CN104349981A

CN104349981A - Apparatus and method for disinfection of packaged articles

Info

Publication number: CN104349981A
Application number: CN201380027843.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马尔科姆·罗伯特·斯努鲍尔
Original assignee: Ozonica Ltd
Current assignee: Ozonica Ltd
Priority date: 2012-03-29
Filing date: 2013-03-27
Publication date: 2015-02-11
Also published as: IN2014DN08645A; CA2868664A1; GB2500680B; EP2834156A1; GB2500680A; GB201205611D0; WO2013144627A1

Abstract

A packet steriliser for sterilising packaged articles (110), comprising: a working surface arranged for receiving a packaged article to be sterilised; a first electrode and a second electrode (104, 106); wherein the first electrode and the second electrode extend behind a portion of the area of the working surface and the first electrode is disposed between the second electrode and the working surface and the first electrode comprises a plurality of gaps arranged so that, in use, when a voltage difference is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, the associated electric field is able to extend through the gaps beyond the working surface and into a package of said packaged article to be sterilised, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode comprise adjacent extended surfaces which lie substantially along the direction of the working surface that provides a capacitance (120) related to the adjacent spatial extent of the first electrode and the second electrode and an inductance (118) is provided, wherein the inductance is selected based on that spatial extent to modify the resonant frequency of the electrode arrangement.

Description

For the apparatus and method to packing articles sterilization

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of for the apparatus and method to packing articles (as packaged food and beverage products) sterilization.The invention still further relates to and produce the device of plasma for this object, and relevant electric system and electrode configuration and they are for the method to packing articles sterilization or sterilization.

Background technology

International patent application WO2010/116191 discloses a kind of apparatus and method producing plasma, wherein, two electrodes are set, make when applying sufficiently high voltage, electromagnetic field between electrode produces cold plasma, and its energy is high enough to be ozone and other kind based on active oxygen by the oxygen conversion in air.The further work of same contriver has provided the electrode configuration of various practicality.

Two electrodes arranged by this way are equivalent to cond.In some settings, two electrodes can have flush type configuration, and between two first type surfaces that can be arranged on these flush type electrodes at certain intervals.Gap in (or two) electrode or hole make electric field from " spilling " between plate.Under suitable conditions, this electric field spills and may be used for producing plasma.Although this set can have some advantages, such a setting has extra high electric capacity.

In this case, the present inventor has realized that when arranging electrode by this way, and the electric capacity of electrode may impair the power transmission efficiency of round electrode, especially because a large amount of power be used for set up and retaining plate between electric field.In actual commercial system, consumption of power is great process costs.Object for protection of the environment also wishes to raise the efficiency.

Summary of the invention

Each side of the present invention and example are for these problems proposed in appended claims.

In the present circumstance, the present inventor finds to use (such as in radio-frequency band) high frequency alternating current to be conducive to driving the electrode for these systems, although this some violation intuition, it is but favourable for comprising inductive load at capacitive electrode.Although deposit in case in high frequency voltage, usually will think that the existence of inductance will be disadvantageous in circuit, example of the present invention can carry out resonant operation or sub-resonant operation to electrode.The electrode of plasma generating device can be considered as being parts of LCR resonance oscillatory circuit just as them in essence, and finds that this has operational benefits in systems in practice.

On the one hand, provide a kind of packing material sterilizing machine for sterilization wrap goods, comprising: driving surface, it is arranged for receiving packing articles to be sterilized, first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode extend at the rear side in a part of region of driving surface, and the first arrangement of electrodes is between the second electrode and driving surface, and the first electrode comprises multiple gap, it is set such that in use, when voltage difference is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, the electric field of association can extend through outside gap to driving surface, and extend in the packing material of described packing articles to be sterilized, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode comprise contiguous extensional surface, extensional surface is located substantially on the position in the direction along driving surface, driving surface provides the electric capacity relevant to the proximity space scope of the first electrode and the second electrode, and inductance is provided, wherein, inductance is selected based on spatial dimension, to revise the resonant frequency that electrode is arranged.

In one embodiment, packing material sterilizing machine comprises the dielectric be arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, and dielectric punching voltage is at least 20kV/mm, is at least preferably 30kV/mm.In certain embodiments, dielectric is selected from the list comprising the following: boron nitride, shapal, mica and mica (such as synthesizing fluorophologopite).

In certain embodiments, at least one in the first electrode and the second electrode comprises inductance, but can provide independent inductance in other embodiments.In some cases, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode kind comprises coil.Term " coil " differs and establishes a capital and should be meant to be circular section.Usually can use flat, the basic cross section for rectangle, although this is favourable, be also optional.

