JP3148693B2 - Food sterilizer - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a food sterilizing apparatus, and more particularly to a food sterilizing apparatus capable of efficiently sterilizing foods filled in a large number of open containers.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a container filled with food has been hermetically sealed in order to prevent deterioration of the quality of the food by shortening the time of heat sterilization, and further to prevent generation of stuffy odor. A conventional method of sterilizing food in an open state is adopted. As an example of such a conventional food sterilizing apparatus, there is an apparatus described in JP-A-7-67595.
The device is composed of a food supply unit having an inlet on the upstream side and an outlet on the downstream side, a straight tube heater, a straight tube cooler, and a discharge unit. An extruding device for extruding is provided. Further, as another conventional food sterilizing apparatus, for example, there is an apparatus described in JP-A-9-84567. The device includes a plurality of cassette type short-time sterilizers. A cassette containing a plurality of containers is intermittently charged into a sterilizer by a cassette conveying and circulating conveyor, and the sterilizer is operated in a batch continuous manner to directly sterilize solids with steam therein. Then, after sterilization, the cassette is taken out of the sterilizer, carried into a clean booth, and put into an automatic filling device.

[0003]

However, the conventional food sterilizing apparatus has the following problems. That is, JP-A-7
In the case of the apparatus described in JP-A-67595, (1) In order to process a large number of containers containing food in one food sterilizing apparatus, the size of the food sterilizing apparatus becomes large, and the space becomes large. There were restrictions on the above. (2) When a trouble occurs in any part of the food sterilizing apparatus, foods stored in a plurality of containers in the sterilizing section are heated for a predetermined time or more while the apparatus is stopped, It cannot be used as a product. Therefore, there is a problem that a product loss occurs every time a trouble occurs in the apparatus. Also, JP-A-9-84
In the case of the apparatus described in Japanese Patent No. 567, (3) a large space clean room is required to receive containers containing sterilized food discharged from the outlet of each sterilizer, and sterilization and filling of food are required. The equipment for doing so was large and complicated. (4) Further, since the space of the clean room is vast, there is a high possibility that contamination by bacteria will occur between the sterilization process and the sealing process. (5) In addition, the aseptic space is extensive, and a great deal of labor and time are required to sterilize the part and the equipment installed in this part in detail using a disinfectant. (6) Furthermore, when sterilizing the aseptic space with pressurized steam or the like, a large pressure-resistant device must be provided.
There was a problem that the equipment cost was high.

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems by efficiently sterilizing food contained in a large number of containers, and sealing the product container after the sterilization. An object of the present invention is to provide a food sterilizing apparatus capable of reducing a sterile space before the sterilization, eliminating the risk of bacterial contamination after sterilization, and performing sterilization of the sterile space portion easily and in a short time. Another object of the present invention is to provide a food sterilizer having a small and simple structure with a reduced plane space.

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention relates to a food sterilizing apparatus for sterilizing food in a state where the food is placed in a container, comprising a container inlet and a container outlet,
A plurality of displaceable sterilizers for disinfecting food contained in the container, and a movable container supply for supplying containers to respective container inlets of the plurality of sterilizers. Apparatus, aseptic transfer device arranged so as to be connectable to each container outlet of the plurality of sterilization pots, and a container discharge device for discharging the container from each container outlet of the plurality of sterilization pots to the aseptic transfer device In the moving direction of the plurality of sterilization pots, the container inlet is connectable to the container supply device, and the container outlet is connectable to the aseptic transfer device.

[0006] Then, the container supply device of the present invention supplies the container containing the food into the sterilizing pot. The food filled in the container is sterilized in a sterilizing pot. The plurality of sterilizing pots are moved and connected to the container outlet of the aseptic transfer device. The container is introduced into the aseptic transfer device. With this configuration, it is possible to efficiently sterilize foods contained in a large number of containers, and to reduce a sterile space until the product containers are sealed after the sterilization. Preferably, the direction of movement of the plurality of sterilization pots is substantially vertical, and the direction of movement of the container supply device is substantially the same as the direction of movement of the plurality of sterilization pots. With this configuration, the food sterilizer can be downsized.

