Liquid filling device

Abstract

To provide a liquid filling device that can confirm the integrity of the gas valve and confirm that an appropriate amount of gas has been supplied to the container. [Solution] The liquid filling device is A gas supply channel through which the gas components stored in the tank are supplied to the container, An exhaust passage from which the gaseous components supplied to the container are discharged, A supply-side gas valve is installed in the gas supply line and controls the supply of gas components to the container, An exhaust gas valve is installed in the exhaust passage and controls the supply of gas components to the container, It includes a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the gas component that has passed through the supply-side gas valve.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device for filling a container with a liquid such as a beverage.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a filling device for filling a container with a beverage or the like in which carbon dioxide gas as a gas component is dissolved from a liquid storage tank is known. For example, Patent Document 1 provides a filling device capable of suppressing the consumption of carbon dioxide gas required to displace the air in the container even when the temperature of the product liquid stored in the tank is high. Since the filling device for carbonated beverages replaces the air inside the container with carbon dioxide gas and then fills the beverage, in addition to a valve (liquid valve) for filling and stopping the filling of the beverage, a valve (gas valve) for controlling the supply and discharge of carbon dioxide gas to the container is provided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Supplying an appropriate amount of gas component to the beverage container through the gas valve is necessary for producing a beverage product with stable quality. On this premise, it is necessary for the gas valve to operate properly in terms of opening and closing. From the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a liquid filling device capable of confirming the soundness of the gas valve and confirming that an appropriate amount of gas component has been supplied to the container.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the filling apparatus described herein, a pressure sensor is provided to detect the pressure of the gas components that have passed through the supply-side gas valve, thereby allowing confirmation of the integrity of the gas valve and confirmation that an appropriate amount of gas has been supplied to the container. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing the layout of a beverage filling system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing a beverage filling device. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the operation of a beverage filling machine. [Figure 4] Following Figure 3, this figure shows the operation of the beverage filling machine. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the processes performed by a beverage filling machine. [Figure 6] This is a timing chart showing the open / closed states of the counter valve, gassing return valve, snift valve, and liquid valve in a beverage filling machine, as well as the internal pressure of the container. [Figure 7] This graph shows the relationship between filling time in a beverage filling machine and the pressure detected by a pressure sensor. [Figure 8] This figure shows the procedure for comparing and determining the measured pressure Pm and the pressure threshold Pt in a beverage filling machine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiment described below, for example, in a device for filling carbonated beverages into cans, allows for the confirmation of the gas valve's integrity and the confirmation that an appropriate amount of gas has been supplied to the container by installing a pressure sensor downstream of the gas valve. In other words, the embodiment achieves two objectives by installing a pressure sensor: confirmation of the gas valve's integrity and confirmation of the supply of an appropriate amount of gas. In this disclosure, "downstream" and "upstream" are defined by the direction of flow of the fluid (liquid, gas).

[0009] [Beverage filling system 1: See Figure 1] The beverage filling system 1 is a system that fills a product liquid containing dissolved carbon dioxide, an example of a gaseous component, into a container C, and then transports the container C filled with the product liquid to the next process. Container C is, for example, a can. The beverage filling system 1 receives containers C, which are continuously transported by the input conveyor 100, from the transfer star wheel 101 to the star wheel 2 (container supply process). The beverage filling system 1 has multiple liquid filling devices 10 (not shown in Figure 1) arranged around the star wheel 2, and as the containers C received from the transfer star wheel 101 move along the circumference from the input point S to the output point E, the beverage is filled in a series of steps. Once the beverage filling is complete, the containers C are delivered to the next process, such as attaching a cap. Note that steps S101 to S115 in Figure 1 indicate that the processes shown with the same reference numerals in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 are performed.

[0010] [Liquid filling device 10: See Figure 2] The beverage filling system 1 includes a liquid storage tank T having a liquid region LA where a product liquid (a liquid in which carbon dioxide gas such as beer is dissolved) is stored, and a gas region GA where carbon dioxide gas (CO2-containing gas) occupying the upper part of the liquid region LA is stored. The carbon dioxide gas stored in the gas region GA is supplied to the container C during the gassing process (a gas replacement process consisting of a non-sealing gassing process and a sealing gassing process) and the counter process. Note that FIG. 2 shows one of the plurality of liquid filling devices 10 included in the beverage filling system 1.

