JP4428897B2 - Method and apparatus for manufacturing food-filled packaging bag - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a food-filled packaging bag and an apparatus therefor, and more specifically,,liquidIn a food-filled packaging bag that is filled and sealed in a packaging bag typified by a retort pouch, and sterilized under pressure and heat, especially for products with large retort pouch containers, the air content is kept constant. The present invention relates to a new method for manufacturing a food-filled packaging bag and an apparatus for the same, which makes it possible to manufacture a high-quality product that achieves both prevention of food quality deterioration and a high sterilization effect.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a product that can be safely and reliably sterilized and stored without deteriorating the quality of food, a solid or liquid food is filled and sealed in a packaging bag typified by a retort pouch, Food-filled packaging bags that are sterilized under pressure and heat are widely used. As one of those technologies, food such as curry and stew is filled and sealed in a retort pouch together with a gas such as air or an inert gas, and then is heated and sterilized while rotating the retort pouch ( Hereinafter, a rotary retort sterilization technique) is known.
In the above technique, the content of air, inert gas, etc. in the retort pouch is not less than a predetermined amount, for example, 2% by volume or more with respect to the total volume of the retort pouch after sealing. It is extremely important in that it effectively prevents quality deterioration of food caused by overheating and enables heat sterilization in a short time.
[0003]
At the same time, the air content of the retort pouch is not more than a predetermined amount, for example, 20% by volume or less with respect to the total volume of the retort pouch after sealing. For example, when stacking trays on which retort pouches are stacked in multiple stages In addition, it is important for effectively preventing the occurrence of retort pouch breakage due to the retort pouch being sandwiched between the upper and lower trays and the variation in sterilization effect among individuals when heat sterilization is performed. is there.
For these reasons, it is extremely important to set the air content of the retort pouch to a predetermined amount. In particular, the larger the container such as a 3 kg pouch container, the air content from the viewpoint of sterilization efficiency and quality maintenance. It is very important to keep the amount constant.
[0004]
Conventionally, as those prior arts, for example, after filling a retort pouch with a solid or liquid food, a method of efficiently removing the air in the pouch container, a method of degassing by discharging the gas in the pouch container, A method of supplying a predetermined amount of gas into a degassed pouch container to control the amount of gas in the pouch container. Steam is blown into the packaging bag before sealing the seal to replace the air in the bag with steam and sealing the seal. Various methods have been proposed, such as a deaeration device that makes the amount of gas in the pouch container substantially zero, a press deaeration device that presses a packaging bag filled with contents from both sides, and deaerates the inside of the bag. However, these methods and apparatuses cannot reliably control the influence of air present in the gaps between solid and liquid foods, and in particular, products using large pouch containers with large retort pouch containers. In this case, due to the quantitative difference of the air in each retort pouch, the quality of the food filled in each retort pouch and the sterilization efficiency vary greatly, making it difficult to produce a product of uniform quality. There was a problem of becoming.
On the other hand, with the progress of research and development of new packaging materials for retort pouch containers, manufacturing technology, and pressure heat sterilization technology, there are conditions that can produce high-quality products with little quality degradation of food products with small pouch container capacity. There are many technical issues that need to be improved in the production of high-quality products with little deterioration in food quality in products that use large-sized pouch containers that have a large pouch container capacity. The development of new technology that can be overcome is demanded.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  In such a situation, in view of the above-mentioned prior art, the present inventors, in particular, in a product using a so-called large pouch container having a large capacity of a retort pouch container, quality of food resulting from overheating. As a result of intensive research aimed at developing a new technology that can achieve high sterilization efficiency with very little deterioration,,liquidThe present inventors have found that the intended purpose can be achieved by adopting a new treatment method for the food or packaging bag before, during and after filling the shaped food.
  That is, the present invention,liquidIn a food-filled packaging bag that is filled in a packaging bag represented by a retort pouch, sealed, and sterilized under pressure and heat.,liquidA new food-filled packaging bag that reliably controls the effects of air present in the gaps in the shape of food to minimize the deterioration of food quality caused by overheating and to ensure high sterilization efficiency An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method and an apparatus therefor.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention for solving the above problemsIn order to provide a comprehensive and easy-to-understand description along with a series of technologies closely related to the present invention,belowRelationTechnologyExplain aboutThe
(1) First aspect
  In a method for producing a food-filled packaging bag in which a solid or liquid food is filled with a gas such as air or an inert gas in a packaging bag represented by a retort pouch, sealed, and sterilized by heating and heating. Is a method of manufacturing a packaging bag in which the opening of the packaging bag is sealed in a state where the air content is constant, and the air present in the gaps of the solid material is removed by heat treatment of the solid material. A method for producing the packaging bag, which is filled with the air density reduced and inflatedLaw.
  First statelikeIncludes the following preferred embodiments.
1. The solid matter to be filled per packaging bag is accommodated in a retainer, and when the solid matter is filled into the packaging bag from the retainer, the solid matter contained in the retainer is heat-treated and then filled into the packaging bag.
2. The solid is heat-treated with steam and / or hot air.
3. The solid is filled in a heated state of 60 ° C or higher.
4). The packaging bag filled with the solid material and the liquid material is heat sterilized.
5. It is an apparatus used for the manufacturing method of the first aspect, and is a retainer for containing solid matter to be filled per packaging bag, a heating device for heat-treating solid matter contained in the retainer, and accommodated in the retainer. A packaging bag filling device comprising a filling mechanism for filling a packaging bag with the solid matter.
[0007]
(2) Second aspect
  In a method for producing a food-filled packaging bag in which a solid or liquid food is filled with a gas such as air or an inert gas in a packaging bag represented by a retort pouch, sealed, and sterilized by heating and heating. Is a method of manufacturing a packaging bag in which the opening of the packaging bag is sealed in a state where the moisture content is constant, and when the solid material is dropped into the packaging bag from above and filled, A method for producing the packaging bag, wherein the dropping path is filled with steam, the steam is applied to the falling solid matter, and the air present in the gaps of the solid matter is replaced with the steam.Law.
  Second statelikeIncludes the following preferred embodiments.
1. Steam is blown upward to fill the fall path.
2. A solid material to be filled per packaging bag is accommodated in a retainer, and when the solid material is filled from the retainer into the packaging bag through a chute, the chute is filled with steam.
3. When filling the solid material, the packaging bag is filled with steam.
4). An apparatus used in the manufacturing method of the second aspect, which is a retainer for containing solid matter to be filled per packaging bag, a dropping device for dropping solid matter contained in the retainer, and a dropped solid matter A packaging bag filling device comprising a chute for guiding the bag to the packaging bag, and a steam device for filling the chute or the packaging bag with steam.
5. A filling device comprising a steam device at the lower end portion of the chute having a steam nozzle that jets steam upward to blow the steam upward in the chute.
6). A filling device comprising a steam device having a steam nozzle for jetting steam into a packaging bag so as to fill the packaging bag with steam when filling a solid material.
[0008]
(3) Third aspect
  In a method for producing a food-filled packaging bag in which a solid or liquid food is filled with a gas such as air or an inert gas in a packaging bag represented by a retort pouch, sealed, and sterilized by heating and heating. Is a method of manufacturing a packaging bag in which the opening of the packaging bag is sealed in a state where the moisture content is constant, and a solid material is dropped into the packaging bag from above and filled. The method for producing the packaging bag is characterized in that the dropping path is filled with steam, the steam is applied to the falling solid matter, and the air present in the gaps of the solid matter is replaced with the steam.Law.
  Third statelikeIncludes the following preferred embodiments.
1. The solid is filled in a heated state of 60 ° C or higher.
[0009]
(4) Fourth aspect
  In a method for producing a food-filled packaging bag in which a solid or liquid food is filled with a gas such as air or an inert gas in a packaging bag represented by a retort pouch, sealed, and sterilized by heating and heating. Is a method of manufacturing a packaging bag in which the opening of the packaging bag is sealed in a state of a constant air content, after filling with a heated part of the liquid material, filling with a solid material, The method for producing the packaging bag is characterized by further filling the remaining liquid materialLaw.
  Fourth statelikeIncludes the following preferred embodiments.
1. The product temperature of the liquid to be filled first is 60 to 95 ° C.
2. The weight ratio of the liquid material to be filled first and the remaining liquid material is the latter 1 to 5 with respect to the former 1.
3. After filling a part of the liquid, fill the solid as soon as possible.
4). An apparatus used in the manufacturing method of the fourth aspect, the first liquid filling machine for filling a part of the heated liquid, the solid filling machine for filling the solid, and the remaining liquid A packaging bag filling device including a second liquid filling machine for filling a product.
[0010]
(5) Fifth aspect
  In a method for producing a food-filled packaging bag in which a solid or liquid food is filled with a gas such as air or an inert gas in a packaging bag represented by a retort pouch, sealed, and sterilized by heating and heating. Is a method of manufacturing a packaging bag in which the opening of the packaging bag is sealed in a state where the moisture content is constant, and after filling a highly viscous liquid material, the solid material is placed on the liquid material. A method for producing a packaging bag, wherein the packaging bag is filled so as to be placed and the opening of the packaging bag is sealed in a state where the solid matter is placed on the liquid matter.Law.
  5th statelikeIncludes the following preferred embodiments.
1. The viscosity of the liquid material is 1600 cp or more.
2. The product temperature of the liquid is 60-95 ° C.
3. The solid is filled through means for gently placing the solid on the liquid.
4). An apparatus used in the manufacturing method according to the fifth aspect, which is a liquid filling machine for filling a highly viscous liquid substance, a solid filling machine for filling a solid substance, and a solid substance on the liquid substance A packaging bag filling device equipped with a shock absorber mechanism for placing gently.
5. A filling device in which the shock absorber mechanism is a mesh-like plate material and is provided so as to be openable and closable.
[0011]
(6) Sixth aspect
  In a method for producing a food-filled packaging bag in which a solid or liquid food is filled with a gas such as air or an inert gas in a packaging bag represented by a retort pouch, sealed, and sterilized by heating and heating. Is a method of manufacturing a packaging bag in which the opening of the packaging bag is sealed in a state where the moisture content is constant, and the packaging is performed after the solid or liquid filling process until the sealing process. A method of manufacturing the packaging bag, characterized in that the bag is vibrated to remove air from the packaging bag.Law.
  Sixth statelikeIncludes the following preferred embodiments.
1. Vibration is applied at a frequency of 3 to 80 times / second and an amplitude of 10 to 40 mm.
2. The packaging bag is vibrated by applying vibration to the packaging bag from the bottom and / or the side, vibrating a gripping claw for gripping the packaging bag, or combining them.
