Fungicide supply device

Abstract

This disclosure provides a supply device that allows more disinfectant to flow rapidly into the container. The disinfectant supply device includes: a disinfectant supply source that supplies disinfectant downward in a vertical direction from a fixed position; and a nozzle that moves synchronously with the object to be disinfected along a conveying path, having an outlet for discharging disinfectant toward an opening in the object to be disinfected; and the nozzle is arranged such that the outlet is offset relative to the opening of the object to be disinfected. As typical examples of deviation, the following are some examples: Example B: Center axis C30 is offset further inward (IN) radially than center axis CPB. Example C: The central axis C30 is offset further outward (OUT) from the radial axis CPB than the central axis CPB. Example D: Center axis C30 is offset upstream (F) of the conveying path MD compared to center axis CPB. Example E: The center axis C30 is offset downstream (R) of the conveying path MD compared to the center axis CPB.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an apparatus for supplying a disinfectant, which will become a fluid, to the inside of a container of a beverage. [Previous Technology]

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

[0003] The sterilization unit of Patent Document 1 has one or more spray nozzles at a designated fixed position around a rotating platform, which supply a condensed mist of a sterilizing agent, namely hydrogen peroxide, to the container. These spray nozzles are fixed in a fixed position so as to be directly opposite the opening of the container, which moves along an arc-shaped conveying path passing directly below it. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-157651 [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention] From the perspective of sterilization efficiency and production efficiency, it is desirable to allow more disinfectant to flow into the container in a short time, including the sterilization section of Patent Document 1. Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide a supply device that allows more disinfectant to flow rapidly into the container. [Technical Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] A bactericide supply device comprising: a bactericide supply source that supplies bactericide downward in a vertical direction at a fixed position; and a nozzle that moves synchronously with a bactericide object moving along a conveying path, having an outlet for discharging bactericide toward an opening of the bactericide object; and the nozzle being disposed such that the outlet is offset relative to the opening of the bactericide object.

[0007] A sterilization method comprising sterilizing an object by supplying a sterilizing agent to the object through a nozzle; the nozzle moves synchronously with the object being sterilized along a conveying path, and has a spray outlet for discharging the sterilizing agent toward an opening in the object being sterilized; and is configured such that the spray outlet is offset relative to the opening of the object being sterilized. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The nozzle of the supply device disclosed herein is configured such that the outlet is offset relative to the opening of the object to be sterilized. This allows more sterilizing agent to flow rapidly into, for example, the interior of a container.

Implementation Method

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below use a movable nozzle that moves synchronously with a holder that holds a resin container, one example of an object to be sterilized. In this movable nozzle, the opening area of ​​the flow path that receives the sterilizing agent upstream and supplies the sterilizing agent downstream toward the object to be sterilized is larger on the upstream side than on the downstream side. Furthermore, the embodiment can stabilize the flow of the sterilizing agent inside the object to be sterilized by using a preferred position of the movable nozzle relative to the object to be sterilized. Hereinafter, after describing the overall configuration of the supply device 1, the preferred position of the movable nozzle will be described.

[0011] [Composition of Supply Device 1: Refer to Figures 1 to 5] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the supply device 1 includes: a supply unit 10, which sprays a disinfectant at a predetermined position and supplies it to containers PB; and a conveying unit 30, which holds a plurality of containers PB while conveying them along an arc-shaped conveying path MD. For example, the supply unit 10 includes a spray pipe 13, and the conveying unit 30 includes a number of movable nozzles 35-1 corresponding to the number of containers PB being conveyed.

[0012] [Supply Unit 10: Referring to Figures 1 to 3] The supply unit 10 includes: a mist generator 11 that generates a mist M containing a mist-like disinfectant; a spray pipe 13 that sprays the mist M generated by the mist generator 11 toward the container PB via a movable nozzle 35-1; and a restrictor 15 that prevents the mist M sprayed from the spray pipe 13 from leaking out of the movable nozzle 35-1. The positions of the mist generator 11, the spray pipe 13, and the restrictor 15 are fixed.

