Sterilization agent supply device

Abstract

To provide a nozzle support structure capable of suppressing damage with respect to a repeating thermal stress load.SOLUTION: A sterilization agent supply device includes: a rotary table for moving a sterilization object and a nozzle along a circular arc-like conveyance path while holding a plurality of nozzles; and a nozzle which has a flow passage where the sterilization agent is made to flow toward the sterilization object, and in which the dimension in the radial direction of the flow passage in the rotary table is smaller than the dimension in the circumferential direction. The nozzle includes: a nozzle housing having the flow passage inside; a pair of support arms which extends from the nozzle housing, and each of which is fixed to the rotary table; and a fixing element provided at each support arm, and involved in the fixing to the rotary table.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for dispensing a fluid sanitizer into the interior of, for example, a beverage container. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to sterilize a beverage container, for example, a plastic container, a disinfectant or sterilizing agent, for example, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), is supplied into the container from a discharge pipe or a discharge nozzle. Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus having a sterilizing unit that sprays a fluid, typically a mist of disinfectant, into the container.

[0003] The sterilization unit of Patent Document 1 is provided with one or more discharge pipes at predetermined fixed positions around a rotating wheel to supply a condensed mist of hydrogen peroxide, a sterilant, to a container. The discharge pipes are fixed in fixed positions so as to face the mouths of the containers that move along an arc-shaped conveying path that passes directly below them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-157651 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Because the sterilizing agent supplied is heated, for example to a temperature exceeding 100°C, thermal stress may occur due to the temperature difference between the nozzle through which the sterilizing agent passes and other mechanical elements, potentially resulting in damage to the mechanical elements, including the nozzle.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a sterilant supply device that can prevent damage to mechanical elements including a nozzle even when heated sterilant is supplied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The disinfectant supply device according to the present disclosure comprises: a rotary table that holds a plurality of nozzles and moves the objects to be sterilized and the nozzles along an arc-shaped conveying path; The apparatus is provided with a nozzle having a flow path for flowing a sterilant toward an object to be sterilized, the radial dimension of the flow path on the rotary table being smaller than the circumferential dimension. The nozzle is a nozzle housing having a flow path therein; a pair of support arms extending from the nozzle housing and each fixed to the rotary table; and a fixing element provided on each support arm for fixing to the rotary table. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the nozzle of the supply device of the present disclosure, it is fixed to the rotary table via a pair of support arms, which reduces thermal stress and therefore prevents damage to mechanical elements including the nozzle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a supply device including a moving nozzle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the supply device of FIG. [Figure 3] 2 shows a moving nozzle, which is a main part of the supply device of FIG. 1, in a front cross-sectional view (PSD) and a side cross-sectional view (SSD). [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing the main part of the supply device of FIG. 1, illustrating the movement of one movable nozzle. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram showing a main part of the supply device of FIG. 1, illustrating the movement of a plurality of movable nozzles. FIG. [Figure 6] The modified nozzle is shown in a front cross-sectional view (PSD) and a side cross-sectional view (SSD). [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating nozzles equipped with a fixing structure, showing, from top to bottom, a first configuration (I) and a second configuration (II). [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating nozzles equipped with a fixing structure, showing, from top to bottom, a third configuration (III) and a fourth configuration (IV). [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a nozzle with a fixed structure, in a fifth form (V). [Figure 10] 1 shows a nozzle according to a first embodiment (I), and includes a plan view (PV), a side view (SV), a bottom view (BV), a front view (FV) and a rear view (RV). [Figure 11] 1 shows a nozzle according to a second embodiment (II), and includes a plan view (PV), a side view (SV), a bottom view (BV), a front view (FV) and a rear view (RV). [Figure 12] 1 shows a nozzle according to a third embodiment (III), and includes a plan view (PV), a side view (SV), a bottom view (BV), a front view (FV) and a rear view (RV). [Figure 13] 1 shows a nozzle according to a fourth embodiment (IV), and includes a plan view (PV), a side view (SV), a bottom view (BV), a front view (FV) and a rear view (RV). [Figure 14] 1 shows a nozzle according to a fifth embodiment (V), including a plan view (PV), a side view (SV), a bottom view (BV), a front view (FV) and a rear view (RV). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiment described below uses a moving nozzle that moves in synchronization with a gripping tool that grips a resin container, which is an example of an object to be sterilized. In this moving nozzle, the circumferential dimension of the housing on the turntable is greater than the radial dimension. Furthermore, in the moving nozzle, the opening area of ​​the flow path that receives the sterilant upstream and supplies the sterilant downstream toward the object to be sterilized is preferably larger on the upstream side than on the downstream side. This moving nozzle moves along an arc-shaped trajectory while being supported and fixed to the turntable, for example. However, because the sterilant supplied to the moving nozzle exceeds 100°C, a temperature difference occurs between the moving nozzle and the turntable. The embodiment described below proposes a moving nozzle fixing structure that can avoid or reduce damage around the moving nozzle due to thermal stress caused by this temperature difference.

[0011] [Configuration of supply device 1: see Figures 1 to 5] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the supply device 1 comprises a supply unit 10 that discharges sterilant into a container PB at a fixed position, and a conveying unit 30 that grips and conveys multiple containers PB along an arc-shaped conveying path MD. The supply unit 10 includes, as an example, one discharge pipe 13, and the conveying unit 30 includes moving nozzles 35-1 in a number corresponding to the number of containers PB to be conveyed. Fixing structures are omitted from Figures 1 to 5.

