JPH0329703A - Rotary type aseptic filling apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain an apparatus which has an excellent anti-pollution mechanism with no restriction on filling work and provide ease of filling work by a method wherein a rotary wall consisting of an inner wall and a top cover plate is build one piece with a turning table, a filling area is surrounded by the rotary wall and a fixed outer wall, a filling nozzle and an air blowing nozzle are arranged in the filling space to maintain the filling space at a positive pressure with aseptic air. CONSTITUTION:A rotary wall consisting of an inner wall 12 and a top cover plate 13 has a nearly U shape section and built in one piece with a turning table 10. A filling space 15 is locally isolated by the rotary wall and a fixed outer wall 14. A minute clearance 16 is provided between the rotary wall and the outer wall 14, which allows the rotary wall to rotate easily and air to be blown. In the filling space 15, a filling nozzle 8 and an air blow nozzle 9 are arranged through the top cover plate 13 corresponding a vessel seat 11. aseptic air is blown from the air blow nozzle 9 into the filling area 15 via a switching valve 22, an aseptic supply pipe 21 and an aseptic distribution pipe 19. The air is blown out from the filling space through the minute clearance 16 so that the filling space 15 is maintained at a positive pressure with aseptic air.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a filling machine for liquid materials such as foods and pharmaceuticals, and more particularly to a rotary type aseptic filling machine in which the inside of the filling section is locally sterilized. (Prior technology) Conventionally, when filling aseptically or dust-free, a filling machine or a filling section is installed in a sterile room. In a quiet room, H E P A (High Effic=i
ency Particulate Air) F4
The sterile air that is obtained by passing air through a filtration device with a filter as the final stage is blown into a clean room, and the room is sterilized by maintaining positive pressure with sterile air. This method requires a large sterile room, is expensive to create a sterile zone, consumes a lot of air to maintain cleanliness, and requires a lot of effort to replace filters and clean the room. In addition, since there are many machines and machine parts in the room, there is a risk of contaminating the sterile room when adjusting the machines, and there are many restrictions on maintaining sterility of the parts used. Furthermore, Japanese Utility Model Application No. 62-95595 discloses a filling machine for the purpose of aseptic filling, and in this system, a clean air injection part is provided around the filling nozzle, and clean air is filled from around the filling nozzle. Sterility is maintained during filling by spraying air around the opening of the container to form a clean air curtain between the filling nozzle and the opening of the container, but air consumption is quite high. , Since sterility is maintained only by air curtains in the open state, there is a risk that sterility may be destroyed during operations such as machine adjustments. Another problem is that there is a risk of contamination when containers are brought in and out. When filling a container formed from a roll of paper or plastic film, a linear intermittent motion type filling machine is generally used.
As disclosed in the above publication, a local sterile zone centered around the filling area may be provided inside the machine. This method does not require a large sterile room and does not require sterilization of the entire machine, but inside the sterile zone surrounded by fixed walls there is a transport mechanism for linear intermittent feeding and a movement mechanism for the container shape. 19 of these moving parts in b where the mechanism is present! There are many problems in completely maintaining sterility, such as the fact that cleanliness cannot be maintained unless thorough I treatment is performed. In addition, there is a risk of contaminating the sterile zone during machine adjustment, and there are many restrictions on the parts that can be used.The same problems occur when the entire machine is installed in a sterile room. Furthermore, when conveying by intermittent linear motion, the container repeatedly accelerates, decelerates, and stops, which causes the liquid filled in the container to sway, which can easily cause spillage. To avoid this, it is necessary to move at low speed. They have many disadvantages compared to rotary filling machines, such as the need to operate them. Clean air used in sterile rooms and sterile zones. HEP
This is normally obtained using a filtration device with an A filter as the final stage, but although this filter has the characteristic of being able to obtain a large flow rate due to low pressure loss, the particle collection rate is not 100%, and particles as small as 0.3 μm are collected. It only shows 99.97% of the diameter of particles. On the other hand, thin film filters do not have a high flow rate, but their particle collection rate is perfect, and they have the ability to collect 100% of particles of any size set in the range of 15 to 0.025 μm. ．． The size of bacteria and their spores is 5 to 0.5
