Distribution method, distribution device, and method for manufacturing a liquid-filled container

Abstract

To provide a dispensing method and a dispensing apparatus capable of effectively suppressing generation of bubbles in a film container containing liquid to be dispensed.SOLUTION: A dispensing method includes the steps of: dispensing liquid L from a film container 10; and controlling the amount of gas G in the film container, prior to or during the step of dispensing the liquid L.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dispensing method and a dispensing device for dispensing a liquid. The present disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a liquid-filled container obtained by filling a container with a liquid.

Background Art

[0002] Pre-dividing a liquid produced in advance into desired amounts is carried out in various fields. For example, in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the liquid stored in one original container is dispensed into a small-dividing container. As the original container, a film container, which is a flexible container made using a film base material, may be used. The film container has advantages such as being inexpensive and having excellent handleability.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] On the other hand, when dispensing a liquid from a film container, as the remaining amount of the liquid in the film container decreases, the liquid spreads thinly in the film container due to surface tension or the like. For this reason, it becomes difficult to collect the liquid at the opening that forms the pouring port of the film container, and when attempting to collect the liquid thinly spread in the film container at the pouring port, bubbles may be generated in the film container.

[0005] When bubbles are generated in the film container, it becomes difficult to dispense the liquid in a desired amount into the small containers, and accordingly, the yield of the liquid-filled containers also decreases. Such problems become more serious in liquids that are expensive and prone to foaming, such as resist liquids and cell suspensions, and in liquids where the quality may deteriorate due to bubbles.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a dispensing method and a dispensing device that can effectively suppress the generation of bubbles in a film container that houses a liquid to be dispensed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The first dispensing method according to the present disclosure is a step of dispensing a liquid from a film container, and a step of controlling the amount of gas in the film container before or during the step of dispensing the liquid.

[0008] The second dispensing method according to the present disclosure is a step of discharging gas from inside the film container, and a step of filling the film container with a liquid, which is a step performed after the step of discharging the gas, and a step of dispensing the liquid from the film container.

[0009] The third dispensing method according to the present disclosure is a step of discharging gas from inside a film container filled with a liquid, and a step of dispensing the liquid from the film container, which is a step performed after the step of discharging the gas.

[0010] In the third dispensing method according to the present disclosure, the film container has a container body that houses the liquid inside and an opening that communicates with the inside of the container body. In the step of discharging the gas, the gas may be discharged from the inside of the container body through the opening while the film container is supported such that the opening is located above the container body.

[0011] In a third dispensing method according to the present disclosure, The film container has a container body that houses the liquid therein, and an opening that communicates with the inside of the container body. In the step of dispensing the liquid, the liquid may be dispensed from the inside of the container body through the opening while the film container is supported such that the opening is located below the container body.

[0012] A fourth dispensing method according to the present disclosure is a step of dispensing a liquid from a film container, and a step that is performed during the step of dispensing the liquid and that supplies a gas into the film container.

[0013] In a fourth dispensing method according to the present disclosure, The film container has a container body that houses the liquid therein, and an opening that communicates with the inside of the container body. In the step of dispensing the liquid, the liquid may be dispensed from the inside of the container body through the opening while the film container is supported such that the opening is located below the container body.

[0014] In a fourth dispensing method according to the present disclosure, The film container has a container body that houses the liquid therein, and an opening that communicates with the inside of the container body. In the step of supplying the gas, the gas may be supplied into the inside of the container body through the opening while the film container is supported such that the opening is located above the container body.

[0015] A fourth dispensing method according to the present disclosure is A step performed before the step of supplying the gas, the step of returning the liquid in the line located between the film container and the dispensing container to which the liquid is dispensed from the film container into the film container may be further provided.

[0016] In the fourth dispensing method according to the present disclosure, The film container has a container body that houses the liquid therein and an opening that communicates with the inside of the container body. In the step of returning the liquid, with the film container supported such that the opening is located below the container body, the liquid may be returned into the inside of the container body through the opening.

[0017] In the fourth dispensing method according to the present disclosure, In the step of supplying the gas, the gas may be supplied into the film container through the line.

[0018] The method for manufacturing a liquid-filled container according to the present disclosure includes any one of the first to fourth dispensing methods according to the present disclosure described above.

[0019] The first dispensing device according to the present disclosure is A device for dispensing the liquid from a film container filled with the liquid to a dispensing container, Holding means for holding the film container, Gas discharging means for discharging the gas in the film container filled with the liquid, Liquid transferring means for transferring the liquid from the film container after the gas has been discharged to the dispensing container, and is provided with.

[0020] In the first dispensing device according to the present disclosure, The film container has a container body that houses the liquid therein and an opening that communicates with the inside of the container body. The gas discharge means may discharge the gas from the inside of the container body through the opening in a state where the film container is supported by the holding means such that the opening is located above the container body.

[0021] In the first dispensing device according to the present disclosure, The film container has a container body that houses the liquid therein and an opening that communicates with the inside of the container body. The liquid transfer means may transfer the liquid from the inside of the container body through the opening in a state where the film container is supported by the holding means such that the opening is located below the container body.

[0022] The second dispensing device according to the present disclosure is A device for dispensing the liquid from a film container filled with the liquid into a dispensing container, Holding means for holding the film container, Liquid transfer means for transferring the liquid from the film container to the dispensing container and dispensing the liquid into the dispensing container, And gas supply means for supplying gas into the film container during the process of transferring the liquid from the film container to the dispensing container.

[0023] In the second dispensing device according to the present disclosure, The film container has a container body that houses the liquid therein and an opening that communicates with the inside of the container body. The liquid transfer means may transfer the liquid from the inside of the container body through the opening in a state where the film container is supported by the holding means such that the opening is located below the container body.

