Liquid filling apparatus and liquid filling method

Abstract

To provide a liquid charging apparatus capable of controlling liquid charging based on the presence or absence of an occurrence of abnormality in an entrance site to a star wheel, and a liquid charging method.SOLUTION: A charging apparatus 10 comprises: a star wheel 3A that transports a container 20 by driving rotation; a container supply line 2 that supplies the container 20 to the star wheel 3A; first detection means 1A that detects a container transported on the container supply line 2; second detection means 1B that detects the container 20 transported by the star wheel 3A; liquid charging means 4 that charges a liquid to the transported container 20 on a downstream side of the second detection means 1B; determination means 5 that compares detection results of the first detection means 1A and second detection means 1B for an identical container on same positions in an array of the container 20; and control means that controls liquid charging by the liquid charging means 4 based on a result of the determination means 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid filling device for filling a container with a liquid and a liquid filling method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, research and development has been underway on liquid filling devices for filling containers with various liquids such as beverages.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid filling means for filling a container with a liquid, a sealing means for sealing the container filled with the liquid, an upstream detection means for detecting the container on the upstream side of the liquid filling means, a downstream detection means for detecting the container on the downstream side of the sealing means, and a determination means for comparing the detection results of the upstream detection means and the downstream detection means with each other for the same positions in the arrangement of the containers, and determining that there is no abnormality in the container when the detection result of the upstream detection means is "container present" and the detection result of the downstream detection means is "container present", and when the detection result of the upstream detection means is "container absent" and the detection result of the downstream detection means is "container absent", and determining that there is an abnormality in the container when the detection result of the upstream detection means is "container present" and the detection result of the downstream detection means is "container absent", and determining that an abnormality has occurred in the system when the detection result of the upstream detection means is "container absent" and the detection result of the downstream detection means is "container present".

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The invention described in Patent Document 1 is a technology that detects the presence or absence of a container upstream of a liquid filling means and the presence or absence of a container downstream of the liquid filling means, and determines the occurrence of an abnormality based on the results of both detections. Therefore, according to the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to accurately determine the occurrence of abnormalities in the container (such as broken bottles) that occur when filling with liquid.

[0006] The inventors of the present invention conducted a detailed investigation into abnormalities occurring on a liquid filling line (liquid filling device) and confirmed the occurrence of abnormalities that were not anticipated at all in the invention described in Patent Document 1, specifically, abnormalities in which containers would tip over or get stuck at the point where they were introduced into the star wheel. While malfunctions at the introduction point to the star wheel do not occur frequently, the sheer volume of containers handled by the liquid filling device means that even a small frequency of malfunctions is not insignificant. Consequently, the number of malfunctions increases proportionally to the number of instances where liquid filling of containers downstream is not performed correctly (e.g., liquid filling is performed even when no containers exist), resulting in the loss of a very large amount of liquid. Therefore, the inventors considered that it is necessary to perform liquid filling considering the occurrence of abnormalities at the point of introduction into the star wheel.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a liquid filling apparatus and a liquid filling method that can control liquid filling based on whether or not an abnormality occurs at the introduction point to the star wheel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The aforementioned problem can be solved by the following means. (1) A liquid filling device that determines whether or not there is an abnormality such as a container tipping over or getting stuck at the boundary between the container supply line and the star wheel, A star wheel that transports containers by rotational drive, a container supply line that supplies containers to the star wheel, and containers transported along the container supply line. presence or absence A first detection means for detecting the container transported by the star wheel. presence or absenceThe system comprises: a second detection means for detecting [something]; a liquid filling means downstream of the second detection means for filling the transported container with liquid; a determination means for comparing the detection results of the first detection means and the second detection means with those at the same position in the arrangement of containers and determining whether liquid filling is possible; and a control means for controlling the liquid filling by the liquid filling means based on the result of the determination means. The first detection means and the second detection means are installed so as to sandwich the boundary portion in order to detect the presence or absence of the abnormality, and the container is a can container. Liquid filling equipment. (2) The liquid filling apparatus according to paragraph 1, wherein the determination means determines that if the detection result of the first detection means is "container present" and the detection result of the second detection means is "container present", then liquid filling will be performed on the container in the arrangement where the detection result was obtained, and if the detection result of the first detection means is "container absent" and the detection result of the second detection means is "container absent", and if the detection result of the first detection means is "container present" and the detection result of the second detection means is "container absent", then it determines that there is no container in the arrangement where the detection result was obtained and therefore liquid filling will not be performed. ( 3 ) A liquid filling method for determining whether or not there is an abnormality such as a container tipping over or getting stuck at the boundary between the container supply line and the star wheel, Containers being transported on the container supply line presence or absence A first detection step that detects the container, and the container that has been transported by the star wheel after being transported along the container supply line. presence or absence The process includes: a second detection step for detecting [something]; a liquid filling step for filling the transported container with liquid after the second detection step; a determination step for comparing the detection results obtained in the first and second detection steps with those at the same position in the arrangement of containers to determine whether liquid filling is permissible; and a control step for controlling the liquid filling in the liquid filling step based on the result of the determination step. Furthermore, the first detection means for performing the detection in the first detection step and the second detection means for performing the detection in the second detection step are installed so as to sandwich the boundary portion in order to detect the presence or absence of the abnormality, and the container is a canned container. Liquid filling method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The liquid filling apparatus according to the present invention includes a first detection means and a second detection means, as well as a determination means and a control means for comparing and determining the detection results. Therefore, the liquid filling can be controlled based on whether or not an abnormality occurs in the section between the first detection means and the second detection means (whether or not an abnormality occurs at the point where the liquid is introduced to the star wheel).

