JP2024032828A - Method of using replacement part for beverage container - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a method of using a replacement part for a beverage container which can be readily fitted to a beverage take-out pipe of the beverage container.SOLUTION: A replacement part for a beverage container comprises: a cylindrical member fitted to a beverage take-out pipe of the beverage container; a second beverage take-out pipe extending from the cylindrical member to a bottom part of the beverage container; and a bag body which is fitted to the cylindrical member or the second beverage take-out pipe, and stores a beverage. A method of using the replacement part for the beverage container comprises: a step of preparing fittings to be fitted to a mouth piece of the beverage container; a fitting step of fitting the replacement part to the fittings, by fitting the cylindrical member to a lower end part of the beverage take-out pipe configuring a part of the fittings; an inserting step of inserting the fittings to which the replacement part is fitted in the beverage container; and a second fitting step of fitting a fitting part of the fittings to the mouth piece of the beverage container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a method of using replacement parts for beverage containers.

It is known to form a beverage outlet by fixing a fitting to the mouthpiece of a beverage storage container.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a conventional beverage storage container 1. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the fitting 10 is attached to the base portion 15 by screwing the male threaded portion 10s of the fitting 10 and the female threaded portion 15s of the base portion 15.

When removing a beverage from a conventional beverage storage container 1, carbon dioxide gas is supplied into the beverage storage container 1 to increase the pressure within the beverage storage container 1, and the pressure forces the beverage out of the beverage storage container 1. In the conventional beverage storage container 1, the beverage comes into direct contact with the beverage storage container 1. Therefore, when the beverage storage container 1 is collected and reused, the effort and cost required to manage the internal state of the beverage storage container 1 is large.

As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a beverage supply device. The beverage supply device described in Patent Document 1 includes a container body including a neck portion, and a flexible bag disposed inside the container body. In the beverage supply device described in Patent Document 1, the beverage inside the bag is dispensed from the neck by introducing pressurized gas into the space between the inner wall of the container body and the outside of the bag. The entire beverage dispensing device described in Patent Document 1 is used in a one-way system that is not reused.

JP 2018-30639 Publication

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for using a replacement part for a beverage container that is easy to install in the beverage outlet tube of the beverage container.

Below, means for solving the problems will be explained using numbers and symbols used in the detailed description. These numbers and symbols are added in parentheses for reference in order to show an example of the correspondence between the claims and the detailed description. Therefore, the scope of the claims should not be construed as being limited by the parenthesized descriptions.

The replacement part (2) for a beverage container in some embodiments is a part that attaches to the beverage outlet tube (52) of the beverage container. The replacement part (2) includes a cylindrical member (20) attached to the beverage outlet pipe (52), a second beverage outlet pipe (28) extending from the cylindrical member (20), and a second beverage outlet pipe (28) that is attached to the beverage outlet pipe (52). A bag body (30) is attached to the member (20) or the second beverage outlet pipe (28) and for accommodating a beverage.

In the replacement part (2), the cylindrical member (20) has a cylindrical member main body (25), and an annular member disposed between the beverage outlet pipe (52) and the cylindrical member main body (25). The seal member (23) may also be provided.

In the replacement part (2), the annular seal member (23) may be configured to be pressed by the lower end (52e) of the beverage outlet pipe (52).

In the replacement part (2), the annular seal member (23) is arranged between the outer surface (52u) of the beverage outlet pipe (52) and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member (20). It may be.

In the replacement part (2), the cylindrical member (20) has a recess (26c; 20d) that engages with the annular protrusion (52t) of the beverage outlet pipe (52), or a recess (26c; 20d) that engages with the annular projection (52t) of the beverage outlet pipe (52). ) may have a protrusion that engages with the annular recess.

In the replacement part (2), the cylindrical member (20) has a large diameter portion (261) facing the beverage outlet pipe (52) and a small diameter portion connected to the second beverage outlet pipe (28). (264), and a connecting portion (267) that connects the large diameter portion (261) and the small diameter portion (264).

The replacement part (2) may further include a non-bag-like protective sheet (60) disposed above the bag (30). Further, the protective sheet (60) may have a through hole (60h) into which the beverage outlet pipe (52) or the cylindrical member (20) can be inserted.

In the replacement part (2), the bag (30) may be made of synthetic resin, or may be made of a laminated film including a light shielding layer or an oxygen barrier layer and a synthetic resin layer. Further, the second beverage outlet pipe (52) may be made of synthetic resin.

The combination of a replacement part for a beverage container (2) and a beverage container (4) in some embodiments comprises a beverage container (4) and a replacement part for a beverage container (2). The beverage container (4) comprises a beverage container body (40) and a stainless steel beverage outlet tube (52). The replacement part (2) includes a cylindrical member (20) attached to the beverage outlet pipe (52) and extending from the cylindrical member (20) toward the bottom (45) of the beverage container (4). and a bag body (30) attached to the cylindrical member (20) or the second beverage take-out pipe (28) for accommodating a drink.

In the combination of the replacement part (2) for a beverage container (2) and a beverage container (4), the beverage container (4) prevents the beverage outlet tube (52) from being removed from the beverage container (4). It may further include a removal prevention member (59). Further, the replacement part (2) may include a protection sheet (60) that prevents the bag (30) from directly contacting the removal prevention member (59).

In the combination of the beverage container replacement part (2) and the beverage container (4), the lower end (52e) of the beverage outlet tube (52) and the lower end portion of the beverage outlet tube (52) made of stainless steel. (521) may be covered with the cylindrical member (20).

In the combination of the replacement part for a beverage container (2) and the beverage container (4), the beverage container (4) may further include a mouthpiece (44). Further, the lower end of the mouthpiece (44) smoothly reduces the diameter of the bag body (30) that contacts the mouthpiece (44) when the replacement part (2) is taken out from the beverage container (4). It may have a tapered surface (44t) for making it.

A method of using a replacement part (2) for a beverage container in some embodiments, wherein the replacement part (2) comprises a cylindrical member (20) attached to a beverage outlet pipe (52) of a beverage container; a second beverage outlet pipe (28) extending from the shaped member (20) towards the bottom (45) of the beverage container (4); and the cylindrical member (20) or the second beverage outlet pipe (28). The bag body (30) is attached to the bag body (30) for containing a beverage. The method of use includes the steps of preparing a fitting (50) to be attached to the mouthpiece (44) of the beverage container (4), and a lower end of the beverage outlet pipe (52) that forms a part of the fitting (50). an attachment step of attaching the replacement part (2) to the fitting (50) by attaching the cylindrical member (20) to the fitting (521); ) into the beverage container (4), and a second attachment step of attaching the attachment portion (51) of the fitting (50) to the mouthpiece (44) of the beverage container (4). do.

In the method for using the replacement part (2) for a beverage container, the lower end (521) of the beverage outlet pipe (52) is inserted into the cylindrical member (20) by performing the attachment step, or , the engaging part (290) of the cylindrical member (20) may be inserted into the lower end (521) of the beverage outlet pipe (52).

In the above method of using the replacement part (2) for a beverage container, the beverage outlet tube (52) may be provided with a shoulder (52s). Furthermore, by performing the attaching step, the shoulder (52s) is covered by the cylindrical member (20), or the shoulder (52s) is covered with the engaging portion (290) of the cylindrical member (20). ) may be engaged.

The method for using the replacement part (2) for a beverage container includes a removal step of removing the replacement part (2) from the fitting (50), and inserting a new replacement part (2n) into the fitting (50). It may further include a reattachment step of attaching. Furthermore, the fitting (50) to which the new replacement part (2n) is attached in the reattachment step may be a part that is cleaned and reused.

The present invention makes it possible to provide a method of using a replacement part for a beverage container that is easy to attach to the beverage outlet tube of the beverage container.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional beverage storage container. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a combination of a replacement part for a beverage container and a beverage container in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state before the replacement part for the beverage container in the first embodiment is attached to the beverage outlet pipe. FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a replacement part for a beverage container in the first embodiment. FIG. 4B is a schematic plan view schematically showing a replacement part for a beverage container in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic two-sided view schematically showing the protective sheet. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a replacement part for a beverage container according to a modification of the first embodiment is attached to a beverage outlet pipe. FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a combination of a replacement part for a beverage container and a beverage container in a second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a combination of a replacement part for a beverage container and a beverage container in the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a state before the replacement part for a beverage container according to the second embodiment is attached to a beverage outlet pipe. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a combination of a replacement part for a beverage container and a beverage container in the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a state before the replacement part for a beverage container according to the third embodiment is attached to a beverage outlet pipe. FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a combination of a replacement part for a beverage container and a beverage container in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a state before the replacement part for a beverage container according to the fourth embodiment is attached to a beverage outlet pipe. FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a combination of a replacement part for a beverage container and a beverage container in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a state before the replacement part for a beverage container according to the fifth embodiment is attached to a beverage outlet pipe. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a combination of a replacement part for a beverage container and a beverage container in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of using a replacement part for a beverage container in an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of using a replacement part for a beverage container in an embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the insertion process is being performed. FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the beverage filling process is being executed. FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing the state in which the beverage removal process is being executed. FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically showing the process of removing a replacement part. FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically showing how a new replacement part is attached to the fitting after cleaning. FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a combination of a replacement part for a beverage container and a beverage container in the seventh embodiment.

Hereinafter, the replacement part 2 for a beverage container, the combination of the replacement part 2 for a beverage container and the beverage container 4, and the method of using the replacement part 2 for a beverage container will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, members and parts having the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations of members and parts designated by the same reference numerals will be omitted. In addition, in the following description, a "bag body" is a bag body which can accommodate a drink. The bag may be a bag that can contain alcoholic beverages such as beer, low-malt beer, wine, Japanese sake, or distilled liquor. Further, the "bag" may be a bag capable of containing non-alcoholic beverages such as non-alcoholic beer, juice, and carbonated drinks.

