WO2005061332A1

WO2005061332A1 - Gas exchange device and gas exchange method

Info

Publication number: WO2005061332A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/018857
Authority: WO
Inventors: Toshiyuki Kouda; Takashi Imai; Youichi Onishi; Shunji Morikazu
Original assignee: Suntory Limited
Priority date: 2003-12-22
Filing date: 2004-12-10
Publication date: 2005-07-07
Also published as: JP4429008B2; TW200530084A; JP2005178876A; CN100455485C; CN1890152A; KR100816895B1; KR20060103338A; TWI324974B

Abstract

A gas exchange device (10) for the HS of a container (51) in which a liquid is filled, comprising an inert gas supply means (70) supplying an inert gas from one side of a carrying route (12) for carrying the container and a guide means (60) installed above the mouth part of the container passing the carrying route. The guide means further comprises a lead-in guide part (61) guiding the inert gas to lead into the HS through a clearance between the mouth part (55) of the container and the guide means by reflecting the flow of the inert gas supplied from the inert gas supply means, a flat part (62) for passing the inert gas led into the HS through a clearance between a liquid level in the container and the guide means together with the gas in the HS, and a discharge guide means (63) to guide the inert gas passed through the flat part and the gas in the HS through the clearance between the mouth part of the container and the guide means. As a result, the exchange efficiency of the gas in the head space can be increased.

Description

Gas replacement device and gas replacement method

Technical field to which the invention belongs

The present invention relates to a gas replacement device for replacing gas in a head space of a container filled with a liquid, in particular, a beverage and having no lid attached.

And gas replacement methods.

Field Conventional technology

Generally, when manufacturing a container filled with a liquid such as a beverage, the container is first filled with the liquid, and then the container is sealed (seamed) by attaching a lid to the container. However, since the container is open from the time the liquid is filled to the time the lid is attached, the space between the mouth of the container and the liquid surface (hereinafter referred to as “Headspace HS”) ”). Oxygen in the air may affect the quality of the liquid, such as oxidation of the liquid content. For this reason, before attaching the lid to the container, the air (gas) in the head space HS is replaced by supplying an inert gas into the head space HS of the container, whereby the container It prevents the liquid inside from oxidizing.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a gas replacement device for replacing gas in a head space HS of a container according to the related art. As shown in FIG. 5, a container filled with liquid, for example, a can body 51, is provided with a can body feed chain 110 without a can lid 52 attached, and a can body guide 190 is provided. Is transported linearly on the transport path 120 along the. On the other hand, the can lid 52, which is engaged with the can body 51 and is wound, has a can lid feed turret 200 Are conveyed in the circumferential direction by the rotation of the can lid feed retlet 200. The can body 51 conveyed linearly along the conveying path 120 and the can lid 52 conveyed in the circumferential direction by the can lid feed turret 200 overlap each other at the position PB in FIG. The lid 52 is positioned right above the can body 51. Then, at the position PB, the can body 51 and the can lid 52 are delivered to the seamer's winding turret 300, and the can lid 52 is moved to the can body 5 by the winding turret 300. The winding action is started by engaging with 1 and winding. The winding action is gradually advanced by the rotation of the winding turret 300 in the direction of the arrow, and the winding action is completely finished when the can body 51 reaches the position PC in FIG. At the position PC, the can body 51 on which the can lid 52 is wound is transferred from the winding turret 300 to the discharge turret 310, and then the discharge turret 31 It is recovered by rotating 0.

Here, at the above-described position PB, the winding operation of the can lid 52 is started, but once the winding operation is started, the head space HS of the can body 51 is accessed from outside. The replacement of the headspace HS by inert gas must be performed upstream from position PB. For this reason, the replacement by the inert gas is performed at the position P A which is relatively upstream from the position P B.

FIG. 6A is a partially enlarged view at a position PA in FIG. 5, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A 0 _A 0 in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the inert gas flowing through the inert gas supply passage 220 is supplied from the opening 230 of the inert gas supply passage 220 below the can lid 52. Then, it is jetted laterally toward the gap between the can lid 52 and the mouth 55 of the can body 51. As a result, a part of the inert gas Since the gas flows into the first head space HS, the gas in the head space HS is replaced by the inert gas.

However, since the can body 51 is conveyed in a straight line while the can lid 52 is conveyed in the circumferential direction, the can lid 52 and the can body are located at a position PA upstream of the position PB. The center axis XA of the can lid 52 and the center axis XB of the can body 51 are misaligned as shown in FIG. 6b. For this reason, not all of the inert gas extracted from the opening 230 of the inert gas supply passage 220 is used to replace the gas in the headspace HS. As shown, a part of the inert gas leaks from the gap between the can lid feed turret 200 and the side of the can body 51. Therefore, there is a limit to increasing the replacement efficiency by replacing the headspace HS with an inert gas at the position PA.

In order to avoid such a decrease in replacement efficiency, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-45122, a slot extending in the transport direction is provided on a transport path located upstream of position PA in FIG. It is disclosed to provide an inert gas ejection section having a slot. For this reason, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 60-45122, an inert gas is ejected from an inert gas ejection part to replace the gas in the head space HS of the container to a certain extent. The gas in the head space HS is replaced again using the lid feed turret 200, thereby increasing the replacement efficiency. Similarly, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-193332, an inert gas is supplied from a separately provided nozzle prior to the replacement action when the container is sealed with a film. It is disclosed that the gas in the head space HS of the container is replaced in advance. Also, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-218828, a hood member for covering the opening of a container is provided in a sealing mechanism for sealing a container, thereby enabling an inert gas atmosphere to be provided. It is disclosed that an inert gas is supplied from a separately provided nozzle in an inert gas atmosphere to thereby replace the gas in the head space HS of the container.

Further, JP-A-2000-2199213 and JP-A-8-324513 disclose the inert gas supply passage 22 of the can lid feed turret 200. 0 By providing a guide plate or a branch body inside, gas is efficiently supplied to the head space HS of the container, thereby increasing the efficiency of gas replacement in the head space HS. It is disclosed.

However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. Sho 60-451-222 and

In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1933212 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-218288, an inert gas is supplied from an inert gas jetting portion or an inert gas nozzle toward a liquid surface of a container. Because of the injection, the flow of the inert gas impinges directly on the liquid surface. Therefore, when the liquid in the container is a sparkling liquid, for example, a carbonated beverage such as beer, a large amount of air bubbles are generated on the liquid surface in the container, and these air bubbles overflow from the mouth of the container. May be. For this reason, when the liquid in the container is a foaming liquid, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 60-45122, 2002-19332 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. It is difficult to perform the replacement by the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-218828. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 60-45122 and 200-1933212, the upper part of a container filled with liquid is open to the atmosphere. However, even if an inert gas is supplied, a part of the inert gas will diffuse into the atmosphere, and will be described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-45122 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 200-199. It is difficult to efficiently replace the gas in the headspace HS in the publication No. 3212.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-21092 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open In the publication No. 2 514 13 and FIG. 6b, the inert gas ejected from the can lid feed turret 200 flows along the bottom of the can lid 52. 2 is formed assuming engagement with the can body 51, and is not formed so as to efficiently supply the inert gas to the head space HS. Therefore, there is a limit to efficiently replacing the gas in the head space HS with the inert gas.

Therefore, the present inventor has conducted intensive studies in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and as a result, obtained the finding that a guide means for creating a smooth flow of the inert gas should be provided above the mouth of the container. Was completed. An object of the present invention is to increase the efficiency of replacement when replacing the gas in the head space HS by supplying an inert gas into the container even when the liquid in the container is a foaming liquid. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a gas replacement device that can perform the above operations. Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gas replacement device for replacing a gas in a head space of a container which is filled with a liquid and has no lid, wherein An inert gas supply means for supplying an inert gas from one side of a transport path for transport; and a guide means provided above an opening of a container passing through the transport path. The inert gas is introduced into the head space from the gap between the mouth of the container and the guide means by reflecting the flow of the inert gas supplied from the active gas supply means. A guiding section for guiding the inert gas introduced into the head space, and a flat section for passing the inert gas introduced between the liquid level of the container and the guiding means together with the gas in the head space. Pass through the flat part Ago A gas replacement device is provided which includes a discharge guide for guiding the inert gas and the gas in the head space from a gap between an opening of the container and the guide means.

That is, in the first embodiment, the flow of the inert gas is once reflected by the introduction guide portion of the guide means, and the inert gas is smoothly reflected along the guide means into the head space HS in the container. Supplying. Therefore, the inert gas can be efficiently supplied to the head space HS, the gas replacement rate can be increased, and the generation of liquid bubbles in the container can be suppressed. In addition, the inert gas is supplied to the headspace HS with its velocity reduced by reflection inside the introduction plan. For this reason, when the liquid in the container is a foaming liquid, even if a part of the inert gas collides with the liquid surface of the liquid, this does not cause a large amount of bubbles to be generated. Does not overflow from the mouth of the container. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, since the flat part of the guide means is positioned on the liquid surface of the container, the container does not completely open to the atmosphere, and the container does not completely open to the atmosphere. The gas replacement rate can be increased. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, even when the liquid in the container is a foaming liquid, the inert gas is supplied into the container to replace the gas in the head space HS. Efficiency can be increased. The container is not limited to the can body sealed by the can lid, and for example, a plastic cup to which a vinyl lid is attached is also included in the container of the present invention. Shall be.

According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, in addition to the first aspect, the lid portion that engages with the container is held, and an inert gas is supplied between the mouth portion of the container and the lid portion. A cover feed turret that can be supplied in the same direction as the cover feed turret. And it is arrange | positioned downstream of the said guide means.

That is, in the second embodiment, the replacement in the head space HS is performed again by the cover feed turret after the replacement in the head space HS is performed by the guide means, so the replacement efficiency is reduced. Can be even higher.

According to a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the introduction guide portion of the guide means is provided on a side portion of the guide means located proximal to the inert gas supply means. It is a slope that slopes downward.

That is, in the third embodiment, by forming the introduction guide portion as an inclined surface, the inert gas can be easily introduced into the head space HS of the container. Further, the inclined surface may be curved so as to be concave inward or curved so as to project outward.

According to a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the discharge guide part of the guide means is provided on a side of the guide means located on a distal side from the inert gas supply means. It is an inclined surface that is provided on the part and is inclined downward.

That is, in the fourth aspect, the inert gas can be easily discharged from the head space HS of the container by forming the discharge guide portion as an inclined surface. Note that the inclined surface may be curved so as to be concave inward or curved so as to project outward.

According to a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the guide means is provided along the transport path, and the length of the guide means in the transport direction is at least the container. It was made longer than the outside diameter.

That is, in the fifth mode, the mouth of the container can be completely covered with the guide means, and the inert gas can be supplied reliably. . In addition, from the viewpoint of inert gas replacement, it is preferable that the length of the guide member in the transport direction is at least twice the outer diameter of the container.

According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a gas replacement method for replacing gas in a head space of a container filled with a liquid and having no lid attached, the one side of a transfer path for transferring the container. And supplying the inert gas to the guide space provided above the mouth of the container, introducing the inert gas into the head space, and introducing the inert gas into the head space. Passing the active gas together with the gas in the head space between the liquid level of the container and the guide means, the inert gas and the gas in the head space are passed through the mouth of the container and the A gas replacement method is provided, wherein the gas is discharged from a gap between the guide means. That is, in the sixth embodiment, the flow of the inert gas is once reflected by the introduction guide portion of the guide means, and the inert gas is smoothly moved along the guide means to the inside of the container. To the Space HS. Therefore, the inert gas can be efficiently supplied to the headspace HS, the gas replacement rate can be increased, and the generation of liquid bubbles in the container can be suppressed. In addition, the inert gas is supplied to the headspace HS at a reduced speed due to reflection at the introduction guide. For this reason, if the liquid in the container is a foaming liquid and a part of the inert gas collides with the liquid surface of the liquid, this does not cause a large amount of bubbles to be generated. Does not overflow from the mouth of the container. Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, since the flat part of the guide means is positioned on the liquid surface of the container, the container does not completely open to the atmosphere, and the head space HS The gas replacement rate can be increased. Therefore, according to the sixth aspect, even when the liquid in the container is a foaming liquid, the inert gas is supplied into the container to replace the gas in the headspace HS. Efficiency can be increased. The container is not limited to the can body sealed by the can lid, and for example, a plastic cup to which a vinyl lid is attached is also included in the container of the present invention. .

According to a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, further, in the sixth aspect, the inert gas is retained in a lateral direction between the mouth of the container and the lid while holding the lid engaged with the container. It is characterized in that replacement with an inert gas is performed using a cover feed turret that can be supplied.

That is, in the seventh embodiment, since the replacement in the headspace HS is performed by the guide means, and then the replacement in the headspace is performed again by the cover feed turret, the replacement efficiency is reduced. Can be further increased.

According to each embodiment, even when the liquid in the container is a foaming liquid, the gas in the head space HS is replaced by supplying the inert gas into the container without generating a large amount of bubbles. The same effect can be achieved that the replacement efficiency at the time of replacement can be increased.

Further, according to the second aspect, there is an effect that the replacement efficiency when replacing the gas in the head space HS can be further increased.

Further, according to the third aspect, there is an effect that the inert gas can be easily introduced into the headspace HS of the container.

Further, according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to produce an effect that the inert gas can be easily discharged from the headspace HS of the container.

Further, according to the fifth aspect, there is an effect that the inert gas can be reliably supplied from the mouth of the container.

Further, according to the seventh aspect, there is an effect that the replacement efficiency when replacing the gas in the head space HS can be further increased. Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a gas replacement device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1 showing the guide member and the inert gas supply means in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of samples and the oxygen concentration.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a gas replacement device for replacing gas in a head space of a container according to a conventional technique.

FIG. 6A is a partially enlarged view at a position PA in FIG.

FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view taken along line A0-A0 in FIG. Embodiment of the Invention

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals. To facilitate understanding, the drawings are appropriately scaled.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a gas replacement device according to the present invention. On the left side of FIG. 1, a container to be replaced by the gas replacement device 10 of the present invention, for example, a can body 51 is shown. The can body 51 is made of metal such as aluminum or steel, and the inside of the can body 51 is previously filled with a foaming liquid, for example, a carbonated beverage such as beer, by a filler (not shown). Further, a can lid 52 described later is not attached to the can body 51 shown on the left side of FIG. 1, and the liquid in the can body 51 is open to the atmosphere. As shown in the figure, a plurality of can bodies 51 are conveyed to the transport path 12, and by driving the can body feed chain 11 of the transport path 12, these can bodies 51 are transferred to the transport path 12. Above is the can body guide 19 Are conveyed continuously.

On the right side of FIG. 1, a can lid feed turret 20 is shown. As shown in the figure, a plurality of turning portions 21 are formed on the periphery of the can lid feed turret 20. Is held in each of the. These can lids 52 are conveyed in the circumferential direction by rotating the can lid feed turret 20 in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of inert gas supply passages 22 connected to an inert gas source (not shown) are formed inside the can lid feed turret 20. Although only a part of the inert gas supply passages 22 are shown in FIG. 1, actually, the inert gas supply passages 22 corresponding to all the concave portions 21 are formed. Then, at a position PA where the can body 51 conveyed linearly along the conveying path 12 and the can lid 52 conveyed circumferentially partially overlap the inert gas supply passage. After passing through 2, it is jetted laterally from the opening (not shown) provided in the concave portion 2 1 toward the gap between the can lid 5 2 and the opening 5 5 of the can body 5 1 . As a result, a part of the inert gas flows into the head space HS of the can body 51, so that the gas in the head space HS is replaced by the inert gas.

Next, at the position PB where the can body 51 and the can lid 52 overlap each other, the can body 51 and the can lid 52 are moved from the can lid feed turret 20 to the seamer-wrapped turret 30. The can lid 52 is engaged with the can body 51 at the winding turret 30 and the winding operation is started. As the turret 30 rotates in the direction of the arrow, the wrapping action gradually progresses, and when the can body 51 reaches the position PC in FIG. 1, the wrapping action is completely finished. In the position PC, the can body 51 on which the can lid 52 is wound is wound with The discharge turret 31 is transferred from the discharge turret 31 to the discharge turret 31 and then recovered by rotation of the discharge turret 31. Here, in the present invention shown in FIG. Prior to being replaced by the inert gas from the can lid feed turret 20, the can body 51 conveyed on the conveying path 12 is moved so as to pass below the guide member 60. Has become. As shown in FIG. 1, the guide member 60 is provided along a part of the transport path 12. Further, as can be seen from FIG. 1, the inert gas supply means 70 is arranged so as to face the guide member 60 on one side of the transport path 12. The guide member 60 and the inert gas supply means 70 are preferably provided at the inlet of a seaming machine (seamer) for winding the can lid 52 around the can body 51. This eliminates the need for additional space for installing the gas replacement device. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I in FIG. 1, and the transport path 12 is omitted in FIG. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1 showing the guide member 60 and the inert gas supply means 70 in an enlarged manner. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, an inert gas supply pipe 71 extending parallel to the transfer path 12 is embedded in the inert gas supply means 70. 1 is connected to an inert gas source (not shown). The inert gas in the inert gas source may be carbon dioxide or nitrogen. A slit is formed in the side surface of the inert gas supply pipe 71 in the axial direction, and the slit communicates with the inert gas supply passage 72 of the inert gas supply means 70. For this reason, the inert gas in the inert gas supply pipe 71 passes through the inert gas supply passage 72 and flows from the elongated jet port 73 formed in the longitudinal direction of the inert gas supply means 70. It is gushing.

On the other hand, the guide member 60 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 has a substantially plate-like shape. It is a member. At both edges of the guide member 60, an introduction guide portion 61 and a discharge guide portion 63 formed in the transport direction are provided, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, the introduction guide section 61 and the discharge guide section

63 is formed so that the cross section of the guide member 60 becomes a trapezoidal shape that is convex downward. In FIG. 2, the introduction guide portion 61 and the discharge guide portion 63 are flat inclined surfaces inclined downward, but these inclined surfaces are curved so as to be recessed inward of the guide member 60. Or it may be curved so as to protrude outward from the guide member 6 ◦. The flat portion 62 corresponding to the bottom of the guide member 60 is substantially flat. The length of the guide member 60 in the transport direction is larger than the outer diameter of the can body 51, and in a preferred embodiment, the length of the guide member 60 in the transport direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the can body 51. It is more than twice. In such a case, the mouth 55 of the can body 51 can be completely covered with the guide member 60, so that inert gas can be reliably supplied from the mouth 55 of the can body 51. Therefore, the efficiency of the replacement action described later can be increased. Further, the overall width of the guide member 60 in the preferred embodiment shown in the drawing, that is, the length perpendicular to the transport direction is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the mouth portion 55 of the can body 51, or is equal to the mouth portion. The width of the flat part 62 of the guide member 60 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the mouth 55 or almost equal to the inner diameter of the mouth 55. ing. When the guide member 60 having such dimensions is used, the efficiency of the replacement action described later can be increased.

As shown in FIG. 2, the elongated gas outlet of the inert gas supply means 70

The inert gas generated from 73 collides with the introduction guide portion 61 of the guide member 60. Next, the inert gas is reflected by the introduction guide 61 and flows downward along the inclined introduction guide 61. The inert gas flows between the guide member 60 and one end of the mouth 55 of the can body 51. Through the can space 51 into the headspace HS. At this time, although a part of the inert gas flows toward the liquid level L of the liquid in the can body 51, when the inert gas collides with the introduction guide portion 61, its velocity is reduced. . Therefore, when the liquid in the can body 51 is an effervescent liquid, for example, a carbonated beverage such as beer, even if the flowing inert gas collides with the liquid level L of this liquid, bubbles are generated. There is no large amount of air generated above, and no air bubbles overflow from the mouth 55 of the can body 51.

As shown, the flat portion 62 of the guide member 60 is positioned above the liquid level L of the liquid in the can body 51, so that the inert gas flowing into the head space HS can The liquid in the body 51 flows between the liquid level L and the flat portion 62 along the liquid level L. In the present invention, since the guide member 60 positioned above the can body 51 covers almost the entirety of the mouth 55 of the can body 51, inert gas is supplied to the mouth of the can body 51. The liquid does not flow out from the vicinity of the center of the portion 55, and a substantially inert gas atmosphere is formed between the flat portion 62 of the guide member 60 and the liquid level L. When the inert gas flows between the flat portion 62 and the liquid level L, the gas originally present in the head space HS is extruded by the inert gas so as to be pushed out by the inert gas. Flows with inert gas.

Next, the inert gas arriving at the other end of the mouth 55 passes between the other end of the mouth 55 and the discharge guide 63 of the guide member 60, and the head space of the can body 51 is passed. Spills from HS. As described above, since the discharge guide portion 63 of the guide member 60 is formed as an inclined surface, the inert gas flows along the inclined surface of the discharge guide portion 63 on the other side of the transport path 12 (see FIG. (See 1). At this time, the gas that originally existed in the head space HS is pushed out by the inert gas, and a new inert gas flows into the head space HS. The head space HS of the can body 51 can be replaced.

As described above, in the present invention, the flow of the inert gas is once reflected by the introduction guide portion 61 of the guide member 60, and the inert gas is smoothly moved along the guide member 6.0. 5 Head space in 1 is supplied to HS. Therefore, the inert gas can be efficiently supplied to the headspace HS, the gas replacement rate can be increased, and the generation of liquid bubbles in the can body 51 can be suppressed. . In addition, the inert gas is supplied to the head space HS in a state where its velocity is reduced by reflection at the introduction guide section 61. For this reason, when the liquid in the can body 51 is a foaming liquid, even if some of the inert gas collides with the liquid surface of the liquid, this does not cause a large amount of bubbles to be generated. Also, air bubbles do not overflow from the mouth of the can body 51. Further, in the present invention, since a substantially inert gas atmosphere can be formed between the flat portion 62 of the guide member 60 and the liquid level L, the vicinity of the corner of the head space HS, for example, the head Gas in the vicinity of the liquid level L in the space HS can also be reliably replaced, so that the replacement efficiency when replacing the gas in the head space HS can be increased. Further, in the present invention, the replacement efficiency is improved by performing both the replacement action using the guide member 60 and the inert gas supply means 70 and the replacement action using the can lid feed turret 20. It is also possible to raise it further.

By the way, assuming that the foaming liquid in the can body 51 is beer, the can lid 52 is opened after being collected in the discharge turret 31 and the can body is opened. When the beer in 51 is poured into another container, for example, a glass, it is desirable that the bubbles generated in the glass be maintained for a relatively long time. Here, the gas in the bubbles generated in the glass is carbon dioxide originally dissolved in the beer. Therefore, bee If the same carbon dioxide as the gas dissolved in the gas is used as the inert gas during the displacing action, the bubbles generated when poured into the glass are maintained for a relatively long time. In contrast, when an inert gas other than carbon dioxide, such as nitrogen, is used, the gas generated in the glass disappears in a relatively short time because the gas is different from the gas dissolved in the beer. For this reason, when the sparkling liquid filled in the can body 51 is a carbonated beverage such as a bead, it is preferable to use carbon dioxide as the inert gas.

In FIG. 1 and the like, a container in which a metal lid 51 is attached to a metal can body 51 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such a container, and for example, a vinyl It is clear that even a material such as a plastic cup to which a plastic lid is attached is included in the scope of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the transport path 12 has been described as extending linearly. However, the transport path 12 extends in a curved line, and the guide member 60 and the inert gas supply means 70 are provided. Is a curved shape corresponding to the curved transport path 12 is also included in the scope of the present invention. Example

One embodiment regarding the replacement action using the guide member 60 and the inert gas supply means 70 will be described. After the beer is filled as a foaming liquid in the can body 51 and the first replacement is performed by the guide member 60 and the inert gas supply means 70 using carbon dioxide as the inert gas, A second substitution was made in the can lid feed turret 20, and the oxygen concentration in the can with the can lid wound was finally measured. Figure 4 shows the relationship between the number of samples and the oxygen concentration. The horizontal axis is the number of samples, and the vertical axis is the oxygen concentration. The solid line X 1 in FIG. 4 indicates the inert gas supply means 70 Indicates the oxygen concentration when the flow rate of carbon dioxide to be supplied is 0. 1 kg / cm ² from the oxygen concentration when the solid line X 2 is a flow rate of carbon dioxide is 0. ² kg Z cm 2 Is shown. In addition, the solid line X 0 in FIG. 4 shows the oxygen concentration when only the second substitution using the can lid feed turret 20 was performed, and the dashed line Y shows the can with the can lid wound. It shows the target value of oxygen concentration (= 0.05 ppm).

As shown in FIG. 4, the oxygen concentration tends to be higher in the solid line X0 in which only the second substitution using the can lid feed turret 20 has been performed than in the dashed line Y which is the target value. On the other hand, in the solid line X 1 where the flow rate of carbon dioxide is 0.1 kg / cm ² , the oxygen concentration is almost completely below the target value, and the replacement ratio of the inert gas is high. I understood. Further, the solid line X 2 with increased flow rate of carbon dioxide to 0. ² kg / cm 2 is oxygen concentration is a result of reduced further even Ri by the case of the solid line X 1 is obtained, increasing the flow rate of carbon dioxide In addition, it was found that the replacement ratio of the inert gas can be further increased.

Claims

1. In a gas replacement device that replaces gas in the head space of a container that is filled with liquid and has no lid,

An inert gas supply means for supplying an inert gas from one side of a transport path for transporting the container;

111-mouth blue

Guide means provided, wherein the guide means reflects the flow of the inert gas supplied from the inert gas supply means by reflecting the flow of the inert gas.

An introduction guide for guiding the inert gas to be introduced into the head space from a gap between the mouth of the container and the projecting means, and the inert gas introduced into the head space. A flat portion for allowing the active gas passage to pass between the liquid level of the container and the guide means together with the gas in the head space, and the inert gas and the head gap passing through the flat portion. A gas replacement device that includes a discharge guide that guides gas in the gas from a gap between an opening of the container and the guide means.

2. A lid feed turret that holds the lid engaged with the container and that can supply an inert gas in a lateral direction between an opening of the container and the lid, 2. The gas replacement device according to claim 1, wherein the cover feed turret is disposed downstream of the guide means with respect to the flow of the transport path.

3. The introduction guide portion of the guide means is an inclined surface provided on a side portion of the guide means located on the proximal side from the inert gas supply means and inclined downward. 3. The gas replacement device according to 2.

4. The discharge guide part of the guide means is provided on a side part of the guide means located on a distal side from the inert gas supply means, and is a slope inclined downward. 3 ガス Gas replacement device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the guide means is provided along the transport path, and a length of the guide means in the transport direction is at least longer than an outer diameter of the container. The gas replacement device according to claim 1.

6. A gas replacement method for replacing gas in a head space of a container filled with liquid and having no lid attached,

An inert gas is supplied from one side of a transport path for transporting the container, and the inert gas is reflected by guide means provided above an opening of the container, and introduced into the head space. Passing the inert gas introduced into the head space together with the gas in the head space between the liquid level of the container and the guide means, and removing the inert gas and the gas in the head space; A gas replacement method, comprising discharging gas from a gap between an opening of the container and the guiding means.

7. In addition, an inert gas is supplied by a cover feed turret that can hold the lid engaged with the container and supply an inert gas in a lateral direction between the mouth of the container and the lid. 7. The gas replacement method according to claim 6, wherein the gas replacement is performed.