JP4097574B2 - Container sealing method and container sealing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a container sealing method for sealing a container made of a flexible material, for example, a plastic material, and a container sealing apparatus for performing this sealing method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
At present, it is widely performed to fill a beverage in a container made of a flexible material, for example, a plastic material, for example, a PET bottle, and supply it to consumers. Usually, after filling a container with a beverage, the mouth portion of the container is sealed with a cap or the like. In such a case, the mouth portion of the container and the liquid level of the beverage in the container (hereinafter referred to as “the taste line” as appropriate). A space (hereinafter referred to as “head space”) is formed.
[0003]
As a method for filling a beverage into a container, two methods, that is, a hot pack method and an aseptic method are mainly employed. The hot pack method is a method of filling a container with a beverage at a relatively high temperature, for example, a temperature of 80 ° C. to 90 ° C., and sealing the beverage. Has been adopted. Therefore, the container employing the hot pack method is relatively thick to withstand high temperatures. On the other hand, the aseptic method is a method in which a beverage is filled in a container under aseptic room temperature conditions and sealed, and when the normal heat sterilization at 80 ° C. to 90 ° C. cannot sufficiently sterilize, or at a high temperature, the flavor and the like are impaired. It is used when filling possible beverages. Therefore, the container employing the aseptic method is thinner than the container employing the hot pack method.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, especially in recent years, as described above, containers filled with beverages are sold in a heated state by a heating device such as a vending machine or a warmer device. However, when the aseptic method is employed, the plastic material container itself is often deformed by expansion of the gas in the head space of the container when the container is heated. In particular, when such a container is heated in a state where it is displayed in the warmer device, there arises a problem that the container falls over due to deformation of the container. On the other hand, when the hot pack method is adopted, since the beverage is filled at a relatively high temperature, even if the container is heated again, the gas in the head space of the container only returns to the state at the time of filling. Although the container itself is relatively thick, there are few problems such as deformation and overturning of the container during heating, but when the head space is made larger than usual, the above-mentioned problems such as deformation and overturning of the container occur. there is a possibility. In order to solve such problems, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-63571, carbon dioxide gas is blown into the head space of a plastic container, and a part of the air in the head space is replaced with carbon dioxide gas. It is described that a part of the gas dissolves in the beverage and is heated to minimize the deformation of the plastic container due to the expansion of the gas in the headspace. However, in such a case, carbon dioxide gas must be blown by a nozzle or the like separately prepared, which increases the number of processes and manufacturing costs, and is ineffective when the gas in the container head space cannot be sufficiently replaced. There is also. Further, generally, after filling a container with a beverage, it is strongly required to quickly seal the container with a cap from the viewpoint of protecting the contents.
[0005]
Therefore, as a result of intensive studies to overcome the above problems, the present inventor can solve the above problems by reducing the gas in the head space of the container, and further by releasing the cap while pressing the container. Obtaining the knowledge that the gas in the head space of the container can quickly flow out of the container, a container sealing method and a container sealing device have been constructed, and the present invention has been completed.
[0006]
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a container sealing method for quickly sealing a container so as to prevent the container from being deformed or toppled over when the container filled with liquid is heated, and a container sealing apparatus for performing this method. The purpose is to provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-described object, according to the first aspect of the invention, the mouth portion of the flexible material container filled with liquid so that a head space is formed between the mouth portion and the liquid surface. A temporary band is attached to the cap, and a gas in the head space of the container passes through between the mouth portion and the cap and is not allowed to flow out or is almost unflowable and is connected to the cap. Is in a state in which it cannot remain in the mouth when opening, further presses at least a part of the container, thereby increasing the pressure in the container, and further presses the container The cap is temporarily clamped, thereby causing at least a part of the gas in the head space to flow out of the mouth of the container, and in the state where the container is pressed, Container sealing method of sealing by the cap part is provided.
[0008]
That is, according to the first invention, since the container is sealed in a state where at least a part of the container is pressed, the head space of the container can be reduced, thereby reducing the gas that expands when the container is heated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the container from being deformed or overturned during heating. Furthermore, according to the first invention, the temporary fastening action is released once the inside of the container is at a high pressure, so that the gas in the head space of the container can be discharged so as to be quickly ejected. The time required for the container sealing action can be reduced.
[0009]
According to a second invention, in the first invention, the temporary fastening of the cap includes the screw thread provided on the inner surface of the cap and the screw thread provided on the mouth of the container. Engaging by rotating the cap, and releasing the temporary fastening action includes reversely rotating the cap.
That is, according to the second invention, the present invention can be easily implemented with a simple configuration in which the cap is simply rotated in the reverse direction.
[0010]
According to the third invention, the temporary fastening means for temporarily fastening the cap to the mouth of the flexible material container filled with liquid so that a head space is formed between the mouth and the liquid surface A pressing means for pressing at least a part of the container; a releasing means for releasing the temporary fastening action of the cap in a state in which the container is pressed; and the mouth of the container in the state in which the container is pressed. A container sealing device comprising a sealing means for sealing is provided.
[0011]
That is, according to the third invention, the container head space can be reduced by sealing the container in a state where at least a part of the container is pressed, thereby reducing the amount of gas that expands when the container is heated. It is possible to prevent the container from being deformed or overturned during heating. Furthermore, according to the third aspect of the invention, the temporary fixing action is once released in a state where the inside of the container is at a high pressure, so that the gas in the head space of the container can be quickly ejected, The time required for the container sealing action can be reduced.
[0012]
According to a fourth invention, in the third invention, the temporary fastening means of the cap includes a screw thread provided on the inner surface of the cap and a screw thread provided on the mouth of the container. The cap is engaged by rotating, and the releasing means rotates the cap in the reverse direction.
That is, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the present invention can be easily implemented with a simple configuration in which the cap is simply rotated in the reverse direction.
[0013]
According to a fifth invention, in the third or fourth invention, the temporary fastening means includes stop means for stopping the cap at a predetermined position.
That is, according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the gas in the head space of the container does not flow out through the mouth and the cap or is almost unflowable, and the peripheral band connected to the cap remains in the mouth when the cap is opened. These states can be easily formed by temporarily fastening the cap in an impossible state.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals. In order to facilitate understanding, the scales of these drawings are appropriately changed.
[0015]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a container sealing device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the container sealing device 1 according to the present invention is composed of a cap carrier Z0, a cap temporary fastening part (precapper) Z1, and a cap final fastening part (capper) Z2. In the cap holder Z0, a container 110 made of a flexible material, for example, a plastic material, for example, a cap 100 attached to the mouth of a PET bottle is supplied. As shown in the figure, the cap 100 is supplied to the vicinity of the edge portion on the cap table feeder 71 through the cap chute 70. Since the cap table feeder 71 rotates around the vertical axis, the cap 100 rotates on the cap table feeder 71. Further, as shown in the figure, the capping head 10 is moved in one direction on the horizontal rail 4 by a roller 5 provided near the center of the capping head 10. A chuck 50 for supporting the cap 100 is provided at the tip of the capping head 10. Since part of the horizontal rail 4 is provided with the descending portion 41, when the capping head 10 passes through the descending portion 41 of the horizontal rail 4, the capping head 10 has a distance between the horizontal rail 4 and the descending portion 41. Only descend. As shown in the figure, the descending portion 41 in the cap carrier portion Z0 is formed so that the capping head 10 descends in the vicinity of the edge portion of the cap table feeder 71 described above. Thus, when the capping head 10 is lowered, the chuck 50 of the capping head 10 can carry the cap 100 on the cap table feeder 71.
[0016]
On the other hand, after the container 110 to which the cap 100 is attached is appropriately arranged so that the mouth portion 111 of the container 110 faces upward, a predetermined amount of liquid, for example, a beverage is supplied by a filler (not shown). Although the container 110 in the present invention is assumed to be a container for adopting the aseptic method, it is obvious that the present invention can be applied even to a container employing the hot pack method. FIG. 2A is a partial view of the container immediately after supplying a predetermined amount of liquid to the container. As shown in FIG. 2A, the container 110 after being filled with a liquid has a space, that is, a head space HS, between the mouth portion 111 and the liquid surface L (filled line). The container 110 filled with the liquid as described above is supplied to the cap temporary fastening portion Z1 by a star wheel (not shown) known in the art. Since foreign matter may be generated in the vicinity of the filler (not shown) described above, it is necessary to prevent such foreign matter from entering the container 110 from the mouth portion 111. On the other hand, since the cap final fastening portion Z2, which will be described in detail later, is usually difficult to clean, a filler (not shown) and the cap final fastening portion Z2 cannot be disposed adjacent to each other. The cap temporary fastening portion Z1 prevents foreign matter from entering the container 110 by temporarily fastening the cap 100 to the mouth portion 111 of the container 110, and also removes the container 110 itself from the filler (not shown) from the cap final fastening portion Z2. It plays the role of transporting up to.
