Liquid filling apparatus and method for producing beverage

Abstract

To provide a filling device capable of filling a carbonated beverage into a container while maintaining the appearance of a solid such as a fruit.SOLUTION: The liquid filling apparatus includes a carbon dioxide gas supply path in which one of a first supply state in which carbon dioxide gas at a first pressure stored in a tank is supplied to a container and a second supply state in which carbon dioxide gas at a second pressure lower than the first pressure stored in the tank is supplied to the container is selected, and a control unit that controls one of the first supply state, the second supply state, and a closed state in the carbon dioxide gas supply path. The control unit sequentially executes a first step of bringing the carbon dioxide gas supply path into the second supply state until the inside of the container is replaced with carbon dioxide gas, the inside of the container is set to the first pressure, and the container is filled with the product liquid, and a second step of bringing the liquid valve into the open state and bringing the carbon dioxide gas supply path into the first supply state until filling of the product liquid through the liquid valve is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid filling device and a method for producing beverages. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 makes a novel proposal for a packaged carbonated beverage (hereinafter abbreviated as "carbonated beverage"). Specifically, Patent Document 1 proposes a novel packaged beverage containing fruit that can be visually enjoyed when opened, and in particular, discloses that although the fruit is immersed in the beverage when the container is sealed, the fruit rises to the surface of the beverage when the container is opened. Patent Document 1 lists citrus fruits commonly used in beverages, such as lemons, limes, and oranges, as applicable fruits, and these fruits are typically served sliced.

[0003] Carbonated drinks are filled into containers such as cans using a liquid filling device that fills the container from a liquid storage tank. As an example, Patent Document 2 provides a liquid filling device that can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide gas consumed to replace the air in the container even when the temperature of the product liquid stored in the tank is high. Patent Document 2 discloses a liquid filling device that includes a first carbon dioxide gas supply passage that supplies carbon dioxide gas stored in the tank at a first pressure to the container, and a second carbon dioxide gas supply passage that supplies carbon dioxide gas at a second pressure lower than the first pressure to an inlet position of the first carbon dioxide gas supply passage. Patent Document 2 then supplies carbon dioxide gas at the second pressure to the container, and then fills the product liquid into the container while supplying carbon dioxide gas at the first pressure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-172534 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-131249 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When producing a packaged carbonated beverage containing solids such as sliced ​​fruit, it is unknown whether a desired product can be obtained by simply using a conventional liquid filling device, such as that described in Patent Document 1, due to the presence of solids. In particular, when producing a packaged carbonated beverage, carbon dioxide gas at a considerable pressure is supplied to the container before the beverage is filled. If the solids are inserted into the container before the beverage is filled, the solids will be exposed to the carbon dioxide pressure. However, in order to allow the fruit to be visually enjoyed when the container is opened, it is necessary for the solids to maintain their appearance even when exposed to the carbon dioxide pressure. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a filling device and a manufacturing method that can fill a container with, for example, a carbonated drink while maintaining the appearance of solid matter such as fruit. [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 to the container from a tank that stores the product liquid and a gas element that is set to a first pressure above the product liquid, and that is provided with a liquid valve; a gas supply path that can be selected from a first supply state in which a gas element stored in a tank at a first pressure is supplied to the container, a second supply state in which a gas element stored in the tank at a second pressure lower than the first pressure is supplied to the container, and a closed state in which no gas element is supplied to the container; and a control unit that controls one of the first supply state, the second supply state, and the closed state of the gas supply path. The control unit a first step of replacing the inside of the container with a gas element and setting the gas supply path in a second supply state until the inside of the container is filled with the product liquid under a first pressure; a second step of opening the liquid valve and keeping the carbon dioxide gas supply path in the first supply state until filling of the product liquid via the liquid valve is completed;

