JP2017128340A - Beverage filling apparatus and manufacturing method for beverage in container - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce downtime that takes place in beverage container manufacture.SOLUTION: A beverage filling device 10 comprises: a chamber 20 having a first chamber 21 and a second chamber 22; a conveying section that conveys a container 120; a first filling section 101 that fills beverage into a container 120 conveyed to the first chamber 21; a second filling section 103 that fills beverage into a container 120 conveyed to the second chamber 22; a first washing and sterilizing section 102 that washes and sterilizes the first chamber 21 and the first filling section 101 while beverage is filled in a container 120 in the second chamber 22; and a second washing and sterilizing section 104 that washes and sterilizes the second chamber 22 and the second filling section 103 while beverage is filled in a container 120 in the first chamber 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a beverage filling apparatus and a method for producing a beverage in a container.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a beverage filling device that fills a container with a beverage using one nozzle provided in a chamber is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In this type of beverage filling device, during the filling of a beverage, a part of the beverage is scattered or condensed, and dirt is attached to a pipe and a chamber leading to the nozzle. Therefore, after filling the beverage, the piping and the chamber are cleaned and sterilized.

  This cleaning and sterilization takes, for example, 5 to 8 hours. During this time, the chamber cannot be used, so that it becomes a downtime in which a new beverage container cannot be manufactured (a beverage is filled in the container). .

  Therefore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for simultaneously cleaning and sterilizing a pipe by circulating sterile water to which a cleaning agent is added in the pipe of the nozzle.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-155332 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-22600

  However, not only the technique of Patent Document 1 but also the technique of Patent Document 2 causes downtime while pipes are being cleaned and sterilized.

  The present application has been made in view of such points, and an object of the present application is to provide a beverage filling apparatus and a method for producing a container-containing beverage capable of reducing downtime that occurs in the production of a beverage container. .

The beverage filling device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a chamber having a first chamber and a second chamber that are separable, and a container in the chamber, either the first chamber or the second chamber. A first transfer unit that is provided in the first chamber and is filled in the container that is transferred to the first chamber, and is provided in the second chamber and transferred to the second chamber. A second filling portion for filling the container with the beverage, and the first chamber, while the container is filled with the beverage in the second chamber, the first chamber is isolated and the first chamber is isolated. The first cleaning / sterilizing section for cleaning and sterilizing the one chamber and the first filling section, respectively, and the second chamber, while the container is filled with the beverage in the first chamber, the second Second cleaning for isolating the chamber and cleaning and sterilizing the second chamber and the second filling part, respectively It includes a sterilization unit.
Note that “isolation” indicates a state in which the state is not lost from the adjacent room without losing the state in the cleaned and sterilized room.

  According to this configuration, while the container is filled with the beverage in the first chamber, the second chamber and the second filling portion are respectively cleaned and sterilized, and while the container is filled with the beverage in the second chamber The first chamber and the first filling part are respectively cleaned and sterilized. As a result, it is possible to reduce downtime that occurs in the production of a container (beverage container) filled with a beverage.

  The beverage filling apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention further includes a switching unit that switches the transport destination of the container by the transport unit to the first chamber or the second chamber.

  According to this configuration, it is not necessary to manually switch the transport destination, and downtime related to switching can be reduced.

  In the beverage filling apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the chamber communicates with the first chamber and the second chamber, and the container is transported to one of the first chamber and the second chamber. The apparatus further includes a container cleaning / sterilizing unit provided in the front chamber and cleaning and sterilizing the container transported to the front chamber.

  According to this configuration, the container cleaning / sterilizing section for cleaning and sterilizing the container is used in common for the first chamber and the second chamber before the container is transported to either the first chamber or the second chamber. become. As a result, the equipment cost can be reduced compared to the case where the container cleaning / sterilizing section is provided separately for the first chamber and the second chamber.

  In the beverage filling device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the chamber communicates with the first chamber and the second chamber, and the container is conveyed from either the first chamber or the second chamber. A capping unit that has a rear chamber, is provided in the rear chamber, and capping the container transported to the rear chamber.

  According to this configuration, the capping portion that seals against the container is used in common for the first chamber and the second chamber after the container is transported from either the first chamber or the second chamber. As a result, the equipment cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the capping portions are provided separately for the first chamber and the second chamber.

