JPH1135016A - Method and device for sterilizing cap - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To economically achieve the complete sterilization by performing the rinsing treatment using high-concentration ozone water and the ozone water removing treatment with aseptic air, and to prevent the circumstance from being affected with ozone. SOLUTION: In a sterilizing box 2 which is communicated with the outside through an exhaust fan 5 and an ozone processing part 6 to make ozone harmless, the preliminary cleaning and sterilization treatment using the recycle ozone water, the permanent sterilization treatment using high concentration ozone water, rinsing treatment using high concentration ozone water and low concentration ozone water, and ozone water removing treatment with aseptic air are performed in this order for a cap to be sterilized.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a PET (polyethyty)
The present invention relates to a cap sterilizing method and apparatus suitable for sterilizing a cap of a container such as a bottle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a means for sterilizing a cap of a container such as a PET bottle filled with drinking water or the like, a cap sterilizing apparatus for sterilizing with a low-concentration ozone water so as not to harm the human body is known. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view, partly broken away, for explaining the configuration of such a conventional cap sterilizer, and FIG. 6 shows a cap 10 to be sterilized.
FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, a conventional cap sterilizing apparatus 50 includes a sterilizing tank 51 for sterilizing the cap 100 and caps 100 removed from the container by a cap separator (not shown) and arranged in a line in the same posture. Is supplied to the disinfection tank 51, and a discharge air conditioner 53 for transporting the sterilized cap 100 to a lid fastening device (not shown) which is the next step.

[0004] Inside the sterilization tank 51, a guide groove 51a for guiding the cap 100 carried in by the supply air conditioner 52 to the discharge air conditioner 53 in a zigzag manner is provided.
And a cap pusher (not shown) for propelling the cap 100 using air or a chain drive. Downward and upward nozzles 51b that are inclined in the direction of movement of the cap 100 are provided at regular intervals above and below the guide groove 51a. The nozzle 51b is connected to an ozone water producing device (not shown). The low-concentration ozone water adjusted to a predetermined ozone concentration is jetted to the cap 100, and the low-concentration ozone water jetted from the nozzle 51b is collected and not shown. It is circulated by a pump.

[0005] Further, a draining device using clean air (not shown) is provided in the discharge air-conditioner bear 53, and clean air is sprayed on the cap 100 sterilized by the drain device to thereby remove the low-concentration adhering to the cap 100. It is designed to remove ionic water. In addition,
The sterilization tank 51 is provided with a canopy that opens upward, and the guide groove 51a can be opened to the outside by opening this canopy.

With such a configuration, the cap 100
Are sequentially pushed into the sterilization tank 51 by the supply air conditioner 52, and the pressing force by the supply air conditioner 52,
By the propulsive force of a cap pusher (not shown), the vehicle travels in the sterilization tank 51 while being guided in a zigzag manner along the guide groove 51a. In the sterilization tank 51, the cap 100 is sterilized by being immersed in ozone water ejected from the nozzle 51 b for a predetermined time while traveling, and is sent from the outlet of the sterilization tank 51 to the discharge air conditioner 53. In the sterilization tank 51, the traveling of the cap 100 is assisted by the pressure of the ozone water ejected from the nozzle 51b while being inclined in the traveling direction.

After the sterilization of the cap 100 in the sterilization tank 51 is completed, the cap 100 is jetted with clean air by a drainer (not shown) and drained. It is. When the type of the cap is changed in accordance with the switching of the filling liquid type, the canopy of the sterilization tank 51 is opened, all the caps 100 remaining in the sterilization tank 51 are manually taken out, and the inside of the sterilization tank 51 is once emptied. After that, the cap for the new liquid type is supplied and the sterilization operation is started.

[0008]

However, in the conventional cap sterilizer described above, low-concentration ozone water (with an ozone content of about 1 ppm) is used so as not to harm the human body. It is not enough to perform sterilization, and it is necessary to increase the ozone concentration (ozone content: 10 to 20 ppm) in order to perform complete sterilization. There is a problem that must be considered.

In the conventional cap sterilizing apparatus as described above, low-concentration ozone water (with an ozone content of about 1 ppm) is sterilized by injecting it into the cap so as not to harm the human body. When sterilizing caps having complicated shapes such as plastic screw caps that have come to be used for aseptic filling products,
Ozone water is unlikely to act, and the cap may not be completely sterilized.

[0010] In the case of fungi having spores or hydrophobicity, ozone water may not easily act on caps and cells. For example, fungi such as the genus Earthrinium and the genus Ketomuium have fine projections around the nucleus, which act as a barrier to keep ozone water from approaching. If the ozone water does not easily act on the cells, there is a possibility that the ozone water cannot be completely sterilized.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to perform a complete sterilization by performing a rinsing process using a high-concentration ozone water or an ozone water removal process using sterile air. Can be economical,
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus for disinfecting a cap that do not affect the surroundings due to ozone.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above object, a method for sterilizing a cap according to the present invention (Claim 1) is connected to the outside via an exhaust fan and an ozone treatment unit for detoxifying ozone. In the sterilization box, the cap to be sterilized is subjected to a preliminary cleaning sterilization process using recycled ozone water, a main sterilization process using high-concentration ozone water, and a rinse using high-concentration ozone water and low-concentration ozone water. The treatment and the ozone water removal treatment with aseptic air are performed in this order.

[0013] Further, the cap sterilizing apparatus of the present invention (claim 2) includes a sterilizing box which is connected to the outside via an exhaust fan and an ozone treatment unit for detoxifying ozone. A pre-cleaning / sterilizing chamber equipped with a first spray nozzle for injecting recycled ozone water into a cap to be sterilized, and an ozone water tank storing high-concentration ozone water, and high-concentration ozone water flowing toward the cap passing through the ozone water tank A sterilizing chamber equipped with a jet nozzle for generating a jet of water and an ultrasonic oscillator for applying ultrasonic vibration to the cap, a second spray nozzle for jetting high-concentration ozone water to the cap, and low-concentration ozone water to the cap A rinsing chamber provided with an air nozzle for injecting aseptic air into the third spray nozzle and the cap, A high-concentration ozone water supply source for supplying high-concentration ozone water to the flow nozzle and the second spray nozzle; a low-concentration ozone water supply source for supplying low-concentration ozone water to the third spray nozzle; A pump for pumping the retained ozone water as the recycled ozone water to the first spray nozzle, an air supply source for supplying aseptic air to the air nozzle, and a cap are provided in a precleaning sterilization chamber, a main sterilization chamber, and a rinse in a sterilization box. And a transfer mechanism for sequentially transferring to the chamber.