PM, so the PJ membrane filter collects 100% of bacteria and provides completely sterilized air. However, in conventional methods, thin film filters cannot be used because of the large amount of air consumed, and therefore there are limits to the sterility of clean air. (Problems to be Solved by the Invention) In the conventional aseptic filling method, the sterile state is likely to be destroyed unless careful sterilization is carried out over a large sterile zone. There are many restrictions to maintain sterility of parts used in machinery and equipment. Additionally, there are many restrictions regarding sterility of parts used indoors. In addition, the amount of air consumed to maintain a positive pressure inside the room is large, and when sterilizing the room, it is necessary to spray disinfectant all over the machine manually, which increases the cost and labor required to maintain cleanliness. Improvements are requested. The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a rotary-type aseptic filling system that has an excellent contamination prevention mechanism, is less subject to restrictions on work, and can easily perform aseptic filling. The aim is to provide opportunities. Another object of the present invention is to maintain the filling area in a sterile state using a relatively small amount of sterile air, and to allow operators to access the filling area when carrying in empty containers, carrying out filled containers, or adjusting the equipment. To provide a rotary type aseptic filling machine in which the sterile condition is not destroyed even by , a filling nozzle disposed above each container support seat, a pipe for contents connected to the filling nozzle, a delivery mechanism for supplying sterilized containers to the container support seat, and a loading mechanism for filling the contents from the container support seat. In a rotary filling machine which is equipped with a carry-out mechanism for taking out containers, a filling section is divided by a rotary wall integrally provided with the rotary table and having an inner circumferential wall and an upper wall, and a fixed outer circumferential wall, and the filling section is divided by a fixed outer circumferential wall. A filling nozzle communicating with the filling part is provided in the filling part, and an air outlet for locally applying positive pressure to the filling part with sterile air is arranged in at least one of the rotating wall or the fixed wall. A minute gap is provided between the fixed outer peripheral wall, the rotating upper wall, and the rotating table to allow an air outlet. Regarding the arrangement of the air outlet, it is particularly effective to have the annular air outlet "I" coaxial with the filling nozzle and submerged on the outside thereof for the reasons described later.Furthermore, to ensure sterility For this purpose, the outer peripheries of the carry-in mechanism and the carry-out mechanism may be covered with a fixed wall, and the fixed wall may be provided with an air blower ``1'' for creating positive pressure inside them with sterile air. (Function) Kihatsu IJIJ's rotary type inert filling machine has a rotary wall that is integral with a rotary table and has an inner peripheral wall and an upper wall, and a fixed outer peripheral wall that surrounds the filling section and partially separates it from the outside. The structure has a filling nozzle and an air outlet in the
The feature is that the filling part is maintained at positive pressure with sterile air. FJJJ, only the minimum space necessary for filling the container is substantially shielded by the aforementioned rotating wall and fixed wall,
The first advantage is that because it is localized, a small amount of sterile air is required to fill this localized filling area. Next, since the inner circumferential wall and the upper wall are integrated with the rotating table to form a rotating wall, there is a local sterile zone where this rotating wall is part of the partition wall. The second advantage is that there is no special drive mechanism and there are no problems in maintaining sterility caused by such moving parts. In addition, the filling section 5 blows out sterile air from the air outlet and is always maintained at a positive pressure, and sterile air flows from the filling section to the outside through the minute gap between the rotating wall and the fixed outer peripheral wall, so outside air does not flow into the filling section. The third advantage is that the filling area can be kept clean with sterile air and protected by a wall, so filling can be performed under perfect sterility. By providing each filling nozzle with an air outlet that is coaxial with the filling nozzle and has an annular outlet on its outer periphery, the supply of sterile air to the filling section is uniform without uneven distribution, and the flow of sterile air is made smooth. ing. Also, depending on the structure of the filling nozzle and air outlet, the sterile air supply pipe can be used as part of the recovery path for cleaning liquid or sterilizing fluid by attaching a cap as described later. It is possible to clean and sterilize the nozzle and air outlet at the same time. Dividing the filling area with walls and localizing the sterile area makes it easier to maintain positive pressure in the filling area with sterile air, and as a result, air effusion can be significantly reduced, making it easier to sterilize the air. It enables the use of thin film filters for processing and improves the sterility of the air. In addition, since the filling area is protected by a wall and positive pressure is applied with sterile air, the operator can approach the filling machine and adjust the machine without destroying the sterile conditions. Another advantage is that there are almost no sterility constraints for mechanical parts used outside of local sterile zones. Furthermore, since the sterile zone is surrounded by a wall, when sterilizing this area, it is possible to use a spray nozzle to sprinkle and clean the sterilizer instead of the conventional manual sterilizer 1B['Irj. Another major advantage is that the process can be easily automated. (Embodiment) An embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings, and FIG.