  The beverage filling device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is configured to wash the pressure in one of the first chamber and the second chamber in which the beverage is filled in the container while the beverage is filled in the container. And a pressure adjusting unit for adjusting the pressure higher than the pressure in the other chamber to be sterilized.

  According to this configuration, even if there is a break location that cannot be completely isolated in the other chamber, it is possible to reduce the amount of cleaning liquid or the like in the other chamber from entering the one chamber via the break location.

  A beverage filling device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a first filling part provided in the first chamber, for separating the first chamber, and a second separation unit provided in the second chamber for isolating the second chamber. And a second isolation part.

  According to this configuration, what separates the first chamber and the second chamber is divided into the first isolation portion and the second isolation portion, so that the first chamber and the second chamber are isolated at different timings. Can be produced efficiently.

  In the beverage filling apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the transport section includes a first gripper provided in the first chamber and holding the container, and a second gripper provided in the second chamber and holding the container. The first gripper is configured to be retractable with respect to the first isolation part, and the second gripper is configured to be retractable with respect to the second isolation part.

  According to this configuration, when the first chamber or the second chamber is isolated, the first chamber or the second chamber is retracted so as not to interfere with the isolation portion. As a result, the first chamber and the second chamber can be more reliably isolated.

  In the beverage filling apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the first isolation part includes a first shutter that isolates the first chamber by sliding, and the second isolation part slides the first shutter. A second shutter for isolating two chambers, wherein the first gripper is extended when the first shutter is opened and the first chamber is not isolated, and the first shutter is closed and the first shutter is closed. When the chamber is isolated, it is bent and retracted with respect to the first shutter, and the second gripper is in an extended state when the second shutter is opened and the second chamber is not isolated, When the second shutter is closed and the second chamber is isolated, the second shutter is bent and retracted with respect to the second shutter.

  According to this configuration, when the first chamber and the second chamber are not isolated, the first gripper and the second gripper are in an extended state, so that the gripper and the like provided in another chamber that may exist in the chamber Containers can be handed over. Further, when the first chamber and the second chamber are isolated, the first gripper and the second gripper are bent so as not to interfere with the isolation portion. As a result, the first chamber and the second chamber can be more reliably isolated.

  The method for producing a containerized beverage according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a containerized beverage performed in a chamber having a first chamber and a second chamber separable from the first chamber. A first step of transporting the container to the first chamber in the chamber, and a first filling portion provided in the first chamber when the container is transported to the first chamber by the first step A second step of filling the container with a beverage using the above, and when the container is transported from the first chamber after the second step, the first chamber is separated from the first chamber and the first chamber The third step of cleaning and sterilizing the first filling part respectively, and after the second step and before the end of the third step, the transport destination of the container is switched to the second chamber and the container is A fourth step of conveying, and the container is moved into the second chamber by the fourth step. If it is conveyed, having a fifth step of filling the beverage into the vessel using a second filling portion provided in the second chamber.

  According to this method, the first chamber and the first filling portion are cleaned and sterilized, respectively, while the beverage is filled in the container in the second chamber. As a result, it is possible to reduce downtime that occurs in the production of a beverage containing a container.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the down time generate | occur | produced in manufacture of a drink container can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a beverage filling system including a beverage filling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of the inside of the beverage filling apparatus. 3A is a view showing a state where the first chamber shown in FIG. 2 is not isolated from the front chamber, and FIG. 3B is a view showing that the first chamber shown in FIG. 2 is isolated from the front chamber. It is a figure which shows the state which is carrying out. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a manufacturing process in the method for manufacturing a containerized beverage according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same element and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the positional relationship such as up, down, left and right is based on the positional relationship shown in the drawings unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are not limited to the illustrated ratios. Moreover, the following embodiment is an illustration for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

<Outline of beverage filling system>
First, the outline | summary of the drink filling system which concerns on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated using FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the beverage filling system 1 includes a beverage filling device 10, a preform molding device 11, a blow molding device 12, a transport device 13, a packaging device 14, and a control device 15. . Although not shown, the transport device 13 is provided from the preform molding device 11 to the packaging device 14.

