JP2007269325A - Sterilizing apparatus and sterilizing method - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization apparatus capable of sterilizing containers uniformly at a high level.
A sterilization apparatus 10 includes a support means 30 that supports a container 1 to be sterilized, a first electrode 20 that can be inserted into a container supported by the support means, and a first electrode that is inserted into the container. For one electrode, a high voltage pulse is applied between the second electrode 22 disposed via the container and the first electrode and the second electrode, and a large voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. High voltage pulse applying means 57 for generating atmospheric pressure plasma. The support means rotatably supports the container. The support means rotates the container when a high voltage pulse is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode.
[Selection] Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus and a sterilization method for sterilizing an object to be sterilized using atmospheric pressure plasma, and more particularly to a sterilization apparatus and a sterilization method capable of sterilizing an object to be sterilized at a high level evenly.

  In general, beverages, foods, pharmaceuticals, herbal medicines, cosmetics, feeds, fertilizers, and other filling materials made of liquids, solids, or combinations of liquids and solids are filled in packaging containers (packaging materials) in an aseptic environment, Thereafter, the packaging container is sealed in an aseptic environment. Prior to the filling process, the inner and outer surfaces of the packaging container are sterilized, thereby preventing bacteria from being brought into the filling process.

  Various research and development have been made on sterilization devices and sterilization methods to be sterilized, which are not limited to those applied to sterilization of packaging containers, and are made of resin or the like. In recent years, a sterilization method and sterilization apparatus using atmospheric pressure plasma at normal temperature and normal pressure because a drug or the like does not remain inside and a sufficient sterilization effect can be obtained without affecting a sterilization target. Is being developed. (For example, patent document 1).

In particular, in the field of sterilizing containers having a three-dimensional outer shape, the sterilization method using atmospheric pressure plasma is used because the drug tends to remain inside and it is difficult to sterilize uniformly. Interest is very high.
JP 2004-359307 A

  However, in the present situation, if an attempt is made to sterilize a container having a three-dimensional outer shape using atmospheric pressure plasma at a high sterilization level, the processing capacity is low and the apparatus price is high. For this reason, sterilization using atmospheric pressure plasma has not yet spread widely commercially.

  Therefore, in order to realize commercial dissemination, it is necessary to study a method and apparatus that can sterilize a large number of objects to be sterilized sequentially and efficiently.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a sterilization apparatus and a sterilization method capable of sterilizing a sterilization target, particularly a container, at a high level without unevenness.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization method and a sterilization apparatus that can sterilize an object to be sterilized, in particular, a container sequentially and efficiently.

  A first sterilization apparatus according to the present invention includes a support means for rotatably supporting a container to be sterilized, a first electrode insertable into a container supported by the support means, and the first sterilization apparatus inserted into the container. A high voltage pulse is applied to the first electrode between the first electrode and the second electrode by applying a high voltage pulse between the second electrode disposed via the container and the first electrode and the second electrode. And high voltage pulse applying means for generating atmospheric pressure plasma.

  According to the first sterilization apparatus of the present invention, the gas existing between the first electrode and the second electrode is turned into plasma, and the inner and outer surfaces of the container can be sterilized. In particular, when the container to be sterilized is rotated by the support means, the inner and outer surfaces of the container can be sterilized uniformly at a high level.

  In the first sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, the support means is a support member that is substantially flat and supports the container on one surface, and is rotatable about an axis that is substantially orthogonal to the plate surface. You may make it have a supporting member. According to such a sterilizer, the container can be easily arranged on the support means. In particular, when the container is made of a rotating body or when the container has a shape that is rotationally symmetric at a specific angle, the posture of the container during rotation can be extremely stabilized.

  In this case, at least a part of the other surface of the support member may be covered with the second electrode. According to such a sterilization apparatus, the part which faces the support member of a container can be sterilized with a high sterilization level.

  In this case, a through hole is formed in a portion of the support member facing the container, and the support means has a suction mechanism for sucking the container toward the support member through the through hole of the support member. You may make it have. According to such a sterilizer, the container can be easily and quickly fixed to the support member with a simple device and simple control. Alternatively, the supporting means may have a holding mechanism for holding the container. Even with such a sterilization apparatus, the container can be easily and quickly fixed to the support member with a simple apparatus and simple control.

  The first sterilization apparatus according to the present invention may further include an enclosure that is at least partially covered from the outside by a second electrode, and the support means further movably supports the container, and the first electrode Is movable in synchronization with the container, and the enclosure is provided along a movement path of the container, and has a contour that at least partially surrounds the moving container in a cross section perpendicular to the movement direction of the container. You may make it have. According to such a sterilizer, the generated plasma gas can be kept in the enclosure, and the plasma gas can be effectively brought into contact with the container. Therefore, the container can be sterilized uniformly at a high level in the enclosure.

  In this case, the enclosure may have a contour corresponding to the contour of the container in a cross section perpendicular to the moving direction of the container. According to such a sterilizer, the generated plasma gas can be brought into contact with the container quickly and effectively. Therefore, the container can be sterilized uniformly at a high level in the enclosure.

  In this case, the support means can support a plurality of containers, and the first electrode may be provided for each container supported by the support means. According to such a sterilization apparatus, it is possible to sterilize a large number of containers that are sequentially arranged in the enclosure evenly at a high level.

  The second sterilization apparatus according to the present invention includes a support means for movably supporting a plurality of containers to be sterilized, and can be inserted into each container supported by the support means and can be moved in synchronization with the containers. A plurality of first electrodes, an enclosure provided along a movement path of the container, a second electrode that covers at least a part of the enclosure from the outside, and a height between the first electrode and the second electrode. High voltage pulse applying means for applying a voltage pulse to generate atmospheric pressure plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the enclosure has a cross section perpendicular to the moving direction of the container. It is characterized by having a contour corresponding to the contour.

  According to such a second sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, the enclosure has a contour corresponding to the contour of the container in a cross section orthogonal to the moving direction of the container, so that the generated plasmaized gas can be quickly discharged. And it can contact a container effectively. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently sterilize a large number of containers sequentially arranged in the enclosure at a high level.

  In the first and second sterilization apparatuses according to the present invention, the enclosure may extend in an arc shape. According to such a sterilizer, the sterilizer can be downsized.

  In the first and second sterilization apparatuses according to the present invention, the enclosure may include a plurality of enclosure elements divided along the movement path of the container. According to such a sterilizer, an enclosure that can accommodate a large number of containers at a time can be manufactured at low cost.

  Furthermore, in the first and second sterilization apparatuses according to the present invention, the enclosure is arranged on one side of the enclosure member disposed on one side of the movement path of the container and on the other side of the movement path of the container. You may make it have an other side enclosure member. According to such a sterilizer, the configuration of the sterilizer can be simplified, and thereby the cost of the sterilizer can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the first and second sterilization apparatuses according to the present invention, one of the one-side enclosure member and the other-side enclosure member may be movable in synchronization with the container. According to such a sterilization apparatus, the incorporation of the enclosure into the sterilization apparatus can be simplified. Therefore, the configuration of the sterilizer can be simplified, and accordingly, the cost of the sterilizer can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the first and second sterilization apparatuses according to the present invention, the one-side enclosure member is movable in synchronization with the container, and the container is moved at least partially from the front and rear in the moving direction of the container. You may make it surround. According to such a sterilization apparatus, the container which moves with the one side enclosure member and the other side enclosure member can be surrounded from the circumference. As a result, the generated plasma gas can be used for the sterilization of the container very effectively.

  A third sterilization apparatus according to the present invention includes a rotatable support member that supports a sterilization target, a first electrode and a second electrode that are disposed with the sterilization target supported by the support member interposed therebetween, and the first And high voltage pulse applying means for applying a high voltage pulse between the electrode and the second electrode to generate atmospheric pressure plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode.

  According to the third sterilization apparatus of the present invention, the gas existing between the first electrode and the second electrode is turned into plasma, and the sterilization target can be sterilized. In particular, when the support member is rotated together with the sterilization target, the sterilization target can be sterilized uniformly at a high level.

  In the third sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, the support member has a substantially flat plate shape, and is rotatable about a direction substantially perpendicular to the plate surface, and the sterilization target is on one side surface of the support member. It is supported, and at least a part of the other surface of the support member may be covered with the second electrode.

  The first sterilization method according to the present invention includes a step of supporting the container by a support means for rotatably supporting a container to be sterilized, a step of inserting a first electrode into the container, and an insertion into the container A high voltage pulse is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode disposed via the container with respect to the first electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. And a step of generating atmospheric pressure plasma. In the step of generating atmospheric pressure plasma, the sterilization target is rotated by the support means.

  According to the first sterilization method of the present invention, the gas existing between the first electrode and the second electrode is turned into plasma, and the inner and outer surfaces of the container can be sterilized. In particular, when the atmospheric pressure plasma is generated, the container is rotated by the support means, so that the inner and outer surfaces of the container can be uniformly sterilized at a high level. In this first sterilization method, either the step of supporting the container and the step of inserting the first electrode may be performed first, or two steps are performed in parallel. May be.

  In the first sterilization method according to the present invention, in the step of supporting the container, the support means includes a support member that has a flat plate shape and is rotatable about a direction substantially orthogonal to the plate surface. The bottom portion facing the opening into which the first electrode is inserted may be disposed on the support member such that the bottom portion faces one plate surface of the support member. According to such a sterilization method, the container can be easily supported. In addition, the first electrode can be easily inserted into the container. In particular, when the container is composed of a rotating body or when the container has a shape that is rotationally symmetric at a specific angle, the posture of the container during rotation can be extremely stabilized.

  Also, in the first sterilization method according to the present invention, the support means is a flat plate-like support member that supports the container on one surface, and is rotatable about a direction substantially orthogonal to the plate surface. And a high voltage pulse is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode covering at least a part of the other surface of the support member in the step of generating the atmospheric pressure plasma. May be. According to such a sterilization method, the part facing the support member of the container can be sterilized at a high sterilization level.

  In this case, the container may be sucked toward the support member and sucked and held by the support member. According to such a sterilization method, the container can be easily and quickly fixed to the support member with a simple device and simple control. Alternatively, the support means may support the container by holding it. Even with such a sterilization method, the container can be easily and quickly fixed to the support member with a simple device and simple control.

  Further, in the step of generating the atmospheric pressure plasma of the first sterilization method according to the present invention, the first electrode moves in synchronization with the container, and the container is at least partially covered from the outside by the second electrode. The high voltage pulse may be applied between the first electrode and the second electrode inserted into the container when the region is surrounded by the enclosure. According to such a sterilization method, the generated plasma gas can be kept in the enclosure, and the plasma gas can be effectively brought into contact with the container. Therefore, the container can be sterilized uniformly at a high level in the enclosure.

  In this case, a plurality of containers into which different first electrodes are inserted may be moved sequentially in an area surrounded by the enclosure, and thereby the plurality of containers may be sterilized sequentially. According to such a sterilization method, it is possible to sterilize a large number of containers that are sequentially arranged in the enclosure evenly at a high level.

  In this case, the enclosure may have a contour corresponding to the contour of the container in a cross section orthogonal to the moving direction of the container. According to such a sterilization method, the generated plasma gas can be brought into contact with the container quickly and effectively. Therefore, the container can be sterilized uniformly at a high level in the enclosure.

  The second sterilization method according to the present invention includes a step of supporting a plurality of containers sequentially by a support means for movably supporting a container to be sterilized, and a first electrode movable in synchronization with the container. A step of sequentially inserting the container into a plurality of containers, and an enclosure provided along the movement path of the container in which the container moves together with the first electrode inserted into the container, and the moving direction of the container When the container is in a region surrounded by an enclosure having an outline corresponding to the outline of the container in a cross section along the section, the first electrode inserted into the container and at least a part of the enclosure are covered from the outside A step of applying a high-voltage pulse between the second electrode to generate atmospheric pressure plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode, and sequentially sterilizing a plurality of containers. It is characterized by.

