JP2005096817A - Treatment unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a treatment unit which is easy to clean and does not require manual replenishment with water to a water sealing mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: The treatment unit 200 having an improved water sealing mechanism 130 is provided. The treatment unit 200 includes a treatment chamber 160 having a wall member 110 including sidewalls, a roof member 120 and a frame-like support member 131 for supporting the roof member 120, and a warm water supply mechanism 50 for supplying warm water to an article 1 received in the chamber 160 for heating the article 1. The roof support member 131 supports the roof member 120 to form a void G between at least part of an end of the roof member 120 and a support surface 131a of the roof support member 131. The roof member 120 has a slope inclined to cause water condensed on its internal surface to come along the internal surface and reach the void G. The support surface 131a of the frame-like member 131 is constituted of a smooth surface to prevent a groove having the surface as a bottom from forming. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a processing apparatus that performs processing involving heating on an article.

  There is a heating device that removes water droplets on the surface of a container by heating a container such as a can or bottle filled with beverages such as beer, sparkling liquor, and soft drinks with a hot water shower. The container subjected to the hot water shower is heated by the heat, and then the hot water quickly flows down from the surface and becomes dry. Such a heating device, for example, removes water droplets on the surface of the container that may be generated immediately after a beverage such as beer is filled in the container, and dries the container surface prior to attaching a label to the container or packing the container. Can be used.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a general heating apparatus. The heating apparatus 100 includes a processing chamber 60 constituted by a wall member 10 including a side wall and a roof member 20. A water sealing mechanism 30 is configured at the upper portion of the wall member 10. The water sealing mechanism 30 includes a groove portion 31 having a concave cross section, an immersion portion 21 that extends vertically downward from an end portion of the roof member 20, and water 32 that fills the groove portion 31.

  Inside the processing chamber 60, a container support 40 such as a conveyor or a table on which a container 1 such as a beer can to be heated is placed, and a shower water 51 is provided to the container 1 through a shower hole 51, and the container 1 is provided. A shower pipe 50 for heating is disposed.

The hot water sprayed from the shower pipe 50 evaporates to become water vapor, and the water vapor fills the processing chamber 60. The water vapor is cooled by the water 32 filled in the concave portion 32 of the water sealing mechanism 30 and returned to the liquid water, so that the water vapor is not discharged to the outside of the processing chamber 60 and the pressure in the processing chamber 60 is increased. Will not rise excessively. That is, the water sealing mechanism 30 functions to separate the inside and the outside of the processing chamber 60 and prevent the water vapor pressure in the processing chamber 60 from increasing.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-2495

  In the heating device 100 shown in FIG. 1, since the roof member 20 is provided horizontally, water is not supplied to the groove 31 along the inner surface of the roof member 20, and natural (manual) Regardless of whether the water is supplied to the processing chamber 60 is water vapor. Therefore, the heating apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 requires the operation | work which replenishes the groove | channel 31 regularly with a comparatively short time interval. If the water in the groove 31 is lost due to evaporation, the water sealing mechanism 30 does not function, and the water vapor in the processing chamber 60 leaks to the outside.

  Further, in the water sealing mechanism 30 provided in the heating device 100 shown in FIG. 1, a portion for storing water is constituted by a concave groove 31, and the width of the groove 31 is generally less than 10 mm. Therefore, when cleaning the groove 31, it is difficult to put a finger or a cleaning tool (such as a sponge) in the groove 31, and a long-time cleaning operation is required.

  The present invention has been made on the basis of recognition of the above-mentioned problems. For example, it is not necessary to manually add water to the water sealing mechanism and / or facilitate the cleaning operation of the water sealing mechanism. With the goal.

  1st side surface of this invention is related with the processing apparatus which implements the process which heats with respect to articles | goods, This processing apparatus has the wall member containing a side wall, a roof member, and the supporting member which supports the said roof member. A processing chamber and a hot water supply mechanism for supplying hot water to the article accommodated in the processing chamber and heating the article. The support member supports the roof member such that a gap is formed between at least a part of the end of the roof member and the support member, and the roof member has water condensed on the inner surface thereof. An inclined portion that is inclined so as to be provided to the gap through the inner surface is provided. In such a configuration, water condensed on the inner surface of the roof member is provided to the gap along the inner surface, thereby forming a water seal.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support member has a frame-shaped support surface that supports the roof member, and an outer peripheral end of the frame-shaped support surface is provided with the frame-shaped support surface. It is preferable that a step forming portion for forming a step is connected between the two, and water provided to the gap through the inner surface of the roof member is accumulated on the support surface.

