Bottle preform sterilization device
By combining a deflectable probe light source and a probe light source, the problem of dead corners of sterilization inside and outside the bottle embryo is solved, and an efficient and environmentally friendly sterilization effect is achieved, improving the flexibility and production efficiency of the device.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510752723.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-15
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, chemical sterilization methods consume resources and have high risk of chemical residues, physical sterilization methods have poor flexibility and poor internal surface sterilization effect, making it difficult to meet the lack of dead corners on the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle embryos.
The deflectable probe light source and the probe light source are combined, and the UV-LED lamp plate is used for sterilization. The probe deflection control structure and the boom rotation structure are used to achieve 360-degree rotating irradiation, and the water-cooled heat dissipation system ensures stable operation of the light source.
It realizes no dead corner sterilization on the inside and outside surfaces of the bottle embryo, reduces the risk of resource waste and chemical residues, improves the sterilization efficiency and device flexibility, and reduces maintenance costs.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of sterilization devices, and in particular relates to a preform sterilization device. Background Art
[0002] Plastic bottle preforms, after special processing, are usually used for packaging liquids such as mineral water, beverages, and edible oil. The packaged liquids place high sterility requirements on the packaging materials.
[0003] In existing technology, plastic bottle preforms are typically sterilized using physical and chemical methods. Chemical methods include soaking and flushing with chemical agents, and high-temperature chemical steam sterilization. Physical methods include infrared high-temperature baking and ultraviolet irradiation. Chemical sterilization methods typically require multiple rinses and rinses with large amounts of water after sterilization, which is time-consuming and wastes significant resources. When using physical sterilization methods, traditional infrared lamps or ultraviolet mercury lamp sterilization equipment are significantly limited by the size of the preforms and can only irradiate and sterilize the outer surface of the preforms. The inner surface of the preforms is affected by the angle of the sterilizing radiation, resulting in less than ideal sterilization results.
[0004] Existing preform sterilization technologies have several problems and shortcomings. First, chemical sterilization requires heating a chemical sterilization solution to generate steam that is sprayed onto the interior and exterior surfaces of the preform. Alternatively, the preform is completely immersed in a large volume of chemical solution. Following the high-temperature steam spraying or immersion process, a large amount of clean water is required to reduce chemical residues to a sufficiently low level. High-temperature hot air is then used to dry the interior of the preform. This entire process consumes significant resources and energy. Furthermore, the effectiveness of chemical sterilization varies with the concentration of the chemical sterilizing agent, necessitating frequent monitoring of the sterilization concentration throughout the sterilization process.
[0005] Existing physical sterilization methods, such as infrared and ultraviolet irradiation, typically require very large working devices. This significantly limits their flexibility when working with preforms, which have ultra-small spaces and require sterilization of their inner surfaces. When sterilizing the inner surfaces of preforms, the sterilization effect is less than ideal due to the influence of irradiation power and angle. Summary of the Invention
[0006] In view of the technical problems existing in the above-mentioned existing preform sterilization technology, the present invention provides a preform sterilization device.
[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: A preform sterilization device includes a deflectable probe-type light source, a penetration-type light source, a probe deflection control structure, and a boom rotation structure. The penetration-type light source is mounted on the deflectable probe-type light source. The probe deflection control structure is disposed above the penetration-type light source. The probe deflection control structure penetrates the penetration-type light source and is connected to the deflectable probe-type light source. The boom rotation structure is disposed above the probe deflection control structure and is connected to the penetration-type light source.
[0008] The deflectable probe-type light source includes a probe fixing seat, a movable probe and a first UV-LED lamp board. The bottom of the probe fixing seat is rotatably connected to the movable probe, and the bottom of the movable probe is equipped with the first UV-LED lamp board.
[0009] The bottom of the probe-type light source is mounted on a probe fixing seat by screws. The probe fixing seat is provided with an annular track. The movable probe is provided with a probe assembly ring. The probe assembly ring is arranged in the annular track. The probe deflection control structure is connected to the probe assembly ring.
[0010] The invasive light source includes a light board functional component body, a cooling water inlet, a cooling water outlet, a first U-shaped flow channel and heat dissipation fins. The first U-shaped flow channel is arranged inside the light board functional component body, and the cooling water inlet and the cooling water outlet are respectively connected to the two ends of the first U-shaped flow channel. The heat dissipation fins are arranged on the outer surface of the light board functional component body, and the bottom of the light board functional component body is mounted on the probe fixing seat by screws.
[0011] An annular groove is provided on the main body of the light board functional component, and the probe deflection control structure passes through the annular groove and is connected to the probe assembly ring.
