System and method for detecting abnormalities related to partitions for aseptic filling, and method for manufacturing aseptic filling system

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and a method with which it is possible to easily recognize an abnormality that can occur in a partition wall used for aseptic filling, and thereby contributes to reduction in maintenance cost of an aseptic filling device and improvement in productivity.　This partition wall abnormality detection system comprises: an aseptic region in which discharge parts of filling valves are disposed; a non-aseptic region; at least one type of functional unit selected from among a plurality of closure devices, a plurality of filling valves, and a plurality of capping heads; and a medium supply part which is configured to be capable of supplying, to a plurality of the functional units, a detection medium used for detecting an abnormality related to a partition wall included in the functional unit. The enclosed space formed by the partition wall retains therein the detection medium supplied from the medium supply part in the case where there is no abnormality, and causes the detection medium to leak therefrom in the case where there is an abnormality.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for detecting an abnormality in a partition that separates a sterile area / non-sterile area in aseptic filling, and a method for manufacturing a sterile filling system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, an aseptic filling device that fills containers with a liquid product such as a beverage comprises a rotor that is driven to rotate and holds and transports multiple containers, a tank that stores the liquid product, and multiple filling valves that are provided on the rotor (for example, Patent Document 1). The inside of a chamber member that surrounds the filling machine equipped with the rotor and filling valves is maintained at a positive pressure relative to the atmosphere. The filling valve includes a valve stem inserted into a flow path inside a valve body through which the product liquid is supplied, a drive mechanism such as an electric cylinder or an air cylinder that drives the valve stem, and a valve element that is attached to the valve stem and opens and closes a discharge part by moving toward and away from a valve seat. Each filling valve discharges the product liquid supplied from a tank through a piping from the discharge part into a container while following the rotation of the rotor.

[0003] The inside of the piping, filling valve, etc. that comes into contact with the product liquid is washed and sterilized periodically or when switching products. The filling device is equipped with a blocking device that blocks the discharge part of the filling valve to prevent the drug solution, etc. supplied to the filling valve from flowing out of the discharge part during internal washing and internal sterilization, and to set a recovery path for the drug solution, etc. The blocking device is equipped with a blocking part that blocks the discharge part, and a drive mechanism such as an air cylinder that drives the blocking part.

[0004] The closure part is arranged in a sterile area maintained in a sterile state, similar to the discharge part and the container of the filling valve. Between the shaft member, which can be moved up and down and rotated to attach and detach the closure part to the discharge part, and the support through which the shaft member passes, a diaphragm is provided as a partition that separates the sterile area from the non-sterile area while allowing the shaft member to be moved up and down and rotated. The gap between the shaft member and the support is sealed by the diaphragm, so that the sterile area is maintained in a sterile state.

[0005] The filling valve described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a bellows, which corresponds to a partition wall used in the movable part like the above-mentioned diaphragm. The bellows is provided between the valve stem that moves up and down and the valve body through which the valve stem passes, and separates the flow path of the product liquid, which is a sterile area, from a non-sterile area outside the valve body where the electric cylinder is placed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-176783 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] If the partition members provided in the filling valve or the closing device are damaged, it becomes difficult to maintain the sterile area in a sterile state. To avoid this, the filling valve or the closing device is disassembled periodically or when there is a concern about maintaining the sterile state, and the partition members are inspected. However, in order to carry out such an inspection, it is necessary to disassemble the numerous filling valves and the same number of closing devices as the filling valves provided in the filling machine one by one, and then reassemble them after the inspection, which requires a huge amount of time and effort. Furthermore, even if the partition member is not damaged, if the sterile area is not sufficiently sealed off from the non-sterile area due to improper installation of the partition member, this cannot be found by inspecting the partition member removed by disassembling the closing device.

[0008] The above problems also occur when there are abnormalities such as breakage or improper installation of a bellows, which acts as a partition provided in a capper that attaches a cap to the mouth of a container filled with a product liquid. Based on the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method that can easily detect abnormalities that may occur in partitions used in aseptic filling, thereby reducing maintenance costs for aseptic filling equipment and contributing to improved productivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The partition abnormality detection system of the present disclosure comprises a sterile area in which the discharge portions of multiple filling valves of a filling machine that transports a group of containers and fills each container with contents, a non-sterile area surrounding the sterile area, at least one functional unit selected from a plurality of first type functional units corresponding individually to the multiple filling valves, a plurality of second type functional units individually included in the multiple filling valves, and a plurality of third type functional units corresponding to a plurality of capping heads of a capper that attaches caps to each container while transporting a group of containers filled with contents, and a medium supply unit that is included in the functional unit and is configured to supply a detection medium used to detect abnormalities related to the partition that separates the sterile area from the non-sterile area to the multiple functional units. The functional unit includes a movable shaft portion that is displaceable at least in the axial direction, and a partition wall that seals between the support portion and the movable shaft portion while allowing displacement of the movable shaft portion relative to a support portion arranged around the axis of the movable shaft portion. The closed space formed by the partition, the support portion, and the movable shaft portion retains the detection medium supplied by the medium supply portion when there is no abnormality, and allows the detection medium to leak out when there is an abnormality.

[0010] The partition abnormality detection method according to the present disclosure is a partition abnormality detection method that detects an abnormality related to a partition included in a functional unit for aseptic filling. The functional unit corresponds to at least one type selected from a plurality of first type functional units individually corresponding to a plurality of filling valves, a plurality of second type functional units individually included in the plurality of filling valves, and a plurality of third type functional units corresponding to a plurality of capping heads provided in a capper that transports a group of containers filled with contents while attaching caps to each container. The functional unit includes a movable shaft portion that is displaceable at least in the axial direction, and a partition wall that seals between the support portion and the movable shaft portion while allowing displacement of the movable shaft portion relative to a support portion arranged around the axis of the movable shaft portion. The partition separates a sterile area in which the discharge portions of a plurality of filling valves provided in a filling machine that fills each container with its contents while transporting a group of containers are located, from a non-sterile area surrounding the sterile area. The method for detecting an abnormality in a partition wall includes a supply step of supplying a detection medium used for detecting an abnormality to a plurality of functional units, and a detection step of detecting an abnormality in the partition wall based on the state of the detection medium supplied to the closed space. In the supply step, the closed space formed by the partition wall, the support part, and the movable shaft part retains the detection medium when there is no abnormality, and allows the detection medium to leak out when there is an abnormality.