Preferably, based on the capacitance selection inductance of spatial dimension and/or electrode, to revise the resonant frequency that electrode is arranged.This correction can be selected with tuning electrode impedance, thus bring up to the power delivery of electrode.Spiral electrode can provide inductance.In some cases, except spiral electrode itself or as the replacement of spiral electrode itself, independent inductance is provided.Although it is favourable that electrode comprises inductance, this not necessarily, and can provide inductance in other place in systems in which.

In certain embodiments, be provided with at least one electrode, to provide conductive path, conductive path crosses the extensional surface of at least one electrode, to provide described inductance at least partially.For this reason, conductive path can be zigzag, spiral or screw-shaped, make it cross extensional surface repeatedly.Term zigzag, spiral and screw-shaped be intended to comprise any setting that the folding and/or alternating bending of path gets back to itself.In certain embodiments, electrode form in spiral shape or screw-shaped, to provide described conductive path.

In certain embodiments, at least one electrode comprises the first electrode, and conductive path is set to cross the driving surface between described gap.Preferably, at least one electrode in first electrode and the second electrode comprises flush type insulator and conductive material, conductive material is set to provide the conductive path along described insulator surface, and conductive material can be arranged in multiple band, such as, described multiple band is coupled conductively at alternate ends place.At alternate ends place, coupling can be carried out as follows, and described mode provides conductive path that is folding, zigzag or spiral.

In some embodiments, conductive material comprises one deck, and this one deck is etched into provide described band.In certain embodiments, this layer of placement is deposited on or is fixed on described insulator.In certain embodiments, two first type surfaces of insulator comprise conductive material bands.Band can be substantially parallel to each other, and can be arranged in the opposed surface of insulator.When in the opposed surface that described band is arranged on described insulator, it is coupled in described tape alternation end conductively through described insulator, to provide screw-shaped conductive path, it crosses the alternately surface of described insulator, crosses the extensional surface of described electrode simultaneously.

Preferably, band is on the second electrode arranged so that the band in insulator opposed surface is overlapping.

Preferably, at least some band is on the first electrode arranged so that the band in insulator opposed surface is not overlapping, thus provides described gap.Preferably, at least one electrode is provided by the covered wire being arranged to pancake coil.Preferably, inductance is adjustable, and packing material sterilizing machine can comprise the multiple conducting elements for regulating inductance.Such as, conducting element comprises voltage-controlled impedance (such as transistor).

Packing material sterilizing machine can comprise the additional capacitor with the series coupled of in described electrode, and preferably, electric capacity and electrode are integrated in individual unit.

Preferably, the second electrode grounding, and the first electrode covers by insulator.This example of the present invention and other examples have the following advantages: the safety providing raising, the second electrode (such as having the electrode in gap) is this is because of no need of to insulate, and contriver finds, the applying voltage lower than the insulating electrode required voltage of other situations can be used like this in packing articles to set up plasma (namely non-insulated electrode allows lower plasma attack voltage).

Embodiments of the invention comprise the method for sterilization wrap goods, the method is included in and arranges packing articles according near the driving surface of the packing material sterilizing machine of the aforementioned claim of any one, and voltage is applied to described electrode, to produce ozone in described packing material.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Now will only be described the embodiment of the present invention by way of example with reference to accompanying drawing, in the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 shows the general synoptic diagram in order to device ozoniferous in packing articles;

Fig. 2 shows the schematic diagram of the packing articles contiguous with the electric capacity head being connected to power supply, and parts wherein represent with simple equivalent circuit;

Fig. 3 shows the planar view of the electrode with partial section's illustration;

Fig. 4 shows the planar view of another electrode;

Fig. 5 shows the cross section of a part for the electrode tip by comprising all electrodes as shown in Figure 3 and all the second electrodes as shown in Figure 4;

Fig. 6 illustrates the possible improvement of electrode;

Fig. 7 shows the cross section of the part by electrode tip;

Fig. 8 shows another cross section of the part by electrode tip; And

Fig. 9 shows another cross section of the part by electrode tip.

Detailed description of the invention

Generally speaking, method and apparatus of the present invention is usually applied in and is substantially similar in the system shown in Fig. 1.

In FIG, packing material chlorination equipment 1000 comprises: power supply 100, impedance matching box 102 and comprise the electrode tip of the first electrode 104 and the second electrode 106.Packing articles 110 transports in the position in the electric field 112 of electrode generation by conveyer 108.