Further, in the cap sterilizing apparatus according to the second aspect, a plurality of first spray nozzles are provided in the pre-cleaning sterilizing chamber along the transfer direction of the cap. Room temperature ozone water from a pump is heated by a heat exchanger to a first recycle ozone water supply system for supplying room temperature ozone water from a pump as the recycle ozone water and an upstream side of the first spray nozzles. A second recycled ozone water supply system for supplying the heated ozone water obtained as the recycled ozone water may be provided (claim 3).

Further, in the cap sterilizing apparatus according to claim 3, a collecting pan for collecting heated ozone water injected from an upstream one of the first spray nozzles is provided in the pre-cleaning sterilizing chamber. A heat recovery heat exchanger for preheating the room temperature ozone water from the pump using the heated ozone water recovered by the method (claim 4).

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (A) Description of First Embodiment FIGS. 1 to 3 show a cap sterilizing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire configuration, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the carrier and the pusher.
In FIG. 1, the ozone water supply system / recovery system and the air supply system are schematically illustrated together with the longitudinal section of the sterilization box.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cap sterilizing apparatus 1 as a first embodiment of the present invention is installed in a sterile room, and has a sterilizing box 2, a supply air conditioner 3, a discharge air conditioner 4, It comprises an exhaust fan 5, an ozone killer 6, an ozone water producing device 30, pumps 35 and 39, a clean air supply source 41, an ozone decomposing device 90, and the like.

The sterilization box 2 having an airtight structure is provided with an inlet 2b and an outlet 2c for a cap 100 (see FIGS. 3 and 6) to be sterilized. The supply conveyor 3 is provided with a cap selector (not shown). The caps 100 aligned in a single row are fed into the sterilization box 2 from the inlet 2b by the air conditioning carrier 4, and the discharge air conditioner carrier 4 removes the cap 100 sterilized in the sterilization box 2 from the outlet 2c by a lid fastening device (FIG. (Not shown).

On the upper surface of the sterilizing box 2, an exhaust fan 5 is provided so as to communicate with a hole formed on the upper surface of the sterilizing box 2, and between the exhaust fan 5 and the sterilizing box 2. Is provided with an ozone killer 6 as an ozone treatment unit for detoxifying ozone. That is,
The sterilization box 2 is connected to the outside via the exhaust fan 5 and the ozone killer 6.

The ozone killer 6 is made of a metal catalyst such as manganese, iron, cobalt, palladium or the like, or a metal oxide or activated carbon thereof, and decomposes ozone into oxygen or the like by the action of the catalyst or the like. . The inside of the sterilization box 2 can be opened to the outside by opening the canopy 2a upward. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a collection ozone water tank 9, an ozone water tank 11, and a recycle ozone water tank 10 are arranged in the sterilization box 2 in order from the inlet 2a side to the downstream. Between the ozone water tank 10,
These recovered ozone water tank 9 and recycled ozone water tank 10
A weir 8 is provided over the entire area below the ozone water tank 11. A gap is provided between the upper surface of the weir 8 and the lower surface of the ozone water tank 11, and the upper surface of the weir 8 is connected to the collected ozone water tank 9 from the recycled ozone water tank 10 side.
It slopes down toward the side.

The inside of the sterilizing box 2 is partitioned by the weir 8 as described above, and the entrance 2b including the upper part thereof is included.
A pre-cleaning / sterilizing chamber 12 is formed on the side (recovery ozone water tank 9 side), and a rinsing chamber 13 is formed on the outlet 2c side (recycled ozone water tank 10 side). A main sterilization chamber 14 is formed (above the weir 8). The main sterilizing chamber 14 includes an ozone water tank 11 that is a high-concentration ozone water tank.
It is lower than the two side walls.

The collected ozone water tank 9 is provided with a water level gauge (not shown).
When the ozone water stays at a certain water level, the internal float moves and activates the switch. ON / OFF
It is a float type liquid level sensor. ON from this water level gauge
The / OFF signal is used to start and stop the pump 39 as described later.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, inside the sterilizing box 2, two endless double pitch chains 2 are provided.
2 is a plurality of pairs that rotate coaxially (8 pairs in this embodiment)
The sprockets 21 are mounted in parallel by being mounted on the sprockets 21. Further, an index motor 23 (see FIG. 2) drives the upper two sprockets 21 on the inlet 2b side and the outlet 2c side, thereby These two double pitch chains 22 are driven in parallel along the side wall of the sterilization box 2.

The two double pitch chains 22 are arranged to surround the ozone water tank 11 while being guided by the sprocket 21. More specifically, these two double pitch chains 22 pass horizontally above the recovery ozone water tank 9 in the pre-sterilization and cleaning chamber 12, and pass through the high-concentration ozone water in the ozone water tank 11 of the main sterilization chamber 14. After passing horizontally, passing horizontally above the recycled ozone water tank 10 in the rinsing chamber 13, and then passing through the gap between the lower surface of the ozone water tank 11 and the upper surface of the weir 8, returning to the pre-sterilization washing chamber 12. Are guided by a sprocket 21.

As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of carriers 20 for holding and transferring a plurality of caps 100 are provided between the two double pitch chains 22. Each carrier 20 is intermittently driven by an index motor 23 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, with both ends supported by left and right double pitch chains 22, 22, respectively. .

Each carrier 20 has a plurality of (six in FIG. 3) rod-shaped members 20a that hold the cap 100 by restraining the upper and lower surfaces and side surfaces of the cap 100, and support both ends of these rod-shaped members 20a. Two double pitch chains 22
And a pair of frames 20b, 20b respectively fixed to each other. Note that the interval between the plurality of rod-shaped members 20a is slightly widened at the end where the cap is inserted (on the side of the supply air conditioner conveyor 3), so that the cap 100 can easily enter.

A transfer mechanism for sequentially transferring the cap 100 to the pre-sterilization / cleaning chamber 12, the ozone water tank 11, and the rinsing chamber 13 in the sterilization box 2 by the above-described double pitch chain 22, sprocket 21, index motor 23, carrier 20, and the like. It is configured. In addition, above the double pitch chain 22 on the outlet 2c side of the sterilization box 2,
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pusher 24 is provided so as to be parallel to the carrier 20 (the bar-shaped member 20 a). This pusher 24, as shown in FIG.
The endless chain 24a on which the pin 24b is fixed is moved in the axial direction of the rod-shaped member 20a by a driving device (not shown), so that the carrier 20 moved to the position of the outlet 2c.
The cap 100 between the rod-shaped members 20a is
And extruded from the outlet 2c to the discharge air-conditioner bear 4.

The operation of the pusher 24 is synchronized with the movement of the carrier 20 (double pitch chain 22), and the above-described cap 100 is unloaded while the carrier 20 is stopped at the position of the outlet 2c. 4 is performed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, a first spray nozzle 15a for injecting recycled ozone water into the cap 100 from above and below is provided at a position corresponding to the upper and lower portions of the carrier 20 above the pre-cleaning and sterilizing chamber 12. . A plurality of the first spray nozzles 15a are provided in the longitudinal direction of the carrier 20 (axial direction of the rod-shaped member 20a), and are provided in a plurality of rows (three rows in FIG. 1) along the transport direction of the cap 100. ing.