[0011] The manufacturing method for a sterile filling system according to the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a sterile filling system equipped with a partition abnormality detection system, which includes an existing sterile filling system equipped with a sterile area in which the discharge portions of a plurality of filling valves of a filling machine that fills each container with contents while transporting a group of containers are located, a non-sterile area surrounding the sterile area, and at least one functional unit selected from a plurality of first type functional units individually corresponding to the plurality of filling valves, a plurality of second type functional units individually included in the plurality of filling valves, and a plurality of third type functional units corresponding to a plurality of capping heads of a capper that attaches caps to each container while transporting a group of containers filled with contents, and provides a medium supply unit that is configured to be capable of supplying a detection medium to the plurality of functional units, the detection medium being included in the functional unit and used to detect abnormalities related to the partition that separates the sterile area from the non-sterile area. The functional unit includes a movable shaft portion that is displaceable at least in the axial direction, and a partition wall that seals between the support portion and the movable shaft portion while allowing displacement of the movable shaft portion relative to a support portion arranged around the axis of the movable shaft portion. The closed space formed by the partition, the support portion, and the movable shaft portion retains the detection medium supplied by the medium supply portion when there is no abnormality, and allows the detection medium to leak out when there is an abnormality. Effect of the Invention

[0012] By supplying a detection medium to a closed space formed by the partitions of each of the multiple functional units (closure device, filling valve, capping unit, etc.) included in the aseptic filling system together with the surrounding members, if an abnormality occurs in the partition, the detection medium leaks from the closed space. Based on the state of the detection medium at this time, for example, if the detection medium is a fluid, it is possible to detect the occurrence of an abnormality in the partition based on the flow rate or pressure of the detection medium. In addition, for example, by supplying light as a detection medium to the closed space, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the partition based on the leakage of light from the partition.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, abnormalities in multiple partitions in a sterile filling system can be detected at once without disassembling the functional units, even when the sterile filling system is in operation. According to the present disclosure, it is sufficient to disassemble the functional units only when an abnormality related to the partition is detected. Therefore, it is possible to easily and reliably detect an abnormality related to the partition while preventing human error, while significantly reducing the time and effort that was previously required to disassemble all the functional units one by one, inspect and replace the partitions, and then assemble the functional units. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the maintenance cost of the aseptic filling system and contribute to improving productivity. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of an aseptic filling system including a partition abnormality detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the filling machine shown in FIG. 1, members installed around the filling machine, and a chamber member surrounding them. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of the filling valve shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4]3(a) is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of the closing device shown in Fig. 2. (b) is a plan view showing a part of the inner wall of the housing of the closing device and a cam follower. [Diagram 5] This figure shows multiple closing devices used during internal cleaning and sterilization of product liquid supply paths such as filling valves, a supply unit for a detection medium (air) used to detect abnormalities related to the partitions included in each closing device, and a measurement unit capable of measuring the air flow rate. [Figure 6] 1A is a graph showing an example of a change in flow rate of air supplied to a closed space formed by a partition wall and surrounding members, and FIG. 1B is a graph showing an example of a change in pressure of air supplied to the closed space. [Figure 7] 13(a) and 13(b) are diagrams showing a modified example in which abnormality detection is performed in units of a group of blocking devices. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 shows a variation with multiple flow meters. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of application to a capping head. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 shows a variation using light as the sensing medium. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing a system and method for detecting an abnormality in a partition used in aseptic filling, a schematic configuration of an aseptic filling system 1 will first be described.

[0016] [Outline of the aseptic filling system] As shown in FIG. 1, the aseptic filling system 1 includes a filling device 5 including a filling machine 3 and a capper 4, a container supply section 6 that supplies containers 2 (FIG. 2) from upstream of the production line to the filling device 5, a discharge section 7 that discharges the containers 2 from the filling device 5 to downstream of the production line, a chamber member 8, an air supply unit 9, and a control device 1M. The chamber member 8 covers the container supply unit 6, the filling device 5, and the discharge unit 7. The air supply unit 9 sends air into the chamber member 8. The inside of the chamber member 8 is maintained at a positive pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the inside of the chamber member.

[0017] The aseptic filling system 1 constitutes a production line (not shown) for a product in which a liquid product such as a beverage or a medicine is filled into a container 2. The container 2 is formed into a bottle shape from a resin material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or a metal material such as an aluminum alloy.

[0018] The aseptic filling system 1 carries out filling and sealing processes inside a chamber member 8 while carrying a group of containers (plurality of containers 2) using a rotary conveying mechanism including a plurality of rotors 11-13, 31, 14-16 that rotate about their respective axes. The containers 2 that are introduced into the container supply section 6 from a blow molding machine (not shown) through an airtight shutter 18 are filled with the product liquid and sealed with a cap, and then discharged onto a conveyor 19 by the discharge section 7.

[0019] [General configuration of the filling machine] 1 and 2 fills each of the containers 2 of a group of containers supported and transported by a rotor 31 with product liquid using a plurality of filling valves 40 that follow the rotation of the rotor 31. A liquid supply pipe 32 that supplies the product liquid to each filling valve 40 is connected via a rotary joint 33 to a tank (not shown) that stores the product liquid.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the periphery, upper side and lower side of the rotor 31 are surrounded by the chamber member 8. A sterile area R1 inside the chamber member 8, which is kept in a sterile state, is marked with a diagonal line pattern. The sterile area R1 is sealed off from a non-sterile area R2 inside the chamber member 8 by the chamber member 8, the top 311, side plate 312, base plate 313, body 314, upper water seal 34, lower water seal 35 of the rotor 31, and members such as partitions of the filling valve 40 and the closing device 50 described later. The non-sterile area R2 is accessible to workers for inspection, maintenance, etc., and a workbench 100 is installed therein. In the non-sterile area R2, a driving mechanism such as a motor or an air cylinder (e.g., a driving device 37), a rotary joint 33, a compressed air supply source 610 described later, etc. are arranged.

