JP7746783B2 - Processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a processing device used for heating and cooling processes on objects to be processed.

Conventionally, there are processing devices that store materials to be processed in a processing tank and perform processes such as heating and cooling. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a processing device that is equipped with a transport device (loading/unloading device) that can transport a holding cart (transport rack) that holds trays on which materials to be processed are placed, and that can load and unload materials into and out of a sterilizer (processing tank) with the push of a button.

Registered Utility Model No. 2594921

The processing equipment disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with only one door, and transport racks are loaded and unloaded from the same side of the processing tank. However, to efficiently proceed to the next process, it is also possible to provide a pair of doors, one at the front and one at the back, and have the transport device load and unload the transport racks from different sides of the processing tank. In such a configuration, it is necessary to stop the transport rack during loading, but if a separate stopper is provided to stop the transport rack, it would be necessary to release the stopper when the transport rack is unloaded, making the configuration more complicated.

The present invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and provides a processing device that allows the transport rack to be properly loaded into the processing tank.

According to the present invention, a processing apparatus for processing materials loaded on a transport rack comprises a processing tank main body, an inlet door, an outlet door, a transport means, and a control means. The processing tank main body is configured to be able to accommodate the transport rack and is equipped with an inlet for bringing in the transport rack and an outlet for bringing out the transport rack. The inlet door is configured to be able to open and close the inlet. The outlet door is configured to be able to open and close the outlet and is configured to restrict movement of the transport rack toward the outlet when in the closed state. The transport means is configured to transport the transport rack along a transport path passing through the inlet and the outlet. The control means controls the opening and closing operation of the outlet door and the movement of the transport rack by the transport means. The processing apparatus is configured to be capable of controlling the transport operation of a rack, and the control means sequentially executes a carry-in process in which the transport means moves the transport rack toward the carry-out exit with the carry-in door open and the carry-out door closed, thereby transporting the transport rack into the processing tank body; a carry-in door closing process in which the carry-in door is closed; a processing process in which the object to be processed is processed; a carry-out door opening process in which the carry-out door is opened to transport the transport rack; and a carry-out process in which the transport rack is moved toward the carry-out exit with the carry-out door open, and the control means further executes a rack position adjustment process in which the transport means moves the transport rack toward the carry-in entrance between the carry-in process and the carry-out door opening process.

According to the present invention, by keeping the unloading door closed during the loading process in which the transport rack is loaded, the unloading door can be used as a stopper to hold the transport rack within the processing tank body, making it possible to position the transport rack in an appropriate position within the processing tank without providing a separate stopper. Furthermore, according to the processing device of the present invention, the control means executes a rack position adjustment process in which the transport means moves the transport rack toward the unloading exit between the loading process and the unloading door opening process, thereby preventing the transport rack from pressing against the unloading door and making it difficult to open.

The following are examples of various embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments shown below can be combined with each other.

Preferably, the treatment tank body is configured to accommodate multiple transport racks in series along the transport path.

Preferably, the transport means includes multiple transport units along the transport path, and during the loading and unloading steps, the multiple transport racks are transported sequentially toward the unloading port by the multiple transport units.

Preferably, an engagement means is provided that engages with the exit door, and the exit door is locked by engaging the engagement means with the exit door in a direction along the transport path.

The present invention also provides a method for treating objects loaded on a transport rack, the method comprising a carry-in step, a carry-in door closing step, a treatment step, an unloading door opening step, and a carry-out step. In the carry-in step, the carry-in door is opened and the unloading door is closed, and the transport means moves the transport rack toward the unloading outlet to transport the transport rack into the treatment tank body, and the unloading door restricts further movement of the transport rack toward the unloading outlet. In the carry-in door closing step, the carry-in door is closed, and in the treatment step, the object is treated. In the unloading door opening step, the unloading door is opened to transport the transport rack, and in the unloading step, the transport rack is moved toward the unloading outlet with the unloading door open to unload the transport rack. The method further comprises a rack position adjustment step between the carry-in step and the unloading door opening step, in which the transport means moves the transport rack toward the carry-in entrance.

