Filling apparatus and method for producing food

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of filling a food body with various fillings from one nozzle.SOLUTION: A filling device (10) having a function of filling various fillings supplied from a supply part into a food body (101) by one nozzle body includes a flow path (41) through which the various fillings flow. The supply unit includes a first supply unit that supplies the first filling and a second supply unit that supplies the second filling. The flow path (41) includes a first tributary flow path (34A) communicating with a first valve (41A) of the first supplier, a second tributary flow path (34B) communicating with a second valve (41B) of the second supplier, and a merging flow path (41A) in which the second tributary flow path (41C) merges after passing through the first tributary flow path (41B).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling technique, and more particularly to a technique that is effective when applied to the production of food products. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2-219544 (hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 1") describes a technique for injecting contents by inserting an injection needle into confectionery on a moving belt (see, in particular, Figure 2 thereof). Also, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2005-341907 (hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 2") describes a technique for filling two types of cream ingredients into the split (exposed) part of a food product using a filling device having two discharge ports for discharging cream ingredients arranged in parallel in the direction of food product movement (see, in particular, paragraphs 0002, 0024, Figures 1 and 11 of the specification). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-219544 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-341907 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When filling (injecting), for example, two types of fillings into a food body, it is possible to insert two nozzle bodies into the food body and eject different types of fillings from each nozzle body, referring to the techniques in Patent Documents 1 and 2. However, inserting two nozzle bodies into the food body rather than one places more strain on the food body.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that allows various fillings to be filled into a food body from a single nozzle body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A filling device according to one solution has a function of filling various fillings supplied from a supply unit into food bodies using a single nozzle body. Here, the filling device has flow paths through which the various fillings flow. The supply unit may have a first supply unit that supplies a first filling and a second supply unit that supplies a second filling. Furthermore, the flow paths may have a first branch flow path that communicates with the first supply unit, a second branch flow path that communicates with the second supply unit, and a merging flow path where the second branch flow path passes through the first branch flow path and then merges. The filling device may include a suction valve provided in the first branch channel. The filling device may include a flow path housing having a first cylindrical portion that constitutes the first branch flow path. The filling device may also include an intermediate nozzle body provided inside the flow path housing and having a second cylindrical portion that constitutes the second branch flow path. Here, the second cylindrical portion may be inserted into the first cylindrical portion. The intermediate nozzle body may have a flange portion at an end of the second cylindrical portion, and the flange portion may have a first flange hole communicating with the first cylindrical portion and a second flange hole communicating with the second cylindrical portion. The filling device may include a block having a recess. The filling device may also include a case having a first surface and an opposite second surface, the case fitting into the recess with the bottom surface of the recess of the block abutting the second surface. Here, the block may have, at the bottom surface of the recess, a first block hole through which the first tributary passage passes and a second block hole through which the second tributary passage passes. The case may have first and second case holes formed in the first surface and first and second grooves formed in the second surface. The first tributary passage may communicate with the first case hole, the first groove, and the first block hole. The second tributary passage may communicate with the second case hole, the second groove, and the second block hole. The food manufacturing method using the filling device may include the step of inserting the nozzle body into the food body. The food manufacturing method using the filling device may also include the step of supplying the first filling from the first supply unit and discharging the first filling from the tip of the nozzle body. The food manufacturing method using the filling device may also include the step of supplying the second filling from the second supply unit and discharging the second filling from the tip of the nozzle body.

[0007] A method for producing a food product according to one solution may include inserting a nozzle body into a food body. The method may also include discharging a first filling from a tip of the nozzle body via a first branch flow path from a first supply unit. The method may also include discharging a second filling from a tip of the nozzle body via a second branch flow path from a second supply unit. Here, the positions of the tips of the nozzle body when discharging the first and second fillings into the food body may be the same. The first filling may be discharged from the nozzle body in a larger amount than the second filling.The pressure in the first branch channel may be reduced before the nozzle body is removed from the food body. The nozzle body may also be inserted into the side surface of the food body from below toward the center of the food body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one solution, different fillings can be filled into food bodies from one nozzle body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a filling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a food manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the food manufacturing process following FIG. 2. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a front view of a filling device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the main part of the filling device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is an assembly schematic diagram of the main part of the filling device shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of the filling device shown in FIG. 4 during food production. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a main part of the filling device shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a main part of the filling device shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a main part of the filling device shown in FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 5 is a timing chart of each element of the filling device shown in FIG. 4 under sequence control. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a filling device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of a main part of the filling device shown in FIG. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] In the following embodiments of the present invention, the description will be divided into multiple sections, etc., as necessary. In principle, these sections are not unrelated to one another, and one section is a partial or complete modification, detail, etc., of the other. For this reason, in all drawings, components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the number of components (including the number, numerical value, amount, range, etc.) is not limited to a specific number unless otherwise specified or clearly limited to a specific number in principle, and may be greater than or less than the specific number. Furthermore, when referring to the shape of a component, etc., it is intended to include those that are substantially similar or approximate to that shape, etc., unless otherwise specified or clearly considered not to be the case in principle.

[0011] (First embodiment) A filling device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a method for manufacturing a food product 100 using the same will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 3). FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the filling device 10. FIGS. 2 and 3 are explanatory diagrams of the manufacturing process for the food product 100. FIG. 2 shows a state in which a nozzle body 20 is inserted into a food product body 101, indicated by a dashed line. FIG. 3 shows the food product 100 in which a filling has been filled into the food product body 101 (a schematic cross-sectional diagram taken along line III-III in FIG. 2). Note that in FIGS. 1 to 3, the food product 100 or the food product body 101 is shown in an xyz three-dimensional coordinate space for ease of understanding.

[0012] First, a filling device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the filling device 10 includes a nozzle body 20 and a supply unit 30. The filling device 10 has the function of filling a food body 101 with various fillings (contents) supplied from the supply unit 30 using the single nozzle body 20. The nozzle body 20 is inserted into the food body 101 like a needle, for example, and has the function of discharging (injecting) the filling from its tip 21. The supply unit 30 also has the function of supplying various fillings to the nozzle body 20. In this embodiment, the various fillings supplied are a first filling 111 and a second filling 112. For this purpose, the supply unit 30 includes a first supply unit 30A that supplies the first filling and a second supply unit 30B that supplies the second filling.

[0013] Here, the food body 101 may be made of a sponge-like batter baked to have elasticity, such as a sponge cake. The filling may be a creamy substance, such as whipped cream or custard cream. The filling may be a creamy substance or a liquid substance such as a paste or sol, as long as it is filled into the food body 101 from one nozzle body 20.

[0014] The filling device 10 also includes a flow path section 40. The flow path section 40 has a flow path 41 through which various fillings flow from upstream to downstream. The upstream side of the flow path 41 communicates with the supply section 30, and the downstream side of the flow path 41 communicates with the nozzle body 20. The flow path 41 has a first tributary flow path 41A and a second tributary flow path 41B. The first tributary flow path 41A communicates with the first supply section 30A. The second tributary flow path 41B communicates with the second supply section 30B. The flow path 41 also has a junction flow path 41C where the first tributary flow path 41A and the second tributary flow path 41B join together. According to the filling device 10 of this embodiment, various fillings can be filled into food bodies 101 from a single nozzle body 20.

[0015] Next, each step of the method for producing the food product 100 according to this embodiment using the filling device 10 will be described. First, one nozzle body 20 is inserted into the food product body 101. Next, with the nozzle body 20 inserted into the food product body 101, a first filling 111 is discharged from the tip 21 of the nozzle body 20 via the first branch channel 41A from the first supply unit 30A. Next, with the nozzle body 20 inserted into the food product body 101, a second filling 112 is discharged from the tip 21 of the nozzle body 20 via the second branch channel 41B from the second supply unit 30B. In this way, various fillings, such as the first filling 111 (e.g., whipped cream) and the second filling 112 (e.g., custard cream), can be filled into the food product body 101 from one nozzle body 20. Furthermore, by using only one nozzle body 20, the load on the food product body 101 can be reduced.

[0016] Here, when the first filling 111 and the second filling 112 are dispensed into the food body 101, the tip 21 of the nozzle body 20 may be positioned in the same place. For example, the nozzle body 20 is inserted into the food body 101 so that the tip 21 is positioned at the center of the food body 101. Since one nozzle body 20 is used to fill the food body 101 without changing the position of the tip 21, the load on the food body 101 can be further reduced.

[0017] Thereafter, the nozzle body 20 is removed from the food body 101. In this embodiment, the position of the tip 21 of the nozzle body 20 is not changed when the nozzle body 20 ejects the first filling 111 and the second filling 112. Therefore, the second filling 112 (e.g., custard cream) is filled in the food body 101 so as to press the first filling 111 (e.g., whipped cream) that has already been filled in the food body 101 from the inside. This makes it possible to produce a food product 100 in which the second filling 112 is enveloped in the first filling 111 within the food body 101, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0018] That is, it is possible to manufacture food product 100 in which first filling 111, which is an outer filling, and second filling 112, which is an inner filling, are filled concentrically in food product body 101. Also, by making the amount of first filling 111 greater than the amount of second filling 112 (for example, a mass ratio of 1:2), it is possible to make it easier to make the first filling 111 and the second filling 112 in the food product body 101 into a double (concentric) state.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferable to reduce the pressure inside the flow path 41 during the manufacturing process of the food product 100. By ejecting the first filling 111 and the second filling 112 from the nozzle body 20, the inside of the nozzle body 20 is pressurized. This may cause the filling to leak from the tip 21 of the nozzle body 20. By reducing the pressure inside the flow path 41, it is possible to fill the food body 101 with the appropriate amount of filling. Furthermore, by reducing the pressure inside the flow path 41 before removing the nozzle body 20 from the food body 101, it is possible to prevent the filling from leaking outside.

[0020] Incidentally, if the nozzle body 20 is configured to eject more of the first filling 111 than the second filling 112, it is possible to make the first tributary channel 41A larger in flow path volume (flow path cross-sectional area) than the second tributary channel 41B. In this case, when reducing the pressure inside the flow path 41, it is easier to adjust the pressure in the first tributary channel 41A through which the first filling 111 passes than in the second tributary channel 41B through which the second filling 112 passes. For this reason, the filling device 10 includes a suction valve 45 provided in the first tributary channel 41A when reducing the pressure inside the first tributary channel 41A. For example, reducing the pressure inside the first tributary channel 41A before removing the nozzle body 20 from the food body 101 can more effectively prevent leakage of the filling from the nozzle body 20 than reducing the pressure in the second tributary channel 41B. Note that leakage may not occur depending on the type of filling and other conditions, and in such cases, the suction valve 45 may not be provided.

[0021] In the food product 100 shown in this embodiment, the food product body 101 is dome-shaped and has a bottom surface 102 and side surfaces 103. Various fillings (first filling 111 and second filling 112) are filled concentrically within the food product body 101. To produce such a food product 100, as shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle body 20 has two nozzle openings 22 formed at its tip 21. The nozzle openings 22 open in a plane parallel to the xy plane (the bottom surface of the food product 100 or the food product body 101).

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2 , a nozzle body 20 (also called a "crow's-breath nozzle") having such a nozzle opening 22 is inserted into a side surface 103 of a food body 101 from diagonally below toward the center of the food body 100. The nozzle body 20 is inserted into the food body 101 with the axis 20a of the nozzle body 20 inclined downward (toward the bottom surface 102) from an imaginary line ya parallel to the bottom surface 102 of the food body 101. After various fillings have been filled, the nozzle body 20 is removed from the food body 101.

[0023] According to the manufacturing technique for food product 100 of this embodiment, various fillings can be filled into food body 101 from one nozzle body 20. This prevents a load from being applied to food body 101. Furthermore, although there is a risk that a mark will remain on food body 101 when nozzle body 20 is removed, this mark will be on the underside of side surface 103 of food body 100, making it less noticeable.

[0024] (Second embodiment) A filling device 10A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 4 to 13). FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of the filling device 10A. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the main parts of the filling device 10A. FIG. 6 is a schematic assembly view of the main parts of the filling device 10A. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main parts of the filling device 10A during food production. FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of a flow path block 60, which is a main part of the filling device 10A. FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of a flow path case 61, which is a main part of the filling device 10A. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flow path case 61 taken along line XX in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of the middle nozzle, which is a main part of the filling device 10A. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the middle nozzle taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a timing chart of each element of the filling device 10A under sequence control.

[0025] First, the configuration and function of the filling apparatus 10A will be described. In the first embodiment of the present invention, a filling apparatus 10 that fills a single food body 101 with a filling was described. In this embodiment, a filling apparatus 10A that can simultaneously fill a plurality of food bodies 101 that are conveyed in a line with a filling from each nozzle body 20 will be described. In FIG. 4, the food bodies 101 are conveyed in a line (e.g., 10 bodies lined up perpendicular to the plane of the paper) from the right side (upstream conveyance side) to the left side (downstream conveyance side), and the filling apparatus 10A is provided with a plurality (e.g., ten) of filling mechanisms such as nozzle bodies 10 corresponding to each of the food bodies 101 in the line.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, filling device 10A includes stage 11, legs 12, conveying units 13A and 13B, and an operation unit 18. Stage 11 is mounted, for example, on floor G of a food factory by adjusting its height using multiple legs 12 to maintain horizontality, and conveying units 13A and 13B are installed on stage 11. Conveying units 13A and 13B each include a driving unit 14 such as a motor and a conveying path 15 such as a conveyor driven thereby. Operation unit 18 also has the function of displaying and selecting setting items for filling food bodies 101 with filling. As shown in FIG. 7, conveying unit 13B can move rollers 16 and 17 upward so that conveying path 15 tilts upward when filling food bodies 101.

[0027] The filling device 10A also includes a nozzle body 20. As the nozzle body 20, for example, a nozzle having two nozzle ports 22 at a tip 21 (a so-called glass nozzle) similar to that described in the above embodiment can be used. The nozzle body 20 is made of, for example, stainless steel.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 4, food body 101 conveyed by conveying unit 13A moves to conveying unit 13B, and then, as shown in Fig. 7, a lifting mechanism (not shown) tilts conveying path 15 toward nozzle body 20, and nozzle body 20 is inserted into food body 101. In filling device 10A, nozzle body 20 extends horizontally, but because conveying path 15 of conveying unit 13B is tilted upward, nozzle body 20 can be inserted into the side of food body 101 from diagonally below toward the center of food body 101. When nozzle body 20 is inserted into food body 101, food body 101 is held down by a holding mechanism (not shown).

[0029] The filling device 10A also includes a supply unit 30. The supply unit 30 has the function of supplying various fillings to the nozzle body 20. As described in the above embodiment, the supply unit 30 includes a first supply unit 30A that supplies a first filling 111 and a second supply unit 30B that supplies a second filling 112. As shown in FIG. 4, the first supply unit 30A includes a first storage container 33A, a first valve 34A, and a first pump 35A. The second supply unit 30B also includes a second storage container 33B, a second valve 34B, and a second pump 35B.

[0030] The reservoirs 33A and 33B are configured to store the filling (e.g., hoppers). The valves 34A and 34B switch whether or not the filling is supplied from the supply unit 30 (first supply unit 30A, second supply unit 30B) to the nozzle body 20. The pumps 35A and 35B are configured to suck the filling from the reservoirs 33A and 33B in the filling device 10A and push the filling toward the nozzle body 20 (e.g., cylinder pumps) driven by the drive units 36A and 36B (e.g., servo motors). When cylinder pumps are used for the pumps 35A and 35B (FIG. 5), the drive units 36A and 36B reciprocate the piston rods 25A and 25B, causing pistons (not shown) in the cylinders 26A and 26B to slide. When cylinder pumps with the same performance are used for the pumps 35A and 35B, the supply amount can be easily changed by adjusting the operating stroke.

[0031] The filling device 10A can simultaneously fill 10 food bodies 101 in a row with filling from each nozzle body 20. For example, in the case of the first filling 111, the piston rods 25A are gripped by their corresponding constricted portions 27A, and the piston rods 25A simultaneously reciprocate to supply the filling. If a filling is missing in a row, the corresponding piston rod 25A (constricted portion 27A) must be gripped in order for the filling to be supplied to the nozzle body 20 in the missing position. The same applies to the cylinder pump serving as the second pump 35B when filling the second filling 112.

[0032] 7, the first valve 34A corresponding to the first supply unit 30A includes a valve rotor 37A and a valve housing 38. The second valve 34B corresponding to the second supply unit 30B includes a valve rotor 37B and a valve housing 38. In the filling device 10A, the valve housing 38 that houses the valve rotor 37A and the valve housing 38 that houses the valve rotor 37B are integrally formed, but they may also be separate bodies.

[0033] Valve housing 38 is made of, for example, stainless steel. Valve housing 38 has rotor hole 38A into which valve rotor 37A is inserted and rotor hole 38B into which valve rotor 37B is inserted. Filling device 10A is provided with ten filling mechanisms, and as shown in FIG. 6, the corresponding valve rotors 37A are formed as a single cylindrical body and attached to a common rotor shaft 39A. Similarly, the corresponding valve rotors 37B are formed as a single cylindrical body and attached to a common rotor shaft 39B.

[0034] The valve rotor 37A has a through passage 50A. This through passage 50A bends at a right angle at the center of the rotor, and has an opening 51A that opens from the valve rotor 37A on one side of the through hole 50A, and an opening 52A that opens from the valve rotor 37A on the other side. Similarly, the valve rotor 37B has a through passage 50B. This through passage 50B bends at a right angle at the center of the rotor, and has an opening 51B that opens from the valve rotor 37A on one side of the through hole 50B, and an opening 52B that opens from the valve rotor 37A on the other side.

[0035] The first valve 34A has connection passages 53A, 54A, and 55A formed in the valve housing 38. The connection passage 53A is connected to the supply unit 30 (first supply unit 31). The connection passage 54A is connected to the first pump 35A. The connection passage 55A is connected to the flow path 41 (first branch flow path 41A) on the nozzle body 20 side. In the valve housing 38, the connection passages 53A and 55A are formed to be positioned in the radial direction of the valve rotor 37A, and the connection passage 54A is formed to be positioned in a direction perpendicular to the connection passages 53A and 55A with respect to the rotor center. The second valve 34B has a configuration similar to that of the first valve 34A, and has connection passages 53B, 54B, and 55B formed in the valve housing 38.

[0036] In the first valve 34A, the valve rotor 37A rotates clockwise (right) or counterclockwise (left) by rotating the rotor shaft 39A forward or backward. By rotating the valve rotor 37A by 90 degrees, the connection passage 54A can communicate with the connection passage 53A or with the connection passage 55A via the through passage 50A.

[0037] With opening 51A of valve rotor 37A positioned on the connection passage 53A side and opening 52A positioned on the connection passage 54A side, connection passage 53A and connection passage 54A communicate with each other through passage 50A, allowing filling to be supplied from supply unit 30 (first supply unit 30A) to pump 35A. At this time, connection passage 55A is blocked by the outer peripheral surface of valve rotor 37A, so filling is not supplied to nozzle body 20. This state is referred to as the "closed" state of first valve 34A.

[0038] On the other hand, with opening 51A of valve rotor 37A positioned on the connecting passage 54A side and opening 52A positioned on the connecting passage 55A side, connecting passage 55A and connecting passage 54A communicate with each other through passage 50A, allowing filling to be supplied from pump 35A to nozzle body 20. At this time, connecting passage 53A is blocked by the outer peripheral surface of valve rotor 37A, so filling is not supplied from supply unit 30 to first pump 35A. This state is referred to as the "open" state of first valve 34A.

[0039] In the second valve 34B, the valve rotor 37B rotates clockwise (right) or counterclockwise (left) depending on whether the rotor shaft 39B is rotated forward or backward. When the valve rotor 37B rotates 90 degrees, the connection passage 54B can communicate with the connection passage 53B or with the connection passage 55B via the through passage 50B.