[0011] [Liquid storage tank T: Refer to FIG. 2] The product liquid stored in the liquid region LA of the liquid storage tank T has a temperature of, for example, 2°C or higher and 30°C or lower. Although carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in the product liquid, when the temperature of the product liquid rises, the solubility of the carbon dioxide gas decreases, and the carbon dioxide gas dissolved in the product liquid is released into the gas region GA. Therefore, in order to maintain the carbon dioxide gas concentration in the product liquid, it is necessary to control the carbon dioxide gas pressure in the gas region GA of the liquid storage tank T.

[0012] The gas region GA of the liquid storage tank T is supplied with carbon dioxide gas whose pressure has been adjusted from a carbon dioxide gas supply source (not shown). The carbon dioxide gas stored in the gas region GA includes both the carbon dioxide gas supplied from the carbon dioxide gas supply source and the carbon dioxide gas released from the product liquid. The pressure P1 of the carbon dioxide gas stored in the gas region GA is selected, for example, from the range of 0.2 to 0.6 MPaG.

[0013] The liquid filling device 10 includes a gas supply path 11, a liquid supply path 13, a liquid valve 14, a flow meter 15, a counter valve 16, an exhaust path 18, a gassing return valve 20, a snift valve 21, and a control unit 25. Note that the counter valve 16, the gassing return valve 20, and the snift valve 21 correspond to the gas valves in the present disclosure. The counter valve 16 corresponds to the supply-side gas valve in the present disclosure, and the gassing return valve 20 and the snift valve 21 correspond to the first exhaust-side gas valve and the second exhaust-side gas valve in the present disclosure, respectively.

[0014] [Gas supply path 11, supply-side gas valve 16, pressure sensor 12: Refer to Fig. 2] The gas supply path 11 supplies carbon dioxide gas at a gas pressure P1 stored in the liquid storage tank T to the container C. One end of the gas supply path 11 communicates with the gas region GA of the liquid storage tank T, and the other end of the gas supply path 11 passes through the inside of the liquid valve 14 and opens at a position facing the opening of the container C. The supply path 11 is provided with a counter valve 16 composed of, for example, an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes.

[0015] In the gas supply path 11, a pressure sensor 12 for detecting the pressure of carbon dioxide gas is provided downstream of the counter valve 16. The pressure sensor 12 detects the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas flowing through the gas supply path 11 during non-seal gassing and seal gassing, which will be described later. The pressure sensor 12 detects the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas passing through the counter valve 16 downstream of the counter valve 十六. The gas supply path 11 communicates with the container C via the liquid valve 14. Also, an exhaust path 18 is also communicated with the container C via the liquid valve 14, and a gassing return valve 20 that opens during the gassing process is provided in the exhaust path 18 (18A). Therefore, the pressure sensor 12 can detect fluctuations in pressure in the state of the gassing return valve 20 through the gas supply path 11, the inside of the container C, and the exhaust path eighteen.

[0016] Here, as a preferred form, the gas pressure P1 in the liquid storage tank T is maintained in the gas supply path 11, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the carbon dioxide gas supplied to the container C, the gas pressure P1 in the liquid storage tank T and the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas supplied to the container C through the gas supply path 11 may be different. Also, here carbon dioxide gas is shown as an example of the dissolved gas, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and nitrogen, air, etc. can be used as other dissolved gases.

[0017] [Liquid supply path 13, liquid valve 14: Refer to Fig. 2] The liquid supply passage 13 is a flow path that supplies the product liquid from the liquid region LA of the storage tank T to the container C. One end of the liquid supply passage 13 is in communication with the liquid region LA of the storage tank T, and the other end of the liquid supply passage 13 is in communication with the liquid valve 14. This other end of the liquid supply passage 13 passes inside the liquid valve 14 and connects to a position opposite the opening of the container C.

[0018] The liquid valve 14 is installed in the liquid supply passage 13 and contains a valve body 14A that controls the flow of the product liquid by switching between a filled state, in which the product liquid supplied from the liquid region LA of the storage tank T to the liquid supply passage 13 is filled into the container C, and an unfilled state, in which the product liquid is not filled into the container C. The valve body 14A is movable up and down by a drive source. The liquid valve 14 is equipped with a valve seat 14B, and when the valve body 14A descends, the valve body 14A is pressed against the valve seat 14B, closing the flow path of the product liquid, and when the valve body 14A rises from there, the flow path of the product liquid is opened.