[0024] In the second dispensing device according to the present disclosure, The film container has a container body that houses the liquid therein and an opening that communicates with the inside of the container body. The gas supply means may supply the gas into the interior of the container body through the opening in a state where the film container is supported by the holding means such that the opening is positioned above the container body.

[0025] In the second dispensing device according to the present disclosure, The liquid transfer means may return the liquid in the line located between the film container and the dispensing container to the film container before the gas is supplied by the gas supply means.

[0026] In the second dispensing device according to the present disclosure, The film container has a container body that houses the liquid therein and an opening that communicates with the interior of the container body. The liquid transfer means may return the liquid in the line into the interior of the container body through the opening in a state where the film container is supported by the holding means such that the opening is positioned below the container body.

[0027] In the second dispensing device according to the present disclosure, the gas supply means may supply the gas to the film container through the line.

[0028] In the second dispensing device according to the present disclosure, The film container has a container body that houses the liquid therein and a first opening and a second opening that communicate with the interior of the container body. The gas supply means supplies the gas into the interior of the container body through the first opening, The liquid transfer means may transfer the liquid from the interior of the container body to the dispensing container through the second opening.

[0029] In the first dispensing device according to the present disclosure, the gas discharge means may include a compression device that compresses the film container.

[0030] In the first dispensing device according to the present disclosure, the holding means and the gas discharging means may be configured by the same device.

[0031] In the first dispensing device according to the present disclosure, the gas discharging means may include a pumping device for pumping the gas.

[0032] In the second dispensing device according to the present disclosure, the gas supply means may include a compression device for compressing the film container.

[0033] In the second dispensing device according to the present disclosure, the holding means and the gas supply means may be configured by the same device.

[0034] In the second dispensing device according to the present disclosure, the gas supply means may include a pumping device for pumping the gas.

[0035] In the first or second dispensing device according to the present disclosure, the liquid transfer means may include a pumping device for pumping the liquid.

[0036] In the first dispensing device according to the present disclosure, the gas discharging means and the liquid transfer means may be configured by the same device.

[0037] In the second dispensing device according to the present disclosure, the gas supply means and the liquid transfer means may be configured by the same device.

[0038] In the first or second dispensing device according to the present disclosure, the liquid transfer means may be configured by the same device as the holding means, and the liquid may be transferred from the film container to the dispensing container by using gravity.

[0039] In the first or second dispensing device according to the present disclosure, the liquid transfer means may include a compression device for compressing the film container.

[0040] In the first or second dispensing device according to the present disclosure, the holding means and the liquid transfer means may be configured by the same device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0041] According to the present invention, when dispensing a liquid from a film container to a dispensing container, the generation of bubbles in the film container can be effectively suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042]

Figure 1

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Figure 18

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings attached to this specification, for the convenience of illustration and easier understanding, the scale, the aspect ratio in the vertical and horizontal directions, etc. are appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual object.

[0044] The dispensing method and dispensing device 40 according to the present embodiment are a method or device for dispensing the liquid L contained in the film container 10 into the dispensing container 20. As an application example of the dispensing method and dispensing device 40, the liquid L prepared or produced in a large amount in advance is stored in the film container 10, and when the usage amount or dosage is determined, the liquid in the film container 10 is dispensed into the dispensing container 20 in a determined amount. This can be assumed.

[0045] Here, the film container 10 is a container made using a film base material 12. The film container 10 is also called a pouch. Typically, the film container 10 is made using a film base material 12 made of a resin film and has flexibility. Such a film base material 12 can be easily deformed according to the amount of liquid contained inside. Therefore, when the liquid is discharged from the film container 10, the film base material 12 of the film container 10 can be deformed. For this reason, when the liquid is discharged from the film container 10, it is not necessary to introduce into the film container 10 an amount of gas corresponding to the discharge amount from the film container 10. Similarly, when the liquid is supplied into the film container 10, the film base material 12 of the film container 10 is deformed, so it is not necessary to discharge from the film container 10 an amount of gas corresponding to the supply amount into the film container 10. Such a film container 10 has advantages such as being inexpensive and having excellent handleability. Also, various properties such as light-shielding properties, weather resistance, and barrier properties can be imparted to the film container 10 according to the layers contained in the film base material 12.

[0046] Here, FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the film container 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the film container 10 has a container body 11 and an opening 15 that communicates with the inside IS of the container body 11. The opening 15 forms a pouring inlet and outlet, and communicates the inside IS of the container body 11 with the outside. In particular, it is preferable that the opening 15 communicates the inside IS of the container body 11 with the outside in a closable manner. The film container 10 can hold the liquid L inside the container body 11. Further, the film container 10 can discharge the held liquid L through the opening 15, and can receive the liquid L into the inside IS of the container body 11 through the opening 15.

[0047] As a specific configuration, the film container 10 has two film base materials 12 and a cylindrical material 16 sandwiched between the film base materials 12. The two film base materials 12 are overlapped, and a sealing portion S is formed at the peripheral edge thereof. The sealing portion S is a portion where a pair of opposing film base materials 12 are joined. As a specific example of the sealing portion S, it can be a heat-sealed portion formed by heat-sealing a pair of opposing film base materials 12. The cylindrical material 16 is disposed between the two film base materials 12 and is heat-sealed to the film base materials 12. The cylindrical material 16 extends across the sealing portion S. The opening 15 is formed by the internal passage of the cylindrical material 16. Further, the region surrounded in a circumferential shape by the cylindrical material 16 and the sealing portion S forms the inside IS of the container body 11. In this example, as the film base material 12, for example, an olefin resin such as low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, propylene-ethylene copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and an olefin resin graft-modified with an ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic acid or its anhydride can be used.