[0040] With opening 51B of valve rotor 37B positioned on the connection passage 53B side and opening 52B positioned on the connection passage 54B side, connection passage 53B and connection passage 54B communicate with each other via through passage 50B, allowing filling to be supplied from supply section 30 (second supply section 30B) to pump 35B. At this time, connection passage 55B is closed by the outer circumferential surface of valve rotor 37B, so filling is not supplied to nozzle body 20. This state is referred to as the "closed" state of second valve 34B.

[0041] On the other hand, with opening 51B of valve rotor 37B positioned on the connection passage 54B side and opening 52B positioned on the connection passage 55B side, connection passage 55B and connection passage 54B communicate with each other through passage 50B, allowing filling to be supplied from pump 35B to nozzle body 20. At this time, connection passage 53B is blocked by the outer peripheral surface of valve rotor 37B, so filling is not supplied from supply unit 30 to second pump 35B. This state is referred to as the "open" state of second valve 34B.

[0042] In this way, the first valve 34A and the second valve 34B have the function of switching whether or not to supply filling from the supply section 30 (first supply section 30A, second supply section 30B) to the nozzle body 20 ("open" or "closed").

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, the filling device 10A also includes a flow path section 40. The flow path section 40 has flow paths 41 through which various fillings flow from upstream to downstream. The upstream side of the flow path 41 communicates with the supply section 30, and the downstream side of the flow path 41 communicates with the nozzle body 20. The flow path 41 has a first tributary flow path 41A and a second tributary flow path 41B. The first tributary flow path 41A communicates with the first supply section 30A. The second tributary flow path 41B communicates with the second supply section 30B. The flow path section 40 having the flow path 41 includes the first flow path section 40A and the second flow path section 40B. In this embodiment, the upstream side of the flow path 41 is formed in the first flow path section 40A, and the downstream side of the flow path 41 is formed in the second flow path section 40B.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 7, the first flow path section 40A includes a flow path block 60. The flow path block 60 has a first surface 60a and a second surface 60b opposite thereto. The flow path block 60 is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy. The flow path block 60 also has a recess 62 formed in the first surface 60a. As shown in FIG. 8, the flow path block 60 has a first block hole 60A and a second block hole 60B formed in the bottom surface of the recess 62 (hatched in the plan view of FIG. 8 for ease of understanding).

[0045] The first tributary flow path 41A passes through the first block hole 60A (constituting the first tributary flow path 41A). The second tributary flow path 41B passes through the second block hole 60B (constituting the second tributary flow path 41B). In this embodiment, in a plan view, the second block hole 60B is formed in a circular shape, and the second block hole 60A is formed in a doughnut shape with a portion missing so as to surround the second block hole 60B.

[0046] 8, the flow path block 60 has a seal groove 66 (hatched in the plan view of FIG. 8 for ease of understanding) formed in the first surface 60a. The seal groove 66 is provided so as to surround the recess 62. For example, a resin ring may be placed in the seal groove 66, and as shown in FIG. 5, the flow path block 60 inserted into the block guide 67 may be pressed against the valve housing 38 by a block presser 68, thereby ensuring a better seal between the valve housing 38 and the flow path block 60.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, the first flow path section 40A includes a flow path case 61. The flow path case 61 is made of, for example, resin (engineering plastic). As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the flow path case 61 has a first surface 61a and a second surface 61b opposite thereto. The flow path case 61 is configured so that the second surface 61b contacts the bottom surface of the recess 62 of the flow path block 60 and fits into the recess 62 of the flow path block 60 (see FIGS. 7 to 10). The bottom surface of the recess 62 of the flow path block 60 and the second surface 61b of the flow path case 61 are processed surfaces (flat surfaces), thereby ensuring close contact and improving sealing performance.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 10, the flow path case 61 has a first case hole 64A and a second case hole 64B formed in the first surface 61a. A first filling 111 is supplied from the first supply unit 30A to the first branch flow path 41A through the first case hole 64A. A second filling 112 is supplied from the second supply unit 30B to the second branch flow path 41B through the second case hole 64B. As shown in FIG. 9, the flow path case 61 has a seal groove 69 (hatched in the plan view of FIG. 9 for ease of understanding) formed in the first surface 61a. The seal groove 69 is provided to surround the case holes 64A and 64B. A flow path block 60 is attached to the valve housing 38, thereby ensuring better sealing.

[0049] Furthermore, the flow path case 61 has a first groove 63A and a second groove 63B formed in the second surface 61b. When the flow path case 61 is fitted into the recess 62 of the flow path block 60, the first block hole 60A and the second block hole 60B (shown by dotted lines for ease of understanding) are positioned between the first case hole 64A and the second case hole 64B in a plan view, as shown in Fig. 9 .

[0050] 9, the first groove 63A (shown by a dashed line) communicates with the first case opening 64A and extends to a position facing the first block opening 60A (shown by a dotted line). Specifically, the first groove 63A extends in the opposite direction to the direction from the first block opening 60A toward the second case opening 64B. The first filling 111 flows through the first case opening 64A, first groove 63A, and first block opening 60A and is supplied to the nozzle body 20. In other words, the first branch flow path 41A communicates with the first case opening 64A, first groove 63A, and first block opening 60A.

[0051] 9, second groove 63B (shown by a dashed line) communicates with second case opening 64B and extends to a position facing second block opening 60B (shown by a dotted line). Specifically, second groove 63B extends in the opposite direction to the direction from second block opening 60B toward first case opening 64A. Second filling 112 flows through second case opening 64B, second groove 63B, and second block opening 60B and is supplied to nozzle body 20. In other words, second branch flow path 41B communicates with second case opening 64B, second groove 63B, and second block opening 60B.

[0052] As described above, in the plan view shown in Fig. 8, second block hole 60B is formed in a circular shape, and second block hole 60A is formed in a doughnut shape with a portion missing that surrounds second block hole 60B. Also, in the plan view of Fig. 9, first groove 63A extends to match the size of first block hole 60A while maintaining the same diameter as first case hole 64A. Also, second groove 63B gradually narrows from the diameter of second case hole 64B to match the size of second block hole 60B.

[0053] By forming the first groove 63A in the flow path case 61 in accordance with the sizes of the first case hole 64A and the second block hole 60A, the flow of the first filling 111 is improved and the first filling 111 can be prevented from becoming rough. Also, by forming the second groove 63B in the flow path case 61 in accordance with the sizes of the second case hole 64B and the second block hole 60B, the flow of the second filling 112 is improved and the second filling 112 can be prevented from becoming rough. Also, the first flow path section 40A composed of the flow path block 60 and the flow path case 61 has the function of distributing various fillings from the supply section 30 to the first filling 111 (first branch flow path 41A) and the second filling 112 (second branch flow path 41B).