[0019] [Exhaust passage 18, exhaust gas valves (20, 21): See Figure 2] The liquid filling device 10 is equipped with an exhaust passage 18 for discharging gas from the container C. The exhaust passage 18 branches into a first exhaust passage 18A and a second exhaust passage 18B at the exhaust branching point 18E, and the first exhaust passage 18A and the second exhaust passage 18B merge at the merging chamber 18D, which is the exhaust confluence point.

[0020] The first exhaust passage 18A is a passage through which the gas (a mixture of air and carbon dioxide) discharged from container C when carbon dioxide gas at gas pressure P1 is supplied to container C flows. The gas guided to the first exhaust passage 18A is led out of the beverage filling system 1. The first exhaust passage 18A is provided with a gassing return valve 20, which is an on / off valve. The gassing return valve 20 is subject to judgment regarding its integrity during the seal gassing process.

[0021] The second exhaust passage 18B is a passage that branches from the first exhaust passage 18A and has an orifice 18C that reduces the pressure of the gas discharged from the container C. The orifice 18C is a member that forms a region with the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the second exhaust passage 18B. The minimum flow path cross-sectional area formed by the orifice 18C is smaller than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the first exhaust passage 18A. The gas supplied from the exhaust passage 18 to the second exhaust passage 18B is decompressed by the orifice 18C and led outside the system of the beverage filling system 1. A snift valve 21, which is an on-off valve, is provided in the second exhaust passage 18B.

[0022] [Control unit 25: Refer to FIG. 2] The control unit 25 fills the container C with the product liquid by controlling the opening and closing states of the liquid valve 14, the counter valve 16, the gassing return valve 20, and the snift valve 21.

[0023] Further, the control unit 25 obtains a measured pressure value Pm, which is the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas detected by the pressure sensor 12, and compares the measured pressure value Pm with a pressure threshold value Pt held in advance. The pressure threshold value Pt includes a lower limit threshold value PLt and an upper limit threshold value PUt (PLt < PUt). Therefore, the control unit 25 determines whether the measured pressure value Pm obtained from the pressure sensor 12 corresponds to any of the following. The measured pressure value Pm is the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas passing through the counter valve 16 during the non-seal gassing process and the seal gassing process. The pressure threshold value Pt is set in advance on this premise.

[0024] Measured pressure value Pm < lower limit threshold value PLt... Equation (1): Lower limit abnormality Lower limit threshold value PLt ≤ measured pressure value Pm ≤ upper limit threshold value PUt... Equation (2): Normal Upper limit threshold value PUt < measured pressure value Pm... Equation (3): Upper limit abnormality

[0025] The lower limit abnormality and the upper limit abnormality suggest the following based on the position where the pressure sensor 12 is provided. Lower limit abnormality (Equation (1)): The fact that the measured pressure Pm is lower than the lower limit threshold PLt suggests that the counter valve 16, which should be open, is closed. This indicates that the counter valve 16 is malfunctioning. This lower limit abnormality can be determined in both non-seal gassing and seal gassing processes.

[0026] Upper limit abnormality (Equation (3)): The reason why the measured pressure Pm is lower than the upper limit threshold PUt is that the gassing return valve 20, which should be open, is closed, and therefore exhaust is not being performed through the gassing return valve 20, especially during seal gassing. This suggests that the gassing return valve 20 is malfunctioning.

[0027] When the control unit 25 determines that there is an abnormality in the lower limit or upper limit during the comparison of the pressure threshold Pt (lower limit threshold PLt, upper limit threshold PUt) with the measured pressure Pm, it executes the following process.

[0028] <Anomaly Notification Processing> When the control unit 25 determines that there is an abnormality in the lower limit or upper limit, it notifies the operator of the determination result by appropriate means. By referring to this notification, the operator of the beverage filling system 1 can, for example, replace the gas valve that has been determined to be abnormal during maintenance and inspection of the beverage filling system 1. The judgment result can be notified, for example, by displaying it on the LCD or other display if the control unit 25 is equipped with a liquid crystal or other display. Alternatively, the judgment result can be displayed on a mobile terminal owned by the operator for work purposes, or printed on paper or other sheet-like material. Furthermore, the judgment result can also be notified by illuminating a warning light provided on the liquid filling device where the abnormality occurred.

