JP2002058727A - Electron beam sterilizing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide electron beam sterilizing equipment capable of saving an installation space and efficiently sterilizing. SOLUTION: The electron beam sterilizing equipment comprises a conveying tray 25 inclined so that an object 29 can roll or slidably drop, an electron beam emitting unit 21 for emitting an electron beam, and grooves 27 provided on the tray 25 to introduce the beam emitted from the unit 21 and tending to detour along the object 29 from below the object 29 to sterilize the object 29 over the entire surface.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electron beam sterilizer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a transmission sterilization method using a high energy electron beam of several to ten mega electron volts and a non-transmission surface sterilization method using a low energy electron beam of several hundred kiloelectron volts have been put into practical use. .

[0003] The former high-energy electron beam is applied to sterilization treatment of medical devices and the like, and the latter low-energy electron beam sterilizes the surface layer of the object to be sterilized and does not affect the inside. Attention has been paid to sterilization of granular materials such as spices and sterilization of plastic molded products used for packaging medical supplies as products.

An example of a conventional electron beam sterilizer will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

[0005] This electron beam sterilizer includes a first electron beam irradiation unit 1, a second electron beam irradiation unit 2, a lift 3 for gripping an object to be sterilized, and a belt conveyor 4.

The first electron beam irradiator 1 has an electron gun 5 and an irradiation nozzle 6 and emits an electron beam upward. The second electron beam irradiator 2 has an electron gun 7 and an irradiation nozzle 8, and emits an electron beam downward.

The object to be sterilized lift 3 is provided with a plurality of rods 9 suspended so as to pass right above the first electron beam irradiating section 1 and a lower end of the rod 9 for sterilizing the object 10 to be sterilized. And a holding portion 11 to be held.

The belt conveyor 4 takes over the object 10 to be sterilized from the object grasping lift 3 and carries the endless object 10 so that the object 10 can pass immediately below the second electron beam irradiation unit 2. It has a belt 12.

In the electron beam sterilizer shown in FIGS. 6 and 7,
While transporting the object to be sterilized 10 such as foods, medical supplies, and instruments in a state of being suspended by the object-to-be-sterilized lift 3, the first electron beam irradiating unit 1 irradiates an electron beam from below, Next, the object to be sterilized 10 continuously conveyed by the belt conveyor 4 is irradiated with an electron beam emitted from the second electron beam irradiation unit 2 from above, thereby sterilizing the object to be sterilized 10.

[0010]

The low-energy electron beam has the property of wrapping around the irradiation object to the surface on the side of the anti-electron beam emission source side. The electron beam does not enter the portion sandwiched by the above and the portion in contact with the conveyor belt 12.

For this reason, conventionally, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, two electron beam irradiators 1 and 2 for emitting an electron beam upward and downward, and an object to be sterilized according to the direction of irradiation of the electron beam. Thing 1
Therefore, the apparatus requires a lift 3 and a belt conveyor 4 for gripping the object to be sterilized, thereby increasing the installation space of the apparatus.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an electron beam sterilizer capable of reducing installation space and efficiently performing sterilization.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, in the electron beam sterilization apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, a transfer support on which an object to be sterilized is mounted, and the transfer support And an electron beam irradiator capable of emitting an electron beam toward the support for transport, wherein the transport surface of the transport support is inclined so that the object to be sterilized can roll or slide down. Further, a plurality of irregularities are formed on the transfer surface.

[0014] In the electron beam sterilizer according to the second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of irregularities are provided on the transport surface of the transport support and extend in the direction intersecting the transport direction of the object to be sterilized. It is formed by grooves.

In the electron beam sterilizer according to the third aspect of the present invention, the plurality of irregularities are formed by discontinuous projections or holes provided on the transport surface of the transport support.

In the electron beam sterilizer according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of rollers capable of transporting the object to be sterilized obliquely downward, and the roller is disposed above a moving path of the object to be sterilized formed by the rollers. And an electron beam irradiator capable of emitting an electron beam toward the moving path.