[0012] [Supply unit 10: see Figures 1 to 3] The supply unit 10 includes a mist generator 11 that generates a mist M consisting of an atomized sterilant, a discharge pipe 13 that discharges the mist M generated by the mist generator 11 toward the container PB via a movable nozzle 35-1, and a regulator 15 that prevents the mist M discharged from the discharge pipe 13 from leaking out of the movable nozzle 35-1. The mist generator 11, the discharge pipe 13, and the regulator 15 are all fixed in position.

[0013] [Mist generator 11: See Figures 1 and 2] As an example, the mist generator 11 forms droplets of an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a sterilant, and heats the droplets of hydrogen peroxide to a temperature above its boiling point and below its non-decomposition temperature to vaporize them, thereby producing mist M. This mist M is sprayed from the discharge pipe 13. Hydrogen peroxide droplets can be obtained, for example, by introducing an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and compressed air into a two-fluid sprayer. To vaporize the hydrogen peroxide droplets, a heater such as an electric heating wire is installed around the pipe through which the hydrogen peroxide droplets flow, and the hydrogen peroxide droplets blown into the pipe are heated to the desired temperature. The vaporized hydrogen peroxide mist M is guided to the discharge pipe 13.

[0014] [Discharge pipe 13: See Figure 3] The discharge pipe 13 causes the mist M generated by the mist generator 11 to flow downward in the vertical direction V and discharges it toward the conveying unit 30. The discharge pipe 13 includes a pipe body 13A made of, for example, metal, a passage 13B for the mist M provided inside the pipe body 13A, and a discharge port 13C connected to the passage 13B and from which the mist M is discharged. The ejected mist M is sprayed toward the opening of the mouth N of the container PB. The mist M generated by the mist generator 11 is ejected toward the conveying unit 30 through the passage 13B and the outlet 13C. The passage 13B has, for example, a circular shape to match the shape of the opening of the container PB.

[0015] [Regulatory Body 15: See Figures 2 and 3] In a preferred embodiment, the supply unit 10 includes a regulating body 15 at the lower end of the discharge pipe 13 . The regulator 15 is provided to prevent the mist M discharged from the discharge port 13C of the discharge pipe 13 from leaking out of the flow path 35B of the movable nozzle 35-1. For this purpose, the regulator 15 has a flat portion that closes the opening at the upstream US of the flow path 35B. The regulator 15 has a rectangular shape in plan view and is provided at the lower end of the discharge pipe 13 so as to be perpendicular to the central axis C10 of the discharge pipe 13 (supply unit 10). The discharge port 13C penetrates the regulator 15 in the direction of the central axis C10. The regulator 15 is not limited to the shape shown in the figures. While the regulator 15 shown in the figures has a flat shape in side view, other shapes, such as an arc-like shape with both ends curved upward in the circumferential direction CD, can also be used. Furthermore, the shape in plan view is not limited to a rectangle, and other shapes, such as an ellipse or a polygon other than a rectangle, can also be used. Regulator 15 is located at the lowest position in the vertical direction V among the components constituting supply unit 10 disclosed in the embodiment, but a gap G is provided between regulator 15 and conveying unit 30. Therefore, during operation of supply device 1, supply unit 10, which is fixed in position, does not come into contact with conveying unit 30, which rotates.

[0016] [Transport unit 30; see Figures 1, 2, and 3] Next, the conveying section 30 will be described. The conveying unit 30 receives a plurality of containers PB successively carried in from an upstream process with a corresponding gripper GR, rotates while holding the containers, and carries them out to a downstream process. Between the carrying-in and carrying-out, mist M is supplied into the containers PB to sterilize them.

[0017] The transport unit 30 includes a rotary table 31 and a rotary electric machine 32 that drives the rotary table 31 to rotate. The turntable 31 has a circular shape in a plan view. A plurality of grippers GR, which are called grippers and grip the mouths N of the containers PB, are provided on the outer periphery of the turntable 31. The containers PB are held by the respective grippers GR and moved along an arc-shaped conveying path as the turntable 31 is rotated by the rotary electric machine 32.

[0018] The turntable 31 is provided with multiple movable nozzles 35-1. The multiple movable nozzles 35-1 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction CD at intervals on the outer periphery of the turntable 31. The multiple movable nozzles 35-1 are arranged at the same position in the radial direction RD. As shown in FIG. 2, the multiple movable nozzles 35-1 are provided corresponding to each of the multiple gripping tools GR. That is, a movable nozzle 35-1 is provided corresponding to each container PB gripped by the gripping tool GR, and mist M is supplied to the container PB through the corresponding movable nozzle 35-1. As the turntable 31 rotates, the corresponding gripping tool GR and the movable nozzle 35-1 move synchronously while maintaining their relative positional relationship. Each movable nozzle 35-1 is preferably detachably attached to the turntable 31. An upper portion of each movable nozzle 35-1 in the vertical direction V is fixed and held to the turntable 31 by a fixing structure described below, and a lower portion protrudes below the turntable 31. In FIG. 2, only a portion of the plurality of moving nozzles 35-1 is shown.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 3, the movable nozzle 35-1 includes a nozzle housing 35A that forms its outer shell, a flow path 35B provided inside the nozzle housing 35A, and an outlet 35C that communicates with the flow path 35B. In the movable nozzle 35-1, the mist M flows from above to below (in the vertical direction V) as shown in Fig. 4, and the upstream (US) and downstream (DS) directions are defined according to this flow. In Fig. 3, the movable nozzle 35-1 moves in the circumferential direction CD together with the container PB as the turntable 31 rotates, but its position in the radial direction RD is constant. A transport path MD for the container PB is formed along this circumferential direction CD (Fig. 1). 3, the dimension of the movable nozzle 35-1 in the circumferential direction CD is larger than the dimension in the radial direction RD on the turntable 31. Therefore, when the movable nozzle 35-1 is heated by the mist M, the amount of expansion (thermal elongation) in the circumferential direction CD is considerably larger than the radial direction RD.