[0017]
In the cap temporary fastening portion Z1, the cap 100 carried on the chuck 50 of the capping head 10 in the cap carrying portion Z0 is temporarily fastened to the mouth portion 111 of the container 110. In the cap temporary fastening portion Z1, a plurality of capping heads 10 moving along the horizontal rail 4 are shown. Since the configurations of these capping heads 10 are the same, the components of the capping head 10 are shown. Reference numbers are only shown for some.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, the capping head 10 is lowered by another lowering portion 41 provided on the horizontal rail 4 in the cap temporary fastening portion Z1. As described above, the chuck 50 of the capping head 10 already holds the cap 100 in the cap holding portion Z0. On the other hand, the container 110 filled with the liquid is guided below the horizontal rail 4 along the guide rail 72 and the base 73 arranged so as to correspond to the horizontal rail 4. The holding member 60 disposed in the cap temporary fastening portion Z1 grips the container 110, and the capping head 10 is lowered. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the holding member 60 includes two holding portions 61 and 62, and these holding portions 61 and 62 hold the container 110 so as to sandwich the side surface thereof. When the cross section of the container 110 is rectangular, the holding portions 61 and 62 of the holding member 60 grip both side portions of the container 110. Of course, the cross section of the container 110 may be circular. When the container 110 is gripped by the holding member 60, the chuck 50 of the capping head 10 is disposed at a position corresponding to the mouth portion 111 of the container 110. Next, the spindle 12 of the capping head 10 is rotated by rotating the magnet 11 provided in the capping head 10 with a magnet (not shown) corresponding thereto. As a result, the chuck 50 carrying the cap 100 rotates in the same manner, and the inner thread portion of the cap 100 and the outer thread portion of the mouth 111 are screwed together. Next, by adjusting the rotation of the magnet 11, the cap 100 is attached to the mouth portion 111 of the container 110 in a temporarily tightened state without being tightened to the end. Next, when the descending portion 41 of the horizontal rail 4 ends, the capping head 10 rises again, and the chuck 50 of the capping head 10 and the container 110 are separated from each other. And in the cap temporary fastening part Z1, the liquid level L in the container 110 and the head space HS itself are the same as the liquid level L and the head space HS in the state immediately after being filled with the liquid as shown in FIG. It is. In the cap temporary tightening portion Z1, 100 is merely temporarily tightened, and the gas in the head space HS cannot flow to the outside. That is, at the time of temporary fastening, the gas in the head space cannot pass through between the mouth portion 111 and the cap 100. Alternatively, although a slight gap is formed between the cap 100 and the mouth portion 111 at the time of temporary fastening, the gas in the head space HS is generally unable to flow out, that is, the container 110 is pressed as described later. Although the gas in the head space HS slightly leaks, the internal pressure of the container 110 may be increased (substantially sealed).
[0019]
Fig.3 (a) is an enlarged view which shows the start of the screwing effect | action about an example of a cap and the opening part of a container. In order to facilitate understanding, the chuck 50 of the capping head 10 is omitted in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3A, a peripheral band 106 for indicating opening is connected to the lower end of the cap 100 in which the inward thread 104 is formed via a bridge 105 that can be broken when the cap is opened. Has been. A plurality of claw portions 107 are provided inside the peripheral band 106. These claw portions 107 engage with a jaw portion 113 (described later) provided in the mouth portion 111 of the container 110 to prevent the surrounding band 106 from being accompanied when the cap is opened, thereby reliably breaking the bridge 105. Play a role. The top plate 108 of the cap 100 is provided with an inner ring 101, a contact ring 102 and an outer ring 103. When the cap 100 is completely engaged with the container 110, the inner ring 101 is engaged with the inner peripheral surface 115 of the mouth portion 111 of the container 110, and the contact ring 102 is engaged with the top portion 117 of the mouth portion 111. The ring 103 serves to seal the contents (liquid and gas in the head space HS) of the container 110 by engaging with the outer peripheral surface 116 of the mouth portion 111, respectively. Further, a jaw portion 113 formed in a step shape is provided below the outer thread portion 112 provided on the outer peripheral surface 116 of the mouth portion 111, and a support ring 114 is provided below the jaw portion 113. Is formed. FIG. 3A shows an example of the cap and the mouth of the container, and the cap and the mouth of the container may have different structures.
[0020]
In the present invention, the gas in the head space described above needs to be in a state where it cannot flow out or almost cannot flow out between the mouth portion 111 and the cap 100, but the winding angle of the cap 100 has a certain value. If it exceeds, the claw portion 107 associated with the peripheral band 106 of the cap 100 will engage with the jaw portion 113 of the container 110. In this case, since the temporary fastening action cannot be released practically, in the present invention, it is necessary to perform temporary fastening in a state where the gas in the head space HS cannot flow to the outside and the claw portion 107 can be reused. There is. Here, the state in which the claw portion 107 can be reused is a state in which the surrounding band 106 does not remain in the mouth portion 111 when the plug is opened. In this case, the bridge 105 is not broken. In order to form a state in which the gas in the head space HS cannot flow out between the mouth portion 111 and the cap 100 and the claw portion 107 can be reused, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. Such stop members 121, 122 (not shown in FIG. 1) can be arranged on both sides of the mouth 111 of the container 110. As shown in the figure, the stop members 121 and 122 are arranged so as to contact the jaw 113 at a predetermined position near the center of the jaw 113 of the mouth 111. In this case, since the stop members 121 and 122 are located near the center of the jaw 113, the claw 107 of the cap 100 partially engages with the jaw 113 during screwing, but the claw 107 Does not fully engage the jaw 113, and the cap 100 stops with the peripheral band 106 and / or the claw 107 contacting the stop members 121, 122. Therefore, if the claw portion 107 is only partially engaged in this way, the claw portion 107 is returned to its original state by rotating the cap 100 in the reverse direction, and the cap 100, particularly the surrounding band 106 and the claw portion 107 are moved. Can be reused. On the other hand, when the peripheral band 106 and the claw portion 107 come into contact with the stop members 121 and 122 and stop, at least one of the inner ring 101, contact ring 102, and outer ring 103 may come into contact with the container 110. . In FIG. 3A, the inner ring 101 is in contact with the container 110. In such a case, the gas in the head space cannot pass out between the mouth portion 111 and the cap 100. Even when the rings 101, 102, 103 are not in contact with the container 110, the inner thread portion 104 of the cap 100 and the outer thread portion 112 of the container 110 are screwed to a certain extent. In this case, the gas in the head space HS slightly flows out when the container 110 is pressed, but the internal pressure of the container 110 can be increased. In the present invention, such an inflow-out state or a substantially out-of-flow state can be easily formed by disposing the stop members 121 and 122 at appropriate positions.
[0021]
FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C are diagrams showing examples of the stop members 121 and 122. In FIG. 3B, two plate-like stop members 121 and 122 are in contact with each other so as to sandwich the jaw portion 113 between the outer thread portion 112 of the mouth portion 111 and the support ring 114 from both sides. In the case shown in FIG. 3B, the stop members 121 and 122 can be used so as to be sandwiched from both sides, so that the stop members 121 and 122 can be applied even to the mouth portions 111 having different dimensions. Become. On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, the tips of the substantially U-shaped members are the stop members 121 and 122, and these stop members 121 and 122 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. It is connected to. In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, the dimension between the stop member 121 and the stop member 122 cannot be changed, but only the base 120 is moved in one direction toward the mouth 111. Thus, the stop members 121 and 122 can be quickly positioned at the position of the jaw 113.
[0022]
Next, after the stop members 121 and 122 are retracted, the cap 100 is temporarily tightened by the star wheel 75 disposed between the cap temporary tightening portion Z1 and the cap main tightening portion Z2 as shown in FIG. The container 110 is conveyed from the cap temporary fastening part Z1 to the cap final fastening part Z2. A plurality of capping heads 10 'moving along the horizontal rail 4' are also shown in the cap final fastening portion Z2, but since the configuration itself of these capping heads 10 'is the same, the capping head 10' The reference numerals indicating the constituent elements are only partially shown.
[0023]
The container 110, to which the cap 100 is temporarily tightened as indicated by the location A in the cap final tightening portion Z2 in FIG. 1, is horizontal along the guide rail 72 ′ and the base 73 ′ arranged so as to correspond to the horizontal rail 4 ′. Guided below the rail 4 '. Next, the holding member 80 disposed in the cap main fastening portion Z2 grips the container 110. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the holding member 80 includes two holding portions 81 and 82, and these holding portions 81 and 82 hold the container 110 so as to sandwich the side surface thereof. As the container 110 is gripped by the holding member 80 as shown at a location A in FIG. 1, the chuck 50 ′ of the capping head 10 ′ is disposed at a position corresponding to the cap 100 of the container 110.
[0024]
FIG. 4A is a partially enlarged side view showing the holding member of the container sealing device according to the present invention. The container 110 shown in these drawings has a rectangular cross section and includes an upper portion X and a lower portion Y with the narrow portion W as a boundary. The holding member 80 of the container sealing device according to the present invention grips the upper vicinity X of the side surface of the container 110 in substantially the same manner as the holding member 60 of the cap temporary fastening portion Z1. Accordingly, the lengths of the holding portions 81 and 82 are substantially equal to the length of the upper portion X of the container 110. As shown in FIG. 4A, the holding portions 81 and 82 of the holding member 80 arranged in the cap final fastening portion Z2 include pressing portions 91 and 92, respectively. The lengths of the pressing portions 91 and 92 are substantially equal to the length of the upper portion X. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. Referring to FIG. 4 (b), the holding portions 81 and 82 are formed of two plate-like members and are members having a substantially L-shaped cross section. One end of each of the holding portions 81 and 82 is connected to the rotation bases 87 and 88, and the holding portions 81 and 82 can rotate in opposite directions around the central axes 85 and 86 of the rotation bases 87 and 88. . Thereby, the holding member 80 can grip the side surface of the container 110. The pressing portions 91 and 92 are respectively fixed near the center of the surfaces of the holding portions 81 and 82 on the side close to the container 110. For this reason, the holding portions 81 and 82 rotate about the central axes 85 and 86, respectively, so that the pressing portions 91 and 92 press the side surface of the container 110, in this case, the vicinity of the center of the upper portion X. As described above, the pressing portions 91 and 92 press the container 110, so that the container 110 can be properly centered, that is, appropriately disposed below the capping head 10 when the holding portions 81 and 82 are rotated.
[0025]
Assuming a case where the cross section of the container 110 is rectangular, the holding member 60 provided in the cap temporary fastening portion Z1 holds the inner surface of the holding portions 61 and 62 so as to contact the side surface of the container 110. On the other hand, in the case of the holding member 80 provided in the cap final fastening portion Z2, the inner surfaces of the holding portions 81 and 82 do not make much contact with the side surface of the container 110, and the pressing portions 91 and 92 press the vicinity of the center of the side surface of the container 110. To come. That is, the container 110 is squeezed from both sides by the pressing portions 91 and 92 (hereinafter, referred to as “squeeze” as appropriate), whereby the pressed side surface of the container 110 is recessed toward the central axis of the container 110. . As described above, when the gas in the head space cannot flow out between the mouth portion 111 and the cap 100, that is, the gas in the head space HS cannot flow to the outside, the internal pressure of the container 110 is reduced by the pressing action. Becomes higher. On the other hand, when the container 110 is substantially sealed by the cap 100, the gas in the head space HS slightly leaks due to the pressing action, but the internal pressure of the container 110 increases to some extent.
[0026]
Referring to FIG. 1 again, at the location B in FIG. 1, the capping head 10 ′ is lowered by another lowering portion 41 ′ provided on the horizontal rail 4 ′. When the capping head 10 ′ is lowered, the chuck 50 ′ of the capping head 10 ′ carries the cap 100 of the container 110. Next, the clutch portion 13 ′ of the capping head 10 ′ is operated to rotate the spindle 12 ′ in the reverse direction, and this is transmitted to the chuck 50 ′. As a result, the cap 100 rotates so as to rise, so that the sealed state or the substantially sealed state between the cap 100 and the container 110 is released, and the gas in the head space HS can be circulated to the outside. . On the other hand, since the internal pressure of the container 110 is increased by the pressing portions 91 and 92, the gas in the head space HS is ejected to the outside, and the liquid level L in the container 110 also starts to rise. Next, the clutch portion 13 ′ is operated at the location C in FIG. 1 so that the rotation of the spindle 12 ′ is not transmitted to the chuck 50 ′. During this time, the gas in the head space HS continues to be ejected to the outside until the gas in the head space HS reaches a normal pressure. FIG. 2B is a partial view of the container sealed after pressing, and the pressing portions 91 and 92 are omitted in FIG. When the gas in the head space HS is ejected, the head space HS becomes smaller to the head space HS ′ shown in FIG. 2B, and the liquid level L also reaches the liquid level L ′ in FIG. To rise. Next, the cap 100 is finally tightened at the location D in FIG. The spindle 11 'of the capping head 10' is rotated by the motor 11 'provided in the capping head 10', and thereby the chuck 50 'carrying the cap 100 is similarly rotated. In the final tightening stage, the reverse amount at the place B is returned to the original temporary tightening angle, and the cap 100 is further wound and the container 110 is completely sealed by the cap 100. That is, in this case, the inner claw portion 107 of the peripheral band 106 is engaged with the jaw portion 113 provided in the mouth portion 111 of the container 110, and the bridge 105 is broken when the cap 100 is reversely rotated at this point. As a result, the peripheral band 106 remains on the jaw 113 of the container 110. That is, in this case, the cap 100 cannot be reused. Next, at a location E in FIG. 1, the clutch portion 13 ′ provided on the spindle 12 ′ is operated to prevent the rotation of the spindle 12 ′ from being transmitted to the chuck 50 ′. Finally, when the descending portion 41 ′ of the horizontal rail 4 ′ is finished, the capping head 10 ′ rises again at the place F, and the chuck 50 ′ of the capping head 10 ′ and the cap 100 of the container 110 are separated from each other. The sealed container 110 is conveyed from the cap main fastening portion Z2 by a star wheel 76 provided separately.
[0027]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between angle and time when the container sealing device according to the present invention is used. In FIG. 5, the relationship between the raised and lowered positions when the capping head 10 ′ is raised and lowered by the descending portion 41 ′ in the cap final fastening portion Z 2 and the capper operating angle at which the entire cap final fastening portion (capper) rotates, and The relationship between the open / closed state of the holding member 80 provided with the pressing portions 91 and 92 and the capper operating angle is shown. Further, below these relationships, the relationship between the operating state of the capping head 10 ′ and the time (msec) from when the pressing portion 91 contacts the side surface of the container 110 is shown. FIG. 5 shows a state in the cap final fastening portion Z2, but the cap 100 is temporarily fastened in advance at a temporary fastening angle of, for example, about 195 ° in the cap temporary fastening portion Z1.
[0028]
The capping head 10 ′ passes through the descending portion 41 ′, and starts to descend when the capper operating angle at which the cap main fastening portion (capper) rotates is about 55 ° as shown in FIG. It fully descends at an operating angle of about 100 °. The difference in height between the raised position and the lowered position shown in FIG. 5 is about 40 mm. When the capping head 10 ′ is completely lowered, the chuck 50 ′ of the capping head 10 ′ carries the cap 100 of the container 110. In this case, the cap 100 is temporarily tightened in a state where the gas in the head space HS cannot flow out or almost cannot flow out at the cap temporary tightening portion Z1. When the cap 100 is supported, the cap 100 enters the capping zone C1 shown in FIG. On the other hand, the holding member 80 provided with the pressing portions 91 and 92 operates so as to be temporarily opened from a capper operating angle of about 0 ° and closed from a capper operating angle of about 30 °. As shown in the figure, the holding member 80 is completely closed at a capper operating angle of about 60 °, but the pressing portions 91 and 92 provided on the holding member 80 are arranged on the side surface of the container 110 at a capper operating angle of about 45 °. Come into contact. The time when the pressing portions 91 and 92 as shown in FIG.
[0029]
In the stage P1 (from 0 msec to 360 msec) from time t0 to the start of the capping zone C1 as in the “with reversal” pattern shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, the container 110 is pressed by the pressing portions 91 and 92. The cap 100 is not carried by the chuck 50 '(see location A in FIG. 1). As described above, since the gas in the head space HS remains in a state where it cannot flow out or almost cannot flow out to the outside, the internal pressure of the container 110 increases in the stage P1. Next, at stage P2, after the chuck 50 'carries the cap 100, the chuck 50' rotates in the opposite direction (see location B in FIG. 1). In the stage P2, the cap 100 is reversely rotated for about 200 msec, whereby, for example, the position where the outer thread portion 112 of the container 110 and the inner thread portion 104 of the cap 100 start to engage (temporary fastening angle 0 °). ) And the engagement action between the cap 100 and the container 110 is released. That is, the gas in the head space HS can flow out. In a preferred embodiment, the cap 100 is reverse rotated at 225 rpm. Since the internal pressure of the container 110 is increased in advance in the stage P1, the gas in the head space HS of the container 110 is a gap between the cap 100 and the mouth portion 111 of the container 110 immediately after the engagement action is released. Erupts to the outside. Next, in stage P3, the rotational movement of the spindle 12 'is prevented from being transmitted to the chuck 50' by the clutch portion 13 '(see location C in FIG. 1), and the engagement between the cap 100 and the container 110 is prevented. The chuck 50 ′ is stopped in a state where the combined action is released. The stop time of the stage P3 is 300 msec, which will be described later. Next, in step P4, the clutch portion 13 'is actuated again, and the rotational movement of the spindle 12' is transmitted to the chuck 50 'in the normal rotation direction (see the location D in FIG. 1). In the stage P4, the forward rotation is performed for about 600 msec. In a preferred embodiment, cap 100 is rotated forward at 180 rpm. Next, when the chuck 50 ′ is stopped again at the stage P5 corresponding to the surplus time, the capping zone C1 is completed. That is, since the descending portion 41 ′ of the horizontal rail 4 ′ at the cap final fastening portion Z2 is completed, the capping head 10 ′ is lifted away from the cap 100 of the container 110 over a capping operating angle of about 280 ° to about 320 °. Then, after the capping head 10 ′ starts to rise, the holding member 80 starts to open at a capper operating angle of about 310 ° and opens completely at a capper operating angle of about 320 ° (see locations E and F in FIG. 1). Wanna)
[0030]
On the other hand, in the lowermost part of FIG. 5, there is shown a “no reverse” pattern in which such a step for reverse is not provided. The operations of the capping head 10 ′ and the holding member 80 are the same as the “with reverse rotation” pattern described above. On the other hand, the container 110 is temporarily tightened in a state in which it cannot substantially flow out at the cap temporary tightening portion Z1, that is, in a state where the gas in the head space HS slightly leaks when the container 110 is pressed. In the stage Q <b> 1 of the “no reversal” pattern, the container 110 is kept pressed by the pressing portions 91 and 92 of the holding member 80. Thereby, although the gas in the head space HS of the container 110 leaks little by little from between the mouth portion 111 and the cap 100, the internal pressure of the container 110 is increased. In step Q1, the gas in the head space HS is leaked until the time reaches about 1000 msec, so that the pressure in the head space HS is almost normal. The time of the stage Q1 is 1000 msec, which will be described later. Next, in step Q2, the cap 100 is tightened for about 600 msec in the same manner as in step P4 described above. However, as shown in the figure, the capping zone C1 is exceeded by ΔQ in the “no reversal” pattern. Therefore, in the case of the “with reverse rotation” pattern, the time from the pressing to the completion of the tightening can be made shorter than in the case of the “no reverse rotation” pattern.
[0031]
In the case of a liquid in which a relatively large number of bubbles are generated in the head space HS of the container 110 at the time of filling, a relatively large number of bubbles are generated in the head space HS, and the gas in the head space HS is formed due to the foam coating. In particular, the gas in the bubbles is prevented from leaking outside. Therefore, it is preferable that bubbles are not generated in the head space HS, and thereby, the gas in the head space HS can be quickly discharged to the outside when the container 110 is pressed.
[0032]
As described above, in the container sealing device 1 according to the present invention, since the container is sealed with at least a part of the container 110 being pressed, the head space HS of the container can be made smaller than before (see FIG. 2 (see 2 (b)), this reduces the amount of gas that expands when the container 110 is warmed, so that it is possible to prevent the container from being deformed or overturned when warmed. In addition, since the head space HS can be reduced, the taste line of the container using the aseptic method can be made substantially equal to the taste line of the container using the hot pack method, and it is possible to avoid consumer confusion. It becomes. Furthermore, in the container sealing device according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the internal pressure of the container 110 is increased by temporarily pressing the container 110 temporarily tightened at the cap temporary tightening portion Z1 (step P1), and then Then, the cap 100 is reversely rotated to release the temporarily tightened state (step P2), so that the gas in the head space HS of the container 110 flows out so as to be rapidly ejected to the outside, so the container is sealed. The time required for this can be reduced.
[0033]
【The invention's effect】
According to each invention, when heating the container filled with the liquid, it is possible to achieve a common effect that the container can be prevented from being deformed or toppled.
[0034]
Furthermore, according to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to produce an effect that the time required for the container sealing action can be reduced.
Furthermore, according to the second aspect, the present invention can be easily implemented.
Furthermore, according to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to produce an effect that the time required for the container sealing action can be reduced.
Furthermore, according to the fourth aspect, the present invention can be easily implemented.
Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is easy to form a state in which the gas in the head space cannot flow out between the mouth portion and the cap and the surrounding band cannot remain in the mouth portion when the cap is opened. The effect that it is possible can be produced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a container sealing device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a partial view of a container immediately after supplying a predetermined amount of liquid to the container.
(B) It is a fragmentary figure of the container sealed after pressing.
FIG. 3A is an enlarged view showing the start of the screwing action between the cap and the mouth of the container.
(B) It is a figure which shows the Example of a stop member.
(C) It is a figure which shows the Example of a stop member.
FIG. 4A is a partially enlarged side view showing a holding member of a container sealing device according to the present invention.
(B) It is sectional drawing seen along line AA of Fig.4 (a).
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between angle and time when using the container sealing device according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Container sealing device
4 ... Horizontal rail
5 ... Laura
10 ... Capping head
11 ... Magnet
12 ... Spindle
13 ... Clutch part
41 ... descending part
50 ... Chuck
80. Holding member
81, 82 ... holding part
91, 92 ... pressing part
100 ... Cap
110 ... container
111 ... Mouth
121, 122 ... Stop member
HS ... headspace
L ... Liquid level
Z0: Cap carrier
Z1 ... Cap temporary tightening part
Z2 ... Cap final fastening part
P1 ... Pressing stage
P2 ... Reverse rotation stage
P3 ... Stop stage
P4 ... Stage of winding

Claims (6)

A cap is temporarily fastened to the mouth of the flexible material container filled with liquid so that a head space is formed between the mouth and the liquid surface. Gas is not allowed to flow out through the mouth portion and the cap, or in a state where the gas is not substantially allowed to flow out, and the peripheral band connected to the cap cannot remain in the mouth portion when opened.
further,
Pressing at least a portion of the container, thereby increasing the pressure in the container;
further,
Release the temporary fastening action of the cap in a state of pressing the container, thereby causing at least part of the gas in the head space to flow out of the mouth of the container,
further,
A container sealing method for sealing the mouth of the container with the cap in a state where the container is pressed. Temporarily fastening the cap includes engaging a screw thread provided on the inner surface of the cap with a screw thread provided on the mouth of the container by rotating the cap. ,
The container sealing method according to claim 1, wherein releasing the temporary fastening action includes reversely rotating the cap. Temporary fastening means for temporarily fastening a cap to the mouth of the flexible material container filled with liquid so that a head space is formed between the mouth and the liquid surface;
Pressing means for pressing at least a part of the container;
Release means for releasing the temporary fastening action of the cap in a state of pressing the container;
A container sealing device comprising sealing means for sealing the mouth of the container with the cap in a state where the container is pressed. The cap temporary fastening means is configured such that a screw thread provided on the inner surface of the cap engages with a screw thread provided on the mouth of the container by rotating the cap.
The container sealing device according to claim 3, wherein the release means rotates the cap in the reverse direction.   The container sealing device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the temporary fastening means includes a stopping means for stopping the cap at a predetermined position.   A sealed container containing liquid, which is sealed by the container sealing method according to claim 1.

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