  According to the second sterilization method of the present invention as described above, the enclosure has a contour corresponding to the contour of the container in a cross section orthogonal to the moving direction of the container. And it can contact a container effectively. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently sterilize a large number of containers sequentially arranged in the enclosure at a high level.

  In the first and second sterilization methods according to the present invention, the container may be moved along an arcuate movement path. According to such a sterilization method, the arrangement space of the sterilizer can be reduced.

  In the first and second sterilization methods according to the present invention, the enclosure may include a plurality of enclosure elements divided along the movement path of the container. According to such a sterilization method, the enclosure can be manufactured accurately and inexpensively. As a result, the container can be sterilized accurately and inexpensively.

  Furthermore, in the first and second sterilization methods according to the present invention, the enclosure is arranged on one side of the enclosure member disposed on one side of the movement path of the container and on the other side of the movement path of the container. You may make it have an other side enclosure member. According to such a sterilization method, the configuration of the sterilization apparatus is simplified, and as a result, the container can be sterilized at a low cost.

  Furthermore, in the first and second sterilization methods according to the present invention, one of the one-side enclosure member and the other-side enclosure member may be moved in synchronization with the container. According to such a sterilization method, the configuration of the sterilization apparatus is simplified, and as a result, the container can be sterilized at a low cost.

  Furthermore, in the first and second sterilization methods according to the present invention, the one-side enclosure member moves in synchronization with the container while at least partially enclosing the container from the front and rear in the movement direction of the container. You may do it. The moving container can be surrounded from the periphery by the one-side enclosure member and the other-side enclosure member. As a result, the generated plasma gas can be used for the sterilization of the container very effectively.

  The third sterilization method according to the present invention includes a step of supporting a sterilization target by a rotatable support member, and a first electrode and a second electrode arranged with the sterilization target supported by the support member interposed therebetween. And applying a high voltage pulse between the first electrode and the second electrode to generate atmospheric pressure plasma, and in the step of generating atmospheric pressure plasma, sterilization with the support member The object is rotated.

  According to the third sterilization method of the present invention, the gas existing between the first electrode and the second electrode is turned into plasma, and the sterilization target can be sterilized. In particular, when the atmospheric pressure plasma is generated, the object to be sterilized is rotated together with the support member, so that the object to be sterilized can be uniformly sterilized at a high level.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 10 are views showing an embodiment of a sterilization apparatus and a sterilization method according to the present invention.

  Among these, FIG. 1 is a figure which shows the schematic process from shaping | molding of a container to filling of the contents, FIG. 2 is a top view which shows schematic structure of a sterilizer, FIG. 3 demonstrates each process process in a sterilizer. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a method and means for attaching a liquid to the outer surface of the container, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a method for introducing steam into the container and the introduction means. FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a method of introducing steam into the container, FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a sterilizer, and FIG. 8 is a view showing a first electrode. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a high voltage pulse applying means, and FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a sterilization method.

<Sterilization target>
The sterilization target to be sterilized using the sterilization apparatus and sterilization method according to the present invention may be any one composed of various materials other than metal. However, in the following, the opening 1a provided at the upper end, the side 1b including the neck gradually increasing in thickness from the opening 1a, and the opening 1a provided below the side 1b are opposed to the opening 1a. An example of sterilizing a bottle-shaped container 1 having a bottom 1c as a sterilization target will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, such sterilization is performed after the container 1 is formed and before the container 1 is filled with the contents.

<Sterilizer>
〔overall structure〕
First, the container sterilizer 10 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the sterilization apparatus 10 is disposed outside a chamber 12, a substantially cylindrical internal chamber 17 provided in the chamber 12, and the internal chamber 17, and rotates about a rotation axis L <b> 1. A free first rotating body 24, an attaching means 86 for attaching a predetermined liquid to the outer surface of the container 1 to be sterilized conveyed by the first rotating body 24, and the container 1 conveyed by the first rotating body 24. Introducing means 70 for introducing vapor obtained by evaporating a predetermined liquid into the interior of the container, supporting means 30 for supporting the container 1 to be sterilized in a rotatable and movable manner in the internal chamber 17, and supporting the supporting means 30 The first electrode 20 that can be inserted into the container 1, the second electrode 22 that is disposed via the container 1 with respect to the first electrode 20 that is inserted into the container 1, the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 20 Electrode 22 Includes a high voltage pulse applying means 57, the application of a high voltage pulse between.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sterilizer 10 further includes a sterilizing agent supply unit 50 that communicates with the chamber 12 and supplies the sterilizing agent into the chamber 12. In the present embodiment, hydrogen peroxide is used as a sterilizing agent, and the sterilizing agent supplying means 50 mixes hydrogen peroxide water and pressurized air by a two-fluid spray, and forms a chamber 12 as hydrogen peroxide mist. It is designed to send in. The sterilizing agent supply means 50 can also feed normal temperature or heated air into the chamber 12. The chamber 12 is provided with one or a plurality of exhaust ports 12a corresponding to the supply of the sterilizing agent into the chamber 12.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in such a sterilization apparatus 10, the container 1 to be sterilized is fed into the chamber 12 from the carry-in port 14 a by the carry-in means 15 a and is sent to the first rotating body 24 through the delivery wheel 16. Delivered. The container 1 delivered to the first rotating body 24 is delivered to the support means 30 via the delivery wheel 16 while being subjected to predetermined processing. Thereafter, the container 1 is transferred to the unloading means 15b or the unloading means 19a via the transfer wheel 16, and is carried out of the chamber 12 via the unloading port 14b or the defective product unloading port 19.

  Further, the downstream process side including the inside of the chamber 12 can be set to a positive pressure from the inlet 14a. Therefore, during the operation of the sterilizer 10, an airflow from the inside of the chamber 12 to the outside of the chamber 12 can be formed at the carry-in port 14a, thereby preventing bacteria from being brought into the carry-in port 14a. It can be done. Further, as will be described in detail later, the passage path of the container 1 after being transferred into the internal chamber 17 is separated from other regions in the chamber 12 as a processing space 5a. In the chamber 12, the processing space 5 a can be maintained at a positive pressure as compared with a region other than the processing space 5 a. Therefore, in the chamber 12, an air flow from the processing space 5a toward an area other than the processing space 5a can be created.

[First Rotating Body, Adhering Means and Introducing Means]
First, the first rotating body 24 and the attaching means 86 and the introducing means 70 for processing the container 1 conveyed by the first rotating body 24 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5.

  The first rotating body 24 is rotatable about a rotation axis L1 via a driving unit (not shown) such as a motor, and is also sterilized by the conveying unit 15a via the delivery wheel 16. The containers 1 are sequentially received. As shown in FIG. 2, the first rotating body 24 holds the container 1 at equal intervals on the circumference around the rotation axis L1, and holds the container 1 by rotating around the rotation axis L1. Are transported along the circumference.

  The adhering means 86 sprays a predetermined liquid toward the container 1 conveyed by the first rotating body 24 and adheres the liquid to the outer surface of the container 1. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the attaching means 86 includes a plurality of two-fluid sprays 87 arranged along a predetermined section of a moving path of the container 1 conveyed by the first rotating body 24, and a tube. An air supply means 82 communicated with the two-fluid spray 287 via 89a, a liquid tank 88 communicated with the two-fluid spray 87 via the pipe 89b, and communicated with the air supply means 82 via the pipe 89c. is doing.

  The air supply means 82 is configured to send air having a predetermined pressure and a predetermined flow rate to the two-fluid spray 87 via the pipe 89a.

  A predetermined liquid is accommodated in the liquid tank 88. The liquid tank 88 communicates with liquid supply means (not shown). The liquid supply means supplies the liquid to the liquid tank 88 so that the amount of liquid stored in the liquid tank 88 is always within a certain range. The end of the pipe 89b in the liquid tank 88 extends into the liquid adjusted to a predetermined amount. On the other hand, the end of the pipe 89c in the liquid tank 88 does not extend into the liquid stored in the liquid tank 88, that is, is not immersed in the liquid. Then, air is sent from the air supply means 82 into the liquid tank 88 through the pipe 89c, and accordingly, the liquid is sent from the liquid tank 88 to the two-fluid spray 87 through the pipe 89b. . The air supply means 82 is configured to send air to the liquid tank 88 so that the pressure in the liquid tank 88 becomes a predetermined pressure value, whereby a predetermined flow rate and a predetermined pressure are supplied to the two-fluid spray 87. Liquid is sent in.

  Each element is provided with an appropriate instrument such as a flow meter or a pressure gauge, which makes it possible to confirm that each of the above-described pressures and flow rates is at a constant value. Yes.

  With such a configuration, the liquid and air having a predetermined flow rate and pressure are fed into the two-fluid spray 87, and the liquid is sprayed (sprayed) as a mixture with air on the container 1 being conveyed. ing.

  Here, as the predetermined liquid, water, particularly pure water containing no impurities is suitable. When pure water is used, the supply amount thereof may be such that the outer surface of the container 1 is clouded, and the attached droplets are preferably fine particles having a diameter of about several μm. For example, when the container 1 is a resin bottle having a capacity of 240 mL (milliliter), it is preferable to attach pure water in a range of 0.01 g to 10 g to the outer surface of the container 1.

  As long as the sterilizing effect can be improved, an organic aqueous solution containing ethanol or acetone, an inorganic aqueous solution containing an electrolyte, or the like may be supplied instead of water (pure water). In place of the air supply means, for example, a gas supply means for supplying oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, air, argon, helium, or the like can be used. In addition to monitoring by an instrument, it is also preferable to provide some means for inspecting the state of liquid adhesion to the outer surface of the container 1. As such means, a laser beam irradiator that irradiates a laser beam from one of the containers 1 to which a liquid is attached, a laser beam measuring instrument that measures the transmission amount of the laser beam irradiated from the other of the container 1, Means having can be used.

  Next, the introduction means 70 will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the introducing means 70 introduces a vapor mixed gas obtained by mixing a vapor obtained by evaporating a predetermined liquid and a predetermined gas into the container 1 conveyed by the first rotating body 24. It has become. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, such introduction means 70 includes a plurality of introduction pipes 75 provided corresponding to positions where the container 1 of the first rotating body 24 should be held, and a plurality of introduction pipes. 75, a plurality of valves 79 that open and close the introduction pipe 75, a loop-shaped manifold 73 connected to the plurality of introduction pipes 75, a liquid tank 90 that stores a predetermined liquid, and a liquid tank 90 Gas supply means 78 for supplying a predetermined gas to the pipe, a pipe 71 for communicating the liquid tank 90 and the manifold 73, a heater 81 for heating the pipe 71, a pipe 71 after the heater, the manifold 73, and the introduction pipe 75. A wound tape heater (ribbon heater) 77.

  The end of each introduction pipe 75 extends directly above the opening 1 a of the container 1 held by the first rotating body 24 or to the inside of the container 1. As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the manifold 73 has a circular shape and is centered on the rotational axis L1 of the first rotating body 24 so as to extend along the circumference centered on the rotational axis L1. Is arranged as. The introduction pipes 75 extend from the manifold 73 along the radiation (radial line) centered on the rotation axis L1, and are arranged at a predetermined angle apart from the rotation axis L1.

  The liquid tank 90 communicates with a liquid supply means (not shown). The liquid supply means supplies the liquid to the liquid tank 90 so that the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid tank 90 is always within a certain range. The end of the pipe 71 in the liquid tank 90 is above the liquid tank 90 and does not extend into the liquid stored in the liquid tank 90, that is, not immersed in the liquid. On the other hand, the gas supply means 78 feeds a predetermined gas into the liquid tank 90 from below the liquid tank 90, and the supplied gas passes through the liquid in the liquid tank 90 and above the liquid in the liquid tank 90. It has come to be collected.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, a temperature adjusting device 91 that adjusts the temperature of the liquid stored in the liquid tank 90 is provided. The temperature adjusting device 91 includes a heating mechanism 91b disposed in the liquid in the liquid tank 90, a thermocouple 91c for measuring the temperature of the liquid in the liquid tank 90, and an adjustment control connected to the heating mechanism 91b and the thermocouple 91c. Part 91a. The adjustment control unit 91a turns on and off the heating mechanism 91b based on the liquid temperature measurement result by the thermocouple 91c, and keeps the temperature of the liquid in the liquid tank 90 constant.