[0021] A bearing 36 that supports the rotor 31 so that it can rotate freely on a horizontal plane is provided at the lower end of the cylindrical body 314. An outer ring 361 of the bearing 36 is provided with a ring gear (not shown) formed in an annular shape. This ring gear is engaged with a gear 38 that rotates due to torque output from a drive unit 37. Due to the rotation of the gear 38 and the ring gear, the rotor 31 is driven around an axis X that runs along the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0022] The rotating body 31 is provided with a plurality of grippers 39 that grip each of the containers 2 in the group of containers, a plurality of filling valves 40 (second type functional units) that fill each container 2 with product liquid, a plurality of measuring devices (not shown) that weigh each container 2 filled with product liquid, and a plurality of blocking devices 50 (first type functional units) that block the discharge portions 45 of the filling valves 40. The filling valves 40 are provided in an upright position along the vertical direction near the outer periphery of the rotor 31. The filling valves 40 are arranged at equal pitches on a circumference centered on the axis X. When the container 2 is gripped by the gripper 39, the mouth 21 of the container 2 is positioned directly below the discharge portion 45 of the filling valve 40. As the rotor 31 rotates, the container 2 moving in the circumferential direction of the rotor 31 is filled with a specified amount of product liquid by the filling valve 40.

[0023] The insides of the product liquid tank, the supply pipe 32, the filling valve 40, etc. are washed and sterilized periodically or when switching products. The closing device 50 is used for such internal washing and internal sterilization. The rotating body 31 is provided with the same number of closing devices 50 as the filling valves 40.

[0024] [Filling valve] 3 shows an example of the configuration of the filling valve 40. The filling valve 40 includes a housing 41 in which a flow path 410 for the product liquid is set, a valve stem 42 and a rod 48 arranged in the vertical direction along the flow path 410, a drive mechanism 43 such as an air cylinder or an electric cylinder that drives the valve stem 42 in the vertical direction, a valve body 46 provided on the valve stem 42 to open and close a discharge part 45, and a bellows 47.

[0025] The housing 41 is provided with a liquid introduction section 411 to which the liquid supply pipe 32 is connected, a nozzle 412 facing the mouth 21 of the container 2 (FIG. 2), and a cylinder 431 of the drive mechanism 43. The valve stem 42 is connected to an output shaft (not shown) of the drive mechanism 43 via a rod 48. The valve stem 42 and the rod 48, both of which correspond to movable shaft portions, are displaceable in the axial direction D1 (up and down direction) following the displacement of the output shaft of the drive mechanism 43 relative to a housing 41 serving as a support portion arranged around the axis.

[0026] When the valve rod 42 is displaced downward, the valve body 46 is pressed against the valve seat 44 formed inside the nozzle 412, thereby closing the discharge portion 45 corresponding to the gap between the valve body 46 and the nozzle 412. When the valve rod 42 is displaced upward, the valve body 46 separates from the valve seat 44, opening the discharge portion 45, and the product liquid is discharged from the flow path 410 toward the mouth 21 of the container 2.

[0027] When flange 414 provided on the outer periphery of nozzle 412 is fixed to a member such as base 313 of rotor 31, the underside of nozzle 412 that penetrates the member is located in sterile area R1 (FIG. 1). Discharge part 45 and flow path 410 are included in sterile area R1. Discharge part 45 and flow path 410 are separated from non-sterile area R2 by bellows 47 serving as a partition.

[0028] The bellows 47 corresponds to a bellows-like cylinder disposed between the outer periphery of the rod 48 and the inner wall of the flow path 410 surrounding the rod 48. The bellows 47 is made of an appropriate metal material or an appropriate resin material. The lower end of the bellows 47 is held by the upper end of the valve rod 42, and the upper end of the bellows 47 is held by a holding portion 410A formed on the inner wall of the flow path 410. The bellows 47 is expandable and contractible in the axial direction D1, and therefore seals between the housing 41 and the rod 48 and the valve rod 42 while allowing displacement of the rod 48 and the valve rod 42 relative to the housing 41 in the axial direction D1.

[0029] [Closing device] As shown in Figure 4(a), the blocking device 50 includes a substantially cylindrical housing 51, a movable shaft portion 52 that passes through an insertion hole 510 that penetrates the housing 51 in the vertical direction, a drive mechanism 53 such as an air cylinder or an electric cylinder that drives the movable shaft portion 52 in the vertical direction, a cam follower 523, a blocking portion 54 that blocks the discharge portion 45 in conjunction with the displacement of the movable shaft portion 52, a diaphragm 57, a first retaining portion 58 and a second retaining portion 59.

[0030] When flange 511 provided on the outer periphery of housing 51 is fixed to a member such as base 313 of rotor 31, the lower side of movable shaft 52 penetrating said member and blocking section 54 are located in sterile area R1 (FIG. 1). Blocking section 54 and non-sterile area R2 are separated by diaphragm 57 serving as a partition. A cylinder of drive mechanism 53 is provided on upper end 51A of housing 51. A passage 513 is formed in the housing 51, which is connected to the inside of the diaphragm 57. This passage 513 is connected to a supply / discharge valve 612 (FIG. 5) that includes a port open to the atmosphere.

[0031] An upper end of the movable shaft portion 52 is coupled to an output shaft 531 of the drive mechanism 53. The movable shaft portion 52 is displaceable in the axial direction D1 (up and down direction) relative to a support portion disposed around the axis of the movable shaft portion 52, such as the housing 51 and the base 313, in accordance with the displacement of the output shaft 531. At this time, the movable shaft portion 52 is guided by the housing 51. A flange 521 that presses the diaphragm 57 against the first holding portion 58 and a connecting portion 522 that extends downward from the flange 521 are formed on the lower end side of the movable shaft portion 52. The connecting portion 522 passes through the first holding portion 58.

[0032] The cam follower 523 is provided between the upper end of the movable shaft portion 52 and the flange 521, and engages with the cam groove 512 formed in the housing 51, as shown in FIG. 4(b). When the movable shaft portion 52 is displaced in the axial direction D1 in accordance with the displacement of the output shaft 531, the cam follower 523 is displaced inside the cam groove 512. The cam groove 512 is composed of a first section 512A parallel to the axial direction D1 and a second section 512B inclined with respect to the axial direction D1. The first section 512A is connected to the upper end of the second section 512B and extends upward. When the cam follower 523 is guided by the second section 512B, the movable shaft portion 52 is also displaced in the axial direction D2.