[0020] In the flow path 35B, the opening dimension L35in of the inlet 35in on the upstream (US) side is set larger than the opening dimension L35out of the outlet 35out on the downstream (DS) side in the circumferential direction CD. By making the inlet 35in on the upstream (US) side larger in this manner, the distance or time that the outlet 13C of the discharge pipe 13 passes above the flow path 35B can be increased while the moving nozzle 35-1 moves in synchronization with the container PB. Therefore, even if mist M continues to be discharged from the outlet 13C, the amount of mist M that is not used for sterilizing the container PB can be significantly reduced. On the other hand, because mist M must be supplied to the opening of the container PB on the downstream (DS) side, the opening dimension L35out of the outlet 35out is smaller than the opening dimension L35in, and is preferably set to be equal to or smaller than the diameter of the opening (drinking spout) of the container PB. Furthermore, since the opening dimension W35 of the flow path 35B in the radial direction RD is constant, the opening dimension L35in being larger than the opening dimension L35out is equivalent to the opening area of ​​the inlet 35in upstream (US) being larger than the opening area of ​​the outlet 35out downstream (DS).

[0021] Excluding the inlet 35in and the outlet 35out, the flow path 35B is formed by a pair of circumferential wall surfaces 35B1 and 35B2 and a pair of radial wall surfaces 35B3 and 35B4. In the moving nozzle 35-1, the circumferential wall surfaces 35B1 and 35B2 are inclined in the same direction, and the circumferential wall surfaces 35B1 and 35B2 are provided only on one side of the discharge port 35C. The circumferential wall surfaces 35B1 and 35B2 are provided only on the side (MD) along which the moving nozzle 35-1 moves.

[0022] The moving nozzle 35-1 has the following advantages. When the mist M collides with the circumferential wall surface 35B1, its flow direction changes and it flows from the discharge port 35C toward the container PB. Here, in the case of the moving nozzle 35-1, due to its structure, the mist M collides only with the circumferential wall surface 35B1. Therefore, the flow direction of the mist M toward the discharge port 35C is the same, and the direction of the mist M flowing out from the discharge port 35C is also constant. This stabilizes the flow of the mist M into the container PB located opposite the discharge port 35C, improving the efficiency of exhausting air from the container PB, i.e., scavenging.

[0023] [Dimensional relationship between the discharge pipe 13, the regulating body 15 and the movable nozzle 35-1: see Figure 3] First, the dimensional relationship between the discharge pipe 13 and the movable nozzle 35-1 will be described. The diameter (opening dimension) D13 of the discharge port 13C of the discharge pipe 13 is preferably smaller than the opening dimension W35 in the radial direction RD of the flow path 35B of the moving nozzle 35-1. This is to reduce the amount of mist M discharged and sprayed from the discharge port 13C that leaks to the surrounding area without entering the flow path 35B. Conversely, if the diameter D13 is larger than the opening dimension W35, the amount of mist M discharged from the discharge port 13C that leaks in the radial direction RD without entering the flow path 35B increases. Note that the opening dimension L35in on the inlet 35in side of the flow path 35B is significantly larger than the diameter D13. The above relationships are listed below. D13 <W35 ,D13<<L35in

[0024] Next, the dimensional relationship between the regulation body 15 and the movable nozzle 35-1 will be described. The dimension L15 of the regulating body 15 in the circumferential direction CD is preferably larger than the opening dimension L35in on the inlet 35in side of the flow path 35B of the movable nozzle 35-1. Also, the dimension W15 of the regulating body 15 in the radial direction RD is preferably larger than the opening dimension L35in on the inlet 35in side of the flow path 35B of the movable nozzle 35-1. This makes it possible to prevent the mist M once supplied to the flow path 35B from leaking out of the flow path 35B. L15>L35in, W15>W35,L15>W15

[0025] The specific dimensions in the horizontal direction H and the vertical direction V are arbitrary and may be set appropriately depending on the specifications of the supply unit 10, the transport unit 30, and the like.

[0026] [Basic operation of the moving nozzle 35-1: see Figure 4] Next, the basic operation of the movable nozzle 35-1 relative to the discharge pipe 13 when the supply device 1 sterilizes the container PB will be described, showing only one movable nozzle 35-1. Note that the time series is from top to bottom in Fig. 4. That is, in Fig. 4, the movable nozzle 35-1 moves along the transfer path MD in the circumferential direction CD in the order of T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4.

[0027] The movable nozzle 35-1 moves (T0) in synchronization with the movement of the container PB relative to the fixed position of the discharge pipe 13, but at this point, the flow path 35B of the movable nozzle 35-1 has not yet reached the discharge port 13C of the discharge pipe 13. Therefore, the mist M discharged from the discharge port 13C is not supplied to the flow path 35B of the movable nozzle 35-1.

[0028] The moving nozzle 35-1 continues to move, and the flow path 35B reaches directly below the discharge pipe 13 (T1). Therefore, the mist M is discharged from the discharge port 13C toward the flow path 35B, and is supplied into the container PB through the flow path 35B, the discharge port 35C, and the opening N. Furthermore, even if moving nozzle 35-1 continues to move (T2, T3), flow path 35B is located directly below discharge port 13C, and flow path 35B is connected to discharge pipe 13. Therefore, mist M is discharged from discharge port 13C toward flow path 35B, and the sterilant continues to be supplied into container PB through flow path 35B, discharge port 35C, and opening N.

[0029] As the moving nozzle 35-1 continues to move, the moving nozzle 35-1 moves away from directly below the discharge pipe 13 and is released from the discharge pipe 13 (T4), and the supply of the mist M to the container PB ends.

[0030] As described above, the mist M received by one movable nozzle 35-1 from the discharge pipe 13 is supplied to the container PB via the movable nozzle 35-1 in the circumferential direction CD while the flow path 35B passes through the discharge pipe 13. If the mist M were supplied directly from the discharge pipe 13 to the mouth N of the container PB without going through the movable nozzle 35-1, the mist M would only be supplied inside the container PB for the short period when the discharge pipe 13 and the container PB overlap. Therefore, if the mist M is continuously discharged from the discharge pipe 13, much of the mist M will not be used for sterilization.

[0031] [Operation by multiple moving nozzles 35-1: see Figure 5] In the above, the operation of only one movable nozzle 35-1 relative to the discharge pipe 13 has been described, but in reality, multiple movable nozzles 35-1 are lined up in the circumferential direction CD, i.e., along the transfer path MD, so the movable nozzles 35-1 are involved in the discharge pipe 13 in succession. The following description will be made with reference to Figure 5. Note that Figure 5 also shows a time series from top to bottom. In Figure 5, N0, N1, etc. are symbols that identify the movable nozzles 35-1, and they pass through the discharge pipe 13 in the order N0, N1, etc.

[0032] As an example, let us assume that the movable nozzle 35-1 (N1) has reached a position directly below the discharge pipe 13, and the movable nozzle 35-1 (N0) and the movable nozzle 35-1 (N2) are arranged before and after it (T0). At this time, the container PB corresponding to the movable nozzle 35-1 (N1) is in the process of being supplied with the mist M from the discharge pipe 13, while the container PB corresponding to the movable nozzle 35-1 (N0) has already finished supplying the mist M to its interior. The container PB corresponding to the movable nozzle 35-1 (N2) is in the stage before the mist M is supplied.

[0033] As the movement of the movable nozzle 35-1 (N0) progresses (T1 to T3), the overlap between the movable nozzle 35-1 (N1) and the discharge pipe 13 ends (T2), and the movable nozzle 35-1 (N2) and the discharge pipe 13 overlap (T2, T3), and the supply of mist M into the inside of the container PB corresponding to the movable nozzle 35-1 (N2) begins.

[0034] Thereafter, the same operation is repeated: when the supply of mist M into the inside of the container PB corresponding to the movable nozzle 35-1 (N2) is completed, the supply of mist M into the inside of the container PB corresponding to the next movable nozzle 35-1 (N3) is started and the supply is terminated.

[0035] Here, if the opening dimension of the inlet 35in of each movable nozzle 35-1 in the circumferential direction CD is L35in and the distance between the inlets 35in, 35in of adjacent movable nozzles 35-1, 35-1 is D, then L35in > D. Assume that a total of N movable nozzles 35-1 are provided on the turntable 31. Then, during one rotation of the turntable 31, the total extension distance in the circumferential direction CD over which mist M is supplied to the flow paths 35B of all movable nozzles 35-1 is L35in × N, whereas the total extension distance in the circumferential direction CD over which mist M is not supplied to the flow paths 35B is D × N, so that L35in × N > D × N holds. In other words, according to this embodiment, the distance or time over which the discharge pipe 13 and the movable nozzle 35-1 are involved is significantly longer, for example, two or more times, or even three or more times, than the distance or time over which the discharge pipe 13 and the distance between the movable nozzles 35-1, 35-1 are involved.

[0036] [Modified example of moving nozzle: see Figure 6] As another example, a moving nozzle 35-2 will be described in which the opening dimension L35in of the inlet 35in on the upstream (US) side is set larger than the opening dimension L35out of the outlet 35out on the downstream (DS) side in the circumferential direction CD.