[0029] <Filling restriction process> When the control unit 25 detects an abnormality in the lower limit or upper limit, it can perform a filling restriction. Filling restriction, in this context, means stopping the filling of the product liquid into container C in the liquid filling device 10 or limiting the filling to an amount less than a predetermined filling amount (full) after detecting an abnormality in the lower limit or upper limit. An amount less than the full amount includes the case where the amount filled is zero due to stopping the filling. Filling restriction is a measure to distinguish between products that do not meet the required quality and products that meet the required quality and are filled to full when the product liquid is filled into container C under conditions of an abnormality in the lower limit or upper limit. For example, since products with a filling amount less than full weigh less than products that are filled to full, only products with a filling amount less than full can be dispensed downstream of the beverage filling system 1.

[0030] [Filling procedure for container C: See Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6] Next, we will explain the procedure for filling a container C with liquid product using the beverage filling system 1 equipped with the liquid filling device 10 described above.

[0031] [Filling cycle: See Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6] Figure 5 shows the processes performed by the liquid filling device 10 in one cycle while the star wheel 2 rotates once. Specifically, one cycle of filling a beverage into a single container C consists of can feeding (S101), gassing (non-seal gassing (S103), seal gassing (S105)), counter processing (S107), filling (S109), holding (S111), snifting (S113), and can discharge (S115). In Figures 3 and 4, the fluid (carbon dioxide, product liquid) flows through the channels shown as thick lines, and their flow is indicated by arrows. In Figures 3 and 4, open gas valves are shown in white, and closed gas valves are filled in black. The liquid valve 14 is indicated as open or closed by the position of the valve body 14A.

[0032] [Container filling process: Figure 5 S101] In the container filling process, container C transferred from the input conveyor 100 is transported by the transfer star wheel 101 to below the liquid valve 14 of the liquid filling device 10. The timing at which container C is transported below the liquid valve 14 is shown at T1 in Figure 6.

[0033] [Gush treatment: See Figures 3, 5, and 6, S103, S105] When container C is transported to below the liquid valve 14, a gassing process is performed. Since the product liquid oxidizes upon contact with oxygen, a gassing process is performed to replace the air inside container C with carbon dioxide before filling it with the product liquid. The gassing process is carried out in two stages: a non-seal gassing process (S103) and a seal gassing process (S105). This allows for efficient replacement of the air inside container C with carbon dioxide. In this embodiment, carbon dioxide supplied to the gas supply passage 11 through non-seal gassing (S103), seal gassing (S105), and counter processing (S107) is supplied to the container C as gas pressure P1.

[0034] [Non-sealing gassing process: See Figures 3, 5, and 6, S103] The non-sealing gassing process is performed between T1 and T2 as shown in Figure 6. In the non-seal gassing process, there is a gap between the liquid valve 14 and the container C, and with the container C in an open state, carbon dioxide is supplied to the container C from the gas region GA via the gas supply passage 11. Any excess carbon dioxide supplied to the inside of the container C, along with air, is discharged to the outside through the gap between the liquid valve 14 and the container C (S103). In this way, the air inside the container C is discharged, and the oxygen concentration inside the container C is lowered by replacing it with carbon dioxide.

[0035] Non-seal gassing is suitable for quickly replacing the air initially present inside container C with carbon dioxide, but it can only reduce the oxygen concentration inside container C to a certain extent. Therefore, a seal gassing process is performed following the non-seal gassing process (S105). The gap between the liquid valve 14 and container C, the carbon dioxide supply time, and other conditions can be adjusted according to the capacity of container C, the carbon dioxide flow rate per unit time, etc.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, during the non-seal gassing process, the control unit 25 opens the counter valve 16 and supplies carbon dioxide gas at gas pressure P1 to the container C. Because there is a gap between the liquid valve 14 and the container C, the pressure inside the container C is maintained at atmospheric pressure (0 MPaG). The open / closed states of the various valves during the non-seal gassing process are summarized below. Open: Counter valve 16, Gassing return valve 20 Closed: Snift valve 21, liquid valve 14

[0037] During the non-seal gassing process, the pressure sensor 12 detects the pressure (measured pressure Pm) of the carbon dioxide supplied to container C through the gas supply passage 11. The control unit 25 acquires the detected measured pressure Pm. The processing of the acquired measured pressure Pm will be described after the series of filling procedures for the product liquid. The same applies to the seal gassing process.

