JP4142735B1 - Ultrasonic sterilizer - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to reduce costs and to effectively sterilize an object to be processed.
A processing tank 31 for accommodating an ultrasonic propagation medium, a support 43 disposed in the processing tank 31 for supporting an object to be processed, an ultrasonic vibrator 93 disposed in the processing tank 31, and an ultrasonic transducer 93. At least one of the vibrator unit, the ultrasonic vibrator driving circuit that drives the ultrasonic vibrator 93 and generates ultrasonic waves, and the support body 43 and the vibrator unit at a constant distance between them. And a moving mechanism 57 that moves in the manner described above, and an operation unit for setting predetermined sterilization conditions defined by the amount of hydroxyl radicals generated along with the generation of ultrasonic waves. Since it is possible to suppress the occurrence of uneven irradiation of ultrasonic waves in the object to be processed, the efficiency of sterilization of the object to be processed can be increased.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic sterilizer.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ultrasonic sterilization apparatus has been provided in which an object to be treated, such as a food, is immersed in a sterilizing aqueous solution, ultrasonic waves are generated, and the food is irradiated, that is, sterilized. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-333842 A

  However, in the conventional ultrasonic sterilization apparatus, it is necessary to use a sterilizing aqueous solution, which not only increases the cost, but also causes uneven irradiation of ultrasonic waves in the food. It cannot be sterilized.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the conventional ultrasonic sterilization apparatus, to reduce the cost, and to provide an ultrasonic sterilization apparatus capable of effectively sterilizing an object to be processed. To do.

For this purpose, in the ultrasonic sterilization apparatus of the present invention, a processing tank that contains an ultrasonic propagation medium, a support that is disposed in the processing tank and supports an object to be processed, and in the processing tank, A vibrator unit that is movably disposed in a state of being immersed in a sound wave propagation medium, an ultrasonic vibrator driving circuit that drives the ultrasonic vibrator and generates an ultrasonic wave; and In order to set a predetermined sterilization condition defined by a moving mechanism for moving the vibrator unit at a constant distance from the support and a generation amount of hydroxyl radicals generated together with the generation of the ultrasonic wave A reflection surface that is attached to the transducer unit at a predetermined angle and is curved with a predetermined radius of curvature, and the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic transducer are reflected by the reflection surface, Processed And a reflecting member for irradiating a.
The transducer unit is formed between the ultrasonic transducer and the ultrasonic propagation medium on the back side of the ultrasonic transducer so that the ultrasonic wave is propagated to the ultrasonic propagation medium on the back side of the ultrasonic transducer. A sealed space is provided for blocking.
Further, the ultrasonic wave propagated to the ultrasonic wave propagation medium on the surface side of the ultrasonic transducer is incident at an angle of incidence set so that neither the longitudinal wave nor the transverse wave passes through the reflecting member and is reflected, Incident on the reflecting surface.

According to the present invention, in the ultrasonic sterilization apparatus of the present invention, a processing tank that contains an ultrasonic propagation medium, a support that is disposed in the processing tank and supports an object to be processed, and the inside of the processing tank , A transducer unit that is movably disposed in an ultrasonic wave propagation medium and that includes an ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic transducer drive that drives the ultrasonic transducer and generates ultrasonic waves A moving mechanism that moves the circuit and the vibrator unit at a constant distance from the support, and a predetermined sterilization condition defined by the amount of hydroxyl radicals generated along with the generation of the ultrasonic waves. An operation unit for setting, and a reflection surface that is attached to the transducer unit at a predetermined angle and is curved with a predetermined radius of curvature, and the ultrasonic wave generated by the ultrasonic transducer is reflected on the reflection surface. Reflected, covered And a reflecting member for irradiating sense thereof.
The transducer unit is formed between the ultrasonic transducer and the ultrasonic propagation medium on the back side of the ultrasonic transducer so that the ultrasonic wave is propagated to the ultrasonic propagation medium on the back side of the ultrasonic transducer. A sealed space is provided for blocking.
Further, the ultrasonic wave propagated to the ultrasonic wave propagation medium on the surface side of the ultrasonic transducer is incident at an angle of incidence set so that neither the longitudinal wave nor the transverse wave passes through the reflecting member and is reflected, Incident on the reflecting surface.

  In this case, by operating the operation unit, predetermined sterilization conditions defined by the amount of hydroxyl radicals generated when ultrasonic waves are generated are set. Can be improved.

Moreover, since it is possible to suppress the occurrence of uneven irradiation of ultrasonic waves in the object to be processed, the efficiency of sterilization of the object to be processed can be increased.
Further, in the treatment tank, the sealed space prevents the ultrasonic wave from propagating to the ultrasonic wave propagation medium on the back side of the ultrasonic transducer, and only the ultrasonic wave generated on the front side propagates in water. It will be. Therefore, the irradiation energy of ultrasonic waves in food can be increased.
In addition, since it is possible to prevent the ultrasonic wave generated on the front surface side of the ultrasonic transducer and the ultrasonic wave generated on the back surface side of the ultrasonic transducer from interfering with each other, the hydroxyl radical is sufficiently absorbed. Can be generated.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a left side view of the ultrasonic sterilizer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the ultrasonic sterilizer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a front view of the ultrasonic sterilizer in 1 embodiment. 1 to 3 are all depicted in perspective views.

