KR20180101534A - METHOD FOR PREPARING BEVERAGE FILLING DEVICE AND BEVERAGE IN BOX - Google Patents

Abstract

Thereby reducing the downtime that occurs during the manufacture of the beverage container. The beverage filling apparatus 10 includes a chamber 20 having a first chamber 21 and a second chamber 22, a transfer section for transferring the container 120, a container 120 A second charging part 103 for charging the beverage into the container 120 conveyed to the second chamber 22; a second charging part 103 for charging the beverage to the container 120 in the second chamber 22; A first cleaning / sterilizing portion 102 for cleaning and sterilizing the first chamber 21 and the first charging portion 101 while the beverage is being filled, and a second cleaning / sterilizing portion 102 for cleaning the first chamber 21 and the first charging portion 101, And a second cleaning / sterilizing unit 104 for cleaning and sterilizing the second chamber 22 and the second charging unit 103, respectively, while being charged.

Description

METHOD FOR PREPARING BEVERAGE FILLING DEVICE AND BEVERAGE IN BOX

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

Background Art [0002] Conventionally, a beverage filling apparatus for filling a beverage into a container using one nozzle provided in a chamber is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In this type of drink filling apparatus, during filling of the beverage, a part of the beverage splashes or condenses, and the pipe or chamber leading to the nozzle becomes dirty. Therefore, after the beverage is filled, cleaning and sterilization are performed on the pipe or the chamber.

This cleaning and sterilization requires, for example, 5 to 8 hours, and since the chamber can not be used in the meantime, a down time is incurred in which a new beverage container can not be manufactured (filling the beverage into the beverage).

In view of this, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for simultaneously cleaning and sterilizing piping by circulating sterile water to which a cleaning agent is added into a piping of a nozzle.

[Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] JP-A-2015-155332

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-22600

However, not only the technique of Patent Document 1 but also the technique of Patent Document 2 is a downtime during cleaning and disinfection of piping.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a beverage filling device and a method of manufacturing a beverage contained in a container that can reduce the downtime that occurs during the manufacture of a beverage container.

A beverage filling apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: a chamber having a first chamber and a second chamber each of which is made isolable; A transfer section for transferring the container to either the first chamber or the second chamber in the chamber; A first charging unit provided in the first chamber and charging the beverage to the container conveyed to the first chamber; A second charging unit that is provided in the second chamber and charges the beverage into the container conveyed to the second chamber; A first cleaning / sterilizing unit disposed in the first chamber for isolating the first chamber and cleaning and sterilizing the first chamber and the first charging unit while the container is being filled with the beverage in the second chamber; part; And a second cleaning / sterilizing unit disposed in the second chamber for isolating the second chamber and cleaning and sterilizing the second chamber and the second chamber while the beverage is being filled in the first chamber, And a sterilizing portion.

In addition, 'isolation' refers to a state in which such a state is not lost in a chamber where cleaning and sterilization are performed, and is not affected by an adjacent chamber.

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

The beverage filling apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention further includes a switching section for switching the carrier of the container by the carry section to the first chamber or the second chamber.

According to this configuration, there is no need to manually switch the carrier, and the stopping time due to switching can be reduced.

In the beverage filling apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the chamber is communicated with the first chamber and the second chamber, and is transported before the container is transported to either the first chamber or the second chamber And a container cleaning / sterilizing unit having a front chamber and provided in the front chamber for cleaning and sterilizing the container carried in the front chamber.

According to this configuration, the container cleaning / sterilizing unit 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. As a result, compared to the case where the container cleaning / sterilizing section is separately provided for the first chamber and the second chamber, the facility cost can be reduced.

The beverage filling apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the chamber is provided with a rear chamber communicating with the first chamber and the second chamber and in which the container is transported from either the first chamber or the second chamber, And a capping unit provided in the rear chamber and capping the container carried in the rear chamber.

According to this configuration, the capping portion for sealing the container is commonly used 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 facility cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the capping unit is separately provided for the first chamber and the second chamber.

The beverage filling apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the pressure in one of the first chamber and the second chamber in which the beverage is filled is supplied to the other of the first chamber and the second chamber, And a pressure adjusting unit for adjusting the pressure in the chamber to be higher than the pressure in the chamber.