[0038] [Sealing process: See Figures 3, 5, and 6, S105] The sealing gassing process is performed between T2 and T3 as shown in Figure 6. The sealing gassing process involves sealing the container C by bringing the liquid valve 14 into close contact with the opening of the container C, and then supplying carbon dioxide gas from the gas region GA to the container C via the gas supply passage 11.

[0039] The air and carbon dioxide remaining in container C are discharged outside the beverage filling system 1 through the first exhaust passage 18A. The oxygen concentration inside container C can be further reduced by the sealing gassing process. The mechanism for sealing the liquid valve 14 with the opening of container C may be a mechanism that fixes container C and moves the liquid valve 14, or a mechanism that fixes the liquid valve 14 and moves container C.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, during the seal gassing process, the control unit 25 opens the counter valve 16 and supplies carbon dioxide to the container C. Because the liquid valve 14 and the opening of the container C are in close contact, the internal pressure of the container C rises from atmospheric pressure (0 MPaG). However, as shown in Figure 6, during the seal gassing process, the pressure only rises to a value lower than the pressure P1 of the carbon dioxide stored in the gas region GA of the liquid storage tank T.

[0041] The open / closed states of the various valves during the seal gassing process are summarized below. Open: Counter valve 16, Gassing return valve 20 Closed: Snift valve 21, liquid valve 14

[0042] [Counter processing: See Figures 4, 5, and 6, S107] The counter processing takes place between T3 and T4, as shown in Figure 6. During the counter processing, the control unit 25 closes the gassing return valve 20 and the snift valve 21 to prevent carbon dioxide from being discharged from the container C into the first exhaust passage 18A and the second exhaust passage 18B. Furthermore, the control unit 25 opens the counter valve 16 and supplies carbon dioxide at pressure P1 from the gas region GA of the liquid storage tank T to the container C via the gas supply passage 11. As a result, the inside of the container C is pressurized to pressure P1 with carbon dioxide.

[0043] The open / closed states of the various valves during counter processing are summarized below. Open: Counter valve 16 Closed: Gassing return valve 20, Snift valve 21, Liquid valve 14

[0044] [Filling process: See Figures 4, 5, and 6, S109] The filling process is carried out between T4 and T5 as shown in Figure 6. During the filling process, the control unit 25 opens the counter valve 16 and the liquid valve 14 to fill the container C with the product liquid. During the filling process, the control unit 25 maintains the open state of the counter valve 16. As a result, the carbon dioxide gas at gas pressure P1 that is replaced by the filling of the container C with the product liquid is guided to the gas region GA of the liquid storage tank T via the gas supply passage 11. The control unit 25 monitors the measurement results transmitted from the flow meter 15, and when it determines that the amount of product liquid supplied to container C has reached a predetermined amount, it closes the counter valve 16 and the liquid valve 14 to terminate the filling process.

[0045] The open / closed states of the various valves during the filling process are summarized below. Open: Counter valve 16, liquid valve 14 Closed: Gassing return valve 20, Snift valve 21

[0046] [Hold process: See Figures 5 and 6, S111] The hold process is performed between T5 and T6 as shown in Figure 6. The control unit 25 closes all of the counter valve 16, gassing return valve 20, sniff valve 21, and liquid valve 14. When the filling process is completed, bubbles and bubble nuclei are formed on the surface of the product liquid and in the liquid, but the holding process dissolves the bubble nuclei into the product liquid, thereby reducing or eliminating the bubbles.

[0047] The open / closed states of the various valves during the hold process are summarized below. Closed: Counter valve 16, Gassing return valve 20, Snift valve 21, liquid valve 14

[0048] [Snift processing: See Figures 5 and 6, S113] The snifting process is the process shown in step S113 of Figure 5, and is carried out from T6 to T7 as shown in Figure 6. In the snifting process, the pressure in the headspace above the product liquid inside container C is reduced to atmospheric pressure. The snifting process is performed because if the sealed state of container C is released while the headspace is pressurized, the pressure in the headspace will drop rapidly, releasing the carbon dioxide dissolved in the product liquid and causing bubbles to form.

[0049] During the snifting process, the control unit 25 closes the gassing return valve 20 and opens the snifting valve 21. Therefore, during the snifting process, the carbon dioxide gas inside the container C is guided out of the beverage filling system 1 by passing through the orifice 18C of the second exhaust passage 18B. Because the carbon dioxide gas is depressurized at the orifice 18C, the pressure in the void above the container C does not drop sharply.

