth. With this sterile water, hydrogen peroxide adhering to the bottle <NUM> is washed off, and foreign matter is removed. Note that, the process in which sterile water is supplied into the bottle <NUM> does not need to be provided.

Subsequently, the bottle <NUM> is conveyed to the beverage filling unit <NUM> by the convey wheel <NUM>. In the beverage filling unit <NUM>, while the bottle <NUM> is rotated (revolution), the bottle <NUM> is filled with the beverage (sterilized carbonated beverage, non-sterilized carbonated beverage or sterilized non-carbonated beverage) from the mouth of the bottle <NUM> (filling process). In a case where the beverage to be filled with is a sterilized carbonated beverage or a non-sterilized carbonated beverage, in the beverage filling unit <NUM>, the sterilized bottle <NUM> is filled with the sterilized carbonated beverage or the non-sterilized carbonated beverage prepared in advance by the beverage preparation unit <NUM> at a filling temperature of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, preferably <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. On the other hand, in a case where the beverage to be filled with is a sterilized non-carbonated beverage, in the beverage filling unit <NUM>, the sterilized bottle <NUM> is filled with the sterilized non-carbonated beverage prepared in advance by the beverage preparation unit <NUM> at a filling temperature of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, preferably <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

Next, processes of producing a beverage in the beverage preparation unit <NUM> and supplying the beverage to the beverage filling unit <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Hereinafter, a case of producing a sterilized carbonated beverage, a case of producing a non-sterilized carbonated beverage, and a case of producing a sterilized non-carbonated beverage will be described in this order.

First, a case where a sterilized carbonated beverage is produced by the beverage preparation unit <NUM> and the bottle <NUM> is filled with the sterilized carbonated beverage by the beverage filling unit <NUM> will be described.

First, in the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM>, the raw material liquid is prepared from the beverage raw material. Next, for example, in the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> formed of an ultra-high temperature (UHT) sterilizer, the raw material liquid sent from the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> is sterilized, so that a sterilized beverage is produced (sterilization process). During this time, the raw material liquid is supplied from the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> to the beverage sterilization unit <NUM>, and the raw material liquid is instantaneously heated and sterilized to obtain a sterilized beverage.

The sterilized beverage sterilized by the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> is sent to the first aseptic tank <NUM>, and temporarily stored in the first aseptic tank <NUM> (first storage process). Next, the sterilized beverage from the first aseptic tank <NUM> is sent to the beverage cooling unit <NUM> via the switching valve <NUM>. Note that the switching valve <NUM> is switched in advance so as to send the sterilized beverage to the second filling line 50B side. Next, in the beverage cooling unit <NUM>, the sterilized beverage produced in the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> is cooled to, for example, <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less (cooling process).

The sterilized beverage cooled by the beverage cooling unit <NUM> is sent to a carbonated beverage production unit <NUM> such as a carbonator. In the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM>, carbon dioxide gas is injected into the sterilized beverage cooled by the beverage cooling unit <NUM>, and a sterilized carbonated beverage is produced (carbonated beverage producing process).

Next, the sterilized carbonated beverage from the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM> is sent to the second aseptic tank <NUM>. The sterilized carbonated beverage sent to the second aseptic tank <NUM> is temporarily stored in the second aseptic tank <NUM> (second storage process). Next, the sterilized carbonated beverage from the second aseptic tank <NUM> is sent to the first filling line 50A side via the switching valve <NUM> and is fed to the filling head tank <NUM> of the beverage filling unit <NUM>. The sterilized carbonated beverage sent to the filling head tank <NUM> is temporarily stored in the filling head tank <NUM> (third storage process).

Note that, when the beverage (raw material liquid, sterilized beverage, or sterilized carbonated beverage) is sent from the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> to the beverage filling unit <NUM> via the beverage sterilization unit <NUM>, the first aseptic tank <NUM>, the switching valve <NUM>, the beverage cooling unit <NUM>, the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM>, the second aseptic tank <NUM>, and the switching valve <NUM> sequentially, the beverage passes through the beverage supply system pipes 60a to <NUM> sequentially.

After the above, in the beverage filling unit <NUM>, the bottle <NUM> in an empty state is filled with the sterilized carbonated beverage stored in the filling head tank <NUM>.

