REPLACEMENT PART FOR BEVERAGE CONTAINER, COMBINATION OF REPLACEMENT PART FOR BEVERAGE CONTAINER AND BEVERAGE CONTAINER, AND METHOD OF USING REPLACEMENT PART FOR BEVERAGE CONTAINER

Abstract

To provide a replacement part for a beverage container that can be readily fitted to a beverage take-out pipe, and to provide a combination of the replacement part with a beverage container, and a method for using the replacement part.SOLUTION: A replacement part for a beverage container can be fitted to a beverage take-out pipe of a beverage container. The replacement part for a beverage container includes: a cylindrical member that is movable so as to slide along the beverage take-out pipe in a longitudinal direction and capable of annularly coming into contact with an outer peripheral surface of the beverage take-out pipe; and a bag body fitted to the cylindrical member to store a beverage therein.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a replacement part for a beverage container, a combination of a replacement part for a beverage container and a beverage container, and a method of using the replacement part for a beverage container. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique for forming a beverage outlet by fixing a fitting to a mouthpiece of a beverage storage container.

[0003] Fig. 1 shows an example of a conventional beverage storage container 1. Fig. 1 shows a state in which the fitting 10 is attached to the nozzle part 15 by screwing the male thread part 10s of the fitting 10 and the female thread part 15s of the nozzle part 15 together.

[0004] When a beverage is taken out of the conventional beverage storage container 1, carbon dioxide gas is supplied into the beverage storage container 1 to increase the pressure inside the beverage storage container 1, and the beverage is pushed out of the beverage storage container 1 by the pressure.

[0005] In a conventional beverage storage container 1, the beverage comes into direct contact with the beverage storage container 1. Therefore, when the beverage storage container 1 is collected and reused, the effort and cost required for managing the internal state of the beverage storage container 1 is large.

[0006] As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a dispensing head. The dispensing head described in Patent Document 1 is connected to a container consisting of an outer case and a bag placed inside the outer case. In Patent Document 1, the bag is filled with a beverage, and the beverage does not come into direct contact with the outer case. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2011-501720 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a replacement part for a beverage container which is easy to attach to a beverage outlet tube, a combination of said replacement part with a beverage container, and a method of using said replacement part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The means for solving the problems will be described below using the numbers and symbols used in the description of the embodiment of the invention. These numbers and symbols are added in parentheses for reference purposes to show an example of the correspondence between the description of the claims and the description of the embodiment of the invention. Therefore, the description in parentheses should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0010] In some embodiments, a replacement part (2) for a beverage container is a part (2) that can be attached to a beverage outlet tube (52) of a beverage container (4). The replacement part (2) includes a tubular member (20) that is slidable along the longitudinal direction of the beverage outlet tube (52) and that can be in annular contact with an outer circumferential surface (52u) of the beverage outlet tube (52), and a bag (30) that is attached to the tubular member (20) and that contains a beverage.

[0011] In the above replacement part (2), the tubular member (20) may have an annular seal portion (23) in contact with the outer circumferential surface (52u) of the beverage outlet pipe (52).

[0012] The replacement part (2) may further include a protective sheet (60) disposed above the bag body (30). The protective sheet (60) may have a through hole (60h) into which the beverage outlet tube (52) is inserted.

[0013] In some embodiments, a combination of a replacement part for a beverage container and a beverage container includes a beverage container (4) and a replacement part for a beverage container (2). The beverage container (4) includes a beverage container body (40) and a beverage outlet tube (52) inserted into the beverage container body (40). The replacement part (2) includes a tubular member (20) that is slidable along the longitudinal direction of the beverage outlet tube (52) and that annularly contacts the outer circumferential surface of the beverage outlet tube, and a bag (30) that is attached to the tubular member (20) and that contains a beverage.

[0014] In the combination of the beverage container and the replacement part for the beverage container, the beverage container (4) may include a fitting (50) attached to the mouthpiece (44) of the beverage container (4). The fitting (50) may include a beverage valve (V1), a gas valve (V2), an attachment part (51) attached to the mouthpiece (44), and the beverage outlet tube (52). The beverage outlet tube (52) is made of, for example, stainless steel. The fitting (50) including the stainless steel beverage outlet tube (52) may be reusable after being cleaned.

[0015] In the combination of the beverage container and the replacement part for the beverage container, the fitting (50) may include a removal prevention member (59) that prevents the fitting (50) from being removed from the beverage container (4). The replacement part (2) may include a protective sheet (60) that prevents the bag body (30) from directly contacting the removal prevention member (59).

[0016] In the combination of the replacement part for a beverage container and the beverage container, the replacement part (2) may comprise a beverage intake part (70) attached to the lower end of the beverage outlet tube (52). Alternatively or additionally, the beverage outlet tube (52) may be a part constituting a part of the well-type fitting (50) or a part constituting a part of the flat-type fitting (50).

[0017] In the combination of the beverage container and the replacement part for the beverage container, the beverage outlet pipe (52) may have a shoulder (53c), a small diameter pipe portion (53b) disposed below the shoulder (53c), and a large diameter pipe portion (53a) disposed above the shoulder (53c). The tubular member (20) may be attached to the large diameter pipe portion (53a) so as to be in annular contact with the large diameter pipe portion (53a).

[0018] In the combination of the beverage container and the replacement part for the beverage container, the beverage outlet pipe (52) may have a shoulder (53c), a small diameter pipe portion (53b) disposed below the shoulder (53c), and a large diameter pipe portion (53a) disposed above the shoulder (53c). The cylindrical member (20) may be attached to the small diameter pipe portion (53b) so as to be in annular contact with the small diameter pipe portion (53b).

[0019] In some embodiments, a method of using a replacement part for a beverage container is a method of using a replacement part (2) having a tubular member (20) and a bag body (30) attached to the tubular member (20). The method of using the replacement part (2) for a beverage container includes an inserting step of inserting a lower end (52e) of a beverage outlet tube (52) into the tubular member (20), a moving step of sliding the tubular member (20) along the longitudinal direction of the beverage outlet tube (52) so that a part of the beverage outlet tube (52) protrudes from the lower end of the tubular member (20), an attaching step of attaching the replacement part (2) to the beverage outlet tube (52) so that an outer circumferential surface (52u) of the beverage outlet tube (52) and the tubular member (20) are kept in annular contact with each other, and a second inserting step of inserting the beverage outlet tube (52) to which the replacement part (2) is attached into a beverage container (4).

[0020] In the method of using the replacement part for the beverage container described above, the mounting step may include mounting the replacement part (2) to the beverage outlet tube (52) by utilizing a frictional force acting between an inner surface (20n) of the tubular member (20) and an outer surface (52u) of the beverage outlet tube (52).

[0021] The method of using the replacement part for a beverage container may further include a detachment step of detaching the replacement part (2) from the beverage outlet tube (52) and a reattachment step of attaching a new replacement part (2n) to the beverage outlet tube (52). The beverage outlet tube (52) to which the new replacement part (2n) is attached in the reattachment step may be a part to be washed and reused. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a replacement part for a beverage container that is easily attached to a beverage outlet tube, a combination of the replacement part and a beverage container, and a method of using the replacement part. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a typical conventional beverage storage container. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a combination of a replacement part for a beverage container and a beverage container according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state before the replacement part for a beverage container in the first embodiment is attached to a beverage extraction pipe. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic two-sided view showing the replacement part for the beverage container in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a process for forming a replacement part for a beverage container. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic two-sided view showing a protective sheet. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a combination of a replacement part for a beverage container and a beverage container according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state before a replacement part for a beverage container in the second embodiment is attached to a beverage outlet pipe. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a schematic two-sided view showing a replacement part for a beverage container in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of using a replacement part for a beverage container in an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of using a replacement part for a beverage container in an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a state after the insertion step has been performed. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the movement process being performed. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the state after the mounting step has been performed. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the second insertion step is being performed. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a state after the second mounting step has been performed. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the beverage filling process being carried out. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a beverage dispensing process being performed. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a new replacement part is attached to the beverage outlet pipe after cleaning. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a beverage take-up part is attached to the lower end of the beverage take-out pipe. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic two-sided view showing the beverage intake component. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a combination of a replacement part for a beverage container and a beverage container according to the third embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state before a replacement part for a beverage container in the third embodiment is attached to a beverage outlet pipe. [Figure 24]FIG. 24 is a schematic two-sided view showing a replacement part for a beverage container in the third embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a combination of a replacement part for a beverage container and a beverage container in a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] In some embodiments of the present invention, an existing stainless steel beverage container equipped with a beverage outlet tube (in other words, a down tube) can be used as the beverage container 4. In this case, the beverage can be dispensed from the beverage container using an existing filling device and dispensing device (dispense head) as is, and the filling process and dispensing process can be performed in the same manner as the existing processes. In other embodiments of the present invention, a beverage container other than an existing stainless steel beverage container, for example, a resin beverage container such as a PET bottle, may be used as the beverage container 4.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present invention, a reusable beverage container (e.g., a stainless steel beverage container) is used as the beverage container 4, and a bag that can be replaced with a new bag after use is used as the bag 30 into which the beverage is filled. In this case, the beverage filled in the second bag after replacement can be a second beverage of a different type from the first beverage filled in the first bag before replacement. In other words, the type of beverage stored in the beverage container 4 can be easily changed according to changes in consumer needs, seasonal changes, etc. In addition, in other embodiments of the present invention, a beverage container other than a reusable beverage container, for example, a disposable beverage container, may be used as the beverage container 4.