According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the penetration of the cleaning liquid and the like in the other chamber into the one chamber through the damaged portion even if there is a damaged portion that is not isolated from other chambers.

A beverage filling apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention comprises a first isolation portion provided in the first chamber and isolating the first chamber, a second isolation portion provided in the second chamber and isolating the second chamber, .

According to this configuration, since the first chamber and the second chamber are separated from each other by the first isolation portion and the second isolation portion, the first chamber and the second chamber can be isolated at respective timings, A container can be made.

In the beverage filling apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the carry section includes a first gripper provided in the first chamber and holding the container, and a second gripper provided in the second chamber and gripping the container, Wherein the first gripper is configured to be retractable relative to the first separator, and the second gripper is configured to be retractable relative to the second separator.

According to this configuration, when the first chamber or the second chamber is isolated, it retreats without interfering with the isolation portion. As a result, the first chamber and the second chamber can be further reliably isolated.

In the beverage filling apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the first isolator includes a first shutter that isolates the first chamber by sliding, and the second isolator includes a second chamber isolating the second chamber by sliding 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 so that the first chamber is isolated And the second gripper is in an extended state when the second shutter is opened so that the second chamber is not isolated, and the second shutter is closed so that the second chamber is closed, And when it is isolated, it is bent and retracted with respect to the second shutter.

According to this configuration, when the first chamber or the second chamber is not isolated, the first gripper or the second gripper is extended, so that the gripper or the like provided in another chamber, which may be present in the chamber, . Further, when the first chamber or the second chamber is isolated, the first gripper or the second gripper is bent so as not to interfere with the isolation portion. As a result, the first chamber and the second chamber can be further reliably isolated.

A method of manufacturing a beverage in a container according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a beverage contained in a container carried in a chamber having a first chamber and a second chamber that is isolable from the first chamber A first step of conveying the container in the chamber to the first chamber; A second step of filling the container with the beverage by using a first filling part provided in the first chamber when the container is transported to the first chamber by the first step; A third step of isolating the first chamber and cleaning and sterilizing the first chamber and the first live part, respectively, when the container is transported from the first chamber after the second step; A fourth step of transferring the container from the second chamber to the second chamber before the third process is completed; And a fifth step of filling the container with the beverage by using a second filling part provided in the second chamber when the container is conveyed to the second chamber by the fourth step.

According to this method, the first chamber and the first charging section are cleaned and sterilized, respectively, while the beverage is being filled in the container in the second chamber. As a result, it is possible to reduce the downtime that occurs during the manufacture of the beverage contained in the container.

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

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a beverage filling system including a beverage filling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a schematic view showing the inside of the beverage filling apparatus.
FIG. 3A is a view showing a state in which the first chamber shown in FIG. 2 is not isolated from the front chamber, and FIG. 3B is a view showing a state in which the first chamber shown in FIG. Fig.
4 is a flowchart showing an example of a manufacturing process in a method of manufacturing a beverage contained in a container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. In addition, the positional relationships of the up, down, left, and right sides are based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings unless otherwise specified. Further, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are not limited to the illustrated ratios. The following embodiments are illustrative of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

<Overview of Beverage Charging System>

First, an outline of a beverage filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig.

1, the beverage filling system 1 includes a beverage filling device 10, a preform forming device 11, a blow molding device 12, a conveying device 13, a packaging device 14, And a control device 15. Although not shown, the transfer device 13 is provided from the preform forming device 11 to the packaging device 14. [

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

The preform forming device 11 forms a preform (base material) of the container 120. In addition, although the container 120 is not particularly limited as long as it is a beverage container, in the present embodiment, a PET bottle is taken 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 conveying device 13 conveys the container 120 to the packaging device 14 through the beverage filling device 10. The beverage filling apparatus 10 capsulates the container 120 after sealing the container 120 with the beverage. The packaging device 14 then packages the container 120.

<Schematic Configuration of Drink Charging Apparatus 10>

Next, a schematic configuration of the beverage filling apparatus 10 will be described.

