JP3180582B2 - Can pressure measuring device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the internal pressure of a can, which can continuously measure a change in pressure inside the can.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a process for producing a sealed can of beer, a can filled with beer having a liquid temperature of 3 to 5 ° C. and sealed is heated and sterilized using a device called a pastizer. Have been to be. Also, for canned beverages with a low pH and no need for sterilization, such as canned beverages with sealed carbonated beverages, dew condensation occurs on the surface of the can, making it impossible to print on the surface of the can in a later process, or packaging. In order not to wet the corrugated cardboard for use, it is heated using a device called a warmer to raise the temperature of the can to room temperature or higher.

[0003] In recent years, aluminum is often used as a material for cans in which beverages are sealed, but the thickness of aluminum cans has been reduced from the viewpoint of resource saving. Accordingly, it is necessary to continuously measure how the pressure inside the aluminum can changes when the aluminum can is heated by the above-described apparatus such as a past riser or a warmer. Accordingly, the applicant of the present invention has developed and applied for a can internal pressure measuring device suitable for use in measuring changes in the internal pressure of an aluminum can. (Japanese Patent Application No. 4-159807)

[0004] The apparatus for measuring can internal pressure according to the prior application will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 1 denotes a can internal pressure measuring apparatus which is provided through a lid 3 attached to a sample can 2. A cylindrical blind plug 5 made of an elastic body is fitted in the through hole 4. On the outer surface of the sample can 2, a pressure gauge 6 is fixed by a rubber band 7, and the sample can 2 is passed through a thin rubber tube 8 having a thin hollow needle 9 pierced through the blind plug 5. 2 is introduced into the pressure measuring device 6.

[0005] The apparatus 1 for measuring the internal pressure of a can constructed as described above.
Are put together on a conveyor at a ratio of one to 1,000 to 10,000 cans to be manufactured, conveyed, and subjected to a heat sterilization treatment. Then, by reading out the pressure data in the sample can 2 measured and stored by the pressure measuring device 6 after the completion of the heating process, it is determined whether or not the specification of the can is properly selected. I have. For example, if the can strength specification is too high for the can pressure,
The thickness of the can can be further reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

[0006]

By the way, in cans for sealing low-acid beverages such as coffee and oolong tea, for example, the cans are sealed in a high-temperature and high-pressure pot, pressurized and heated, and the high-temperature and high-pressure state is maintained for a long time. It is made to sterilize by maintaining. Therefore, in order to continuously measure the change in the pressure inside the can that is sterilized in the high-temperature and high-pressure oven, the internal pressure measuring device itself must be located inside the high-temperature and high-pressure oven. However, since the conventional internal pressure measurement device for a can has neither heat resistance nor pressure resistance, it has been impossible to measure the internal pressure of a can that is sterilized inside a high-temperature and high-pressure kettle.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is a cordless, continuous measurement of changes in can pressure of cans that require long-term sterilization even in a high-temperature high-pressure kettle. It is an object of the present invention to provide a can internal pressure measuring device which can be used.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for measuring the pressure inside a can, which continuously measures the pressure change inside the can, which measures the change in the pressure inside the can over time. A pressure measurement unit, a storage unit for storing measured data, a control unit for controlling operations of the pressure measurement unit and the storage unit, a heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container storing a power supply unit for supplying power to each unit, and an internal pressure. Pressure introducing means for introducing the pressure inside the sample can for measuring the change in the pressure into the pressure measuring unit, and a sensor for measuring the temperature inside the sample can
This can be attained by a can internal pressure measuring device comprising a connected temperature measuring unit .

It is preferable that the pressure measuring section includes a correcting section for correcting a pressure measurement error caused by a change in temperature in the heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container. Further, it is preferable that the control unit controls the pressure measuring unit, the temperature sensor, and the storage unit so that the pressure and the temperature in the container can be measured at set time intervals. Further, it is preferable that a fixing means for mounting the heat-resistant pressure-resistant container and the sample can and fixing them integrally is provided. Preferably, the fixing means includes a buffer member for protecting the heat-resistant pressure-resistant container and the sample can from contact with other cans. In addition, the present invention provides a pressure change inside a can.
Pressure measuring device for continuously measuring
Pressure measurement unit that measures changes in internal pressure over time, measurement
Storage unit for storing the obtained data, the pressure measurement unit and
A control unit that controls the operation of the storage unit;
Heat-resistant and pressure-resistant containers each containing a power supply unit to be supplied,
Measuring the pressure inside the first sample can
Pressure introducing means for introducing into the pressure measuring unit, the
A second sample can containing a temperature measuring and recording device inside the can is fixed near the first sample can .

[0010]

According to the internal pressure measuring device of the present invention, a pressure measuring section for measuring a change in pressure inside the can over time, a storage section for storing measured data, and an operation of the pressure measuring section and the storage section. Control unit to control, consisting of a power supply unit that supplies power to each unit, since the minimum necessary components for continuously measuring changes in pressure are stored and protected in a heat-resistant pressure-resistant container, The pressure inside the can can be continuously measured even in the state where the can is placed inside the high-temperature high-pressure pot.
Further, by providing a temperature measuring unit to which a sensor for measuring the temperature inside the sample can is connected, it is possible to simultaneously measure the pressure and the temperature inside the sample can. Also,
Since the pressure measurement unit includes a correction unit that corrects an error in pressure measurement received due to a change in temperature in the heat-resistant pressure-resistant container, the pressure inside the can can be accurately measured.
Further, the control unit controls the pressure measuring unit, the temperature sensor and the storage unit so as to measure the pressure and the temperature in the container at a set time interval, so that the measurement time and the capacity of the storage unit are controlled. In consideration of the above, an appropriate number of measurement data can be continuously collected. By providing the heat-resistant pressure-resistant container and the fixing means for mounting and integrally fixing the sample can, the distance between the sample can and the heat-resistant pressure-resistant container can be kept constant, and the connection between the two can be achieved. It is possible to prevent a load from being applied to the pressure introducing means. The fixing means is provided with a buffer member for protecting the heat-resistant pressure-resistant container and the sample can from contact with other cans, so that the can internal pressure inspection device can be flowed to a production line together with other cans to be manufactured. Can be. Also, the present invention continuously measures the pressure change inside the can.
An internal pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure inside the can.
Pressure measurement unit that measures changes over time, measured data
Storage unit for storing the pressure measurement unit and the storage unit
Control unit for controlling operation, power supply for supplying power to each unit
Heat-resistant and pressure- resistant container containing each part and changes in internal pressure
Measuring the pressure inside the first sample can to measure the pressure
And a pressure introducing means for introducing the part, the in the vicinity of the first sample <br/> cans, by fixing the second sample can storing the cans in temperature measurement recording device, the high-temperature autoclave in The temperature can be measured together.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a can internal pressure measuring apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of one embodiment of a can internal pressure measuring device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view showing a main part of the can internal pressure measuring device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 schematically shows functions of the can internal pressure measuring device. Block Diagram,
FIGS. 4 and 5 are graphs showing changes in the pressure inside the can measured by the can pressure measuring device of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a can internal pressure measuring apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment measures the internal pressure of a heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container 10 containing a can internal pressure measuring unit 30 (not shown) and a first sample can 21. The apparatus is provided with a pressure introducing means 40 for introducing into the can internal pressure measuring unit 30, and a storage box 51 as a fixing means for mounting and integrally fixing the heat-resistant pressure-resistant container 10 and the first sample can 21.

The heat-resistant pressure-resistant container 10 is a substantially cylindrical container made of a metal that does not easily rust, for example, stainless steel or an aluminum alloy, and has rectangular plate-shaped flanges 11 fixed to both ends. , So that it does not easily roll in the storage box 50. The heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container 10 is designed to be used in a temperature range of 0 ° C. to 150 ° C., and at a pressure of 3 atm. Thus, the can internal pressure measuring unit 30 housed therein is protected. Further, the heat-resistant pressure-resistant container 10 is provided with a through-hole (not shown) into which a measurement terminal for reading the measurement data by connecting the can internal pressure measurement unit 30 to an external computer is inserted. In addition, the through-hole can also be inserted with a charging terminal for charging a power supply, and serves as a through-hole for inserting the activation block 71 during measurement.

