JP7149685B2 - Beverage filling device and method for manufacturing packaged beverage - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a beverage filling apparatus and a method for manufacturing packaged beverages.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a beverage filling apparatus that fills a container with a beverage using a single nozzle provided in a chamber (see Patent Document 1, for example).

In this type of beverage filling apparatus, part of the beverage splattered or condensed during filling of the beverage, and dirt adhered to the piping leading to the nozzle and the chamber. Therefore, cleaning and sterilization are performed on the piping and the chamber after the beverage is filled.

This cleaning and sterilization takes, for example, 5 to 8 hours, but during this time, the chamber cannot be used, so it becomes a downtime in which new beverage containers cannot be manufactured (the containers are filled with beverage). .

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

JP 2015-155332 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-22600

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

The present application has been made in view of this point, and one of the objects is to provide a beverage filling apparatus and a method for manufacturing packaged beverages that can reduce the downtime that occurs in the manufacture of beverage containers. .

A beverage filling apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a first chamber and a second chamber that can be isolated from each other , and an anterior chamber and a posterior chamber that are both in direct communication with the first chamber and the second chamber. a chamber for transporting a container from the anterior chamber to one of the first chamber and the second chamber in the chamber; and a transport unit provided in the first chamber for transporting the container to the first chamber A first filling unit that fills the container with a beverage, a second filling unit that is provided in the second chamber and fills the beverage into the container transported to the second chamber, and is provided in the first chamber, a first cleaning/sterilization unit that isolates the first chamber and cleans and sterilizes the first chamber and the first filling unit, respectively, while the container is filled with the beverage in the second chamber; A second chamber provided in the second chamber for isolating the second chamber and cleaning and sterilizing the second chamber and the second filling part, respectively, while the container is being filled with the beverage in the first chamber and a cleaning/sterilization unit.
The term "isolation" refers to a state in which a room that has been cleaned and sterilized does not lose its state and is not affected by neighboring rooms.

According to this configuration, the second chamber and the second filling part are cleaned and sterilized while the beverage is being filled in the container in the first chamber, and while the beverage is being filled in the container in the second chamber. The first chamber and first filling section are cleaned and sterilized respectively. As a result, it is possible to reduce the downtime that occurs in manufacturing 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 section that switches the transfer destination of the container by the transfer section to the first chamber or the second chamber.

According to this configuration, there is no need to manually switch the destination, and downtime associated with switching can be reduced.

The beverage filling apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention further includes a container cleaning/sterilizing section provided in the front chamber for 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 to 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, equipment cost can be reduced as compared with the case where separate container washing/sterilizing units are provided for the first chamber and the second chamber.

A beverage filling apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is provided in the rear chamber, and caps the container conveyed to the rear chamber from either the first chamber or the second chamber. It further comprises a part.

According to this configuration, the capping portion that seals against the container is commonly used in 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 compared to the case where separate capping sections are provided for the first chamber and the second chamber.

The beverage filling apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention cleans the pressure in one of the first chamber and the second chamber in which the beverage is filled into the container while the beverage is being filled into the container. and a pressure adjusting unit that adjusts the pressure in the other chamber to be sterilized higher than the pressure in the other chamber.

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

A beverage filling apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes a first isolation part provided in the first chamber for isolating the first chamber, and a second isolation part provided in the second chamber for isolating the second chamber. and a second isolation section.

According to this configuration, the first isolation section and the second isolation section separate the first and second chambers from each other, so that the first and second chambers can be isolated at different timings. , and the beverage container can be efficiently manufactured.

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

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

In the beverage filling device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the first separating section includes a first shutter that separates the first chamber by sliding, and the second separating section slides to separate the first chamber. a second shutter that isolates the two chambers, the first gripper being extended when the first shutter is open and the first chamber is not isolated, and the first shutter is closed to close the first gripper; The second gripper is flexed and retracted against the first shutter when the chamber is isolated, the second gripper is extended when the second shutter is open and the second chamber is not isolated, and the When the second shutter is closed and the second chamber is isolated, it 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. Can deliver containers. Moreover, when the first chamber and the second chamber are isolated, the first gripper and the second gripper bend so as not to interfere with the isolation part. As a result, the first chamber and the second chamber can be isolated more reliably.