This is an explanatory diagram showing a main part of an embodiment of the present invention in a cross-sectional view, showing the filling section on the left side of the rotating shaft of the filling machine main body, and the unloading section, sterile air supply conduit, etc. on the right side. FIG. 2 is an explanatory plan view showing the relationship between the filling section and the loading section and unloading section before and after the filling section. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the filling nozzle during cleaning or sterilization. In the figure, the inner circumferential wall ( ) 2 and the upper wall (13) are l! j
The filling part (1
5) is locally partitioned. The outer peripheral wall (l4) is made to be detachable, and a small gap (l6) is provided between the rotating wall and the outer peripheral wall (14) to facilitate the rotation of the rotating wall and to allow air to blow out. I have to. Filling part (15
), a large number of container seats (11) are installed in a ring shape on a rotary table (lO), and each container support (17) is provided. -E of each container seat (11)
) a211, and the filling nozzle (8) and air outlet (9) are inserted through the J2 wall (13) onto each container seat (1l
). The air outlet (9) is coaxial with the filling nozzle (8) and has an annular outlet on its outer periphery. Filling nozzle (8) and air outlet (9)
) are connected to the filling pipe (5) and the sterile air distribution pipe (19) through the upper r(j (13)).The contents (filling liquid) are transferred from the main supply pipe to the supply flow rate control valve (l). , Contents supply '!? (2) .It passes through the rotary joint (3) and is supplied to the filler bowl (0).Then, from the filler bowl (4) to the filling pipe (5), the IAtDt meter (6)
, from the filling nozzle (8) via the filling valve (7) to the container (
I8). (20) is a removable cap that is used as a flow path forming connector to connect the flow path of the filling nozzle (8) and the air outlet (9), and is attached when cleaning or sterilizing the filling pipe. However, it is removed when charging. (37
) is the cleaning fluid recovery port connected to the switching valve (22). (25) is the air supply port of the switching valve (26), (
24) is the sterilizing steam recovery port of the switching valve (2G). Sterile air distribution pipe (l3) and sterile air supply pipe (2l)
) becomes part of the collection line for cleaning liquid or sterilizing fluid during cleaning or sterilization. Sterile air is supplied to the rotating filling machine body via a rotary joint, and the mist separator is Illumis}. J! After the first class is removed, air is supplied to the switching valve (26) via the pressure control valve. (25), is sterilized through a thin film filter (27), and is supplied to a sterile air supply port (38). And the switching valve (
22), the sterile air supply pipe (21), the sterile air distribution pipe (l9), and the air outlet (9) to the filling section (l5).
It is blown out. The minute gap (16) facilitates air blowing from the filling part (15), making it easy to replace the filling part (15) with sterile air and maintain a positive pressure with sterile air. In addition, the carrying-in section (28) and the carrying-out section (29) are constructed of a fixed outer wall (30), an outer 12 wall (3l), a star wheel (
32) is separated by a rotating wall and a table underneath. In addition, the air outlet (33) for sterile air is connected to the carry-in section (28).
) and the outer upper wall (3l) of the discharge section (29), (34) is a thin film filter, and (35) is a thin film filter.
) is in communication with the air supply pipe [1] equipped with a mist separator, pressure control valve, pressure gauge, etc.
36) is a minute gap that facilitates air blowing like the minute gap (l6). (39) is a spray nozzle, (23)
is the wash water collection gutter. Prior to filling, the pipes are cleaned and sterilized as follows. At this time, a gap (20) is attached to the filling nozzle (8), and the flow path of the filling nozzle (8) and the air outlet (9) are connected. The cleaning liquid is flowed from the main supply pipe, the supply flow rate control valve (l), the contents supply pipe (2), the rotary cage. Air blows out a( 9),
Sterile air distribution pipe (19), sterile air supply pipe (2l), +
It passes through the JJ exchange valve (22) and is collected from the collection port (37). A sterilizing fluid such as superheated steam is then flowed from the main supply piping and passes through a similar route to the switching valve (22).
More sterile air supply port (3 days), thin film filter (27),
The steam passes through the switching valve (26) and is collected from the steam recovery port (20). When the cleaning and sterilization of the V path is completed by the above procedure, the cap (20) is removed from the filling nozzle (8),
The supply pipe for the contents and the supply pipe for sterile air are separated. Next, a sterilizing liquid is sprayed from a spray nozzle (39) installed in the filling part (15), and sterile water is further sprayed to sterilize the inside of the filling fi (15). Immediately sterile air is flowed through the outlet (9) and the filling part (1
5) Create a sterile zone by maintaining intestinal pressure. Filling is performed with the inside of the filling section (l5) maintained at positive pressure using sterile air. In addition, the loading section (28) and the loading section (29)
The interior is also maintained at positive pressure by sterile air supplied from the sterile air outlet (33). The inside of the filling part (15) is maintained at a positive pressure by sterile air uniformly blown into the filling part from an air outlet (9) provided annularly on the outer circumference of the filling nozzle and coaxially with the filling nozzle. Since sterile air flows from (16) to the outside little by little, the sterile air is blown out uniformly without being unevenly distributed, and the inside of the filling part (15) becomes a quiet zone free from external contamination. Inside the filling section using sterile air (
15) The internal positive pressure is 0.1 to 30 m higher than the external pressure.