1 is a side view schematically showing the inside of a sterilization device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the inside of the sterilization device 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the sterilization apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 as viewed from the discharge side. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the unloading door 4 is opened from the state shown in FIG. 3. FIG. Figure 5A is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the discharge port 21 of the treatment tank main body 2 and the discharge side door 4 are opposed to each other, and Figure 5B is a side view schematically showing the inside of the treatment tank main body 2 and the discharge side door 4 in the state of Figure 5A. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. 3. 7A and 7B are explanatory views showing the operation of the ring member 63 engaging with the body-side flange 23 of the treatment tank body 2 and the door-side flange 40 of the discharge door 4. FIG. 8A is an enlarged view showing the conveying means 7 of the sterilization apparatus 1 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of the X portion of FIG. 8A. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of sterilizing an object to be treated by the sterilization device 1 of FIG. 1 .

The following describes embodiments of the present invention. The various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other. Furthermore, each feature can be an independent invention.

1. Configuration of the Sterilizer 1 The sterilizer 1 as a processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for heat sterilizing objects to be processed that are loaded on a conveying rack R. There is no particular restriction on the type of object to be processed, but it is suitably used for foods, particularly packaged foods such as canned foods, retort pouch foods, molded container foods, and bottled foods.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sterilization device 1 of this embodiment comprises a treatment tank main body 2, an inlet door 3, an outlet door 4, an inlet door opening/closing means 5, an outlet door opening/closing means 6, a conveying means 7, and a control means 8.

As shown in Figure 3, the treatment tank body 2 is a cylindrical container configured to be able to store multiple transport racks R loaded with materials to be treated inside. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the treatment tank body 2 has an inlet 20 at one end of its length for carrying in the transport racks R, and an outlet 21 at the other end for carrying out the transport racks R. A transport path 22 is configured between the inlet 20 and outlet 21 of the treatment tank body 2. The sterilization apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the transport racks R are carried in and out from different sides of the treatment tank body 2. Furthermore, the treatment tank body 2 of this embodiment is configured to be able to store nine transport racks R in a line along the transport path 22.

The treatment tank body 2 includes a body-side flange 23 around each of the inlet 20 and outlet 21 (FIG. 5A shows the body-side flange 23 facing the outlet 21 door 4). As shown in FIG. 6, an engagement groove 23a is formed circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface of the body-side flange 23. Furthermore, the portion of the body-side flange 23 facing the outlet door from the engagement groove 23a is uneven in the circumferential direction, similar to the door-side flange 40 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, an annular groove 23b is formed on the surface of each body-side flange 23 facing the inlet door 3 and outlet door 4, and an annular sealing member 24 is disposed in this groove 23b. In this embodiment, when the inlet door 3 and outlet door 4 are closed, the sealing member 24 expands due to air supplied from an air supply source (not shown), and adheres tightly to the inlet door 3 and outlet door 4, thereby providing a high level of sealing performance.

The loading door 3 and unloading door 4 are configured so that the loading entrance 20 and unloading exit 21 of the treatment tank main body 2 can be opened and closed by the loading door opening/closing means 5 and unloading door opening/closing means 6. The loading door 3 and unloading door 4 are each formed in a spherical shape on the side opposite the treatment tank main body 2.

Note that the loading door 3, the unloading door 4, the loading door opening/closing means 5, and the unloading door opening/closing means 6 all have the same configuration, so only the configuration of the unloading door 4 and the unloading door opening/closing means 6 will be described below.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5A, the discharge door 4 has a door-side flange 40 at a position surrounding its spherical portion. The outer peripheral surface of the door-side flange 40 has an uneven shape in the circumferential direction to correspond to the outer peripheral surface of the main body-side flange 23. Also, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a pair of arm portions 41 are fixed to the spherical portion of the discharge door 4. The pair of arm portions 41 are formed to extend horizontally from both the left and right sides of the discharge door 4. Note that the arm portions 41 are not shown in Figure 5A.