In addition, the food sterilizing apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of sterilizing kettle assemblies having a plurality of sterilizing kettles, and a plurality of container supply devices provided corresponding to the sets of the sterilizing kettle assemblies. Is preferred. A plurality of sterilizing pots are arranged vertically to form a sterilizing pot assembly. Preferably, a plurality of sterilization kettle assemblies are arranged radially or in parallel. With this configuration, a large number of containers containing food can be efficiently and reliably supplied to the sterilization pot, and these containers can be discharged from the sterilization pot. Further, in the food sterilizing apparatus of the present invention, when the container outlet is connected to the aseptic transfer device, the aseptic transfer device and the container discharge device are coaxial so that the container inlet is connected to the container supply device. Preferably, they are arranged on a line.

Further, in the food sterilizing apparatus of the present invention,
Preferably, the container is a product container. Furthermore, in the food sterilizing apparatus of the present invention, the container is a retainer, and a sterile room in which a transfer device that transfers the sterilized food from the retainer to the product container is disposed downstream of the aseptic transport device. Is preferred.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(1) Configuration of Food Sterilizer of the Present Invention Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in a food sterilizing apparatus 100 of the present invention, a plurality of sterilizing pots 110 are arranged in a substantially vertical direction. Sterilizer 110 has a diameter of about 25 centimeters and a length of about 4 meters. A set of sterilization kettles 110 arranged vertically, for example, in 18 stages constitutes a sterilization kettle assembly 120. The height of the sterilization pot assembly 120 is about 9 meters. In the illustrated example, five sterilization pot assemblies 120 are provided, and the total number of sterilization pots is 90. The five sterilization kettle assemblies 120 are arranged substantially radially as shown in FIG. A plurality of sterilization kettle assemblies may be arranged substantially parallel. The total number of sterilization pot assemblies is
It is not limited to five.

[0010] The sterilization pot assembly 120 is provided by the arrow 1 shown in FIG.
It is configured to be vertically movable in the directions of 22 and 124. The movement of the sterilizing pot assembly 120 is performed using the sterilizing pot assembly driving device 170. Referring to FIG. 3, the wire 172 has one end attached to the sterilization pot assembly 120 and the other end attached to a counterweight 176. The wire 172 is guided by the guide pulley 174.
The sterilization pot assembly 120 is guided by a guide 178, and is raised by winding up the wire 172 by a motor (not shown) and lowered by unwinding the wire 172. The steam pipe 180 is connected to the valve 182
Are connected to the respective sterilization pots 110. The valve 182 is configured by, for example, a ball valve.

A flexible hose 184 for supplying steam is connected to the steam pipe 180. Steam supply port 18
8 is a flexible hose 184 for supplying steam.
Supplied to The steam is supplied to each sterilization pot 110 by controlling the valve 182. Sterilization pot 11
0 is a retainer inlet 110a provided on the upstream side;
And a retainer outlet 110b provided on the downstream side. A retainer supply device 150 for supplying the retainer 140 to the retainer inlet 110 a of the sterilization pot 110 is provided on the upstream side of the sterilization pot 110 corresponding to the sterilization pot assembly 120. The retainer supply device 150 can be connected to the sterilization pot 110 so that the retainer transfer cart 142 can be supplied into the sterilization pot 110. The retainer supply device 150 includes arrows 152 and 154 shown in FIG.
In the vertical direction.

The movement of the retainer supply device 150 uses a retainer supply drive device (not shown) having the same configuration as the sterilization pot assembly drive device 170. A ball valve 130 a constituting a pressure shut-off mechanism is provided at an outlet of the retainer discharge device 160. Ball valve 13 that constitutes a pressure cutoff mechanism
0b and 130c are the retainer inlet part 11 of the sterilization pot 110
The ball valve 130 d is provided on the side closer to the retainer outlet 110 b of the sterilization pot 110. Valve actuator 1 for operating ball valves 130a, 130b, 130c and 130d
32 is a ball valve 130a, 130b, 130c and 13
0d.