[0012] A light board functional part cooling water nozzle is provided on the top of the light board functional part body, the cooling water inlet and the cooling water outlet are provided on the light board functional part cooling water nozzle, a silicone part is provided between the light board functional part cooling water nozzle and the light board functional part body, and a second UV-LED light board is fixed on the light board functional part body.
[0013] The in-depth light source also includes an extraembryonic functional part, which includes an extraembryonic functional part main body, a second U-shaped flow channel, an extraembryonic functional part cooling water nozzle, an extraembryonic functional part bottom cover and a third UV-LED light board. The second U-shaped flow channel is arranged on the extraembryonic functional part main body, the extraembryonic functional part cooling water nozzle is installed on the top of the extraembryonic functional part main body, the second U-shaped flow channel is connected to the extraembryonic functional part cooling water nozzle, the extraembryonic functional part bottom cover is installed on the bottom of the extraembryonic functional part main body, the third UV-LED light board is fixed on the extraembryonic functional part main body, and the third UV-LED light board is arranged opposite to the second UV-LED light board.
[0014] The probe deflection control structure includes a probe rotation drive motor, a motor mounting seat and a probe rotation connecting rod. The probe rotation drive motor is installed in the motor mounting seat. One end of the probe rotation connecting rod is connected to the output shaft of the probe rotation drive motor, and the other end of the probe rotation connecting rod passes through the annular groove and is connected to the probe assembly ring.
[0015] The boom rotation structure includes a boom mounting seat, a stepper motor, a driving belt gear, a driven belt gear, a transmission belt and a main cantilever boom. The stepper motor is installed on the boom mounting seat, the driving belt gear is connected to the output shaft of the stepper motor, the driving belt gear is connected to the driven belt gear through a transmission belt, and the driven belt gear is connected to the main cantilever boom.
[0016] The boom rotation structure further includes a main cantilever, the main cantilever boom is connected to the main cantilever, and the main cantilever is respectively fixedly connected to the extra-embryonic functional component and the light board functional component body.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. In the deflectable probe-type light source of the present invention, the movable probe, by interfacing with the inclined surface of the probe holder, can be tilted freely within a range of 0°-30°. Combined with the first UV-LED light panel at the bottom, the irradiation angle can be flexibly adjusted. This design effectively addresses the problem of traditional physical sterilization methods, which are limited by the irradiation angle and result in sterilization blind spots on the inner surface of the preform, particularly at the junction of the curved structure at the bottom and the vertical structure. When the movable probe is deflected, it can directly illuminate areas of the preform's inner surface, such as the junction of the hemispherical bottom and the vertical surface, which are difficult to reach with conventional light sources. This significantly increases the UV irradiance in these areas, ensuring a comprehensive and thorough sterilization effect. Furthermore, the arm's rotating structure, through the coordination of a stepper motor, a driving belt gear, a driven belt gear, and a transmission belt, drives the main cantilever arm and the light source mounted on it to rotate 360 degrees. This allows the light source inside and outside the preform to rotate around the preform for irradiation, thus overcoming the limitations of single, fixed-angle irradiation. This ensures comprehensive coverage of all directions on the inner and outer surfaces of the preform, further ensuring uniform and effective sterilization.
[0018] 2. This invention utilizes UV-LEDs as a sterilization light source, which offers the advantages of smaller size and lower energy consumption compared to traditional infrared or ultraviolet mercury lamps. Furthermore, the penetrating light source design allows it to penetrate deep into the preform, directly irradiating and sterilizing the inner surface of the preform. This eliminates the need for extensive water rinsing and high-temperature drying required by traditional chemical sterilization methods, thus avoiding significant waste of water and energy. Furthermore, the heat dissipation design, combining the first U-shaped flow channel within the penetrating light source with heat dissipation fins on the outer surface, effectively eliminates the heat generation issues associated with the dense arrangement of UV-LEDs, ensuring stable operation, extending service life, and reducing downtime and maintenance costs caused by equipment failures, further improving production efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
[0019] 3. The combined design of a deflectable probe-type light source and a probe-type light source makes the entire sterilization device compact. The probe-type light source is screwed to the probe holder, creating a compact structure that allows it to penetrate deep into the ultra-small space of a preform for sterilization. This overcomes the bulkiness and limited flexibility of traditional physical sterilization equipment. The probe deflection control structure, utilizing components such as a probe rotation drive motor and a probe rotation connecting rod, precisely controls the deflection angle of the active probe, increasing the device's deployment flexibility and adapting it to the sterilization needs of preforms of varying shapes and sizes, broadening its application scenarios.
