JP2022113208A - Method for washing container - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a new washing method capable of achieving both the reduction of an amount of water used for washing and washing effect.SOLUTION: Provided is a method for washing container to perform internal washing for an identical container conveyed with a handstand by flowing fluid a plurality of times in an internal washing section. The method for washing container has a pre-washing section for performing washing by flowing only liquid, and a final post-washing section, which is provided downstream from the pre-washing section, for performing washing by flowing gas-liquid mixed fluid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a container cleaning method for continuously conveying and cleaning containers such as bottles filled with beverages and the like.

Conventionally, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a bottle is housed in a holder (also called a bottle gauge), the holder is transported by a carrier, immersed in warm water or a chemical solution, and washed with a cleaning solution. , washing devices for washing used bottles are known.

This type of washing device (also called a bottle washing machine) is provided with a plurality of internal washing sections for washing the interior of the bottle, and in each internal washing section, a single linear fluid is injected from a nozzle into the interior of the bottle. The inside of the bottle is washed by directing it to flow out.

In each internal cleaning section, a plurality of nozzles are arranged in the bottle conveying direction, and each bottle is sequentially cleaned by the fluid flowing out from each nozzle. For example, if 10 rows of nozzles are arranged in the bottle conveying direction, it is assumed that washing is performed 10 times.

JP 2019-51939 A

A large amount of water is used in the above-described internal cleaning, and it is required to reduce the amount of water used from the environmental and cost aspects.

Furthermore, conventionally, the same fluid was used to flow out from each nozzle, but it is necessary to study the effectiveness of repeating the same cleaning method multiple times for one container, that is, the cleaning effect. rice field.

In view of the above problems, the present invention proposes a novel cleaning method capable of achieving both a reduction in the amount of water used for cleaning and a cleaning effect.

The problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above, and the means for solving the problems will now be described.

According to one aspect of the invention,
A container cleaning method for cleaning the inside of the same container conveyed in an inverted state by inflowing a fluid a plurality of times in an internal cleaning section, the method comprising the steps of:
The internal cleaning section is
a pre-cleaning section in which only a liquid is introduced for cleaning;
and a post-cleaning section downstream of the pre-cleaning section in which a gas-liquid mixed fluid flows into the container for cleaning.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention,
In the pre-cleaning section,
Washing is performed by inflowing linear and/or fan-shaped liquid.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention,
at least two washes are performed on the same container in the prewash zone;
It is assumed that the same container is washed at least twice in the post-washing section.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention,
The liquid used in the internal washing section is caustic water containing caustic soda or rinsing water without caustic soda.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention,
In the post-cleaning section, the gas-liquid mixed fluid is discharged so as to be sprayed from multiple directions against the inner wall of the container.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention,
In the pre-cleaning section and the post-cleaning section,
a synchronous cleaning step of moving the fluid outlet from the upstream side to the downstream side in synchronization with the transportation of the container while aligning the fluid outlet with the position of the mouth of the container;
and a return cleaning step of returning the outlet of the fluid that has moved downstream to the reference position on the upstream side, and
In the return washing step, the outer surface of the container is washed by crossing the mouth of the container and the blowout port.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows typically a part of container washing|cleaning apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the side. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a carrier, etc., viewed from the direction of arrow Y1 in the internal cleaning area of FIG. 1; 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first jet-type cleaning device; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a second jet-type cleaning device; It is a figure explaining operation|movement of the nozzle carrier in a 3rd injection-type washing|cleaning apparatus. (A) is a schematic diagram explaining a state in a synchronous cleaning process. (B) is a schematic diagram for explaining the state in the return washing process. (A) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the container mouth and the diameter of the upper surface of the nozzle. (B) is a schematic diagram explaining the position where the fluid reaches at the bottom of the container. (A) is a diagram for explaining cleaning of the outer surface of the container. (B) is a diagram for explaining cleaning of the outer surface of the container.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a container washing apparatus 1 from the side. The container washing apparatus 1 continuously conveys a container 2 (bottle) made of glass in a conveying direction F1 while washing water, a chemical solution, or the like. It is configured to be cleaned using the cleaning liquid of .

In addition to glass bottles, containers to be cleaned include plastic bottles such as PET bottles, can containers, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the container washing apparatus 1 has a pre-washing area A, first to sixth tanks B1 to B6, internal washing areas C1 and C2, and a rinsing area D in this order.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the carrier 4 viewed from the direction of the arrow Y1 in the internal cleaning area C1 of FIG. It is attached. Both ends of each carrier 4 are connected to a carrier chain 5, and the carrier chain 5 is driven to move each carrier 4 in the transport direction F1.

As shown in FIG. 2, insertion holes 4a are formed at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of each carrier 4, and holders 3 are inserted and attached to the respective insertion holes 4a. As also shown in FIG. 6A, the holder 3 is a cylindrical member that penetrates vertically, and the container opening 2a is supported by ribs 3a projecting from the inner wall of the lower portion. . FIG. 2 shows a state in which part of the holder 3 and the container 2 are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the pre-washing area A, the inside and outside of the container 2 are washed with liquid jetted from nozzles (not shown).

In the first tank B1 to the sixth tank B6, the container 2 is immersed in warm water or heated chemical liquid, and washing is repeated. As the chemical solution, for example, caustic water containing caustic soda (aqueous sodium hydroxide solution) is used.

A first jet-type cleaning device 11 is arranged in the internal cleaning area C1 between the fourth bath B4 and the fifth bath B5. A second jet-type cleaning device 12 is arranged in the internal cleaning area C2 between the fifth bath B5 and the sixth bath B6. In the rinsing area D, a third jet cleaning device 13 is arranged. In the internal washing areas C1 and C2, washing with caustic water containing caustic soda is performed, and in the rinsing area D, rinsing with water is performed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first jet cleaning device 11. As shown in FIG. The second jet cleaning device 12 (FIG. 1) can also have the same configuration. In addition, in this schematic diagram, in order to indicate the injection direction of each nozzle, the arrival position of the liquid as seen from above is also written.

The injection type cleaning device 11 is provided with first to eighth injection nozzles 21 to 28 for cleaning the inside of the container 2 . The injection nozzles 21 to 28 are arranged at the same intervals as the intervals between the holders 3 in the conveying direction F1 of the container 2, and as shown in FIG. They are arranged at the same intervals as the intervals of the holders 3 .

As shown in FIG. 3, each injection nozzle 21-28 is attached to a nozzle carrier 51. As shown in FIG. The nozzle carrier 51 is configured to move in parallel upstream and downstream in the transport direction F1 by a drive mechanism (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 3, the first injection nozzle 21 to the sixth injection nozzle 26 are designed so that their injection directions are inclined from the vertical direction, and are designed to jet a linear liquid (caustic water containing caustic soda). A liquid (caustic water containing caustic soda) is jetted toward the inner wall of the container 2 . A section cleaned by the first to sixth injection nozzles 21 to 26 is defined as a pre-cleaning section K1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first to sixth injection nozzles 21 to 26 are configured such that the injection directions are shifted by 60 degrees in plan view. Specifically, the first injection nozzle 21 and the second injection nozzle 22 are shifted counterclockwise by 60 degrees, and the third injection nozzle 23 is further shifted counterclockwise by 60 degrees from the second injection nozzle 22. . Similarly, the first injection nozzle 21 and the sixth injection nozzle 26 are shifted counterclockwise by 300 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 3, the seventh injection nozzle 27 and the eighth injection nozzle 28 are designed so that the injection direction is vertical, and the gas-liquid mixed fluid (gas-liquid mixed fluid) is injected toward the bottom of the container 2. is designed to be injected. A section cleaned by the seventh injection nozzle 27 and the eighth injection nozzle 28 is defined as a post-cleaning section K2.

Here, the gas-liquid mixed fluid is a gas-liquid mixed fluid in which gas is mixed with liquid (caustic water containing caustic soda), and the liquid is atomized and ejected by the flow of gas.

By providing a constricted portion (orifice) in the nozzle body of each injection nozzle or in the liquid passage of the pipe leading to the nozzle body, and providing an air passage that opens downstream of the constricted portion and communicates with the outside, the liquid flows through the constricted portion of the passage. It is preferable to create a gas-liquid mixed fluid in which air is mixed with liquid by sucking ambient air due to the negative pressure.

Further, for example, the flow rate (L/min) per unit time of the liquid portion of the gas-liquid mixed fluid is set to 0.5 (L/min) to 15 (L/min). Preferably, 1 L/min or more is preferred. A preferable upper limit is 10 L/min or less.
Further, for example, it is preferable that the flow rate (L/min) of the liquid portion of the gas-liquid mixed fluid per unit time has the following relationship with the volume (L) of the bottle to be cleaned.
Flow rate (L/min) of liquid part/vessel volume (L)=3 to 55, preferable lower limit is 5 or more, preferable upper limit is 50 or less, 45 or less. The container volume referred to here indicates the volume when the container is fully filled up to the mouth.
Also, for example, the time of the synchronous cleaning process can be 1 second or longer, preferably 1.5 seconds or longer, or 2 seconds or longer. Further, the upper limit may be 10 seconds or less, 5 seconds or less, or 3 seconds or less.

In addition, the seventh injection nozzle 27 and the eighth injection nozzle 28 may have one nozzle hole or a plurality of nozzle holes. Also, the nozzle holes may be angled so that the jetting direction may be designed to be tilted from the vertical direction.

The fluid projecting hole of the gas-liquid mixed fluid outlet may have one hole toward the center of the bottle bottom and a plurality of holes (eg, 2 to 5 holes) inclined outward toward the wall of the bottle bottom.

The angle of inclination from the vertical direction is 3 degrees to 10 degrees, preferably 4 degrees, more preferably 5 degrees. A preferable upper limit is 8 degrees and 6 degrees or less. If the outwardly inclined hole is provided in the inclined portion of the outlet, it is preferable because it is not affected by the liquid flowing down from the mouth of the container.

The hole of the outlet can also have a hole diameter of 1 to 5 mm.

It is preferable that the fluid ejection port is separated from the mouth of the container by 5 to 50 mm.

The outlet for the gas-liquid mixed fluid is preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the mouth of the container. In this way, the gas-liquid mixed fluid ejection port does not come into contact with the liquid flowing down from the mouth of the container, and does not interfere with the projection of the gas-liquid mixed fluid.

In the seventh injection nozzle 27 and the eighth injection nozzle 28, the inside of the container 2 is washed with the liquid atomized by the two fluids, so that the upstream first injection nozzle 21 to the sixth injection nozzle 26 are washed with the liquid. can perform different types of cleaning. In other words, by using different types of cleaning, it is possible to clean areas that were not sufficiently cleaned by the upstream first to sixth jet nozzles 21 to 26 and to remove dirt that could not be removed, resulting in a high cleaning effect. I can expect it.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the third jet-type cleaning device 13 arranged in the rinsing area D (FIG. 1). In order to indicate the injection direction of each nozzle, the schematic diagram also shows the arrival position of the liquid as viewed from above.

As shown in FIG. 4, the third jet-type cleaning device 13 is provided with first to tenth jet nozzles 31 to 40 for cleaning the inside of the container 2 . The injection nozzles 31 to 40 are arranged at the same intervals as the holders 3 in the transport direction F1 of the container 2, and at the same intervals as the holders 3 in the depth direction (direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 3). are placed open. The configuration of each of the injection nozzles 31 to 40 can be the same as that employed in the first injection type cleaning device 12 described above.

As shown in FIG. 4, each injection nozzle 31-40 is attached to a nozzle carrier 53. As shown in FIG. The nozzle carrier 53 is configured to move in parallel upstream and downstream in the transport direction F1 by a drive mechanism (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 4, the first injection nozzle 31 to the sixth injection nozzle 36 are designed so that their injection directions are inclined from the vertical direction, and are designed to jet linear liquid (rinse water). , the liquid (rinsing water) is jetted toward the inner wall of the container 2 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the first to sixth injection nozzles 31 to 36 are configured such that the injection directions are shifted by 60 degrees in plan view. Specifically, the first injection nozzle 31 and the second injection nozzle 32 are shifted counterclockwise by 60 degrees, and the third injection nozzle 33 is further shifted counterclockwise by 60 degrees from the second injection nozzle 32. . Similarly, the first injection nozzle 31 and the sixth injection nozzle 36 are shifted counterclockwise by 300 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 4, the seventh injection nozzle 37 and the eighth injection nozzle 38 have nozzle holes through which the fluid to be injected is discharged in a fan shape, and are designed so that the injection direction spreads in a fan shape. A liquid (rinsing water) is jetted toward a plurality of locations inside the container 2 . It should be noted that the configurations of the seventh injection nozzle 37 and the eighth injection nozzle 38 may be additionally provided in the first injection-type cleaning device and the second injection-type cleaning device.

As shown in FIG. 4, the section cleaned by the first to eighth injection nozzles 31 to 38 is defined as a pre-cleaning section K3.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ninth jet nozzle 39 and the tenth jet nozzle 40 are designed so that their jetting directions are vertical, and two fluids are jetted toward the bottom of the container 2. . A section cleaned by the ninth injection nozzle 39 and the tenth injection nozzle 40 is defined as a post-cleaning section K4.

The ninth injection nozzle 39 and the tenth injection nozzle 40 may have a single nozzle hole, or may have a plurality of nozzle holes. Also, the nozzle holes may be angled so that the jetting direction may be designed to be tilted from the vertical direction.

In the ninth injection nozzle 39 and the tenth injection nozzle 40, the inside of the container 2 is rinsed with the liquid (rinsing water) atomized by the two fluids, so that the first injection nozzle 31 to the eighth injection nozzle 38 upstream Different types of rinsing than liquid rinsing can be performed. In other words, the different types of rinsing cleaning enable rinsing of areas where rinsing was not sufficiently performed by the upstream first injection nozzles 31 to eighth injection nozzles 38 and removal of dirt that could not be removed. A rinsing cleaning effect can be expected.

5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining the operation of the nozzle carrier 53 in the third jet-type cleaning device 13 arranged in the rinsing area D (FIG. 1). The operation of the nozzle carrier 53 is the same for the nozzle carriers provided in the jet-type cleaning devices 11 and 12 arranged in the internal cleaning areas C1 and C2 (FIG. 1).

In FIG. 5A, the nozzle carrier 53 is positioned so that the center of each injection nozzle 31 to 40 (the center position in the transport direction F1) substantially coincides with the center of each container 2 (the center of the container mouth). The position of the nozzle carrier 53 in this case is set as a reference position, and the nozzle carrier 53 is located on the most upstream side at this reference position.

FIG. 5B shows a half pitch P/2, which is half the nozzle pitch P in the conveying direction, while maintaining the relative positions of the injection nozzles 31 to 40 and the containers 2 shown in FIG. 5A. It shows the state after moving downstream by

The nozzle carrier 53 moves from the reference position shown in FIG. move in sync with In other words, the injection nozzles 31 to 40 move at the same speed while maintaining their relative positions to the containers 2 . Note that the nozzle pitch P in the transport direction and the interval between the containers 2 in the transport direction are substantially the same.

When the injection nozzles 31 to 40 move in synchronism with the transportation of the containers 2 in this way, the injection nozzles 31 to 40 are aligned with the centers of the containers 2, and rinsing with the rinsing water is performed. done.

FIG. 5(C) shows a state in which the nozzle carrier 53 moved to FIG. 5(B) is returned to the reference position. In this state, for example, the most downstream container 2 (#1) leaves the tenth injection nozzle 40 located most downstream, and the container 2 (#2) coincides with the position of the tenth injection nozzle 40. It is shown. Also, a state in which the positions of the container 2 (#11) to be newly rinsed and cleaned and the position of the first injection nozzle 31 are aligned are shown.

By repeating the above process, each container 2 is cleaned by each of the injection nozzles 31 to 40 in sequence. That is, in the bottle 10 (#10), which is the most upstream in FIG. 5A, rinsing is performed by the injection nozzles 31 to 40, and rinsing is performed a total of 10 times.

Further, the process of FIGS. 5(A) to 5(B) is defined as a synchronous cleaning process, and the process of FIGS. 5(B) to 5(C) is defined as a return cleaning process.

In the synchronous cleaning step, as shown in FIG. 6A, the positions of the injection nozzle 31 and the container opening 2a of the container 2 are aligned with each other, and the nozzles 31 and the container mouth 2a of the container 2 move in synchronization in the conveying direction F1. The injected rinsing water S surely enters the container 2 . This ensures that the inside of the bottle is rinsed clean.

On the other hand, in the return washing process, as shown in FIG. 6B, the injection nozzle 31 moves in the opposite direction F2 to the conveying direction F1 and returns to the reference position, while the container 2 moves in the conveying direction F1. do. At this time, the jet nozzle 31 and the container 2 cross each other, and the rinse water S jetted from the jet nozzle 31 hits the outer surface 2g of the container 2 in the course of this crossing, so that the outer surface 2g of the container 2 is washed. .

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6B, a plurality of ribs 3a protrude from the inner wall of the holder 3 in the vicinity of the opening at the lower end of the holder 3. The container opening 2a portion is held from below. A gap 3b is formed between each rib 3a, and the rinsing water S enters the gap 3s between the container 2 and the holder 3 through the gap 3b between the ribs, and the rinsing water S reaches the outer surface 2g of the container 2. It is applied to clean the outer surface 2g.

<Washing test 1>
A test was conducted to examine the difference in nozzle shape and the effect of cleaning with a gas-liquid mixed fluid.
Object to be washed: A commercially available 200 ml beverage filling glass bottle (outer diameter of bottle bottom: 54.5 mm, height: 185 mm, 220 ml when filled up to the mouth of the container) was used.
Soil: 1.2 ml of simulated soil (10% isomerized liquid sugar) was applied to the entire surface of the bottle and dried completely.
Cleaning fluid: In Embodiment 1, a gas-liquid mixed fluid of air (air) and water was used, and in Comparative Embodiment 1, only water was used as the cleaning fluid. .
Effect measurement: After washing the nozzle, 10 ml of water was put into the bottle to completely dissolve the dirt remaining in the bottle, and Bx in the residual solution was measured.
Others: The distance from the mouth of the container to the outlet was 15 mm. The air in the first embodiment sucks in the surrounding uncompressed air due to the flow rate negative pressure when flowing through the constricted portion of the liquid passage, thereby forming a gas-liquid mixture.
<Embodiment 1>
Nozzle structure: 1 hole in the center (1 hole for the center of the bottom of the container: hole diameter 2.5 mm), 4 holes that eject at an outward inclination of 5 degrees from the vertical direction (direction toward multiple positions on a concentric circle with respect to the center of the bottom : 1.3 mm): A gas-liquid mixed fluid is jetted from a nozzle with a total of 5 ejection holes. The flow rate of the liquid portion of the gas-liquid mixed fluid was set at 1.2 L/min. The distance from the mouth of the container to the outlet was set to 15 mm.
<Comparative form 1>
Nozzle structure: A single-hole nozzle (toward the center of the bottom of the container: hole diameter 2.5 mm) was used to jet only the liquid at a flow rate of 2.2 L/min in the liquid portion. The distance from the mouth of the container to the outlet was set to 15 mm.
<Results>
Bx of the residual solution was as follows.
Cleaning of the nozzle of the embodiment: Bx0.2
Cleaning of comparative nozzle: Bx0.4
From the above, it was found that the cleaning using the gas-liquid mixed fluid according to the above-described embodiment exhibits cleaning performance equivalent to cleaning using only water at a small flow rate of the liquid portion. Therefore, it was found that by using the gas-liquid mixed fluid, it is possible to significantly save water while ensuring the cleaning effect.

<Washing test 2>
A test was conducted to examine the difference in nozzle shape and the effect of cleaning with a gas-liquid mixed fluid.
Object to be washed: A commercially available 200 ml beverage filling glass bottle (outer diameter of bottle bottom: 54.5 mm, height: 185 mm, 220 ml when filled up to the mouth of the container) was used.
Soil: 5 ml of simulated soil (10% isomerized liquid sugar) was applied to the entire surface of the bottle and dried completely.
Cleaning fluid: In Embodiment 2, a gas-liquid mixed fluid of air (air) and water was used, and in Comparative Embodiment 2, only water was used as the cleaning fluid. .
Effect measurement: After washing the nozzle, 100 ml of water was put into the bottle to completely dissolve the dirt remaining in the bottle, and Bx in the residual solution was measured.
Others: The distance from the mouth of the container to the outlet was 15 mm. The air in the second embodiment sucks in surrounding uncompressed air due to the negative pressure at the flow velocity when flowing through the constricted portion of the liquid passage, thereby forming a gas-liquid mixture.
<Embodiment 2>
Nozzle structure: 1 hole in the center (1 hole for the center of the bottom of the container: hole diameter 3 mm), 4 holes that eject at an outward inclination of 5 degrees from the vertical direction (direction toward multiple positions on a concentric circle with respect to the center of the bottom: hole diameter 3 mm ): A gas-liquid mixed fluid is ejected from a nozzle having a total of 5 ejection holes. The flow rate of the liquid portion of the gas-liquid mixed fluid was set at 9.6 L/min. The distance from the mouth of the container to the outlet was set to 15 mm.
<Comparative form 2>
Nozzle structure: A single-hole nozzle (toward the center of the bottom of the container: hole diameter 3 mm) was used to spray only the liquid at a flow rate of 9.6 L/min in the liquid portion. The distance from the mouth of the container to the outlet was set to 15 mm.
<Results>
Bx of the residual solution was as follows.
Cleaning of the nozzle of the embodiment: Bx0.15
Cleaning of the nozzle of the comparative form: Bx0.3
From the above, it can be seen that the cleaning using the gas-liquid mixed fluid according to the above embodiment exhibits a significantly higher cleaning performance than the comparison mode using only water with the same flow rate of the liquid portion. all right.
From the cleaning test 1 and the cleaning test 2, it was found that by using the gas-liquid mixed fluid, it is possible to significantly save water while ensuring the cleaning effect, and to improve the cleaning performance.

With the above configuration, the following characteristic techniques are realized.
First, as shown in FIG.
A container cleaning method for cleaning the inside of the same container conveyed in an inverted state by inflowing a fluid a plurality of times in an internal cleaning section, the method comprising the steps of:
The internal cleaning section is
a pre-cleaning section in which only a liquid is introduced for cleaning;
and a post-final cleaning section downstream of the pre-cleaning section, in which a gas-liquid mixed fluid flows into the container for cleaning.

As a result, two different types of cleaning can be performed on the same container 2, and portions that cannot be completely cleaned by repeating the same type of cleaning a plurality of times can be cleaned, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect. Also, by using a gas-liquid mixed fluid, the amount of liquid used per unit time can be reduced.

In the pre-cleaning section,
Washing is performed by inflowing linear and/or fan-shaped liquid.

As a result, in the pre-cleaning section, cleaning can be performed using only the liquid.

Also, as shown in FIG.
In the pre-washing section K1, the same container 2 is washed at least twice,
It is assumed that the same container 2 is washed at least twice in the post-wash section K2.

As a result, the same container 2 can be washed a plurality of times with two different types of washing, and a portion that cannot be completely washed by repeating the same type of washing a plurality of times can be washed, thereby improving the washing effect. can be done.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, it is assumed that the liquid used in the internal cleaning section is caustic water containing caustic soda or rinsing water containing no caustic soda.

As a result, cleaning with caustic water and rinsing with rinsing water can be performed.

In the post-cleaning section K2, the gas-liquid mixed fluid is discharged so as to be sprayed against the inner wall of the container 2 from multiple directions.

This makes it possible to improve the cleaning of the inner wall of the container 2 . Specifically, for example, a nozzle for ejecting a gas-liquid mixture is provided with a plurality of nozzle holes, and each nozzle hole has a different angle.

Also, as shown in FIGS.
In the pre-cleaning section K1 and the post-cleaning section K2,
a synchronous cleaning step of moving the fluid outlet from the upstream side to the downstream side in synchronization with the transportation of the container 2 while matching the position of the outlet of the fluid with the position of the mouth of the container 2;
and a return cleaning step of returning the outlet of the fluid that has moved downstream to the reference position on the upstream side, and
In the return washing step, the outer surface of the container 2 is washed by the mouth of the container 2 and the blowout port passing each other.

As a result, in the synchronous cleaning process, the positions of the liquid ejection port and the mouth of the container 2 are matched, so that the liquid can be reliably introduced into the container 2 to clean the inside of the container 2 . In the return washing process, the outer surface 2g of the container 2 is washed by the rinsing water S jetted from the jet nozzle 31 in the process of passing.

Also, as shown in FIGS.
a synchronous cleaning step of cleaning the outlet of the mixed gas-liquid fluid in the inner cleaning section of the container 2 conveyed in an inverted state by aligning it with the position of the mouth of the container 2;
a return cleaning step of cleaning the fluid outlet by shifting it from the position of the mouth of the container 2;
In the synchronous cleaning step, the outlet of the mixed gas-liquid fluid is aligned with the position of the mouth of the container 2 and moved in synchronization with the transportation of the container 2,
The return cleaning process is a cleaning method for the container 2 in which the fluid ejection port is moved back to the reference position.

In the synchronous cleaning process, the container 2 is moved from the upstream side to the downstream side in synchronization with the transportation of the container 2. In the return cleaning process, the outlet of the fluid that has moved downstream is moved to a reference position on the upstream side. It is assumed that

In addition, the synchronous cleaning process and the return cleaning process are repeated,
It is assumed that the continuously transported container 2 is washed.

Further, in the return washing step, the outer surface of the container 2 is washed by shifting the container 2 and the blowout port.

As a result, in the synchronous cleaning process, the positions of the liquid ejection port and the mouth of the container 2 are matched, so that the liquid can be reliably introduced into the container 2 to clean the inside of the container 2 . In the return washing process, the outer surface 2g of the container 2 is washed by the rinsing water S jetted from the jet nozzle 31 in the process of passing.

Further, the gas-liquid mixed fluid is discharged so as to be sprayed against the inner wall of the container 2 from multiple directions.

This makes it possible to improve the cleaning of the inner wall of the container 2 . Specifically, for example, a nozzle for ejecting a gas-liquid mixture is provided with a plurality of nozzle holes, and each nozzle hole has a different angle.

In addition, in the synchronous cleaning process, the gas-liquid mixed fluid is
It is assumed that the jet is jetted in a direction toward the center of the bottom of the container 2 and in a direction toward a plurality of positions on the bottom of the container and concentrically with respect to the center of the bottom.

Thereby, the bottom and the inner wall of the container 2 can be reliably washed.

Also, the container 2 is assumed to be housed in a holder 3 and transported.

As a result, the liquid can hit the outer surface 2g up to the upper end (bottom) of the container 2 through the gap 3s between the container 2 and the holder 3, and the liquid stays in the gap 3s for a long time without leaking to the outside. However, since a long washing time can be ensured, the outer surface 2g of the container 2 can be washed efficiently as a whole.

Also, as shown in FIG. 6A, the maximum diameter d1 of the upper surface of the nozzle (tenth injection nozzle 40) in which the blowout port is formed is smaller than the inner diameter d2 of the container mouth 2a.

As a result, the wastewater after washing falling from the container mouth 2a does not hit the upper surface of the nozzle and falls as it is, so that the blowout of the gas-liquid mixed fluid newly blown out from the blowout port is not hindered. can do.

Note that FIG. 7A shows a schematic diagram of the tenth injection nozzle 40 when the first embodiment described above is adopted, and the maximum diameter d1 of the upper surface of the nozzle is larger than the inner diameter d2 of the container mouth 2a. By making it small, it is shown that the waste water H after washing falling from the container mouth 2a does not hit the upper surface of the nozzle and falls as it is.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7A, the nozzle holes 40a and 40b of the tenth injection nozzle 40 are directed toward the center of the bottom of the container, and also tilted outward from the vertical direction so that the gas-liquid mixed fluid is directed toward the bottom of the container. and is provided to spurt in directions toward a plurality of positions on concentric circles with respect to the center of the bottom.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the bottom portion 2d of the container 2, the gas-liquid mixed fluid (rinse water S) is placed at the center Sc of the bottom portion 2d and at the position S1 near the inner wall N of the bottom portion 2d of the container. can be reached, and cleaning can be performed more effectively.
It should be noted that "the direction toward a plurality of positions on the bottom of the container and concentrically with respect to the center of the bottom" means that the fluid ejected from the outwardly inclined nozzle hole is as far as possible from the inner wall of the bottom 2d. It refers to the direction to reach a position close to . In FIG. 7B, the fluid ejected from the outwardly inclined nozzle hole reaches position S1. Thus, position S1 in FIG. 7(B) exemplifies "a plurality of positions at the bottom of the container and concentrically with respect to the center of the bottom".
In the bottom part 2d, how close the position S1 can be to the inner wall N of the container is based on the height of the container, the width of the bottom part 2d of the container, the width of the mouth of the container, the distance between the container and the spout, etc. This is possible by appropriately setting the outward inclination of the nozzle hole.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 8A, by providing the nozzle holes 40a and 40b, even when the center of the tenth injection nozzle 40 deviates from the container mouth 2a during the process of crossing in the return washing process, , cleaning can be performed with the fluid 40m ejected from the angled nozzle hole 40b, and a long cleaning time for the outer surface 2g of the container 2 can be ensured.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8(B), by providing the nozzle holes 40a and 40b in the tenth injection nozzle 40 so that the gas-liquid mixed fluid is jetted while being inclined outward from the vertical direction, the process of crossing in the return washing process is eliminated. At this time, the fluid 40m ejected from the angled nozzle hole 40b can efficiently enter the gap 3S between the container 2 and the holder 3, and the fluid 40m reaches the upper part of the outer surface of the container 2. Thus, cleaning can be efficiently performed.

1 container cleaning device 2 container (bottle)
2a container mouth 2g outer surface 3 holder 3a rib 3b gap 3s gap 4 carrier 4a insertion hole 5 carrier chain 11 jet cleaning device 12 jet cleaning device 13 jet cleaning device 21 jet nozzle 22 jet nozzle 23 jet nozzle 26 jet nozzle 27 Injection nozzle 28 Injection nozzle 31 Injection nozzle 32 Injection nozzle 33 Injection nozzle 36 Injection nozzle 37 Injection nozzle 38 Injection nozzle 39 Injection nozzle 40 Injection nozzle 51 Nozzle carrier 53 Nozzle carrier C1 Internal cleaning area C2 Internal cleaning area D Rinsing area d1 Maximum diameter d2 Inside diameter of container mouth F1 Conveying direction F2 Reverse direction K1 Pre-cleaning section
K2 Post-cleaning section K3 Pre-cleaning section K4 Post-cleaning section P Nozzle pitch

Claims (6)

A container cleaning method for cleaning the inside of the same container conveyed in an inverted state by inflowing a fluid a plurality of times in an internal cleaning section, the method comprising the steps of:
The internal cleaning section is
a pre-cleaning section in which only a liquid is introduced for cleaning;
and a post-cleaning section downstream of the pre-cleaning section in which a gas-liquid mixed fluid flows into the container for cleaning. In the pre-cleaning section,
2. The method for cleaning a container according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning is performed by inflowing linear and/or fan-shaped liquid. at least two washes are performed on the same container in the prewash zone;
at least two washes are performed on the same container in the post-wash zone;
The container cleaning method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The liquid used in the internal cleaning section is caustic water containing caustic soda or rinsing water without caustic soda.
The container cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In the post-cleaning section, the gas-liquid mixed fluid is discharged so as to be sprayed from multiple directions against the inner wall of the container.
The container cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: In the pre-cleaning section and the post-cleaning section,
a synchronous cleaning step of moving the fluid outlet from the upstream side to the downstream side in synchronization with the transportation of the container while aligning the fluid outlet with the position of the mouth of the container;
and a return cleaning step of returning the outlet of the fluid that has moved downstream to the reference position on the upstream side, and
In the return washing step, the outer surface of the container is washed by crossing the mouth of the container and the blowout port.
The container cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that:

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