The high-concentration ozone water tank 1 of the main sterilizing chamber 14
In 1, a jet nozzle 16 for generating a jet of high-concentration ozone water toward the cap 100 from below is provided at a position corresponding to the lower side of the carrier 20. A plurality of jet nozzles 16 are also provided in the longitudinal direction of the carrier 20 and a plurality of rows (see FIG.
4 columns). In the main sterilizing chamber 14 (high-concentration ozone water tank 11), an ultrasonic oscillator 17 for applying ultrasonic vibration to the cap 100 is provided below the jet nozzle 16.

Further, on the upstream side of the upper part of the rinsing chamber 13,
Caps 100 are provided at positions corresponding to the upper and lower portions of the carrier 20.
A second spray nozzle 15b for injecting high-concentration ozone water from above and below is provided, and a low-concentration ozone water is supplied to the cap 100 at a position corresponding to the upper and lower sides of the carrier 20 on the downstream side of the rinsing chamber 13. The third to inject from
Spray nozzle 15c is provided. A plurality of second spray nozzles 15b are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the carrier 20, and are provided in a plurality of rows (upper three rows and lower two rows in FIG. 1) along the transport direction of the cap 100. Further, a plurality of third spray nozzles 15c are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the carrier 20, and are provided in one row each for upper and lower sides.

The bottom of the recycled ozone water tank 10 provided below the rinsing chamber 13 and the spray nozzle 15 a provided above the pre-cleaning chamber 12 are connected by a pipe 36. The pipe 36 is provided with a pump 35 and a filter 37, and the ozone water retained in the recycled ozone water tank 10 is removed by the pump 35.
After being pumped as recycled ozone water and passing through the filter 37, the spray nozzle 15a
It is to be spouted from. That is, in the pre-cleaning / sterilizing chamber 12, the pre-cleaning / sterilizing treatment can be performed using the recycled ozone water.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the ozone water producing apparatus 30 of this embodiment comprises a high concentration ozone water producing machine 32 as a high concentration ozone water supply source for supplying high concentration ozone water.
And a low-concentration ozone water producing machine 31 as a low-concentration ozone water supply source for supplying low-concentration ozone water. The high-concentration ozone water (ozone content: 10 to 20 ppm) produced by the high-concentration ozone water production machine 32 is sent through a pipe 34 to the jet nozzle 16 in the sterilization chamber 14 (high-concentration ozone water tank 11) under pressure. In the sterilizing chamber 14, a main sterilizing process using high-concentration ozone water can be performed.

The high-concentration ozone water (ozone content: 10 to 20 pp) produced by the high-concentration ozone water producing machine 32 is used.
m) is also pressure-fed to the spray nozzle 15b on the inlet side of the rinsing chamber 13 through the pipe 34, while the low-concentration ozone water (ozone content about 1 ppm) produced by the low-concentration ozone water production machine 31 is supplied to the pipe 33. Rinse room 13 through
The rinsing chamber 1 is fed under pressure to the spray nozzle 15c on the outlet side.
In No. 3, a rinsing process using high-concentration ozone water and low-concentration ozone water can be performed.

Further, the upper part of the outlet side of the rinsing chamber 13 is used as a drainage place. On the downstream side of the spray nozzle 15c, at a position corresponding to the lower side of the carrier 20, the cap 100 is sterilized. An air nozzle 18 for injecting air from below is provided, and clean air supplied from a clean air supply source 41 as an air supply source for supplying aseptic air is sent to the air nozzle 18 through a pipe 42, and the carrier 20 Clean air is ejected from the air nozzle 18 to the conveyed cap 100. In other words, ozone water removal processing using sterile air can be performed in the upper part of the exit side of the rinsing chamber 13. The air nozzles 18 are arranged in a plurality in the longitudinal direction of the carrier 20, and are provided only in one row below the carrier 20.

As described above, in the cap sterilizing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the recycled ozone water in the pre-cleaning chamber 12 is used for the cap 100 to be sterilized in the sterilizing box 2. Pre-cleaning and sterilization processing, main sterilization processing using high-concentration ozone water in the main sterilization chamber 14, rinsing processing using high-concentration ozone water and low-concentration ozone water in the rinsing chamber 13, and sterilization at the outlet side of the rinsing chamber The ozone water removal treatment using air is performed in this order.

The ozone water staying in the recovery ozone water tank 9 provided in the lower part of the pre-cleaning / sterilizing chamber 12 is decomposed by a pump 39 and a return pipe 38 into an ozone decomposing device 90 or a drain. Similarly, the ozone water retained in the recovered ozone water tank 9, the recycle ozone water tank 10, and the ozone water tank 11 is also sent to the ozone decomposer 90 or the drain by the pump 39 and the return pipe 38. It has become. Reference numeral 44 denotes an open / close valve provided on each pipe, and the flow of the ozone water is controlled by opening / closing the open / close valve 44.

In the present cap sterilizing apparatus 1, the supply air conditioner conveyor 3 is connected to a cap selector (not shown), and the cap selector is set at a higher position than the downstream (supply conveyor 3) so that potential energy can be reduced. A device that supplies the cap 100 to the downstream (supply conveyor 3), stores a certain amount of the cap 100 in a storage box formed therein, and further rotates the cap 100 downstream according to the usage amount at any time while rotating. It can be supplied to the supply conveyor 3).

Since the cap sterilizing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is configured as described above, first, the cap 100 taken out of the storage box by a cap selector (not shown) is simply aligned vertically. After being arranged in a row, it is transported by the supply air conditioner bear 3,
Carrier 2 stationary from inlet 2b of sterilization box 2
Sent into 0.

Here, the cap 100 is placed in the carrier 20.
Is inserted by a predetermined number (for example, 24), the double pitch chain 22 moves by one pitch of the carrier 20 toward the outlet 2b side in a direction orthogonal to the row of the caps 100 (the longitudinal direction of the carrier 20). To stop and repeat this intermittent operation. The inside and outside of the cap 100 transferred to the pre-cleaning / sterilizing chamber 12 are pre-cleaned and sterilized by spraying recycled ozone water from above and below by the spray nozzles 15a disposed above and below the carrier 20. Here, the cap 100 is transferred horizontally between the spray nozzles 15a provided above and below in the pre-cleaning / sterilizing chamber 12 for a predetermined time (for example, about 22 seconds in the present embodiment). Is transferred to

In the sterilization chamber 14, the cap 100 transferred by the carrier 20 is immersed in the ozone water tank 11, and is transferred horizontally while being immersed in high-concentration ozone water. In this ozone water tank 11, the cap 1
00 is subjected to a high-concentration ozone water jet from below by the jet nozzle 16 and is completely sterilized for a predetermined time (for example, about 50 seconds) while receiving the vibration generated by the ultrasonic oscillator 17.