As shown in FIG. 3, the can internal pressure measuring unit 30 includes a pressure measuring section 31 for measuring a change in pressure inside the first sample can with time, and a storage section 32 for storing measured data. And the pressure measurement unit and the storage unit 3
And a power supply unit 34 for supplying power to the above-mentioned units. The pressure measuring unit 31
Measures the pressure in the first sample can 21 introduced by the pressure introducing means 40 using a strain gauge, and is based on data obtained from a sensor 35 for measuring the temperature in the heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container 10. And a correcting unit 36 for correcting an error in pressure measurement. The storage unit 32 has a capacity for storing five times of measurement data of the internal pressure of the can and the internal temperature of the heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container composed of 1000 data per one measurement. The control unit 33 includes the pressure measurement unit 31
And the storage unit 32, so that not only can the time interval for measuring the pressure in the first sample can 21 be set to an arbitrary interval, but also the start block 71
Is attached to the heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container 10, so that the delay time from the start of the operation of the can internal pressure measuring unit 30 to the start of the measurement can be adjusted. Then, based on the control signal of the external computer, the stored measurement data is read out and sent to the computer. The power supply unit 34 has a built-in battery that can be charged by external power, and enables continuous measurement for up to four hours.

The pressure introducing means 40 includes a heat-resistant and pressure-resistant packing 41 made of silicon rubber fitted in a through hole formed through the bottom of the first sample can 21, and one of the packings 41. A first thin stainless steel pipe 42 whose end is pierced, and a second thin stainless steel pipe which is connected to the pipe 42 via a connector 43 and connected to the pressure measuring unit 31. Piping 44
And The internal volume of the portion between the first sample can 21 and the pipe connection portion 12 of the heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container 10 is minimized, which hinders the measurement of the pressure in the first sample can 21. Not to be. Also,
The periphery of the packing 41 attached to the bottom of the first sample can 21 is coated with a silicone sealant on both the inner and outer surfaces of the can, and pressure loss occurs from the fitting portion between the first sample can 21 and the packing 41. Is not going to happen.

In the present embodiment, the storage box 51 is a box having a substantially rectangular bottom surface 52 whose upper part is open, and is heat-resistant by a first bracket 53 screwed to the bottom surface 52. The pressure-resistant container 10 is connected to the first sample can 21 by the second bracket 54 and the second sample can 22 containing an ultra-small temperature measuring device therein.
Are placed on the bottom surface 52 and fixed. The second bracket 54 has a plate shape provided with substantially semicircular cutouts 54a and 54b that are fitted to the can bodies of the first and second sample cans 21 and 22. The second sample cans 21 and 22 can be easily attached and detached, and are securely held so as not to be inclined. In the present embodiment, a cushioning member 56 formed of a band plate disposed so as to surround the upper periphery of the storage box 51 is provided on the bottom surface 52.
The other cans, which are put into the sterilization apparatus together with the can internal pressure measuring device 100, fall down inside the storage box 51, and the pressure introducing means 40 are fixed. Is not damaged.

Next, the first sample can 21 is measured using the apparatus 100 for measuring the internal pressure of the can of the present embodiment constructed as described above.
The procedure for measuring the internal pressure will be described. First, the first and second sample cans 21 and 22 are manufactured according to a normal procedure for manufacturing cans, and the interior is filled with, for example, coffee or the like, and sealed. The ultra-small temperature measurement and recording device 70 is stored in advance in the second sample can 22, and the heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container 10 is held by the first bracket 53 in the first and second sample cans 21. 22 are respectively fixed in the storage box 51 by the second bracket 54. Next, the needle portion 41 of the pressure introducing means 40 is pierced into the can bottom of the first sample can 21, and the airtightness is maintained by applying high vacuum silicon grease to the periphery thereof.
A first pipe 42 connected to the needle portion 41;
Second pipe 4 connected to can internal pressure measurement unit 30
4 is connected by a connector 43.

The apparatus 100 for measuring can internal pressure, which has been prepared as described above, is mounted on a conveyor together with a large number of cans manufactured in a can manufacturing line. At this time,
By attaching the starting block 71 to the main body of the heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container 10, the can internal pressure measuring unit 30 is started. Thereby, the control unit 33 of the can internal pressure measurement unit 30
When the set delay time has elapsed, the pressure measurement unit 31 and the storage unit 32 are operated to start pressure measurement. The can internal pressure measuring device 100 carried into the sterilization apparatus by the transport conveyor is sealed in a high-temperature high-pressure pot together with many other cans, and is gradually heated and pressurized. At this time, the control unit 33 of the can internal pressure measuring unit 30 causes the pressure measuring unit 31 to measure the internal pressure of the first sample can 21 every set time, for example, every 3 seconds, and obtains the obtained measurement data. It is stored in the storage unit 32. Therefore, the can internal pressure measuring apparatus 100 of the present embodiment can store up to 1000 pieces of data in the storage unit 32 for one measurement.
When the measurement is performed at intervals of seconds, the change in the pressure inside the first sample can 21 can be measured over time over 3 seconds × 1000 pieces, that is, over about 50 minutes. In the present embodiment, based on the measurement data of the temperature sensor 35 provided in the heat-resistant pressure-resistant container 10, the correction unit 36 of the can internal pressure measurement unit 30 appropriately corrects the measurement result of the pressure measurement unit 31. Since the correction is sent to the storage unit 32, the pressure inside the sample can 21 can be accurately measured regardless of a change in the temperature inside the heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container 10.

The heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container 10 of the internal pressure measuring apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, which has been taken out of the high-temperature and high-pressure oven after the sterilization process has been completed, is removed from the storage box 51 and connected to an external computer. The stored measurement data is read. Then, by processing the read measurement data, a pressure change graph as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is obtained. The temperature measurement recording device 70 housed in the second sample can 22 is processed in the same manner to obtain temperature change graphs as also shown in FIGS. According to these graphs, the temperature inside the can is a predetermined value of 2
Since the holding is performed for 0 minute or more, it can be confirmed that the sterilization treatment is properly performed. In addition, the maximum pressure inside the can at this time is about 5.5 atm, and it can be confirmed that the pressure is within the allowable strength of the can.

That is, the can pressure measuring device 10 of the present embodiment
At 0, since the internal pressure measuring unit 30 for measuring the pressure inside the sample can 21 is housed and protected in the heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container 10, it is sterilized by maintaining the high-temperature and high-pressure state for a long time, for example, coffee. The pressure inside a can, such as a can, can be measured continuously inside a high-temperature, high-pressure cooker. Further, the can pressure measuring device 1 of this embodiment
In 00, since the correction unit 36 for correcting the pressure measured based on the temperature in the heat-resistant pressure-resistant container 10 is provided in the can-internal-pressure measuring unit 30, the internal pressure of the sample can 21 Can be measured without being affected by Furthermore, in the can internal pressure measuring apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the first sample can 21 for measuring the pressure inside the can and the heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container 10 are mounted on the storage box 51 and fixed integrally. Not only is there no excessive force applied to the pressure introducing means 40, but it can also flow into the sterilization apparatus together with other cans manufactured in the canning line, thereby accurately controlling the operation of the sterilization apparatus. Can be measured.

In the can internal pressure measuring apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the second sample can 22 having a very small temperature measuring and recording device 70 for measuring and recording the temperature inside the can is used.
It is arranged near the first sample can 21 so as to measure the temperature condition in the high-temperature and high-pressure kettle, but it is not necessary to be limited to this, and the temperature is configured similarly to the can internal pressure measuring unit 30. Measuring instrument is heat resistant pressure vessel 10
It is needless to say that the pressure change and the temperature change inside the first sample can 21 may be simultaneously measured. Also, in the above description, the case where the can pressure measuring apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is used for measuring the pressure inside the can in a high-temperature high-pressure kettle is described as an example. It goes without saying that the device 100 can also be used to measure the change in pressure inside the can in a past riser or warmer.

[0022]

That is, the apparatus for measuring the internal pressure of a can according to the present invention comprises:
A can internal pressure measuring device for continuously measuring a pressure change inside a can in a cordless manner, a pressure measuring unit for measuring a change in pressure inside the can over time, a storage unit for storing measured data, the pressure A control unit that controls the operation of the measurement unit and the storage unit, a heat-resistant pressure-resistant container that stores a power supply unit that supplies power to each unit, and a pressure inside the sample can that measures a change in internal pressure is sent to the pressure measurement unit. A pressure introducing means for introducing, and a sensor for measuring a temperature in the sample can.
Since it has a temperature measuring section to which the circulating device is connected, it is possible to continuously measure the pressure and temperature inside the can which is sterilized by maintaining the high temperature and high pressure state for a long time. As a result, the pressure inside the can that is sterilized in the high-temperature and high-pressure oven, which could not be measured in the past,
And the change in temperature can be measured continuously, so that not only can measurement data that is extremely effective in reducing the thickness of the aluminum can be obtained, but also whether or not the sterilization treatment device is operating properly. Can be accurately determined based on the measurement data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a can internal pressure measuring device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing a main part of the can internal pressure measuring device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing functions of a can internal pressure measuring device.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing a change in pressure inside the can measured by the can pressure measuring device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing a change in pressure inside the can measured by the can pressure measuring device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a can internal pressure measuring device according to the prior application of the applicant of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Can internal pressure measuring device 2 Can main body 3 Lid 4 Through hole 5 Blind plug 6 Pressure measuring device 7 Rubber band 8 Rubber tube 9 Needle 10 Heat-resistant pressure-resistant container 11 Flange 12 Pressure introducing means connection part 21 First sample can 22 Second Sample can 30 internal pressure measurement unit 31 pressure measurement unit 32 storage unit 33 control unit 34 power supply unit 35 temperature sensor 36 correction unit 40 pressure introduction unit 41 packing 42 first pipe 43 connector 44 second pipe 50 fixing means 51 storage Box 52 Bottom surface 53 First bracket 54 Second bracket 55 Frame 56 Buffer member 70 Temperature measurement recorder 71 Start block 100 Can inner pressure measurement device according to the present invention

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroaki Kitagawa 1500 Suganuma, Koyamacho, Sunto-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture Mitsubishi Materials Corporation Aluminum Can Development Center (72) Inventor Takuya Yoshida 1500, Suganuma, Koyamacho, Sunto-gun, Shizuoka Mitsubishi Material Co., Ltd. Aluminum Can Development Center (58) Fields surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01L 11/00

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] An internal pressure measuring device for continuously measuring a change in pressure inside a can, a pressure measuring unit for measuring a change in pressure inside the can over time, and a storage unit for storing measured data. A control unit that controls the operation of the pressure measurement unit and the storage unit, a heat-resistant pressure-resistant container that stores a power supply unit that supplies power to each unit, and a pressure inside the sample can that measures a change in internal pressure. A can pressure measuring device comprising: a pressure introducing means for introducing a pressure into a measuring portion; and a temperature measuring portion to which a sensor for measuring a temperature in the sample can is connected. 2. The can internal pressure measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pressure measuring section includes a correcting section for correcting an error in pressure measurement caused by a change in temperature in said heat-resistant and pressure-resistant container. 3. The pressure controller according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the pressure measurement unit and the storage unit so as to measure and store the pressure at predetermined time intervals.
2. The can pressure measuring device according to 1. Wherein said heat-resistant pressure-resistant vessel and the can internal pressure measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a fixing means for fixing together the sample can. Wherein said fixing means, the can pressure measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a buffer member that protects the heat- and pressure-resistant container and the sample can from contact with other cans. 6. A can for continuously measuring a pressure change inside a can.
An internal pressure measuring device, wherein the internal pressure of the can is changed.
Temporarily measuring pressure measurement part, memorize the measured data
Operation of the storage unit, the pressure measurement unit and the storage unit.
A control unit for controlling the power supply unit for supplying power to the respective units.
Measure the change in internal pressure and the stored pressure-resistant container
Introduce the pressure inside the first sample can into the pressure measuring section
An internal pressure measuring means, wherein a second sample can containing an internal temperature measurement recording device is fixed in the vicinity of the first sample can.