3. The packaging bag is vibrated by a vibrating bar that locally abuts or separates from the bottom and / or side of the packaging bag.
[0012]
(7) Seventh aspect
  In a method for manufacturing a food-filled packaging bag in which a solid or liquid food is filled in a packaging bag typified by a retort pouch together with a gas such as air or an inert gas, and is sterilized under pressure and heat. A method of manufacturing a packaging bag filled with a product and a liquid material and sealing the opening of the packaging bag in a state where the air content is constant, and before the sealing step, gas is introduced into the head space at the opening of the packaging bag. A method of manufacturing the packaging bag characterized by sprayingLaw.
  7th statelikeIncludes the following preferred embodiments.
1. A gas is sprayed on the liquid surface.
2. The gas is air or an inert gas.
3. The gas is cooled.
4). After blowing the gas, seal as soon as possible.
5. After filling the packaging bag with a solid material and a liquid material, the packaging bag is shaped, and a gas is blown into the head space at the opening of the shaped packaging bag, and then sealed as soon as possible.
6). After filling the packaging bag with solids and liquids, blow the gas to the head space at the opening of the packaging bag, press the packaging bag to deaerate, and then put a predetermined amount of gas into the packaging bag To keep the air volume constant.
7). An apparatus used for the manufacturing method of the seventh aspect, comprising: a gas blowing nozzle for blowing gas to the head space of the opening portion of the packaging bag; and a sealing machine for sealing the opening of the packaging bag, which are gas blowing nozzles A packaging device for packaging bags, wherein the packaging bag is configured to seal the opening of the packaging bag with a sealing machine as soon as possible after blowing the gas.
[0013]
  Next, the present invention for solving the above problems will be described. The present invention is composed of the following technical means.
(INo.IAspect
  In a method for manufacturing a food-filled packaging bag in which liquid food is filled and sealed in a packaging bag represented by a retort pouch together with a gas such as air or an inert gas, and the packaging bag is filled with a liquid material. This is a method for producing a packaging bag that is deaerated by shaping the packaging bag, and if necessary, puts a predetermined amount of gas in the packaging bag and seals the opening of the packaging bag in a state of a constant moisture content. Then, before the shaping process, the liquid level of the liquid material is detected, and the operation of the shaping process is adjusted based on the detection result, whereby the deaeration amount is made constant. Method (claims)1Described invention).
  FirstIThe invention of an embodiment includes the following preferred embodiments.
1. The following method is used to detect the liquid level of the liquid material;
a. Take a thermal image of the side of the packaging bag with an infrared camera,
b. Measure the temperature distribution in the height direction on the side of the packaging bag with a radiation thermometer,
c. Image the side of the packaging bag with X-rays,
d. The height of the liquid level is detected from above the opening of the packaging bag by a distance sensor (laser sensor, ultrasonic sensor, etc.)
Implemented by one or more of
2. Adjustment of the operation in the shaping process is as follows:
a. Adjusting the height and / or extrusion width of the pressing bar that presses the side of the bag mouth of the packaging bag from both sides,
b. Change the shape of the holding die that presses the side of the packaging bag from both sides, or adjust the extrusion width.
c. Adjust the degree of decompression between the holding mold and the packaging bag,
d. Adjust the amount of gas injected from the opening of the packaging bag by holding the packaging bag with the holding mold.
It carries out by either.
3. When adjusting the height and the extrusion width of the pressing bar, the height of the pressing bar is lowered / decreased depending on whether the liquid level detection result is low, normal, or high, respectively. Control the above-mentioned extrusion width by increasing the extrusion amount of the pressure bar, setting the height position of the pressure bar as standard, setting the extrusion width as the standard width, increasing the height of the pressure bar / decreasing the extrusion amount. .
[0014]
(IINo.IIAspect
  In a method for manufacturing a food-filled packaging bag in which liquid food is filled and sealed in a packaging bag represented by a retort pouch together with a gas such as air or an inert gas, and the packaging bag is filled with a liquid material. This is a method for producing a packaging bag that is deaerated by shaping the packaging bag, and if necessary, puts a predetermined amount of gas in the packaging bag and seals the opening of the packaging bag in a state of a constant moisture content. In the shaping process, the liquid level of the liquid material is detected, and the operation of the shaping process is stopped based on the detection result, thereby making the deaeration amount constant. Method (claims)2Described invention).
  FirstIIThe invention of an embodiment includes the following preferred embodiments.
1. The following method is used to detect the liquid level of the liquid material;
a. Thermal image of side of packaging bag with infrared camera,
b. Measure the temperature distribution in the height direction on the side of the packaging bag with a radiation thermometer,
c. Image the side of the packaging bag with X-rays,
d. The height of the liquid level is detected from above the opening of the packaging bag by a distance sensor (laser sensor, ultrasonic sensor, etc.)
Implemented by one or more of
2. Adjustment of the operation in the shaping process is as follows:
a. Stop pushing the pressing bar that presses the side of the bag mouth of the packaging bag from both sides.
b. Change the shape of the holding die that presses the side of the packaging bag from both sides, or stop the operation to adjust the extrusion width,
c. Stop decompression between the holding mold and the packaging bag,
d. Stop the operation of injecting gas from the opening of the packaging bag by pressing the packaging bag with the holding mold.