Next, the cap 100 is transferred by the double pitch chain 22 and lifted out of the ozone water tank 11 and then transferred to the rinsing chamber 13.
Similarly to the processing performed in the pre-cleaning / sterilizing chamber 12 on the upstream side of the pre-cleaning chamber 3, high-concentration ozone water is sprayed for a predetermined time (for example, in the present embodiment) by the spray nozzles 15 b disposed above and below the carrier 20. In this case, it is rinsed by being injected.

Further, the cap 100 is transferred horizontally by the double pitch chain 22, and is disposed on the lower side of the rinsing chamber 13 above and below the carrier 20, similarly to the processing performed in the pre-cleaning and sterilizing chamber 12. Spray nozzle 1
By 5c, rinse is performed by injecting low-concentration ozone water for a predetermined time (for example, about 5 seconds in the present embodiment). Finally, ozone water adhering to the inner surface of the cap 100 is removed by injecting clean sterile air from below the cap 100 with the air nozzle 18.

After completion of all the steps of cleaning and sterilization (for example, a required time of about 2.5 minutes) as described above, the cap 10
0 is the outlet 2c by the pin 24b of the pusher 24.
From the discharge conveyor 4. Also, pusher 24
The carrier 20 that has been emptied by discharging the cap 100 is conveyed through the space between the ozone water tank 11 and the weir 8, and again at the position of the inlet 2b.
A new cap 100 is inserted.

The high-concentration ozone water sprayed from the spray nozzle 16 in the sterilization chamber 14 is supplied to the ozone water tank 1
1 overflows from the upper part of the wall on the downstream side (rinse chamber 13 side) to the rinse chamber 13 and stays in the recycled ozone water tank 10. In this recycled ozone water tank 10, the high-concentration ozone water overflowing from the ozone water tank 11, the high-concentration ozone water jetted from the spray nozzle 15b, and the low-concentration ozone water jetted from the spray nozzle 15c are mixed. The ion concentration of the high-concentration ionic water is reduced by almost half, resulting in recycled ozone water having an ozone content of 5 to 10 ppm.

As described above, this recycled ozone water is pumped to the spray nozzle 15 of the pre-cleaning chamber 12 by the pump 35 and the pipe 36, passes through the filter 37, and is used for pre-cleaning and sterilization. The excess ozone water in the recycled ozone water tank 10 flows directly over the weir 8 to the collected ozone water tank 9 of the pre-cleaning / sterilization chamber 12 and stays in the collected ozone water tank 9.

The ozone water retained in the recovered ozone water tank 9 is pumped to the ozone decomposer 90 by a pump 39 which is started and stopped by a signal of a water level meter (not shown).
After being subjected to the ozonolysis treatment by the ozonolysis device 90, it is discharged to a drainage channel (not shown). On the other hand, the air containing harmful ozone gas released from the ozone water is sent to the ozone killer 6 from the hole formed above the sterilizing box 2 by the suction force of the exhaust fan 5, and is converted into oxygen and the like by the ozone killer 6. After being detoxified by being decomposed, it is released to the outside air.

Since the inside of the sterilization box 2 is maintained at a negative pressure, ozone gas is prevented from flowing out of the sterilization box 2 to the outside. In addition, in the case where the cap type is changed due to switching of the filling liquid type or the like, in this embodiment, the cap 100 in the sterilization box 2 is operated by operating the present cap sterilization apparatus 1 with the supply of the cap 100 stopped. Are entirely discharged outside the sterilization box 2, and it is not particularly necessary to open the canopy 2 a of the sterilization box 2.

As described above, according to the cap sterilizing apparatus 1 as the first embodiment of the present invention, the ozone water tank can be used for a cap having a complicated shape, such as a plastic screw cap, to which ozone water does not directly act. By immersing in the high-concentration ozone water stored in 11 and applying the jet flow from the jet nozzle 16 and the ultrasonic vibration by the ultrasonic oscillator 17, most of the bacteria can be sterilized and completely sterilized. Can be.

Further, in the pre-cleaning / sterilizing step, since the recycled ozone water used in the rinsing step is used, the energy cost required for the production of the ozone water can be saved, and it is economical. Further, a large number of caps 100 are
The sterilization chamber 14 is moved by the
For a sufficient period of time, it can be immersed in a jet of high-concentration ozone water and subjected to ultrasonic vibration, so that most bacteria can be completely killed.

Further, sterilization is performed in the sterilized box 2 in a closed state, and gas containing ozone gas released from ozone water is absorbed and removed by an ozone killer 6 and then released to the outside air. After the cap 100 is rinsed with low-concentration ozone water and clean air, the cap 100 is discharged from the sterilizing box 2 so that ozone does not leak around the cap sterilizing apparatus and the influence of ozone is taken into consideration. It is not necessary to consider the work outline.

(B) Description of the Second Embodiment FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the overall configuration of a cap sterilizer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. A water supply / recovery system and an air supply system are schematically illustrated. The cap sterilizer 1 'of the second embodiment is obtained by adding a heated ozone water supply device to the cap sterilizer 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and partially changing a piping system. The other parts are substantially the same as those of the cap sterilizing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. Note that, in FIG. 4, the same reference numerals as those described above indicate the same or almost the same portions, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

Now, the cap sterilizing apparatus 1 'of the second embodiment also has a sterilizing box 2 as shown in FIG. 4, and this sterilizing box 2 and its internal structure are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. This is almost the same as the cap sterilizing apparatus 1 of FIG. And the cap sterilizer 1 'of the second embodiment is
The apparatus has a heated ozone water supply device 80 for raising the temperature of room temperature ozone water to obtain heated ozone water. The heated ozone water supply device 80 includes a heating heat exchanger 60 and a heat recovery heat exchanger 63. It consists of.

The heating heat exchanger 60 uses high-temperature steam supplied from a steam supply source 61 through a steam pipe 62 as a heat medium for heat exchange, and heats recycled ozone water from a heat recovery heat exchanger 63 described later. The heated ozone water generated by the heating heat exchanger 60 is supplied via the filter 70 to the first spray nozzles 15a in the upper and lower two rows on the upstream side of the pre-sterilization and cleaning chamber 12. It has become.

On the other hand, the heat recovery heat exchanger 63 includes a heated ozone water recovery pan (recovery pan) 6 disposed below the spray nozzles 15a in the upper and lower two rows on the upstream side of the pre-cleaning chamber 12.
The room temperature ozone water supplied by the pump 35 through the pipes 65 and 69 is preliminarily heated by heat exchange using the heated ozone water supplied by the pump 6 through the pipe 67 through the pipe 67. The heated ozone water is configured to be sent to the recovered ozone water tank 9 through the pipe 67 after being used for heat exchange in the heat recovery heat exchanger 63.

In the second embodiment, a first recycled ozone water supply system for supplying room temperature ozone water from the pump 35 as recycled ozone water to the spray nozzle 15a by the pipe 36 is formed. In the second embodiment, the heated ozone water supply device 80 and the pipe 65
The heated ozone water (for example, 70 ° C. to 80 ° C.) obtained by elevating the temperature of the normal temperature ozone water from the pump 35 is supplied as recycled ozone water to the upstream first and second rows of the first spray nozzles 15a. A second recycled ozone water supply system is configured.

Further, the ozone water retained in the recycled ozone water tank 10 passes through a filter 37 by a pump 35 interposed in the pipe 36, and is then pressure-fed to a downstream spray nozzle 15a. But
Further, in the cap sterilizing apparatus 1 ′ of the second embodiment, a part of the ozone water sent by the pipe 36 passes through the filter 37, and is then sent to the heated ozone water supply device 80 through the pipe 65. Has become. The heated ozone water fed to the heated ozone water supply device 80 is preheated by the heat recovery heat exchanger 63 as described above, and then heated by the heating heat exchanger 60, and then preliminarily washed. The pressure is fed to the upstream spray nozzle 15a in the upper part of the sterilization chamber 12.

That is, the pipe 36 provided so as to connect the lower part of the recycled ozone water tank 10 and the spray nozzle 15 a provided at the upper part of the pre-cleaning / sterilizing chamber 12 branches to a pipe 65 on the way. The pipe 65 passes through the heated ozone water supply device 80 (that is, the heat recovery heat exchanger 63 and the heating heat exchanger 60), and the upstream spray nozzle 15a in the upper part of the pre-cleaning / sterilizing chamber 12. It is connected to.

Since the cap sterilizing apparatus 1 'according to the second embodiment of the present invention is constructed as described above, like the cap sterilizing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the supply conveyor 3 is provided.
100 fed into the carrier 20 by
First, in the pre-cleaning / sterilizing chamber 12, the upstream spray nozzle 15a injects heated ozone water (70 to 80 ° C.) from above and below from a vertical direction for a sufficient time (for example, about 14 seconds) for killing the fungi. Then, hot water sterilization such as mold fungi is performed.

The heated ozone water is branched by a pipe 65 from a low-concentration recycled ozone water (normal temperature) which is pumped from a recycled ozone water tank 10 by a pump 35 and a pipe 36, and is preheated by a heat recovery heat exchanger 63. It is heated by the heating exchanger 60 and heated (for example, 70 to 80 ° C.). The heated ozone water sprayed and used for the hot water sterilization of the cap 100 by the spray nozzle 15a on the upstream side is dropped and collected by the heated ozone water recovery pan 66, and then flows through the pipe 67 by the pump 68. , To the heat recovery exchanger 63. The heated ozone water releases the heat possessed by the heat recovery exchanger 63, lowers the temperature (for example, about 42 ° C.), and is pressure-fed to the recovered ozone water tank 9.

Here, the heat of the heated ozone water released to the heat recovery heat exchanger 63 is used for preheating the low-concentration recycled ozone water (normal temperature) sent from the recycled ozone water tank 10 through the pipe 65. As described above, the cap 100 is cleaned and sterilized by the heated ozone water in the pre-cleaning and sterilizing chamber 12 as described above, and then, in the same manner as in the case of the chip sterilizing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, sequentially. Pre-cleaning and sterilization by injecting low-concentration recycled ozone water (normal temperature) in the pre-cleaning and sterilizing chamber 12, and jetting of high-concentration ozone water and ultrasonic waves while being immersed in the high-concentration ozone water tank 11 in the main sterilizing chamber 14 The main sterilization by vibration, rinsing by jetting high-concentration ozone water and low-concentration ozone water in the rinsing chamber 13, and draining by jetting clean air are performed.

As described above, according to the cap sterilizing apparatus 1 ′ as the second embodiment of the present invention, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described first embodiment can be obtained, and according to the second embodiment, In the pre-cleaning and sterilizing chamber 12, heat generated by injecting heated ozone water (70 to 80 ° C.) from above and below by the upstream spray nozzle 15a for a time (for example, about 14 seconds) sufficient for killing mold fungi. By performing the water sterilization, it is possible to completely sterilize even a cap, such as a plastic screw cap, on which ozone water does not directly act due to its complicated shape.

In the pre-cleaning / sterilizing chamber 12, heated ozone water (70-80 ° C.) is used by the upstream spray nozzle 15a from above and below for a time sufficient to kill mold (for example, about 14 seconds). By performing the hot water sterilization by spraying, fungi having fungal spores and having hydrophobicity, for example, molds of the genus Arthrinium and the genus Ketomium, can be subjected to wet heat (for example, 70 to 8).
(0 ° C.), the plastic camp can be killed in a short time (for example, about 14 seconds) without impairing the function of the plastic camp.

Further, the residual heat of the heated ozone water used for the pre-cleaning and sterilization is recovered and used as a heat source for the pre-heating of the recycled ozone water by the heat recovery heat exchanger 63, so that the heat in the heating heat exchanger 60 is recovered. It is economical because the consumption of the medium (such as steam) and water can be reduced and saved. (C) Others In the above-described embodiment, the supply of the caps 100 from the supply conveyor 3 to the sterilization box 2 is performed from the supply conveyor 3 in one row to the carriers 20 in one row one by one. The present invention is not limited to this.
More than two rows of carriers 20 by more than one row of conveyors
The cap 100 may be supplied to the
May be changed, or the number of pushers and discharge air conditioners may be increased, thereby increasing the cleaning and sterilizing capacity of the chips 100.

In the above embodiment, the carrier 2
Although 0 is formed by fixing the plurality of rod-shaped members 20a with the frame 20b, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the high-concentration ozone water is sprayed by the spray nozzle 15b on the upstream side of the rinsing chamber 13, but the present invention is not limited to this. The injection from the spray nozzle in 13 may be all injection of low concentration ozone water.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the upstream spray nozzle 15a in the pre-sterilization and cleaning chamber 12 is used.
Although the injection of the heated ozone water is performed, the spray nozzle 15a is not limited to the spray nozzle 15a in the pre-sterilization and cleaning chamber 12 and the spray nozzle 15 in the rinsing chamber 13 depending on the type of the cap 100.
Injections from b and 15c may all be injections of heated ozone water, or high-concentration ozone water stored in the ozone water tank 11 in the main sterilizing chamber 14 may be heated ozone water.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the sterilization box 2 is provided with the three chambers of the pre-cleaning sterilization chamber 12, the main sterilization chamber 14, and the rinsing chamber 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0067]

As described above, according to the cap sterilizing method and apparatus of the present invention, the following effects and advantages can be obtained. (1) Gas containing ozone gas released from ozone water is
After being detoxified by the ozone treatment unit and released to the outside air, the cap that has been subjected to main sterilization and rinsing with high-concentration ozone water has been rinsed and drained with low-concentration ozone water and sterile air, Since it is discharged from the sterilization box, complete sterilization can be performed, and even if high-concentration ozone water is used, ozone does not leak to the surroundings, and it is necessary to consider the outline of work taking into account the effects of ozone. (Claims 1 and 2).