[0010] The liquid filling method according to the present invention includes a first detection step and a second detection step, as well as a determination step and a control step for comparing and determining the detection results. Therefore, the liquid filling can be controlled based on whether or not an abnormality occurred between the first detection step and the second detection step (whether or not an abnormality occurred at the introduction point to the star wheel). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a liquid filling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is data acquired by the determination means of the liquid filling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the liquid filling apparatus and liquid filling method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. The drawings referenced in the following description are schematic representations of the configuration of this embodiment, and may exaggerate the scale, spacing, and positional relationships of the components, or omit some components from the illustration.

[0013] [container] First, the liquid filling apparatus and the container used in the liquid filling method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. The container 20 is a vessel comprising a storage section for containing liquid and a sealing section (can lid, crown cap, cap, etc.) for sealing the storage section. The shape, size, material, etc., of the container 20 are not particularly limited. Examples of containers 20 include metal containers such as bottle cans, aluminum cans, and steel cans, glass containers such as beer bottles, and synthetic resin containers such as PET bottles. However, the effects of the present invention are particularly evident when using can containers that are prone to tipping over or getting caught at the point where they are introduced into the star wheel.

[0014] [Filling] Next, in the liquid filling device and the liquid filling method according to the present embodiment, the filling material (liquid, gas) to be filled into the container will be described.

[0015] (Liquid) Although the liquid as the filling material is not particularly limited, for example, it includes foaming beverages such as beer, sour, carbonated beverages, soda water, non-foaming beverages such as wine, shochu, sake, fruit juice beverages, tea, water, coffee, and further includes various liquids such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and other cosmetics, disinfectants, reagents, etc. And the temperature of the liquid is not particularly limited either. In the case of a hot pack (hot filling), the liquid temperature may be 90°C or higher.

[0016] (Gas) The gas as the filling material is a gas that is filled into the container in advance in order to prevent deterioration (oxidation prevention) of the liquid to be filled into the container and suppress the amount of oxygen mixed into the liquid, and examples include inert gases such as carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen gas. Specifically, when the liquid to be filled into the container is a foaming beverage such as beer, carbon dioxide gas may be used.

