Disinfectant supply device

Abstract

To provide a supply device which allows a larger amount of sterilizing agent to flow inside a container quickly.SOLUTION: A supply device of sterilizing agent includes: a sterilizing agent supply source for supplying a sterilizing agent downward in the vertical direction at a fixed position; and a nozzle moving in synchronization with a sterilization object moving along a conveyance path, and having a discharge port for flowing the sterilizing agent toward the opening which the sterilization object has. The nozzle is provided in such a manner that the discharge port is deviated with respect to the opening of the sterilization object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for supplying a fluid sterilant to the inside of an object to be sterilized, such as a beverage container. [Background technology]

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

[0003] The sterilization unit of Patent Document 1 is equipped with one or more discharge pipes at predetermined fixed positions around the turntable that supply condensed mist of hydrogen peroxide, a sterilant, to containers. The discharge pipes are fixed in fixed positions so that they can face the mouths of 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] From the viewpoint of sterilization efficiency and production efficiency, it is desirable that a larger amount of sterilant flows into the container in a shorter time, including the sterilization section of Patent Document 1. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a supply device that can quickly allow a larger amount of sterilant to flow into the interior of a container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] a disinfectant supply source that supplies disinfectant vertically downward at a fixed position; a nozzle that moves in synchronization with the object to be sterilized moving along the conveying path and has a discharge port that directs the sterilant toward an opening in the object to be sterilized; A sterilant supply device in which a nozzle is provided so that the discharge outlet is offset relative to the opening of an object to be sterilized.

[0007] A method for sterilizing an object to be sterilized by supplying a sterilizing agent to the object through a nozzle, comprising: The nozzle is The sterilizer moves in synchronization with the object to be sterilized moving along the conveying path, and has a discharge port for discharging a sterilant toward an opening in the object to be sterilized, A sterilization method in which the discharge outlet is provided so as to be offset from the opening of the object to be sterilized. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The nozzle of the supply device of the present disclosure is provided so that the discharge outlet is offset relative to the opening of the object to be sterilized, thereby allowing a larger amount of sterilant to flow quickly into the interior of, for example, a container. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a supply device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the supply device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are a side cross-sectional view (SSD) and a front cross-sectional view (PSD) showing the main parts of a supply device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the main parts of a supply device according to an embodiment, illustrating the movement of one movable nozzle relative to a fixed nozzle. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing main parts of a supply device according to an embodiment, illustrating how a plurality of movable nozzles move relative to a fixed nozzle. [Figure 6] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the positional relationship between a moving nozzle and a container in the supply device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the action and effect of displacing the center of the movable nozzle relative to the opening of the container. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are perspective and plan views (SV) partially in section showing a moving nozzle of a different embodiment; [Figure 9] 9 is a graph showing the results of a CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation using the moving nozzle shown in FIG. 8. 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 opening area of ​​the flow path that receives the sterilant upstream and supplies the sterilant downstream toward the object to be sterilized is larger on the upstream side than on the downstream side. The embodiment can stabilize the flow of sterilant inside the object to be sterilized by specifying a preferred position of the moving nozzle relative to the object to be sterilized. Below, the overall configuration of the supply device 1 will be described, followed by a description of a preferred position of the moving nozzle.

[0011] [Configuration of supply device 1: see Figures 1 to 5] 1 and 2, the supply device 1 includes a supply unit 10 that discharges sterilant into a container PB at a fixed position, and a conveying unit 30 that grasps and conveys multiple containers PB along an arc-shaped conveying path MD. As an example, the supply unit 10 includes 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.

[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 OM 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 a circular shape that matches the shape of the opening OM 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 blocks an opening at the upstream US of the flow path 35B. For example, the regulator 15 has a rectangular shape in plan view. The regulator 15 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 a curved shape with both ends in the circumferential direction CD pointing upward, like an arc, 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 a plurality of movable nozzles 35-1. The plurality of 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 plurality of movable nozzles 35-1 are arranged at the same position in the radial direction RD. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of movable nozzles 35-1 are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of 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 a relative positional relationship. Each movable nozzle 35-1 is preferably attached to the turntable 31 so as to be detachable from the turntable 31. 1 and 2, each movable nozzle 35-1 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped appearance, with its upper portion in the vertical direction V held by an appropriate means on the rotary table 31 and its lower portion protruding downward from the rotary table 31. Note that only some of the multiple movable nozzles 35-1 are shown in FIG.

[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 drawing (vertical direction V), 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 (Fig. 1) 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).

[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 increasing the size of the inlet 35in on the upstream (US) side in this manner, the distance or time over which 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 is continuously discharged from the outlet 13C, the amount of mist M not used for sterilizing the container PB can be significantly reduced. On the downstream (DS) side, since mist M must be supplied to the opening of the container PB, the opening dimension L35out of the outlet 35out is smaller than the opening dimension L35in, and is preferably set equal to or smaller than the diameter of the opening OM (drinking spout) of the container PB. As will be described in more detail below, the outlet 35C is offset from the opening OM of the container PB. In this disclosure, offset refers to the misalignment of the centers of two components relative to each other. 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. The circumferential wall surfaces 35B1 and 35B2 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.

[0022] 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 movable nozzle 35-1 can also be configured so that the outlet 35out becomes the outlet 35C. 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.

[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] [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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] [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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] [Positional relationship of the outlet 35C with respect to the opening OM: see Figures 6 and 7] Next, a preferred positional relationship of the outlet 35C of the movable nozzle 35-1 relative to the opening OM, which is the drinking spout of the container PB, will be described. This positional relationship is determined by the positional relationship in the horizontal direction H between the central axis C30 of the outlet 35C and the central axis CPB of the opening OM. Hereinafter, this positional relationship may be abbreviated to simply the positional relationship. Hereinafter, an example is shown in which the opening OM and the outlet 35C are both circular, but the openings and outlets in this disclosure are not limited to circular shapes and can be, for example, rectangular.

[0036] Figure 6 shows five types of positional relationships, labeled cases A to E (only cases A to E are shown in the figure). The five types of positional relationships are identified based on two directions: the transport path MD of the container PB and the radial direction RD of the turntable 31. In all cases in Figure 6, the discharge port 35C is within the range of the projection plane of the opening OM of the container PB, and the mist M discharged from the discharge port 35C can be supplied to the opening OM without leakage. The opening area of ​​the discharge port 35C is smaller than that of the opening OM.

[0037] Case A: The central axis CPB coincides with the central axis C30 Case B: The central axis C30 is deviated inward (IN) from the central axis CPB in the radial direction RD. Case C: The central axis C30 is deviated from the central axis CPB to the outside (OUT) in the radial direction RD. Case D: The central axis C30 is deviated from the central axis CPB to the upstream side (F) of the conveying path MD. Case E: The central axis C30 is deviated from the central axis CPB to the downstream side (R) of the conveying path MD.

[0038] In cases B to E, the center of the discharge port 35C is offset from the center of the container PB, which improves the reach of the mist M to the inside of the container PB and the scavenging efficiency of the air that is originally present inside the container PB. The reason for this will be explained below.

[0039] Before mist M is supplied to the container PB, the inside of the container PB is filled with air, and this air acts as resistance to the mist M supplied to the inside of the container PB. Therefore, in order to quickly supply a larger amount of mist M to the inside of the container PB, it is necessary to efficiently expel the air from the container PB, that is, to purge it.

[0040] By offsetting the center of the discharge port 35C from the center of the container PB, it is possible to divide the mist M into two fields: a flow field Fin through which the mist M flows into the container PB, and a flow field Fout through which the air Air inside the container PB flows out. This is shown by the offset in Figure 7. In other words, by offsetting the center of the discharge port 35C from the center of the container PB, a space where the flow field Fout is formed is created inside the container PB, which promotes scavenging of the air Air and makes it easier for the mist M (Fin) to reach deep inside the container PB. When the center of the container PB and the center of the discharge port 35C are aligned and not offset, as shown in non-offset in Figure 7, a flow field Fout is formed around the flow field Fin, but the flow field Fin creates resistance and the scavenging by the flow field Fout is slower than when they are offset.

[0041] The deviation dimension should be set according to conditions such as the opening diameter of the discharge port 35C, the diameter of the mist M, and the moving speed of the moving nozzle 35.

[0042] [Modified examples of moving nozzles: see Figures 8 and 9] An example of the moving nozzle 35-2 having a different configuration from the moving nozzle 35-1 will be described. 8, in moving nozzle 35-2, circumferential wall surface 35B5 and circumferential wall surface 35B6 are inclined in the same direction, and are provided on only one side of discharge port 35C. Circumferential wall surface 35B5 and circumferential wall surface 35B6 are provided facing forward in the movement direction of transfer path MD of moving nozzle 35-2 and container PB, but the inclination angle of circumferential wall surface 35B5 located upstream is larger.

[0043] The moving nozzle 35-2 has the following advantages. When the mist M collides with the circumferential wall surface 35B5, its flow direction changes and it flows out from the discharge port 35C toward the container PB. Here, in the case of the moving nozzle 35-2, due to its structure, the mist M collides only with the circumferential wall surface 35B5. 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.

[0044] The inflow of mist M into container PB was evaluated using movable nozzle 35-2 with the above characteristics. The evaluation was performed by simulation using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), and five types of deviation were used, Cases A to E, as shown in Figure 6. The results are shown in Figure 8. Case A had the structure of nozzle 35-1, and Cases B to E had the structure of nozzle 35-2. The opening diameter DOM of the opening OM of container PB, the opening diameter D35 of outlet 35C, and the deviation distance Loff were set as follows: DOM:φ21.5mm D35:φ7mm Loff: 0mm (case A), 4.25mm (cases B to E)

[0045] 8, in the displaced cases B to E, a larger amount of mist M flows into the container PB in a shorter time than in the non-displaced case A. In particular, when the outlet 35C of case B is displaced inward in the radial direction RD, a larger amount of mist M can flow into the container PB in a shorter time.

[0046] 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. [Displacement type] Although four typical examples of cases B to E have been shown as deviation forms, deviation forms that combine cases B to E are also permitted in the present disclosure. For example, the central axis C30 may be located upstream of the central axis CPB on the conveying path MD, and may be deviated inward in the radial direction RD from the central axis CPB. This deviation example corresponds to a combination of cases B and D. Furthermore, the central axis C30 may be located downstream of the central axis CPB on the conveying path MD, and may be deviated outward in the radial direction RD from the central axis CPB. This deviation example corresponds to a combination of cases C and E. Although not specifically shown, deviation examples that combine cases B and E and deviation examples that combine cases C and D are also included.

[0047] [Configuration of flow path 35B] The flow path 35B of the moving nozzle 35-1 (35-2) may be modified. For example, although the circumferential wall surfaces 35B1 and 35B2 of the movable nozzle 35-1 are symmetrical with respect to the central axis C30, the circumferential wall surfaces 35B1 and 35B2 may be asymmetrical. Although the circumferential wall surfaces 35B1 and 35B2 of the movable nozzle 35-1 are each formed of a flat surface, the circumferential wall surfaces 35B1 and 35B2 may be partially bent. The bend may be concave or convex. Furthermore, a curved surface may be provided on part or all of the circumferential wall surfaces 35B1 and 35B2.

[0048] In addition, in the example shown, the distance between the radial wall surface 35B3 and the radial wall surface 35B4 in the movable nozzle 35-1 is constant from the upstream side to the downstream side, but in the movable nozzle 35-2, for example, the distance between the radial wall surface 35B7 and the radial wall surface 35B8 can be narrowed continuously or in stages from the upstream side to the downstream side. The same applies to the movable nozzle 35-1 and other types of nozzles. The radial wall surfaces 35B7 and 35B8 are arcuate surfaces, i.e., curved surfaces, in accordance with the arc shape of the conveying path MD.

[0049] [Objects to be sterilized] The object to be sterilized is not limited to the container PB, but broadly includes any member that has an opening for supplying a sterilant and whose interior needs to be sterilized. [Transportation method] In this embodiment, the conveying unit 30 uses the rotary table 31 to convey the objects to be sterilized along an arc, but this is not limited to this and other conveying paths are also possible, for example, the objects to be sterilized can be conveyed along a straight line.

[0050] [Note] [1] a disinfectant supply source (10) that supplies disinfectant vertically downward at a fixed position; Nozzles (35-1, 35-2) which move in synchronization with the object to be sterilized (PB) moving along the conveying path (MD) and have discharge ports (35C) for discharging a sterilant toward an opening of the object to be sterilized (PB), A sterilizing agent supply device (1) in which a nozzle is provided so that a discharge outlet (35C) is offset from an opening (OM) of an object to be sterilized.

[0051] [2] a rotary table (31) that holds a plurality of objects to be sterilized and moves the objects along a conveying path; a plurality of holders for holding objects to be sterilized, the holders being arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotary table (31); the plurality of nozzles (35-1, 35-2) correspond to the plurality of holders, respectively, and are detachably attached to the turntable (31) in a circumferentially aligned manner at the same radial positions of the turntable (31); Each outlet (35C) of the plurality of nozzles (35-1, 35-2) is offset with respect to the corresponding opening (OM) of the object (PB) to be sterilized. [1] Disinfectant supply device (1).

[0052] [3] The deviation of the discharge port (35C) relative to the opening (OM) of the object to be sterilized (PB) is provided in the direction of the conveying path; The disinfectant supply device (1) according to [2].

[0053] [4] The deviation of the discharge port (35C) relative to the opening (OM) of the object to be sterilized (PB) is provided in the radial direction of the rotary table (31), [2] or [3] disinfectant supply device (1).

[0054] [5] The deviation is It is provided toward the rotation center of the rotary table (31), [4] The disinfectant supply device (1) according to the present invention.

[0055] [6] An outlet (35C) is provided within the range of the projection plane of the opening (OM). A disinfectant supply device (1) according to any one of [1] to [5].

[0056] [7] The nozzles (35-1, 35-2) are a flow path (35B) that receives a disinfectant upstream and through which the disinfectant flows toward a discharge port (35C) provided downstream; The flow path (35B) is The opening dimension in the circumferential direction from the upstream side toward the discharge port (35C) is formed to become smaller continuously or intermittently. A disinfectant supply device (1) according to any one of [2] to [6].

[0057] [8] The flow path (35B) is The discharge port (35C) is provided facing forward in the direction of movement of the conveying path (MD) of the object to be sterilized (PB). A disinfectant supply device (1) according to any one of [1] to [7].

[0058] [9] The nozzles (35-1, 35-2) are a flow path (35B) that receives a disinfectant upstream and through which the disinfectant flows toward a discharge port (35C) provided downstream; The flow path (35B) is The opening size in the radial direction of the rotary table (31) from the upstream side toward the discharge port (35C) is constant or is formed so as to become smaller continuously or intermittently. A disinfectant supply device (1) according to any one of [2] to [8].

[0059]

[10] A method for sterilizing an object to be sterilized by supplying a sterilizing agent to the object to be sterilized through nozzles (35-1, 35-2), The nozzles (35-1, 35-2) are a discharge port (35C) that moves in synchronization with the object to be sterilized (PB) moving along the conveying path (MD) and that causes a sterilant to flow toward an opening of the object to be sterilized (PB); A sterilization method in which a nozzle is provided so that a discharge outlet (35C) is offset from an opening (OM) of an object to be sterilized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 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, 35-2 Moving nozzle 35A nozzle housing 35B Flow path 35out outlet 35in inlet 35B1,35B2,35B5,35B6 Circumferential wall surface 35B3,35B4,35B7,35B8 Radial wall 35C outlet C10,C30,CPB center axis GR gripper G gap M Mist PB container N Mouth OM opening RD radial direction CD circumferential direction MD transport route V vertical direction H horizontal direction

Claims

1. a sterilant supply source having a single discharge pipe for supplying sterilant vertically downward at a fixed position; a nozzle that moves in synchronization with the object to be sterilized moving along a conveying path and has a discharge port that directs the sterilant toward an opening in the object to be sterilized; a rotary table that holds a plurality of the objects to be sterilized and moves the objects along the arc-shaped conveying path; a plurality of gripping tools for holding the objects to be sterilized, the gripping tools being provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the turntable; the plurality of nozzles correspond to the plurality of gripping tools, respectively, and are attached to the rotary table at the same radial position of the rotary table and arranged in the circumferential direction; The nozzle is provided so that the discharge outlet is offset with respect to the opening of the object to be sterilized, The nozzle is a nozzle housing that forms an outer shell; a flow path provided inside the nozzle housing; and the discharge port that is connected to the flow path and provided inside the nozzle housing, the flow path includes an inlet provided upstream of the flow of the sterilant and an outlet provided downstream of the flow of the sterilant, an opening dimension of the inlet port is larger than an opening dimension of the outlet port in the circumferential direction; an opening dimension of the inlet in the circumferential direction is larger than an opening dimension of the inlet in the radial direction; an opening dimension in the radial direction from the inlet to the outlet is constant; A disinfectant supply device in which the disinfectant is supplied to the plurality of nozzles in sequence from the single discharge pipe.

2. The nozzles are provided so that the outlets of the plurality of nozzles are offset radially inward relative to the openings of the corresponding objects to be sterilized, or The nozzles are provided so that the discharge outlet of each of the plurality of nozzles is offset toward the upstream side of the conveying path with respect to the opening of the corresponding object to be sterilized.

2. The disinfectant supply device of claim 1.

3. the discharge port is connected to the outlet of the flow path and has the same opening dimensions as the outlet.

3. The disinfectant supply device of claim 2.

4. the nozzle housing has a flat surface on which the ejection port opens; 4. The disinfectant supply device of claim 3.

5. The flow path has a circumferential dimension that narrows downstream.

3. The disinfectant supply device of claim 2.

6. The discharge port is provided within a range of a projection plane of the opening.

2. The disinfectant supply device of claim 1.

7. The nozzle is a flow path that receives the disinfectant upstream and through which the disinfectant flows toward the outlet 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; 3. The disinfectant supply device of claim 2.

8. The flow path is The discharge port is provided facing forward in the movement direction of the conveying path of the object to be sterilized, 8. The disinfectant supply device of claim 7.

9. The flow path is an opening dimension in the radial direction of the rotary table from the upstream side toward the discharge port is constant; 3. The disinfectant supply device of claim 2.

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