  With such a configuration, a vapor mixed gas having a predetermined humidity, a predetermined temperature, and a predetermined pressure is generated and stored above the liquid in the liquid tank 90. Then, the vapor mixed gas is fed into the introduction pipe 75 where the valve 79 is opened via the pipe 71 and the manifold 73, and the vapor mixed gas is introduced into the container 1 from the introduction pipe 75.

  Each element is provided with an appropriate instrument such as a flow meter or a pressure gauge, which makes it possible to confirm that each of the above-described pressures and flow rates is at a constant value. Yes.

  Here, as the predetermined liquid, water, particularly pure water containing no impurities is suitable. When pure water is used, the supply amount thereof may be such that the inner surface of the container 1 is clouded. For example, when the container 1 is a resin bottle having a capacity of 240 mL (milliliter), 0.01 g to 10 g of the container 1 is contained in the container 1. It is preferable that about a pure water is introduced. Note that an aqueous solution containing ethanol, acetone, or the like may be supplied in place of water (pure water) as long as the sterilizing effect can be improved. The predetermined liquid here is not necessarily the same as the liquid ejected from the attaching means 86 described above.

  Further, as the predetermined gas, at least one gas selected from the group consisting of oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, air, argon, and helium can be used. The use of these gases is preferable in that various effects such as a decrease in dielectric breakdown voltage when a high voltage pulse is applied and an increase in the amount of active oxygen species generated can be expected. Further, two or more kinds of gases selected from the above group may be mixed and supplied. In addition, various gases can be used as long as they contribute to plasma generation.

  In addition to monitoring by the instrument, it is also preferable to provide some means for inspecting the liquid adhesion state to the outer surface of the container 1. As such means, a laser beam irradiator that irradiates a laser beam from one of the containers 1 to which a liquid is attached, a laser beam measuring instrument that measures the transmission amount of the laser beam irradiated from the other of the container 1, Means having can be used.

  By the way, the constituent elements of the adhering means 86 and the introducing means 70, particularly the pipes, may be communicated with the above-described disinfectant supply means 50 through a valve or the like so as to be freely opened and closed. In this case, the adhering means 86 and the introducing means 70 are preferably sterilized before use with the sterilizing agent from the sterilizing agent supply means 50.

[Internal chamber, support means]
Next, the support means 30 that supports the internal chamber 17 and the container 1 to be sterilized so as to be rotatable and movable in the internal chamber 17 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 2 and 7.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, in the present embodiment, the internal chamber 17 has a substantially cylindrical shape with both ends closed. As shown in FIG. 2, the internal chamber 17 has a receiving opening 4 a for receiving the container 1 from the first rotating body 24 via the transfer wheel 16, and a first opening for discharging the container 1 via the transfer wheel 16. 1 discharge opening 4b and 2nd discharge opening 4c are provided.

  In the present embodiment, the support means 30 supports a plurality of containers 1 to be sterilized, a rotation mechanism that rotates the supported containers 1, and conveys the supported containers 1 along a predetermined movement path. It functions as a moving mechanism. As shown in FIG. 3, the support means 30 includes a second rotating body 45 that can rotate about the rotation axis L <b> 2, and a plurality of supporting members that are rotatably supported by the second rotating body 45. And a plurality of support members 30 that support from below.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the second rotating body 45 is divided into an upper member 45a and a lower member 45b. The upper member 45a and the lower member 45b of the second rotating body 45 are disposed so as to surround a shaft 49 extending on the rotation axis L2, and are centered on the rotation axis L2 via driving means (not shown) such as a motor. It is free to rotate. That is, the support means 30 includes the driving means (not shown), the second rotating body 45, and the like as a moving mechanism, and is supported by the second rotating body 45 by the driving means rotating the second rotating body 45. The support member 31 and the container 1 on the support member 31 are moved along a circumferential track.

  The upper member 45a and the lower member 45b may be rotationally driven in synchronization by separate driving means, respectively, and for example, via a known connecting member provided in the shaft 49, etc. The same driving means may be rotationally driven synchronously.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the second rotating body 45 includes disk-shaped first to fourth tables 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d arranged in order from above so as to be orthogonal to the rotation axis L2, and a rotation axis. A connecting portion 46 extending along L2 and connecting the first to fourth tables 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d. That is, the first to fourth tables 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d are rotationally driven in synchronization.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, in the present embodiment, the support member 31 is formed of a substantially circular plate that supports the container 1 on one surface, specifically, on the upper surface. As will be described in detail later, the lower (other) surface of each support member 31 is covered with the second electrode 22. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, each support member 31 is connected to a columnar shaft member 32 on the lower surface thereof. Note that the columnar shaft member 32 and the disk-shaped support member 31 are connected so that their center axes are aligned.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the fourth table 47d of the second rotating body 45 is provided with a plurality of bearing members 33 arranged at equal intervals on the circumference around the rotation axis L2. ing. The shaft member 32 described above is supported by each bearing member 33. That is, the support members 31 and the shaft members 32 are rotatably supported by the fourth table 47 d of the second rotating body 45 through the bearing members 33. In addition, on the lower surface of the third table 47 c of the second rotating body 45, driving means 35 for rotating the support member 31, for example, a motor is provided. The drive means 35 is connected to a pulley 34a provided on the shaft member 32 via a drive transmission means 34b made of, for example, a transmission belt.

  In such a configuration, when the driving means 35 rotationally drives the shaft member 32, the disk-shaped support member 31 connected to the shaft member 32 is rotationally driven about an axis L3 parallel to the perpendicular to the plate surface. It has come to be. That is, in the present embodiment, the support means 30 includes the drive means 35, the pulley 34a, the drive transmission means 34b, the shaft member 32, the support member 31 and the like as the rotation mechanism, and the drive means 35 is the shaft member 32. The container 1 supported on the support member 31 is rotated by being driven to rotate together with the support member 31.

  Here, if the rotational speed of the support member 31 is too high, the container 1 cannot be stably supported on the support member 31. Moreover, if the rotational speed of the support member 31 is too slow, it will not be possible to enjoy the effect of rotation described in detail later. Considering this, the rotation speed of the support member 31 can be set to 50 to 3000 rpm, for example.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, each support member 31 and the shaft member 32 connected to the support member 31 do not face the support member 31 of the shaft member 32 from a portion facing the container 1 of the support member 31. A through hole 37 extending to the end face on the side is formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, each through-hole 37 communicates with a suction mechanism 41 disposed inside or outside the chamber 12. Each through hole 37 includes a rotary coupling 40 attached to the shaft 49 below the second rotating body 45, and a coupling 38 and a cup attached to the end face of the shaft member 32 on the side not facing the support member 31. Communication is made through a connecting pipe 39 extending from the ring 38 to the rotary coupling 40.

  In such a configuration, the suction mechanism 41 can suck gas from any through hole 37 by opening and closing a valve 39 a provided in each connecting pipe 39. Therefore, when the container 1 is disposed on the support member 31, the container 1 is stabilized on the support member 31 by operating the suction mechanism 41 to suck and hold (suck) the container 1 to the support member 31. Can be supported. That is, in the present embodiment, the support means 30 includes the suction mechanism 41, the through-hole 37, the support member 31 and the like as the support mechanism. By operating the suction mechanism 41, the container 1 is supported by the support member 31. The container 1 is adsorbed on the top and stably supports the container 1.

  By the way, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the wall of the internal chamber 17 is provided on the outer side of the third table 47c extending from the connecting portion 46 of the second rotating body 45 so as to face the third table 47c. A lower table 17c extending from the section is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower table 17c is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the third table 47c. As shown in FIG. 7, the lower table 17c has a substantially flat plate shape and is arranged on the same plane as the third table 47c. An annular gap 6c having a substantially constant width is formed between the lower table 17c and the third table 47c.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the support member 31 described above is disposed above the third table 47c, and the shaft member 32 passes through the gap 6c between the lower table 17c and the third table 47c. The central locus of the gap 6c is aligned with the movement locus of the rotation axis L3 of the shaft member 32 that moves in synchronization with the rotation of the second rotating body 45. Further, the width of the gap 6c is set so as to ensure that the shaft member 31 can rotate without any trouble.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the second table 47b extending from the connecting portion 46 of the second rotating body 45 is extended outward from the wall portion of the internal chamber 17 so as to face the second table 47b. A protruding upper table 17b is provided. The upper table 17b is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the second table 47b, similarly to the lower table 17c described above. As shown in FIG. 7, the upper table 17b has a substantially flat plate shape and is disposed on the same plane as the second table 47b. An annular gap 6b having a substantially constant width is formed between the upper table 17b and the second table 47b. The center locus of the gap 6b between the upper table 17b and the second table 47b is aligned with the movement locus of the rotation axis L3 of the shaft member 31 that moves in synchronization with the rotation of the second rotating body 45. As will be described in detail later, the first electrode 20 is inserted into the gap 6b. Therefore, the width of the gap 6b is set so that the first electrode 20 can be inserted without any trouble.

  As will be described in detail later, the space surrounded by the walls of the internal chamber 17, the upper table 17b and the lower table 17c, and the connecting portion 46, the second table 47b, and the third table 47c of the second rotating body 45 (processing) Atmospheric pressure plasma is generated in the space. Then, as described above, during the sterilization process, the processing space 5a is kept at a positive pressure, and the gas that may contain bacteria may be prevented from entering the processing space 5a from outside the processing space 5a. It is supposed to be. Therefore, the width of the gap 6b between the upper table 17b and the second table 47b and the width of the gap 6c between the lower table 17c and the third table 47c are set narrow as long as the above-described conditions are satisfied. Preferably it is.

[Enclosure]
By the way, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the sterilizer 10 further includes an enclosure 25 provided in the processing space 5 a and extending in an arc shape along the movement path of the container 1 moved by the support means 30. I have. As shown in FIG. 7, the enclosure 25 is configured to at least partially surround the container 1 on the support member 31 in a cross section orthogonal to the moving direction of the container 1. In particular, in the present embodiment, the enclosure 25 has an inner contour along the outer contour of the side portion 1b of the container 1 in a cross section orthogonal to the moving direction of the container 1, and the moving path of the container 1 The container 1 is surrounded so as to be sandwiched from both sides along the line, and the container 1 is also surrounded from a part of the upper side. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the inner surface of the enclosure 25 is separated from the container 1 by a substantially constant distance in a cross section orthogonal to the moving direction of the container 1, and in other words, the inner contour of the enclosure 25. Is substantially similar to the outer contour of the container 1.

  In the present embodiment, the support member 31 having a flat plate shape is also sandwiched by the enclosure 25 from both sides along the movement path. Accordingly, the container 1 is surrounded by the enclosure 25 from the upper side and both sides, and is surrounded by the support member 31 from the lower side.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, in the present embodiment, the enclosure 25 is disposed on one side (in the present embodiment) of the container 1 supported on the support member 31 and the support member 31. It has the one side surrounding member 26, and the other side surrounding member 27 arrange | positioned at the other side (this embodiment outer side) of the container 1 supported on the supporting member 31 and the said supporting member 31. FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the enclosure 25 is formed of four enclosure elements divided along the path of the container 1. That is, in the present embodiment, the enclosure 25 includes the one-side enclosure member 26 including the first to fourth one-side enclosure elements 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d, and the first to fourth other-side enclosure elements 27a, And an other side enclosing member 27 composed of 27b, 27c and 27d.

  In addition, such an enclosure 25 is arrange | positioned at the same height level as the container 1 supported on the support member 31, as shown in FIG. The one-side enclosure member 26 is supported by the one-side attachment member 28a. The one side attachment member 28a is fixed to the shaft 49 exposed between the upper portion 45a and the lower portion 45b of the second rotating body 45. On the other hand, the other side enclosing member 27 is supported by the other side attaching member 28 b fixed to the inner wall of the inner chamber 17.