[0017] [Configuration of the liquid filling device according to the present embodiment] Next, the liquid filling device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The liquid filling device 10 according to the present embodiment is a device that continuously performs a series of processes of filling a liquid into a container 20 that is continuously (or intermittently) conveyed and sealing the container 20. The liquid filling device 10 includes a first detection means 1A, a second detection means 1B, a container supply line 2, a star wheel 3, a liquid filling means 4, a determination means 5, and a control means (not shown). Further, the liquid filling device 10 may further include a gas filling means, a sealing means, etc.

[0018] (Detection means) The detection means 1 (1A, 1B) is a means for detecting a container. Furthermore, the detection means 1 is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to confirm the presence or absence of a container, and may be a non-contact type sensor such as a photoelectric sensor, laser sensor, or ultrasonic sensor, or a contact type sensor. The detection result obtained by the detection means 1 is then transmitted to the determination means 5.

[0019] Detection means 1 is installed on the upstream and downstream sides of the introduction point to the star wheel 3A in order to detect the occurrence of an abnormality at the introduction point to the star wheel 3A. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, a first detection means 1A is installed to detect containers 20 being transported along the container supply line 2, and a second detection means 1B is installed to detect containers 20 being transported by the star wheel 3A. Thus, the boundary between the container supply line 2 and the star wheel 3A (the point where the containers are introduced to the star wheel) is sandwiched between the two detection means 1A and 1B.

[0020] (Container supply line) The container supply line 2 is the line (supply path) that supplies containers 20 to the star wheel 3A, which will be described later. In other words, the container supply line 2 is located upstream of the star wheels 3A and 3B, and the containers 20 are transported along the path of container supply line 2 → star wheel 3A → star wheel 3B. On the container supply line 2, the containers 20 are transported continuously (or intermittently) in a line. The container supply line 2 can be any conventionally known conveyor (belt conveyor, roller conveyor, etc.). Although not shown in the figures, the container supply line 2 may also be provided with guide rails that hold the containers 20 from the left and right directions (directions perpendicular to the conveying direction) so that the containers 20 can be properly conveyed in a single line.

[0021] (Star Wheel) The star wheel 3 is a device that transports the container 20 by rotating it. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the star wheel 3 has multiple guide pockets 3P provided at equal intervals on its outer circumference, and the star wheel 3 rotates to transport the containers 20 contained in the guide pockets 3P in the outer direction (clockwise for star wheel 3A, counterclockwise for star wheel 3B). Although not shown in the figures, the star wheel 3 may be provided with guide rails that press the container 20 toward the center of the star wheel 3 so that the container 20 is properly transported along the outer circumference. Also, Figure 1 shows the star wheel 3 as a schematic diagram, and the detailed structure is not particularly limited and can be any conventionally known star wheel structure.

[0022] (liquid filling means) The liquid filling means 4 is a means for filling a container with liquid. The configuration of the liquid filling means 4 is not particularly limited as long as it is a configuration that can fill liquid, but examples include a configuration in which liquid is filled by dropping it into the container (gravity method), a configuration in which the inside of the container is pressurized with gas and the liquid is filled while applying a constant pressure using this gas pressure (counterpressure method), and a configuration in which the inside of the container is depressurized and the liquid is filled by being sucked into the container by this depressurization (vacuum method). Furthermore, the configuration of this liquid filling means 4 may be such that the liquids (syrup, carbonated water) are filled in multiple stages, for example, by filling the syrup first and then filling the carbonated water. In Figure 1, the liquid filling means 4 is installed on the path of the star wheel 3A, but the installation location is not particularly limited as long as it is downstream of the second detection means 1B, and it may also be installed on the star wheel 3B, or even on subsequent transport means (not shown).

[0023] (judgment means) The determination means 5 is a means for determining the occurrence of an abnormality by comparing the detection results of the detection means 1 (1A, 1B) with those at the same position in the arrangement of the containers 20. Then, as shown in Figure 2, the determination means 5 stores each detection result (present, absent) transmitted from each detection means 1 (1A, 1B) in combination with the arrangement of the containers 20 (P1, P2…), and compares the detection results at the same positions in the arrangement to determine whether liquid filling is permitted or not (ON / OFF). The detailed method of determination using determination means 5 will be explained later in the section on liquid filling method.

[0024] (Control means) The control means (not shown) is a means for controlling the liquid filling into the container 20 based on the result of the determination means 5. Specifically, the control means controls whether or not to perform liquid filling by the liquid filling means 4 (operate / stop) based on the determination result (whether or not liquid filling is possible (ON / OFF)) transmitted from the determination means 5.

[0025] The aforementioned determination means 5 and control means (not shown) are, for example, a microcomputer, and are composed of electronic circuits including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and various interfaces. The program stored in the ROM is read and loaded into the RAM, and the CPU then executes various processes such as determination and control.

[0026] (Other means: gas filling means) The gas filling means (not shown) is a means for filling the container with gas. While it may be provided upstream or downstream of the liquid filling means 4 when dealing with liquids requiring gas filling, this configuration is not essential. The configuration of the gas filling means is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of filling with gas, but examples include a configuration in which gas is simply filled into the container with the container open (a configuration that performs pre-purging), and a configuration in which the air inside the container is sucked out and gas is filled in with the container while the container is sealed (a configuration that performs pre-vacuation). Furthermore, the gas filling means 2 may be configured to perform the above-described process multiple times.

[0027] (Other means: sealing means) A sealing means (not shown) is a means for sealing a container filled with liquid. The configuration of the sealing means 4 is not particularly limited as long as it can seal the container, but examples include a configuration in which a bottle is sealed with a crown cap or maxi cap, a configuration in which a PET bottle is capped, and a configuration in which a can lid is wrapped around a can.

[0028] (Other means: means of transport) The liquid filling device 10 may be configured such that, after the container 20 is transported by the star wheel 3B, the container 20 is further transported by another star wheel or transport means. The conveying means can be any conventionally known conveying conveyor (belt conveyor, roller conveyor, etc.), similar to the container supply line 2.

[0029] [Liquid filling method according to this embodiment (operation of liquid filling apparatus)] Next, the liquid filling method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The operation of the liquid filling apparatus according to this embodiment will also be described. The liquid filling method according to this embodiment includes a first detection step, a second detection step, a determination step, a control step, and a liquid filling step. The liquid filling method according to this embodiment may also include a gas filling step and a sealing step as appropriate. Furthermore, since the liquid filling process is a process that is determined in the judgment process based on the detection results of the first and second detection processes, and then controlled by the control process, strictly speaking, the order is first detection process → second detection process → judgment process → control process → liquid filling process → sealing process, and the gas filling process is carried out before or after the liquid filling process as appropriate. The following describes each step of the filling method according to this embodiment.

[0030] (First detection step) The first detection step is the step of detecting the presence or absence of containers 20 being transported along the container supply line 2. In other words, the first detection step is the step of detecting the presence or absence of containers 20 before they are supplied to the star wheel 3A. In the first detection step, if the first detection means 1A detects the presence of the container 20, it transmits a signal of "present" to the determination means 5. If it does not detect the presence of the container 20, it transmits a signal of "absent" to the determination means 5.

[0031] (Second detection step) The second detection step is the step of detecting the presence or absence of the container 20 being transported by the star wheel 3A. In other words, the second detection step is the step of detecting the presence or absence of the container 20 after it has been supplied to the star wheel 3A. In the second detection step, if the second detection means 1B detects the presence of the container 20, it transmits a signal of "present" to the determination means 5. If it does not detect the presence of the container 20, it transmits a signal of "absent" to the determination means 5.