The beverage filling apparatus 10 includes a chamber 20 which is kept sterile by appropriately sterilizing the inside thereof. In this 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. Further, the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 are each made isolatable from the other chambers. The container 120 is transported in the order of the front chamber 23, the first chamber 21 and the rear chamber 24 after entering the chamber 20 from the outside of the chamber 20, The front chamber 23, the second chamber 22 and the rear chamber 24 in this order and is discharged to the outside of the chamber 20.

The beverage filling apparatus 10 is provided with a container cleaning / sterilizing unit 100, a first charging unit 101, a first cleaning / sterilizing unit 102, a second charging unit Sterilizing section 104, a capping section 105, a switching section 106, and a pressure adjusting section 107. The second cleaning /

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 the respective sources and nozzles, though not shown. The container cleaning / sterilizing unit 100 is configured such that when the container 120 is transported to the front chamber 23 in common before transporting it to the first chamber 21 and transporting it to the second chamber 22, The cleaning liquid and the sterilizing liquid are sprayed in order to clean and sterilize the container 120.

The first charging portion 101 includes a nozzle, a beverage supply source, and a pipe connecting the supply source and the nozzle, which are not shown, provided in the first chamber 21. The first charging unit 101 charges the beverage into the container 120 from the nozzle when the container 120 is transported to the first chamber 21.

The first cleaning / sterilizing unit 102 includes a showerhead, a cleaning liquid supply source, a sterilizing liquid supply source, and a piping connecting the respective sources to the showerhead, not shown, provided in the first chamber 21. The first cleaning / sterilizing unit 102 is configured such that when the container 120 is transported and discharged from the first chamber 21 to the capping unit 105 (after packaging described later in this embodiment), the first cleaning / 21). The first cleaning / sterilizing unit 102 sequentially cleans and sterilizes the first chamber 21 and the first charging unit 101 by sequentially spraying the cleaning liquid and the sterilizing liquid from the showerhead.

The second charging section 103 includes a nozzle, a beverage supply source, and a pipe connecting the supply source and the nozzle, which are not shown, provided in the second chamber 22. [ The second charging section 103 charges the beverage from the nozzle to the container 120 when the container 120 is transported to the second chamber 22. The beverage to be filled by the first charging portion 101 and the beverage to be filled by the second charging portion 103 may be the same type or different types, .

The second cleaning / sterilizing unit 104 includes a showerhead, a cleaning liquid supply source, a sterilizing liquid supply source, and piping connecting the respective sources to the showerhead, which are not shown in the second chamber 22. The second cleaning / sterilizing unit 104 is disposed in the second chamber (not shown) when the container 120 is transported and discharged from the second chamber 22 to the capping unit 105 (after packaging in this embodiment, 22). Then, the second cleaning / sterilizing unit 104 sequentially cleans and sterilizes the second chamber 22 and the second charging unit 103 by sequentially spraying the cleaning liquid and the sterilizing liquid from the showerhead.

The capping portion 105 is provided in the rear chamber 24. When the container 120 is transported to the rear chamber 24 in common after the transport from the first chamber 21 and the transport from the second chamber 22, ) Is capped and sealed.

The switching unit 106 has a changeover switch, not shown, for example, and switches the carrier 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 performed automatically by the controller 15 or may be performed manually by the manufacturer.

The pressure adjusting portion 107 adjusts the pressure in each chamber in the chamber 20, for example, by introducing gas into the chamber.

<Specific Configuration of Beverage Charging Device 10>

Next, an example of a specific configuration of the beverage filling apparatus 10 to which the above-described schematic configuration is applied will be described with reference to Fig.

As shown in Fig. 2, in the beverage filling apparatus 10, chambers of the first chamber 21 to the rear chamber 24 in the chamber 20 are opposed to each other. The first chamber 21 to the rear chamber 24 are each modularized. Thus, the chambers can be separated or connected to each other.

