JP2006122182A - Sterilizer utilizing high voltage pulse - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sterilizer of a sterilization object capable of arbitrarily changing sterilization treatment time by discharge and improving sterilization efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: This sterilizer is provided with a power source 22 for generating a high voltage, a discharge side electrode 13 to which the high voltage generated in the power source 22 is applied, and a ground side electrode 18, and performs the sterilization treatment of the sterilization object by interposing the sterilization object between both electrodes 13 and 18 and generating pulse streamer discharge between both electrodes 13 and 18. The sterilizer is provided with a rotating body 2 provided with the plurality of both electrodes 13 and 18 and rotated, and a discharge side rail 20 and a ground side rail 21 which the discharge side electrode 13 and the ground side electrode 18 are respectively brought into contact with or brought closer to accompanying the rotation of the rotating body 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus that sterilizes an object to be sterilized by heat sterilization of food raw materials, foods, pharmaceuticals, Chinese medicine, medicines, cosmetics, feeds, fertilizers, food packaging materials, etc. by heat. is there.

  Conventionally, in order to sterilize an object to be sterilized which is easily altered by heat in heat sterilization, UV (ultraviolet light) irradiation or a disinfectant such as hydrogen peroxide or ethanol has been used. However, in the case of UV irradiation, if the irradiation time is long, the surface of the object to be sterilized may be altered, and in the case of a disinfecting solution, there are concerns about the occurrence of uneven disinfection and a decrease in safety due to the remaining disinfecting solution. .

  Therefore, in the past, as a sterilization treatment method, a power supply unit that generates a high voltage, and a treatment device having a discharge-side electrode and a ground-side electrode that applies the generated high voltage, a sterilization object is interposed between the electrodes, A method of performing a sterilization treatment by generating a pulse streamer discharge between these electrodes is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

In this method, the object to be sterilized is placed on a turntable that is a ground-side electrode, and then the turntable is moved by a predetermined angle to bring the discharge electrode close to the object to be sterilized. Then, by applying a voltage input from the power supply between the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode, the sterilization target object interposed between the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode is sterilized by discharge. Then, after the sterilization treatment, the turntable is moved again by a predetermined angle to take out the sterilization target.
JP 11-267183 A

  However, in the conventional sterilization method, since the sterilization target is sterilized in a state where it is arranged on the turntable, it is difficult to change the discharge time by each electrode, and the processing time corresponding to the processing target There was a problem that changes could not be made. Moreover, in the sterilization processing method using a turntable, the sterilization target is fixed in the sterilization space during the sterilization time, and thus there is a problem that the sterilization efficiency is poor.

  The sterilization apparatus of the present invention includes a processing unit having a power supply unit that generates a high voltage, a discharge-side electrode to which the high voltage generated by the power supply unit is applied, and a ground-side electrode. A sterilization target is sterilized by generating a pulse streamer discharge between both electrodes under atmospheric pressure with an object interposed therebetween. The processing apparatus includes a plurality of both electrodes and moves. And a discharge-side rail and a ground-side rail to which the discharge-side electrode and the ground-side electrode are brought into contact with or close to each other as the moving body moves.

  In the sterilization apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, both rails each have an arc shape, and the moving body is provided concentrically with the center of rotation of both rails.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sterilizer according to any one of the above-mentioned inventions, wherein the ground side electrode contacts or approaches the ground side rail before the discharge side electrode contacts or approaches the discharge side rail as the moving body moves. In addition, the discharge side electrode is separated from the ground side rail with a delay from the separation from the discharge side rail.

  The sterilization apparatus according to the invention of claim 4 is the sterilization apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the discharge-side electrode is installed on the moving body, and the ground-side electrode has a treatment tank for receiving the sterilization object in a freely retractable manner. The object to be sterilized is accommodated in the treatment tank before the start of discharge.

  The sterilizer according to claim 5 of the present invention is such that, in each of the above inventions, the discharge-side electrode and the ground-side electrode have pantographs that respectively contact the discharge-side rail and the ground-side rail.

  The sterilizer according to claim 6 of the present invention includes, in each of the above inventions, an elastic member that urges the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode in the direction of the discharge side rail and the ground side rail, respectively, and makes contact with each rail.

  The sterilization apparatus of the invention of claim 7 is the sterilization apparatus of claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode are arranged in the direction of the discharge side rail and the ground side rail. Each is provided with an eccentric cam that is moved and brought into contact with each rail.

  The sterilization apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the sterilization apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth aspect, wherein the moving body discharges the discharge-side electrode and the ground-side electrode as it moves. It is provided with protrusions that are respectively moved in the direction of the side rail and the grounding side rail and are brought into contact with each rail.

  The sterilization apparatus of the invention of claim 9 is the conveying apparatus according to each of the above inventions, wherein the sterilization object before sterilization processing is sent to the processing apparatus, and the sterilization target object sterilized by the processing apparatus is sent to the next processing. It is to be prepared.

  The sterilization apparatus of the present invention includes a processing unit having a power supply unit that generates a high voltage, a discharge-side electrode to which the high voltage generated by the power supply unit is applied, and a ground-side electrode. A sterilization target is sterilized by generating a pulse streamer discharge between both electrodes under atmospheric pressure with an object interposed therebetween. The processing apparatus includes a plurality of both electrodes and moves. And a discharge-side rail and a ground-side rail with which the discharge-side electrode and the ground-side electrode are brought into contact with or close to each other in accordance with the movement of the mobile body, so that an object to be sterilized is provided between the electrodes provided on the mobile body. By interposing, the sterilization object can be easily sterilized by pulse streamer discharge.

  In particular, according to the present invention, each electrode is provided on the moving body, and each of them is in contact with or close to the discharge-side rail and the ground-side rail as it moves, so that the electrodes can be arranged between each electrode with a simple configuration. A high voltage can be applied. Therefore, the high voltage application time between the electrodes can be changed by changing the moving speed of the moving body and the length of each rail. Thereby, the sterilization treatment time can be changed according to the target sterilization target, and the convenience can be improved.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since each electrode is provided on the moving body as described above, the sterilization apparatus can be downsized, and the installation space can be reduced.

  In the sterilization apparatus of the invention of claim 2, in the above invention, both the rails are arcuate and the moving body is provided concentrically with the center of rotation of both rails. Can be brought into contact with or in close proximity to the discharge-side electrode and the ground-side electrode provided on the moving body, and a continuous sterilization treatment of the sterilization target can be realized.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sterilizer according to any one of the above-mentioned inventions, wherein the ground side electrode contacts or approaches the ground side rail before the discharge side electrode contacts or approaches the discharge side rail as the moving body moves. In addition, since the discharge-side electrode is separated from the ground-side rail with a delay from the separation from the discharge-side rail, the high voltage applied to the discharge-side electrode can be reliably grounded. As a result, safety can be improved.

  The sterilization apparatus according to the invention of claim 4 is the sterilization apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the discharge-side electrode is installed on the moving body, and the ground-side electrode has a treatment tank for receiving the sterilization object in a freely retractable manner. Since the object to be sterilized is accommodated in the treatment tank before the start of discharge in the process, so that the object to be sterilized accommodated in the treatment tank can be sterilized while being moved by the moving body in which the discharge-side electrode is installed. Become.

  According to the invention of claim 4, since the ground side electrode has a treatment tank that accommodates the object to be sterilized, the inside of the treatment tank is kept at room temperature before the start of discharge between the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode. By making the humidity and atmosphere suitable for sterilization under normal pressure, the generation of pulse streamer discharge between the electrodes can be stabilized, and sterilization can be effectively performed.

  In the sterilization apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in each of the above-described inventions, the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode have pantographs that respectively contact the discharge side rail and the ground side rail. Then, it can come into contact with the discharge side rail and the ground side rail, respectively. As a result, stable high voltage supply can be realized, and stable sterilization can be performed continuously.

  The sterilization apparatus according to the invention of claim 6 includes, in each of the above inventions, an elastic member that urges the discharge-side electrode and the ground-side electrode in the direction of the discharge-side rail and the ground-side rail, respectively, and makes contact with each rail. As a result, the contact of the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode with the discharge side rail and the ground side rail can be realized smoothly and stably, and even more continuously and stably. Processing can be performed.

  The sterilizing apparatus according to claim 7 is the sterilizing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the eccentric cam for moving the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode in the direction of the discharge side rail and the ground side rail and contacting each rail is provided. As a result, the operation of the eccentric cam makes it possible to smoothly contact the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode to the discharge side rail and the ground side rail. Will be able to do. Further, according to such a case, the sterilization treatment time can be adjusted also by adjusting the eccentric cam, and the convenience can be improved.

  The sterilization apparatus of the invention of claim 8 is the invention of claims 1 to 5, wherein the moving body moves the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode in the direction of the discharge side rail and the ground side rail, respectively, along with the movement. Since the projecting portion to be brought into contact with each rail is provided, the contact of the discharge side electrode and the ground side electrode with the movement of the moving body to the discharge side rail and the ground side rail can be realized smoothly and stably. It becomes possible to perform a stable sterilization process more continuously.

  The sterilization apparatus of the invention of claim 9 is the conveying apparatus according to each of the above inventions, wherein the sterilization object before sterilization processing is sent to the processing apparatus, and the sterilization target object sterilized by the processing apparatus is sent to the next processing. Since it is provided, it is possible to continuously configure the processing device before the sterilization treatment of the sterilization target, the sterilization device, and the processing device after the sterilization processing by the transport device, thereby simplifying the work. As well as being capable of being transported in a hygienic state to the next processing step.

  The present invention provides a sterilization apparatus that can arbitrarily change the sterilization treatment time by electric discharge and can improve the sterilization efficiency in order to solve the conventional technical problem. Below, embodiment of the sterilizer 1 of this invention is described. In addition, the sterilization target in the present invention is, for example, food materials, foods, medicines, traditional Chinese medicines, medicines, cosmetics, feeds, fertilizers, food packaging materials, and the like.

  1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a series of pre-sterilization processes, sterilization, and filling operations of an object to be sterilized, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rotating body 2 constituting the sterilization apparatus 1, and FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the sterilizer 1, FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the rotating body 2, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between each region and the rail, and FIG. 7 is an electric circuit diagram of the sterilizer 1. ing.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 1, a series of steps of the pre-process, sterilization, and filling of the sterilization target will be described. First, the sterilization target charged in S1 is subjected to pre-sterilization treatment such as water washing and dehydration in S2 (pre-sterilization step), and then conveyed to the sterilization apparatus 1 of the present invention by the conveyor device 3 of the conveyor system. The details are sterilized as described later (sterilization step S3). And the sterilization target object sterilized is conveyed by the conveying apparatus 3 to the filling apparatus 4 to a packaging material, and a filling operation is performed (filling process S4). After that, the sterilized object that has been filled is attached to a box such as a cardboard by a predetermined number after a label (not shown) is attached (packing step S5). The present invention relates to the sterilization apparatus 1 that performs the sterilization process S3 of the sterilization target in each of the above manufacturing processes, and will be described in detail below.

  The sterilizing apparatus (processing apparatus) 1 includes a rotating body 2 as a moving body as shown in FIG. 2, and a plurality of upper arms 11 and a plurality of lower arms 12 are horizontally formed on the rotating body 2. In FIG. 2, four arms 11 and 12 are formed, but four or more arms may be formed at substantially equal intervals. Below these lower arms 12, there is provided a holding conveyance table (not shown) that can be moved up and down separately and that rotates in synchronization with the rotating body 2. The holding / conveying table can hold an object to be sterilized and is controlled by a control device (not shown). In addition, this holding conveyance stand shall be provided with the insulating material for insulating with the bottom face of the sterilization target object.

  Each upper arm 11 is located inside by a predetermined dimension from the end portion, and a discharge side electrode 13 is provided on a top plate (not shown). The end portion of the upper arm 11 is elastically biased outward. A configured discharge side pantograph 14 (shown in FIG. 3) is provided. Note that the discharge side pantograph 14 is made of a conductive material and is provided in conduction with the discharge side electrode 13. Further, it is assumed that the discharge side pantograph 14 and the discharge side electrode 13 are insulated from each upper arm 11 by an insulating material (not shown).

  Each lower arm 12 has a cylindrical shape with an opening at the end, and is provided with a treatment tank 17 that can accommodate a sterilization object so that the object can be delivered. The ground electrode 18 is provided in the treatment tank 17. It is attached. The upper surface opening of the treatment tank 17 is closed by a lid 35 so as to be freely opened and closed. At a position facing the position where the lower arm 12 of the ground side electrode 18 is attached, that is, a position corresponding to the outer end portion of the ground side electrode 18, a ground side constituted by an elastic member biased outward is provided. A pantograph 19 (the configuration is the same as that of the discharge-side pantograph 14) is provided. It is assumed that the ground side pantograph 19 is also made of a conductive material and is electrically connected to the ground side electrode 18, similarly to the discharge side pantograph 14. In addition, the ground side pantograph 19 and the ground side electrode 18 are insulated from each lower arm 12 by an insulating material (not shown).

  On the other hand, the rotating body 2 is divided into processing regions as shown in FIGS. That is, the sterilization object conveyed from the preceding sterilization pre-process S2 by the conveying device 3 as described above is sequentially accommodated in each treatment tank 17 provided in the rotating body 2, and the inside of the treatment tank 17 in which the sterilization object is accommodated. , For example, food raw materials or the like to be sterilized objects are aligned and pre-discharge treatment, and further, the sterilized objects delivered in the treatment tank 17 are sequentially taken out and conveyed to the subsequent filling step S4. Are divided into a non-power-feeding region to be sent to the power supply region and a power-feeding region in which sterilization processing is performed by discharging the sterilization target.

  And in the said electric power feeding area | region, it is located in the outer periphery of the rotary body 2, and is connected to the discharge side pantograph 14 connected to the said discharge side electrode 13 and the ground side electrode 18 with the rotation of the said rotary body 2. The discharge-side rail 20 and the ground-side rail 21 are provided at positions where the side pantographs 19 are in contact (positions where the discharge-side electrode 13 and the ground-side electrode 18 are close to each other).

  Each of the discharge side rail 20 and the ground side rail 21 has an arc shape and is provided concentrically with the rotation center of the rotating body 2. Here, the ground side rail 21 is formed over both ends of the power supply region, and the ground side rail 21 is connected to the ground. On the other hand, the front end of the discharge-side rail 20 is positioned behind the front end of the ground-side rail 21 accompanying the rotation of the rotating body 2, and the rear end of the discharge-side rail 20 is grounded along with the rotation of the rotating body 2. The position is set in front of the rear end of the side rail 21. That is, the ground side pantograph 19 contacts the ground side rail 21 prior to contacting the discharge side rail 20 of the discharge side pantograph 14 as the rotating body 2 rotates, and the discharge side pantograph 14 also contacts the discharge side rail 20. It is set as the structure which leaves | separates from the ground side rail 21 later than separating from the ground. The discharge side rail 20 is connected to a power source 22 that generates a high voltage. In addition, the discharge side rail 20 and the ground side rail 21 are supported by insulators 36 and the like, and are insulated from a casing (not shown) of the present apparatus.

  Next, the electric circuit of the sterilizer 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the electric circuit of the sterilizer 1, the charging circuit 24 of the power source 22 is connected to the commercial power source 23, and the output of the pulse forming circuit 30 of the power source 22 is connected to the discharge side electrode 13 and the ground side electrode 18. 31 is a ground.

  The pulse forming circuit 30 is composed of a capacitor 25, a semiconductor switch 26, a pulse transformer 27, a supersaturated reactor 28, a resistor 29, and the like, and is a pulse circuit including these, the discharge side electrode 13, the ground side electrode 18, and the wiring between them. The determined pulse voltage is applied between the discharge side electrode 13 and the ground side electrode 18 of the sterilizer 1.

  With the above configuration, the sterilization target object conveyed from the pre-sterilization step S2 by the conveyance device 3 enters the non-feeding region of the rotated rotating body 2. In this non-powered area, the sterilization object is sequentially placed on the holding and conveying table that has been retreated downward by a control device (not shown), and then the holding and conveying table is lifted to enter the treatment tank 17. To accommodate. At this time, the discharge-side electrode 13 provided on the top plate descends near the sterilization target.

  The sterilization target housed in the processing tank 17 is directed to the power feeding area as the rotating body 2 rotates. In this power supply region, the environment adjustment device (not shown) fills the treatment tank 17 with air conditioned to normal temperature and normal pressure in this embodiment. After the adjustment air is filled, the upper surface opening of the processing tank 17 is closed by the lid 35. In this embodiment, the adjusted air is air adjusted to room temperature and normal pressure. However, when air having a temperature and atmosphere suitable for sterilization of an object to be sterilized is used, sterilization can be performed more effectively.

  Next, the processing tank 17 in which the adjustment air is filled enters the power supply region when the rotating body 2 rotates. In the power supply region, first, the ground side pantograph 19 provided in the processing tank 17 contacts the ground side rail 21, and then contacts the discharge side rail 20 of the discharge side pantograph 14.

  As a result, a high-voltage current is applied between the electrodes 13 and 18 connected to the ground pantograph 19 and the discharge pantograph 14, and a pulse streamer discharge is generated between the electrodes 13 and 18. At this time, a plasma space is formed between the electrodes 13 and 18, various radicals and ultraviolet rays are generated, and the sterilization target is sterilized.

  In particular, in this embodiment, since the pressure and humidity are adjusted in the treatment tank 17, the pulse streamer discharge between the electrodes 13 and 18 can be stabilized, and the sterilization target is effectively sterilized. Will be able to.

  Thereafter, with the rotation of the rotating body 2, first, the discharge side pantograph 14 is separated from the discharge side rail 20, and then the ground side pantograph 19 is separated from the ground side rail 21. Further, when the rotating body 2 further rotates, the processing tank 17 enters the non-power-feeding area again. In this non-powered area, the holding and conveying table is retracted downward by the control device, and the sterilization object is taken out from the processing tank 17. Thereafter, the object to be sterilized is transferred to the conveying device 3 from the holding conveyance table, so that the object to be sterilized is sent to the subsequent filling step S4.

  With the above configuration, as the rotating body 2 rotates, the discharge-side electrode 13 and the ground-side electrode 18 can be brought into contact with the discharge-side rail 20 and the ground-side rail 21, respectively. The intervening sterilization object can be easily sterilized by pulse streamer discharge.

  In particular, in the present invention, each electrode 13, 18 is provided on the rotating body 2, and a high voltage is easily applied between the electrodes 13, 18 by contacting the discharge-side rail 20 and the ground-side rail 21 with rotation. can do. Therefore, the high voltage application time between the electrodes 13 and 18 can be changed by changing the rotation speed of the rotating body 2 and the lengths of the rails 20 and 21. Therefore, the sterilization treatment time can be changed according to the target sterilization target, and convenience can be improved.

  Moreover, since each electrode 13 and 18 is provided in the rotary body 2, the sterilizer 1 itself can be reduced in size and the installation space can be reduced.

  Furthermore, since the discharge side rail 20 and the ground side rail 21 each have an arc shape and are provided concentrically with the center of rotation of the rotating body 2, both the rails 20, 21 are connected to the rotating body as the rotating body 2 rotates. 2 can be brought into contact with the discharge-side pantograph 14 and the ground-side pantograph 19 provided in 2, and a continuous sterilization treatment can be realized.

  The ground side pantograph 19 contacts the ground side rail 21 prior to the discharge side pantograph 14 contacting the discharge side rail 20 as the rotating body 2 rotates, and the discharge side pantograph 14 is connected to the discharge side rail 20. Therefore, the high voltage applied to the discharge side electrode 13 can be reliably grounded. Thereby, safety can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the discharge side electrode 13 and the ground side electrode 18 are energized through the pantographs 14 and 19 that are in contact with the discharge side rail 20 and the ground side rail 21 respectively. The ground side electrode 18 can be brought into contact with the discharge side rail 20 and the ground side rail 21, respectively. As a result, stable high-voltage supply can be realized, and a stable sterilization treatment of the sterilization target can be performed continuously.

  In this embodiment, the object to be sterilized can be accommodated in the processing tank 17 by placing the object to be sterilized on the holding conveyance table and moving the holding conveyance table up and down. The treatment tank 17 may have a bottomed cylindrical shape, and the arms 11 and 12 may be individually movable up and down, so that the object to be sterilized can be accommodated in the treatment tank 17 without providing a holding conveyance table.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the discharge side electrode 13 and the ground side electrode 18 are energized to the discharge side rail 20 and the ground side rail 21 through the pantographs 14 and 19, but in addition to this, A pantograph 40 made of a conductive material having a shape as shown in FIG. 8 and a contact portion 41 made of a conductive material at the tip as shown in FIG. 9 are provided, and the arms 11 and 12 are attached outward. The abutting member 43 may be constituted by the biased elastic member 42. This also makes it possible to realize smooth and stable contact of the discharge side electrode 13 and the ground side electrode 18 with the discharge side rail 20 and the ground side rail 21 as the rotating body 2 rotates. Continuously, stable sterilization can be performed.

  9 may be configured such that the contact portion 41 is rotatable with respect to the elastic member 42 as shown in FIG. Thereby, by rotating the contact portion 41, it is possible to reduce the friction generated when the discharge side electrode 13 and the ground side electrode 18 come into contact with the discharge side rail 20 and the ground side rail 21, and more smoothly, Sterilization can be performed stably.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, each arm 11, 12 is provided with an eccentric cam 45, and by operation of the eccentric cam 45, the discharge side electrode 13 and the ground side electrode 18 provided on each arm 11, 12. Is moved in the direction of the discharge-side rail 20 and the ground-side rail 21 respectively, so that the discharge-side electrode 13 and the ground-side electrode 18 can be smoothly brought into contact with the discharge-side rail 20 and the ground-side rail 21. This also makes it possible to perform a stable sterilization process continuously. Moreover, according to this case, the contact time between the electrodes 13 and 18 and the rails 20 and 21 can be adjusted by adjusting the eccentric cam 45, and thus the sterilization treatment time can be adjusted.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, a projecting portion 2A is formed on the main body side of the rotating body 2 where the arms 11 and 12 abut against each other by rotation, and projecting toward the rails 20 and 21 at a position corresponding to the feeding area. You can do it. Thereby, with the rotation of the rotating body 2, the discharge side electrode 13 and the ground side electrode 18 that have reached the power supply region are moved in the direction of the discharge side rail 20 and the ground side rail 21, respectively, and are brought into contact with the rails 20 and 21. Thus, the discharge-side electrode 13 and the ground-side electrode 18 can be brought into contact with the discharge-side rail 20 and the ground-side rail 21 along with the rotation of the rotating body 2 smoothly and stably with a simple configuration. become. Therefore, even by such a method, a stable sterilization process can be performed continuously.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the discharge-side rail 20 and the ground-side rail 21 provided in the power feeding area are constituted by a series of rails. However, as shown in FIG. In addition, the discharge side rail 20 </ b> A and the ground side rail 21 </ b> A provided intermittently in the power supply region may be used. In such a case, each of the discharge-side rails 20A and the ground-side rails 21A has an arc shape and is provided concentrically with the rotation center of the rotating body 2. Furthermore, the ground pantograph 19 contacts each ground side rail 21A prior to the discharge side pantograph 14 contacting each discharge side rail 20A as the rotating body 2 rotates, and the discharge side pantograph 14 each discharges. Suppose that it is comprised so that it may space apart from each ground side rail 21A later than it separates from the side rail 20A.

  As a result, the high voltage applied to the discharge-side electrode 13 can be reliably grounded as in the above embodiment, and safety can be improved. In addition, since the discharge can be intermittently performed in this manner, the sterilization target may be stirred between the discharges. As a result, since the object to be sterilized can be discharged while being agitated in the power supply region, the portion that has not been sufficiently sterilized in the first discharge is also agitated, and sterilized by subsequent discharge. Be able to process.

  Further, in this embodiment, the ground side rail 21 for grounding the ground side electrode 13 is formed in an arc shape provided concentrically with the rotation center of the rotating body 2, similarly to the discharge side rail 20. In addition to this, as shown in FIG. 14, a method may be adopted in which the rotating body 2 is grounded and grounded via the body shaft. In such a case, it is more preferable to use a ring-type or brush-type contact in the rotating body 2. As a result, the present invention can be realized with a simpler configuration.

  Further, the rotating body 2 may be configured to be capable of rotating not only in the normal direction but also in the reverse direction. As a result, it is possible to easily cope with an accident during use, and it is possible to improve usability.

  In the present embodiment, the rotating body 2 is used as the moving body, but the moving body 40 that moves linearly may also be used. That is, like the sterilization apparatus 39 shown in FIG. 15, the conveying apparatus 3 provided in a straight line is provided with a plurality of treatment tanks 17 that can accommodate the sterilization object so that the object can be delivered. The processing tank 17 is provided with a ground-side electrode 18 having a ground-side pantograph 19 at the end and a discharge-side electrode 13 having a discharge-side pantograph 14 at the end.

  Then, the discharge side rail 41 connected to the power source 22 that generates a high voltage in a manner substantially parallel to the transfer device 3 and the ground 31 is connected to a position preceding the discharge side rail 41. The grounded rails 42 are provided on the upper and lower sides. Note that the discharge side rail 41 and the ground side rail 42 are configured to be substantially linear. The ground side rail 42 contacts the ground side rail 42 before the discharge side pantograph 14 contacts the discharge side rail 41, and the discharge side pantograph 14 is separated from the discharge side rail 20. It is assumed that it is configured to be separated from the ground side rail 42 with a delay.

  Therefore, even in such a case, the discharge side pantograph 14 and the ground side pantograph 19 come into contact with the discharge side rail 41 and the ground side rail 42 with the movement of the moving body 40, respectively, so that a high voltage is easily generated between the electrodes 13 and 18. Can be applied. Therefore, the high voltage application time between each electrode 13 and 18 can be changed by changing the moving speed of the moving body 40 and the length of each rail 41 and 42, and according to the target sterilization object. Thus, the sterilization treatment time can be changed, and convenience can be improved.

  Even in such a case, as in FIG. 14, the ground side rail 42 for grounding the ground side electrode 13 is grounded to the main body of the moving body 40 and grounded via the main body as shown in FIG. May be adopted. As a result, the present invention can be realized with a simpler configuration.

  In each embodiment, the moving body is composed of the rotating body 2 or the moving body 40 that moves linearly. However, other than this, the moving body draws up and down wavy shapes, and the moving body moves up and down. It may be a body. Thereby, the processing tank 17 can be sterilized while being stirred by being shaken up and down by the movement trajectory.

  In addition, each process can comprise continuously the process before the sterilization process of the sterilization target object, the said sterilization apparatus 1, and the process after the sterilization process by the transport device 3 as described above. Simplification can be achieved. In addition, the sterilization object can be transported in a hygienic state to the subsequent process.

  Although the said embodiment demonstrated sterilization of the sterilization target object which is easy to change in quality by heat, this invention is not limited to this but can be applied widely also to another sterilization target object.

It is a schematic explanatory drawing of the series of work of the pre-sterilization process, sterilization, and filling of the sterilization object. It is a perspective view of the rotary body which comprises a sterilizer. It is a schematic sectional drawing of a pantograph. It is a schematic block diagram of a sterilizer. It is a schematic plan view of a rotary body. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of each area | region and a rail. It is an electric circuit diagram of a sterilizer. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the pantograph of another Example. It is a schematic side view of the contact member of another Example. It is a schematic side view of the contact member of another Example. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the contact method of each electrode and rail of another another Example. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the contact method of each electrode and rail of another another Example. It is a schematic plan view of the rotary body of another Example. It is a schematic block diagram of the sterilizer of another Example. It is a schematic block diagram of the sterilizer of another Example. It is a schematic block diagram of the sterilizer of another Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,39 Sterilizer 2 Rotating body 3 Conveyance apparatus 11 Upper arm 12 Lower arm 13 Discharge side electrode 14 Discharge side pantograph 17 Processing tank 18 Ground side electrode 19 Ground side pantograph 20, 41 Discharge side rail 21, 42 Ground side rail 22 Power supply 31 Earth 40 Mobile

Claims (9)

A processing device having a power supply unit that generates a high voltage, a discharge-side electrode to which the high voltage generated by the power supply unit is applied, and a ground-side electrode is provided, and a sterilization object is interposed between the electrodes. In a sterilization apparatus that performs sterilization treatment of the sterilization object by generating a pulse streamer discharge between the electrodes under atmospheric pressure,
The processing apparatus includes a moving body that includes a plurality of both electrodes and moves,
A sterilizer using a high-voltage pulse, comprising: a discharge-side rail and a ground-side rail with which the discharge-side electrode and the ground-side electrode are brought into contact with or close to each other as the moving body moves. 2. The sterilizer using high voltage pulses according to claim 1, wherein the two rails each have an arc shape, and the moving body is provided concentrically with the rotation center of the two rails. As the moving body moves, the ground-side electrode contacts or approaches the ground-side rail before the discharge-side electrode contacts or approaches the discharge-side rail, and the discharge-side electrode contacts the discharge-side rail. 3. The sterilizer using a high voltage pulse according to claim 1, wherein the sterilizer is separated from the grounded rail with a delay from being separated from the side rail. The discharge-side electrode is installed on the movable body, and the ground-side electrode has a treatment tank that accommodates the sterilization object in a freely receivable manner,
The sterilization apparatus using the high voltage pulse according to claim 1, wherein the sterilization object is accommodated in the treatment tank before the start of discharge between both electrodes. 5. The high voltage according to claim 1, wherein the discharge-side electrode and the ground-side electrode have pantographs that are in contact with the discharge-side rail and the ground-side rail, respectively. Sterilizer using pulses. The elastic member which urges | biases the said discharge side electrode and the said ground side electrode to the said discharge side rail and the ground side rail, respectively, and contacts each rail is provided, The claim 2, The claim 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. A sterilizer using the high voltage pulse according to claim 4 or 5. An eccentric cam that moves the discharge-side electrode and the ground-side electrode in the direction of the discharge-side rail and the ground-side rail and makes contact with each rail is provided. A sterilizer using the high voltage pulse according to claim 4 or 5. The moving body includes a protrusion that moves the discharge-side electrode and the ground-side electrode in the direction of the discharge-side rail and the ground-side rail as they move, respectively, and contacts the rails. The sterilizer using the high voltage pulse of Claim 2, Claim 3, Claim 4 or Claim 5. The sterilization object before sterilization processing is sent to the processing device, and a transport device is provided to send the sterilization target object sterilized by the processing device to the next processing. 2. A sterilizer using the high voltage pulse of claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, claim 7 or claim 8.

Images