[0013] One retainer supply device 150 may be provided corresponding to each of the sterilization kettle assemblies 120,
A plurality of retainer supply devices 150 may be provided corresponding to each of the sterilization pot assemblies 120. The retainer supply device 150 includes a retainer moving cylinder 162. Referring to FIG. 8, the retainer transport cart 142 is an elongated box-shaped member, and a plurality of retainers 140 are accommodated in the retainer transport cart 142. The number of the retainers 140 accommodated in one retainer transfer cart 142 is, for example, 60. Referring to FIG. 9, the retainer 14
Reference numeral 0 denotes a box-shaped member, one of which is open on one of the six outer surfaces. The retainer 140 has three retainer compartments: a first compartment 140a, a second compartment 140b,
The third partition 140c is partitioned.

The ingredients of the food contained in the first section 140a are the second section 140b and the third section 140c.
In order to prevent a thermal influence on food ingredients contained therein, a first buffer portion 140s for flowing water vapor is provided with a first partition portion 140a and a second partition portion 1a.
40b, and between the first section 140a and the third section 140c. Second partition part 1
Ingredients of food contained in 40b are the third section 140c
A second buffer portion 14 for passing water vapor to prevent the food ingredients contained therein from being affected.
0t is the second section 140b and the third section 140c.
And is provided between them. A plurality of through holes 140h are provided in the five outer walls of the retainer 140 and the partition wall between the retainer compartment and the buffer. Retainer 140
Is 150 mm wide and 4 mm deep, for example.
5 mm, height 120 mm.

In use, a plurality of food ingredients (not shown) are placed in retainer compartments 140a, 140b, 140
Put in c. For example, the first with the larger outer shape
Of the second food having the smaller outer shape into the second partition 1
40b, and the third section 140c is opened. By preparing food ingredients as described above, all food can be sterilized in a short time. The aseptic transfer device 200 is connected to each of the retainer outlets 110 b of the sterilization pot 110.
It is arranged on the downstream side of the sterilization pot 110 so as to be able to be connected.
By moving the sterilizing pot assembly 120 in the directions of arrows 122 and 124 shown in FIG. 2, each sterilizing pot 110 can be connected to the aseptic transfer device 200. The inside of the aseptic transfer device 200 is a steam sterile space.

A ball valve 130e is provided on the side closer to the entrance 200a of the aseptic transfer device 200. Valve actuator 1 for operating ball valve 130e
32 is connected to 130e. Operation of the connection between the sterilizing pot 110 and the retainer supply device 150, and the operation of the sterilizing pot 110
The operation of the connection between the and the aseptic transfer device 200 is controlled in consideration of the time for supplying the retainer and the time for sterilizing the food ingredients.
The connection between the retainer outlet 110b of the sterilization pot 110 and the inlet 200a of the aseptic transfer device 200 is performed using a rotating ring. Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, four sterilization pot connecting flanges 110 t are connected to the retainer outlet 11 of the sterilization pot 110.
0b. Sterilization pot connecting flange 110t
Are provided equidistantly at a pitch of 90 ° over the outer periphery of the retainer outlet 110b, and each project outward with an opening angle of approximately 40 °.

Flange 200 for connecting four aseptic transfer devices
t is provided at the entrance 200 a of the aseptic transfer device 200. The aseptic transport device connecting flanges 200t are provided at equal intervals at a 90 ° pitch over the outer periphery of the entrance 200a, and each project outward with an opening angle of approximately 40 °. Retainer outlet 11 of sterilization pot 110
0b and the inlet portion 200a of the aseptic transfer device 200, the connecting flanges 110t and 200t are aligned.
Are formed so that their outer shapes substantially match. Retainer outlet 110b of sterilization pot 110 and aseptic transfer device 20
0, and the packing 1 between them is aligned.
94, the retainer outlet 110b and the inlet 200
a close together. In this state, the connecting flange 110
The outer shapes of t and 200t almost match.