In each of the first chamber 21 to the rear chamber 24, an individual transfer device 13 is provided. Each of the transfer devices 13 is provided with a gripper 130 for gripping 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, The third gripper 133 is provided in the transfer device 13 in the front chamber 23 and the fourth gripper 134 is provided in the transfer device 13 in the rear chamber 24. [

Each of the grippers 131 to 134 is configured to be capable of bending. For example, although not shown, each of the grippers 131 to 134 includes a distal end portion for gripping the container 120, a main body portion, and a connecting pin for rotatably connecting the distal end portion and the main body portion. As a result, each of the grippers 131 to 134 is bent with respect to the main body portion with the distal end portion being the center of the connection pin, so that the grippers 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. In the first chamber 21, the nozzle of the first charging part 101 and the showerhead of the first cleaning and sterilizing part 102 are respectively protruded. In addition, the first chamber 21 is provided with an isolation portion 30 for isolating the first chamber 21 from the other chambers. The isolation portion 30 is composed of a first shutter 30A as a first isolation portion that enables opening and closing of the opening portion 25 and the opening portion 26, for example, by sliding.

Likewise, 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. A nozzle of the second charging part 103 and a showerhead of the second cleaning / sterilizing part 104 protrude from the second chamber 22, respectively. Further, the second chamber 22 is provided with the isolation portion 30 for isolating the second chamber 22 from the other chambers. The isolation portion 30 is composed of, for example, a second shutter 30B as a second isolation portion that enables opening and closing of the opening portion 27 and the opening portion 28 by sliding, for example.

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

3 (A) and 3 (B), the relationship between the separator 30 and the gripper 130 of the transfer apparatus 13 is such that the first chamber 21 is connected to the front chamber 23, And two cases of being isolated and isolated are described as an example. The same applies to the case where the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 are isolated from each other.

3 (A), when the first shutter 30A as the isolation portion 30 is opened so that the first chamber 21 is not isolated from the front chamber 23, the first chamber 21 The first gripper 131 in the front chamber 23 is extended to reach the third gripper 133 in the front chamber 23. Thus, the container 120 can be transferred from the third gripper 133 to the first gripper 131.

The first shutter 30A as the isolation portion 30 is closed so that the first chamber 21 is separated from the front chamber 23 and the first chamber 21 is separated from the front chamber 23, The distal end of the first gripper 131 in the container 120, for example, gripping the container 120 is curved with respect to the tip other than the distal end, thereby becoming bent. That is, the first shutter 30A can be retracted. Thereby, the first shutter 30A can be reliably closed. The angle at which the tip portion is bent with respect to the tip portion is, for example, more than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees. It is preferable that this angle is more than 90 degrees so that the tip of the first gripper 131 does not interfere with the shutter. 3B shows an example in which the angle at which the tip end portion is bent with respect to the tip end portion is 90 degrees.

&Lt; Manufacturing process of beverage container &

Next, with reference to Fig. 4, the manufacturing process in the method of manufacturing beverage in the container according to the present embodiment will be described. In the following, the case where all manufacturing processes are automatically started by the manufacturing apparatus 15 is explained, but all or a 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 is the first chamber 21. [ If the determination is affirmative, control device 15 proceeds to step SP12. If the determination is negative, control device 15 proceeds to step SP11.

(Step SP11)

The control unit 15 transmits a control signal to the switching unit 106. [ The switching unit 106 switches the transporting destination of the container 120 by the transporting device 13 to the first chamber 21 in accordance with the control signal. Then, the controller 15 proceeds to the next step SP13.

(Step SP12)

The control unit 15 transmits a control signal to the switching unit 106. [ The switching section 106 switches the transporting destination of the container 120 by the transporting device 13 to the second chamber 22 in accordance with the control signal. Then, the controller 15 proceeds to the next step SP13.

(Step SP13)

The control device 15 transmits a control signal to the preform forming device 11. [ The preform forming device 11 forms a 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 in accordance with the control signal. Then, the controller 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 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 transfer device 13. [ The conveying device 13 conveys the container 120 toward the chamber entrance of the beverage filling apparatus 10 in accordance with the control signal. Then, the controller 15 proceeds to the next step SP15. In the following description, the conveying device 13 starts conveying by receiving the control signal from the control device 15 at any time. However, once the control device 15 receives the control signal, the conveying device 13 may continue to convey it to the packaging device 14.