During this time, first in the beverage filling unit <NUM>, the filling nozzles <NUM> is closely adhere to the mouth of the bottle <NUM>, so that the gas supply line <NUM> and the bottle <NUM> communicate with each other. Next, sterile carbon dioxide gas for counter pressure is supplied from the filling head tank <NUM> to the inside of the bottle <NUM> through the gas supply line <NUM>. Thus, an inner pressure of the bottle <NUM> is made higher than an atmospheric pressure, and the inner pressure of the bottle <NUM> is the same pressure as the inner pressure of the filling head tank <NUM>.

Next, the inside of the bottle <NUM> is filled with a sterilized carbonated beverage from the beverage supply line <NUM> (filling process). In this case, the sterilized carbonated beverage passes through the beverage supply line <NUM> from the filling head tank <NUM>, and is injected into the inside of the bottle <NUM>.

Next, the supply of the sterilized carbonated beverage from the beverage supply line <NUM> is stopped. Next, a snift line (not shown) is opened, and gas inside the bottle <NUM> is exhausted from the snift line. In this manner, the pressure inside the bottle <NUM> becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure, and the filling of the bottle <NUM> with the sterilized carbonated beverage is completed.

Next, a case where a non-sterilized carbonated beverage is produced by the beverage preparation unit <NUM> and the bottle <NUM> is filled with the non-sterilized carbonated beverage by the beverage filling unit <NUM> will be described.

First, in a similar manner as in the case of producing a sterilized carbonated beverage, the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> prepares the raw material liquid (non-sterilized beverage) from the beverage raw material. Next, the non-sterilized beverage prepared in the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> is sent to the beverage cooling unit <NUM> via the first bypass filling line 50C.

Alternatively, the non-sterilized beverage is sent from the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> to the first aseptic tank <NUM> via the second bypass filling line 50D, and temporarily stored in the first aseptic tank <NUM> (first storage process). After the above, the non-sterilized beverage is sent from the first aseptic tank <NUM> to the beverage cooling unit <NUM>.

Next, the non-sterilized beverage is cooled to, for example, <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less in the beverage cooling unit <NUM> (cooling process). Next, the non-sterilized beverage is sent to the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM> such as a carbonator. In the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM>, carbon dioxide gas is injected into the non-sterilized beverage cooled by the beverage cooling unit <NUM>, and a non-sterilized carbonated beverage is produced (carbonated beverage producing process).

Next, the non-sterilized carbonated beverage from the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM> is sent to the second aseptic tank <NUM>. The non-sterilized carbonated beverage sent to the second aseptic tank <NUM> is temporarily stored in the second aseptic tank <NUM> (second storage process). Next, the non-sterilized carbonated beverage from the second aseptic tank <NUM> is sent to the first filling line 50A side via the switching valve <NUM> and is fed to the filling head tank <NUM> of the beverage filling unit <NUM>. The non-sterilized carbonated beverage sent to the filling head tank <NUM> is temporarily stored in the filling head tank <NUM> (third storage process).

After the above, like the case of the sterilized carbonated beverage, in the beverage filling unit <NUM>, the bottle <NUM> in an empty state is filled with the non-sterilized carbonated beverage stored in the filling head tank <NUM> (filling process).

Next, a case where a sterilized non-carbonated beverage is produced by the beverage preparation unit <NUM> and the bottle <NUM> is filled with the sterilized non-carbonated beverage by the beverage filling unit <NUM> will be described.

First, in a similar manner as in the case of producing a sterilized carbonated beverage, the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> prepares the raw material liquid from the beverage raw material. Next, the raw material liquid is sterilized in the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> to produce a sterilized beverage (sterilization process).

The sterilized beverage sterilized by the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> is sent to the first aseptic tank <NUM>, and temporarily stored in the first aseptic tank <NUM> (first storage process). Next, the sterilized beverage (sterilized non-carbonated beverage) from the first aseptic tank <NUM> is sent to the first filling line 50A via the switching valve <NUM>. Note that the switching valve <NUM> is switched in advance so as to send the sterilized beverage (sterilized non-carbonated beverage) to the first filling line 50A side.