In operation, packing articles 110 is transported to the position of adjacent electrode head 104, electrode tip 106 by conveyer 108.Electrode tip 104, electrode tip 106 are powered by the power supply 100,102 with high-frequency AC voltage, to produce electric field 112 at surrounding them.Field penetration packing articles, and cold plasma can be produced in packing articles 110 by the sufficiently high voltage of applying and/or frequency.If have been found that, packing material contains oxygen, then this plasma can produce ozone and other active substance, and thinks the number which reducing food spoilage germ in packing material, because this increasing the shelf life of food.

Fig. 1 is only schematic diagram, although arrange according to identical rule, real system will be arranged in a variety of ways.Such as, for the sake of clarity, electrode 104, electrode 106 illustrate side by side, are the physical structures be separated just as them.But this is not necessarily, and electrode can be arranged to one and provide at another top and/or by the part of same physical structure or provide electrode separately by (can explain below).

As shown in Figure 1, preferably configure this device as follows to make in use packing articles to be applied in below electrode tip.Like this, the content in bag is kept away from electrode (bottom at bag) by Action of Gravity Field, and has the air space of adjacent electrode in bag.The advantage had like this is: plasma is formed in a. g., and food (or the other guide thing in packing material) is not subject to electric field action and can not disturbs the generation of plasma.

With reference to figs. 2 to Fig. 9, be described in more detail below structure and their electrical configuration of electrode.In a word, electrode is the coil being wound in flat configuration, and inductance is to a certain degree incorporated in electrode by flat configuration.

Matched impedance 102 can comprise the series capacity of apparent capacity reducing electrode tip 104, electrode tip 106.Electrode is generally coupled not each other in an electrically conductively, so in fact circuit has come via the electric field produced between pancake coil, is only large capacitor just as electrode tip 104, electrode tip 106.If coil is wound around along equidirectional, such as be wound around along right-hand lay, and then set winding makes their (coil drive are in connection of the left-hand side of an electrode coil 104 and the right-hand side of another electrode coil 106) toward each other, the electric current so flowing through coil combination whole electrode coil to 104,106 optional position always run into identical impedance.The capacitive impedance of electrode, inductive impedance and resistive impedance are distributed on all electrodes.

Voltage output range normally 6kV to the 18kV peak value of power supply, it is 15mA that maximum current exports, and operating frequency range is 1kHz to 80kHz.The horsepower output of power supply is usually in the scope of every electrode tip (often pair of electrode) 10 to 500 watts.The output impedance of power supply is approximately 30 ohm.Also the power supply of other type can be used.In order to produce cold plasma, preferably, use the voltage of at least 7kV peak value (such as peak to peak) when frequency 40KHz, but these numerical value are only preferred examples, and should be construed to restrictive.Other any instruments that conveyer can be belt conveyor or be taken to by packing articles in the scope of electric field 112.In some cases, electrode 104, electrode 106 can be moveable, and so they can be moved in the scope of packing articles 110.Conveyer is optional, and can consider portable electric electrode systems, and this more will discuss in detail following.Similarly, power supply is generally complementary, and example of the present invention only needs can be coupled with power supply, namely can provide separately power supply itself.

Fig. 2 illustrates the simplification electrical schematics of the physical configuration in Fig. 1, and the electrode in Fig. 1 is the coil of flat winding.In this schematic diagram, the device of Fig. 1 comprises AC power supplies 100, the series resistance 114 of R Ω, the series capacity 116 of C1 farad.Equally, in this schematic diagram, when device in use, therefore packing articles 110 containing the heating region in electric field 112, and comprises the plasma capacitance 124 of certain Cp farad and the plasma inductance 126 of certain Lp Henry.Also the series resistance 128 of certain the Rp Ω be associated with plasma is had, and certain the smaller capacitive Cs occurred because plasma serves as dummy electrodes.

As shown in Figure 2, first of Fig. 1 the flat winding around electrode 104 comprises inductance 118.This inductance is L1 Henry.Similarly, the inductance of the second flat winding around electrode 106 is represented in fig. 2 by inductance 120.This inductance is L2 Henry.Electrode 104, electrode 106 together be arranged so that the electric capacity producing C2 farad between electrode, and this is represented by electric capacity 120 in fig. 2.The representative value of these inductance and electric capacity is C1=600nF, L1=2.3 μ H, L2=1.8 μ H.

Inductance 118 and electric capacity 120 series coupled, so with electric capacity 122 series coupled.Inductance 122 is coupled in series with between power supply 100 and electric capacity 120.

Plasma capacitance 124 in packing articles 110 can be thought and plasma inductance 126 parallel coupled.This parallel LC circuit is coupled in series to the series resistance 128 be associated with plasma and the smaller capacitive 130 occurred because plasma serves as dummy electrodes.Dotted line 132, dotted line 134 show that between electrode 104, electrode 106 and packing articles 110, there is capacitive character (with slight inductive) is coupled.

The total capacitance C (do not comprise the electric capacity of packing articles contribution, it can be left in the basket for the first object be similar to) of this device is:

C = \frac{C_{1} C_{2}}{C_{1} + C_{2}} - - - (1)

This provide the rlc circuit with Q factor, Q factor is:

Q = \frac{1}{R} \sqrt{\frac{L}{C}} - - - (2)

Wherein, L=L ₁+ L ₂+ M, wherein M is the term of the mutual inductance for illustration of two electrodes.

The function of the electric voltage frequency f that the Q factor of circuit applies as power supply 100 and linearly increase with driving circuit, is high enough to produce significant surface action in the conductor until frequency becomes.Exceed this threshold frequency, resistance R as frequency square root function (such as with proportional) increase.The increase of this resistance causes the Q factor of circuit under high frequency to reduce accordingly.A favourable example is the short pulse frequency or the 0.5 second length that use 40kHZ, uses this voltage to apply and device described here, finds to produce useful but inexcessive ozone.Although the quantity of train of impulses and/or time length can change according to the internal capacity of packing material, the train of impulses that preferably applying three is such is to each packing articles.

In whole specification sheets, for impedance, voltage and operating frequency refer to particular value, it should be understood that, the character of the electric system that operation capacitively and/or inductively can be coupled with proximity structure and device is, need tuning or " adjustment (shimmed) " particular value is to adapt to the operating conditions run in practice, so the numerical value quoted should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Fig. 3 illustrates the planar view of pancake coil electrode (electrode 104 in such as Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).This electrode is wound in flat coil on the insulator 1 being substantially flush type.Insulator 1 has the first first type surface 10 and the second first type surface 12.First first type surface 10 and the second first type surface 12 have length 18 and width 16, and this length 18 and width 16 are far longer than the thickness 20 of insulator, and namely insulator is flush type substantially.

In figure 3, the first first type surface 10 is end faces.This end face 10 of insulator 1 carries multiple elongated conductive strips 2.On the direction of insulator width 16, each band 2 is arranged on insulator 1.Spaced apart on the direction of insulator length 18 along the first first type surface 10 with 2.Interval 14 between band is 0.25mm to 1.5mm.Each band has adaptor union tape splicing 5 at one of its end place, and it is partly outstanding on interval 14.Band 2 is set so that adaptor union tape splicing 5 is all positioned at the first side part closest to insulator 1 first first type surface 10.

In figure 3, the second first type surface 12 is lower surfaces, and therefore the second first type surface is hidden in this planar view.As shown in the dotted line in the planar view of Fig. 3 (as shown in illustration), the second first type surface 12 of insulator carries multiple elongated conductive band 3.

Band 3 on second first type surface departs from the band on the first first type surface, so as interval on a surface 4 substantially with the band 2 on another surface, be with 3 to conform to.Interval 14, interval 14' between band 2 in electrode shown in Fig. 3, band 3 are narrower than band on opposing surfaces, so that in the electrodes, are covered all regions of insulator 1 at least one surface by conductive strips.

Because band 3 extends along width 16 direction of insulator and spaced apart along insulator length direction 18, so band 3 to be substantially similar on the first first type surface 10 band 2 of carrying.The interval 14' of the band 3 on insulator second first type surface is 0.5mm to 1.0mm.Each band 3 has adaptor union tape splicing 5 in one of its end, and it is partly outstanding on the 14' of interval.

Band 3 is set, so that adaptor union tape splicing 5' is all positioned at the second side part close to insulator 1 second first type surface 12.The tape splicing 5' of the band 3 therefore on the second first type surface 12 is in the side of electrode, and the tape splicing 5 of band 2 on the first first type surface 10 is arranged on the opposite side of electrode.Effect is to provide flat square coil.

Therefore, on the first first type surface 10 of insulator 1, tape splicing 5 with 2 is arranged along first side of described surperficial 10, simultaneously, on the second first type surface 12, tape splicing 5 with 3 is arranged along second side of described surperficial 12, and the tape splicing on a surface is positioned on the opposition side of the tape splicing on another surface 12 on surface 10.

Each tape splicing 5, tape splicing 5' to be coupled to the band on another first type surface through insulator 1 by Elecrical connector 23.Therefore, the tape splicing 5 of the first side of the first first type surface 10 of adjacent insulators 1 is coupled to the band 3 on the second first type surface 12.Similarly, each each self-corresponding band 2 be coupled on the first first type surface in the tape splicing 5' of the band 3 on the second first type surface 12.This provide substantially flat square coil.

In other words, described structure is pancake coil structure.Thin insulator 1 has a series of strips 2 of the conductor being applied to one of its surface; Between band, there is interval.These bands form the side (such as top side) of pancake coil.At the strip 3 of another conductor like application class on the surface of insulator 1, and form the bottom side of pancake coil.Positioning belt 2, band 3, make top side 4 (see Fig. 3 illustrations) overlapping with the band of bottom side.For forming coil, be connected to the proximity band 3 in the opposed surface of insulator at the tape splicing 5 of band 2 one end.The other end with 3 links next proximity band 2 for 1 time through insulator, and the rest may be inferred.Continue this order until form complete coil.The electric current needed for as long as overlapping and their thickness of each circle is enough to carry and do not produce excessive surface action, just can have any number of turn to form required inductance, and the size of band not the factor of key.

Insulator 1 can be dielectric, preferably includes pottery, such as shapal, and usually, the punching voltage of insulator is at least 15kV.Insulator 1 is described to be flush type substantially, but needs not to be smooth, and such as insulator can have bending or arc configuration.Band 2 on first first type surface can have similar width to the band 3 on the second first type surface, or in some cases, and the band on one of two surfaces is comparable, and another is wide.Usually, the thickness of band is 0.05mm to 0.1mm, and band comprises metal, such as copper, but also can use other conductive material.In some instances, the flexible material of insulator such as plastics/poly-mer.

Electrode as shown in Figure 3 uses usually together with all electrodes as shown in Figure 4, therefore operates while describing electrode in more detail below.

Fig. 4 shows the electrode similar with electrode shown in Fig. 3.In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, similar Reference numeral is used for element like representation class.A main difference is, the conductive strips on the first first type surface 10 are not overlapping with the band on the second first type surface 12.This produces the region 22 of insulator 1, and the either side in region 22 is not limited by conductive strips 2, conductive strips 3.

In the electrode shown in Fig. 4 is arranged, the interval 4 between the proximity band at least one in surface 10, surface 12 is wider than the band 2 on other surfaces 12 corresponding, surface 10, band 3.Therefore, band 2, band 3 are not overlapping, and have gap in the coverage of insulator.These gaps provide the region 22 of insulator 1, and region 22 is not covered by the conductor in the first first type surface 10 or the second first type surface 12.Two in these regions 22 be Fig. 4 planar view on illustration B in cross-hatched area.

By some technique construction drawings 3 and the pancake coil shown in Fig. 4.These techniques comprise PCT technology, sputtering technology and winding technique.

In PCB technology, plated conductor (such as copper) on thin ceramic substrate both sides.Copper light etching polymer coating, and photoetch forms the coil strap that connects through the interband of ceramic substrate together with plate through hole.Chemical etching plate is to form coil strap and connection subsequently.Welded plate through hole is to form connection.This technology can be applied to the flexible substrate of such as plastics, to produce flexible top electrodes and bottom electrode.Therefore, if arrange flexible insulator between top winding and bottom coil, then flexible electrical cartridge can be produced.This flexible electrical cartridge can form or be wrapped in the surrounding of airtight container or cavity thus produce cold plasma, therefore the ozone that air (oxygen) produces is limited in container or cavity inside.

Copper coating produces by sputtering.In sputtering type technology, conductive strips can only be laid on region that they will retain (such as passing through mask substrate).

In order to use wire instead of laminated conductor to carry out rolled electrode, to provide the electrode of all (wherein conductor is overlapping) as described with reference to fig. 3, thin ceramic substrate has the thin covered wire be wound around around its periphery, to make pancake coil.Winding around is so that all circles contact with each other (tight type winding).When the electrode of all (wherein conductor is not overlapping) as described with reference to figure 4, thin ceramic substrate has the thin uninsulated wires be wound around around its periphery, to make coil.There is gap (open winding) between all circles in winding around.

Also pancake coil can be made and without the need to insulating thin ceramic substrate, suppose that coil and covered wire are wound around (all circles contact with each other) with cylindrical coil body configuration tight type, and make its substantially flat carry out flattening cylindrical solenoid by extruding cylindrical solenoid subsequently.This provide nonseptate insulation pancake coil between conductor, as shown in Figure 3 all, but there is no substrate.If coil with the spaced open winding of turn-to-turn tool (be closely wound around relative), then which provide the spaced insulation pancake coil of tool between conductor.

Fig. 5 shows electrode tip 50, and electrode tip 50 comprises the first electrode 51 as described in reference to Figure 3 substantially and the second electrode 52 as described in reference to Figure 4 substantially.Second electrode 52 provides the plate comprising gap 22, and gap 22 allows electric field 53 to spill between two plates (pancake coil electrode).

As shown in Figure 5, the first electrode 51 is coupled to power supply by conductance coupling 55.Except thin insulator 1, the insulator 1' of the flat winding around of support electrode 51, electrode 52, spacer insulator 54 is arranged between two electrodes.Insulating barrier 60 is also applied to the driving surface of electrode tip 50.Insulating barrier on this driving surface comprises two-layer.Ground floor 57 is between conductive strips 3'.Another overplate 59 will be with 3' and driving surface to isolate.Layer 57 can be continuous print (applying such as) with overplate 60, or they can be applied separately.As shown in the illustration A of Fig. 5, insulating barrier 57 can be applied on the insulator 1' of the second electrode 52, the thickness of insulating barrier 57 equals the thickness of electrode band 3'.

The rear surface of the opposite working of electrode tip 50 is coated in the comparatively thick-layer of insulating barrier 58.In Figure 5, the driving surface insulating barrier 57 that wrapper 64 is adjacent to electrode tip 50 is shown.

The electrode of Fig. 5 has following size.

It is 0.1mm and width is the copper strips of 2mm that first electrode (" top " electrode, district very close to each other) comprises thickness.Length across each band of the width 16 of Fig. 3 electrode is 50mm.The thickness of the insulator 1 of carrying belt is 0.2mm.Therefore, the similar area using the cross-sectional plane of the coil of high permeability bobbin frame is 75mm ², and the approximate inductance of per unit length electrode coil is 50 μ H/M.The length (being labeled as 18 in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) of the coil of Fig. 5 is 50mm.

In operation, electrode applies voltage difference.The electric field 53 set up between electrode through the unlapped region 22 of conductive strips of electrode 52, can stretch out (spilling) from the space between electrode.This electric field 53 can extend through the inside that wrapper 64 enters packing, therefore, it is possible to produce plasma in the inside of packing.

Preferably, the interval 22 between coil turn is at least 1.5 with the width ratio of coil turn, is preferably less than 4.In the present circumstance, the present inventor finds, when this ratio is less than 1.5, plasma generation becomes more poor efficiency.When ratio is greater than 4, then require too high voltage, to set up plasma.

Preferably, the ratio of the thickness of insulating layer of the thickness of insulating layer between coil 10 and covering thread astragal 9 is at least 1.5: 1, and preferably, the thickness of insulating layer of covering thread astragal 9 should be not more than 0.5mm.

Preferably, set winding is so that in power supply lead wire one is connected to the left-hand side of an electrode 104, and another root lead-in wire is connected to the right-hand side of another coil 106.In this configuration, resistive impedance and the electric resistance impedance of electrode advantageously spatially distribute.The connection of right-hand side and left-hand side also can be put upside down.

In operation, configurable power supply 100 (in Fig. 1) is to provide the voltage of the AC with selected frequency, and controller can be provided to be coupled on power supply by electrode tip within the selected period, make to sentence relatively short train of impulses at electrode tip and produce electric field.Usually, the frequency of AC voltage is 1kHZ to 80kHZ, and the pulse period is 0.1 second to 1 second.The voltage amplitude duration of train of impulses is 7kV to 18kV peak value normally, and the power that electrode tip 104, electrode tip 106 obtain these train of impulses duration is 50 watts to 300 watts.

Fig. 6 shows the electrode similar with electrode shown in Fig. 4.In Fig. 4 and Fig. 6, similar Reference numeral is for representing similar element.In figure 6, conducting element 71 is arranged between band 2, band 3, to provide the short-circuit between contiguous circle coil.Conducting element 71 is provided by gate-controlled switch.

The electrode 104 of Fig. 1, electrode 106 and/or electrode 51, electrode 52 can comprise these conducting elements.

In operation, the inductance of electrode 51, electrode 52, electrode 104, electrode 106 changes by being switched on or switched off conducting element.When all conducting elements 71 connect (conducting), the coil short circuit together of all circles, to reduce the inductance of electrode.When all conducting elements disconnect, whole electrode is as coil, so inductance is in maxim.

Band 2, the band 3 of Fig. 6 are not overlapping, but conducting element can be used in a similar fashion have in the electrode of overlapped stitches circle, such as, as shown in Figure 4.Conducting element need not be all switchable, and can by providing conducting element by each circle coil weld together.Conducting element can be provided by voltage-controlled impedance (as bidirectional triode thyristor).In this, can the device (such as superpower analog switch) of preferably superpower and/or high potential tolerance.Such setting can make the electric resistance impedance of electrode immediately can regulate in the operating process of electrode.When content and the variable size of packing articles 110, special advantage may be had like this.

Such as, Different Package thing (having different contents) will provide different capacitive load/inductive loads to coil, consider this situation, likely by the adjacent coils short circuit on one or more electrode to reduce the induction reactance of electrode tip 104, electrode tip 106.Can provide a kind of controller, this controller is configured to control conducting element to provide the selected change of inductance.

Fig. 7 shows the section drawing being similar to the electrode tip shown in Fig. 5.Reference numeral similar in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 is used for element like representation class.

The electrode 51 of Fig. 7, electrode 52 are substantially as above with reference to described in figure 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.In the figure 7, cond 73 is coupled in series between power supply lead wire 55 and electrode 51, and band is connected to the base plate of cond 73 by attaching parts 77 through insulator.This cond provides such as Fig. 1 to be labeled as the electric capacity of 116.

In this configuration, electrode tip is integrated unit.But will not provide as the part of electrode tip by cond 73, but can be used as independent parts and provide.In addition, in some cases, electrode itself does not need to be set to coil, and can be only capacitive.In these examples, independent inducer and/or cond can be provided, and can be placed on outside electrode tip instead of be integrated into wherein.This shortcoming is, impedance is not be distributed in whole electrode, and the present inventor finds, this may lower efficiency and increase the heating of electrode tip.

The advantage providing integrated electric cartridge to have is, does not need for independent electric component is provided in cable between these parts and electrode tips.The present inventor finds, integrated electric cartridge provides more stable resonant operation, reason is, the inductive load/capacitive load of electrode tip caused due to the object near electrode tip and the change less (or at least more predictable) of power circuit thereof.This has special advantage when needing traveling electrode head (such as moving between different operating region).Because the amount of the ozone produced depends on the current field condition in packing material, so stability is important in food processing operation.Produce too much ozone and can make packaged contents spoil, but if can not produce enough ozone, possibly cannot sterilization wrap thing.In this respect, above-mentioned PCB type technique is practical especially, because it is suitable for integrated component, and makes to install simply.

Each in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 shows the cross sectional drawing of the part through electrode tip, and this electrode tip is substantially similar to the electrode tip shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7.In these accompanying drawings, similar Reference numeral is used for element like representation class.

It is similar with the electrode with interstitial area above described in reference diagram 5 that the electrode of Fig. 8 comprises the first electrode coil 52, first electrode coil 52, and electric field 53 can spill through this interstitial area.First electrode coil 52 is separated with another electrode coil 51 ' by insulator 54.Electrode coil 51 ' is substantially similar to electrode coil described in reference diagram 3 above, and comprises conductive strips 83, conductive strips 82, and conductive strips 83, conductive strips 82 are to arrange on insulator with reference to the mode described in the band 2 shown in figure 3 midplane figure, band 3 above.Forming face to the band 83 of the first electrode 52 to increase the electric field intensity between electrode coil 51', electrode coil 52.In fig. 8, band 83 has leg-of-mutton cross section, and vertex of a triangle is positioned at towards the position of another electrode 52.The gap 22 that vertex of a triangle is also arranged between the coil in electrode 52 is consistent, spills to promote electric field to pass these gaps.

Similarly, the electrode of Fig. 9 comprises the first electrode coil 52, first electrode coil 52 and is similar to the electrode with interstitial area described in reference diagram 5 above, and electric field 53 can spill through this interstitial area.First electrode coil 52 is separated with another electrode coil 81 by insulator 54.The electrode coil 51 of electrode coil 81 substantially with described in reference diagram 3 is above similar, and comprises conductive strips 83, conductive strips 82, and conductive strips 83, conductive strips 82 are to arrange on insulator with reference to the mode described in the band 2 shown in the planar view in figure 3, band 3 above.Forming face to the band 83 of the first electrode 52 to increase the electric field intensity between electrode coil 51', electrode coil 52.In fig .9,83 are with to comprise the protrusion extended from band 83 to another electrode 52.In addition, the protrusion brought is arranged to consistent with the gap 22 in another electrode.

In these two examples, 83 are with to be configured to exist in another electrode the electric field providing increase in the region in gap.Be understandable that, can use other band shape, these are two examples.Such as, the protrusion of 83 is with can be the continuous peak extended along all or part of band 83.In some cases, protrusion can be spicule or point instead of peak.These are intended to increase the space derivative of electromotive force in region with reference to the example that figure 8 and Fig. 9 describe, and this space derivative is consistent with the gap 22 in another electrode, will be understood that, other of conductor arranges and can also reach this result.

Claims

1., for a packing material sterilizing machine for sterilization wrap goods, described packing material sterilizing machine comprises:

Driving surface, it is arranged for receiving packing articles to be sterilized;

First electrode and the second electrode;

Wherein, described first electrode and described second electrode extend at the rear side in a part of region of described driving surface, and described first arrangement of electrodes is between described second electrode and described driving surface, and described first electrode comprises multiple gap, it is set such that in use, and when voltage difference being applied between described first electrode and described second electrode, the electric field of association can extend through outside described gap to described driving surface, and enter in the packing material of described packing articles to be sterilized

Wherein, described first electrode and described second electrode comprise contiguous extensional surface, the extensional surface of described vicinity is located substantially on the position in the direction along described driving surface, described driving surface provides the electric capacity relevant to the proximity space scope of described first electrode and described second electrode and provides inductance, wherein, described inductance is selected, to revise the resonant frequency that electrode is arranged based on described spatial dimension.

2. packing material sterilizing machine according to claim 1, it comprises dielectric, and described dielectric is arranged between described first electrode and described second electrode, and described dielectric punching voltage is at least 20kV/mm.

3. packing material sterilizing machine according to claim 1, wherein, described dielectric is selected from the list comprising following material: boron nitride, shapal, mica and such as synthesize the mica of fluorophologopite.

4. at least one electrode according to packing material sterilizing machine in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein, in described first electrode and described second electrode comprises inductance.

5. packing material sterilizing machine according to claim 4, wherein, at least one electrode in described first electrode and described second electrode comprises coil.

6. according to packing material sterilizing machine in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein, arrange at least one electrode described to provide conductive path, described conductive path crosses the extensional surface of at least one electrode described, to provide described inductance at least partially.

7. packing material sterilizing machine according to claim 6, wherein, described conductive path is spiral or screw-shaped, makes described conductive path repeatedly cross described extensional surface.

8. packing material sterilizing machine according to claim 7, wherein, described electrode is screw-shaped, to provide described conductive path.

9. the packing material sterilizing machine according to claim 6,7 or 8, wherein, at least one electrode described comprises described first electrode, and described conductive path is set to the described driving surface that crosses between described gap.

10. according to packing material sterilizing machine in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein, at least one electrode in described first electrode and described second electrode comprises flush type insulator and conductive material, and described conductive material is set to the conductive path on the surface provided along described insulator.

11. packing material sterilizing machines according to claim 10, wherein, described conductive material is arranged in multiple band.

12. packing material sterilizing machines according to claim 11, wherein, described multiple band is coupled conductively at alternate ends place.

13. packing material sterilizing machines according to claim 12, wherein, provide conductive path that is folding, zigzag or spiral at the band of alternate ends place coupling.

14. packing material sterilizing machines according to claim 11,12 or 13, wherein, described conductive material comprises one deck, and this one deck is etched into and provides described band.

15. packing material sterilizing machines according to claim 14, wherein, this is deposited upon on described insulator or is fixed on described insulator.

16. packing material sterilizing machines according to any one of claim 10-15, wherein, two first type surfaces of described insulator comprise conductive material bands.

17. packing material sterilizing machines according to claim 16, wherein, described band is substantially parallel to each other.

18. packing material sterilizing machines according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, the band be arranged in described insulator opposed surface is coupled in described tape alternation end conductively through described insulator, to provide screw-shaped conductive path, described conductive path crosses the alternately surface of described insulator, crosses the extensional surface of described electrode simultaneously.

19. packing material sterilizing machines according to claim 18, wherein, the band on described second electrode is set such that the band in the opposed surface of described insulator is overlapping.

20. packing material sterilizing machines according to claim 18 or 19, wherein, at least some band is on the first electrode set such that the band in the opposed surface of described insulator is not overlapping, thus provides described gap.

21. packing material sterilizing machines according to any one of claim 1-10, wherein, are provided at least one electrode in described electrode by the covered wire being arranged to pancake coil.

22. packing material sterilizing machines according to any one of claim 1-21, wherein, inductance is adjustable.

23. packing material sterilizing machines according to claim 22, it comprises the multiple conducting elements for regulating inductance.

24. packing material sterilizing machines according to claim 23, wherein, described conducting element comprises voltage-controlled impedance.

25. packing material sterilizing machines according to any one in aforementioned claim, it comprises the additional capacitor with the electrode series coupled of in described electrode.

26. packing material sterilizing machines according to claim 25, wherein, described electric capacity and described electrode are integrated in individual unit.

27. packing material sterilizing machines according to any one in aforementioned claim, wherein, an electrode grounding in described first electrode and described second electrode.

The method of 28. 1 kinds of sterilization wrap goods, described method comprises: driving surface packing articles being arranged on contiguous packing material sterilizing machine according to any one in aforementioned claim, and voltage is applied to described electrode, to produce ozone in described packing material.

29. 1 kinds of packing material sterilizing machines, it substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying.