JP2020100423A - Beverage container, beverage container assembly method, beverage container forming method, beverage filling method and beverage take-out method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a beverage container in which it is easy to fill beverage in an inner bag body arranged inside an outside container and/or to take out the beverage from the inner bag body arranged inside the outside container, and to provide a beverage container assembly method, a beverage container forming method, a beverage filling method and a beverage take-out method.SOLUTION: A beverage container includes: an outside container; an inner bag assembly having an inner bag body arranged inside the outside container; and a down tube assembly including a down tube to be inserted in the inner bag assembly. The beverage container is constituted so that, by supplying a gas to the inner bag body, beverage inside the inner bag body is taken out of the inner bag body via the down tube.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a beverage container, a beverage container assembling method, a beverage container forming method, a beverage filling method, and a beverage extracting method.

A double container having an outer container and an inner bag arranged inside the outer container is known. Filling the double container with the beverage is performed by supplying the beverage to the inner bag in the folded state. Further, the beverage is taken out from the double container by supplying gas into the space between the inner bag and the outer container and pressing the inner bag with the gas.

As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a fluid container. The container described in Patent Document 1 has an outer casing, an inner casing, a valve portion for filling the container with a fluid, and a ventilation port that connects the inside and the outside of the outer casing at least during filling. And a spacer arranged between the inner casing and the outer casing.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-501418

An object of the present invention is to provide a beverage container in which it is easy to fill the inner bag body arranged inside the outer container with a beverage and/or to take out the beverage from the inner bag body arranged inside the outer container. A beverage container assembling method, a beverage container forming method, a beverage filling method, and a beverage extracting method are provided.

The means for solving the problems will be described below by using the numbers and symbols used in the embodiments for carrying out the invention. These numbers and reference numerals are added in parentheses as a reference in order to show an example of the correspondence between the description of the claims and the modes for carrying out the invention. Therefore, the description in parentheses should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

A beverage container (1) in some embodiments comprises an outer container (10), an inner bag assembly (20) having an inner bag body (21) disposed inside the outer container (10), A down tube assembly (30) having a down tube (31) inserted into the inner bag assembly (20). The beverage container (1) supplies a gas (G) into the inner bag body (21), so that the beverage (D) in the inner bag body (21) is passed through the down tube (31). Is taken out of the inner bag body (21).

In the beverage container (1), the inner bag body (21) is filled with a gas (HG) having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure in a state before the beverage is filled in the inner bag body (21). It may have been done.

In the beverage container (1), the outer surface (21c) of the inner bag body (21) is the same as the outer container (10) in a state before the beverage is filled in the inner bag body (21). It may be in contact with the inner surface (10c).

In the beverage container (1), a gas flow path (GP) for supplying gas into the inner bag body (21) between the inner bag assembly (20) and the down tube assembly (30). May be formed.

In the beverage container (1), at least one groove (GV) may be formed in the tubular portion (233) of the inner bag assembly (20). Further, the at least one groove portion (GV) may function as the gas flow path (GP).

The beverage container (1) has a first state (FIG. 2) in which the inner pressure in the inner bag body (21) can be maintained and a second state in which gas (G) can be supplied into the inner bag body (21). A gas supply valve (V1) for switching the state (FIG. 3) may be further provided.

In the beverage container (1), the top portion (30u) of the down tube assembly (30) may constitute at least a part of a flat type beverage extraction portion (T2). The down tube assembly (30) may include a tubular member (33) connected to an upper end of the down tube (31) and a valve member (35). The valve member (35) may include a valve body (VB2) of the beverage extraction valve (V2) and a valve body (VB1) of the gas supply valve (V1).

In the beverage container (1), a side cutout (311h) or a side through hole (312h) may be formed at the lower end (31c) of the down tube (31).

The beverage container (1) may further include a connecting member (40) for connecting the outer container (10) and the inner bag assembly (20).

The beverage container (1) discharges the gas in the inner bag body (21) to the outside of the inner bag body (21) according to the operation of detaching the connecting member (40) from the outer container (10). It may further include a degassing mechanism (M).

In the beverage container (1), the inner bag assembly (20) may include an inner bag body support member (23) that supports the inner bag body (21). Further, the opening edge portion (211) of the inner bag body (21) may be sandwiched by the inner bag body supporting member (23) and the connecting member (40).

In the beverage container (1), the inner bag assembly (20) may include an inner bag body support member (23) that supports the inner bag body (21). Further, a concave portion (29) capable of receiving at least a part of a jig (500) for supporting the inner bag assembly (20) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner bag body supporting member (23). Good.

In the beverage container (1), the down tube assembly (30) may include a biasing member (K; K1; K2) that biases the valve body (VB1; VB2). Further, the biasing member (K; K1; K2) may be made of resin.

A beverage container assembling method according to some embodiments includes assembling an inner bag assembly, inserting a down tube (31) into the inner bag assembly (20), and the inner bag assembly (20). ) Is connected to the outer container (10) via a connecting member (40).

The beverage container forming method in some embodiments is a method of forming a beverage container (1) before being filled with a beverage. The beverage container (1) includes an outer container (10), an inner bag assembly (20) having an inner bag body (21) arranged inside the outer container (10), and the inner bag assembly (20). 20) and a down tube assembly (30) having a down tube (31) inserted therein. The beverage container forming method comprises a gas supplying step of supplying a gas (HG) into the inner bag body (21) so that the pressure in the inner bag body (21) becomes higher than atmospheric pressure, and And a pressure maintaining step of maintaining the pressure inside the bag body (21) at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

The beverage filling method in some embodiments is a method of filling the beverage container (1) with a beverage. The beverage container (1) includes an outer container (10), an inner bag assembly (20) having an inner bag body (21), and a down tube (31) inserted in the inner bag assembly (20). A down tube assembly (30) having the same. In the beverage filling method, the inner bag body (21) is arranged inside the outer container (10), and the inner bag body (21) is filled with a gas (HG) having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. A preparation step of preparing the beverage container (1) in the state of being in the state of filling, and a filling step of filling the beverage (D) into the inner bag body (21) are provided.

The beverage extraction method in some embodiments is a method of extracting the beverage from the beverage container (1). The beverage container (1) includes an outer container (10), an inner bag assembly (20) having an inner bag body (21), and a down tube (31) inserted into the inner bag assembly (20). A down tube assembly (30) having the same. In the beverage extraction method, the inner bag body (21) is arranged inside the outer container (10), and the beverage (D) is filled in the inner bag body (21). The preparatory step of preparing the container (1), and by supplying the gas (G) into the inner bag body (21), through the down tube (31), the inside of the inner bag body (21) And a beverage taking-out step of taking out the beverage (D) to the outside of the inner bag body (21).

According to the present invention, it is easy to fill a beverage into the inner bag body arranged inside the outer container and/or to easily take out the beverage from the inner bag body arranged inside the outer container, a beverage. A container assembling method, a beverage container forming method, a beverage filling method, and a beverage extracting method can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the beverage container according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the beverage extracting device is connected to the beverage container according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a beverage extracting device is connected to the beverage container according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the beverage extraction method according to the first embodiment or the sixth embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the beverage container according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the outer container. FIG. 7 is a schematic two-sided view schematically showing an example of the inner bag assembly. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the connecting member. FIG. 9 is an exploded sectional view schematically showing an example of the down tube assembly. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the beverage container assembling method according to the first embodiment or the sixth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the beverage container forming method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing the beverage container according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing the beverage container according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the beverage filling method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15: is a figure which shows typically one process of the beverage filling method in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 16: is a figure which shows typically one process of the beverage filling method in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 17: is a figure which shows typically one process of the beverage filling method in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the beverage container according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a portion of the beverage container according to the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing the beverage container according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a part of the beverage container according to the third embodiment. FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the beverage extraction device is connected to the beverage container according to the second embodiment. FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the beverage extracting device is connected to the beverage container according to the second embodiment. FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the beverage extracting device is connected to the beverage container according to the third embodiment. FIG. 25 is an exploded cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the down tube assembly. FIG. 26 is a schematic side view schematically showing an example of the tubular member. FIG. 27 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing the beverage container according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 28 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the beverage container according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the gas vent groove M1 and the rotation restricting portion 402x. FIG. 30 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the beverage container according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 31 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing the beverage container according to the fifth embodiment. 32 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the beverage container according to the first modified example of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the lower end portion of the down tube in the second modified example or the third modified example. FIG. 34 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the beverage container according to the fourth modified example of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 35 is a schematic two-sided view schematically showing an example of the second component of the down tube. FIG. 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the beverage container according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 37 is an exploded sectional view of a part of the beverage container according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 38 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a recess capable of receiving at least a part of a jig for supporting the inner bag assembly is formed in the inner bag body supporting member. FIG. 39 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a beverage extracting device is connected to the beverage container according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 40 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the beverage extracting device is connected to the beverage container according to the sixth embodiment.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the filling of the beverage into the inner bag body arranged inside the outer container can be performed using the existing filling device as it is. Further, the beverage can be taken out from the inner bag main body arranged inside the outer container, using the existing beverage taking-out device (dispensing head) as it is. In other words, it is possible to implement some embodiments of the present invention without making design changes to existing filling equipment or existing beverage dispensing equipment.

Hereinafter, the beverage container 1, the beverage container assembling method, the beverage container forming method, the beverage filling method, and the beverage extracting method according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, members and parts having the same function will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description of members and parts having the same reference numerals will be omitted.

(First embodiment)
A beverage container 1A, a beverage container assembling method, a beverage container forming method, a beverage filling method, and a beverage taking-out method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a beverage container 1A according to the first embodiment. 2 and 3 are schematic cross-sectional views schematically showing a state where the beverage extracting device 100 is connected to the beverage container 1A according to the first embodiment. 2 shows a state in which the gas supply valve V1 and the beverage extraction valve V2 are closed, and FIG. 3 shows a state in which the gas supply valve V1 and the beverage extraction valve V2 are open. There is. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the beverage extraction method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the beverage container 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the outer container 10. FIG. 7 is a schematic two-sided view schematically showing an example of the inner bag assembly 20. A schematic plan view of the inner bag assembly 20 is shown on the upper side of FIG. 7, and a schematic side view of the inner bag assembly is shown on the lower side of FIG. 7. Note that FIG. 7 shows a state before the internal pressure of the inner bag body 21 is increased by the introduction of the gas HG. Further, in FIG. 7, the shaded portion indicates the portion where the inner bag body 21 and the inner bag body supporting member 23 are welded. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the connecting member 40. FIG. 9 is an exploded sectional view schematically showing an example of the down tube assembly 30. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the beverage container assembling method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the beverage container forming method according to the first embodiment. 12 and 13 are schematic cross-sectional views schematically showing the beverage container 1A according to the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 12 shows a state before the internal pressure of the inner bag body 21 is increased by the introduction of the gas HG. Further, FIG. 13 shows a state after the inner pressure of the inner bag body 21 is increased by the introduction of the gas HG and the cover member 48 is attached to the opening of the beverage container 1A. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the beverage filling method according to the first embodiment. Each of FIG. 15 to FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing one step of the beverage filling method in the first embodiment.

(Beverage container 1A)
The beverage container 1A includes an outer container 10, an inner bag assembly 20, and a down tube assembly 30.

