Container mouth sterilization device

Abstract

To effectively sterilizing a mouth by spraying sterilization gas to the whole periphery of the mouth of a container.SOLUTION: A lower portion of a flange Vf of a container is gripped by a gripper 16 provided on an outer periphery of a rotary wheel 10A to carry out conveyance. Sterilization gas is sprayed from a plurality of nozzles 20 toward a mouth Vm of the container conveyed by the rotary wheel 10A. Outside nozzles 20B are outwardly arranged in a radial direction of the rotary wheel 10A with respect to a movement locus L of a center of the mouth Vm of the container conveyed with the gripper 16 by inwardly arranging inside nozzles 20A in the radial direction of the rotary wheel 10A with respect to the movement locus L of the center of the mouth Vm of the container conveyed with the gripper 16 as nozzles 20 thereof. At least two respective inside nozzles 20A and outside nozzles 20B are arranged at a position of not interfering with the mouth Vm of the conveyed container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container mouth sterilizing device for sterilizing the mouth of a container being transported. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an apparatus that sterilizes the inner and outer surfaces of empty containers that are gripped and transported by grippers provided on the outer periphery of a rotating wheel by spraying sterilizing gas from nozzles provided on the transport path onto the containers (Patent Document 1). In the sterilization apparatus of Patent Document 1, sterilizing gas is sprayed from sterilant nozzle 26a, which is arranged horizontally with its nozzle axis facing the cylindrical side surface of the container mouth, and from sterilant nozzle 26b, which is arranged vertically downward with its nozzle axis facing the shoulder of the container, to sterilize the container mouth. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6531757 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, one sterilant nozzle 26a sprays sterilizing gas directly onto the cylindrical side wall of the mouth from one direction, creating a blind spot around the mouth of the container where the sterilizing gas is not directly sprayed.

[0005] The present invention aims to spray sterilizing gas around the entire periphery of the mouth of a container to effectively sterilize the mouth. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first invention of the present invention is a container mouth sterilization device for sterilizing the mouth of a container having an outwardly protruding flange and a mouth with a thread formed above the flange, the device comprising: a rotating wheel provided with a plurality of grippers for gripping the lower part of the flange; and a nozzle for spraying sterilizing gas toward the mouth of the container being transported by the rotating wheel, the nozzle comprising an inner nozzle arranged radially inward of the rotating wheel with respect to the movement locus of the center of the mouth of the container being transported by the gripper; and an outer nozzle arranged radially outward of the rotating wheel with respect to the movement locus of the center of the mouth of the container being transported by the gripper. The aforementioned Inner nozzle and The aforementioned At least two outer nozzles are arranged at positions where they do not interfere with the mouth of the container being transported. and injecting a sterilizing gas from the inner nozzle and the outer nozzle toward the mouth of the container being conveyed by the gripper. It is characterized by the following.

[0007] The second invention of the present invention is a container mouth sterilization device according to the first invention, characterized in that it further comprises a support member that is provided above the gripper and supports the mouth of the container that is located radially inward of the rotating wheel with respect to the movement trajectory of the center of the mouth of the container transported by the gripper, and the inner nozzle sprays sterilizing gas from diagonally above toward the mouth supported by the support member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, sterilizing gas can be sprayed around the entire periphery of the mouth of the container, thereby effectively sterilizing the mouth. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing the layout of a portion of a container mouth sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the outer periphery of a rotating wheel that holds containers in the mouth sterilization section. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the outer periphery of a rotating wheel that holds containers in the external sterilization section. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the outer periphery of a rotating wheel that holds containers in the internal sterilization section. [Figure 5] 1 is a plan view of a gripper gripping the bottom of a container flange in the mouth sterilization section. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the center part of the gripper. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the arrangement of nozzles in a modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the sterilizing gas injection direction of a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a plan view showing the layout of a portion of a container mouth sterilization device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] The container mouth sterilization device of this embodiment comprises a sterilizing gas spraying wheel 10 and a dry air spraying wheel (not shown). Empty containers V are supplied to the sterilizing gas spraying wheel 10 from a supply wheel 12, and a sterilizing gas such as hydrogen peroxide gas is sprayed onto the entire exterior and interior of the container V. The containers V sprayed with the sterilizing gas are discharged via a discharge wheel 14 to the dry air spraying wheel on the downstream side.

[0012] In this embodiment, the container V is, for example, a resin bottle having a screw thread on the outer periphery of the mouth Vm and a flange Vf (see FIG. 2) protruding outward below the screw thread. In each wheel, the container V is continuously conveyed while being alternately gripped by grippers at the top and bottom of the flange Vf. In the sterilizing gas injection wheel 10, the container V is conveyed along the outer periphery of the rotating wheel 10A. The route is provided with a mouth sterilization section A1, an exterior sterilization section A2, and an interior sterilization section A3 in this order, and sterilizing gas is injected into the mouth Vm, exterior, and interior of the container V as it is conveyed through each section. Note that the order in which the sterilizing gas is injected into each section is not limited to this embodiment, and the order of sections A1, A2, and A3 can be arbitrary. In addition, in this embodiment, one mouth sterilization section A1 and one exterior sterilization section A2 are provided, and two interior sterilization sections A3 are provided, but the number of each section is arbitrary as long as there is at least one.

[0013] 2, 3 and 4 are partially enlarged vertical cross-sectional views showing the configuration of the outer periphery of the rotary wheel 10A that holds the containers V in the mouth sterilization section A1, the outer sterilization section A2 and the inner sterilization section A3, respectively.

[0014] 2 to 4, in the sterilizing gas injection wheel 10, containers V are gripped below the flanges Vf by grippers 16 arranged at predetermined intervals along the outer periphery of the rotating wheel 10A and transported in a suspended state. In the mouth sterilization section A1, the outer sterilization section A2, and the inner sterilization section A3, hoods 18 are arranged across each section so as to cover both sides and the bottom of the transport path of the containers V transported by the grippers 16. The hoods 18 are arranged in an arc shape along the outer periphery of the rotating wheel 10A, with the upper end of the radially inner sidewall extending to a height lower than the grippers 16 so as not to interfere with the grippers 16, and the upper end of the radially outer sidewall extending to a height slightly higher than the mouths Vm of the containers V, for example.

[0015] In the mouth sterilization section A1, as shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of (for example, four) nozzles 20 are fixedly arranged above the mouth Vm so as to surround the mouth Vm (see Fig. 5), and a sterilizing gas is supplied to each nozzle 20 from a sterilizing gas supply means (not shown) via a manifold 21. Sterilizing gas is sprayed from the nozzles 20 from all four directions toward the mouth Vm, as will be described later.

[0016] In the external sterilization section A2, as shown in Fig. 3, a sterilizing gas supply pipe 22 is fixedly arranged so as to surround the container V transported above the mouth Vm and along the inner surface of the hood 18. Multiple (e.g., six) nozzles 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, and 22F are provided along the sterilizing gas supply pipe 22. Nozzle 22A is arranged to spray sterilizing gas from above along the outer surface of the mouth Vm on the inner side in the wheel radial direction of the container V gripped by the gripper 16, and nozzles 22B, 22C, and 22D are arranged to spray sterilizing gas toward the shoulder, center, and bottom of the side surface of the main body of the container V on the outer side in the wheel radial direction, respectively. Furthermore, nozzles 22E and 22F are arranged to spray sterilizing gas toward the center and bottom of the side surface of the main body of the container V on the inner side in the wheel radial direction.

[0017] In the internal sterilization section A3, as shown in FIG. 4, a nozzle 24 is fixedly disposed so as to inject sterilizing gas into the container V from above toward the center of the mouth Vm.

[0018] Next, the configuration of the gripper 16 of this embodiment and the arrangement and configuration of the nozzle 20 in the mouth sterilization section A1 will be described with reference to Figures 5, 6, and 7. Note that Figure 5 is a plan view of the gripper 16 gripping the bottom of the flange Vf of the container V in the mouth sterilization section A1. Also, Figure 6 is a side view of the gripper 16, and Figure 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the central part of the gripper 16.

[0019] The gripper 16 has a pair of left and right gripper pieces 16A that grip below the flange Vf on the neck of the container V. The base end of each gripper piece 16A is supported by leaf springs 25 attached to the left and right sides of the base 23. A biasing member 25A such as a spring is disposed between the leaf springs 25, and both ends of the biasing member 25A are attached to each leaf spring 25. This biases the leaf springs 25, i.e., the gripper pieces 16A, in the direction of closing toward each other.

[0020] A side support member 26 is integrally provided above the base end of each gripper piece 16A, contacting the side surface of the mouth Vm of the container V and supporting the mouth Vm from the side. A central support member 27 is disposed between the left and right leaf springs 25 and the gripper pieces 16A, supporting the top and bottom of the flange Vf located between the gripper pieces 16A. A pair of protrusions 27A, 27B extending outward in the radial direction of the wheel are provided at the tip of the central support member 27. The lower protrusion 27A is capable of contacting the bottom of the flange Vf, while the upper protrusion 27B is capable of contacting the side surface of the mouth Vm above the flange Vf at the same height as the side support member 26. Note that the upper protrusion 27B only has a central portion compared to the lower protrusion 27A, with both sides cut out. This is to reduce the area of ​​contact with the mouth Vm and to allow the sterilizing gas sprayed from the nozzle 20 to reach downward more easily.

[0021] The base end side of the central support member 27 is supported by the base 23 so as to be movable radially back and forth, and a biasing member 27C such as a spring is interposed between the base end and the base 23. As a result, when a container V is gripped by the gripper pieces 16A, the tips of the protrusions 27A and 27B are pressed against the top and bottom of the flange Vf, sandwiching it, and the container V being rotated and transported is prevented from being shaken outward by the centrifugal force of the gripper 16, and is held stably.

[0022] 5, the nozzles 20 in the mouth sterilization section A1 are composed of two inner nozzles 20A and two outer nozzles 20B. The inner nozzles 20A are arranged at two (or more) positions relative to the movement locus L of the center of the mouth Vm of the container V transported by the gripper 16 so as not to interfere with the mouth Vm on the radially inner side of the rotating wheel 10A. On the other hand, the outer nozzles 20B are arranged at two (or more) positions relative to the movement locus L of the center of the mouth Vm of the container V transported by the gripper 16 so as not to interfere with the mouth Vm on the radially outer side of the rotating wheel 10A.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the tip of the inner nozzle 20A is located radially inward of the rotary wheel 10A relative to the mouth Vm and higher than the side support members 26 that engage with the side surfaces of the mouth Vm. Sterilizing gas is sprayed from the tip of the inner nozzle 20A onto the outer surface of the mouth Vm from diagonally above the mouth Vm toward the center of the mouth Vm, with respect to the container V transported to the center of the nozzle 20. The centers of the side support members 26 are each provided with holes (openings) 26A that penetrate vertically, and a portion of the sprayed sterilizing gas flows below the side support members 26 through the holes 26A. The side support members 26 may have any shape as long as they support the sides of the mouth Vm and allow the sterilizing gas sprayed from above to flow downward, and may be configured with notches or the like in place of the holes 26A.

[0024] On the other hand, the tip of the outer nozzle 20B is located radially outward of the mouth Vm in the wheel direction and at the height of the side surface. From the tip of the outer nozzle 20B, sterilizing gas is sprayed substantially horizontally onto the outer surface of the mouth Vm toward the center of the mouth Vm onto the container V transported to the center of the nozzle 20. The multiple nozzles 20 only need to be arranged so that the sterilizing gas is sprayed over the entire outer periphery of the mouth Vm, and are arranged, for example, at substantially equal intervals along the periphery. In this embodiment, the distance between the inner nozzle 20A and the outer nozzle 20B is approximately 70 degrees, and the distance between the inner nozzles 20A and the outer nozzles 20B is approximately 110 degrees, but the nozzle arrangement is not limited to this.

[0025] Sterilizing gas is constantly sprayed from each of the nozzles 20A, 20B, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, and 24, and the sterilizing gas is sprayed onto each part of the container V in each of the sections A1, A2, and A3 of the container V that is continuously transported within the hood 18.

[0026] As described above, according to this embodiment, the sterilizing gas is sprayed around the entire circumference of the mouth of the container by the multiple nozzles, so that the sterilizing gas is sprayed around the entire circumference of the mouth while the container is being transported through the mouth sterilization section, thereby enabling effective sterilization of the mouth.

[0027] Next, a modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Note that in the modified example, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those in the above embodiment, and their description will be omitted. Note that Figure 8 is a side view showing the nozzle arrangement of the modified example, and Figure 9 is a plan view showing the sterilizing gas injection direction of the modified example.

[0028] While the gripper 16 of the first embodiment includes side support members 26 and a central support member 27 that engage with the mouth Vm above the flange Vf, the gripper 28 of the modified example includes only the components related to the gripper pieces 16A and does not include the side support members 26 and the central support member 27. Since the modified example does not include the side support members 26 and the central support member 27, the tip of the inner nozzle 30A of the modified example is positioned radially outward of the mouth Vm in the wheel direction, at the same height as the outer nozzle 20B, as shown in Fig. 8. Sterilizing gas is sprayed from the tip of the inner nozzle 30A substantially horizontally onto the outer surface of the mouth Vm toward the center of the mouth Vm, toward the container V transported to the center of the nozzle 20.

[0029] In another modified example, the inner nozzle 32A and the outer nozzle 32B may be positioned at the same height as in the modified example above, and the sterilizing gas may be sprayed substantially horizontally toward the outer surface of the mouth Vm in a direction offset from the center of the mouth Vm toward the container V that has been transported to the center of the inner nozzle 32A and the outer nozzle 32B. In the modified example shown in Fig. 9, the inner nozzle 32A and the outer nozzle 32B spray the sterilizing gas counterclockwise from four directions, slightly toward the center rather than the tangential direction of the side surface of the mouth Vm.

[0030] As described above, in the modified example, the sterilizing gas can be sprayed all around the mouth of the container by the multiple nozzles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] 10 Sterilizing gas injection wheel 10A Rotating Wheel 16 Gripper 20 nozzles 20A inner nozzle 20B outer nozzle 26 Lateral support member 26A hole (opening) 27 Central support member L Movement trajectory V container Vf flange Vm Mouth

Claims

1. A container mouth sterilization device for sterilizing the mouth of a container having an outwardly protruding flange and a mouth provided above the flange with a screw thread, a rotating wheel provided with a plurality of grippers for gripping the lower portion of the flange; a nozzle for spraying a sterilizing gas toward the mouth of the container conveyed by the rotating wheel; The nozzle is an inner nozzle disposed radially inside the rotating wheel with respect to a moving trajectory of a center of a mouth of the container conveyed by the gripper; an outer nozzle disposed radially outward of the rotating wheel with respect to a moving trajectory of the center of the mouth of the container conveyed by the gripper; A container mouth sterilization device characterized in that at least two of the inner nozzles and two of the outer nozzles are arranged in positions that do not interfere with the mouth of the container being transported, and the inner nozzles and the outer nozzles spray sterilizing gas toward the mouth of the container being transported by the gripper.

2. a support member provided above the gripper and configured to support a mouth of the container that is located radially inside the rotating wheel with respect to a moving trajectory of the center of the mouth of the container that is transported by the gripper; 2. The container mouth sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the inner nozzle injects sterilizing gas from an obliquely upward direction toward the mouth supported by the support member.

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