[0026] Hereinafter, the replacement part 2 for a beverage container, the combination of the replacement part 2 for a beverage container and a beverage container 4, and the method of using the replacement part 2 for a beverage container will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for members and parts having the same functions, and repeated description of members and parts with the same reference numerals is omitted. In the following description, the "bag" is a bag capable of containing a beverage. The bag may be a bag capable of containing an alcoholic beverage such as beer, happoshu, wine, sake, or distilled liquor. The "bag" may also be a bag capable of containing a non-alcoholic beverage such as non-alcoholic beer, juice, or carbonated beverage.

[0027] (First embodiment) With reference to Figs. 2 to 6, a replacement part 2A for a beverage container in the first embodiment and a combination of the replacement part 2A for a beverage container and a beverage container 4 will be described. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a combination of the replacement part 2A for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 in the first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a state after the replacement part 2A for a beverage container is attached to the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30 is filled with a beverage D. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state before the replacement part 2A for a beverage container in the first embodiment is attached to the beverage extraction tube 52. Fig. 4 is a schematic two-sided view showing the replacement part 2A for a beverage container in the first embodiment. A plan view is shown on the upper side of Fig. 4, and a cross-sectional view is shown on the lower side of Fig. 4. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the replacement part 2A for a beverage container is formed. Fig. 6 is a schematic two-sided view showing a protective sheet 60. A plan view is shown on the upper side of Fig. 6, and a side view is shown on the lower side of Fig. 6.

[0028] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the beverage container 4 includes a beverage container body 40 and a beverage outlet tube 52 inserted into the beverage container body 40. The beverage container body 40 defines a space for accommodating the pouch 30. The beverage container body 40 is made of, for example, stainless steel. The beverage outlet tube 52 is used to take out the beverage D stored in the pouch 30 in the beverage container 4 to the outside of the beverage container 4. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the lower end of the beverage outlet tube 52 is disposed below the middle part in the height direction of the beverage container body 40. It is preferable that the lower end of the beverage outlet tube 52 is disposed adjacent to the bottom of the beverage container body 40. The length of the beverage outlet tube 52 is, for example, 5 cm or more, 10 cm or more, 15 cm or more, or 20 cm or more. The beverage outlet tube 52 is, for example, made of stainless steel.

[0029] The beverage container 4 may include a beverage valve V1 and / or a gas valve V2. The beverage valve V1 is a valve that can change between an open state that allows the beverage to pass and a closed state that prohibits the beverage to pass. The gas valve V2 is a valve that can change between an open state that allows the gas to pass and a closed state that prohibits the gas to pass. The beverage container 4 may include a bottom protector 47 that protects the bottom of the beverage container body 40 and / or a top protector 48 that protects the top or the cap part 44 of the beverage container body 40. The bottom protector 47 and / or the top protector 48 are attached to the beverage container body 40 by welding or the like.

[0030] 2, a replacement part 2A for a beverage container is attached to the above-mentioned beverage outlet pipe 52. The replacement part 2A includes a tubular member 20 and a bag body 30 for containing a beverage D.

[0031] Next, referring to FIG. 3, a procedure for attaching the replacement part 2A for beverage containers to the beverage extraction tube 52 will be described. The replacement part 2A for beverage containers can be attached to the beverage extraction tube 52. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the lower end 52e of the beverage extraction tube 52 is inserted into the tubular member 20 of the replacement part 2A, and then the tubular member 20 is slid along the longitudinal direction of the beverage extraction tube 52, thereby attaching the replacement part 2A (more specifically, the tubular member 20) to the beverage extraction tube 52. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the bag body 30 is attached to the tubular member 20. Therefore, by attaching the tubular member 20 to the beverage extraction tube 52, the bag body 30 is supported by the beverage extraction tube 52 via the tubular member 20. In this specification, the term "sliding movement" means a sliding movement relative to the beverage extraction tube 52. Therefore, the term "sliding movement" includes both sliding movement of the tubular member 20 relative to the beverage outlet pipe 52 and sliding movement of the beverage outlet pipe 52 relative to the tubular member 20.

[0032] 3, the tubular member 20 is slidable along the longitudinal direction of the beverage extraction tube 52. From the viewpoint of preventing beverage leakage from a gap between an inner peripheral surface 20n of the tubular member 20 and an outer peripheral surface 52u of the beverage extraction tube 52, the tubular member 20 (more specifically, the inner peripheral surface 20n of the tubular member 20) is configured to be in annular contact with the outer peripheral surface 52u of the beverage extraction tube 52 after the tubular member 20 is attached to the beverage extraction tube 52. In other words, the inner peripheral surface 20n of the tubular member 20 and the outer peripheral surface 52u of the beverage extraction tube 52 are configured to form an annular contact area.

[0033] The replacement part 2A for a beverage container in the first embodiment includes a tubular member 20 that is slidable along the longitudinal direction of the beverage extraction tube 52 and can come into annular contact with an outer circumferential surface 52u of the beverage extraction tube 52. Therefore, the replacement part 2A including the tubular member 20 and the bag body 30 can be easily attached to the beverage extraction tube 52. More specifically, the replacement part 2A can be attached to the beverage extraction tube 52 by inserting the lower end 52e of the beverage extraction tube 52 into the tubular member 20 and sliding the tubular member 20 along the longitudinal direction of the beverage extraction tube 52.

[0034] 2, the combination of the replacement part 2A for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 is a combination after the replacement part 2A for a beverage container is attached to the beverage container 4 (more specifically, the beverage outlet pipe 52). Alternatively, the combination of the replacement part 2A for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 in the first embodiment may be a combination before the replacement part 2A for a beverage container is attached to the beverage container 4 (more specifically, the beverage outlet pipe 52), in other words, a combination in a state in which the replacement part 2A and the beverage container 4 are provided as combinable parts.

[0035] Next, optional additional configurations that can be adopted in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0036] (Cylindrical member 20) In the example shown in FIG. 4, the cylindrical member 20 includes an annular seal portion 23 that contacts the outer circumferential surface 52u of the beverage extraction tube 52. The material of the seal portion 23 is softer than the material of the cylindrical member main body 25 described below. In other words, the elastic modulus of the seal portion 23 is lower than the elastic modulus of the cylindrical member main body 25. The seal portion 23 is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber. When the cylindrical member 20 includes the seal portion 23, the beverage is more reliably prevented from leaking out from between the cylindrical member 20 and the outer circumferential surface 52u of the beverage extraction tube 52. When the cylindrical member 20 includes the seal portion 23, the frictional force acting between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member 20 (more specifically, the inner circumferential surface 23n of the seal portion 23) and the outer circumferential surface 52u of the beverage extraction tube 52 increases. In this case, the cylindrical member 20 is more reliably prevented from being unintentionally detached from the beverage extraction tube 52.

[0037] 4, the tubular member 20 has a tubular portion 26 and a flange portion 27. The tubular portion 26 and the flange portion 27 configure a tubular member main body 25. The tubular member main body 25 is made of a synthetic resin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0038] The tubular portion 26 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The flange portion 27 has an inner edge 27n connected to the tubular portion 26 and an outer edge 27u.

[0039] The tubular portion 26 functions as a guided portion that is guided by the beverage extraction pipe 52 when the tubular member 20 moves along the longitudinal direction of the beverage extraction pipe 52. In addition, in the case where the tubular member 20 has a seal portion 23, the tubular portion 26 functions as a holding portion that holds the seal portion 23. The seal portion 23 may be disposed in the tubular member main body 25 (more specifically, the tubular portion 26) after the tubular member main body 25 having the tubular portion 26 and the flange portion 27 is molded. The arrangement of the seal portion 23 in the tubular member main body 25 may be performed by molding the seal portion 23 in a molding die in which the molded tubular member main body 25 is housed. Alternatively, the seal portion 23 and the tubular member main body 25 may be molded simultaneously in a molding die.

[0040] From the viewpoint of arranging the seal portion 23 in the tubular portion 26, the lower end portion 26b of the tubular portion 26 may be made thicker than the upper end portion 26a of the tubular portion 26. In this case, the lower end portion 26b may be formed with an annular recess for arranging the seal portion 23. The length of the tubular portion 26 in the direction along the central axis C1 is, for example, about 18 mm (not less than 14 mm and not more than 30 mm).

