A multi-channel sterilization device for containers before packaging

Abstract

A multi-channel sterilization device before container packaging, comprising a sealing mechanism and a sterilization mechanism; the sealing mechanism comprises a mounting plate and a sealing mechanism, the mounting plate is provided with an input port column, and a set of sealing mechanisms is arranged on the mounting plate corresponding to each input port column; the sterilization mechanism comprises a communication pipe, a sterilization cylinder and a gate valve, the communication pipe is connected to the mounting plate, the sterilization cylinder is arranged on the communication pipe, and the number of the sterilization cylinders is consistent with the number of the input ports in the input port column and is coaxially arranged one by one. Disposable containers enter the sterilization cylinder in stacks through an input device and are sterilized by being closed. The device is arranged before the sealing and packaging of disposable containers, sterilization is realized during the packaging process of the containers, and the production efficiency is greatly improved through multi-cylinder sterilization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of container sterilization technology, specifically a sterilization mechanism for disposable containers before packaging. Background Technology

[0002] The packaging process is a crucial step in the production of disposable containers such as paper cups, plastic cups, fast food containers, yogurt cups, ice cream cups, sauce cups, self-heating food containers, fresh food packaging boxes, takeaway soup buckets, porridge buckets, and baking / dessert containers (collectively referred to as "disposable containers"). This process is completed by packaging equipment. Current packaging equipment generally lacks a sterilization step during packaging, which can easily lead to bacterial residues and shortened shelf life. Since disposable containers come into direct contact with drinking water, beverages, and food, microbial contamination can directly endanger the health of users, posing a health hazard.

[0003] Oversights in multiple stages of the disposable container production environment can become entry points for microbial contamination. These can be broadly categorized into five main factors: air, equipment, personnel, raw materials, and cleaning and disinfection.

[0004] 1. Air environment factors Airborne microorganisms are the most easily overlooked source of pollution, and they will settle directly onto the surface of paper cups.

[0005] Air cleanliness is not up to standard: The production workshop has not carried out air purification treatment, or the clean area level is not high enough (such as not reaching Class 10,000 or Class 100,000), and bacteria and mold spores in the air will spread with the airflow.

[0006] Ventilation system problems: If the vents are not equipped with filters, the filters are not replaced for a long time, or the airflow direction is unreasonable (such as flowing from the contaminated area to the clean area), microorganisms will be carried into the core production area.

[0007] Excessive dust in the workshop: Dust is a "carrier" for microorganisms. If the paper dust generated during paper cutting and paper cup forming is not cleaned up in time, it will attach to microorganisms and settle on the products.

[0008] 2. Production equipment factors The equipment is a critical link that comes into direct contact with paper cups, and inadequate surface cleaning can lead to continuous contamination.

[0009] Residual dirt on equipment surfaces: If paper fibers, oil stains, or debris from previous batches remain in the gaps of equipment such as conveyor belts, molds, and packaging machines, bacteria will grow and transfer to newly produced paper cups.

[0010] Untimely equipment maintenance: After prolonged operation, the seals may age, parts may rust, or all contact points (such as corners and interfaces) may not be covered during cleaning and disinfection, creating breeding grounds for microorganisms.

[0011] Cooling water / lubricant contamination: Some equipment requires the use of cooling water or lubricant. If these media themselves have excessive microorganisms, or if a leak occurs and comes into contact with the paper cup, it will directly cause contamination.

[0012] 3. Operator factors People are dynamic sources of pollution in the production environment, and their hygiene habits directly affect product safety.

[0013] Inadequate hand cleaning: If operators do not wash and disinfect their hands as required, or if their gloves are damaged or not replaced in time, bacteria on their hands (such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus) can be transferred to the paper cups through contact.

[0014] Inadequate personal protective equipment: Not wearing clean work clothes, caps, and masks allows microorganisms from hair, dander, and clothing to detach and contaminate products; eating and smoking in the workshop can also introduce exogenous microorganisms.

[0015] Improper personnel movement control: Non-production personnel may enter the clean area at will, or production personnel may enter the clean area directly from contaminated areas (such as raw material warehouses or restrooms), which may bring external microorganisms into the core production process.

[0016] 4. Raw material and auxiliary material factors If the raw materials themselves carry bacteria, it is difficult to completely remove them during subsequent processing, which will become a source of pollution.

[0017] Excessive microorganisms in the base paper / PE film: If the base paper of the paper cup (such as food-grade white cardboard) or the PE film on the inner wall gets damp during production, storage, and transportation (such as excessive humidity in the warehouse), mold will grow; damaged packaging can also lead to microbial invasion.

[0018] Adhesive / Ink Contamination: Some paper cups require adhesives for molding or inks for external printing. If these auxiliary materials themselves fail to meet microbial standards or are contaminated during use, it will indirectly affect the hygiene of the paper cups.

[0019] 5. Cleaning and disinfection factors Improper cleaning and disinfection procedures can lead to the continuous accumulation of microorganisms in the production environment.

[0020] Incomplete cleaning: If only the surface of the workshop floor, walls, countertops, and auxiliary tools such as turnover baskets and pallets are cleaned without thoroughly cleaning the gaps and corners, microorganisms will remain and gradually multiply.

[0021] Improper disinfection frequency / method: Disinfection intervals that are too long (such as disinfecting only once a day, which cannot control the rate of microbial reproduction), or the use of insufficient concentration or unsuitable type of disinfectant (such as being ineffective against mold) will result in poor disinfection effects.

[0022] Secondary contamination after disinfection: If disinfected equipment and tools are not dried in time, or if they come into contact with unsterilized cloths or containers, they will be contaminated again by microorganisms.

[0023] During the molding, stacking, and packaging processes, disposable containers easily come into contact with equipment surfaces, operators' hands, and the air, potentially harboring bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms. These microorganisms can multiply during storage, especially in humid environments where the risk of mold growth is extremely high. By omitting the sterilization process, bacteria persist throughout the entire process from production to storage, ultimately reaching the end user. The specific hazards can be summarized in three points: 1. Storage Stage: Accelerated Deterioration and Significantly Shortened Shelf Life. Bacteria carried by containers during packaging (such as E. coli and mold spores from the production environment) will multiply rapidly under suitable temperature and humidity conditions (such as a humid warehouse and a temperature above 25°C). For example, disposable containers may develop mold, plastic cups may develop odors, and the inner walls of fast food boxes may become sticky. The original shelf life of 6 months may be shortened to 2-3 months, directly causing inventory losses.

[0024] 2. Usage Stage: Directly Threatens User Health. These multiplied bacteria can enter the human body through beverages and food that come into contact with the container. If the bacterial count exceeds the standard (e.g., E. coli exceeds the national standard), it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain; if mold grows, it may also produce mycotoxins that are harmful to the human body, which are difficult to completely remove even with heating.

[0025] 3. Brand and compliance risks: Enterprises face double losses. Products without sterilization processes are considered substandard. If discovered by market regulators during random inspections, enterprises will face fines and production suspension for rectification. At the same time, if consumers experience health problems due to product use, it will lead to complaints and negative reviews, seriously damaging brand reputation and even causing market loss.

[0026] There is an urgent need in the market for a device with highly efficient sterilization function during the packaging process. Summary of the Invention

[0027] To address the shortcomings of existing disposable container packaging technology, this invention provides a multi-channel sterilization mechanism for efficient sterilization before container packaging.

[0028] The multi-channel sterilization device for container packaging of this utility model adopts the following technical solution.

[0029] The device includes a sealing mechanism and a sterilization mechanism; The upper sealing mechanism includes a mounting plate and a sealing mechanism. The mounting plate is provided with an input port column, and a sealing mechanism is provided on the mounting plate for each input port column. The sterilization mechanism includes a connecting cup, a sterilization cylinder, and a gate valve. The connecting cup is connected to the mounting plate, and the sterilization cylinder is disposed on the connecting cup. The number of sterilization cylinders is consistent with the number of input ports in the input port column and is coaxially arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0030] The further structure of the above-mentioned device is described below.

[0031] The sealing mechanism includes a sealing plate, a lever, and a cylinder. The cylinder is mounted on a mounting plate, and the lever is connected to the piston rod of the cylinder. The lever passes through a lever groove on the mounting plate and connects to the sealing plate, which is placed on top of the mounting plate. The extension and retraction of the cylinder piston rod moves the lever within the lever groove, causing the sealing plate to translate and thus opening or closing each input port row. One sealing mechanism is responsible for opening or closing one input port row.

[0032] The sterilization cylinder includes an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, with the inner cylinder placed inside the outer cylinder and a gap between them. Grooves are distributed on the side of the inner cylinder. A reinforcing ring is provided on the inner cylinder, which provides reinforcement and support, and also creates a gap between the inner and outer cylinders.

[0033] The interior of the connecting chamber is a sterilization medium cavity. The connecting chamber is provided with an upper interface, a lower interface, and a sterilization medium interface. The number of upper interfaces, the number of lower interfaces, the number of input ports in each input port column, and the number of sterilization cylinders in the connecting chamber are the same. The upper interface, the lower interface, and the sterilization cylinder are coaxially arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. Each upper interface is connected to a sealing mechanism in an upper sealing mechanism, and each lower interface is connected to a sterilization cylinder.

[0034] The lower part of the sterilization cylinder is equipped with a gate valve. The gate valve includes a gate valve body and a gate plate. A gate valve slot is provided on the gate valve body between the upper and lower ports. Two gate plates are installed in the gate valve slot. The gate plates are provided with opening and closing holes. A spring is connected between the gate plates and the inner wall of the gate valve body.

[0035] Disposable containers are fed into the sterilization cylinder through an input device and stacked for sealed sterilization.

[0036] This invention is placed before the packaging process of disposable containers, achieving sterilization during the packaging process. At the same time, through multi-tube sterilization, it significantly improves production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the packaging equipment used in the multi-channel sterilization device before container packaging according to this utility model.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the upper sealing mechanism in this utility model.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the mounting plate in the upper sealing mechanism.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing mechanism in the upper sealing mechanism.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization mechanism in this utility model.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization cylinder in the sterilization mechanism.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the connecting chamber in the sterilization mechanism.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the gate valve body in the sterilization mechanism.

[0045] In the diagram: 1. Frame, 2. Input device, 3. Sealing mechanism, 4. Sterilization mechanism, 5. Packaging device, 6. Conveyor belt; 31. Mounting plate; 32. Sealing mechanism; 31. Sterilization rack; 32. Sterilization medium inlet sealing mechanism; 311. Mounting base plate; 312. Lever slot; 313. Input port; 321. Sealing plate; 322. Toggle lever; 323. Cylinder; 324. Cylinder bracket; 41. Sterilization cylinder; 42. Connecting clamp; 43. Clamping clip; 44. Gate valve body; 45. Gate plate; 46. Spring; 431. Mounting hole; 451. Connection hole; 411. Outer cylinder, 412. Inner cylinder, 4111. Upper port of outer cylinder, 4112. Lower port of outer cylinder, 4121. Upper port of inner cylinder, 4122. Groove, 4123. Reinforcing ring; 421. Cello body; 422. Upper interface; 423. Lower interface; 424. Sterilization medium chamber; 425. Sterilization medium interface; 441 Gate valve upper port, 442 Gate valve lower port, 443 Gate valve slot. Detailed Implementation

[0046] This utility model relates to a multi-channel sterilization device for container packaging, which is applied to... Figure 1 The packaging equipment shown includes a frame 1, an input device 2, a sealing mechanism 3, a sterilization mechanism 4, a sealing device 5, and a conveyor belt 6. The input device 2, sealing mechanism 3, sterilization mechanism 4, sealing device 5, and conveyor belt 6 are all mounted on the frame 1 and arranged sequentially from top to bottom. Disposable containers move to the sealing mechanism 3 via the input device 2, then enter the sterilization mechanism 4 for stacking and sterilization. After sterilization, the disposable containers seamlessly enter the sealing device 5 for sealing. The sealed disposable containers then fall onto the conveyor belt 6 for output, completing the entire sterilization and packaging process.

[0047] The multi-channel sterilization device for container packaging of this utility model specifically includes a sealing mechanism 3 and a sterilization mechanism 4, which are connected together.

[0048] Figure 2 The structure of the upper sealing mechanism 3 is shown, including a mounting plate 31 and a sealing mechanism 32. The mounting plate 31 is mounted on the frame 1. Figure 3 As shown, the mounting plate 31 has multiple input port rows on the mounting base plate 311, each input port row has multiple input ports 313, and a lever groove 312 is provided on the outer side of each input port row. A sealing mechanism 32 is provided on the mounting base plate 311 corresponding to each input port row; the opening or closing of all input ports 313 in an input port row is achieved through the sealing mechanism 32. Figure 4 As shown, the sealing mechanism 32 includes a sealing plate 321, a lever 322, a cylinder 323, and a cylinder bracket 324. Two cylinders 323 are provided (corresponding to lever slots 312 on the outer side of each input port row), and are respectively mounted on the underside (back side) of the mounting base 311 via the cylinder bracket 324. The lever 322 is connected to the piston rod of the cylinder 323, and passes through the lever slot 312 on the mounting base 311 to connect with the sealing plate 321. The sealing plate 321 is located on the top side (front side) of the mounting base 311. The extension and retraction of the piston rod of the cylinder 323 drives the lever 322 to move within the lever slot 312, causing the sealing plate 321 to translate on the mounting base 311, thus opening or closing each input port row 313. One sealing mechanism 32 is responsible for opening or closing one input port row. When a row of inlets 313 needs to be opened to allow disposable containers to pass through, the piston rod of the cylinder 323 in the corresponding sealing mechanism 32 extends, and drives the sealing plate 321 to move through the lever 322, so that all the inlets 313 in this row are opened.

[0049] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the sterilization mechanism 4 is provided, including a connecting clam 42, a sterilization cylinder 41, a gate valve body 44, and a gate plate 45. The connecting clam 42 is located below the upper sealing mechanism 3 and is equipped with a clamping clip 43, which can be connected to the mounting base plate 311 through the clamping clip 43 (which has mounting holes 431). The sterilization cylinder 41 is mounted on the connecting clam 42, and the number of sterilization cylinders 41 is consistent with the number of input ports 313 in each input port column on the mounting base plate 311 in the upper sealing mechanism 3, and they are coaxially aligned one-to-one. Figure 6The structure of the sterilization cartridge 41 is described, including an outer cartridge 411 and an inner cartridge 412 placed within the outer cartridge 411. The outer cartridge 411 and the inner cartridge 412 have the same length. The two ends of the outer cartridge 411 are the upper port 4111 and the lower port 4112, respectively, and the outer end of the inner cartridge 412 is the upper port 4121. The inner cartridge 412 has grooves 4122 distributed on its side for the flow of the sterilization medium within the sterilization cartridge 41. A reinforcing ring 4123 is provided on the inner cartridge 412, which serves to strengthen and support the cartridge. The inner cartridge 412 is installed inside the outer cartridge 411, and the upper port 4121 of the inner cartridge is flush with the upper port 4111 of the outer cartridge.

[0050] Figure 7 The structure of the connecting clam 42 is shown. Inside the clam body 421 is a sterilization medium cavity 424. An upper interface 422 is provided on the top surface of the clam body 421, and a lower interface 423 and a sterilization medium interface 425 are provided on the bottom surface. All interfaces 422, 423, and 425 communicate with the sterilization medium cavity 424. The upper interfaces 422 on the connecting clam 42 correspond to the input ports 313. The number of upper interfaces 422 is the same as the number of input ports 313 in each input port column, and their positions correspond one-to-one. The number of lower interfaces 423 is the same as the number of upper interfaces 422, and they correspond one-to-one. Each lower interface 423 connects to a sterilization cylinder 41, and the lower interface 423 connects to the upper port 4111 of the outer cylinder. The sterilization medium interface 425 is used to connect a sterilization medium introduction device, and the introduced sterilization medium flows within the sterilization medium cavity 424. The sterilization medium in the sterilization medium cavity 424 enters the inner cylinder 412 through the lower port 423.

[0051] Figure 8A cross-sectional view of the gate valve body 44 is provided. The upper and lower ends of the gate valve body 44 are the upper port 441 and the lower port 442, respectively. The upper port 441 is connected to the lower port 4112 of the outer cylinder. A gate valve slot 443 is provided on the gate valve body 44 between the upper and lower ports. Two gate plates 45 are symmetrically installed in the gate valve slot 443. The gate plates 45 are provided with opening and closing holes 451. By inserting a gate pin into the opening and closing hole 451 and driving the gate plate to move through the gate pin, the gate valve can be opened. A spring 46 connects the gate 45 to the inner wall of the valve body 44. One end of the spring 46 is connected to the gate 45, and the other end is connected to the inner wall of the valve body 44. The spring 46 serves to return the gate 45 to its original position. When no external force is applied, the two gates 45 are in contact (closed), and the valve is in the closed state. When an external force is applied (the direction of the force is the same as the extension direction of the gate 45 plane, and the force is greater than the tension of the spring 46), the gate 45 moves along the valve slot 443 away from the center of the valve body 44. The gap between the two gates 45 gradually increases, and the spring 46 is stretched, generating a rebound force. When the gap between the two gates 45 exceeds the maximum port diameter of the disposable container, the disposable container can pass through. When the external force is released, the spring 46 rebounds, and the gate 45 moves towards the center of the valve body 44 under the action of the spring 46's rebound force, thus closing the valve.

[0052] When a sealing mechanism 32 opens one of the inlet rows, disposable containers enter the inner cylinder 412 through the sterilization medium chamber 424 via the inlet device 2. When the number of containers entering reaches a set value, the inlet 313 in that row closes. Disposable containers no longer enter the inner cylinder 412. At this time, the gate 45 is closed.

[0053] The sterilization medium (such as chlorine dioxide) enters the sterilization medium chamber 424 through the sterilization medium interface 425, and then enters all the connected cavities and sterilization cylinders 41 from the sterilization medium chamber 424 for sterilization. After sterilization is completed, the gate 45 opens and the contents fall into the sealing device 5 for sealing.

Claims

1. A multi-channel sterilization device for container packaging, characterized in that, Including the sealing mechanism and the sterilization mechanism; The upper sealing mechanism includes a mounting plate and a sealing mechanism. The mounting plate is provided with an input port column, and a sealing mechanism is provided on the mounting plate for each input port column. The sterilization mechanism includes a connecting cup, a sterilization cylinder, and a gate valve. The connecting cup is connected to the mounting plate, and the sterilization cylinder is disposed on the connecting cup. The number of sterilization cylinders is consistent with the number of input ports in the input port column and is coaxially arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

2. The multi-channel sterilization device before container packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing mechanism includes a sealing plate, a lever, and a cylinder. The cylinder is mounted on the mounting plate, and the lever is connected to the piston rod of the cylinder. The lever passes through the lever groove on the mounting plate and connects to the sealing plate. The sealing plate is placed on the mounting plate.

3. The multi-channel sterilization device before container packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sterilization cylinder includes an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, with the inner cylinder placed inside the outer cylinder and a gap between them. The inner cylinder has grooves distributed on its side.

4. The multi-channel sterilization device before container packaging according to claim 3, characterized in that, A reinforcing ring is provided on the inner cylinder.

5. The multi-channel sterilization device before container packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interior of the connecting chamber is a sterilization medium cavity. The connecting chamber is provided with an upper interface, a lower interface, and a sterilization medium interface. The number of upper interfaces, the number of lower interfaces, the number of input ports in each input port column, and the number of sterilization cylinders in the connecting chamber are the same. The upper interface, the lower interface, and the sterilization cylinder are coaxially arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. Each upper interface is connected to a sealing mechanism in an upper sealing mechanism, and each lower interface is connected to a sterilization cylinder.

6. The multi-channel sterilization device before container packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that, A gate valve is provided at the bottom of the sterilization cylinder.

7. The multi-channel sterilization device before container packaging according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gate valve includes a gate valve body and a gate plate. A gate valve slot is provided on the gate valve body between the upper and lower ports. Two gate plates are installed in the gate valve slot. The gate plates are provided with opening and closing holes. A spring is connected between the gate plates and the inner wall of the gate valve body.

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