(2) The ozone water staying in the lower part of the rinsing chamber is pumped as recycle ozone water to the first spray nozzle, and is injected into the cap to be sterilized in the pre-cleaning / sterilizing chamber, whereby the recycling used in the rinsing step is performed. Since the ozone water is used, the energy cost required for the production of the ozone water can be saved, and it is economical. (3) Supplying normal temperature ozone water from the pump to the downstream one of the first spray nozzles as recycled ozone water, and supplying normal temperature ozone water from the pump to the upstream one of the first spray nozzles. The heated ozone water obtained by raising the temperature of the ozone water by the heat exchanger is supplied as the recycled ozone water, so that the recycled ozone water is heated and used for wet heat used for pre-cleaning and sterilization. In addition to reducing water consumption and heat medium (steam, etc.) in the heat exchanger for heating, the pre-cleaning / sterilizing chamber does not require normal ozone water, and can be recycled by rinsing. Since ozone water is used, it can contribute to further saving of energy cost and is economical (claim 3).

(4) When sterilizing a cap having a complicated shape, such as a plastic screw cap, to which ozone water hardly acts directly, or a cap to which spore-like and hydrophobic cells adhere, fungi are killed. The heat and moisture can be applied only for a sufficient time, and the fungus can be safely killed in a short time without impairing the function of the plastic cap (claim 3).

(5) By preheating the normal-temperature ozone water from the pump using the heated ozone water recovered by the recovery pan, the residual heat of the heated ozone water used for sterilization can be preheated by recycling ozone water. It can be recovered and used as a heat source, and the amount of water consumption and the heat medium (steam etc.) of the heat exchanger for heating can be reduced, which is economical (claim 4).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a cap sterilizing apparatus as a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a sterilization box according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a structure of a carrier and a pusher according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a cap sterilizing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a conventional cap sterilizer with a part cut away.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a cap to be sterilized, partially cut away;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1 'cap sterilizer 2 sterilizer box 2a canopy 2b inlet 2c outlet 3 supply air conditioner 4 discharge air conditioner 5 exhaust fan 6 ozone killer (ozone processing unit) 9 recovery ozone water tank 10 recycled ozone water tank 11 ozone water tank 12 pre-sterilization washing Chamber 13 Rinse chamber 14 Main sterilization chamber 15a First spray nozzle 15b Second spray nozzle 15c Third spray nozzle 16 Jet nozzle 17 Ultrasonic oscillator 18 Air nozzle 20 Carrier (transfer mechanism) 20a Rod member 20b Frame 21 Sprocket 22 Double pitch chain (transfer mechanism) 23 Index motor (transfer mechanism) 24 Pusher 24a Endless pin 24b Pin 30 Ozone water production equipment 31 Low concentration ozone water production machine (Low concentration ozone water supply source) 32 High concentration ozone water production machine High-concentration ozone water supply source) 33, 34, 36, 42 Pipe 37 Filter 38 Return pipe 35, 39 Pump 41 Clean air supply (air supply) 44 Open / close valve 60 Heat exchanger 61 for heating 61 Steam supply 62 Steam piping 63 Heat Recovery Heat Exchanger 65, 67 Piping 66 Heated Ozone Water Recovery Pan (Recovery Pan) 68 Pump 69 Flow Meter 70 Filter 80 Heated Ozone Water Supply Device (Heat Exchanger) 90 Ozone Decomposition Device

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] March 27, 1998

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0002

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a means for sterilizing a cap to be sealed in a container such as a PET bottle filled with drinking water or the like, a cap sterilizing apparatus for sterilizing with a low-concentration ozone water so as not to harm the human body is known. However, FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a part of the conventional cap sterilizing apparatus in a partially cutaway manner, and FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway view of the cap 100 to be sterilized. FIG.

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0003

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

As shown in FIG. 5, a conventional cap sterilizing apparatus 50 has a sterilizing tank 51 for sterilizing a cap 100 and a posture similar to a state of being removed from a container by a cap separator (not shown) and sealed with the container. the cap 100 arranged in a row, the supply air-bare 52 for conveying to the sterilization tank 51, a cap 100 having been subjected to sterilization, exhaust air-bare transport to Fukanmuri Futashime device the next step (not shown) 53.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0005

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0005] Further, a draining device using clean air (not shown) is provided in the discharge air-conditioner bear 53, and clean air is sprayed on the cap 100 sterilized by the drain device to thereby remove the low-concentration adhering to the cap 100. It is designed to remove ozone water. In addition,
The sterilization tank 51 is provided with a canopy that opens upward, and the guide groove 51a can be opened to the outside by opening this canopy.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0007

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

After the sterilization of the cap 100 in the sterilization tank 51, the cap 100 is jetted with clean air by a drainer (not shown) and drained. It is done. When the type of the cap is changed in accordance with the switching of the filling liquid type, the canopy of the sterilization tank 51 is opened, all the caps 100 remaining in the sterilization tank 51 are manually taken out, and the inside of the sterilization tank 51 is once emptied. After that, the cap for the new liquid type is supplied and the sterilization operation is started.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0017

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cap sterilizing apparatus 1 as a first embodiment of the present invention is installed in a sterile room, and has a sterilizing box 2, a supply air conditioner 3, a discharge air conditioner 4, Exhaust fan 5, ozone killer 6, ozone water production device 30, pumps 35 and 39, sterile
A source 41, an ozonolysis device 90, and the like.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0018

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The sterilization box 2 having an airtight structure is provided with an inlet 2b and an outlet 2c for a cap 100 (see FIGS. 3 and 6) to be sterilized. The supply conveyor 3 is provided with a cap selector (not shown). The air conditioner carrier 4 discharges the caps 100 aligned in a single row from the inlet 2b into the sterilization box 2 through the inlet 2b. (Not shown).

[Procedure amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0021

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The interior of the sterilizing box 2 is partitioned by the weir 8 and the ozone water tank 11 as described above, and a pre-cleaning sterilizing chamber 12 is formed on the inlet 2b side (the recovery ozone water tank 9 side) including the upper part. A rinsing chamber 13 is formed on the outlet 2c side (recycle ozone water tank 10 side), and a main sterilizing chamber 14 is formed between the pre-cleaning sterilizing chamber 12 and the rinsing chamber 13 (above the weir 8). . This main sterilization room 14
Is constituted by an ozone water tank 11, which is a high-concentration ozone water tank. The wall of the ozone water tank 11 on the side of the rinsing chamber 13 is lower than the wall on the side of the pre-cleaning / sterilizing chamber 12.

[Procedure amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0023

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, inside the sterilizing box 2, two endless double pitch chains 2 are provided.
2 is a plurality of pairs that rotate coaxially (8 pairs in this embodiment)
The sprockets 21 are mounted in parallel by being mounted on the sprockets 21. Further, an index motor 23 (see FIG. 2) drives the upper two sprockets 21 on the inlet 2b side and the outlet 2c side, thereby these two double-pitch chains 22 is adapted to so that to intermittently move in parallel along the side walls of the sterilization box 2.

[Procedure amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0025

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, between the two fold Pitchichi E down 22, as shown in FIG. 3, for transferring and holding a plurality of caps 100, a plurality of carriers 20 are provided. Each carrier 20 is intermittently moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction by an index motor 23 with both ends supported by the left and right double pitch chains 22, 22, respectively.
It has become the dynamic to so that.

[Procedure amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0028

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The operation of the pusher 24 is synchronized with the movement of the carrier 20 (double pitch chain 22), and the above-described cap 100 is unloaded while the carrier 20 is stopped at the position of the outlet 2c. 4 is performed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, a first spray nozzle 15a for injecting recycled ozone water into the cap 100 from above and below is provided at a position corresponding to the upper and lower portions of the carrier 20 above the pre-cleaning and sterilizing chamber 12. . A plurality of first spray nozzles 15a are provided in the longitudinal direction of the carrier 20 (axial direction of the rod-shaped member 20a).
(For example, the same number as the caps 100), and a plurality of rows (three rows in FIG. 1) are provided along the transport direction of the caps 100.

[Procedure amendment 11]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0034

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, the upper part of the outlet side of the rinsing chamber 13 is used as a drainage place. On the downstream side of the spray nozzle 15c, at a position corresponding to the lower side of the carrier 20, the cap 100 is sterilized. An air nozzle 18 for injecting air from below is provided. Aseptic air supplied from an aseptic air supply source 41 as an air supply source for supplying aseptic air is sent to the air nozzle 18 through a pipe 42, and the carrier 20 Aseptic air is ejected from the air nozzle 18 to the conveyed cap 100. That is, the ozone water removal processing inside the cap 100 by the sterile air can be performed at the upper part of the exit side of the rinsing chamber 13. The air nozzles 18 are arranged in a plurality in the longitudinal direction of the carrier 20, and are provided only in one row below the carrier 20.

[Procedure amendment 12]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0036

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The ozone water retained in the recovery ozone water tank 9 provided at the lower part of the pre-cleaning / sterilization chamber 12 is sent to an ozone decomposer 90 for decomposing and treating the ozone water by a pump 39 and a return pipe 38 . and, adapted to be sent Likewise, the ozone water staying in the recycling ozone water tank 10 and the ozone water tank 11 also, by the pump 39 and the return pipe 38, are sent to the ozonolysis apparatus 9 0. Reference numeral 44 denotes an open / close valve provided on each pipe, and the flow of the ozone water is controlled by opening / closing the open / close valve 44.

[Procedure amendment 13]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0037

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

In the present cap sterilizing apparatus 1, the supply air conditioner conveyor 3 is connected to a cap selector (not shown), and the cap selector is set at a higher position than the downstream (supply conveyor 3) so that potential energy can be reduced. in the apparatus for supplying cap 100 to the downstream (the supply conveyor 3), accommodating a predetermined amount of the cap 100 to the storage box is formed therein, and further, while rotating the cap
The cap 100 can be supplied to the downstream (supply conveyor 3) according to the usage amount at any time , with the vertical direction of the cap 100 aligned .

[Procedure amendment 14]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0038

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Since the cap sterilizing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is configured as described above, first, the cap 100 taken out of the storage box by a cap selector (not shown) is aligned vertically ( cap
After being aligned in a single row ( 100 openings down) ,
Transferred by supply air conditioner 3 and sterilization box 2
Is fed into the stationary carrier 20 from the entrance 2b of the hopper.

[Procedure amendment 15]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0043

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

After completion of all the steps of cleaning and sterilization (for example, a required time of about 2.5 minutes) as described above, the cap 10
0 is the outlet 2c by the pin 24b of the pusher 24.
From the discharge conveyor 4. Also, pusher 24
The carrier 20 that has been emptied by discharging the cap 100 is transferred through the space between the ozone water tank 11 and the weir 8 and again at the position of the inlet 2b.
A new cap 100 is inserted.

[Procedure amendment 16]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0044

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The high-concentration ozone water sprayed from the spray nozzle 16 in the sterilization chamber 14 is supplied to the ozone water tank 1
1 overflows from the upper part of the wall on the downstream side (rinse chamber 13 side) to the rinse chamber 13 and stays in the recycled ozone water tank 10. In this recycled ozone water tank 10, the high-concentration ozone water overflowing from the ozone water tank 11, the high-concentration ozone water jetted from the spray nozzle 15b, and the low-concentration ozone water jetted from the spray nozzle 15c are mixed. ozone of high concentration ozone water
The ozone concentration is almost halved, and the recycled ozone water has an ozone content of 5 to 10 ppm.

[Procedure amendment 17]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0045

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The recycled ozone water is filtered by the pump 35 and the pipe 36 as described above.
After passing, it is pumped to the spray nozzle 15 of the pre-washing chamber 12, used in the preliminary cleaning and sterilizing. The excess ozone water in the recycled ozone water tank 10 flows directly over the weir 8 to the collected ozone water tank 9 of the pre-cleaning / sterilization chamber 12 and stays in the collected ozone water tank 9.

[Procedure amendment 18]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0049

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0049] In addition, in the process of preliminary cleaning and sterilizing, this killing
Since the recycled ozone water used in the germ process and the rinsing process is used, the energy cost required for the production of ozone water can be saved, and it is economical. Furthermore, many caps 10
By moving all the germs 0 by the carrier 20, the germs can be immersed in a jet of high-concentration ozone water and subjected to ultrasonic vibration for a sufficient time in the sterilization chamber 14, so that most bacteria can be removed. Can be completely sterilized.

[Procedure amendment 19]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0050

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, sterilization is performed in the sterilized box 2 in a closed state, and gas containing ozone gas released from ozone water is absorbed and removed by an ozone killer 6 and then released to the outside air. After the cap 100 is rinsed with low-concentration ozone water and sterile air , the cap 100 is discharged from the sterilizing box 2 so that ozone does not leak around the cap sterilizing apparatus, and the influence of ozone is considered. It is not necessary to consider the work outline.