[0033] The blocking part 54 includes a fastening part 541 fixed to the lower end of the connecting part 522 by a bolt 541A, and a lid 542 that covers the lower end of the nozzle 412 of the filling valve 40 from below to block the discharge part 45. The lid 542 is located at a position away from the axis 52X of the movable shaft part 52 in a direction perpendicular to the axis 52X and is arranged horizontally. The lid 542 in this embodiment is located below the connecting part 522, but this is not necessarily limited, and the lid 542 may be arranged at the same height as the connecting part 522 or above the connecting part 522 depending on the height of the nozzle 412 of the filling valve 40. The relative rotation between the movable shaft portion 52 and the closing portion 54 is restricted by the key 541B that engages with the fastening portion 541 and the connecting portion 522. Therefore, the closing portion 54 and the movable shaft portion 52 are displaced integrally.

[0034] The diaphragm 57 seals between the movable shaft portion 52 and the support portions such as the housing 51 and the base 313, and allows displacement of the movable shaft portion 52 relative to the support portions in the axial direction D1 and the axial direction D2. In order to allow displacement of the movable shaft portion 52 in the axial direction D1 and the axial direction D2, the diaphragm 57 is made of an appropriate resin material having flexibility or pliability, for example, a rubber-based material. Diaphragm 57 is formed in a cup shape having an opening 571, a bottom 572, and a side wall 573, with opening 571 facing upward. The above-mentioned connecting portion 522 penetrates bottom 572. Flange 521 of movable shaft portion 52 is disposed on bottom 572. The inside of diaphragm 57 corresponds to non-sterile region R2, and the outside of diaphragm 57 corresponds to sterile region R1.

[0035] In order to separate the non-sterile area R2 from the surrounding sterile area R1, the gaps between the components of the closure device 50 are sealed by, for example, the following sealing members (573A, 511A, 522A). An annular seal portion 573A is formed radially outward of the upper end of a side wall 573 rising from a bottom portion 572. The seal portion 573A is formed to be thicker than other portions of the diaphragm 57, and is disposed on the lower surface of the base plate 313. The seal portion 573A is pressed against the base plate 313 by a plate-shaped second retaining portion 59 having a hole with a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the side wall 573. The second retaining portion 59 is fixed to the base plate 313 by a plurality of bolts 591. A first seal ring 522A is disposed between the first holding portion 58 and the connecting portion 522 of the movable shaft portion 52 that penetrates the bottom portion 572 of the diaphragm 57. A second seal ring 511A is disposed between the upper surface of the base plate 313 and the flange 511 of the housing 51.

[0036] While the cam follower 523 is displaced upward from the second section 512B to reach a predetermined position in the first section 512A, the movable shaft portion 52 is displaced in the axial direction D1 and the axial direction D2+ while deforming the diaphragm 57 from the state shown in FIG. 4(a) in the axial direction D1 and the axial direction D2+. At this time, the closing portion 54 follows the displacement of the movable shaft portion 52, so that the discharge portion 45 is closed by the lid 542. When the discharge portion 45 is closed by the lid 542, a valve (not shown) built in the filling valve 40 is operated, and the flow path 410 of the filling valve 40 is connected to a recovery path (not shown). This prevents the purification medium such as hot water, chemical solution, and steam used for internal cleaning and internal sterilization from flowing out of the discharge portion 45, and allows the internal cleaning and internal sterilization of the piping, the filling valve 40, etc. to be performed while recovering the purification medium through the recovery path.

[0037] When the cam follower 523 is displaced downward relative to the cam groove 512 from a state in which the discharge part 45 is closed by the lid 542, the movable shaft part 52 is displaced in the axial direction D1 and in the direction D2- around the axis, so that the lid 542 moves away from the discharge part 45 and returns to a predetermined retreat position. At this time, the discharge part 45 is opened to the sterile area R1. The product is manufactured in a state in which the lid 542 is retreated from the discharge part 45.

[0038] As the volume inside diaphragm 57 decreases due to the movement of movable shaft portion 52 when closing or opening discharge portion 45, the air inside diaphragm 57 escapes from third port 612C, which is open to the atmosphere, of supply / discharge valve 612 (FIG. 5) through path 513 and pipe line 611 (FIG. 5) connected to path 513. In other words, a path is secured through which air inside diaphragm 57 can enter and exit.

[0039] [Bulkhead Abnormality Detection System] The diaphragm 57 or bellows 47 may be damaged by repeated operation of the closure device 50 or the fill valve 40. Also, the diaphragm 57 or bellows 47 may be installed without providing an adequate seal between the relatively displaceable members. Therefore, in the present embodiment, if the diaphragm 57 or the bellows 47 serving as the partition separating the sterile area R1 and the non-sterile area R2 is damaged or installed improperly, the aseptic filling system 1 detects this as an abnormality related to the partition. The aseptic filling system 1 includes a system 10 for detecting an abnormality related to the partition for aseptic filling. The configuration of the partition abnormality detection system 10 for aseptic filling will be described below taking as an example the case of detecting an abnormality related to the diaphragm 57. The case of detecting an abnormality related to the bellows 47 will be described later.

[0040] 5 shows a configuration example of a partition anomaly detection system 10 for detecting an anomaly related to the diaphragm 57 of the closing device 50. The system includes a sterile area R1 and a non-sterile area R2, a plurality of closing devices 50 provided on a rotating body 31, a medium supply unit 61 configured to be able to supply a gas-phase fluid (air) as a detection medium to each of the diaphragms 57 of the plurality of closing devices 50, and a flowmeter 62 capable of measuring the flow rate of the detection medium. The partition anomaly detection system 10 detects damage to the diaphragm 57, improper installation of the diaphragm 57 on the movable shaft part 52 and the base 313, etc., based on the state of the detection medium supplied to the closed space 570 formed by the movable shaft part 52 and surrounding members.

[0041] The closed space 570 corresponds to the space surrounded by the diaphragm 57, the movable shaft portion 52, the housing 51, and the base 313. When no abnormality such as damage or installation failure of the diaphragm 57 occurs, the closed space 570 retains the air supplied by the medium supply portion 61, and when an abnormality occurs, the air leaks out of the closed space 570. It is also possible to use water vapor instead of air as the detection medium.