[0048] On the other hand, the dispensing container 20 is a container for dispensing in small portions. The dispensing container 20 is not particularly limited, and various types of containers can be used. The dispensing container 20 may be formed using a film base material, for example, in the same manner as the film container 10.

[0049] The liquid L to be contained in the film container 10 and dispensed into the dispensing container 20 is not particularly limited, and can be water, beverages, drugs, etc. Further, the liquid L is not limited to a strict liquid, and can also be a suspension in which cells, proteins, particles, etc. are dispersed in a solvent.

[0050] In particular, in the dispensing method and the dispensing device 40 described below, when the liquid L is dispensed from the film container 10 into the dispensing container 20, a device is provided that can effectively suppress the generation of bubbles in the film container 10. More specifically, the dispensing method according to the present embodiment includes a step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10, and a step of controlling the amount of gas in the film container 10 before or during the step of dispensing the liquid L. And by such a device, the yield and productivity of the liquid-filled container P filled with the liquid in the dispensing container 20 can be effectively improved. Therefore, the dispensing method and the dispensing device 40 according to the present embodiment described below are suitable for expensive liquids and liquids that may deteriorate in quality due to foaming. Specifically, it is suitable for resist liquids, protein suspensions in which proteins are suspended, cell suspensions in which cells are suspended, and the like.

[0051] As a presumed reason for being able to effectively suppress the generation of bubbles by the dispensing method according to the present embodiment, the following matters are considered. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following reasons.

[0052] First, it is expected that many of the problematic bubbles in the film container 10 are generated by the gas G in the film container 10 foaming. When the remaining amount of the liquid L in the film container 10 decreases, the film container 10 flattens and collapses. When the film container 10 flattens and collapses, the liquid L spreads thinly inside the film container 10 in the interior IS. In this state, when the liquid L is discharged from the film container 10, the liquid L flows at high speed in the interior IS of the container body 11. And it is expected that foaming occurs when this high-speed flowing liquid L contacts the gas G remaining in the interior IS of the container body 11.

[0053] When bubbles are generated in the film container 10, it becomes difficult to dispense the liquid L with high precision. As a result, the yield of the liquid-filled container P decreases and the productivity of the liquid-filled container P decreases. That is, the generation of bubbles in the interior IS of the container body 11 causes a decrease in the yield and a decrease in the productivity of the liquid-filled container P.

[0054] Therefore, the dispensing method according to the present embodiment includes, in addition to the step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10, a step of controlling the amount of gas in the film container 10 before or during the step of dispensing the liquid L. That is, in the present embodiment, the amount of the gas G that causes foaming in the film container 10 is adjusted before or during the liquid dispensing from the film container 10. Thereby, the generation of bubbles in the film container 10 can be effectively suppressed. Thereby, it becomes possible to dispense the liquid L in a desired amount from the film container 10 to the dispensing container. Therefore, it becomes possible to effectively improve the yield and productivity of the liquid-filled container P formed by filling the dispensing container 20 with the liquid L.

[0055] Next, the first to third specific examples according to the present embodiment will be described. The first to third specific examples differ in the method of controlling the amount of the gas G in the film container 10. In the first and second specific examples, the generation of bubbles in the film container 10 is prevented by reducing the amount of the gas G in the film container 10. On the other hand, in the third specific example, it is intended to prevent the liquid L from spreading thinly and flowing at high speed in the film container 10 by crushing the film container 10. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding configurations among the first to third specific examples, and the overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0056] <First Specific Example> First, the first specific example will be described. FIGS. 2 to 5 are diagrams for explaining the first specific example. Note that FIGS. 2 to 5, FIGS. 6 to 9 and FIGS. 11 to 17, which will be referred to later, show a view that is a longitudinal sectional view of the film container 10.

[0057] The dispensing method of the first specific example includes a step of discharging the gas G from the film container 10, a step of filling the film container 10 with the liquid L which is carried out after the step of discharging the gas G, and a step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20. This dispensing method can be carried out using a dispensing device 40 for dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10 filled with the liquid L to the dispensing container 20. As an example, the dispensing device 40 includes a gas discharging means 42 for discharging the gas G in the film container 10, a liquid filling means 43 for filling the liquid L into the film container 10, and a liquid transferring means 44 for transferring the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20.

[0058] First, as shown in FIG. 2, an empty film container 10 is prepared. As shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the gas G has entered the interior IS of the empty film container 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the gas G is discharged from the film container 10. The discharge of the gas G from the film container 10 is performed, for example, using the gas discharging means 42.

[0059] As the gas discharging means 42, various devices and mechanisms such as a compressor that can supply the gas G can be used. As an example of the gas discharging means 42, a compression device that compresses the film container 10 from both sides can be used. The compression device may have, for example, a pair of pressing bodies that contact each of the pair of film base materials 12 forming the film container 10 and approach each other.

[0060] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the gas discharge means 42 is configured as a pumping device 50 that pumps the gas G. The illustrated pumping device 50 has a main body 51 composed of, for example, a pump, and a plurality of lines L1 to L4 for fluid conveyance connected to the main body 51. As the main body 51, for example, a syringe pump or a peristaltic pump can be used. Also, it is possible to switch the connection and disconnection of any two lines selected from the plurality of lines L1 to L4. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first line L1 is inserted into the opening 15 of the film container 10. Thereby, the first line L1 communicates with the inside IS of the container body 11. In this state, the main body 51 sucks the gas G remaining in the inside IS of the container body 11 of the film container 10 through the first line L1. Then, the main body 51 discharges the sucked gas G from the second line L2. In this way, the process of discharging the gas G from the film container 10 is carried out.