  The devices 10 to 14 are controlled by the control device 15 as follows, for example. The control device 15 is described as a single device, but may be provided individually in each of the devices 10-14.

  The preform molding apparatus 11 molds a preform (base material) of the container 120. In addition, although this container 120 will not be specifically limited if it is a beverage container, in this embodiment, it demonstrates taking a plastic bottle as an example. Next, the blow molding apparatus 12 forms the container 120 by performing blow molding on the preform of the container 120. The transport device 13 transports the container 120 to the packaging device 14 via the beverage filling device 10. After filling the container 120 with a beverage, the beverage filling device 10 capping the container 120 and sealing it. Thereafter, the packaging device 14 packages the container 120.

<Schematic configuration of beverage filling apparatus 10>
Next, a schematic configuration of the beverage filling device 10 will be described.

  The beverage filling apparatus 10 includes a chamber 20 that is maintained in a sterile state by appropriately sterilizing the inside. Inside the chamber 20, a first chamber 21, a second chamber 22, a front chamber 23 and a rear chamber 24 are provided.

  The first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 communicate with the front chamber 23 and the rear chamber 24, respectively. The first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 are separable from other chambers. In addition, after entering the inside of the chamber 20 from the outside of the chamber 20, the container 120 is transported in the order of the front chamber 23, the first chamber 21, and the rear chamber 24, or the front chamber 23, the second chamber 22, and the rear chamber. 24 are conveyed in the order of 24 and discharged to the outside of the chamber 20.

  The beverage filling device 10 includes a container cleaning / sterilizing unit 100, a first filling unit 101, a first cleaning / sterilizing unit 102, a second filling unit 103, and a second filling unit in any chamber inside the chamber 20. A cleaning / sterilizing unit 104, a capping unit 105, a switching unit 106, and a pressure adjusting unit 107 are provided.

  Although not shown, the container cleaning / sterilizing unit 100 includes a nozzle provided in the front chamber 23, a supply source of the cleaning liquid, a supply source of the sterilizing liquid, and a pipe connecting the supply source and the nozzle. The container cleaning / sterilizing unit 100 is commonly used before the transport to the first chamber 21 and the transport to the second chamber 22. When the container 120 is transported to the front chamber 23, the cleaning liquid and the sterilizing liquid are discharged from the nozzle. Are sequentially sprayed to clean and sterilize the container 120.

  Although not illustrated, the first filling unit 101 includes a nozzle provided in the first chamber 21, a beverage supply source, and a pipe connecting the supply source and the nozzle. When the container 120 is transported to the first chamber 21, the first filling unit 101 fills the container 120 with a beverage from the nozzle.

  Although not shown, the first cleaning / sterilizing unit 102 includes a shower head provided in the first chamber 21, a cleaning liquid supply source, a sterilizing liquid supply source, and a pipe connecting each supply source and the shower head. . The first cleaning / sterilizing unit 102 isolates the first chamber 21 when the container 120 is conveyed and discharged from the first chamber 21 to the capping unit 105 (after packaging described later in the present embodiment). And the 1st washing | cleaning and sterilization part 102 wash | cleans and sterilizes the 1st chamber 21 and the 1st filling part 101, respectively by showering a washing | cleaning liquid and a sterilization liquid in order from a shower head.

  Although not illustrated, the second filling unit 103 includes a nozzle provided in the second chamber 22, a beverage supply source, and a pipe connecting the supply source and the nozzle. The second filling unit 103 fills the container 120 with a beverage from the nozzle when the container 120 is conveyed to the second chamber 22. The beverage filled by the first filling unit 101 and the beverage filled by the second filling unit 103 may be the same type or different types, but are different in this embodiment. The case of the type will be described.

  The second cleaning and sterilizing unit 104 is not shown, a shower head provided in the second chamber 22, a cleaning liquid supply source, a sterilizing liquid supply source, and a pipe connecting each supply source and the shower head, Is provided. The second cleaning / sterilizing unit 104 isolates the second chamber 22 when the container 120 is conveyed and discharged from the second chamber 22 to the capping unit 105 (after packaging described later in the present embodiment). And the 2nd washing | cleaning / sterilization part 104 wash | cleans and disinfects the 2nd chamber 22 and the 2nd filling part 103, respectively by showering a washing | cleaning liquid and a sterilization liquid in order from a shower head.