[0032] (Judgment process) The determination step is a process in which the results obtained in the first detection step and the second detection step are compared with those at the same position in the arrangement of the containers 20, and a determination is made as to whether or not liquid filling is possible. In the determination step, the determination means 5 receives the detection results transmitted from the first detection means 1A and the second detection means 1B, and stores them in combination with the arrangement information (P1, P2…) of the containers 20. Then, the determination means 5 compares the detection results at the same position on the arrangement of the containers 20 to determine whether or not liquid filling is permitted. The method for identifying which sequence (P1, P2, etc.) the predetermined detection result of each detection means 1A, 1B belongs to is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be configured to identify it by the transport speed of the container 20, the distance from the transport start position to each detection means 1A, 1B, etc.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, comparing the detection results of each detection means at array P1, we see "None" (detection result of first detection means 1A) → "None" (detection result of second detection means 1B). Therefore, the determination means 5 determines that there is no container 20 at P1 and that "liquid filling should be stopped (OFF)". Furthermore, comparing the detection results of each detection means in sequences P2-P5 and P7-P8, we see that "present" (detection result of first detection means 1A) → "present" (detection result of second detection means 1B). Therefore, the determination means 5 determines that since containers 20 exist in P2-P5 and P7-P8, "liquid filling should be activated (ON)".

[0034] On the other hand, comparing the detection results of each detection means at array P6, we see that it is "present" (detection result of first detection means 1A) → "absent" (detection result of second detection means 1B). Therefore, the determination means 5 determines that there is no container 20 at P6 and that "liquid filling should be stopped (OFF)". More specifically, at P6, an abnormality such as a can tipping over occurred between the two detection means 1A and 1B, resulting in the absence of container 20. As a result, the determination means 5 determines that "liquid filling should be stopped (OFF)".

[0035] (Control process) The control process is a process that controls the filling of liquid in the liquid filling process based on the results of the judgment process. Specifically, in the control process, if the determination process determines that "liquid filling should be activated (ON)", the liquid filling process in the liquid filling step is "executed" (or "continued"). If the determination process determines that "liquid filling should be stopped (OFF)", the liquid filling process in the liquid filling step is "stopped". In the control process, for example, the liquid filling means 4 can be controlled by transmitting an operation signal (a signal to continue execution) or a stop signal from a control means (not shown) to the liquid filling means 4. In addition, in the control process, when transmitting a stop signal, the transport of the container 20 may also be stopped (for example, by stopping the transport using a stopper or the like in the container supply line 2 or upstream of the container supply line 2).

[0036] (liquid filling process) The liquid filling process is a process that takes place after the first detection process and the second detection process, in which liquid is filled into the transported container 20. The filling method in the liquid filling process is not particularly limited, but as mentioned above, examples include filling by dropping the liquid into the container, filling while pressurizing the inside of the container with gas and using this gas pressure to apply a constant pressure to the liquid, and filling by depressurizing the inside of the container and drawing the liquid into the container through this depressurization. In Figure 1, the liquid filling process is performed on the container 20 being transported using the star wheel 3A. However, it may also be performed on the container 20 using the star wheel 3B, or even on the container 20 using subsequent transport means (not shown). Furthermore, in the liquid filling process, the liquid may be filled into each container 20 one by one, or multiple containers 20 may be filled with liquid simultaneously as a set. In the latter case, if the result indicates that "liquid filling should be stopped (OFF)" for any one of the multiple containers 20, the liquid filling should be stopped for that set of multiple containers 20. In addition, in the liquid filling process, after filling with a predetermined liquid (e.g., syrup), another liquid (e.g., carbonated water) may be filled.

[0037] (Other processes: Gas filling process) The gas filling process is the process of filling the transported container 20 with gas. Note that, when dealing with liquids requiring gas filling, this process can be performed before or after the liquid filling process, but it is not a mandatory step. The filling method in the gas filling process is not particularly limited, but as mentioned above, examples include simply filling the container with gas while the container is open, or filling the container with gas by sucking out the air inside the container while the container is sealed. In the gas filling process, the gas may be filled into each container 20 one by one, or multiple containers 20 may be filled with gas simultaneously.

[0038] (Other processes: sealing process) The sealing process is the process of sealing the container 20 after it has been filled with liquid. The sealing method in the sealing process is not particularly limited, but as mentioned above, examples include sealing bottles with crown caps or maxi caps, capping PET bottles, and crimping cans with can lids. In the sealing process, the containers 20 may be sealed one by one, or multiple containers 20 may be sealed simultaneously.

[0039] [Effects of the liquid filling apparatus and liquid filling method according to this embodiment] Next, the effects of the liquid filling apparatus and liquid filling method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0040] The liquid filling apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes a first detection means 1A and a second detection means 1B, as well as a determination means 5 for comparing and determining the detection results and a control means. Therefore, it is possible to control the liquid filling process based on whether or not an abnormality occurs in the section between the first detection means 1A and the second detection means 1B (whether or not an abnormality occurs at the point where the liquid is introduced to the star wheel 3A). In other words, the liquid filling apparatus 10 according to this embodiment can appropriately control the liquid filling process by taking into account whether or not an abnormality occurs at the point where the liquid is introduced to the star wheel 3A, which was not considered at all in Patent Document 1. As a result, the liquid filling device 10 according to this embodiment can prevent errors in liquid filling (errors such as liquid filling being performed even though no container is present) that occur when a container tips over or gets stuck at the introduction point of the star wheel 3A, and can avoid situations in which a large amount of liquid is lost (the amount of loss is suppressed).

[0041] The liquid filling method according to this embodiment includes a first detection step and a second detection step, as well as a determination step and a control step for comparing and determining the detection results. Therefore, the liquid filling can be controlled based on whether or not an abnormality occurred between the first detection step and the second detection step (whether or not an abnormality occurred at the introduction point to the star wheel).

[0042] [Modified examples of the liquid filling apparatus and liquid filling method according to this embodiment] In this embodiment, the liquid filling apparatus 10 has been described as having a configuration in which the determination means 5 determines whether or not liquid filling is possible (ON / OFF), but the following determination may also be made. As shown in Figure 2, in the case of a detection result like the one in array P1, where the result is "None" (detection result of first detection means 1A) → "None" (detection result of second detection means 1B), the determination means 5 determines that "No abnormality" + "Liquid filling should be stopped (OFF)". Furthermore, in cases where the detection result is "Yes" (detection result of the first detection means 1A) → "Yes" (detection result of the second detection means 1B), such as in the detection results for sequences P2~P5 and P7~P8, the determination means 5 determines that "no abnormality" + "liquid filling should be activated (ON)". On the other hand, in the case of a detection result like the one in array P6, where the result is "present" (detection result of the first detection means 1A) → "absent" (detection result of the second detection means 1B), the determination means 5 determines that "there is an abnormality" and "liquid filling should be stopped (turned OFF)". In other words, the determination means 5 is configured to determine not only whether liquid filling is possible (ON / OFF) but also whether an abnormality has occurred. Therefore, for example, if the determination means 5 determines that there is an abnormality and that liquid filling should be stopped (OFF) based on the result obtained from the array P6, the control means can not only stop the liquid filling by the liquid filling means 4 but also stop the operation of the entire liquid filling device 10 (or stop the transport of the container 20, etc.) to prevent the occurrence of other abnormalities that may occur in a chain reaction from the current abnormality. In this case, the control means may also be configured to activate an alarm system (sound, light) to signal the occurrence of an abnormality. On the other hand, in the case of a detection result like the one at array P1, where the result is "None" (detection result of the first detection means 1A) → "None" (detection result of the second detection means 1B), the determination means 5 determines that "no abnormality" + "liquid filling should be stopped (OFF)". Therefore, the control means does not stop the operation of the entire liquid filling device 10, but can stop only the liquid filling of array P1 by the liquid filling means 4. In other words, with this liquid filling device (modified version), different control can be implemented depending on whether the result for sequence P1 or sequence 6 is obtained, making it possible to perform liquid filling without stopping the operation of the entire liquid filling device 10 as much as possible.