It carries out by either.
[0015]
(IIINo.IIIAspect
  In a method for manufacturing a food-filled packaging bag in which liquid food is filled in a packaging bag typified by a retort pouch together with a gas such as air or an inert gas, and after filling the packaging bag with a liquid material In the method of producing a packaging bag that is degassed by shaping the packaging bag, if necessary, putting a predetermined amount of gas in the packaging bag, and sealing the opening of the packaging bag in a state of a constant air content, A deaeration device for use in the shaping process, comprising a side pressing mold that presses the side of the packaging bag from both sides, and a bottom pressing mold that presses the bottom of the packaging bag from the bottom. The deaerator (characterized in claim 1), characterized in that the inner surface of each presser die is shaped so that the outer surface of the packaging bag is shaped into a fixed shape when pressed against the packaging bag. Term3Described invention).
  FirstIIIThe invention of an embodiment includes the following preferred embodiments.
1. In a method for manufacturing a food-filled packaging bag in which liquid food is filled in a packaging bag typified by a retort pouch together with a gas such as air or an inert gas, and after filling the packaging bag with a liquid material This is a method for producing a packaging bag that is deaerated by shaping the packaging bag, and if necessary, puts a predetermined amount of gas in the packaging bag and seals the opening of the packaging bag in a state of a constant moisture content. Hold the packaging bag with a holding mold, and with the opening of the packaging bag closed, introduce liquid gas from the opening to evaporate the liquid gas and increase the pressure in the packaging bag. The shape is inflated into a shape that conforms to the shape, and the opening of the packaging bag is sealed in this state.
2. A decompression device is provided for decompressing the space between the packaging bag and the pressing mold during pressing.
3. A gas introduction device for introducing gas into the bag at the time of pressing is provided.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, the present invention will be described in more detail.
The present invention provides a method for producing a food-filled packaging bag and a device therefor, in which a packaging bag represented by a retort pouch is filled with food, sealed, and sterilized under pressure and heat, and in particular, a retort pouch container. High-quality products that use high-capacity, so-called large-sized pouch containers, that maintain a consistent air content and prevent deterioration of food quality due to overheating and high sterilization efficiency It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing a new food-filled packaging bag that can be manufactured.
In the present invention, suitable packaging bags include, for example, a standing pouch, and the capacity is 1 kg or more, preferably 2.5 kg to 5 kg as the specific gravity 1. As a material for the flexible packaging bag, for example, a laminate of first layer (outer layer) polyethylene terephthalate / second layer nylon / third layer aluminum / fourth layer unstretched polypropylene is preferably exemplified. However, it is not limited to these. The present invention is particularly useful when there is an edge at the connecting portion between the inner side surface and the bottom surface, and a standing pouch is used in which air easily accumulates in this portion.
[0017]
In the present invention, an object to be sterilized is a liquid material such as soup, stew, curry or the like filled in a packaging bag or a solid material, but if it is equivalent to these, it becomes an object. These fillings are performed such that the volume ratio of the head space (space) to the total volume of the soft packaging bag after sealing, that is, the air content is, for example, 2 to 20%. The head space is generally air, but may be nitrogen gas or argon gas. More specifically, the air content is, for example, 3 to 20%, preferably 3 to 10%. The weight ratio between the solid and the liquid is preferably 2 to 10 with respect to the former 1. In the present invention, a good deaeration effect can be obtained even in a product having a high solid content of 2 to 4 in the latter ratio.
[0018]
The present invention is suitably implemented using a packaging filling device used for a packaging bag such as a general retort pouch. The basic structure is, for example, equipped with a bag feeding device, an opening device, a filling device, a shaping device, a sealing device, a discharging device, etc. on a circular table, with the packaging bag gripped by two gripping claws and suspended. The thing which has a structure which performs a packaging operation | movement continuously in each said apparatus, rotating with a table is illustrated.
And the function and process of each said apparatus are as follows.
The bag feeding device picks up the packaging bags in the bag storage device one by one and delivers them to the gripping claws on the table side (bag feeding step). The opening device adsorbs both side surfaces of the opening portion of the packaging bag with a suction cup, separates the suction cup, and opens the opening of the bag (opening step). The filling device is for filling a liquid or solid material in a packaging bag. For example, the filling device is accommodated in a liquid filling nozzle, a retainer for containing a solid material to be filled per packaging bag, or a retainer. A dropping device for dropping a solid material, a chute for guiding the dropped solid material to a packaging bag, and the like are provided (filling step).
[0019]
  The shaping device is pressed with a pressure bar, etc.OneDeaeration equipment for quantification (leaving a certain amount of head space at the opening in the packaging bag)PlacePrepare. UpThere may be provided a gas replacement device for replacing the gas in the head space or the gas introduced into the packaging bag with nitrogen gas, argon gas or the like (the shaping step).
  The sealing device seals the opening in a state where the amount of air is kept constant in the packaging bag (sealing step), and the discharging device discharges the bag whose packaging has been completed to the next step (discharge step).
[0020]
  The present invention relates to an improved technique for making the amount of gas inside the packaging bag constant in the above-described packaging filling technique,First, technology closely related to the present inventionSpecific embodiments of the first embodiment to the first embodiment are as follows.7It consists of an aspect.
(Related to the filling processTechnologyMode)
  FirstThe secondA 1st aspect-a 5th aspect are the method and its apparatus for preventing reliably that the air which exists in the clearance gap between solid objects enters in a container, when filling a solid substance in a packaging bag.
1st aspect ... It fills in a bag in the state which heat-processed the solid substance. By heat-treating the solid matter, the air present in the gaps between the solid matter is expanded, and the bag is filled with the solid matter in a state where the air density is reduced, thereby reducing the amount of air brought into the packaging bag. be able to.
Second aspect: The dropping path (including the inside of the packaging bag) in the solid filling process is filled with steam. By applying steam in the opposite direction to the solid material and filling the bag with the air in the gaps of the solid material replaced with the vapor, air intake into the packaging bag is reduced. be able to.
[0021]
3rd aspect ... Heat-process a solid substance and make vapor | steam fill the fall path | route in a filling process. The effect of the first and second aspects can be achieved by reducing the temperature difference between the solid and the steam to avoid the draining of the steam.
4th aspect ... It fills in order of some heated liquid substances, solid substances, and the remaining liquid substances. By dropping the solid material in a state where the water vapor is filled in the bag, the same effect as the second aspect is achieved, and at the same time, uniform filling becomes possible.
5th aspect ... It fills in order of a liquid and a solid substance, and seals before a solid substance sinks. By filling and placing the solid material on the upper surface of the highly viscous liquid material and completing the sealing in this state, it is possible to avoid bringing air into the liquid material when the solid material settles.
[0022]
FirstThe sixth aspect is a method and apparatus for reliably removing air brought into the liquid material in the packaging bag after filling.
Sixth aspect: By adding a degassing step by vibration, air in the packaging bag can be removed.
FirstThe seventh aspect is a method and an apparatus for reliably eliminating the problem that the amount of gas after sealing varies because the head space in the packaging bag becomes non-uniform due to steam generated by the filling after filling. .
Seventh aspect: After filling, gas is blown into the head space in the packaging bag to replace the head space with a specific gas. The amount of air can be made constant by substituting the mixed state of the headspace steam (which may be steam) and air with a homogeneous gas.
[0023]
(According to the shaping processBookAspects of the Invention
  Next, the first of the present inventionIAspect to No.IIIAn aspect is a method and an apparatus for reliably eliminating the problem that the amount of gas varies due to uneven shaping of the packaging bag.
FirstIAspect: The shaping operation is adjusted based on the liquid level detection in the packaging bag.
FirstIIMode: The shaping operation is stopped based on the liquid level detection in the packaging bag.
FirstIIIAspect: The structure of the presser mold is improved.
  By adjusting the amount of deaeration in the shaping step, the amount of gas inside the container can be made constant.
[0024]
【Example】
  Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
  FIG.Is solidIt is a schematic diagram which shows the filling machine of a shape (related to the 1st-3rd aspect), FIG.Is fullFIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a filling method (related to the fourth embodiment), FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of another filling method (related to the fifth embodiment), and FIG. 4 is a deaeration by vibration. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an apparatus (related to the sixth embodiment), and FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an example of the molding deaeration method of the present invention (first view).I,IIFIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a pressing mold (related to the embodiment) (No.IIIRelated to the aspect).
[0025]
An example of a solid material 2 filling machine in the above-described packaging and filling apparatus or another type of packaging and filling apparatus having the same function as the packaging filling apparatus (for example, one in which devices in each step are arranged in a column type) is shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 2, the retainer 4 for containing the solid matter 2 to be filled per bag of the packaging bag P, the transfer device 5 for transferring the retainer 4 to the filling position, and the transfer device 5 were carried to the filling position. The retainer 4 includes a dropping device (not shown) for dropping the solid material 2 into the packaging bag P. Specifically, the dropping device receives a reverse dropping device (not shown) for reverse dropping the retainer 4 that has been transported to the filling position, receives the retainer 4 that has been reverse dropped, and further lowers only the solid matter 2 below. A stopper 7 to be dropped on the chute, chute 8a, 8b for guiding the solid 2 into the packaging bag P, and the like are provided. The stopper 7 is formed of a mesh member having an opening, and the retainer 4 received by the stopper 7 is fed back to the upstream side of the transfer device 5 by an appropriate recovery device (not shown), and a new solid substance 2 is obtained. Used to contain.
On the other hand, as the liquid filling machine, a machine that performs quantitative filling by switching between a cylinder piston and a valve is generally used (not shown).
[0026]
FirstIn 1 aspect, it fills in the packaging bag P in the state which heat-processed the solid substance 2. FIG. A specific example heat-processes the solid substance 2 in the retainer 4 conveyed to a filling position. Heat treatment can be performed by filling the path for transferring the retainer 4 containing the solid material 2 to the filling position with steam, hot air, or the like by the heating device 9 or frying. The solid material 2 is preferably 60 ° C. or higher, preferably 90 ° C. or higher, and in any case, 100 ° C. or lower is desirable. If the lower limit is not reached, the effect of reducing the amount of air brought into the packaging bag P may be insufficient. On the other hand, if the upper limit is exceeded, it may be unsuitable for maintaining the quality of the solid material 2. . With the conditions in the above range, it is possible to reduce the carry-in of air into the packaging bag P while maintaining the quality of the solid material 2. Moreover, when implementing a 2nd aspect, it can avoid suitably that a vapor | steam touches a solid substance and drains.
[0027]
Next, in the second aspect, the falling path in the filling of the solid material 2 is filled with steam. Steam is filled in a part or all of the dropping path 11 from the reversing position 10 of the retainer 4 through the chutes 8a and 8b until the solid material 2 is accommodated in the packaging bag P. As a specific example, a steam supply pipe 13 for supplying steam into the packaging bag P, which connects the steam supply pipe 12 to the chute 8a, is provided as shown. In the latter case, the packaging bag P is filled with food in a state in which steam is filled. The steam may be normal pressure saturated steam.
In the third mode, the first mode and the second mode are combined. The solid material 2 is heat-treated to a temperature as close as possible to the temperature of the normal-pressure saturated steam (100 ° C.) to carry out the first embodiment, and then the steam treatment of the second embodiment is carried out.
[0028]
Next, in order to make the gas amount in the packaging bag P constant, a device is added to the filling procedure of the solid material 2 and the liquid material 100.
In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the filling process includes 1) filling a part of the heated liquid material 100 through the chute 16, 2) filling the solid material 2, and 3) remaining liquid material 100. Is carried out in the order of filling through the chute 16. The liquid material 100 to be initially filled can be one having a temperature of 60 to 95 ° C., whereby the water vapor generated by the liquid material 100 is filled in the packaging bag P, and the solid material is dropped into this state. The air carry-in can be reduced based on the same action as in the second aspect. Further, since the solid material 2 is charged when the liquid material 100 is at a relatively low water level, it is difficult for the liquid splash to reach the upper part of the bag, and the liquid surface is flattened by filling the liquid material 100 after the charging. The headspace in the following shaping process can be efficiently degassed. In addition, when throwing in the solid substance 2, you may employ | adopt the shock absorber mechanism similar to the following 5th aspect. The apparatus for carrying out the present invention can be achieved by appropriately arranging the filling machine for the solid material 2 and the liquid material 100 in the above-described packaging and filling device.
[0029]
In the fifth aspect, as shown in FIG. 3, the filling step is performed by 1) filling the liquid material 100 having a relatively high viscosity, and 2) filling the solid material 2 on the upper surface of the liquid material 100 and placing it. And the sealing step is performed by 3) sealing before the solid 2 sinks into the liquid 100. Thereby, in order to complete the sealing in a state where the air amount is constant, that is, in a state where there is no air inclusion in the portion where the liquid material 100 and the solid material 2 are combined, the gas amount inside the packaging bag P is kept constant. can do. The viscosity of the liquid material 100 may be 1600 cp or more, preferably 2000 cp or more, so that the solid material 2 can be filled on the upper surface of the liquid material 100 so as to be placed thereon. If the high-temperature liquid material 100 is filled, the same action as that of the second embodiment can be achieved.
[0030]
DressAs a device, a shock absorber mechanism 14 can be provided at the lower end of the chute 8b. The shock absorber mechanism 14 includes, for example, horizontal plate members 15a and 15b, each provided with a hinge (not shown) at one end, and each other end close to and opposite the central portion of the opening of the packaging bag P. A closed state in which the solid 2 is received and held horizontally with a constant tension so as to bend downward so as not to damage the solid 2 and an open state in which the sound is opened downward from the opposing part via each hinge Provide to be. If the plate members 15a and 15b are provided with a mesh-like material, the same action as in the second embodiment can be achieved through the steam emitted from the high-temperature liquid material 100. The plate members 15a and 15b may be supported by an appropriate spring mechanism or the like.
  When the above apparatus is operated, when the solid material 2 is filled on the upper surface of the liquid material 100, the plate materials 15a and 15b are closed and the solid material 2 is received, and then the plate materials 15a and 15b are opened and solid materials are received. 2 is dropped into the packaging bag P. By the action of the shock absorber mechanism 14, the solid material 2 can be softly filled so as to be placed on the upper surface of the liquid material 100.
[0031]
Next, as a technique for removing air brought into the packaging bag P after the filling step and its completion, in the sixth aspect, the air in the packaging bag P is removed by adding a deaeration step by vibration. To do.
As shown in FIG. 4, after the filling step and the end thereof, the packaging bag P is supported in a state where the upper ends of the packaging bags P are held by the holding claws 16 a and 16 b and suspended. Although vibration is applied to the packaging bag P in this state, specifically, it is carried out as follows.
The timing for applying the vibration is during the filling process or until the subsequent sealing process. When vibration is applied during the filling process, it is preferable that the liquid 100 is filled (regardless of before and after the filling of the solid 2), or after the liquid 100 is filled, the solid 2 is filled. . In cases other than the filling step, the liquid material 100 may be filled or at any time after the liquid material 100 and the solid material 2 are filled.
[0032]
What is necessary is just to perform the aspect which adds a vibration, making a vibrating rod etc. contact from the bottom part and / or side part of the packaging bag P. FIG. For example, the vibrating bar 18 having the contact surface 17 at the tip is moved back and forth in the horizontal direction, and vibration is applied to both sides of the packaging bag P (FIG. 4A), or the vibrating bars 18a and 18b are moved back and forth in the horizontal direction. Thus, vibration can be applied to the bottom of the packaging bag P by applying vibrations to both sides of the packaging bag P and moving the vibrating bar 18c up and down (FIG. 4B). Further, vibration can be applied by moving the gripping claws 16a and 16b horizontally and / or vertically (FIG. 4A). The vibrating bar and gripping claws may be vibrated with an air vibrator (not shown). The vibration may be 3 to 80 times / second and the amplitude is 10 to 40 mm because the air can easily escape. By carrying out these alone or in any combination, the air entrapped in the liquid material 100 can be satisfactorily degassed. In order to increase the deaeration efficiency, it is desirable that the vibration means has a contact surface 17 having a certain area in contact with the packaging bag P. It is good to have the contact surface 17 of about 20 to 80% of the outer surface of the packing containing portion of the packaging bag P. That is, in the drawing, the contact surface 17 may have an area of about 20 to 80% of the area of the part below the liquid level of the filling on one side surface of the packaging bag P.
[0033]
  In order to solve the problem that the amount of gas after sealing is not uniform because the head space in the packaging bag P becomes non-uniform due to steam generated by the filling after filling, in the seventh aspect, after filling, the packaging bag P A gas is blown into the inner head space to replace the head space with a specific gas (gas blowing step). Thereby, the mixed state of the steam and air in the head space is replaced with a homogeneous gas, and the amount of air is made constant.
  Specifically, in the following shaping processTheThe following procedure is used when the amount of gas in the packaging bag P is set to a fixed amount by the shaping apparatus. That isTheWhen the gas in the packaging bag P is degassed by the shape device, or before and after that. NaWhen the shaping device sets the gas in the packaging bag P to a constant amount, the gas blow can be made constant as much as possible after the shaping step and immediately before the sealing step. Good.
[0034]
As a mode for performing gas blowing, a gas blowing nozzle (not shown) is inserted into the head space in the packaging bag P, desirably up to the height of the filling liquid, and gas is blown from the nozzle. It is preferable that the vapor / air mixed state in the head space is replaced with a homogeneous gas while blowing a low or room temperature gas to the liquid surface of the filling to lower the liquid surface temperature and suppressing vapor evaporation from the liquid surface. The gas blown from the gas blow nozzle may be air, inert gas, nitrogen gas, argon gas, or the like.
[0035]
  As for a degassing device for a pouch container, for example, a pouch container that supports a pouch container containing a predetermined amount of fluid as a shaping device that has been conventionally used, for example, to make the gas in the packaging bag P substantially zero. A support, a high-side pressing body that presses one of the opposing sides of the pouch container, and a low-side pressing that presses the other side of the pouch container at a position lower than the high-side pressing body. The pouch container is supported by the pouch container support part, and then the side part of the opened pouch container is first pressed by the high side pressing body and then pressed by the low side pressing body. There has been proposed a deaeration device for a pouch container characterized in that gas is discharged from the inside of the pouch container and the amount of gas in the pouch container is made substantially zero (Japanese Patent No. 3093508, claim 3). Further, a thin gas supply nozzle for introducing a predetermined amount of gas after deaeration with the above deaeration device has been proposed (the same, claim 9)..
[0036]
  Next, in the shaping process, the gas in the packaging bag P is obtained by an appropriate shaping device (not shown).OneMake quantitative.
  In this case, in the first aspect, the shaping operation is adjusted based on the liquid level detection of the filling in the packaging bag P. That is, the liquid level of the filling is detected before the shaping step, the operation of the shaping step is adjusted based on the detection result, and the amount of gas inside the packaging bag P is made constant by adjusting the deaeration amount.To do.
[0037]
AdjustmentWhen a rod-like or flat extruded plate that presses both side surfaces in the packaging bag P is used for the forming device, the height and / or the extruded width of the extruded plate may be adjusted according to the detected liquid level. In the III aspect, the degree of pressure reduction of the pressing mold, the amount of gas flowing into the packaging bag P, and the like may be adjusted.
  Examples of the liquid level detection method include the following (see FIG. 5).
(1) A thermal image of the side surface of the packaging bag P is taken with the infrared camera 20, and the liquid level 25 of the filling (the boundary surface between the hot filling liquid and the head space) is detected.
(2) The temperature distribution in the height direction of the side surface of the packaging bag P is measured with the radiation thermometer 20 to detect the liquid level 25 (boundary surface between the hot filling liquid and the head space).
(3) The liquid level is detected by taking a transmission image of the side surface of the packaging bag P with X-rays.
(4) The height 25 of the filling liquid level is detected directly from above the opening of the packaging bag P by a distance sensor such as a laser sensor / ultrasonic sensor 21.
[0038]
  FirstIIIn the aspect, the liquid level of the filling in the packaging bag P is detected, and the operation of the shaping process is stopped based on the detection result.
  For example, when a certain amount of gas is contained in the packaging bag P in the shaping process, the packaging bag P is filled in real time when the packaging bag P is shaped by operating the pressing body, the extrusion plate, or the pressing mold. The liquid level of the object is detected, and the shaping operation is stopped when it is detected that the liquid level has risen to a predetermined height.
  Examples of the liquid level detection method include the following (see FIG. 5).
(1) A thermal image of the side surface of the packaging bag P is taken with the infrared camera 20, and the liquid level 25 of the filling (the boundary surface between the hot filling liquid and the head space) is detected.
(2) The temperature distribution in the height direction of the side surface of the packaging bag P is measured with the radiation thermometer 20 to detect the liquid level 25 (boundary surface between the hot filling liquid and the head space).
(3) The liquid level 25 is detected by imaging the side surface of the packaging bag P with X-rays.
[0039]
  Next, in the shaping process, as for the improvement of the holding mold used when the gas in the packaging bag P is set to a certain amount,IIIn the aspect, the following configuration is adopted.
1) As shown in FIG. 6 (a), a divided three-dimensional shape pressing plate for shaping the packaging bag P into a fixed shape, that is, a pressing plate having a mold surface that matches the shape of both side surfaces of the packaging bag P. 21a, 21b and the pressing plate 22 having a mold surface matching the shape of the bottom surface, the packaging bag P is pressed from three sides and shaped into a fixed shape.
2) As shown in FIG. 6 (b), in order to increase the adhesion between the pressing mold and the packaging bag P, the pressure between the two is reduced. In order to allow air to flow into the packaging bag P at the time of decompression, the gripping claws of the packaging bag P may be weakened to leave a gap in the opening. A large number of pressure reducing thin tubes 23 connected to the pressing mold surface are provided, and a pressure reducing device (not shown) is connected thereto. The holding mold may be the above-mentioned three-dimensional shape or another type.
[0040]
3) As shown in FIG. 6 (b), when holding the packaging bag P with a holding mold, a thin air nozzle 24 is sandwiched in the substantially sealed opening of the packaging bag P, and the packaging bag P is pressed with air or an inert gas. Inflate along the shape of the mold. The holding mold may be the above-mentioned three-dimensional shape or another type.
4) When pressing with a holding mold, tighten the gripping claws of the packaging bag P to narrow the gap in the opening of the bag and inject liquid inert gas (liquid nitrogen, etc.) from the opening to increase the pressure inside the bag. The bag is inflated so that the bag follows the mold surface of the holding mold. Seal when the liquid gas is completely vaporized and the pressure rises.
  In the above 1) to 4), by uniformly shaping the packaging bag P, the effect of aligning the amount of gas in the head space is achieved. In 2) to 4), a specified amount of gas is simultaneously introduced into the packaging bag P. The blowing action is achieved. These presser mold methods can be used in combination as appropriate. The secondIIIIt is desirable to seal the opening of the packaging bag P promptly after performing the shaping process according to the aspect.
  Needless to say, as long as the gist of the present invention described above is taken into account, it is possible to apply application modifications to the respective inventions and to combine the respective inventions.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a new food-filled packaging bag and an apparatus therefor. According to the present invention, 1) the amount of gas in the packaging bag can be set to a predetermined amount. It is possible to produce both high-quality sterilized foods while achieving the effects of both efficiency and food quality maintenance, and at the same time, the above-mentioned effects can be achieved more stably. 2) In particular, the above points Therefore, it is effective to apply the present invention to a large-sized packaging bag having a capacity exceeding 1 kg (more suitable for a packaging bag exceeding 2 kg). It is effective to apply to a standing pouch where the part is formed and air easily collects in that part. 4) The packaging bag can be reliably prevented from being damaged during sterilization, improving the production efficiency in mass production, Reduce product loss 5) If two or more of the aspects of the present invention are combined, or if the apparatus having these functions is also combined with the packaging and filling apparatus, each aspect depends on the size and shape of the packaging bag and the type of filler. It is possible to perform a suitable deaeration operation by selecting an apparatus and implementing the invention. 6) A step of inspecting the air content inside the packaging bag before sterilization A special effect is obtained that the process can be simplified except for the case of elimination.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[Figure 1]SolidA schematic diagram of a shape filling machine is shown.
[Figure 2]ChargeThe schematic diagram of an example of the filling method is shown.
[Fig. 3]ChargeThe schematic diagram of another example of the filling method is shown.
[Fig. 4]ShakeThe schematic diagram of the deaeration device by movement is shown.
FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the molding deaeration method of the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a presser mold according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
  2 Solid matter
  4 Retainer
  5 Transfer device
  7 Stopper
  8a shoot
  8b shoot
  9 Heating device
  10 Reverse position
  11 Fall path
  12 Steam supply pipe
  13 Supply pipe
  14 Shock absorber mechanism
  15a Board material
  15b Board material
  16 Shoot
  16a gripping claws
  16b gripping claw
  17 Contact surface
  18 Vibrating bar
  18a Vibrating rod
  18b Vibrating rod
  18c Vibrating rod
  20 Infrared camera or radiation thermometer
  21 Distance sensors (sensors) such as laser sensors and ultrasonic sensors
  21a holding plate
  21b Presser plate
  22 Presser plate
  23 Thin tube for decompression
  24 Air nozzle
  25 Liquid level
  100 liquid
  P Packaging bag

Claims (1)

Food liquid air, or filled into a packaging bag Ru used for retort pouch with a gas of an inert gas, sealed, in the manufacturing method of food filling packaging bag for pressurizing and heating sterilized by rotary retort sterilization, 1) the after filling, degassed by a step of shaping the packaging bag, to produce a packaging bag was sealed the opening of the packaging bag in a state which is one constant of aerated rate, 2) the time, prior to the shaping step to detect the liquid level by adjusting the operation of the shaping process on the basis of the detection result, it established a deaeration amount, and a constant amount of gas of the packaging bag, the manufacture of the packing bag, wherein the this Method.

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