[0061] Note that, including other specific examples described later, it is preferable that a valve mechanism is provided at the opening 15 of the film container 10. For example, in a state where the lines L1 to L4 are not inserted into the cylindrical member 16 forming the opening 15, the opening 15 may be closed. According to such a film container 10, after discharging the gas G from the film container 10, the inside IS of the film container 10 can be sealed, and it is possible to prevent the gas G from flowing into the inside IS of the film container 10.

[0062] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the film container 10 is filled with the liquid L. That is, a large amount of the produced liquid L is accommodated in the film container 10 from which the gas G has been discharged. The filling of the liquid L into the film container 10 is performed, for example, using the liquid filling means 43.

[0063] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the liquid filling means 43 is configured as a pumping device 50 that pumps the liquid L. In the illustrated example, the gas discharging means 42 and the liquid filling means 43 are configured by the same pumping device 50. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the third line L3 is connected to a supply source (not shown) of the liquid L. And the first line L1 is inserted into the opening 15 of the film container 10. Thereby, the first line L1 communicates with the inside IS of the container body 11 of the film container 10. In this state, the main body portion 51 supplies the liquid L sucked through the third line L3 to the inside IS of the film container 10 through the first line L1. In this way, after the step of discharging the gas G, the step of filling the film container 10 with the liquid L is carried out.

[0064] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the liquid L is dispensed from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20. The dispensing of the liquid L from the film container 10 is performed, for example, using the liquid transfer means 44.

[0065] As an example of the liquid transfer means 44, a compression device that compresses the film container 10 from both sides can be used. The compression device may have, for example, a pair of pressing bodies that contact each of the pair of film base materials 12 forming the film container 10 and approach each other. Furthermore, the liquid transfer means 44 may be configured as a device that causes the liquid L to fall naturally by gravity by holding the film container 10 with the opening 15 facing downward.

[0066] On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the liquid transfer means 44 is configured as a pumping device 50 that pumps the liquid L. In the illustrated example, the liquid transfer means 44 is constituted by the same pumping device 50 as the gas discharge means 42 and the liquid filling means 43. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the fourth line L4 is connected to the injection port 21 of the dispensing container 20 and communicates with the inside of the dispensing container 20. And the first line L1 is inserted into the opening 15 of the film container 10. Thereby, the first line L1 communicates with the inside IS of the container body 11 of the film container 10. In this state, the main body portion 51 discharges the liquid L from the inside of the film container 10 through the first line L1 and supplies the liquid L into the dispensing container 20 through the fourth line L4. In this way, the step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20 is carried out, and a liquid-filled container P filled with the liquid L in the dispensing container 20 is obtained.

[0067] Note that, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 9, the step of dispensing the liquid L may be carried out in a state where the film container 10 is supported by the holding means 41 such that the opening 15 is located below the container body 11. In this case, in the film container 10 from which the gas G has been discharged, the liquid L gathers around the opening 15 by gravity. That is, as the film container 10 is crushed, it is possible to effectively prevent the liquid L from thinly spreading in the film container 10. Thereby, the liquid L can be smoothly discharged from the film container 10, and can be quantitatively dispensed with high precision.

[0068] In the first specific example of the embodiment described above, the dispensing method includes a step of discharging the gas G from inside the film container 10, a step of filling the film container 10 with the liquid L which is carried out after the step of discharging the gas G, and a step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10. According to such a first specific example, prior to the filling of the liquid L and the dispensing of the liquid L, the gas G is discharged from the inside IS of the film container 10. Therefore, for the film container 10 with the amount of the gas G reduced, or rather the film container 10 that does not contain the gas G, the discharge of the liquid L for the filling and dispensing of the liquid L is carried out. Thereby, since the amount of the gas G inside the film container 10 during liquid dispensing is reduced, the generation of bubbles inside the film container 10 can be effectively suppressed.

[0069] <Second Specific Example> Next, the second specific example will be described. FIGS. 6 to 10 are diagrams for explaining the second specific example.

[0070] The dispensing method of the second specific example includes a step of discharging the gas G from inside the film container 10 filled with the liquid L, and a step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10 which is carried out after the step of discharging the gas G. This dispensing method can be carried out using a dispensing device 40 that dispenses the liquid L from the film container 10 filled with the liquid L to the dispensing container 20. As an example, the dispensing device 40 has a holding means 41 for holding the film container 10, a gas discharging means 42 for discharging the gas G inside the film container 10, and a liquid transferring means 44 for transferring the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20.

[0071] In the second specific example, first, as shown in FIG. 6, a film container 10 filled with the liquid L is prepared. As shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the gas G has entered the inside IS of the container body 11 of the film container 10 filled with the liquid L. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the gas G is discharged from inside the film container 10.

[0072] The discharge of the gas G from inside the film container 10 is performed, for example, using the gas discharge means 42. The configuration and operation of the gas discharge means 42 can be the same as those in the first specific example described above. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the main body 51 of the pumping device 50 that pumps the gas G sucks the gas G remaining in the interior IS of the container body 11 of the film container 10 via the first line L1. Then, the main body 51 discharges the sucked gas G from the second line L2. In this way, the step of discharging the gas G from inside the film container 10 is carried out.