[0020] 4. This invention uses physical sterilization, utilizing ultraviolet light emitted by UV-LEDs, eliminating the need for chemical agents. This avoids the risk of chemical residues found in traditional chemical sterilization methods, ensuring the safety and reliability of the liquid packaged in the preform. Furthermore, it reduces the use of chemicals and the handling process, minimizing environmental pollution and meeting environmental protection requirements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can, without inventive effort, derive other implementation drawings based on the provided drawings.
[0022] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in this specification are intended solely to complement the contents disclosed herein and to facilitate understanding and reading by persons skilled in the art. They are not intended to limit the conditions under which the present invention may be implemented and therefore have no substantive technical significance. Any structural modifications, changes in proportions, or adjustments in sizes, without affecting the efficacy and objectives of the present invention, shall remain within the scope of the technical contents disclosed herein.
[0023] Figure 1It is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of another angle of the present invention; Figure 3 An exploded view of the present invention; Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the deflectable probe-type light source of the present invention; Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the penetration light source of the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the in-depth light source of the present invention; Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of the probe deflection control structure of the present invention; Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of the boom rotation structure of the present invention.
[0024] Among them: 1 is a deflectable probe-type light source, 101 is a probe fixing seat, 102 is a movable probe, 103 is a first UV-LED lamp board, 104 is a ring track, 105 is a probe assembly ring, 2 is an immersion light source, 201 is a lamp board functional part body, 202 is a cooling water inlet, 203 is a cooling water outlet, 204 is a first U-shaped flow channel, 205 is a heat dissipation fin, 206 is an annular groove, 207 is a lamp board functional part cooling water nozzle, 208 is a silicone part, 209 is a second UV-LED lamp board, 210 is an extra-embryonic functional part, 210 1 is the main body of the extraembryonic functional part, 2102 is the second U-shaped flow channel, 2103 is the cooling water nozzle of the extraembryonic functional part, 2104 is the bottom cover of the extraembryonic functional part, 2105 is the third UV-LED lamp board, 3 is the probe deflection control structure, 301 is the probe rotation drive motor, 302 is the motor mounting seat, 303 is the probe rotation connecting rod, 4 is the boom rotation structure, 401 is the boom mounting seat, 402 is the stepping motor, 403 is the driving belt gear, 404 is the driven belt gear, 405 is the transmission belt, 406 is the main cantilever boom, and 407 is the main cantilever. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all the embodiments. These descriptions are only to further illustrate the features and advantages of the present invention, rather than to limit the claims of the present invention. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0026] The following embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0027] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. Throughout this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.
[0028] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0029] This embodiment provides a preform sterilization device, such as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, it includes a deflectable probe-type light source 1, a probe-type light source 2, a probe deflection control structure 3 and a boom rotation structure 4. Figure 4 As shown, the deflectable probe-type light source 1 consists of a probe holder 101, a movable probe 102, and a first UV-LED light board 103. The bottom of the probe holder 101 is rotatably connected to the movable probe 102 via an inclined surface. The movable probe 102 can rotate around a circular track 104, and the first UV-LED light board 103 at its bottom adjusts its illumination direction as the angle of the movable probe 102 changes. Initially, the movable probe 102 is held vertically within the circular track 104 by a probe mounting ring 105. The first UV-LED light board 103 points downward, illuminating the hemispherical bottom surface of the preform. Triggering condition: When the probe-type light source 2, along with the boom rotation structure 4, is inserted into the preform to a predetermined depth, i.e., the intersection of the hemispherical bottom surface and the vertical surface, the probe deflection control structure 3 is activated, driving the movable probe 102 to tilt from its initial vertical position of 0°, entering the operating state. After the sterilization is completed, the probe rotation drive motor 301 rotates in the opposite direction, driving the connecting rod to push the movable probe 102 back to the initial vertical position 0°, and the probe assembly ring 105 returns to the initial position of the annular track 104, ready for the next sterilization cycle.
[0030] Further, if Figure 5 、 Figure 6As shown, the main body 201 of the probe-type light source 2 has a first U-shaped flow channel 204 inside, heat dissipation fins 205 arranged on the outer surface, and a second UV-LED light board 209 fixed at the bottom, which is installed on the probe fixing base 101 by screws. The cooling water inlet 202 and outlet 203 are connected to the external water cooling system through the cooling nozzle 207 of the light board functional component. The silicone member 208 ensures watertightness. The cooling water circulates in the first U-shaped flow channel 204 and cooperates with the heat dissipation fins 205 to reduce the temperature of the second UV-LED light board 209.
