JP7409188B2 - Sterilizer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sterilizer used for heating foods sealed in molded containers, retort pouches, and the like.

BACKGROUND ART A sterilization apparatus is known in which a food product sealed in a molded container, a retort pouch, or the like is used as an object to be processed, and the object to be processed is placed in a processing tank and heated with hot water or steam. During operation of the sterilizer, the packaging of the object to be processed expands or contracts in the processing tank based on the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the object. In order to prevent damage to the packaging and maintain its appearance, the pressure inside the processing tank is adjusted during operation by supplying pressurized air into the processing tank and exhausting air outside the processing tank.

As one method for automatically adjusting the pressure, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 listed below, it has been proposed to use a camera to monitor the objects to be processed in the processing tank. In this invention, a camera is provided on the side wall of the processing tank, and the camera monitors the expansion or contraction of the object to be processed to adjust the pressure inside the processing tank.

However, there is not necessarily a dead space on the side of the processing tank, and it may be difficult to install a camera. In addition, objects to be processed are placed in and out of the processing tank on carts, but the amount and position of the objects set on the cart are not necessarily constant, and the stopping position of the cart with respect to the processing tank is not necessarily constant. isn't it. Therefore, even if a camera is provided on the side wall of the processing tank, the object to be processed may not be placed well within the photographic range of the camera, and there is a possibility that the desired control cannot be performed.

Such inconveniences are not limited to automatic control using a camera, but also occur when the pressure is adjusted manually by visually observing changes in the shape of the object through a viewing window provided in the processing tank. That is, since there is not always a space on the side of the processing tank for a person to enter, it may be difficult to see what is inside if a viewing window is provided on the side of the processing tank. Furthermore, even if a specific object to be processed in the processing tank is to be monitored, it will be affected by the arrangement of the object to be processed with respect to the cart and the arrangement of the cart with respect to the processing tank.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-209563

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sterilization device that allows easy monitoring of objects to be processed in a processing tank. In addition, the sterilizer can reliably monitor the objects to be processed in the processing tank, regardless of the arrangement of the objects to be processed relative to the trolley or the arrangement of the trolley relative to the processing tank, and thereby can adjust the pressure within the processing tank as desired. The challenge is to provide the following.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and the invention according to claim 1 heats the object to be processed in the processing tank with hot water or steam while adjusting the pressure inside the processing tank. The processing tank is a sterilizer, and the processing tank is composed of a processing tank main body in which the objects to be processed are accommodated, and a door that opens and closes an opening of the processing tank main body. A sterilizer characterized in that a sample holding part is provided for holding the sample product, and a window part for monitoring the sample product held in the sample holding part is provided in the door. be.

According to the invention set forth in claim 1, one or more of the objects to be processed, in addition to the objects to be processed stored in the processing tank via a trolley or the like, is a sample on the back side of the door. It is held in the holding part. The sample product held in the sample holding section can be monitored through the window provided in the door. There is a space on the door side for opening/closing the door and taking in and out the processed materials (there are no obstacles), so by providing a window in the door, it is easy to monitor the inside of the processing tank from the window. I can do it. Furthermore, even when visually monitoring from the window, since there are no obstacles on the door side, the necessary illuminance for work is ensured, and the inside of the processing tank can be easily monitored from the window. Furthermore, by providing a sample holding section on the back of the door, the objects to be processed (sample products) in the sample holding section can be monitored regardless of the placement of the processed objects (processed objects other than sample products) in the processing tank. can be reliably carried out, and as a result, the pressure inside the processing tank can be adjusted as desired. Moreover, by providing the sample holding section on the back side of the door, the attitude and holding position of the sample product will not change due to work such as carrying in the object to be processed.

The invention according to claim 2 is the sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the sample holding part and the window part are provided above a central part of the door.

According to the second aspect of the invention, by providing the sample holder and the window above the center of the door, it is possible to easily monitor the sample from the window.

The invention according to claim 3 is the sterilizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sample holding section includes a holding posture adjustment section that adjusts the holding posture of the sample product.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the holding attitude adjusting section allows the holding attitude of the sample product in the sample holding section to be adjusted. This makes it possible to hold and monitor the sample product in a position where it is easy to see changes in the shape of the sample product from the window.

The invention according to claim 4 provides a photographing means provided in the window section for photographing the sample product, a pressurizing means for supplying pressurized air into the processing tank, and a means for supplying pressurized air into the processing tank, and a means for supplying pressurized air to the outside. 4. A control means for controlling the pressurizing means and the evacuation means based on the shape change of the sample product caused by the photographing means. The sterilizer is the sterilizer described in Section 1.