The outer container 10 is a container having higher rigidity than the inner bag body 21. The outer container 10 is a rigid container (in other words, a container whose shape does not substantially change when the beverage is taken out). The outer container 10 is, for example, a container made of synthetic resin.

The inner bag assembly 20 has an inner bag body 21 arranged inside the outer container 10. The inner bag body 21 is a flexible bag. The inner bag assembly 20 may include an inner bag body supporting member 23 that supports the inner bag body 21.

A beverage is filled in the inner bag body 21. Beverages filled in the inner bag body 21 are, for example, carbonated alcoholic beverages such as beer and sparkling liquor, non-carbonated alcoholic beverages such as sake, or non-alcoholic beverages such as non-alcoholic beer, soda and juice (carbonated Non-alcoholic beverages containing or non-carbonated).

The down tube assembly 30 has a down tube 31 inserted into the inner bag assembly 20 (more specifically, the inner bag body 21). The down tube 31 functions as a beverage take-out pipe for taking out the beverage in the inner bag body 21 to the outside of the inner bag body 21. The lower end of the down tube 31 is arranged near the bottom of the inner bag body 21.

The beverage container 1A according to the first embodiment supplies a gas (for example, carbon dioxide gas) into the inner bag body 21 so that the beverage in the inner bag body 21 is removed from the inner bag body 21 via the down tube 31. It is configured to be taken out. In other words, in the beverage container 1A according to the first embodiment, when the beverage is taken out from the beverage container 1A, the gas for pressing the inner bag body 21 is supplied to the space between the outer container 10 and the inner bag body 21. There is no need to use a dedicated device. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the beverage container 1A according to the first embodiment, it is possible to take out the beverage D in the beverage container 1A by using the existing beverage takeout device 100 (for example, the dispensing head). Is.

Conventionally, in a double container in which an inner bag is arranged inside the outer container 10, it has been common technical knowledge that the beverage is taken out by pressing the inner bag from the outside. On the other hand, the configuration in which the beverage is taken out by supplying the gas into the inner bag body 21 overturns the technical common sense.

(How to take out beverages)
Next, with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, an example of a beverage extracting method for extracting a beverage from the beverage container 1A will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the first step ST1, the beverage container 1A is prepared. The beverage container 1A prepared in the first step ST1 is a beverage container in which the inner bag body 21 is arranged inside the outer container 10 and the beverage D is filled in the inner bag body 21.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3, in the second step ST2, by supplying the gas G into the inner bag body 21, the beverage D in the inner bag body 21 is transferred through the down tube 31. 21 taken out. The gas G supplied into the inner bag body 21 is, for example, carbon dioxide gas.

The second step ST2 will be described in more detail. First, in step ST2-1, the beverage extractor 100 (for example, the dispensing head) is attached to the beverage container 1A (more specifically, the attachment portion 41 of the beverage container 1A). FIG. 2 shows a state after step ST2-1 has been executed.

Next, in step ST2-2, the gas supply valve V1 and the beverage extraction valve V2 of the beverage container 1A are changed from the closed state to the open state. Step ST2-2 is executed, for example, by the plunger member PB of the beverage extraction device 100 pressing the valve body VB1 of the gas supply valve V1 and the valve body VB2 of the beverage extraction valve V2. FIG. 3 shows a state after step ST2-2 is executed.

Then, in step ST2-3, the beverage D in the inner bag body 21 is taken out of the inner bag body 21 by supplying the gas G into the inner bag body 21. Step ST2-3 is performed by supplying gas (for example, carbon dioxide gas) from the gas inlet 100h of the beverage extraction device 100, for example. The gas supplied from the gas inlet 100h passes through the space between the valve seat portion VA1 and the valve body VB1, and the gas flow path GP between the inner bag assembly 20 and the down tube assembly 30, It is supplied into the inner bag body 21. The gas G supplied into the inner bag body 21 presses the beverage D, and the pressed beverage D passes through the space inside the down tube 31 and the space between the valve seat portion VA2 and the valve body VB2. , And is taken out to the beverage flow path DP2 of the beverage takeout device 100.

In the beverage extraction method according to the first embodiment, by supplying a gas (for example, carbon dioxide gas) into the inner bag body 21, the beverage in the inner bag body 21 is removed from the inner bag body 21 via the down tube 31. It is configured to be taken out. Therefore, in the beverage extraction method according to the first embodiment, it is possible to extract the beverage D in the beverage container 1A using the existing beverage extraction device 100 (for example, the dispensing head).

Next, optional additional configurations that can be adopted in the first embodiment will be described. Needless to say, any of the optional configurations described below may be adopted in the second embodiment or the sixth embodiment described later.

(Gas pre-filled in the inner bag body 21)
As shown in FIG. 5, it is preferable that the inner bag body 21 is filled with the gas HG having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure in a state before the inner bag body 21 is filled with the beverage. In other words, it is preferable that the gas HG having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure is contained in the inner bag body 21 in a state where the beverage is not contained in the inner bag body 21.

When the gas HG having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure is contained in the inner bag body 21, the inner bag body 21 is inflated. In this case, a space for receiving the beverage D is secured in advance in the inner bag body 21, so that the beverage can be smoothly filled into the inner bag body 21. In addition, when the beverage is a carbonated beverage such as beer, the effect that the beverage is unlikely to foam is exhibited when the beverage is filled. More specifically, when the inner bag body 21 is filled with the gas HG having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, the high pressure acts on the beverage being filled, and thus the beverage D is unlikely to foam. Further, when the gas HG having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure is contained in the inner bag body 21, the inner bag body 21 is in a positive pressure state as compared with the external environment. In this case, outside air does not enter the inner bag body 21. Therefore, if the beverage container 1A is stored or transported while the gas HG having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure is contained in the inner bag body 21, outside air enters the inner bag body 21 during storage or transportation. There is nothing to do. From the above, it can be said that the beverage container 1A including the inner bag main body 21 containing the gas HG having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure is an extremely safe beverage container in hygiene management. The timing when the inner bag body 21 is filled with the gas HG having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure is after the completion of the assembly of the beverage container 1A (for example, in the third step ST103 of the beverage container assembly method described later). After execution), it may be at any timing before the filling of the beverage into the beverage container 1A is started, but immediately after the completion of the assembly of the beverage container 1A (for example, within 24 hours after the completion of the assembly of the beverage container 1A). preferable. In this case, the assembled beverage container 1A is maintained in a safe state for hygiene management. Further, the inner bag body 21 is less likely to be damaged when the assembled beverage container 1A is stored or transported.

In the state before the beverage D is filled in the inner bag body 21, the pressure in the inner bag body 21 (in other words, the pressure of the gas HG in the inner bag body 21) is, for example, 1.5 atm. Above 5 atm or below 1.8 atm or below 3.2 atm. Further, in the state before the beverage D is filled in the inner bag body 21, the gas HG filled in the inner bag body 21 is preferably a gas having a lower oxygen content rate than the atmosphere. .. The gas filled in the inner bag body 21 is, for example, carbon dioxide gas (CO ₂ ).

(Relationship between the outer surface 21c of the inner bag body 21 and the inner surface 10c of the outer container 10)
In the example shown in FIG. 5, the outer surface 21 c of the inner bag body 21 is in contact with the inner surface 10 c of the outer container 10 before the beverage D is filled in the inner bag body 21. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the outer surface 21c of the inner bag body 21 is directly supported by the inner surface 10c of the outer container 10. In this case, since it is not necessary to support the load acting on the inner bag body 21 (for example, the inner pressure acting on the inner bag body 21) only by the inner bag body 21, the material, the thickness, or the structure of the inner bag body 21. You have more freedom about. As a result, the inner bag body 21 can be provided at a lower cost. On the other hand, when the beverage is taken out by pressing the inner bag from the outside according to the conventional method, the inner bag and the outer container are completely separated from each other. In this case, the inner bag itself is required to have high strength.

Since wrinkles may be present on the inner bag body 21, it is not required that the entire outer surface 21c of the inner bag body 21 be in contact with the inner surface 10c of the outer container 10. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, half or more of the outer surface 21c of the inner bag body 21 (for example, 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more of the outer surface 21c) is the outside. It is in contact with the inner surface 10c of the container 10.

(Gas flow path GP)
In the example shown in FIG. 3, a gas flow passage GP for supplying the gas G into the inner bag body 21 is formed between the inner bag assembly 20 and the down tube assembly 30. The gas flow path GP communicates with the gas introduction port 100h of the beverage extraction device 100 when the gas supply valve V1 of the beverage container 1A is in the open state. Then, the gas G supplied from the gas inlet 100h is supplied into the inner bag body 21 via the gas flow path GP. When the gas G is supplied into the inner bag body 21, the beverage D in the inner bag body 21 is pushed out of the inner bag body 21 by the gas G. More specifically, the drink D pressed by the gas G is taken out to the drink flow path DP2 of the drink take-out device 100 via the down tube 31 and the drink take-out valve V2.

(Gas supply valve V1)
In the example described in FIGS. 2 and 3, the beverage container 1A has a gas supply valve V1. The gas supply valve V1 is in a first state in which the inner pressure of the inner bag body 21 can be maintained (see FIG. 2) and in a second state in which the gas G can be supplied into the inner bag body 21 via the gas passage GP. (See FIG. 3) is a valve for switching between and.

The gas supply valve V1 has a valve seat portion VA1 and a valve body VB1. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the valve seat portion VA1 is arranged in the connecting member 40 described later, and the valve body VB1 is arranged in the down tube assembly 30. The beverage container 1A may have a first biasing member K1 (for example, a first spring) that biases the valve body VB1 in the valve closing direction. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first biasing member K1 is arranged between the down tube assembly 30 and the inner bag assembly 20 (more specifically, the inner bag body supporting member 23). ing.

(Beverage extraction valve V2)
In the example described in FIGS. 2 and 3, the beverage container 1A has a beverage extraction valve V2. The beverage extraction valve V2 has a first state (see FIG. 2) that prevents the beverage from leaking from the inner bag body 21 and a second state that the beverage can be taken out toward the beverage flow path DP2 of the beverage extraction device 100. (See FIG. 3) is a valve for switching between and.

The beverage extraction valve V2 has a valve seat portion VA2 and a valve body VB2. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the valve seat portion VA2 and the valve body VB2 are arranged in the down tube assembly 30. The beverage container 1A may have a second biasing member K2 (for example, a second spring) that biases the valve body VB2 in the valve closing direction.

In the example described in FIGS. 2 and 3, the beverage container 1A includes a gas supply valve V1 and a beverage extraction valve V2. Therefore, by supplying the gas G via the gas supply valve V1, the drink D can be taken out via the drink takeout valve V2. Also, by closing the gas supply valve V1 and the beverage extraction valve V2, it is possible to maintain the inside of the inner bag body 21 in a sealed state and maintain the internal pressure in the inner bag body 21.