In the electron beam sterilizer according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of rollers capable of transporting the object to be sterilized to one side, and the roller is disposed above a moving path of the object to be sterilized formed by the rollers. In addition, an electron beam irradiation unit that can emit an electron beam toward the movement path and a driving unit that can rotate the roller are provided.

[0018] In the electron beam sterilizer according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of concaves and convexes provided on the transporting support member are used.
An electron beam emitted from the electron beam irradiator and about to enter the sterilization target is incident on the sterilization target from below.

In the electron beam sterilizer according to the second aspect of the present invention, the light is emitted from the electron beam irradiating section and tries to wrap around the object to be sterilized by the plurality of grooves provided in the carrier. An electron beam is incident on the object to be sterilized from below.

In the electron beam sterilizer according to the third aspect of the present invention, the electron beam is emitted from the electron beam irradiation section and wraps around the object to be sterilized by discontinuous projections or holes provided on the carrier. An electron beam that is about to be incident from below the object to be sterilized.

In any of the electron beam sterilizing apparatuses according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, the light is emitted from the electron beam irradiating section and goes around along the object to be sterilized due to the gap between the plurality of rollers. Is incident on the object to be sterilized from below.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a first example of an embodiment of the electron beam sterilizer according to the present invention.

This electron beam sterilizer has a sterile object transporting section 24 and an electron beam irradiating section 21.

The object transfer section 24 is provided with a transfer tray 25.
Is inclined at a predetermined angle.

The transport tray 25 has an elongated rectangular shape in plan view, and its surface has a groove 2 having a corrugated cross section extending in the longitudinal direction, that is, the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the object 29 to be sterilized.
7 and ridges 28 are provided alternately.

The width and depth of the grooves 27 and the width and height of the ridges 28 are appropriately determined according to the size of the object to be sterilized 29 such as a beverage container. Is provided with a guide rail (not shown) for preventing the object 29 to be sterilized from falling from the transport tray 25.

Further, at the upper end of the transport tray 25, the downstream end in the transport direction of the belt conveyor 30 for transporting the object 29 to be sterilized is located, and at the lower end of the transport tray 25, the sterilized object 29 to be sterilized is placed. A collection tray 31 for collection is provided.

The electron beam irradiator 21 has an electron gun 22 and an irradiation nozzle 23. The object to be sterilized is such that the electron beam emitted from the irradiation nozzle 23 can be irradiated over substantially the entire length of the transport tray 25. It is arranged above the transport unit 24.

The above-described transport tray 25 and collection tray 31
And the irradiation nozzle 23 of the electron beam irradiation unit 21
Surrounded by

When sterilizing the object 29 to be sterilized by the electron beam sterilizer shown in FIG. 1, an electron beam is emitted from the electron beam irradiator 21 and the object 29 to be sterilized is transported by the belt conveyor 30. It is sent to the tray 25.

The object 2 to be sterilized sent to the transport tray 25
9 rolls or slides down on the transport tray 25.

When the object to be sterilized 29 rolls on the transport tray 25, the posture of the object to be sterilized 29 changes successively, and an electron beam that is about to wrap around the outer surface of the object to be sterilized 29. Is incident on the object to be sterilized 29 from below through the groove 27 of the transport tray 25, whereby the object to be sterilized 29 is sterilized over the entire surface.

When the object 29 to be sterilized slides down on the transport tray 25, in addition to the electron beam being incident on the portion facing above the object 29, the transport tray 2
As the contact point of the object to be sterilized 29 with the ridges 28 moves sequentially, the electron beam that is going to wrap around the outer surface of the object to be sterilized 29 passes through the groove 27 of the transport tray 25 and the object 29 to be sterilized. To the object to be sterilized 2
9 is sterilized over the entire surface.

As described above, in the electron beam sterilizer shown in FIG. 1, the object to be sterilized 29 is emitted from the electron beam irradiator 21 to the transport tray 25 which is inclined so that the object to be sterilized can roll or slide down. A groove 27 for allowing an electron beam, which is going to wrap around along 29, to be incident on the object 29 to be sterilized from below.
Is provided, the object 29 to be sterilized can be efficiently sterilized by one electron beam irradiation unit 21, and the installation space can be reduced.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the electron beam sterilization apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, the parts denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 represent the same parts.

This electron beam sterilization apparatus includes an object conveying section 33 for sterilization and an electron beam irradiation section 21.

The sterile object transport section 33 has a V-shaped groove 35 extending in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the sterile object 36 on the transport surface of the transport tray 34 inclined at a predetermined angle. It is provided continuously.

The width and depth of the groove 35 are appropriately determined according to the size and shape of the cylindrical object 36 to be sterilized. A guide rail (not shown) for preventing the object to be sterilized 36 from falling down is provided.

When sterilizing the object 36 to be sterilized by the electron beam sterilizer shown in FIG. 2, an electron beam is emitted from the electron beam irradiation unit 21 and the object 36 to be sterilized is transferred to the transport tray 34.
Send to

The object 3 to be sterilized sent to the transport tray 34
6 rolls or slides down on the transport tray 34.

When the object to be sterilized rolls on the transport tray, the posture of the object to be sterilized sequentially changes, and an electron beam that is about to wrap around the outer surface of the object to be sterilized Is incident on the object to be sterilized 36 from below through the groove 35 of the transport tray 34, whereby the object to be sterilized 36 is sterilized over the entire surface.

When the object 36 to be sterilized slides down on the transport tray 34, the electron beam is incident on the portion facing upward of the object 36 and the transport tray 3
As the contact point of the object to be sterilized 36 with respect to the spire between the grooves 35 of No. 4 sequentially moves, the electron beam that is going to wrap around the outer surface of the object to be sterilized 36 is sterilized through the groove 35 of the transport tray 34. The light enters the object 36 from below, and the sterilization object 36 is sterilized over the entire surface.

As described above, in the electron beam sterilization apparatus shown in FIG. 2, the object to be sterilized is emitted from the electron beam irradiator 21 to the transfer tray 34 inclined so that the object to be rolled or slid down and can be sterilized. A groove 35 for letting an electron beam which is going to wrap around along the object 36 into the object 36 to be sterilized from below.
Is provided, the object 36 to be sterilized can be efficiently sterilized by one electron beam irradiation unit 21 and the installation space can be reduced.

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the electron beam sterilizing apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, the parts denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 represent the same parts.

This electron beam sterilization apparatus includes an object conveying section 39 for sterilization and an electron beam irradiation section 21.

The object transporting section 39 has a hemispherical projection 3 on the entire transport surface of the transport tray 37 inclined at a predetermined angle.
8 are provided discontinuously.

The shape, size and height of the projection 38 are
It is appropriately determined according to the size and shape of the cylindrical sterilization target 36, and guide rails (see FIG. 4) are provided on both sides of the transfer tray 37 to prevent the sterilization target 36 from falling off the transfer tray 37. (Not shown).

When sterilizing the object 36 to be sterilized by the electron beam sterilizer shown in FIG. 3, an electron beam is emitted from the electron beam irradiator 21 and the object 36 to be sterilized is transferred to the transport tray 37.
Send to

The object 3 to be sterilized sent to the transport tray 37
6 is the transport tray 37 while climbing over the convex portion 38.
Roll or slide down.

When the object 36 to be sterilized rolls on the transport tray 37, the posture of the object 36 to be sterilized changes successively, and an electron beam that is about to wrap around the outer surface of the object 36 to be sterilized. Is incident on the portion of the sterilization target 36 that is not in contact with the convex portion 38 from below, whereby the sterilization target 36 is sterilized over the entire surface.

When the object 36 to be sterilized slides down on the transport tray 37, in addition to the electron beam being incident on the portion facing above the object 36, the transport tray 3
As the contact point of the object 36 to be sterilized with respect to the projection 38 of the 7 moves sequentially, the electron beam that is going to wrap around the outer surface of the object 36 to be sterilized is not in contact with the projection 38 of the object 36 to be sterilized. Incident on the part from below,
6 is sterilized over the entire surface.

As described above, in the electron beam sterilization apparatus shown in FIG. 3, the object 36 to be sterilized is emitted from the electron beam irradiator 21 to the transfer tray 37 inclined so that the object 36 can roll or slide down. Since the projection 38 is provided to allow the electron beam to be wrapped around along the object 36 to be incident on the object 36 to be sterilized from below, the object 36 to be sterilized is efficiently processed by one electron beam irradiation unit 21. Can be sterilized,
In addition, the installation space can be reduced.

FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the electron beam sterilizing apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, the parts denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 represent the same parts.

This electron beam sterilizer includes a sterilization object transport section 43 and an electron beam irradiation section 21.

The object to be sterilized transport section 43 includes an object to be sterilized 42.
A plurality of rollers 41 are pivotally supported substantially horizontally at equal intervals on a frame (not shown) that extends in the transport direction and is inclined at a predetermined angle.

The outer diameter and the interval of the rollers 41 are appropriately determined according to the size of the box-shaped object 42 to be sterilized. Guide rail to prevent falling (not shown)
Is provided.

When the object 42 to be sterilized is sterilized by the electron beam sterilizer shown in FIG. 4, an electron beam is emitted from the electron beam irradiating section 21 and the object 42 to be sterilized is placed on the object conveying section 43. Send.

The sterilization object 42 fed to the sterilization object transporting section 43 moves while rotating each roller 41 downward by the gravity acting on the sterilization object 42.

At this time, in addition to the electron beam being incident on the portion facing above the object 42 to be sterilized, each roller 4
As the contact point of the object 42 to be sterilized moves sequentially, the electron beam that is going to wrap around the outer surface of the object 42 to be sterilized passes through the gap between the rollers 41.
2, the object 42 to be sterilized is sterilized over the entire surface.

As described above, in the electron beam sterilizer shown in FIG. 4, the electron beam irradiating section 21 is formed by the gap between the plurality of rollers 41 which are inclined so that the object 42 to be sterilized can move.
The electron beam that is emitted from the device and that is going to go around along the sterilization target 42 is made to enter the sterilization target 42 from below, so that one electron beam irradiator 21 causes the electron beam irradiation unit 21 to emit the electron beam.
2 can be efficiently sterilized, and the installation space can be reduced.

FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the electron beam sterilizer according to the present invention. In FIG. 5, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same parts.

This electron beam sterilizer includes a sterilizing object transporting section 47 and an electron beam irradiating section 21.

The sterilizing object transporting section 47 includes the sterilizing object 42
A plurality of rollers 44 are pivoted substantially horizontally at regular intervals on a frame (not shown) extending in the transport direction of the motor, and a drive shaft of a motor 45 is connected to a predetermined one of the rollers 44. The endless interlock belt 46 is wound around the roller 44 directly driven by the roller 44 and the roller 44 adjacent thereto.

The outer diameter and the interval of the rollers 44 are appropriately determined according to the size of the box-shaped object 42 to be sterilized.
2 is provided with a guide rail (not shown) for preventing falling.

When the object 42 to be sterilized is sterilized by the electron beam sterilizer shown in FIG. 5, an electron beam is emitted from the electron beam irradiator 21 and each motor 45 is operated.
The object 42 to be sterilized is fed onto the object conveying section 43.

The object to be sterilized 42 fed to the object to be sterilized transport section 43 is rotated by a roller 44 directly driven by a motor 45, and an adjacent roller 44 is driven by the roller 44 via an interlock belt 46. It moves with the rotation of.

At this time, in addition to the electron beam being incident on the portion facing the upper side of the object 42 to be sterilized,
As the contact point of the sterilization target 42 with respect to the sterilization target 42 sequentially moves, the electron beam that is going to wrap around the outer surface of the sterilization target 42 passes through a gap between the rollers 44 and is thereby moved.
2, the object 42 to be sterilized is sterilized over the entire surface.

As described above, in the electron beam sterilizer shown in FIG. 5, the light is emitted from the electron beam irradiating section 21 along the object 42 due to the gap between the plurality of rollers 44 which can move the object 42 to be sterilized. Since the electron beam to be turned around is incident on the object 42 to be sterilized from below, the object 42 to be sterilized can be efficiently sterilized by one electron beam irradiation unit 21 and the installation space can be reduced. Can be achieved.

The electron beam sterilization apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but a discontinuous hole is formed in the transport tray instead of the discontinuous convex portion, and the electron hole is formed by the hole. It is needless to say that the line can enter the object to be sterilized from below, and other changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0071]

As described above, according to the electron beam sterilizer of the present invention, the following various excellent effects can be obtained.

(1) In the electron beam sterilizing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the object to be sterilized is emitted from the electron beam irradiating section to the transporting support which is inclined so that it can roll or slide down. In addition, since an unevenness is provided for allowing an electron beam that is going to go around the object to be sterilized to enter the object to be sterilized from below, the object to be sterilized can be efficiently sterilized by one electron beam irradiation unit. It is possible to reduce the installation space.

(2) In the electron beam sterilization apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the object to be sterilized is emitted from the electron beam irradiating section to the transporting support inclined so as to be able to roll or slide down. In addition, since a groove is provided for allowing an electron beam to enter the object to be sterilized to enter the object to be sterilized from below, the object to be sterilized can be efficiently sterilized by one electron beam irradiation unit. It is possible to reduce the installation space.

(3) In the electron beam sterilization apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the electron beam is emitted from the electron beam irradiating section to the transfer support which is inclined so that the object to be sterilized can roll or slide down. In addition, since a projection or a hole is provided for allowing an electron beam to enter the object to be sterilized to enter the object to be sterilized from below, the object to be sterilized is efficiently sterilized by one electron beam irradiation unit. In addition, the installation space can be reduced.

(4) Claim 4 or Claim 5 of the present invention
In any of the electron beam sterilizers described in the above, due to the gap between the plurality of rollers, the electron beam emitted from the electron beam irradiator and trying to wrap around the object to be sterilized is placed below the object to be sterilized. Therefore, the object to be sterilized can be efficiently sterilized by one electron beam irradiation unit, and the installation space can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a first example of an embodiment of an electron beam sterilizer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a second example of the embodiment of the electron beam sterilizer of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a third example of the embodiment of the electron beam sterilizer of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a fourth example of the embodiment of the electron beam sterilizer according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a fifth example of the embodiment of the electron beam sterilizer of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing an example of a conventional electron beam sterilizer.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of a conventional electron beam sterilizer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 21 Electron Beam Irradiation Unit 25 Transport Tray (Transport Support) 27 Groove 29 Sterilization Target 34 Transport Tray 35 Groove 36 Sterilization Target 37 Transport Tray (Transport Support) 38 Convex (Protrusion) 41 Roller 42 Sterilization Target 44 roller 45 motor (drive means) 46 interlocking belt (drive means)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G21K 5/04 G21K 5/04 E 5/10 5/10 C

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A transport support on which an object to be sterilized is placed, and an electron beam irradiator provided above the transport support and capable of emitting an electron beam toward the transport support. ,
An electron beam sterilizer wherein a transfer surface of a transfer support is inclined so that an object to be sterilized can roll or slide down, and a plurality of irregularities are formed on the transfer surface. 2. The electron beam sterilization according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of irregularities are formed by a plurality of grooves provided on a transport surface of the transport support and extending in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the object to be sterilized. apparatus. 3. The electron beam sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of irregularities are formed by discontinuous projections or holes provided on the transport surface of the transport support. 4. A plurality of rollers capable of transporting an object to be sterilized obliquely downward, disposed above a moving path of the object to be sterilized formed by the rollers, and emitting an electron beam toward the moving path. An electron beam sterilizer comprising: an electron beam irradiation unit for obtaining the electron beam. 5. A plurality of rollers capable of transporting an object to be sterilized to one side, and disposed above a moving path of the object to be sterilized formed by the rollers and capable of emitting an electron beam toward the moving path. An electron beam sterilizer comprising: an electron beam irradiator; and driving means for rotating the roller.