[0042] The medium supply unit 61 includes a compressed air supply source 610, a pipeline 611 that supplies the air from the supply source 610 to the closed space 570, and a supply / discharge valve 612 that can switch between supplying and discharging air. It is preferable that the supply source 610 supplies air that has been made sterile by passing it through a filter or the like. The pipe 611 includes a main flow path 611A and a plurality of distribution flow paths 611B, as shown in Fig. 5 as an example. The air supplied from the supply source 610 and flowing through the main flow path 611A passes through the rotary joint 33 (Fig. 2) and is distributed from the main flow path 611A to the plurality of distribution flow paths 611B.

[0043] Each of the multiple distribution flow paths 611B is individually connected to the closing device 50. The medium supply unit 61 has the same number of distribution flow paths 611B as the closing devices 50. The distribution flow paths 611B are connected to all of the closing devices 50 provided in the rotating body 31, including the remaining closing devices 50 not shown in FIG. 5. A path 513 formed in the housing 51 of the closing device 50 forms an end of the distribution flow path 611B. A tube or the like of the distribution flow path 611B is connected to the path 513.

[0044] The path 513 extends between a first opening 513A (FIG. 4(a)) formed in the side wall of the housing 51 above the base 313, and a second opening 513B (FIG. 4(a)) located below the first opening 513A and facing an opening 571 in the diaphragm 57.

[0045] The supply and exhaust valve 612 is an electromagnetic valve, and is provided between the supply source 610 and the rotary joint 33 (FIG. 2) in the main flow path 611A. The supply and exhaust valve 612 has a first port 612A connected to the supply source 610 side, a second port 612B connected to the closing device 50 side, and a third port 612C open to the atmosphere. The supply and exhaust valve 612 switches between supplying air to the closed space 570 and discharging air from the closed space 570 by switching the flow path inside the supply and exhaust valve 612 in response to a command from the control device 1M (FIG. 1).

[0046] The flow meter 62 is provided in the main flow path 611A between the supply source 610 and the rotary joint 33, similar to the supply and discharge valve 612. The flow meter 62 can be provided downstream or upstream of the supply and discharge valve 612, for example.

[0047] The partition abnormality detection system 10 can be provided not only to a newly constructed aseptic filling system 1, but also to an existing aseptic filling system by adding at least a medium supply unit 61.

[0048] When detecting an abnormality related to the diaphragm 57, a step (supply step) is performed in which the supply / discharge valve 612 is switched to supply air to supply air to the closed space 570. Then, air is supplied to the closed space 570 inside the diaphragm 57 of each of all the blocking devices 50 connected to the main flow path 611A through the distribution flow paths 611B. 6(a) shows a schematic example of a change in the air flow rate measured by the flowmeter 62. When the supply / discharge valve 612 is excited, air flows from the first port 612A to the second port 612B. At this time, air is supplied to the closed space 570 by the medium supply unit 61, so that the air is forced into the closed space 570.

[0049] If no abnormality occurs in any of the diaphragms 57 of the closing devices 50 connected to the main flow path 611A through the distribution flow paths 611B, air remains in the closed space 570 of each closing device 50. Therefore, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 6(a), at the start of the air supply t 0 Then, the flow of air in the main flow path 611A and each of the distribution flow paths 611B substantially stops after a certain time T has elapsed. Then, the value of the flow rate measured by the flow meter 62 indicates 0 or substantially 0.

[0050] On the other hand, if an abnormality occurs in any of the diaphragms 57 of the closing device 50 connected to the main flow path 611A, air leaks from the closed space 570 corresponding to the abnormal diaphragm 57 through a damaged portion of the diaphragm 57. Therefore, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 6(a), for example, at the start of the air supply t 0 Even after a predetermined time T has elapsed, the air flow rate measured by the flow meter 62 does not become zero, and is not substantially zero.

[0051] Therefore, following the step of supplying air to the closed space 570, the flow rate of the air is measured by the flow meter 62 (measurement step), and it is possible to detect the occurrence of an abnormality related to the diaphragm 57 of any of the blocking devices 50 based on the value of the air flow rate measured by the flow meter 62 (detection step). For example, if the measurement value by the flow meter 62 is larger than an appropriate threshold value, it is determined that an abnormality related to the diaphragm 57 exists for any of the blocking devices 50, and if the measurement value is smaller than the threshold value, it is determined that no abnormality exists for the diaphragm 57 for any of the blocking devices 50, and all the diaphragms 57 are healthy. Such a determination can be made by visually checking the measurement value by the flow meter 62, or by comparing the data of the measurement value by the flow meter 62 with the threshold value in the control device 1M.

[0052] After an abnormality is detected, the air supply from the supply source 610 is stopped and the supply / exhaust valve 612 is de-energized, allowing air to flow from the second port 612B to the third port 612C, thereby discharging the air from the closed space 570 to the atmosphere.

[0053] By providing a pressure gauge instead of the flowmeter 62, it is also possible to detect an abnormality in the diaphragm 57 based on the pressure value of the air flowing through the main flow path 611A and the distribution flow paths 611B. In other words, since there is no abnormality in the diaphragms 57 of any of the blocking devices 50 connected to the main flow path 611A through the distribution flow paths 611B, if the air supplied to the closed spaces 570 by the medium supply unit 61 is forced into and retained in each closed space 570, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 6(b), 0 When a certain time T has elapsed from the time of the pressure gauge, the pressure value measured by the pressure gauge reaches a predetermined value p 1 The pressure gauge continues to indicate a constant or substantially constant specified pressure p 1 Shows.

[0054] On the other hand, if an abnormality occurs in any of the diaphragms 57 of the closing device 50 and air leaks from any of the closed spaces 570, the pressure measured by the pressure gauge will become equal to or greater than the specified pressure after the predetermined time T has elapsed. fixed Pressure p 1 Although it depends on the degree of damage to the diaphragm 57, for example, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 0 At a certain point t after a certain time T has elapsed from 1 The pressure p measured by the pressure gauge at 2 However, the specified pressure p when no abnormality occurs in the diaphragm 57 1 However, the pressure has deviated to the lower side beyond the allowable range P.

[0055] therefore, air At the start of supply t 0 By applying an appropriate threshold value or the like to the air pressure after a predetermined time T has elapsed from the time when the air pressure is increased, it is possible to detect the occurrence of an abnormality related to the diaphragm 57 of the blocking device 50. It is also possible to use both the flow meter 62 and the pressure gauge and detect an abnormality in the diaphragm 57 based on the flow rate and pressure of air in the main flow path 611A and the distribution flow path 611B.

