JP6515972B2 - Content filling system and content filling method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a content filling system and a content filling method.

  BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, contents such as carbonated beverages have been continuously filled in a large number of plastic bottles being transported at high speed using a filling machine such as a filler (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, depending on the filling condition of the carbonated beverage, a large amount of bubbles may be generated from the carbonated beverage in some bottles (also referred to as forming), and the bubbles are conveyed from the mouth of the bottle being conveyed at high speed. There is a risk of spouting. When bubbles are spouted from the mouth of the bottle, the content of carbonated beverage in the bottle may be less than a predetermined amount, or the carbonated beverage may adhere to the outer periphery of the mouth in the bottle to cause microbial contamination. It occurs.

  For this reason, conventionally, a worker visually inspects whether bubbles are spouted from the mouth of the bottle being conveyed at high speed. Temporarily, when a worker discovers the bottle which foam has spouted, the said bottle and the bottle conveyed before and behind will be collectively discarded. Under such circumstances, it is required to automatically inspect bubbles blown out of the mouth of the bottle without relying on the human hand.

JP, 2006-211931, A

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and is a content which can be automatically detected in the contents filled in the container and the presence or absence of bubbles released from the mouth of the container. It is an object to provide a filling system and a content filling method.

  The present invention relates to a filling device for filling contents into a container having a mouth and a container body, and the content of the container which is provided on the downstream side of the filling device and which is filled in the container. A foam detection device for automatically detecting the presence or absence of foam released from the mouth of the mouth; and a determination unit connected to the foam detection device for identifying a container from which the foam has been released. It is an object filling system.

  In the present invention, the foam detection device includes a first foam detection device that detects foam released from the mouth immediately after the container is filled with the content, and a downstream side of the first foam detection device. And a second foam detection device for detecting foam released from the mouth after a predetermined time has passed after the contents are filled in the container. is there.

  The present invention is the contents filling system characterized by further having a discharge part specified in the judgment part which discharges the container from which the foam has been discharged.

  The present invention further includes a cap attaching device provided on the downstream side of the foam detection device and attaching a cap to the opening of the container, and the discharge unit is attached to the opening of the container by the cap attaching device. It is a content filling system characterized by discharging the container in which the foam was discharged before wearing the cap.

  The present invention further includes a cap attachment device provided on the downstream side of the foam detection device and attaching a cap to the mouth of the container, and the discharge unit is provided on the downstream side of the cap attachment device It is a content filling system characterized by the above.

  The present invention is the content filling system characterized in that the cap mounting device transports the container to the discharge unit without mounting the cap on the opening of the container from which the foam has been discharged. .

  The present invention is the content filling system characterized by further comprising an adjusting unit for adjusting the filling condition by the filling device based on the information from the determination unit.

  The present invention is the content filling system characterized in that the foam detection device includes a plurality of detection parts arranged in the vertical direction.

  The present invention relates to a filling step of filling contents into a container having a mouth part and a container body, and the filling step of the filling part of the container after the filling step. A content filling method comprising: a foam detection step of automatically detecting the presence or absence of a foam released from the container; and a determination step of identifying a container from which the foam has been released after the foam detection step. is there.

  In the present invention, in the foam detection step, a first foam detection step of detecting the foam released from the mouth immediately after the container is filled with the contents, and the first foam detection step. And a second foam detection step of detecting foam released from the mouth after a predetermined time has elapsed after the contents have been filled in the container.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically detect the presence or absence of foam released from the mouth of the container after filling the container.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a content filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a filling nozzle provided in the filling device of the content filling system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a foam detection device of the contents filling system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a modification of the content filling system. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a modification of the content filling system. FIG. 6: is a block diagram which shows the modification of a bubble detection apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 show an embodiment of the present invention.

(Content filling system)
First, the content filling system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  The content filling system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for filling a content L such as carbonated beverage into a bottle (container) 30 (see FIG. 3) having a mouth 31 and a bottle main body (container main body) 32. It is. The bottle 30 can be manufactured by biaxial stretch blow molding a preform manufactured by injection molding a synthetic resin material. As a material of the bottle 30, it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin, in particular, PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate). Besides, as the container, glass, can, paper, pouch, or a composite container of these may be used. In the present embodiment, the case of using a bottle as a container will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the content filling system 10 includes an inlet-side transfer device (inlet wheel) 11, a filling device (filler) 20, an outlet-side transfer device (outlet foil) 13, and a cap attachment device (capper, A tightening and tapping machine 16 and a transfer device 18 are provided. The inlet-side transfer device 11, the filling device 20, the outlet-side transfer device 13, the cap mounting device 16, and the transfer device 18 are disposed in this order from upstream to downstream along the transport direction of the bottle 30. ing.

  The inlet-side transfer device 11 sequentially receives an empty bottle 30 from the outside into the content filling system 10 and transfers the received bottle 30 toward the filling device 20. The inlet-side transfer device 11 has a rotating transfer wheel 12, and the plurality of bottles 30 are continuously transferred to the filling device 20 while rotating (revolving) by the transfer wheel 12.

  The filling device 20 is for filling the contents L into the bottle body 32 from the mouth 31 of the bottle 30. In the filling device 20, the contents L are filled into the empty bottle 30.

  The filling device 20 has a rotating conveyance wheel 21. The contents L are filled into the bottle 30 while the plurality of bottles 30 are rotated (revoluted) by the conveyance wheel 21. Further, along the outer periphery of the transport wheel 21, a plurality of filling nozzles 22 (see FIG. 2) are disposed. One bottle 30 is attached to each filling nozzle 22, and the content L is injected from the filling nozzle 22 into the inside of the bottle 30.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the filling nozzle 22 is known, but has a main body 23 and a content supply line 24 and a gas supply line 25 respectively connected to the main body 23. The upper end of the content supply line 24 is connected to the head tank 27 (or filler ball) filled with the content L, and the lower end thereof communicates with the inside of the bottle 30. The content L supplied from the head tank 27 passes through the content supply line 24 and is injected into the inside of the bottle 30. Further, the upper end of the gas supply line 25 is connected to the head tank 27 and the lower end thereof is in communication with the inside of the bottle 30. A counter pressure gas such as carbon dioxide gas supplied from the head tank 27 passes through the gas supply line 25 and is filled into the inside of the bottle 30. A sniff line 26 is connected in the middle of the gas supply line 25 so that the gas inside the bottle 30 can be discharged through the sniff line 26.

  When the content L is made of carbonated beverage, the temperature of the content L at the time of filling by the filling nozzle 22 is, for example, 1 ° C. to 10 ° C., preferably 5 ° C. to 10 ° C. The reason why the temperature of the contents L is set to, for example, 1 ° C. to 10 ° C. is because carbon dioxide gas is easily released from the contents L when the liquid temperature exceeds 10 ° C.

  The content L is a liquid that easily foams after filling, and examples thereof include various beverages containing carbon dioxide gas, such as carbonated beverages such as cider and cola, and alcoholic beverages such as beer. The content L may be a beverage not containing carbonic acid. Non-carbonated beverages include all beverages other than mineral water, such as tea, functional beverages, juices, coffee, milk, milk-containing beverages. Alternatively, the content L may be a non-beverage liquid containing a surfactant, such as dishwashing detergent, laundry detergent, liquid soap and the like.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, an outlet-side transfer device 13 is provided downstream of the filling device 20. The outlet side transport device 13 transports the bottle 30, which has been filled with the content L by the filling device 20 and before being closed, toward the cap attachment device 16. The outlet-side transfer device 13 has a rotating transfer wheel 14, and the plurality of bottles 30 are continuously transferred to the cap attaching device 16 while rotating (revolving) by the transfer wheel 14.

  The outlet-side transfer device 13 is provided with a nozzle unit 15. The nozzle unit 15 has a mouth cleaning nozzle and / or an inert gas (nitrogen) substitution nozzle not shown. The mouth part cleaning nozzle is a nozzle for cleaning the mouth part 31 of the bottle 30 which is continuously conveyed by the cleaning liquid or the cleaning gas. In addition, the inert gas replacement nozzle is a nozzle for replacing the gas in the head space of the bottle 30 which is continuously transported with the inert gas.

  While being transported by the outlet side transport device 13, bubbles may occur in the content L filled in the bottle 30. When the amount of foam is small, the foam stays inside the bottle 30, but may be released from the mouth 31 to the outside when the amount of foam becomes large. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the outlet side transfer device 13 is provided with the foam detection device 40 that automatically detects the presence or absence of the foam released from the opening 31 of the bottle 30.

In the present embodiment, the foam detection device 40 includes a first foam detection device 41 located upstream of the nozzle unit 15, and a second foam located downstream of the first foam detection device 41 and the nozzle unit 15. And a detection device 42. Among them, the first foam detection device 41 is for detecting the foam released from the mouth 31 immediately after the contents L are filled in the bottle 30.
On the other hand, the second foam detection device 42 is for detecting the foam released from the mouth 31 after a predetermined time has elapsed after the contents L are filled in the bottle 30.

The growth rate of the bubbles generated from the content L varies depending on various factors such as the type of the content L and the filling speed. Therefore, by providing both the first foam detection device 41 on the upstream side and the second foam detection device 42 on the downstream side, immediately after the contents L are filled in the bottle 30 (from the filling of the contents L to the first) The first bubble detector 41 detects bubbles having a high growth rate, which are emitted from the mouth 31 while reaching the bubble detector 41), and a certain time has passed after the contents L are filled in the bottle 30. Second foam detection device 42 detects foams having a slow growth rate, which are emitted from the mouth 31 (after passing through the first foam detection device 41 and reaching the second foam detection device 42) can do.
This makes it possible to detect various bubbles having different growth rates. In addition, you may provide another foam detection apparatus in the position different from the 1st foam detection apparatus 41 and the 2nd foam detection apparatus 42 further.

  A determination unit 50 is connected to each of the first foam detection device 41 and the second foam detection device 42 of the foam detection device 40. When the first foam detection device 41 and / or the second foam detection device 42 detects the bottle 30 from which the foam has been released, the determination unit 50 has a function of identifying the bottle 30 from which the foam has been released. There is no limitation on the method of identifying the bottle 30 from which the foam has been released, but, for example, position numbers are given to the portions of the transport wheel 21 of the filling device 20 for storing each bottle 30, and each bottle 30 detects the first foam. When passing through the device 41 or the second foam detection device 42, the determination unit 50 may recognize the position number corresponding to the passed bottle 30 and thereby identify the bottle 30 from which the foam has been released. In addition, a sensor for detecting the bottle 30 may be provided at the inlet / outlet of the filling device 20 so that the position of the bottle 30 can be specified.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the first foam detection device 41 and the second foam detection device 42 of the foam detection device 40 each have a pair of photoelectric sensors (detection parts) 43 and 43. The pair of photoelectric sensors 43 are disposed above the opening 31 of the bottle 30 and on both sides of the bubble B discharged from the opening 31 (both sides in the direction of movement of the bottle 30). The pair of photoelectric sensors 43 are attached to the brackets 44 respectively, and the brackets 44 are attached to the horizontal attachment members 45 so as to be horizontally movable. Further, the horizontal mounting member 45 is mounted movably in the vertical direction with respect to the fixing member 46. Thereby, the distance between the pair of photoelectric sensors 43 facing each other and the height position of the photoelectric sensor 43 with respect to the opening 31 can be adjusted. In addition, as the photoelectric sensor 43, a conventionally well-known thing can be used. In the present embodiment, the first foam detection device 41 and the second foam detection device 42 have the same configuration, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first foam detection device 41 and the second foam detection device 42 may be configured differently from each other.

  The photoelectric sensor 43 is connected to the determination unit 50 via the communication cable 47. The determination unit 50 may be an arithmetic device such as a computer. Further, an amplifier, a sequencer, or the like (not shown) may be interposed between the photoelectric sensor 43 and the determination unit 50.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, the determination unit 50 is connected to the adjustment unit 51. The adjustment unit 51 adjusts the filling condition by the filling device 20 based on the information from the determination unit 50. As the filling conditions, for example, the moving speed of the bottle 30 in the filling device 20 (filling time), the filling amount of the content L, the filling temperature, the pressure at the filling (counter pressure), the holding time, the snift time, the large throw filling and Adjustment (time, quantity) of small throw filling etc. are mentioned. As described above, the information L from the determination unit 50 is fed back, and the adjustment unit 51 adjusts the filling condition by the filling device 20 to fill the contents L under the filling condition in which bubbles are less likely to be released from the opening 31. it can. Thereby, the bottle 30 from which a bubble is discharge | released from the opening 31 can be reduced, and the yield of a product can be improved. In addition, when the liquid type of the content L is different, the generation of bubbles is also different. Therefore, conventionally, the optimum filling process suitable for one liquid type was created by visual inspection by shaking each filling element. However, with respect to the bottle 30 transported at high speed by the content filling system 10, it is possible to automatically grasp which element contributes most to the bubble generation mechanism. Also, results obtained during manufacturing can be fed back to the filling process in real time. By this, even if the liquid type is different every day, the optimization operation is performed with the start of filling, and it is possible to automatically derive the optimum filling process.

  In addition, although the determination part 50 is comprised separately from the adjustment part 51, not only this but the determination part 50 and the adjustment part 51 may be integrated in one apparatus. In addition, a control unit that controls the entire content filling system 10 may serve as the determination unit 50 and the adjustment unit 51.

  On the downstream side of the outlet side conveying device 13 and the foam detection device 40, a discharge unit 60 for discharging the bottle 30 is provided. The discharge unit 60 is connected to the determination unit 50. The discharge unit 60 selectively discharges the bottle 30 from which the foam is discharged, which is specified by the determination unit 50. For example, when a position number is assigned to a portion of the transport wheel 21 of the filling device 20 that accommodates each bottle 30, the determination unit 50 identifies the position number corresponding to the bottle 30 from which the foam is released Is sent to the discharge unit 60. When the bottle 30 stored at the corresponding position number arrives, the discharge unit 60 selects and discharges the bottle 30. On the other hand, the bottle 30 whose foam has not been detected by the foam detection device 40 is sent to the cap attachment device 16 without being sent to the discharge unit 60.

  The cap attachment device 16 is provided on the downstream side of the outlet side conveyance device 13 and the foam detection device 40. The cap attachment device 16 closes the bottle 30 by attaching a cap (not shown) to the opening 31 of the bottle 30. The cap mounting device 16 has a rotating transfer wheel 17, and while the bottles 30 rotate (revolution) by the transfer wheel 17, a cap is attached to the opening 31 thereof, and the transfer device 18 is continuously transferred to the transfer device 18. It is transported. As described above, by attaching the cap to the opening 31 of the bottle 30, the content-containing bottle 35 is obtained.

  The transfer device 18 carries out the content-containing bottle 35 with the cap attached by the cap attachment device 16 from the cap attachment device 16 to the outside of the content filling system 10. The cap mounting device 16 has a rotating transport wheel 19. An outlet conveyor 38 is connected to the transfer device 18. The plurality of content-containing bottles 35 are delivered to the outlet conveyor 38 while being rotated (revoluted) by the transport wheel 19 and are continuously carried out of the content filling system 10.

  The content filling system 10 has a chamber 70. In the chamber 70, the inlet-side transfer device 11, the filling device 20, the outlet-side transfer device 13, the cap mounting device 16, and the transfer device 18 described above are accommodated.

  Such a content filling system 10 may, for example, consist of an aseptic filling system. In this case, the inside of the chamber 70 is kept sterile. Alternatively, when the content L is made of a beverage that does not require sterilization such as cola, the inside of the chamber 70 may be a clean room from which foreign matter and the like have been removed.

(Contents filling method)
Next, the content filling method according to the present embodiment will be described. The content filling method according to the present embodiment is performed using the above-described content filling system 10 (FIG. 1).

  First, a plurality of empty bottles 30 are sequentially supplied from the outside of the content filling system 10 to the inlet-side transfer device 11. The bottle 30 is rotationally conveyed by the conveyance wheel 12 of the inlet side conveyance device 11 and is sent to the filling device 20.

  Subsequently, in the filling device 20, the bottle 30 is held by the transport wheel 21, and the content L is filled from the opening 31 into the bottle main body 32 while being rotated (revolved) by the transport wheel 21 (filling step).

  Next, in the filling device 20, the filling nozzle 22 is in close contact with the opening 31 of the bottle 30, and the gas supply line 25 and the bottle 30 communicate with each other. Next, a gas for counter pressure is supplied from the gas supply line 25 to the inside of the bottle 30. As a result, the internal pressure of the bottle 30 is higher than the atmospheric pressure, and the internal pressure of the bottle 30 becomes the same pressure as the internal pressure of the head tank 27 (see FIG. 2).

  Next, the content L is filled into the bottle 30 from the content supply line 24. In this case, the content L is injected from the head tank 27 (see FIG. 2) through the content supply line 24 into the interior of the bottle 30. During this time, it may be possible to switch between large throw filling and small throw filling.

  Subsequently, the supply of the content L from the content supply line 24 is stopped. Subsequently, the sniff line 26 is opened, and the gas inside the bottle 30 is discharged from the sniff line 26.

  Thereafter, the pressure inside the bottle 30 becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure, and the filling of the contents L into the bottle 30 is completed. At this time, bubbles may be generated in the contents L in the bottle 30, and the bubbles may be released from the mouth 31 to the outside.

  Subsequently, the bottle 30 filled with the contents L is sent from the filling device 20 to the outlet side transfer device 13 (see FIG. 1). At this time, the bottle 30 is rotationally transported by the transport wheel 14 of the outlet-side transport device 13 and is sent to the first foam detection device 41 of the foam detection device 40.

  Subsequently, in the first foam detection device 41, the presence or absence of foam (in particular, foam released immediately after filling) released from the opening 31 of the bottle 30 is automatically detected (first foam detection step). Specifically, when the bubble released from the mouth 31 passes through the sensing area of the pair of photoelectric sensors 43, 43 (see FIG. 3) of the first bubble detection device 41, the photoelectric sensor 43 detects the bubble. In this case, a signal is sent from the photoelectric sensor 43 to the determination unit 50 (see FIG. 1).

  Subsequently, based on the signal from the photoelectric sensor 43, the determination unit 50 specifies the bottle 30 from which the foam has been released (determination step). For example, when a position number is assigned to a portion of the transport wheel 21 of the filling device 20 that accommodates each bottle 30, the determination unit 50 specifies the position number corresponding to the bottle 30 from which the foam has been released. Subsequently, the determination unit 50 transmits, to the discharge unit 60, the position number corresponding to the bottle 30 from which the foam has been discharged.

  When the photoelectric sensor 43 of the first bubble detection device 41 does not detect a bubble, no signal is sent from the photoelectric sensor 43 to the determination unit 50.

  The bottle 30 which has passed through the first foam detection device 41 passes through the nozzle unit 15, regardless of whether or not foam is released from the mouth 31, and the mouth 31 is cleaned and / or the head The gas in the space is replaced by the inert gas. When the cleaning device in the nozzle unit 15 is used, water may scatter around the transport wheel 14 to shield the photoelectric sensor 43 or to cause noise. At that time, air may be applied to the light receiving portion of the photoelectric sensor 43 to remove water. The chamber 70 is a sterile chamber, and when used in this sterile chamber, it is necessary to use the cleaning water and air that have been disinfected.

  The bottle 30 which has passed through the inside of the nozzle unit 15 is subsequently rotationally transported by the transport wheel 14 and sent to the second foam detection device 42. Next, in the second foam detection device 42, the presence or absence of the foam released from the mouth 31 of the bottle 30 (especially the foam released after a predetermined time after filling) is automatically detected (second foam (second foam) Detection step).

  When the foam released from the mouth 31 is detected by the second foam detection device 42, a signal is sent from the second foam detection device 42 to the determination section 50, and the determination section 50 determines the bottle 30 from which the foam has been released. Identify (determination process). Next, the determination unit 50 transmits, to the discharge unit 60, the position number corresponding to the bottle 30 from which the foam has been discharged.

  In addition, the detection method in a 2nd bubble detection process is substantially the same as the case of a 1st foam detection process. In the present embodiment, the foam detection process is configured by the first foam detection process and the second foam detection process.

  Next, the bottle 30 that has passed through the second foam detection device 42 reaches the vicinity of the discharge unit 60 (see FIG. 1). At this time, based on the signal from the determination unit 50, the discharge unit 60 selects the bottle 30 from which the foam has been discharged, and discharges the bottle 30 from the outlet-side transfer device 13. In addition, the discharge part 60 may select and discharge the bottle 30 in which the bubble was detected by any one among the 1st foam detection apparatus 41 and the 2nd foam detection apparatus 42, Both foams are detected. The bottle 30 may be selected and discharged.

  On the other hand, the bottle 30 in which no bubbles are detected is transported from the outlet side transport device 13 to the cap attachment device 16 (see FIG. 1). In the cap attachment device 16, by attaching a cap (not shown) to the opening 31 of the bottle 30, the content-containing bottle 35 is obtained (cap attachment step).

  Thereafter, the content-containing bottle 35 is transferred from the cap attachment device 16 to the transfer device 18 and is discharged from the transfer device 18 to the outside of the content filling system 10.

  In the present embodiment, the production (transportation) speed of the bottle 30 is preferably 100 bpm to 1,500 bpm. Here, bpm (bottle per minute) refers to the transport speed of the bottle 30 per minute.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the foam detection device 40 automatically detects the presence or absence of the foam generated in the contents L filled in the bottle 30 and released from the opening 31 of the bottle 30. The determination unit 50 also identifies the bottle 30 from which the foam has been released. This makes it possible to automatically detect the presence or absence of foam released from the mouth 31 of the bottle 30 without relying on the hand of the worker. As a result, it is possible to prevent the problem that the amount of the content L in the bottle 30 is less than a predetermined amount, or the content L adheres to the outer periphery of the mouth 31.

  Also, conventionally, there has been a case where a worker visually inspects for the presence or absence of bubbles and collectively discards the bottles 30 which may have spouted bubbles, but according to the present embodiment, Since only the produced bottles 30 can be selectively discarded, the number of discarded bottles 30 can be reduced and the product yield can be improved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the foam detection device 40 includes the first foam detection device 41 for detecting the foam released from the mouth 31 immediately after the contents L are filled in the bottle 30, and the contents of the bottle 30. And a second foam detection device 42 for detecting the foam released from the mouth 31 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the filling of the object L. As a result, the foam detection device 40 can detect various foams having different growth rates, and the bottle 30 from which the foam is released from the mouth 31 can be reliably removed.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the discharge unit 60 for discharging the bottle 30 from which the foam has been discharged is provided, the bottle 30 from which the foam has been discharged can be automatically and reliably removed.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the discharge unit 60 discharges the bottle 30 from which the foam has been discharged before the cap mounting device 16 mounts the cap on the opening 31 of the bottle 30. As a result, there is no risk of attaching the cap to the bottle 30 to be discarded, and the cap is prevented from being wasted.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the adjustment unit 51 that adjusts the filling condition by the filling device 20 based on the information from the determination unit 50 is provided. The adjustment unit 51 feeds back the information from the determination unit 50, so that the relationship between the filling condition by the filling device 20 and the generation of bubbles can be grasped. Moreover, based on the information from the determination part 50, the filling conditions by the filling apparatus 20 can be adjusted so that it becomes difficult to discharge | release a bubble from the opening 31. As shown in FIG.

(Modification)
Next, each modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. In FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, the same parts as those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG.

  In the embodiment described above, although the case where the discharge unit 60 is provided on the upstream side of the cap mounting device 16 has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the discharge unit 60 may be provided on the downstream side of the cap attachment device 16. As a result, there is no need to dispose the discharge unit 60 in the space around the outlet side transport device 13, so the space around the outlet side transport device 13 can be used effectively. In this case, the cap attachment device 16 preferably conveys the bottle 30 to the discharge unit 60 without attaching a cap (not shown) to the opening 31 of the bottle 30 from which the foam has been released. As a result, since the cap is not attached to the bottle 30 to be discarded, it is possible to prevent the cap from being wasted.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the discharge unit 60 may be provided in the outlet conveyor 38. The bottles 30 from which the foam has been discharged are conveyed at a prescribed pitch, and are thus discharged from the outlet conveyor 38 at the outlet 60 located at the outlet conveyor 38. In this case, the cap may be in a wound state or may not be attached.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the first foam detection device 41 and / or the second foam detection device 42 of the foam detection device 40 have a plurality of (for example, two) photoelectric sensors (detection portions) 43 and 43 in the vertical direction. May be included. In this case, it is possible to detect the bubbles B having different heights emitted from the mouth 31. For example, the photoelectric sensor 43 located below can detect the bubble B with a relatively low height, and the photoelectric sensor 43 located above can detect a bubble B with a relatively high height.

  Next, specific examples in the present embodiment will be described.

  Using the content filling system 10 shown in FIG. 1, prepare a bottle 30 in which bubbles are released from the mouth 31 and let it pass between a pair of photoelectric sensors 43 and 43 to determine whether bubbles can actually be detected It was confirmed. In addition, the conveyance speed of the bottle 30 was 720 bpm.

  As the contents L, three types of dishwashing detergent, cola, and melon cream soda were prepared, and each of them was tested five times.

  As a result, when the content L was any of dish detergent, cola, and melon cream soda, the foam released from the mouth 31 could be detected (see Table 1).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Content filling system 11 Entrance side conveyance apparatus 13 Exit side conveyance apparatus 15 Nozzle unit 16 Cap mounting apparatus 18 Transfer apparatus 20 Filling apparatus 30 Bottle 31 Mouth part 32 Bottle main body 35 Content containing bottle 40 Foam detection apparatus 41 1st foam detection apparatus 42 second bubble detection device 50 determination unit 51 adjustment unit 60 discharge unit

Claims (7)

A filling device for filling contents into a container having a mouth and a container body;
A foam detection device provided on the downstream side of the filling device, which automatically detects the presence or absence of bubbles generated in the contents filled in the container and discharged from the mouth of the container;
A determination unit connected to the foam detection device for identifying a container from which the foam has been released;
And an adjusting unit that adjusts the filling condition by the filling device based on the information from the determining unit.
The information from the determination unit is fed back to the adjustment unit, and the adjustment unit automatically adjusts the filling condition by the filling device based on the feedback information .
The foam detection device
A first foam detection device for detecting foam released from the mouth immediately after the container is filled with the contents;
The second foam detection device is provided downstream of the first foam detection device, and detects foam released from the mouth after a predetermined time has elapsed after the contents are filled in the container. Content filling system characterized in that. The identified in the determination unit, further claim 1 Symbol placement content filling system is characterized in that a discharge portion for discharging the container in which the foam is discharged. The apparatus further comprises a cap attaching device provided on the downstream side of the foam detection device and attaching a cap to the mouth of the container,
The content filling system according to claim 2 , wherein the discharging unit discharges the container from which the foam has been discharged before the cap mounting device mounts the cap on the opening of the container. The apparatus further comprises a cap attaching device provided on the downstream side of the foam detection device and attaching a cap to the mouth of the container,
The content filling system according to claim 2 , wherein the discharge unit is provided on the downstream side of the cap mounting device. 5. The content filling system according to claim 4 , wherein the cap mounting device transports the container to the discharge unit without mounting the cap on the opening of the container from which the foam is discharged. The content filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the foam detection device includes a plurality of detection units arranged in the vertical direction. Filling the contents into a container having a mouth and a container body;
A foam detection step of automatically detecting the presence or absence of foam generated in the contents filled in the container after the filling step and discharged from the mouth of the container;
A determination step of specifying a container from which the foam has been released in a determination unit after the bubble detection step;
And an adjusting step of adjusting the filling condition in the filling step in the adjusting unit based on the information from the determining unit.
The information from the determination unit is fed back to the adjustment unit, and in the adjustment step, the adjustment unit automatically adjusts the filling condition in the filling step based on the feedback information .
The foam detection process
A first bubble detection step of detecting bubbles released from the mouth immediately after the container is filled with the contents;
After the first foam detection step, the method further includes: a second foam detection step of detecting the foam released from the mouth after a predetermined time has elapsed after the contents are filled in the container. Content filling method.

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