mAq, preferably 1-10 mmAq higher. In this way, the filling section (which is maintained at positive pressure with sterile air)
Filling in I5) is performed as follows. The contents sent from the main pipe are sent to the rotating filler bowl (0) via the supply flow rate control valve (1), the contents supply pipe (2), and the rotary joint (3), where they are stored. Filling begins. The filling valve (7) is opened by the electric signal.The contents pass through the filling pipe (5), which supplies the contents from the filler bowl (4), the flow meter (6), and the filling valve (7). The container is filled from the nozzle (8).The filling valve (
7) is closed and filling is completed. (Effects of the Invention) The rotary type sterile filling machine of the present invention partitions and localizes the filling section between a rotating wall and a fixed outer circumferential wall, and supplies sterile air to the filling section from an air outlet provided in the wall. At the same time, sterile air is flowed outside from a small gap between the rotating wall and the outer peripheral wall, and the filling section is maintained at positive pressure with sterile air, so there is no possibility of microorganisms or microorganisms entering the filling section from the outside. J is afraid! The inside of the filling area becomes a good sterile zone, with no risk of foreign substances getting inside. Furthermore, since the sterile zone is protected by a wall, filling can be performed under completely sterile conditions. In the filling machine of the present invention, the inside of the filling area is locally maintained at positive pressure with sterile air, so the amount of air consumed is small, making it possible to use a thin film filter. Therefore, it is possible to maintain intestinal pressure inside the filling part with completely sterilized air, and the safety from bacterial contamination is higher than when using a HEPA filter. The filling section is double protected by a wall and sterile air, allowing the operator to approach the filling machine and make adjustments without destroying the sterility. Furthermore, the inside of the filling area to be sterilized is small and there are fewer mechanical parts within the filling area, so there is less risk of contamination. In particular, by dividing the filling section into a rotary wall that has an inner peripheral wall and an upper wall integrated with the rotary table, and a fixed outer peripheral wall, no special drive mechanism is required to transport containers within the filling section. Since there are no complicated operating mechanisms inside the sterile zone, there is no need to worry about bacterial contamination caused by these mechanisms. In addition, since it is a rotary-type filling machine, containers can be conveyed continuously, and there is no need to worry about spillage caused by the shaking of the filled liquid contents, which is a concern in the case of intermittent operation. The rotary type aseptic filling machine of the present invention is capable of continuous operation at It can be widely applied to filling liquid materials that require

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a main part of an embodiment of the present invention in a cross-sectional view, Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between a filling section and the loading section and unloading section before and after it in a plan view. is a cross-sectional view of the filling nozzle during cleaning or IR bacteria. (1)...Supply flow rate control valve, (2)...Contents supply pipe, (3)...Rotary cage, int, 0)...Filler bowl, (5)...Filling pipe,
(6)...flow meter, (7)...filling valve, (
8)...Filling nozzle, (9)...Air outlet, (l
O)...Rotary table, (11)...Container seat, (
12)...Inner peripheral wall. (13)...Top wall, (14
)...outer peripheral wall, (l5)...filling part, (l6)...
...Minute gap. (17)...Container support, (l8
)···container. (19)...Sterile air distribution pipe, (
20) Cap, (21) Sterile air supply pipe, (22) Switching valve, (23) Recovery gutter, (24) Steam recovery port, (25)・・・
Air supply port. (26)...Switching valve, (27)...
... Thin film filter, (28) ... Loading section, (29
)... Carrying out section, (30)... Outer wall, (3l)...
...Outer upper wall, (32) ...Star wheel, (3
3)...Air outlet, (34)...Thin film filter.
(35)... Air supply port, (36)... Micro gap, (37)... Recovery port, (3B)... Sterile air supply port, (39)... Spray nozzle

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) A rotary table having a large number of container support seats, a filling nozzle located above each container support seat, a pipe for contents connected to the filling nozzle, and a supply of sterilized containers to the container support seat. A rotary filling machine comprising a carry-in mechanism and a carry-out mechanism for taking out a filled container from a container support seat, the rotary wall having an inner circumferential wall and an upper wall integrated with the rotary table, a fixed outer circumferential wall, A filling section is defined by a filling section, and a filling nozzle that communicates with the filling section is provided on the upper wall, and an air outlet for locally applying positive pressure to the filling section with sterile air is arranged on at least one of the rotating wall or the fixed wall. This rotary type aseptic filling machine is characterized by: (2) The rotary type aseptic filling machine according to claim 1, wherein a minute gap is formed between the fixed outer circumferential wall, the rotating upper wall, and the rotating table to allow air to be blown out. (3) The rotary type aseptic filling machine according to claim 1, wherein the upper wall is provided with an annular air outlet coaxially with the filling nozzle and around its outer periphery. (4) The outer periphery of the carrying-in mechanism and the discharging mechanism is covered with a fixed wall, and the fixed wall is provided with an air outlet for making the inside thereof a positive pressure with sterile air. Rotary type aseptic filling machine.