[0056] The partition abnormality detection system 10 can detect an abnormality in the diaphragm 57 at any time except during the closing operation (or the opening operation, or both the closing and opening operations) of the closing device 50. The abnormality detection in the diaphragm 57 is performed when the supply / discharge valve 612 is excited so that air that has passed through the first port 612A and the second port 612B is supplied to the closed space 570 through the pipe 611. Detection of an abnormality related to diaphragm 57 can be performed not only during maintenance of aseptic filling system 1, but also while a product manufacturing process or a cleaning and sterilizing process is being performed by aseptic filling system 1. Rotating body 31 may be rotated when an abnormality is detected. The pressure of air supplied to closed space 570 of diaphragm 57 is preferably set to a pressure lower than the pressure that displaces lid 542 so as not to affect the blocking of discharge part 45 by lid 542 during the cleaning and sterilizing process. It is preferable to continuously measure the air flow rate and pressure throughout operation, including the manufacturing process and the cleaning and sterilization process, because this allows prompt action to be taken, such as inspection or replacement of diaphragm 57, in the event of an abnormality relating to diaphragm 57.

[0057] [Major Effects of the Present Embodiment] As described above, according to the partition abnormality detection system 10 of this embodiment, which detects abnormalities related to the diaphragm 57 based on the state of the air supplied to the closed space 570 of each closing device 50, abnormalities related to multiple diaphragms 57 provided in the sterile filling system 1 can be detected at once without disassembling the closing device 50, even when the sterile filling system 1 is in operation. According to this embodiment, only when an abnormality related to the diaphragm 57 is detected, it is sufficient to disassemble the blocking device 50 to inspect the diaphragm 57 for damage or not. Therefore, the labor and time required for the maintenance work of disassembling all the blocking devices 50 one by one, inspecting the diaphragm 57, replacing the diaphragm 57 with a good one as necessary, and assembling the blocking device 50 is greatly reduced, and the abnormality can be easily and reliably detected while preventing human error. Therefore, the maintenance cost of the aseptic filling system 1 can be reduced, and the productivity can be improved. In addition, the replacement of the diaphragm 57 based on the detection result of the abnormality related to the diaphragm 57 keeps the diaphragm 57 healthy, which promotes sterilization of the aseptic area R1 and contributes to improving the rate of non-defective products.

[0058] [Modifications] 7(a) and (b) show a state in which a plurality of closure devices 50 provided in the aseptic filling system 1 are divided into a plurality of groups G1 and G2. The partition wall abnormality detection system 10-1 shown in FIG. 7 includes a first air circuit C1, a first flow meter 62-1 provided in the first air circuit C1, a second air circuit C2, and a second flow meter 62-2 provided in the second air circuit C2. The first air circuit C1 corresponding to the first group G1 is connected to half of the closure devices 50, as an example. The second air circuit C2 corresponding to the second group G2 is connected to the remaining closure devices 50. According to the partition abnormality detection system 10-1, when an abnormality is detected in the diaphragm 57 of either the first group G1 or the second group G2, the location of the abnormality is narrowed down to some of the blocking devices 50, making it easy to identify the blocking device 50 in which the abnormality is occurring.

[0059] 8 includes flow meters 62 (or pressure gauges) in the distribution flow passages 611B, each corresponding to a plurality of closing devices 50. The partition wall abnormality detection system 10-2 simultaneously supplies air to the closed spaces 570 of all the closing devices 50, and can determine the difference in air flow rate (or pressure) caused by the presence or absence of air leakage from the corresponding closed spaces 570 based on the measurement values ​​indicated by the flow meters 62 corresponding to the closing devices 50. Therefore, the closing device 50 in which an abnormality has occurred in the diaphragm 57 can be easily identified.

[0060] In the above embodiment, a step of attaching detection liquid (e.g., soapy water) to the diaphragm 57 from the outside can be performed prior to the step of supplying air to the closed space 570. Then, when an abnormality occurs due to the step of supplying air as a gas-phase fluid to the closed space 570, air bubbles B are generated at the location where air is leaking due to breakage or the like, as in the diaphragm 57X shown in Fig. 5. Air bubbles B are formed when air is enclosed in the detection liquid. Since the air bubble B appearing on the outside of the diaphragm 57 notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in the diaphragm 57, the diaphragm 57 in which the abnormality has occurred can be identified by visually checking the air bubble B. In other words, the abnormality is detected based on the state of the air indicated by the air bubble. As the detection liquid, in addition to soapy water, it is possible to use a liquid having a smaller surface tension than water, such as a liquid containing alcohol.

[0061] It is not necessary to use a detection liquid that generates air bubbles B. Since an abnormality in diaphragm 57 is indicated by the sound generated when the air supplied to closed space 570 leaks out of closed space 570, it is possible to identify diaphragm 57 having an abnormality based on the sound.

[0062] 3, the bellows 47 of the filling valve 40 (first type functional unit) forms a closed space 470 together with surrounding members, similar to the diaphragm 57 of the closing device 50 (first type functional unit). The closed space 470 corresponds to the space surrounded by the bellows 47, the valve stem 42, the rod 48, and the housing 41.

[0063] 5 with the filling valve 40, it is possible to construct a bulkhead abnormality detection system that detects abnormalities related to the bellows 47. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, it is sufficient to connect a distribution flow path 611B (indicated by a dashed line) to each filling valve 40. The end of the distribution flow path 611B corresponds to the path 413 formed in the housing 41.

[0064] 5 is replaced with the filling valve 40, the operation and effect are similar to that of detecting an abnormality related to the diaphragm 57, and therefore will not be described here. Detection of an abnormality related to the bellows 47 can be performed during a cleaning and sterilization process in which the filling valve 40 is not operated, or during maintenance of the filling machine 3. The closed space 470 inside the bellows 47 is opened to the atmosphere through the distribution flow path 611B, the main flow path 611A, and the third port 612C of the supply and discharge valve 612.

[0065] It is also possible to construct a system for detecting abnormalities relating to the bellows 77 provided in the capping head 70 (third type functional unit) shown in FIG. The capping head 70 is provided on the capper 4 (FIG. 1) which receives the container 2 from the filling machine 3 (FIG. 1) and attaches the cap 22 to the mouth 21 of the container 2.