(First embodiment)
With reference to FIGS. 2 to 7, a description will be given of a replacement part 2A for a beverage container and a combination of the replacement part 2A for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a combination of the beverage container replacement part 2A and the beverage container 4 in the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 2 shows a state after the beverage container replacement part 2A is attached to the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30 is filled with the beverage D. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state before the replacement part 2A for a beverage container in the first embodiment is attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52. FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a replacement part 2A for a beverage container in the first embodiment. FIG. 4B is a schematic plan view schematically showing a replacement part 2A for a beverage container in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic two-sided view schematically showing the protective sheet 60. As shown in FIG. A top view is shown on the upper side of FIG. 5, and a side view is shown on the lower side of FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a state before the replacement part 2A for a beverage container according to a modification of the first embodiment is attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52. FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a combination of a replacement part 2A for a beverage container and a beverage container 4 in a second modification of the first embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the beverage container 4 includes a beverage container body 40 and a beverage outlet tube 52 . The beverage container body 40 defines a space in which the bag 30 is accommodated. The beverage container main body 40 is made of stainless steel, for example. The beverage take-out pipe 52 is used to take out the beverage D stored in the bag body 30 within the beverage container 4 to the outside of the beverage container 4 . The beverage outlet pipe 52 is made of stainless steel, for example. A lower end 52e of the beverage outlet pipe 52 is disposed within the beverage container body 40. In the example shown in FIG. 2, when the height of the lower end of the mouthpiece 44 of the beverage container 4 with respect to the bottom 45 of the beverage container main body 40 is defined as H, the height of the lower end of the mouthpiece 44 of the beverage container 4 with respect to the bottom 45 of the beverage container main body 40 is defined as H. The height of the lower end 52e of the extraction pipe 52 is 0.5H or more, 0.6H or more, or 0.7H or more.

The beverage container 4 may be provided with a beverage valve V1 and/or a gas valve V2. The beverage valve V1 is a valve whose state can be changed between an open state that allows passage of a beverage and a closed state that prohibits passage of a beverage. Further, the gas valve V2 is a valve whose state can be changed between an open state that allows gas to pass through and a closed state that prohibits gas passage. The beverage container 4 may include a bottom protector 48 that protects the bottom 45 of the beverage container body 40 and/or a top protector 49 that protects the top or mouthpiece 44 of the beverage container body 40. Bottom protector 48 and/or top protector 49 are attached to beverage container body 40 by welding or the like.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, a replacement part 2A for a beverage container is attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52 described above. The replacement part 2A includes a cylindrical member 20, a second beverage removal pipe 28, and a bag body 30. The cylindrical member 20 is a member attached to the beverage removal pipe 52. The second beverage removal pipe 28 is a pipe extending downward from the cylindrical member 20, in other words, toward the bottom 45 of the beverage container 4. Moreover, the bag body 30 is a member for accommodating the beverage D. The bag body 30 is attached to the cylindrical member 20 or the second beverage outlet pipe 28.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a procedure for attaching the replacement part 2A for a beverage container to the beverage outlet pipe 52 will be described. The replacement part 2A for the beverage container can be attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the replacement part 2A is attached to the beverage extraction tube 52 by attaching the cylindrical member 20 to the lower end 521 of the beverage extraction tube 52. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the bag 30 is attached to the cylindrical member 20. Therefore, by attaching the cylindrical member 20 to the beverage outlet pipe 52, the bag body 30 is supported by the beverage outlet pipe 52 via the cylindrical member 20. Alternatively, the bag 30 may be attached to the second beverage outlet tube 28. In this case, by attaching the cylindrical member 20 to the beverage extraction tube 52, the bag body 30 is supported by the beverage extraction tube 52 via the second beverage extraction tube 28.

The replacement part 2A for a beverage container in the first embodiment has a cylindrical member 20 that can be attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52, and it is easy to attach the cylindrical member 20 to the beverage outlet pipe 52. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the tubular member 20 is attached to the beverage outlet tube 52 simply by linearly moving the beverage outlet tube 52 toward the tubular member 20.

In the first embodiment, the beverage outlet pipe 52 to which the cylindrical member 20 is attached is not included in the replacement part 2A. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the replacement part 2A is reduced. When the replacement part 2A does not include the fitting 50 that includes the beverage outlet pipe 52, the beverage valve V1, the gas valve V2, and the attachment part 51, the manufacturing cost of the replacement part 2A is even more significantly reduced. . Fitting 50, including beverage outlet tube 52, is preferably cleaned and reused. In this case, by making the fitting 50, which has a complicated structure, reusable and by making the replacement part 2A a simple structure, the operating cost of the beverage container as a whole is significantly reduced. In this specification, "fitting" refers to a fitting that is attached to the mouthpiece 44 of the beverage container 4 and is used to fill the inside of the beverage container 4 with a beverage and/or to take out the beverage from the inside of the beverage container 4. means a member used in

A replacement part 2A for a beverage container in the first embodiment includes a bag body 30 for accommodating a beverage. Therefore, direct contact of the beverage with the beverage container body 40 is prevented or suppressed. In this case, the effort required to manage the internal state of the beverage container 4 can be reduced.

The replacement part 2A for a beverage container in the first embodiment includes a second beverage outlet pipe 28 extending from the cylindrical member 20 toward the bottom 45 of the beverage container 4. Since the replacement part 2A includes the second beverage removal pipe 28, the beverage present in the lower part of the bag body 30 can be taken out preferentially over the beverage present in the upper part of the bag body 30. In this case, compared to the case where the beverage present in the upper part of the bag body 30 is taken out preferentially, carbon dioxide gas, air, etc. present in the upper part of the bag body 30 are added to the beverage taken out from the bag body 30. Gas G (see Figure 2) is difficult to mix. Furthermore, when the beverage present in the lower part of the bag body 30 is taken out preferentially, compared to the case where the beverage present in the upper part of the bag body 30 is taken out preferentially, It is possible to reduce the amount of beverage remaining in the body 30.

Furthermore, since the second beverage outlet pipe 28, which is a part of the beverage outlet pipes (52, 28) that come into direct contact with the beverage, is a replacement part, the fitting 50 can be made shorter. When the fitting 50 is short, handling of the fitting 50 becomes easy. Furthermore, when the fitting 50 is reused, the inner surface of the fitting 50 can be easily cleaned.

As described above, the replacement part 2A for a beverage container in the first embodiment includes the cylindrical member 20 that can be attached to the beverage outlet tube 52, the bag body 30, and the second beverage outlet tube 28. In this case, (1) the manufacturing cost of the replacement part 2A is reduced, (2) direct contact of the beverage with the beverage container body 40 is prevented or suppressed, and (3) the gas G present in the bag body 30 Three different effects are synergistically achieved, namely, preventing the liquid from being mixed into the beverage taken out from the bag body 30.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the combination of the beverage container replacement part 2A and the beverage container 4 is such that the beverage container replacement part 2A is attached to the beverage container 4 (more specifically, the beverage outlet pipe 52). This is the combination after Alternatively, the combination of the beverage container replacement part 2A and the beverage container 4 in the first embodiment is such that the beverage container replacement part 2A is attached to the beverage container 4 (more specifically, the beverage outlet pipe 52). The combination may be performed before being mounted, in other words, the replacement part 2A and the beverage container 4 may be combined in a state where they are provided as parts that can be combined.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7, optional additional configurations that can be employed in the first embodiment will be described.

(Cylindrical member 20)
In the example shown in FIG. 2, the cylindrical member 20 includes a cylindrical member main body 25 and an annular seal member 23 disposed on the cylindrical member main body 25.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the annular sealing member 23 is arranged between the beverage outlet pipe 52 and the cylindrical member body 25. In the example shown in FIG. The annular seal member 23 may be a seal ring 23a, an annularly arranged adhesive, or an annular adhesive sheet. When the annular seal member 23 is a seal ring 23a, the material of the seal ring 23a is softer than the material of the cylindrical member main body 25. In other words, the elastic modulus of the seal ring 23a is lower than the elastic modulus of the cylindrical member main body 25. The seal ring 23a is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber, for example. When the cylindrical member 20 includes the annular sealing member 23, leakage of the beverage from the gap between the cylindrical member 20 and the beverage outlet pipe 52 is more reliably prevented.

The seal ring 23a is, for example, molded separately from the cylindrical member main body 25 and attached to the cylindrical member main body 25. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the seal ring 23a is attached to an annular recess 25d provided in the cylindrical member main body 25. Alternatively, attachment of the seal ring 23a to the cylindrical member body 25 may be performed by molding the seal ring 23a within a mold containing the molded cylindrical member body 25. Further alternatively, the seal ring 23a and the tubular member main body 25 may be molded simultaneously within a mold.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the annular sealing member 23 is configured to be pressed by the lower end 52e of the beverage removal pipe 52. In this case, the negative influence associated with the dimensional error in the direction along the central axis C of the cylindrical member 20 (in other words, the variation in the shape of the cylindrical member 20) is suppressed from the lower end 52e of the beverage outlet pipe 52 with respect to the annular sealing member 23. It can be automatically relaxed depending on the amount of push.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the cylindrical member 20 (more specifically, the cylindrical portion 26 described below) includes an engagement recess 26c that engages with the lower end 52e of the beverage removal pipe 52. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the engagement recess 26c is an annular recess 25d arranged to surround the central axis C of the cylindrical member 20 (more specifically, an annular recess 25d that accommodates the annular seal member 23). 25d).

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the lower end 52e of the beverage outlet pipe 52 engages with the engagement recess 26c and is in contact with the annular seal member 23. In this case, it is more likely that the contact between the annular sealing member 23 and the beverage outlet pipe 52 will be incomplete due to a dimensional error of the cylindrical member 20 in the direction along the central axis C of the cylindrical member 20. Definitely prevented.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the lower end 52e of the beverage outlet pipe 52 is bent outward. In other words, the lower end 52e of the beverage outlet tube 52 is bent so as to face away from the central axis of the beverage outlet tube 52. In this case, the lower end 52e of the beverage outlet pipe 52 functions as an annular protrusion that engages with the annular recess (26c) of the cylindrical member 20.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the lower end 52e of the stainless steel beverage take-out pipe 52 and the outer circumferential surface of the lower end portion 521 of the beverage take-out pipe 52 are covered by the cylindrical member 20. In this case, the bag body 30 is prevented from being damaged due to the lower end portion 521 of the stainless steel beverage removal pipe 52 coming into contact with the bag body 30. In particular, when the lower end 52e of the beverage outlet pipe 52 is disposed inside the bag body 30 as in the example shown in FIG. It is preferable that the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion 521 of 52 is covered by the cylindrical member 20.