  As will be described in detail later, in the present embodiment, the enclosure 25 is at least partially covered by the second electrode 22 from the outside, like the support member 31. Therefore, it is preferable that the size of the enclosure 25 is such that the area enclosed by the enclosure 25 is a minimum size that can accommodate the container 1 with some margin. If the area surrounded by the enclosure 25 is made larger than necessary, the distance between the second electrode 22 covering the enclosure 25 and the first electrode 20 inserted into the container 1 increases unnecessarily. The stability of the discharge phenomenon may be impaired.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, such an enclosure 25 functions as a dielectric of the second electrode 22. Similarly, the support member 31 described above also functions as a dielectric of the second electrode 22. For the enclosure 25 and the support member 31 that function as a dielectric, various dielectric materials such as acrylic resin, ceramics, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, fluorine resin, and methylpentene resin can be used. However, since the entire inside of the chamber 12 may be sterilized before the container 1 is sterilized, it is preferable that the dielectric has resistance to the chemical used at this time. In addition, it is desirable that the dielectric has a light-transmitting property so that a discharge phenomenon occurring in the region surrounded by the enclosure 25 and the support member 31 can be observed from the outside. Furthermore, since the ultraviolet rays are slightly generated in accordance with the discharge phenomenon, it is preferable that the dielectric has UV resistance.

  The thicknesses of the enclosure 25 and the support member 31 as dielectrics can be appropriately set within a range in which stable discharge is generated between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22.

[First electrode and second electrode]
Next, mainly referring to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 7 to 9, the first electrode 20 inserted into the container 1 supported by the support means 30 and the first electrode 20 inserted into the container 1 will be described. The 2nd electrode 22 arrange | positioned through the container 1 is demonstrated.

  First, the first electrode 20 will be described. The first electrode 20 is formed by forming a conductive material such as stainless steel into a rod-shaped member (for example, a round bar) having a thickness that can be inserted into the container 1. A plurality of the first electrodes 20 are provided corresponding to the plurality of support members 31 supported by the second rotating body 45. As shown in FIG. 7, each first electrode 20 is supported by the second rotating body 45 such that the longitudinal direction thereof is aligned with the rotation axis L <b> 3 of the support member 31 and the shaft member 32. Specifically, each first electrode 20 is supported via a support member 48b by an air cylinder 48a provided between the first table 47a and the second table 47b of the second rotating body 45.

  With such a configuration, the first electrode 20 disposed immediately above the support member 31 rotates and moves in synchronization with the support member 31 when the second rotating body 45 rotates. Further, each of the first electrodes 20 moves in the vertical direction via the corresponding air cylinder 48a. 7, when the elongated first electrode 20 is moved downward, the gap 6b between the second rotating body 45 and the internal chamber 17 and the one-side enclosing member It passes through the opening 1 of the container 1 supported on the support member 31 and the clearance gap between 26 and the other side enclosing member 27, and is inserted into the container 1. During this time, the positional relationship between the first electrode 20 and the support member 31 continues to be maintained such that the longitudinal direction of the first electrode 20 and the rotation axis L3 of the support member 31 and the shaft member 32 are aligned.

  As will be described later, a high voltage pulse is applied between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22, and atmospheric pressure plasma is generated between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22. Therefore, if the thickness of the first electrode 20 is set to be thick enough to be inserted into the container 1, the distance between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 can be shortened and discharged with as little energy as possible. On the other hand, if the thickness of the first electrode 20 is too large, the gap 6b between the second rotating body 45 and the internal chamber 17 must be set wide. It is preferable to set the thickness of the first electrode 20 in consideration of these matters.

  The length of the first electrode 20 may be determined so that it can be inserted into the container 1 at a necessary and sufficient depth. The insertion amount (length) of the first electrode 20 into the container 1 is preferably set in a range of 1/10 to 9/10 of the total height of the container 1. If the amount of insertion of the first electrode 20 is less than 1/10 of the total height of the container 1, the amount of discharge in the container 1 will be insufficient, and if the amount of insertion exceeds 9/10, discharge toward the bottom 1c side of the container 1 will occur. This is because the bottom 1c of the container 1 may be thermally deformed due to concentration, and a sufficient sterilizing effect may not be obtained on the side 1b side of the container 1.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the present embodiment, a single spiral screw thread 20 a is formed over the entire range of insertion of the first electrode 20 into the container 1, thereby the first electrode 20. Irregularities are provided over almost the entire insertion range. The unevenness is provided in such a manner that the discharge phenomenon is uniformly generated over almost the entire length of the insertion range of the first electrode 20 into the container 1 without concentrating the discharge phenomenon on the tip 20b of the first electrode 20. It is. That is, in the first electrode 20, the electric field concentrates at the pointed portion and discharge occurs, so that the tip 20 b of the first electrode 20 can be obtained by providing unevenness throughout the entire range of insertion of the first electrode 20 into the container 1. Not only that, it is possible to generate a uniform discharge from the apex of the screw thread 20a, thereby causing an equal sterilization effect in each part of the container 1. On the other hand, it is desirable to form the tip 20b of the first electrode 20 as flat as possible so as to avoid concentration of discharge in this portion.

  The pitch P of the threads 20a formed on the first electrode 20 is preferably in the range of 0.01 mm to 10 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm. When the pitch P is less than 0.01 mm, the interval between the irregularities may be too narrow to obtain a uniform discharge. On the other hand, when the pitch P exceeds 10 mm, the projections are sparsely distributed and the discharge density Decrease. The apex angle θ of the thread 20a is preferably in the range of 5 ° to 60 °, and more preferably in the range of 10 ° to 45 °. This is because when the apex angle θ is less than 5 °, the strength of the thread 20a may be insufficient, and when the apex angle θ exceeds 60 °, the discharge from the top of the thread 20a may be weakened.

  Next, the second electrode 22 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the second electrode 22 includes a side second electrode 22a that covers the enclosure 25 from the outer surface, a bottom second electrode 22b that covers the other surface of the support member 31, have. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the second electrode 22 includes a side second electrode 22 a that faces the side 1 b of the container 1 across the enclosure 25, and a bottom 1 c of the container 1 across the support member 31. And a bottom second electrode 22b facing each other. In the present embodiment, the upper end of the second side electrode 22 a is higher than the container 1 supported on the support member 31 and is slightly lower than the upper end of the enclosure 25. The lower end of the side second electrode 22a extends below the side second electrode 22b.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the container 1 is covered from the side and the lower side by the second electrode 22 arranged in a shape substantially similar to the outline of the container in a cross section orthogonal to the moving direction of the container 1. . However, it is not essential to configure the second electrode 22 in this manner, and the second electrode 22 is formed from the side second electrode 22a and the bottom second electrode in consideration of the shape of the container 1 to be processed, the required sterilization level, and the like. It may be composed of only one of the two electrodes 22b, or the side second electrode 22a may extend only to a position slightly higher than the bottom surface 3 of the container 1.

  The second electrode 22 can be formed of a plate or net made of a conductive material (for example, a metal such as stainless steel). It is desirable that the second electrode 22, particularly the side second electrode 22 a, have translucency so that the discharge phenomenon in the region surrounded by the second electrode 22 can be observed. From such a viewpoint, it is preferable to form the side second electrode 22a with, for example, a metal mesh because a discharge phenomenon can be confirmed through the mesh. In the present embodiment, the side second electrode 22 a is made of a metal net, and the bottom second electrode 22 b is made of a metal plate that covers the other surface of the support member 31.

  Further, the second electrode 22 can be formed by depositing a conductive material on a desired outer surface of the enclosure 25 or the support member 31. In this case, by making the vapor deposition conditions appropriate, the second electrode 25 is configured to be thin, and the second electrode 22 is provided with a light-transmitting property that allows the discharge phenomenon in the region surrounded by the second electrode 22 to be observed. Can do. As a material to be deposited for forming the second electrode 25, metal materials such as copper, aluminum, gold, and platinum, and other various conductive materials can be used. Moreover, it can replace with vapor deposition and can apply | coat a conductive paint to the desired outer surface of the enclosure 25 and the supporting member 31, and can also form the side part 2nd electrode 22a.

[High voltage pulse applying means]
Next, the configuration relating to the application of the high voltage pulse including the high voltage pulse applying means 57 will be described in detail with reference mainly to FIGS. 2, 7 and 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 7 and FIG. 10, the high voltage pulse applying means 57 in the present embodiment is grounded to a high voltage pulse power source 57a, a high voltage side rail 59 to which a high voltage pulse is applied. And a grounding rail 58. The high voltage side rail 59 and the ground side rail 58 in the present embodiment are formed in a substantially ring shape, and the ring center of each rail 59, 58 coincides with the rotation axis L2 that is the rotation center of the second rotating body 45. Are arranged as follows.

  The high voltage side rail 59 is fixed to the upper surface of the first table 47 a of the second rotating body 45 of the support means 30. On the other hand, the ground-side rail 58 is fixed to the lower surface of the fourth table 47 d of the second rotating body 45 of the support means 30. With such a configuration, the high voltage side rail 59 and the ground side rail 58 rotate together with the second rotating body 45.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 7, the high voltage pulse power source 57a and the high voltage side rail 59 are connected via a slidable slider 55a made of a conductive material. The slider 55 a is held so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the high voltage side rail 59 and is urged toward the high voltage side rail 59. Therefore, the slider 55 can reliably connect the rotating high voltage side rail 59 and the high voltage pulse power source 57a.

  Each first electrode 20 is electrically connected to the high voltage pressure side rail 59 via a high voltage switching contact 54. The high voltage switching contact 54 is operated by a control means (not shown), and when the first electrode 20 and the container 1 in which the first electrode 20 is inserted are moving in the enclosure 25, the high voltage switching contact 54 54 is closed, and the first electrode 20 and the high-voltage side rail 59 are made conductive. Similarly, the ground side rail 58 is also grounded via a slider 55b having the same configuration as that of the vibrator 55a described above.

  In the present embodiment, the bottom-side second electrode 22 b is electrically connected to the ground-side rail 58. Specifically, the shaft member 32 connected to the support member 31 is made of a conductive material, and the shaft member 32 is electrically connected to the bottom second electrode 22 b that covers the other surface of the support member 31. As shown in FIG. 7, the vibrator 55c having the same configuration as the vibrator 55a described above is in contact with the shaft member 32 from the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis L3 of the shaft member 32 toward the rotation axis L3. The vibrator 55 c is electrically connected to the ground side rail 58, whereby the bottom second electrode 22 b is electrically connected to the ground side rail 58.

  In the present embodiment, the side second electrode 22a that covers the first to fourth one-side enclosure elements 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d from the outside is grounded supported by the one-side attachment member 28a and the shaft 49. It is grounded outside the internal chamber 17 via a line (not shown). In the present embodiment, the side second electrode 22a that covers the first to fourth other-side enclosure elements 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d from the outside is connected to the ground wire (see FIG. (Not shown) and grounded outside the internal chamber 17.

  By the way, as shown in FIG.2 and FIG.10, in the sterilizer 10 in this Embodiment, the 1st electrode 20 and 2nd electrode inserted in the several adjacent container 1 which is moving the inside of the enclosure 25 is shown. A high voltage pulse is applied between 22.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the high voltage pulse applying means 57 has an equivalent circuit section 51 connected to a high voltage pulse power source 57a. The equivalent circuit unit 51 is connected in series with a resistor 52b having a resistance value substantially the same as the resistance value between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 inserted in one container 1, and the resistor 52b. Including an equivalent circuit 52 having circuit switching contacts 52a, which is connected in parallel by the same number as the number of electrodes 20 and 22 (four in FIG. 10) to which the high voltage pulse is simultaneously applied. Yes. Among these, the circuit switching contact 52a is connected to control means (not shown) for controlling the opening and closing of the high voltage switching contact 54. If the container 1 is not arranged between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 to be moved in the enclosure 25 and to which a high voltage pulse is to be applied, the control means is provided between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22. Instead of applying a high-voltage pulse to the circuit, the circuit switching contacts 52a of the same number of equivalent circuits 52 as the number of electrodes 20 and 22 are closed, and the resistors 52b of the equivalent circuit 52 of the same number of electrodes 20 and 22 are connected. A high voltage pulse is applied.

