JP6337556B2 - Sterilization treatment system for containers - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sterilization system for containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sterilization processing system for food containers, for example, using a xenon flash lamp.

  In food manufacturing and processing manufacturers, it is important to reliably sterilize food containers. Due to the diversification of consumer needs, reliable sterilization of food containers is required by reducing the salinity of food, eliminating preservatives, extending the shelf life, and so on.

  Currently, in place of heat treatment and sterilization by chemicals, development of sterilization technology capable of sterilization without heating and non-contact is in progress. As such a non-heated and non-contact sterilization technique, flash pulse sterilization has attracted attention.

  A xenon flash lamp is used in the flash pulse sterilization processing system. The light emitted from the xenon flash lamp contains abundant UV rays having a wavelength of 200 to 300 nm which are effective for sterilization.

  The flash sterilization treatment system using a xenon flash lamp has a strong sterilization effect, is easy to control the light emission pulse, does not generate any residue because of non-contact, and is subject to treatment due to very short pulse irradiation. It has the effect that there is little influence on. On the other hand, the flash sterilization treatment system has a problem that only a portion that can be irradiated with light can be sterilized.

  The present inventors paid attention to the influence of the shape of the food container regarding the light irradiation described in the present application, and searched and investigated prior art documents regarding the invention for controlling the pulse irradiation method, but could not find it.

  The flash sterilization treatment system has a strong sterilization effect as long as it can reliably irradiate the object to be treated. However, assuming an actual food manufacturing / processing maker site, it was found that light irradiation intensity (irradiance unevenness) was present on the sterilization surface of the food container due to the shape of the food container being processed. .

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization treatment system that can reliably irradiate the sterilization surface of a container without depending on the shape of the container.

  In view of the said objective, the sterilization processing system which concerns on this invention is the conveyance conveyor which conveys in one direction, the container which is the object of the sterilization process arrange | positioned on the said conveyance conveyor, and the conveyance direction above the said conveyance conveyor. A lamp that is arranged so as to be orthogonal and that irradiates with ultraviolet rays having a lamp axis as a symmetry axis, and a vertical plane that is arranged to cover the lamp on the opposite side of the lamp from the conveyor and includes the symmetry axis And a reflector plate having a plane of symmetry, wherein when the container has moved to a position directly below the lamp, the conveyor is stopped and the container is moved to the lamp. In the flash irradiation, the reflecting plate moves within a predetermined range to change the direction of the ultraviolet light.

  Furthermore, in the sterilization treatment system, the reflector has a curved shape in which a lamp facing surface is formed as a recess when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the symmetry axis, and when the flash is irradiated, the reflector has a lamp axis line. The direction of the ultraviolet ray may be changed by rotating around the lens in a predetermined range.

Furthermore, in the sterilization treatment system, the reflector is divided into two when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the axis of symmetry, and the two reflectors are arranged in a curved shape in which a lamp facing surface is formed in a recess,
During the flash irradiation, each of the two reflectors may change the direction of ultraviolet rays by having the upper end portion as a pivot axis and the lower end portion narrowing or expanding within a predetermined range.

Furthermore, in the sterilization treatment system, the reflector is divided into two when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the axis of symmetry, and the two reflectors are arranged in a curved shape in which a lamp facing surface is formed in a recess,
During the flash irradiation, the two reflectors rotate around the lamp axis within a predetermined range to change the direction of ultraviolet rays, and the lower end is within a predetermined range with the upper end as a pivot axis. The operation of changing the direction of the ultraviolet light by narrowing or expanding may be performed.

  Furthermore, in the sterilization system, the lamp may be a xenon flash lamp.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the sterilization processing system which can light-irradiate the sterilization processing surface of a container reliably can be provided, without depending on the shape of a container.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a food container sterilization system. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the timing of pulse irradiation in a conventional sterilization processing system. Drawing 3A is a figure explaining the sterilization processing system concerning a 1st embodiment, and is a figure showing the situation of an arc tube, a reflector, a container, and an ultraviolet ray. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of a mechanism for rotating the reflecting plate within a predetermined range around the axis of the lamp. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a sterilization processing system according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a situation of an arc tube, a reflector, a container, and ultraviolet rays. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a mechanism that rotates the left and right reflectors within a predetermined range around each pivot axis so that birds flutter.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a sterilization processing system for a container according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the figure, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

(Sterilization system)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a food container sterilization system 10. A container 8 to be sterilized is placed on the conveyor 12 and is carried in the direction of the arrow. Inside the ultraviolet irradiator 6 is provided a lamp 2 that irradiates the container 8 with light and sterilizes it. The lamp 2 is provided with a reflector 4 so as to cover the lamp 2 in order to effectively use the light emitted from the lamp. The lamp 2 is typically a straight tubular xenon flash lamp, and has a shape with the lamp axis as the axis of symmetry (center axis). The reflection plate 4 has a shape in which a vertical plane including the symmetry axis is a symmetry plane.

  In general, a plurality of containers 8 are aligned in the width direction of the transport conveyor 12 and are placed at intervals L in the traveling direction of the transport conveyor 12. The container 8 is typically a food container. In addition, it is a container for chemicals taken into the human body.

  When the containers 8 placed on the transport conveyor 12 and aligned in the width direction of the transport conveyor come directly under the lamp 2, the transport conveyor 12 is temporarily stopped and sterilized by pulse irradiation of ultraviolet rays from the lamp 2. Then, it restarts and moves to an arrow direction, and progresses to the food filling process of the next process. As described above, the transport conveyor 12 stops every time the interval L between the rows of the aligned containers 8 is advanced, and performs tact transport for sterilization.

  An example of such a sterilization treatment system 10 is a yogurt filling machine. The sterilization processing system of the yogurt filling machine is tact conveyance that repeats stop and conveyance, with a stop of 0.75 seconds, a movement of 1.05 seconds, and a movement distance of 178 mm. Therefore, the conveyance speed is 170 mm / sec.

(Conventional sterilization system)
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the state of pulse irradiation in the conventional sterilization processing system 100 in a cross section including the central axis of the container 8. When the container 8 placed on the transport conveyor 12 is just below the lamp 2, the transport conveyor 12 is temporarily stopped, and the inside of the container is sterilized by emitting the ultraviolet light 2L from the lamp 2 a predetermined number of times. . Typically, the number of pulse emission is about 10 pulses. As described with reference to FIG. 1, the transport conveyor 12 stops each time the arrangement distance L of the containers 8 is advanced, and performs sterilization.

  At this time, when the irradiation intensity distribution on the inner surface (irradiated surface) of the container 8 was measured, it was found that the irradiation intensity was strong or weak. That is, it was found that there are portions (irradiance unevenness in illumination intensity) where the irradiation intensity is relatively weak on the right side surface 8R, the left side surface 8L and the bottom surface 8B of the inner surface of the container as seen in the cross-sectional view shown in FIG.

  In the sterilization processing system 100, the reflected light f of the ultraviolet ray is adjusted so as to be focused in the container so that the illuminance is high at the lower end of the side surface where the irradiated light is difficult to hit. As a result, it has been found that the illuminance decreases on the side surface of the inner surface of the container 8 other than the lower end. Note that the level of illuminance can be determined by the density of light rays.

  Furthermore, regarding the right side surface 8R and the left side surface 8L, it is conceivable that the incident angle of ultraviolet rays is large. With respect to the bottom surface 8B, it is conceivable that a direct ray from the lamp 2 is directly incident, but there is a portion where the reflected ray from the reflector 4 cannot be used because the lamp 2 interferes.

  Even in the conventional sterilization treatment system 100, the number of viable bacteria is at a level that can be regarded as zero, and there is no problem in food hygiene. However, food hygiene management must be done with caution.

  The sterilization processing system according to the present embodiment solves the problem of the intensity of irradiation (irradiance unevenness) and enables more reliable sterilization processing.

[Sterilization system according to this embodiment]
In the present embodiment, irradiation is performed while the focal position f of the ultraviolet ray of the container 8 shown in FIG. 2 is moved left and right (first embodiment), or irradiation is performed while the container 8 is moved up and down (second embodiment). Form), or a combination of left and right movements and up and down movements (third embodiment). As a result, a portion with high illuminance is formed on the side surface other than the lower end portion, and unevenness in illuminance is eliminated.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating the sterilization processing system 10-1 according to the first embodiment, and the arc tube 2, the reflecting plate 4-1, the container 8, and the ultraviolet ray 2L viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the lamp. FIG. The sterilization system 10-1 is characterized in that the reflector 4-1 is rotated left and right around the symmetry axis of the lamp 2 within a predetermined range, and the focal position f of the ultraviolet ray is swung left and right inside the container 8. Light irradiation is performed.

  FIG. 3A shows the same irradiation state as in the prior art of FIG. Between (A), (B), and (C), the positional relationship between the lamp 2 and the container 8 does not change, but the position of the ultraviolet ray 2L and the focal point f1 changes due to the change in the direction of the reflecting plate 4-1. It has changed.

  As shown in FIG. 3A (B), when the reflector 4-1 is rotated clockwise around the axis of the lamp 2 within a predetermined range, the position of the focal point f1 is on the left inner peripheral side surface 8L of the container 8. approach. When ultraviolet irradiation is performed in this state, the left inner peripheral side surface 8L close to the focal point f1 has high light density, and portions other than the lower end can be irradiated with strong reflected light.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3A (C), when the reflector 4-1 is rotated counterclockwise around the axis of symmetry of the lamp 2 within a predetermined range, the position of the focal point f1 is the right side of the container 8. It approaches the inner peripheral side surface 8R. When ultraviolet irradiation is performed in this state, the right inner peripheral side surface 8R close to the focal point f1 has a high light density, and portions other than the lower end can be irradiated with strong reflected light.

  A mechanism for rotating the reflecting plate 4-1 within a predetermined range around the axis of the lamp 2 may be arbitrary. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the reflector support shaft 14 at the center of the driven gear 11 is positioned at the position of the lamp axis, and the driving gear 11 rotates the driven gear 11 in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction within a predetermined range. 16 may be driven. In addition, any drive mechanism can be used.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining a sterilization treatment system 10-2 according to the second embodiment, where the arc tube 2, the reflector 4-2, the container 8 and the ultraviolet ray 2L viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the lamp. FIG. The sterilization treatment system 10-2 is characterized by dividing the reflector 4-2 into two parts, the left and right reflectors 4-2R and 4-2L, and the upper end of each reflector as a pivot 18L. , 18R , light irradiation is performed while rotating around this within a predetermined range.

  FIG. 4A shows the same irradiation state as in the prior art of FIG. Between (A), (B), and (C), the positional relationship between the lamp 2 and the container 8 does not change, but the reflector 4-2 is divided into left and right parts, and each reflector 4-2R, 4-2L. Changes the positions of the ultraviolet light 2L and the focal point f2.

  As shown in FIG. 4A (B), the right reflector 4-2R is rotated clockwise around the pivot shaft 18R at the upper end by a predetermined range, and the left reflector 4-2L is moved at the upper end. It rotates counterclockwise within a predetermined range around the pivot shaft 18L. That is, the left and right reflecting plates 4-2R and 4-2L are in a state in which the birds close their wings. In this state, the position of the focal point f2 moves downward in the container 8. When ultraviolet irradiation is performed in this state, the light density in the vicinity of the center of the bottom inner peripheral surface 8B of the container 8 is increased, and irradiation with strong reflected light can be performed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4A (C), the right reflector 4-2R is rotated counterclockwise within a predetermined range around the pivot shaft 18R at the upper end, and the left reflector 4-2L is Rotate clockwise around the pivot shaft 18L at the upper end within a predetermined range. That is, the left and right reflectors 4-2R and 4-2L are in a state where the bird has spread its wings. In this state, the position of the focal point f <b> 2 is moved upward in the container 8. When ultraviolet irradiation is performed in this state, the light density of the peripheral portion of the bottom inner peripheral surface 8B of the container 8 and the lower portions of the left and right inner peripheral surfaces increases, and irradiation with strong reflected light is possible.

  Any mechanism may be used for rotating the left and right reflectors 4-2R and 4-2L around the pivot shafts 18R and 18L within a predetermined range so that the birds flutter. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, two identical driven gears 20R, 20L and a conversion gear 24 having the same shape are prepared, and each of the central shafts 20R, 20L is used as a reflector support shaft and a pivot shaft. The upper ends of the reflectors 4-2R and 4-2L are fixed. The two driven gears 20R and 20L may be realized by being driven by the drive gear 22 via the conversion gear 24. In addition, any drive mechanism can be used.

(Third embodiment)
Although not shown, the third embodiment is a combination of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. In the time series, the first embodiment, then the second embodiment, and a method of repeating this may be used.

That is, as described in the second embodiment, the reflector 4 is divided into two parts when the plane of symmetry of the lamp is a cut surface, and the two reflectors 4-2R and 4-2L have concave portions facing the lamp. When the lamp 2 irradiates with flash light, the two reflectors rotate around the lamp axis within a predetermined range to change the direction of the ultraviolet ray (first operation (first step)). 1 embodiment) and the two reflectors 4-2R and 4-2L, respectively, with the upper end portions as pivot axes 18L and 18R, the lower end portions are narrowed or expanded within a predetermined range, and the direction of ultraviolet rays is changed. The second operation to be changed (second embodiment) is performed in time series. Further, the first operation and the second operation may be repeated.
Or you may perform 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment simultaneously.

(Conclusion)
As mentioned above, although embodiment regarding the sterilization processing system with respect to the container which concerns on this invention was described, these are illustrations and do not limit the scope of the present invention at all. Additions, deletions, changes, improvements, and the like that can be easily made by those skilled in the art within the present embodiment are within the scope of the present invention. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the description of the appended claims.

2: lamp, xenon flash lamp, arc tube, 2L: ultraviolet light, ultraviolet light emission, 4: reflector, 4R: right reflector, 4L: left reflector, 6: UV irradiator, 8: container, 8B: inside bottom Peripheral surface, 8L: container left inner peripheral surface, 8R: container right inner peripheral surface, 10: sterilization processing system, 11: driven gear, 12: transport conveyor, 14: driven gear, 14: reflector support shaft, 16: driving Gears, 18R, 18L: pivot shafts, 20R, 20L: driven gears, 22: drive gears, 24: conversion gears, 100: sterilization treatment system,
L: arrangement interval, f, f1, f2: focus,

Claims (5)

A transport conveyor for transporting in one direction;
A container to be sterilized and disposed on the conveyor,
Above the transport conveyor, disposed so as to be orthogonal to the transport direction, a lamp for flashing ultraviolet light having a lamp axis as a symmetry axis;
In the sterilization processing system provided with a reflecting plate that is arranged to cover the lamp on the side opposite to the conveyance conveyor of the lamp and has a vertical plane including the symmetry axis as a symmetry plane,
When the container has moved to a position directly below the lamp, the conveyor is stopped and the container is flashed by the lamp,
The sterilization processing system in which the reflector moves in a predetermined range and changes the direction of ultraviolet rays during the flash irradiation. In the sterilization processing system according to claim 1,
The reflector has a curved shape in which a lamp facing surface is formed in a recess when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the symmetry axis,
The sterilization processing system in which the reflection plate rotates around a lamp axis within a predetermined range to change the direction of ultraviolet rays during the flash irradiation. In the sterilization processing system according to claim 1,
The reflector is divided into two when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the axis of symmetry, and the two reflectors are arranged in a curved shape with a lamp facing surface formed in a recess,
In the flash irradiation, the two reflectors each have a sterilization treatment system in which the direction of ultraviolet rays is changed by narrowing or expanding the lower end within a predetermined range with the upper end as a pivot axis. In the sterilization processing system according to claim 1,
The reflector is divided into two when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the axis of symmetry, and the two reflectors are arranged in a curved shape with a lamp facing surface formed in a recess,
During the flash irradiation, the two reflectors have a first operation that rotates around the lamp axis within a predetermined range to change the direction of the ultraviolet ray, and a lower end portion that uses the upper end portion as a pivot axis. The sterilization processing system which performs the 2nd operation | movement which changes the direction of an ultraviolet ray by narrowing within a predetermined range, or expanding , in one of the following aspects .
(a) The first operation and the second operation are performed in time series.
(b) The first operation and the second operation are repeated.
(c) The first operation and the second operation are performed simultaneously. In the sterilization processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The lamp is a xenon flash lamp, a sterilization processing system.

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