(Step SP15)

The controller 15 transmits a control signal to the container cleaning / sterilizing unit 100 when the container 120 is transported in the front chamber 23 of the beverage filling apparatus 10. [ The container cleaning / sterilizing unit 100 cleans the container 120 by spraying the cleaning liquid from the nozzles in accordance with the control signal. After cleaning, the container cleaning / sterilizing unit 100 sterilizes the container 120 by spraying the sterilizing liquid from the nozzles. The inside of the chamber 20 is kept sterile by washing and sterilizing at step SP20 to be described later. After cleaning and sterilization, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the transfer device 13. The conveying device 13 conveys the container 120 to the conveying destination switched by the switching portion 106 in accordance with the control signal. Then, the controller 15 proceeds to the next step SP16.

(Step SP16)

The control device 15 transmits a control signal to the pressure adjusting unit 107. [ In accordance with the control signal, the pressure adjusting unit 107 adjusts the pressure in the first chamber 21 filled with the beverage to be higher than the pressure in the second chamber 22 which is being cleaned and sterilized in step SP20. The pressure difference between the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 is preferably not less than 2 Pa, more preferably not less than 5 Pa, more preferably not less than 10 Pa, for example because it maintains sterility . Further, it is preferably not more than 12 kPa, more preferably not more than 15 Pa because of the energy efficiency for maintaining the positive pressure. After adjusting the pressure, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the first charging unit 101. [ The first charging unit 101 charges the beverage in the container 120 from the nozzle according to the control signal.

Likewise, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the pressure adjusting section 107. In accordance with 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 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 kPa or more and 12 kPa or less as described above. After the pressure adjustment, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the second charging section 103. [ The second charging unit 104 charges the beverage in the container 120 from the nozzle in accordance with the control signal.

After the beverage is charged, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the transfer device 13. [ The conveying device 13 conveys the container 120 toward the rear chamber 24 in accordance with the control signal. Then, the controller 15 proceeds to the next step SP17.

(Step SP17)

The control device 15 transmits a control signal to the capping portion 105 when the container 120 is conveyed 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 transmits a control signal to the transfer device 13. [ The conveying device 13 conveys the container 120 toward the packaging device 14 outside the chamber 20 through the chamber outlet in accordance with the control signal. Then, the controller 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 returned to the packaging device 14. The packaging device 14 packages the container 120 according to the corresponding control signal. Thereby, the beverage container filled with the beverage in the container 120 is produced. Then, the controller 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 the manufacturing is finished. When the determination is affirmative, the control device 15 proceeds to the process of step SP20. The control device 15 proceeds to the process of step SP13 when the determination is negative.

In the manufacturing process, one beverage container is manufactured and then the next beverage container is manufactured. However, if the beverage types are the same, during the manufacture of one beverage container, the same carrier (the first chamber 21 or the second chamber 22 ) May be used to start the manufacture of the next beverage container. That is, a plurality of beverage containers can be manufactured at the same time.

(Step SP20)

The control device 15 transmits a control signal to the isolator 30 according to the location in the chamber 20 used for charging. For example, when the place used for charging is the first chamber 21, the isolation portion 30 isolates the first chamber 21 according to the corresponding control signal. Further, when the place used for charging is the second chamber 22, the isolation portion 30 isolates the second chamber 22 according to the corresponding control signal.

After the isolation, the control device 15 transmits a control signal to the first cleaning / sterilizing portion 102 or the second cleaning / sterilizing portion 104, depending on the location in the chamber 20 used for charging. The first cleaning / sterilizing unit 102 may be configured to perform cleaning and cleaning of the first chamber 21 and the first charging unit 101, respectively, in accordance with a control signal, for example, when the place used for charging is the first chamber 21. [ Initiating sterilization. The second cleaning / sterilizing unit 104 may be used for cleaning the second chamber 22 and the second charging unit 103 in accordance with a control signal, for example, when the place used for charging is the second chamber 22. [ And sterilization. At this time, cleaning and sterilization of the front chamber 23 and the rear chamber 24, respectively, are also started by a cleaning / sterilizing unit (not shown). Thereby, the inside of the chamber 20 is maintained in an aseptic state.

Here, cleaning and disinfection of the front chamber 23 and the rear chamber 24 do not require splashing of the beverage, nor cleaning and disinfection of the first charging unit 101, For example, less than 1/3 than the cleaning and sterilization of the first charging part 101 or the second chamber 22 and the second charging part 103. [

Therefore, when there is a change in the type of beverage, for example, after the cleaning and sterilization of the front chamber 23 and the rear chamber 24 are finished, the control device 15 returns to the step SP10. Alternatively, the controller 15 predicts that the cleaning and disinfection of the front chamber 23 and the rear chamber 24 will end before the container 120 enters the chamber 20, and simultaneously with the start of cleaning and sterilization, You can go back to the SP10 process. Further, the control device 15 ends the process shown in Fig. 4 when all manufacturing is finished.

In step SP16, the transporting position of the transport apparatus 13 is switched to the transport site different from the transport site of the previous transport apparatus. In step SP16, ) Is filled with beverage. That is, the first charging unit 101 charges the container 120 in the first chamber 21 while the second chamber 22 and the second charging unit 103 are cleaned and sterilized, respectively. The second charging section 103 also charges the container 120 in the second chamber 22 while the first chamber 21 and the first charging section 101 are cleaned and sterilized, respectively.

<Action>

Next, the operation of the beverage filling apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

According to the configuration of the beverage filling apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, while the beverage is being filled in the container 120 in the first chamber 21, the second chamber 22 and the second charging unit 103 are cleaned And sterilized. Also, with the same configuration, the first chamber 21 and the first charging portion 101 are cleaned and sterilized, respectively, while the beverage is being filled in the container 120 in the second chamber 22. As a result, it is possible to reduce the downtime that occurs in the manufacture of the beverage container filled with beverage in the container 120.

Particularly, if the manufacturing is resumed after returning to the step SP10 immediately after the cleaning and sterilization of the front chamber 23 and the rear chamber 24, the resting time can be further reduced. When the production is resumed at the start of the cleaning and sterilization and returning to the step SP10, it is also possible to set the rest time to 0, except for confirmation such as washing with human.

The switching unit 106 switches the carrier of the container 120 by the transfer device 13 to the first chamber 21 or the second chamber 22. [ As a result, it is not necessary to manually switch the carrier, and it is possible to reduce the downtime caused by the switching.

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

The capping portion 105 that charges the container 120 is used commonly for the first chamber and the second chamber after the container is transported from either the first chamber 21 or the second chamber 22 do. As a result, the facility cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the capping portions 105 are separately provided for the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22. [

The pressure adjusting unit 107 also adjusts the pressure in one chamber of the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 in which the beverage is filled in the container 120, And the pressure in the other chamber to be sterilized. This makes it possible to reduce the entry of the cleaning liquid or the like in the other chamber into the one chamber through the damaged portion even if there is a damaged portion that is not isolated to other chambers.

Since the first and second chambers 21 and 22 are separated from each other by the first shutter 30A and the second shutter 30B, the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 are separated at different timings, The beverage container 22 can be isolated, and the beverage container can be efficiently produced.

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

According to such a 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 interfere with the isolation portion 30. As a result, the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 can be further reliably isolated.

The first gripper 131 is extended when the first shutter 30A is opened so that the first chamber 21 is not isolated and the first shutter 30A is closed to open the first chamber 21, The second gripper 132 is in an extended state when the second shutter 30B is opened so that the second chamber 22 is not isolated from the first shutter 30A When the second shutter 22 is closed and the second chamber 22 is isolated, the second shutter 22 is bent and retracted relative to the second shutter 30B. As a result, when the first chamber 21 or the second chamber 22 is not isolated, the first gripper or the second gripper is in an extended state, so that the gripper provided in the other chamber, which may be present in the chamber 20, (The third gripper 133 or the fourth gripper 134) and the like. When the first chamber 21 or the second chamber 22 is isolated, the first gripper 131 or the second gripper 132 is bent so as not to interfere with the isolation portion 30. As a result, the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 can be further reliably isolated.

<Modifications>

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be devised within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, and these are obviously also within the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 are two chambers including the charging section for charging the beverage in the container has been described, but the present invention is not limited to two chambers, Or more. Specifically, the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 include a third chamber and a fourth chamber provided with a live part in addition to the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22. Like the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22, The charging and sterilization may be repeated alternately in the chamber and the fourth chamber. It is also possible to include a third chamber other than the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 and to simultaneously charge the first chamber 21 and the third chamber while the second chamber 22 is being sterilized have.

In addition, although the first chamber and the second chamber are described as being modular and separable, they may be integrally formed so as not to be detachable.