[0073] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the step of discharging the gas G is carried out while the film container 10 is supported such that the opening 15 is located above the container body 11. In the illustrated example, the dispensing device 40 has holding means 41 for holding the film container 10. As shown in FIG. 7, the gas discharge means 42 discharges the gas G from the interior IS of the container body 11 while the film container 10 is supported by the holding means 41 such that the opening 15 is located above the container body 11. By maintaining the posture of the film container 10 such that the opening 15 is located above the container body 11, the gas G gathers around the opening 15 in the film container 10. That is, in the film container 10, the gas G can be gathered around the opening 15 and the liquid L can be gathered in a region separated from the opening 15, and the gas G and the liquid L can be separated. Thereby, it becomes possible to quickly and stably discharge only the gas G from inside the film container 10. Further, since the generation of the disturbance of the liquid L in the film container 10 caused by the discharge of the gas G can be effectively suppressed, the generation of bubbles in the film container 10 can be effectively suppressed.

[0074] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the holding means 41 has a pair of holders 41a. The holding means 41 holds the film container 10 between the pair of holders 41a. In the illustrated example, the pair of holders 41a are positioned facing each of the pair of film base materials 12 that constitute the container body 11 of the film container 10. By causing the pair of holders 41a to move relative to each other and compress the film container 10, the gas G in the film container 10 may be discharged. That is, the gas G in the film container 10 may be discharged by a compression device that also functions as the holding means 41. In this example, the holding means 41 and the gas discharge means 42 are constituted by the same compression device. Note that the modification examples regarding the holding means 41 and the gas discharge means 42 described here can also be applied to the above-described first specific example.

[0075] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, a step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10 after the gas G has been discharged is performed. The dispensing of the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20 is performed, for example, using the liquid transfer means 44. The configuration and operation of the liquid transfer means 44 can be the same as those in the above-described first specific example. Therefore, the liquid transfer means 44 may be constituted by, for example, a compression device or may be constituted by a pressure feeding device 50. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the main body portion 51 of the pressure feeding device 50 that pressure-feeds the liquid L discharges the liquid L from the film container 10 via the first line L1 and supplies the liquid L to the dispensing container 20 via the fourth line L4. In this way, the step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20 is performed, and a liquid-filled container P filled with the liquid L in the dispensing container 20 is obtained.

[0076] Incidentally, the step of dispensing the liquid L may be carried out while supporting the film container 10 such that the opening 15 is positioned below the container body 11. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the liquid transfer means 44 transfers the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20 while the film container 10 is supported by the holding means 41 such that the opening 15 is positioned below the container body 11. By maintaining the posture of the film container 10 such that the opening 15 is positioned below the container body 11, the liquid L gathers around the opening 15 in the film container 10. Thereby, it becomes possible to quickly and stably dispense the liquid L from the film container 10. Furthermore, since the generation of turbulence of the liquid L in the film container 10 due to the dispensing of the liquid L can be effectively suppressed, the generation of bubbles in the film container 10 can be effectively suppressed. The liquid transfer means 44 shown in FIG. 9 may be configured as the same device as the holding means 41 as a device that allows the liquid L to fall naturally by gravity by holding the film container 10 with the opening 15 facing downward.

[0077] In the second specific example of the embodiment described above, the dispensing device 40 includes a holding means 41 for holding the film container 10, a gas discharging means 42 for discharging the gas G in the film container 10 filled with the liquid L, and a liquid transfer means 44 for transferring the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20 after the gas G has been discharged. The dispensing method includes a step of discharging the gas G from the film container 10 filled with the liquid L, and a step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10, which is carried out after the step of discharging the gas G.

[0078] According to such a second specific example, the gas G is discharged from the film container 10 filled with the liquid L immediately before, in particular, before the discharge of the liquid L for dispensing. Therefore, the discharge of the liquid L for dispensing is carried out from the film container 10 in which the amount of the gas G has been reduced, and further from the film container 10 that does not contain the gas G. In this way, since the amount of the gas G in the film container 10 during liquid dispensing is reduced, the generation of bubbles in the film container 10 can be effectively suppressed.

[0079] Incidentally, when discharging the gas G from the film container 10 prior to dispensing the liquid L, the film container 10 is inflated because the liquid L has already been filled. Therefore, the liquid L is likely to move within the film container 10. Along with this, the gas G accumulates in a predetermined region determined based on gravity within the film container 10, that is, the upper region in the vertical direction. Such gas G can be discharged from the film container 10 efficiently and with high precision. Thereby, while effectively suppressing the generation of bubbles within the film container 10, the gas G, especially the gas G separated from the liquid L, can be discharged.

[0080] Incidentally, in the dispensing device 40 of the first specific example and the second specific example, although the gas discharge means 42 and the liquid transfer means 44 are configured by the same pressure feeding device 50, as already described, they may be configured by separate devices. When the gas discharge means 42 and the liquid transfer means 44 are configured by separate devices, as an example, as shown in FIG. 10, it is effective to use the film container 10 having two openings 15. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the film container 10 has a first opening 15A and a second opening 15B. The first opening 15A and the second opening 15B can be configured in the same manner as the opening 15 described above. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the gas discharge means 42 is connected to the first opening 15A, and the liquid transfer means 44 is connected to the second opening 15B.

[0081] Incidentally, the dispensing device 40 of the first specific example further has a liquid filling means 43, but the liquid filling means 43 may be configured as a separate device from both the gas discharge means 42 and the liquid transfer means 44 or from one of the gas discharge means 42 and the liquid transfer means 44. When the gas discharge means 42 is configured as a separate device from both the gas discharge means 42 and the liquid transfer means 44, the film container 10 may have a third opening connected to the liquid filling means 43 separately from the first opening 15A and the second opening 15B.

[0082] <Third Specific Example> Next, a third specific example will be described. FIGS. 11 to 18 are diagrams for explaining the third specific example.