(Connecting member 40)
The beverage container 1A according to the first embodiment may include a connecting member 40 that connects the outer container 10 and the inner bag assembly 20.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the outer portion of the connecting member 40 is connected to the neck portion 11b (in other words, the base portion) of the outer container 10, and the inner portion of the connecting member 40 is the inner bag of the inner bag assembly 20. It is connected to the main body support member 23. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the connection between the connection member 40 and the outer container 10 is a screw connection, but the connection between the connection member 40 and the outer container 10 is limited to a screw connection. Not done. In the example shown in FIG. 2, an air vent passage communicating with the outside of the beverage container 1A is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the connecting member 40 and the inner peripheral surface of the neck portion 11b of the outer container 10.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the connection between the connecting member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20 is a press-fitting connection, but the connection between the connecting member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20 is a press-fitting connection. Not limited to.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the inner bag assembly 20 is connected to the outer container 10 via the connecting member 40. In this case, it becomes easy to assemble the beverage container 1A (in particular, to insert the inner bag assembly 20 into the outer container 10). Details will be described later.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the connection member 40 includes a mounting portion 41 for mounting the beverage extraction device 100. More specifically, the connection member 40 is provided with a recess 411 that can be engaged with the projection 101 of the beverage extraction device 100.

In the case where the connecting member 40 includes an outer portion connectable to the outer container 10, an inner portion connectable to the inner bag assembly 20, and an attachment portion 41 connectable to the beverage extracting device 100, the inner member has a simple structure. The bag assembly 20 and the outer container 10 can be connected via the connecting member 40, and the connecting member 40 and the beverage extracting device 100 can be connected with a simple structure.

The connection member 40 is made of synthetic resin, for example. The connecting member 40 is preferably a single component formed by integral molding. However, in the embodiment, it is not excluded that the connecting member 40 is an assembly including a plurality of parts.

(Inner bag body supporting member 23)
The inner bag body support member 23 is a member that supports the inner bag body 21. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the inner bag body supporting member 23 is attached (more specifically, welded) to the opening edge portion 211 of the inner bag body 21. The inner bag body supporting member 23 has an annular collar portion 231 welded to the inner bag body 21 (if necessary, refer to the hatched portion in FIG. 7). Further, the inner bag body supporting member 23 has a tubular portion 233, and the tubular portion 233 functions as a neck portion (in other words, a mouthpiece portion) of the inner bag assembly 20.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the opening edge portion 211 of the inner bag body 21 has an inner bag body supporting member 23 (more specifically, the collar portion 231) and a connecting member 40 (more specifically, the connecting member 40). Bottom part of) and.

When the opening edge portion 211 is sandwiched between the inner bag body supporting member 23 and the connecting member 40, the opening edge portion 211 is effectively protected by the inner bag body supporting member 23 and the connecting member 40. Further, the opening edge portion 211 welded to the inner bag body supporting member 23 is unlikely to come off from the inner bag body supporting member 23.

Next, an example of the components of the beverage container 1A will be described in more detail.

(Outer container 10 and protector member 12)
In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the outer container 10 is, for example, a plastic bottle (a container made of polyethylene terephthalate). The capacity of the outer container 10 is not particularly limited, but the capacity of the outer container 10 is, for example, 1 L (liter) or more and 50 L (liter) or less, 2 L (liter) or more and 30 L (liter) or less, or 5 L (liter) or more. It is 30 L (liter) or less. The outer container 10 is, for example, a transparent container (in other words, a container in which the inside of the outer container 10 is visible).

In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the outer container 10 includes a body portion 11a and a neck portion 11b.

The body portion 11a and the neck portion 11b are formed by, for example, integral molding. For example, a molten resin is injected into a mold to form a bottomed tubular preform, and then the preform is blow-molded to integrally form the body portion 11a and the neck portion 11b. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a female screw portion 110s is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the neck portion 11b.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the inner diameter L1 of the opening of the outer container 10 (in other words, the inner diameter of the neck 11b) is, for example, 40 mm or more and 100 mm or less. When the inner diameter L1 is 40 mm or more, the inner bag assembly 20 can be easily inserted into the outer container 10. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the connecting member 40 is arranged inside the neck portion 11 b of the outer container 10. Therefore, the inner diameter L1 of the neck portion 11b can be increased by the amount of the connecting member 40. As a result, it becomes easy to insert the inner bag assembly 20 into the outer container 10 via the neck portion 11b.

A protector member 12 for protecting the outer container 10 may be attached to the outer container 10. The protector member 12 includes, for example, an upper protector member 12a and a lower protector member 12b. The upper protector member 12 a is connected to the upper part of the outer container 10 and protects the upper part of the outer container 10. The upper protector member 12a has, for example, a ring shape in a plan view. The lower protector member 12b is connected to the lower portion of the outer container 10 and protects the lower portion of the outer container 10. The lower protector member 12b has, for example, a ring shape in bottom view.

(Inner bag assembly 20)
In the example shown in FIG. 5, the inner bag assembly 20 includes an inner bag body 21 and an inner bag body supporting member 23.

The inner bag body 21 is a flexible bag whose rigidity is lower than that of the outer container 10. The inner bag body 21 is formed of a flexible film. The inner bag body 21 may include a light shielding layer 21b. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the light shielding layer 21b (for example, aluminum foil) is arranged outside the soft resin layer 21a. The light shielding layer 21b suppresses ultraviolet rays from reaching the beverage in the inner bag body 21. If the outer container 10 has a light-shielding property, or if the beverage is a beverage that is not deteriorated by ultraviolet rays or the like, the inner bag body 21 may not include the light-shielding layer 21b.

The inner bag main body support member 23 is attached (more specifically, welded) to the inner bag main body 21 and supports the inner bag main body 21. The inner bag body supporting member 23 is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin (more specifically, a hard synthetic resin).

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the inner bag body supporting member 23 has a flange portion 231 attached to the inner bag body 21, and a tubular portion 233 connected to the connecting member 40.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the tubular portion 233 includes a convex portion 233a that is press-fitted into the concave portion of the connecting member 40. A sealing material 233b is preferably applied to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 233. When the sealing material 233b is applied to the tubular portion 233, the sealing characteristic between the tubular portion 233 and the connecting member 40 is improved. Alternatively, a seal member may be arranged between the tubular portion 233 and the connecting member 40. Also in this case, the sealing characteristic between the tubular portion 233 and the connecting member 40 is improved.

It is preferable that a groove portion GV that forms the above-described gas flow passage GP is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 233. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the groove portion GV extends in a direction parallel to the central axis AX of the tubular portion 233 (in other words, the longitudinal axis of the inner bag assembly 20). In the example shown in FIG. 7, four groove portions GV are formed on the cylindrical portion 233 around the central axis AX, but the number of groove portions GV is not limited to four. The number of the groove portions GV may be one, two, three, or five or more.

When the beverage container 1A is filled with the beverage using the existing filling nozzle, the channel between the inner bag assembly 20 and the down tube assembly 30 (that is, the gas flow) is used as the channel for supplying the beverage. It is assumed that the road GP) is used. When the tubular portion 233 includes the groove portion GV, the beverage flows through the groove portion GV, so that the beverage is smoothly filled. Further, when the beverage is a carbonated beverage, the presence of the groove portion GV suppresses frothing of the beverage.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the cylindrical portion 233 has a convex portion 233c formed between two adjacent groove portions GV. The convex portion 233c functions as a guide portion that guides the vertical movement of the down tube assembly 30. When the convex portion 233c for guiding the movement of the down tube assembly 30 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 233, the down tube assembly 30 is smoothly moved, and the down tube assembly 30 is moved. However, tilting with respect to the inner bag assembly 20 is suppressed. In addition, it is preferable that two or more convex portions 233c are formed. The number of the convex portions 233c is equal to the number of the groove portions GV, for example.

(Connecting member 40)
In the example shown in FIG. 8, the connecting member 40 has an outer portion 40 a connected to the outer container 10 and an inner portion 40 b connected to the inner bag assembly 20.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, a male screw portion 400s that is screwed with the female screw portion 110b of the outer container 10 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connection member 40.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, a concave portion 403 into which the convex portion 233a of the inner bag assembly 20 is press-fitted is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting member 40. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the recess 403 is an annular recess.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, an annular convex portion 404 that functions as the valve seat portion VA1 of the gas supply valve V1 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the connection member 40. The lower surface 404b of the convex portion 404 functions as a valve seat surface. Further, the upper surface 404u of the convex portion 404 functions as a sealing surface that comes into contact with the annular sealing member S1 of the beverage extracting device 100 (see FIG. 2, if necessary). In the example shown in FIG. 8, a mounting portion 41 for mounting the beverage extracting device 100 is provided above the convex portion 404.

(Down tube assembly 30)
Subsequently, an example of the down tube assembly 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the down tube assembly 30 includes a down tube 31, a tubular member 33, a valve body VB2, and a valve member 35. The down tube assembly 30 may include a first biasing member K1 and/or a second biasing member K2.

The down tube 31 is formed of, for example, a soft synthetic resin (in other words, a flexible synthetic resin). Alternatively, the down tube 31 may be formed of a hard synthetic resin (in other words, a non-flexible synthetic resin). In the example shown in FIG. 9, the upper end of the down tube 31 is connected to the lower end of the tubular member 33.

The tubular member 33 is a member that defines the valve chamber VS in which the valve body VB2 is arranged. The tubular member 33 is formed of, for example, synthetic resin (more specifically, hard synthetic resin). In the example shown in FIG. 9, the tubular member 33 is composed of one component, but the tubular member 33 may be composed of an assembly of a plurality of components.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the tubular member 33 includes a small diameter portion 33a on the lower end side and a large diameter portion 33b on the upper end side. The small diameter portion 33 a is inserted into the down tube 31 and connected to the down tube 31. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the upper end portion of the tubular member 33 (more specifically, the large diameter portion 33b) is connected to the valve member 35. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the tubular member 33 has a shoulder portion 33c between the large diameter portion 33b and the small diameter portion 33a. The shoulder portion 33c functions as a support portion that supports the first end portion of the second biasing member K2.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the valve body VB2 and the second biasing member K2 are arranged inside the tubular member 33 (more specifically, the large diameter portion 33b).

The valve body VB2 is a valve body that opens and closes the beverage flow path DP1 in the down tube assembly 30. The valve body VB2 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin (more specifically, a hard synthetic resin). The upper surface Vu of the valve body VB2 functions as a pressed surface that is pressed by the plunger member PB of the beverage extracting device 100. By pressing the upper surface Vu of the valve body VB2, the beverage flow path DP1 in the down tube assembly 30 is opened. Further, the valve body VB2 moves upward due to the urging force of the second urging member K2, so that the beverage flow path DP1 in the down tube assembly 30 is closed.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the second biasing member K2 is arranged between the valve body VB2 and the shoulder portion 33c of the tubular member 33. The second biasing member K2 is, for example, a metal spring or a resin spring.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the valve member 35 is connected to the upper end of the tubular member 33. The valve member 35 functions as the valve body VB1 of the gas supply valve V1. More specifically, the valve seat portion VA1 of the connecting member 40 and the upper outer edge portion 35u of the valve member 35 contact each other, thereby closing the gas flow path between the connecting member 40 and the down tube assembly 30. It On the other hand, the valve seat portion VA1 of the connection member 40 and the upper outer edge portion 35u of the valve member 35 are separated from each other, so that the gas flow path between the connection member 40 and the down tube assembly 30 is opened.

The upper inner edge portion 35t of the valve member 35 functions as a seal portion that comes into contact with an annular seal member S2 (if necessary, see FIG. 2) arranged on the plunger member PB of the beverage extraction device 100. In the example shown in FIG. 9, an annular recess 350 is formed in the upper inner edge 35t, and the annular recess 350 receives the above-described seal member S2. A through hole 35h through which the plunger member PB of the beverage extracting device 100 can pass is formed in the central portion of the valve member 35.