The method for producing a packaged beverage according to the ninth aspect of the present invention has a first chamber and a second chamber that can be isolated, respectively , and both are in direct communication with the first chamber and the second chamber. A method for producing a packaged beverage performed in a chamber having a chamber and a back chamber, comprising: a first step of conveying a container from the front chamber to the first chamber in the chamber; is conveyed from the front chamber to the first chamber, a second step of filling the container with a beverage using the first filling unit provided in the first chamber, and after the second step a third step of isolating the first chamber and cleaning and sterilizing the first chamber and the first filling section, respectively, when the container is transported from the first chamber to the rear chamber; a fourth step of switching the transportation destination of the container to the second chamber and transporting the container after the step but before the end of the third step; and a fifth step of filling the container with a beverage using a second filling part provided in the second chamber when the container is transported to the chamber.

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

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the downtime that occurs in the manufacture of beverage containers.

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. FIG. 3(A) is a diagram showing a state in which the first chamber shown in FIG. 2 is not isolated from the front chamber, and FIG. 3(B) is a diagram showing a state in which the first chamber shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which is doing. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of manufacturing steps in a method for manufacturing a packaged beverage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping explanations are omitted. In addition, unless otherwise specified, positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right are based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the drawings are not limited to the illustrated ratios. Moreover, the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

<Overview of Beverage Filling System>
First, the outline of the beverage filling system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to 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 conveying device 13, a packaging device 14, and a control device 15. . Although not shown, the conveying device 13 is provided from the preform molding device 11 to the packaging device 14 .

Each device 10 to 14 is controlled by a control device 15, for example, as follows. Although the control device 15 is described as one device, it may be provided separately for each of the devices 10 to 14 .

The preform molding device 11 molds a preform (base material) of the container 120 . The container 120 is not particularly limited as long as it is a beverage container, but in this embodiment, a PET bottle will be described as an example. Next, the blow molding device 12 molds the container 120 by blow molding the preform of the container 120 . The conveying device 13 conveys the container 120 through the beverage filling device 10 to the packaging device 14 . The beverage filling apparatus 10 caps and seals the container 120 after filling the container 120 with the beverage. The packaging machine 14 then packages the container 120 .

<Schematic Configuration of Beverage Filling Device 10>
Next, a schematic configuration of the beverage filling device 10 will be described.

The beverage filling machine 10 comprises a chamber 20 whose interior is kept sterile by suitable sterilization. A first chamber 21 , a second chamber 22 , a front chamber 23 and a rear chamber 24 are provided inside the chamber 20 .

The first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 communicate with the front chamber 23 and the rear chamber 24, respectively. Also, the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 can be isolated from each other. In addition, after entering 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 and discharged to the outside of the chamber 20 .

The beverage filling apparatus 10 includes a container cleaning/sterilizing section 100, a first filling section 101, a first cleaning/sterilizing section 102, a second filling section 103, a second A cleaning/sterilization unit 104 , a capping unit 105 , a switching unit 106 and a pressure adjustment unit 107 are provided.

Although not shown, the container cleaning/sterilizing unit 100 includes a nozzle provided in the front chamber 23, a cleaning liquid supply source, a sterilizing liquid supply source, and a pipe connecting each supply source and the nozzle. This container cleaning/sterilizing unit 100 is common before transportation to the first chamber 21 and transportation to the second chamber 22, and when the container 120 is transported to the front chamber 23, the cleaning liquid and the sterilization liquid are supplied from the nozzles. to wash and sterilize the container 120 .

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

Although not shown, the first cleaning/sterilization unit 102 includes a shower head provided in the first chamber 21, a cleaning liquid supply source, a sterilization liquid supply source, and piping connecting each supply source and the shower head. , provided. The first cleaning/sterilizing section 102 isolates the first chamber 21 when the container 120 is conveyed and discharged from the first chamber 21 to the capping section 105 (after packaging, which will be described later in this embodiment). The first cleaning/sterilization unit 102 then sequentially showers cleaning liquid and sterilization liquid from the shower head, thereby cleaning and sterilizing the first chamber 21 and the first filling section 101, respectively.

The second filling section 103 includes, although not shown, 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 section 103 fills the container 120 with the beverage from the nozzle when the container 120 is transported 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 of the same type or of different types. A case of a type will be described.

The second cleaning/sterilization unit 104 includes a shower head (not shown) provided in the second chamber 22, a cleaning liquid supply source, a sterilization liquid supply source, pipes connecting each supply source and the shower head, Prepare. The second cleaning/sterilizing section 104 isolates the second chamber 22 when the container 120 is transported and discharged from the second chamber 22 to the capping section 105 (after packaging, which will be described later in this embodiment). The second cleaning/sterilizing unit 104 then sequentially showers the cleaning liquid and the sterilizing liquid from the shower head, thereby cleaning and sterilizing the second chamber 22 and the second filling unit 103, respectively.

The capping part 105 is provided in the rear chamber 24 . This capping part 105 caps and seals the container 120 when the container 120 is conveyed to the rear chamber 24 in common after the conveyance from the first chamber 21 and the conveyance from the second chamber 22. .

The switching unit 106 has, for example, a switching switch (not shown), and switches the transfer destination of the container 120 by the transfer 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 the manufacturer.

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

<Specific Configuration of Beverage Filling Device 10>
Next, an example of a specific configuration of the beverage filling device 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 apparatus 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. This allows the chambers to be separated or connected to each other.

Individual transfer devices 13 are provided in the first chamber 21 to the rear chamber 24, respectively. Each transport device 13 is provided with a gripper 130 for gripping the container 120 . Specifically, the transfer device 13 in the first chamber 21 is provided with a first gripper 131 , the transfer device 13 in the second chamber 22 is provided with a second gripper 132 , and the transfer device in the front chamber 23 13 is provided with a third gripper 133 and the transport device 13 in the rear chamber 24 is provided with a fourth gripper 134 .

Each of the grippers 131-134 is configured to be bendable. For example, each of the grippers 131 to 134 includes a tip for gripping the container 120, a main body, and a connection pin for rotatably connecting the tip and the main body (not shown). As a result, each of the grippers 131 to 134 is bendable at its distal end with respect to the main body about the connecting pin.

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, the nozzle of the first filling section 101 and the shower head of the first cleaning/sterilization section 102 protrude into the first chamber 21 . In addition, the first chamber 21 is provided with an isolation section 30 that isolates the first chamber 21 from other chambers. The isolating part 30 is composed of a first shutter 30A as a first isolating part that enables opening and closing of the openings 25 and 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. Further, the nozzle of the second filling section 103 and the shower head of the second cleaning/sterilization section 104 protrude into the second chamber 22 . In addition, the second chamber 22 is provided with an isolation section 30 that isolates the second chamber 22 from other chambers. The isolating part 30 is composed of a second shutter 30B as a second isolating part that enables opening and closing of the openings 27 and 28 by sliding, for example.

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

Here, with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the relationship between the isolation section 30 and the gripper 130 of the transfer device 13 will be described when the first chamber 21 is not isolated from the front chamber 23 and when it is isolated. Description will be given by taking two examples of cases where The same applies to the case where the first chamber 21 is isolated from other chambers or the second chamber 22 is isolated.

As shown in FIG. 3(A), when the first shutter 30A as the isolation part 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 moves toward the front chamber. 23 to reach the third gripper 133 . Thereby, the container 120 can be transferred from the third gripper 133 to the first gripper 131 .

As shown in FIG. 3B, when the first shutter 30A as the isolation section 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, A bent state is achieved by bending the tip portion that grips the container 120 with respect to the portion other than the tip portion. That is, retraction is possible with respect to the first shutter 30A. Thereby, the first shutter 30A can be reliably closed. The angle at which the tip portion is bent with respect to the portion 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. In addition, FIG. 3B shows an example in which the tip portion is bent at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the portion other than the tip portion.

<Manufacturing process of beverage container>
Next, the production process in the method for producing a packaged beverage according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, although the case where all the manufacturing processes are automatically started by the control device 15 will be described below, all or part of the manufacturing processes may be manually started by the manufacturer.

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

(Step SP11)
Control device 15 transmits a control signal to switching section 106 . The switching unit 106 switches the transfer destination of the container 120 by the transfer device 13 to the first chamber 21 according to the control signal. Then, the control device 15 proceeds to the next step SP13.

(Step SP12)
Control device 15 transmits a control signal to switching section 106 . The switching unit 106 switches the transfer destination of the container 120 by the transfer device 13 to the second chamber 22 according to the control signal. Then, the control device 15 proceeds to the next step SP13.

(Step SP13)
The control device 15 transmits control signals to the preform molding device 11 . The preform molding device 11 molds the preform (base material) of the container 120 according to the control signal. After molding the preform, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the transport device 13 . The transport device 13 transports the preform of the container 120 toward the blow molding device 12 according to the control signal. Then, the control device 15 proceeds to the next step SP14.

(Step SP14)
The control device 15 transmits a control signal to the blow molding device 12 when the preform of the container 120 is conveyed to the blow molding device 12 . The blow molding device 12 molds the container 120 by blow molding 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 conveying device 13 conveys the container 120 toward the chamber inlet of the beverage filling device 10 according to the control signal. Then, the control device 15 proceeds to the next step SP15. In the following description, the conveying apparatus 13 starts conveying by receiving a control signal from the control apparatus 15 at any time, but may continue conveying to the packaging apparatus 14 once the control signal is received.

(Step SP15)
The control device 15 transmits a control signal to the container cleaning/sterilizing section 100 when the container 120 is transported into the front chamber 23 of the beverage filling apparatus 10 . The container cleaning/sterilizing section 100 cleans the container 120 by spraying cleaning liquid from the nozzle in accordance with the control signal. After washing, the container washing/sterilizing unit 100 sterilizes the container 120 by injecting a sterilizing liquid from the nozzle. The inside of the chamber 20 is kept sterile by cleaning and sterilization in step SP20, which will be described later. After cleaning and sterilization, the control device 15 sends control signals 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. Then, the control device 15 proceeds to the next step SP16.

(Step SP16)
The control device 15 transmits a control signal to the pressure adjustment section 107 . According to the control signal, the pressure adjustment unit 107 adjusts the pressure inside the first chamber 21 filled with beverage to be higher than the pressure inside the second chamber 22 during cleaning and sterilization 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 an aseptic state, for example. In addition, 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 sends a control signal to the first filling section 101 . The first filling section 101 fills the container 120 with the beverage from the nozzle according to the control signal.

Similarly, the controller 15 sends a control signal to the pressure regulator 107 . The pressure adjustment unit 107 adjusts the pressure inside the second chamber 22 filled with the beverage higher than the pressure inside the first chamber 21 during cleaning and sterilization in step SP20 according to the control signal. 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 sends a control signal to the second filling section 103 . The second filling section 103 fills the container 120 with the beverage from the nozzle according to the control signal.

After filling the beverage, the control device 15 sends a control signal to the transport device 13 . The transport device 13 transports the container 120 toward the rear chamber 24 according to the control signal. Then, the control device 15 proceeds to the next step SP17.

(Step SP17)
The control device 15 transmits a control signal to the capping section 105 when the container 120 is transported to the rear chamber 24 . The capping unit 105 caps and seals the container 120 according to the control signal. After capping and sealing, the control device 15 sends a control signal to the transport device 13 . The conveying device 13 conveys the container 120 toward the packaging device 14 outside the chamber 20 via the chamber outlet according to the control signal. Then, the control device 15 proceeds to the next step SP18.

(Step SP18)
The control device 15 transmits a control signal to the packaging device 14 when the container 120 is transported to the packaging device 14 . The packaging device 14 packages the container 120 according to the control signal. As a result, a beverage container in which the container 120 is filled with the beverage is manufactured. Then, the control device 15 proceeds to the next 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 above determination is affirmative, the control device 15 proceeds to step SP20. When the above determination is negative, the control device 15 proceeds to step SP13.

In the above manufacturing process, one beverage container is manufactured before the next beverage container is manufactured. (first chamber 21 or second chamber 22) may be used to initiate production of the next beverage container. That is, a plurality of beverage containers may be manufactured simultaneously.

(Step SP20)
The controller 15 sends a control signal to the isolator 30 according to the location in the chamber 20 used for filling. For example, when the location used for filling is the first chamber 21, the isolation unit 30 isolates the first chamber 21 according to the control signal. Moreover, when the place used for filling is the second chamber 22, the isolation part 30 isolates the second chamber 22 according to the said control signal.

After isolation, the control device 15 sends a control signal to the first cleaning/sterilizing section 102 or the second cleaning/sterilizing section 104 depending on the location in the chamber 20 used for filling. For example, when the portion used for filling is the first chamber 21, the first cleaning/sterilizing unit 102 starts cleaning and sterilizing the first chamber 21 and the first filling unit 101 in response to the control signal. . Further, for example, when the location used for filling is the second chamber 22, the second cleaning/sterilizing unit 104 cleans and sterilizes the second chamber 22 and the second filling unit 103 in accordance with 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). This keeps the interior of the chamber 20 sterile.

Here, since the cleaning and sterilization of the front chamber 23 and the rear chamber 24 do not involve splashing of the beverage, etc., and the cleaning and sterilization of the first filling unit 101 and the like are unnecessary, the first chamber 21 and the first filling unit 101 or the first The cleaning and sterilization of the two chambers 22 and the second filling section 103 can be completed in a shorter time, such as 1/3 or less of the time.

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 anticipates that the cleaning and sterilization of the front chamber 23 and the rear chamber 24 will end before the container 120 enters the chamber 20, and may return to step SP10 at the same time as the cleaning and sterilization starts. good. It should be noted that the control device 15 ends the processing shown in FIG. 4 when all manufacturing is completed.

As a result, in step SP10, the transfer destination of the transfer device 13 is switched to a different transfer destination from the previous transfer destination. The container 120 is filled with the beverage at the end. That is, the first filling section 101 fills the beverage into the container 120 in the first chamber 21 while the second chamber 22 and the second filling section 103 are being cleaned and sterilized, respectively. Also, the second filling section 103 will fill the beverage into the container 120 in the second chamber 22 while the first chamber 21 and the first filling section 101 are being 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 this embodiment, the second chamber 22 and the second filling section 103 are cleaned and sterilized while the beverage is being filled into the container 120 in the first chamber 21 . Moreover, according to the same configuration, the first chamber 21 and the first filling section 101 are cleaned and sterilized while the beverage is being filled into the container 120 in the second chamber 22 . As a result, it is possible to reduce the downtime that occurs in manufacturing the beverage container in which the beverage is filled in the container 120 .

In particular, immediately after cleaning and sterilizing the front chamber 23 and the rear chamber 24, returning to the process of step SP10 and restarting the manufacturing can further reduce the downtime. In addition, if the process of step SP10 is returned to restart manufacturing at the same time as the start of cleaning and sterilization, downtime can be reduced to zero, except for confirmation work such as cleaning by humans.

Also, the switching unit 106 switches the transfer destination of the container 120 by the transfer device 13 to the first chamber 21 or the second chamber 22 . As a result, there is no need to manually switch the transfer 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 shared between 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 washing/sterilizing units 100 are provided separately for the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 .

Also, the capping part 105 for capping 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 compared to the case where the capping portions 105 are separately provided for the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 .

In addition, the pressure adjustment unit 107 adjusts the pressure in one of the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22, in which the container 120 is filled with the beverage, to the pressure in the other chamber that is cleaned and sterilized while the beverage is filled in the container 120. Adjust the pressure higher than the pressure in the room. Therefore, even if there is a break point that cannot be completely isolated from the other chamber, it is possible to reduce the amount of cleaning liquid or the like in the other chamber entering the one chamber via the break point.

In addition, since what isolates the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 is separated by the first shutter 30A and the second shutter 30B, the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 can be isolated at different timings. , and the beverage container can be efficiently manufactured.

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, it is retracted so as not to interfere with the isolation section 30 . As a result, the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 can be isolated more reliably.

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. 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 30B is closed and the second chamber 22 is separated, it is bent and retracted with respect to the second shutter 30B. As a result, if the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 are not isolated, the first gripper and the second gripper are in an extended state. A third gripper 133, a fourth gripper 134), etc. can be used to transfer the container. Also, when the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 are isolated, the first gripper 131 and the second gripper 132 bend so as not to interfere with the isolation section 30 . As a result, the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 can be isolated more reliably.

<Modification>
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art can conceive various modifications or modifications within the scope of the idea described in the claims, and these naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. understood as a thing.

For example, in the above embodiment, the number of chambers provided with the filling portion for filling the beverage into the container is two, the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22. However, the number of chambers is not limited to two, and may be three or more. 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, and similarly to the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22, the third chamber and the The fourth chamber may also be alternately filled and sterilized. 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 first chamber and the second chamber are modularized and made separable has been described, they may be integrated so as not to be separable.

Also, the first gripper 131 to the fourth gripper 134 have been described as bending during isolation by the isolation part 30, but they may be retracted from the isolation part 30 by contracting, sliding, or rotating, for example. may

Moreover, although the case where the sterilizing liquid is sprayed to sterilize the first chamber 21 and the like has been described, electron beam irradiation may be performed instead of spraying the sterilizing liquid. Also, cleaning and sterilization may be performed simultaneously by mixing the cleaning liquid and the sterilization liquid.

Also, the pressure adjustment unit 107 has explained the case where the pressure is adjusted immediately before step SP16, ie, the filling of the beverage, but the timing of the adjustment is not particularly limited as long as it is after step SP20, for example.

10: Beverage filling device 13: Conveying device (conveying unit)
20: Chamber 21: First Chamber 22: Second Chamber 23: Front Chamber 24: Rear Chamber 30: Separation Section 30A: First Shutter (First Separation Section)
30B: Second shutter (second isolation part)
100: Container cleaning/sterilization unit 101: First filling unit 102: First cleaning/sterilization unit 103: Second filling unit 104: Second cleaning/sterilization unit 105: Capping unit 106: Switching unit 107: Pressure adjustment 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 that are respectively separable and an anterior chamber and a posterior chamber both in direct communication with the first chamber and the second chamber;
a conveying unit that conveys the container from the front chamber to one of the first chamber and the second chamber in the chamber;
a first filling unit provided in the first chamber for filling the container conveyed to the first chamber with a beverage;
A second filling unit provided in the second chamber for filling the container conveyed to the second chamber with a beverage;
A second container provided in the first chamber for isolating the first chamber and cleaning and sterilizing the first chamber and the first filling part, respectively, while the beverage is being filled in the container in the second chamber. a cleaning/sterilization unit;
A second chamber provided in the second chamber for isolating the second chamber and cleaning and sterilizing the second chamber and the second filling section, respectively, while the beverage is being filled in the container in the first chamber. a second cleaning/sterilization section;
A beverage filling machine comprising: further comprising a switching unit for switching the transport destination of the container by the transport unit to the first chamber or the second chamber;
Beverage filling apparatus according to claim 1 . Further comprising a container cleaning/sterilizing unit provided in the front chamber for cleaning and sterilizing the container transported to the front chamber,
The beverage filling device according to claim 1 or 2. Further comprising a capping part provided in the rear chamber for capping the container transported from either the first chamber or the second chamber to the rear chamber,
Beverage filling apparatus 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, which is cleaned and sterilized while the container is filled with the beverage. further comprising a pressure adjustment unit for
Beverage filling apparatus 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 and isolating the second chamber;
6. A beverage filling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The conveying unit includes a first gripper provided in the first chamber for gripping the container, and a second gripper provided in the second chamber for gripping the container,
The first gripper is configured to be retractable with respect to the first isolation section,
The second gripper is configured to be retractable with respect to the second isolation part,
Beverage filling device 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 extended when the first shutter is open and the first chamber is not isolated, and is flexed when the first shutter is closed and the first chamber is isolated. retracted against the first shutter,
The second gripper is extended when the second shutter is open and the second chamber is not isolated, and is flexed when the second shutter is closed and the second chamber is isolated. retracted against the second shutter,
Beverage filling device according to claim 7. Manufacture of a packaged beverage carried out in a chamber having a first chamber and a second chamber which are respectively separable and having an anterior chamber and a posterior chamber, both of which are in direct communication with said first chamber and said second chamber. a method,
a first step of transporting the container from the front chamber to the first chamber in the chamber;
A second step of filling the container with a beverage using a first filling unit provided in the first chamber when the container is transported from the front chamber to the first chamber in the first step;
After the second step, when the container is transported from the first chamber to the rear chamber, the first chamber is isolated and the first chamber and the first filling section are washed and sterilized, respectively. three steps and
a fourth step of switching the transport destination of the container to the second chamber and transporting the container after the second step and before the end of the third step;
A fifth step of filling the container with a beverage using a second filling unit provided in the second chamber when the container is transported to the second chamber in the fourth step;
A method for producing a packaged beverage having

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