A rotating ring 190 is provided on the outer periphery of the entrance 200a of the aseptic transfer device 200 so as to be slidable in the axial direction and rotatable about the axis.
The rotating ring 190 is provided so as to be movable in the direction of arrow 194 in FIG. 4 by the rotating ring moving device 192. Four fixing flanges 190t
Is provided on the rotating ring 190. Fixing flange 1
90t are provided at an equal interval of 90 ° over the inner circumference of the rotating ring 190, and each project inward at an opening angle of approximately 40 °. The fixing flange 190t is formed in a shape such that it does not come into contact with the connecting flanges 110t and 200t when moved in the axial direction. The retainer outlet 110 b of the sterilization pot 110 is aligned with the inlet 200 a of the aseptic transfer device 200, and is brought into close contact via the packing 194. Next, the rotating ring 1
90 is moved toward the sterilization pot 110. next,
Rotate the rotating ring 190 by about 45 °.

As a result, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the fixing flange 190t is connected to the connecting flange 110t.
Seen in the axial direction. Therefore, the retainer outlet 110b of the sterilization pot 110 and the inlet 200 of the aseptic transfer device 200
a can be connected in close contact. Packing 19
4 is provided between the retainer outlet 110 b of the sterilization pot 110 and the inlet 200 a of the aseptic transfer device 200. With this packing 194, the space between the retainer outlet 110 b of the sterilization pot 110 and the inlet 200 a of the aseptic transfer device 200 is held in a sealed state. The connection between the retainer inlet 110a of the sterilizing pot 110 and the outlet of the retainer discharge device 160 is formed in a similar structure.
Oa and the outlet of the retainer discharge device 160 can be held in a sealed state via packing (not shown).

A retainer conveyor 210 for transporting the retainer 140 is provided in the aseptic transport device 200. The retainer 140 taken out of the retainer transfer cart 142 can move in the direction of the arrow 212 indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Stopper 220 for removing retainer 140 from retainer transfer cart 142
Is provided in the aseptic transfer device 200. By operating the stopper 220, the retainer 140 is prevented from moving toward the upstream side, and the retainer transfer carriage 142 is used by using the retainer discharge cylinder 161 of the retainer discharge device 160.
Alone can be returned to the sterilization pot 110. Aseptic filling machine 2
40 is connected to the downstream side of the aseptic transfer device 200.

The food sterilizing apparatus 100 of the present invention has a configuration in which 90 sterilizing pots 110 are arranged in five rows in the horizontal direction and in 18 levels in the height direction, and the overall size of the apparatus is approximately vertical. It is 10 meters, 5 meters wide and 18 meters high. (2) Operation of the Food Sterilizer of the Present Invention Next, the operation of the food sterilizer 100 of the present invention will be described. Referring again to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a device sterilization cap 230 used for sterilizing the sterilization pot 110 is disposed so as to be attached to the retainer outlet 110b. The apparatus sterilizing cap 230 is fixed to the retainer outlet 110b, and the inside of the sterilizing pot 110 is closed. Next, the ball valve 130b is closed and the sterilizing pot 11 is closed.
Introduce steam into 0. At this time, the ball valve 13
0c and 130d are opened and closed, and these ball valves 130
Sterilize c and 130d and their packings. By this step, the inside of the sterilization pot 110 can be sterilized, and at the same time, the ball valves 130c and 130d can be sterilized.

Next, the ball valve 130d is closed, and the device sterilizing cap 230 is removed from the outlet 110b of the sterilizing pot 110. Next, the retainer 140 containing the food is
These are arranged in a line and arranged on the retainer transfer cart 142. Next, the retainer transfer cart 142 containing the retainer 140 is placed in the retainer supply device 150. next,
The retainer supply device 150 is raised or lowered to be connected to the retainer inlet 110 a of the sterilization pot 110.
Next, the ball valves 130b and 130c are opened. Next, the retainer moving cylinder 162 is operated, and the retainer 1 is moved.
The retainer transporting trolley 142 accommodating 40 is introduced into the sterilization pot 110 from the retainer entrance 110a.

The carriage 142 for transferring the retainer is moved to the sterilizing pot 110.
After that, the ball valve 130b is closed and the sterilizing pot 1 is closed.
The inside of 10 is sealed. Next, the inside of the sterilization pot 110 is degassed by reducing the pressure with a vacuum pump (not shown) or the like. Next, steam is introduced into the sterilization pot 110. Then, after pre-heating necessary food in the sterilization pot 110, the food is heated and sterilized under pressure, and the food is cooled under reduced pressure. By this step, the ball valve 130 is sterilized at the same time as the food is sterilized.
c can be opened and closed to sterilize the ball valve 130c and its packing. After the cooling of the food is completed, the sterilizing pot assembly 120 is moved vertically (in the vertical direction), and the retainer outlet 110 of the sterilizing pot 110 in which the sterilization of the food is completed.
b, the inlet 200a of the aseptic transfer device 200 is connected.
At the same time, the retainer inlet 110a of the sterilization pot 110
And the outlet of the retainer discharge device 160.

Next, as a first connection portion sterilization step, the outlet of the retainer discharge device 160 and the retainer inlet 110a of the sterilization pot 110 are sterilized. At this time, while the ball valves 130a and 130c are closed and the ball valve 130b is opened and closed, steam is supplied from the pipe 136 to a portion between the outlet of the retainer discharge device 160 and the retainer inlet 110a of the sterilization pot 110. This first connection partial sterilization step includes, for example, hot steam at about 150 ° C. for about 10 hours.
It is preferable to supply the gas from the pipe 136 for a short time such as seconds. By this first connection partial sterilization step, the outlet of the retainer discharge device 160, the retainer inlet 110a of the sterilization pot 110, the ball valve 130b, and its packing can be sterilized simultaneously.

Next, as a second connection portion sterilization step, the retainer outlet 110b of the sterilization pot 110 and the inlet 200a of the aseptic transfer device 200 are sterilized. At this time, the ball valves 130d and 130e are closed, and the retainer outlet 110b of the sterilization pot 110 and the inlet 20 of the aseptic transfer device 200 are closed.
Water vapor is supplied from the pipe 138 to the portion between 0a and 0a.
This second connecting portion sterilization step is performed, for example, at about 150 ° C.
The high-temperature steam of the pipe 1
It is preferable to supply from 38. By this second connection partial sterilization step, the retainer outlet 11 of the sterilization pot 110 is provided.
0b and the inlet 200a of the aseptic transfer device 200 can be sterilized at the same time. The order in which the first connected portion sterilization step and the second connected portion sterilization step described above are performed may be performed in any order, or both may be performed simultaneously. The other step may be started while the step is being performed.

Next, the retainer outlet 11 of the sterilizing pot 110
0b, a ball valve 130d provided in the aseptic transfer device 2
00 and a ball valve 130e provided at the inlet 200a of the second valve 200, and further the ball valves 130a, 130b, 130
Opening c, the retainer transfer carriage 142 containing the retainer 140 is introduced into the aseptic transfer device 200 using a sterilized retainer discharge device provided with a cylinder. A stopper 220 is provided on the upstream side of the aseptic transfer device 200. When the retainer transfer cart 142 containing the retainer 140 enters the aseptic transfer device 200, the stopper 2
20 operates to come out into the aseptic transport device 200. The operation of the stopper 220 causes the retainer 140
Of the retainer discharge device 16
Only the retainer transfer cart 142 can be returned to the sterilization pot 110 using the zero retainer discharge cylinder 161.