[0007] The method for producing a beverage according to the present disclosure includes: A method for filling a liquid, comprising: supplying a product liquid to a container from a tank in which a gas element having a first pressure is stored above the product liquid, a first step of replacing the inside of the container with a gas element and supplying a gas element at a second pressure lower than the first pressure to the container during a period from when the inside of the container is set to a first pressure until the container is filled with the product liquid; A second step of supplying carbon dioxide gas at a first pressure to the container from the start of filling of the product liquid until the end of filling. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the filling device and filling method of the present disclosure, a gas element at a relatively low second pressure is supplied to the container through a gassing process (non-seal gassing process, seal gassing process) and a counter process. Therefore, the solid matter previously inserted in the container can maintain its original shape without being damaged. Then, in the filling process, a relatively high first pressure is supplied to the container, so that the required amount of gas element can be dissolved in the product liquid in a short time. [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 the configuration of a beverage filling device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the carbon dioxide gas supply state in a beverage filling device operating in solid filling mode. [Figure 4] 3, is a diagram showing the state of supply of carbon dioxide gas in the beverage filling device in the solid filling mode. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the beverage filling system of the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a timing chart showing the open / closed states of the first counter valve, second counter valve, gassing return valve, sniff valve, and liquid valve, as well as the internal pressure of the can container, in a beverage filling device operating in solid filling mode. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the supply state of carbon dioxide gas in a beverage filling device operating in normal filling mode. [Figure 8] 7, is a diagram showing the state of supply of carbon dioxide gas in the beverage filling device in the normal filling mode. [Figure 9] This is a timing chart showing the open / closed states of the first counter valve, second counter valve, gassing return valve, sniff valve, and liquid valve, as well as the internal pressure of the can container, in a beverage filling device operating in normal filling mode. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a beverage filling device (modification) according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a timing chart showing the open / closed states of the first counter valve, second counter valve, gassing return valve, sniff valve, and liquid valve, and the internal pressure of the can container in the beverage filling device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below aim to prevent damage to solids, for example, when filling a carbonated beverage containing solids into a can. The embodiments include a first embodiment having two counter valves, each fully open and fully closed, and a second embodiment having a single counter valve with an adjustable opening. Both the first and second embodiments can be operated by switching between a solids filling mode for filling a carbonated beverage containing solids and a normal filling mode for filling a carbonated beverage without solids. Before describing the first and second embodiments, a beverage filling system 1 that can be commonly applied to both will be described, followed by descriptions of the first and second embodiments. Note that while the embodiments illustrate carbon dioxide gas dissolved in the product liquid as an element, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and other gas elements such as nitrogen and air can be used.

[0011] [Beverage filling system 1: see Figure 1] The beverage filling system 1 is a system that fills a product liquid in which carbon dioxide gas is dissolved into a can container C, and transports the can container C filled with the product liquid to the next process where a can lid is attached and the can lid is seamed. In the beverage filling system 1, can containers C, which are continuously conveyed by an input conveyor 100, are received from a transfer star wheel 101 onto a star wheel 2 (can 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 can containers C received from the transfer star wheel 101 are filled with beverage in a series of steps as they move circumferentially from a can supply point S to a can discharge point E. Once filled with beverage, the can containers C are discharged to the next process where can lids are attached and seamed. Note that S101 to S115 in FIG. 1 correspond to the processes with the same reference numerals shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, and 11.

[0012] [First embodiment] [Beverage filling device 10A: 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 disposed above the liquid region Tl in which carbon dioxide gas (CO2-containing gas) at a first pressure P1 is stored and supplied to can containers C via a beverage filling device 10A. The carbon dioxide gas stored in the gas region Tg is supplied to can containers C during a gassing process (a gas replacement process consisting of a non-seal gassing process and a seal gassing process) and a countering process. Note that FIG. 1 shows one of multiple beverage filling devices 10A included in the beverage filling system 1.

[0013] 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 adjustment 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 (first pressure) P1 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] 2, beverage filling device 10A includes first carbon dioxide gas supply path 11, second carbon dioxide gas supply path 12, liquid supply path 13, liquid valve 14, flow meter 15, first counter valve (first on-off valve) 16, second counter valve (second on-off valve) 17, main exhaust path 18, auxiliary exhaust path 19, gassing return valve 20, sniff valve 21, and control unit 22. First carbon dioxide gas supply path 11 and second carbon dioxide gas supply path 12 together constitute the carbon dioxide gas supply path in the present disclosure.

[0016] The first carbon dioxide gas supply path 11 supplies carbon dioxide gas at a first pressure P1 stored in the liquid storage tank T to the can container C. One end of the first carbon dioxide gas supply path 11 is connected to the gas region Tg of the liquid storage tank T, and the other end of the first carbon dioxide gas supply path 11 passes through the inside of the liquid valve 14 and is connected to a position opposite the opening of the can container C. In this preferred embodiment, the first pressure P1, which is the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas in the storage tank T, is maintained in the first carbon dioxide gas supply path 11, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. As long as the condition that the second pressure P2 of the carbon dioxide gas supplied to the can container C is lower than the first pressure P1 is satisfied, the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas in the storage tank T and the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas supplied to the can container C through the first carbon dioxide gas supply path 11 may be different.

[0017] The second carbon dioxide gas supply path 12 is a path that supplies carbon dioxide gas at a second pressure P2 lower than the first pressure P1 to an inflow position 11A of the first carbon dioxide gas supply path 11. One end of the second carbon dioxide gas supply path 12 is connected to the first carbon dioxide gas supply path 11 at the inflow position 11A, and the other end of the second carbon dioxide gas supply path 12 is connected to the first carbon dioxide gas supply path 11 at a branch position 11B.