In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the cylindrical member main body 25 has a cylindrical portion 26 and a flange portion 27 . In other words, the cylindrical portion 26 and the flange portion 27 constitute the cylindrical member main body 25. The cylindrical member main body 25 is made of, for example, synthetic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

The cylindrical portion 26 is, for example, a cylindrical portion that extends in the longitudinal direction of the second beverage outlet pipe 28 . In the example shown in FIG. 3, the inner diameter of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 26 is smaller than the inner diameter of the upper end of the cylindrical portion 26. When the cylindrical member 20 is attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52, the upper end 26a of the cylindrical portion 26 is disposed to face the outer surface 52u of the beverage outlet pipe 52. More specifically, the inner surface of the upper end 26a of the cylindrical portion 26 contacts the outer surface 52u of the beverage outlet pipe. Furthermore, when the cylindrical member 20 is attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52, the lower end 26b of the cylindrical portion 26 is located below the lower end 52e of the beverage outlet pipe 52 (see FIG. 2 if necessary). . A lower end portion 26b of the cylindrical portion 26 is connected to a second beverage outlet pipe 28.

In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the cylindrical member 20 (more specifically, the cylindrical portion 26) has a large diameter portion 261 that is disposed facing the outer surface 52u of the beverage extraction pipe 52, and a second beverage extraction tube. It includes a small diameter portion 264 connected to the pipe 28 and a connecting portion 267 connecting the large diameter portion 261 and the small diameter portion 264.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the large diameter portion 261 is arranged to cover the lower end portion 521 of the beverage removal pipe 52. More specifically, the large diameter portion 261 is arranged to cover the outer surface of the lower end portion 521 of the beverage removal pipe 52. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the beverage outlet pipe 52 has a first portion that is a lower end portion 521 and a second portion 523 that has a larger outer diameter than the lower end portion 521. In this case, the large-diameter portion 261 includes a large-diameter first portion 261b that covers the first portion (in other words, the lower end portion 521) of the beverage take-out pipe 52, and a large-diameter portion that covers the second portion 523 of the beverage take-out pipe 52. and a second portion 261a. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the outer diameter of the large diameter first portion 261b is smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter second portion 261a.

In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the small diameter portion 264 is the portion to which the second beverage outlet pipe 28 is connected. When the second beverage outlet tube 28 is connected to the small diameter section 264, it is possible to reduce the inner diameter and/or outer diameter of the second beverage outlet tube 28. When the outer diameter of the second beverage outlet pipe 28 is small, the bag body 30 can be arranged compactly around the second beverage outlet pipe 28 when inserting the replacement part 2A into the beverage container main body 40. becomes.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 264 (and the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 264) is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower end 52e of the beverage removal pipe 52. The inner diameter of the lower end 52e of the beverage outlet tube is, for example, greater than 7.5 mm, 10.5 mm, or 13.5 mm. On the other hand, the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 264 is, for example, 13.5 mm or less, 11.5 mm or less, 9.5 mm or less, or 7.5 mm or less.

The connecting portion 267 is a portion that connects the large diameter portion 261 and the small diameter portion 264. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, an annular recess 25d is formed in the upper part of the connecting portion 267, in which the annular seal member 23 is disposed. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, an annular wall 267w is formed on the upper surface of the connecting portion 267 to prevent the annular seal member 23 (more specifically, the seal ring 23a) from shifting inward. There is. The annular wall 267w may be omitted.

The collar portion 27 functions as a mounting portion (more specifically, a welded portion) for attaching the bag body 30. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the collar portion 27 is connected to the large diameter portion 261 (more specifically, the second large diameter portion 261a).

The collar portion 27 and the bag body 30 are welded together by, for example, high frequency welding. Alternatively, the collar portion 27 and the bag body 30 may be welded together by heat welding or ultrasonic welding. Note that, from the viewpoint of facilitating welding between the flange 27 and the bag body 30, the material of the flange 27 is preferably the same as the material of the bag 30. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the bag 30 is attached to the flange 27 via the protective sheet 60 (more specifically, it is welded to the flange 27 via the protective sheet 60). . Alternatively, the bag 30 may be directly attached to the collar 27 (more specifically, it may be directly welded to the collar 27).

In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the collar portion 27 has a ring shape when viewed from above (in other words, when viewed in the direction along the central axis C of the cylindrical member 20). In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the collar portion 27 and the peripheral portion of the through hole 31h of the bag body 30 are welded. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 4A, the bag body 30 is welded to the lower surface of the collar portion 27. Alternatively, the bag 30 may be welded to the upper surface of the collar 27.

From the viewpoint of facilitating attachment (more specifically, welding) between the flange 27 and the bag body 30, the difference between the diameter of the outer edge 27u of the flange 27 and the diameter of the inner edge 27n of the flange 27 is as follows. It is preferably 6 mm or more, 8 mm or more, or 10 mm or more. Further, from the viewpoint of making the size of the flange 27 compact, the difference between the diameter of the outer edge 27u of the flange 27 and the diameter of the inner edge 27n of the flange 27 is preferably 18 mm or less.

The second beverage outlet pipe 28 is connected to the cylindrical member 20 . In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the upper end of the second beverage outlet pipe 28 is connected to the lower end of the cylindrical member 20 (more specifically, the small diameter portion 264). In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the second beverage outlet tube 28 is attached to the tubular member 20 by engagement. More specifically, the engagement portion 28c (for example, an engagement recess or an engagement protrusion) formed on the outer surface of the second beverage takeout pipe 28 is the engagement portion 264c formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical member 20. (for example, an engagement protrusion or an engagement recess). Alternatively, the second beverage outlet tube 28 may be attached to the tubular member 20 by threading, welding, or gluing. Further alternatively, the second beverage outlet tube 28 may be integrally molded with the tubular member 20.

In the example shown in FIG. 4A, a collar portion 281 is disposed at the upper end of the second beverage removal pipe 28. In the example shown in FIG. The flange portion 281 functions as a stopper that prevents the second beverage outlet pipe 28 from falling off from the cylindrical member 20 .

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the outer diameter of the second beverage outlet tube 28 (and the inner diameter of the second beverage outlet tube 28) is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower end 52e of the beverage outlet tube 52. The outer diameter L1 of the second beverage outlet pipe 28 is, for example, 14 mm or less, 12 mm or less, 10 mm or less, 8 mm or less, or 7 mm or less. Further, the inner diameter of the second beverage outlet pipe 28 is, for example, 13.5 mm or less, 11.5 mm or less, 9.5 mm or less, 7.5 mm or less, or 6.5 mm or less. When the outer diameter L1 of the second beverage outlet pipe 28 is small, it is possible to compactly arrange the bag body 30 around the second beverage outlet pipe 28 when inserting the replacement part 2A into the beverage container main body 40. Become.

In the example shown in FIG. part) is disposed below the lower end 52e of the beverage outlet pipe 52 and closer to the central axis C of the cylindrical member 20 than the lower end 52e of the beverage outlet pipe 52.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the lower end 28e of the second beverage outlet pipe 28 is arranged near the bottom 45 of the beverage container body 40. In the default state (for example, in a state where the beverage valve V1 and the gas valve V2 are closed), the distance L2 between the lower end 28e of the second beverage outlet pipe 28 and the inner surface of the bottom 45 of the beverage container main body 40 is For example, it is 4 cm or less, 3 cm or less, 2 cm or less, or 1 cm or less. By arranging the lower end 28e of the second beverage outlet pipe 28 near the bottom 45 of the beverage container main body 40, the amount of beverage remaining without being ultimately removed from the bag body 30 can be reduced.

Since the lower end 28e of the second beverage outlet pipe 28 is disposed near the bottom 45 of the beverage container main body 40, the second beverage outlet pipe 28 is preferably a long tube. The length of the second beverage outlet pipe 28 is, for example, 5 cm or more, 10 cm or more, or 15 cm or more. The length of the second beverage outlet pipe 28 is preferably longer than the length of the beverage outlet tube 52.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the beverage is taken into the second beverage take-out pipe 28 from the opening OP arranged at the lower end 28e of the second beverage take-out pipe 28. Alternatively or additionally, an opening may be formed in the side of the second beverage outlet tube 28 for the intake of a beverage.

The second beverage outlet pipe 28 is made of, for example, synthetic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

(Bag body 30)
The bag body 30 is made of, for example, synthetic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The bag 30 may be composed of a high-density polyethylene layer, a low-density polyethylene layer, a polyethylene terephthalate layer, a nylon layer, or a laminate of these layers. In addition, the bag body 30 is a laminated layer in which a light shielding layer or an oxygen barrier layer such as aluminum foil or an aluminum vapor deposited layer is arranged between a plurality of synthetic resin layers in order to ensure light shielding properties and/or oxygen barrier properties. It may be composed of a film. Further, the bag body 30 may be formed of a laminated film in which an oxygen barrier layer such as an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is disposed between a plurality of synthetic resin layers. The bag 30 may be made of a laminated film including a nylon layer, a polyethylene layer, and an aluminum layer. Note that the material of the bag body 30 is not limited to the above-mentioned example. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the bag body 30 has a through hole 31h into which the beverage outlet pipe 52 or the cylindrical member 20 can be inserted. The bag 30 and the cylindrical member 20 are integrated by welding the bag 30 (more specifically, the peripheral portion of the through hole 31h) and the above-mentioned flange 27.

In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the entire second beverage outlet pipe 28 is disposed inside the bag body 30. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 4A, an annular seal member 23 is arranged inside the bag body 30.

(Protective sheet 60)
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the replacement part 2A for a beverage container may include a protective sheet 60 disposed above the bag body 30. The protective sheet 60 prevents or suppresses the bag 30 from coming into contact with the through-hole portion 54h of the fitting 50 and the like. In the example shown in FIG. 2, if the bag 30 comes into contact with the through hole 54h, etc., there is a risk that the bag 30 will be damaged. On the other hand, when the protective sheet 60 is arranged above the bag 30, the bag 30 is protected by the protective sheet 60, and damage to the bag 30 is prevented or suppressed. It is preferable that the protective sheet 60 is not a bag, in other words, the protective sheet 60 is a non-bag-like protective sheet. Note that if there is a low possibility that the bag 30 will be damaged, the protective sheet 60 may be omitted.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the protective sheet 60 has a through hole 60h into which the beverage outlet pipe 52 or the cylindrical member 20 can be inserted. From the viewpoint of preventing the protective sheet 60 from being caught between the base portion 44 and the fitting 50, the distance L3 from the center of the through hole 60h to the outermost edge 60e of the protective sheet 60 is set so that the fitting 50 is not caught between the base portion 44 and the fitting 50. It is preferable that the outermost edge 60e of the protective sheet 60 is set at a distance that does not reach the base portion 44 when the protective sheet 60 is attached to the base (see FIG. 2 if necessary). More specifically, the distance L3 is preferably about 7 cm (5 cm or more and 9 cm or less).

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the protective sheet 60 is a circular sheet. Further, a through hole 60h is formed in the circular sheet. The protective sheet 60 may be made of synthetic resin or may be made of other materials (for example, cloth).

In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the protective sheet 60 is connected to the bag 30 (in other words, the protective sheet 60 is fixed to the bag 30). More specifically, the protective sheet 60 is welded to the flange 27 together with the bag 30. Alternatively, the protective sheet 60 and the bag 30 may not be integrated (in other words, the protective sheet 60 and the bag 30 may not be connected to each other).

(Position of flange 27)
In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the collar portion 27 is arranged at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 26. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 6 illustrating a modification of the first embodiment, the flange 27 is located between the middle part of the cylindrical part 26 (in other words, the upper end of the cylindrical part 26 and the lower end of the cylindrical part 26). may be located in the area between The flange portion 27 may be provided on the large diameter portion 261 of the cylindrical member 20, or may be provided on the small diameter portion 264 or the connecting portion 267 of the cylindrical member 20. Further alternatively, the collar 27 may be provided on the second beverage outlet pipe 28.

In addition, when the cylinder part 26 has the small diameter part 264 connected to the 2nd beverage extraction pipe 28, and the large diameter part 261 whose outer diameter is larger than the said small diameter part 264, the collar part 27 has a large diameter part. It is preferable that it is located in the section 261.

(Beverage container 4)
In the example shown in FIG. 2, the beverage container 4 includes a beverage container body 40, a mouthpiece 44, and a fitting 50.

The beverage container body 40 includes a bottom 45 , a body 46 , and a shoulder 47 . The lower end of the body 46 is connected to the outer edge of the bottom 45 , and the upper end of the body 46 is connected to the outer edge of the shoulder 47 . The beverage container body 40 defines a space in which the bag 30 is accommodated. The beverage container main body 40 is made of stainless steel, for example. When the beverage container body 40 is made of stainless steel, the bag 30 (and the beverage) placed within the beverage container body 40 is effectively protected from impact, wind, rain, or light. Moreover, the beverage container main body 40 can be used for a long period of time, such as 10 years or more.

The cap portion 44 is connected to the beverage container body 40 (more specifically, the shoulder portion 47). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the base portion 44 is welded to the inner edge of the shoulder portion 47. A fitting 50 is attached to the base portion 44. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the base portion 44 includes a female threaded portion that is screwed into the male threaded portion 51s of the fitting 50. When the cap portion 44 (more specifically, the female threaded portion of the cap portion 44) and the fitting 50 (more specifically, the male threaded portion 51s of the fitting 50) are made of stainless steel, the threaded portion may deteriorate over a long period of time. deterioration is suppressed.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the lower end of the base portion 44 has a tapered surface 44t. The tapered surface 44t is a surface whose inner diameter becomes smaller as it goes upward. Since the lower end of the mouthpiece 44 has the tapered surface 44t, when the replacement part 2A is taken out from the beverage container 4, the diameter of the bag body 30 that contacts the lower end of the mouthpiece 44 is smoothly reduced by the tapered surface 44t. In this way, the bulky bag 30 can be smoothly taken out from the beverage container 4 via the mouthpiece 44.

The fitting 50 includes a mounting portion 51, a beverage outlet pipe 52, a beverage valve V1, and a gas valve V2. The fitting 50 may include an outer cylinder portion 54.

The attachment portion 51 is a portion that is attached to the cap portion 44 of the beverage container 4. It is preferable that the attachment part 51 has a cylindrical shape and is made of stainless steel. The attachment part 51 has a male threaded part 51s that is screwed into the base part 44. Preferably, the attachment portion 51 is provided with an engagement portion 51g for attaching a dispense head (not shown in FIG. 2) for taking out a beverage from the beverage container 4. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the engaging portion 51g is an engaging protrusion.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the attachment portion 51 has an inclined surface 51k that is inclined with respect to the central axis of the attachment portion 51. The inclined surface 51k functions as a valve seat portion VB2 of the gas valve V2.

The beverage take-out pipe 52 is used to receive the beverage D stored in the bag body 30 within the beverage container 4 via the second beverage take-out pipe 28 and to take out the received beverage to the outside of the beverage container 4. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a beverage valve V1 is arranged in the beverage outlet pipe 52. More specifically, a valve body VA1 of the beverage valve V1 and a valve seat portion VB1 of the beverage valve V1 are arranged within the beverage take-out pipe 52. A biasing member 55 (for example, a spring member) that biases the valve body VA1 toward the valve seat portion VB1 may be disposed within the beverage take-out pipe 52. The biasing member 55 (for example, a spring member) is made of metal, for example. When the valve body VA1 is pressed downward against the biasing force of the biasing member 55, the state of the beverage valve V1 is switched from the closed state to the open state.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, a valve body VA2 of a gas valve V2 is arranged in the beverage take-out pipe 52. More specifically, a first valve member 56 that functions as a valve body VA2 of the gas valve V2 is attached to the upper end of the beverage outlet pipe 52. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the upper part of the first valve member 56 functions as the valve body VA2 of the gas valve V2, and the lower part of the first valve member 56 functions as the valve seat part VB1 of the beverage valve V1. The fitting 50 may include a second biasing member 55b (for example, a spring member) that biases the valve body VA2 of the gas valve V2 toward the valve seat portion VB2. The second biasing member 55b (for example, a spring member) is made of metal, for example. When the valve body VA2 is pressed downward against the biasing force of the second biasing member 55b, the state of the gas valve V2 is switched from the closed state to the open state, and the beverage ejection pipe 52 is inserted into the beverage container 4. move in the direction approaching the bottom 45 of.

The outer cylinder portion 54 includes a plurality of through holes 54h for allowing gas to pass through. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the upper end of the outer cylinder part 54 is connected to the lower end of the attachment part 51. The outer cylinder part 54 is arranged so as to surround the beverage outlet pipe 52. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the outer cylinder part 54 also functions as a housing part that houses the second biasing member 55b. A spring receiving member 550 that supports the lower end of the second biasing member 55b is arranged in the outer cylinder portion 54. The outer cylinder portion 54 is made of stainless steel, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 7 showing a second modification of the first embodiment, the fitting 50 of the beverage container 4 includes a removal prevention member 59 that prevents the beverage outlet pipe 52 from being taken out from the beverage container 4. may be provided. The removal prevention member 59 prevents the beverage removal pipe 52 from being removed from the beverage container 4 without using a special jig. On the other hand, after moving the removal prevention member 59 in the direction toward the central axis of the mouthpiece 44 using a special jig, it is possible to remove the fitting 50 including the beverage outlet pipe 52 from the beverage container 4. .

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the removal prevention member 59 projects further outward than the outer cylinder portion 54. As shown in FIG. If the removal prevention member 59 comes into contact with the bag body 30, the bag body 30 may be damaged. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the above-mentioned protective sheet 60 prevents the bag 30 from coming into direct contact with the removal prevention member 59. In this way, damage to the bag body 30 is prevented. Note that the embodiment including the protective sheet 60 that prevents the bag body 30 from coming into direct contact with the removal prevention member 59 can also be adopted in the embodiments described below (second embodiment to seventh embodiment). .

(Second embodiment)
With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a replacement part 2B for a beverage container and a combination of the replacement part 2B for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a combination of a replacement part 2B for a beverage container and a beverage container 4 in the second embodiment. Note that FIG. 8 shows a state after the beverage container replacement part 2B is attached to the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30 is filled with the beverage D. FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a state before the replacement part 2B for a beverage container according to the second embodiment is attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52.

The replacement part 2B for a beverage container and the combination of the replacement part 2B for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 in the second embodiment are the arrangement of the annular sealing member 23, and the arrangement of the cylindrical member 20 and the beverage take-out pipe. 52 is different from the replacement part 2A for a beverage container and the combination of the replacement part 2A for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 in the first embodiment. In other respects, the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

The second embodiment will be described with a focus on points that are different from the first embodiment. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, repetitive explanations of matters already explained in the first embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already explained in the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment even if they are not explicitly explained in the second embodiment.

The replacement part 2B for the beverage container in the second embodiment is a replacement part that can be attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52 of the beverage container. The replacement part 2B includes a cylindrical member 20 attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52, a bag body 30 attached to the cylindrical member 20 or the second beverage outlet pipe 28, and a second beverage outlet pipe 28. The second beverage outlet tube 28 extends from the cylindrical member 20 toward the bottom 45 of the beverage container 4 . Additionally, the replacement part 2B may include a protective sheet 60.

As the beverage container 4 in the second embodiment, it is possible to use a container having the same shape as the beverage container 4 in the first embodiment, except for the lower end portion of the beverage outlet pipe 52. The beverage container 4 includes a beverage container body 40, a mouthpiece 44, and a fitting 50. The fitting 50 also includes a beverage removal tube 52 . The structure, shape, and material of the beverage container body 40, the mouthpiece 44, and the fitting 50 have already been described in the first embodiment. Therefore, repeated descriptions of the structures, shapes, and materials of the beverage container body 40, the mouthpiece 44, and the fitting 50 will be omitted.

(Arrangement of annular seal member 23)
In the example shown in FIG. 9, the annular seal member 23 (more specifically, the seal ring 23a) is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member main body 25 (more specifically, the cylindrical portion 26). There is. When the beverage outlet pipe 52 is inserted into the cylindrical member main body 25, the annular seal member 23 is disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member body 25 and the outer surface 52u of the beverage outlet pipe 52. (See FIG. 8 if necessary.) The annular sealing member 23 prevents the beverage from leaking between the cylindrical member main body 25 and the beverage outlet pipe 52. As illustrated in FIG. 9, an annular recess 25d in which the annular seal member 23 is disposed may be formed in the cylindrical portion 26 (more specifically, the large diameter portion 261).

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the seal ring 23a and the cylindrical member main body 25 may be molded simultaneously within the mold. The seal ring 23a is made of, for example, silicone rubber, and the cylindrical member main body 25 is made of resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Alternatively, the seal ring 23a may be molded separately from the tubular member body 25. In this case, the molded seal ring 23a is attached to the cylindrical member main body 25.

(Engagement position between cylindrical member 20 and beverage removal pipe 52)
In the example shown in FIG. 8, the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member 20 and the outer surface of the lower end portion 521 of the beverage outlet pipe 52 are engaged with each other. In the example shown in FIG. 9, an annular recess 20d is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member 20, and an annular protrusion 52t is formed on the outer surface 52u of the lower end 521 of the beverage removal pipe 52. Then, the annular recess 20d and the annular protrusion 52t engage with each other, so that the cylindrical member 20 is held by the beverage removal pipe 52. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the recess (20d) of the cylindrical member 20 and the protrusion (52t) of the beverage outlet pipe 52 engage with each other. Alternatively, the protrusion of the tubular member 20 and the recess of the beverage outlet tube 52 may engage with each other.

(Third embodiment)
With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a replacement part 2C for a beverage container and a combination of the replacement part 2C for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 in the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a combination of a beverage container replacement part 2C and a beverage container 4 in the third embodiment. Note that FIG. 10 shows a state after the beverage container replacement part 2C is attached to the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30 is filled with the beverage D. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state before the replacement part 2C for a beverage container according to the third embodiment is attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52.

The replacement part 2C for a beverage container and the combination of the replacement part 2C for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 in the third embodiment are related to the arrangement of the annular sealing member 23 and the shape of the cylindrical member 20. This is different from the replacement part 2A for a beverage container and the combination of the replacement part 2A for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 in the first embodiment. In other respects, the third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

The third embodiment will be described with a focus on points that are different from the first and second embodiments. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, repetitive explanations of matters already explained in the first embodiment or the second embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already explained in the first embodiment or the second embodiment can be applied to the third embodiment even if they are not explicitly explained in the third embodiment.

The replacement part 2C for the beverage container in the third embodiment is a replacement part that can be attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52 of the beverage container. The replacement part 2C includes a cylindrical member 20 attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52, a bag body 30 attached to the cylindrical member 20 or the second beverage outlet pipe 28, and a second beverage outlet pipe 28. The second beverage outlet tube 28 extends from the cylindrical member 20 toward the bottom 45 of the beverage container 4 . Additionally, the replacement part 2C may include a protective sheet 60.

(Arrangement of annular seal member 23)
In the example shown in FIG. 10, the annular seal member 23 (more specifically, the seal ring 23a) Specifically, it is placed on the sloped surface of the top. When the beverage outlet pipe 52 is inserted into the cylindrical member main body 25, the annular seal member 23 will be arranged between the top of the cylindrical member body 25 and the outer surface 52u of the beverage outlet pipe 52. . In the example shown in FIG. 10, the annular sealing member 23 is arranged in contact with the shoulder 52s of the beverage removal pipe 52 (more specifically, the shoulder supporting the biasing member 55). The annular sealing member 23 prevents the beverage from leaking between the cylindrical member main body 25 and the beverage outlet pipe 52. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the cylindrical portion 26 (more specifically, the large diameter portion 261) may have an annular recess 25d in which the annular seal member 23 is disposed.

(Shape of cylindrical member 20)
In the example shown in FIGS. 2, 7, and 8, the cylindrical member 20 (more specifically, the cylindrical member main body 25) It is configured to cover the entire portion below the shoulder portion 52s and a portion of the portion above the shoulder portion 52s of the beverage removal pipe 52. In this case, the cylindrical member 20 is stably supported by the beverage removal pipe 52. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. It is configured so as to cover the entire portion below the shoulder portion 52s of the beverage take-out pipe 52, and not to cover the portion above the shoulder portion 52s of the beverage take-out pipe 52. In this case, the size of the cylindrical member 20 can be made compact.

(Fourth embodiment)
A replacement part 2D for a beverage container and a combination of the replacement part 2D for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a combination of a beverage container replacement part 2D and a beverage container 4 in the fourth embodiment. Note that FIG. 12 shows a state after the beverage container replacement part 2D is attached to the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30 is filled with the beverage D. FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a state before the replacement part 2D for a beverage container according to the fourth embodiment is attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52.

A replacement part 2D for a beverage container according to the fourth embodiment has the following points: the recess (25d) in which the annular sealing member 23 is disposed and the engaging portion 20c that engages with the beverage removal pipe 52 are separated from each other; This differs from the beverage container replacement part 2A in the first embodiment in that the upper end of the cylindrical member 20 is located below the shoulder 52s of the beverage take-out pipe 52. In other respects, the fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

The fourth embodiment will be described with a focus on points that are different from the first to third embodiments. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, repetitive explanations of matters already explained in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or the third embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, even if not explicitly explained, matters already explained in the first embodiment, second embodiment, or third embodiment are applicable to the fourth embodiment. It goes without saying that it can be done.

The replacement part 2D for a beverage container in the fourth embodiment is a replacement part that can be attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52 of the beverage container. The replacement part 2D includes a cylindrical member 20 attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52, a bag body 30 attached to the cylindrical member 20 or the second beverage outlet pipe 28, and a second beverage outlet pipe 28. The second beverage outlet tube 28 extends from the cylindrical member 20 toward the bottom 45 of the beverage container 4 . Additionally, the replacement part 2D may include a protective sheet 60.

(Arrangement of annular seal member 23)
In the example shown in FIG. 13, the annular seal member 23 (more specifically, the seal ring 23a) is a connecting portion that contacts the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 26 and connects the large diameter portion 261 and the small diameter portion 264. 267. An annular recess 25d is formed on the upper surface of the connecting portion 267, and the annular seal member 23 is disposed in the annular recess 25d. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the annular sealing member 23 is configured to be pressed by the lower end 52e of the beverage removal pipe 52.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, the cross section of the seal ring 23a perpendicular to the circumferential direction has a substantially rectangular shape. Alternatively, the cross section of the seal ring 23a perpendicular to the circumferential direction may have a substantially circular shape or a substantially elliptical shape. The seal ring 23a is, for example, molded separately from the cylindrical member main body 25 and attached to the cylindrical member main body 25. Alternatively, the seal ring 23a and the cylindrical member main body 25 may be molded simultaneously within a mold.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, the cylindrical member main body 25 is provided with an engagement member that engages with the beverage outlet pipe 52 above the annular seal member 23 (more specifically, at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 26). It has a section 20c. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the engaging portion 20c is an annular recess that engages with the protrusion 52t of the beverage removal pipe 52. Alternatively, the engaging portion 20c may be a protrusion that engages with a recess in the beverage outlet tube 52.

(Fifth embodiment)
A replacement part 2E for a beverage container and a combination of the replacement part 2E for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 in the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a combination of a beverage container replacement part 2E and a beverage container 4 in the fifth embodiment. Note that FIG. 14 shows a state after the beverage container replacement part 2E is attached to the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30 is filled with the beverage D. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state before the replacement part 2E for a beverage container according to the fifth embodiment is attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52.

The replacement part 2E for a beverage container in the fifth embodiment has the following features: the cylindrical member 20 engages with the inner surface of the beverage outlet pipe 52 (more specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the shoulder portion 52s); This differs from the beverage container replacement part 2A in the first embodiment in that the upper end of the diameter portion 261 is located below the shoulder portion 52s of the beverage outlet pipe 52. In other respects, the fifth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

The fifth embodiment will be described with a focus on points that are different from the first to fourth embodiments. On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, repetitive explanations of matters already explained in the first embodiment, second embodiment, third embodiment, or fourth embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, even if not explicitly explained, matters already explained in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, or the fourth embodiment may be included in the fifth embodiment. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to the fifth embodiment.

The replacement part 2E for the beverage container in the fifth embodiment is a replacement part that can be attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52 of the beverage container. The replacement part 2E includes a cylindrical member 20 attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52, a bag body 30 attached to the cylindrical member 20 or the second beverage outlet pipe 28, and a second beverage outlet pipe 28. The second beverage outlet tube 28 extends from the cylindrical member 20 toward the bottom 45 of the beverage container 4 . Additionally, the replacement part 2E may include a protective sheet 60.

(Engaging part 290)
In the example shown in FIG. 15, the cylindrical member 20 includes an engaging portion 290 that can engage with the inner surface of the beverage outlet pipe 52 (more specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the shoulder portion 52s). The engaging portion 290 is, for example, an engaging portion formed on the leg portion 29 that projects upward from the cylindrical member main body 25.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, the leg 29 is configured to elastically deform when it is inserted into the beverage outlet tube 52. When the leg portion 29 returns to its original shape, the engaging portion 290 provided on the leg portion 29 and the inner surface of the beverage outlet pipe 52 engage with each other. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the lower end 52e of the beverage outlet tube 52 is configured to press the annular sealing member 23 when the engaging portion 290 and the inner surface of the beverage outlet tube 52 are engaged. Ru. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the annular seal member 23 is arranged in an annular recess 25d formed in the cylindrical member main body 25. In the example shown in FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the shoulder portion 52s of the beverage outlet pipe 52 functions as an engaging portion that engages with the cylindrical member 20. For this reason, there is no need to form an engaging portion that engages with the cylindrical member 20 on the outer surface 52u of the beverage outlet pipe 52. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the beverage dispensing tube 52 that can be engaged with the cylindrical member 20 is formed by simply cutting and shortening the existing beverage dispensing tube 52 (see, for example, FIG. 1). be able to.

Note that, in the fifth embodiment, forming an engaging portion that engages with the cylindrical member 20 on the outer surface 52u of the beverage take-out pipe 52 is not excluded. For example, an engaging portion formed on the outer surface 52u of the beverage outlet pipe 52 and the cylindrical member 20 engage with each other, and an inner surface of the beverage outlet tube 52 and the engaging portion 290 of the cylindrical member 20 engage with each other. It may be made to match.