The retainer 140 taken out of the retainer transfer cart 142 is supplied to an aseptic filling machine. (2) Step of Producing a Product Using the Food Sterilizer of the Present Invention As described below, although not shown, a product is produced by the following steps. Separately, a sterilized product container is supplied, and the retainer 140 is inverted and filled with sterilized ingredients. Further, a product container filled with food ingredients is filled with a separately sterilized sauce. Next, in a further step, the sterilized lid material is supplied.

[0028] The lid material for the container filled with food ingredients and sauces is sealed. All of the above steps are performed in a steam atmosphere.

[0029]

As described above, the present invention has the following effects in the food sterilizing apparatus having the above-described configuration. (1) Foods stored in a large number of containers can be efficiently sterilized, and a sterile space from sterilization to sealing of product containers can be reduced. (2) A flat space required for the apparatus can be reduced, and a small-sized and simple food sterilizing apparatus can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic structure of a food sterilizer of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of the food sterilizer of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of a sterilizing pot assembly driving device of the food sterilizing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a structure of a connecting portion between the sterilizing pot of the food sterilizing apparatus of the present invention and the aseptic conveying device in a state before tightening the rotating ring in 4A-4A of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a connecting portion between the sterilizing pot and the aseptic transport device of the food sterilizing apparatus of the present invention in a state before tightening the rotating ring in 5A-5A of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a structure of a connecting portion between the sterilizing pot and the aseptic transport device of the food sterilizing apparatus of the present invention in a state after tightening the rotating ring in 6A-6A of FIG. 7;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the connecting portion between the sterilizing pot and the aseptic transporter of the food sterilizing apparatus of the present invention in a state after tightening the rotating ring in 7A-7A of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a retainer transfer trolley containing a retainer used in the food sterilizing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a retainer used in the food sterilizing apparatus of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Food sterilizer 110 Sterilizer 110 a Retainer inlet 110 b Retainer outlet 120 Sterilizer kettle 130 a to 130 e Ball valve 132 Valve actuator 140 Retainer 142 Retainer transfer cart 150 Retainer supply device 160 Retainer discharge device 161 Retainer discharge cylinder 162 Retainer Transfer cylinder 170 Sterilization pot assembly drive 172 Wire 174 Guide pulley 176 Counter weight 178 Guide 180 Steam pipe 182 Valve 184 Flexible hose for steam supply 188 Steam supply port 190 Rotating ring 200 Aseptic transfer device 200a Inlet section of aseptic transfer device 210 Conveyor for retainer 220 Stopper 230 Cap for sterilizing device 240 Aseptic filling machine

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A food sterilizing apparatus for putting food in a container and sterilizing the food in an open state, comprising: a plurality of disinfecting kettles having a container inlet and a container outlet, movably provided; For supplying a container to each container inlet, a container supply device movably provided, and a sterile transfer device arranged so as to be connectable to each container outlet of the plurality of sterilization kettles, A container discharge device for discharging the container to the aseptic transfer device from each container outlet of the sterilizing kettle, wherein the moving direction of the plurality of sterilizing kettles is such that the container inlet is the container supply device. A food sterilizing device, wherein the food sterilizing device is connectable and the container outlet is configured to be connectable to the aseptic transport device. 2. A sterilization kettle assembly having a plurality of sterilization kettle assemblies having the plurality of sterilization kettles, and one or more container supply devices provided corresponding to the set of the sterilization kettle assemblies, respectively. The food sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The moving direction of the plurality of sterilizing pots is substantially vertical, and the moving direction of the container supply device is substantially the same as the moving direction of the plurality of sterilizing pots. A food sterilizer according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The aseptic transfer device and the container discharge device are coaxial so that the container inlet portion is connected to the container supply device when the container outlet portion is connected to the aseptic transfer device. The food sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the food sterilizer is arranged on a line. 5. The food sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the container is a product container. 6. The aseptic chamber, wherein the container is a retainer, and a sterile chamber in which a transfer device for transferring sterilized food from the retainer to a product container is disposed downstream of the aseptic transport device. The food sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: