Liquid filling device and liquid filling method

Abstract

To provide a filling device capable of suppressing bubble generation in a filling device that changes the filling flow rate to fill product liquid.SOLUTION: A liquid filling device comprises: a liquid supply path that supplies product liquid from a tank, in which the product liquid and gas elements contained in the product liquid occupying an upper portion of the tank are stored, to a container; and a liquid valve that is provided in the liquid supply path and controls the flow of the product liquid toward the container. The liquid valve comprises: a flow rate adjustment valve provided upstream by reference to the flow direction of the product liquid; and an opening / closing valve provided downstream of the flow rate adjustment valve.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for filling containers with liquids, such as beverages. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, liquid filling devices that fill containers with carbonated beverages and the like from a liquid storage tank have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 provides a liquid filling device that can reduce the consumption of carbon dioxide gas required to replace the air in the container even when the temperature of the product liquid stored in the tank is high. In the filling device of Patent Document 1, the product liquid is filled into the container using a liquid valve that switches between an open state in which the product liquid is filled into the container and a closed state in which the product liquid is not filled into the container. An air cylinder is typically used as an actuator that opens and closes the liquid valve.

[0003] When filling carbonated beverage containers, the filling flow rate can be switched in multiple stages to prevent air bubbles from forming in the carbonated beverage being filled. For example, the filling flow rate is switched in the order of a small filling flow rate (slow filling), a large filling flow rate (fast filling), and again a small filling flow rate (slow filling). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-131249 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] If the change in flow rate when switching the filling flow rate is large, turbulence occurs in the liquid column of the product liquid, and if this turbulence strikes the surface of the product liquid inside the container, bubbles may form. In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to suppress the generation of bubbles in a filling device that fills a liquid product by changing the filling flow rate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The liquid filling device according to the present disclosure comprises: a liquid supply path that supplies the product liquid from a tank that stores the product liquid and the gas component contained in the product liquid that occupies an upper portion of the product liquid toward the container; a liquid valve provided in the liquid supply path to control the flow of product liquid toward the container; The liquid valve is a flow rate adjusting valve provided upstream based on the flow direction of the product liquid; an on-off valve provided downstream of the flow rate adjustment valve; a control unit that controls the opening degree and opening / closing speed of the flow rate adjustment valve, The control unit is a liquid filling device that causes the flow rate adjustment valve to execute the following first to sixth steps in order. First step: The opening of the flow rate adjusting valve is expanded from the start of filling of the product liquid to the first opening, and the on-off valve is opened. Second step: Following the first step, the first opening degree and open state are maintained. Third step: Following the second step, the opening is expanded from the first opening to the second opening, and the open state is maintained. Fourth step: Following the third step, the opening is reduced from the second opening to the third opening, and the open state is maintained. Fifth step: Following the fourth step, maintain the third opening and the open state. Sixth step: Following the fifth step, while maintaining the third opening, the filling of the product liquid is completed by changing from the open state to the closed state.

[0007] The liquid filling method according to the present disclosure includes: The method includes the following steps 1 to 6, in which the product liquid and the gas element contained in the product liquid occupying the upper part of the product liquid are stored in a tank and filled into a container, and after the third step, the fourth step is carried out without maintaining the second flow rate. First step: Increase the flow rate from the start of product liquid filling to the first flow rate. Second step: Following the first step, the first flow rate is maintained. Third step: Following the second step, increase the flow rate from the first flow rate to the second flow rate. Fourth step: Following the third step, the flow rate is reduced from the second flow rate to the third flow rate. Fifth step: Following the fourth step, the third flow rate is maintained. Sixth step: Following the fifth step, the flow rate is reduced from the third flow rate to complete the filling of the product liquid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the liquid filling device of the present disclosure, by providing a flow rate adjustment valve that can arbitrarily control the filling flow rate of the product liquid upstream of the flow direction of the product liquid, it is possible to slow down the change in the filling flow rate of the product liquid. Therefore, with the liquid filling device of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the generation of bubbles, for example, in carbonated drinks, and to improve the filling capacity of the product liquid. Furthermore, with the liquid filling device of the present disclosure, by providing an on-off valve downstream of the flow rate adjustment valve, it is possible to prevent turbulence in the flow of the product liquid when the filling flow rate of the product liquid is reduced, and therefore the liquid filling device of the present disclosure can further reduce the generation of bubbles. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the layout of a beverage filling system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a beverage filling device. FIG. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the beverage filling device. [Figure 4] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing the operation of the beverage filling device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the beverage filling device. [Figure 6] 1 is a timing chart showing the open / closed states of a counter valve, a gassing return valve, a sniff valve, and a liquid valve in a beverage filling device, and the internal pressure of a can container. [Figure 7]10 is a graph showing the relationship between filling time and filling flow rate in a beverage filling device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The embodiment described below aims to prevent foaming when, for example, a carbonated beverage is filled into a resin container. To achieve this, the embodiment includes a flow control valve 14A that can continuously adjust the flow rate, and an on-off valve 14B that is located downstream of the flow control valve 14A and can be switched between an open state (ON) and a closed state (OFF). After the flow rate is adjusted by the flow control valve 14A, the product liquid is filled into the container P via the on-off valve 14B. Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] [Beverage filling system 1: see Figure 1] The beverage filling system 1 is a system that fills a container P with a product liquid in which carbon dioxide gas, an example of a gas element, is dissolved, and transports the container P filled with the product liquid to the next process. The container P is, for example, a resin container or a can. In the beverage filling system 1, containers P, which are continuously conveyed by an input conveyor 100, are received from a transfer star wheel 101 onto a star wheel 2 (container supply process). In the beverage filling system 1, a plurality of beverage filling devices 10 (not shown in FIG. 1) are arranged around the star wheel 2, and the containers P received from the transfer star wheel 101 are filled with beverage in a series of steps while they move circumferentially from an input point S to an output point E. Once filled with beverage, the containers P are transported to the next process, where, for example, a cap is attached. Note that S101 to S115 in FIG. 1 correspond to the processes with the same reference numerals shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6.

[0012] [Beverage filling device 10: see Figure 2] The beverage filling system 1 includes a liquid storage tank T having a liquid region Tl in which a product liquid (a liquid in which carbon dioxide gas is dissolved, such as beer) is stored, and a gas region Tg in which carbon dioxide gas (CO2-containing gas) occupies the upper part of the liquid region Tl is stored. The carbon dioxide gas stored in the gas region Tg is supplied to the container P during gassing processing (a gas replacement process consisting of a non-seal gassing process and a seal gassing process) and counter processing. Note that FIG. 2 shows one of multiple beverage filling devices 10 included in the beverage filling system 1.

[0013] [Storage tank T: See Figure 2] The product liquid stored in the liquid region Tl of the storage tank T has a temperature of, for example, 2°C or higher and 30°C or lower. Carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in the product liquid, but as the temperature of the product liquid increases, the solubility of the carbon dioxide gas decreases, and the carbon dioxide gas dissolved in the product liquid is released into the gas region Tg. Therefore, in order to maintain the dissolved carbon dioxide gas concentration in the product liquid, it is necessary to increase the carbon dioxide gas pressure in the gas region Tg of the storage tank T.

[0014] Carbon dioxide gas, the pressure of which is adjusted by a pressure adjusting valve 3, is supplied from a carbon dioxide gas supply source (not shown) to the gas region Tg of the liquid storage tank T. The carbon dioxide gas stored in the gas region Tg includes both carbon dioxide gas supplied from the carbon dioxide gas supply source and carbon dioxide gas released from the product liquid. The pressure Pg of the carbon dioxide gas stored in the gas region Tg is selected, for example, from the range of 0.2 to 0.6 MPaG.

[0015] The beverage filling device 10 includes a carbon dioxide gas supply path 11, a liquid supply path 13, a liquid valve 14, a flow meter 15, a counter valve 16, a main exhaust path 18, a secondary exhaust path 19, a gassing return valve 20, a sniff valve 21, and a control unit 22.

[0016] [Carbon dioxide gas supply line 11: See Figure 2] The carbon dioxide gas supply path 11 supplies carbon dioxide gas stored in the liquid storage tank T at a gas pressure Pg to the container P. One end of the carbon dioxide gas supply path 11 communicates with the gas region Tg of the liquid storage tank T, and the other end of the carbon dioxide gas supply path 11 passes through the inside of an on-off valve 14B that constitutes the liquid valve 14 and communicates with a position opposite the opening of the container P. A counter valve 16 consisting of an on-off valve is provided in the carbon dioxide gas supply path 11. In this preferred embodiment, the gas pressure Pg in the liquid storage tank T is maintained in the carbon dioxide gas supply path 11, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. With regard to the carbon dioxide gas supplied to the container P, the gas pressure Pg in the liquid storage tank T and the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas supplied to the container P through the carbon dioxide gas supply path 11 may be different.

[0017] Here, carbon dioxide gas is shown as an example of a gas element, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and other gas elements such as nitrogen and air can be used.

[0018] [Liquid supply path 13: see Figure 2] The liquid supply path 13 is a flow path that supplies the product liquid from the liquid region Tl of the liquid storage tank T to the container P. One end of the liquid supply path 13 communicates with the liquid region Tl of the liquid storage tank T, and the other end of the liquid supply path 13 communicates with a flow rate control valve 14A that constitutes the liquid valve 14. The other end of the liquid supply path 13 passes through the inside of the liquid valve 14 and communicates with a position opposite the opening of the container P.