According to the invention set forth in claim 4, a means for photographing the sample product is provided in the window of the door, and the pressurizing means and the exhaust means are controlled based on the change in the shape of the sample product by the photographing means. Adjust the pressure inside the tank. By adjusting the pressure within the processing tank so as to suppress changes in the shape of the sample product, it is possible to prevent damage to the processing object and maintain its appearance.

In the invention according to claim 5, the object to be processed is a cup-shaped molded container in which food is stored, and the opening of the cup-shaped molded container is sealed with a top seal, and the photographing means is configured to detect the top seal with respect to the molded container. 5. The sterilizer according to claim 4, wherein the sterilizer is provided in the window portion so as to be able to photograph the state of expansion and contraction.

According to the invention set forth in claim 5, peeling of the top seal of the molded container and deformation of the top seal can be prevented by monitoring the expansion and contraction of the top seal with respect to the molded container and adjusting the pressure in the processing tank. It can be prevented.

Furthermore, in the invention according to claim 6, when the sample product expands beyond a predetermined value, the control means pressurizes the inside of the processing tank by the pressurizing means until the sample product expands to a reference state. 6. The sterilizer according to claim 4, wherein when the sterilizer shrinks by more than a predetermined value, the pressure inside the processing tank is reduced by the exhaust means until it returns to a reference state.

According to the invention set forth in claim 6, the shape of the sample product can be maintained near the reference state by controlling the pressurizing means and the exhaust means.

According to the sterilizer of the present invention, it is possible to easily monitor the objects to be treated in the treatment tank. Furthermore, regardless of the arrangement of the objects to be treated relative to the trolley or the arrangement of the trolley relative to the processing tank, it is possible to reliably monitor the objects to be processed in the processing tank and thereby adjust the pressure within the processing tank as desired. can.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing a sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the sterilization device of FIG. 1, with a portion shown in cross section. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of operation of the sterilizer shown in FIG. 1, in which the horizontal axis represents time t, and the vertical axis represents temperature T in the processing tank. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the front part of the processing tank of the sterilizer of FIG. 1, showing a longitudinal cross section as viewed from the side. FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of an object to be processed (sample product) of the sterilizer of FIG. 1, and shows an example of a change in shape. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an unevenness signal of the top seal obtained by image analysis in the sterilizer of FIG. 1, in which the horizontal axis indicates the unevenness state of the top seal, and the vertical axis indicates the intensity of the unevenness signal.

Next, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.
Hereinafter, first, the outline of the sterilization device that is the premise of the present invention will be explained, and then the characteristic parts of the present invention will be explained in detail.

1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing a sterilizer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, with FIG. 1 being a perspective view and FIG. 2 being a partially sectional view. In FIG. 1, the axial direction of the substantially cylindrical processing tank 2 is the front-rear direction (the door 3 side is the front).

The sterilizer 1 includes a processing tank 2 in which a material to be processed 4 is stored, a means 5 for supplying water into the processing tank 2, a means 6 for discharging water to the outside of the processing tank 2, and a means for supplying pressurized air into the processing tank 2. Water is circulated between the pressurizing means 7 for supply, the exhaust means 8 for discharging the gas in the processing tank 2 to the outside, the vacuum releasing means 9 in the processing tank 2, and the processing tank 2 and the heat exchanger 11. and a control means (not shown) for controlling each of these means 5 to 10.

The processing tank 2 is a hollow container that can withstand pressurization within the processing tank 2. The processing tank 2 includes a processing tank main body 12 in which the object to be processed 4 is accommodated, and a door 3 that opens and closes an opening of the processing tank main body 12. The processing tank main body 12 is formed into a cylindrical shape that is horizontally arranged along the axis in the front-rear direction, and its rear opening is closed by a rear wall 12a. The rear wall 12a is a mirror plate that bulges rearward and has a substantially arcuate cross section. On the other hand, the front opening of the processing tank body 12 can be opened and closed by the door 3. When the door 3 is closed with respect to the processing tank main body 12, the door 3 has a mirror plate shape that bulges forward and has a substantially arcuate cross section.

The door 3 may be of a sliding type that opens and closes vertically or horizontally, but is preferably of a swing type (a hinged door type). In the illustrated example, it is a swing type clutch door. Specifically, one end of the door 3 is held by a hinge mechanism 13 on the processing tank main body 12 to open and close the opening of the processing tank main body 12 . Furthermore, with the door 3 placed in a position to close the opening of the processing tank body 12, the claws on the outer periphery can be engaged or brought into contact to airtightly close the door 3. In this embodiment, a large number of objects 4 to be processed are placed on a cart W (including a wagon or a rack), and the objects 4 are taken in and out of the processing tank body 12 together with the cart W.

The processing tank 2 is provided with a temperature sensor 14 that detects the temperature within the processing tank 2 and a water level sensor (not shown) that detects the water level within the processing tank 2. Further, although not shown, the processing tank 2 is provided with a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure inside the processing tank 2, if desired.

The water supply means 5 supplies water into the processing tank 2 via the water supply channel 15. The water supply channel 15 is provided with a water supply pump 16 and a water supply valve 17. When the water supply valve 17 is opened while the water supply pump 16 is operated, water from the water supply source can be supplied into the processing tank 2 and the water can be stored in the processing tank 2 .

The drainage means 6 discharges water from the processing tank 2 via the drainage channel 18. The drainage channel 18 is connected to the bottom of the treatment tank 2, and is provided with a drainage valve 19. By opening the drain valve 19, the water in the treatment tank 2 can be drained to the outside.

The pressurizing means 7 supplies pressurized air (compressed air) into the processing tank 2 via the pressurizing path 20 . The pressurizing path 20 is connected to the upper part of the processing tank 2, and is provided with a pressurizing valve 21. When the pressure valve 21 is opened, pressurized air from a pressurized air source can be supplied into the processing tank 2 to pressurize the processing tank 2 to a pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure.

The exhaust means 8 exhausts gas from inside the processing tank 2 under pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure via the exhaust path 22 . The exhaust path 22 is connected to the upper part of the processing tank 2, and is provided with an exhaust valve 23. When the exhaust valve 23 is opened while the inside of the processing tank 2 is at a pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure, the gas inside the processing tank 2 is discharged to the outside via the exhaust path 22, and the pressure inside the processing tank 2 can be lowered. can. Note that in order to prevent a sudden pressure drop in the processing tank 2 when the exhaust valve 23 is opened, it is preferable that the exhaust path 22 is provided with a throttle valve or an orifice.

The vacuum release means 9 introduces outside air into the processing tank 2 under pressure below atmospheric pressure via the vacuum release path 24 . The vacuum release path 24 is connected to the upper part of the processing tank 2, and is provided with a vacuum release valve 25. When the vacuum release valve 25 is opened while the inside of the processing tank 2 is at a pressure below atmospheric pressure (due to steam condensation), outside air is introduced into the processing tank 2 through the vacuum release path 24, and the inside of the processing tank 2 is pressure can be returned to atmospheric pressure.

Water is circulated between the heat exchanger 11 and the treatment tank 2, and heat is exchanged between the circulating water and steam or cooling water without mixing them. That is, in the heat exchanger 11, water from the processing tank 2 is passed through the circulation means 10, and steam is supplied by a steam supply means (not shown) to heat the circulating water, or the circulating water is supplied with steam from a steam supply means (not shown). For cooling, cooling water is passed by a cooling means (not shown).

The circulation means 10 circulates water between the processing tank 2 and the heat exchanger 11. The circulation means 10 includes a circulation path 26 and a circulation pump 27. One end of the circulation path 26 is connected to the bottom of the processing tank 2, and the circulation path 26 from the bottom of the processing tank 2 passes through the circulation pump 27 and the heat exchanger 11 in order, and the other end connects to the processing tank 2. It is connected to the nozzle 28 inside. This nozzle 28 is provided at the side and/or top of the processing tank 2 and injects water from the circulation pump 27 toward the object 4 to be processed.

Although details will be described later, in the sterilizer 1 of this embodiment, the object to be processed 4 (sample product 4S) is also held on the back side of the door 3, in addition to the object to be processed 4 inside the processing tank main body 12. (Figure 4). The nozzle (or another nozzle) 28 is provided so that the circulating water by the circulating means 10 is sprayed also on the object 4 (4S) (in other words, also on the back side of the door 3). good. That is, the nozzle for the sample product 4S of the door 3 may be shared with the nozzle 28 for the object to be processed 4 of the processing tank main body 12, or may be provided separately.

The control means is a controller (not shown) that controls the respective means based on elapsed time and the like in addition to the detection signals of the respective sensors. Then, as described below, the controller performs heat sterilization and subsequent cooling of the processing object 4 in the processing tank 2 according to a predetermined procedure (program). In FIG. 1, an operation panel 29 for instructing the controller to make various settings, start operation, etc. is provided on one side of the processing tank 2, but the installation position can be changed as appropriate.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of operation of the sterilizer 1 of this embodiment, in which the horizontal axis represents time t, and the vertical axis represents temperature T in the processing tank.

Prior to the start of operation, the object to be processed 4 is accommodated in the processing tank 2, and the door 3 of the processing tank 2 is hermetically closed. When instructed to start operation, the sterilizer 1 typically sequentially executes a water supply step S1, a temperature increase step S2, a sterilization step S3, a cooling step S4, and a drainage step S5. The temperature raising step S2 and the sterilization step S3 may be performed in multiple stages.

In the water supply step S1, water is supplied into the processing tank 2 by the water supply means 5 to a set water level at which the object to be processed 4 in the processing tank 2 is not immersed, and the water is stored in the processing tank 2.

In the temperature raising step S2, water is circulated between the processing tank 2 and the heat exchanger 11 by the circulation means 10, and the circulating water is heated in the heat exchanger 11 to bring the temperature inside the processing tank 2 to the sterilization temperature. Increase to T1. Although the details will be described later, typically, in the temperature raising step S2 to the cooling step S4, the pressurizing means 7 and the exhaust means 8 are controlled to respond to changes in the shape of the object 4 in the processing tank 2. Pressure adjustment is made.

In the sterilization step S3, the temperature inside the processing tank 2 is maintained at the sterilization temperature T1 (the sterilization temperature range may be sufficient), and the object to be processed 4 is heated and sterilized. Specifically, while the water stored in the treatment tank 2 is circulated by the circulation means 10, the heating by the heat exchanger 11 is adjusted so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 14 is maintained at the sterilization temperature T1. When the inside of the processing tank 2 reaches the sterilization temperature T1 or higher and the sterilization time has elapsed, the process moves to the next step.

In the cooling step S4, the circulation means 10 circulates water between the processing tank 2 and the heat exchanger 11, and the circulating water is cooled in the heat exchanger 11 to cool the material 4 in the processing tank 2. Cool as desired. When the cooling end conditions are met, the circulation by the circulation means 10 is stopped. Further, the pressure control in the processing tank 2 by the pressurizing means 7 and the exhaust means 8 can also be terminated, but depending on the case, the pressurizing control may be continued until the draining in the draining step S5 is completed.

In the drainage step S5, the treatment tank 2 is drained by the drainage means 6. Specifically, water is discharged to the outside by opening the drain valve 19. If the inside of the processing tank 2 is kept pressurized by the pressurizing means 7 and drained by the drainage means 6, the inside of the processing tank 2 can be drained quickly. In any case, the pressure inside the processing tank 2 is finally released by opening the exhaust valve 23 with the pressurizing valve 21 closed. Further, the vacuum release valve 25 is opened to ensure that the inside of the processing tank 2 is at atmospheric pressure. Thereby, the door 3 of the processing tank 2 can be opened and the object to be processed 4 can be taken out from inside the processing tank 2.

On the premise of the above configuration, the sterilizer 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is further configured as follows. Hereinafter, the sterilizer 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the front part of the processing tank 2 of the sterilizer 1 of FIG. 1, and shows a longitudinal section as viewed from the side. Moreover, this figure shows a state in which the door 3 of the processing tank 2 is closed, and also shows a state in which the sterilizer 1 is used.

As described above, the front opening of the processing tank 2 can be opened and closed by the door 3. By opening the door 3, the objects 4 to be processed can be taken in and out of the processing tank 2. Although not shown, in FIG. 4, a large number of objects 4 to be processed are mounted on a cart W (FIG. 2) and accommodated in the processing tank main body 12. For example, the trolley W includes a plurality of shelf boards in which a large number of openings are formed, and a plurality of objects 4 to be processed are arranged and placed on each shelf board. The objects 4 to be processed are accommodated together with the cart W in the processing tank main body 12.

A sample holding section 30 is provided on the back surface of the door 3 (the surface that becomes the inside of the processing tank 2 when the door 3 is closed). The sample holding unit 30 holds one of the objects 4 to be processed as a sample product 4S. The sample product 4S is also the same as the object to be processed 4, and from among the objects to be processed 4 accommodated in the processing tank 2, one arbitrarily selected and held in the sample holding section 30 is selected as the sample object 4S. That's what it means.

Note that a space is required on the back side of the door 3 that opens and closes to provide a sample holder 30 for holding the sample product 4S, and the position of the sample holder 30 when the door 3 is opened is It is desirable that it be shorter than your height. In this embodiment, by making the door 3 swing type, it is possible to easily install the sample holder 30 on the back surface of the door 3 and to hold the sample product 4S in the sample holder 30.

The configuration of the sample holding section 30 is not particularly limited as long as it can hold the sample product 4S, but for example, it may be a shelf on which the sample product 4S can be placed. The sample holding unit 30 typically holds the sample product 4S horizontally, but may hold the sample product 4S at a slight inclination depending on the case. Further, the sample holding unit 30 is capable of holding the sample product 4S while restricting movement of the sample product 4S to such an extent that the position and orientation of the sample product 4S do not change when the door 3 is closed or during operation. preferable.

During operation of the sterilizer 1, water is stored at the bottom of the processing tank 2, as described above, and the sample holding section 30 is provided above the storage section. Moreover, it is preferable that the sample holding part 30 be provided above the vertical center of the door 3. In the illustrated example, the sample holding section 30 is provided at the center of the door 3 in the left-right direction and slightly above the center in the vertical direction.

During operation of the sterilizer 1, as described above, water is injected from the nozzle 28 into the processing tank 2 (and water is also injected into the sample product 4S of the sample holding section 30). It is configured so that it does not accumulate. For example, the sample holder 30 is formed of a wire, a net, a punched metal, or the like.

A window portion 31 for monitoring the sample product 4S held in the sample holding portion 30 is provided in the door 3. The sample holding part 30 and the window part 31 are provided in the door 3 so that the sample product 4S held in the sample holding part 30 can be viewed, for example, from diagonally above or from the side.

In this embodiment, together with the sample holding section 30, the window section 31 is also provided above the center of the door 3. In the illustrated example, the window portion 31 is provided at the center of the door 3 in the left-right direction and above the sample holding portion 30. In this case, light can easily reach the inside of the processing tank 2, making it easy to monitor the sample product 4S inside the processing tank 2. In particular, when the door 3 has a structure with an outward bulge as shown in the illustrated example, it is possible to introduce light into the processing tank 2 and to monitor the sample product 4S more easily.

The installation of the window portion 31 on the door 3 is performed, for example, as follows. That is, a first flange 32 is fixed to the door 3 by welding, and a second flange 34 is fixed by sandwiching a transparent plate 33 made of heat-resistant tempered glass or the like between the first flange 32 and the first flange 32. Packing (not shown) is provided between the first flange 32 and the transparent plate 33 and between the second flange 34 and the transparent plate 33.

When automatically adjusting the pressure inside the processing tank 2, a photographing means 35 is provided in the window 31. The photographing means 35 photographs the sample product 4S in the processing tank 2 through the window 31. The photographing means 35 is typically a digital video camera 36. The main body part (camera head) 36a of the camera 36 is fixed to the window part 31, and at that time, the lens is arranged to face into the processing tank 2 through the window part 31 (transmission plate 33). Note that the main body portion 36a of the camera 36 may be provided in a detachable manner with respect to the window portion 31. For example, the main body portion 36a of the camera 36 may be screwed into and removed from the window portion 31 (more specifically, the attached portion provided on the second flange 34).

A cable 36b from the main body 36a of the camera 36 is connected to a controller serving as the control means. The camera 36 constantly (or at predetermined intervals) photographs the sample product 4S, and the images are taken into the controller. The controller monitors the shape of the sample product 4S through image processing. Specifically, the controller includes an image analysis device, and uses images from the camera 36 to determine changes in shape (irregularities) of the sample product 4S. When the sample product 4S is photographed from diagonally above, a three-dimensional analysis is performed, but when the sample product 4S is photographed directly from the side, a two-dimensional analysis may be performed. As will be described later, the controller controls the pressurizing means 7 and the exhaust means 8 to reduce the pressure in the processing tank 2 when the sample product 4S becomes concave by a predetermined value or more, and reduces the pressure in the processing tank 2 when the sample product 4S becomes concave by a predetermined value or more. When this happens, the inside of the processing tank 2 is pressurized to suppress changes in the shape of the sample product 4S (and other objects 4 to be processed) within a predetermined range.

FIG. 5 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the object to be processed 4 (sample product 4S), and shows an example of shape change.

The object to be processed 4 in this embodiment is, for example, a food such as pudding. Specifically, the object to be processed 4 is formed by a cup-shaped molded container 4x containing food, the opening of which is sealed with a top seal 4y. The molded container 4x is made of plastic, for example, and is harder than the top seal 4y (made of synthetic resin film, for example). When such a workpiece 4 is housed in the processing tank 2 of the sterilizer 1 and heated, the top seal 4y expands or Shrink.

That is, when the object 4 is accommodated in the processing tank 2 (before the start of operation), the top seal 4y of the object 4 is arranged substantially horizontally, as shown in FIG. However, the reference state is the state before the start of the sterilization operation, and is not limited to a substantially horizontal state, but may also be a slightly concave or convex state. If the pressure inside the molded container 4x becomes higher than the pressure inside the processing tank 2 during operation of the sterilizer 1 after being stored in the processing tank 2, the top seal 4y will swell as shown in FIG. (becomes convex upward relative to the standard state). On the other hand, if the pressure inside the molded container 4x becomes lower than the pressure inside the processing tank 2, the top seal 4y is recessed (concave downward relative to the standard state), as shown in FIG. Note that when the molded container 4x is transparent, it is possible to monitor the irregularities of the top seal 4y even when looking at the sample product 4S from the side.

In order to prevent peeling of the top seal 4y (breakage of the seal of the molded container 4x) and deterioration of appearance due to deformation of the top seal 4y, the pressurizing means 7 and the exhaust means 8 are controlled to The pressure is adjusted to maintain the top seal 4y near the reference state (FIG. 5(A)). It is preferable that such pressure control is performed from the temperature raising step S2 to the end of the cooling step S4. Note that when the object to be processed 4 is a molded container as shown in FIG. 5, the camera 36 monitors changes in the shape of the top seal 4y. A specific example of pressure control will be described below.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an unevenness signal of the top seal 4y obtained by image analysis from the camera 36, in which the horizontal axis indicates the unevenness state of the top seal 4y, and the vertical axis indicates the intensity of the unevenness signal.

In the sterilizer 1 of this embodiment, the shape of the top seal 4y of the object to be processed 4 (sample item 4S) is converted into a current signal (for example, DC 4 to 20 mA) by image analysis. In the illustrated example, the reference value A0 (for example, 12 mA) is output in the reference state D0, the first specified value A1 (for example, 4 mA) is output when the depression is more than the first specified state D1, and the first specified value A1 (for example, 4 mA) is output in the second specified state D2 or more. If it is swollen, a second specified value A2 (for example, 20 mA) is output. The current increases proportionally from the first specified state D1 to the second specified state D2.

Furthermore, a concave predetermined state DL (concave predetermined value AL) and a convex predetermined state DH (convex predetermined value AH) are set with reference state D0 (reference value A0) as a boundary. The concave side predetermined value AL is set between the reference value A0 and the first specified value A1, and the convex side predetermined value AH is set between the reference value A0 and the second specified value A2. Then, during the sterilization operation, the unevenness signal based on the shape change of the sample product 4S (in other words, the degree of unevenness from the reference state D0) is monitored, and the following controls (a) and (b) are executed.

(a) When the sample product 4S expands beyond a predetermined value, the inside of the processing tank 2 is pressurized by the pressurizing means 7 until it returns to the reference state D0. Specifically, when the unevenness signal of the top seal 4y exceeds the predetermined value AH on the convex side, the exhaust valve 23 is closed and the pressurizing valve 21 is opened to pressurize the inside of the processing tank 2 until it reaches the reference value A0. Press. When the detection signal becomes equal to or less than the reference value A0, the pressurizing valve 21 is closed. Then, it monitors whether the state (a) or (b) is reached again, and if either state occurs, the control is executed.

(b) When the sample product 4S has shrunk beyond a predetermined value, the pressure inside the processing tank 2 is reduced by the exhaust means 8 until it returns to the reference state D0. Specifically, when the unevenness signal of the top seal 4y becomes less than the predetermined value AL on the concave side, the pressurizing valve 21 is closed and the exhaust valve 23 is opened to reduce the pressure in the processing tank 2 until it reaches the reference value A0. do. When the detection signal exceeds the reference value A0, the exhaust valve 23 is closed. Then, it monitors whether the state (a) or (b) is reached again, and if either state occurs, the control is executed.

However, instead of such control, the opening degree of the pressurizing valve 21 and/or the exhaust valve 23 can be adjusted, and the pressurizing valve 21 and/or the exhaust valve 23 is adjusted so that the unevenness signal of the top seal 4y becomes the reference value A0. The opening degree of the valve 23 may be adjusted (PID control).

In addition, in the sterilizer 1, the objects 4 to be processed may be replaced and sterilized in sequence (batch processing), but the objects 4 to be processed (of course, not the sterilized ones, but the same type of unsterilized ones (in other words, regarding the container and contents) When sterilizing objects 4) of the same size and material, the pressure control obtained during previous operation may be repeated. That is, as described above, while the object to be processed 4 is being sterilized, the pressure inside the processing tank 2 is adjusted by controlling the pressure valve 21 and the exhaust valve 23 based on the change in the shape of the sample object 4S. The controller may be able to register in the information storage means whether the process was performed or not. For example, the elapsed time during operation and the opening/closing status of each valve 21, 23 can be stored in association with each other. In that case, when the same workpiece 4 needs to be sterilized later, the controller reads out the stored data and reproduces the opening and closing of each valve 21, 23 while sterilizing the workpiece 4. 4. Sterilization can also be attempted. From the second time onward, there is no need to hold the sample product 4S in the sample holding unit 30 or monitor the sample product 4S. Of course, even after the second time, the sample product 4S can be held in the sample holding section 30 and the pressure can be adjusted while monitoring the shape change, and at that time, the data may be rewritten. .

By the way, in order to easily monitor the sample product 4S held in the sample holder 30 from the window 31, the sample holder 30 includes a holding attitude adjustment unit (not shown) that adjusts the holding attitude of the sample product 4S. is preferable. The holding posture adjustment section may be provided integrally with the sample holding section 30, or may be configured to be detachable from the sample holding section 30.

The sample holding section 30 includes, for example, a fixed section to the door 3 and a movable section (holding posture adjustment section) relative to the fixed section. The movable part includes a placing part (for example, a table) on which the sample product 4S is placed, and this placing part moves in one or more of the following directions, front and back, left and right, and up and down with respect to the fixed part. It is considered movable. Further, instead of or in addition to this, the mounting portion may be tiltable with respect to the horizontal (for example, tiltable upward around the hinge on the door 3 side).

By adjusting the holding attitude of the sample item 4S by the holding attitude adjustment section, the attitude of the sample item 4S can be adjusted to a position where it is easy to grasp the shape change of the sample item 4S from the window part 31 (camera 36). For example, by holding the sample product 4S so that only the side surface thereof can be seen through the window portion 31, it becomes easy to observe the irregularities of the top seal 4y. Note that when the door 3 is shaped like a mirror plate, the window portion 31 is substantially perpendicular to the curved surface, and the aforementioned placement portion of the sample holding portion 30 is provided substantially horizontally, the sample product 4S is monitored from diagonally above. However, using the holding posture adjustment section, it is possible to arbitrarily adjust how the sample product 4S looks from the window section 31.

As described in detail above, according to the sterilizer 1 of this embodiment, one of the objects 4 to be processed is stored in the processing tank body 12 as a sample product 4S, and the door 3 It is held in the sample holding section 30 on the back side. Then, the sample product 4S held in the sample holding section 30 is monitored by the camera 36 through the window section 31 provided in the door 3, and the pressure inside the processing tank 2 is automatically adjusted. By providing the sample holding section 30 on the back side of the door 3, the objects to be processed 4 in the sample holding section 30 can be stored in the sample holding section 30 regardless of the arrangement of the objects to be processed 4 (the objects to be processed 4 other than the sample product 4S) in the processing tank main body 12. 4 (sample product 4S) can be reliably monitored, and the pressure inside the processing tank 2 can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, by providing the sample holding section 30 on the back surface of the door 3, the attitude and holding position of the sample product 4S will not change due to work such as carrying in the object 4 to be processed.

The sterilizer 1 of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, and can be modified as appropriate. In particular, it is a sterilizer 1 that heats the object to be processed 4 in the processing tank 2 with hot water or steam while adjusting the pressure in the processing tank 2, and the processing tank 2 accommodates the object to be processed 4. It is composed of a processing tank main body 12 and a door 3 that opens and closes the opening of the processing tank main body 12, and a sample holding section 30 for holding the object to be processed 4 as a sample product 4S is provided on the back side of the door 3. As long as the door 3 is provided with a window 31 for monitoring the sample product 4S held in the sample holding unit 30, other configurations can be changed as appropriate. Various modified examples are shown below, but combinations of modified examples are also possible.

First, in the embodiment described above, the example in which the sample holding section 30 holds only one sample product 4S has been described, but depending on the situation, it may be configured to be able to hold a plurality of sample products 4S.

Further, when the camera 36 is provided in the window 31, the installation of the transmission plate (glass) 33 in the window 31 is omitted, and the opening of the window 31 is sealed with the main body 36a of the camera 36 itself. may be configured. In other words, the lens of the camera 36 may be directed directly toward the sample product 4S without passing through the transmission plate 33.

Further, in the above embodiment, the camera 36 was installed in the window 31, and the pressurizing means 7 and the exhaust means 8 were automatically controlled based on the information from the camera 36. The pressure inside the processing tank 2 may be adjusted by manual operation based on the change in shape by visually confirming (confirming with the naked eye). That is, when the sample product 4S is actually visually viewed through the window 31, and as in the case of the automatic control in the above embodiment, if the top seal 4y has a large bulge, the inside of the processing tank 2 is pressurized by the pressurizing means 7. If the top seal 4y is under pressure and the top seal 4y has a large dent, the inside of the processing tank 2 may be depressurized by the exhaust means 8 to maintain it near the reference state (FIG. 5(A)). The pressurizing means 7 and the exhaust means 8 can be operated, that is, the pressurizing valve 21 and the exhaust valve 23 can be opened and closed by operating the operation panel 29. Note that there is a space in front of the processing tank 2 (that is, on the side of the door 3) for opening and closing the door 3 and taking in and out the objects 4 to be treated (that is, there are no obstacles), so a window 31 is provided in the door 3. Thus, the inside of the processing tank 2 can be easily monitored from the window portion 31. Furthermore, since there are no obstacles on the door 3 side, the illuminance necessary for the work is ensured, and the inside of the processing tank 2 can be easily monitored from the window portion 31.

Further, in the above embodiment, the object to be processed 4 is a molded container 4x whose upper opening is sealed with a top seal 4y, but the object 4 may be sealed into a retort pouch. Additionally, in addition to these, any type of container (packaging) that is sealed and can be expanded or contracted by the air or steam inside the container can be applied in the same manner as in the above embodiment. be. Furthermore, although what is housed in the container is typically a food product, it is equally applicable to other items other than food products.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the holding attitude of the sample product 4S can be adjusted by the holding attitude adjusting section, but instead of or in addition to this, the mounting attitude of the main body part 36a of the camera 36 to the window part 31 (camera 36 lenses) may be adjustable. For example, the direction of the main body 36a of the camera 36 may be adjustable by providing the main body 36a of the camera 36 on the second flange 34 so as to be rotatable with a hinge.

Furthermore, as long as the door 3 is provided with the sample holding section 30 and the window section 31, the other configurations of the sterilizer 1 are not limited to those of the embodiments described above. For example, it can also be applied to a so-called hot water storage type sterilizer 1. In that case, the object to be treated 4 is immersed in hot water to be sterilized in the treatment tank 2, but the water stored in the treatment tank 2 is circulated between it and the heat exchanger 11, as in the previous embodiment. At the same time, the circulating water may be heated with steam in the temperature raising step S2 and the sterilization step S3, and may be cooled with cooling water in the cooling step S4. Alternatively, the object to be treated 4 may be heated by blowing steam directly into the circulating water, or the object to be processed 4 may be cooled by replacing the stored water. In addition, the object to be processed 4 may be heated with steam instead of using hot water. That is, steam may be directly blown into the processing tank 2 to heat the object 4 with the steam.

1 Sterilizer 2 Processing tank 3 Door 4 Object to be processed (4S: sample product, 4x: molded container, 4y: top seal)
5 Water supply means 6 Drainage means 7 Pressure means 8 Exhaust means 9 Vacuum release means 10 Circulation means 11 Heat exchanger 12 Treatment tank body (12a: rear wall)
13 Hinge mechanism 14 Temperature sensor 15 Water supply channel 16 Water supply pump 17 Water supply valve 18 Drain channel 19 Drain valve 20 Pressurizing channel 21 Pressurizing valve 22 Exhaust channel 23 Exhaust valve 24 Vacuum release channel 25 Vacuum release valve 26 Circulation channel 27 Circulation pump 28 Nozzle 29 Operation panel 30 Sample holding section 31 Window section 32 First flange 33 Transmission plate 34 Second flange 35 Photographing means 36 Camera (36a: main body section, 36b: cable)
A0 Standard value A1 First specified value A2 Second specified value AH Convex side predetermined value AL Concave side predetermined value D0 Standard state D1 First specified state D2 Second specified state DH Convex side predetermined state DL Concave side predetermined state S1 Water supply process S2 Temperature raising process S3 Sterilization process S4 Cooling process S5 Drainage process

Claims (6)

A sterilization device that heats a processed material in a processing tank with hot water or steam while adjusting the pressure in the processing tank,
The processing tank is composed of a processing tank main body in which the object to be processed is accommodated, and a door that opens and closes an opening of the processing tank main body,
A sample holding part for holding the object to be processed as a sample product is provided on the back side of the door,
A sterilizer characterized in that the door is provided with a window section for monitoring the sample product held in the sample holding section. The sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the sample holding part and the window part are provided above a central part of the door. The sterilizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sample holding section includes a holding posture adjustment section that adjusts the holding posture of the sample product. a photographing means provided in the window section for photographing the sample product;
Pressurizing means for supplying pressurized air into the processing tank;
Exhaust means for exhausting the gas in the processing tank to the outside;
The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a control means for controlling the pressurizing means and the exhaust means based on a change in the shape of the sample product caused by the photographing means. The object to be processed is a cup-shaped molded container containing food, the opening of which is sealed with a top seal;
The sterilizer according to claim 4, wherein the photographing means is provided in the window so as to be able to photograph the state of expansion and contraction of the top seal with respect to the molded container. The control means pressurizes the inside of the processing tank by the pressurizing means until the sample product expands by a predetermined amount or more until it returns to a reference state, and when the sample product contracts by a predetermined amount or more, the processing tank returns to a reference state. The sterilizer according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the pressure inside the processing tank is reduced by the exhaust means until the pressure returns to .

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