The lower end portion 35b of the valve member 35 functions as a valve seat portion VA2 of the beverage extraction valve V2. More specifically, the beverage flow path DP1 in the down tube assembly 30 is closed by the valve seat portion VA2 and the valve body VB2 contacting each other. On the other hand, when the valve seat portion VA2 and the valve body VB2 are separated from each other, the beverage flow path DP1 in the down tube assembly 30 is opened.

The upper outer edge portion 35u of the valve member 35 (more specifically, the portion that contacts the valve seat portion VA1 of the connection member 40) is formed of soft synthetic resin (in other words, flexible synthetic resin) or rubber. Preferably. Further, the lower end portion 35b of the valve member 35 (more specifically, a portion that contacts the valve body VB2) may be formed of a soft synthetic resin (in other words, a flexible synthetic resin) or rubber. preferable. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the portion of the valve member 35 other than the upper outer edge portion 35u and the lower end portion 35b is formed of hard synthetic resin (in other words, non-flexible synthetic resin). When the valve member 35 includes a portion formed of a soft synthetic resin and a portion formed of a hard hard resin, the gas supply valve V1 and/or the beverage can be suppressed while suppressing excessive deformation of the valve member 35. The sealing characteristic of the extraction valve V2 is improved.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the down tube assembly 30 includes a first biasing member K1 that biases the down tube assembly (more specifically, the valve member 35) upward. The first urging member K1 is arranged, for example, between the upper end of the tubular member 33 and the inner bag body supporting member 23 of the inner bag assembly 20. The first biasing member K1 is, for example, a metal spring or a resin spring. When the first urging member K1 and the second urging member K2 are made of resin, the down tube assembly 30 can be easily separated and discarded.

(Beverage container assembly method)
Next, an example of a beverage container assembling method for assembling the beverage container 1A will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10.

In the first step ST101, the inner bag assembly 20 is assembled. The inner bag assembly 20 is assembled, for example, by welding an inner bag body 21 and an inner bag body supporting member 23.

In the second step ST102, the down tube 31 connected to the tubular member 33 is inserted into the inner bag assembly 20. The second step ST102 is preferably executed in a state where the first urging member K1 is arranged between the tubular member 33 and the inner bag assembly 20.

Even before the execution of the second step ST102, the valve body VB2 and the second urging member K2 are arranged inside the tubular member 33, and the valve member 35 is attached to the upper end portion of the tubular member 33. Good. Alternatively, after the second step ST102 is executed, the valve body VB2 and the second urging member K2 are arranged inside the tubular member 33, and the valve member 35 is provided at the upper end of the tubular member 33. May be attached.

In the third step ST103, the inner bag assembly 20 is connected to the outer container 10 via the connecting member 40. In the third step ST103, the upper end portion of the down tube assembly 30 (more specifically, the valve member 35) is connected to the valve seat portion VA1 of the connecting member 40 and the inner bag body supporting member 23 of the inner bag assembly 20. It is preferable that the operation is performed while being placed between the two.

In addition, in the third step ST103, the connection between the connecting member 40 and the outer container 10 is performed after the inner bag body 21 is inserted into the outer container 10. The connection between the connecting member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20 may be performed after the inner bag body 21 is inserted into the outer container 10, or the inner bag body 21 is inserted into the outer container 10. It may be executed before being executed.

(Beverage container forming method for forming a beverage container before being filled with a beverage)
Subsequently, an example of a beverage container forming method for forming the beverage container 1A before being filled with the beverage D will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 11 to 13.

In the first step ST201, a beverage container 1A having an outer container 10, an inner bag assembly 20, and a down tube assembly 30 is prepared. The beverage container 1A may be prepared by executing the above-mentioned “beverage container assembling method”. Alternatively, the beverage container 1A may be prepared by purchasing the assembled beverage container 1A by purchasing or the like. FIG. 12 shows an example of the beverage container 1A prepared by executing the first step ST201. In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the pressure inside the inner bag body 21 is atmospheric pressure, and the inner bag body 21 is in a deflated state or a folded state. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the whole or most of the outer surface of the inner bag body 21 (50% or more of the outer surface of the inner bag body 21) is separated from the outer container 10.

In the second step ST202, gas is supplied into the inner bag body 21 so that the pressure in the inner bag body 21 becomes higher than the atmospheric pressure. The second step ST102 is a gas supply step. The second step ST202 may be executed by supplying the gas HG into the inner bag body 21 via the gas supply valve V1, or the gas HG into the inner bag body 21 via the beverage extraction valve V2. May be implemented by supplying In the second step ST202, the gas HG supplied into the inner bag body 21 is preferably a gas having a lower oxygen content rate than the atmosphere. The gas supplied into the inner bag body 21 is, for example, carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ). FIG. 5 shows an example of the beverage container 1A after the second step ST202 has been executed. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the pressure inside the inner bag body 21 is higher than atmospheric pressure (for example, 1.5 atm or more, or 1.8 atm or more). Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, all or most of the outer surface 21 c of the inner bag body 21 (50% or more of the outer surface 21 c of the inner bag body 21) is in contact with the outer container 10.

In the third step ST203, the pressure inside the inner bag body 21 is maintained at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. The third step ST203 is a pressure maintaining process. The third step ST203 is executed by closing the gas supply valve V1 and/or the beverage extraction valve V2 used for supplying gas into the inner bag body 21. When the beverage container 1A includes both the gas supply valve V1 and the beverage extraction valve V2, both the gas supply valve V1 and the beverage extraction valve V2 are closed in the third step ST203.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the fourth step ST204, a cover member 48 may be attached to the opening of the beverage container 1A (more specifically, to the top of the connecting member 40. Foreign matter is prevented from entering the inside of the beverage container 1A.

In the beverage container forming method described above, the pressure inside the inner bag body 21 before the beverage is filled is maintained at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. When the pressure inside the inner bag body 21 is higher than the atmospheric pressure, the inner bag body 21 is inflated. In this case, since the space for receiving the beverage D is secured in advance in the inner bag body 21, the beverage can be smoothly filled in the inner bag body 21. In addition, when the beverage is a carbonated beverage such as beer, the effect that the beverage is unlikely to foam is exhibited when the beverage is filled.

(Beverage filling method)
Next, an example of a beverage filling method of filling the beverage container 1A with the beverage D will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17.

In the first step ST301, a beverage container 1A having an outer container 10, an inner bag assembly 20, and a down tube assembly 30 is prepared. The beverage container 1A prepared in the first step ST301 is a beverage container in which the inner bag body 21 is filled with a gas having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. The beverage container 1A may be prepared by executing the second step ST202 and the third step ST203 of the above-mentioned “beverage container forming method”.

In the second step ST302, the beverage D is filled in the inner bag body 21 filled with a gas having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. The second step ST302 is a beverage filling process.

The second step ST302 (beverage filling process) will be described in more detail. First, as shown in FIG. 15, in step ST302-1, the beverage container 1A is arranged to face the filling nozzle 200. In step ST302-1, the beverage container 1A may be arranged between the filling nozzle 200 and the pressing member 300 that presses the bottom of the beverage container 1A.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the filling nozzle 200 has a beverage supply flow channel 201 and a gas extraction flow channel 202. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the gas extraction flow passage 202 is arranged along the central axis of the filling nozzle 200, and the beverage supply flow passage 201 is arranged around the gas extraction flow passage 202.

Next, in step ST302-2, the filling nozzle 200 is connected to the beverage container 1A. In the example shown in FIG. 16, by moving the filling nozzle 200 upward, the annular seal portion 203 of the filling nozzle 200 comes into contact with the beverage container 1A (more specifically, the connecting member 40). In addition, in step ST302-2, the bottom portion of the beverage container 1A (more specifically, the lower protector member 12b of the beverage container 1A) may be pressed by the pressing member 300.

Subsequently, in step ST302-3, the gas supply valve V1 and the beverage extraction valve V2 of the beverage container 1A are changed from the closed state to the open state. Step ST302-3 is executed, for example, by the plunger member 204 of the filling nozzle 200 pressing the valve body VB1 of the gas supply valve V1 and the valve body VB2 of the beverage extraction valve V2. FIG. 17 shows a state after step ST302-3 is executed.

Next, in step ST302-4, the beverage D is supplied into the inner bag body 21, and the gas HG is taken out from the inner bag body 21.

The supply of the beverage D into the inner bag body 21 is performed by supplying the beverage to the beverage supply flow path 201 of the filling nozzle 200 (see arrow E). The beverage supplied to the beverage supply channel 201 has a space between the valve seat portion VA1 and the valve body VB1 (that is, a space between the valve seat portion VA1 of the gas supply valve V1 and the valve body VB1), and It is introduced into the inner bag body 21 through the flow path (that is, the gas flow path GP) between the inner bag assembly 20 and the down tube assembly 30. The beverage D supplied into the inner bag main body 21 presses the gas HG, and the pressed gas HG causes the space in the down tube 31 and the space between the valve seat portion VA2 and the valve body VB2 (that is, It is taken out to the gas take-out flow path 202 of the filling nozzle 200 through the space between the valve seat portion VA2 of the beverage take-out valve V2 and the valve body VB2 (see arrow F).

Next, in step ST302-5, the supply of the beverage to the beverage supply flow path 201 is stopped.

Subsequently, in step ST302-6, the gas supply valve V1 and the beverage extraction valve V2 of the beverage container 1A are changed from the open state to the closed state. Step ST302-6 is executed, for example, by retracting the plunger member 204 of the filling nozzle 200 in the direction away from the beverage container 1A.

In the example shown in FIG. 16, the inner bag body 21 is filled with the gas HG having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure before the beverage filling step. Therefore, the inner bag body 21 is in a swelled state before the beverage filling step. In this case, since the space for receiving the beverage D is secured in advance in the inner bag body 21, the beverage is smoothly filled in the inner bag body 21. In addition, when the beverage is a carbonated beverage such as beer, the effect that the beverage is unlikely to foam is exhibited when the beverage is filled. More specifically, when the inner bag body 21 is filled with a gas having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, the high pressure acts on the beverage being filled, and thus the beverage D is unlikely to foam.

In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the beverage D is supplied through the flow path between the inner bag assembly 20 and the down tube assembly 30, and the gas HG is a down gas located inside the flow path. Taken out via the tube assembly. In this case, the beverage can be filled in the beverage container 1A using the existing filling nozzle 200 in which the beverage supply passage 201 is arranged around the gas extraction passage 202. In addition, in the example described in FIG. 17, the beverage container 1A is in an inverted state (in other words, a state in which the bottom portion of the beverage container 1A is disposed above the top portion of the beverage container 1A), the filling of the beverage is performed. Done. In this case, foaming of the beverage during filling is further suppressed.

(Second embodiment)
A beverage container 1B, a beverage container assembling method, a beverage container forming method, a beverage filling method, and a beverage extracting method according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the beverage container 1B according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a part of the beverage container 1B according to the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the connection structure between the connection member 40 and the outer container 10 and the connection structure between the connection member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20 are the same as those of the connection member 40 in the first embodiment. It is different from the connection structure between the outer container 10 and the connection member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20. In other respects, the beverage container 1B in the second embodiment is the same as the beverage container 1A in the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and repeated description of the matters already described in the first embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, needless to say, the matters described in the first embodiment can be adopted in the second embodiment even if they are not explicitly described in the second embodiment.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, the connection between the connection member 40 and the outer container 10 is a press-fit connection. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 18, it is not necessary to form a female screw portion inside the neck portion 11b of the outer container 10. In this case, the outer container 10 is easily manufactured, and the manufacturing cost of the outer container 10 is reduced.

In the example shown in FIG. 18, the connection between the connecting member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20 is a connection by screwing. In this case, it is easy to connect the connecting member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20.

In the example shown in FIG. 18, the connection structure between the connection member 40 and the outer container 10 and the connection structure between the connection member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20 are the connections in the first embodiment. The connection structure between the member 40 and the outer container 10 and the connection structure between the connection member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20 are different. Alternatively, one of the connection structure between the connection member 40 and the outer container 10 and the connection structure between the connection member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20 is the same as the connection structure in the first embodiment. It may be the same.

In the beverage container 1B according to the second embodiment, the seal member 60 may be arranged between the connection member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the seal member 60 is arranged between the lower surface of the connection member 40 and the upper surface of the inner bag assembly 20 (more specifically, the inner bag body supporting member 23). The seal member 60 suppresses the drink D or gas from leaking out of the drink container 1B through between the connecting member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20.

Further, in the beverage container 1B according to the second embodiment, the spacer member 70 may be arranged between the connecting member 40 and the outer container 10. In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, the spacer member 70 is arranged between the inner portion 40b of the connection member 40 and the neck portion 11b of the outer container 10. By disposing the spacer member 70, the strength of the mouthpiece portion of the beverage container 1B is improved. Further, the presence of the spacer member 70 makes it difficult for the engagement between the connection member 40 and the outer container 10 to come off. Alternatively or additionally, the spacer member 70 may function as an inner bag body holding member that holds a part of the surface of the inner bag body 21. In the example shown in FIG. 18, there is a gap between the lower surface of the inner bag body supporting member 23 and the outer container 10. The spacer member 70 functions as a member that fills the gap. When the pressure inside the inner bag body 21 becomes higher than the atmospheric pressure and the inner bag body 21 swells, a part of the inner bag body 21 may project upward through the gap. On the other hand, when the spacer member 70 is arranged between the connecting member 40 and the outer container 10, a part of the inner bag body 21 projects upward through the above-mentioned gap. Is suppressed. In order for the spacer member 70 to function as the inner bag body pressing member, the outer edge of the spacer member 70 may be located outside the outer edge of the lower surface of the inner bag body supporting member 23.

In addition, it is preferable that the connecting member 40 be formed with a through hole 40h that connects the space inside the connecting member 40 and the space outside the connecting member 40. The through hole 40h functions as an air vent hole. The through hole 40h functions as a hole for releasing the air in the space between the inner bag body 21 and the outer container 10 to the outside when the inner bag body 21 swells. Alternatively, a gap may be formed between the connecting member 40 and the outer container 10 to allow the air in the space between the inner bag body 21 and the outer container 10 to escape to the outside. The configuration of the through hole 40h or the gap may be adopted in any of the first embodiment or the third to sixth embodiments.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 19, the connection member 40 includes an inner portion 40b and an outer portion 40a. The inner portion 40b includes a first tubular portion 405, and the outer portion 40a includes a second tubular portion 406 arranged outside the first tubular portion 405. In the example shown in FIG. 19, the central axis of the first tubular portion 405 and the central axis of the second tubular portion 406 coincide.

In the example shown in FIG. 19, a female screw portion 405s is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first tubular portion 405. An engaging portion (more specifically, an annular recess 406d) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second tubular portion 406.

The spacer member 70 and the neck portion 11b of the outer container 10 are arranged between the first tubular portion 405 and the second tubular portion 406.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 19, the spacer member 70 has an inner diameter that substantially matches the outer diameter of the first tubular portion 405.

In the example shown in FIG. 19, an engaging portion (more specifically, an annular convex portion 111p engaging with the concave portion 406d) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the neck portion 11b of the outer container 10. By pushing the connecting member 40 into the neck portion 11b of the outer container 10, the concave portion 406d and the convex portion 111p are engaged with each other. If the temperature of the connecting member 40 is set higher than the temperature of the neck portion 11b of the outer container 10, the connecting member 40 can be easily pushed into the neck portion 11b of the outer container 10.

In the example shown in FIG. 19, the seal member 60 is an annular seal member. The inner bag body supporting member 23 of the inner bag assembly 20 is formed with a shoulder portion 23t on which the seal member 60 is placed.

In the example shown in FIG. 19, the inner bag body supporting member 23 of the inner bag assembly 20 is formed with the male screw portion 23s that is screwed into the female screw portion 405s of the connecting member 40.

In the beverage container assembling method according to the second embodiment, the connection between the connecting member 40 and the outer container 10 is performed by press fitting, and/or the connection between the connecting member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20. However, it is the same as the beverage container assembling method in the first embodiment, except that it is performed by screwing. Therefore, repeated description of the beverage container assembly method is omitted.

The beverage container forming method, the beverage filling method, and the beverage extracting method according to the second embodiment are the same as the beverage container forming method, the beverage filling method, and the beverage extracting method according to the first embodiment. Therefore, repeated description of the beverage container forming method, the beverage filling method, and the beverage extracting method will be omitted.

The second embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment.

(Third Embodiment)
A beverage container 1C, a beverage container assembling method, a beverage container forming method, a beverage filling method, and a beverage taking-out method according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the beverage container 1C according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a portion of the beverage container 1C according to the third embodiment.

In the third embodiment, the connection structure between the connection member 40 and the outer container 10 is different from the connection structure between the connection member 40 and the outer container 10 in the second embodiment. In other respects, the beverage container 1C in the third embodiment is similar to the beverage container 1B in the second embodiment.

In the third embodiment, points different from those of the first and second embodiments will be mainly described, and repetitive description of matters already described in the first or second embodiment will be omitted. Omit it. Therefore, it is needless to say that the matters described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment can be adopted in the third embodiment even if they are not explicitly described in the third embodiment. ..

In the example shown in FIG. 20, the connecting member 40 and the outer container 10 are connected by screwing between the female screw portion of the connecting member 40 and the male screw portion of the outer container 10. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 20, it is not necessary to form a female screw portion inside the neck portion 11b of the outer container 10, and a male screw portion may be formed outside the neck portion 11b. In this case, the outer container 10 is easily manufactured, and the manufacturing cost of the outer container 10 is reduced.

In the example shown in FIG. 20, the connection between the connecting member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20 is a connection by screwing. Alternatively, the connection between the connection member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20 may be a press-fitted connection.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 21, the connecting member 40 includes an inner portion 40b and an outer portion 40a. The inner portion 40b includes a first tubular portion 405, and the outer portion 40a includes a second tubular portion 406 arranged outside the first tubular portion 405. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the central axis of the first tubular portion 405 and the central axis of the second tubular portion 406 coincide.

In the example shown in FIG. 21, a female screw portion 406s is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second tubular portion 406. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 21, a male screw portion 111s that is screwed into the female screw portion 406s is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the neck portion 11b of the outer container 10. The connection member 40 and the outer container 10 are connected by screwing the connection member 40 into the neck portion 11b of the outer container 10.

In the beverage container assembling method according to the third embodiment, the connection between the connecting member 40 and the outer container 10 is performed by screwing the female screw portion 406s of the connecting member 40 and the male screw portion 111s of the outer container, and Alternatively, the connection between the connecting member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20 is similar to that of the beverage container assembling method according to the first embodiment except that the connection is performed by screwing. Therefore, repeated description of the beverage container assembly method is omitted.

The beverage container forming method, the beverage filling method, and the beverage extracting method in the third embodiment are the same as the beverage container forming method, the beverage filling method, and the beverage extracting method in the first embodiment. Therefore, repeated description of the beverage container forming method, the beverage filling method, and the beverage extracting method will be omitted.

The third embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 18, the first biasing member K1 and the second biasing member K2 are metal springs. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the first biasing member K1 and the second biasing member K2 may be resin springs. When the entire down tube assembly 30 including the first urging member K1 and the second urging member K2 is made of non-metal, the down tube assembly 30 can be easily separated and discarded. Further, when the entire beverage container 1 including the first urging member K1 and the second urging member K2 is made of non-metal, the beverage container 1 can be easily separated and discarded. Note that FIG. 22 shows that the gas supply valve V1 is in the closed state by the urging force of the first urging member K1. Further, FIG. 22 shows a state where the beverage extraction valve V2 is in the closed state by the urging force of the second urging member K2. On the other hand, in FIG. 23, the gas supply valve V1 is opened against the urging force of the first urging member K1, and the beverage extraction valve V2 is opened against the urging force of the second urging member K2. It is shown that it was said.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, in the beverage container 1B according to the second embodiment, resin springs may be adopted as the first biasing member K1 and the second biasing member K2. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 24, in the beverage container 1C according to the third embodiment, resin springs may be adopted as the first biasing member K1 and the second biasing member K2. Of course, in the beverage container 1A according to the first embodiment, resin springs may be used as the first biasing member K1 and the second biasing member K2.

FIG. 25 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing an example of the down tube assembly 30. In the example shown in FIG. 25, the first biasing member K1 is a resin spring. Further, the first biasing member K1 and the tubular member 33 are one component integrally molded. Alternatively, the first biasing member K1 and the tubular member 33 may be separate bodies.

In the example shown in FIG. 25, the second biasing member K2 is a resin spring. Further, the second urging member K2 and the valve body VB2 are one component integrally molded. Alternatively, the second biasing member K2 and the valve body VB2 may be separate bodies.

FIG. 26 is a schematic side view schematically showing an example of the tubular member 33. In the example illustrated in FIG. 26, the tubular member includes a plurality of legs arranged around the tubular portion (more specifically, the tubular large diameter portion 33b). The upper end of each of the plurality of legs is connected to the upper end of the tubular member 33 (more specifically, the upper end having a ring shape). In the example shown in FIG. 26, the plurality of legs arranged around the tubular portion function as the first biasing member K1. In the example shown in FIG. 26, the entire tubular member 33 including the first biasing member K1 is made of resin.

(Fourth Embodiment)
A beverage container 1D, a beverage container assembling method, a beverage container forming method, a beverage filling method, and a beverage extracting method according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 30. FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the beverage container 1D according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 28 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the beverage container 1D according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the gas vent groove M1 and the rotation restricting portion 402x. FIG. 30 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the beverage container 1D according to the fourth embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, points different from those of the first to third embodiments will be mainly described and already described in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or the third embodiment. The repeated description of the matters is omitted. Therefore, even if not explicitly described in the fourth embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, the matters already described in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or the third embodiment will be described. It goes without saying that it can be adopted.

The beverage container 1D according to the fourth embodiment includes a degassing mechanism M that discharges the gas in the inner bag body 21 to the outside of the inner bag body 21 according to the operation of removing the connecting member 40 from the outer container 10.

An example of the degassing mechanism M will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 27 to 30.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 28, the connecting member 40 that connects the outer container 10 and the inner bag assembly 20 includes a first member 401 and a second member 402. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the first member 401 is screwed onto the outer container 10. More specifically, the first member 401 has a female screw portion 40s, and the neck portion 11b of the outer container 10 has a male screw portion 110t that is screwed into the female screw portion 40s.