Next, the sterilized non-carbonated beverage from the switching valve <NUM> is sent to the first filling line 50A side, and is fed to the filling head tank <NUM> of the beverage filling unit <NUM>. The sterilized non-carbonated beverage sent to the filling head tank <NUM> is temporarily stored in the filling head tank <NUM> (third storage process).

Note that, the beverage (raw material liquid, sterilized beverage, or sterilized non-carbonated beverage) is sent from the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> to the beverage filling unit <NUM> via the beverage sterilization unit <NUM>, the first aseptic tank <NUM>, and the switching valve <NUM> sequentially, and, at this time, the beverage passes through the beverage supply system pipes 60a to 60d sequentially.

After the above, in the beverage filling unit <NUM>, the empty bottle <NUM> in an empty state is filled with the sterilized non-carbonated beverage stored in the filling head tank <NUM>.

During this time, in the beverage filling unit <NUM>, the inside of the bottle <NUM> is filled with the sterilized non-carbonated beverage from the beverage supply line <NUM> (filling process). In this case, the sterilized non-carbonated beverage is injected into the inside of the bottle <NUM> from the filling head tank <NUM> through the beverage supply line <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, the bottle <NUM> filled with the sterilized carbonated beverage, non-sterilized carbonated beverage, or sterilized non-carbonated beverage in the beverage filling unit <NUM> in the above manner is conveyed by the convey wheel <NUM> to the cap attachment unit <NUM>.

On the other hand, the cap <NUM> is previously sterilized by the cap sterilization unit <NUM> (cap sterilization process). The cap <NUM> sterilized by the cap sterilization unit <NUM> is attached to the mouth of the bottle <NUM> conveyed from the beverage filling unit <NUM> in the cap attachment unit <NUM>. In this manner, the product bottle <NUM> which has the bottle <NUM> and the cap <NUM> is obtained (cap attachment process).

After the above, the product bottle <NUM> is conveyed from the cap attachment unit <NUM> to the product bottle conveyor <NUM> and is carried toward the outside of the beverage aseptic filling system <NUM>.

Note that the processes from the sterilization process to the cap attachment process are performed in a sterile atmosphere, that is, in a sterile environment, surrounded by the sterile chamber <NUM>. After the sterilization treatment, sterile air of positive pressure is supplied into the sterile chamber <NUM> so that the sterile air is always blown toward the outside of the sterile chamber <NUM>.

Note that a production (conveying) speed of the bottle <NUM> in the beverage aseptic filling system <NUM> is preferably <NUM> bpm or more and <NUM> bpm or less. Here, bottle per minute (bpm) refers to a conveying speed of the bottle <NUM> per minute.