[0054] Furthermore, in the first flow path section 40A, the first groove 63A and the second groove 63B extend in opposite directions. For example, it is conceivable that the supply section 30, which is composed of the storage containers 33A, 33B, the valves 34A, 34B, the pumps 35A, 35B, etc., may become large. Even in such a case, by using the first flow path section 40A, various fillings can be guided from the outside (case holes 64A, 64B) to the inside (block holes 60A, 60B) into the junction flow path 41C, making it easier to supply them to the nozzle body 20. In other words, various fillings can be filled into the food body 101 from a single nozzle body 20.

[0055] 7, the second flow path section 40B includes a flow path housing 70 and an intermediate nozzle body 71. The flow path housing 70 is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy. The intermediate nozzle body 71 is made of, for example, stainless steel. The flow path housing 70 is formed with a first cylindrical portion 72 that constitutes the first branch flow path 41A. The intermediate nozzle body 71 is provided inside the flow path housing 70 and has a second cylindrical portion 73 that constitutes the second branch flow path 41B.

[0056] The flow path 41 of the second flow path section 40B has a junction flow path 41C where the second tributary flow path 41B passes through the first tributary flow path 41A and then joins with it, by inserting the second tubular portion 73 of the intermediate nozzle body 71 into the first tubular portion 72 of the flow path housing 70. Compared to a case where the second tributary flow path 41B is provided outside the first tributary flow path 41A in the flow path housing 70, the flow path housing 70 can be made more compact. Furthermore, by providing the junction flow path 41C in the flow path housing 70, it becomes possible to fill the food body 101 with various fillings from a single nozzle body 20.

[0057] 6 and 7, the flow path housing 70 has an end surface 70A and a recess 70B formed on the end surface 70A at the end of the first cylindrical portion 72. The intermediate nozzle body 71 has a flange portion 74 at the end of the second cylindrical portion 73.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the flange portion 74 has a first flange hole 74A that communicates with the first cylindrical portion 72 and a second flange hole 74B that communicates with the second cylindrical portion 73. The flange portion 74 also has a protrusion 74C. When the second cylindrical portion 73 of the intermediate nozzle body 71 is inserted into the first cylindrical portion 72 of the flow path housing 70, the protrusion 74C is used for positioning, and the flange portion 74 (intermediate nozzle body 71) is fitted into the recess 70B (flow path housing 70). This allows the first flange hole 74A to communicate with the first cylindrical portion 72, thereby forming the first branch flow path 41A. In the intermediate nozzle body 71, the second flange hole 74B communicates with the second cylindrical portion 73, thereby forming the second branch flow path 41B.

[0059] 6 and 7, the flow path housing 70 has a seal groove 76 formed in the end face 70A. This seal groove 76 is provided so as to surround the recess 70B. By arranging, for example, a resin ring (not shown) in the seal groove 76 and pressing the flow path housing 70 inserted into the housing guide 77 toward the flow path block 60 with a housing presser 78 as shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to further ensure sealing between the flow path block 60 and the flow path housing 70.

[0060] 6, the nozzle body 20 is attached to the flow path housing 70 using a mounting adapter 80 and a nut 81. In the filling device 10A, the nozzle body 20 is provided so as to extend in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the flow path 41 (junction flow path 41C) on the nozzle body 20 side is also provided in the flow path housing 70 so as to extend in the horizontal direction.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, the filling device 10A also includes a suction valve 45. The suction valve 45 includes a cylinder 46, a piston 47, and a rod 48. The cylinder 46 is provided so as to communicate with the first cylindrical portion (first branch flow path 41A) of the flow path housing 70. The piston 47 is provided so as to slide within the cylinder 46. A rod 48 is attached to the piston 47, and the piston 47 reciprocates within the cylinder 46 via the rod 48 by a drive unit 49 (FIG. 4). This reciprocating motion allows the suction valve 45 to suck in the first filling 111 in the first branch flow path 41A and to discharge (push) the first filling 111 into the first branch flow path 41A.

[0062] Here, in the filling device 10A, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 41 in the flow path housing 70 is larger than the cross-sectional area (diameter) of the nozzle body 20 attached to the flow path housing 70. More specifically, the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle body 20 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first branch flow path 41A in the flow path housing 70 (the size obtained by subtracting the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 73 from the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 72) and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second branch flow path 41B (the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 73). In the first branch flow path 41A and the second branch flow path 41B, which are formed into a concentric cylindrical shape by the first cylindrical portion 72 and the second cylindrical portion 73, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first branch flow path 41A is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second branch flow path 41B, and the volumes are also similar. For this reason, in this embodiment, a suction valve is provided in the first branch flow path 41A to facilitate suction.

[0063] After the filling is supplied from the supply unit 30 and discharged from the nozzle body 20 through the flow path 41, the nozzle body 20 remains pressurized, which may cause the filling to leak from the nozzle body 20. This may result in a failure to fill the food body 101 with a predetermined amount of filling. Therefore, the filling device 10A is provided with a suction valve 45 in the first branch flow path 41A, which reduces the pressure in the first branch flow path 41A, i.e., the entire flow path 41. Specifically, the first filling 111 in the first branch flow path 41A is sucked in. The suction valve 45 adjusts the stroke of the piston 47 to prevent leakage of the filling from the nozzle body 20. Note that, depending on the type of filling and other conditions, leakage may not occur, and in such cases, the suction valve 45 may not be provided.

[0064] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing food product 100A according to this embodiment using filling device 10A will be described. First, as shown in Fig. 4, in conveying section 13A, conveying path 15 moves in a predetermined direction so as to convey food body 101 before filling to conveying section 13B. At this time, a sensor (e.g., a laser sensor) detects whether food body 101 is (is not) on conveying path 15.

[0065] In the filling device 10A, a plurality of food bodies 101 that are conveyed in a line can be simultaneously filled with filling, but only food bodies 101 detected by a sensor can be selected and filled.

[0066] For example, the filling device 10A can convey, for example, ten food bodies 101 in a row, and can simultaneously fill them using the corresponding nozzle bodies 20-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. However, there are cases where fewer than ten food bodies 101 are conveyed in a row. For example, there are cases where the food body 101 corresponding to the nozzle body 20-3 is out of stock (e.g., rejected as a defective product) and is therefore not conveyed (not detected).

[0067] In this case, in the filling device 10A, the first pump 35A of the first supply unit 30A and the second pump 35B of the second supply unit 30B are driven to supply filling from the supply unit 30 to the nozzle bodies 20-1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 where the food body 101 was previously located. On the other hand, the first pump 35A and the second pump 35B are not driven to prevent filling from being supplied to the nozzle body 20-3 where the food body 101 was not previously located. More specifically, if the first pump 35A and the second pump 35B are cylinder pumps, if a food item is missing in one row, power will not be transmitted and the pumps 35A and 35B will not be driven unless the constricted portions 27A and 27B of the corresponding piston rods 25A and 25B are grasped.

[0068] As a result, even if the mechanism is such that the filling is simultaneously discharged from each nozzle body 20, if there is a shortage, the filling will not be discharged from the corresponding nozzle body 20, thereby preventing wasteful consumption.

[0069] Next, after the food body 101 is handed over from the conveying section 13A to the conveying section 13B, as shown in Fig. 7, the conveying path 15 of the conveying section 13B is inclined toward the nozzle body 20, the food body 101 is conveyed to the nozzle body 20, and the nozzle body 20 is inserted into the food body 101. At this time, the food body 101 is held down by a holding mechanism (not shown), making it easier to insert the nozzle body 20 into the food body 101.

[0070] At time T0 (FIG. 13) before the nozzle body 20 is inserted into the food body 101, the first valve 34A is in the "closed" state, and the first pump 35A (cylinder pump) is in the "retracted" state. Also, at time T0, the second valve 34B is in the "closed" state, and the second pump 35B (cylinder pump) is in the "retracted" state. Also, the suction valve 45 (cylinder pump) is in the "retracted" state. As described above, when the filling is repeatedly filled into the food body 101, the suction valve 45 is in the "retracted" state, and the filling remaining in the flow path 41 is sucked in, reducing the pressure inside the flow path 41 to prevent the filling from leaking from the nozzle body 20.

[0071] As described above, when the first valve 34A is in the "closed" state, the opening 51A of the valve rotor 37A communicates with the connection passage 53A of the valve housing 38, while the opening 52A communicates with the connection passage 54A. Furthermore, because the cylinder pump, which is the first pump 35A, is in the "retracted" state, the first filling 111 can be temporarily stored in the cylinder 26A attached to the connection passage 54A. Therefore, a predetermined amount of the first filling 111 in the storage container 33A of the first supply unit 30A is stored in the cylinder 26A of the first pump 35A through the connection passage 53A via the through passage 50A of the valve rotor 37A and the connection passage 54A. Meanwhile, the connection passage 55A of the valve housing 38 is blocked by the outer circumferential surface of the valve rotor 37A, preventing the first filling 111 from flowing through the flow passage 41 (first branch passage 41A), and the first valve 34A is in the "closed" state.

[0072] When the second valve 34B is in the "closed" state, the opening 51B of the valve rotor 37B communicates with the connection passage 53B of the valve housing 38, while the opening 52B communicates with the connection passage 54B. Also, because the second pump 35B, a cylinder pump, is in the "retracted" state, the second filling 112 can be temporarily stored in the cylinder 26B attached to the connection passage 54B. Therefore, a predetermined amount of the second filling 112 in the storage container 33B of the second supply unit 30B flows from the connection passage 53B through the through passage 50B of the valve rotor 37B to the connection passage 54B, and is stored in the cylinder 26B of the second pump 35B. Meanwhile, the connection passage 55B of the valve housing 38 is blocked by the outer circumferential surface of the valve rotor 37B, preventing the second filling 112 from flowing through the flow passage 41 (second branch passage 41B), and the second valve 34B is in the "closed" state.

[0073] When filling is to be filled from the nozzle body 20 into the food body 101, the start switch is turned "on" to start sequence control (time T1 in FIG. 13). Next, when the time to open the first valve 34A is up (time T2 in FIG. 13), the valve rotor 37A starts to rotate clockwise so that the first valve 34A changes from the "closed" state to the "open" state (the state of the first valve 34A shown in FIG. 7).

[0074] When the first valve 34A is in the "open" state, the opening 51A of the valve rotor 37A communicates with the connection passage 54A of the valve housing 38, and the opening 52A communicates with the connection passage 55A, so that a predetermined amount of the first filling 111 stored in the cylinder 26A of the first pump 35A (FIG. 5) can be supplied to the flow passage 41 (first branch flow passage 41A). In other words, the first filling 111 can be supplied from the first supply unit 30A to the flow passage 41.

[0075] Next, when the rotation of the valve rotor 37A stops and the first valve 34A enters the "open" state (time T3 in FIG. 13), the drive unit 36A begins to push the cylinder rod 25A (FIG. 5) of the first pump 35A, which is a cylinder pump, to transition from the "retracted" state to the "advance" state. At this time, because the first valve 34A is in the "open" state, the first filling 111 stored in the cylinder 26A of the first pump 35A begins to be supplied to the flow path 41. That is, the first filling 111 begins to be discharged from the tip of the nozzle body 20 via the first supply unit 30A and the first branch flow path 41A. When the "advance" state of the first pump 35A, which is a cylinder pump, stops (time T8 in FIG. 13), the supply of the first filling 111 from the first pump 35A to the first branch flow path 41A stops.

[0076] Furthermore, when the rotation of the valve rotor 37A stops and the first valve 34A enters the "open" state (time T3 in FIG. 13), the drive unit 49 (FIG. 4) starts to push in the cylinder rod 48 (FIG. 7) of the suction valve 45 so as to transition the suction valve 45 from the "retracted" state to the "advance" state. As described above, when the filling is repeatedly filled into the food body 101, the filling stored in the cylinder 46 of the suction valve 45 starts to be returned to the flow path 41. When the "advance" of the cylinder pump, which is the suction valve 45, stops, the supply of the filling from the suction valve 45 to the flow path 41 stops.

[0077] Next, when the time to open the second valve 34B is up (time T4 in FIG. 13), the valve rotor 37B begins to rotate counterclockwise to transition the second valve 34B from the "closed" state (the state of the second valve 34B shown in FIG. 7) to the "open" state. When the second valve 34B is in the "open" state, the opening 51B of the valve rotor 37B communicates with the connecting passage 54B of the valve housing 38, and the opening 52B communicates with the connecting passage 55B. This allows a predetermined amount of the second filling 112 stored in the cylinder 26B of the second pump 35B (FIG. 5) to be supplied to the flow path 41 (second branch flow path 41B). In other words, the second filling 112 can be supplied from the second supply unit 30B to the flow path 41.

[0078] Next, when the rotation of the valve rotor 37B stops and the second valve 34B enters the "open" state (time T5 in FIG. 13), the drive unit 36B begins to push the cylinder rod 25B (FIG. 5) of the second pump 35B, which is a cylinder pump, from the "rear" state to the "forward" state. At this time, because the second valve 34B is in the "open" state, the second filling 112 stored in the cylinder 26B of the second pump 35B begins to be supplied to the flow path 41. That is, the second filling 112 begins to be discharged from the tip of the nozzle body 20 via the second supply unit 30B and the second branch flow path 41B. At this time, the position of the tip 21 of the nozzle body 20 is the same when the first filling 111 and the second filling 112 are discharged into the food body 101. When the "forward movement" of the cylinder pump, which is the second pump 35B, stops (at time T6 in FIG. 13), the supply of the second filling 112 from the second pump 35B to the second branch flow path 41B stops.

[0079] Next, when the "forward movement" of the cylinder pump, which is the second pump 35B, stops (time T6 in FIG. 13), the valve rotor 37B begins to rotate clockwise to transition the second valve 34B from the "open" state to the "closed" state (the state of the second valve 34B shown in FIG. 7). When the rotation of the valve rotor 37B stops and the second valve 34B transitions to the "closed" state (time T7 in FIG. 13), the opening 51B of the valve rotor 37B communicates with the connecting passage 53B of the valve housing 38, and the opening 52B communicates with the connecting passage 54B. In addition, the connecting passage 55B of the valve housing 38 is blocked by the outer circumferential surface of the valve rotor 37B.

[0080] Next, when the rotation of the valve rotor 37B stops and the second valve 34B enters the "closed" state (time T7 in FIG. 13), the driver 36B begins retracting the cylinder rod 25B (FIG. 5) of the second pump 35B, which is a cylinder pump, to transition from the "forward" state to the "reverse" state. At this time, because the second valve 34B is in the "closed" state, the second filling 112 in the reservoir 33B of the second supply unit 30B flows from the connecting passage 53B to the through passage 50B of the valve rotor 37B, and further through the connecting passage 54B, and begins to be stored in the cylinder 26B of the second pump 35B. When the "reverse" state of the second pump 35B, which is a cylinder pump, stops, the supply of the second filling 112 from the reservoir 33B of the second supply unit 30B to the cylinder 26B of the second pump 35B stops.

[0081] Next, when the "forward movement" of the cylinder pump, which is the first pump 35A, stops (time T8 in FIG. 13), the valve rotor 37A begins to rotate counterclockwise to transition the first valve 34A from the "open" state (the state of the first valve 34A shown in FIG. 7) to the "closed" state. When the rotation of the valve rotor 37A stops and the first valve 34A transitions to the "closed" state (time T9 in FIG. 13), the opening 51A of the valve rotor 37A communicates with the connecting passage 53A of the valve housing 38, while the opening 52A communicates with the connecting passage 54A. Furthermore, the connecting passage 55A of the valve housing 38 is blocked by the outer circumferential surface of the valve rotor 37A.

[0082] Next, when the rotation of the valve rotor 37A stops and the first valve 34A enters the "closed" state (time T9 in FIG. 13), the drive unit 36A begins retracting the cylinder rod 25A (FIG. 5) of the first pump 35A, which is the cylinder pump, to transition from the "forward" state to the "reverse" state. At this time, because the first valve 34A is in the "closed" state, the first filling 111 in the storage container 33A of the first supply unit 30A begins to flow from the connection path 53A to the through passage 50A of the valve rotor 37A and further through the connection path 54A and to be stored in the cylinder 26A of the first pump 35A. Note that when the "reverse" state of the first pump 35A, which is the cylinder pump, stops, the supply of the first filling 111 from the storage container 33A of the first supply unit 30A to the cylinder 26A of the first pump 35A stops.

[0083] Furthermore, when the rotation of the valve rotor 37A stops and the first valve 34A enters the "closed" state (time T9 in FIG. 13), the actuator 49 (FIG. 4) begins retracting the cylinder rod 48 (FIG. 7) of the suction valve 45 to transition it from the "forward" state to the "retracted" state. This operation is performed while both the first valve 34A and the second valve 34B are "closed." As described above, when the filling is repeatedly filled into the food body 101, the filling remaining in the flow path 41 begins to be sucked into the cylinder 46 of the suction valve 45. When the "retracted" state of the cylinder pump, which is the suction valve 45, stops, the suction of the filling from the flow path 41 into the cylinder 46 of the suction valve 45 stops.

[0084] After these steps from time T0 to time T9, a holding mechanism (not shown) holds down food 100A (food body 101 filled with filling) while nozzle body 20 is removed from food 100A. Next, in conveyor section 13B, a lifting mechanism (not shown) returns conveyor path 15 to the horizontal direction, and food 100A is conveyed. In this way, filling device 10A can fill a variety of fillings into multiple food bodies 101 lined up in a row, each using a single nozzle body 20.

[0085] (Third embodiment) A filling device 10B according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 14 and 15). FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main portion of the filling device 10B taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 15. In the second embodiment, a first tributary channel 41A, a second tributary channel 41B, and a junction channel 41C are provided in the channel housing 70. In this embodiment, a case in which these functions are provided in the nozzle body 20A will be described.

[0086] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the filling device 10B includes a flow path section 40. The flow path section 40 has a flow path 41 through which various fillings flow from upstream to downstream. The upstream side of the flow path 41 communicates with the supply section 30 (see Figure 1, etc.), and the downstream side of the flow path 41 communicates with the nozzle body 20A. The flow path 41 has a first branch flow path 41A and a second branch flow path 41B. The first branch flow path 41A communicates with the first supply section 30A. The second branch flow path 41B communicates with the second supply section 30B.

[0087] The flow path unit 40 includes a flow path block 60. The flow path block 60 has a first surface 60a and an opposite second surface 60b. The flow path block 60 is attached to the supply unit 30 (e.g., the valve housing 38) side by, for example, bolts or the like via mounting holes 60C.

[0088] The flow path block 60 also has a recess 62 formed in the first surface 60a. The flow path block 60 also has a first block hole 60A and a second block hole 60B formed in the bottom surface of the recess 62. The first tributary flow path 41A passes through the first block hole 60A (constituting the first tributary flow path 41A). The second tributary flow path 41B passes through the second block hole 60B (constituting the second tributary flow path 41B). As shown in FIG. 15 , in a plan view, the second block hole 60B is formed in a circular shape, and the first block hole 60A is formed in a doughnut shape with a portion missing so as to surround the second block hole 60B (shown by dotted lines for ease of understanding).

[0089] The flow path unit 40 also includes a flow path case 61. The flow path case 61 has a first surface 61a and a second surface 61b opposite thereto. The flow path case 61 is configured so that the second surface 61b contacts the bottom surface of the recess 62 of the flow path block 60 and fits into the recess 62 of the flow path block 60. The flow path case 61 also has a first case hole 64A and a second case hole 64B formed in the first surface 61a. A first filling 111 is supplied from the first supply unit 30A to the first branch flow path 41A through the first case hole 64A. A second filling 112 is supplied from the second supply unit 30B to the second branch flow path 41B through the second case hole 64B. The flow path case 61 also has a seal groove 69 formed in the first surface 61a. The seal groove 69 is provided to surround the case holes 64A and 64B.

[0090] The flow path case 61 also has a first groove 63A and a second groove 63B formed in the second surface 61b. When the flow path case 61 is fitted into the recess 62 of the flow path block 60, as shown in FIG. 15, the first block hole 60A and the second block hole 60B are positioned between the first case hole 64A and the second case hole 64B in a plan view. The first groove 63A communicates with the first case hole 64A and extends to a position facing the first block hole 60A. The first filling 111 flows through the first case hole 64A, first groove 63A, and first block hole 60A and is supplied to the nozzle body 20A. The second groove 63B communicates with the second case hole 64B and extends to a position facing the second block hole 60B. The second filling 112 flows through the second case hole 64B, the second groove 63B and the second block hole 60B and is supplied to the nozzle body 20A.

[0091] The filling device 10B also includes a nozzle body 20A. The nozzle body 20A may have, for example, one having a single nozzle opening 22 at its tip. The nozzle body 20A has a base 23, which is directly attached to a mounting hole 60D formed in the second surface 60b of the flow path block 60. The nozzle body 20A includes the functions of the flow path housing 70 shown in the second embodiment. The nozzle body 20A has a first cylindrical portion 72 that constitutes the first branch flow path 41A formed on the base 23 side. The nozzle body 20A has an end surface 70A and a recess 70B formed on the end surface 70A and at the end of the first cylindrical portion 72.

[0092] The filling device 10B also includes an intermediate nozzle body 71. The intermediate nozzle body 71 is provided inside the nozzle body 20A and has a second cylindrical portion 73 that constitutes the second branch flow path 41B. The intermediate nozzle body 71 also has a flange portion 74 at the end of the second cylindrical portion 73. The intermediate nozzle body 71 is attached to the nozzle body 20A with the flange portion 74 fitted into the recess 70B. The flange portion 74 has a first flange hole 74A that communicates with the first cylindrical portion 72 and a second flange hole 74B that communicates with the second cylindrical portion 73, similar to that described in the second embodiment with reference to FIG. 11 . This allows the first flange hole 74A to communicate with the first cylindrical portion 72, thereby constituting the first branch flow path 41A. In the intermediate nozzle body 71, the second flange hole 74B to communicate with the second cylindrical portion 73, thereby constituting the second branch flow path 41B.

[0093] The flow path 41 in the nozzle body 20A has a junction flow path 41C where the second branch flow path 41B passes through the first branch flow path 41A and then joins with it when the second cylindrical portion 73 of the intermediate nozzle body 71 is inserted into the first cylindrical portion 72. By providing the junction flow path 41C in the flow path housing 70, it becomes possible to fill the food body 101 with various fillings from a single nozzle body 20A.

[0094] The present invention has been specifically described above based on an embodiment, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0095] In the first embodiment, the food body is filled with a first filling on the outside and a second filling on the inside, forming a double concentric structure. However, the food body may also be filled with the first to third fillings, forming a triple concentric structure, for example. Furthermore, various fillings may be simultaneously supplied to the branch channels and merged at the merging channel, thereby filling the food body with a mixture of fillings.

[0096] In the first embodiment, a case where one nozzle body is inserted into one food body and various fillings are dispensed is described. However, this is not limited to this, and if the impact on the food body is small, two nozzle bodies can be inserted into one food body and various fillings can be dispensed from each nozzle body.

[0097] In the first embodiment, the nozzle body has a crow's beak-shaped tip, but the nozzle body may have a spear-shaped tip.

[0098] In the second embodiment, a piston pump (reciprocating pump) is used in the supply unit that supplies the filling. However, this is not limiting, and a rotary pump such as a gear pump may also be used. In the case of a large filling device in which 10 food bodies flow in a single file, as in the second embodiment, a piston pump can be used to standardize components, resulting in a simple configuration that is easy to control and clean. On the other hand, in the case of a small filling device (including manual devices) in which, for example, 1 to 4 food bodies flow in a single file, a rotary pump using a rubber rotor may be used.

[0099] In the first and second embodiments, a suction valve is provided in the first branch flow path. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As in the third embodiment, the first branch flow path may not be provided with a suction valve. This allows for a smaller and simpler configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10, 10A filling device; 34A, 34B valve; 41 flow path; 41A first branch path; 41B second branch path; 41C merging path; 101 food body.

Claims

1. A filling device having a function of filling various fillings supplied from a supply unit into a food body using a single nozzle body, a flow path through which the various fillings flow; The supply unit has a first supply unit that supplies a first filling and a second supply unit that supplies a second filling, The flow path includes a first branch flow path communicating with the first supply unit, a second branch flow path communicating with the second supply unit, and a merging flow path where the second branch flow path passes through the first branch flow path and then merges with the first branch flow path. filling equipment.

2. a suction valve provided in the first branch flow path; The filling device according to claim 1.

3. a flow path housing having a first cylindrical portion that constitutes the first branch flow path; an intermediate nozzle body provided inside the flow path housing and having a second cylindrical portion that constitutes the second branch flow path, The second cylindrical portion is inserted into the first cylindrical portion. The filling device according to claim 1.

4. the intermediate nozzle body has a flange portion at an end of the second cylindrical portion, The flange portion has a first flange hole communicating with the first cylindrical portion and a second flange hole communicating with the second cylindrical portion.

4. The filling device according to claim 3.

5. the first branch flow path, the second branch flow path, and the merging flow path are provided in the nozzle body; The filling device according to claim 1.

6. a block having a recess; a case having a first surface and a second surface opposite thereto, the case being fitted into the recess of the block with the second surface in contact with a bottom surface of the recess, the block has, in a bottom surface of the recess, a first block hole through which the first tributary passage passes and a second block hole through which the second tributary passage passes; the case has first and second case holes formed in the first surface and first and second grooves formed in the second surface; the first branch passage communicates with the first case hole, the first groove, and the first block hole; the second branch passage communicates with the second case hole, the second groove, and the second block hole; A filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A food manufacturing method using the filling device according to claim 6, Inserting the nozzle body into the food body; a step of supplying the first filling from the first supply unit and discharging the first filling from the tip of the nozzle body; a step of supplying the second filling from the second supply unit and discharging the second filling from the tip of the nozzle body; A method for producing food comprising the steps of:

8. a step of inserting one nozzle body into a food body; a step of discharging a first filling from a first supply portion through a first branch flow path and from a tip of the nozzle body; and discharging the second filling from the tip of the nozzle body through the second supply portion and the second branch flow path, the nozzle body has a tip positioned at the same position when the first and second fillings are dispensed onto the food body; Food production methods.

9. the first filling is discharged from the nozzle body in a larger amount than the second filling; The pressure in the first branch channel is reduced before the nozzle body is removed from the food body. A method for producing the food product according to claim 8.

10. The nozzle body is inserted into the side surface of the food body from below toward the center of the food body. A method for producing the food product according to claim 8 or 9.

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