The second member 402 is fixed to the inner bag body supporting member 23 of the inner bag assembly 20. More specifically, the second member 402 has a female screw portion 402s, and the inner bag body supporting member 23 has a male screw portion 23s that is screwed into the female screw portion 402s.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 28, the second member 402 is a separate body from the first member 401. Further, when the first member 401 is fixed to the outer container 10, the second member 402 that supports the inner bag assembly 20 is also fixed to the outer container 10. More specifically, when the first member 401 is screwed into the outer container 10, the protrusion 402c of the second member 402 is sandwiched between the first member 401 and the neck 11b of the outer container 10. In this way, the second member 402 is fixed to the outer container 10.

In the example shown in FIG. 29, the neck portion 11b of the outer container 10 is formed with a gas vent groove M1 along the vertical direction. Alternatively or additionally, the connection member 40 (more specifically, the first member 401 of the connection member 40) may be formed with a degassing groove along the vertical direction. The gas vent groove functions as a part of the gas vent mechanism M.

As illustrated in FIG. 30, when the operation of removing the connection member 40 (more specifically, the first member 401 of the connection member 40) from the outer container 10 is performed, the first member 401 and the second member 402 are separated from each other. A degassing gap M2 is formed therebetween. The degassing gap M2 functions as a part of the degassing mechanism M.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 30, when the operation of removing the connection member 40 (more specifically, the first member 401 of the connection member 40) from the outer container 10 is performed, the space SP in the inner bag body 21 and the outer container A space OS outside 10 communicates with the gas venting mechanism M (more specifically, the gas venting gap M2 and the gas venting groove M1). In this way, the gas in the inner bag body 21 is discharged to the outside of the inner bag body 21 in accordance with the operation of removing the connecting member 40 from the outer container 10 (see arrow Z).

In the embodiment described in FIGS. 1 to 30, by opening the gas supply valve V1 or the beverage withdrawal valve V2 before removing the connecting member 40 from the outer container 10, the gas in the inner bag main body 21 is changed to the inner bag. It is preferably discharged outside the body 21. However, it is also envisioned that the operator forgets to open the gas supply valve V1 or the beverage withdrawal valve V2 before removing the connecting member 40 from the outer container 10.

The beverage container 1D according to the fourth embodiment includes a degassing mechanism M that discharges the gas inside the inner bag body 21 to the outside of the inner bag body 21 according to the operation of removing the connecting member 40 from the outer container 10. Therefore, even if the operator forgets to open the gas supply valve V1 or the beverage extraction valve V2, the gas inside the inner bag body 21 is removed when the connecting member 40 is removed from the outer container 10. Is discharged to the outside of the inner bag body 21. Therefore, the connecting member 40 removed from the outer container 10 does not jump upward due to the internal pressure in the inner bag body 21. Therefore, the safety of the worker is ensured. A sound may be generated when the gas is discharged through the degassing mechanism M. In this case, the generation of the sound allows the worker to notice that he has forgotten to open the gas supply valve V1 or the beverage extraction valve V2.

From the viewpoint of reliably forming the degassing gap M2 between the first member 401 and the second member 402, the second member 402 is a rotation restricting portion that restricts the second member 402 from rotating together with the first member 401. It is preferable to have 402x. In the example shown in FIG. 29, the rotation restricting portion 402x is a protrusion provided on the second member 402.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 29, the neck 11b of the outer container 10 is formed with an engagement recess 11x that can be engaged with the rotation restriction portion 402x.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 27, it is assumed that the first member 401 of the connecting member 40 is rotated around the central axis of the outer container 10 in order to remove the connecting member 40 from the outer container 10. In this case, due to the engagement between the rotation restricting portion 402x and the engagement recess 11x, the second member 402 is restricted from rotating around the central axis of the outer container 10. Thus, when the first member 401 of the connecting member 40 is rotated around the central axis of the outer container 10, the first member 401 and the second member 402 are separated, and the first member 401 and the second member 402 are separated. A degassing gap M2 is surely formed therebetween (see FIG. 30).

(Arbitrary additional configuration that can be adopted in the fourth embodiment)
Subsequently, an optional additional configuration that can be adopted in the fourth embodiment will be described.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 30, the down tube assembly 30 includes a first biasing member K1 that biases the down tube assembly (more specifically, the valve member 35 or the valve body VB1) upward. .. The first biasing member K1 is made of synthetic resin, for example. The beverage container 1D also includes a second urging member K2 that urges the valve body VB2 in the valve closing direction. The second biasing member K2 is made of synthetic resin, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 30, the valve body VB1 and the valve seat portion VA1 arranged in the connecting member 40 constitute a gas supply valve, and the valve body VB2 and the valve seat portion VA2 arranged in the valve member 35 are provided. The beverage extraction valve is constituted by. Then, the gas supply valve and the beverage extraction valve are kept closed by the first urging member K1 and the second urging member K2.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 30, the seal member S3 is arranged between the first member 401 and the second member 402 of the connection member 40. More specifically, the seal member S3 is an annular seal member, and the seal member S3 is arranged between the lower surface of the first member 401 and the upper surface of the second member 402. The seal member S3 prevents gas and the like from leaking between the first member 401 and the second member 402.

When the contact state between the first member 401 and the second member 402 is maintained while the seal member S3 is arranged between the first member 401 and the second member 402, There is a possibility that the second member 402 may be fixed to the second member 402 via the seal member S3. However, in the example illustrated in FIG. 30, the second member 402 includes the rotation restricting portion 402x. Therefore, when the operation of removing the connecting member 40 from the outer container 10 is executed, the first member 401 and the second member 402 are separated from each other, and the degassing gap M2 is formed between the first member 401 and the second member 402. Is reliably formed.

In the example shown in FIG. 30, the seal member 60 is arranged between the connection member 40 (more specifically, the second member 402 of the connection member 40) and the inner bag body support member 23. More specifically, the seal member 60 is an annular seal member, and the seal member 60 is arranged between the lower surface of the second member 402 and the upper surface of the inner bag body supporting member 23. The seal member 60 prevents the gas and the like from leaking between the second member 402 and the inner bag body supporting member 23.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 30, the spacer member 70 is arranged between the connection member 40 (more specifically, the second member 402 of the connection member 40) and the outer container 10. The spacer member 70 is, for example, a ring-shaped member. The spacer member 70 may be composed of one component. Alternatively, the ring-shaped spacer member 70 may be formed by combining a plurality of arc-shaped components. Since the function of the spacer member 70 has already been described, the repeated description of the function of the spacer member 70 will be omitted.

In the beverage container assembling method according to the fourth embodiment, after the second member 402 of the connecting member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20 are connected, the first member 401 of the connecting member 40 is fixed to the outer container 10. , The second member 402 of the connecting member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20 are fixed to the outer container 10, and/or the connection between the second member 402 of the connecting member 40 and the inner bag assembly 20 is The same as the beverage container assembling method according to the first embodiment except that screwing is performed. Therefore, repeated description of the beverage container assembly method is omitted.

The beverage container forming method, the beverage filling method, and the beverage extracting method in the fourth embodiment are the same as the beverage container forming method, the beverage filling method, and the beverage extracting method in the first embodiment. Therefore, repeated description of the beverage container forming method, the beverage filling method, and the beverage extracting method will be omitted.

(Fifth Embodiment)
A beverage container 1E according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 35. FIG. 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the beverage container 1E according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 32 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the beverage container 1E in the first modified example of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the lower end portion 31c of the down tube 31 in the second modified example or the third modified example. FIG. 34 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the beverage container 1E according to the fourth modified example of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 35 is a schematic two-sided view schematically showing an example of the second component 31b of the down tube 31. Note that a schematic plan view of the second component 31b is shown on the upper side of FIG. 35, and a schematic side view of the second component 31b is shown on the lower side of FIG.

The fifth embodiment is an embodiment relating to the shape or structure of the lower end portion 31c of the down tube 31. The shape or structure of the lower end portion 31c of the down tube 31 in the fifth embodiment is the same as the shape or structure of the lower end portion of the down tube 31 in the above-described first embodiment to fourth embodiment or the sixth embodiment described below. It can be adopted as a structure.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 31, the lower end portion 31c of the down tube 31 is formed with a side cutout 311h that is continuous with the lower end opening of the down tube 31. The number of side cutouts 311h formed in the lower end portion 31c is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

In the beverage container according to the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment, when the inside of the inner bag body 21 is filled with a gas having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, most of the inner bag body 21 contacts the inner surface of the outer container 10. In close contact. However, when the inner bag body 21 is filled with a gas having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure (or the inner bag body 21 is filled with a beverage), the inner bag body 21 is filled with the inner bag body 21. It is also envisioned that a wrinkle portion 21w that protrudes toward the inside of 21 is formed. If the wrinkle portion 21w exists at a position facing the lower end of the down tube 31, the wrinkle portion 21w may close the lower end opening of the down tube when the beverage is taken out. On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, even if the wrinkle portion 21w closes the lower end opening of the down tube, the beverage enters the down tube 31 through the side cutout 311h. It is possible.

In the example shown in FIG. 31, the lower end opening of the down tube 31 and the side cutout 311h are continuous. Therefore, there is a possibility that part of the wrinkle portion 21w may enter the side cutout 311h. If a part of the wrinkle portion 21w enters the side cutout 311h, there is a possibility that the beverage may be adversely affected.

Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 32, a side through hole 312h is formed in the lower end 31c of the down tube 31. The side through hole 312h is not connected to the lower end opening of the down tube 31. In other words, the side through hole 312h and the lower end opening of the down tube 31 are separated by the wall W of the down tube 31. For this reason, part of the wrinkle portion 21w does not enter the side through hole 312h. The number of side through holes 312h formed in the lower end portion 31c is one, two, three, four, or five or more. The side through hole 312h is preferably formed in the vicinity of the lower end of the down tube 31 (for example, a region where the distance from the lower end of the down tube 31 is 1 cm or less, more preferably 0.3 cm or less). By forming the side through hole 312h near the lower end of the down tube 31, more beverage can be taken out from the inner bag main body 21, in other words, the beverage remaining in the inner bag main body 21 can be reduced. It will be possible.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 32, a large-diameter portion 310 (in other words, a bulging portion) having a larger outer diameter than the other portions of the down tube 31 is formed at the lower end portion 31c of the down tube 31. .. In this case, the risk that the entire lower end opening of the down tube 31 is blocked by the wrinkles 21w is reduced. In the example shown in FIG. 32, at least one side through hole 312h is formed in the large diameter portion 310.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 32, the inner diameter D1 of the large diameter portion 310 is larger than the inner diameter D2 of the other portion of the down tube 31.

In the example shown in FIG. 32, the outer diameter (or inner diameter) of the large diameter portion 310 is substantially constant regardless of the position of the large diameter portion 310 in the vertical direction. Alternatively, as in the example (second modification) described in FIG. 33A, the outer diameter (or inner diameter) of the large diameter portion 310 gradually increases toward the lower end of the down tube 31. May be designed to.

In the example shown in FIG. 32 or FIG. 33A, the large diameter portion 310 is formed at the lower end portion 31c of the down tube 31. Alternatively, as in the example (third modification) described in FIG. 33B, the large diameter portion 310 does not have to be formed on the lower end portion 31c of the down tube 31.