[0043] Although the liquid filling apparatus 10 according to this embodiment has been described as having two detection means 1A and 1B, it may also be provided with additional detection means. For example, an auxiliary detection means may be provided to detect containers 20 being transported downstream of the liquid filling means 4, and the determination means 5 may also compare the detection result of the second detection means 1B with the detection result of the auxiliary detection means to determine if an abnormality has occurred in the liquid filling means 4. Furthermore, an auxiliary detection means may be provided to detect the container 20 being transported downstream of the sealing means, and the determination means 5 may also compare the detection result of the second detection means 1B with the detection result of the auxiliary detection means to determine if an abnormality has occurred in the sealing means (and the liquid filling means 4).

[0044] The system may be configured such that if the detection result of the first detection means 1A is "none" and the detection result of the second detection means 1B is "present", the determination means 5 determines that a system anomaly has occurred (such as an anomaly in the detection means or an anomaly in the combination of sequence information and detection results).

[0045] The sizes of the star wheels 3A and 3B, the length of the container supply line 2, and the configuration of the conveying means (not shown) downstream of the star wheel 3B of the liquid filling device 10 shown in Figure 1 can be designed to suit the available space at the installation site, and additions, subtractions, modifications, etc., may be made as appropriate.

[0046] This embodiment is described in detail for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention and is not necessarily limited to having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations in this embodiment with other configurations. Furthermore, the mechanisms and configurations described above are those deemed necessary for explanatory purposes and do not necessarily represent all of the mechanisms and configurations shown in the actual product. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 1. Detection means (first detection means, second detection means) 1A First detection means 1B Second detection means 2. Container supply line 3 Star Wheel 3A Upstream Star Wheel 3B Downstream star wheel 4 Liquid filling means 5 Judgment means 10 Liquid filling device 20 containers

Claims

1. A liquid filling device that determines whether or not there is an abnormality such as a container tipping over or getting stuck at the boundary between the container supply line and the star wheel, A star wheel that transports containers by rotating, A container supply line that supplies containers to the star wheel, A first detection means for detecting the presence or absence of containers being transported along the container supply line, A second detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a container being transported by the star wheel, Downstream of the second detection means, a liquid filling means for filling the transported container with liquid, A determination means that compares the detection results of the first detection means and the second detection means with those at the same position in the arrangement of containers, and determines whether or not liquid filling is possible. A control means that controls liquid filling by the liquid filling means based on the result of the determination means, Equipped with, The first detection means and the second detection means are installed so as to sandwich the boundary portion in order to detect the presence or absence of the abnormality. The container is a liquid filling device, which is a can container.

2. The determination means is If the detection result of the first detection means is "container present" and the detection result of the second detection means is "container present", it is determined that liquid filling should be carried out on the container in the arrangement where the detection result was obtained. The liquid filling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the detection result of the first detection means is "no container" and the detection result of the second detection means is "no container", and when the detection result of the first detection means is "container present" and the detection result of the second detection means is "no container", it is determined that there is no container on the arrangement where the detection result was obtained and therefore liquid filling should not be performed.

3. A liquid filling method for determining whether or not there is an abnormality such as a container tipping over or getting stuck at the boundary between the container supply line and the star wheel, A first detection step that detects the presence or absence of containers being transported along the container supply line, A second detection step for detecting whether there are containers that have been transported by the star wheel after being transported along the container supply line, A liquid filling step is performed after the second detection step, in which the transported container is filled with liquid, A determination step is performed to compare the detection results obtained in the first detection step and the second detection step with those at the same position in the arrangement of containers, and to determine whether or not liquid filling is possible. A control step that controls the liquid filling in the liquid filling step based on the result of the determination step, Includes, The first detection means for performing the detection in the first detection step and the second detection means for performing the detection in the second detection step are installed so as to straddle the boundary portion in order to detect the presence or absence of the abnormality. The aforementioned container is a can container, and the method is for filling liquids.

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