[0041] The flange portion 27 functions as an attachment portion (more specifically, a welding portion) for attaching the bag body 30. The welding between the flange portion 27 and the bag body 30 is, for example, high-frequency welding. Alternatively, the welding between the flange portion 27 and the bag body 30 may be heat welding or ultrasonic welding. In addition, from the viewpoint of facilitating welding between the flange portion 27 and the bag body 30, it is preferable that the material of the flange portion 27 is the same as the material of the bag body 30. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the flange portion 27 has a ring shape in a plan view (in other words, when viewed in a direction along the central axis C1 of the tube portion 26). In the example shown in FIG. 4, the flange portion 27 and a peripheral portion of the through hole 31h of the bag body 30 are welded. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the bag body 30 is welded to the upper surface of the flange portion 27. Alternatively, the bag body 30 may be welded to the lower surface of the flange portion.

[0042] From the viewpoint of facilitating attachment (more specifically, welding) between the flange portion 27 and the bag body 30, the difference between the diameter of the outer edge 27u of the flange portion 27 and the diameter of the inner edge 27n of the flange portion 27 is preferably 6 mm or more, 8 mm or more, or 10 mm or more. Also, from the viewpoint of making the size of the flange portion 27 compact, the difference between the diameter of the outer edge 27u of the flange portion 27 and the diameter of the inner edge 27n of the flange portion 27 is preferably 18 mm or less. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the diameter of the inner edge 27n of the flange portion 27 is about 25 mm (24 mm or more and 26 mm or less). Also, the diameter of the outer edge 27u of the flange portion 27 is about 38 mm (37 mm or more and 39 mm or less). From the viewpoint of smoothly inserting the bag body 30 attached to the tubular member 20 into the beverage container 4, it is preferable that the diameter of the outer edge 27u of the flange 27 is sufficiently smaller than the minimum inner diameter of the mouth part 44 of the beverage container 4. The minimum inner diameter of the mouth part 44 of the beverage container 4 is, for example, about 45 mm. Therefore, it is preferable that the diameter of the outer edge 27u of the flange 27 is 39 mm or less.

[0043] The flange portion 27 may function as a knob portion that is gripped when the tubular member 20 is slid along the longitudinal direction of the beverage extraction pipe 52 .

[0044] (Bag body 30) The bag body 30 is made of synthetic resin such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The bag body 30 may be made of any one of a high-density polyethylene layer, a low-density polyethylene layer, a polyethylene terephthalate layer, and a nylon layer, or may be made of a laminate of these layers. In order to ensure light blocking and / or oxygen barrier properties, the bag body 30 may be made of a laminate film in which a light blocking layer or an oxygen barrier layer such as an aluminum foil or an aluminum deposition layer is arranged between a plurality of synthetic resin layers. In addition, the bag body 30 may be made of a laminate film in which an oxygen barrier layer such as an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer is arranged between a plurality of synthetic resin layers. The bag body 30 may be made of a laminate film including a nylon layer, a polyethylene layer, and an aluminum layer. The material of the bag body 30 is not limited to the above example. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the bag body 30 is formed by welding a first sheet 31 and a second sheet 32. The first sheet 31 is, for example, a circular sheet having a through hole 31h into which the beverage extraction tube 52 can be inserted. Also, the second sheet 32 ​​is, for example, a non-perforated circular sheet in which no holes are formed. The first sheet 31 and the tubular member 20 are integrated by welding the inner edge portion of the first sheet 31 (in other words, the portion around the through hole 31h) to the above-mentioned flange portion 27. The bag body 30 is formed by annularly welding the outer edge portion 31e of the first sheet 31 to the outer edge portion 32e of the second sheet 32. Alternatively, the bag body 30 may be formed using three sheets (for example, the first sheet 31 having the through hole 31h, the second sheet 32, and a tubular sheet).

[0045] (Protective sheet 60) As illustrated in FIG. 2, the replacement part 2A for a beverage container may have a protective sheet 60 arranged above the bag body 30. The protective sheet 60 prevents or suppresses the bag body 30 from contacting the through-hole portion 54h of the fitting 50. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, if the bag body 30 contacts the through-hole portion 54h, the bag body 30 may be damaged. In contrast, when the protective sheet 60 is arranged above the bag body 30, the bag body 30 is protected by the protective sheet 60, and damage to the bag body 30 is prevented or suppressed. It is preferable that the protective sheet 60 is not a bag body, in other words, the protective sheet 60 is a non-bag-shaped protective sheet. In addition, when the possibility of damage to the bag body 30 is low, the protective sheet 60 may be omitted.

[0046] In this specification, the term "fitting" refers to a member that is attached to the mouth of a beverage container and is used to fill the beverage container with a beverage and / or to take out a beverage from the beverage container. The fitting 50 has a cylindrical attachment portion 51 for attachment to the mouth 44 of the beverage container 4. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the attachment portion 51 is attached to the mouth 44 by screwing a male thread portion 51s formed on the attachment portion 51 with a female thread portion formed on the mouth 44. The attachment portion 51 is preferably provided with an engagement portion 51g for attaching a dispense head (not shown in FIG. 2) for taking out a beverage from the beverage container 4. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the engagement portion 51g is an engagement protrusion. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the attachment portion 51 has an inclined surface 51k inclined with respect to the central axis C of the attachment portion 51. The inclined surface 51k functions as a valve seat portion VB2 of the gas valve V2.

[0047] The fitting 50 also includes a beverage outlet tube 52 disposed within the beverage container body 40. The fitting 50 may include a beverage valve V1 and a gas valve V2. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the fitting 50 includes an outer cylinder portion 54 disposed on the outside of the beverage outlet tube 52. A plurality of through-hole portions 54h are formed in the outer cylinder portion 54. The attachment portion 51, the beverage outlet tube 52, and the outer cylinder portion 54 are made of, for example, stainless steel. The stainless steel beverage outlet tube 52 (or the fitting 50 including the beverage outlet tube 52) is a part that can be reused by being washed.

[0048] In the example shown in Fig. 6, the protective sheet 60 has a through hole 60h into which the beverage extraction pipe 52 is inserted. From the viewpoint of preventing the protective sheet 60 from being caught between the nozzle part 44 and the fitting 50, it is preferable that the distance L1 from the center of the through hole 60h to the outermost edge 60e of the protective sheet 60 is set to a distance such that the outermost edge 60e of the protective sheet 60 does not reach the nozzle part 44 when the fitting 50 is attached to the nozzle part 44 (see Fig. 2 if necessary). More specifically, it is preferable that the distance L1 is about 7 cm (5 cm or more and 9 cm or less).

[0049] 6, the protective sheet 60 is a circular sheet. The circular sheet has a through hole 60h formed therein. The protective sheet 60 may be made of synthetic resin or other materials (for example, cloth).

[0050] 2, the protective sheet 60 is separate from the bag body 30 (in other words, the protective sheet 60 is not fixed to the bag body 30). Alternatively, the inner edge portion of the protective sheet 60 (in other words, the peripheral portion of the through hole 60h) may be welded to the peripheral portion of the through hole 31h of the bag body 30 or the flange portion 27 of the tubular member 20.

[0051] (Position where the cylindrical member 20 is attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52) In the example shown in FIG. 2, the beverage extraction pipe 52 has a shoulder 53c. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the shoulder 53c supports a spring member 55 that urges the valve body of the beverage valve V1 upward (in other words, the shoulder 53c functions as a spring bearing that supports the spring member 55). The beverage extraction pipe 52 also has a small diameter pipe portion 53b (first pipe portion) that is disposed below the shoulder 53c, and a large diameter pipe portion 53a (second pipe portion) that is disposed above the shoulder 53c. The small diameter pipe portion 53b (first pipe portion) is a pipe portion having a smaller outer diameter than the large diameter pipe portion 53a (second pipe portion), and the large diameter pipe portion 53a (second pipe portion) is a pipe portion having a larger outer diameter than the small diameter pipe portion 53b (first pipe portion).

[0052] 2, the minimum inner diameter of the tubular member 20 (more specifically, the inner diameter of the seal portion 23) before being attached to the beverage extraction pipe 52 is preferably smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter pipe portion 53a of the beverage extraction pipe 52. In this case, after the tubular member 20 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter pipe portion 53a, the tubular member 20 is held in the large diameter pipe portion 53a by the elastic force of the tubular member 20 (more specifically, the seal portion 23) trying to return to its original shape.

[0053] 2, the cylindrical member 20 is attached to the large diameter pipe portion 53a so as to be in annular contact with the beverage extraction pipe 52 at the large diameter pipe portion 53a. When the cylindrical member 20 is attached to the large diameter pipe portion 53a, the position of the cylindrical member 20 in the height direction becomes relatively high. This makes it possible to fill the inside of the bag body 30 with a larger amount of beverage D.

[0054] Second Embodiment With reference to Figs. 7 to 9, a replacement part 2B for a beverage container in the second embodiment and a combination of the replacement part 2B for a beverage container and a beverage container 4 will be described. Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a combination of the replacement part 2B for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 in the second embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a state after the replacement part 2B for a beverage container is attached to the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30 is filled with a beverage D. Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state before the replacement part 2B for a beverage container in the second embodiment is attached to the beverage extraction pipe 52. Fig. 9 is a schematic two-sided view showing the replacement part 2B for a beverage container in the second embodiment. A plan view is shown on the upper side of Fig. 9, and a cross-sectional view is shown on the lower side of Fig. 9.

[0055] A replacement part 2B for a beverage container and a combination of the replacement part 2B for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 in the second embodiment differ from a replacement part 2A for a beverage container and a combination of the replacement part 2A for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 in the first embodiment in that the replacement part 2B is a part that is attached to the small diameter pipe portion 53b of the beverage extraction pipe 52. In other respects, the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

[0056] In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, repeated descriptions of matters already described in the first embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that the matters already described in the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment even if they are not explicitly described in the second embodiment.

[0057] A replacement part 2B for a beverage container in the second embodiment is a replacement part that can be attached to a beverage extraction tube 52 arranged inside a beverage container 4. The replacement part 2B includes a tubular member 20 and a bag body 30. The tubular member 20 is slidable along the longitudinal direction of the beverage extraction tube 52. The tubular member 20 is in annular contact with an outer circumferential surface 52u of the beverage extraction tube 52. The bag body 30 is a bag body for containing a beverage. Additionally, the replacement part 2B may include a protective sheet 60.

[0058] The structures, shapes, and materials of the tubular member 20, the bag body 30, and the protective sheet 60 have been described in the first embodiment. Therefore, repeated descriptions of the structures, shapes, and materials of the tubular member 20, the bag body 30, and the protective sheet 60 will be omitted.

[0059] The beverage container 4 in the second embodiment can be the same as the beverage container 4 in the first embodiment. The beverage container 4 has a beverage container body 40, a mouth part 44, and a fitting 50. The fitting 50 also has a beverage extraction tube 52 disposed inside the beverage container body 40. The structures, shapes, and materials of the beverage container body 40, the mouth part 44, the fitting 50, and the beverage extraction tube 52 have been described in the first embodiment. Therefore, repeated descriptions of the structures, shapes, and materials of the beverage container body 40, the mouth part 44, the fitting 50, and the beverage extraction tube 52 will be omitted.

[0060] (Position where the cylindrical member 20 is attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52) In the example shown in FIG. 7, the beverage extraction pipe 52 has a shoulder portion 53c, a small diameter pipe portion 53b arranged below the shoulder portion 53c, and a large diameter pipe portion 53a arranged above the shoulder portion 53c.

[0061] In the example shown in Fig. 7, the tubular member 20 is attached to the small diameter pipe portion 53b so as to be in annular contact with the small diameter pipe portion 53b. When the tubular member 20 is attached to the small diameter pipe portion 53b, the size of the tubular member 20 can be relatively reduced. In addition, the bag body 30 attached to the tubular member 20 can be folded more compactly around the tubular member 20 and the beverage extraction tube 52. When the bag body 30 is folded compactly, the beverage extraction tube 52 to which the replacement part 2B is attached can be inserted more smoothly into the beverage container body 40.

[0062] 9, the tubular member 20 includes a seal portion 23, a tube portion 26, and a flange portion 27. The structures, shapes, and materials of the seal portion 23, the tube portion 26, and the flange portion 27 have been described in the first embodiment. Therefore, repeated descriptions of the structures, shapes, and materials of the seal portion 23, the tube portion 26, and the flange portion 27 will be omitted.

[0063] 9, the length of the tube portion 26 in the direction along the central axis C1 is, for example, about 18 mm (14 mm or more and 30 mm or less). In the example shown in FIG. 9, the diameter of the inner edge 27n of the flange portion 27 is about 19 mm (18 mm or more and 20 mm or less). The diameter of the outer edge 27u of the flange portion 27 is about 35 mm (34 mm or more and 36 mm or less).

[0064] 9, the minimum inner diameter of the tubular member 20 (more specifically, the inner diameter of the seal portion 23) before being attached to the beverage extraction pipe 52 is preferably smaller than the outer diameter of the small diameter pipe portion 53b of the beverage extraction pipe 52. In this case, after the tubular member 20 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the small diameter pipe portion 53b, the tubular member 20 (more specifically, the seal portion 23) is held in the small diameter pipe portion 53b by the elastic force of the tubular member 20 (more specifically, the seal portion 23) trying to return to its original shape.

[0065] The replacement part 2B for a beverage container in the second embodiment, and the combination of the replacement part 2B for a beverage container and the beverage container 4, have the same effects as the replacement part 2A for a beverage container in the first embodiment, and the combination of the replacement part 2A for a beverage container and the beverage container 4.

[0066] (How to use replacement parts 2 for beverage containers) Next, a method of using the replacement part 2 for a beverage container in the embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 19. Figs. 10 and 11 are flow charts showing an example of a method of using the replacement part 2 for a beverage container in the embodiment. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a state after the insertion step has been performed. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a state during the movement step. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a state after the attachment step has been performed. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a state during the second insertion step. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a state after the second attachment step has been performed. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a state during the beverage filling step. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a state during the beverage extraction step. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a state in which a new replacement part 2n is attached to the beverage extraction pipe 52 after cleaning.

[0067] The replacement part used in the method of using replacement part 2 for a beverage container in the embodiment may be replacement part 2A for a beverage container in the first embodiment, replacement part 2B for a beverage container in the second embodiment, replacement part 2C for a beverage container in the third embodiment described below, or a replacement part for another beverage container.

[0068] The replacement part 2 for a beverage container includes a tubular member 20 and a bag body 30 attached to the tubular member 20. The replacement part 2 may include a protective sheet 60. The tubular member 20, the bag body 30, and the protective sheet 60 have been described in the first and second embodiments, so repeated description of these members will be omitted.

[0069] The beverage container 4 to which the beverage container replacement part 2 is attached includes a beverage container body 40, a mouth part 44, and a fitting 50 (more specifically, a beverage extraction tube 52). The beverage container body 40, the mouth part 44, the fitting 50, and the beverage extraction tube 52 have been described in the first and second embodiments, so repeated description of these components will be omitted.

[0070] In a first step ST1, the lower end 52e of the beverage extraction pipe 52 is inserted into the tubular member 20. The first step ST1 is an insertion process. Fig. 12 shows a state after the first step ST1 is performed. By performing the first step ST1, the lower end 52e of the beverage extraction pipe 52 is disposed inside the tubular member 20.

[0071] 12, before the first step ST1 is performed, the bag body 30 is attached to the tubular member 20 (more specifically, the flange portion 27) by welding or the like. In this case, in the first step ST1, the lower end 52e of the beverage extraction pipe 52 is inserted into the tubular member 20 to which the bag body 30 is attached.

[0072] When the replacement part 2 includes the protective sheet 60, the beverage extraction pipe 52 is inserted into the through hole 60h of the protective sheet 60 before or simultaneously with the first step ST1 (insertion step). Thereafter, the protective sheet 60 is disposed on the upper part of the beverage extraction pipe 52.

[0073] In the second step ST2, the cylindrical member 20 is slid. The second step ST2 is a moving step. In the second step ST2 (moving step), the cylindrical member 20 is slid along the longitudinal direction of the beverage outlet pipe 52 so that a part of the beverage outlet pipe 52 protrudes from the lower end of the cylindrical member 20. Fig. 13 shows a state in which the second step ST2 is being performed.

[0074] 13, the beverage extraction pipe 52 functions as a guide member that guides the sliding movement of the cylindrical member 20. In this case, the sliding movement of the cylindrical member 20 is performed smoothly. When the replacement part 2B in the second embodiment is used, the cylindrical member 20 is slidably moved relative to the beverage extraction pipe 52 in a state where the cylindrical member 20 and the beverage extraction pipe 52 (more specifically, the small diameter pipe portion 53b) are in annular contact with each other.

[0075] In a third step ST3, the replacement part 2 is attached to the beverage extraction tube 52. The third step ST3 is an attachment step. In the third step ST3 (attachment step), the replacement part 2 (more specifically, the tubular member 20) is attached to the beverage extraction tube 52 so that the outer circumferential surface 52u of the beverage extraction tube 52 and the tubular member 20 are kept in annular contact with each other. FIG. 14 shows the state after the third step ST3 has been performed.

[0076] When the replacement part 2A in the first embodiment is used, in the third step ST3 (attaching step), the cylindrical member 20 is attached to the large diameter pipe portion 53a of the beverage extraction pipe 52, and the cylindrical member 20 is held by the large diameter pipe portion 53a. On the other hand, when the replacement part 2B in the second embodiment is used, in the third step ST3 (attaching step), the cylindrical member 20 is attached to the small diameter pipe portion 53b of the beverage extraction pipe 52, and the cylindrical member 20 is held by the small diameter pipe portion 53b.

[0077] In the example shown in FIG. 14, the third step ST3 (attaching step) is performed by sliding the cylindrical member 20 along the longitudinal direction of the beverage extraction pipe 52 to an attachment position of the cylindrical member 20. This allows the cylindrical member 20 to be easily attached to the beverage extraction pipe 52. When the replacement part 2A in the first embodiment is used, the attachment position of the cylindrical member 20 is a position facing the large diameter pipe portion 53a. When the replacement part 2B in the second embodiment is used, the attachment position of the cylindrical member 20 is a position facing the upper end portion of the small diameter pipe portion 53b.

[0078] 12 to 14, the cylindrical member 20 can be attached to the beverage extraction tube 52 through a series of operations in which the beverage extraction tube 52 is inserted into the cylindrical member 20 and then the cylindrical member 20 is slid along the longitudinal direction of the beverage extraction tube 52. Thus, the cylindrical member 20 can be attached to the beverage extraction tube 52 extremely easily and quickly. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the amount of protrusion of the beverage extraction tube 52 from the lower end of the cylindrical member 20 is 10 cm or more, or 15 cm or more. In other words, in the third step ST3 (attaching step), the cylindrical member 20 is slid along the longitudinal direction of the beverage extraction tube 52 by 10 cm or more, or 15 cm or more.

[0079] The above-mentioned attachment step (third step ST3) preferably includes attaching the replacement part 2 to the beverage extraction tube 52 by utilizing a frictional force acting between the inner peripheral surface 20n of the tubular member 20 and the outer peripheral surface 52u of the beverage extraction tube 52. Attaching the replacement part 2 to the beverage extraction tube 52 by utilizing a frictional force can be performed, for example, by making the minimum inner diameter of the tubular member 20 in a natural state smaller than the outer diameter of the beverage extraction tube 52 at the attachment position. In the example shown in FIG. 14, when the tubular member 20 is attached to the beverage extraction tube 52, the tubular member 20 is not bonded or welded to the beverage extraction tube 52. In this case, the operation of removing the replacement part 2 from the beverage extraction tube 52 can be easily performed in the sub-step ST8-2 described later.

[0080] In a fourth step ST4, the beverage extraction pipe 52 to which the replacement part 2 (more specifically, the tubular member 20) is attached is inserted into the beverage container 4 (more specifically, into the beverage container body 40). The fourth step ST4 is a second insertion process. Figure 15 shows a state in which the fourth step ST4 is being performed.

[0081] The beverage extraction tube 52 is a long and thin member, and its outer diameter is relatively small. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the outer diameter of the replacement part 2 attached to the beverage extraction tube 52. More specifically, it is possible to reduce the outer diameter of the replacement part 2 by folding the bag body 30 constituting a part of the replacement part 2 around the beverage extraction tube 52. In this case, when the beverage extraction tube 52 to which the replacement part 2 is attached is inserted into the beverage container 4, the replacement part 2 and the beverage extraction tube 52 smoothly pass through the minimum inner diameter part 44m of the nozzle part 44 of the beverage container 4.

[0082] In a fifth step ST5, the replacement part 2 (more specifically, the tubular member 20) is attached to the beverage container 4. The fifth step ST5 is a second attachment step. The fifth step ST5 (second attachment step) is performed by attaching the fitting 50, in a state in which the replacement part 2 is attached to the beverage extraction tube 52, to the mouth part 44 of the beverage container 4. FIG. 16 shows the state after the fifth step ST5 has been performed.

[0083] In the example shown in FIG. 16, the fitting 50 is attached to the base portion 44 by screwing the male thread portion 51s of the fitting 50 into the female thread portion 44f of the base portion 44.

[0084] By carrying out the first step ST1 to the fifth step ST5, a double container consisting of a bag body 30 which is an inner container and a beverage container 4 which is an outer container having greater rigidity than the bag body 30 is formed.

[0085] Next, a process of filling the pouch 30 placed in the beverage container 4 with a beverage (in other words, a beverage filling method of filling the pouch 30 placed in the beverage container 4 with a beverage) will be described.

[0086] After the fifth step ST5, in a sixth step ST6, the bag 30 placed in the beverage container 4 is filled with a beverage. The sixth step ST6 is a beverage filling step. FIG. 17 shows the sixth step ST6 (beverage filling step) being performed. In FIG. 17, the filling nozzle for filling the bag 30 with a beverage is omitted to avoid complicating the drawing.

[0087] When filling the bag body 30 with a beverage, first, in sub-step ST6-1, the tip of the filling nozzle is inserted into the fitting 50. By inserting the filling nozzle, the beverage valve V1 is opened and the gas valve V2 is opened. Secondly, in sub-step ST6-2, as shown by arrow E in FIG. 17, the beverage is supplied from the filling nozzle into the bag body 30 through the beverage valve V1, and, as shown by arrow F in FIG. 17, gas (more specifically, air) present in the space between the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30 is discharged to the outside of the beverage container 4 through the gas valve V2. In this way, the bag body 30 is filled with the beverage.

[0088] In the example shown in Fig. 17, the shape of the mouth part 44 is similar to that of the mouth part of an existing stainless steel beverage container, and the shape of the upper end part of the fitting 50 is similar to that of the upper end part of the existing fitting 10 (see Fig. 1). Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 17, the bag body 30 in the beverage container 4 can be filled with beverage using an existing beverage filling system.

[0089] Next, a process of removing a beverage from the pouch 30 placed in the beverage container 4 (in other words, a beverage removal method for removing a beverage from the pouch 30 placed in the beverage container 4) will be described.

[0090] The seventh step ST7 (in other words, the beverage taking-out step) is performed after the beverage filling step (sixth step ST6). In the seventh step ST7, the beverage is taken out from the bag 30 arranged in the beverage container 4. Figure 18 shows the seventh step ST7 (beverage taking-out step) being performed.

[0091] In the example shown in FIG. 18, the removal of the beverage from the pouch 30 is carried out via the dispense head 8 .

[0092] In the beverage taking-out process, first, in sub-step ST7-1, the dispense head 8 is attached to the fitting 50 attached to the mouthpiece 44 of the beverage container 4. The attachment is performed, for example, by engaging the second engagement portion 81g provided on the main body 80 of the dispense head 8 with the engagement portion 51g of the fitting 50.

[0093] In the example shown in FIG. 18, the dispense head 8 includes a main body portion 80 and a plunger member 85 that is movable relative to the main body portion 80.

[0094] The above-mentioned second engagement portion 81g is provided at the lower end of the main body portion 80, and a first seal member S1 (annular seal member) is held at the lower end of the main body portion 80. When the dispense head 8 is attached to the fitting 50, the first seal member S1 seals between the main body portion 80 and the fitting 50. The main body portion 80 is provided with a gas introduction hole 80h for introducing a gas such as air.

[0095] A beverage flow path P1 is provided inside the plunger member 85. A check valve V3 may be disposed inside the plunger member 85.

[0096] A second seal member S2 (annular seal member) that seals between the plunger member 85 and the first valve member 56 is disposed on the outer surface of the plunger member 85. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the first valve member 56 functions as the valve body VA2 of the gas valve V2 and has a valve seat portion VB1 of the beverage valve V1. The lower end of the plunger member 85 has a pressing portion 851 that presses the second valve member 57. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the second valve member 57 functions as the valve body VA1 of the beverage valve V1.

[0097] A gas flow path P2 is provided between the plunger member 85 and the main body 80. When the plunger member 85 is in the upper position, the gas flow path P2 and the gas introduction hole 80h are not in communication with each other. When the plunger member 85 is in the upper position, the pressing portion 851 is separated from the second valve member 57. When the plunger member 85 is in the upper position, the second seal member S2 is separated from the first valve member 56.

[0098] Secondly, in the beverage extraction process, in sub-step ST7-2, the beverage valve V1 is opened. Sub-step ST7-2 is a beverage valve opening process. The beverage valve V1 is opened, for example, by moving the plunger member 85 from an upper position to a lower position. When the plunger member 85 moves to the lower position, the pressing portion 851 of the plunger member 85 presses the valve body VA1 of the beverage valve. As a result, the valve body VA1 is separated from the valve seat portion VB1, and the beverage valve V1 is opened.

[0099] As shown in Fig. 18, when the plunger member 85 is in the lower position, the second seal member S2 contacts the first valve member 56. Thus, the beverage flow path P1 of the plunger member 85 and the gas flow path P2 between the plunger member 85 and the main body 80 are isolated from each other. In the example shown in Fig. 18, when the plunger member 85 moves towards the lower position, the gas valve V2 is also opened. In the example shown in Fig. 18, the second seal member S2 functions as a pressing part that presses the valve body VA2 of the gas valve V2.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 18, when the plunger member 85 moves toward the downward position, the gas introduction hole 80h and the gas flow path P2 communicate with each other.

[0101] Thirdly, in the beverage taking-out process, in sub-step ST7-3, gas (e.g., air) is supplied to the first space SP1 between the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30. The gas is supplied via the dispense head 8. Sub-step ST7-3 is a gas supplying step.

[0102] More specifically, in sub-step ST7-3, gas supplied from a gas supply source (e.g., an air pump) is introduced into the gas introduction hole 80h (see arrow M in FIG. 18). The gas introduced into the gas introduction hole 80h is supplied to the first space SP1 between the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30 via the gas flow path P2 (see arrow N in FIG. 18). The gas supplied into the first space SP1 presses the bag body 30 so that the bag body 30 contracts.

[0103] Fourthly, in the beverage dispensing step, in sub-step ST7-4, the beverage is dispensed from the bag 30. The beverage is dispensed via the beverage valve V1 and the dispense head 8.

[0104] Sub-step ST7-4 will be described in more detail. By executing the above-mentioned sub-step ST7-3 (gas supply step), the bag body 30 is pressed inward. Therefore, the beverage in the bag body 30 moves toward the beverage valve V1 through the internal space of the beverage outlet pipe 52. In the above-mentioned sub-step ST7-2 (beverage valve opening step), the beverage valve V1 is opened, so that the beverage in the internal space of the beverage outlet pipe 52 is taken out to the outside of the dispense head 8 through the beverage valve V1 and the beverage flow path P1 of the plunger member 85 (see the arrow W in FIG. 18).

[0105] In the beverage taking-out method in the embodiment, a beverage is taken out of the bag body 30 by supplying gas to the first space SP1 between the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30. Therefore, the beverage in the bag body 30 does not come into contact with the supply gas (e.g., air) supplied through the dispense head 8. Therefore, the taste, texture, etc. of the beverage are not deteriorated due to the beverage coming into contact with the supply gas. Furthermore, if the beverage is a sparkling beverage such as beer, the feel of the foam is not deteriorated. Therefore, the quality of the beverage in the bag body 30 is maintained at a high quality even after a long period of time (e.g., after four days or more have passed) since the start of taking out the beverage from the bag body 30 in the beverage container 4.

[0106] Furthermore, in the beverage taking-out method in the embodiment, air can be used as the gas supplied to the first space SP1 between the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30. Therefore, unlike the conventional beverage taking-out method, it is not necessary to prepare a carbon dioxide gas cylinder. When preparing a carbon dioxide gas cylinder, it is necessary to prepare multiple carbon dioxide gas cylinders including a spare cylinder. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the remaining amount of CO2 in the carbon dioxide gas cylinder, carry in the carbon dioxide gas cylinder, replace it, and so on. In addition, space is also required to place multiple carbon dioxide gas cylinders. In contrast, in the beverage taking-out method in the embodiment, it is only necessary to prepare a small air pump as a gas supply source instead of multiple carbon dioxide gas cylinders. Therefore, it is possible to take out a beverage from the bag body 30 in the beverage container 4 even in a small store with limited space or outdoors. Note that using air as the gas supplied to the first space SP1 is an optional configuration. In other words, in the embodiment, it is not excluded to use a gas other than air (e.g., carbon dioxide gas) as the gas supplied to the first space SP1 between the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30.

[0107] When the beverage container 4 is made of stainless steel, the beverage container 4 has extremely high durability and corrosion resistance, and has excellent light blocking properties. Therefore, the beverage container 4 with the bag body 30 disposed therein may be stored outdoors.

[0108] Next, the process of removing the replacement part 2 from the beverage outlet pipe 52 (in other words, a method of removing the replacement part 2 from the beverage outlet pipe 52) will be described.

[0109] The eighth step ST8 (in other words, a step of removing the replacement part) is performed after the beverage extraction step (seventh step ST7). In the eighth step ST8, the replacement part 2 is removed from the beverage extraction pipe 52. The left diagram of FIG. 19 shows a state in which the eighth step ST8 (a step of removing the replacement part), more specifically, the sub-step ST8-2 described below, is being performed.

[0110] In the process of removing the replacement part, first, in sub-step ST8-1, the beverage outlet pipe 52 to which the bag body 30 is attached is removed from the beverage container 4. This removal is performed, for example, by releasing the engagement (more specifically, screwing) between the mouth part 44 of the beverage container 4 and the fitting 50, and then pulling out the fitting 50 from the beverage container 4. It goes without saying that the dispense head 8 is removed from the fitting 50 before performing sub-step ST8-1.

[0111] Secondly, in the step of removing the replacement part, in sub-step ST8-2, the replacement part 2 is removed from the beverage extraction tube 52 removed from the beverage container 4. The step of removing the replacement part 2 from the beverage extraction tube 52 includes sliding the replacement part 2 (more specifically, the tubular member 20) along the beverage extraction tube 52 in a direction toward the lower end 52e of the beverage extraction tube 52. In addition, the step of removing the replacement part 2 from the beverage extraction tube 52 includes pulling out the beverage extraction tube 52 from the replacement part 2 (more specifically, the tubular member 20).

[0112] 19, the replacement part 2 (more specifically, the tubular member 20) can be removed from the beverage extraction pipe 52 simply by sliding the replacement part 2 along the beverage extraction pipe 52. Therefore, the operation of removing the replacement part 2 (and the operation of replacing the replacement part 2 attached to the beverage extraction pipe 52 with a new replacement part) can be performed extremely easily and quickly.

[0113] It is preferable that the beverage outlet pipe 52 or the fitting 50 from which the replacement part 2 has been removed and the beverage container 4 are reused the next time the beverage is filled. Fig. 19 shows that the beverage outlet pipe 52 (or the fitting 50 including the beverage outlet pipe 52) is cleaned and reused.

[0114] On the other hand, it is preferable that a replacement part 2 that has been used once is replaced with a new replacement part 2n (more specifically, a brand new replacement part). Since the structure of the replacement part 2 in the embodiment is simple, the manufacturing cost of the replacement part 2 is low.

[0115] 19, in a ninth step ST9, after the beverage extraction tube 52 (or the fitting 50 including the beverage extraction tube 52) is cleaned, a new replacement part 2n is attached to the beverage extraction tube 52. The ninth step ST9 is a reattachment step. The new replacement part 2n is preferably a part having the same shape and structure as the replacement part 2 removed from the fitting 50 in sub-step ST8-2.

[0116] The beverage outlet pipe 52 (or the fitting 50 including the beverage outlet pipe 52) to which the new replacement part 2n is attached in the reattachment process is a part that is washed and reused. In this case, the operating cost of the beverage container 4 as a whole is reduced. More specifically, by making the expensive beverage container 4 and the fitting 50 reusable and the inexpensive replacement part 2 disposable, the operating cost of the beverage container as a whole is reduced.

[0117] In the embodiment, the bag body 30 is filled with a beverage, and the beverage does not come into direct contact with the reusable beverage container body 40. This reliably ensures the safety of the beverage. In addition, since the beverage does not come into direct contact with the reusable beverage container body 40, adhesion of organic matter (dirt) or odors to the inside of the beverage container body 40 is suppressed. For these reasons, the beverage container 4 can be easily managed when collected and reused. In addition, the process of cleaning the beverage container 4 can be simplified.

[0118] (Beverage intake part 70) Next, the beverage take-in part 70 attached to the lower end of the beverage take-out tube 52 will be described with reference to Fig. 20 and Fig. 21. Fig. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the beverage take-in part 70 is attached to the lower end of the beverage take-out tube 52. Fig. 21 is a schematic two-sided view showing the beverage take-in part 70. A plan view is shown at the top of Fig. 21, and a cross-sectional view is shown at the bottom of Fig. 21.

[0119] The replacement part 2 for the beverage container in the embodiment may comprise a beverage intake part 70 which is attached to the lower end of the beverage outlet tube 52 .

[0120] In the example shown in Fig. 2, a cut portion 521 is formed at the lower end of the beverage extraction tube 52. When a beverage is extracted from the bag body 30 through the beverage extraction tube 52, a lower end opening 52h of the beverage extraction tube 52 (in other words, an opening facing the bottom part 30b of the bag body 30) may be blocked by the bag body 30. Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 2, a cut portion 521 is formed at the lower end of the beverage extraction tube 52 so that the beverage in the bag body 30 can be taken into the beverage extraction tube 52 even if the lower end opening 52h of the beverage extraction tube 52 is blocked by the bag body 30. The cut portion 521 functions as a side opening formed in the beverage extraction tube 52.

[0121] When forming the notch 521 at the lower end of the beverage extraction tube 52, it is necessary to modify a conventional beverage extraction tube. In contrast, in the example shown in Fig. 20, a side opening OP can be provided without modifying a conventional beverage extraction tube. More specifically, a side opening OP for taking in a beverage is formed in the beverage extraction tube 52 simply by attaching a beverage take-in part 70 to the lower end of the beverage extraction tube 52. In the example shown in Fig. 20, a gap G formed between the lower end 52e of the beverage extraction tube 52 and the beverage take-in part 70 functions as the side opening OP.

[0122] 20, the beverage taking-in part 70 has an insertion part 71 that is inserted into the beverage taking-out pipe 52 and a side opening forming part 73 that forms a side opening OP. The beverage taking-in part 70 may have a shoulder part 75 that abuts against the lower end 52e of the beverage taking-out pipe 52 and / or a bottom plate 77.

[0123] In the example shown in FIG. 20, the insertion part 71 is fitted to the lower end of the beverage extraction tube 52. From the viewpoint of fitting the insertion part 71 to the lower end of the beverage extraction tube 52, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the insertion part 71 is the same as the inner diameter of the lower end of the beverage extraction tube 52 or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the lower end. The outer diameter of the insertion part 71 is, for example, about 17.5 mm (16 mm or more and 19 mm or less). In the example shown in FIG. 21, the insertion part 71 is formed by the tip parts of multiple legs 701 of the beverage take-in part 70. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the beverage take-in part 70 has four legs 701. Alternatively, the beverage take-in part 70 may have two, three, or five or more legs 701.

[0124] 20, the side opening forming portion 73 is configured by a portion of the multiple leg portions 701 of the beverage take-in part 70 that is disposed outside the beverage take-out pipe 52 (in other words, the base end portion of the leg portions 701). More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 20, the side opening OP is formed by two adjacent leg portions 701, the lower end 52e of the beverage take-out pipe 52, and the bottom plate 77.

[0125] The shoulder portion 75 functions as a stopper for positioning the beverage intake part 70 with respect to the lower end 52e of the beverage outlet pipe 52. In the example shown in Fig. 20, the part above the shoulder portion 75 is inserted into the beverage outlet pipe 52, and the part below the shoulder portion 75 is exposed to the outside of the beverage outlet pipe 52.

[0126] The bottom plate 77 is a plate-like portion disposed opposite the bottom 30b of the bag body 30 (or the bottom of the beverage container 4). The bottom plate 77 is disposed opposite the bottom of the bag body 30 or disposed so as to contact the bottom of the bag body 30, thereby stabilizing the shape of the central portion of the bottom of the bag body 30. In this way, it is possible to reduce the amount of beverage remaining without being taken out of the bag body 30. In particular, when the bottom plate 77 is disposed in contact with the bottom 30b of the bag body 30, it is possible to make the amount of beverage remaining without being taken out of the bag body 30 small. It is preferable that no through-hole is formed in the bottom plate 77. However, in the embodiment, it is not excluded that a through-hole is formed in the bottom plate 77.

[0127] The outer diameter of the bottom plate 77 is preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular member 20. When the outer diameter of the bottom plate 77 is smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular member 20, the beverage extraction pipe 52 to which the beverage take-in part 70 is attached can be easily inserted into the tubular member 20. The outer diameter of the bottom plate 77 is, for example, about 25 mm (24 mm or more and 26 mm or less).

[0128] The beverage take-in part 70 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The timing for replacing the beverage take-in part 70 constituting a part of the replacement part 2 and the timing for replacing the cylindrical member 20 and the bag body 30 constituting another part of the replacement part 2 may be the same or different. The beverage take-in part 70 may be a disposable part that can be used only once, or may be a part that can be used repeatedly multiple times.

[0129] (Third embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which the fitting 50 is a well-type fitting having a recess 50a (see, for example, FIG. 20) formed on the top of the fitting. Alternatively, the fitting 50 in the embodiment may be a flat-type fitting having a substantially flat top.

[0130] 22 to 24 are diagrams for explaining a replacement part 2C for a beverage container corresponding to a flat-type fitting 50, and a combination of the replacement part 2C for a beverage container and a beverage container 4. FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a combination of a replacement part 2C for a beverage container and a beverage container 4 in the third embodiment. FIG. 22 shows a state after the replacement part 2C for a beverage container is attached to the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30 is filled with a beverage D. FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state before the replacement part 2C for a beverage container in the third embodiment is attached to the beverage extraction pipe 52. FIG. 24 is a schematic two-sided view showing the replacement part 2C for a beverage container in the third embodiment. A plan view is shown on the upper side of FIG. 24, and a cross-sectional view is shown on the lower side of FIG. 24.

[0131] The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the replacement part 2C is a part attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52 that constitutes a part of the flat-type fitting 50. In other respects, the third embodiment is similar to the first or second embodiment.

[0132] In the third embodiment, differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, repeated descriptions of matters already described in the first or second embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that the matters already described in the first or second embodiment can be applied to the third embodiment even if they are not explicitly described in the third embodiment.

[0133] 22, the replacement part 2C is a part that can be attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52 of the beverage container 4. The replacement part 2C has a tubular member 20 and a bag body 30.

[0134] The cylindrical member 20 is slidable along the longitudinal direction of the beverage extraction pipe 52. Moreover, the cylindrical member 20 is in annular contact with an outer circumferential surface 52u of the beverage extraction pipe 52. In the example shown in FIG. 23 , the cylindrical member 20 has an annular seal portion 23 in contact with the outer circumferential surface 52u of the beverage extraction pipe 52.

[0135] The bag 30 is attached to the tubular member 20 and is used to contain a beverage.

[0136] The replacement part 2C for a beverage container in the third embodiment may include a protective sheet 60 disposed above the bag body 30. As illustrated in Fig. 23, the protective sheet 60 is formed with a through hole 60h into which the beverage extraction tube 52 is inserted.

[0137] The replacement part 2C for a beverage container in the third embodiment may include a beverage take-up part 70 (not shown in Figs. 22 to 24) attached to the lower end of the beverage outlet tube 52. The beverage take-up part 70 has already been described using Figs. 20 and 21, so a repeated description of the beverage take-up part 70 will be omitted.

[0138] The tubular member 20, the bag body 30, and the protective sheet 60 in the third embodiment can be the tubular member 20, the bag body 30, and the protective sheet 60 in the first or second embodiment. Since the tubular member 20, the bag body 30, and the protective sheet 60 have already been described in detail in the first or second embodiment, repeated description of these members will be omitted.

[0139] In the combination of the beverage container replacement part 2C and the beverage container 4 in the third embodiment, the beverage container 4 includes a beverage container body 40, a mouth part 44, and a beverage extraction pipe 52 disposed inside the beverage container body 40. The beverage container body 40, the mouth part 44, and the beverage extraction pipe 52 have already been described in detail in the first or second embodiment, so repeated descriptions of these members will be omitted. Among the members constituting the beverage container 4, those having the same functions as the members constituting the beverage container 4 in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those given to the members constituting the beverage container 4 in the first embodiment, and the description of the members to which these reference numerals are given will be referred to in the description of the first embodiment.

[0140] For example, in the combination of the beverage container replacement part 2C and the beverage container 4 in the third embodiment, the beverage container 4 may include a fitting 50 attached to the mouthpiece 44 of the beverage container 4. The fitting 50 may also include a beverage valve V1, a gas valve V2, an attachment part 51 attached to the mouthpiece 44, and a stainless steel beverage outlet tube 52. The fitting 50 including the stainless steel beverage outlet tube 52 may be reusable by being washed.

[0141] The method of using the replacement part 2C for beverage containers in the third embodiment can employ the method of using the replacement part 2 for beverage containers described above. Each step of the method of using the replacement part for beverage containers (first step ST1 to ninth step ST9, substeps ST6-1 and ST6-2, substeps ST7-1 to ST7-4, substeps ST8-1 and ST8-2) has already been described in detail using Figures 10 to 19, so repeated description of each step of the method of using the replacement part 2C for beverage containers will be omitted.

[0142] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is clear that each embodiment can be appropriately modified or changed within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. In addition, various techniques used in each embodiment can be applied to other embodiments as long as no technical contradiction occurs. Furthermore, any additional configuration in each embodiment can be omitted as appropriate.

[0143] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 25 showing a modified embodiment, the fitting 50 of the beverage container 4 may be provided with a removal prevention member 59 that prevents the fitting 50 from being removed from the beverage container 4. The removal prevention member 59 prevents the fitting 50 from being removed from the beverage container 4 without using a dedicated tool. On the other hand, the fitting 50 including the beverage outlet tube 52 can be removed from the beverage container 4 after the removal prevention member 59 is moved in a direction toward the central axis of the nozzle 44 using a dedicated tool.

[0144] In the example shown in Fig. 25, the removal prevention member 59 protrudes outward beyond the outer tube portion 54. If the removal prevention member 59 comes into contact with the bag body 30, the bag body 30 may be damaged. Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 25, the protective sheet 60 prevents the bag body 30 from directly contacting the removal prevention member 59. In this way, damage to the bag body 30 is prevented. Note that the aspect in which the protective sheet 60 that prevents the bag body 30 from directly contacting the removal prevention member 59 is provided can also be adopted in the first to third embodiments.

[0145] In the above-described first to third embodiments, an example has been described in which the flange portion 27 is disposed at the upper end of the tubular portion 26 of the tubular member 20. The flange portion 27 may be disposed at the lower end of the tubular portion 26, as illustrated in FIG. 25. Alternatively, the flange portion 27 may be disposed at the middle portion of the tubular portion 26. In this case, the tubular portion 26 has an upper tubular portion disposed above the flange portion 27 and a lower tubular portion disposed below the flange portion 27.