  Such a high voltage pulse power source 57a can apply a high voltage pulse having a voltage of 38 to 80 kV and a frequency of 100 to 3000 Hz (or pps (pulse per sec)) between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22, for example. Is used. However, the performance of the high voltage pulse power source 57a can be appropriately set according to the size of the container 1 to be sterilized and the capacity of the treatment tank 20.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 10, the sterilizer 10 further includes a discharge power monitoring unit 60 that monitors a load state of the discharge power by the high voltage pulse applying unit 57. The discharge power monitoring means 60 has a high voltage probe 63 for measuring the voltage of the applied high voltage pulse, and a current probe 62 for measuring the current generated with the application of the high voltage pulse. ing. In the present embodiment, the high voltage probe 63 is connected to the high voltage side rail 59 and the ground side rail 58 via connection lines 63a and 63a, and is connected to the digital oscilloscope controller 61 via a signal line 63b. ing. As shown in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, a current probe 62 is provided for each first electrode 20, and is connected to, for example, a digital oscilloscope controller 61 via a signal line 62a. Therefore, the current flowing during the discharge can be monitored for each individual container 1. With such a configuration, the discharge voltage and discharge current can be monitored via the digital oscilloscope controller 61. Further, according to the present embodiment, if there is an abnormality in the load state of the discharge power, an abnormality signal is transmitted from the digital oscilloscope controller 61.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 10, the sterilizer 10 further includes discharge light monitoring means 65 for monitoring the generation state of the discharge light. The discharge light monitoring means 65 detects the discharge light generated by the atmospheric pressure plasma and converts the intensity of the discharge light into an electric signal, and receives the electric signal from the discharge light detection section 67 and receives the intensity of the discharge light. And a determination unit 66 for determining whether the length is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value. The discharge light detection unit 67 can be composed of a photodiode, an emission spectrum monitor, a CCD camera, or the like, and is not particularly limited as long as it can detect light and convert the intensity of the light into an electric signal. In the present embodiment, if there is an abnormality in the discharge light generation state, an abnormality signal is transmitted from the determination unit 66. The determination unit 66 is not particularly limited as long as it can determine whether or not the electrical signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value. In the present embodiment, the determination unit 66 includes an analog comparator.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, the sterilizer 10 further includes a determination unit 53 connected to the digital oscilloscope module controller 61 of the discharge power monitoring unit 60 and the determination unit 66 of the discharge light monitoring unit 65. . The determination unit 53 receives signals from the digital oscilloscope module controller 61 and the determination unit 66, and determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the sterilization process for the containers 1 supported on each support member 31 based on the signals. ing. And the determination means 53 determines whether the container 1 is discharged from the 1st discharge port 4b or the 2nd discharge port 4c based on the determination result.

[Temperature control means and temperature detection means]
Next, about the means which processes with respect to the 1st electrode 20 extracted from the container 1 after sterilization, in other words, with respect to the 1st electrode 20 before being inserted in the container 1 before sterilization explain.

  The sterilizer 10 according to the present embodiment further includes a temperature adjusting means 94 that adjusts the temperature of the first electrode 20 before being inserted into the container 1, and a temperature measuring means 95 that measures the temperature of the first electrode 20. (See FIG. 11). The temperature adjusting means 94 in the present embodiment includes an air source 94a that supplies air at a predetermined temperature, and a discharge nozzle 94b that communicates with the air source 94a and discharges air at a predetermined temperature. The air discharge nozzle 94b is arranged along the movement path of the first electrode 20, and blows air of a predetermined temperature toward the moving first electrode 20. On the other hand, the temperature measuring means 95 can be composed of a radiation thermometer capable of measuring the temperature of the first electrode 20 in a non-contact manner, for example. However, such temperature control means 94 and temperature detection means 95 are merely examples, and various known means can be employed.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the temperature adjusting means 94 and the temperature detecting means 95 are used for processing the first electrode 20 extracted from the container 1 and pulled up out of the processing space 5a. Therefore, the temperature adjusting means 94 and the temperature detecting means 95 are arranged above the processing space 5a.

<Sterilization method>
Next, a method for sterilizing the container 1 using the sterilization apparatus 10 having such a configuration will be described.

[Sterilization of sterilizer]
First, prior to the sterilization treatment of the container 1, the sterilization apparatus 10 itself is sterilized with a sterilizing agent (hydrogen peroxide mist in the present embodiment). In this case, first, the inside of the chamber 12 is heated by blowing warm air of about 30 ° C. to about 50 ° C. into the chamber 12 by the sterilizing agent supply means 50. Next, a disinfectant is blown into the chamber 12. Thereafter, room temperature air is blown into the chamber 12 to cool the chamber 12 and the remaining hydrogen peroxide component is discharged from the chamber 12. Each of these three steps is performed for about 30 minutes, and the inside of the chamber 12 is sterilized. Since the chamber 12 is provided with the exhaust port 12a as described above, the gas in the chamber 12 is exhausted from the exhaust port 12a while hot air, hydrogen peroxide mist, and air are sequentially supplied. While the pressure in the chamber 12 is kept constant, the atmosphere in the chamber 12 is efficiently replaced.

  After the sterilization process in the chamber 12 is completed, the inside of the chamber 12 is kept at a positive pressure from the outside, and the inside of the processing space 5a of the chamber 12 is kept at a positive pressure than the region other than the processing space 5a of the chamber 12. . Thereby, an air flow directed from the inside of the processing space 5a to the outside of the processing space 5a and an air flow directed from the inside of the chamber 12 to the outside of the chamber 12 are created. Therefore, the bacteria contained in the gas can be prevented from entering the inside from the outside of the chamber 12 and entering the inside from the outside of the processing space 5a.

[Outline of container sterilization method]
Next, the container 1 is sterilized.

  First, the outline of the sterilization method will be described with reference to FIG.

  The containers 1 are sequentially brought into the chamber 12 through the carry-in port 14a by the carry-in means 15a. The brought-in containers 1 are sequentially delivered to the first rotating body 24 via the delivery wheel 16. The container 1 delivered to the first rotating body 24 is processed while moving as the first rotating body 24 rotates. Next, the container 1 is sequentially transferred from the first rotating body 24 to the second rotating body 45 via the delivery wheel 16. The transferred container 1 is processed while moving as the second rotating body 45 rotates. The sterilized container 1 is transferred to the unloading means 15b through the transfer wheel 16, and passes through the unloading port 14b by the unloading means 15b, and is conveyed to the next filling step (see FIG. 1). According to such a sterilization method, it is possible to sterilize a large number of containers 1 sequentially and efficiently. Note that the container 1 having an abnormality in the sterilization process is transferred to the defective product discharge means 19 a and is discharged from the chamber 12 via the defective product discharge port 19.

[Area A1]
Next, processing steps performed on the container 1 as the first rotating body 24 and the second rotating body 45 are rotated will be described in detail.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2, the container 1 delivered to the first rotating body 24 via the delivery wheel 16 is held by the first rotating body 24 and moves as the first rotating body 24 rotates. . At this time, a large number of containers 1 are sequentially fed into the first rotating body 24. The containers 1 that have been fed in are spaced at equal intervals along the circumference around the rotation axis L1. It is held by one rotating body 24.

  In the area A1 shown in FIG. 2, the liquid is ejected from the two-fluid spray 87 of the attaching means. Therefore, as the first rotating body 24 rotates, the container 1 passing through the region A1 is sprayed with liquid on the outer surface, and the liquid adheres to the outer surface of the container 1. At this time, as described above, the flow rate of liquid supplied to the two-fluid spray 87 and the flow rate and pressure of air are adjusted to be constant. Therefore, a substantially constant amount of liquid adheres to the outer surface of each container 1.

[Area A2]
The container 1 having the liquid attached to the outer surface then passes through the region A2 as the first rotating body 24 rotates. As described above, the end of the introduction pipe 75 of the introduction means 70 is disposed immediately above the container 1 held by the first rotating body 24 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). When the container 1 enters the region A2, the valve 79 of the introduction means 70 is opened, and the vapor mixed gas is injected from the introduction pipe 75. At this time, as described above, a vapor mixed gas having a predetermined humidity, a predetermined temperature, and a predetermined pressure is sent from the liquid tank 90 to the pipe 71. Moreover, since the pipe line from the liquid tank 90 to the inside of the container 1 is heated by the heater 81 and the ribbon heater 77, the liquid once vaporized does not recondense. Further, the area A2 is wide enough for a predetermined number of containers 1 arranged at equal intervals to enter (pass through). That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the number of open valves 79 is always a fixed number (two in FIG. 6). In the example shown in FIG. 6, six introduction pipes 75 and valves 79 are provided, and any two of these valves 79 are open.

  For these reasons, the vapor mixed gas fed into the container 1 from the introduction pipe 75 becomes a constant amount. For this reason, a certain amount of steam can be introduced into the container 1. In addition, since the gas introduced together with the steam becomes a certain amount, the introduction of this steam mixed gas can surely replace the atmosphere in the container 1 with a gas other than air.

  The container 1 that has passed through the region A2 is then transferred to the support means 30 via the transfer wheel 16 and moves in the processing space 5a formed in the internal chamber 17.

[Area A3 to A5]
Next, the process performed with respect to the container 1 supported by the support means 30 is demonstrated mainly using FIG.

  As can be understood from FIGS. 11 and 2, in the internal chamber 17, the second rotating body 45 of the support means 30 is driven to rotate, and the supporting member 31 supported by the second rotating body 45 sequentially enters the region A3. Come on. And as shown in FIG. 11, the container 1 conveyed by the 1st rotary body 24 is arrange | positioned on the support member 31 which moves sequentially in area | region A3. At this time, the container 1 is placed on the support member 31 so that the bottom 1c faces the support member 31 having a disk shape. In addition, when the container 1 to be sterilized has a contour as a rotating body, such as a commonly used beverage bottle, or when the container has a shape that is rotationally symmetric at a specific angle, the container 1 The container 1 is placed on the support member 31 such that the center axis of the container is aligned with the rotation axis L3 of the support member 31 and the shaft member 32.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the valve 39a for opening and closing the through hole 37 formed in the support member 31 and the shaft member 32 passing through the region A3 is opened. Thereby, the suction mechanism 41 communicates with the through hole 37, and the suction mechanism 41 sucks the container 1 from the end of the through hole 37 opened to the end surface (support surface) of the support member 31. As a result, the container 1 placed on the support member 31 is stably supported by the support means 30 while being sucked and held toward the support member 31.

  In addition, the control means which is not illustrated memorize | stores the support member 31 which passed the area | region A3 for some reason, such as the container 1 not being carried in from the delivery wheel 16 without mounting the container 1. Yes. In other words, the control means can grasp whether or not the support member 31 moving with the rotation of the second rotating body 45 supports the container 1.

  Thereafter, as the second rotating body 45 rotates, the support member 31 and the container 1 supported on the support member 31 pass through the region A4. In the region A4, the first electrode 20 supported so that the longitudinal direction thereof is aligned with the rotation axis L3 of the support member 31 is lowered by the air cylinder 48a. The lowered first electrode 20 is inserted into the container 1 through the opening 1a.

  Next, the container 1 supported by the support member 31 and having the first electrode 20 inserted therein passes through the region A5. In the area A5, the drive means 35 connected to the shaft member 32 via the drive transmission means 34b operates. Accordingly, the support member 31 is driven to rotate together with the container 1 sucked and held by the support member 31 by the driving unit 35.

  At this time, since the container 1 is adsorbed and held by the support member 31, it remains stably supported by the support means 30. In particular, when the container 1 to be sterilized has a contour as a rotating body or when the container has a shape that is rotationally symmetric at a specific angle, as described above, the central axis of the container 1 is the support member 31 and The container 1 is placed on the support member 31 so as to be aligned with the rotation axis L3 of the shaft member 32. Therefore, in this case, the container 1 is supported on the support member 31 in an extremely stable manner by overcoming the force for separating the container 1 from the support member 31.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, an enclosure 25 is disposed along the movement path of the container 1 from the region A5 to the region A7. That is, the container 1 moves within the region surrounded by the enclosure 25 from the region A5 to the region A7 together with the first electrode 20 inserted therein.