In addition, a stopper 42 extending toward the treatment tank body 2 is formed on the side of the unloading door 4 facing the treatment tank body 2, more specifically, on the inner surface of the spherical portion. The stopper 42 is a member for restricting movement of the transport rack R toward the unloading outlet when the unloading door 4 is closed. The stopper 42 may have any shape as long as it is able to restrict movement of the transport rack R toward the unloading outlet.

The unloading door opening/closing means 6 is a means for opening and closing the unloading door 4. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the unloading door opening/closing means 6 includes a lifting guide 60, a lifting motor 61, a drive shaft 62, a ring member 63 as an engagement means, and a ring member rotation means 64.

The lifting guide 60 is positioned to extend vertically, holds the arm portion 41 of the ejection door 4, and moves the ejection door 4 up and down using the driving force of the lifting motor 61. The lifting motor 61 transmits the driving force for raising and lowering the ejection door 4 to each of the left and right lifting guides 60 via the drive shaft 62.

When the discharge door 4 is lowered, i.e., when the discharge door 4 is in a position closing the discharge opening 21, the lifting guide 60 holds the arm 41 so that the discharge door 4 can move horizontally along the transport path 22. Preferably, when the discharge door 4 is in the open position shown in FIG. 4, the lifting guide 60 holds the discharge door 4 at a position slightly away from the treatment tank main body 2 along the transport path 22. When the discharge door 4 is lowered, the lifting guide 60 guides the discharge door 4 toward the main body flange 23 of the treatment tank main body 2, for example, by actuating an air cylinder. This movement of the discharge door 4 along the transport path 22 when it is lowered occurs when the recess on the ring member 63 (described below) and the protrusion on the door flange 40 are positioned opposite each other. However, the discharge door opening/closing means 6 may be configured in any way as long as it can open and close the discharge door 4, and any conventionally known configuration may be applied.

The ring member 63 is used to engage with the door-side flange 40 of the discharge door 4 to lock the door 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the ring member 63 comprises a circular portion 63a, multiple door-side protrusions 63b, and multiple body-side protrusions 63c. The circular portion 63a is formed in an annular shape, and its inner diameter is configured to be slightly larger than the outer diameters of the body-side flange 23 of the treatment tank body 2 and the door-side flange 40 of the discharge door 4. The multiple door-side protrusions 63b protrude radially inward at equal intervals around the circumferential direction from the discharge-side end of the circular portion 63a. The multiple door-side protrusions 63b form an uneven shape on the inner peripheral surface of the ring member 63 on the discharge side (see FIGS. 4, 7A, and 7B). The uneven shape formed by the multiple door-side protrusions 63b corresponds to the uneven shape formed on the outer peripheral surface of the door-side flange 40. Similarly to the door-side protrusions 63b, the multiple body-side protrusions 63c also protrude radially inward at equal intervals around the circumferential direction from the loading-side end of the annular portion 63a. The multiple body-side protrusions 63c give the inner circumferential surface of the ring member 63 on the loading side an uneven shape around the circumferential direction, just like the inner circumferential surface on the unloading side. The uneven shape formed by the multiple body-side protrusions 63c corresponds to the uneven shape formed on the body-side flange 23 closer to the unloading outlet than the engagement groove 23a, making it possible to attach the ring member 63 to the body-side flange 23.

When the ejection door 4 is closed, the recess on the ring member 63 and the protrusion on the door flange 40, and the protrusion on the ring member 63 and the recess on the door flange 40, are positioned opposite each other, allowing the ejection door 4 to move in the direction along the conveying path 22 (see Figure 7A). On the other hand, the recess on the ring member 63 and the recess on the door flange 40, and the protrusion on the ring member 63 and the protrusion on the door flange 40, are positioned opposite each other, allowing the protrusions to engage with each other, restricting movement of the ejection door 4 in the direction along the conveying path 22 (see Figures 6 and 7B).