[0146] In the example shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 22, FIG. 25, etc., the upper end of the cylindrical member 20 is disposed below the spring member 55b (or the spring bearing 550 supporting the spring member 55b) that urges the valve body VA2 of the gas valve V2 upward. In this case, the cylindrical member 20 can be disposed by making good use of the space below the fitting 50. More specifically, the cylindrical member 20 can be disposed in the space within a virtual cylinder that is formed by virtually extending the outer tube portion 54 downward. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 22, FIG. 25, etc., the flange portion 27 of the cylindrical member 20 is disposed vertically below the spring member 55b.

[0147] 25, the lower end 52e of the beverage outlet tube 52 is disposed near the bottom 45 of the beverage container 4. In a default state (e.g., when the beverage valve V1 and the gas valve V2 are closed), the distance L5 between the lower end 52e of the beverage outlet tube 52 and the inner surface of the bottom 45 of the beverage container 4 is, for example, 4 cm or less, 3 cm or less, 2 cm or less, or 1 cm or less. By disposing the lower end 52e of the beverage outlet tube 52 near the bottom 45 of the beverage container 4, the amount of beverage that is ultimately left without being taken out of the bag 30 can be reduced.

[0148] As illustrated in FIG. 25, the lower end of the nozzle 44 may have a tapered surface 44t. The tapered surface 44t is a surface whose inner diameter decreases toward the top. When the lower end of the nozzle 44 has the tapered surface 44t, the bag body 30 (and the protective sheet 60) that comes into contact with the lower end of the nozzle 44 is smoothly reduced in diameter by the tapered surface 44t when the replacement part 2 is removed from the beverage container 4. In this way, the bulky bag body 30 can be smoothly removed from the beverage container 4 via the nozzle 44. The aspect in which the lower end of the nozzle 44 has the tapered surface 44t can also be adopted in the first to third embodiments.

[0149] The beverage container replacement part 2 in the embodiment can be applied to any container in which a beverage outlet pipe is disposed inside the beverage container. For example, the beverage container replacement part 2 can be applied to a drum can in which a beverage outlet pipe is disposed inside. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 1: Beer storage container 2, 2A, 2B, 2C: Replacement parts for beverage containers 2n: New replacement part 2n 4: Beverage container 8: Dispense head 10: Fitting 10s: Male thread part 15: Cap part 15s: Female thread 20: Cylindrical member 20n: Inner surface 23: Seal part 23n: Inner surface 25: Cylindrical member body 26:Cylinder part 26a: Upper end 26b: Bottom end 27: Flange 27n : common-law marriage 27u: Outer edge 30: Bag body 30b: Bottom 31: First sheet 31e: Outer edge 31h: Through hole 32: Second sheet 32e: Outer edge 40: Beverage container body 44: Cap part 44f: Female thread 44m: Minimum inner diameter 44t: Tapered surface 45: Bottom 47: Bottom protector 48: Top protector 50: Fitting 50a: Recess 51: Mounting part 51g: Engagement part 51k: Inclined surface 51s: Male thread 52: Beverage removal pipe 52e: bottom edge 52h: Bottom opening 52u: Outer surface 53a: Large diameter pipe section 53b: Small diameter pipe section 53c: Shoulder 54: Outer cylinder 54h: Through hole 55: Spring parts 55b: Spring member 56: First valve member 57: Second valve member 59: Removal prevention member 60: Protective sheet 60h: Through hole 70: Beverage intake parts 71: Insertion section 73: Side opening forming section 75:Shoulder 77: Bottom plate 80: Main body 80h: Gas inlet 81g: 2nd engaging part 85: Plunger member 521: Notch 550: Spring holder 701: Legs 851: Pressing part D: Beverage OP: Side opening P1: Beverage flow path P2: Gas flow path S1: First sealing member S2: Second seal member SP1: 1st space V1: Beverage valve V2: Gas valve V3: Check valve VA1: Beverage valve body VA2: Gas valve body VB1: Seat of beverage valve VB2: Gas valve seat

Claims

1. A replacement part for a beverage container that can be attached to a beverage outlet pipe of the beverage container, a cylindrical member that is slidable along a longitudinal direction of the beverage outlet pipe and that is capable of annularly contacting an outer circumferential surface of the beverage outlet pipe; a bag attached to the tubular member for containing a beverage; a protective sheet having a through hole into which the beverage outlet pipe is inserted and disposed above the bag body; Equipped with The outermost edge of the protective sheet is a free edge that is not fixed to the bag body, The protective sheet comes into contact with a portion of the bag that deforms when the bag deforms, thereby preventing damage to the bag that would otherwise be caused by the portion coming into contact with the beverage container. Replacement parts for beverage containers.

2. The cylindrical member has an annular seal portion that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the beverage outlet pipe. A replacement part for the beverage container of claim 1.

3. A beverage container; Replacement parts for beverage containers and Equipped with The beverage container comprises: A beverage container body; A beverage outlet pipe that is inserted into the beverage container body; Equipped with The replacement part is a cylindrical member that is slidable along a longitudinal direction of the beverage outlet pipe and that is in annular contact with an outer circumferential surface of the beverage outlet pipe; a bag attached to the tubular member for containing a beverage; a protective sheet having a through hole into which the beverage outlet pipe is inserted and disposed above the bag body; Equipped with The outermost edge of the protective sheet is a free edge that is not fixed to the bag body, The protective sheet comes into contact with a portion of the bag that deforms when the bag deforms, thereby preventing damage to the bag that would otherwise be caused by the portion coming into contact with the beverage container. A combination of a replacement part for a beverage container and the beverage container.

4. The beverage container includes a fitting that is attached to a mouth portion of the beverage container, The fitting is Beverage valves and A gas valve; An attachment portion attached to the base portion; The beverage extraction pipe; having The beverage outlet pipe is made of stainless steel; The fittings, including the stainless steel beverage outlet pipe, can be cleaned and reused. A combination of the replacement part for a beverage container according to claim 3 and the beverage container.

5. the fitting includes an anti-removal member that prevents the fitting from being removed from the beverage container; The protective sheet prevents the bag body from directly contacting the removal prevention member. A combination of the replacement part for a beverage container according to claim 4 and the beverage container.

6. The replacement part includes a beverage intake part that is attached to the lower end of the beverage outlet pipe. A combination of a replacement part for a beverage container according to any one of claims 3 to 5 and the beverage container.

7. The beverage outlet pipe is a component constituting a part of a well-type fitting, or a component constituting a part of a flat-type fitting. A combination of a replacement part for a beverage container according to any one of claims 3 to 6 and the beverage container.

8. The beverage extraction pipe is The shoulders and a small diameter pipe portion disposed below the shoulder portion; a large diameter pipe portion disposed above the shoulder portion; having The cylindrical member is attached to the large diameter pipe portion so as to be in annular contact with the large diameter pipe portion. A combination of a replacement part for a beverage container according to any one of claims 3 to 7 and the beverage container.

9. The beverage extraction pipe is The shoulders and a small diameter pipe portion disposed below the shoulder portion; a large diameter pipe portion disposed above the shoulder portion; having The cylindrical member is attached to the small diameter pipe portion so as to be in annular contact with the small diameter pipe portion. A combination of a replacement part for a beverage container according to any one of claims 3 to 7 and the beverage container.

10. 1. A method of using a replacement part for a beverage container, comprising: The replacement part is A cylindrical member; A bag body attached to the tubular member; a protective sheet having a through hole into which a beverage outlet pipe is inserted and disposed above the bag body; Equipped with The outermost edge of the protective sheet is a free edge that is not fixed to the bag body, The method of use includes: an inserting step of inserting a lower end of the beverage extraction pipe into the cylindrical member; a moving step of sliding the tubular member along a longitudinal direction of the beverage outlet tube so that a portion of the beverage outlet tube protrudes from a lower end of the tubular member; an attachment step of attaching the replacement part to the beverage outlet pipe so that an outer circumferential surface of the beverage outlet pipe and the tubular member are kept in annular contact with each other; a second insertion step of inserting the beverage outlet pipe to which the replacement part is attached into the beverage container; Equipped with The protective sheet comes into contact with a portion of the bag that deforms when the bag deforms, thereby preventing damage to the bag that would otherwise be caused by the portion coming into contact with the beverage container. How to use replacement parts for beverage containers.

11. The attaching step includes attaching the replacement part to the beverage outlet pipe by utilizing a frictional force acting between an inner circumferential surface of the tubular member and an outer circumferential surface of the beverage outlet pipe.

11. A method of using the replacement part for a beverage container according to claim 10.

12. a removing step of removing the replacement part from the beverage outlet pipe; A reinstallation step of installing a new replacement part on the beverage extraction pipe. Further comprising: The beverage outlet pipe to which the new replacement part is attached in the reattachment step is a part that can be cleaned and reused.

12. Use of a replacement part for a beverage container according to claim 10 or 11.

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