  Here, it is preferable that the frame-shaped support surface is formed of a smooth surface so that a groove having the support surface as a bottom portion is not formed. Alternatively, it is preferable that the frame-shaped support surface protrudes inward without forming a convex portion. According to such a configuration, unlike a general water sealing mechanism that collects water in the groove, the cleaning operation of the water sealing mechanism can be easily performed.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame-shaped support surface preferably has a width of 20 mm or more. According to such a configuration, water can be sufficiently retained on the support surface, and processing accuracy required for manufacturing the support surface and the roof member can be kept low.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hot water supply mechanism preferably includes a shower pipe for supplying a hot water shower to an article accommodated in the processing chamber.

  A second aspect of the present invention relates to a processing apparatus that performs a process involving heating on an article, and the processing apparatus includes a wall member including a side wall, a roof member, and a support member that supports the roof member. A processing chamber and a hot water supply mechanism for supplying hot water to the article accommodated in the processing chamber and heating the article. The support member has a frame-shaped support surface that supports the roof member so that a gap is formed between at least a part of an end of the roof member and the support member, and the frame-shaped support The surface is constituted by a smooth surface so that a groove having the support surface as a bottom is not formed. According to such a configuration, unlike a general water sealing mechanism that collects water in the groove, the cleaning operation of the water sealing mechanism can be easily performed.

  A third aspect of the present invention relates to a processing apparatus that performs a process involving heating on an article, and the processing apparatus includes a wall member including a side wall, a roof member, and a support member that supports the roof member. A processing chamber and a hot water supply mechanism for supplying hot water to the article accommodated in the processing chamber and heating the article. The support member has a frame-shaped support surface that supports the roof member so that a gap is formed between at least a part of an end of the roof member and the support member, and the frame-shaped support The surface protrudes inward without forming a convex portion.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, for example, it is not necessary to manually replenish water in the water sealing mechanism, and maintenance work can be facilitated.

  According to the second and third aspects of the present invention, for example, the cleaning operation of the water sealing mechanism can be facilitated.

  And according to the structure which combined the technical element which concerns on the 1st side surface and 2nd or 3rd side surface of this invention, both said advantages can be provided.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The processing apparatus 200 can be configured to perform a process involving heating on an article typified by a container 1 such as a can or a bottle filled with beverages such as beer, sparkling liquor, and soft drinks. In an exemplary embodiment, the processing apparatus 200 may be configured as an apparatus that heats the container 1 with a hot water shower to remove condensation in the container 1 filled with beverages such as beer, sparkling liquor, and soft drinks. .

  The processing apparatus 200 includes a processing chamber 160 including a wall member 110 including a side wall and a roof member 120. An improved water seal mechanism 130 is formed on the top of the wall member 110.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged view schematically showing the configuration of the improved water sealing mechanism 130. The water sealing mechanism 130 includes a frame-shaped support member 131, a step forming portion 111 that forms a step between the support surface 131 a of the support member 131, and the support member 131 extending substantially vertically downward from the roof member 120. And the water 132 provided to the gap G between the lower end of the facing portion 121 and the frame-shaped support surface 131a.

  The water 132 as a constituent element of the water sealing mechanism 130 is natural (that is, the water condensed on the inner surface of the roof member 120 having an inclined portion inclined toward the facing portion 121 is transmitted to the gap G and is naturally (ie, It can be replenished at any time by being provided). The water 132 provided on the frame-like support surface 131a collects in the gap G due to capillary action and surface tension.

  The frame-like support surface 131a is preferably inclined so as to increase toward the inside, whereby the water 132 provided in the gap G can be held without dropping into the processing chamber 160. .

  The frame-like support surface 131a is preferably configured with a smooth surface (for example, a flat surface or a curved surface) so that a groove having the support surface 131a as a bottom is not formed. Alternatively, it is preferable that the frame-shaped support surface 131a protrudes inward without forming a convex portion. In contrast to such a configuration, in the conventional configuration having the concave groove 31, when cleaning the groove 31, it is difficult to put a finger or a cleaning tool (such as a sponge) in the groove 31, and the Request cleaning work. The width D of the frame-shaped support surface 131 is preferably 20 mm or more, for example, from the viewpoint of the amount of water retained by the support surface 131 and the relaxation of requirements for processing accuracy of the roof member 120 and the support surface 131.

  Not only one roof member 120 is provided for one processing chamber 1, but a plurality of roof members 120 may be provided. In this case, a plurality of frame-shaped support members 131 may be provided to support the plurality of roof members 120, respectively. The plurality of support members 131 can be supported by, for example, beam members arranged in a lattice pattern. This beam member may also serve as the step forming portion 130.