[0050] The open / closed states of the various valves during the snifting process are summarized below. Open: Snift valve 21 Closed: Counter valve 16, Gassing return valve 20, Liquid valve 14

[0051] [Emptying the cans: Figure 5 S115] The container discharge process is performed after the sniffing process. Container C, filled with the product liquid, is detached from the liquid valve 14 and then transported to the discharge conveyor 102 at the discharge point E in Figure 1. The transported container C is then transported to the next process, such as the attachment of the can lid.

[0052] [Detection of actual pressure value Pm, comparison with pressure threshold Pt: Figure 7] Next, with reference to Figure 7, an example of comparing the measured pressure Pm detected by the pressure sensor 12 with the pressure threshold Pt will be explained. Here, the comparison of the measured pressure Pm and the pressure threshold Pt during the detection period IP spanning the non-seal gassing process (S103) and the seal gassing process (S105) will be explained, but the measured pressure Pm may also be detected before and after the non-seal gassing process (S103) and the seal gassing process (S105). In Figure 7, the horizontal axis represents elapsed time, and the vertical axis represents pressure (pressure sensor 12 and container C). Figure 7 also shows the control signal CS of the counter valve 16 and the pressure PC inside container C.

[0053] In Figure 7, when the gassing process (S103, S105) begins, the measured pressure Pm detected by the pressure sensor 12 rises sharply. During the subsequent gassing process, the measured pressure Pm remains at a nearly constant pressure. After the gassing process is complete, the measured pressure Pm rises to the same level as the pressure inside container C. This series of behavioral changes in the measured pressure Pm is based on the assumption that the counter valve 16 and the gassing return valve 20 are functioning correctly.

[0054] During the non-seal gassing process (S103), the counter valve 16 is controlled to open, as shown in Figure 6. Therefore, by detecting the actual pressure value Pm measured by the pressure sensor 12 during this period, it is possible to determine whether or not the counter valve 16 is operating normally. Furthermore, during the seal gassing process (S105), the counter valve 16 and the gassing return valve 20 are controlled to open, as shown in Figure 6. Therefore, by detecting the actual pressure value Pm from the pressure sensor 12 during this period, it is possible to determine whether the counter valve 16 and the gassing return valve 20 are operating normally.

[0055] During the gassing process (S103, S105), if the counter valve 16, which should be open, is closed, the pressure of the carbon dioxide passing through the pressure sensor 12 will be lower. Therefore, the measured pressure Pm detected by the pressure sensor 12 may fall below the lower threshold PLt. In this case, the control unit 25, which acquires the measured pressure Pm, can determine that there is a possibility of an abnormality in at least one of the counter valves 16 by satisfying equation (1) described above. Note that equation (1) may be satisfied not only when the counter valve 16 is closed, but also when it is not opened to the required opening degree. Measured pressure value Pm < lower limit threshold value PLt … Equation (1)

[0056] During the period of the seal gassing process (S105), if the gassing return valve 20 that should be open is closed, carbon dioxide gas accumulates in the gas supply path 11 downstream of the pressure sensor 12, causing the measured pressure value Pm by the pressure sensor 12 to increase. At this time, the control unit 25 that acquires the measured pressure value Pm can determine that there may be an abnormality in the gassing return valve 20 by satisfying the above-mentioned Equation (2). Upper limit threshold value PUt < measured pressure value Pm … Equation (3)

[0057] [Comparison and determination procedure between measured pressure value Pm and pressure threshold value Pt: Figure 8] Next, referring to Figure 8, procedures such as comparison and determination between the measured pressure value Pm and the pressure threshold value Pt will be described. Upon the start of the non-seal gassing process (Figure 6 S103), the control unit 25 instructs the pressure sensor 12 to detect the measured pressure value Pm and acquires the measured pressure value Pm detected by the pressure sensor 12. The control unit 25 reads the pressure threshold value Pt (lower limit threshold value PLt, upper limit threshold value PUt) to be compared with the acquired measured pressure value Pm (Figure 8 S201). The control unit 25 compares the acquired measured pressure value Pm with the lower limit threshold value PLt (Figure 8 S203). If the measured pressure value Pm is less than the lower limit threshold value PLt (Pm < PLt) (Figure 8 S203 Y), the control unit 25 issues a notice of the determination result and performs filling restriction (Figure 8 S207).

[0058] If the measured pressure value Pm is not less than the lower limit threshold value PLt (Figure 8 S203 N), the control unit 25 compares the acquired measured pressure value Pm with the upper limit threshold value PUt (Figure 8 S205). If the measured pressure value Pm exceeds the upper limit threshold value PUt (Pm > PUt) (Figure 8 S205 Y), the control unit 25 issues a notice of the determination result and performs filling restriction (Figure 8 S207).

[0059] While the beverage filling by the beverage filling system 1 continues, the control unit 25 repeats processes such as comparison and determination according to the above procedures (Figure 8 S209 N).

[0060] [Effects of the liquid filling device 10] The liquid filling device 10 described above provides the following effects. [First effect] The liquid filling device 10 is equipped with a pressure sensor 12, which allows for the detection of the measured pressure Pm. By comparing the measured pressure Pm with a pressure threshold Pt, it is possible to determine whether there is any abnormality (health) in the counter valve 16 (air supply side gas valve) and whether there is any abnormality (health) in the gassing return valve 20 (exhaust side gas valve). In this way, the liquid filling device 10 allows for the confirmation of the health of the air supply side gas valve and the exhaust side gas valve during beverage filling operation.

[0061] [Second effect] In the liquid filling device 10, the lower threshold PLt and upper threshold PUt, which are compared with the measured pressure Pm, also serve as criteria for determining whether an appropriate amount of carbon dioxide has been supplied to container C. Therefore, the liquid filling device 10 can determine whether an appropriate amount of carbon dioxide has been supplied to container C based on the results of this comparison, thereby ensuring the quality of the beverage product.

[0062] [Third effect] In the liquid filling device 10, the pressure sensor 12 is installed along the gas supply path 11. In other words, the liquid filling device 10 can determine the health of two types of valves, the supply gas valve (counter valve 16) and the exhaust gas valve (gassing return valve 20), using a single pressure sensor 12.

[0063] [Fourth effect] According to the liquid filling device 10, if either the supply gas valve or the exhaust gas valve is detected as abnormal, a filling restriction process is performed. Therefore, the liquid filling device 10 can prevent the production of defective products.

[0064] [Fifth effect] The liquid filling device 10 can identify and notify the valve that has been detected as abnormal. Therefore, the liquid filling device 10 can quickly perform maintenance on the valve that has been detected as abnormal.

[0065] In addition to the above, it is possible to select or replace the configurations listed in the above embodiments, or to change them to other configurations as appropriate.

[0066] [Examples of pressure sensors] The liquid filling device 10 described above determines abnormalities in the supply gas valve and exhaust gas valve using a single pressure sensor 12. However, in this disclosure, one pressure sensor (X) may be provided in correspondence with the supply gas valve, and one pressure sensor (Y) may be provided in correspondence with the exhaust gas valve. In other words, this disclosure allows for the provision of multiple pressure sensors. In this case, only a lower limit threshold PLt needs to be set for the pressure threshold Pt compared with the measured pressure Pm detected by pressure sensor (X), and only an upper limit threshold PUt needs to be set for the pressure threshold Pt compared with the measured pressure Pm detected by pressure sensor (Y).

[0067] [Modified example of an air intake gas valve] In this disclosure, in addition to the counter valve 16, another counter valve may be provided as a supply-side gas valve. In this case, the counter valve 16 may be configured to allow a relatively large flow rate of product liquid to pass through, and the other counter valve may be configured to allow a relatively small flow rate of product liquid to pass through. In this case, the gas supply passage 11 is branched into two supply passages, with the counter valve 16 provided in one supply passage and the other counter valve in the other supply passage. The two supply passages, which branched downstream from the counter valve 16 and the other counter valve, are merged, and a pressure sensor 12 is provided downstream of this merging point.

[0068] [Note] Based on the above disclosure, the following configuration can be understood. [Note 1] A liquid supply channel (13) supplies the product liquid from a tank (T) where the product liquid and the gaseous components contained in the product liquid that occupy the upper part of the product liquid are stored, toward a container (C), A liquid valve (14) is provided in the liquid supply passage (13) and controls the flow of the product liquid toward the container (C), A gas supply channel (11) through which the gas components stored in the tank are supplied to container (C), An exhaust passage (18) from which gaseous components are discharged from the container, A supply-side gas valve (16) is provided in the gas supply passage (11) and controls the supply of gas components to the container, An exhaust gas valve (20) is provided in the exhaust passage (18) and controls the exhaust of gaseous components from the container, A liquid filling device (10) is provided with a pressure sensor (12) that detects the pressure of the gas component that has passed through the supply-side gas valve (16).