[0013] [Fog Generator 11: Refer to Figures 1 and 2] As an example, the fog generator 11 generates fog M by setting an aqueous solution of the bactericide, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), into droplets and heating these droplets of hydrogen peroxide to a temperature above its boiling point but below its non-decomposition temperature to vaporize it. This fog M is then sprayed from the nozzle 13. To obtain droplets of hydrogen peroxide, for example, an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and compressed air can be introduced into a two-fluid atomizer. For vaporization, a heater, including heating wires, is installed around the pipe through which the droplets of hydrogen peroxide flow, heating the droplets of hydrogen peroxide blown into the pipe to the desired temperature. The vaporized hydrogen peroxide fog M is then guided to the nozzle 13.

[0014] [Ejection Pipe 13: Refer to Figure 3] The ejection pipe 13 carries the mist M generated by the mist generator 11 in a vertical direction V downwards and is ejected toward the conveying section 30. The ejection pipe 13 has, for example, a pipe body 13A made of metal, a passage 13B for the mist M disposed inside the pipe body 13A, and an outlet 13C connected to the passage 13B for ejecting the mist M. The ejected mist M is sprayed toward the opening OM (Figure 6) of the mouth N of the container PB. The mist M generated by the mist generator 11 is ejected toward the conveying section 30 through the passage 13B and the outlet 13C. The passage 13B is circular to match the shape of the opening OM of the container PB.

[0015] [Restriction Body 15: Refer to Figures 2 and 3] As a preferred embodiment, the supply unit 10 has a restriction body 15 at the lower end of the ejection pipe 13. The restriction body 15 is provided to prevent the mist M ejected from the nozzle 13C of the ejection pipe 13 from leaking out of the flow path 35B of the movable nozzle 35-1. To achieve this purpose, the restriction body 15 has a flat portion that blocks the opening in the upstream (US) of the flow path 35B. For example, its shape is rectangular when viewed from above, and it is arranged in a manner that is orthogonal to the central axis C10 of the ejection pipe 13 (supply unit 10) at the lower end of the ejection pipe 13. In addition, the nozzle 13C passes through the restriction body 15 in the direction of the central axis C10. The restriction body 15 is not limited to the shape shown in the figure. Although the shape of the restriction body 15 shown in the figure is flat when viewed from the side, it can also adopt other shapes, such as a shape with both ends of the circumferential CD curved upwards like an arc. Furthermore, the shape when viewed from above is not limited to a rectangle; it can be an ellipse, a polygon, or other shapes besides a rectangle. Among the components constituting the supply section 10 as shown in the embodiment, the limiting body 15 has the lowest position in the vertical direction V, and a gap G is provided between it and the conveying section 30. Therefore, during the operation of the supply device 1, the fixed-position supply section 10 does not contact the rotating conveying section 30.

[0016] [Transfer Unit 30: Refer to Figures 1, 2, and 3] Next, the transfer unit 30 will be described. The transfer unit 30 sequentially receives multiple containers PB that are continuously transferred in from the upstream process using corresponding holders GR, and rotates while holding them, transferring them out towards the downstream process. During the transfer from entry to exit, a mist M is supplied to the interior of the containers PB to perform sterilization.

[0017] The conveying unit 30 includes a rotary table 31 and a rotary motor 32 that drives the rotary table 31 to rotate. The rotary table 31 is circular when viewed from above. On the rotary table 31, a plurality of holding fixtures GR, called clamps, are provided on its outer periphery to hold the opening N of the container PB. While being held by each holding fixture GR, the plurality of containers PB move along an arc-shaped conveying path as the rotary motor 32 drives the rotary table 31 to rotate.

[0018] A plurality of movable nozzles 35-1 are provided on the rotary table 31. The plurality of movable nozzles 35-1 are arranged in a circumferential direction CD with gaps around the outer periphery of the rotary table 31. The plurality of movable nozzles 35-1 are located at the same position in the radial direction RD. As shown in FIG2, the plurality of movable nozzles 35-1 are respectively provided corresponding to a plurality of holders GR. That is, the movable nozzles 35-1 are respectively provided corresponding to the containers PB held by the holders GR, and the mist M is supplied to the containers PB through the corresponding movable nozzles 35-1. As the rotary table 31 rotates, the corresponding holders GR and movable nozzles 35-1 move synchronously while maintaining a relative positional relationship. Each movable nozzle 35-1 is preferably detachably mounted on the rotary table 31 relative to the rotary table 31. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, each movable nozzle 35-1, as an example, has a cuboid shape. The upper part in the vertical direction V is held on the rotary table 31 by a suitable mechanism, and the lower part protrudes further downward than the rotary table 31. In Figure 2, only a portion of the plurality of movable nozzles 35-1 is shown.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the movable nozzle 35-1 includes a nozzle housing 35A forming its outer contour, a flow path 35B disposed inside the nozzle housing 35A, and a nozzle outlet 35C connected to the flow path 35B. Furthermore, in the movable nozzle 35-1, since the supplied mist M flows downwards from above (vertical direction V) in the figure, upstream (US) and downstream (DS) are defined according to this flow direction. Although the movable nozzle 35-1 moves circumferentially in the direction CD (Figure 1) along with the container PB as the rotary table 31 rotates in Figure 3, its radial position RD is fixed. A transport path MD (Figure 1) for the container PB is formed along this circumferential direction CD.

[0020] On the circumferential direction CD, the opening size L35in of the upstream (US) side inlet 35in of the flow path 35B is set to be larger than the opening size L35out of the downstream (DS) side outlet 35out. By increasing the upstream (US) side inlet 35in in this way, the distance or time that the outlet 13C of the spray pipe 13 passes over the flow path 35B can be extended during the synchronous movement of the moving nozzle 35-1 and the container PB. Therefore, even if mist M is continuously sprayed from the outlet 13C, the amount of disinfectant mist M not used in the container PB can be significantly reduced. On the other hand, since the downstream (DS) side needs to supply mist M to the opening of the container PB, the opening size L35out of the outlet 35out is set to be smaller than the opening size L35in, and it is particularly preferable to set it to be equal to or less than the diameter of the opening OM (drinking port) of the container PB. Details will be described later, the outlet 35C is offset relative to the opening OM of the container PB. In this disclosure, offset means that the centers of the two components are offset from each other. Furthermore, since the radial opening size W35 of the flow path 35B is fixed, the situation where the opening size L35in is larger than the opening size L35out is equivalent to the situation where the opening area of ​​the upstream (US) inlet 35in is larger than the opening area of ​​the downstream (DS) outlet 35out.

[0021] Excluding the inlet 35in and outlet 35out, the flow path 35B is formed by a pair of circumferential walls 35B1 and 35B2, and a pair of radial walls 35B3 and 35B4. The circumferential walls 35B1 and 35B2 are formed by planes that are linearly symmetrical about the central axis C30, i.e., at angles θ1 and θ2 with the axis C10. Therefore, in the circumferential direction CD, the flow path 35B is symmetrical about the central axis C30. However, this is only one example. If the opening size L35in of the inlet 35in is set to be larger than the opening size L35out of the outlet 35out, the effect of setting the flow path 35B can be obtained. Therefore, this embodiment allows for the case where angle θ1 ≠ angle θ2, as shown in Figure 9 below. The opening size W35, when viewed from the side of the circumferential walls 35B1 and 35B2, is fixed and matches the opening size L35out of the downstream (DS) outlet 35out. The radial walls 35B3 and 35B4, by virtue of having the circumferential walls 35B1 and 35B2, continuously decrease in size from the inlet 35in side towards the guide outlet 35out side. That is, the volume of the flow path 35B also continuously decreases from the inlet 35in side towards the guide outlet 35out side. However, for example, the opening size of the flow path 35B in the circumferential (CD) direction can also be formed by discontinuously decreasing in size from the upstream (US) side towards the downstream (DS) side.

[0022] The nozzle 35C is connected to the outlet 35out of the flow path 35B and has the same opening size as the outlet 35out. The movable nozzle 35-1 can be configured such that the outlet 35out can be changed into the nozzle 35C. The specific dimensions of the horizontal direction H and the vertical direction V are arbitrary, as long as they are appropriately set according to the specifications of the supply unit 10 and the conveying unit 30.

[0023] [Dimensional relationship between the ejector pipe 13, the limiting body 15, and the movable nozzle 35-1: Refer to Figure 3] First, the dimensional relationship between the ejector pipe 13 and the movable nozzle 35-1 will be explained. The diameter (opening size) D13 of the ejector outlet 13C of the ejector pipe 13 is preferably smaller than the radial opening size W35 of the flow path 35B of the movable nozzle 35-1. The purpose is to reduce the amount of mist M ejected from the ejector outlet 13C that leaks out into the surrounding area without entering the flow path 35B. Conversely, if the diameter D13 is larger than the opening size W35, the amount of mist M ejected from the ejector outlet 13C that leaks out into the radial RD without entering the flow path 35B will increase. In addition, the opening size L35in on the inlet 35in side of the flow path 35B is much larger than the diameter D13. The above relationships are listed in advance below.

[0024] Next, the dimensional relationship between the limiting body 15 and the movable nozzle 35-1 will be explained. The circumferential dimension L15 of the limiting body 15 is preferably larger than the opening dimension L35in on the inlet 35in side of the flow path 35B of the movable nozzle 35-1. Furthermore, the radial dimension W15 of the limiting body 15 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 temporarily suppresses leakage of the mist M supplied to the flow path 35B from the flow path 35B.

[0025] [Basic Operation of Moving Nozzle 35-1: Refer to Figure 4] Next, the basic operation of the moving nozzle 35-1 relative to the spray pipe 13 during the sterilization of container PB by the supply device 1 will be explained, showing only one moving nozzle 35-1. Also, in Figure 4, the time sequence is from top to bottom. That is, in Figure 4, the moving nozzle 35-1 moves along the circumferential CD transport path MD in the order of T0, T1, T2, T3, T4.

[0026] The movable nozzle 35-1 moves synchronously with the container PB relative to the fixed-position spray pipe 13 (T0), but at that point, the flow path 35B of the movable nozzle 35-1 has not reached the spray outlet 13C of the spray pipe 13. Therefore, the mist M ejected from the spray outlet 13C is not supplied to the flow path 35B of the movable nozzle 35-1.

[0027] The movable nozzle 35-1 continues to move, and the flow path 35B reaches directly below the spray pipe 13 (T1). Therefore, mist M is sprayed from the spray outlet 13C toward the flow path 35B, and supplied to the interior of the container PB through the flow path 35B, the spray outlet 35C, and the mouth N. Furthermore, even if the movable nozzle 35-1 continues to move (T2, T3), the flow path 35B remains directly below the spray outlet 13C, and the flow path 35B is interconnected with the spray pipe 13. Therefore, mist M is sprayed from the spray outlet 13C toward the flow path 35B, and the disinfectant is continuously supplied to the interior of the container PB through the flow path 35B, the spray outlet 35C, and the mouth N.

[0028] Furthermore, if the moving nozzle 35-1 continues to move, the moving nozzle 35-1 will deviate from directly below the spray pipe 13 and disconnect from the spray pipe 13 (T4), and the supply of mist M to the container PB will end.

[0029] As described above, the mist M received by the one movable nozzle 35-1 from the spray pipe 13 is supplied to the container PB via the movable nozzle 35-1 during the flow path 35B passing through the spray pipe 13 in the circumferential direction CD. If the mist M is supplied directly to the opening N of the container PB from the spray pipe 13 without using the movable nozzle 35-1, then the mist M is only supplied to the interior of the container PB during the short period when the spray pipe 13 overlaps with the container PB. Therefore, if the mist M is continuously sprayed from the spray pipe 13, most of the mist M is not used for sterilization.

[0030] [Operation of the plurality of moving nozzles 35-1: Refer to Figure 5] The operation of the ejector pipe 13 has been described above using only one moving nozzle 35-1. However, since a plurality of moving nozzles 35-1 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD, i.e., the transport path MD, the moving nozzles 35-1 are interconnected with respect to the ejector pipe 13 in succession. The following explanation refers to Figure 5. Furthermore, Figure 5 also presents a time sequence from top to bottom. Also, in Figure 5, N0, N1, etc., are symbols identifying the moving nozzles 35-1, assuming they pass through the ejector pipe 13 in the order of N0, N1, etc.

[0031] Currently, as an example, suppose that the movable nozzle 35-1 (N1) reaches directly below the spray pipe 13, and movable nozzles 35-1 (N0) and 35-1 (N2) (T0) are arranged in front of and behind it. At this time, the container PB corresponding to the movable nozzle 35-1 (N1) is in the middle of being supplied with mist M from the spray pipe 13, while the container PB corresponding to the movable nozzle 35-1 (N0) has finished supplying mist M to its interior. The container PB corresponding to the movable nozzle 35-1 (N2) is in the stage before being supplied with mist M.

[0032] When the moving nozzle 35-1(N0) moves forward (T1~T3), the overlap between the moving nozzle 35-1(N1) and the spray pipe 13 ends (T2), and the moving nozzle 35-1(N2) overlaps with the spray pipe 13 (T2, T3), and mist M begins to be supplied to the interior of the container PB corresponding to the moving nozzle 35-1(N2).

[0033] Subsequently, similarly, when the supply of mist M to the container PB corresponding to the moving nozzle 35-1 (N2) ends, the operation of starting to supply mist M to the container PB corresponding to the next moving nozzle 35-1 (N3) and ending the supply is repeated.

[0034] Here, if the circumferential opening size of the inlet 35in of each movable nozzle 35-1 is set to L35in, and the interval size of the inlets 35in and 35in of adjacent movable nozzles 35-1 is set to D, then L35in > D. Assume that all N movable nozzles 35-1 are provided on the rotary table 31. Thus, during one revolution of the rotary table 31, the total extension distance of the circumferential CD of the flow path 35B of all movable nozzles 35-1 where mist M is supplied is L35in × N, and the total extension distance of the circumferential CD of the flow path 35B where mist M is not supplied is D × N, thus exhibiting a relationship of L35in × N > D × N. That is, according to this embodiment, the distance or time between the ejector pipe 13 and the movable nozzle 35-1 is much greater than the distance or time between the ejector pipe 13 and the movable nozzles 35-1, ...

[0035] [Positional relationship of nozzle 35C relative to opening OM: Refer to Figures 6 and 7] Next, the preferred positional relationship of the nozzle 35C in the movable nozzle 35-1 relative to the drinking spout of the container PB, i.e., the opening OM, will be explained. This positional relationship is defined by the horizontal direction H of the central axis C30 in the nozzle 35C and the central axis CPB in the opening OM. Hereinafter, this positional relationship will sometimes be abbreviated as positional relationship. Although an example is shown here where both the opening OM and the nozzle 35C are circular, the opening and nozzle in this disclosure are not limited to circular shapes; for example, they may be rectangular.

[0036] Figure 6 shows five positional relationships for additional examples A to E (only A to E are shown in the figure). These five positional relationships are defined based on two directions: the conveying path MD of container PB and the radial direction RD of the rotary table 31. Furthermore, in all examples of Figure 6, the nozzle 35C falls within the projection area of ​​the opening OM of container PB, and the mist M ejected from the nozzle 35C can be supplied to the opening OM without leakage. Additionally, the opening area of ​​the nozzle 35C is smaller than that of the opening OM.

[0037] Example A: Center axis CPB is aligned with center axis C30. Example B: Center axis C30 is offset towards the inner side (IN) of radial RD compared to center axis CPB. Example C: Center axis C30 is offset towards the outer side (OUT) of radial RD compared to center axis CPB. Example D: Center axis C30 is offset towards the upstream side (F) of the conveying path MD compared to center axis CPB. Example E: Center axis C30 is offset towards the downstream side (R) of the conveying path MD compared to center axis CPB.

[0038] In Examples B to E, the center of the nozzle 35C is offset (offset) relative to the center of the container PB, which improves the reach of the mist M into the interior of the container PB and the scavenging efficiency of the air initially present inside the container PB. The reasons are explained below.

[0039] Before supplying mist M to the container PB, the interior of the container PB is filled with air Air, which becomes a resistance to the supply of mist M to the interior of the container PB. Therefore, in order to rapidly supply more mist M to the interior of the container PB, it is necessary to efficiently expel the air Air from the container PB, i.e., to perform scavenging.

[0040] By offsetting the center of the nozzle 35C relative to the center of the container PB, the flow field Fin, which allows the mist M to flow into the interior of the container PB, and the flow field Fout, which allows the air inside the container PB to flow out, can be divided into two. This is shown in the offset diagram of Figure 7. That is, by offsetting the center of the nozzle 35C relative to the center of the container PB, a space for the flow field Fout is created inside the container PB. Therefore, as the scavenging of the air is promoted, the mist M (Fin) can more easily reach the depth inside the container PB. If the center of the container PB is aligned with the center of the nozzle 35C and is not offset, then as shown in the non-offset diagram of Figure 7, although the flow field Fout is formed around the flow field Fin, the flow field Fin becomes a resistance, and the scavenging of the flow field Fout is less pronounced compared to the offset case.

[0041] The size of the offset should be set according to the opening diameter of the nozzle 35C, the diameter of the mist M, and the moving speed of the moving nozzle 35-1.

[0042] [Example of variation of moving nozzle: Refer to Figures 8 and 9] An example of a moving nozzle 35-2 with a different shape from the moving nozzle 35-1 will be described. As shown in Figure 9, in the moving nozzle 35-2, the circumferential wall surface 35B5 and the circumferential wall surface 35B6 are inclined in the same direction. With the nozzle outlet 35C as the reference, the circumferential wall surface 35B5 and the circumferential wall surface 35B6 are provided only on one side. The circumferential wall surface 35B5 and the circumferential wall surface 35B6 are provided in front of the moving direction of the moving nozzle 35-2 and the conveying path MD of the container PB. The inclination angle of the upstream circumferential wall surface 35B5 is increased.

[0043] The movable nozzle 35-2 has the following advantages. By colliding with the circumferential wall 35B5, the flow direction changes, and the mist flows out from the spray outlet 35C towards the container PB. Here, in the case of the movable nozzle 35-2, the mist M only collides with the circumferential wall 35B5 in its construction. Therefore, the flow direction of the mist M towards the spray outlet 35C is the same, and the direction of the mist M flowing out from the spray outlet 35C is also fixed. As a result, since the inflow of the mist M into the container PB, which is positioned opposite the spray outlet 35C, is stable, the efficiency of air discharge from the container PB, i.e., scavenging, is improved.

[0044] The inflow of mist M into container PB was evaluated using a movable nozzle 35-2 possessing the above characteristics. The evaluation was conducted using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation, with five different offsets set as shown in Examples A to E of Figure 6. The results are shown in Figure 8. Example A has the structure of nozzle 35-1, and Examples B to E have the structure of nozzle 35-2. Furthermore, the opening diameter DOM of the opening OM of container PB, the opening diameter D35 of the nozzle outlet 35C, and the offset distance Loff are as follows: DOM: ϕ21.5 mm; D35: ϕ7 mm; Loff: 0 mm (Example A), 4.25 mm (Examples B to E)

[0045] As shown in Figure 8, compared with the undisplaced example A, in the displaced examples B to E, a greater amount of mist M flows into the container PB in a shorter time. In particular, when example B, i.e., the nozzle 35C, is displaced radially inward to the inside of RD, a greater amount of mist M can flow into the container PB in a shorter time.

[0046] In addition to the above, the configurations listed in the above embodiments may be selected or appropriately changed to other configurations. [Displacement Configurations] Although four typical examples B to E are shown as displacement configurations, this disclosure also allows for displacement configurations that combine examples B to E. For example, the central axis C30 is located upstream of the transport path MD compared to the central axis CPB, and the central axis C30 is offset further inward of the radial direction RD compared to the central axis CPB. This displacement example is equivalent to a combination of examples B and D. Furthermore, the central axis C30 is located downstream of the transport path MD compared to the central axis CPB, and the central axis C30 is offset further outward of the radial direction RD compared to the central axis CPB. This displacement example is equivalent to a combination of examples C and E. Although not specifically shown, displacement examples combining examples B and E, and displacement examples combining examples C and D are also included.

[0047] [Form of Flow Path 35B] Variations are permissible in the flow path 35B of the movable nozzle 35-1 (35-2). For example, the circumferential walls 35B1 and 35B2 of the movable nozzle 35-1 may be linearly symmetrical about the central axis C30, but they may also be asymmetrical. The circumferential walls 35B1 and 35B2 of the movable nozzle 35-1 may each be composed of flat surfaces, but a portion of the circumferential walls 35B1 and 35B2 may be deflected. The deflection may be concave or convex. Furthermore, a portion or all of the circumferential walls 35B1 and 35B2 may be curved.

[0048] Furthermore, in the movable nozzle 35-1, although an example is shown where the interval between radial wall surfaces 35B3 and 35B4 is equal from the upstream side to the downstream side, in the movable nozzle 35-2, for example, the interval between radial wall surfaces 35B7 and 35B8 can be made to narrow 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. Radial wall surfaces 35B7 and 35B8 are designed as arc surfaces, i.e., curved surfaces, mimicking the arc shape of the conveying path MD.

[0049] [Object to be sterilized] The object to be sterilized is not limited to the container PB, but broadly includes components that have an opening for supplying a sterilizing agent and whose interior needs to be sterilized. [Transfer method] Although the example of using a rotary table 31 to transfer the object to be sterilized along an arc in the transfer unit 30 of this embodiment is described, it is not limited to this, and the object to be sterilized can also be transferred along other transfer paths, such as along a straight line.

[0050] [Note] [1] A bactericide supply device (1) comprising: a bactericide supply source (10) supplying bactericide downward in a vertical direction at a fixed position; and nozzles (35-1, 35-2) that move synchronously with a bactericide target (PB) moving along a conveying path (MD), having a spray outlet (35C) for discharging bactericide toward an opening of the bactericide target (PB); and the nozzles are provided such that the spray outlet (35C) is offset relative to the opening (OM) of the bactericide target.

[0051] [2] The bactericide supply device (1) of [1] includes: a rotating table (31) which holds a plurality of objects to be sterilized on one side and moves the objects to be sterilized along a conveying path; and a plurality of holders which are arranged at intervals in the circumference of the rotating table (31) to hold the objects to be sterilized; and a plurality of nozzles (35-1, 35-2) corresponding to each of the plurality of holders are arranged in the same radial position on the rotating table (31) and are detachably mounted on the rotating table (31); the nozzle outlet (35C) of each of the plurality of nozzles (35-1, 35-2) is offset relative to the opening (OM) of the corresponding object to be sterilized (PB).

[0052] [3] The bactericide supply device (1) described in [2] is provided with the nozzle (35C) offset relative to the opening (OM) of the object to be sterilized (PB) in the direction of the conveying path.

[0053] [4] The bactericide supply device (1) of [2] or [3] is provided radially on the rotary table (31) with the spray outlet (35C) offset relative to the opening (OM) of the bactericide target (PB).

[0054] [5] The bactericide supply device (1) described in [4] is offset toward the rotation center of the rotating table (31).

[0055] [6] The bactericide supply device (1) of any of [1] to [5] is provided with a spray outlet (35C) within the projection area of ​​the opening (OM).

[0056] [7] The bactericide supply device (1) of any one of [2] to [6], wherein the nozzle (35-1, 35-2) comprises: a flow path (35B) that receives the bactericide upstream and supplies the bactericide to flow toward a spray outlet (35C) disposed downstream; and the flow path (35B) is formed such that the size of its circumferential opening from the upstream side toward the spray outlet (35C) decreases continuously or intermittently.

[0057] [8] The bactericide supply device (1) of any of [1] to [7] is provided with the flow path (35B) in front of the moving direction of the conveying path (MD) of the bactericide target (PB) with reference to the spray outlet (35C).

[0058] [9] The bactericide supply device (1) of any one of [2] to [8], wherein the nozzle (35-1, 35-2) comprises: a flow path (35B) that receives the bactericide upstream and supplies the bactericide to flow toward a spray outlet (35C) disposed downstream; and the flow path (35B) is formed such that the radial opening size of the flow path (35B) toward the rotary table (31) of the spray outlet (35C) from the upstream side is fixed or decreases continuously or intermittently.

[0059]

[10] A sterilization method, which sterilizes a sterilizing object by supplying a sterilizing agent to the object to be sterilized via nozzles (35-1, 35-2); the nozzles (35-1, 35-2) move synchronously with the object to be sterilized (PB) moving along a transport path (MD), and have a spray outlet (35C) for discharging the sterilizing agent toward an opening of the object to be sterilized (PB); and the spray outlet (35C) is set in such a way that it is offset relative to the opening (OM) of the object to be sterilized. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0009] Figure 1 is a top view showing the general structure of the supply device in the embodiment. Figure 2 is a side view showing the general structure of the supply device in the embodiment. Figure 3 is a side sectional view (SSD) and a front sectional view (PSD) showing the main parts of the supply device in the embodiment. Figure 4 shows the main parts of the supply device in the embodiment, and shows the movement of a moving nozzle relative to a fixed nozzle. Figure 5 shows the main parts of the supply device in the embodiment, and shows the movement of multiple moving nozzles relative to fixed nozzles. Figures 6A to 6E are diagrams showing the positional relationship between the moving nozzles and the container in the supply device in the embodiment. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the effect of offsetting the center of the moving nozzle relative to the opening of the container. Figure 8 is a graph showing the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation results using the moving nozzle shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 shows a perspective view (SV) and a top view showing different types of moving nozzles, partially in cross-section.

Claims

1. A disinfectant supply device comprising: a disinfectant supply source having a single spray pipe for supplying disinfectant downward in a vertical direction from a fixed position; a nozzle that moves synchronously with a disinfectant object moving along a transport path and has a spray outlet for discharging the disinfectant toward an opening in the disinfectant object; a rotating table holding a plurality of the disinfectant objects while moving the disinfectant objects along an arc-shaped transport path; and a plurality of holders spaced apart circumferentially from the rotating table to hold the disinfectant objects; wherein the plurality of nozzles and the plurality of holders are each corresponding to one of the plurality of holders and are arranged circumferentially at the same position in the radial direction of the rotating table and mounted on the rotating table; the nozzles are arranged such that the spray outlet is offset relative to the opening of the disinfectant object; the nozzles include: The nozzle housing forms the outer contour, a flow path is disposed inside the nozzle housing, and an outlet is connected to the flow path and disposed inside the nozzle housing; the flow path has an inlet disposed upstream of the flow of the disinfectant and an outlet disposed downstream of the flow of the disinfectant; in the circumferential direction, the opening size of the inlet is larger than the opening size of the outlet; the circumferential opening size of the inlet is larger than the radial opening size; the radial opening size from the inlet to the outlet is fixed; the disinfectant is sequentially supplied from a single spray pipe to a plurality of nozzles.

2. The disinfectant supply device of claim 1, wherein the nozzles are arranged such that the outlet of each of the plurality of nozzles is offset radially inward relative to the opening of the corresponding object to be disinfected; or the nozzles are arranged such that the outlet of each of the plurality of nozzles is offset laterally upstream of the conveying path relative to the opening of the corresponding object to be disinfected.

3. The bactericide supply device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the spray outlet is connected to the outlet of the flow path and has the same opening size as the outlet.

4. The bactericide supply device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the surface of the nozzle housing at the nozzle outlet is a flat surface.

5. The bactericide supply device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the circumferential dimension of the flow path narrows downstream.

6. The disinfectant supply device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spray outlet is provided within the area of ​​the projected surface of the opening.

7. The disinfectant supply device of claim 2, wherein the nozzle comprises: the flow path that receives the disinfectant upstream and supplies the disinfectant to flow toward the spray outlet disposed downstream; and the circumferential opening size of the flow path from the upstream side toward the spray outlet decreases continuously or intermittently.

8. The disinfectant supply device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the flow path is provided in front of the moving direction of the conveying path of the object to be disinfected, with the spray outlet as the reference.

9. The bactericide supply device of claim 2, wherein the radial opening size of the flow path from the upstream side toward the rotary table of the spray outlet is fixed.

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