In the example shown in FIG. 32, the down tube 31 is composed of one component. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 34, the down tube 31 may be configured by a combination of a plurality of parts.

In the example (fourth modified example) described in FIG. 34, the down tube 31 includes a tube-shaped first component 31a and a second component 31b attachable to the first component 31a. Then, by attaching the second component 31b to the first component 31a, a side through hole 312h is formed in the lower end portion of the down tube 31 (more specifically, the first component 31a and the second component 31b. The gap between the two functions as a side through hole 312h).

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 34, at least a part of the second component 31b functions as a large-diameter portion 310 having an outer diameter larger than that of the other portion of the down tube 31. In the example illustrated in FIG. 34, the lower end opening of the large diameter portion 310 (in other words, the lower end of the down tube 31) is not formed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 34, the lower end of the large-diameter portion 310 (more specifically, the plate-shaped bottom portion) functions as a pressing portion that can press the wrinkle portion 21w downward. Alternatively or additionally, a lower end opening may be formed at the lower end of the large-diameter portion 310 (in other words, the lower end of the second component 31b).

In the example illustrated in FIG. 34, the side through hole 312h is provided not above the large diameter portion 310 but above the large diameter portion 310. In this case, since the large diameter portion 310 functions as a barrier for preventing the approach of the wrinkles 21w, the risk that the side through holes 312h are blocked by the wrinkles 21w is further reduced.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 34, the large diameter portion 310 (in other words, the second component 31b) includes a protrusion 310a that protrudes upward. In this case, the risk that the side through hole 312h is blocked by the wrinkle portion 21w is further reduced. However, the protrusion 310a may be omitted.

In the example shown in FIG. 35, the second component 31b includes a large diameter portion 310 and a mounting portion 315 attached to the first component 31a. The mounting portion 315 extends above the large diameter portion 310. In the example illustrated in FIG. 35, the mounting portion 315 includes a shoulder portion 315s that contacts the lower end of the first component 31a.

In the example described in FIGS. 34 and 35, the second part 31b is attached to the first component 31a by inserting the attachment portion 315 into the first component 31a. The shoulder 315s of the second component 31b comes into contact with the lower end of the first component 31a when the second component 31b is attached to the first component 31a.

(Sixth Embodiment)
With reference to FIGS. 36 to 39, a beverage container 1F, a beverage container assembling method, a beverage container forming method, a beverage filling method, and a beverage extracting method according to the sixth embodiment will be described. FIG. 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the beverage container 1F according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 37 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a portion of the beverage container 1F according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 38 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the inner bag body supporting member 23 is provided with a recess 29 capable of receiving at least a part of the jig 500 for supporting the inner bag assembly 20. 39 and 40 are schematic cross-sectional views schematically showing a state where the beverage extracting device 100′ is connected to the beverage container 1F according to the sixth embodiment. 39 shows that the gas supply valve V1 and the beverage extraction valve V2 are in the closed state, and FIG. 40 shows that the gas supply valve V1 and the beverage extraction valve V2 are in the open state. There is.

In the sixth embodiment, points different from the first to fifth embodiments will be mainly described, and the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the fourth embodiment. Or, the repeated description of the items already described in the fifth embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, even if not explicitly described in the sixth embodiment, in the sixth embodiment, the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, or Needless to say, the matters described in the fifth embodiment can be adopted.

The sixth embodiment is different from the first to fourth embodiments in that the top portion 30u of the down tube assembly 30 constitutes at least a part of the flat type beverage withdrawing portion T2. .. In addition, the "flat type beverage taking-out portion" means a beverage taking-out portion in which the height of the mounting portion 41 and the height of the top portion 30u of the down tube assembly 30 are substantially equal (in other words, the top portion of the beverage taking-out portion is substantially the same. It means a flat beverage dispenser). On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in the well-type beverage take-out section T1, the height of the mounting section 41 is higher than the height of the top section 30u of the down tube assembly 30 (in other words, the beverage take-out section). The top of the portion T1 is provided with the recess Td.).

In the example shown in FIG. 36, the down tube assembly 30 includes a tubular member 33 connected to the upper end of the down tube 31 and a valve member 35. Further, the valve member 35 includes a valve body VB2 of the beverage extraction valve V2 and a valve body VB1 of the gas supply valve V1. In the example shown in FIG. 36, the valve body VB2 is formed by the inner peripheral portion of the valve member 35, and the valve body VB1 is formed by the top portion of the valve member 35.

The sixth embodiment has the same effects as those of the first to fifth embodiments. In addition, in the sixth embodiment, the top portion 30u of the down tube assembly 30 constitutes at least a part of the flat-type beverage extraction portion T2. Therefore, it is possible to fill the beverage container 1F in the sixth embodiment with the beverage by using the existing filling nozzle that fills the beverage container having the flat type beverage extraction unit with the beverage.

(Arbitrary additional configuration that can be adopted in the sixth embodiment)
Subsequently, an optional additional configuration that can be adopted in the sixth embodiment will be described.

In the sixth embodiment, the outer container 10 is, for example, a synthetic resin container. The outer container 10 may be a PET bottle (a container made of polyethylene terephthalate). In the example shown in FIG. 36, the neck portion 11b of the outer container 10 and the connecting member 40 are coupled by screwing. More specifically, the neck portion 11b has a male screw portion 110t, and the connecting member 40 has a female screw portion 40s that is screwed into the male screw portion 110t.

In the example shown in FIG. 36, the connecting member 40 that connects the outer container 10 and the inner bag assembly 20 includes a first member 401 and a second member 402. In the example shown in FIG. 36, the first member 401 is screwed onto the outer container 10.

In the example shown in FIG. 36, the first member 401 and the second member 402 are separate bodies, and the first member 401 is fixed to the second member 402. The first member 401 is fixed to the second member 402 by, for example, press fitting. In the example shown in FIG. 36, a seal member S3 that prevents leakage of fluid such as gas is arranged between the first member 401 and the second member 402.

The second member 402 is fixed to the inner bag body supporting member 23 of the inner bag assembly 20. More specifically, the second member 402 is press-fitted into the inner bag body supporting member 23. Alternatively, the second member 402 and the inner bag body supporting member 23 may be engaged by screwing. In the example shown in FIG. 36, a seal member 60 that prevents leakage of fluid such as gas is arranged between the second member 402 and the inner bag body supporting member 23.

As illustrated in FIG. 36, a spacer member 70 may be arranged between the connecting member 40 (more specifically, the second member 402) and the inner bag assembly 20. The spacer member 70 is, for example, a ring-shaped member. The spacer member 70 may be composed of one component. Alternatively, the ring-shaped spacer member 70 may be formed by combining a plurality of arc-shaped components. Since the function of the spacer member 70 has already been described, the repeated description of the function of the spacer member 70 will be omitted.

In the example shown in FIG. 36, the connection member 40 has a mounting portion 41 for mounting a beverage extracting device 100 ′ described below. In the example shown in FIG. 36, the attachment portion 41 is a collar portion provided on the outer peripheral edge portion of the top portion 401u of the connection member 40.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 36, the inner peripheral edge portion of the top portion 401u of the connection member 40 includes the valve seat portion VA1 of the gas supply valve V1. When the valve seat portion VA1 and the valve member 35 (more specifically, the valve body VB1) are in contact with each other, the gas supply valve V1 is closed, and the valve seat portion VA1 and the valve member 35 (more specifically, The gas supply valve V1 is opened by being separated from the valve body VB1).

In the example shown in FIG. 36, the outer peripheral edge portion of the top of the tubular member 33 includes the valve seat portion VA2 of the beverage withdrawal valve V2. When the valve seat portion VA2 and the valve member 35 (more specifically, the valve body VB2) are in contact with each other, the beverage withdrawal valve V2 is closed, and the valve seat portion VA2 and the valve member 35 (more specifically, By separating from the valve body VB2), the beverage withdrawal valve V2 is opened.

In the example shown in FIG. 36, the beverage container 1F has a biasing member K that biases the valve member 35 (in other words, the valve body VB1 and the valve body VB2) in the valve closing direction. In the example shown in FIG. 36, both the valve body VB1 and the valve body VB2 are provided in the valve member 35, and the biasing member K biases both the valve body VB1 and the valve body VB2 in the valve closing direction. To do. The biasing member K is preferably made of synthetic resin, but the biasing member K may be made of metal. In the example shown in FIG. 36, the biasing member K is arranged between the valve member 35 and the inwardly projecting portion 402p of the connecting member 40 (more specifically, the second member 402).

In the example illustrated in FIG. 37, the tubular member 33 connected to the down tube 31 includes a second tubular body 33n whose lower end is connected to the down tube 31 and a first tubular body 33n whose lower end is connected to the second tubular body 33n. And a cylindrical body 33k. The second tubular body 33n is fixed to the down tube 31 by, for example, press fitting. The first cylinder 33k is fixed to the second cylinder 33n by, for example, press fitting. In the state where the first cylinder 33k is fixed to the second cylinder 33n, the seal member S4 is preferably arranged between the first cylinder 33k and the second cylinder 33n.

In the example shown in FIG. 37, the tubular member 33 (more specifically, the first tubular body 33k) includes a top wall 33u (more specifically, a disc-shaped top wall). Further, in the example illustrated in FIG. 37, the tubular member 33 (more specifically, the first tubular body 33k) includes a side through hole 33h. The beverage D can flow from the inside of the tubular member 33 to the outside of the tubular member 33 through the side through holes 33h. The number of side through holes 33h provided in the tubular member 33 is one, two, three, four, or five or more.

In the example shown in FIG. 37, the down tube assembly 30 includes a down tube 31, a tubular member 33 (more specifically, a first tubular body 33k and a second tubular body 33n), and a valve member 35. And a biasing member K. The down tube assembly 30 may include the seal member S3, the seal member S4, or the seal member 60.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 37, the outer tubular body 402m of the second member 402 functions as a part of the connecting member 40, and the inner tubular body 402n of the second member 402 is the second tubular body 33n (in other words, the down tube). Function as a part of the assembly 30).

In the example shown in FIG. 37, the valve member 35 has a base portion 35g and a soft portion 35n that is softer than the base portion 35g. The base portion 35g is made of, for example, a hard resin, and the soft portion 35n is made of, for example, a soft resin or rubber. In the example shown in FIG. 37, the soft portion 35n covers at least a part of the upper surface of the base portion 35g. The soft portion 35n covers at least a part of the inner peripheral surface of the base portion 35g. The inner edge of the soft portion 35n functions as the valve body VB2 of the beverage extraction valve, and the outer edge of the soft portion 35n functions as the valve body VB1 of the gas supply valve.

In the example shown in FIG. 37, the connection member 40 (more specifically, the first member 401) includes a top portion 401u and a skirt portion 401s, and the female screw portion 40s is formed at the lower end portion of the skirt portion 401s. There is. The upper end of the skirt portion 401s is fixed to the second member 402. In the example shown in FIG. 37, the inner diameter of the lower end portion of the skirt portion 401s is larger than the inner diameter of the upper end portion of the skirt portion 401s.

(Beverage container assembly method)
Subsequently, an example of a beverage container assembling method for assembling the beverage container 1F will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 36 to 38.