[0037] In the movable nozzle 35-2, the circumferential wall surfaces 35B5 and 35B6 are symmetrical about the central axis C30, i.e., the angles θ1 and θ2 formed with the axis C10 are the same. Therefore, in the circumferential direction CD, the flow paths 35B are symmetrical about the central axis C30. However, this is merely an example. The effect of providing the flow paths 35B can be achieved as long as the opening dimension L35in of the inlet 35in is set larger than the opening dimension L35out of the outlet 35out. Therefore, this embodiment allows the angle θ1 to be ≠ the angle θ2, as shown in the example illustrated in VE.2 of FIG. 8 (described later). The opening dimension W35 of the circumferential wall surfaces 35B1 and 35B2 when viewed from the side is constant and coincides with the opening dimension L35out of the outlet 35out on the downstream (DS) side. Due to the presence of the circumferential wall surfaces 35B1, 35B2, the radial wall surfaces 35B3, 35B4 continuously decrease in size from the inlet 35in side toward the outlet 35out side. That is, the volume of the flow path 35B also continuously decreases from the inlet 35in side toward the outlet 35out side. However, for example, the opening dimension of the flow path 35B in the circumferential direction (CD) may be formed to intermittently decrease from the upstream US side toward the downstream DS side. The outlet 35C is connected to the outlet 35out of the flow path 35B and has the same opening dimensions as the outlet 35out. The moving nozzle 35-2 can also be configured so that the outlet 35out becomes the outlet 35C.

[0038] [Examples of fixing structures: see Figures 7 to 14] Below, examples of fixing structures applied to the movable nozzle 35-1 and the movable nozzle 35-2 are shown. In the illustrated fixing structures, the movable nozzle 35-1 or the movable nozzle 35-2 is fixed to the turntable 31 via a portion of the movable nozzle 35-1 or the movable nozzle 35-2 that has a relatively low rigidity. In the illustrated fixing structures, the movable nozzle 35-1 or the movable nozzle 35-2 is fixed to the turntable 31 using a member with a low rigidity. Below, examples of the fixing structures are explained in the order of the first to fifth forms. The first to fourth forms are fixing structures related to the movable nozzle 35-1, and the fifth form is a fixing structure related to the movable nozzle 35-2. Therefore, for the same components as those of the movable nozzle 35-1 and the movable nozzle 35-2 described above, the reference numerals used in the previous explanations are used in FIGS. 7 to 14, and explanations thereof may be omitted.

[0039] [First form (35-1A): See Figure 7(I) and Figure 10] The movable nozzle 35-1A according to the first embodiment has a nozzle housing 35A with a flow path 35B therein and a fixed structure 40A that is integral with the nozzle housing 35A. The fixed structure 40A is attached to the turntable 31 by, for example, being screwed to the turntable 31, thereby attaching the movable nozzle 35-1A to the turntable 31. The movable nozzle 35-1A and the turntable 31 may be made of any material, such as a metal material or a resin material. The movable nozzle 35-1A can be manufactured by, for example, an additive manufacturing method.

[0040] The nozzle housing 35A includes a front wall 35E, a rear wall 35F facing the front wall 35E, and a right side wall 35G and a left side wall 35H facing each other and connecting the front wall 35E and the rear wall 35F. The space surrounded by the front wall 35E, the rear wall 35F, the right side wall 35G, and the left side wall 35H defines a flow path 35B. An inlet 35D for receiving mist M is provided upstream of the flow path 35B, and an outlet 35C is provided downstream of the flow path 35B. The front wall 35E corresponds to one of the first and second side walls in this disclosure, and the rear wall 35F corresponds to the other of the first and second side walls in this disclosure. The right side wall 35G corresponds to one of the third and fourth side walls in this disclosure, and the left side wall 35H corresponds to the other of the third and fourth side walls in this disclosure.

[0041] The fixing structure 40A is formed on each of the right side wall 35G and the left side wall 35H of the nozzle housing 35A. The fixing structure 40A includes rectangular parallelepiped support arms 41A protruding from the right side wall 35G and the left side wall 35H in the radial direction RD, cylindrical bosses 43 provided at the tips of the support arms 41A, and screw holes 45 penetrating the bosses 43 from top to bottom in the figure. The support arms 41A are connected to reinforcing members 46, the thickness of which is increased on the right side wall 35G and the left side wall 35H. The bosses 43 and the screw holes 45 are merely examples of fixing elements in the present disclosure, and other means may be used as long as they can be fixed to the rotary table 31.

[0042] Mist M is supplied to the movable nozzle 35-1A attached to the turntable 31 through the inlet 35D. Because the temperature of the mist M exceeds 100°C, the movable nozzle 35-1A thermally expands. The movable nozzle 35-1A is arranged along the circumferential direction CD of the turntable 31. Since the dimension L35 in the circumferential direction CD is greater than the dimension W35 in the radial direction RD, the amount of thermal expansion in the circumferential direction CD is large. The turntable 31 that holds the movable nozzle 35-1A directly receives less mist M than the movable nozzle 35-1A. Therefore, thermal expansion in the circumferential direction CD does not occur, or even if it does, the thermal expansion is significantly smaller than that of the movable nozzle 35-1A. Therefore, thermal stress occurs between the movable nozzle 35-1A and the corresponding holding portion of the turntable 31, potentially damaging one or both of the movable nozzle 35-1A and the turntable 31. In particular, when the rotary table 31 supports the movable nozzle 35-1A at two portions, the front wall 35E and the rear wall 35F, which are close to the receiving opening 35D, the amount of thermal expansion of the movable nozzle 35-1A in the circumferential direction CD increases.