  In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes an ultrasonic sterilizer, and the ultrasonic sterilizer 11 selectively covers the main body of the ultrasonic sterilizer 11, that is, the apparatus main body 12 and the upper portion of the apparatus main body 12. ) The member 13 is provided. The apparatus body 12 includes a front panel 21, a back panel 22, a left side panel 23, a right side panel 24, an upper panel 25 and a lower panel 26, and the lid member 13 is a hinge 14 with respect to the upper panel 25. The handle 15 is attached to the upper surface. The hinge 14 is disposed at the right edge of the lid member 13 when the ultrasonic sterilizer 11 is viewed from the front, and the handle 15 is disposed at the center of the left edge of the lid member 13. In addition, an inclined tapered surface sa1 is formed in the vicinity of the upper edge of the front panel 21, and an operation unit 17 for operating the ultrasonic sterilizer 11 is formed on the tapered surface sa1. The operation unit 17 also has a function as a display unit and displays predetermined information.

  The caster 16 is attached to the lower surface panel 26 so that the ultrasonic sterilizer 11 can move on the floor surface fm.

  The apparatus body 12 includes a processing tank 31 having a predetermined shape with an open upper surface, in the present embodiment, a box shape, and a medium for propagating ultrasonic waves in the processing tank 31; That is, water as an ultrasonic propagation medium is accommodated. Further, the processing tank 31 can be opened and closed by rotating the lid member 13. The treatment tank 31 is made of a material such as stainless steel or resin, and includes a front wall 35, a rear wall 36, a left side wall 37, a right side wall 38 and a bottom wall 39.

  In the processing tank 31, a support body 43 having a predetermined shape with an open upper surface, in the present embodiment, a box shape, is suspended from the upper surface panel 25, and the apparatus main body. The food 51 as the object to be processed is supported by the support 43 and is immersed in water in the processing tank 31. A flange fg as a support holding member is formed on the upper edge of the support 43 toward the outside of the support 43, and the support 43 is suspended from the upper panel 25 by the flange fg. It is also possible to dispose a support (not shown) such as a frame as a support holding member in the processing tank 31, and place the support 43 on the support.

  In the present embodiment, the food 51 is sterilized as an object to be processed. The food 51 includes cooked cooked foods, retort foods, and the like in addition to fresh foods such as vegetables (including cut vegetables) and seafood that are eaten raw. The retort food includes, in particular, food in which the food to be stored has water or a food in which water is stored together with the food in the pack.

  Further, as the object to be processed, water stored in a predetermined container can be sterilized, or medical products such as blood and chemicals stored in the pack can be sterilized.

  The support body 43 is made of a material such as stainless steel or resin, and includes a front support part 44, a rear support part 45, a left support part 46, a right support part 47, and a lower support part 48, and communicates the inside and outside of the support body 43. The food 51 is supported in the state where In this case, the support 43 is, for example, a rod so that water can freely move inside and outside the support 43 and the ultrasonic wave can sufficiently propagate in the support 43. It is formed by assembling the body in a bowl shape. In addition, in the range which can support the foodstuff 51, the eyes (fine) of the support body 43 can be roughened, or the support body 43 can be formed by a parallel rod-shaped body. Further, the support body 43 can be formed of a bag and can be engaged with the apparatus main body 12 by a locking member such as a hook.

  A water level sensor 53 serving as a liquid level detecting unit for detecting the level of water stored in the processing tank 31, that is, a water level, is disposed at a predetermined location in the processing tank 31. The water level sensor 53 includes a rod-shaped guide member 54 and a float 55 that is arranged to be movable along the guide member 54 and moves in the vertical direction as the water level changes. When a sufficient amount of water is stored in the treatment tank 31, the float 55 moves upward, is placed at a preset position, and a switch (not shown) provided on the guide member 54 is turned off. When the water in the treatment tank 31 is insufficient, the float 55 moves downward from the set position, and the switch is turned on.

  By the way, the food 51 is placed by a support 43 at a preset position in the height direction in the treatment tank 31 so as to be completely immersed in water, and ultrasonic waves are irradiated from below. For this purpose, the ultrasonic irradiation device 56 is disposed in the processing tank 31 so as to be horizontally movable, and the moving mechanism 57 disposed on the upper panel 25 is operated to move the ultrasonic irradiation device 56 in the direction of arrow A. It can be moved in the (front-rear direction).

  The ultrasonic irradiation device 56 is disposed in parallel with the bottom wall 39 and is movably disposed with a predetermined gap between the ultrasonic irradiation device 56 and the ultrasonic transducer 93 mounted thereon. A sound wave generating unit 58 and a connecting unit 59 for connecting the ultrasonic wave generating unit 58 and the moving mechanism 57 are provided.

  The ultrasonic wave generating unit 58 is supported at one end (right end in FIG. 3) by being connected to the lower end of the connecting body unit 59, and is rotatably disposed at the other end (left end in FIG. 3). It is supported by the wheel 61 as a body with respect to the bottom wall 39, and the inside of the processing tank 31 is moved in the arrow A direction by rotating the wheel 61.

  Further, the connecting unit 59 is movable in the processing tank 31 in a vertical direction relative to the lower connecting body 64 extending in a direction perpendicular to the bottom wall 39 and in the vertical direction. The upper connection body 65 is provided. The upper connecting body 65 includes a vertical portion 67 extending in a direction perpendicular to the bottom wall 39 in the processing tank 31 and a direction perpendicular to the vertical portion 67 at the upper end of the vertical portion 67. A horizontal portion 68 extending outward from 31 is provided, and the tip of the horizontal portion 68 is connected to the moving mechanism 57.

  In order to make the upper coupling body 65 movable with respect to the lower coupling body 64, the upper end portion of the lower coupling body 64 and the lower end portion of the upper coupling body 65 are slidably overlapped, and the lower coupling body 65 A slit SL is formed in the upper end portion of the body 64 in the vertical direction, and a screw member (not shown) as a fastening member is attached to the lower end portion of the upper coupling body 65 through the slit SL. Therefore, the lower connecting body 64 and the upper connecting body are loosened by moving the upper connecting body 65 with respect to the lower connecting body 64 with the wheel 61 placed on the bottom wall 39 and tightening the screw members. 65 positioning can be performed.

  The moving mechanism 57 includes a motor 71 as a moving drive unit attached to the upper panel 25 and a ball screw 72 as a movement direction converting unit. The ball screw 72 is an output shaft of the motor 71. Are provided with a ball screw shaft 73 as a first conversion element, and a ball nut 74 as a second conversion element screwed together with the ball screw shaft 73. Note that a stepping motor can be used as the motor 71.

  The ball screw shaft 73 is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) on the upper panel 25, and the ball nut 74 is fixed to the horizontal portion 68. Therefore, when the motor 71 is driven to rotate the ball screw shaft 73, the ball screw 72 converts the rotational motion of the ball screw shaft 73 into a linear motion, and the ball nut 74 is advanced and retracted. The irradiation device 56 is moved in the direction of arrow A.

  Reference numeral 70 denotes a water temperature sensor disposed near the bottom wall 39 in the treatment tank 31 and detects the temperature of water in the treatment tank 31, and 76 denotes a moving mechanism 57 on the upper panel 25. The cover 77 attached to cover the wiring 77 for supplying power to the ultrasonic generator unit 58, the wiring for driving the motor 71, and when the ultrasonic irradiation device 56 is moved in the arrow A direction, This is a hole through which a wiring or the like is sent to send a sensor output of a position sensor (not shown) as a position detection unit as a position detection unit for detecting that the ultrasonic irradiation device 56 has reached the front-rear movement limit.

  Next, the ultrasonic generation unit 58 having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view of the ultrasonic wave generation unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a side view of the ultrasonic wave generation unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a side view of the reflecting member in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the reflecting portion of the reflecting member in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9 and 9 are diagrams showing the incident angle of the ultrasonic wave to the reflecting member in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, 58 is an ultrasonic wave generating unit, and the ultrasonic wave generating unit 58 is a pair of block-like vibrator units 81 and 82 disposed in parallel to each other and in parallel with each other. A plate-like support member 83 that supports the units 81 and 82 in an inclined manner, a plurality of reflecting members 95 attached to the vibrator units 81 and 82, and a horizontal arrangement above the vibrator units 81 and 82. Further, on the back surface of the cover member 84 and the support member 83, there are provided connectors 85, 86 and the like that are detachably attached to the transducer units 81, 82.

  The support member 83 is formed by bending a plate having a rectangular shape made of stainless steel. The support member 83 is slanted toward the outside from the central horizontal portion 87 and both edges of the horizontal portion 87. Inclined portions 88 and 89 extending upward are provided, and the vibrator units 81 and 82 are attached to the attachment surfaces of the inclined portions 88 and 89, respectively. Accordingly, the vibrator units 81 and 82 are disposed so as to be inclined outward and obliquely upward while being attached to the support member 83.

  Each of the vibrator units 81 and 82 includes a case 91 having a rectangular shape. The case 91 includes a case main body 97 and a back plate 98, and a plurality of circular shapes are formed on the front side surface of the case main body 97. In the present embodiment, five holes 100 are formed, and one ultrasonic transducer 93 is accommodated in each hole 100 and attached. Each ultrasonic transducer 93 is formed of, for example, a ceramic transducer.

  By the way, in this Embodiment, since the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 93 is placed in the processing tank 31, the ultrasonic wave generated by driving the ultrasonic transducer 93 irradiates water and propagates in water. However, the food 51 is irradiated.

  At this time, the water in the portion irradiated by the ultrasonic waves is decomposed to generate hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen atoms. Moreover, the water | moisture content in the foodstuff 51 irradiated by the ultrasonic wave is decomposed | disassembled similarly, and a hydroxyl radical and a hydrogen atom are produced | generated.

  As a result, in the food 51 immersed in water, microorganisms such as pathogenic or harmful fungi, bacteria, viruses, etc. are sufficiently oxidized by the hydroxyl radicals generated around and in the food 51, Since it is decomposed | disassembled, the foodstuff 51 can fully be sterilized.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to use a bactericidal aqueous solution, the cost of the ultrasonic sterilizer 11 can be reduced.

  The microorganism includes Escherichia coli (including O-157), coliforms, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Norovirus, influenza virus, Coxsackie virus, hepatitis virus, and the like.

  By the way, when the ultrasonic vibrator 93 is driven, ultrasonic waves are generated not only on the front surface side but also on the back surface side of the ultrasonic vibrator 93. And if there is water on the back side of the ultrasonic vibrator 93, the ultrasonic wave generated on the back side propagates through the water toward the bottom wall 39 of the treatment tank 31, so that the ultrasonic irradiation energy in the food 51 Will become smaller accordingly. Further, since the ultrasonic waves reflected by the bottom wall 39 are reflected by the front wall 35, the rear wall 36, the left side wall 37, the right side wall 38, etc., and then propagate in the water upward, the ultrasonic transducer The ultrasonic waves generated on the front surface side of 93 and the ultrasonic waves generated on the back surface side of the ultrasonic transducer 93 interfere with each other. As a result, hydroxyl radicals are no longer generated at locations where ultrasonic waves interfere.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a sealed space in which water is prevented from entering is formed on the back side of each ultrasonic transducer 93, and an air layer is formed by filling the sealed space with air. Like to do.

  For this purpose, a vertically long recess 101 is formed in the back surface of the case main body 97, and the hole 100 and the recess 101 are communicated with each other by the hole 103. Then, the back plate 98 is attached to the case main body 97 via the seal member 108 by the bolt bt1.

  The ultrasonic transducer 93 is set in the hole 100 in a state where the outer peripheral edge is surrounded and held by an annular rubber packing 92 as a sealing member and as a holding member. The annular pressing member 94 is pressed against the outer peripheral edge of the rubber packing 92 and is fixed to the case main body 97 by the bolt bt2.

  Therefore, on the back side of the ultrasonic transducer 93, a sealed space composed of the concave portion 101 and the hole portion 103 and sealed by the seal member 108 and the rubber packing 92 can be formed. In this case, since the ultrasonic wave is prevented from propagating by the air filled in the sealed space, only the ultrasonic wave generated on the surface side propagates in water. Therefore, the irradiation energy of the ultrasonic wave in the food 51 can be increased. Further, since the ultrasonic wave generated on the front surface side of the ultrasonic vibrator 93 and the ultrasonic wave generated on the back surface side of the ultrasonic vibrator 93 can be prevented from interfering with each other, the hydroxyl radical can be prevented. Can be generated sufficiently.

  The sealed space forms a space where ultrasonic waves are not propagated, that is, an ultrasonic non-propagating space. In addition, an ultrasonic non-propagating space can be formed by evacuating the sealed space. Furthermore, wiring for driving each ultrasonic transducer 93 can be connected to the connectors 85 and 86 through the sealed space. Further, in the present embodiment, a vertically long recess 101 is formed on the back surface of each case main body 97, but it has a circular shape corresponding to each ultrasonic transducer 93. Individual recesses can be formed.

  Then, five reflecting members 95 that reflect the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic vibrator 93 are attached to the case 91. The reflection member 95 is formed by bending a plate having a rectangular shape made of metal, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, and the like, and is arranged corresponding to each ultrasonic vibrator 93, and the case main body by bolts bt3. It is fixed to 97.

  The reflection member 95 includes an attachment portion 111 for attachment to the case body 97 and a reflection portion 112 formed to be inclined with respect to the attachment portion 111. A constricted portion 121 is formed between the portion 112. Further, the mounting portion 111 is formed with a through hole 122 for allowing the bolt bt3 to pass therethrough. In addition, the said reflection part 112 is set so that an ultrasonic wave may be reflected in the whole propagation range. In the present embodiment, one reflection member 95 is arranged for each ultrasonic transducer 93, but a common reflection member is arranged for a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 93. can do.

  In a state where the mounting portion 111 is fixed to the case main body 97, the reflecting portion 112 extends obliquely upward toward the inside from the vibrator units 81 and 82. Then, the ultrasonic wave generated by driving the ultrasonic vibrator 93 propagates in water and is reflected by the through hole 122, and the reflected ultrasonic wave (reflected wave) is changed in the vertical direction. It propagates upward in the water and irradiates the food 51.

  The cover member 84 includes ten circular openings 115 corresponding to the respective ultrasonic transducers 93 and corresponding to the respective reflecting members 95, and the diameter of the openings 115. Is set so that the reflected ultrasonic waves propagate without being interfered by the cover member 84.

  By the way, since the directivity of the ultrasonic wave becomes stronger as the frequency becomes higher, the area in which the hydroxyl radical necessary for the sterilization treatment can be generated, that is, the area of the ultrasonic wave irradiation area is the ultrasonic vibrator 93. It becomes smaller than its own area. For example, when an ultrasonic vibrator 93 having a diameter of 26 [mm] and a frequency of 1.6 [MHz] is used, a range of about 8 [mm] or less in diameter is effective for generating hydroxyl radicals. Thus, in the range where the diameter exceeds about 8 [mm], hydroxyl radicals cannot be generated. Therefore, when the size of the food 51 is large, the whole food 51 cannot be sterilized only by using one ultrasonic transducer 93.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, by arranging 10 ultrasonic transducers 93 in the ultrasonic generation unit 58 and moving the ultrasonic irradiation device 56 in the direction of arrow A, The ultrasonic wave generated by driving the ultrasonic vibrator 93 is irradiated over the entire food 51.

  The position of the food 51 and the support 43 in the height direction is such that the effective range for the generation of hydroxyl radicals covers the entire food 51 when ultrasonic waves are generated by the ten ultrasonic vibrators 93. Is set. When the food 51 is not placed at an appropriate position and the distance between the ultrasonic vibrator 93 and the food 51 becomes short, the effective range for generating hydroxyl radicals by the ultrasonic vibrator 93 becomes narrow, and there is a gap between the ranges. If it is formed and the distance between the ultrasonic vibrator 93 and the food 51 is increased, the effective range for generating hydroxyl radicals is widened, but a sufficient amount of hydroxyl radicals cannot be generated.

  In the present embodiment, since the ultrasonic irradiation device 56 is moved in parallel with the bottom wall 39 without swinging, the ultrasonic transducer in the height direction as the ultrasonic irradiation device 56 moves. The position of 93 does not change and becomes constant. Therefore, since the distance between the ultrasonic irradiation device 56 and the support 43 can be made constant, the distance between the ultrasonic vibrator 93 and the food 51 can be made constant. Moreover, since a strong irradiation part and a weak part are not formed, it can suppress that the irradiation nonuniformity of an ultrasonic wave arises in the foodstuff 51. FIG. As a result, the efficiency of sterilization of the food 51 can be increased.

  In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic irradiation device 56 is moved and the ultrasonic transducer 93 is moved in a state where the support body 43 is placed at a predetermined position. The food product 51 can be rotated by placing the support body 43 at a predetermined position and rotating the support body 43 at the predetermined position. In this case, with the rotation of the support body 43, the position of the support body 43 does not change in the height direction and becomes constant. Therefore, since the distance between the ultrasonic irradiation device 56 and the support 43 can be made constant, the distance between the ultrasonic vibrator 93 and the food 51 can be made constant. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the occurrence of ultrasonic irradiation unevenness in the food 51.

  Furthermore, the support body 43 can be rotated at a predetermined position, the ultrasonic irradiation device 56 can be moved, and the ultrasonic transducer 93 can be moved.

  In order to rotate the support body 43 at a predetermined position, the support body 43 is rotatably supported, and a rotation moving mechanism is disposed at a predetermined position. The moving mechanism includes a motor such as a stepping motor as a driving unit for movement, a rotation transmission system such as a gear for transmitting the rotation generated by driving the motor to the support body 43, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic wave generated by driving the ultrasonic vibrator 93 is reflected by the reflecting portion 112 having a convex reflecting surface and irradiated with the ultrasonic wave. The range is widened.

  That is, the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion 112 is slightly curved in the width direction and the longitudinal direction to be formed into a circular shape, and the radius of curvature in the width direction is within a predetermined range, in the present embodiment, 20 mm or more, And it is formed so that the radius of curvature in the longitudinal direction is within a predetermined range, in the present embodiment, 40 [mm] or more and 2000 [mm] or less so as to be within 1000 [mm]. The shape of the reflecting surface is set in accordance with the shape of the irradiation surface of the food 51, and can be an elliptical shape.

  Therefore, since the ultrasonic waves are diffused and propagated after being reflected, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of uneven irradiation of the ultrasonic waves in the food 51.

  Moreover, since the range in which the ultrasonic wave is irradiated can be widened without using an acoustic lens or the like, the irradiation energy in the food 51 does not decrease.

  By the way, the ultrasonic wave propagates as a longitudinal wave in water (in a liquid), but propagates as a longitudinal wave and a transverse wave in a solid. Then, as in the present embodiment, when the ultrasonic wave propagates in water and is incident on the reflector 112 (medium having a higher sound speed than water), the incident angle (the normal wave on the reflecting surface and the incident ultrasonic wave). When the angle θ) is 0 ° or more and less than 19.1 °, the longitudinal wave and the transverse wave are transmitted through the reflecting portion 112, and the incident angle θ is 19.1 ° or more. When the angle is 31.2 [°] or less, the transverse wave is transmitted through the reflecting portion 112, and when the incident angle is 31.2 [°] or more, neither the longitudinal wave nor the transverse wave is transmitted, and only reflection is performed. Is called.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the incident angle θ is 25 ° or more so that the ultrasonic wave is reflected by the longitudinal portion and the transverse wave without being transmitted through the reflecting portion 112. Preferably, it is 31.2 [°] or more. Further, the incident angle θ is set to be less than 90 °, preferably 85 ° or less so that the reflected ultrasonic wave does not spread more than necessary in water and the cross section propagates within a circular range.

  Next, the operation unit 17 will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The operation unit 17 includes a button bj (j = 1, 2,...) As a first operation element for performing various operations, a power switch sw1 as a second operation element, and an LED as a first display element. A lamp ek (k = 1, 2,...), A monitor m1 as a second display element, and the like are provided. The operator can turn on the power switch sw1, operate and press the button bj, make various settings, and confirm the setting contents, operating state, etc. by turning on the LED lamp ek and displaying the monitor m1. it can.

  For example, when the power switch sw <b> 1 is turned on, the LED lamp e <b> 1 is turned on to display that the power is on. The button b1 is a timer setting button, and the timer can be set by operating the button b1. In this case, the setting of the ultrasonic irradiation time can be changed by repeatedly pressing the button b1, and the remaining time is displayed on the monitor m1. The button b2 is a frequency switching button, and the frequency of the ultrasonic wave generated by the ultrasonic vibrator 93 can be switched by operating the button b2. When the frequency is switched, the plurality of LED elements (1 to 3) constituting the LED lamp e2 are selectively turned on.

  The button b3 is a temperature selection button, and the temperature of the water in the treatment tank 31 can be set by operating the button b3. In this case, the temperature setting can be changed by repeatedly pressing the button b3, and the plurality of LED elements constituting the LED lamp e3 are selectively lit (high, medium, low).

  The button b4 is an ultrasonic output selection button, and the ultrasonic output can be switched by operating the button b4. When a predetermined output is selected, the plurality of LED elements constituting the LED lamp e4 are selectively lit (strong, medium, weak).

  The button b5 is a water supply / drainage button. By operating the button b5, water supply into the treatment tank 31 and drainage from the treatment tank 31 can be selected. When water supply or drainage is selected, a plurality of LED elements constituting the LED lamp e5 are selectively turned on (water supply, drainage).

  The button b6 is an object selection button, and an object to be processed can be selected by operating the button b6. When the type of the object to be processed is selected, the plurality of LED elements constituting the LED lamp e6 are selectively turned on (objects to be processed A to E).

  The button b7 starts the operation of the ultrasonic sterilizer 11 when various settings are completed, when the sterilization process by the ultrasonic sterilizer 11 is completed, or when the sterilization process is forcibly ended. And a start / stop button for stopping the operation of the ultrasonic sterilizer 11.

  Further, the LED lamps e7 to e9 are alarm lamps. The LED lamp e7 indicates that the water stored in the treatment tank 31 has become lower than the threshold value, and the LED lamp e8 is an ultrasonic vibrator. The LED lamp e9 is lit to notify the operator that the lid member 13 remains open, indicating that the output of 93 is abnormal. Further, the LED lamp e10 is turned on when sterilization by the ultrasonic sterilizer 11 is completed.

  Next, the control circuit of the ultrasonic sterilizer 11 having the above-described configuration will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a control circuit of the ultrasonic sterilizer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 131 denotes a control unit. The control unit 131 includes a CPU (not shown) as an arithmetic unit, a RAM used as a working memory when the CPU performs various arithmetic processes, a control program, and various data. Is provided. The CPU functions as a computer based on various programs, data, and the like. The RAM, ROM, etc. constitute a recording device. Note that an MPU or the like can be used as the arithmetic device instead of the CPU. The control unit 131 performs feedback control so that the sterilization conditions such as the water temperature and the irradiation location become values set in the automatic mode or the manual mode in addition to the ultrasonic frequency, output, and irradiation time. I do.

  Reference numeral 17 denotes an operation unit, 132 denotes a motor drive circuit for driving the motor 71, 133 denotes a sensor circuit, and the sensor circuit 133 is connected to the water level sensor 53, the water temperature sensor 70, and the position sensor 135, and the water level sensor 53, each sensor output output from the water temperature sensor 70 and the position sensor 135 is read.

  Ci (i = 1, 2,..., 10) is an ultrasonic transducer drive circuit for driving each ultrasonic transducer 93, and each ultrasonic transducer drive circuit Ci is from a Colpitts circuit. And includes an oscillation circuit (not shown) that performs basic oscillation of 1.65 [MHz] and a transformer (not shown), and receives a control signal SG1 from each port pi (i = 1, 2,..., 10) of the control unit 131. A driving process is performed to drive each ultrasonic transducer 93 at a predetermined frequency. The oscillation circuit is arranged corresponding to each ultrasonic transducer 93 and oscillates at a controlled frequency of 950 [kHz] or more and 2 [MHz] or less. The transformer is disposed corresponding to each ultrasonic transducer 93 and is disposed to adjust impedance and insulate between the ultrasonic transducer 93 and the oscillation circuit.

  Reference numeral 136 denotes a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit 136 applies a control voltage of 5 [V] to the control unit 131, the motor drive circuit 132, and the sensor circuit 133, and a digital control signal from the control unit 131. In response to SG2, each ultrasonic transducer drive circuit Ci is controlled to be 10 [V] or more and 60 [V] or less via each port pi (i = 1, 2,..., 10). Apply driving voltage.

  Reference numeral 138 denotes an AM modulation circuit. The AM modulation circuit 138 generates a signal wave having a frequency of 30 [Hz] or more and 100 [Hz] or less and sends it to the ultrasonic transducer drive circuit Ci for oscillation. The fundamental oscillation signal generated by the circuit is modulated by a signal wave. Along with this, power consumption in each ultrasonic vibrator 93 is reduced, heat generation due to driving of the ultrasonic vibrator 93 is suppressed, the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave is changed, and the ultrasonic irradiation energy in the food 51 is changed. Changes, so that sterilization can be performed effectively.

  The operation unit 17 is provided with a switch (not shown) as a selection member so that only a predetermined ultrasonic transducer 93 among the ultrasonic transducers 93 can be selected and driven. For example, when the size of the food 51 is small, the operator can selectively operate the ultrasonic transducer driving circuit Ci and operate only the predetermined ultrasonic transducer 93 by operating the switch. . Therefore, power consumption can be reduced accordingly.

  Each ultrasonic transducer drive circuit Ci includes a circuit for correcting the frequency, a circuit for correcting the waveform, and the like, so that a stable voltage can be applied to the ultrasonic transducer 93.

Therefore, an ultrasonic transducer drive processing unit (not shown) of the control unit 131 performs an ultrasonic transducer drive process, sends a control signal SG1 to each ultrasonic transducer drive circuit Ci, and in each ultrasonic transducer 93. , An ultrasonic wave having a frequency of 950 [kHz] or more and 2 [MHz] or less is generated with a controlled output of 10 [mW / cm ² ] or more and 200 [W / cm ² ] or less. In order to change the output of the ultrasonic transducer 93, the ultrasonic transducer drive processing means sets the voltage applied to the ultrasonic transducer 93 in accordance with the output.

  As a result, the amount of hydroxyl radicals produced was a value measured by an electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trap method (apparatus) using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO), and 0.01 [ΜM] or more and 100 [μM] or less. Therefore, the sterilization effect can be remarkably improved, and the sterilization treatment for the food 51 can be performed satisfactorily.

  The ultrasonic vibrator drive processing means constitutes hydroxyl radical generation processing means, and the hydroxyl radical generation processing means performs hydroxyl radical generation processing and generates the hydroxyl radical by driving the ultrasonic vibrator 93. To do.

  Moreover, the temperature of the water accommodated in the said processing tank 31 is set to the controlled value of 0 [degrees C] or more and 60 [degrees C] or less. For this purpose, for example, a heater (not shown) as a heating body, a cooler (not shown) as a cooling body or the like is embedded in a predetermined portion of the bottom wall 39, and the temperature of water is detected by the water temperature sensor 70. A temperature control processing unit (not shown) of the control unit 131 performs a temperature control process, reads the temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 70, turns on and off the heater, cooler, etc. The temperature is set to a predetermined temperature.

  The ultrasonic irradiation device movement processing means (not shown) of the control unit 131 performs ultrasonic irradiation device movement processing, drives the motor 71, and moves the ultrasonic irradiation device 56 between the front and rear movement limits (arrow A in FIG. 1). Direction). That is, the ultrasonic irradiation apparatus movement processing means drives the motor 71 in the forward direction to move the ultrasonic irradiation apparatus 56 in a predetermined direction, in the present embodiment, forward, so that the ultrasonic irradiation apparatus When position sensor 135 detects that 56 has reached one movement limit, motor 71 is driven in the opposite direction to move ultrasonic irradiation device 56 in the other direction, in this embodiment, backward. When the position sensor 135 detects that the ultrasonic irradiation device 56 has reached the other movement limit, the motor 71 is driven again in the forward direction. In this way, the ultrasonic irradiation device 56 can be moved between the front and rear movement limits. It should be noted that the moving speed of the ultrasonic irradiation device 56 is sufficiently lowered so that the unevenness of ultrasonic irradiation in the food 51 can be suppressed. Moreover, the ultrasonic irradiation apparatus 56 can also be moved intermittently (every 1 to 2 minutes).

  When the water level in the processing tank 31 is detected by the water level sensor 53, an alarm processing means (not shown) of the control unit 131 performs an alarm process, reads the water level detected by the water level sensor 53, and the water level is When it becomes lower than the threshold value, the LED lamp e7 is turned on to notify the operator to that effect.

  The alarm processing means determines that the output of the ultrasonic vibrator 93 is abnormal when the temperature of the water in the treatment tank 31 rises abnormally, stops the operation of the ultrasonic sterilizer 11, and turns on the LED lamp. e8 is lit to notify the operator to that effect. Further, when the lid member 13 is opened, the alarm processing means does not permit the operation of the ultrasonic sterilizer 11 and turns on the LED lamp e9 to notify the operator of that fact.

  By the way, the ultrasonic sterilizer 11 can be operated in an automatic mode and a manual mode. For this purpose, a mode selection button (not shown) as an operation element for mode selection is arranged on the operation unit 17. When the operator selects a mode by operating the mode selection button, a mode setting processing unit (not shown) of the control unit 131 performs a mode setting process, and the amount of hydroxyl radical generated is 0.1 [μM] or more. In addition, the sterilization conditions specified below 100 [μM], that is, the automatic mode for automatically setting the optimum ultrasonic frequency, output, irradiation time, water temperature, etc. set in advance corresponding to the object to be processed, In addition, when the operator operates the operation unit 17, a manual mode is set in which the ultrasonic frequency, output, irradiation time, water temperature, and the like are manually set. When a predetermined mode is set, a plurality of LED elements constituting a mode setting LED lamp (not shown) are selectively turned on.

  In this case, the temperature of the water in the processing tank 31 can be set by operating the button b3.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is provided and the effect of the same embodiment is used about the effect of the invention by having the same structure.

  12 is a cross-sectional view of the case according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a front view of the case according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a case according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  In this case, one ultrasonic transducer 93 is accommodated in one case 191 having a rectangular shape. For this purpose, the case 191 includes a case main body 197 and a back plate 198, and a hole 100 having a circular shape is formed on the front surface of the case main body 197, and the ultrasonic transducer 93 is placed in the hole 100. Housed and attached.

  Further, a concave portion 201 having a circular shape is formed by opening the back plate 198 on a surface facing the case main body 197, and the hole 100 and the concave portion 201 are communicated with each other. Then, the back plate 198 is attached to the case main body 197 by the bolt bt1.

  Therefore, a sealed space can be formed by the concave portion 201 on the back surface side of the ultrasonic transducer 93. Reference numeral 203 denotes a hole for connecting wiring for driving each ultrasonic transducer 93 to the connectors 85 and 86.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st, 2nd embodiment, the same code | symbol is provided and the effect of the embodiment is used about the effect of the invention by having the same structure.

  FIG. 15 is a side view of a reflecting member according to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is a view showing a main part of the reflecting member according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing another example of the reflecting member in the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, 295 is a reflecting member, 296 is a casing body, 297 is a foamed polystyrene as a foaming material accommodated in the casing 296, 298 is a material constituting the reflecting portion, and in this embodiment, a metal It is a plate. In addition, the reflective surface which is the surface of the metal plate 298 has a convex shape as shown in FIG.

  In this case, the polystyrene foam 297 has a porous structure, and air exists in each hole, so that no ultrasonic wave propagates. Therefore, the ultrasonic wave incident on the reflecting member 295 can be reflected favorably.

  In this embodiment, the expanded polystyrene 297 is accommodated in the housing 296, but the housing 296 can be hollow. In that case, a sheet of urethane or the like can be disposed on the back side of the metal plate 298.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 18, a ball screw mechanism 301, 302 as an adjustment member is provided by penetrating the housing 296 in the width direction and the longitudinal direction, and the ball screw mechanism 301, 302 is operated by operating the ball screw mechanism 301, 302. The metal plate 298 can be deformed to change the radius of curvature in the width direction and the longitudinal direction. In that case, it is possible to change the range in which the ultrasonic wave is irradiated in accordance with the size and shape of the food 51 and irradiate the whole food 51 with the ultrasonic wave.

  By the way, in each said embodiment, as FIG. 3 showed, the ultrasonic wave generation unit 58 was connected with the lower end of the connection body unit 59 in one end, and was arrange | positioned in the process layer 31 in the other end. Although the ultrasonic wave generating unit 58 is supported by the wheel 61 with respect to the bottom wall 39, the ultrasonic wave generating unit 58 can be supported with respect to the upper surface panel 25 by the wheel disposed outside the processing layer 31.

  Therefore, a fourth embodiment of the present invention in which the ultrasonic wave generating unit 58 is supported on the upper panel 25 by wheels disposed outside the processing layer 31 will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is provided and the effect of the same embodiment is used about the effect of the invention by having the same structure.

  FIG. 19 is a front view showing a main part of an ultrasonic sterilizer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 56 denotes an ultrasonic irradiation apparatus. The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus 56 includes an ultrasonic generation unit 58 and an ultrasonic generation unit 58 and a moving mechanism 57 (FIG. 3) at one end of the ultrasonic generation unit 58. Are connected to each other, and a connecting body unit 59 that supports the ultrasonic wave generating unit 58 and a connecting body unit 60 that supports the ultrasonic wave generating unit 58 at the other end of the ultrasonic wave generating unit 58 are provided.

  The connection unit 60 extends in the processing layer 31 in the vertical direction, and is connected to a connection body 350 having an inversion part 352 having an inverted “U” shape at the upper end, and the inversion part 352 so as to be rotatable. The connecting body 350 is connected to the horizontal portion 87 of the support member 83 at the lower end.

  Therefore, the ultrasonic wave generating unit 58 is supported on the upper panel 25 by the wheel 355 outside the processing layer 31 and is moved in the processing layer 31 by rotating the wheel 355.

  In addition, in order to support the support body 43 at a predetermined height in the treatment layer 31, the inner surface of the front wall 35 (FIG. 2) and the rear wall 36 is horizontally disposed along the front wall 35 and the rear wall 36. A rod-shaped frame body 357 is attached, and the support body 43 is constructed and supported by each frame body 357. In addition, cut-and-raised portions 358 and 359 as restricting members are formed at predetermined positions of each frame body 357 so that the support body 43 does not move in the left-right direction.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made based on the gist of the present invention, and they are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

It is a left view of the ultrasonic sterilizer in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the ultrasonic sterilizer in a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the ultrasonic sterilizer in a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the ultrasonic wave generation unit in a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of the ultrasonic wave generation unit in a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the reflective member in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the reflection member in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the reflection part of the reflection member in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the incident angle of the ultrasonic wave to the reflection member in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation part in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the control circuit of the ultrasonic sterilizer in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the case in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the case in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the case in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the reflection member in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the reflection member in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the reflective member in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the other example of the reflection member in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the principal part of the ultrasonic sterilizer in the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Ultrasonic sterilizer 17 Operation part 31 Processing tank 43 Support body 51 Food 57 Moving mechanism 81, 82 Vibrator unit 93 Ultrasonic vibrator Ci, C1, C2, C10 Ultrasonic vibrator drive circuit

Claims (8)

(A) a treatment tank containing an ultrasonic propagation medium;
(B) a support disposed in the treatment tank and supporting an object to be treated;
(C) Oite into the processing bath, it is movably disposed in a state of being immersed in the ultrasonic propagation medium, a transducer unit having an ultrasonic vibrator,
(D) an ultrasonic vibrator driving circuit that drives the ultrasonic vibrator and generates ultrasonic waves;
(E) a moving mechanism that moves the vibrator unit at a constant distance from the support;
(F) an operation unit for setting predetermined sterilization conditions defined by the amount of hydroxyl radicals generated together with the generation of the ultrasonic waves ;
(G) A reflection surface that is attached to the transducer unit at a predetermined angle and is curved with a predetermined radius of curvature, and the ultrasonic wave generated by the ultrasonic transducer is reflected by the reflection surface to be processed. And having a reflecting member that irradiates the object,
(H) The transducer unit is formed between the ultrasonic wave propagation medium on the back side of the ultrasonic transducer and the ultrasonic wave is propagated to the ultrasonic wave propagation medium on the back side of the ultrasonic transducer. With a sealed space to prevent
(I) The ultrasonic wave propagated to the ultrasonic wave propagation medium on the surface side of the ultrasonic vibrator has an incident angle set so that neither the longitudinal wave nor the transverse wave passes through the reflecting member and is reflected. An ultrasonic sterilizer that is incident on the reflecting surface . The ultrasonic sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the sealed space is sealed by a seal member. The ultrasonic sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the sealed space is filled with air. The ultrasonic sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the vibrator unit is movably disposed with a gap formed between the vibrator unit and a bottom wall of the processing tank. The ultrasonic sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the incident angle is 25 [°] or more and less than 90 [°].   The ultrasonic sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the vibrator unit is disposed to be inclined in the processing tank.   The ultrasonic sterilizer according to claim 1, further comprising a hydroxyl radical generation treatment unit that generates a hydroxyl radical having a generation amount of 0.1 [μM] or more and 100 [μM] or less.   The ultrasonic sterilizer according to claim 1, further comprising temperature control processing means for controlling the temperature of the ultrasonic propagation medium to 0 ° C. or higher and 60 ° C. or lower.

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