In the first step ST101, the inner bag assembly 20 is assembled. The inner bag assembly 20 is assembled, for example, by welding an inner bag body 21 and an inner bag body supporting member 23.

In the second step ST102, the down tube 31 connected to the tubular member 33 is inserted into the inner bag assembly 20.

Before the execution of the second step ST102, the down tube 31 is connected to the second tubular body 33n of the tubular member 33. The second member 402 is preferably fixed to the inner bag assembly 20 before performing the second step ST102. Further, before execution of the second step ST102, with the biasing member K and the valve member 35 being arranged inside the second member 402, the first tubular body 33k of the tubular member 33 is replaced by the second tubular body 33n. It is preferable to be fixed to.

The second step ST102 may include disposing the spacer member 70 around the inner bag body supporting member 23 of the inner bag assembly 20. Arranging the spacer member 70 around the inner bag main body supporting member 23 may include disposing a plurality of arc-shaped components forming the spacer member 70 around the inner bag main body supporting member 23. In other words, by combining a plurality of arc-shaped parts around the inner bag body supporting member 23, the spacer member 70 having a ring shape as a whole may be arranged around the inner bag body supporting member 23.

In the third step ST103, the inner bag assembly 20 is connected to the outer container 10 via the connecting member 40. The third step ST103 may include connecting the first member 401 and the second member 402. The connection between the first member 401 and the second member 402 is, for example, a press fit connection. The third step ST103 may include fixing the connection member 40 (more specifically, the first member 401 of the connection member 40) to the outer container 10. The fixing of the connecting member 40 to the outer container 10 is performed by, for example, screwing the connecting member 40 into the outer container 10.

In the step of fixing the connecting member 40 (more specifically, the second member 402) to the inner bag assembly 20, the inner bag assembly 20 is preferably supported by the jig 500.

In the example shown in FIG. 38, the inner bag body supporting member 23 is provided with a recess 29 capable of receiving at least a part of the jig 500 that supports the inner bag assembly 20. When the jig comes into contact with the recess 29, the inner bag assembly 20 is supported by the jig 500. In the example shown in FIG. 38, the recess 29 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner bag body supporting member 23. The recess 29 is preferably an annular recess.

(Beverage container forming method, beverage filling method)
The beverage container forming method and the beverage filling method in the sixth embodiment are the same as the beverage container forming method and the beverage filling method in the first embodiment. Therefore, repeated description of the beverage container forming method and the beverage filling method will be omitted.

(How to take out beverages)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 4, 39, and 40, an example of a beverage extraction method for extracting a beverage from the beverage container 1F will be described.

In the first step ST1, the beverage container 1F is prepared. The beverage container 1F prepared in the first step ST1 is a beverage container in which the inner bag body 21 is arranged inside the outer container 10 and the inner bag body 21 is filled with the beverage D.

Next, as shown in FIG. 40, in the second step ST2, by supplying the gas G into the inner bag body 21, the beverage D in the inner bag body 21 is transferred through the down tube 31. 21 taken out. The gas G supplied into the inner bag body 21 is, for example, carbon dioxide gas.

The second step ST2 will be described in more detail. First, in step ST2-1, the beverage extractor 100' (for example, the dispense head) is attached to the beverage container 1F (more specifically, the attachment portion 41 of the beverage container 1F). FIG. 39 shows a state after step ST2-1 has been executed. In the example shown in FIG. 39, the collar receiving portion 102 of the beverage extracting device 100′ receives the collar portion (mounting portion 41) of the connecting member 40, so that the beverage extracting device 100′ is attached to the beverage container 1F. It is attached. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 39, the ring-shaped sealing member S5 of the beverage extracting device 100' is arranged in contact with the top 401u of the connecting member 40.

Next, in step ST2-2, the gas supply valve V1 and the beverage extraction valve V2 of the beverage container 1F are changed from the closed state to the open state. Step ST2-2 is executed, for example, by the plunger member PB of the beverage extracting device 100' pressing the valve member 35 (in other words, the valve body VB1 and the valve body VB2).

Then, in step ST2-3, the beverage D in the inner bag body 21 is taken out of the inner bag body 21 by supplying the gas G into the inner bag body 21. Step ST2-3 is performed, for example, by supplying a gas (for example, carbon dioxide gas) from the gas inlet 100h of the beverage extraction device 100'. As shown in FIG. 40, the gas supplied from the gas inlet 100h is the space between the valve seat portion VA1 and the valve body VB1 and the connecting member 40 (more specifically, the outer cylindrical body 402m). It is supplied into the inner bag body 21 through the gas flow path between the cylindrical member 33 and the cylindrical member 33.

The gas G supplied into the inner bag body 21 presses the drink D, and the pressed drink D is the space in the down tube 31, the space in the tubular member 33, the side through hole 33h, and the valve seat. The beverage is taken out through the space between the portion VA2 and the valve body VB2 to the beverage flow path DP2 of the beverage extracting device 100′.

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

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F: Beverage container 10: Outer container 10c: Inner surface 11a: Body part 11b: Neck part 11x: Engagement recess 12: Protector member 12a: Upper protector member 12b: Lower protector member 20: Inner bag assembly 21: Inner bag body 21a: Resin layer 21b: Light-shielding layer 21c: Outer surface 21w: Wrinkles 23: Inner bag body supporting member 23s: Male screw part 23t: Shoulder 29: Recess 30: Down tube assembly Solid 30u: Top part 31: Down tube 31a: First part 31b: Second part 31c: Lower end part 33: Cylindrical member 33a: Small diameter part 33b: Large diameter part 33c: Shoulder part 33h: Side through hole 33k: First part Cylindrical body 33n: Second cylindrical body 33u: Top wall 35: Valve member 35b: Lower end portion 35g: Base portion 35h: Through hole 35n: Soft portion 35t: Upper inner edge portion 35u: Upper outer edge portion 40: Connection member 40a: Outer portion 40b: Inside part 40h: Through hole 40s: Female screw part 41: Mounting part 48: Cover member 60: Seal member 70: Spacer member 100, 100': Beverage extracting device 100h: Gas inlet 101: Convex part 102: Collar part receiving Part 110b: Female screw part 110s: Female screw part 110t: Male screw part 111p: Convex part 111s: Male screw part 200: Filling nozzle 201: Beverage supply flow path 202: Gas extraction flow path 203: Annular seal part 204: Plunger member 211: Opening edge Part 231: Collar part 233: Cylindrical part 233a: Convex part 233b: Seal material 233c: Convex part 300: Pressing member 310: Large diameter part 310a: Protruding part 311h: Side cutout 312h: Side through hole 315: Mounting Part 315s: Shoulder part 350: Recessed part 400s: Male screw part 401: First member 401s: Skirt part 401u: Top part 402: Second member 402c: Projection part 402m: Outer cylinder body 402n: Inner cylinder body 402p: Inward projection part 402s : Female screw portion 402x: Rotation restricting portion 403: Recessed portion 404: Convex portion 404b: Lower surface 404u: Upper surface 405: First tubular portion 405s: Female screw portion 406: Second tubular portion 406d: Recessed portion 406s: Female screw portion 411: Recessed portion 500 : Jig D: Beverage DP1: Beverage flow path DP2: Beverage flow path G: Gas GP: Gas flow path GV: Groove HG: Gas K: Energizing member K1: First urging member K2: Second urging member M : Degassing mechanism M1: Gas vent groove M2: Gas vent gap PB: Plunger member OS: Spaces S1, S2, S3, S4, S5: Seal member SP: Spaces T1, T2: Beverage outlet Td: Recessed portion V1: Gas supply valve V2: Beverage Extraction valve VA1: valve seat VA2: valve seat VB1: valve body VB2: valve body VS: valve chamber Vu: upper surface W: wall

Claims (17)

An outer container,
An inner bag assembly having an inner bag body arranged inside the outer container,
A down tube assembly having a down tube inserted into the inner bag assembly,
A beverage container configured to take out the beverage in the inner bag body to the outside of the inner bag body via the down tube by supplying gas into the inner bag body. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the inner bag body is filled with a gas having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure in a state before the beverage is filled in the inner bag body. The beverage container according to claim 2, wherein an outer surface of the inner bag body is in contact with an inner surface of the outer container in a state before the beverage is filled in the inner bag body. The beverage container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a gas flow path for supplying gas into the inner bag body is formed between the inner bag assembly and the down tube assembly. .. The beverage container according to claim 4, wherein the tubular portion of the inner bag assembly is formed with at least one groove, and the at least one groove functions as the gas flow path. 6. The gas supply valve according to claim 1, further comprising a gas supply valve that switches between a first state in which the inner pressure in the inner bag body can be maintained and a second state in which gas can be supplied into the inner bag body. Beverage container according to. The top of the down tube assembly constitutes at least a portion of a flat type beverage dispenser,
The down tube assembly is
A tubular member connected to the upper end of the down tube,
And a valve member,
The beverage container according to claim 6, wherein the valve member includes a valve body of a beverage extraction valve and a valve body of the gas supply valve. The beverage container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a side cutout or a side through hole is formed in a lower end portion of the down tube. The beverage container according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting member that connects the outer container and the inner bag assembly. The beverage container according to claim 9, further comprising a degassing mechanism that discharges the gas in the inner bag main body to the outside of the inner bag main body in response to an operation of detaching the connection member from the outer container. The inner bag assembly has an inner bag body support member for supporting the inner bag body,
The beverage container according to claim 9 or 10, wherein an opening edge portion of the inner bag body is sandwiched by the inner bag body supporting member and the connecting member. The inner bag assembly has an inner bag body support member for supporting the inner bag body,
The beverage according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a concave portion capable of receiving at least a part of a jig for supporting the inner bag assembly is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the inner bag body supporting member. container. The down tube assembly has a biasing member that biases the valve body,
The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the biasing member is made of resin. A beverage container assembling method for assembling the beverage container according to claim 1.
A step of assembling the inner bag assembly,
Inserting the down tube into the inner bag assembly,
And a step of connecting the inner bag assembly to the outer container via a connecting member. A beverage container forming method for forming a beverage container before being filled with a beverage,
The beverage container is
An outer container,
An inner bag assembly having an inner bag body disposed inside the outer container,
A down tube assembly having a down tube inserted into the inner bag assembly,
The beverage container forming method,
A gas supply step of supplying gas into the inner bag body so that the pressure in the inner bag body becomes higher than atmospheric pressure,
And a pressure maintaining step of maintaining the pressure inside the inner bag body at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. A beverage filling method for filling a beverage into a beverage container,
The beverage container is
An outer container,
An inner bag assembly having an inner bag body,
A down tube assembly having a down tube inserted into the inner bag assembly,
The beverage filling method,
The inner bag body is arranged inside the outer container, and a preparatory step of preparing the beverage container in a state where a gas having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure is filled in the inner bag body,
A filling step of filling the inner bag body with the beverage. A beverage extraction method for extracting a beverage from a beverage container,
The beverage container is
An outer container,
An inner bag assembly having an inner bag body,
A down tube assembly having a down tube inserted into the inner bag assembly,
The beverage extraction method,
The inner bag body is arranged inside the outer container, and, a preparation step of preparing the beverage container in a state where the beverage is filled in the inner bag body,
Beverage taking-out step of taking out the beverage in the inner bag body to the outside of the inner bag body via the down tube by supplying gas into the inner bag body.

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