[0019] [Liquid valve 14: See Figure 2] Liquid valve 14 includes flow control valve 14A, on-off valve 14B provided downstream of flow control valve 14A, and connecting flow path 14C connecting flow control valve 14A and on-off valve 14B. The product liquid supplied from liquid region T1 of liquid storage tank T through liquid supply path 13 is filled into container P through flow control valve 14A, connecting flow path 14C, and on-off valve 14B. The flow control valve 14A may be configured in any manner, regardless of its structure, drive source, or other specifications, as long as it can continuously adjust the flow rate of the product liquid. Preferably, a servo valve capable of precisely controlling the flow rate is used. The on-off valve 14B may be, for example, a valve equipped with an air cylinder that moves a valve element between a filling state (open state) and a non-filling state (closed state) in which the product liquid is not filled into the container P. The operations of the flow control valve 14A and the on-off valve 14B are controlled by instructions from the control unit 22. In other words, the flow rate of the product liquid discharged from the flow control valve 14A, which is determined by the position of the valve element, is controlled by the control unit 22, and the filling or stopping of the product liquid from the on-off valve 14B into the container P is controlled by the control unit 22.

[0020] By providing the flow control valve 14A, the rate of change in the flow rate when switching the product liquid filling flow rate can be slowed down. This rate can be reduced to, for example, about half that required when changing the filling flow rate using an on-off valve operated by an air cylinder. This reduces turbulence in the liquid column of the product liquid.

[0021] The reason why the on-off valve 14B is provided downstream of the flow control valve 14A in addition to the flow control valve 14A is as follows. In the process of narrowing the opening of flow control valve 14A to reduce the flow rate, the outflowing product liquid becomes turbulent like a jet spray. If the product liquid is filled into container P in this state, air bubbles are likely to form. Therefore, by providing connecting flow path 14C and flowing the product liquid, the turbulence of the product liquid is suppressed, and then the product liquid is filled from on-off valve 14B toward container P. With on-off valve 14B, the time during which the opening is narrowed can be minimized.

[0022] The opening degree of the flow control valve 14A can be adjusted within a range of flow rates FR1 to FR2, which will be described later. In addition, the speed at which the flow control valve 14A opens and closes can also be adjusted. Meanwhile, the opening degree of the on-off valve 14B can be adjusted to either open or closed. Specific linked operations of the flow control valve 14A and on-off valve 14B will be described in the product liquid filling pattern with reference to FIG. 7.

[0023] [Flow meter: See Figure 2] The flow meter 15 is a device that measures the flow rate of the product liquid supplied from the liquid region T1 of the liquid storage tank T to the container P via the liquid supply path 13 and the liquid valve 14. The measurement result of the flow meter 15 is transmitted to the control unit 22.

[0024] [Exhaust duct: See Figure 2] The main exhaust path 18 is a flow path through which gas discharged from the container P flows when carbon dioxide gas at a gas pressure Pg is supplied to the container P. The gas (a mixture of air and carbon dioxide gas) guided to the main exhaust path 18 is guided outside the beverage filling system 1.

[0025] The auxiliary exhaust path 19 is a flow path that branches off from the main exhaust path 18 and has an orifice 19A that reduces the pressure of the gas discharged from the container P. The orifice 19A is a member that forms an area that has the smallest flow path cross-sectional area in the auxiliary exhaust path 19. The smallest flow path cross-sectional area formed by the orifice 19A is even smaller than the smallest flow path cross-sectional area in the main exhaust path 18. The gas supplied from the main exhaust path 18 to the auxiliary exhaust path 19 is depressurized by the orifice 19A and is led outside the beverage filling system 1.

[0026] The gassing return valve 20 is an on-off valve provided in the main exhaust passage 18 . The sniff valve 21 is an on-off valve provided in the secondary exhaust passage 19 .

[0027] [Control unit 22: Figure 2] The control unit 22 controls the opening degree of the flow control valve 14A and the opening and closing of the on-off valve 14B. The control unit 22 also controls the opening and closing states of the counter valve 16, the gassing return valve 20, and the sniff valve 21.

[0028] [Procedure for filling container P] Next, a procedure for filling the liquid product into the container P using the beverage filling system 1 including the beverage filling device 10 described above will be described.

[0029] [Charge cycle: see Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6] 5 shows the processes in one cycle executed by the beverage filling device 10 during one rotation of the star wheel 2. In other words, one cycle for filling one container P with a beverage is made up of the bottle supply process (S101), gassing processes (non-seal gassing process (S103), seal gassing process (S105)), counter process (S107), filling process (S109), hold process (S111), sniff process (S113), and bottle discharge process (S115). 3 and 4, the flow paths through which the fluids (carbon dioxide gas, product liquid) flow are shown in bold, and the flow is indicated by arrows. Also, in Fig. 3 and 4, open valves are shown in white, and closed valves are shown in black. The on-off valve 14B is shown in black based on whether or not the product liquid flows.