The ring member rotation means 64 rotates the ring member 63 around the body flange 23 of the treatment tank body 2 and the door flange 40 of the discharge door 4. Rotating the ring member 63 locks and unlocks the discharge door 4. The ring member rotation means 64 is, for example, an air cylinder, but any means capable of rotating the ring member 63 may be used. The ring member rotation means 64 can also be configured to be rotated manually. In this embodiment, the discharge door 4 is pressed toward the discharge outlet by the internal pressure of the treatment tank body 2 and the expansion of the seal member 24, causing the door flange 40 of the discharge door 4 to engage with the multiple door protrusions 63b (see Figure 6) of the ring member 63.

The transport means 7 is configured to transport the transport rack R along a transport path 22 that passes through an inlet 20 and an outlet 21. In this embodiment, the transport means 7 is composed of multiple (six in Figures 1 and 2) transport units 7U.

As shown in FIG. 8A, each transport unit 7U includes a chain conveyor 70, a drive motor 71, and a rotating shaft 72. The chain conveyor 70 is provided at the bottom of the treatment tank main body 2. In this embodiment, three sets of chain conveyors 70 are provided in parallel along the transport path 22. A transport rack R is placed on the upper surfaces of these three sets of chain conveyors 70, and the transport rack R is transported by the three sets of chain conveyors 70 rotating in synchronization. However, only one set of chain conveyors 70 may be provided along the transport path 22, or two or four or more sets of chain conveyors 70 may be provided. Note that, as shown in FIG. 1, the length of the chain conveyor 70 in the direction along the transport path 22 in this embodiment is longer than the length of the transport rack R in the direction along the transport path 22.

The drive motor 71 drives the chain conveyor 70 via the rotating shaft 72. Each transport unit 7U is equipped with a speed reduction mechanism (not shown) between the drive motor 71 and the rotating shaft 72, and a clutch (not shown) that blocks the transmission of drive force from the drive motor 71 to the chain conveyor 70. In this embodiment, the chain conveyor 70 can rotate in both directions, and can transport the transport rack R in both the carry-in and carry-out directions.

The control means 8 controls the above-mentioned loading door opening/closing means 5, unloading door opening/closing means 6, and transport means 7 to perform transport operations (loading and unloading operations) of the transport rack R. Specifically, the control means 8 can be configured, for example, as an information processing device equipped with a CPU, memory (e.g., flash memory), input units, and output units. Processing by each of the above-mentioned components of the control means 8 configured as an information processing device is performed by the CPU reading and executing programs stored in the memory. Examples of information processing devices that can be used include a personal computer, PLC (programmable logic controller), or microcomputer. However, some of the functions of the control means 8 may be configured to be executed on a cloud connected via any communication means.

2. Operation of Sterilizer 1 Next, the operation of the sterilizer 1 of this embodiment will be described. The sterilizer 1 of this embodiment operates under the control of the control means 8. The control means 8 controls the loading-side door opening/closing means 5, the unloading-side door opening/closing means 6, and the conveying means 7 in accordance with a predetermined procedure (program) to perform loading and unloading operations. Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 , the control means 8 sequentially executes a loading step S1, a loading-side door closing step S2, a rack position adjustment step S3, a sterilization step S4 as a processing step, an unloading-side door opening step S5, and a unloading step S6. Each step will be described in more detail below. Before the loading step S1 is started, the loading-side door 3 is open and the unloading-side door 4 is closed. When the loading-side door 3 is closed, the control means 8 controls the loading-side door opening/closing means 5 to open the loading-side door 3. Furthermore, when the unloading door 4 is open, the control means 8 controls the unloading door opening/closing means 6 to close the unloading door 4. At this time, the ring member rotating means 64 rotates the ring member 63 to lock the unloading door 4.

<Carrying process S1>
The carry-in process S1 is a process of moving the transport rack R toward the unloading port 21 to load the transport rack R into the processing tank body 2. In the carry-in process S1, the control means 8 controls the transport means 7 to transport the transport rack R, which has been carried to the carry-in port 20 by a user or another transport device, toward the unloading port. Specifically, the control means 8 drives the drive motor 71 of each transport unit 7U. This rotates the chain conveyor 70 of each transport unit 7U, and the transport rack R is transported sequentially from the transport unit 7U on the load side to the transport unit 7U on the unloading side. The control means 8 drives the drive motor 71 of each transport unit 7U for a predetermined time and then stops the drive motor 71. Here, the predetermined time is the time required for the transport rack R to reach the unloading port 21 from the load entrance 20. However, instead of transporting the transport rack R to the unloading port 21 in a single operation, the transport rack R may be transported little by little each time it is loaded. In this case, the predetermined time may be short.

When the transport rack R reaches the carry-out exit 21, it abuts against the stopper 42 (see Figure 5B) of the carry-out door 4, restricting further movement. When the drive motor 71 rotates while the movement of the transport rack R is restricted, a clutch (not shown) cuts off the transmission of drive force from the drive motor 71 to the chain conveyor 70. This prevents wear on the transport rack R due to friction generated between the bottom surface of the transport rack R and the chain conveyor 70.

When a second or subsequent transport rack R is being loaded, the control means 8 also drives the drive motor 71 of each transport unit 7U for a predetermined time until the transport rack R abuts against the previously loaded transport rack R. This causes the chain conveyor 70 of each transport unit 7U to rotate, and the transport rack R is transported sequentially from the load-side transport unit 7U to the unload-side transport unit 7U. When the transport rack R being loaded abuts against the previous transport rack R, further movement is restricted. However, if the drive motor 71 rotates in this state, as described above, the clutch (not shown) acts to interrupt the transmission of drive force from the drive motor 71 to the chain conveyor 70, preventing wear on the transport rack R. Depending on the number of transport racks R already loaded, it may be preferable to operate only the load-side transport unit 7U rather than all transport units 7U.

Then, when the last transport rack R (the ninth transport rack R in the illustrated example) is loaded, the loading process S1 is completed.

<Loading side door closing process S2>
The loading-side door closing step S2 is a step of closing the loading-side door 3. In the loading-side door closing step S2, the control means 8 closes the loading-side door 3 using the loading-side door opening/closing means 5. This causes the treatment tank body 2 to be sealed.

<Rack position adjustment step S3>
The rack position adjustment process S3 is a process in which the transport means 7 moves the transport rack R in the direction of the carry-in entrance. In the rack position adjustment process S3, the control means 8 controls the transport means 7 to slightly move each transport rack R in the direction of the carry-in entrance 20. Specifically, the control means 8 drives the drive motor 71 of each transport unit 7U in the opposite direction to the carry-in process S1, thereby reversing the rotation of the chain conveyor 70 and moving each transport rack R. The distance by which each transport rack R is moved only needs to be a short distance so long as the abutment state between the leading transport rack R and the stopper 42 of the carry-out door 4 is released. Note that, as long as the transport rack R is moved, it is not necessary to drive the drive motors 71 of all transport units 7U.

<Sterilization step S4>
The sterilization step S4 is a step for processing the objects to be processed. In the sterilization step S4, the objects to be processed loaded on the transport rack R are subjected to a heat sterilization treatment. The specific operation of this step uses a conventionally known configuration and method, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Note that it is also possible to perform a cooling treatment after heat sterilization.

<Exit door opening process S5>
The unloading-side door opening step S5 is a step of opening the unloading-side door 4 to unload the transport rack R. In the unloading-side door opening step S5, the control means 8 opens the unloading-side door 4 by controlling the unloading-side door opening/closing means 6. This makes it possible to unload the transport rack R from the unloading exit 21.
<Export process S6>
The unloading step S6 is a step of moving the transport rack R in the direction of the unloading opening 21 with the unloading door 4 open and unloading it. In the unloading step S6, the control means 8 controls the transport means 7 to transport each transport rack R housed in the treatment tank main body 2 in the direction of the unloading opening. Specifically, the control means 8 drives the drive motor 71 of each transport unit 7U. This rotates the chain conveyor 70 of each transport unit 7U, and each transport rack R is sequentially unloaded from the unloading opening 21 and transported to the next step.