(Sixth embodiment)
Referring to FIG. 16, a replacement part 2F for a beverage container and a combination of the replacement part 2F for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 in the sixth embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a combination of a beverage container replacement part 2F and a beverage container 4 in the sixth embodiment. Note that FIG. 16 shows a state after the beverage container replacement part 2F is attached to the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30 is filled with the beverage D.

The replacement part 2F for a beverage container according to the sixth embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the cylindrical member 20 is not provided with an engaging protrusion or an engaging recess that engages with the beverage outlet pipe 52. This is different from the replacement part 2B for beverage containers in . In other respects, the sixth embodiment is similar to the second embodiment.

The sixth embodiment will be described with a focus on points that are different from the first to fifth embodiments. On the other hand, in the sixth embodiment, explanations that repeat the matters already explained in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, or the fifth embodiment are omitted. Omitted. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, even if not explicitly described, in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, or the fifth embodiment, It goes without saying that the matters already described can be applied to the sixth embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 16, the frictional force between the cylindrical member 20 and the annular sealing member 23 and the outer surface 52u of the beverage outlet tube 52, or the frictional force between the annular sealing member 23 and the outer surface 52u of the beverage outlet tube 52. The cylindrical member 20 is held by the beverage outlet pipe 52 only by the adhesive force between the cylindrical member 20 and the beverage outlet pipe 52 . In the example shown in FIG. 16, no engagement protrusion or engagement recess that engages with the cylindrical member 20 is formed on the outer surface 52u of the beverage removal pipe 52. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 16, by simply cutting and shortening the existing beverage outlet pipe 52 (for example, see FIG. 1), the beverage outlet tube 52 that is inserted into the cylindrical member 20 and holds the cylindrical member 20 can be removed. A take-out pipe 52 can be formed.

(How to use replacement part 2 for beverage containers)
Next, a method of using the replacement part 2 for a beverage container in the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 23. 17 and 18 are flowcharts illustrating an example of how to use the replacement part 2 for a beverage container in the embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the insertion process is being performed. FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the beverage filling process is being executed. FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing the state in which the beverage removal process is being executed. FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the process of removing the replacement part 2 is being executed. FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically showing how a new replacement part 2n is attached to the fitting 50 after cleaning.

The replacement part used in the method of using the replacement part 2 for a beverage container in the embodiment may be the replacement part 2A for a beverage container in the first embodiment, or the replacement part 2A for a beverage container in the second embodiment. It may be the replacement part 2B for the beverage container in the third embodiment, the replacement part 2D for the beverage container in the fourth embodiment, or the replacement part 2D for the beverage container in the fourth embodiment. , may be the replacement part 2E for the beverage container in the fifth embodiment, the replacement part 2F for the beverage container in the sixth embodiment, or any other replacement part for the beverage container. There may be.

The replacement part 2 for the beverage container is a replacement part that can be attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52 of the beverage container. The replacement part 2 includes a cylindrical member 20 attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52, a bag body 30 attached to the cylindrical member 20 or the second beverage outlet pipe 28, and a second beverage outlet pipe 28. The second beverage outlet tube 28 extends from the cylindrical member 20 toward the bottom 45 of the beverage container 4 . Additionally, the replacement part 2 may include a protective sheet 60. The cylindrical member 20, the bag body 30, the second beverage outlet pipe 28, and the protective sheet 60 have already been explained in the first to sixth embodiments, so the repetitive explanation of these members will be omitted. Omitted.

The beverage container 4 to which the beverage container replacement part 2 is mounted includes a beverage container body 40, a mouthpiece 44, and a beverage outlet tube 52 (or a fitting 50 having the beverage outlet tube 52). The beverage container main body 40, the mouthpiece 44, and the beverage outlet pipe 52 (or the fitting 50 having the beverage outlet tube 52) have already been explained in the first to sixth embodiments, so the following description will not be made regarding these members. Repeated explanations will be omitted.

In the first step ST1, a fitting 50 to be attached to the mouthpiece 44 of the beverage container 4 is prepared. The first step ST1 is a fitting preparation process. The fitting 50 has a beverage outlet tube 52 (more specifically, a beverage outlet tube 52 made of stainless steel). The fitting 50 may have an attachment part 51 (more specifically, a stainless steel attachment part) attached to the beverage valve V1, the gas valve V2, and/or the mouthpiece 44. Further, the fitting 50 may include a removal prevention member 59.

The fitting 50 prepared in the first step ST1 may be a new fitting, or may be a fitting that has been cleaned after being used for taking out a beverage.

In a second step ST2, a replacement part 2 for a beverage container is prepared. The second step ST2 is a preparation process for the replacement part 2. The replacement part 2 prepared in the second step ST2 is an assembly (in other words, an assembly) that includes the cylindrical member 20, the bag body 30, and the second beverage outlet pipe 28. The assembly is produced, for example, by welding the bag 30 to the cylindrical member 20 and attaching the second beverage outlet pipe 28 to the cylindrical member 20. The step of welding the bag 30 to the cylindrical member 20 is performed, for example, before the step of attaching the second beverage outlet pipe 28 to the cylindrical member 20. The replacement part 2 prepared in the second step ST2 is an assembly (in other words, an assembly) including the cylindrical member 20, the bag body 30, the second beverage outlet pipe 28, and the protective sheet 60. Good too. In this case, the assembly is produced, for example, by welding the bag 30 and the protective sheet 60 to the cylindrical member 20 and attaching the second beverage outlet pipe 28 to the cylindrical member 20. Alternatively, the assembly including the tubular member 20, the bag body 30, and the second beverage outlet tube 28 and the protective sheet 60 may not be integrated with each other.

The second step ST2 may be executed after the first step ST1, may be executed before the first step ST1, or may be executed simultaneously with the first step ST1.

In the third step ST3, the replacement part 2 for the beverage container is attached to the fitting 50. The third step ST3 is an attachment process. The third step ST3 (attachment step) is performed by attaching the cylindrical member 20 to the lower end portion 521 of the beverage removal pipe 52 that constitutes a part of the fitting 50. When the cylindrical member 20 and the protective sheet 60 are integrated, when the cylindrical member 20 is attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52, the protective sheet 60 is also attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52. On the other hand, if the cylindrical member 20 and the protective sheet 60 are not integrated, the cylindrical member 20 is attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52 after the protective sheet 60 is attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52 . 3, FIG. 6, FIG. 9, FIG. 11, FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 show how the third step ST3 is being executed. The third step ST3 is executed, for example, by linearly moving the cylindrical member 20 relative to the beverage extraction tube 52 in a direction along the central axis of the beverage extraction tube 52.

In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the lower end portion 521 of the beverage removal pipe 52 is inserted into the cylindrical member 20 in the third step ST3. Further, the beverage take-out pipe 52 (more specifically, the lower end 52e of the beverage take-out pipe 52) engages with the engaging portion (26c) of the cylindrical member 20. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the lower end 52e of the beverage removal pipe 52 presses the annular sealing member 23 by executing the third step ST3. Further, the shoulder portion 52s of the beverage take-out pipe 52 is covered by the cylindrical member 20 (more specifically, the cylindrical portion 26).

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the lower end portion 521 of the beverage removal pipe 52 is inserted into the cylindrical member 20 in the third step ST3. Further, the beverage removal pipe 52 (more specifically, the annular protrusion 52t) engages with the engagement portion (20d) of the cylindrical member 20. In the example shown in FIG. 9, by performing the third step ST3, the outer surface 52u of the beverage outlet pipe 52 (more specifically, the portion located above the shoulder portion 52s) comes into contact with the annular sealing member 23. do. Further, the shoulder portion 52s of the beverage take-out pipe 52 is covered by the cylindrical member 20 (more specifically, the cylindrical portion 26).

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the lower end portion 521 of the beverage removal pipe 52 is inserted into the cylindrical member 20 in the third step ST3. Further, the beverage removal pipe 52 (more specifically, the annular protrusion 52t) engages with the engagement portion (20d) of the cylindrical member 20. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the outer surface 52u (more specifically, the outer circumferential surface of the shoulder portion 52s) of the beverage removal pipe 52 comes into contact with the annular seal member 23 by executing the third step ST3.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, the lower end portion 521 of the beverage removal pipe 52 is inserted into the cylindrical member 20 in the third step ST3. Further, the beverage removal pipe 52 (more specifically, the annular protrusion 52t) engages with the engagement portion (20c) of the cylindrical member 20. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the lower end 52e of the beverage removal pipe 52 presses the annular sealing member 23 by executing the third step ST3.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, the engaging portion 290 provided on the cylindrical member 20 is inserted into the lower end portion 521 of the beverage removal pipe 52 in the third step ST3. Further, the engaging portion 290 engages with the shoulder portion 52s of the beverage removal pipe 52. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 15, the lower end 52e of the beverage removal pipe 52 presses the annular sealing member 23 by executing the third step ST3.

In the fourth step ST4, the fitting 50 to which the replacement part 2 is attached is inserted into the beverage container 4 (more specifically, the internal space of the beverage container 4 defined by the beverage container body 40 and the mouthpiece 44). . The fourth step ST4 is an insertion step. FIG. 19 shows how the fourth step ST4 is being executed. Note that FIG. 19 shows how the replacement part 2D in the fourth embodiment is inserted into the beverage container 4. Of course, the replacement parts 2 inserted into the beverage container 4 are the replacement parts 2A in the first embodiment, the replacement parts 2B in the second embodiment, the replacement parts 2C in the third embodiment, and the replacement parts 2C in the fifth embodiment. It may be the replacement part 2E, the replacement part 2F in the sixth embodiment, or the replacement part in other embodiments.

The insertion step is carried out with the bag 30 folded around the second beverage outlet tube 28 or wrapped around the second beverage outlet tube 28 . Preferably, the second beverage outlet tube 28 is a rigid tube. When the second beverage outlet pipe 28 is a substantially non-flexible rigid tube and is long, the second beverage outlet pipe 28 around which the bag body 30 is arranged can be smoothly moved. , can be inserted into the beverage container 4. Furthermore, since the outer diameter of the second beverage outlet pipe 28 is small (for example, the outer diameter is 14 mm or less), the bag body 30 disposed around the second beverage outlet pipe 28 can be made compact. can.

In the fifth step ST5, the attachment portion 51 of the fitting 50 is attached to the cap portion 44 of the beverage container 4. The fifth step ST5 is a second attachment process.

In the example shown in FIG. 19, the fitting 50 is attached to the base portion 44 by screwing the male threaded portion 51s of the fitting 50 into the female threaded portion 44f of the base portion 44.

By performing the first step ST1 to the fifth step ST5, a double container consisting of the bag body 30, which is an inner container, and the beverage container 4, which is an outer container that is more rigid than the bag body 30, is formed. .

Next, a process of filling the bag 30 disposed inside the beverage container 4 with a beverage (in other words, a beverage filling method of filling the bag 30 disposed within the beverage container 4 with a beverage) will be described.

After performing the fifth step ST5, the bag 30 placed inside the beverage container 4 is filled with a beverage in the sixth step ST6. The sixth step ST6 is a beverage filling process. FIG. 20 shows a state in which the sixth step ST6 (beverage filling process) is being executed. In addition, in FIG. 20, in order to avoid complication of the drawing, the illustration of the filling nozzle for filling the bag body 30 with the beverage is omitted. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the beverage filling process is performed with the beverage container 4 inverted, in other words, with the mouthpiece 44 of the beverage container 4 located below the bottom 45 of the beverage container 4. be done. Alternatively, the beverage filling process may be performed with the beverage container 4 in an upright position.

When filling the bag 30 with beverage, first, the tip of the filling nozzle is inserted into the fitting 50 in substep ST6-1. Insertion of the filling nozzle opens the beverage valve V1 and opens the gas valve V2. Second, in sub-step ST6-2, as shown by arrow E in FIG. 20, the beverage is supplied from the filling nozzle into the bag body 30 via the beverage valve V1, and at the same time, as indicated by arrow F in FIG. As shown, gas (more specifically, air) existing in the space between the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30 is discharged to the outside of the beverage container 4 via the gas valve V2. In this way, the bag 30 is filled with the beverage.

In the example shown in FIG. 20, the shape of the mouthpiece 44 is similar to the shape of the mouthpiece of an existing stainless steel beverage container, and the shape of the upper end of the fitting 50 is similar to the shape of the mouthpiece of an existing stainless steel beverage container. 10 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 20, it is possible to fill the bag 30 in the beverage container 4 with a beverage using an existing beverage filling system.

Next, a process of taking out a beverage from the bag 30 placed inside the beverage container 4 (in other words, a method for taking out a beverage from the bag 30 placed inside the beverage container 4) will be described.

The seventh step ST7 (in other words, the beverage removal process) is executed after the beverage filling process (sixth step ST6). In the seventh step ST7, the beverage is taken out from the bag 30 placed inside the beverage container 4. FIG. 21 shows a state in which the seventh step ST7 (beverage removal process) is being executed.

In the example shown in FIG. 21, the removal of the beverage from the bag 30 is carried out via the dispensing head 8.

In the beverage dispensing process, first, in substep ST7-1, the dispensing head 8 is attached to the fitting 50 attached to the mouthpiece 44 of the beverage container 4. The attachment is performed, for example, by engaging the second engaging portion 81g provided on the main body portion 80 of the dispensing head 8 with the engaging portion 51g of the fitting 50.

In the example shown in FIG. 21, the dispense head 8 includes a main body 80 and a plunger member 85 that is movable relative to the main body 80.

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

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

A second seal member S2 (an annular seal member) that seals between the plunger member 85 and the first valve member 56 is arranged on the outer surface of the plunger member 85. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the first valve member 56 functions as a valve body VA2 of the gas valve V2 and has a valve seat portion VB1 of the beverage valve V1. The lower end portion of the plunger member 85 has a pressing portion 851 that presses the second valve member 57 . In the example shown in FIG. 21, the second valve member 57 functions as the valve body VA1 of the beverage valve V1.

A gas flow path P2 is provided between the plunger member 85 and the main body portion 80. When the plunger member 85 is in the upper position, the gas passage P2 and the gas introduction hole 80h are out of communication. Further, when the plunger member 85 is in the upper position, the pressing portion 851 is separated from the second valve member 57. Further, when the plunger member 85 is in the upper position, the second seal member S2 is separated from the first valve member 56.

In the beverage removal process, secondly, in substep ST7-2, the beverage valve V1 is opened. Substep ST7-2 is a step of opening the beverage valve. Opening of the beverage valve V1 is performed, for example, by moving the plunger member 85 from an upper position to a lower position. When the plunger member 85 moves toward the lower position, the pressing portion 851 of the plunger member 85 presses the valve body VA1 of the beverage valve V1. As a result, the valve body VA1 is separated from the valve seat portion VB1, and the beverage valve V1 is opened.

As shown in FIG. 21, when the plunger member 85 is in the lower position, the second seal member S2 contacts the first valve member 56. In this way, the beverage flow path P1 of the plunger member 85 and the gas flow path P2 between the plunger member 85 and the main body portion 80 are isolated from each other. In the example shown in FIG. 21, when the plunger member 85 moves toward the lower position, the gas valve V2 is also opened. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the second seal member S2 functions as a pressing portion that presses the valve body VA2 of the gas valve V2.

As shown in FIG. 21, when the plunger member 85 moves toward the lower position, the gas introduction hole 80h and the gas flow path P2 communicate with each other.

Thirdly, in the beverage removal process, gas (for example, air) is supplied to the first space SP1 between the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30 in substep ST7-3. The supply of the gas takes place via the dispensing head 8 . Substep ST7-3 is a gas supply step.

More specifically, in sub-step ST7-3, gas supplied from a gas supply source (for example, an air pump) is introduced into the gas introduction hole 80h (see arrow M in FIG. 21). The gas introduced into the gas introduction hole 80h is supplied to the first space SP1 between the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30 via the gas flow path P2 (see arrow N in FIG. 21). The gas supplied to the first space SP1 presses the bag 30 so that the bag 30 contracts.

In the beverage removal step, fourthly, the beverage is removed from the bag body 30 in substep ST7-4. Beverage removal takes place via the beverage valve V1 and the dispensing head 8.

Substep ST7-4 will be explained in more detail. By executing the above-described sub-step ST7-3 (gas supply step), the bag body 30 is pressed inward. Therefore, the beverage in the bag body 30 travels to the beverage valve V1 via the internal space of the second beverage take-out pipe 28 and the internal space of the beverage take-out pipe 52. In the above sub-step ST7-2 (beverage valve opening step), since the beverage valve V1 is opened, the beverage in the internal space of the beverage take-out pipe 52 is transferred to the beverage valve V1 and the beverage in the plunger member 85. It is taken out to the outside of the dispense head 8 via the flow path P1 (see arrow W in FIG. 21).

In the beverage removal method in the embodiment, the beverage is removed from the bag 30 by supplying gas to the first space SP1 between the beverage container 4 and the bag 30. Thus, the beverage within the bag 30 does not come into contact with the supply gas (eg, air) supplied via the dispensing head 8 . Therefore, the taste, texture, etc. of the beverage will not deteriorate due to the beverage coming into contact with the supply gas. Furthermore, when the beverage is a sparkling beverage such as beer, the feel of the foam will not deteriorate. Therefore, the quality of the beverage in the bag 30 is maintained at a high level even after a long period of time (for example, 4 days or more) after the start of taking out the beverage from the bag 30 in the beverage container 4. be done.

Furthermore, in the beverage removal method in the embodiment, air can be used as the gas supplied to the first space SP1 between the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30. Therefore, there is no need to prepare a carbon dioxide gas cylinder, unlike in the conventional beverage dispensing method. When preparing carbon dioxide gas cylinders, it is necessary to prepare multiple carbon dioxide gas cylinders including spare cylinders. Further, it is necessary to monitor the remaining amount of CO ₂ in the carbon dioxide gas cylinder, carry in the carbon dioxide gas cylinder, and replace the carbon dioxide gas cylinder. Also, space is required to place multiple carbon dioxide gas cylinders. On the other hand, in the beverage dispensing method according to the embodiment, it is only necessary to prepare a small air pump as a gas supply source instead of a plurality of carbon dioxide gas cylinders. Therefore, it is possible to take out the beverage from the bag 30 inside the beverage container 4 even in a small store with limited space or outdoors. Note that using air as the gas supplied to the first space SP1 is an optional additional configuration. In other words, in the embodiment, using a gas other than air (for example, carbon dioxide gas) as the gas supplied to the first space SP1 between the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30 is not excluded.

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

Next, a process for removing the replacement part 2 from the fitting 50 (in other words, a method for removing the replacement part 2 from the beverage outlet pipe 52) will be described.

The eighth step ST8 (in other words, the step of removing the replacement part) is executed after the beverage removal step (seventh step ST7). In the eighth step ST8, the replacement part 2 is removed from the fitting 50.

In the step of removing the replacement part, first, in substep ST8-1, the fitting 50 to which the replacement part 2 is attached is removed from the beverage container 4. The removal is performed, for example, by releasing the engagement (more specifically, screwing) between the mouthpiece 44 of the beverage container 4 and the fitting 50, and then pulling out the fitting 50 from the beverage container 4. . FIG. 22 shows how sub-step ST8-1 is being executed. It goes without saying that the dispensing head 8 is removed from the fitting 50 before substep ST8-1 is executed.

In the example shown in FIG. 22, the lower end of the mouthpiece 44 smoothly reduces the diameter of the bag body 30 (and protective sheet 60) that contacts the lower end of the mouthpiece 44 when the replacement part 2 is taken out from the beverage container 4. It has a tapered surface 44t for adjusting the shape. Therefore, the bag 30 (and the protective sheet 60) can be smoothly taken out from the beverage container 4.

In the step of removing the replacement part, secondly, in sub-step ST8-2, the replacement part 2 is removed from the fitting 50 taken out from the beverage container 4 (see the diagram on the left side of FIG. 23). Substep ST8-2 is a replacement part removal process. The removal process is performed, for example, by pulling out the beverage removal pipe 52 from the cylindrical member 20. Sub-step ST8-2 is executed, for example, by linearly moving the cylindrical member 20 relative to the beverage extraction tube 52 in a direction along the central axis of the beverage extraction tube 52.

It is preferable that the beverage outlet pipe 52 or the fitting 50 from which the replacement part 2 has been removed and the beverage container 4 be reused for the next beverage filling. In Figure 23, the fitting 50 is shown to be cleaned and reused.

On the other hand, it is preferable that the once-used replacement part 2 be replaced with a new replacement part 2n (more specifically, a new replacement part). Note that, since the structure of the replacement part 2 in the embodiment is simple, the manufacturing cost of the replacement part 2 is low.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, in the ninth step ST9, after the fitting 50 is cleaned, a new replacement part 2n is attached to the fitting 50. The ninth step ST9 is a reattachment process. The new replacement part 2n preferably has the same shape and structure as the replacement part 2 removed from the fitting in substep ST8-2.

The fitting 50 to which the new replacement part 2n is attached in the reattachment process is a part that is cleaned and reused. In this case, the operating cost of the beverage container 4 as a whole is reduced. More specifically, by making the expensive beverage container 4 and fitting 50 reusable and the inexpensive replacement parts 2 disposable, the operating cost of the beverage container as a whole is reduced.

In the embodiment, the bag 30 is filled with a beverage and the reusable beverage container 4 is not directly contacted by the beverage. Therefore, the safety of the beverage is ensured. Further, since the beverage does not come into direct contact with the reused beverage container body 40, organic matter (dirt) or odor is prevented from adhering to the interior of the beverage container body 40. From the above, the management of the beverage containers when collecting and reusing the beverage containers 4 becomes easy. Moreover, it is possible to simplify the process of cleaning the beverage container 4.

(Seventh embodiment)
In the first to sixth embodiments, an example was described in which the fitting 50 is a well-type fitting in which a recess 50a (see, for example, FIG. 22) is formed at the top of the fitting. . Alternatively, the fitting 50 in the embodiment may be a flat type fitting in which the top of the fitting is substantially flat.

FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a combination of a beverage container replacement part 2G and a beverage container 4 in the seventh embodiment. Note that FIG. 24 shows a state after the beverage container replacement part 2G is attached to the beverage container 4 and the bag body 30 is filled with the beverage D.

The seventh embodiment differs from the first to sixth embodiments in that a replacement part 2G is a part attached to a beverage outlet pipe 52 that constitutes a part of a flat-type fitting 50. In other respects, the seventh embodiment is similar to any of the first to sixth embodiments.

The seventh embodiment will be described with a focus on points that are different from the first to sixth embodiments. On the other hand, in the seventh embodiment, the methods already explained in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, the fifth embodiment, or the sixth embodiment Repetitive explanations of matters will be omitted. Therefore, in the seventh embodiment, even if not explicitly described, the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, the fifth embodiment, Alternatively, it goes without saying that the matters already explained in the sixth embodiment can be applied to the seventh embodiment.

The replacement part 2G for the beverage container in the seventh embodiment is a replacement part that can be attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52 (more specifically, the beverage outlet pipe 52 made of stainless steel) of the beverage container. The replacement part 2G includes a cylindrical member 20 attached to the beverage outlet pipe 52, a bag body 30 attached to the cylindrical member 20 or the second beverage outlet pipe 28, and a second beverage outlet pipe 28. The second beverage outlet tube 28 extends from the cylindrical member 20 toward the bottom 45 of the beverage container 4 . Additionally, the replacement part 2G may include a protective sheet 60.

In the example shown in FIG. 24, the cylindrical member 20 includes a cylindrical member main body 25, an annular sealing member 23 disposed between the beverage outlet pipe 52, and the cylindrical member main body 25 (more specifically, A seal ring 23a) is provided. Further, the annular sealing member 23 is configured to be pressed by the lower end 52e of the beverage removal pipe 52. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the cylindrical member 20 has a recess (20c) that engages with the annular protrusion of the beverage outlet tube 52. Alternatively, the tubular member 20 may have a protrusion that engages an annular recess in the beverage outlet tube 52. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the cylindrical member 20 includes a large diameter portion 261 facing the beverage take-out pipe 52, a small diameter portion 264 connected to the second beverage take-out pipe 28, and a large diameter portion 261 and a small diameter portion 264. and a connecting portion 267 that connects the two. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the protective sheet 60 is a non-bag-shaped sheet placed above the bag body 30. The protection sheet 60 has a through hole into which the beverage removal tube 52 or the cylindrical member 20 can be inserted.

In the combination of the replacement part 2G for a beverage container and the beverage container 4 in the seventh embodiment, the beverage container 4 is defined by a beverage container body 40, a mouthpiece 44, and a mouthpiece 44 and the beverage container body 40. and a beverage take-out pipe 52 disposed in the internal space. The beverage container main body 40, the mouthpiece 44, and the beverage outlet pipe 52 have already been explained in detail in the first to sixth embodiments, so a repeated explanation of these members will be omitted. Note that among the members constituting the beverage container 4, the members having the same functions as the members constituting the beverage container 4 in the first embodiment are different from the members constituting the beverage container 4 in the first embodiment. The same reference numerals as those given above are given, and the explanation in the first embodiment will be referred to for explanations of the members to which these numbers are given.

Regarding the method of using the replacement part 2G for a beverage container in the seventh embodiment, the method of using the replacement part 2 for a beverage container described above can be adopted. Each step of the method for using replacement parts for beverage containers (first step ST1 to ninth step ST9, substep ST6-1 and substep ST6-2, substep ST7-1 to substep ST7-4, substep ST8 -1 and sub-step ST8-2) have already been explained in detail using FIGS. 2 to 23, so repeated explanations of each step of the method of using the replacement part 2G for beverage containers will be omitted. .

The seventh embodiment has the same effects as the first to sixth embodiments.

It is clear that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and that each embodiment or modification example can be modified or changed as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Further, various techniques used in each embodiment or modification can be applied to other embodiments or other modifications as long as no technical contradiction occurs. Furthermore, any additional configurations in each embodiment or modification can be omitted as appropriate.

The replacement part 2 for a beverage container in the embodiment is applicable to any container in which a beverage outlet pipe is arranged inside the beverage container. For example, the replacement part 2 for a beverage container may be applied to a drum in which a beverage outlet pipe is arranged.

1: Beverage storage containers 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G: Replacement parts for beverage containers 2n: New replacement parts 4: Beverage container 8: Dispense head 10: Fitting 10s: Male thread part 15 : Cap part 15s : Female screw part 20 : Cylindrical member 20c : Engaging part 20d : Recessed part 23 : Annular sealing member 23a : Seal ring 25 : Cylindrical member main body 25d : Recessed part 26 : Cylindrical part 26a : Upper end part 26b : Lower end 26c: Engagement recess 27: Flange 27n: Inner edge 27u: Outer edge 28: Second beverage outlet pipe 28c: Engagement portion 28e: Lower end 29: Leg 30: Bag body 31h: Through hole 40: Beverage container body 44 : Cap part 44f : Female thread part 44t : Tapered surface 45 : Bottom part 46 : Body part 47 : Shoulder part 48 : Bottom protector 49 : Top protector 50 : Fitting 50a : Recessed part 51 : Mounting part 51g : Engagement part 51k : Inclined surface 51s : Male thread part 52 : Beverage removal pipe 52e : Lower end 52s : Shoulder part 52t : Projection part 52u : Outer surface 54 : Outer cylinder part 54h : Through hole part 55 : Biasing member 55b : Second biasing member 56 : First valve member 57: Second valve member 59: Removal prevention member 60: Protective sheet 60e: Outermost edge 60h: Through hole 80: Main body portion 80h: Gas introduction hole 81g: Second engaging portion 85: Plunger member 261: Large diameter portion 261a: Large diameter portion second portion 261b: Large diameter portion first portion 264: Small diameter portion 264c: Engagement portion 267: Connection portion 267w: Annular wall 281: Flange portion 290: Engagement portion 521: Lower end portion 523: Second portion 550 : Spring receiving member 851 : Pressing part B : Connection part D : Beverage G : Gas OP : Opening P1 : Beverage channel P2 : Gas channel S1 : First seal member S2 : Second seal member SP1 : First space V1 : Beverage valve V2: Gas valve V3: Check valve VA1: Beverage valve valve body VA2: Gas valve valve body VB1: Beverage valve valve seat VB2: Gas valve valve seat

Claims (6)

A method of using a replacement part for a beverage container, the method comprising:
The replacement parts are
a cylindrical member attached to a beverage outlet pipe of a beverage container;
a second beverage outlet pipe extending from the cylindrical member toward the bottom of the beverage container;
a bag body attached to the cylindrical member or the second beverage take-out pipe for accommodating a beverage;
The usage method is as follows:
preparing a fitting to be attached to the mouthpiece of the beverage container;
an attachment step of attaching the replacement part to the fitting by attaching the cylindrical member to the lower end of the beverage outlet pipe that constitutes a part of the fitting;
inserting the fitting with the replacement part attached into the beverage container;
A method of using a replacement part for a beverage container, comprising: a second attachment step of attaching the attachment portion of the fitting to the mouthpiece of the beverage container. By performing the attaching step, the lower end of the beverage outlet tube is inserted into the cylindrical member, or the engaging portion of the cylindrical member is inserted into the lower end of the beverage outlet tube. How to use replacement parts for beverage containers as described in . the beverage outlet tube includes a shoulder;
The replacement part for a beverage container according to claim 2, wherein the shoulder portion is covered by the cylindrical member or the engaging portion of the cylindrical member engages with the shoulder portion by performing the attaching step. How to use. a removal step of removing the replacement part from the fitting;
and a reinstallation step of attaching a new replacement part to the fitting,
The method of using a replacement part for a beverage container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fitting to which the new replacement part is attached in the reattachment step is a part that is cleaned and reused. 5. The attaching step includes attaching the replacement part to the fitting such that the upper end of the cylindrical part of the cylindrical member is arranged to face the outer surface of the beverage outlet pipe. How to use replacement parts for beverage containers described in section. further comprising the step of filling the bag disposed in the beverage container with the beverage,
the fitting has a beverage valve and a gas valve;
The step of filling the bag with the beverage includes:
opening the beverage valve and the gas valve by inserting a tip of a filling nozzle into the fitting;
The beverage is supplied from the filling nozzle into the bag via the beverage valve, and the gas present in the space between the beverage container and the bag is supplied to the beverage container via the gas valve. 6. A method of using a replacement part for a beverage container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: discharging to the outside.

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