[0083] The dispensing method of the third specific example includes a step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10 and a step that is carried out during the step of dispensing the liquid L and supplies the gas G into the film container 10. In the example shown in FIGS. 11 to 18, the step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10 is temporarily interrupted, and the step of supplying the gas G into the film container 10 is carried out during the interruption period. This dispensing method can be implemented using a dispensing device 40 that dispenses the liquid L from the film container 10 filled with the liquid L to the dispensing container 20. As an example, the dispensing device 40 has a holding means 41 for holding the film container 10, a liquid transfer means 44 for transferring the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20 and dispensing the liquid L to the dispensing container 20, and a gas supply means 45 for supplying the gas G into the film container 10.

[0084] In the third specific example, first, as shown in FIG. 11, a film container 10 filled with the liquid L is prepared. As shown in FIG. 11, it is assumed that the gas G has entered the interior IS of the film container 10 filled with the liquid L. Next, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10 is carried out.

[0085] The dispensing of the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20 is performed, for example, using the liquid transfer means 44. The configuration and operation of the liquid transfer means 44 can be the same as those in the first specific example or the second specific example described above. Therefore, the liquid transfer means 44 may be configured by, for example, a compression device or a pressure feeding device 50. Furthermore, the liquid transfer means 44 may be configured as the same device as the holding means 41 as a device that allows the liquid L to naturally fall by gravity by holding the film container 10 with the opening 15 facing downward. In the examples shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the main body 51 of the pressure feeding device 50 that pumps the liquid L discharges the liquid L from inside the film container 10 via the first line L1 and supplies the liquid L into the dispensing container 20 via the fourth line L4. In this way, the step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20 is carried out, and a liquid-filled container P filled with the liquid L in the dispensing container 20 is obtained.

[0086] In the examples shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the step of dispensing the liquid L is carried out while the film container 10 is supported such that the opening 15 is located below the container body 11. The liquid transfer means 44 transfers the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20 while the film container 10 is supported by the holding means 41 such that the opening 15 is located below the container body 11. By maintaining the posture of the film container 10 such that the opening 15 is located below the container body 11, the liquid L gathers around the opening 15 in the film container 10. Thereby, it becomes possible to quickly and stably dispense the liquid L from the film container 10. Furthermore, since the generation of turbulence of the liquid L in the film container 10 caused by the dispensing of the liquid L can be effectively suppressed, the generation of bubbles in the film container 10 can be effectively suppressed.

[0087] In addition, it is assumed that the gas G is contained in the film container 10. When dispensing the liquid L, as in the illustrated example, by maintaining the posture of the film container 10 by the holding means 41 so that the opening 15 is positioned below the container body 11, the liquid L gathers around the opening 15 in the film container 10. That is, in the film container 10, the liquid L can be gathered around the opening 15 and the gas G can be gathered in a region separated from the opening 15, and the liquid L and the gas G can be separated. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the contact between the flowing liquid L and the gas G and effectively suppress foaming, and to quickly and stably discharge only the liquid L from the film container 10.

[0088] Note that the configuration and operation of the holding means 41 can be the same as those in the above-described first specific example or second specific example.

[0089] When the step of dispensing the liquid L is performed and the liquid L is discharged from the film container 10, as shown in FIG. 12, the liquid L in the film container 10 decreases. The film base material 12 constituting the film container 10 is deformed and the film container 10 is crushed, and the volume of the film container 10 decreases.

[0090] Next, as shown in FIG. 13, a step of supplying the gas G to the inside IS of the film container 10 is performed. The supply of the gas G to the film container 10 is performed, for example, using the gas supply means 45. As the gas supply means 45, various devices and mechanisms such as a compressor that can supply the gas G can be used. In the examples shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, as the gas supply means 45, a pressure feeding device 50 that pressure-feeds the gas G is used. In the illustrated example, the gas supply means 45 is configured using the same device as the liquid transfer means 44. In the examples shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the main body portion 51 of the pressure feeding device 50 that transfers the gas G by a pressure difference is connected to a gas source via the second line L2. The main body portion 51 sucks the gas G via the second line L2. Then, the main body portion 51 supplies the sucked gas G to the inside IS of the film container 10 via the first line L1.

[0091] By supplying the gas G into the film container 10, the amount of the gas G in the interior IS of the film container 10 increases. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the film base material 12 constituting the film container 10 deforms and the film container 10 expands, and the volume of the film container 10 increases.

[0092] In the examples shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the step of supplying the gas G is carried out in a state where the film container 10 is supported such that the opening 15 is positioned above the container body 11. The gas supply means 45 supplies the gas G into the film container 10 in a state where the film container 10 is supported by the holding means 41 such that the opening 15 is positioned above the container body 11. By maintaining the posture of the film container 10 such that the opening 15 is positioned above the container body 11, the gas G gathers around the opening 15 in the film container 10. That is, in the film container 10, the gas G can be gathered around the opening 15 and the liquid L can be gathered in a region separated from the opening 15, and the liquid L and the gas G can be separated from each other. Thereby, the gas G can be supplied to the region occupied by the gas G in the film container 10. That is, it is possible to avoid discharging the gas G into the liquid L in the interior IS of the film container 10, and it is possible to effectively prevent the generation of bubbles in the film container 10.

[0093] Next, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10 is restarted. The dispensing of the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20 can be carried out in the same manner as the dispensing of the liquid L carried out before the step of supplying the gas G.

[0094] In the examples shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the main body 51 of the pumping device 50 that pumps the liquid L discharges the liquid L from the film container 10 via the first line L1 and supplies the liquid L to the dispensing container 20 via the fourth line L4. In this way, the step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20 is carried out, and a liquid-filled container P filled with the liquid L in the dispensing container 20 is obtained. Further, in the examples shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the step of dispensing the liquid L is carried out in a state where the film container 10 is supported such that the opening 15 is located below the container body 11. Therefore, in the film container 10, the liquid L can be collected around the opening 15 and the gas G can be collected in a region separated from the opening 15, and the liquid L and the gas G can be separated. As a result, it becomes possible to quickly and stably dispense the liquid L from the film container 10, and the generation of bubbles in the film container 10 can be effectively suppressed. In particular, in the step of dispensing the liquid L carried out after the step of supplying the gas G, since the remaining amount of the liquid L in the film container 10 is decreasing, these effects are particularly useful.

[0095] By carrying out the step of supplying the gas G to the film container 10 described above, even if the remaining amount of the liquid L in the film container 10 becomes a small amount, a large amount of the gas G remains in the film container 10. That is, even if the remaining amount of the liquid L in the film container 10 becomes small, the film container 10 is maintained in a swollen state. Thereby, it is possible to effectively avoid the phenomenon that the volume decreases and the film container 10 collapses, and accordingly the liquid L spreads thinly in the film container 10. Therefore, the flow of the liquid L in the film container 10 in the step of dispensing the liquid L is stable and does not become excessively high speed. That is, by supplying the gas G into the film container 10 during the dispensing step, the generation of bubbles in the film container 10 can be effectively suppressed. Further, since the film container 10 is in a swollen state, the liquid L in the film container 10 can be efficiently discharged. That is, the amount of the liquid L remaining in the film container 10 can be effectively reduced.

[0096] From the perspective of making such effects more effective, it is preferable that a gas G with a volume corresponding to 5% or more of the maximum volume of the film container 10 remains in the film container 10 after the liquid L has finally been discharged. More preferably, a gas G with a volume corresponding to 10% or more of the maximum volume of the film container 10 remains. Even more preferably, a gas G with a volume corresponding to 15% or more of the maximum volume of the film container 10 remains. Therefore, the step of supplying the gas G into the film container 10 can be carried out after the total volume of the liquid L and the gas G in the film container 10 becomes 95% or less of the maximum volume of the film container 10, more preferably 90% or less of the maximum volume of the film container 10, and even more preferably 85% or less of the maximum volume of the film container 10.

[0097] On the other hand, if the total volume of the liquid L and the gas G in the film container 10 decreases too much before the step of supplying the gas G into the film container 10, the flow of the liquid L in the film container 10 will become fast and foaming will easily occur. Therefore, it is effective to carry out the step of supplying the gas G into the film container 10 when the total volume of the liquid L and the gas G in the film container 10 is 5% or more of the maximum volume of the film container 10, more preferably 10% or more of the maximum volume of the film container 10, and even more preferably 15% or more of the maximum volume of the film container 10.

[0098] In the third specific example of the embodiment described above, the dispensing method includes a step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10 and a step of supplying the gas G into the film container 10, which is carried out during the step of dispensing the liquid L. The dispensing device 40 includes a holding means 41 for holding the film container 10, a liquid transfer means 44 for transferring the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20 and dispensing the liquid L into the dispensing container 20, and a gas supply means 45 for supplying the gas G into the film container 10 during the step of transferring the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20.

[0099] In such a third specific example, before the liquid L is completely discharged from the film container 10, gas G is supplied into the film container 10. That is, before the total remaining amount of the liquid L and the gas G in the film container 10 becomes too small, the gas G can be supplied into the film container 10 to inflate the film container 10. Therefore, the liquid L becomes easier to move within the film container 10 and tends to gather in a predetermined region determined based on gravity within the film container 10, specifically, in the region that is downward in the vertical direction. That is, it is possible to effectively prevent the liquid L from spreading thinly within the film container 10. For this reason, it becomes possible to smoothly and stably transfer the liquid L from the film container 10. Furthermore, it is possible to effectively prevent the generation of bubbles within the film container 10 during the liquid dispensing. As a result, it becomes possible to dispense the liquid L in a desired amount from the film container 10 into the dispensing container 20. Therefore, the yield and productivity of the liquid-filled container P formed by filling the dispensing container 20 with the liquid L can be effectively improved. Moreover, the amount of the liquid L remaining in the film container 10 can be effectively reduced.

[0100] Note that the dispensing method described in the above-mentioned third specific example may include, as a preparation step for the step of supplying the gas G into the film container 10, and thus as a step performed before the step of supplying the gas G, a step of returning the liquid L in the first line L1 located between the film container 10 and the dispensing container 20 to the film container 10. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the liquid transfer means 44 returns the liquid L in the first line L1 located between the film container 10 and the dispensing container 20 to the film container 10 before the gas G is supplied by the gas supply means 45. By adding this step, when the gas G is supplied into the film container 10, it is possible to effectively prevent the liquid L remaining in the first line L1 from falling into the film container 10 and causing foaming within the film container 10. In particular, when the supply of the gas G into the film container 10 is carried out using the first line L1 for liquid dispensing in combination, foaming can be effectively suppressed.

[0101] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the step of returning the liquid L is carried out in a state where the film container 10 is supported such that the opening 15 is positioned below the container body 11. The liquid transfer means 44 returns the liquid L in the first line L1 to the film container 10 through the opening 15 in a state where the film container 10 is supported by the holding means 41 such that the opening 15 is positioned below the container body 11. Thereafter, the gas supply means 45 supplies the gas G into the film container 10 through the first line L1. By maintaining the posture of the film container 10 such that the opening 15 is positioned below the container body 11, the liquid L gathers around the opening 15 in the film container 10. Then, the liquid L in the first line L1 is directly returned into the liquid L that has gathered below in the film container 10. Therefore, the liquid L from the first line L1 does not fall onto the liquid in the film container 10, and the generation of bubbles in the film container 10 can be effectively prevented.