As described above, according to the present invention, the switching valve <NUM> selectively supplies the beverage toward either one of the first filling line 50A and the second filling line 50B. This allows the bottle <NUM> to be filled with both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages using the same beverage aseptic filling system <NUM>.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the beverage with which the bottle <NUM> is filled by the beverage filling unit <NUM> is a carbonated beverage, the beverage from the switching valve <NUM> is supplied to the beverage filling unit <NUM> via the second filling line 50B. On the other hand, in a case where the beverage with which the bottle <NUM> is filled by the beverage filling unit <NUM> is a non-carbonated beverage, the beverage from the switching valve <NUM> is supplied to the beverage filling unit <NUM> via the first filling line 50A without passing through the second filling line 50B. That is, when the bottle <NUM> is filled with a non-carbonated beverage, the beverage does not pass through the second filling line 50B. Accordingly, there is no need to clean and sterilize the second filling line 50B by, for example, CIP treatment and the like, and the work can be simplified.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the second filling line 50B is configured in a loop shape, and the carbonated beverage from the second filling line 50B is sent to the first filling line 50A via the switching valve <NUM>. In this manner, it is possible to switch between the filling of the carbonated beverage and the filling of the non-carbonated beverage using only a single one of the switching valve <NUM>, and a circulation channel of the beverage can be simplified.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> and the beverage cooling unit <NUM> are bypass-connected by the first bypass filling line (third filling line) 50C. In this manner, in a case where the beverage with which the bottle <NUM> is filled by the beverage filling unit <NUM> is a non-sterilized carbonated beverage, the beverage (raw material liquid) from the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> can be supplied to the beverage cooling unit <NUM> via the first bypass filling line 50C. Further, the same beverage aseptic filling system <NUM> can be used to fill the bottle <NUM> with both the sterilized carbonated beverage for which sterilization treatment is performed and the non-sterilized carbonated beverage that does not require sterilization. That is, when the bottle <NUM> is filled with a sterilized carbonated beverage, the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> is used to sterilize the raw material liquid, and the sterilized beverage is sent to the beverage cooling unit <NUM>. On the other hand, in a case where the bottle <NUM> is filled with the non-sterilized carbonated beverage, the raw material liquid is sent from the first bypass filling line 50C to the beverage cooling unit <NUM> without using the beverage sterilization unit <NUM>. In this manner, in a case where a bottle is filled with the non-sterilized carbonated beverage, the beverage does not pass through the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> and the first aseptic tank <NUM>. Accordingly, the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> and the first aseptic tank <NUM> do not need to be cleaned or sterilized by, for example, the CIP treatment, and the work can be simplified. Further, energy in the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> and the first aseptic tank <NUM> can be saved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the first aseptic tank <NUM> for storing the sterilized beverage from the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> or the non-sterilized beverage not passing through the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> is provided between the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> and the switching valve <NUM>. In this manner, the sterilized beverage sterilized by the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> or the non-sterilized beverage that does not require sterilization can be temporarily stored in the first aseptic tank <NUM>, which can serve as a buffer. Specifically, it is possible to adjust a difference in the amount of the sterilized beverage or the non-sterilized beverage caused by a difference in the processing speed between the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> and the beverage filling unit <NUM> or the beverage cooling unit <NUM>.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the raw material liquid preparation unit <NUM> and the first aseptic tank <NUM> are connected by the second bypass filling line 50D. In this manner, the same beverage aseptic filling system <NUM> can be used to fill the bottle <NUM> with both the sterilized carbonated beverage for which sterilization treatment is performed and the non-sterilized carbonated beverage that does not require sterilization. In this case, since the beverage does not pass through the beverage sterilization unit <NUM>, there is no need to clean or sterilize the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> by, for example, CIP treatment, and the work can be simplified. Further, energy in the beverage sterilization unit <NUM> can be saved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the second aseptic tank <NUM> for storing the carbonated beverage from the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM> is provided between the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM> and the beverage filling unit <NUM>. In this manner, the carbonated beverage produced by the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM> can be temporarily stored in the second aseptic tank <NUM>, which can serve as a buffer. Specifically, it is possible to adjust a difference in the amount of the carbonated beverage caused by a difference in the processing speed between the carbonated beverage production unit <NUM> and the beverage filling unit <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A carbonated beverage aseptic filling system (<NUM>) for a sterilized carbonated beverage for which sterilization treatment is performed, a non-sterilized carbonated beverage that does not require sterilization, and a non-carbonated beverage, the carbonated beverage aseptic filling system (<NUM>) comprising:
a raw material liquid preparation unit (<NUM>) configured to prepare a raw material liquid;
a beverage sterilization unit (<NUM>) that is connected to the raw material liquid preparation unit (<NUM>) and is configured to sterilize a beverage;
a first aseptic tank (<NUM>) for storing the beverage and that is connected to the beverage sterilization unit (<NUM>);
a beverage cooling unit (<NUM>) that is connected to the first aseptic tank (<NUM>) and is configured to cool the beverage, the first aseptic tank (<NUM>) being between the beverage sterilization unit (<NUM>) and the beverage cooling unit (<NUM>);
a carbonated beverage production unit (<NUM>) that is connected to the beverage cooling unit (<NUM>) and is configured to inject carbon dioxide gas into the beverage;
a beverage filling unit (<NUM>) that is connected to the carbonated beverage production unit (<NUM>) and is configured to fill a container (<NUM>) with the beverage, and
a switching valve (<NUM>) that is configured to supply the beverage sent from the first aseptic tank (<NUM>) toward either one of a first filling line (50A) positioned on the beverage filling unit (<NUM>) side, and configured to be used for both a carbonated beverage and a non-carbonated beverage, and a second filling line (50B) positioned on the beverage cooling unit (<NUM>) side, and configured to be exclusively used for a carbonated beverage, selectively, wherein the raw material liquid preparation unit (<NUM>) and the beverage cooling unit (<NUM>) are connected by a first bypass filling line (50C).