[0031] Furthermore, a second U-shaped flow channel 2102 is located within the extra-embryonic functional component body 2101. The top is connected to the water cooling system via an extra-embryonic functional component cooling nozzle 2103. An extra-embryonic functional component bottom cover 2104 is installed at the bottom, and a third UV-LED light board 2105 is fixed to the side. The second UV-LED light board 209 and the third UV-LED light board 2105 are arranged in opposing positions, illuminating the inner and outer vertical surfaces of the preform, respectively, forming a contrasting dual light source structure.
[0032] Further, if Figure 7 As shown, the probe deflection control structure 3 consists of a probe rotation drive motor 301, a motor mounting base 302, and a probe rotation connecting rod 303. The probe rotation drive motor 301 is secured by the motor mounting base 302. Its output shaft drives one end of the probe rotation connecting rod 303. The other end of the connecting rod passes through the annular groove 206 of the light board functional component body 201 and connects to the probe mounting ring 105 of the movable probe 102. When the motor-driven connecting rod moves within the annular track 104, the movable probe 102 engages the inclined surface of the probe mounting base 101, forcing the movable probe 102 to tilt by 0° to 30°. This deflects the first UV-LED light board 103, directing direct light to the junction of the bottom hemispherical surface and the vertical surface of the preform (a blind spot in traditional sterilization), thus resolving the problem of incomplete sterilization caused by insufficient illumination angle.
[0033] Further, if Figure 8As shown, the boom rotation structure 4 consists of a boom mounting base 401, a stepper motor 402, a driving belt gear 403, a driven belt gear 404, a transmission belt 405, a main cantilever arm 406, and a main cantilever arm 407. The stepper motor 402 is secured to the boom mounting base 401. Its output shaft rotates the driving belt gear 403, which in turn drives the driven belt gear 404 via the transmission belt 405, thereby rotating the main cantilever arm 406 around the central axis of the driven gear. The main cantilever arm 407 is connected to the main cantilever arm 406 at one end, and the other end is secured to the immersion light source 2 and the extra-embryo functional component 210, respectively. This allows the second UV-LED light board 209 and the third UV-LED light board 2105 to rotate to cover the entire circumference of the preform. By controlling the rotation angle through the stepper motor 402 and coordinating the deflection angle of the movable probe 102, the inner and outer surfaces of the preform (including the bottom blind spot, vertical surface, and circumferential curved surface) can be illuminated without blind spots. Only a small amount of light source is needed to complete 360° sterilization, reducing power consumption and heat generation.
[0034] This embodiment utilizes a water-cooling cycle and air convection-assisted cooling system. The water-cooling cycle involves connecting the first U-shaped channel 204 of the immersive light source 2 and the second U-shaped channel 2102 of the extra-embryonic functional component 210 to an external water cooling system via cooling nozzles. Cooling water flows in through the water inlet, removes heat from the UV-LED light panel through the U-shaped channel, and then flows out through the water outlet, forming a closed-loop heat dissipation system. Air convection assists the cooling system by increasing the surface area of the main body 201 of the light panel, further enhancing heat dissipation efficiency through air flow, thereby ensuring the stability and lifespan of the UV-LED light panel under high-power operation.
[0035] The workflow of this embodiment is as follows: the boom rotation structure 4 drives the immersion light source 2 and the deflectable probe light source 1 into the preform. The first UV-LED light panel 103 illuminates the bottom vertically, while the second UV-LED light panel 209 and the third UV-LED light panel 2105 illuminate the inner and outer vertical surfaces. After reaching the preset depth, the probe deflection control structure 3 tilts the movable probe 102, allowing the first UV-LED light panel 103 to directly illuminate the bottom blind spots. The boom rotation structure 4 rotates the light source system, cooperating with the deflection probe to achieve full surface coverage. After sterilization is complete, the device withdraws the preform, and the movable probe 102 returns to its vertical position, awaiting the next cycle. This embodiment utilizes multiple technologies: the deflectable probe light source eliminates bottom blind spots, the contrasting dual light sources cover vertical surfaces, the boom rotation achieves circumferential coverage, and water cooling ensures stable operation. This overcomes the space limitations and efficiency bottlenecks of traditional preform sterilization, achieving efficient, environmentally friendly, and precise physical sterilization.