3. Effects As described above, in the sterilization apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the discharge door 4 is provided with the stopper 42, and by keeping the discharge door 4 closed in the loading step S1, the stopper 42 formed on the discharge door 4 can be used as a stopper that holds the transport rack R within the treatment tank main body 2. This makes it possible to position the transport rack R at an appropriate position within the treatment tank main body 2 without providing a separate stopper for switching between moving and restricting the movement of the transport rack R.

However, in a configuration in which the movement of the transport rack R is restricted by the stopper 42 on the unloading door 4, when the unloading door 4 is pressed in the direction of the unloading exit by the transport rack R, the door-side flange 40 of the unloading door 4 and the door-side protrusion 63b of the ring member 63 tightly engage in the direction along the transport path 22, increasing friction between them. This increases the load on the ring member rotation means 64 that rotates the ring member 63, and there is a risk that the ring member 63 will not rotate properly. Even if it does rotate, the operation of the ring member 63 will not be smooth.

However, in the sterilization apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the control means 8 executes a rack position adjustment process S3 in which the transport rack R is moved toward the entrance between the time the transport rack R is placed inside the treatment tank main body 2 in the carry-in process S1 and the time the unloading door opening process S5 is executed. This prevents the transport rack R from pressing against the unloading door 4, making it difficult to open.

4. Modifications The present invention can also be implemented in the following aspects.

The sterilization apparatus 1 in the above embodiment was configured to perform the rack position adjustment process S3 before the sterilization process S4. However, the rack position adjustment process S3 may be performed at any time after all transport racks R have been carried into the treatment tank main body 2 and before the discharge door 4 is opened after the sterilization process S4.

In the above embodiment, the loading process S1, loading door closing process S2, rack position adjustment process S3, sterilization process S4, unloading door opening process S5, and unloading process S6 were configured to be performed automatically under the control of the control means 8. However, some of these processes may also be configured to be performed manually at the user's command. For example, loading door closing process S2 and unloading door opening process S5 may be performed manually.

The sterilization apparatus 1 in the above embodiment was equipped with a ring member 63 as an engagement means for engaging with the discharge door 4. Here, the ring member 63 is configured to prevent the discharge door 4 from moving away from the treatment tank main body 2 due to the internal pressure of the treatment tank main body 2 and the pressure of the seal member 24 supplied with air during the sterilization step S4. However, the engagement means for engaging with the discharge door 4 may also be equipped with a member that locks the discharge door 4 by pressing it in a direction toward the treatment tank main body 2.

In the above embodiment, a stopper 42 was formed on the processing tank body 2 side of the unloading door 4, but the stopper 42 is not required on the unloading door 4. Even if the stopper 42 is not present, the transport rack R can be abutted against the surface of the unloading door 4 facing the processing tank body 2, thereby restricting movement of the transport rack R toward the unloading exit.

In the above embodiment, the transport means 7 was configured to include a chain conveyor 70. However, the configuration for transporting the transport rack R is not limited to a chain conveyor 70. For example, a roller-type transport means 7 may also be used.

In the above embodiment, the treatment tank body 2 was capable of accommodating multiple transport racks R. However, it is also possible for the treatment tank body 2 to be capable of accommodating only one transport rack R. However, when multiple transport racks R are loaded in multiple batches, the first transport rack R will inevitably hit the exit door 4 when the second and subsequent transport racks R are loaded all the way to the back, so this invention is particularly effective.

In the above embodiment, the conveying means 7 was composed of multiple conveying units 7U, but the conveying means 7 may also be composed of one chain conveyor 70 and one drive motor 71.

In the above embodiment, the loading door 3 and the unloading door 4 are configured to open and close the loading entrance 20 and the unloading exit 21 by moving up and down, respectively. However, the loading door 3 and the unloading door 4 may also be, for example, swing-type doors.