[0030] [Bottle supply process: Figure 5 S101] In the bottle supply process, the container P transferred from the carry-in conveyor 100 is transported by the transfer star wheel 101 to below the liquid valve 14 of the beverage filling device 10. The timing at which the container P is transported to below the liquid valve 14 is indicated by T1 in FIG. 6.

[0031] [Gassing treatment: see S103 and S105 in Figures 3, 5, and 6] When the container P is transported to below the liquid valve 14, a gassing process is performed. Because the product liquid oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen, a gassing process is performed to replace the air inside the container P with carbon dioxide gas before filling it with the product liquid. By performing the gassing process in two stages, a non-seal gassing process (S103) and a seal gassing process (S105), the air inside the container P is efficiently replaced with carbon dioxide gas. In this embodiment, the carbon dioxide gas supplied to the carbon dioxide gas supply channel 11 through the non-seal gassing process (S103), the seal gassing process (S105), and the counter process (S107) is supplied to the container P as a gas pressure Pg. In the gassing process, carbon dioxide gas flows through the on-off valve 14B, which is painted black as described above.

[0032] [Non-seal gassing treatment: see Figures 3, 5, and 6 S103] The non-seal gassing process is carried out between T1 and T2 shown in FIG. In the non-seal gassing process, carbon dioxide gas is supplied from the gas region Tg to the container P via the carbon dioxide gas supply path 11 in a state where there is a gap between the on-off valve 14B and the container P. A gap is provided between the on-off valve 14B and the container P so that the container P is disposed at the position shown in S103 of FIG. 3 . The carbon dioxide gas supplied to the inside of the container P is discharged to the outside together with air from the gap between the on-off valve 14B and the container P, so that the excess carbon dioxide gas relative to the capacity of the container P is discharged to the outside together with air (S103). In this way, the air inside the container P is discharged and the inside of the container P is replaced with carbon dioxide gas, thereby lowering the oxygen concentration.

[0033] The non-seal gassing process is suitable for replacing the air that is initially present inside the container P with carbon dioxide gas in a short period of time, but it can only reduce the oxygen concentration inside the container P to a certain extent. Therefore, the non-seal gassing process is followed by the seal gassing process (S105). Note that conditions such as the gap between the on-off valve 14B and the container P and the supply time of carbon dioxide gas can be adjusted depending on the capacity of the container P, the flow rate of carbon dioxide gas per unit time, etc.

[0034] 3 and 6, in the non-seal gassing process, the control unit 22 closes the flow control valve 14A and opens the counter valve 16 to supply carbon dioxide gas at a gas pressure Pg to the container P. Because there is a gap between the on-off valve 14B and the container P, the pressure inside the container P is maintained at atmospheric pressure (0 MPaG).

[0035] [Seal gassing treatment: see Figures 3, 5, and 6 S105] The seal gassing process is carried out between T2 and T3 shown in FIG. In the seal gassing process, carbon dioxide gas is supplied from the gas region Tg to the container P through the carbon dioxide gas supply path 11, with the on-off valve 14B and the opening of the container P in close contact with each other. At this time, the on-off valve 14B and the opening of the container P are in close contact with each other, as shown in FIG.

[0036] The air and carbon dioxide remaining in the container P are discharged outside the beverage filling system 1 through both the main exhaust path 18 and the sub-exhaust path 19. The seal gassing process can further reduce the oxygen concentration inside the container P. The mechanism for tightly sealing the on-off valve 14B and the opening of the container P may be a mechanism that fixes the container P and moves the on-off valve 14B, or a mechanism that fixes the on-off valve 14B and moves the container P.

[0037] 6, in the seal gassing process, the control unit 22 closes the counter valve 16 and the flow control valve 14A and supplies carbon dioxide gas at a gas pressure Pg to the container P. The carbon dioxide gas at a gas pressure Pg stored in the gas region Tg of the liquid storage tank T is supplied to the container P. Because the on-off valve 14B and the opening of the container P are in tight contact with each other, the pressure inside the container P rises from atmospheric pressure (0 MPaG) to the gas pressure Pg.

[0038] [Counter processing: see S107 in Figures 4, 5, and 6] The counter processing is performed between T3 and T4 shown in FIG. During the counter process, the control unit 22 closes the gassing return valve 20 and sniff valve 21, which were open until the gassing process was completed, thereby preventing the discharge of carbon dioxide gas from the container P so that it is not led to the main exhaust path 18 and the secondary exhaust path 19. Furthermore, the control unit 22 keeps the counter valve 16 open, and supplies carbon dioxide gas at a gas pressure Pg from the gas region Tg of the liquid storage tank T to the container P via the carbon dioxide gas supply line 11. As a result, the inside of the container P is pressurized to the gas pressure Pg by the carbon dioxide gas, but because the gassing return valve 20 and the sniff valve 21 are closed, the inside of the container P gradually rises to the gas pressure Pg.

[0039] [Filling process: see S109 in Figures 4, 5, and 6] The filling process is carried out between T4 and T5 shown in FIG. In the filling process, the control unit 22 opens the counter valve 16 and the liquid valve 14 (flow control valve 14A, on-off valve 14B) to fill the product liquid into the container P. In the filling process, the control unit 22 maintains the open state of the counter valve 16. Therefore, the carbon dioxide gas at the gas pressure Pg that is replaced by filling the product liquid into the container P is led to the gas region Tg of the liquid storage tank T via the carbon dioxide gas supply path 11. The control unit 22 monitors the measurement results transmitted from the flow meter 15, and when it determines that the product liquid supplied to the container P has reached a predetermined amount, it closes the counter valve 16 and the liquid valve 14 (flow control valve 14A, on-off valve 14B) and terminates the filling process.

[0040] [Hold processing: See S111 in Figures 5 and 6] The hold process is performed between T5 and T6 shown in FIG. The control unit 22 closes the counter valve 16, the gassing return valve 20, the snifter valve 21, and the liquid valve 14. When the filling process is completed, air bubbles are generated on the top surface of the product liquid and air nuclei are generated in the liquid, but the holding process dissolves the air nuclei in the product liquid, thereby reducing or eliminating the air bubbles.

[0041] [Snift processing: see Figure 5, Figure 6 S113] The snifting process is the process of step S113 in Fig. 5, and is carried out from T6 to T7 shown in Fig. 6. In the snifting process, the pressure in the space (headspace) above the product liquid inside the container P is reduced to atmospheric pressure. The snifting process is carried out because if the sealed state of the container P is released while the space is pressurized, the pressure in the space will suddenly drop, releasing carbon dioxide gas dissolved in the product liquid and generating bubbles.

[0042] In the snifting process, the control unit 22 closes the gassing return valve 20 and opens the snifting valve 21. Therefore, in the snifting process, the carbon dioxide gas inside the container P passes through the orifice 19A of the auxiliary exhaust path 19 and is led to the outside of the beverage filling system 1. Since the carbon dioxide gas is decompressed at the orifice 19A, the pressure in the space above the container P does not drop suddenly.

[0043] [Discharge bottle processing: Figure 5 S115] The bottle discharge process is performed after the sniff process. The container P filled with the product liquid is released from the liquid valve 14 and then transferred to the transfer conveyor 102 at the transfer point E in Fig. 1. The transferred container P is then transported to the next process where bottle caps are attached and the bottle caps are seamed.

[0044] [Product liquid filling pattern: See Figure 7] Next, patterns for filling the product liquid into the container P will be described with reference to Figure 7. Two patterns, pattern A and pattern B, will be described here. Pattern A is an example of a filling pattern using the flow rate adjustment valve 14A in the present disclosure, and pattern B is an example of a filling pattern using an air cylinder. Note that in the graph of Figure 7, the horizontal axis represents the filling time and the vertical axis represents the filling flow rate, but this graph does not specify a specific filling time or filling flow rate.

[0045] [Pattern A] In pattern A, the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 14A, the opening degree (opening / closing) of the on-off valve 14B, and the flow rate of the product liquid follow the following steps 1A to 6A. Step 1A (line segment A-1): The opening of the flow control valve 14A is increased from the start of filling of the product liquid to the first opening OD1. At the first opening OD1, the flow rate of the product liquid increases from zero to the first flow rate FR1. The on-off valve 14B is opened, and filling of the product liquid begins. Note that the on-off valve 14B remains open until filling of the product liquid is completed in step 6A. Step 2A (line segment A-2): Following the first step, the flow control valve 14A is maintained at the first opening OD1. The flow rate of the product liquid is maintained at the first flow rate FR1. In this embodiment, maintaining a constant filling flow rate is called fixed-rate filling, and the fixed-rate filling period is set to suppress foaming. Step 3A (line segment A-3): Following step 2, the flow control valve 14A is expanded from the first opening OD1 to the second opening OD2. The flow rate of the product liquid increases to the second flow rate FR2.

[0046] Step 4A (line segment A-4): Following step 3, the flow control valve 14A reduces its opening from the second opening OD2 to the third opening OD3. The flow rate of the product liquid decreases from the second flow rate FR2 to the third flow rate FR3. Step 5A (line segment A-5): Following step 4, the third opening OD3 is maintained. The flow rate of the product liquid is maintained at the third flow rate FR3. Step 6A (line segment A-6): Following step 5, the on-off valve 14B is changed from open to closed while maintaining the third opening degree OD3, thereby completing the filling of the product liquid.

[0047] The relationship between the opening degrees (opening and closing) of the flow control valve 14A and the on-off valve 14B in steps 1A to 6A is as follows: To start filling, the flow control valve 14A is set to a first opening OD1 corresponding to a first flow rate FR1, while the on-off valve 14B is opened (ON) (step 1A). Thereafter, the on-off valve 14B remains open (ON), but the opening degree of the flow control valve 14A is changed in the order from the first flow rate FR1 to the second opening degree OD2 corresponding to the second flow rate FR2 and then to the third opening degree OD3 corresponding to the third flow rate FR3 (step 2A, step 3A, step 4A, step 5A). When the filling is stopped, the flow control valve 14A remains at the third opening OD3, and the on-off valve 14B is closed (OFF).

[0048] Pattern B In pattern B, the flow rate of the product liquid follows the following steps 1B to 7B. Step 1B (line segment B-1): Start filling the product liquid and then increase the amount of product liquid filled. Step 2B (line segment B-2): Following step 1B, the flow rate is maintained. In other words, fixed-volume filling is performed in step 2B. Step 3B (line segment B-3): Following step 2B, the filling flow rate of the product liquid is increased. Step 4B (line segment B-4): Following step 3B, the filling flow rate of the product liquid is maintained. That is, in step 4B, a fixed amount of filling is performed. Step 5B (line segment B-5): Following step 4B, the filling flow rate of the product liquid is continuously reduced. Step 6B (line segment B-6): Following step 5B, the filling flow rate of the product liquid is maintained. That is, in step 6B, a fixed amount of the product liquid is filled. Step 7B (line segment B-7): Following step 6B, the filling flow rate of the product liquid is continuously reduced, and the filling of the product liquid is completed.

[0049] Compare pattern A and pattern B. In pattern A according to this embodiment, the beverage filling device 10 can arbitrarily set the rate of increase in the filling flow rate, i.e., the slope of line segment A-3, and the rate of decrease in the filling flow rate, i.e., the slope of line segment A-4. This is due to the use of flow control valve 14A. In particular, by making the slope of line segment A-3, which increases the filling flow rate, smaller than the slope of line segment A-4, the beverage filling device 10 is less likely to entrain air bubbles when filling the product liquid into container P. The magnitude of the slope of the line segments here is determined ignoring the ± sign. The slope of line segment A-4 can be increased because in step 4A, the product liquid level is high, and the generation of bubbles is suppressed even when the liquid column hits the liquid surface.In contrast, in step 3A, the product liquid level is low, so the energy of the liquid column hitting the liquid surface is large, and therefore bubbles are likely to be generated, so the rate of change in filling flow rate is suppressed.

[0050] In steps 3B and 4B of pattern B, the rate of increase in the filling flow rate (the slope of line segment B-3) and the rate of decrease in the filling flow rate (the slope of line segment B-5) are based on the opening and closing action of the valve by the air cylinder, so abrupt speed changes occur. For this reason, when a valve that opens and closes is used, air bubbles are likely to be trapped.

[0051] Because air bubbles are more likely to be entrained, the fixed-volume filling period (lines B-2, B-4, B-7) in pattern B must be longer than that in pattern A (lines A-2, A-5). In pattern B, the generation of bubbles cannot be suppressed unless the period of fixed-volume filling is extended. Furthermore, in pattern B, it is necessary to provide a period of fixed-volume filling (line segment B-4) between the period of increasing the filling flow rate (line segment B-3) and the period of decreasing the filling flow rate (line segment B-5), whereas in pattern A there is no need to provide a corresponding period of fixed-volume filling. In other words, in pattern A, by increasing the filling flow rate more slowly than in pattern B, it is possible to avoid providing a period of fixed-volume filling when switching from an increase in fixed-volume filling to a decrease. Therefore, with pattern A, it is possible to switch directly from an increase in fixed-volume filling to a decrease.

[0052] As described above, according to pattern A, which is an example of this embodiment, the fixed-volume filling period can be shortened compared to pattern B, and therefore the entrainment of air bubbles can be reduced while shortening the time required to fill one container P with the liquid product. In contrast, in pattern B, the flow rate cannot be controlled, and therefore the fixed-volume filling period must be lengthened.

[0053] Pattern A shown in FIG. 7 is merely an example in this disclosure. Although line segments A-1 to A-6 in steps 1A to 6A shown in Fig. 7 are drawn as straight lines, the aperture of flow control valve 14A may be adjusted so that line segments A-1 to A-6 are curved. Also, the aperture of flow control valve 14A is adjusted so that line segments A-2 and A-5 representing the fixed-quantity filling period in Fig. 7 are parallel to the horizontal axis of the graph, but the aperture of flow control valve 14A may be adjusted so that they are slightly inclined relative to the horizontal axis of the graph.

[0054] Also, for example, the rate of increase or decrease in the filling flow rate can be set to a slope different from that of the line segments A-1, A-3, A-4, and A-6. In addition, the period of constant filling can be increased or decreased relative to the lines A-2 and A-5, and the flow rate FR1 and the tributary flow rate FR3 during constant filling can be set to different flow rates. Different flow rates include setting the flow rate FR3 lower than the flow rate FR1. Furthermore, a fixed-rate filling period can be provided between the time when the filling flow rate changes from increasing to decreasing. However, this period can be made shorter than in pattern B. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the filling of the product liquid can be completed without setting a fixed amount filling period.

[0055] [Effects of the embodiment] According to the beverage filling device 10, the liquid valve 14 is a combination of a flow control valve 14A and an on-off valve 14B. This reduces the amount of air bubbles entrained while shortening the time required to fill one container P with the liquid product. Therefore, the beverage filling device 10 can improve the efficiency of filling containerized beverages.

[0056] In particular, according to beverage filling device 10, liquid valve 14 is a combination of flow control valve 14A and on-off valve 14B, and connecting pipe 14C is provided between flow control valve 14A and on-off valve 14B. This allows the product liquid to be discharged toward container P with a reduced flow compared to discharging the product liquid directly from flow control valve 14A toward container P. This also allows beverage filling device 10 to reduce the entrainment of air bubbles.

[0057] The configurations given in the embodiments are merely examples in the present disclosure, and can be changed to other configurations as appropriate.

[0058] [Note] [Appendix 1] The liquid filling device (10) comprises: a liquid supply path (13) for supplying the product liquid from a tank (T) in which the product liquid and the gas component contained in the product liquid occupying the upper part of the product liquid are stored to the container (P); A liquid valve (14) is provided in the liquid supply passage (13) to control the flow of the product liquid toward the container (P). The liquid valve (14) a flow rate adjusting valve (14A) provided upstream of the product liquid based on the flow direction; an on-off valve (14B) provided downstream of the flow rate adjustment valve (14A); Equipped with.

[0059] The liquid filling device (10) comprises: The liquid filling device (10) includes a control unit (22) that controls the opening degree and opening / closing speed of the flow rate control valve (14A), Preferably, the control section (22) causes the flow rate adjustment valve (14A) to perform the following first to sixth steps in order. First step: From the start of filling of the product liquid, the opening of the flow rate adjustment valve (14A) is increased to the first opening (OD1), and the on-off valve is opened. Second step: Following the first step, the first opening (OD1) and the open state are maintained. Third step: Following the second step, the opening is expanded from the first opening (OD1) to the second opening (OD2) and maintained in the open state. Fourth step: Following the third step, the opening is reduced from the second opening (OD2) to the third opening (OD3), and the open state is maintained. Fifth step: Following the fourth step, maintain the third opening (OD3) and the open state. Sixth step: Following the fifth step, while maintaining the third opening (OD3), the filling of the product liquid is completed by changing from the open state to the closed state.

[0060] [Appendix 2] In [Appendix 1], The speed at which the opening is expanded from the first opening (OD1) to the second opening (OD2) in the third step is It is preferable that the speed is slower than the speed at which the opening is reduced from the second opening (OD2) to the third opening (OD3) in the fourth step.

[0061] [Appendix 3] In [Appendix 1] or [Appendix 2], The control unit (22) After the third step, the fourth step is performed without maintaining the second opening (OD2), or After the third step, it is preferable to maintain the second opening (OD2) and then execute the fourth step.

[0062] [Appendix 4] In any of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 3], It is preferable to provide a gas supply line (11) for supplying the gas component stored in the tank (T) to the container (P).

[0063] [Appendix 5] In any of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 4], a main exhaust passage (18) through which gas discharged from the container flows when the gas element is supplied to the container; a sub-exhaust passage (19) branched from the main exhaust passage (18) and having a pressure reducing section (19A) for reducing the pressure of the gas component; a third on-off valve (16) provided in the main exhaust passage (18); a fourth on-off valve (20) provided in the sub-exhaust passage (19); The control unit (22) When supplying the gas element to the container, the third on-off valve (16) and the fourth on-off valve (17) are The valve is opened, When decompressing the internal space of the container pressurized by the gas element, it is preferable to close the third on-off valve (16) and open the fourth on-off valve (20).

[0064] [Appendix 6] The method includes the following steps 1 to 6, in which the product liquid and the gas component contained in the product liquid occupying the upper part of the product liquid are stored in a tank (T) and the fourth step is carried out after the third step without maintaining the second flow rate. Liquid filling method. First step: Increase the flow rate from the start of product liquid filling to the first flow rate (FR1). Second step: Following the first step, the first flow rate (FR1) is maintained. Third step: Following the second step, the flow rate is increased from the first flow rate (FR1) to the second flow rate (FR2). Fourth step: Following the third step, the flow rate is reduced from the second flow rate (FR2) to the third flow rate (FR3). Fifth step: Following the fourth step, the third flow rate (FR3) is maintained. Sixth step: Following the fifth step, the flow rate is reduced from the third flow rate (FR3) to complete the filling of the product liquid.

[0065] [Appendix 8] In [Appendix 6], preferably, The rate of increase in the flow rate in the third step is The rate of decrease in the flow rate is smaller than that in the fourth step. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1. Beverage filling system 2 Star Wheel 3 Pressure Regulating Valve 10 Beverage filling equipment 11 Carbon dioxide supply line 13 Liquid supply path 14 Liquid valve 14A Flow Control Valve 14B On-off valve 15 Flow meter 16 Counter valve 18 Main exhaust passage 19 Secondary exhaust passage 19A Orifice 20 Gassing return valve 21 Snift valve 22 Control Unit 100 Incoming conveyor 101 Transfer Star Wheel 102 Discharge conveyor P container E. Unloading point S Loading point T storage tank Tg gas region Tl liquid area Pg Gas pressure

Claims

1. a liquid supply path that supplies the product liquid from a tank that stores the product liquid and a gas component contained in the product liquid that occupies an upper portion of the product liquid toward the container; a liquid valve provided in the liquid supply path to control the flow of the product liquid toward the container; The liquid valve is a flow rate adjusting valve provided upstream of the product liquid flow direction; an on-off valve provided downstream of the flow rate adjustment valve; a control unit that controls the opening degree and opening / closing speed of the flow rate adjustment valve, The control unit controls the flow rate adjusting valve and the on-off valve to execute the following first to sixth steps in order: First step: The opening of the flow rate adjusting valve is increased from the start of filling of the product liquid to a first opening, and the on-off valve is opened. Second step: Following the first step, the first opening degree and the open state are maintained. Third step: Following the second step, the opening degree is increased from the first opening degree to a second opening degree, and the open state is maintained. Fourth step: Following the third step, the opening degree is reduced from the second opening degree to a third opening degree, and the open state is maintained. Fifth step: Following the fourth step, the third opening degree and the open state are maintained. Sixth step: Following the fifth step, while maintaining the third opening degree, the open state is changed to the closed state, thereby completing the filling of the product liquid.

2. The speed at which the opening degree is increased from the first opening degree to the second opening degree in the third step is a speed that is slower than the speed at which the opening degree is reduced from the second opening degree to the third opening degree in the fourth step; The liquid filling device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit After the third step, the fourth step is performed without maintaining the second opening degree, or After the third step, the second opening degree is maintained, and then the fourth step is executed.

3. The liquid filling device according to claim 2.

4. a gas supply path for supplying the gas element stored in the tank to the container; The liquid filling device according to claim 1 .

5. a main exhaust passage through which gas discharged from the container flows when the gas element is supplied to the container; a sub-exhaust passage branched from the main exhaust passage and having a pressure reducing section for reducing the pressure of the gas element; a third on-off valve provided in the main exhaust passage; a fourth on-off valve provided in the sub-exhaust path, The control unit When the gas element is supplied to the container, the third on-off valve and the fourth on-off valve are opened, When decompressing the internal space of the container pressurized by the gas element, the third on-off valve is closed and the fourth on-off valve is opened. The liquid filling device according to claim 1 .

6. The method includes the following steps 1 to 6, in which the product liquid and a gas component contained in the product liquid occupying an upper portion of the product liquid are stored in a tank, and the product liquid is filled into a container. After the third step, the fourth step is carried out without maintaining the second flow rate. Liquid filling method. First step: increasing the flow rate of the product liquid from the start of filling to a first flow rate. Second step: Following the first step, the first flow rate is maintained. Third step: Following the second step, the flow rate is increased from the first flow rate to a second flow rate. Fourth step: Following the third step, the flow rate is reduced from the second flow rate to a third flow rate. Fifth step: Following the fourth step, the third flow rate is maintained. Sixth step: Following the fifth step, the flow rate is reduced from the third flow rate to complete the filling of the product liquid.

7. The rate of increase of the flow rate in the third step is the rate of decrease of the flow rate is smaller than the rate of decrease of the flow rate in the fourth step; The method for filling a liquid according to claim 6.

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