[0043] To address the above-mentioned problem of thermal stress, the fixed structure 40A supports the housing 35A of the movable nozzle 35-1A in the radial direction RD, where thermal expansion is small, and it is possible to keep the thermal stress generated between the movable nozzle 35-1A and the turntable 31 small even when the boss 43 is screwed to the turntable 31. Therefore, the supply device 1 equipped with the movable nozzle 35-1A can prevent damage from occurring between the movable nozzle 35-1A and the turntable 31.

[0044] The support arms 41A, 41A are supported by the right side wall 35G and the left side wall 35H at approximately the center of the length L35 (FIG. 10(SV)) of the nozzle housing 35A, which is determined by the distance between the front wall 35E and the rear wall 35F. The support arms 41A, 41A are supported by the right side wall 35G and the left side wall 35H at approximately the center of the height H35 (FIG. 10(SV)) of the nozzle housing 35A, which is determined by the distance between the inlet 35D and the outlet 35C. The approximately centers of the right side wall 35G and the left side wall 35H where the support arms 41A, 41A are supported have lower rigidity than, for example, the areas near the front wall 35E and the rear wall 35F, and therefore experience the largest bending deformation in the radial direction RD when the movable nozzle 35-1A is heated by the mist M. By utilizing this bending deformation, the movable nozzle 35-1A can absorb the difference in the amount of thermal deformation between the movable nozzle 35-1A and the rotary table 31, thereby reducing thermal stress. The deflection deformation is greatest at the center of the length L35 and the center of the height H35, but the support arms 41A, 41A do not strictly have to be supported at the center. For example, if the support arms are supported in a central area specified within a range of 20% from the center of the length L35 and a range of 20% from the center of the height H35, the effect of reducing thermal stress by utilizing the deflection deformation can be enjoyed.

[0045] [Second form (35-1B): See Figure 7(II) and Figure 11] Next, the moving nozzle 35-1B will be described, focusing on the differences from the moving nozzle 35-1A. The movable nozzle 35-1B includes a fixing structure 40B1 and a fixing structure 40B2. The fixing structure 40B1 is provided on the front wall 35E, and the fixing structure 40B2 is provided on the right side wall 35G. The fixing structure 40B1 has a support arm 41B1 that curves in a U-shape, and its support end 42B1 is connected to the front wall 35E. The fixing structure 40B2 has a support arm 41B2 that curves in an L-shape, and its support end 42B2 is connected to the right side wall 35G. The support arms 41B1 and 41B2 curve in the same direction. The support end 42B2 is located approximately in the center of the right side wall 35G, just like the support arm 41B1.

[0046] Support arms 41B1 and 41B2 have lower rigidity than nozzle housing 35A, and their U- and L-shaped configurations make them more susceptible to elastic deformation in the radial direction RD. Fixing structures 40B1 and 40B2 are provided at different positions on the front wall 35E and the right side wall 35G, but by using support arms 41B1 and 41B2 with different shapes, bosses 43 provided on support arms 41B1 and 41B2 are positioned on the same side in the radial direction RD.

[0047] When the bosses 43, 43 of the fixing structures 40B1 and 40B2 are fixed to the turntable 31, the nozzle housing 35A is fixed to the turntable 31 at two locations in the circumferential direction CD by the fixing structures 40B1 and 40B2. The amount of thermal expansion of the nozzle housing 35A in the circumferential direction CD is large. However, because the support arm 41B1 of the fixing structure 40B1 and the support arm 41B2 of the fixing structure 40B2 are prone to elastic deformation, even if a considerable amount of thermal expansion occurs in the nozzle housing 35A, the support arms 41B1 and 41B2 elastically deform preferentially over the nozzle housing 35A, preventing damage to the movable nozzle 35-1B and the turntable 31 due to thermal stress.

[0048] [Third form (35-1C): See Figure 8(III) and Figure 12] Next, the moving nozzle 35-1C will be described, focusing on the differences from the moving nozzle 35-1B. Similar to movable nozzle 35-1B, movable nozzle 35-1C includes fixed structure 40C1 having curved support arm 41C1 and fixed structure 40C2 having curved support arm 41C2. Support arm 41C1 and support arm 41C2 are both provided on right side wall 35G, and the distance between support end 42C1 and support end 42C2 on right side wall 35G is narrower than support end 42B1 and support end 42B2 of movable nozzle 35-1B. Also, support arm 41C1 and support arm 41C2 are bent in an L shape similar to support arm 41B1, but are bent in the opposite direction.

[0049] In the movable nozzle 35-1C according to the third embodiment, similarly to the movable nozzle 35-1B, the elastic deformation of the support arms 41C1 and 41C2 can prevent damage to the movable nozzle 35-1C and the rotary table 31 due to thermal stress.

[0050] [Fourth form (35-1D): See Figure 8(IV) and Figure 13] Next, the moving nozzle 35-1D will be described, focusing on the differences from the moving nozzle 35-1C. Like the movable nozzle 35-1C, the movable nozzle 35-1D includes a fixed structure 40D having a pair of curved support arms 41D. One support arm 41D is provided on the right side wall 35G, and the other fixed structure 40D is provided on the left side wall 35H.

[0051] In the movable nozzle 35-1D according to the fourth embodiment, similarly to the movable nozzle 35-1B, the elastic deformation of the support arm 41D and the support arm 41C2 can prevent damage to the movable nozzle 35-1D and the rotary table 31 due to thermal stress.

[0052] [Fifth form: see Figure 9(V) and Figure 14] Next, the moving nozzle 35-1E will be described. The movable nozzle 35-1E is obtained by providing the movable nozzle 35-2 described with reference to FIG. 6 with a fixed structure 40E1 and a fixed structure 40E2. The fixing structure 40E1 is provided on the front wall 35E, and the fixing structure 40E2 is provided on the rear wall 35F. The fixing structure 40E1 has a support arm 41E1 that curves in a U-shape, and the fixing structure 40E2 has a support arm 41E2 that curves in a U-shape. The support arms 41E1 and 41E2 have the same structure and dimensions, but are oriented in opposite directions relative to the nozzle housing 35A. Furthermore, the support end 42E1 of the support arm 41E1 and the support end 42E2 of the support arm 41E2 are reinforced by being thicker than other portions of the front wall 35E and the rear wall 35F, respectively.

[0053] The movable nozzle 35-1E utilizes the flexural deformation of the curved support arms 41E1 and 41E2 to absorb the difference in thermal expansion with the turntable 31 and reduce thermal stress. If the support arms 41E1 and 41E2 are unable to fully absorb the difference in thermal expansion with the turntable 31, the remaining thermal thread load is received by the reinforced support ends 42E1 and 42E2, preventing damage to the front wall 35E and the rear wall 35F other than the reinforced portions.

[0054] [Reduction of thermal stress] Although a specific example of a moving nozzle has been described, either or both of elements 1 and 2 can be used to reduce thermal stress between the nozzle and the rotary table 31. Element 1: Utilizing the bending deformation of one or both of the right side wall 35G and the left side wall 35H of the moving nozzle 35 in the radial direction RD. Element 2: The rotating table 31, which is the object to be fixed, is fixed with an arm that can be easily elastically deformed.

[0055] [Support arm installation target] Assuming that the above elements 1 and 2 are used, the pair of support arms are connected in the following manner. First mode: One of the pair of support arms is connected to the front wall 35E, and the other of the pair of support arms is supported by the rear wall 35F. Second mode: One of the pair of support arms is connected to the front wall 35E or the rear wall 35F, and the other of the pair of support arms is supported on the right wall 35G or the left wall 35H. Third mode: One of the pair of support arms is connected to the right side wall 35G, and the other of the pair of support arms is connected to the left side wall 35H.

[0056] [Variations] In addition to the above, it is possible to select and discard the configurations given in the above embodiments, or to change them to other configurations as appropriate. Although the nozzle housing 35A has been described as having a pair (two) of support arms, one pair is only the minimum number of support arms, and more than two, for example, three support arms may be provided. Furthermore, for example, in the movable nozzle 35-1B, even if only one of the support arms 41B1 and 41B2, for example only the support arm 41B1, is easily elastically deformed, the thermal stress reduction effect can be obtained.

[0057] [Note] The present disclosure can be understood as follows. [Appendix 1] The disinfectant supply device (1) of the present disclosure comprises: a rotary table (31) that holds a plurality of nozzles (35-1, 35-2) and moves the object to be sterilized (PB) and the nozzles (35-1, 35-2) along an arc-shaped conveying path (MD); the nozzles (35-1, 35-2) have a flow path (35B) through which the sterilant (M) flows toward the object to be sterilized (PB), and the dimension of the flow path (35B) in a radial direction (RD) on the turntable (31) is smaller than the dimension of the flow path in a circumferential direction, The nozzles (35-1, 35-2) are a nozzle housing (35A) having the flow path (35B) therein; a pair of support arms (41) extending from the nozzle housing (35A) and fixed to the rotary table (31); and fixing elements (43, 45) provided on each of the support arms (41) for fixing to the rotary table (31).

[0058] [Appendix 2] One or both of the support arms (41) It is easier to elastically deform than the nozzle housing (35A). [Appendix 1] Disinfectant supply device (1).

[0059] [Appendix 3] One or both of the support arms (41) having a curved or bent shape; A disinfectant supply device (1) according to either [Appendix 1] or [Appendix 2].

[0060] [Appendix 4] One or both of the pair of support arms (41) The sterilant supply device (1) according to any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 3], which is supported at a location of the nozzle housing (35A) that is more easily elastically deformable than the support arm (41).

[0061] [Appendix 5] The nozzle housing (35A) is a first side wall (35E) and a second side wall (35F) facing each other in the circumferential direction (CD) with the flow path (35B) interposed therebetween; a third side wall (35G) and a fourth side wall (35H) facing each other in the radial direction (RD) with the flow path (35B) interposed therebetween, One of the pair of support arms (41) supported by the third side wall (35G) or the fourth side wall (35H); or one of the pair of support arms (41) is supported on one of the third side wall (35G) and the fourth side wall (35H), and the other of the pair of support arms (41) is supported on the other of the third side wall (35G) and the fourth side wall (35H); A disinfectant supply device (1) according to any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 4].

[0062] [Appendix 6] The support arm (41) The disinfectant supply device (1) of [Appendix 5] is supported in a central region of one or both of the third side wall (35G) and the fourth side wall (35H).

[0063] [Appendix 7] The nozzle housing (35A) is a first side wall (35E) and a second side wall (35F) facing each other in the circumferential direction (CD) with the flow path (35B) interposed therebetween; a third side wall (35G) and a fourth side wall (35H) facing each other in the radial direction (RD) with the flow path (35B) interposed therebetween, one of the pair of support arms (41) is supported by the first side wall (35E) or the second side wall (35F); The other of the pair of support arms (41) is supported by the third side wall (35G) or the fourth side wall (35H). A disinfectant supply device (1) according to any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 4].

[0064] [Appendix 8] The other support arm (41) is The disinfectant supply device (1) of [Appendix 7] is supported in a central region of one or both of the third side wall (35G) and the fourth side wall (35H).

[0065] [Appendix 9] The nozzles (35-1, 35-2) are The flow path (35B) receives the sterilant (M) upstream and allows the sterilant (M) to flow toward the discharge port (35C) provided downstream, The flow path (35B) an opening dimension in the circumferential direction (CD) from the upstream side toward the discharge port (35C) becomes smaller continuously or intermittently; A disinfectant supply device (1) according to [Appendix 2] or [Appendix 3].

[0066] [Appendix 10] The flow path (35B) The nozzles are provided only on the side where the object to be sterilized (PB) moves, with respect to the discharge port (35C). [Appendix 9] Disinfectant supply device (1).

[0067] [Appendix 11] The nozzles (35-1, 35-2) are a flow path (35B) that receives the sterilant (M) upstream and through which the sterilant (M) flows toward the discharge port (35C) provided downstream; The flow path (35B) an opening dimension in the radial direction (RD) of the rotary table (31) from the upstream side toward the discharge port (35C) is constant or decreases continuously or intermittently; A disinfectant supply device (1) according to any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 10]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 Feeding device 10 Supply section 11 Mist Generator 13 Discharge pipe 13A tube body 13B aisle 13C Discharge port 15 Regulatory bodies 30 Conveying section 31 Rotating Table 32 Rotating Electric Machine 35-1, 35-1A, 35-1B Moving Nozzle 35-1C, 35-1D, 35-2 Moving nozzle 35A Nozzle housing 35A 35B Flow path 35out outlet 35in inlet 35B1,35B2,35B5,35B6 Circumferential wall surface 35B3,35B4,35B7,35B8 Radial wall 35C outlet 35D Inlet 35E Front wall 35F Rear wall 35G Right side wall 35H Left side wall Fixed structures 40A, 40B1, 40B2, 40C1, 40C2, 40D, 40E1, 40E2 41A,41B1,41B2,41C1,41C2,41D,41E1,41E2 support アーム 42B1, 42B2, 42C1, 42C2 Support Ends 43 ボス 45 holes C10, C30 center axis GR grip G gap M ミスト PB container N mouth RD radial direction CD Weekly Direction MD moves to the road V Vertical direction H horizontal direction

Claims

1. a rotary table that holds a plurality of nozzles and moves the objects to be sterilized and the nozzles along an arc-shaped conveying path; The nozzle has a flow path for flowing a sterilant toward the object to be sterilized, The nozzle is a nozzle housing having the flow path therein; a pair of support arms extending from the nozzle housing and each of which is fixed to the rotary table; a fixing element provided on each of the support arms for fixing to the rotary table; The nozzle housing has a circumferential dimension greater than a radial dimension on the rotary table. Disinfectant supply device.

2. One or both of the support arms may be The nozzle housing is more elastically deformable than the nozzle housing.

2. The disinfectant supply device of claim 1.

3. One or both of the support arms may be having a curved or bent shape; 2. The disinfectant supply device of claim 1.

4. One or both of the pair of support arms The nozzle housing is supported by a portion of the nozzle housing that is more easily elastically deformed than the support arm.

2. The disinfectant supply device of claim 1.

5. The nozzle housing includes: a first side wall and a second side wall that face each other in the circumferential direction with the flow path therebetween; a third side wall and a fourth side wall that face each other in the radial direction with the flow path interposed therebetween, One of the pair of support arms is supported by the third side wall or the fourth side wall; or one of the pair of support arms is supported on one of the third side wall and the fourth side wall, and the other of the pair of support arms is supported on the other of the third side wall and the fourth side wall; 2. The disinfectant supply device of claim 1.

6. The support arm 6. The sterilant supply device of claim 5, supported by a central region of one or both of the third side wall and the fourth side wall.

7. The nozzle housing includes: a first side wall and a second side wall that face each other in the circumferential direction with the flow path therebetween; a third side wall and a fourth side wall that face each other in the radial direction with the flow path interposed therebetween, one of the pair of support arms is supported by the first side wall or the second side wall; the other of the pair of support arms is supported by the third side wall or the fourth side wall; 2. The disinfectant supply device of claim 1.

8. The other support arm is 8. The sterilant delivery device of claim 7, supported by a central region of one or both of the third side wall and the fourth side wall.

9. The nozzle is a flow path that receives the disinfectant upstream and through which the disinfectant flows toward a discharge port provided downstream; The flow path is an opening dimension in the circumferential direction from the upstream side toward the discharge port becomes smaller continuously or intermittently; 2. The disinfectant supply device of claim 1.

10. The flow path is It is provided only on the side where the object to be sterilized moves, based on the discharge port.

10. The disinfectant supply device of claim 9.

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