[0036] The above only describes in detail the preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes can be made within the knowledge of ordinary technicians in this field without departing from the purpose of the present invention, and various changes should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A preform sterilization device, characterized by: The invention comprises a deflectable probe-type light source (1), a probe-type light source (2), a probe deflection control structure (3) and a boom rotation structure (4), wherein the probe-type light source (2) is mounted on the deflectable probe-type light source (1), the probe deflection control structure (3) is arranged above the probe-type light source (2), the probe deflection control structure (3) passes through the probe-type light source (2) and is connected to the deflectable probe-type light source (1), the boom rotation structure (4) is arranged above the probe deflection control structure (3), and the boom rotation structure (4) is connected to the probe-type light source (2).
2. The preform sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The deflectable probe-type light source (1) comprises a probe fixing seat (101), a movable probe (102) and a first UV-LED light board (103); the bottom of the probe fixing seat (101) is rotatably connected to the movable probe (102); and the bottom of the movable probe (102) is equipped with the first UV-LED light board (103).
3. The preform sterilization device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the probe-type light source (2) is mounted on a probe fixing seat (101) by screws. The probe fixing seat (101) is provided with an annular track (104). The movable probe (102) is provided with a probe assembly ring (105). The probe assembly ring (105) is arranged in the annular track (104). The probe deflection control structure (3) is connected to the probe assembly ring (105).
4. The preform sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The probe-type light source (2) comprises a light board functional part body (201), a cooling water inlet (202), a cooling water outlet (203), a first U-shaped flow channel (204) and heat dissipation fins (205), wherein the first U-shaped flow channel (204) is arranged inside the light board functional part body (201), the cooling water inlet (202) and the cooling water outlet (203) are respectively connected to the two ends of the first U-shaped flow channel (204), the heat dissipation fins (205) are arranged on the outer surface of the light board functional part body (201), and the bottom of the light board functional part body (201) is mounted on the probe fixing seat (101) by screws.
5. The preform sterilization device according to claim 4, characterized in that: An annular groove (206) is provided on the main body (201) of the light board functional part, and the probe deflection control structure (3) passes through the annular groove (206) and is connected to the probe assembly ring (105).
6. The preform sterilization device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A light board functional part cooling water nozzle (207) is provided on the top of the light board functional part main body (201); the cooling water inlet (202) and the cooling water outlet (203) are provided on the light board functional part cooling water nozzle (207); a silicone member (208) is provided between the light board functional part cooling water nozzle (207) and the light board functional part main body (201); and a second UV-LED light board (209) is fixed on the light board functional part main body (201).
7. The preform sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intrusion-type light source (2) further comprises an extraembryonic functional component (210), wherein the extraembryonic functional component (210) comprises an extraembryonic functional component main body (2101), a second U-shaped flow channel (2102), an extraembryonic functional component cooling water nozzle (2103), an extraembryonic functional component bottom cover (2104) and a third UV-LED light board (2105), wherein the second U-shaped flow channel (2102) is arranged on the extraembryonic functional component main body (2101), the extraembryonic functional component cooling water nozzle (2103) is arranged on the extraembryonic functional component bottom cover (2104) and the third UV-LED light board (2105). It is mounted on the top of the extraembryonic functional component body (2101), the second U-shaped flow channel (2102) is connected to the extraembryonic functional component cooling water nozzle (2103), the extraembryonic functional component bottom cover (2104) is mounted on the bottom of the extraembryonic functional component body (2101), the third UV-LED light board (2105) is fixed to the extraembryonic functional component body (2101), and the third UV-LED light board (2105) and the second UV-LED light board (209) are arranged opposite to each other.
8. The preform sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The probe deflection control structure (3) comprises a probe rotation drive motor (301), a motor mounting seat (302) and a probe rotation connecting rod (303), wherein the probe rotation drive motor (301) is mounted in the motor mounting seat (302), one end of the probe rotation connecting rod (303) is connected to the output shaft of the probe rotation drive motor (301), and the other end of the probe rotation connecting rod (303) passes through the annular groove (206) and is connected to the probe assembly ring (105).
9. The preform sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The boom rotation structure (4) comprises a boom mounting seat (401), a stepping motor (402), a driving belt gear (403), a driven belt gear (404), a transmission belt (405) and a main boom arm (406), wherein the stepping motor (402) is mounted on the boom mounting seat (401), the driving belt gear (403) is connected to the output shaft of the stepping motor (402), the driving belt gear (403) is connected to the driven belt gear (404) via the transmission belt (405), and the driven belt gear (404) is connected to the main boom arm (406).
10. The preform sterilization device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The boom rotation structure (4) further comprises a main boom (407), the main boom arm (406) is connected to the main boom (407), and the main boom (407) is respectively fixedly connected to the extraembryonic functional component (210) and the main body (201) of the light board functional component.