JP3696956B2

JP3696956B2 - Cleaning device and cleaning method for filling valve

Info

Publication number: JP3696956B2
Application number: JP32584195A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 登牧
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd
Priority date: 1995-12-14
Filing date: 1995-12-14
Publication date: 2005-09-21
Anticipated expiration: 2015-12-14
Also published as: JPH09165094A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、容器を上昇させ、容器口部をシール部材に当接させて、充填液貯溜タンク内の液を容器へ充填する液体の充填バルブと、充填バルブの洗浄装置及び洗浄方法に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、充填液タンクの底面にタンク内に通じるように固定した筒状のバルブボディと、同バルブボディの内周面に摺動可能に嵌挿してスリーブの内部に液通路を形成したスリーブと、バルブボディ及びスリーブと同じ中心線を持つようにバルブに固定、配置してベントチューブの内部に排気通路を形成したベントチューブと、スリーブの上昇により開くスリーブの下端部とベントチューブの下端円錐面とにより構成した液バルブとよりなる充填バルブは、公知である。
【０００３】
この充填バルブでは、液を充填するとき、上昇する容器の口部によりスリーブを押し上げて、液バルブを開き、充填液タンク内の充填液を自重により液通路を経て容器内に流下させると同時に容器内の空気をベントチューブを経て充填液タンク内へ排出して、容器内に液を満たし、容器内の液面がベントチューブの下端に達し、液がベントチューブ内を上昇して、充填液タンクの液面と同一レベルになったときに、充填を停止する一方、容器の下降により液バルブを閉じるようになっている。
【０００４】
上記充填バルブは、充填作業が終了したときや、充填する液種を替える場合等に、液通路、充填液タンク、液バルブの内外その他、充填液が触れた部分を洗浄しなければならない。洗浄は、通常、充填バルブの下部に下方から洗浄カップを装着し、充填液の代わりに洗浄液を供給し、充填バルブを開いた状態で洗浄液を充填バルブ内部や液通路を通過させるようにしている。
【０００５】
固定のバルブボディと昇降するスリーブとの摺動部には、シール材を設け、充填バルブの内外を液体密にしているが、このような洗浄方法では、充填液の代わりに洗浄液を充填バルブに供給しても、このシール材がスリーブの外周面に密着したままであるため、シール材やスリーブの外周面の摺動部を充分に洗浄することができない。
【０００６】
この問題を解決するため、スリーブとシール材との摺動部よりも下方に、スリーブの摺動面よりも小径の逃げ部を形成し、洗浄時には、スリーブを充填時のストロークよりも大きく上昇させて、バルブボディのシール部とスリーブの逃げ部との位置を合致させることにより、スリーブの外面とシール材の内部との間に洗浄液の通過可能な間隙を形成して、スリーブの摺動部とシール材とを洗浄し、同時に充填バルブの外側に洗浄液を回流させて、洗浄を可能にした充填バルブ洗浄装置が既に提案されている（特開平６−２６３１９２号公報）。
【０００７】
この充填バルブ洗浄装置の概略を図９により説明すると、充填バルブは、充填液タンク２の底面に固定した筒状のバルブボディ４と、このバルブボディ４の内面に取付けたシール部材１０を介してバルブボディ４の内部を昇降するスリーブ８と、これらバルブボディ４及びスリーブ８の内部に嵌挿するとともにバルブボディ４に固定した排気管６と、スリーブ８と排気管６との下端部８ｄ，６ａに設けてスリーブ８の昇降（ストロークをＳで示す）により開閉する液バルブ２６と、充填液タンク２の下面に固定してバルブボディ４とスリーブ８との周りに位置して同スリーブ８の昇降を案内する外筒１２とにより構成されている。
【０００８】
そして上記スリーブ８のうち、シール部材１０に対する摺動部８ａよりも下方の部分に同摺動部８ａよりも小径の小径部８ｆを形成し、同小径部１８ｆよりも下方の大径部にブッシュ１８、２０を取付け、同ブッシュ１８、２０に図１０に示すように洗浄液の通過を許容する連通路１８ａ、２０ａを設け、洗浄時には、スリーブ８をストロークＳよりさらに上昇させて、小径部８ｆをシール部材１０の内周側に位置させ、両者間に間隙Ｃを形成するようにしている。
【０００９】
上記充填バルブでは、スリーブ８を通常の充填時よりも上昇させて、小径部８ｆをシール部材１０の内周側に位置させると、バルブボディ４とスリーブ８との間に通路Ｄが形成され、シール部材１０とこのシール部材１０に対して摺動するスリーブ８との間に間隙Ｃが形成されて、洗浄液の流通が可能になる。またスリーブ８の外面と外筒１２の内面との摺動部にも連通路１８ａ、２０ａが形成されて、洗浄液の通過が可能にになっているので、充填バルブ内の各摺動部の全体が洗浄される。
【００１０】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
前記図９、図１０に示す従来の充填バルブでは、バルブボディ４に設けたシール部材１０とスリーブ８とが摺動するとき、充填液が微量ずつ漏れ出てくることが経験的に知られており、このため、充填バルブの外面が汚れたりする。特に糖分を有する高温の充填液を充填する場合は、充填液の上昇境界面付近において、この充填液中の糖分が飴状になるか、固化して、シュガセメント状態になるので、充填バルブに作動不良を生じる上に、微生物対策上も好ましくない。
【００１１】
このため、製造運転中でも充填状態を止めることなく、外部から容易に洗浄水（水または湯）がかけられ且つ充填バルブの洗浄時にバルブボディ４とスリーブ８との摺動部を洗浄する必要があるが、この充填バルブでは、スリーブ８の摺動部分が外筒１２で完全に覆われているので、運転中の洗浄が不可能で、分解掃除をしなければ、こびりついた糖分を完全に除去するのが困難である。
【００１２】
またＯリング及びＯリング溝部が最も汚染しやすいが、この充填バルブでは、隙間部の後にＯリングがあり、Ｏリング部に摺動部から取り除かれた汚れが溜まり易いが、容器口パッキンがスリーブ８の深い溝の奥に嵌め込まれているので、取外しが困難である。
また液バルブ２６を経由する流れとバルブボディ４のシール部材を経由する流れとが外筒１２の出口までの間で合流するが、バルブボディ４内は流れ易く、シール部材１０側は狭くて流れ難いので、シール部材１０側は洗浄液の流れが弱くなって、洗浄効果が低下する。
【００１３】
さらに洗浄水にエアバブリングをすると、洗浄効果が増大するが、この充填バルブでは、スリーブ８の摺動部が排気管６のエア通路から離れた場所にあるので、エアバブリングが不適当な構造になっている。
本発明は前記の問題点に鑑み提案するものであり、その目的とする処は、▲１▼サニテーション処理を容易に行うことができ、▲２▼サニテーションや取替え時のための取外しを簡単、容易に行うことができ、▲３▼糖分等の有機物を主液ノズル外面の気液の境界に付着させ難くすることができると同時に作業終了後の洗浄を容易に行うことができ、▲４▼製作コストを低減でき、▲５▼アルカリ性等の洗剤液を使用でき、▲６▼主液ノズル外周面とリティナとの間の隙間を揺動洗浄することができ、▲７▼最も固形物の堆積し易いシール材とノズル外周面との間の隙間を十分に洗浄することができ、▲８▼洗浄効果を向上できる充填バルブと充填バルブの洗浄装置及び洗浄方法を提供しようとする点にある。
【００１４】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記の目的を達成するために、本発明は、容器を上昇させ、容器口部をシール部材へ当接させて、液貯溜タンク内の液を容器へ充填する充填バルブを備えた充填バルブ洗浄装置において、前記液貯溜タンクの底面に固定して内部に同液貯溜タンクに連通する液通路を形成した筒状のバルブ本体と、同バルブ本体の下部に同芯に同バルブ本体に一体に組付けて下方に向かい拡開した液通路開口部を形成した主液ノズルと、同主液ノズルの外周面に摺動可能に嵌挿するとともに、上部には外部に連通する円環状内溝を設け、下部には上昇してくる前記容器の開口部に当接して前記主液ノズルを液体密にシールするシール部を設けたリティナと、前記バルブ本体と前記リティナとの間に介装して同リティナを下方に付勢するばねと、中心軸を貫通するベント孔を有し下部が末広がり円錐状弁を形成し前記バルブ本体及び前記主液ノズルの内部を昇降して前記液通路を前記主液ノズルの下部位置で開閉するベントチューブと、前記液貯溜タンク内で同ベントチューブの外周に固定したストッパリングと前記バルブ本体の肩部との間に介装して同ベントチューブを押し上げ方向に付勢するばねと、前記ベントチューブの昇降機構とよりなり、前記容器により前記リティナが前記ばねに抗して押し上げられたときには、前記リティナのシール部を前記主液ノズルの上部外周面に流体密に接触させ、それとは逆に前記ばねにより前記リティナが押し下げられたときには、前記シール部を前記主液ノズルの下部の浅い台形断面溝部に到達させ、同主液ノズルの外周面から離して、前記シール部の内周面と同主液ノズルの外周面との間に気体または液体の流通可能な隙間を生じさせるように構成した充填バルブを備えるとともに、前記バルブ本体の外側下部及び前記リティナの外周部を前記充填バルブの下部を被せる洗浄用キャップにより液体密に鞘封し、前記ベントチューブの開閉機構により前記ベントチューブの円錐状弁を押し下げて前記主液ノズルを開いたときに、洗浄液を満水した前記液貯溜タンクから洗浄液を前記ノズル本体と前記ベントチューブとの間の液通路と前記ベントチューブのベント孔とを経て前記洗浄用キャップへ送り、さらに前記リティナのシール部と前記主液ノズルの外周面との間の隙間を経て前記バルブ本体に連絡した前記排出配管へ送って排出することにより、前記洗浄液を前記充填バルブ内外の全ての部品に接触、流通させるようにしている。
【００１６】
また、充填バルブの洗浄方法において、請求項１に記載の充填バルブ洗浄装置に、前記液貯溜タンクを上蓋により密封し、前記液貯溜タンクに洗浄液レベルセンサを設け、洗浄液を戻すための洗浄液戻し配管に同洗浄液レベルセンサに接続した流量調整弁を設けて、洗浄液水位を前記ベントチューブの上部開口部よりも下の位置に保ち、前記液貯溜タンクに圧縮エアを送り、または前記液貯溜タンクを大気圧にして、前記排出配管をポンプに連結して、洗浄液を吸出し、この洗浄液が前記ノズル本体と前記ベントチューブとの間の液通路を通るときの水流れ抵抗による前記洗浄キャップ位置の洗浄液側の圧力降下を利用して液貯溜タンクのエアを前記ベントチューブから前記洗浄キャップ位置の洗浄液内へ供給して互いを混合させることによりエアバブル洗浄液とし、このエアバブル洗浄液により前記リティナ溝のシール部と前記主液ノズルの外周面との間の隙間を洗浄するようにしている。
【００１７】
【発明の実施の形態】
（第１実施形態）
本発明の充填バルブの第１実施形態を図１〜図３により説明する。
図１は本発明の第１実施形態である無圧充填飲料缶用充填バルブの縦断側面図、図２は図１の矢視Ａ−Ａ線に沿う横断平面図、図３は図１の矢視Ｂ−Ｂ線に沿う横断平面図である。
【００１８】
図１の３０は缶、２９は缶３０を昇降させる缶リフタ、２９ａは缶リフタ２９に取付けられて缶３０を充填機の直下に位置決めする缶ホルダ、２７は液貯溜タンク、２８は液貯溜タンクの蓋である。
３５は筒状のバルブ本体で、同バルブ本体３５は、固定部材５４により液貯溜タンク２７の底面に固定され、同バルブ本体３５のリング溝には、中リング５０が嵌挿されている。
【００１９】
このバルブ本体３５の内部には、図２に示すように液貯溜タンク２７に連通する液通路３５ａ、３５ｂが形成されている。
３２は撥水性材料（例えばテフロン等）により構成された主液ノズルで、この主液ノズル３２の内部には、液通路３５ａに続く液通路３２ａが形成され、この主液ノズル３２は、バルブ本体３５の下端筒部に同芯に螺合され、バルブ本体３５と主液ノズル３２との間には、Ｏリング４９、５１が介装されて、主液ノズル３２がバルブ本体３５に液体密に組付けられ、主液ノズル３２の下端部内側に弁座部３２ｂが形成され、主液ノズル３２の下端筒部の外周には、円環状の円環状溝３２ｃが形成されている。
【００２０】
３６はリティナで、このリティナ３６は、主液ノズル３２の外側に隙間を設けて摺動可能に嵌挿され、このリティナ３６の上部には、外部に連通する窓３６ｂを有する円環状溝が設けられ、このリティナ３６の下部には、主液ノズル３２を液体密にシールするテフロン製Ｏリング（シール部）５２を嵌挿する溝が設けられ、下端分には、缶３０口のシールパッキン３９が嵌入するリング溝が設けられている。
【００２１】
３７は圧縮ばねで、この圧縮ばね３７は、バルブ本体３５とリティナ３６との間に介装されて、リティナ３６を下方に付勢している。
３１はベントチューブで、同ベントチューブ３１は、中心軸線に沿って貫通するエア通路３１ａを有し、このベントチューブ３１の下部には、末広がり円錐状の茸弁３１ｃが形成され、このベントチューブ３１は、図１、図３に示すようにガイド羽３１ｂを介してバルブ本体３５及び主液ノズル３２によりガイドされ、その内部を昇降して、液通路３５ａ、３２ａを主液ノズル３２の下部で開閉するようになっている。５３は中リングである。
【００２２】
ベントチューブ３１の上部は、バルブ本体３５の上端部に固定したガイド４１により案内される。
３８は圧縮ばねで、この圧縮ばね３８は、ベントチューブ３１に止輪４２を介して位置決めされるストッパリング４０とバルブ本体３５の肩部との間に介装されて、ベントチューブ３１を押し上げる方向に付勢している。
【００２３】
５５はエアシリンダで、このエアシリンダ５５は、液貯溜タンク２７の蓋２８に固定している。このエアシリンダ５５は、キャップ３３を介してベントチューブ３１を昇降させるアクチュエータである。
製品液充填時（液貯溜タンク２７内の液圧は大気圧）には、缶リフタ２９により上昇した缶３０を介して充填バルブのリティナ３６に嵌合した容器口シールパッキン３９により缶口を液体密に密閉し、缶３０によりリティナ３６を押し上げるときには、リティナ３６の溝に嵌挿しているＯリング（シール部）５２を主液ノズる３２の上部外周面に接触させて流体密にし、次いでベントチューブ３１の昇降エアシリンダ５５を作動し、ベントチューブ３１を圧縮ばね３８の付勢力に抗して押し下げて、ベントチューブ３１の下端部の茸弁３１ｃを主液ノズル３２の下端部の弁座部３２ｂから離して、液バルブを開き、缶３０内のエアをベントチューブ３１から排出して、製品液の充填を開始する。
【００２４】
前述のようにリティナ３６と主液ノズル３２と缶３０口とを流体密にしているので、缶３０に製品液を充填する。そして缶３０内の液面レベルが主液ノズル３２の下面に達して、ベントチューブ３１内の液面高さが液貯溜タンク２７の液面高さと同じレベルになったときに、充填は止まる。この状態になったら、ベントチューブ３１の昇降エアシリンダ５５を逆方向に作動し、液バルブを閉じて、製品液の充填を完了する。
【００２５】
次いで缶３０は下降を始めるので、缶５５口の液封を解いて、ベントチューブ３１内の液を缶３０内へ入れて、缶３０内の製品液を規定容量にする。
このように製品液充填時には、リティナ３６と主液ノズル３２とが流体密になっているので、リティナ３６と主液ノズル３２との摺動部が直接充填液に接触することがなく、また製品液充填中でも、清浄な洗浄水を外部から充填バルブへ注いで洗浄することが可能になる。
【００２６】
充填を終わり、缶３０が降下し、圧縮ばね３７の付勢力によりリティナ３６が押し下げられたときには、Ｏリング（シール部）５２が主液ノズル３２の下部の円環状の円環状溝部３２ｃに到達して、同主液ノズル３２の外周面から離れ、Ｏリング（シール部）５２の内周面と同主液ノズル３２の外周面との間に気体または液体の流れる隙間が生じて、主液ノズル３２の外面に付着した製品液が下方に流れ易くなる。
【００２７】
以上の充填機は、液通路や接液部に巻ブッシュ、リティナシール等を使用していないため、液通路に摺動による製品液の滲み出しの心配がなく、微生物の発生が少ない。また缶３０口のシールパッキン３９がリティナ３６の下面に取付けられているので、サニテーションや取替え時のための取外しが簡単、容易に行われる。
【００２８】
上記のようにリティナ３６と主液ノズル３２との摺動部が直接製品液に接触しないが、製品液の飛沫は、主液ノズル３２の下部外面に付着し、製品液が糖分等の有機物を含んでいれば、これが主液ノズル３２の外面に堆積する可能性があるが、主液ノズル３２は、撥水性材料（例えばテフロン等）製であるので、液充填時、糖分等の有機物が主液ノズル３２の気液の境界に付着し難くなると同時に作業終了後の洗浄が容易に行われる。
【００２９】
（第２実施形態）
図４は洗浄キャップを図１の充填バルブに装着したときの充填バルブ中の洗浄水の流れを示す縦断側面図、図５は図４の矢印Ｃ部分の拡大縦断側面図、図６は図４の矢印Ｄ部分の側面図、図７は図４の洗浄キャップ装着時における充填バルブの洗浄作用説明図である。
【００３０】
６１は洗浄用キャップで、この洗浄用キャップ６１は、充填バルブの下部露出部に下から被せ、図６に示すようにバルブ本体３５の円周方向の同一高さ位置に等間隔に設けた複数のピン５７に対してキャップ６１の鍵形切り欠き孔６１ａを押し込んで係合し、回して、洗浄用キャップ６１をバルブ本体３５に固定し、バルブ本体３５の下部外側及びリティナ３６の外周をＵパッキン６２、Ｏリング６３により液体密に密閉する。６８、６９は排出配管である。
【００３１】
この状態では、液貯溜タンク２７内の洗浄液が充填バルブの内部を経て洗浄用キャップ６１に集められて、外部に排出される。その際、充填バルブの通路が洗浄用キャップ６１により完全に覆われているので、アリカリ性等の洗浄液や熱水による充填バルブの定置洗浄（ＣＩＰ）が可能になる。
図５に示すようにリティナ３６が最下部に置かれているときは、Ｏリング（シール部）５２は、主液ノズル３２の下部の円環状の円環状溝３２ｃの位置にあって、主液ノズル３２の外周面から離れ、Ｏリング（シール部）５２の内側と同ノズル３２の外周面との間に気体または液体の流通可能な隙間が生じ、矢印で示すように液がこの隙間と、主液ノズル３２とリティナ３６との嵌合隙間を経て上部の洗浄用キャップ６１の空間６１ｂへ抜け出し、バルブ本体３５に穿設した液通路３５ｃを経て排出配管６８から排出される。
【００３２】
洗浄用キャップ６１を被せた充填バルブの洗浄作用を図７により説明する。
制御盤（図示せず）の指示により、電磁弁５８を作動して、エアシリンダ５５のピストンロッドを突き出し、ベントチューブ茸弁３１ｃを押し下げ、主液ノズルから離して、液バルブを開き、タンク蓋２８を被せて密封した液貯溜タンク２７に洗浄液を洗浄液供給タンク（図示せず）からポンプにより送り込んで満水状態にし、オーバーフローした洗浄液を液配管６６により上記洗浄液供給タンクへ戻し、オーバーフローする以外の洗浄液をノズル本体３５とベントチューブ３１との間の液通路３５ａとベントチューブ３１のエア通路３１ａとを経て洗浄用キャップ６１の底部６１ａへ送り、リティナ３６の内周溝に嵌挿しているＯリング（シール部）５２と主液ノズル溝３６ａ外周面との間の隙間を経て洗浄用キャップ６１の液室６１ｂへ入れ、液室６１ｂからバルブ本体内部通路３５ｃを経てバルブ本体３５に繋いだ排出配管６８から排出して、洗浄液を充填バルブ内外の全ての部品に接触させて、洗浄する。
【００３３】
この洗浄工程の場合、リティナ３６は、圧縮ばね３７により押されて最下端に位置しているが、同リティナ３６は、洗浄用キャップ６１の内周の溝に取付けているＯリング６３を介して洗浄用キャップ６１の内周面に接触して、流体密に密閉する一方、上下方向への摺動を可能に保持されているので、液貯溜タンク２７中の洗浄液の圧力を上げ、狭い液通路を通って低下するリティナ３６上側の液室６１ｂの洗浄液圧との圧力差を大きくすることにより、リティナ３６の下面側圧力がリティナ３６を押している圧縮ばね３７の付勢力を超えるようにすると、リティナ３６は、その下面側圧力と圧縮ばね３７の力とがバランスする位置まで上方へ移動する。
【００３４】
この作用を利用して、液貯溜タンク中の洗浄液の圧力を増減させて（例えば液配管６６に絞り弁を設けて、液貯溜タンク内にある程度の液圧を保持させ、液配管６６に設置した操作弁７２を開閉して）、リティナ３６を上下方向に繰り返し移動させることにより、主液ノズル３２外周面とリティナ３６の隙間を揺動洗浄する。
【００３５】
（第３実施形態）
図８は洗浄キャップを図１の充填バルブに装着したときの充填バルブ中の洗浄水の流れを示す洗浄作用説明図である。
前記第２実施形態と同様に充填バルブのバルブ本体３５の外側下部及びリティナ３６の外周を、洗浄用キャップ６１により液体密に鞘封して洗浄するとき、液貯溜タンク２７にタンク蓋２８を被せて密閉し、洗浄液供給タンク（図示せず）への戻し液配管６６を操作弁７５により閉じ、液レベルセンサ５６と流量調整弁７４とにより、洗浄液水位をベントチューブ３１の上部開口部より下げた位置に保ち、エア配管６７に設けた３方向操作弁７６により清浄圧縮エア回路を開いて、液貯溜タンク２７に圧縮エアを送るか（図８の場合）、または液貯溜タンク２７を大気圧と、排出配管６８に吸出ポンプを連結して負圧にするか、どちらでもよいが、洗浄液がノズル本体３２とベントチューブ３１との間の液通路３２ａを通るときの水流れ抵抗による洗浄用キャップ６１の下部室６１ａ側の洗浄液の圧力降下を利用して、洗浄液を液貯溜タンク２７上部のエアのベントチューブ３１のエア通路３１ａを経て洗浄用キャップ６１の底部６１ａへ吹き込んで、この洗浄液をエアバブル洗浄液とする。
【００３６】
このエアバブル洗浄液をリティナ３６と、その内周溝に嵌挿しているＯリング（シール部）５２の内周面と主液ノズル３２の外周面との間の隙間を通して、この部分を洗浄する。
このエア混入で軽くなり、増量して、流速を増したエアバブル洗浄液は、洗浄効果が著しく向上する。エアバブル洗浄液は、一旦、リティナ３６の上方の洗浄用キャップ６１に囲まれた液室６１ｂに溜められ、その後、バルブ本体３５に繋いだ排出配管６８より排出される。
【００３７】
操作弁７７は、洗浄工程が終わり、洗浄液を抜き、水洗したのち、洗浄用キャップ５１を取外す直前に閉じて、洗浄用キャップ６１内に残った洗浄液または洗浄水を除くために設けられている。
本実施形態の充填バルブをロータリ充填機に利用する場合、液貯溜タンク２７は、縦軸周りに回転する水平の矩形断面円環形状になり、充填バルブが同一円周上の等間隔位置に配置され、ベントチューブ３１の駆動用エアシリンダ５５と電磁弁５８とが充填バルブと同数回転側に配置される。図示を省略したが、液配管とエア配管とは、固定側からロータリジョイント、マニホールド配管を介して液貯溜タンク２７に連結される。
【００３８】
充填時、充填バルブは、回転移動し、外側の固定部の定角度位置において充填の各工程が行われ、洗浄時には、充填バルブ及び液貯溜タンク２７は、回転を停止した状態で洗浄液或いは圧縮エアが送られて、洗浄作業が行われる。
【００３９】
【発明の効果】
本発明の充填バルブの洗浄装置は前記のように液通路や接液部に巻ブッシュ、リティナシール等を使用していないため、液通路において摺動により液の滲み出る心配がなく、製品液充填時は、リティナと主液ノズルとが流体密になるが、リティナと主液ノズルとの摺動部は直接製品液に接触することなく、製品液充填時、固形不純物や製品液の糖分等の有機物の堆積を少なくできて（微生物の発生を少なくできて）、サニテーション処理を容易に行うことができる。
【００４０】
またバルブ本体及びスリーブの外部を取り囲む部材を有していないので、充填中でも外洗ノズル等により清浄な洗浄水を注いで洗浄することができる。また容器口のシールパッキンはリティナの下面に取付けてあるので、サニテーションや取替え時のための取外しを簡単、容易に行うことができる。
【００４１】
また充填バルブの構成が簡単である上に、バルブ本体及びリティナ外径が小さく、前記従来の充填バルブよりもバルブ全体の外径を小さくできて、製作コストを低減できる。
また充填バルブの洗浄時には、バルブ本体下部以下の露出部の全体を洗浄用キャップにより液体密に鞘封し、洗浄液がバルブ内外の全ての部品に接触して流通する一方、その排液を集めることができるので、アルカリ性等の洗剤液を使用できる。
【００４２】
また液貯溜タンク中の洗浄液の圧力を増減させることにより、主液ノズル外周面とリティナとの間の隙間を揺動洗浄することができる。
また液貯溜タンクのエアをベントチューブを経て液バルブ周りの洗浄液へ吹き込んで、エアバブル洗浄液とし、このエアバブル洗浄液をリティナ溝内に嵌挿したシール材とノズル外周面との間の隙間へ送るので、最も固形物の堆積し易いこの部分を十分に洗浄することができる。このエアバブル洗浄液は、エア混入により軽くなり、増量して、流速を増すので、洗浄効果を向上できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】図１は、本発明の第１実施例に係る充填バルブの縦断面図である。
【図２】図２は、図１のＡ−Ａ断面図である。
【図３】図３は、図１のＢ−Ｂ断面図である。
【図４】図４は、本発明の第２実施例に係る洗浄キャップを装着した図１の充填バルブと、同充填バルブ中の洗浄水の流れを表す断面図である。
【図５】図５は、図４のＣ部拡大図である。
【図６】図６は、図４のＤ矢視した側面図である。
【図７】図７は、図４の洗浄キャップを装着した充填バルブの洗浄作用を示す配管系統図である。
【図８】図８は、本発明の第３実施例に係る図４の洗浄キャップを装着した充填バルブの洗浄作用を示す配管系統図である。
【図９】図９は、従来の充填バルブを示す縦断面図である。
【図１０】図１０は、図５の充填バルブを構成するスリーブに嵌合するブッシュの斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
２７液貯溜タンク
２８タンク蓋
３０容器
３１ベントチューブ
３１ａ液通路
３２主液ノズル
３２ａ液通路
３５バルブ本体
３６リティナ
３６ａ液通路
３７、３８圧縮ばね
３９シールパッキン
４０ストッパリング
５２シール部（Ｏリング）
５５エアシリンダ
６１洗浄キャップ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a liquid filling valve that raises a container and causes a container opening portion to abut a seal member to fill the container with liquid in a filling liquid storage tank, and a filling valve cleaning device and a cleaning method. is there.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a cylindrical valve body fixed to the bottom of the filling liquid tank so as to communicate with the tank, and a sleeve slidably fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the valve body to form a liquid passage inside the sleeve; A vent tube which is fixed and arranged on the valve so as to have the same center line as the valve body and the sleeve, and an exhaust passage is formed inside the vent tube, a lower end portion of the sleeve which opens when the sleeve rises, and a lower end conical surface of the vent tube A filling valve comprising a liquid valve constituted by the above is well known.
[0003]
In this filling valve, when the liquid is filled, the sleeve is pushed up by the mouth portion of the rising container, the liquid valve is opened, and the filling liquid in the filling liquid tank is caused to flow down into the container through the liquid passage by its own weight. The inside air is discharged into the filling liquid tank through the vent tube, the container is filled with the liquid, the liquid level in the container reaches the lower end of the vent tube, the liquid rises in the vent tube, and the filling liquid tank When the liquid level reaches the same level, the filling is stopped and the liquid valve is closed when the container is lowered.
[0004]
The filling valve must clean the liquid passage, the filling liquid tank, the inside and outside of the liquid valve, and other parts touched by the filling liquid when the filling operation is completed or when the liquid type to be filled is changed. For washing, a washing cup is usually attached to the lower part of the filling valve from below, and the washing liquid is supplied instead of the filling liquid, and the washing liquid is allowed to pass through the filling valve and the liquid passage with the filling valve opened. .
[0005]
The sliding part between the fixed valve body and the sleeve that moves up and down is provided with a sealing material to make the inside and outside of the filling valve liquid-tight. In such a cleaning method, cleaning liquid is used instead of filling liquid. Even if supplied, the sealing material remains in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve, and therefore the sliding portion of the outer peripheral surface of the sealing material and the sleeve cannot be sufficiently cleaned.
[0006]
In order to solve this problem, a relief part having a smaller diameter than the sliding surface of the sleeve is formed below the sliding part between the sleeve and the sealing material, and during cleaning, the sleeve is raised more than the stroke during filling. By aligning the positions of the seal portion of the valve body and the relief portion of the sleeve, a gap through which the cleaning liquid can pass is formed between the outer surface of the sleeve and the inside of the seal material. There has already been proposed a filling valve cleaning apparatus that cleans the sealing material and at the same time circulates a cleaning liquid outside the filling valve to enable cleaning (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 6-263192).
[0007]
The outline of the filling valve cleaning apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The filling valve is connected to a cylindrical valve body 4 fixed to the bottom surface of the filling liquid tank 2 and a seal member 10 attached to the inner surface of the valve body 4. A sleeve 8 that moves up and down inside the valve body 4, an exhaust pipe 6 that is fitted into the valve body 4 and the sleeve 8 and is fixed to the valve body 4, and lower end portions 8 d and 6 a of the sleeve 8 and the exhaust pipe 6. And a liquid valve 26 that opens and closes by moving the sleeve 8 up and down (the stroke is indicated by S), and is fixed to the lower surface of the filling liquid tank 2 and is positioned around the valve body 4 and the sleeve 8 to move the sleeve 8 up and down. And an outer cylinder 12 for guiding the above.
[0008]
Of the sleeve 8, a small diameter portion 8f having a smaller diameter than the sliding portion 8a is formed in a portion below the sliding portion 8a with respect to the seal member 10, and a bushing is formed on the large diameter portion below the small diameter portion 18f. As shown in FIG. 10, the passages 18a and 20a that allow the passage of the cleaning liquid are provided in the bushes 18 and 20, and at the time of cleaning, the sleeve 8 is further raised from the stroke S so that the small diameter portion 8f is It is located on the inner peripheral side of the seal member 10 and a gap C is formed between them.
[0009]
In the above-described filling valve, when the sleeve 8 is raised more than in normal filling and the small diameter portion 8f is positioned on the inner peripheral side of the seal member 10, a passage D is formed between the valve body 4 and the sleeve 8. A gap C is formed between the seal member 10 and the sleeve 8 that slides relative to the seal member 10, thereby allowing the cleaning liquid to flow. In addition, communication passages 18a and 20a are formed in the sliding portion between the outer surface of the sleeve 8 and the inner surface of the outer cylinder 12, so that the cleaning liquid can pass therethrough. Is washed.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional filling valve shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, it has been empirically known that when the seal member 10 provided on the valve body 4 and the sleeve 8 slide, the filling liquid leaks in a minute amount. For this reason, the outer surface of the filling valve becomes dirty. In particular, when filling a high-temperature filling liquid containing sugar, the sugar in the filling liquid becomes cocoon-like or solidifies near the rising boundary surface of the filling liquid, resulting in a sugar cement state. In addition to causing malfunctions, it is not preferable in terms of measures against microorganisms.
[0011]
For this reason, it is necessary to wash the sliding portion between the valve body 4 and the sleeve 8 when the filling valve is washed, and the washing water (water or hot water) can be easily applied from the outside without stopping the filling state even during the manufacturing operation. However, in this filling valve, since the sliding portion of the sleeve 8 is completely covered with the outer cylinder 12, cleaning during operation is impossible, and if it is not disassembled and cleaned, the stuck sugar is completely removed. Is difficult.
[0012]
In addition, the O-ring and the O-ring groove are most easily contaminated. In this filling valve, there is an O-ring after the gap, and dirt removed from the sliding part tends to accumulate in the O-ring. Since it is fitted in the back of the deep groove of 8, it is difficult to remove.
Further, the flow passing through the liquid valve 26 and the flow passing through the seal member of the valve body 4 merge up to the outlet of the outer cylinder 12, but the valve body 4 is easy to flow and the seal member 10 side is narrow and flows. Since it is difficult, the flow of the cleaning liquid becomes weak on the seal member 10 side, and the cleaning effect is reduced.
[0013]
If air bubbling is further applied to the cleaning water, the cleaning effect is increased. However, in this filling valve, the sliding portion of the sleeve 8 is located away from the air passage of the exhaust pipe 6, so that the air bubbling has an inappropriate structure. It has become.
The present invention is proposed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the target process is (1) easy sanitation processing, and (2) easy removal for sanitation and replacement. (3) Organic substances such as sugar can be made difficult to adhere to the gas-liquid boundary on the outer surface of the main liquid nozzle, and at the same time, cleaning after the operation can be easily performed. (4) ▼ Product cost can be reduced, ▲ 5 ▼ Alkaline detergent solution can be used, ⑥Swing between the main liquid nozzle outer peripheral surface and the retainer can be swung and washed. It is an object to provide a filling valve, a filling valve cleaning device and a cleaning method that can sufficiently clean the gap between the seal material that easily deposits and the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle, and can improve the cleaning effect. .
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a filling valve for raising a container and bringing the container mouth into contact with a seal member to fill the container with the liquid in the liquid storage tank.Filling valve cleaning device withFixed to the bottom surface of the liquid storage tank.InsideA cylindrical valve body with a liquid passage communicating with the same liquid storage tank at the center, and a concentric core at the bottom of the valve bodysameA main liquid nozzle that is integrally assembled with the valve body and has a liquid passage opening that expands downward, and is slidably fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the main liquid nozzle, and communicates with the outside at the top. An annular inner groove is provided and rises at the bottom.SaidA retainer provided with a seal portion that contacts the opening of the container and seals the main liquid nozzle in a liquid-tight manner, and a spring that is interposed between the valve body and the retainer and biases the retainer downward. A vent tube having a vent hole penetrating through the central axis and forming a conical valve with a lower end and a conical valve that moves up and down the valve body and the main liquid nozzle to open and close the liquid passage at a position below the main liquid nozzle. A spring that is interposed between a stopper ring fixed to the outer periphery of the vent tube in the liquid storage tank and a shoulder portion of the valve body, and urges the vent tube in a push-up direction; and It consists of a lifting mechanism,SaidWhen the retainer is pushed up against the spring by the container, the seal portion of the retainer is brought into fluid tight contact with the upper outer peripheral surface of the main liquid nozzle, and conversely, the retainer is pushed down by the spring. Sometimes the seal partSaidAllows gas or liquid to flow between the inner peripheral surface of the seal part and the outer peripheral surface of the main liquid nozzle, reaching the shallow trapezoidal cross-section groove below the main liquid nozzle and away from the outer peripheral surface of the main liquid nozzle Configured to create a large gapA filling valve is provided, and the outer lower part of the valve main body and the outer peripheral part of the retainer are liquid-tightly sealed with a cleaning cap that covers the lower part of the filling valve, and the vent tube opening / closing mechanism provides a conical shape of the vent tube. When the main liquid nozzle is opened by pushing down the valve, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the liquid storage tank filled with the cleaning liquid through the liquid passage between the nozzle body and the vent tube and the vent hole of the vent tube. The cleaning liquid is sent to the discharge cap connected to the valve main body through a gap between the seal portion of the retainer and the outer peripheral surface of the main liquid nozzle, and discharged to the inside and outside of the filling valve. Contact and distribute all partsI am doing so.
[0016]
  Also,In the filling valve cleaning method,The filling valve cleaning device according to claim 1,Sealing the liquid storage tank with an upper lid;SaidA cleaning liquid level sensor is installed in the liquid storage tank toCleaning liquid return to returnA flow rate adjustment valve connected to the cleaning liquid level sensor is provided in the piping, and the cleaning liquid level is kept below the upper opening of the vent tube, compressed air is sent to the liquid storage tank, or the liquid storage tank is At atmospheric pressure, the discharge pipe is connected to a pump to suck out the cleaning liquid, and this cleaning liquid is due to water flow resistance when passing through the liquid passage between the nozzle body and the vent tube.SaidUsing the pressure drop on the cleaning liquid side at the cleaning cap position, the air in the liquid storage tank is removed from the vent tube.SaidSupply to the cleaning liquid at the cleaning cap position and mix each otherInMore air bubble cleaning liquid, and this air bubble cleaning liquidMain liquidnozzleofThe gap between the outer peripheral surface is cleaned.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the filling valve of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal side view of a filling valve for a non-pressure filling beverage can according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1, and FIG. It is a cross-sectional plan view which meets a view BB line.
[0018]
1, 30 is a can, 29 is a can lifter that raises and lowers the can 30, 29a is a can holder attached to the can lifter 29 and positions the can 30 directly below the filling machine, 27 is a liquid storage tank, 28 is a liquid storage tank It is a lid.
Reference numeral 35 denotes a cylindrical valve body. The valve body 35 is fixed to the bottom surface of the liquid storage tank 27 by a fixing member 54, and an intermediate ring 50 is fitted in the ring groove of the valve body 35.
[0019]
Inside the valve body 35, liquid passages 35a and 35b communicating with the liquid storage tank 27 are formed as shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 32 denotes a main liquid nozzle made of a water repellent material (for example, Teflon). A liquid passage 32a following the liquid passage 35a is formed inside the main liquid nozzle 32. The O-rings 49 and 51 are interposed between the valve main body 35 and the main liquid nozzle 32 so that the main liquid nozzle 32 is liquid-tightly connected to the valve main body 35. The valve seat 32b is formed inside the lower end of the main liquid nozzle 32, and an annular groove 32c is formed on the outer periphery of the lower end cylinder of the main liquid nozzle 32.
[0020]
36 is a retainer, and this retainer 36 is slidably inserted with a gap provided outside the main liquid nozzle 32, and an annular groove having a window 36b communicating with the outside is provided on the upper portion of the retainer 36. A groove for inserting a Teflon O-ring (seal part) 52 for sealing the main liquid nozzle 32 in a liquid-tight manner is provided at the lower portion of the retainer 36, and a seal packing 39 for 30 cans is provided at the lower end. Is provided with a ring groove.
[0021]
A compression spring 37 is interposed between the valve main body 35 and the retainer 36 to urge the retainer 36 downward.
Reference numeral 31 denotes a vent tube. The vent tube 31 has an air passage 31a penetrating along a central axis, and a divergent conical valve 31c is formed at the lower portion of the vent tube 31. 1 and 3 are guided by a valve body 35 and a main liquid nozzle 32 through guide blades 31b as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and are moved up and down to open and close the liquid passages 35a and 32a below the main liquid nozzle 32. It is supposed to be. 53 is a middle ring.
[0022]
The upper portion of the vent tube 31 is guided by a guide 41 fixed to the upper end portion of the valve body 35.
A compression spring 38 is interposed between a stopper ring 40 positioned on the vent tube 31 via a retaining ring 42 and a shoulder portion of the valve body 35 to push up the vent tube 31. Is energized.
[0023]
An air cylinder 55 is fixed to the lid 28 of the liquid storage tank 27. The air cylinder 55 is an actuator that moves the vent tube 31 up and down via the cap 33.
When the product liquid is filled (the liquid pressure in the liquid storage tank 27 is atmospheric pressure), the can mouth is liquidated by the container mouth seal packing 39 fitted to the retainer 36 of the filling valve through the can 30 raised by the can lifter 29. When the retainer 36 is pushed up by the can 30, the O-ring (seal part) 52 inserted in the groove of the retainer 36 is brought into contact with the upper outer peripheral surface of the main liquid nozzle 32 to be fluid-tight, and then vented. The raising / lowering air cylinder 55 of the tube 31 is operated, the vent tube 31 is pushed down against the urging force of the compression spring 38, and the valve 31c at the lower end of the vent tube 31 is moved to the valve seat at the lower end of the main liquid nozzle 32. Apart from 32b, the liquid valve is opened, the air in the can 30 is discharged from the vent tube 31, and filling of the product liquid is started.
[0024]
As described above, since the retainer 36, the main liquid nozzle 32, and the can 30 mouth are fluid-tight, the can 30 is filled with the product liquid. When the liquid level in the can 30 reaches the lower surface of the main liquid nozzle 32 and the liquid level in the vent tube 31 reaches the same level as the liquid level in the liquid storage tank 27, the filling stops. If it will be in this state, the raising / lowering air cylinder 55 of the vent tube 31 will be operated in a reverse direction, a liquid valve will be closed, and filling with a product liquid will be completed.
[0025]
Then, since the can 30 starts to descend, the liquid seal at the mouth of the can 55 is released, the liquid in the vent tube 31 is put into the can 30, and the product liquid in the can 30 is brought to a specified capacity.
Thus, when the product liquid is filled, the retainer 36 and the main liquid nozzle 32 are fluid-tight, so that the sliding portion between the retainer 36 and the main liquid nozzle 32 does not directly contact the filling liquid, and the product Even during liquid filling, clean water can be poured into the filling valve from the outside for cleaning.
[0026]
When the filling is finished and the can 30 is lowered and the retainer 36 is pushed down by the biasing force of the compression spring 37, the O-ring (seal part) 52 reaches the annular ring groove 32c below the main liquid nozzle 32. Thus, a gap through which gas or liquid flows is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the O-ring (seal part) 52 and the outer peripheral surface of the main liquid nozzle 32, away from the outer peripheral surface of the main liquid nozzle 32. It becomes easy for the product liquid adhering to the outer surface of 32 to flow downward.
[0027]
Since the above filling machine does not use a wound bush, a retainer seal, or the like in the liquid passage or the liquid contact portion, there is no fear of oozing out of the product liquid due to sliding in the liquid passage, and generation of microorganisms is small. Further, since the seal packing 39 of 30 cans is attached to the lower surface of the retainer 36, it is easy and easy to remove for sanitation and replacement.
[0028]
As described above, the sliding portion between the retainer 36 and the main liquid nozzle 32 does not directly contact the product liquid, but the splash of the product liquid adheres to the lower outer surface of the main liquid nozzle 32, and the product liquid removes organic matter such as sugar. If it is included, this may be deposited on the outer surface of the main liquid nozzle 32. However, since the main liquid nozzle 32 is made of a water-repellent material (for example, Teflon), organic substances such as sugar are mainly used when the liquid is filled. At the same time, it becomes difficult to adhere to the gas-liquid boundary of the liquid nozzle 32, and at the same time, cleaning after the operation is easily performed.
[0029]
(Second Embodiment)
4 is a longitudinal side view showing the flow of cleaning water in the filling valve when the washing cap is attached to the filling valve of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal side view of the portion indicated by arrow C in FIG. 4, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a side view of the arrow D portion of FIG. 7, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the cleaning action of the filling valve when the cleaning cap of FIG. 4 is attached.
[0030]
Reference numeral 61 denotes a cleaning cap. The cleaning cap 61 covers the lower exposed portion of the filling valve from below, and a plurality of cleaning caps 61 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the valve body 35 as shown in FIG. The pin-shaped notch 61a of the cap 61 is pushed into and engaged with the pin 57 of the cap 61, and is rotated to fix the cleaning cap 61 to the valve body 35. Sealed in a liquid-tight manner by packing 62 and O-ring 63. 68 and 69 are discharge pipes.
[0031]
In this state, the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage tank 27 is collected in the cleaning cap 61 through the inside of the filling valve and discharged to the outside. At this time, since the passage of the filling valve is completely covered with the washing cap 61, the filling valve can be cleaned in place (CIP) with a cleaning liquid such as antarctic or hot water.
As shown in FIG. 5, when the retainer 36 is placed at the lowermost position, the O-ring (seal part) 52 is located at the position of the annular ring groove 32c below the main liquid nozzle 32, and the main liquid A gap is formed between the inner surface of the O-ring (seal part) 52 and the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 32 so that a gas or a liquid can flow therethrough. After passing through the fitting gap between the main liquid nozzle 32 and the retainer 36, the main liquid nozzle 32 escapes into the space 61 b of the upper cleaning cap 61, and is discharged from the discharge pipe 68 through the liquid passage 35 c formed in the valve body 35.
[0032]
The cleaning action of the filling valve covered with the cleaning cap 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
In response to an instruction from a control panel (not shown), the solenoid valve 58 is operated, the piston rod of the air cylinder 55 is pushed out, the vent tube soot valve 31c is pushed down, away from the main liquid nozzle, the liquid valve is opened, and the tank cover The liquid storage tank 27 is covered with a sealing liquid 28 and is supplied with a cleaning liquid from a cleaning liquid supply tank (not shown) by a pump to fill the tank. The overflowed cleaning liquid is returned to the above-mentioned cleaning liquid supply tank through a liquid pipe 66 and the cleaning liquid other than overflow Is sent to the bottom 61a of the cleaning cap 61 through the liquid passage 35a between the nozzle body 35 and the vent tube 31 and the air passage 31a of the vent tube 31, and an O-ring (inserted in the inner peripheral groove of the retainer 36). To the liquid chamber 61b of the cleaning cap 61 through a gap between the seal portion 52 and the outer peripheral surface of the main liquid nozzle groove 36a. It is, is discharged from the discharge pipe 68 that connects the valve body 35 from the liquid chamber 61b through the valve body internal passage 35c, by contacting a cleaning liquid to all parts of the filling valve and out and washed.
[0033]
In this cleaning process, the retainer 36 is pushed by the compression spring 37 and is positioned at the lowermost end. However, the retainer 36 is interposed via an O-ring 63 attached to the inner circumferential groove of the cleaning cap 61. While contacting the inner peripheral surface of the cleaning cap 61 and sealing fluid tightly, it is held so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. Therefore, the pressure of the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage tank 27 is increased, and a narrow liquid passage is formed. By increasing the pressure difference with the cleaning liquid pressure of the upper liquid chamber 61b that decreases through the retainer 36 so that the pressure on the lower surface side of the retainer 36 exceeds the urging force of the compression spring 37 pushing the retainer 36, the retainer 36 36 moves upward to a position where the pressure on the lower surface side and the force of the compression spring 37 are balanced.
[0034]
Using this action, the pressure of the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage tank is increased or decreased (for example, a throttle valve is provided in the liquid pipe 66 to maintain a certain level of liquid pressure in the liquid storage tank, and the liquid pipe 66 is installed. By opening and closing the operation valve 72 and moving the retainer 36 repeatedly in the vertical direction, the clearance between the outer peripheral surface of the main liquid nozzle 32 and the retainer 36 is swung and washed.
[0035]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of the cleaning operation showing the flow of cleaning water in the filling valve when the cleaning cap is attached to the filling valve of FIG.
As in the second embodiment, when the outer lower portion of the valve body 35 of the filling valve and the outer periphery of the retainer 36 are cleaned with a cleaning cap 61 in a liquid-tight sheath, the liquid storage tank 27 is covered with the tank lid 28. The return liquid pipe 66 to the cleaning liquid supply tank (not shown) is closed by the operation valve 75, and the cleaning liquid level is lowered from the upper opening of the vent tube 31 by the liquid level sensor 56 and the flow rate adjustment valve 74. The clean compressed air circuit is opened by a three-way operation valve 76 provided in the air pipe 67 and compressed air is sent to the liquid storage tank 27 (in the case of FIG. 8), or the liquid storage tank 27 is set to atmospheric pressure. The suction pipe is connected to the discharge pipe 68 to make negative pressure, either of which may be used, but the water flow resistance when the cleaning liquid passes through the liquid passage 32a between the nozzle body 32 and the vent tube 31. By using the pressure drop of the cleaning liquid on the lower chamber 61a side of the cleaning cap 61, the cleaning liquid is blown into the bottom 61a of the cleaning cap 61 through the air passage 31a of the air vent tube 31 above the liquid storage tank 27, This cleaning liquid is an air bubble cleaning liquid.
[0036]
This air bubble cleaning liquid is cleaned through the retainer 36 and a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the O-ring (seal part) 52 fitted in the inner peripheral groove and the outer peripheral surface of the main liquid nozzle 32.
The air bubble cleaning liquid that is lightened by this air mixing, increased in volume, and increased in flow rate has a significantly improved cleaning effect. The air bubble cleaning liquid is once stored in a liquid chamber 61 b surrounded by a cleaning cap 61 above the retainer 36, and then discharged from a discharge pipe 68 connected to the valve body 35.
[0037]
The operation valve 77 is provided to remove the cleaning liquid or cleaning water remaining in the cleaning cap 61 after the cleaning process is finished, after the cleaning liquid is drained and washed with water, and then closed immediately before the cleaning cap 51 is removed.
When the filling valve of this embodiment is used in a rotary filling machine, the liquid storage tank 27 has a horizontal rectangular cross-sectional annular shape that rotates around the vertical axis, and the filling valves are arranged at equal intervals on the same circumference. Then, the air cylinder 55 for driving the vent tube 31 and the electromagnetic valve 58 are arranged on the same number of rotation side as the filling valve. Although not shown, the liquid pipe and the air pipe are connected to the liquid storage tank 27 from the fixed side via a rotary joint and a manifold pipe.
[0038]
At the time of filling, the filling valve is rotated and each step of filling is performed at a fixed angle position of the outer fixed part. At the time of washing, the filling valve and the liquid storage tank 27 are stopped in the state where the washing liquid or compressed air is stopped. Is sent to perform the cleaning work.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
  The filling valve of the present inventionCleaning equipmentAs mentioned above, there is no risk of oozing of liquid due to sliding in the liquid passage because there is no winding bush or retainer seal etc. in the liquid passage or wetted part. However, the sliding part between the retainer and the main liquid nozzle does not come into direct contact with the product liquid, and the accumulation of organic substances such as solid impurities and sugar in the product liquid can be reduced when filling the product liquid ( The generation of microorganisms can be reduced) and the sanitation process can be easily performed.
[0040]
  Further, since there is no member surrounding the outside of the valve body and the sleeve, clean washing water can be poured and washed by an outside washing nozzle or the like even during filling. In addition, since the seal packing of the container mouth is attached to the lower surface of the retainer, it can be easily and easily removed for sanitation and replacement..
[0041]
In addition, the configuration of the filling valve is simple, and the outer diameters of the valve body and the retainer are small, so that the outer diameter of the entire valve can be made smaller than that of the conventional filling valve, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
Also, when cleaning the filling valve, the entire exposed part below the valve body is sealed with a cleaning cap in a liquid-tight manner, and the cleaning liquid contacts and circulates all parts inside and outside the valve while collecting the drainage. Therefore, an alkaline detergent solution can be used.
[0042]
Further, by increasing or decreasing the pressure of the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage tank, the clearance between the outer peripheral surface of the main liquid nozzle and the retainer can be swung and cleaned.
In addition, the air in the liquid storage tank is blown into the cleaning liquid around the liquid valve through the vent tube to form an air bubble cleaning liquid, and this air bubble cleaning liquid is sent to the gap between the seal material inserted in the retainer groove and the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle. This portion where the solid matter is most likely to accumulate can be sufficiently cleaned. The air bubble cleaning liquid becomes lighter due to air mixing, increases in volume, and increases the flow velocity, so that the cleaning effect can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a filling valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 1. FIG.
4 is a cross-sectional view showing the filling valve of FIG. 1 equipped with a washing cap according to a second embodiment of the present invention and the flow of washing water in the filling valve. FIG.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a part C in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a side view taken along arrow D in FIG. 4;
7 is a piping system diagram showing the cleaning action of the filling valve equipped with the cleaning cap of FIG. 4. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a piping system diagram showing the cleaning action of the filling valve equipped with the cleaning cap of FIG. 4 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a conventional filling valve.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bush fitted to a sleeve constituting the filling valve of FIG. 5;
[Explanation of symbols]
27 Liquid storage tank
28 Tank lid
30 containers
31 Vent tube
31a Liquid passage
32 Main liquid nozzle
32a Liquid passage
35 Valve body
36 Retina
36a Liquid passage
37, 38 Compression spring
39 Seal packing
40 Stopper ring
52 Sealing part (O-ring)
55 Air cylinder
61 Wash cap

Claims

In the filling valve cleaning device having a filling valve for raising the container, bringing the container mouth part into contact with the seal member, and filling the liquid in the liquid storage tank into the container,
A cylindrical valve body forming a liquid passage communicating with the liquid storage tank to the internal fixed to the bottom surface of the liquid storage tank,
A main liquid nozzle having a liquid passage opening that is concentrically integrated with the valve main body at the bottom of the valve main body and is expanded downward;
While fitted slidably on the outer circumferential surface of the main nozzle, the annular groove communicating with the outside provided above, the main liquid in contact with the opening of the container to come to rise to lower A retainer provided with a seal portion for sealing the nozzle in a liquid-tight manner;
A spring interposed between the valve body and the retainer to bias the retainer downward;
A vent tube having a vent hole penetrating through the central axis and forming a conical valve with a lower end extending toward the inside of the valve main body and the main liquid nozzle to open and close the liquid passage at a position below the main liquid nozzle; ,
A spring interposed between the stopper ring fixed to the outer periphery of the vent tube in the liquid storage tank and the shoulder portion of the valve body, and biasing the vent tube in the upward direction;
It consists of a lifting mechanism for the vent tube,
When the retainer is pushed up against the spring by the container, the seal portion of the retainer is brought into fluid tight contact with the upper outer peripheral surface of the main liquid nozzle, and conversely, the retainer is pushed down by the spring. when the can, the sealing portion is allowed to reach the bottom of a shallow trapezoidal section grooves of the primary liquid nozzle, away from the outer peripheral surface of the main nozzle, the inner peripheral surface and the main liquid outer peripheral surface of the nozzle of the seal portion A filling valve configured to generate a gap through which gas or liquid can flow is provided,
The outer lower part of the valve body and the outer peripheral part of the retainer are sealed in a liquid-tight manner by a cleaning cap that covers the lower part of the filling valve, and the conical valve of the vent tube is pushed down by the vent tube opening / closing mechanism to when you open the liquid nozzle, via the liquid passage and the vent holes of the vent tube between the nozzle body the cleaning liquid from the liquid storage tank was filled with water a cleaning liquid and the vent tube feeding into the washing cap, further by discharging sent to the discharge pipe in communication with the valve body through the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the main nozzle and the seal portion of the Retainer, contacting the cleaning solution to all parts of the filling valve and out , cleaning apparatus of the filling valve is characterized in that circulating.

The filling valve cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, said liquid storage tank sealed by the upper lid, the washing liquid level sensor provided in the liquid storage tank was connected to a cleaning fluid return the washing liquid level sensor in a pipe for returning the cleaning liquid flow An adjustment valve is provided to maintain the cleaning liquid level below the upper opening of the vent tube, send compressed air to the liquid storage tank, or set the liquid storage tank to atmospheric pressure to pump the discharge pipe linked to, aspirated cleaning liquid, the liquid storage tank by utilizing the pressure drop of the cleaning liquid side of the cleaning cap position by water flow resistance when passing through the liquid passage between the cleaning liquid the vent tube and the nozzle body and more air bubbles cleaning liquid be mixed with each other to the air is supplied to the cleaning cap position within the washing liquid from the vent tube, this Eababu The method of cleaning the filling valve is characterized in that cleaning the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the main nozzle and the seal portion of the Retainer grooves by cleaning liquid.