In the above embodiment, a sterilization device 1 that sterilizes objects to be treated was described as an example of a processing device for processing objects, but the processing device is not limited to the sterilization device 1. For example, the processing device may be a cooling device that cools objects to be treated loaded on a transport rack R within the processing tank main body 2. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a cooling device that can properly load the transport rack R into the processing tank main body 2.

1: Sterilization equipment (processing equipment)
2: Treatment tank body 3: Intake door 4: Outlet door 5: Intake door opening/closing means 6: Outlet door opening/closing means 7: Transport means 7U: Transport unit 8: Control means 20: Inlet 21: Outlet 22: Transport path 23: Body flange 23a: Engagement groove 23b: Groove 24: Seal member 40: Door flange 41: Arm portion 42: Stopper 60: Lifting guide 61: Lifting motor 62: Drive shaft 63: Ring member (engagement means)
63a: Circular ring portion 63b: Door-side protrusion 63c: Main body-side protrusion 64: Ring member rotating means 70: Chain conveyor 71: Drive motor 72: Rotation shaft R: Transport rack S1: Carry-in process S2: Carry-in side door closing process S3: Rack position adjustment process S4: Sterilization process (treatment process)
S5: Carrying out side door opening process S6: Carrying out process

Claims (5)

A processing device that processes objects to be processed loaded on a transport rack,
The treatment tank comprises a treatment tank body, an inlet door, an outlet door, a transport means, and a control means,
the treatment tank body is configured to be able to accommodate the transport rack, and includes an inlet for carrying the transport rack in and an outlet for carrying the transport rack out;
The carry-in door is configured to be able to open and close the carry-in entrance,
the unloading-side door is configured to be able to open and close the unloading outlet, and is configured to restrict movement of the transport rack toward the unloading outlet when in a closed state;
the transport means is configured to be able to transport the transport rack along a transport path that passes through the inlet and the outlet,
the control means is configured to be able to control the opening and closing operation of the unloading door and the transport operation of the transport rack by the transport means,
the control means sequentially executes a carry-in process in which the carry-in door is opened and the carry-out door is closed, and the carry-in rack is moved in the direction of the carry-out outlet by the carry-in means, thereby carrying the carry-in rack into the treatment tank body; a carry-in door closing process in which the carry-in door is closed; a treatment process in which the object to be treated is treated; a carry-out door opening process in which the carry-out door is opened to carry out the transport rack; and a carry-out process in which the carry-out door is opened, and the transport rack is moved in the direction of the carry-out outlet, thereby carrying out the transport rack;
The control means further executes a rack position adjustment step of moving the transport rack toward the transport entrance by the transport means between the carry-in step and the carry-out door opening step. 2. The processing device according to claim 1,
The processing apparatus is configured so that the processing tank body can accommodate a plurality of the transport racks in series along the transport path. 3. The processing device according to claim 2,
the conveying means includes a plurality of conveying units along the conveying path,
In the carrying-in step and the carrying-out step, the plurality of transport racks are transported sequentially in the direction of the transport outlet by the plurality of transport units. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
an engaging means for engaging with the ejection door,
The processing apparatus wherein the engaging means and the unloading door are engaged in a direction along the transport path, thereby locking the unloading door. A method for processing objects loaded on a transport rack, comprising:
The method includes a carry-in step, a carry-in door closing step, a processing step, an unloading door opening step, and a carry-out step,
In the carrying-in step, the carrying-in door is opened and the carrying-out door is closed, and the transport rack is moved toward the carrying-out port by the transport means to carry the transport rack into the treatment tank body, and the carrying-out door is used to restrict further movement of the transport rack toward the carrying-out port;
In the carrying-in door closing step, the carrying-in door is closed,
In the processing step, the object to be processed is processed,
In the unloading door opening step, the unloading door is opened to unload the transport rack,
In the carrying-out step, the transport rack is moved toward the carry-out port while the carry-out door is open, and is carried out.
The method further comprises, between the carrying-in step and the unloading-side door opening step, a rack position adjusting step of moving the transport rack toward the loading entrance by the transport means.