  The capping unit 105 is provided in the rear chamber 24. This capping unit 105 is commonly used after the transfer from the first chamber 21 and the transfer from the second chamber 22, and when the container 120 is transferred to the rear chamber 24, the capping unit 105 caps and seals the container 120. .

  The switching unit 106 has, for example, a switch (not shown), and switches the transport destination of the container 120 by the transport device 13 to the first chamber 21 or the second chamber 22. The switching by the switching unit 106 may be automatically performed by the control device 15 or may be manually performed by a manufacturer.

  The pressure adjustment unit 107 adjusts the pressure in each chamber in the chamber 20 by, for example, putting gas into the chamber.

<Specific configuration of beverage filling device 10>
Next, an example of a specific configuration of the beverage filling apparatus 10 to which the above schematic configuration is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the beverage filling device 10, the first chamber 21 to the rear chamber 24 in the chamber 20 face each other. These first chamber 21 to rear chamber 24 are each modularized. Thereby, each chamber can be separated or connected to each other.

  An individual transfer device 13 is provided in each of the first chamber 21 to the rear chamber 24. Each transport device 13 is provided with a gripper 130 that holds the container 120. Specifically, the first gripper 131 is provided in the transfer device 13 in the first chamber 21, the second gripper 132 is provided in the transfer device 13 in the second chamber 22, and the transfer device in the front chamber 23. 13 is provided with a third gripper 133, and the transfer device 13 in the rear chamber 24 is provided with a fourth gripper 134.

  Each of the grippers 131 to 134 is configured to be bendable. For example, although not shown, each gripper 131 to 134 includes a distal end portion that holds the container 120, a main body portion, and a connection pin that rotatably connects the distal end portion and the main body portion. Thereby, each gripper 131-134 bends with respect to a main-body part centering on a connection pin, and can be bent.

  The first chamber 21 is provided with an opening 25 and an opening 26. The opening 25 allows the first chamber 21 and the front chamber 23 to communicate with each other. The opening 26 allows the first chamber 21 and the rear chamber 24 to communicate with each other. Further, in the first chamber 21, the nozzle of the first filling unit 101 and the shower head of the first cleaning / sterilizing unit 102 protrude. Further, the first chamber 21 is provided with an isolation part 30 that isolates the first chamber 21 from other chambers. The isolation part 30 includes a first shutter 30A as a first isolation part that can open and close the opening 25 and the opening 26 by sliding, for example.

  Similarly, the second chamber 22 is provided with an opening 27 and an opening 28. The opening 27 allows the second chamber 22 and the front chamber 23 to communicate with each other. The opening 28 allows the second chamber 22 and the rear chamber 24 to communicate with each other. In the second chamber 22, the nozzle of the second filling unit 103 and the shower head of the second cleaning / sterilizing unit 104 protrude. Further, the second chamber 22 is provided with an isolation portion 30 that isolates the second chamber 22 from other chambers. The isolation part 30 is configured by a second shutter 30B as a second isolation part that can open and close the opening 27 and the opening 28 by sliding, for example.

  Although not shown in FIG. 2, the front chamber 23 is provided with a chamber inlet and a container cleaning / sterilizing unit 100, and the rear chamber 24 is provided with a chamber outlet and a capping unit 105.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, regarding the relationship between the separating unit 30 and the gripper 130 of the transport device 13, the first chamber 21 is not isolated from the front chamber 23 and is isolated. An example will be described with reference to two cases. The same applies to the case where the first chamber 21 is separated from other chambers or the second chamber 22 is isolated.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, when the first shutter 30A as the separating portion 30 is opened and the first chamber 21 is not isolated from the front chamber 23, the first gripper 131 in the first chamber 21 is The third gripper 133 is extended to reach the third gripper 133. Thereby, the container 120 can be delivered from the third gripper 133 to the first gripper 131.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, when the first shutter 30 </ b> A as the isolation unit 30 is closed and the first chamber 21 is isolated from the front chamber 23, the first gripper 131 in the first chamber 21 is, for example, The distal end portion that grips the container 120 is bent with respect to the portion other than the distal end portion, thereby being bent. In other words, the first shutter 30A can be retracted. Thereby, the first shutter 30A can be closed reliably. The angle at which the tip portion bends with respect to other than the tip portion is, for example, more than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees. The angle is preferably greater than 90 degrees so that the tip of the first gripper 131 does not interfere with the shutter. Note that FIG. 3B illustrates an example in which the angle at which the distal end portion is bent with respect to other than the distal end portion is 90 degrees.

<Beverage container manufacturing process>
Next, the manufacturing process in the manufacturing method of the container-containing drink which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated using FIG. In addition, although the case where all the manufacturing processes are automatically started by the control apparatus 15 is demonstrated below, all or one part of a manufacturing process may be started manually by the manufacturer.

(Step SP10)
The control device 15 determines whether or not the previous transport destination of the transport device 13 is the first chamber 21. If the determination is affirmative, the control device 15 proceeds to step SP12. If the determination is negative, the control device 15 proceeds to step SP11.

(Step SP11)
The control device 15 transmits a control signal to the switching unit 106. The switching unit 106 switches the transport destination of the container 120 by the transport device 13 to the first chamber 21 according to the control signal. And the control apparatus 15 transfers to the process of following step SP13.

(Step SP12)
The control device 15 transmits a control signal to the switching unit 106. The switching unit 106 switches the transport destination of the container 120 by the transport device 13 to the second chamber 22 according to the control signal. And the control apparatus 15 transfers to the process of following step SP13.

(Step SP13)
The control device 15 transmits a control signal to the preform molding device 11. The preform molding apparatus 11 molds the preform (base material) of the container 120 according to the control signal. After forming the preform, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the transport device 13. The conveying device 13 conveys the preform of the container 120 toward the blow molding device 12 according to the control signal. And the control apparatus 15 transfers to the process of following step SP14.

(Step SP14)
When the preform of the container 120 is conveyed to the blow molding device 12, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the blow molding device 12. The blow molding apparatus 12 forms the container 120 by performing blow molding on the preform of the container 120 according to the control signal. After forming the container 120, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the transport device 13. The transport device 13 transports the container 120 toward the chamber inlet of the beverage filling device 10 according to the control signal. And the control apparatus 15 transfers to the process of following step SP15. In the following description, the transport device 13 starts transporting from time to time by receiving a control signal from the control device 15, but may continue transporting to the packaging device 14 once receiving the control signal.

(Step SP15)
When the container 120 is conveyed into the front chamber 23 of the beverage filling device 10, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the container cleaning / sterilizing unit 100. The container cleaning / sterilizing unit 100 cleans the container 120 by ejecting a cleaning liquid from the nozzle according to the control signal. After cleaning, the container cleaning / sterilizing unit 100 sterilizes the container 120 by spraying a sterilizing liquid from the nozzle. Note that the inside of the chamber 20 is maintained in a sterile state by washing and sterilization in step SP20 described later. After cleaning and sterilization, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the transport device 13. The transport device 13 transports the container 120 to the transport destination switched by the switching unit 106 according to the control signal. And the control apparatus 15 transfers to the process of following step SP16.

(Step SP16)
The control device 15 transmits a control signal to the pressure adjustment unit 107. In response to the control signal, the pressure adjusting unit 107 adjusts the pressure in the first chamber 21 filled with the beverage higher than the pressure in the second chamber 22 that is being cleaned and sterilized in step SP20. The pressure difference between the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 is preferably 2 Pa or more, more preferably 5 Pa or more, still more preferably 10 Pa or more, for the reason of maintaining a sterile condition, for example. Moreover, it is preferably 12 kPa or less, more preferably 15 Pa or less, for the reason of energy efficiency for maintaining positive pressure. After adjusting the pressure, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the first filling unit 101. The first filling unit 101 fills the container 120 with a beverage from the nozzle according to the control signal.

  Similarly, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the pressure adjustment unit 107. In response to the control signal, the pressure adjusting unit 107 adjusts the pressure in the second chamber 22 filled with the beverage to be higher than the pressure in the first chamber 21 being cleaned and sterilized in step SP20. The pressure difference between the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 is preferably 2 kPa or more and 12 kPa or less as described above. After adjusting the pressure, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the second filling unit 103. The second filling unit 103 fills the container 120 with a beverage from the nozzle according to the control signal.

  After filling the beverage, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the transport device 13. The transfer device 13 transfers the container 120 toward the rear chamber 24 in accordance with the control signal. And the control apparatus 15 transfers to the process of following step SP17.

(Step SP17)
The control device 15 transmits a control signal to the capping unit 105 when the container 120 is transferred to the rear chamber 24. The capping unit 105 capping and sealing the container 120 according to the control signal. After capping and sealing, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the transport device 13. The transport device 13 transports the container 120 toward the packaging device 14 outside the chamber 20 through the chamber outlet according to the control signal. And the control apparatus 15 transfers to the process of following step SP18.

(Step SP18)
When the container 120 is transported to the packaging device 14, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the packaging device 14. The packaging device 14 packages the container 120 according to the control signal. Thereby, the drink container with which the container 120 was filled with the drink is manufactured. And the control apparatus 15 transfers to the process of following step SP19.

(Step SP19)
The control device 15 determines whether there is a change in the type of beverage or whether all production has been completed. If the determination is affirmative, the control device 15 proceeds to step SP20. If the determination is negative, the control device 15 proceeds to step SP13.

  In the above manufacturing process, after one beverage container is manufactured, the next beverage container is manufactured. However, when the beverage type is the same, the same transport destination is used during the manufacturing of one beverage container. The production of the next beverage container may be started using (first chamber 21 or second chamber 22). That is, you may manufacture a some drink container simultaneously.

(Step SP20)
The control device 15 transmits a control signal to the separator 30 according to the location in the chamber 20 used for filling. For example, when the part used for filling is the first chamber 21, the isolation part 30 isolates the first chamber 21 according to the control signal. Moreover, when the part used for filling is the second chamber 22, the isolation | separation part 30 isolates the 2nd chamber 22 according to the said control signal.

  After the isolation, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the first cleaning / sterilizing unit 102 or the second cleaning / sterilizing unit 104 according to the location in the chamber 20 used for filling. For example, when the part used for filling is the first chamber 21, the first cleaning / sterilizing unit 102 starts cleaning and sterilizing each of the first chamber 21 and the first filling unit 101 according to the control signal. . For example, when the part used for filling is the second chamber 22, the second cleaning / sterilization unit 104 performs the cleaning and sterilization of the second chamber 22 and the second filling unit 103 according to the control signal. Start. At this time, cleaning and sterilization of the front chamber 23 and the rear chamber 24 are also started by a cleaning / sterilization unit (not shown). Thereby, the inside of the chamber 20 is maintained in a sterile state.

  Here, the cleaning and sterilization of the front chamber 23 and the rear chamber 24 do not scatter the beverage, and the first filling portion 101 and the like need not be cleaned and sterilized. It can be completed in an earlier time, for example, a time of 1/3 or less than the cleaning and sterilization of the two chambers 22 and the second filling part 103.

  Therefore, when there is a change in the type of beverage, the control device 15 returns to the process of step SP10, for example, after the front chamber 23 and the rear chamber 24 have been cleaned and sterilized. Alternatively, the control device 15 may return to the step SP10 at the same time as the start of the cleaning and sterilization in anticipation that the cleaning and sterilization of the front chamber 23 and the rear chamber 24 will be completed before the container 120 enters the chamber 20. Good. In addition, the control apparatus 15 complete | finishes the process shown by FIG. 4, when all manufacture is complete | finished.

  Thereby, in step SP10, the transport destination of the transport device 13 is switched to a transport destination different from the previous transport destination, and in step SP16, the first filling unit 101 and the second filling unit 103 are different from the previous filling unit. The container 120 is filled with a beverage. That is, the first filling unit 101 fills the container 120 with the beverage in the first chamber 21 while the second chamber 22 and the second filling unit 103 are cleaned and sterilized, respectively. The second filling unit 103 fills the container 120 with the beverage in the second chamber 22 while the first chamber 21 and the first filling unit 101 are cleaned and sterilized, respectively.

<Action>
Next, the operation of the beverage filling device 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

  According to the configuration of the beverage filling apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the second chamber 22 and the second filling unit 103 are cleaned and sterilized, respectively, while the beverage is filled in the container 120 in the first chamber 21. Moreover, according to the same structure, the 1st chamber 21 and the 1st filling part 101 are wash | cleaned and sterilized, respectively, while the container 120 is filled with the drink in the 2nd chamber 22. FIG. As a result, it is possible to reduce the downtime that occurs in the production of a beverage container in which the container 120 is filled with a beverage.

  In particular, immediately after the cleaning and sterilization of the front chamber 23 and the rear chamber 24 are completed, if the manufacturing is resumed by returning to the step SP10, the downtime can be further reduced. Further, when the manufacturing is resumed by returning to the process of step SP10 at the same time as the start of cleaning and sterilization, the downtime can be reduced to zero except for confirmation work such as cleaning by a person.

  The switching unit 106 switches the transport destination of the container 120 by the transport device 13 to the first chamber 21 or the second chamber 22. As a result, there is no need to manually switch the transport destination, and downtime associated with switching can be reduced.

  In addition, the container cleaning / sterilizing unit 100 for cleaning and sterilizing the container 120 is common to the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 before the container 120 is transported to either the first chamber 21 or the second chamber 22. Will be used. As a result, the equipment cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the container cleaning / sterilizing unit 100 is provided separately for the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22.

  Further, the capping portion 105 for plugging the container 120 is used in common for the first chamber and the second chamber after the container is transported from either the first chamber 21 or the second chamber 22. As a result, the equipment cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the capping unit 105 is provided separately for the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22.

  Further, the pressure adjusting unit 107 cleans and sterilizes the pressure in one of the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 in which the container 120 is filled with the beverage while the container 120 is filled with the beverage. Adjust the pressure higher than the room pressure. For this reason, even if there is a break location that cannot be completely isolated in the other chamber, it is possible to reduce the amount of cleaning liquid or the like in the other chamber from entering the other chamber via the break location.

  In addition, since the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 are separated by the first shutter 30A and the second shutter 30B, the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 are separated at different timings. Can be produced efficiently.

  The first gripper 131 is configured to be retractable with respect to the first shutter 30A, and the second gripper 132 is configured to be retractable with respect to the second shutter 30B.

  According to this configuration, when the first chamber 21 or the second chamber 22 is isolated, the first chamber 21 or the second chamber 22 is retracted so as not to obstruct the isolation unit 30. As a result, the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 can be more reliably isolated.

  The first gripper 131 is extended when the first shutter 30A is opened and the first chamber 21 is not isolated, and is bent when the first shutter 30A is closed and the first chamber 21 is isolated. And the second gripper 132 is extended when the second shutter 30B is opened and the second chamber 22 is not isolated, and the second shutter is closed and the second chamber 22 is closed. Is isolated and retracted from the second shutter 30B. As a result, when the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 are not isolated, the first gripper and the second gripper are stretched, so that the gripper (first chamber) provided in another chamber that may exist in the chamber 20 is used. The container can be delivered to and from the third gripper 133 and the fourth gripper 134). Further, when the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 are isolated, the first gripper 131 and the second gripper 132 are bent so as not to obstruct the isolation part 30. As a result, the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 can be more reliably isolated.

<Modification>
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious for those skilled in the art that various modifications or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the idea described in the claims, and these naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood.

  For example, in the said embodiment, although the chamber where the filling part which fills a container with a drink was provided has demonstrated the case where there are two of the 1st chamber 21 and the 2nd chamber 22, it is not restricted to two, Three or more It may be. Specifically, in addition to the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22, a third chamber and a fourth chamber provided with a filling portion are provided. Filling and sterilization may be repeated alternately in the fourth chamber. In addition to the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22, a third chamber may be provided, and the first chamber 21 and the third chamber may be filled simultaneously while the second chamber 22 is being sterilized. .

  Moreover, although the case where the 1st chamber and the 2nd chamber were modularized and made separable was demonstrated, you may be united so that separation is impossible.

  Further, the first gripper 131 to the fourth gripper 134 have been described as being bent at the time of isolation by the isolation part 30. May be.

  Moreover, although the case where the sterilizing liquid was sprayed for the sterilization of the first chamber 21 and the like has been described, electron beam irradiation may be performed instead of spraying the sterilizing liquid. Moreover, you may perform washing | cleaning and disinfection simultaneously by mixing a washing | cleaning liquid and a disinfection liquid.