[Area A6]
The container 1 supported on the support member 31 then moves in the area A6. As shown in FIG. 11, the enclosure 25 in this region A6 is covered with the side second electrode 22b. When the container 1 enters the region A6, the high voltage connection contact 54 corresponding to the first electrode 20 inserted in the container 1 is closed, and the high voltage side rail 59 connected to the high voltage pulse power source 57a and the first voltage One electrode 20 is connected (conducted). As a result, a high voltage pulse is applied between the first electrode 20 and the grounded second electrode 22 at room temperature and normal pressure, and a discharge is generated between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22. Atmospheric pressure plasma is generated in the region surrounded by 22, that is, in the region surrounded by the enclosure 25 and the support member 31, and ionized gas is generated in the region. As described above, in the present embodiment, liquid adheres to the outer surface of the container 1, and vapor exists inside the container 1. Thereby, the generation of plasma is stabilized, and active oxygen species having a strong sterilizing ability are generated. In addition, in the introduction of the vapor mixed gas in the region A2 described above, the atmosphere in the container 1 can be replaced with a gas suitable for sterilization. As described above, in the area A6, the inner and outer surfaces of the container 1, the inner surface of the enclosure 25, and the portion of the first electrode 20 inserted into the container 1 are efficiently and stably sterilized at a high level. The

  In particular, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the enclosure 25 has an inner contour and an outer contour along the contour of the container 1 in a cross section orthogonal to the moving direction of the container 1. The container 1 supported on the support member 31 is surrounded from the side and from above. A support member 31 is disposed below the container 1. That is, the container 1 is surrounded by the enclosure 25 and the support member 31 over substantially the entire circumference in a cross section orthogonal to the moving direction of the container 1. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the plasma gas from flowing out from the region surrounded by the enclosure 25 and the support member 31. Thereby, plasma-ized gas can be effectively brought into contact with the inner and outer surfaces of the container 1 to be sterilized, the inner surface of the enclosure 25, and the first electrode 20, and these can be sterilized at a high level.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the container 1 rotates in the region surrounded by the enclosure 25 together with the support member 31 that supports the container 1. Further, the bottom second electrode 22b attached to the other surface of the support member 31 together with the support member 31 is also rotating. Accordingly, the ionized gas having a short life is more quickly and effectively unevenly applied to the inner and outer surfaces of the container 1 to be sterilized, the inner surface of the enclosure 25, and the first electrode 20 before the gas disappears. And can be contacted uniformly.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the inner and outer surfaces of the container 1, the inner surface of the enclosure 25, and the first electrode 20 can be uniformly sterilized at an extremely high level.

  As described above, the processing space 5a in which the sterilization process using the atmospheric pressure plasma is performed is maintained at a positive pressure as compared with the region other than the processing space 5a. Therefore, as indicated by arrows in FIGS. 7 and 11, an air flow from the inside of the processing space 5a to the outside of the processing space 5a is formed in the gap 6b and the gap 6c that connect the inside of the processing space 5a and the outside of the processing space 5a. Is done. For this reason, it is possible to prevent bacteria from being brought into the processing space 5a from the outside of the processing space 5a, and thus, the container 1 can be kept in a state of being uniformly sterilized at a high level.

  2, 3, and 11, a plurality of containers 1 respectively supported by a plurality of adjacent support members 31 move simultaneously in the region A <b> 6, and the plurality of containers 1 are At the same time, it is sterilized. Therefore, many containers 1 can be sterilized sequentially and efficiently.

  Also, assuming that the container 1 is not supported on the support member 31 for some reason, for example, at the start of operation or at the end of operation, between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 corresponding to the support member 31. The resistance value of is significantly smaller than when the container 1 is arranged. As a result, the value of the current flowing between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 corresponding to the support member 31 is significantly increased, and at the same time, the other first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 to which a high voltage pulse is applied. The value of the current flowing between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 corresponding to the support member 31 supporting the container 1 is small. On the other hand, if a high voltage pulse is not applied between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 corresponding to the support member 31 where the container 1 is not supported, other high voltage pulses to be applied simultaneously. The value of the current flowing between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 and between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 corresponding to the support member 31 supporting the container 1 is increased. There is a possibility that problems such as deformation of the container 1 interposed between the two may occur.

  However, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the control means (not shown) grasps the support member 31 on which the container 1 is not supported, and the support on which the container 1 is not supported. When the member 31 passes through the region A6, the control means keeps the high voltage switching contact 54 of the first electrode 20 corresponding to the support member 31 open as shown in FIG. At the same time, the control means closes the circuit switching contact 52 a of the equivalent circuit 52 of the equivalent circuit unit 51. More specifically, when the support member 31 that does not support the container 1 moves to the region A6, the circuit switching contact 52a is closed instead of the high-voltage connection contact 54 of the first electrode 20 corresponding to the support member 31. It has become. Therefore, when one or more support members 31 on which the container 1 is not supported pass through the region A6, the equivalent circuit 52 is replaced between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 corresponding to the support member 31. A high voltage pulse is applied to the equivalent circuit section 51 connected in parallel by the number corresponding to the number of the support members 31. As described above, each equivalent circuit 52 has a resistance value between the first electrode 20 in which the container 1 is inserted and the second electrode 22 facing the first electrode 20 with the container 1 interposed therebetween, that is, the container 1. The resistance value is the same as the resistance value between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 corresponding to the supporting member 31 being supported. For this reason, the electric current which flows between each 1st electrode 20 and the 2nd electrode 22 which is passing through area | region A6 becomes substantially constant, and can prevent malfunctions, such as deform | transforming the container 1. FIG. In addition, the application condition of the high voltage pulse is constant among the many containers 1 to be sterilized, and a highly reliable sterilization process can be performed stably.

  Further, while the high voltage pulse is being applied, the discharge is performed by checking the voltage of the applied high voltage pulse and the generated current through the high voltage probe 63 and the current probe 62 of the discharge power monitoring means 60. The power load status is monitored. Further, the discharge light monitoring means 65 monitors the generation state of the discharge light by confirming the intensity of the discharge light generated by the atmospheric pressure plasma. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the monitoring result of the discharge power load situation and the monitoring result of the discharge light generation situation are transmitted to the determination means 53. Moreover, the determination means 53 determines the presence or absence of abnormality of a sterilization process about the container 1 supported on each support member 31. FIG.

[Area A7 and Area A8]
The container 1 sterilized in the area A6 then moves in the area A7. In the area A6, the drive means 35 connected to the shaft member 32 via the drive transmission means 34b stops. Accordingly, the rotation of the container 1 and the support member 31 and the shaft member 32 that support the container 1 are stopped. In this case, for example, a braking unit that can come into contact with the shaft member 32 may be provided, and the rotation of the support member 31 and the shaft member 32 may be positively stopped by the braking unit.

  Thereafter, the container 1 moves in the region A8. In the region A8, the first electrode 20 is raised by the air cylinder 48a and pulled out from the container 1. As shown in FIG. 11, the extracted first electrode 20 is provided between the one-side enclosure member 26 and the other-side enclosure member 27, as well as the second table 47 b of the second rotating body 45 and the upper table of the internal chamber 17. It is disposed outside the processing space 5a after passing through a gap 6b between the processing space 5b. That is, the first electrode 20 is disposed above the second table 47 b of the second rotating body 45 and the upper table 17 b of the internal chamber 17. Thereafter, the first electrode 20 moves in synchronization with the rotation of the second rotating body 45 at this height level.

[Area A9]
Next, the container 1 supported by the support member 31 moves in the region A9. In the region A9, the valve 39a for opening and closing the through hole 37 formed in the support member 31 and the shaft member 32 in which the container 1 is disposed is closed. Thereby, the adsorption | suction with respect to the container 1 is cancelled | released. The container 1 released from the adsorption is discharged from the internal chamber 17 through the delivery wheel 16. The discharge destination of the container 1 in this case varies depending on the determination result by the determination unit 53.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the container 1 determined by the determination means 53 that there is no abnormality in the sterilization treatment is transferred to the carry-out means 15 b via the delivery wheel 16. Then, the container 1 is discharged | emitted from the chamber 12 of the sterilizer 10 through the carrying-out port 14b, and is brought into the filling process (refer FIG. 1) which is the next process. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the container 1 determined by the determination unit 53 to have an abnormality in the sterilization process is transferred to the defective product unloading unit 19 a via the delivery wheel 16. Thereafter, the container 1 is discharged from the chamber 12 of the sterilizer 10 through the defective product discharge port 19 and discharged as a defective product that has not been sufficiently sterilized. On the other hand, the support member 31 from which the container 1 has been removed moves again to the region A3.

  In parallel with the processing in the processing space 5a as described above, the following processing is also performed on the first electrode 20 disposed outside the processing space 5a. As described above, the first electrode 20 is disposed above the processing space 5a and moves in synchronization with the corresponding support member 31 disposed in the processing space 5a.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the region A <b> 9, the first electrode 20 passes along the discharge nozzle of the temperature adjustment means 94. The first electrode 20 is blown with air at a predetermined temperature by the discharge nozzle 94b of the temperature adjusting means 94, whereby the temperature of the first electrode 20 is adjusted to the predetermined temperature. At this time, if water droplets adhere to the first electrode 20, the first electrode 20 may be dried by the temperature control means 94.

  Thereafter, the first electrode 20 passes along the temperature measuring means 95. The temperature measuring means 95 measures the temperature of the first electrode 20 and confirms that the first electrode 20 is adjusted within a predetermined temperature range. If it is found that the temperature of the first electrode 20 is not adjusted within the predetermined temperature range, this information is transmitted to the determination unit 53. And the determination part 53 discharges | emits the container 1 by which the said 1st electrode 20 was inserted and sterilized from the defective article discharge port 19. As shown in FIG.

  Further, simultaneously with transmission to the determination unit 53, information that the first electrode 20 is not adjusted to a predetermined temperature may be transmitted to a control unit (not shown). In this case, the control means may close the circuit switching contact 52a of the equivalent circuit 52 instead of closing the high voltage switching contact 54 corresponding to the first electrode 20 in the region A6.

  The first electrode 20 that has been temperature-controlled and temperature-detected in this manner moves above the processing space 5a until it falls in the above-described region A4.

  As described above, the containers 1 are sequentially sterilized.

<Effect>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the container 1 to be sterilized is rotated by the support means 30 in the step of generating atmospheric pressure plasma. Therefore, the rotation of the container 1 allows the plasmaized gas to be brought into uniform contact with the container 1 immediately after generation. Thereby, the inner and outer surfaces of the container 1 can be sterilized uniformly at a high level.

  In particular, according to the present embodiment, the container 1 can be sterilized at a high level evenly using the tunnel-like enclosure 25 having both ends opened. There is no need to sterilize each container individually in a processing tank having a tank lid. Therefore, the trouble of sequentially storing the containers in the treatment tank main body and the trouble of attaching the treatment tank lid to the treatment tank main body containing the containers can be saved, and the container 1 can be sterilized efficiently. Moreover, since it is not necessary to provide a processing tank corresponding to each container, the cost of the sterilization apparatus can be reduced. Furthermore, since the possibility that the treatment tank main body and the treatment tank cover body are worn due to the opening and closing of the treatment tank can be eliminated, the maintenance cost of the entire sterilization apparatus 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, when sterilizing an object to be sterilized having a different shape, replacing the enclosure 25 and the support member 31 to correspond to the shape of the next object to be sterilized is compared to replacing the treatment tank body and the treatment tank lid. And can be done much more easily.

