JP2015117040A - Method and device for sterilizing and fitting bottle cap - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely sterilize a bottle cap with electron beams.SOLUTION: A sterilizing step where sterilization is achieved by irradiating the outer surface of a bottle cap BC with electron beams while the bottle cap BC is transported in a state that a flap part 18 formed on the inner peripheral surface of an annular band part 11 is inclined toward the outside of a cap axial center O direction, closing or inserting a nozzle part 46N having an irradiation port 46P at a tip part to the aperture 14 of the annular band part 11 and irradiating an inner surface with electron beams, a folding step to fold the flap part 18 toward a top surface side 12 at the inside of the cap axial center O direction and a cap fitting step to fit the bottle cap BC to the mouth part of a container are subsequently performed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a bottle cap sterilization / mounting method and a sterilization / mounting facility for sterilizing a bottle cap with an electron beam when the bottle cap is mounted on a mouth-neck portion of a container after filling.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), this synthetic resin bottle cap BC has a tamper-evident characteristic that displays an opening trace, and is formed from the outer peripheral portion of the top surface 12 to a cylindrical skirt portion. 13 is vertically provided, and a weakening line 15 is formed in the circumferential direction near the opening surface 14 of the skirt portion 13 that is cut off when the bottle cap BC is opened. The bottle cap BC is divided into a cap body 10 and an annular band portion 11 for displaying an opening trace with the weakening line 15 as a boundary.

  On the inner surface of the bottle cap BC, an inner seal portion 16 projecting from the top surface 12 toward the opening surface, a female screw thread portion 17 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt portion 13, and an inner peripheral surface of the annular band portion 11 are provided. A large number of protrusions are formed, such as a plurality of flap portions 18 formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. In addition, the flap part 18 may be formed continuously in the circumferential direction.

  Although it is known that electron beams are diffused by molecules in the air, when the inner surface of a bottle cap is sterilized by an electron beam, if there are many protrusions in this way, the back side (back side) of the protrusions is sufficient. May not be sterilized. In order to cope with this, if the irradiation dose of the electron beam is increased or the irradiation is performed for a long time, the resin bottle cap may be deformed or discolored.

  As a countermeasure, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for inclining the irradiation direction of the electron beam with respect to the axis of the bottle cap and rotating the bottle cap around the axis more than once in the irradiation range. .

Japanese Patent No. 4501269

  However, in order to prevent the annular band portion 11 from coming off from the mouth and neck portion of the container when the bottle cap is opened, the flap portion 18 is bent in a posture in which the tip portion faces inward in the mounted state, and with a small electron dose, Even if the irradiation direction of the electron beam is inclined, there is a problem that it is difficult to sufficiently sterilize the back side of the flap portion.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and sterilizes and mounts a bottle cap for sterilizing the inner surface of a bottle cap having a large number of protrusions sufficiently with a small electron dose and mounting it on the mouth and neck of a container, and sterilization.・ The purpose is to provide equipment.

The invention described in claim 1
When opening the bottle cap, a flap part for leaving the annular band part separated from the cap body on the mouth and neck part of the container is a bottle cap made of synthetic resin formed on the inner peripheral surface of the annular band part. A bottle cap sterilization and attachment method that sterilizes and attaches to the mouth and neck of the container and closes the mouth,
The flap part conveys the bottle cap in a state inclined from the inner peripheral surface of the annular band part toward the outer side in the cap axial direction, and irradiates the outer surface and the inner surface of the bottle cap simultaneously or sequentially with an electron beam. A sterilization step for sterilization;
A flap folding step of folding the flap portion toward the top surface side in the cap axis direction inside;
A cap attaching step of attaching a bottle cap to the mouth and neck of the container is sequentially performed.

The invention described in claim 2 is a method of sterilizing and mounting a bottle cap according to claim 1,
When sterilizing the inner surface of the bottle cap in the sterilization process, use an inner surface electron beam irradiator having a nozzle part formed with an electron beam irradiation port at the tip,
The nozzle part and the bottle cap are relatively moved in the approaching / separating direction, and the irradiation port is approached or inserted to the inside and outside of the opening part of the annular band part to irradiate the electron beam.

The invention described in claim 3 is a method of sterilizing and mounting a bottle cap according to claim 1,
In the sterilization process, the inner surface of the bottle cap moving along the transport path is irradiated with an electron beam from the inner and outer surface electron beam irradiation device, and a part of the irradiated electron beam is diverted by a magnetic field, and the bottle cap It is characterized by irradiating the outer surface.

Claim 4 is a method of sterilizing and mounting a bottle cap according to claim 1 or 2,
The flap folding process is a cap mounting process for mounting the bottle cap on the mouth and neck of the container, and is performed before or simultaneously with the mounting operation for mounting the bottle cap on the mouth and neck of the container.
The bottle cap and the flap folding member are moved relative to each other, the flap folding tool is fitted into the opening surface of the annular band portion, and the flap portion is folded.

The invention according to claim 5
When opening the bottle cap, a flap part for leaving the annular band part separated from the cap body on the mouth and neck part of the container is a bottle cap made of synthetic resin formed on the inner peripheral surface of the annular band part. A bottle cap sterilization and installation facility that sterilizes and attaches to the mouth and neck of the container and closes the mouth,
A cap transport device that transports the bottle cap in a state in which the flap portion is inclined from the inner peripheral surface of the annular band portion toward the outer side in the cap axial direction, along the cap transport path;
An electron beam irradiation device disposed in the cap conveyance path to sterilize the bottle cap with an electron beam;
Flap folding means for folding the flap part of the bottle cap into the top surface side inside the cap axis direction after sterilization by electron beam,
And a capper for mounting the bottle cap after folding the flap portion on the mouth-neck portion of the container.

The invention described in claim 6 is the bottle cap sterilization / mounting facility according to claim 5,
The electron beam irradiation device includes an outer surface electron beam irradiator that irradiates the outer surface by irradiating an electron beam to the top side of the bottle cap, and an inner surface electron beam that sterilizes the inner surface by irradiating the opening of the bottle cap with an electron beam. And a beam irradiator.

The invention described in claim 7 is the bottle cap sterilization / mounting facility according to claim 6,
The inner surface electron beam irradiator has a nozzle portion in which an electron beam irradiation port is formed at a tip portion, and moves the nozzle portion and the bottle cap relative to each other in an approaching and separating direction so that the irradiation port is an annular band portion. The electron beam is irradiated by being inserted or approached to the vicinity of the inside and outside of the opening.

The invention according to claim 8 is the bottle cap sterilization / mounting facility according to claim 5,
The electron beam irradiation device bypasses an inner surface electron beam irradiator that irradiates an inner surface by irradiating an electron beam to an opening of an annular band portion, and a part of the electron beam irradiated from the inner surface electron beam irradiator. And an electron beam bypass device that irradiates the top surface of the bottle cap and sterilizes the outer surface.

The invention according to claim 9 is the bottle cap sterilization / installation facility according to any one of claims 5 to 8,
The flap folding means includes a cap holder that can hold the bottle cap, a folding tool that can be fitted into the opening of the annular band portion, and a relative movement of the folding tool and the bottle cap in the approaching / separating direction. It is constituted by a flap processing device comprising a driving device that fits the tool into the opening of the annular band portion and folds the flap portion,
The cap holder has a band part holder that surrounds at least the outer periphery of the annular band part.

The invention according to claim 10 is the bottle cap sterilization / mounting facility according to any one of claims 5 to 8,
The flap folding means is provided in the capper, and the bottle cap gripped by the capper gripping device and the flap pushing member are moved in a relative direction in the approaching / separating direction, and the flap pushing member is opened in the annular band portion. It is configured to fold the flap part fitted into,
The flap pushing member is the mouth and neck of a container to be mounted.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the sterilization step, the flap portion sterilizes by irradiating the inner surface of the bottle cap inclined from the inner peripheral surface of the annular band portion toward the outer side in the axial direction of the cap with an electron beam. Further, the annular band part on the back side of the flap part and the inner peripheral surface of the cap body can be sufficiently irradiated with an electron beam, and can be sterilized reliably. And since a flap part is folded inward toward a top | upper surface side at a flap folding process after a sterilization process, a cap can be smoothly mounted | worn with the mouth neck part of a container at a cap mounting | wearing process.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, the electron beam irradiator for the inner surface having the nozzle portion is used to irradiate the electron beam by approaching or inserting the irradiation port at the tip of the nozzle portion to the vicinity of the opening surface of the annular band portion. By this, the inner peripheral surface of a bottle cap with many irregularities can be sterilized more reliably.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, by irradiating the outer surface of the bottle cap with a single electron beam irradiator for inner and outer surfaces, bypassing a part of the electron beam irradiated toward the inner surface of the bottle cap. One inner and outer surface electron beam irradiator can simultaneously sterilize the inner surface and the outer surface of the bottle cap, thereby reducing the equipment cost.

According to invention of Claim 4, by performing a flap folding process by a cap mounting process, sterilization and mounting equipment can be reduced and equipment cost and occupied volume can be reduced.
According to the invention of claim 5, the bottle cap is electronically connected to the bottle cap in the transport path for transporting the bottle cap inclined by the cap transport device from the inner circumferential surface of the annular band portion toward the outer side in the cap axial direction. By irradiating with a line and sterilizing, the annular band part on the back side of the flap part and the inner peripheral surface of the cap body can be sufficiently irradiated with an electron beam, so that sterilization can be ensured. And after sterilization, in a flap folding process, a flap part is folded inward toward the top | upper surface side, Therefore A cap can be smoothly mounted | worn with the cap neck part of a container with a capper.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, it is preferable that the outer surface and the inner surface of the bottle cap being conveyed are sequentially irradiated with the electron beam using the outer surface electron beam irradiator and the inner surface electron beam irradiator. Can be sterilized.

  According to the invention described in claim 7, the inner surface electron beam irradiator is used with the inner surface electron beam irradiator provided with an irradiation port at the tip of the nozzle portion, and the irradiation port is brought close to the opening surface of the annular band portion. Alternatively, the inner surface of the bottle cap with many irregularities can be effectively sterilized by inserting it and irradiating it with an electron beam.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, by using one inner surface electron beam irradiator and an electron beam bypass device, the inner surface and the outer surface of the bottle cap can be sterilized, and the equipment cost is reduced. be able to.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, by providing the band holding portion to the cap holder of the cap processing apparatus, the annular band portion that is easily separated from the cap main body by the weakening line when the folding tool is inserted is ensured. The bottle cap can be prevented from being damaged.

  According to the invention of claim 10, in the capper, when the opening surface of the annular band portion of the bottle cap is fitted to the mouth and neck portion of the container, the tip of the mouth and neck portion is used as a flap pushing member, and the flap portion is used as the top surface. The bottle cap is fitted to the outer periphery of the mouth neck by folding inward on the side. Therefore, a separate flap processing device is not required, and the equipment cost can be reduced.

It is a top view which shows Example 1 of the sterilization and mounting equipment of the bottle cap which concerns on this invention. It is a side view which shows the sterilization and mounting equipment of a bottle cap. It is a top view of the filling equipment containing the sterilization and mounting equipment of a bottle cap. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows a flap part processing apparatus. (A) and (b) are the electron beam irradiation state which shows the expansion of the electron beam from the nozzle part of the inner surface electron beam irradiator, and the longitudinal sectional view of the bottle cap. (A) is before sterilization, and (b) is sterilization. Indicates the state. (A) and (b) show the folding operation of the flap part by the flap part bending apparatus, (a) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state before folding, and (b) is a longitudinal sectional view showing the folded state. (A)-(c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a bottle cap, (a) is a mounting state, (b) is the separation state of a cap main body, (c) shows an incomplete bottle cap. (A)-(f) is a flowchart which shows Example 1 thru | or 6, (a) is Example 1, (b) is Example 2, (c) is Example 3, (d) is Example 4. (E) shows Example 5 and (f) shows Example 6. (A) (b) shows Example 2 of the bottle cap sterilization / mounting equipment according to the present invention, (a) is a side partial longitudinal sectional view, and (b) is an AA section enlarged cross section shown in (a). FIG. (A) and (b) show Example 3 of the bottle cap sterilization / mounting equipment according to the present invention, (a) is a side partial longitudinal sectional view, and (b) is a side partial sectional view. (A)-(c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the fitting state of the bottle cap which shows Example 4 of the sterilization and mounting equipment of the bottle cap based on this invention, and an opening-and-neck part, (a) is before insertion, (B) shows the folded state of the flap, and (c) shows the mounted state. (A)-(d) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view explaining operation | movement of a bottle cap in the other Example of Example 4 of the sterilization and mounting equipment of the bottle cap based on this invention, (a) is inserted in a pushing block. Before, (b) shows the fitting state to the pushing block, (c) shows the fitting state of the container to the mouth and neck, and (d) shows the fitting state of the container to the mouth and neck.

Since the bottle cap described above and the bottle cap according to the present invention are the same, the same reference numerals are used for description.
In general, the bottle cap BC made of a synthetic resin is formed by first forming an incomplete bottle cap BC shown in FIG. 7C by compression molding or injection molding. At this time, each flap portion 18 is inclined toward the outside in the direction of the cap axis O of the bottle cap BC in order to be extracted from the mold. Conventionally, the flap portion 18 of the unfinished bottle cap BC is then folded at the base end by secondary processing, and is folded so as to incline toward the inner side (the top surface 12 side) in the cap axis O direction. A weakening line 15 for breaking that divides the cap body 10 and the annular band portion 11 is formed in a predetermined position of the portion 13 along the circumferential direction.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), the container BT has the mouth portion 22 opened at the upper end surface of the cylindrical mouth / neck portion 26 protruding from the neck portion 21 at the upper end of the trunk portion. The On the outer peripheral surface of the mouth and neck portion 26, a male screw thread portion 23 projects from the vicinity of the mouth portion 22 to the middle portion, and the female screw thread portion 17 of the bottle cap BC is screwed into the male screw thread portion 23. The In addition, a collar 24 that is the limit for fitting the bottle cap BC is provided on the outer periphery of the base end of the mouth-and-neck 26 over the entire circumference, and the flap 18 is locked at a position above the collar 24 by a predetermined distance. Thus, a jaw portion 25 that prevents the annular band portion 11 from protruding is provided over the entire circumference.

  In the present invention, the folding process of the flap portion 18 performed in the secondary processing is not performed at the time of molding, and the mouth and neck portion 26 is sterilized after the bottle cap BC is sterilized as shown in FIGS. It is characterized in that sterilization by an electron beam is effectively performed by performing before or at the time of mounting on the body.

  Here, when the bottle cap BC may be transported while supporting the opening surface 14 from below, the tip of the flap portion 18 that is expanded outward is the opening surface of the annular band portion 11. It is desirable to be the same as 14 or slightly receded to the top surface 12 side.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the procedure of Examples 1 to 6 according to the present invention will be briefly described.
In Example 1, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 8A, electron beam irradiation for an outer surface having a large-diameter exit port 44P that can irradiate a plurality of bottle caps BC with an electron beam at a time. The outer surface of the bottle cap BC is sterilized using the machine 44 (STEP. 11a), and then the inner surface sterilization electronic device is provided with a nozzle portion 46N having a small-diameter injection port 46P that can be fitted to the opening surface 14 of the bottle cap BC. A sterilization step (STEP.11) for sterilizing the inner surface of the bottle cap BC (STEP.11b) is performed using the beam irradiation device 46. Next, the flap folding punch 47P and the bottle cap BC shown in FIG. 6 are moved relative to each other, the punch is fitted into the opening surface 14 of the annular band portion 11, and the flap portion 18 is moved along the axis O. Flap folding process (STEP.12) is performed. Further, a cap attaching step (STEP.13) for attaching the bottle cap BC to the mouth / neck portion 26 of the container BT is performed.

  [Example 2] is, as shown in FIG. 8B and FIG. 9, an inner surface electron beam irradiator 51 having a large-diameter injection port 51P capable of sterilizing a plurality of bottle caps BC by one irradiation, A sterilization step of simultaneously sterilizing the inner surface and the outer surface of the bottle cap BC by the electron beam bypass device 52 that bypasses a part of the electron beam irradiated from the inner surface electron beam irradiator 51 and sterilizes the outer surface of the bottle cap BC. Perform (STEP.21). Next, a flap folding step (STEP.12) is performed in which the flap portion 18 is folded inward on the axis O. Further, a cap attaching step (STEP.13) for attaching the bottle cap BC to the mouth / neck portion 26 of the container BT is performed.

  [Embodiment 3] is an electron beam irradiator for an inner surface having large-diameter injection ports 61P and 62P that can sterilize a plurality of bottle caps BC by one irradiation as shown in FIGS. 61 and the inner surface sterilization electron beam irradiator 62 are used to perform a sterilization step (STEP 31) in which the outer surface and the inner surface of the bottle cap BC are sequentially irradiated with an electron beam for sterilization. Next, a flap folding step (STEP.12) is performed in which the flap portion 18 is folded inward on the axis O. Further, a cap attaching step (STEP.13) for attaching the bottle cap BC to the mouth / neck portion 26 of the container BT is performed.

  [Embodiment 4] shown in FIG. 8D is a flap folding / cap mounting step (STEP.32) in which the flap folding step (STEP.12) and the cap mounting step (STEP.13) in [Example 1] are performed simultaneously. ).

  [Embodiment 5] shown in FIG. 8E is a flap folding and cap mounting step (STEP. 12) in which the flap folding step (STEP. 12) and the cap mounting step (STEP. 13) in [Example 2] are performed simultaneously. 32).

  [Example 6] shown in FIG. 8F is a flap folding / cap mounting process (STEP.32) in which the flap folding process (STEP.12) and the cap mounting process (STEP.13) in [Example 3] are performed simultaneously. ).

[Example 1]
Hereinafter, Example 1 of the bottle cap sterilization / mounting equipment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Overall structure)
As shown in FIG. 3, the bottle filling equipment 30 holds the containers BT at a constant pitch on the outer periphery of the filling swivel table 31T, and quantifies the content liquid while these containers BT are transported along the filling swirl path 31R. A rotary filling device 31 for filling, a capper 33 for attaching a bottle cap BC to the mouth / neck portion 26 of the container BT discharged from the filling turning table 31T through the outlet star wheel 32, and a bottle to the capper 33 And a cap supply wheel 34 for supplying the cap BC. The bottle cap sterilization / mounting facility 40 for supplying the bottle C according to the present invention includes a capper 33 of a bottle filling facility and a cap sterilization apparatus 41.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cap sterilizer 41 is arranged along a linear cap transport path 43 </ b> L that inclines the bottle caps BC fed one by one from the centrifugal cap feeder 42 downward and downward, for example. And an outer surface electron beam irradiator for sterilizing the outer surface of the bottle cap BC transported along the cap transport path 43L with an electron beam from below through an irradiation port 44P. 44, a sterilization swivel transfer device 45 that receives the bottle cap BC after external sterilization at a holding position provided at a constant pitch on the sterilization swivel table 45T, and intermittently conveys the bottle cap BC along a circular sterilization swirl path 45R. The inner surface electron beam irradiator 46 installed at a plurality of positions above the sterilization transport path 45R and the outer periphery of the processing turntable 47T are constant. The bottle cap BC after sterilization of the outer surface is received by a holder provided by the punch, and the flap portion 18 of the bottle cap BC is moved inward by a punch 47P for folding while being conveyed along the turning path 47R for processing. And a discharging wheel device 48 for sequentially discharging the bottle cap BC flap-processed by the flap processing device 47 to the intermediate feeder 49.

  In the inner surface electron beam irradiator 46, a nozzle portion 46N having an outer diameter that can be inserted into the opening surface 14 of the annular band portion 11 is suspended, and an irradiation port 46P formed at the lower end portion of the nozzle portion 46N is formed. . Then, when the bottle cap BC is stopped below the nozzle portion 46N, the sterilization turning table 45T is raised by a predetermined distance (or the nozzle portion 46N is lowered or the sterilization turning table 45T is raised and the nozzle portion 46N is moved. 5), as shown in FIG. 5, the irradiation port 46P is approached or inserted in the range of UD across the opening position S of the opening surface 14 of the annular band part 11, and the inner surface of the bottle cap BC is sterilized. can do. At this time, since the tip of the flap portion 18 approaches the irradiation port 46P, the electron beam is sufficiently irradiated on the inner peripheral surface of the annular band portion 11 on the inner side of the annular band portion 11 from the inner side of the flap portion 18 as well. Can be fully sterilized.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the flap processing device 47 includes a cap holder 47C for holding the bottle cap BC with the opening surface 14 facing upward at a constant pitch on the outer periphery of the turning table 47T for processing, and folding the flap. And a driving cylinder (driving device) 47S that drives the punch 47P up and down via an intermediate rod 47L. The punch 47 </ b> P supported so as to be movable up and down is fitted into the opening surface 14 of the annular band portion 11, so that the flap portion 18 of the annular band portion 11 that spreads outward in the direction of the cap axis O at the opening surface 14. It can be folded inward in the direction of the cap axis O. The cap holder 47C is provided on the outer periphery of the cap body 10 so as to be freely opened and closed, and is attached to the upper surface of the body gripper 47Ca so as to surround and hold the outer periphery of the annular band portion 11. The band holding part (band part holding part) 47Cb is installed so as to be freely opened and closed, and the band part holding block 47Cb holds the annular band part 11 whose connection strength with the cap body 10 is low by the weakening line 15. Damage to the bottle cap BC such as breakage of the weakened line 15 can be prevented in advance.

  When the flap portions 18 are continuously connected in the circumferential direction, as shown by the phantom lines in FIG. 6A, a rotation motor is interposed above the punch 47P, and the punch 47P is It can also be rotated around the axis in a predetermined direction.

(Description of operation)
The bottle cap BC carried into the cap sterilization device 41 from the cap feeder 42 via the cap conveyance device 43 is conveyed by the cap conveyance device 43 with the top surface 12 supported from below. In the sterilization process (STEP.11), the bottle cap BC sent along the cap conveyance path 43L is irradiated with an electron beam from the irradiation port 44P of the outer surface electron beam irradiator 44, and the top surface 12 of the bottle cap BC. The outer peripheral surface is sterilized (STEP.11a).

  Next, the bottle cap BC after external sterilization discharged from the outlet of the cap conveyance path 43L is sequentially held by the holder of the sterilization turning table 45T and along the sterilization conveyance path, for example, the electron beam irradiator 46 for the inner surface. Intermittently conveyed for each installed cardinal number. Then, the sterilization swivel table 45T is raised at the stop position, and the bottle cap BC corresponding to each inner surface electron beam irradiator 46 approaches or is inserted into the irradiation port 46P of the nozzle portion 46N, and the bottle cap BC The inner surface is sterilized (STEP. 11b).

  Further, in the flap folding process (STEP.12), the bottle cap BC after sterilization is sequentially carried into the cap holder 47C of the turning table 47 for processing via the intermediate transfer tool, and is conveyed along the turning path 47R for processing. At the same time, the punch 47P for folding the flap is lowered by the drive cylinder 47S and is fitted into the opening surface 14 of the bottle cap BC held by the cap holder 47C. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6A, the flap portion 18 that inclines outward on the cap axis O is turned into the cap axis O by the punch 47P for folding the flap as shown in FIG. 6B. Fold toward the top 12 at the top inward.

  The bottle cap BC flap-processed by the flap processing device 47 is sent from the discharge wheel device 48 to the cap supply wheel 34 of the bottle filling facility 30 through the intermediate feeder 49, and is sent from the cap supply wheel 34 to the capper 33. Then, in the cap mounting step (STEP.13), the bottle cap BC is fitted into the mouth-and-neck portion 22 of the filled container BT by the capper 33.

(Effects of Example)
According to the first embodiment, the cap transport device 43 uses the bottle cap BC in which the flap portion 18 is opened toward the outside of the opening surface 14 of the annular band portion 11 without performing secondary processing when being molded. Thus, the outer surface is sterilized by irradiating an electron beam from the outer surface electron beam irradiator 44 toward the top surface 12 of the bottle cap BC transported along the cap transport path 43L. Next, by irradiating an electron beam by approaching or inserting the opening surface 14 of the annular band portion 11 into the irradiation port 46P at the tip of the nozzle portion 46N of the inner surface electron beam irradiator 46, the bottle cap BC with many irregularities is irradiated. The inner surface can be effectively sterilized.

  Further, the bottle cap BC after sterilization is fitted to the opening surface 14 of the annular band portion 11 by inserting a punch 47P for folding the flap into the opening surface 14 of the annular band portion 11 by the flap processing device 47, so The flap portion 18 that is expanded outward from the O is folded toward the top surface 12 inside the opening surface 14, so that the cap 33 smoothly fits and attaches the bottle cap BC to the mouth-and-neck portion 22 of the container BT. can do.

  Further, in the flap processing device 47, when the punch 47P is fitted to the opening surface 14 of the annular band portion 11, the band portion holding block 47Cb of the cap holder 47C surrounds and holds the outer peripheral portion of the annular band portion 11. The weakened line 15 can protect the annular band portion 11 having a weak connection strength with the cap body 10, and can prevent the bottle cap BC from being damaged.

[Example 2]
In Example 2, as shown in FIG. 8B, the sterilization step (STEP.11) in Example 1 is changed to the sterilization step (STEP.21), and other steps are the same as those in Example 1. Therefore, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the cap sterilization apparatus 50 according to the second embodiment has an inner surface electron beam having a large-diameter irradiation port 51P that can sterilize a plurality of bottle caps BC by one electron beam irradiation. The irradiator 51 is installed above the cap conveyance path 43L. An electron beam bypass device 52 is installed below the inner surface electron beam irradiator 51 with the cap conveyance path 43L interposed therebetween. This electron beam bypass device 52 bypasses a part of the electron beam irradiated from the inner surface electron beam irradiator 51 and irradiates the top surface 12 of the bottle cap BC to sterilize the outer surface. The electron beam bypass device 52 includes a plurality or a single magnetic field generator (not shown) for forming a magnetic field that can bend the irradiation direction of the electron beam. The outlet of the cap conveyance path 43L is connected to the inlet of the turning table 47T for processing of the flap processing device 47.

  In the cap sterilization apparatus 50, the cap transport device 43 supports the top surface 12 from below and is transported along the cap transport path 43L from the irradiation port 51P of the inner surface electron beam irradiator 51 to the bottle cap BC. An electron beam is irradiated, and the inner surface of the bottle cap BC is sterilized. Further, a part of the electron beam irradiated from the irradiation port 51P is bypassed by the electron beam bypass device 52 and irradiated to the outer surface of the bottle cap BC, and the outer surface of the bottle cap BC is sterilized. And the sterilized bottle cap BC discharged | emitted from the exit of the cap conveyance apparatus 43 is sequentially carried in to the cap holder 47C of the turning table 47T for a process of the flap processing apparatus 47. FIG.

  According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effect of sterilizing the bottle cap BC having the outward flap portion 18 with the electron beam, the single inner surface electron beam irradiator 51 and the electron beam bypass device 52 are used. By doing so, the inner surface and the outer surface of the bottle cap BC can be sterilized at the same time, and the equipment cost can be reduced.

[Example 3]
In Example 3, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), the sterilization step (STEP.11) in Example 1 is changed to the sterilization step (STEP.31), and other steps are the same as those in Example 1. Therefore, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the cap sterilization apparatus 60 according to the second embodiment has an outer surface electron beam having a large-diameter irradiation port 61P capable of sterilizing a plurality of bottle caps BC by one-time electron beam irradiation. An irradiator 61 and an inner surface electron beam irradiator 62 having a large-diameter irradiation port 62P are provided. The outer surface electron beam irradiator 61 is installed on the upstream side and lower side of the cap transport path 43L that transports the bottle cap BC while supporting the top surface 12 from below, and the electron beam irradiated from the irradiation port 61P of the bottle cap BC. Sterilize the outer surface. The inner surface electron beam irradiator 62 is installed on the upper downstream side of the cap conveyance path 43L, and sterilizes the inner surface of the bottle cap BC with an electron beam irradiated from the irradiation port 62P.

  And the sterilized bottle cap BC discharged | emitted from the exit of the cap conveyance apparatus 43 is sequentially carried in to the cap holder 47C of the turning table 47T for a process of the flap processing apparatus 47. FIG.

  According to the third embodiment, in addition to the effect of sterilizing the bottle cap BC having the outward flap portion 18 with the electron beam, the substantially same outer surface and inner surface electron beam irradiators 61 and 62 can be used. It can contribute to the reduction of equipment cost and the ease of electron beam control.

[Examples 4 to 6]
In Examples 4 to 6, as shown in FIG. 8D, the flap folding process (STEP.12) and the cap mounting process (STEP.13) in Examples 1 to 3 are replaced with the flap folding and cap mounting process (STEP.13). .32). Since other processes are the same as those in Examples 11 to 3, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  This flap folding / cap mounting step (STEP.32) involves folding the flap portion 18 inward by a flap pressing member when the cap is mounted. Here, as shown in FIG. 10, the flap pressing member As described above, the distal end portion of the mouth / neck portion 26 forming the mouth portion 26 is employed in the container BT to be mounted.

  Although not shown, the capper 33 is disposed on the outer periphery of the swivel table at a constant pitch, and is disposed above each container holding device and is gripped via a cap chuck (cap gripping device) 71. A mounting drive device is provided for lowering the bottle cap BC toward the mouth-and-neck portion 26 of the container BT while rotating the bottle cap BC and bringing the bottle cap BC into close contact with the mouth-and-neck portion 26.

  Further, when the bottle cap BC is pushed into the mouth / neck portion 26 of the container BT, the outer peripheral portion of the cap body 10 is gripped in order to maintain the outward spreading force generated in the annular band portion 11 when the flap portion 18 is folded. A cap gripper 72 that surrounds the outer peripheral portion of the annular band portion 11 is provided in the cap chuck 71 to be performed.

  In the flap folding / cap mounting step (STEP.32), the bottle cap BC held by the cap chuck 71 of the capper 33 is fitted into the mouth / neck portion 26 of the container BT and fitted into the opening surface 14 of the annular band portion 11. 10 (b), the flap 18 is folded to the top surface 12 side inside the cap axis O by the tip of the mouth / neck 26, and the bottle cap BC is attached to the mouth / neck 26 as shown in FIG. Fit externally.

  According to the said structure, the flap folding process (STEP.12) in Example 1 thru | or 3 is deleted, Folding of the flap part 18 is carried out by the cap mounting process which mounts the bottle cap BC to the mouth neck part 26 of the container BT. It can be performed at the same time, and the flap processing apparatus 47 becomes unnecessary, which can contribute to reduction in equipment costs.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, instead of the mouth-and-neck portion 26 of the container BT, a pushing block 81 can be used as the flap pushing member. That is, immediately before the bottle cap BC is fitted to the mouth / neck portion 26 of the container BT, the pushing block 81 is arranged facing the lower side of the bottle cap BC held by the cap chuck 71, and the bottle cap BC is attached. After lowering or lowering with rotation and folding the flap portion 18 toward the top surface 12 inside the cap axis O, the bottle cap BC is once raised and the pushing block 81 is retracted. Then, the bottle cap BC is lowered again and fitted to the mouth / neck portion 26 of the container BT.

  Therefore, although the operation at the capper 33 is increased by using the pushing block 81, since the flap portion 18 is folded inward, the bottle cap BC can be smoothly attached to the mouth-and-neck portion 26 of the container BT. Can do.

BT Container BC Bottle cap O Cap axis 10 Cap body 11 Annular band portion 12 Top surface 13 Skirt portion 14 Opening surface 15 Weakening line 16 Inner seal portion 17 Female thread screw portion 18 Flap portion 21 Neck portion 22 Mouth portion 25 Jaw portion 26 Mouth and neck portion 33 Capper 41 Cap sterilizer 43 Cap transport device 43L Cap transport path 44 Electron beam irradiator for outer surface 45 Swivel transport device for sterilization 46 Electron beam irradiator for inner surface 46N Nozzle unit 46P Irradiation port 47 Flap processing device 47R For processing Swivel path 47P Punch 47S Drive cylinder 47C Cap holder 47Ca Main body holder 47Cb Band holder 51 Inner surface electron beam irradiation device 51P Irradiation port 52 Electron beam bypass device 60 Cap sterilizer 61 Outer surface electron beam sterilizer 62 Inner surface electron beam Sterilizer 71 Cap chuck 72 Band gripping part 81 Push-in block

Claims (10)

When opening the bottle cap, a flap part for leaving the annular band part separated from the cap body on the mouth and neck part of the container is a bottle cap made of synthetic resin formed on the inner peripheral surface of the annular band part. A bottle cap sterilization and attachment method that sterilizes and attaches to the mouth and neck of the container and closes the mouth,
The flap part conveys the bottle cap in a state inclined from the inner peripheral surface of the annular band part toward the outer side in the cap axial direction, and irradiates the outer surface and the inner surface of the bottle cap simultaneously or sequentially with an electron beam. A sterilization step for sterilization;
A flap folding step of folding the flap portion toward the top surface side in the cap axis direction inside;
A bottle cap sterilization / mounting method comprising sequentially performing a cap mounting step of mounting a bottle cap on a mouth / neck portion of a container. When sterilizing the inner surface of the bottle cap in the sterilization process, use an inner surface electron beam irradiator having a nozzle part formed with an electron beam irradiation port at the tip,
2. The electron beam is irradiated by moving the nozzle portion and the bottle cap relative to each other in an approaching and separating direction so that the irradiation port approaches or is inserted to the inside and outside of the opening of the annular band portion. How to sterilize and attach a bottle cap. In the sterilization process, while irradiating an electron beam from the inner and outer surface electron beam irradiation device toward the inner surface of the bottle cap moving along the transport path, a part of the irradiated electron beam is detoured by a magnetic field, The bottle cap sterilization / mounting method according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the bottle cap is irradiated. The flap folding process is a cap mounting process for mounting the bottle cap on the mouth and neck of the container, and is performed before or simultaneously with the mounting operation for mounting the bottle cap on the mouth and neck of the container.
The bottle cap sterilization / mounting method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottle cap and the flap folding member are relatively moved so that the flap folding tool is fitted into the opening of the annular band portion and the flap portion is folded. When opening the bottle cap, a flap part for leaving the annular band part separated from the cap body on the mouth and neck part of the container is a bottle cap made of synthetic resin formed on the inner peripheral surface of the annular band part. A bottle cap sterilization and installation facility that sterilizes and attaches to the mouth and neck of the container and closes the mouth,
A cap transport device that transports the bottle cap in a state in which the flap portion is inclined from the inner peripheral surface of the annular band portion toward the outer side in the cap axial direction, along the cap transport path;
An electron beam irradiation device disposed in the cap conveyance path to sterilize the bottle cap with an electron beam;
Flap folding means for folding the flap part of the bottle cap into the top surface side inside the cap axis direction after sterilization by electron beam,
A bottle cap sterilization / mounting facility comprising: a capper for mounting the bottle cap after folding the flap portion on the mouth and neck of the container. The electron beam irradiation device includes an outer surface electron beam irradiator that irradiates the outer surface by irradiating an electron beam to the top side of the bottle cap, and an inner surface electron beam that sterilizes the inner surface by irradiating the opening of the bottle cap with an electron beam. The bottle cap sterilization / mounting equipment according to claim 5, further comprising a beam irradiator. The inner surface electron beam irradiator has a nozzle portion in which an electron beam irradiation port is formed at a tip portion, and moves the nozzle portion and the bottle cap relative to each other in an approaching and separating direction so that the irradiation port is an annular band portion. The bottle cap sterilization / mounting equipment according to claim 6, wherein the bottle cap sterilization / mounting equipment is configured to be inserted or approached to the vicinity of the inside or outside of the opening portion to irradiate an electron beam. The electron beam irradiation device bypasses an inner surface electron beam irradiator that irradiates an inner surface by irradiating an electron beam to an opening of an annular band portion, and a part of the electron beam irradiated from the inner surface electron beam irradiator. 6. The bottle cap sterilization / mounting equipment according to claim 5, further comprising an electron beam bypass device that irradiates the top surface of the bottle cap and sterilizes the outer surface. The flap folding means includes a cap holder that can hold the bottle cap, a folding tool that can be fitted into the opening of the annular band portion, and a relative movement of the folding tool and the bottle cap in the approaching / separating direction. It is constituted by a flap processing device comprising a driving device that fits the tool into the opening of the annular band portion and folds the flap portion,
The bottle cap sterilization / mounting equipment according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the cap holder has a band portion holder surrounding at least an outer peripheral portion of the annular band portion. The flap folding means is provided in the capper, and the bottle cap gripped by the capper gripping device and the flap pushing member are moved in a relative direction in the approaching / separating direction, and the flap pushing member is opened in the annular band portion. It is configured to fold the flap part fitted into,
The bottle cap sterilization / mounting equipment according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the flap push-in member is a mouth / neck portion of a container to be mounted.