[0018] The second carbon dioxide gas supply channel 12 is a channel branching off from the first carbon dioxide gas supply channel 11 at a branch position 11B upstream of the inlet position 11A, and includes an orifice 12A that reduces the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas from a first pressure P1 to a second pressure P2. The orifice 12A is a component that defines a region that forms the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the second carbon dioxide gas supply channel 12. The minimum cross-sectional area formed by the orifice 12A is smaller than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first carbon dioxide gas supply channel 11. The carbon dioxide gas supplied from the first carbon dioxide gas supply channel 11 to the second carbon dioxide gas supply channel 12 at the first pressure P1 is reduced in pressure by the orifice 12A to a second pressure P2. The second pressure P2 is set to approximately 50% or further 30% of the first pressure P1. For example, if the first pressure P1 is 0.6 MPaG, the second pressure P2 can be set to 0.3 MPaG or further 0.2 MPaG.

[0019] 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 can container C. One end of the liquid supply path 13 is connected to the liquid region Tl of the liquid storage tank T, and the other end of the liquid supply path 13 passes through the inside of the liquid valve 14 and is connected to a position opposite the opening of the can container C.

[0020] The liquid valve 14 is provided in the liquid supply path 13 and has a valve body (not shown) therein that switches between a filling state (open state) in which the product liquid supplied from the liquid region Tl of the liquid storage tank T to the liquid supply path 13 is filled into the can container C, and a non-filling state (closed state) in which the product liquid is not filled into the can container C.

[0021] 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 can container C 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.

[0022] The first counter valve 16 is an open / close valve provided on the first carbon dioxide gas supply passage 11 upstream of the inlet position 11A and downstream of the branch position 11B. The second counter valve 17 is an on-off valve provided in the second carbon dioxide gas supply passage 12.

[0023] The main exhaust path 18 is a flow path through which gas discharged from the can container C flows when carbon dioxide gas at the second pressure P2 is supplied to the can container C. 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.

[0024] 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 can container C. The orifice 19A is a member that forms an area that becomes the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the auxiliary exhaust path 19. The minimum flow path cross-sectional area formed by the orifice 19A is even smaller than the minimum 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.

[0025] 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 . The control unit 22 controls the opening and closing states of the first counter valve 16, the second counter valve 17, the gassing return valve 20, and the sniff valve 21.

[0026] [Procedure for filling can C] Next, a procedure for filling a liquid product into a can container C using the beverage filling system 1 including the beverage filling device 10A described above will be described. The explanation will be given in the order of a solid filling mode and a normal filling mode.

[0027] [Solid Filling Mode (SF): See Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6] 5 shows the steps in one cycle executed by the beverage filling device 10A during one rotation of the star wheel 2. That is, one cycle is made up of a can supply process (S101), a gassing process (non-seal gassing process (S103), seal gassing process (S105)), a counter process (S107), a filling process (S109), a hold process (S111), a sniff process (S113), and a can discharge process (S115). In Figures 3, 4, 7, and 8, 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 Figures 3, 4, 7, and 8, open valves are shown in white, and closed valves are shown in black.

[0028] [Can supply process: Figure 5 S101] In the can supply process, the can container C transferred from the carry-in conveyor 100 is transported to below the liquid valve 14 of the beverage filling device 10A by the transfer star wheel 101. The timing at which the can container C is transported to below the liquid valve 14 is time T1 in Figure 6. A solid object, such as a lemon slice, is inserted into the can container C before it is transported to the liquid valve 14. According to the embodiment, the solid object can retain its original shape during the gassing process and counter process until the product liquid is filled.

[0029] [Gassing treatment: see S103 and S105 in Figures 3, 5, and 6] When the can C 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 can C with carbon dioxide gas before filling it with the product liquid. The gassing process is performed in two stages: a non-seal gassing process (S103) and a seal gassing process (S105), thereby efficiently replacing the air inside the can C with carbon dioxide gas. In this embodiment, the carbon dioxide gas supplied to the second carbon dioxide gas supply path 12 through the non-seal gassing process (S103), the seal gassing process (S105), and the counter process (S107) is reduced in pressure by the orifice 12A and supplied to the can C at a second pressure P2.

[0030] [Non-seal gassing treatment: see Figures 3, 5, and 6 S103] The non-seal gassing process is performed from time T1 to time T2 shown in Figure 6. In the non-seal gassing process, carbon dioxide gas is supplied from the gas region Tg to the can container C via the first carbon dioxide gas supply path 11 when there is a gap between the liquid valve 14 and the can container C. When the can container C is placed in the position shown by the solid line in Figure 3, it indicates that there is a gap between the liquid valve 14 and the can container C. The carbon dioxide gas supplied inside the can container C, in excess of the capacity of the can container C, is discharged to the outside together with air through the gap between the liquid valve 14 and the can container C. In this way, the air inside the can container C is discharged and the inside of the can container C is replaced with carbon dioxide gas, thereby lowering the oxygen concentration.

[0031] The non-seal gassing process is suitable for replacing the air that is initially present inside the can container C with carbon dioxide gas in a short period of time, but it can only reduce the oxygen concentration inside the can container C to a certain extent. Therefore, the non-seal gassing process is followed by the seal gassing process. Note that conditions such as the gap between the liquid valve 14 and the can container C and the supply time of carbon dioxide gas can be adjusted depending on the capacity of the can container C, the flow rate of carbon dioxide gas per unit time, etc.

[0032] 3 and 6, in the non-seal gassing process, the control unit 22 closes the first counter valve 16 and the liquid valve 14 and opens the second counter valve 17 to supply carbon dioxide gas at a second pressure P2 to the can container C. Carbon dioxide gas at a second pressure P2 lower than the first pressure P1 is supplied to the can container C, rather than carbon dioxide gas at the first pressure P1 stored in the gas region Tg of the liquid storage tank T. Because there is a gap between the liquid valve 14 and the can container C, the pressure inside the can container C is maintained at atmospheric pressure (0 MPaG).

[0033] [Seal gassing treatment: see Figures 3, 5, and 6 S105] The seal gassing process is performed from time T2 to time T3 shown in Fig. 6. In the seal gassing process, carbon dioxide gas is supplied from the gas region Tg to the can container C via the second carbon dioxide gas supply path 12, with the liquid valve 14 and the opening of the can container C in close contact. When the can container C is placed at the position shown by the solid line in Fig. 3, this indicates that the liquid valve 14 and the opening of the can container C are in close contact.

[0034] The air and carbon dioxide remaining in the can container C are discharged outside the beverage filling system 1 through both the main exhaust path 18 and the secondary exhaust path 19. The seal gassing process can further reduce the oxygen concentration inside the can container C. The mechanism for tightly sealing the liquid valve 14 with the opening of the can container C may be a mechanism for fixing the can container C and moving the liquid valve 14, or a mechanism for fixing the liquid valve 14 and moving the can container C.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 6, in the seal gassing process, the control unit 22 closes the first counter valve 16 and the liquid valve 14 and opens the second counter valve 17 to supply carbon dioxide gas at a second pressure P2 to the canister C. Carbon dioxide gas at a second pressure P2 lower than the first pressure P1 is supplied to the canister C, rather than the carbon dioxide gas at the first pressure P1 stored in the gas region Tg of the liquid storage tank T. Because the liquid valve 14 and the opening of the canister C are in close contact with each other, the pressure inside the canister C rises from atmospheric pressure (0 MPaG) to the second pressure P2. As shown in Fig. 6, the second pressure P2 is sufficiently lower than the first pressure P1 of the carbon dioxide gas stored in the gas region Tg of the liquid storage tank T.

[0036] [Counter processing: see S107 in Figures 4, 5, and 6] The counter process is performed from time T3 to time T4 shown in FIG. 6. In the counter process, the control unit 22 closes the gassing return valve 20 and the snift valve 21 that were open until the gassing process ends, and prevents the discharge of carbon dioxide gas so that the carbon dioxide gas is not guided from the can container C to the main exhaust passage 18 and the sub-exhaust passage 19. Further, the control unit 22 opens the second counter valve 17 while closing the first counter valve 16, and supplies carbon dioxide gas at a second pressure P2 (<P1) from the gas region Tg of the liquid storage tank T to the can container C via the second carbon dioxide supply passage 12. As a result, the inside of the can container C is pressurized to the second pressure P2 with carbon dioxide gas, but since the gassing return valve 20 and the snift valve 21 are closed, the inside of the can container C gradually rises to the first pressure P1.

[0037] [Filling process: Refer to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 S109] The filling process is performed from time T4 to time T5 shown in FIG. 6. In the filling process, the control unit 22 fills the can container C with the product liquid by opening the first counter valve 16 and the liquid valve 14. In the filling process, the control unit 22 opens the first counter valve 16. Therefore, the carbon dioxide gas at the first pressure P1 (>P2) replaced by the filling of the product liquid into the can container C is guided to the gas region Tg of the liquid storage tank T via the first carbon dioxide supply passage 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 can container C has reached a predetermined amount, it closes the first counter valve 16 and the liquid valve 14 to end the filling process.

[0038] In FIG. 6, the second counter valve 17 that was open until the counter process is closed (OFF) during the filling process, and the first counter valve 16 opens (ON) during the filling process. That is, in FIG. 6, the OFF of the second counter valve 17 and the ON of the first counter valve 16 are performed simultaneously. However, even if the ON of the second counter valve 17 and the first counter valve overlap for a very short time when shifting from the counter process to the filling process, damage to the solid matter can be avoided. However, it is necessary that the pressure inside the can container C has reached the first pressure P1.

[0039] [Hold processing: See S111 in Figures 5 and 6] The hold process is performed from time T5 to time T6 shown in Figure 6. The control unit 22 closes all of the first counter valve 16, second counter valve 17, gassing return valve 20, snifter valve 21, and liquid valve 14. When the filling process is completed, bubbles form on the top surface of the product liquid and air nuclei form in the liquid, but the hold process dissolves the air nuclei into the product liquid, reducing or eliminating the bubbles.

[0040] [Snift processing: see Figure 5, Figure 6 S113] The snifting process is step S113 in Fig. 5, and is performed from time T6 to time T7 in Fig. 6. In the snifting process, the pressure in the headspace above the product liquid inside the can C is reduced to atmospheric pressure. The snifting process is performed because if the sealed state of the can C is released while the headspace is pressurized, the pressure in the headspace will drop suddenly, releasing carbon dioxide gas dissolved in the product liquid and generating bubbles.

[0041] 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 can container C passes through the orifice 19A of the secondary 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 can C does not drop suddenly.

[0042] [Can Discharge Processing: Figure 5 S115] The can discharging process is performed after the sniffing process. The can containers C filled with the product liquid are released from the liquid valve 14 and then transferred to the discharge conveyor 102 at the can discharging point E in Figure 1. The transferred can containers C are then transported to the next process where can lids are attached and the can lids are seamed.

[0043] [Normal filling mode (NF): See Figures 7, 8, 9, and 5] The basic filling procedure in the normal filling mode is the same as in the solid filling mode, with one cycle consisting of a can supply process (S101), a gassing process (non-seal gassing process (S103), a seal gassing process (S105)), a counter process (S107), a filling process (S109), a hold process (S111), a sniff process (S113), and a can emptying process (S115). Since the normal filling mode does not require consideration of damage to the solid, the gas supply flow paths used during the gassing and counter processes are different from those used in the solid filling mode. That is, in the normal filling mode, carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the can container C through the first counter valve 16, which can ensure a higher pressure and a larger flow rate than the second counter valve 17. Below, each procedure will be explained, focusing on the differences from the solid filling mode.

[0044] [Can supply process: Figure 5 S101] In the normal filling mode, the can supply process is performed in the same manner as in the solid filling mode, except that the solid is not inserted into the can container C.

[0045] [Gassing treatment: see Figures 7, 8, 9, and S103 and S105 in Figure 5] In the normal filling mode, the non-seal gassing process and the seal gassing process in the gassing process are performed for the same purpose as in the solid filling mode.

[0046] [Non-seal gassing treatment] In the non-seal gassing process in the normal filling mode, the control unit 22 closes the second counter valve 17 and the liquid valve 14 and opens the first counter valve 16 to supply carbon dioxide gas at a first pressure P1 to the can container C. The first pressure P1 is the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas stored in the gas region Tg of the liquid storage tank T. However, because there is a gap between the liquid valve 14 and the can container C, the pressure inside the can container C is maintained at atmospheric pressure (0 MPaG).

[0047] [Seal gassing treatment] In the non-seal gassing process of the normal filling mode, the control unit 22 continues to open the first counter valve 16 and keeps the second counter valve 17 and the liquid valve 14 closed to supply carbon dioxide gas at the first pressure P1 to the can container C.

[0048] [Counter processing: see S107 in Figures 7, 8, and 9] In the counter process of the normal filling mode, following the seal gassing process, the control unit 22 opens the first counter valve 16 and keeps the second counter valve 17 and the liquid valve 14 closed to supply carbon dioxide gas at the first pressure P1 to the can container C. As a result, the inside of the can container C is pressurized to the first pressure P1 with carbon dioxide gas. Note that, as in the solid filling mode, the gassing return valve 20 and sniff valve 21 are closed to seal the can container C so that carbon dioxide gas is not led to the main exhaust path 18 and the sub-exhaust path 19.

[0049] [Filling process: see S109 in Figures 7, 8, and 9] In the filling process of the normal filling mode, the control unit 22 opens the liquid valve 14 in addition to the first counter valve 16 to fill the product liquid into the can container C. The carbon dioxide gas replaced by the product liquid filling into the can container C is led to the gas region Tg of the liquid storage tank T via the first carbon dioxide gas supply path 11, and when it is determined that the product liquid supplied to the can container C has reached a predetermined amount, the first counter valve 16 and the liquid valve 14 are closed, which is the same as in the solid filling mode.

[0050] [Hold processing: See S111 in Figures 8 and 9] In the hold process of the normal filling mode, the control unit 22 closes all the valves, which causes the bubble nuclei to dissolve in the product liquid, reducing or eliminating the bubbles.