[0066] As shown in Figure 9, the capping head 70 comprises a cylindrical housing 71 supported on a base 49 that separates a sterile area R1 and a non-sterile area R2, a movable shaft portion 72 that is displaceable in an axial direction D1 and a direction around the axis D2 relative to the housing 71, a drive mechanism 73 that drives the movable shaft portion 72 in the axial direction D1 and the direction around the axis D2, an attachment portion 74 that is provided at the lower end of the movable shaft portion 72 and wraps the cap 22 around the container 2 in conjunction with the displacement of the movable shaft portion 72, and a bellows 77 that is arranged around the axis of the movable shaft portion 72 and separates the sterile area R1 and the non-sterile area R2.

[0067] An upper end 77A of the bellows 77 is held by the housing 71. A lower end 77B of the bellows 77 is held by the movable shaft portion 72. The bellows 77 seals the gap between the housing 71 and the movable shaft portion 72 while allowing displacement of the movable shaft portion 72 relative to the housing 71 in the axial direction D1 and the axial direction D2. The bellows 77, together with the housing 71 and the movable shaft portion 72, form a closed space 770.

[0068] By replacing the blocking device 50 shown in Fig. 5 with the capping head 70, it is possible to construct a bulkhead anomaly detection system that detects anomalies related to the bellows 77. That is, as shown in Fig. 9, a distribution flow path 611B (indicated by a dashed line) may be connected to each capping head 70. The end of the distribution flow path 611B corresponds to a path 713 formed in the housing 71. The closed space 770 is opened to the atmosphere through the distribution flow path 611B, the main flow path 611A, and the third port 612C of the supply / discharge valve 612. The detection of abnormalities relating to the bellows 77 can be performed during a cleaning and sterilization process when the capping head 70 is not in operation, or during maintenance.

[0069] The detection medium is not limited to air supplied from the compressed air supply source 610, and a liquid-phase fluid (water, etc.) can be supplied to the closed space 570 as the detection medium. In this case, for example, by applying an appropriate threshold value to the flow rate of the liquid measured by the flow meter 62 provided in the main flow path 611A, it is possible to detect the occurrence of an abnormality in the diaphragm 57 of any of the blocking devices 50. In addition, since the abnormality is notified by liquid dripping from a location where the diaphragm 57 is damaged, etc., it is possible to identify the diaphragm 57 where the abnormality is occurring.

[0070] In addition, light as a detection medium can be supplied to the closed space 570 as shown in Fig. 10. For example, a partition abnormality detection system 10-3 shown in Fig. 10 includes a light source device 630 and a light guide path 631 made of an optical fiber or the like as a medium supply unit 63. The light guide 631 includes a main light path 631A corresponding to the main flow path 611A in FIG. 5, a distribution light guide 631B corresponding to the distribution flow path 611B, and an optical splitter 631C that splits light from the main light path 631A to the distribution light guide 631B, and transmits light supplied from the light source device 630 to the closed space 570. Here, since the diaphragm 57 is formed from a resin material or the like that does not transmit light, light leaks out from the closed space 570 only when the diaphragm 57 is torn or when a gap exists between the diaphragm 57 and a member due to improper installation or the like. In other words, the occurrence of an abnormality related to the diaphragm 57 is notified by light.

[0071] Therefore, it is preferable to supply light from light source device 630 through light guide path 631 to closed space 570, and to visually check the light leaking from diaphragm 57 or to detect it with an optical sensor, camera, or the like, with the lights in the manufacturing site turned off as necessary. By using a plurality of optical sensors, etc. distributed in the circumferential direction of rotor 31 (FIG. 2), it is possible to detect abnormalities related to all diaphragms 57. Alternatively, even if only one optical sensor, etc. is used, it is possible to detect abnormalities related to all diaphragms 57 by rotating rotor 31. Moreover, by dividing the light guide 631 into a plurality of groups G1 and G2 in the same manner as in the example shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to narrow down the diaphragm 57 in which an abnormality has occurred.

[0072] Instead of transmitting light to the closed space 570 through the light guide path 631 made of optical fiber or the like, a current may be supplied to an illumination device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) arranged in the closed space 570 through an electric path. The illumination device may be a battery-equipped type. In any case, by supplying light as a detection medium to the closed space 570, an abnormality can be detected based on the light leaking from the closed space 570.

[0073] The above-described configuration using light as a detection medium is not limited to the obturator 50, but can also be applied to the filling valve 40 and the capping head 70. In order to detect an abnormality in at least one of the first to third types of functional units (40, 50, 70), the partition wall abnormality detection system according to the present disclosure only needs to be provided with a medium supply unit connected to that functional unit.

[0074] In addition to the above, it is possible to select and discard the configurations given in the above embodiment, or to change them to other configurations as appropriate.

[0075] [Additional Notes] The partition wall abnormality detection system, partition wall abnormality detection method, and aseptic filling system manufacturing method described above can be understood as follows. [1] The partition abnormality detection systems 10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 each include a sterile area R1 in which the discharge sections 45 of a plurality of filling valves 40 included in a filling machine 3 that fills each container 2 with contents while transporting a group of containers are located, a non-sterile area R2 surrounding the sterile area, and at least one functional unit (40, 50, 70) selected from a plurality of first type functional units (50) individually corresponding to the plurality of filling valves 40, a plurality of second type functional units (40) individually included in the plurality of filling valves 40, and a plurality of third type functional units (70) corresponding to a plurality of capping heads 70 included in a capper 4 that attaches caps 22 to each container 2 while transporting a group of containers filled with contents, and a medium supply section 61, 63 included in the functional unit and configured to be capable of supplying a detection medium used to detect abnormalities related to the partitions (47, 57, 77) that separate the sterile area R1 and the non-sterile area R2 to the plurality of functional units. The functional unit includes a movable shaft portion that is displaceable in at least an axial direction D1. (42,52,72) and movable axis Part The movable shaft portion includes a partition wall that seals a gap between the support portion and the movable shaft portion while allowing the movable shaft portion to be displaced relative to the support portion arranged around the axis. The closed space (470, 570, 770) formed by the partition, the support portion, and the movable shaft portion retains the detection medium supplied by the medium supply portions 61, 63 when there is no abnormality, and allows the detection medium to leak out when there is an abnormality. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1. Aseptic filling system 1M Control Unit 2 containers 3 Filling machine 4. Cappa 5 Filling equipment 6 Container supply section 7 Discharge section 8 Chamber parts 9. Air Supply Unit 10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 Bulkhead abnormality detection system 11~13,14~16,31 Rotating body 18 Airtight shutter 19 Conveyor 21 Mouth 22 Cap 31 Rotating Body 32 Liquid supply pipe 33 Rotary joint 34 Upper water seal 35 Lower water seal 36 Bearings 37 Drive unit 38 Gear 39 Gripper 40 Filling valve 41 Housing 42 Valve stem (movable shaft) 43 Drive mechanism 44 Valve seat 45 Discharge part 46 Valve body 47 Bellows (Bulkhead) 48 Rod (movable shaft) 49 Base board 50 Occlusion device 51 Housing 51A Upper end 52 Movable shaft part 52X axis 53 Drive mechanism 54 Occlusion 57,57X Diaphragm (Partition) 58 1st holding part 59 Second holding part 61 Media supply section 62 Flow meter (measuring part) 63 Media supply section 70 Capping Head 71 Housing 72 Movable shaft part 73 Drive Mechanism 74 Mounting part 77 Bellows (Bulkhead) 77A Upper end 77B Lower end 100 Workbench 311 Canopy 312 Side Panel 313 Base board 314 Torso 361 Outer Ring 410 Flow Path 410A Holding part 411 Liquid introduction part 412 Nozzle 413 Route 414 Flange 431 Cylinder 470 Closed space 510 Insertion hole 511 Flange 511A Second Seal Ring 512 Cam groove 512A 1st Section 512B 2nd Section 513 Routes 513A Aperture 513B Aperture 521 Flange 522 Connecting part 522A 1st Seal Ring 523 Cam Follower 531 Output shaft 541 Fastening Part 541A Bolt 541B Key 542 Lid 570 Closed space 571 Aperture 572 Bottom 573 Side wall 573A Seal Part 591 Volts 610 Source 611 Pipeline 611A Main channel 611B Distribution channel 612 Supply and exhaust valve 612A 1st port 612B 2nd port 612C 3rd port 630 Light source device 631 Light Guide 631A leading light path 631B Distribution light guide 631C Optical splitter 713 Routes 770 Closed space B. Air bubbles C1 First air circuit C2 Second air circuit D1 Axial direction Direction around D2 axis G1 1st Group G2 2nd Group P tolerance R1 Sterile area R2 Non-sterile area X axis p 1 Specified Pressure t 0 When air supply starts

Claims

1. A filling machine that fills a group of containers with contents while conveying the group of containers includes a sterile area in which each discharge portion of a plurality of filling valves provided in the filling machine is located; a non-sterile area surrounding the sterile area; At least one functional unit selected from a plurality of first type functional units corresponding to the plurality of filling valves, a plurality of second type functional units included in the plurality of filling valves, and a plurality of third type functional units corresponding to a plurality of capping heads provided in a capper that attaches a cap to each of the containers while transporting the group of containers filled with the contents; a medium supply unit configured to be able to supply a detection medium used for detecting an abnormality related to a partition wall that is included in the functional unit and divides the sterile area and the non-sterile area to the plurality of functional units; The functional unit comprises: a movable shaft portion that is displaceable at least in an axial direction, and the partition wall that seals a gap between the support portion and the movable shaft portion while allowing the movable shaft portion to be displaced relative to a support portion that is disposed around an axis of the movable shaft portion, a closed space formed by the partition, the support portion, and the movable shaft portion retains the detection medium supplied by the medium supply portion when the abnormality is not present, and allows the detection medium to leak out when the abnormality is present; The medium supply unit includes a light guide path that supplies light as the detection medium supplied from a light source to the closed space. A bulkhead abnormality detection system for aseptic filling.

2. A device comprising the plurality of first type functional units, The movable shaft portion is configured to be displaceable not only in the axial direction but also in a direction around the axis, The first type functional unit includes a closing portion that closes the discharge portion in response to a displacement of the movable shaft portion. The septum abnormality detection system for aseptic filling according to claim 1.

3. A device comprising the plurality of second type functional units, The second type functional unit includes a valve rod as the movable shaft portion and a valve body provided on the valve rod to open and close the discharge portion. The septum abnormality detection system for aseptic filling according to claim 1.

4. A device comprising the plurality of third type functional units, The movable shaft portion is configured to be displaceable not only in the axial direction but also in a direction around the axis, The third type functional unit includes an attachment portion that attaches the cap to the container in response to the displacement of the movable shaft portion. A system for detecting an abnormality in a partition for aseptic filling according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A method for detecting an abnormality in a partition included in a functional unit for aseptic filling, comprising: the functional unit corresponds to at least one selected from a plurality of first type functional units corresponding to a plurality of filling valves, a plurality of second type functional units included in the plurality of filling valves, and a plurality of third type functional units corresponding to a plurality of capping heads provided in a capper that attaches a cap to each container while transporting a group of containers filled with contents; the functional unit includes a movable shaft portion that is displaceable at least in an axial direction, and the partition wall that seals a gap between the support portion and the movable shaft portion while allowing the movable shaft portion to be displaced relative to a support portion that is disposed around an axis of the movable shaft portion, The partition wall is A filling machine that fills each of the containers with the contents while conveying the group of containers divides a sterile area in which each of the discharge portions of a plurality of filling valves provided in the filling machine is located, and a non-sterile area surrounding the sterile area; The method for detecting an abnormality in a partition wall comprises: a supply step of supplying a detection medium used for detecting the abnormality to the plurality of functional units; a detection step of detecting an abnormality related to the partition wall based on a state of the detection medium supplied to the plurality of functional units; In the supplying step, a closed space formed by the partition wall, the support portion, and the movable shaft portion retains the detection medium when the abnormality is not present, and allows the detection medium to leak when the abnormality is present; a step of applying a detection liquid to the partition from the outside prior to the supplying step, In the supplying step, a gas-phase fluid as the detection medium is supplied to the closed space, When the abnormality is detected by carrying out the supplying step, leakage of the detection medium from the closed space is notified by generation of air bubbles originating from the detection liquid, In the detection step, the abnormality is detected based on a state of the detection medium indicated by the air bubbles. A method for detecting septum abnormalities in aseptic filling.

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