The first gripper 131 to the fourth gripper 134 are bent at the time of being isolated by the separator 30, but the first gripper 131 to the fourth gripper 134 may be bent or shrunk, It may be possible to retreat for.

Although the case of spraying the sterilizing liquid to sterilize the first chamber 21 has been described, the irradiation of the electron beam may be performed instead of spraying the sterilizing liquid. The washing and sterilization may be performed simultaneously by mixing the washing liquid and the sterilizing liquid.

The pressure adjusting unit 107 has been described at step SP16, that is, the case where the pressure is adjusted immediately before filling of the beverage. However, for example, after step SP20, the adjusting timing is not particularly limited.

10 beverage filling device
13 Transport device (transport section)
20 chamber
21 First chamber
22 Second chamber
23 front chamber
24 rear chamber
30 isolator
30A First shutter (first separator)
30B Second shutter (second isolator)
100 Vessel cleaning / sterilization part
101 &lt; / RTI &gt;
102 First cleaning / sterilizing part
103 Second charging section
104 Second cleaning / sterilizing part
105 capping portion
106 switching section
107 Pressure regulator
120 containers
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 each isolatable;
A transmitter for conveying the container in either one of the first chamber and the second chamber in the chamber;
A first charging unit provided in the first chamber and charging the beverage to the container conveyed to the first chamber;
A second charging unit that is provided in the second chamber and charges the beverage into the container conveyed to the second chamber;
A first cleaning / sterilizing unit disposed in the first chamber for isolating the first chamber and cleaning and sterilizing the first chamber and the first packing unit while the container is being filled with the beverage in the second chamber; part;
A second cleaning / sterilizing unit disposed in the second chamber for isolating the second chamber and cleaning and sterilizing the second chamber and the second charging unit while the container is being filled with the beverage in the first chamber; part
Wherein the beverage dispensing device comprises: The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a switching section for switching the carrier of the container by the carry section to the first chamber or the second chamber. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein the chamber has a front chamber communicated with the first chamber and the second chamber and being transported before the container is transported to either the first chamber or the second chamber,
Further comprising a container cleaning / sterilizing portion provided in the front chamber for cleaning and sterilizing the container conveyed to the front chamber. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Wherein the chamber has a rear chamber communicating with the first chamber and the second chamber and in which the container is transported from either the first chamber or the second chamber,
Further comprising: a capping portion provided in the rear chamber, the capping portion charging the container to the rear chamber. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Further comprising a pressure adjusting section for adjusting the pressure in one of the first chamber and the second chamber in which the beverage is filled to be higher than the pressure in the other chamber to be cleaned and sterilized during filling of the beverage in the container Beverage filling device. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A first separator provided in the first chamber, the first separator isolating the first chamber; And
And a second isolation portion provided in the second chamber, the second isolation portion isolating the second chamber. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the return section includes a first gripper provided in the first chamber and holding the container and a second gripper provided in the second chamber and gripping the container,
Wherein the first gripper is configured to be retractable relative to the first separator,
Wherein the second gripper is configured to be retractable relative to the second separator. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the first isolation portion includes a first shutter that isolates the first chamber by sliding,
Wherein the second isolator includes a second shutter that isolates the second chamber by sliding,
The first gripper is extended when the first shutter is opened and the first chamber is not isolated. When the first shutter is closed and the first chamber is isolated, the first gripper is bent and the first shutter Back,
The second gripper is extended 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 gripper is bent and the second shutter is opened Wherein the beverage container is retracted relative to the beverage container. A method of manufacturing a beverage in a container carried in a chamber having a first chamber and a second chamber isolatable from the first chamber,
A first step of conveying the container in the chamber to the first chamber;
A second step of filling the container with the beverage by using a first filling part provided in the first chamber when the container is transported to the first chamber by the first step;
A third step of isolating the first chamber and cleaning and sterilizing the first chamber and the first live part, respectively, when the container is transported from the first chamber after the second step;
A fourth step of transferring the container from the second chamber to the second chamber before the third process is completed; And
And a fifth step of filling the container with the second container using the second container provided in the second chamber when the container is transported to the second container by the fourth process. &Lt; / RTI &gt;

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