[0102] In addition, in the dispensing device 40 of the third specific example, although the liquid transfer means 44 and the gas supply means 45 are configured by the same pumping device 50, they may be configured by separate devices as already described. When the liquid transfer means 44 and the gas supply means 45 are configured by separate devices, as an example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 18, it is effective to use the film container 10 having two openings 15. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the film container 10 has a first opening 15A and a second opening 15B at the upper edge of the container body 11. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the film container 10 has a first opening 15A and a second opening 15B at the edges of the container body 11 facing each other. In the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 18, the gas supply means 45 may supply the gas G into the interior IS of the container body 11 through the first opening 15A, and the liquid transfer means 44 may transfer the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20 through the second opening 15B. In particular, in the film container 10 shown in FIG. 18, by holding the film container 10 such that the first opening 15A is positioned upward and the second opening 15B is positioned downward, the gas G can be supplied to the film container 10 from above without changing the vertical orientation of the film container 10 midway, and the liquid L can be withdrawn from below the film container 10 toward the dispensing container 20.

[0103] Furthermore, in the dispensing method of the third specific example, an example was shown in which the step of supplying the gas G into the film container 10 is performed by temporarily suspending the step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the step of supplying the gas G into the film container 10 may be performed in parallel with the step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20 without interrupting the step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20. For example, by using the dispensing device 40 in which the liquid transfer means 44 and the gas supply means 45 are configured as separate devices, gas supply and liquid dispensing can be performed in parallel. In particular, by using the film container 10 shown in FIG. 18, gas supply can be performed at a desired timing during liquid dispensing while preventing the generation of bubbles in the film container 10.

[0104] In the above, an embodiment has been described with reference to the first to third specific examples. The dispensing device according to the above-described embodiment includes a step of dispensing the liquid L from the film container 10, and a step of controlling the amount of the gas G in the film container 10 before the step of dispensing the liquid L or during the step of dispensing the liquid L. According to such a dispensing method, the amount of the gas G in the film container 10 that causes foaming in the film container 10 is adjusted before or during the liquid dispensing from the film container 10. Thereby, the generation of bubbles in the film container 10 can be effectively suppressed. Thereby, it becomes possible to dispense the liquid L in a desired amount from the film container 10 to the dispensing container 20. Therefore, the yield and productivity of the liquid-filled container P filled with the liquid L in the dispensing container 20 can be effectively improved.

[0105] Although an embodiment has been described with a plurality of specific examples, these specific examples are not intended to limit the embodiment. The above-described embodiment can be implemented with various other specific examples, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and additions can be made without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the step of discharging the gas G in the first specific example can be applied to the second specific example or the third specific example. Also, the step of discharging the gas G in the second specific example can be applied to the first specific example or the third specific example. Further, the step of supplying the gas G in the third specific example can be applied to the first specific example or the second specific example.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0106] 10 Film container 11 Container body 12 Film base material 15 Opening 15A First opening 15B Second opening 16 Cylindrical member 20 Dispensing container 21 Pouring inlet / outlet 40 Dispensing device 41 Holding means 41a holding body 42 gas discharge means 43 liquid filling means 44 liquid transfer means 45 gas supply means 50 pressure feeding device 51 main body part L liquid G gas P liquid-filled container IS inside S sealing part L1 first line L2 second line L3 third line L4 fourth line

Claims

1. A dispensing method comprising a step of dispensing a liquid from a film container, before the step of dispensing the liquid, a step of discharging gas from the film container to control the amount of the gas in the film container, a step that is performed after the step of discharging the gas to control the amount of the gas and before the step of dispensing the liquid, and that fills the film container with liquid, and a step that is performed during the step of dispensing the liquid and that supplies gas into the film container.

2. A dispensing method comprising a step of dispensing a liquid from a film container, before the step of dispensing the liquid, a step of discharging gas from the film container to control the amount of the gas in the film container, and a step that is performed during the step of dispensing the liquid and that supplies gas into the film container, wherein in the step of controlling the amount of the gas, gas is discharged from inside the film container filled with the liquid, and after the step of discharging the gas to control the amount of the gas, the step of dispensing the liquid from the film container is performed.

3. The film container has a container body that houses the liquid therein and an opening that communicates with the inside of the container body, and in the step of discharging the gas to control the amount of the gas, the gas is discharged from the inside of the container body through the opening while the film container is supported such that the opening is positioned above the container body. The dispensing method according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The film container has a container body that houses the liquid therein and an opening that communicates with the inside of the container body, and in the step of dispensing the liquid, the liquid is dispensed from the inside of the container body through the opening while the film container is supported such that the opening is positioned below the container body. The dispensing method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The film container has a container body that houses the liquid therein and an opening that communicates with the inside of the container body, and in the step of supplying the gas, the gas is supplied into the inside of the container body through the opening while the film container is supported such that the opening is positioned above the container body. The dispensing method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. A step performed before the step of supplying the gas, the method for dispensing according to claim 5, further comprising a step of returning the liquid in a line located between the film container and a dispensing container that is supplied with the liquid from the film container, back into the film container.

7. The film container has a container body that houses the liquid therein, and an opening that communicates with the inside of the container body. In the step of returning the liquid, with the film container supported such that the opening is positioned below the container body, the liquid is returned into the inside of the container body through the opening. The dispensing method according to claim 6.

8. In the step of supplying the gas, the gas is supplied into the film container through the line. The dispensing method according to claim 6 or 7.

9. A method for manufacturing a liquid-filled container filled with a liquid in a dispensing container, comprising the dispensing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images