  Moreover, although the pressure adjustment part 107 demonstrated the case where pressure was adjusted just before filling of drink in step SP16, for example, if it is after step SP20, the timing of adjustment is not specifically limited.

10: Beverage filling device 13: Conveying device (conveying unit)
20: Chamber 21: First chamber 22: Second chamber 23: Front chamber 24: Rear chamber 30: Isolation section 30A: First shutter (first isolation section)
30B: Second shutter (second separator)
100: container cleaning / sterilizing unit 101: first filling unit 102: first cleaning / sterilizing unit 103: second filling unit 104: second cleaning / sterilizing unit 105: capping unit 106: switching unit 107: pressure adjusting unit 120: Container 130: Gripper 131: First gripper 132: Second gripper 133: Third gripper 134: Fourth gripper

Claims (9)

A chamber having a first chamber and a second chamber, each separable;
A transport unit for transporting the container to one of the first chamber and the second chamber in the chamber;
A first filling unit that is provided in the first chamber and fills the container transported to the first chamber with a beverage;
A second filling unit that is provided in the second chamber and fills the container transported to the second chamber with a beverage;
A first chamber is provided in the first chamber, and the first chamber and the first filling portion are respectively cleaned and sterilized by isolating the first chamber while the container is filled with beverage in the second chamber. One cleaning and sterilizing section;
A second chamber is provided in the second chamber for isolating the second chamber and washing and sterilizing the second chamber and the second filling section, respectively, while the container is filled with beverage in the first chamber. Two cleaning and sterilizing sections;
A beverage filling device comprising: A switching unit for switching the transport destination of the container by the transport unit to the first chamber or the second chamber;
The beverage filling apparatus according to claim 1. The chamber communicates with the first chamber and the second chamber, and has a front chamber that is transported before the container is transported to either the first chamber or the second chamber.
A container cleaning / sterilizing unit provided in the front chamber for cleaning and sterilizing the container transported to the front chamber;
The beverage filling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The chamber communicates with the first chamber and the second chamber, and has a rear chamber in which the container is transported from either the first chamber or the second chamber,
A capping portion that is provided in the rear chamber and plugs the container transported to the rear chamber;
The beverage filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The pressure in one of the first chamber and the second chamber in which the container is filled with the beverage is adjusted to be higher than the pressure in the other chamber that is cleaned and sterilized while the beverage is filled in the container. A pressure adjustment unit
The beverage filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A first isolation part provided in the first chamber and isolating the first chamber;
A second isolation part provided in the second chamber for isolating the second chamber;
The beverage filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The transport unit includes a first gripper that is provided in the first chamber and grips the container, and a second gripper that is provided in the second chamber and grips the container,
The first gripper is configured to be retractable with respect to the first isolation part,
The second gripper is configured to be retractable with respect to the second isolation part.
The beverage filling apparatus according to claim 6. The first isolation part includes a first shutter that isolates the first chamber by sliding,
The second isolation part includes a second shutter that isolates the second chamber by sliding,
The first gripper is in an extended state when the first shutter is opened and the first chamber is not isolated, and is bent when the first shutter is closed and the first chamber is isolated. Retracted against the first shutter,
The second gripper is in an extended state when the second shutter is opened and the second chamber is not isolated, and is bent when the second shutter is closed and the second chamber is isolated. Retracted against the second shutter,
The beverage filling device according to claim 7. A method for producing a beverage in a container performed in a chamber having a second chamber that is separable from the first chamber and the first chamber,
A first step of transporting a container to the first chamber in the chamber;
When the container is transported to the first chamber by the first step, a second step of filling the container with a beverage using a first filling unit provided in the first chamber;
A third step of isolating the first chamber and washing and sterilizing the first chamber and the first filling part, respectively, when the container is transported from the first chamber after the second step;
After the second step and before the end of the third step, a fourth step of transferring the container by switching the transfer destination of the container to the second chamber;
When the container is transported to the second chamber by the fourth step, a fifth step of filling the container with a beverage using a second filling unit provided in the second chamber;
A method for producing a beverage containing a container.