[0051] [Snift processing: see Figure 8, Figure 9 S113] In the sniff process of the normal filling mode, the control unit 22 closes the gassing return valve 20 and opens the sniff valve 21, and the carbon dioxide gas inside the can container C passes through the orifice 19A of the secondary exhaust path 19 and is led outside the beverage filling system 1.

[0052] [Can Discharge Processing: Figure 5 S115] The can discharge process in the normal filling mode is carried out in the same manner as in the solids filling mode.

[0053] As explained above, in the beverage filling procedure in the normal filling mode, the second counter valve 17 is kept closed, while the first counter valve 16 remains open throughout the seal gassing process, counter process, counter process and filling process which require the supply of carbon dioxide gas, and carbon dioxide gas at the first pressure P1 is supplied to the can container C.

[0054] [Advantages of the first embodiment] [First effect] The beverage filling device 10A according to the first embodiment is equipped with a first counter valve 16 and a second counter valve 17, and supplies carbon dioxide gas at a low second pressure P2 to the can container C through gassing processes (non-seal gassing process, seal gassing process) and counter process in the solid filling mode. Therefore, the solid inserted in the can container C can maintain its original shape without being damaged. Then, in the filling process, a high first pressure P1 is supplied to the can container C, so that the required amount of carbon dioxide gas can be dissolved in the product liquid in a short time.

[0055] [Second effect] In the gassing process, counter process, and filling process in the normal filling mode, the beverage filling device 10A can supply carbon dioxide gas at a high first pressure P1 to the can container C through the first counter valve 16. In other words, by switching between using the first counter valve 16 and the second counter valve 17, the beverage filling device 10A can serve as both a filling device for carbonated beverages containing solids and a filling device for carbonated beverages not containing solids.

[0056] [Third effect] The beverage filling machine 10A uses a first counter valve 16 and a second counter valve 17, each of which has an open state (ON) and a closed state (OFF). These valves are available at a relatively low cost. Since the beverage filling system 1 may include, for example, more than 100 beverage filling machines 10A, the use of the first counter valve 16 and the second counter valve 17, which operate between ON and OFF, can reduce the cost of the beverage filling system 1.

[0057] [Second embodiment: see Figs. 10 and 11] Next, a beverage filling device 10B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Like beverage filling device 10A, beverage filling device 10B can achieve a solids filling mode and a normal filling mode, but replaces the two counter valves, first counter valve 16 and second counter valve 17, used in beverage filling device 10A with a single flow rate adjustment valve, third counter valve 25. Third counter valve 25 can change its opening continuously or in steps. Therefore, third counter valve 25 can have at least a first open state in which carbon dioxide gas at a first pressure P1 can be supplied to can container C, a second open state in which carbon dioxide gas at a second pressure P2 can be supplied to can container C, and a closed state. Beverage filling device 10B has the same configuration as beverage filling device 10A, except for the third counter valve 25. Third counter valve 25 is provided midway through first carbon dioxide gas supply path 11. The first carbon dioxide gas supply path 11 in the first embodiment corresponds to the third gas supply path in the present disclosure, and the carbon dioxide gas at the second pressure P2 in the first step and the carbon dioxide gas at the first pressure P1 in the second step are supplied to the can container C via the common first carbon dioxide gas supply path 11.

[0058] The beverage filling device 10B does not have a second carbon dioxide gas supply line 12 connected in parallel to the first carbon dioxide gas supply line 11, and carbon dioxide gas from the gas region Tg of the liquid storage tank T is supplied to the can container C only through the first carbon dioxide gas supply line 11. The third counter valve 25 is maintained in an open state throughout the gassing process (non-seal gassing process and seal gassing process), counter process, and filling process. However, the third counter valve 25 is set to the second open state (second pressure P2) during the gassing process and counter process in the solid filling mode, and is set to the first open state (first pressure P1) during the filling process. The third counter valve 25 is set to the first open state (first pressure P1) throughout the gassing process, counter process, and filling process in the normal filling mode.

[0059] [Advantages of the second embodiment] In the beverage filling device 10B according to the second embodiment, the first open state (first pressure P1) and the second open state (second pressure P2) can be selectively obtained. Therefore, the beverage filling device 10B can also achieve the first and second effects achieved by the beverage filling device 10A. Furthermore, beverage filling device 10B can supply carbon dioxide gas with one first carbon dioxide gas supply path 11 and one third counter valve 25, so the configuration of the device can be simplified.

[0060] In addition to the above, it is possible to select and discard the configurations given in the above embodiments, or to change them to other configurations as appropriate. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a chamber may be provided in which carbon dioxide gas at a second pressure is stored, and a second carbon dioxide gas supply passage may be provided to supply carbon dioxide gas at the second pressure introduced from the chamber to the inlet position of the first carbon dioxide gas supply passage. The carbonated beverages covered by this disclosure are not particularly limited as long as they contain carbon dioxide. For example, the gas volume may be high or low. The same applies to the types of carbonated beverages covered by this disclosure, and a wide variety of beverages are covered, including non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages, beverages produced through a fermentation process, and beverages produced without a fermentation process. Furthermore, the container is not limited to a can container, but a wide range of containers such as bottle cans, flexible containers, and glass bottles can be used.

[0061] [Note] The liquid filling device and beverage manufacturing method disclosed above can be understood as follows. [Appendix 1] a liquid supply path (13) provided with a liquid valve (14) for supplying the product liquid to the container from a tank (T) in which the product liquid and a gas component contained in the product liquid occupying the upper part of the product liquid are stored; a gas supply path (11, 12) that can be selected from a first supply state (P1) in which the gas elements stored in the tank (T) are supplied to the container at a first pressure (P1), a second supply state (P2) in which the gas elements stored in the tank (T) are supplied at a second pressure (P2) lower than the first pressure (P1), and a closed state (OFF) in which the gas elements are not supplied to the container; a control unit (22) that controls the gas supply paths (11, 12) to be in one of a first supply state (P1), a second supply state (P2), and a closed state (OFF); The control unit (22) a first step of replacing the inside of the container with a gas element and setting the gas supply path (11, 12) in a second supply state (P2) until the inside of the container is filled with the product liquid by applying a first pressure (P1); A liquid filling device that sequentially executes the steps of: a first step of opening the liquid valve (14) and setting the carbon dioxide gas supply path to the first supply state (P1) until filling of the product liquid via the liquid valve (14) is completed; and a second step of opening the liquid valve (14) and setting the carbon dioxide gas supply path to the first supply state (P1).

[0062] [Appendix 2] an exhaust path (18, 19) for allowing gas discharged from the container to flow outside the system; In the first step, The control unit (22) In a gassing process in which the inside of the container is replaced with a gas element, the gas is exhausted to the outside of the system through the exhaust paths (18, 19), and then: Appendix 1, in which the exhaust passages (18, 19) are closed in a counter-process, preventing the discharge of gas components from the container (C).

[0063] [Appendix 3] The gas supply paths (11, 12) a first gas supply path (11) that supplies a gas element to the container in a first supply state (P1); Supplementary note 1 or Supplementary note 2, further comprising a second gas supply path (12) that supplies the gas element to the container in a second supply state (P2).

[0064] [Appendix 4] The first gas supply path (11) a first on-off valve (16) that can be switched between an open state and a closed state; The second gas supply path (12) Any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, further comprising a second on-off valve (17) that can be switched between an open state and a closed state, and an orifice (12A) that is provided downstream of the second on-off valve (17) with respect to the flow of gas components.

[0065] [Appendix 5] The control unit (22) In the first step, The first on-off valve (16) is closed and the second on-off valve (17) is opened; In the second step, Any of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the first on-off valve (16) is controlled to be in an open state and the second on-off valve (17) is controlled to be in a closed state.

[0066] [Appendix 6] The control unit (22) In the first step, the liquid valve is controlled to be in a closed state; In the second step, the liquid valve is opened.

[0067] [Appendix 7] The gas supply path is a third gas supply path (11) that supplies the gas element to the container in a first supply state (P1) or that supplies the gas element to the container in a second supply state (P2); Any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, further comprising: a flow rate adjustment valve (25) that is provided in the third supply path (11) and is selectable between a first supply state (P1), a second supply state (P2), and a closed state (OFF).

[0068] [Appendix 8] A method for producing a beverage, comprising: supplying a product liquid to a container from a tank (T) in which a product liquid having dissolved gas components and a gas component contained in the product liquid occupying an upper portion of the product liquid are stored, a first step of replacing the inside of the container with a gas element and supplying a gas element at a second pressure (P2) lower than the first pressure (P1) to the container during the period from when the inside of the container is set to a first pressure (P1) until the product liquid is filled; a second step of supplying carbon dioxide gas at a first pressure (P1) to the container from the start of filling of the product liquid until the end of filling; Beverage production method.

[0069] [Appendix 9] In the first step, a gassing process for replacing the inside of the container with a gas element; a counter process for setting the inside of the container to a first pressure (P1), In the gassing process, The gas containing the gas element is discharged from the container to the outside of the system, In the counter process, The release of gaseous elements from the container is prevented, Appendix 8.

[0070] [Appendix 10] In the first step, A gas component at a second pressure (P2) is supplied to the container via a second gas supply channel (12); In the second step, A gas component at a first pressure (P1) is supplied to the container via a first gas supply path (11); Supplementary note 8 or Supplementary note 9, wherein the second gas supply channel (12) is connected partially in parallel to the first gas supply channel (11).