[0069] [Note 2] In Appendix 1, preferably in a non-seal gassing process in which gas components are supplied to a container (C) via a gas supply passage (11) and gas components supplied to an open container (C) are discharged via an exhaust passage (18), The system includes a control unit that determines the integrity of the supply-side gas valve (16).

[0070] [Note 3] In Appendix 2, preferably, The control unit (25) is The integrity of the supply-side gas valve (16) is determined by comparing the measured pressure value (Pm) detected by the pressure sensor (12) with a predetermined pressure threshold (PLt).

[0071] [Note 4] In Appendix 1, preferably, In a sealing gassing process in which gas components are supplied to a container (C) via a gas supply passage (11) and gas components supplied to the sealed container (C) are discharged via an exhaust passage (18), The system includes a control unit that determines the integrity of the supply-side gas valve (16) or the exhaust-side gas valve (20).

[0072] [Note 5] In Appendix 4, preferably, The control unit (25) is The integrity of the supply-side gas valve (16) or exhaust-side gas valve (20) is determined by comparing the measured pressure value (Pm) detected by the pressure sensor (12) with predetermined lower pressure thresholds (PLt) and upper pressure thresholds (PUt).

[0073] [Note 6] In Appendix 3, preferably, The control unit (25) is If an abnormality is detected in the supply-side gas valve (16), the filling of the product liquid is limited to less than the maximum amount.

[0074] [Note 7] In Appendix 5, The control unit (25) is preferably, If an abnormality is detected in the supply gas valve (16) or the exhaust gas valve (20), the filling of the product liquid is limited to less than the maximum amount. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1. Beverage filling system 2 Star Wheel 10 Beverage filling equipment 11 Gas supply lines 12 Pressure Sensor 13 Liquid supply path 14 Liquid valve 14A Valve body 14B Valve seat 15 Flow meter 16 Counter valve 18 Exhaust passage 18A First exhaust passage 18B Second exhaust passage 18C Orifice 18D Confluence Chamber (Exhaust Confluence Point) 18E Exhaust divergence point 20 Gassing return valve 21 Snift valve 100 Incoming conveyor 101 Transfer Star Wheel 102 Discharge conveyor

Claims

1. A liquid supply channel that supplies the product liquid from a tank in which the product liquid and the gaseous components contained in the product liquid that occupy the upper part of the product liquid are stored toward a container, A liquid valve provided in the liquid supply passage controls the flow of the product liquid toward the container, A gas supply channel through which the gas component stored in the tank is supplied to the container, An exhaust passage through which the gaseous components are discharged from the container, A supply-side gas valve is provided in the gas supply path and controls the supply of the gas components to the container, An exhaust gas valve provided in the exhaust passage for controlling the exhaust of the gas components from the container, A pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the gas component that has passed through the supply-side gas valve, A liquid filling device equipped with the following features.

2. In a non-seal gassing process in which the gas component is supplied to the container via the gas supply passage and the gas component supplied to the open container is discharged via the exhaust passage, The system includes a control unit that determines the integrity of the supply-side gas valve. The liquid filling apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, The soundness of the supply-side gas valve is determined by comparing the measured pressure value detected by the pressure sensor with a predetermined pressure threshold. The liquid filling apparatus according to claim 2.

4. In a sealing gassing process in which the gas component is supplied to the container via the gas supply passage and the gas component supplied to the sealed container is discharged via the exhaust passage, The system includes a control unit that determines the integrity of the supply-side gas valve or the exhaust-side gas valve. The liquid filling apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The control unit, The soundness of the supply-side gas valve or the exhaust-side gas valve is determined by comparing the measured pressure value detected by the pressure sensor with predetermined lower and upper pressure threshold values. The liquid filling apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The control unit, When an abnormality is detected in the supply-side gas valve, the filling of the product liquid is limited to less than the full amount. The liquid filling apparatus according to claim 3.

7. The control unit, If an abnormality is detected in the supply gas valve or the exhaust gas valve, the filling of the product liquid is limited to less than the full amount. The liquid filling apparatus according to claim 5.

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