  Moreover, according to this Embodiment, the support means 30 has the supporting member 31 which can rotate centering on the axis | shaft L3 which consists of flat form and is substantially orthogonal to the plate surface. The container 1 is sucked and held on the support member 31 such that the bottom 1c facing the opening 1a into which the first electrode 20 is inserted faces one plate surface of the support member 31. ing. Therefore, the container 1 can be easily fixed to the support means 30. Further, when the container 1 is made of a rotating body or has a shape that is rotationally symmetric at a specific angle, such as a normally used bottle for storing liquid, the attitude of the container 1 during rotation Can be made extremely stable.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the bottom second electrode 22 b is provided on the other surface of the support member 31. That is, the bottom second electrode 22 b is also rotated together with the support member 31 and the container 1. Therefore, it can prevent more reliably that the production | generation place of the gas converted into plasma will be biased. Thereby, the container 1 can be sterilized more uniformly.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, in the step of generating atmospheric pressure plasma, the first electrode 20 is open at both ends in synchronism with the container 1 and at least partially covered by the second electrode 22 from the outside. A high voltage pulse is applied to the second electrode 22 while moving in a region surrounded by the enclosed body 25. Therefore, the generated plasma gas can be kept in the enclosure 25, and the plasma gas can be effectively brought into contact with the container 1. Therefore, the container 1 can be sterilized uniformly in the enclosure 25 at a high level.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the enclosure 25 has a contour corresponding to the contour of the container 1 in a cross section orthogonal to the moving direction of the container 1. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the plasmaized gas generated in the enclosure 25 from being excessively diffused, and the generated plasmaized gas can be brought into contact with the container 1 quickly and effectively. . Therefore, the container 1 can be sterilized uniformly in the enclosure 25 at a high level.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the plurality of containers 1 into which the different first electrodes 20 are inserted are sequentially moved in the region surrounded by the enclosure 25 so that the plurality of containers 1 are sequentially sterilized. It has become. Therefore, it is possible to sterilize a large number of containers 1 sequentially arranged in the enclosure 25 evenly at a high level.

  In particular, according to the present embodiment, a high voltage pulse is simultaneously applied between the plurality of first electrodes 20 and the second electrodes 22 respectively corresponding to the plurality of adjacent support members 31. Accordingly, the plurality of containers 1 respectively supported on the plurality of support members 31 can be simultaneously sterilized, whereby a large number of containers 1 can be sterilized sequentially and efficiently.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the enclosure 25 includes a plurality of enclosure elements divided along the movement path of the container 1. Therefore, the enclosure 25 that can accommodate a large number of containers 1 at a time can be manufactured at low cost. Further, according to the present embodiment, the enclosure 25 includes the one-side enclosure member 26 arranged on one side of the movement path of the container 1 and the other-side enclosure member arranged on the other side of the movement path of the container 1. 27. That is, according to the present embodiment, the enclosure 25 is divided into one side and the other side, and is also divided along the longitudinal direction thereof. Therefore, the enclosure 25 can be manufactured very easily, and accordingly, the enclosure 25 can be obtained at a very low cost. Further, the residual stress remaining in the manufactured enclosure 25 is reduced, whereby it is possible to suppress the enclosure 25 from being deformed during use, and the one-side enclosure member 26 and the other-side enclosure member. 27 can be kept at a desired width.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when the container 1 is not supported by one or more support members 31 among the support members 31 passing through the region A6 to which the high voltage pulse is applied, the container 1 is supported. Instead of between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 corresponding to the non-supporting member 31, the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 inserted into the container 1 supported on the supporting member 31 A high voltage pulse is applied to a circuit 51 in which an equivalent circuit 52 having a resistance value equivalent to that between them is connected by the number of support members 31 on which the container 1 is not supported. Therefore, when the support member 31 that does not support the container 1 moves to the region A6 where the high voltage pulse is applied, the space is changed between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 corresponding to the support member 31, A high voltage pulse is applied to the equivalent circuit 52. Since the equivalent circuit 52 has a resistance value substantially equal to the resistance value between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 corresponding to one support member 31 that supports the container 1, the high voltage pulse The total resistance value between the anode and the cathode to which is applied becomes substantially the same. Therefore, the value of the current flowing between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 corresponding to the support member 31 that supports one container 1 is prevented from becoming too high, and the container 1 is kept at a certain level under certain conditions. Can be sterilized stably. This is particularly useful at the start of the sterilization process or at the end of the sterilization process, and the first container 1 and the final container 1 to be put into the sterilization apparatus 10 can be handled as non-defective products, thereby improving the yield. It can be improved significantly.

<Modification>
Various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention with respect to the above-described embodiment. Hereinafter, an example of a modification will be described. In the following description, FIGS. 12 to 17 will be referred to. In FIGS. 12 to 17, the same parts as those in the above-described embodiment shown in FIGS. Detailed description is omitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the bottom second electrode 22b is provided on the other surface of the support member 31 is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. An example in which the bottom second electrode 22b is provided in addition to the support member 31 is shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the one-side enclosure member 26 and the other-side enclosure member 27 constituting the enclosure 25 surround the support member 31 at least partially from the other (lower) surface side. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the enclosure 25 surrounds the container 1 from above, from the side, and from below in a cross section orthogonal to the moving direction of the container 1. In this example, the bottom second electrode 22b is formed on each lower portion of the one-side enclosure member 26 and the other-side enclosure member 27 so as to cover the lower portions of the one-side enclosure member 26 and the other-side enclosure member 27 from the outside. Is provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the bottom second electrode 22b rotates together with the support member 31 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. As in the example shown in FIG. 12, the bottom second electrode 22b may not be rotated. Further, instead of rotating the bottom second electrode 22b, the first electrode 20 may be rotated. Furthermore, both the bottom second electrode 22b and the first electrode 20 may be rotated. In this case, the bottom second electrode 22b and the first electrode 20 may be rotated at different rotational speeds or different rotational directions.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the enclosure 25 is fixed along the movement path of the container 1 via the one side attachment member 28a and the other side attachment member 28b is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the other side enclosure member 27 of the enclosure 25 may be directly or indirectly attached to the lower table 17 c of the internal chamber 17. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, the one-side enclosure member 26 of the enclosure 25 may be directly or indirectly attached to the third table 47 c of the second rotating body 45. In this example, as shown in FIG. 14, the one-side enclosure member 26 is provided along the movement path of the container 1, that is, provided along the peripheral edge of the third table 47 c of the second rotating body 45, It extends over the entire circumference of the peripheral edge. That is, the one-side enclosure member 26 extends in an annular shape, and the one-side enclosure member 26 moves in synchronization with the support member 31 and the container 1 supported by the support member 31. And the enclosure 25 is formed by the part which has passed the area | region A6 (refer FIG. 3) mentioned above of the one side enclosure member 26, and the other side enclosure member 27. As shown in FIG.

  Although the enclosure 25 shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 shows an example in which the enclosure 25 is not divided into a plurality of enclosure elements along the longitudinal direction thereof, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the enclosure 25 may be divided into a plurality of enclosure elements. Good. Naturally, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the enclosure 25 is divided into a plurality of enclosure elements along the longitudinal direction is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the enclosure 25 is not divided along the longitudinal direction. You may do it.

  Further, the one side enclosing member 26 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 can be further modified as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. In the example shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a plurality of one-side enclosure members 26 are provided corresponding to the respective support members 31. As shown in FIG. 15, the one side enclosing member 26 is provided along the movement path of the container 1 and on one side of the movement path. The one-side enclosure member 26 is connected to the support member 31 and the one-side portion 126b that surrounds the container 1 supported by the support member 31 from one side and the one-side portion 126b, and is supported by the support member 31 and the support member 31. A front part 126a surrounding the container 1 from the front in the movement direction of the container 1 and a front part connected to the one side part 126b and surrounding the container 1 supported by the support member 31 and the support member 31 from the rear in the movement direction of the container 1 Part 126c. In this example, the one-side enclosure member 26 forms the other-side enclosure member 27 and the enclosure 25 when passing through the above-described region A6 (see FIG. 3). The enclosure 25 surrounds the container 1 and the support member 31 not only in a cross section perpendicular to the moving direction of the container 1 but also in a cross section along the moving direction of the container 1. As a result, a processing section capable of individually accommodating the containers 1 is formed by the enclosure 25, and the containers 1 can be sterilized evenly at a higher level.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the support means 30 includes the second rotating body 45, and the enclosure 25 extending along the circumference while moving the container 1 along the circumference by the rotation of the second rotating body 45. Although the example which sterilizes in the inside was shown, it is not restricted to this. In relation to the space in which the sterilizer 10 is to be disposed, for example, the support means 30 moves the container 1 along a movement path along a straight line, and sterilizes the container 1 within an enclosure 25 extending along the straight movement path. You may make it do.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the support unit 30 has the suction mechanism 41 as a support mechanism for supporting the container 1, and the suction mechanism 41 sucks and holds the container 1 on the support member 31. However, it is not limited to this.

  For example, the support unit 30 may stably support the container 1 by fixing the container 1 to the support member 31 by a clamp mechanism (clamping mechanism) provided on the support member 31. Such an example is shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the support means 30 includes a holding mechanism (clamp mechanism) 42 having a holding member 43 that holds the container 1 as a support mechanism. The holding member 43 in this example is slidably disposed on the support member 31. And this clamping member 43 can be contacted / separated with respect to the container 1 mounted on the support member 31 using the air cylinder etc. which are not shown in figure. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the sandwiching member 43 is disposed so as to sandwich the container from both sides. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, three sandwiching members 43 may be provided.

  Further, as another example of the method for supporting the container 1, when the first electrode 20 is lowered, a contact member that contacts the opening 1 a of the container 1 is provided above the first electrode 20. The support unit 30 may support the container 1 stably by sandwiching the container 1 between the support member 31 and the support member 31.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the container 1 is sterilized while being rotated while the bottom 1a of the container 1 is disposed below and the opening 1a of the container 1 is disposed above is shown. However, the posture of the container 1 at the time of sterilization and the rotation direction of the container 1 are not limited to such a mode.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the container 1 is first supported by the support unit 30 and then the first electrode 20 is inserted into the container 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the order of the process of supporting the container 1 and the process of supporting the first electrode 20 may be reversed, or these processes may be performed in parallel.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the container 1 is first rotated by the support means 30, and then the first electrode 20 is inserted into the rotating container 1. It is not limited to this. For example, the order of the process of rotating the container 1 and the process of inserting the first electrode 20 into the container 1 may be reversed, or these processes may be performed in parallel.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which liquid is first attached to the outer surface of the container 1 and then steam is introduced into the container 1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and liquid is applied to the outer surface of the container 1. And the process of introducing steam into the container 1 may be reversed in order, or these processes may be performed in parallel. Further, instead of introducing the steam into the inner surface of the container 1, the liquid may be ejected onto the inner surface of the container 1 to adhere the liquid to the inner surface of the container 1. Further, as the liquid to be attached to the outer surface of the container 1, not only the above-mentioned type of liquid but also hydrogen peroxide water can be used. In this case, the outer surface of the container 1 can be sterilized more reliably.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the determination unit 53 determines whether or not the sterilization treatment is abnormal based on the monitoring result of the discharge power monitoring unit 60, the monitoring result of the discharge light monitoring unit 65, and the temperature adjustment result of the first electrode 20. Although the example which determines presence or absence was shown, it is not restricted to this. For example, whether or not there is an abnormality in the sterilization process based on any one or any two of the monitoring result of the discharge power monitoring unit 60, the monitoring result of the discharge light monitoring unit 65, and the temperature adjustment result of the first electrode 20 May be determined. Further, instead of or in addition to these, the presence / absence of an abnormality in the sterilization treatment is determined based on the state of liquid adhesion to the outer surface of the container 1 or the state of introduction of steam into the container 1. May be. Further, the digital oscilloscope controller 61 of the discharge power monitoring means 60 or the determination unit 66 itself of the discharge light monitoring means 65 may be used as the determination means 253.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the equivalent circuit portion 51 of the high voltage pulse applying means 57 has a resistance value between the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 corresponding to one support member 31 that supports the container 1. Although the example which has the equivalent circuit 52 containing the resistor 52b which has an equivalent resistance value was shown, it is not restricted to this. For example, the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22 corresponding to one support member 31 that supports the container 1 in which the resistor 52b of each equivalent circuit 52 is supported on the support member 31 and has no abnormality in the previous processing. It may have a resistance value equivalent to the resistance value between. In this case, when the high voltage pulse applying unit 57 applies a high voltage pulse between the electrodes 20 and 22 corresponding to the plurality of support members 31, one or more support members 31 among the plurality of support members 31 are When the container 1 determined to have an abnormality in the process before being supported on the support member 31 is supported, it corresponds to the support member 31 that supports the container 1 determined to have the abnormality. Instead of the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 22, the high voltage pulse is applied to the same number of equivalent circuits 52 as the number of support members 31 on which the containers 1 determined to have the abnormality are supported. You may do it. Here, as a process before being supported on the support member 31, in the above-described embodiment, for example, a process of attaching a liquid to the outer surface of the container 1 in the region A1, or a vapor in the container 1 in the region A2. The process which introduce | transduces mixed gas is mentioned. In addition, for example, when a predetermined amount of liquid cannot be adhered to the outer surface of the container 1 in the region A1, when a predetermined amount of steam cannot be introduced into the container 1 in the region A2, Alternatively, when a predetermined amount of the atmosphere replacement gas cannot be introduced into the container 1 in the region A2, there is an abnormality in the process before being supported on the support member 31 in the above-described embodiment. Applicable if there is. Then, the resistance value between the electrodes 20 and 22 corresponding to the support member 31 on which the container 1 having an abnormality in the previous process placed on the support member 31 is supported is supported by the container 1 having no abnormality. There is a possibility that the resistance value between the electrodes 20 and 22 corresponding to the support member 31 being made is different. In such a case, the current value flowing between the electrodes 20 and 22 corresponding to the other support members 31 that support the container 1 that has no abnormality and that is simultaneously applied with the high voltage pulse is It will be larger or smaller than the desired value. According to the present modification, such a problem can be eliminated, and thereby a constant bactericidal effect can be expected under a constant high voltage pulse application condition. The presence / absence of abnormality in the process before being supported on the support member 31 is, for example, the above-described means for determining the presence / absence of abnormality based on the amount of transmitted laser light, or each instrument of the introducing means 70 and the attaching means 87, etc. The control means (not shown) may operate the high-voltage switching contact 54 and the circuit switching contact 52a of each equivalent circuit 52 in response to the determination result.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the internal chamber 17 is provided in the chamber 12 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the internal chamber 17 can be omitted.

  Furthermore, although the example which sterilizes the container 1 which has the opening part 1a, the side part 1b, and the bottom part 1c was shown in embodiment mentioned above, it is not restricted to this. The shape of the container 1 as a sterilization target is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to sterilizing objects other than containers, particularly sheets and the like.

  The sterilization apparatus of embodiment mentioned above was produced and the sterilization effect was evaluated.

(Bottle for sterilization evaluation)
The container to be sterilized was a PET bottle having a capacity of 500 ml. A predetermined amount of black mold spores were uniformly attached to the inner surface of the PET bottle to obtain a sterilization effect evaluation bottle.

(Discharge condition and water condition)
First electrode: An electrode made of a stainless steel round bar having a diameter of 5 mm was used, and was placed 25 mm above the bottom of the bottle.
Second electrode: formed from a stainless steel wire mesh. The stainless steel wire mesh was attached to the enclosure and the support member from the outside so as to cover the side and the lower side of the container.
Enclosure: In the cross section orthogonal to the moving direction of the container, the distance between the container and the enclosure was about 8 mm. The thickness of the enclosure and the support member was 5 mm.
Pulse application condition: voltage 75 kV, frequency 700 Hz (pps), discharge time 20 seconds or less Internal steam introduction condition: mixed gas is supplied from the gas supply means at a flow rate of 120 L / min using the introduction means shown in FIG. A vapor mixed gas composed of gas and water vapor obtained by evaporating pure water was introduced into the container in the treatment tank for 0.5 seconds. The composition of the supplied mixed gas was 20% argon, 45% nitrogen, and 35% oxygen by volume ratio. The amount of pure water introduced into the interior was approximately 1.0 g. The amount of pure water introduced was measured by measuring the weight of the container before and after the adhesion treatment and taking the difference.

(Culture method)
After completion of the discharge, the sterilization evaluation bottle was taken out from the apparatus, and the sterilization effect was evaluated by the following method.
About 20 ml of Tryptosa bouillon liquid medium was poured into the bottle, put on a sterilized cap in advance and shaken well, and then cultured at 30 ° C. for 10 days. After culturing, the bactericidal effect D value was calculated from the following formula 1.
Bactericidal effect D value = -log (number of surviving bacteria / number of initial bacteria) Formula 1

(Evaluation results)
The sterilization effect on the inner surface of the sterilized PET bottle was 6D. Moreover, it was 6D when the bactericidal effect of the 1st electrode was similarly evaluated.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic process from molding of a container to filling of contents. FIG. 2 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the sterilizer. Drawing 3 is a figure explaining each processing process in a sterilizer. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a method and an attaching means for attaching a liquid to the outer surface of the container. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a method and an introducing means for introducing steam into the container. FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a method of introducing steam into the container. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the first electrode. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the high voltage pulse applying means. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a sterilization method. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the enclosure and the second electrode. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining another modification of the enclosure. FIG. 14 is a top view for explaining another modified example of the enclosure. FIG. 15 is a partial top view for explaining still another modified example of the enclosure. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. FIG. 17 is a side view showing a modification of the support means.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Container 10 Sterilizer 12 Chamber 17 Internal chamber 20 1st electrode 22 2nd electrode 25 Enclosure 26 One side enclosure member 26a First one side enclosure element 26b Second one side enclosure element 26c Third one side enclosure element 26d Fourth One side enclosure element 27 Other side enclosure member 27a First other side enclosure element 27b Second other side enclosure element 27c Third other side enclosure element 27d Fourth other side enclosure element 30 Support means 31 Support member 37 Through hole 41 Suction mechanism 43 Holding mechanism 45 Second rotating body 57 High voltage pulse applying means

Claims (31)

A support means for rotatably supporting a container to be sterilized;
A first electrode insertable into a container supported by the support means;
A second electrode disposed via the container with respect to the first electrode inserted into the container;
High voltage pulse applying means for applying a high voltage pulse between the first electrode and the second electrode to generate atmospheric pressure plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode; Sterilizer to do.   The support means is a support member that has a substantially flat plate shape and supports the container on one surface, and has a support member that is rotatable about an axis that is substantially orthogonal to the plate surface. Item 2. The sterilizer according to Item 1.   The sterilizer according to claim 2, wherein at least a part of the other surface of the support member is covered with the second electrode. A through hole is formed in the portion of the support member facing the container,
The sterilizer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the support means includes a suction mechanism that sucks the container toward the support member through a through hole of the support member.   The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support means includes a holding mechanism for holding the container. An enclosure that is at least partially covered from the outside by a second electrode;
The support means supports the container further movably, and the first electrode is movable in synchronization with the container,
The said enclosure is provided along the movement path | route of the said container, and has the outline which at least partially surrounds the said moving container in the cross section orthogonal to the moving direction of the said container. The sterilizer as described in any one.   The sterilization apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the enclosure has a contour corresponding to a contour of the container in a cross section perpendicular to the moving direction of the container.   The sterilizer according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the support means can support a plurality of containers, and the first electrode is provided for each container supported by the support means. Support means for movably supporting a plurality of containers to be sterilized;
A plurality of first electrodes insertable into each container supported by the support means and movable in synchronization with the container;
An enclosure provided along the movement path of the container;
A second electrode covering at least a part of the enclosure from the outside;
High voltage pulse applying means for applying a high voltage pulse between the first electrode and the second electrode to generate atmospheric pressure plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode, and
The enclosure has a contour corresponding to the contour of the container in a cross section orthogonal to the moving direction of the container.   The sterilizer according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the enclosure extends in an arc shape.   The sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the enclosure includes a plurality of enclosure elements divided along a movement path of the container.   The said enclosure has the one side enclosure member arrange | positioned at the one side of the movement path | route of the said container, and the other side enclosure member arrange | positioned at the other side of the movement path | route of the said container. The sterilizer according to any one of 6 to 11.   The sterilizer according to claim 12, wherein one of the one-side enclosure member and the other-side enclosure member is movable in synchronization with the container.   The sterilization apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the one-side enclosure member is movable in synchronization with the container, and at least partially surrounds the container from the front and rear in the moving direction of the container. . A rotatable support member that supports the object to be sterilized;
A first electrode and a second electrode arranged with a sterilization target supported by the support member in between;
High voltage pulse applying means for applying a high voltage pulse between the first electrode and the second electrode to generate atmospheric pressure plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode; Sterilizer to do. The support member has a substantially flat plate shape, and is rotatable about a direction substantially orthogonal to the plate surface.
The sterilization target according to claim 15, wherein the sterilization target is supported on one side surface of the support member, and at least a part of the other side surface of the support member is covered with the second electrode. apparatus. Supporting the container by a support means for rotatably supporting the container to be sterilized;
Inserting a first electrode into the container;
A high voltage pulse is applied between the first electrode inserted into the container and the second electrode disposed via the container with respect to the first electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode Generating atmospheric pressure plasma between the electrodes, and
In the step of generating atmospheric pressure plasma, the sterilization target is rotated by the support means. The support means has a support member that is formed in a flat plate shape and is rotatable about a direction substantially orthogonal to the plate surface.
In the step of supporting the container, the container is arranged on the support member such that a bottom portion facing the opening into which the first electrode is inserted faces one plate surface of the support member. The sterilization method according to claim 17. The support means is a support member that has a flat plate shape and supports the container on one surface, and has a support member that can rotate about a direction substantially orthogonal to the plate surface,
The high voltage pulse is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode covering at least a part of the other surface of the support member in the step of generating the atmospheric pressure plasma. The sterilization method according to 18.   20. The sterilization method according to claim 18, wherein the bottom of the container is sucked toward the support member and sucked and held by the support member.   The sterilization method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the support means supports the container by holding the container.   In the step of generating the atmospheric pressure plasma, the first electrode moves in synchronization with the container, and the container is in a region surrounded by an enclosure that is at least partially covered from the outside by the second electrode. The sterilization method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein a high voltage pulse is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode inserted in the container.   23. The sterilization method according to claim 22, wherein a plurality of containers into which different first electrodes are inserted are sequentially moved in a region surrounded by an enclosure, whereby the plurality of containers are sequentially sterilized.   The sterilization method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the enclosure has a contour corresponding to a contour of the container in a cross section perpendicular to the moving direction of the container. A step of sequentially supporting a plurality of containers by a support means for movably supporting a container to be sterilized;
Sequentially inserting a first electrode movable in synchronization with the container into a plurality of containers;
The container moves with the first electrode inserted into the container, and is an enclosure provided along the movement path of the container, and has a contour corresponding to the contour of the container in a cross section perpendicular to the moving direction of the container. When the container is in a region surrounded by the enclosure having a high voltage pulse between the first electrode inserted into the container and the second electrode that covers at least a part of the enclosure from the outside And sterilizing a plurality of containers sequentially by applying atmospheric pressure plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode to apply the sterilization method.   The sterilization method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the container is moved along an arcuate movement path.   The sterilization method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the enclosure includes a plurality of enclosure elements divided along a movement path of the container.   The said enclosure has the one side enclosure member arrange | positioned at the one side of the movement path | route of the said container, and the other side enclosure member arrange | positioned at the other side of the movement path | route of the said container. The sterilization method according to any one of 22 to 27.   The sterilization method according to claim 28, wherein one of the one-side enclosure member and the other-side enclosure member moves in synchronization with the container.   The sterilization method according to claim 28, wherein the one-side enclosure member moves in synchronization with the container while at least partially enclosing the container from the front and rear in the movement direction of the container. Supporting the sterilization object by a rotatable support member;
A high voltage pulse is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode arranged with the object to be sterilized supported by the support member interposed therebetween, and a large voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. Generating atmospheric pressure plasma, and
In the step of generating atmospheric pressure plasma, the sterilization target is rotated together with the support member.

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