[0071] a gas component at a second pressure (P2) in the first step; and The gas component at the first pressure (P1) in the second step is supplied to the container (C) via a common third gas supply path (11), The third gas supply path (11) A flow rate adjusting valve (25) is provided, which can set the gas element to a second pressure (P2) or a first pressure (P1). Appendix 8 or Appendix 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1. Beverage filling system 2 Star Wheel 3 Pressure Regulating Valve 10A,10B Beverage filling equipment 11 First carbon dioxide supply line 11A Inflow position 11B Junction 12 Second carbon dioxide gas supply line 12A Orifice 13 Liquid supply path 14 Liquid valve 15 Flow meter 16 First counter valve 17 Second counter valve 18 Main exhaust passage 19 Secondary exhaust passage 19A Orifice 20 Gassing return valve 21 Snift valve 22 Control Unit 25 Third counter valve 100 Incoming conveyor 101 Transfer Star Wheel 102 Discharge conveyor C Can container E Can discharge point S Can supply point T storage tank Tg gas region Tl liquid area P1 First pressure P2 Second pressure

Claims

1. a liquid supply path provided with a liquid valve, which supplies the product liquid to a container from a tank storing the product liquid and a gas component contained in the product liquid that occupies an upper portion of the product liquid; a gas supply path that selects one of a first supply state in which the gas elements stored in the tank are supplied to the container at a first pressure, a second supply state in which the gas elements stored in the tank are supplied to the container at a second pressure lower than the first pressure, and a closed state in which the gas elements are not supplied to the container; a control unit that controls any one of the first supply state, the second supply state, and the closed state of the gas supply path, The control unit a first step of replacing the inside of the container with the gas element and setting the gas supply path in the second supply state until the inside of the container is filled with the liquid product by bringing the inside of the container to the first pressure; a second step of opening the liquid valve and keeping the gas supply path in the first supply state until filling of the product liquid via the liquid valve is completed.

2. an exhaust path for allowing gas discharged from the container to flow outside the system; In the first step, The control unit In the gassing process of replacing the inside of the container with the gas element, the gas is discharged to the outside of the system through the exhaust path, and then In a counter process of closing the exhaust path, the discharge of the gas component from the container is prevented. The liquid filling device according to claim 1 .

3. The gas supply path is a first gas supply path that supplies the gas element to the container in the first supply state; a second gas supply path that supplies the gas element to the container in the second supply state; The liquid filling device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first gas supply path is a first on-off valve that can be switched between an open state and a closed state; The second gas supply path is a second on-off valve that is selectable between an open state and a closed state; and an orifice that is provided downstream of the second on-off valve with respect to the flow of the gas component.

4. The liquid filling device according to claim 3.

5. The control unit In the first step, The first on-off valve is controlled to a closed state and the second on-off valve is controlled to an open state, In the second step, The first on-off valve is controlled to be in an open state, and the second on-off valve is controlled to be in a closed state.

5. The liquid filling device according to claim 4.

6. The control unit In the first step, the liquid valve is controlled to a closed state; In the second step, the liquid valve is opened.

6. The liquid filling device according to claim 5.

7. The gas supply path is a third gas supply path that supplies the gas element to the container in the first supply state or that supplies the gas element to the container in the second supply state; a flow rate adjustment valve provided in the third gas supply path, the flow rate adjustment valve being capable of selecting one of the first supply state, the second supply state, and a closed state; The liquid filling device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. A method for producing a beverage, comprising: supplying a product liquid to a container from a tank in which a product liquid and a gas component contained in the product liquid occupying an upper portion of the product liquid are stored, the product liquid comprising: a first step of replacing the inside of the container with the gas element, and supplying the gas element at a second pressure lower than the first pressure to the container during a period from when the inside of the container is brought to a first pressure until the container is filled with the liquid product; a second step of supplying the gas element at the first pressure to the container from the start of filling the product liquid until the end of filling; Beverage production method.

9. In the first step, a gassing process for replacing the inside of the container with the gas element; a counter process for bringing the inside of the container to the first pressure; In the gassing treatment, The gas containing the gas component is discharged from the container to the outside of the system, In the counter processing, The gas component is prevented from escaping from the container. A method for producing the beverage of claim 8.

10. In the first step, the gas component at the second pressure is supplied to the vessel via a second gas supply line; In the second step, the gas element at the first pressure is supplied to the vessel via a first gas supply line; the second gas supply path is connected partially in parallel to the first gas supply path; A method for producing the beverage according to claim 8 or claim 9.

11. the gas component at the second pressure in the first step; and The gas component at the first pressure in the second step is supplied to the container via a common third gas supply line; The third gas supply path is a flow rate adjusting valve that can set the gas element to the second pressure or the first pressure; A method for producing the beverage according to claim 8 or claim 9.

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