[Procedure amendment 20]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0060

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Here, the heat of the heated ozone water released to the heat recovery heat exchanger 63 is used for preheating the low-concentration recycled ozone water (normal temperature) sent from the recycled ozone water tank 10 through the pipe 65. For the cap 100, as described above, after being cleaned sterilized by heating ozone water in the preliminary cleaning and sterilizing chamber 12, as in the case of the cap sterilizing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, hereinafter, in order Pre-cleaning and sterilization by jetting low-concentration recycled ozone water (normal temperature) in the pre-cleaning and sterilizing chamber 12, and jetting of high-concentration ozone water and ultrasonic waves while being immersed in the high-concentration ozone water tank 11 in the main sterilizing chamber 14 The main sterilization by the vibration, the rinsing by the injection of the high-concentration ozone water and the low-concentration ozone water in the rinsing chamber 13, and the drainage by the injection of the aseptic air are performed.

[Procedure amendment 21]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0065

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, in the above-described second embodiment,
Spray nozzle 1 on the upstream side in pre-sterilization washing chamber 12
Although the injection of the heated ozone water is performed by 5a, the invention is not limited to this. Depending on the type of the cap 100, the spray nozzle 15a on the downstream side in the pre-sterilization and cleaning chamber 12 and the spray nozzle 15b in the rinse chamber 13 may be used. Injection from 15c may be entirely injection of heated ozone water, or high-concentration ozone water stored in the ozone water tank 11 in the main sterilizing chamber 14 may be heated ozone water.

[Procedure amendment 22]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name]

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

(2) The ozone water staying in the lower part of the rinsing chamber is pressure-fed as recycled ozone water to the first spray nozzle, and is injected into the cap to be sterilized in the pre-cleaning / sterilizing chamber, thereby performing the main sterilizing step and the rinsing step. Since the recycled ozone water used in (1) is used, the energy cost required for the production of ozone water can be saved, and it is economical (claim 2). (3) The normal temperature ozone water from the pump is supplied to the downstream side of the first spray nozzles as recycled ozone water, and the normal temperature ozone water from the pump is supplied to the upstream side of the first spray nozzles. By supplying heated ozone water obtained by raising the temperature of the ozone water by a heat exchanger as the recycled ozone water, the recycled ozone water is heated and used for wet heat used for pre-cleaning and sterilization. Besides it is possible to reduce the consumption and heating heat exchanger water heating medium (the vapor, etc.) without the need, in the preliminary cleaning and sterilizing chamber, without requiring particularly normal ozone water, the
Since the recycled ozone water used for sterilization and rinsing is used, it is possible to contribute to further saving of energy cost and it is economical (claim 3).

[Procedure amendment 23]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Explanation of sign

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Description of Signs] 1, 1 'cap sterilizer 2 sterilizer box 2a canopy 2b inlet 2c outlet 3 supply air conditioner 4 discharge air conditioner 5 exhaust fan 6 ozone killer (ozone processing unit) 9 recovery ozone water tank 10 recycled ozone water tank 11 ozone Water tank 12 Pre-sterilization washing room 13 Rinse room 14 Main sterilization room 15a First spray nozzle 15b Second spray nozzle 15c Third spray nozzle 16 Jet nozzle 17 Ultrasonic oscillator 18 Air nozzle 20 Carrier (transfer mechanism) 20a Rod member 20b Frame 21 Sprocket 22 Double Pitch Chain (Transfer Mechanism) 23 Index Motor (Transfer Mechanism) 24 Pusher 24a Endless Pin 24b Pin 30 Ozone Water Production Device 31 Low Concentration Ozone Water Production Machine (Low Concentration Ozone Water Supply Source) 32 High Concentration ZON water production apparatus (high-concentration ozone water source) 33,34,36,42 pipe 37 filter 38 returning pipe 35, 39 pump 41 aseptic air supply source (air supply source) 44 on-off valve 60 heating heat exchanger 61 steam Supply source 62 Steam pipe 63 Heat recovery heat exchanger 65, 67 Pipe 66 Heated ozone water recovery pan (recovery pan) 68 Pump 69 Flow meter 70 Filter 80 Heated ozone water supply device (Heat exchanger) 90 Ozone decomposer

[Procedure amendment 24]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 1

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

[Procedure amendment 25]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Figure 3

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 3

Claims (4)

[Claims] In a sterilization box connected to the outside via an exhaust fan and an ozone treatment unit for detoxifying ozone, a pre-cleaning sterilization process using recycled ozone water is performed on a cap to be sterilized in a sterilization box. Cap sterilization characterized by performing a main sterilization process using high-concentration ozone water, a rinsing process using high-concentration ozone water and low-concentration ozone water, and an ozone water removal process using sterile air in this order. Method. 2. A sterilization box which is connected to the outside via an exhaust fan and an ozone treatment unit for detoxifying ozone, wherein a first ozone water is injected into a sterilization target cap into the sterilization box. A pre-cleaning and sterilizing chamber provided with a spray nozzle, and an ozone water tank configured to store high-concentration ozone water, and a jet nozzle and a cap configured to generate a jet of high-concentration ozone water toward the cap passing through the ozone water tank. A main sterilization chamber having an ultrasonic oscillator for applying ultrasonic vibration, a second spray nozzle for jetting high-concentration ozone water to the cap, a third spray nozzle for jetting low-concentration ozone water to the cap, and A rinsing chamber provided with an air nozzle for injecting aseptic air into the cap, the jet nozzle and the second spray A high-concentration ozone water supply source for supplying high-concentration ozone water to the nozzle, a low-concentration ozone water supply source for supplying low-concentration ozone water to the third spray nozzle, and ozone water retained in a lower portion of the rinsing chamber. A pump for pumping the recycled ozone water to the first spray nozzle, an air supply source for supplying aseptic air to the air nozzle, and the cap, the pre-cleaning sterilization chamber in the sterilization box,
A cap sterilizer comprising a transfer mechanism for sequentially transferring to the main sterilizing chamber and the rinsing chamber. 3. A plurality of the first spray nozzles are provided in the pre-cleaning / sterilization chamber along a transfer direction of the cap, and a downstream one of the first spray nozzles is provided with room temperature ozone from the pump. A first recycle ozone water supply system for supplying water as the recycle ozone water and an upstream one of the first spray nozzles, the room temperature ozone water from the pump being heated by a heat exchanger. The cap sterilizer according to claim 2, further comprising a second recycled ozone water supply system that supplies the heated ozone water as the recycled ozone water. 4. A collecting pan for collecting heated ozone water injected from an upstream one of the first spray nozzles in the pre-cleaning / sterilizing chamber, and heating ozone water collected by the collecting pan is provided. 4. The cap sterilizing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a heat recovery heat exchanger for preheating the room temperature ozone water from the pump.