  Inside the processing chamber 160, a container support 40 such as a conveyor or a table on which the container 1 such as a beer can to be heated is placed, and a shower water 51 is provided to the container 1 through the shower hole 51, and the container 1 is provided. A shower pipe 50 for heating is disposed. When the container support 40 is also used as a conveyor, for example, an access port that can be opened and closed is provided in a part of the wall member 110, and the container 1 may be taken in and out therethrough.

  The hot water sprayed from the shower pipe 50 evaporates to become water vapor, and the water vapor fills the processing chamber 160. This water vapor condenses on the inner surface of the roof member 120 to form water droplets 133, travels along the inner surface, and is supplied to the gap G of the water sealing mechanism 130. Since the water vapor filled in the processing chamber 160 is cooled by the water 132 filling the gap G of the water sealing mechanism 130 and returned to liquid water, it is not discharged outside the processing chamber 160. Further, the pressure in the processing chamber 160 does not increase excessively. That is, the water sealing mechanism 130 functions to separate the inside and the outside of the processing chamber 160 and prevent the water vapor pressure in the processing chamber 160 from increasing.

  The gap G may be formed in the entire region where the facing portion 121 of the roof member 120 and the support surface 131a of the frame-shaped support member 131 are opposed, or is partially formed at a predetermined interval or a random interval. May be.

  In the latter configuration example, the gap G can be formed, for example, by forming a recess 122 at the lower end of the facing portion 121 by machining or the like, as shown in FIG. However, the gap G can also be formed without special processing by roughing the support surface 131 and the facing portion 121 (that is, by not processing with high processing accuracy).

  This processing apparatus 200 can be applied not only as a heating apparatus such as a beer can or a beer bottle, but also as various processing apparatuses such as a bottle washing machine in which a processing chamber is filled with water vapor.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of a general heating apparatus. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the processing apparatus of suitable embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which expanded and showed typically the structure of the improved water seal mechanism of suitable embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the opposing part in which the lower end of a roof member opposes a supporting member.

Explanation of symbols

1 Container (article)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Wall member 20 Roof member 21 Immersion part 30 Water sealing mechanism 31 Groove part 31
40 Container support 50 Shower piping (water vapor source)
51 Shower hole 60 Processing chamber 100 Heating device (processing device)
110 Wall member 111 Step forming portion 120 Roof member 121 Opposing portion 130 Improved water sealing mechanism 131 Support member 131a Support surface 132 Water 133 Condensed water droplet G Gap D Support surface width

Claims (8)

A processing apparatus for performing processing involving heating on an article,
A wall member including a side wall, a roof member, and a processing chamber having a support member for supporting the roof member;
A hot water supply mechanism for supplying hot water to the article accommodated in the processing chamber and heating the article,
The support member supports the roof member such that a gap is formed between at least a part of the end of the roof member and the support member;
The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the roof member has an inclined portion inclined such that water condensed on the inner surface is provided to the gap through the inner surface. The support member has a frame-shaped support surface that supports the roof member,
A step forming portion that forms a step with the frame-shaped support surface is connected to an outer peripheral end of the frame-shaped support surface,
The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein water provided to the gap through the inner surface of the roof member accumulates on the support surface. The processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the frame-shaped support surface is configured as a smooth surface so that a groove having the support surface as a bottom portion is not formed.   The processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the frame-shaped support surface protrudes inward without forming a convex portion.   The processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the frame-shaped support surface has a width of 20 mm or more.   The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hot water supply mechanism includes a shower pipe for supplying a hot water shower to an article accommodated in the processing chamber. A processing apparatus for performing processing involving heating on an article,
A wall member including a side wall, a roof member, and a processing chamber having a support member for supporting the roof member;
A hot water supply mechanism for supplying hot water to the article accommodated in the processing chamber and heating the article,
The support member has a frame-shaped support surface that supports the roof member so that a gap is formed between at least a part of an end of the roof member and the support member, and the frame-shaped support The processing apparatus is characterized in that the surface is a smooth surface so that a groove having the support surface as a bottom is not formed. A processing apparatus for performing processing involving heating on an article,
A wall member including a side wall, a roof member, and a processing chamber having a support member for supporting the roof member;
A hot water supply mechanism for supplying hot water to the article accommodated in the processing chamber and heating the article,
The support member has a frame-shaped support surface that supports the roof member so that a gap is formed between at least a part of an end of the roof member and the support member, and the frame-shaped support The processing apparatus is characterized in that the surface protrudes inward without forming a convex portion.

Images