JP3792484B2 - Sterile packaging container - Google Patents

Description

【００４２】
【表２】

【００４３】
フィルム積層方法として、共押し出しして冷却しつつ張力を付与する方法を採用した実施例１〜７は、積層フィルム２１が基材層側に向いてカールしており、よって滅菌包装用容器３０においては積層フィルム掴み代２１ｔが外側を向いてガス透過性シート状物掴み代１２ｔから離れるから、掴み代２１部分において積層フィルム２１とガス透過性シート状物１２を別々に掴み易く、従って容器３０を開封し易い。これに対し比較例１，２では、積層フィルム２１がヒートシール層側に向いており、滅菌包装用容器とした際に掴み代２１ｔが内側を向いて積層フィルム２１とガス透過性シート状物１２がピッタリと重なる様になるから、掴み代２１部分において積層フィルム２１とガス透過性シート状物１２を別々に掴み難く、よって開封し難い。
【００４４】
また実施例１〜７の容器３０は全面開封後も形態保持性が良好であり、よって再び簡易に蓋をすることが可能である。
【００４５】
以上の様に、本発明に係る滅菌包装用容器に関して、図面を参照しつつ具体的に説明したが、本発明はもとより図示例に限定される訳ではなく、前・後記の趣旨に適合し得る範囲で適当に変更を加えて実施することも可能であり、それらはいずれも本発明の技術的範囲に包含される。
【００４６】
例えば積層フィルム２１としては、上記例に限らず、ポリアミド製の基材層とポリエチレン系樹脂製のヒートシール層を積層したものであっても良く、或いはポリエステル系樹脂製の基材層とポリエチレン系樹脂やポリプロピレン系樹脂製のヒートシール層を積層したもの、またポリプロピレン系樹脂製の基材層とポリエチレン系樹脂製のヒートシール層を積層したもの等であっても良い。
【００４７】
加えて基材層とヒートシール層の２層で構成されたものに限らず、３層以上のものであっても良い。また基材層自体が２層以上で構成されたものを用いても良い。更に各層間に接着剤層を備えても良い。
【００４８】
ガス透過性シート状物としては、上記例における紙の他、不織布等であっても良い。また紙等のガス透過性シート状物に、通気性を阻害しない程度（例えばメッシュ状，ドット状）にポリエチレン系樹脂やポリプロピレン系樹脂等をコートしたものであっても良い。
【００４９】
【発明の効果】
以上の様に本発明に係る滅菌包装用容器は、簡便な製造工程により作製することができるから、製造コストが高騰せず、しかも容器の開封を容易に行うことができる。更に容器の内容物へ容器外面が触れて汚染するといった危険がなく、また容器開封後においても簡易に容器を閉鎖することのできるから、開封後に簡易な保管を行うことも可能である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】（ａ）は本発明の一実施形態に係る滅菌包装用容器を示す斜視図、（ｂ）は（ａ）に示すＤ−Ｄ線に対応した断面図。
【図２】図１に示す滅菌包装用容器を開封した状態を表す断面図。
【図３】（ａ）は従来の滅菌包装用容器を示す斜視図、（ｂ）は（ａ）に示すＢ−Ｂ線断面図。
【図４】図３に示す従来の滅菌包装用容器を開封した後の部分断面図。
【図５】（ａ）は従来例▲３▼の滅菌包装用容器を示す斜視図、（ｂ）は（ａ）に示すＣ−Ｃ線断面図。
【符号の説明】
１０，２０，３０ 滅菌包装用容器
１１，２１ 合成樹脂製積層フィルム
１２ ガス透過性シート状物（紙）
１２ｔ ガス透過性シート状物掴み代
１３ 内部空間
１４ 角部
１５ 熱融着部
１６ 切り欠き
１７ａ，１７ｂ，１７ｃ 縁部
１８ 開封用掴み代片
１９ 縁部近傍部
２１ａ，２１ｂ，２１ｃ，２１ｄ 膨出面
２１ｔ 積層フィルム掴み代
２３ ヒートシール層
２５ 基材層[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sterilization packaging container for storing various articles such as cotton balls and tweezers, and it is necessary to strictly prevent microorganisms from adhering to and mixing into used articles as in a medical field. It is suitable for the case. In this specification, the term “sterilized packaging container” refers to a container that includes not only packaging of a sterilized product but also packaging of a sterilized product.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, various medical items such as cotton balls, gauze, or medical tools such as tweezers and forceps are used in the medical field. These medical items are sterilized or sterilized (hereinafter, these are representative). (It may be referred to as sterilization). Therefore, the sterilized article is stored in a sterilization packaging container and stored in a sealed state. The sterilization packaging container is opened just before use, and the sterilization article inside is used.
[0003]
FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a conventional sterilization packaging container, and FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. 3A (conventional example (1)).
[0004]
In the sterilization packaging container 10 of the conventional example {circle around (1)}, a rectangular synthetic resin laminated film 11 and a rectangular paper (gas permeable sheet-like material) 12 are heated at the edge portions 17a, 17b and 17c on the three sides. In the remaining one side, the unsealing gripping piece 18 is left and heat-sealed in the portion near the center (edge portion 19). In this way, the gripping piece 18 is left. However, the inner space 13 is cut off from the outside by heat-sealing along the entire circumference. In the figure, reference numeral 15 denotes a heat fusion part. The laminated film 11 is a laminate of polyamide (base material layer) and polyethylene (heat seal layer) via an adhesive. The paper 12 is permeable to gas but impermeable to microorganisms.
[0005]
In using the sterilization packaging container 10, medical articles and the like are previously stored in the internal space 13, and the peripheral portion of the container 10 is heat-sealed and sealed as described above. Sterilize and sterilize by gas sterilization method, radiation sterilization method, low temperature plasma sterilization method, ultraviolet irradiation sterilization method and so on. In the high pressure steam sterilization method, ethylene oxide gas sterilization method, and low temperature plasma sterilization method, steam and ethylene oxide gas permeate from the paper 12 to sterilize the contents. In the radiation sterilization method, the entire sterilization packaging container 10 is sterilized. The contents are sterilized by transmission of radiation.
[0006]
Until the contents are used, the container 10 is stored in a sealed state as described above, and is opened when the contents are used.
[0007]
When opening the container 10 for sterilization packaging, the laminated film 11 and the paper 12 of the gripping piece 18 are separately gripped, and the heat fusion part 15 is peeled off by separating and spreading them. The laminated film 11 has a stress that curls toward the heat seal layer side (inside) (see arrow A in FIG. 3B), and the laminated film 11 and the paper 12 are closely overlapped with each other. It is difficult to grasp and it takes time to open. In particular, in a medical field that requires an emergency, it is very problematic to take time to open the package in this way.
[0008]
In addition, in the laminated film 11 curled inward as described above, the outer surface of the laminated film 11 is opened as shown in FIG. 4 (partial sectional view after opening a conventional sterilization packaging container) after opening the container 10. Since 11a faces the inner space 13 side, there is a risk of contaminating the contents.
[0009]
In addition, in the case where high sterility is not required, if it is between 1 and 2 days after opening, it may be stored while preventing the entry of falling bacteria etc. by simply closing the opening location. As described above, the container in which the laminated film 11 is curled cannot be closed again.
[0010]
The reason why the laminated film 11 curls inward as described above is that, in the case where the laminated film 11 is manufactured by a laminating method, a relatively hard base is formed by tension applied to prevent wrinkles during film lamination. Since the heat seal layer (polyethylene), which is relatively softer than the material layer (polyamide), stretches well, the heat seal layer shrinks (restores) when the tension is released, and curls on the heat seal layer side. To do.
[0011]
In addition, in the case of laminate molding by a co-extrusion method that does not add tension, since the solidification temperature of the polyamide as the base material layer is higher than that of the polyethylene as the heat seal layer, the polyamide first shrinks and solidifies. Since it is in a semi-molten state, it follows the shrinkage of the polyamide without receiving shrinkage stress, and then when the polyethylene solidifies, the shrinkage force of the polyethylene acts on the already solidified polyamide and curls to the polyethylene side It is. In particular, when cooling at the time of molding is performed slowly, curling appears more prominently. Such curling is not limited to the combination of polyethylene and polyamide as described above, and the material used as the heat seal layer for the base material layer has a low solidification temperature (melting point). Even if it happens.
[0012]
As the laminated film, a film that is not curled as much as possible is required from the viewpoint of handleability when the laminated film is secondarily processed, and various non-curled laminated films have been proposed. When the non-curled laminated film is applied to the sterilization packaging container (conventional example (2)), there is a problem that the outer surface of the film faces the inner space side and contaminates the contents as described above. In addition, it is possible to simply close the opening position, but the laminated film 11 and the paper 12 are still exactly overlapped with each other at the gripping margin piece 18, and the opening is still difficult to open.
[0013]
Therefore, a sterilization packaging container has been proposed in which a notch is provided in a part of the gripping piece so that the laminated film and the gas permeable sheet can be easily gripped separately (conventional example (3)).
[0014]
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the sterilization packaging container 20, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC shown in FIG. In the figure, the same components as those in FIG. In the container 20, a notch 16 is provided in the laminated film 11 in the grip margin piece 18. The paper 12 is not cut out.
[0015]
At the time of opening, the paper 12 is grasped from the notch 16 and the laminated film 11 and the paper 12 are peeled off and opened so as to turn the paper 12.
[0016]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, it is necessary to add a step of forming the notch 16 in the manufacturing of the container 20 of the above conventional example (3), and this step cuts out only one of the laminated film or the gas permeable sheet. Therefore, before heat-sealing the laminated film and the gas permeable sheet material, the notch hole must be accurately punched at a predetermined position with respect to one of them. In addition, there is a problem that the manufacturing process becomes complicated, and the manufacturing cost is high. In the case where the notched portion 16 is not formed, it can be manufactured by a simple method of cutting into a predetermined outer edge shape after the heat sealing.
[0017]
Therefore, the present invention can be manufactured at a low cost, can be easily opened, and there is no danger of the container outer surface touching and contaminating the contents of the container, and even after the container is opened. An object of the present invention is to provide a container for sterilization packaging that can be easily closed.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The sterilization packaging container according to the present invention includes a synthetic resin laminated film including at least a base material layer and a heat seal layer, and a gas-permeable sheet-like material that is heat-sealed along the entire circumference while leaving an internal space. A container for sterilization packaging which is sealed by being opened, wherein the laminated film made of synthetic resin and the gas-permeable sheet-like material are not heat-sealed outside a part of the heat-sealing line A gripping margin piece is formed, the synthetic resin laminated film has a stress that curls in the opening direction, and the bulging surface that forms the side wall of the internal space has the curled progression. The gist is that it is formed along the direction. The curling direction is the direction in which the film curls and rolls up.
[0019]
In the present invention, curling of a film, which has been a problem in the past, is actively utilized, and the curling direction of the film is defined to be directed to the opening direction (outside). In other words, as described above, a synthetic resin laminated film having a stress that curls in the opening direction (outside) is used. Therefore, in the opening gripping piece, the synthetic resin is used with respect to the gas permeable sheet. The laminated film is curled so as to be separated, so that the gas permeable sheet and the synthetic resin laminated film can be easily grasped and easily opened.
[0020]
And since the said laminated film has a bulging surface along the curl advancing direction, curling is blocked | prevented by this bulging surface, and the said laminated film whole is not curled and wound. That is, the curl of the laminated film stays only at the gripping piece, and the other parts almost maintain the initial form, so the laminated film and the gas permeable sheet can be overlapped as before peeling to perform simple closure. it can.
[0021]
Furthermore, in the present invention, the laminated film made of synthetic resin is formed by co-extrusion and cooling while applying tension in the curling direction, and the base layer is more than the heat seal layer. It is preferable that the tensile modulus is high.
[0022]
When tension is not applied, curl in the direction of solidification later due to the misalignment of the base material layer and the heat seal layer as described above, but if tension is applied in the direction of curl progression during molding by coextrusion as described above Since it is stretched while solidifying, when the solidification is completed, the deformation stress can be increased or decreased due to the difference in tensile elastic modulus of the material of each layer. That is, the layer composed of a material having a high tensile elastic modulus is in a state where a larger deformation stress is applied when the solidification is completed, and when the tension is released and restored (contracted), It is thought that curling will occur in the direction where the deformation stress is large. Therefore, it is considered that a laminated film that curls in the direction opposite to that of the heat seal layer, that is, the outside, can be produced by using the base material layer as a material having a higher tensile elastic modulus than the heat seal layer. It is done.
[0023]
Moreover, in this invention, it is preferable that the heat sealing | fusion spot is formed in the both ends of the said grip margin piece.
[0024]
If there is no heat fusion spot, the entire gripping piece curls outward, and there is a concern that the curled gripping piece will be caught when storing a sterilization packaging container. By providing this, it is possible to prevent the entire gripping margin piece from curling outward, and the above-mentioned concern is eliminated.
[0025]
Note that the film end of the central portion sandwiched between both ends where the heat-seal spot is formed is slightly outward due to curling. Therefore, when opening, a finger is easily caught here and the opening is easy to open.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a sterilization packaging container 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line DD shown in FIG. The same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description.
[0027]
In the sterilization packaging container 30, the laminated film 21 and the gas permeable sheet 12 are heat-sealed at the edges 17 a, 17 b, 17 c and the edge vicinity 19, and both ends of the gripping piece 18 for opening are further bonded. The corner portions 14 are also heat-sealed in a spot manner.
[0028]
The synthetic resin laminated film 21 has bulging surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d that are closer to the center than the heat-sealed portions of the edge portions 17a, 17b, and 17c and the edge vicinity portion 19. The bulging surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d serve as side walls of the internal space 13, and the capacity of the internal space 13 is increased.
[0029]
The laminated film 21 is formed by laminating a base material layer 25 using polyamide (nylon) as a material and a heat seal layer 23 using polypropylene, and the base material layer 25 is more tensile than the heat seal layer 23. It has a high elastic modulus and is formed by applying tension in the curling direction while co-extrusion and cooling, and has a stress that curls toward the base material layer 25 (opening direction). The laminated film 21 transmits ultraviolet rays and radiation.
[0030]
Since the container 30 is not cut out of the laminated film as in the conventional example (3), the manufacturing process is not complicated, and the manufacturing cost is not high.
[0031]
When using the sterilization packaging container 30, an article (contents) such as a cotton ball is placed in advance, and the entire circumference (edges 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, edge vicinity 19) and both ends of the container as described above. 14 is heat-sealed and sealed. Next, sterilization is performed by an ethylene oxide gas sterilization method or the like, and transportation or storage is performed in the sterilized state. Since the container 30 has the laminated film 21 and the gas permeable sheet-like material 12 held at the corners 14, the curling outward of the laminated film 21 in the gripping margin piece 18 is centered between the corners 14. Stay only in the part. Therefore, there is little possibility that the gripping piece 18 will be curled during transportation.
[0032]
Immediately before the contents are used, the laminated film 21 (laminated film grasping allowance 21t) and the gas permeable sheet (paper) 12 (gas permeable sheet grasping allowance 12t) of the gripping piece 18 are separately provided. The heat-sealed portion 15 is peeled off and opened as if it is grasped and spread. At this time, since the laminated film gripping margin 21t is curled outward (in the opening direction) (arrow E), the laminated film gripping margin 21t and the gas permeable sheet gripping margin 12t are separated from each other. Can be easily inserted, and the gripping allowances 21t and 12t can be easily gripped separately. Therefore, opening is easy. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the sterilization packaging container shown in FIG. 1 is opened, and is a cross-section corresponding to FIG.
[0033]
If the laminated film does not have a bulging surface after opening, the stress is released by peeling of the heat-sealed portion, and the laminated film is wound so as to curl outward. Then, even if all of the heat fusion part 15 is peeled off and opened, curling of the laminated film 21 is prevented by the bulging surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d and is not wound. That is, the curled portion remains in the gripping margin piece 18 and the edge vicinity 19 and the edges 17a, 17b, and 17c, so that the shape as a container can be substantially maintained, so that the laminated film 21 and the gas-permeable sheet-like material are again obtained. 12 can be easily closed together. Further, since the gas permeable sheet 12 is made of paper, it remains flat without curling. It should be noted that it is recommended that the storage be simply closed for about one day.
[0034]
Further, since the laminated film curls outward, the outer surface of the laminated film does not touch the contents, and there is no risk of contamination.
[0035]
In addition, even when the gas in the container expands due to high or low temperatures during storage, the container 30 uses the gas permeable sheet 12 so that the gas permeable sheet is appropriately vented. Rupture etc. are prevented.
[0036]
<Example>
A synthetic resin laminated film 21 is manufactured by the materials and lamination methods shown in Tables 1 and 2 below, and after the bulging surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c and 21d are formed on the laminated film 21, the laminated film 21 and paper (gas permeable The heat-resistant sheet 12) was heat-sealed to produce a sterilization packaging container 30 shown in FIG. In addition, about Examples 1-4, 7 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, one kind of thing was used as a base material layer, and about Examples 5 and 6, two kinds of different polyamides were used as a base material layer of laminated film 21. Used in layers. The polyamide of Example 6 has the same tensile modulus and melting point, but different constituent components.
[0037]
In general, since a synthetic resin having a high tensile elastic modulus tends to have a high melting point, the melting point may be used as an index of the tensile elastic modulus of the heat seal layer or the base material layer. In all of Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the base material layer has higher tensile modulus and melting point than the heat seal layer.
[0038]
About each sterilization packaging container 30 of Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the direction of curling of the laminated film (curling property of the edge of the laminated film gripping margin 21t) and the synthetic resin after opening the entire surface The shape retention of the laminated film 21 was evaluated.
[0039]
As a test method for the direction of curl of the film, a square of 10 cm × 10 cm from the original fabric of the synthetic resin laminated film 21 produced by laminating as shown in Table 1 (a square with the flow direction of the original film as one side) The test piece was cut out, a 5 cm cut was made diagonally in the center of the test piece, and the curl direction of the cut portion was visually evaluated. The direction of curl of the film means that the base layer side is curled with the base layer side being the inside, and that the edge of the gripping margin of the sterilization packaging container is curled outward. means. Moreover, the direction of curling means that the heat seal layer side is curled with the heat seal layer side as the inner side.
[0040]
As a test method of form retention after the entire surface is opened, whether or not the synthetic resin laminated film 21 keeps the shape as the initial container after the sterilization packaging container 30 is completely opened is Whether or not it proceeds) was evaluated visually.
[0041]
[Table 1]

[0042]
[Table 2]

[0043]
In Examples 1 to 7, which employ a method of coextruding and applying a tension while cooling as the film lamination method, the laminated film 21 is curled toward the base material layer side. Since the laminating film gripping margin 21t faces outward and separates from the gas permeable sheet gripping margin 12t, it is easy to grip the laminated film 21 and the gas permeable sheet 12 separately at the gripping margin 21 portion, and therefore the container 30 Easy to open. On the other hand, in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the laminated film 21 faces the heat seal layer side, and when the container for sterilization packaging is used, the gripping allowance 21t faces the inner side and the laminated film 21 and the gas permeable sheet 12 Since it overlaps perfectly, it is difficult to grip the laminated film 21 and the gas-permeable sheet-like material 12 separately at the grip allowance 21 portion, and therefore difficult to open.
[0044]
Further, the containers 30 of Examples 1 to 7 have good shape retention even after the entire surface is opened, and thus can be easily covered again.
[0045]
As described above, the sterilization packaging container according to the present invention has been specifically described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples, and may conform to the purpose described above and below. It is also possible to carry out by appropriately changing the range, and all of them are included in the technical scope of the present invention.
[0046]
For example, the laminated film 21 is not limited to the above example, and may be a laminate of a polyamide base layer and a polyethylene resin heat seal layer, or a polyester resin base layer and a polyethylene base layer. It may be a laminate of a heat seal layer made of resin or polypropylene resin, or a laminate of a base layer made of polypropylene resin and a heat seal layer made of polyethylene resin.
[0047]
In addition, it is not limited to the two layers of the base material layer and the heat seal layer, and may be three or more layers. Moreover, you may use what the base material layer itself comprised by two or more layers. Further, an adhesive layer may be provided between the respective layers.
[0048]
The gas permeable sheet may be a nonwoven fabric or the like in addition to the paper in the above example. Further, a gas-permeable sheet-like material such as paper may be coated with a polyethylene resin, a polypropylene resin, or the like to such an extent that air permeability is not hindered (for example, mesh shape, dot shape).
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, since the sterilization packaging container according to the present invention can be produced by a simple production process, the production cost does not increase and the container can be easily opened. Further, there is no danger that the outer surface of the container touches and contaminates the contents of the container, and the container can be easily closed even after the container is opened. Therefore, simple storage can be performed after the container is opened.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a sterilization packaging container according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line DD shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the sterilization packaging container shown in FIG. 1 is opened.
3A is a perspective view showing a conventional sterilization packaging container, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG.
4 is a partial cross-sectional view after the conventional sterilization packaging container shown in FIG. 3 is opened.
5A is a perspective view showing a sterilization packaging container of the conventional example {circle around (3)}, and FIG. 5 (b) is a sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 5 (a).
[Explanation of symbols]
10, 20, 30 Sterile packaging containers 11, 21 Synthetic resin laminated film 12 Gas permeable sheet (paper)
12t Gas permeable sheet-like object grip allowance 13 Internal space 14 Corner 15 Heat fusion part 16 Notch 17a, 17b, 17c Edge 18 Opening grip piece 19 Edge vicinity 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d Swelling surface 21t Laminated film grip allowance 23 Heat seal layer 25 Base material layer

Claims (3)

For sterilized packaging where a synthetic resin laminated film having at least a base material layer and a heat seal layer and a gas-permeable sheet-like material are sealed by heat-sealing along the entire circumference while leaving an internal space In the container,
On the outer side of a part of the heat-sealing line, an opening grip margin piece in which the synthetic resin laminated film and the gas-permeable sheet-like material are not heat-sealed is extended and formed,
The synthetic resin laminated film has a stress that curls in the opening direction,
The laminated film is a container for sterilization packaging, wherein a bulging surface constituting a side wall of the internal space is formed along the curl traveling direction. The synthetic resin laminate film is formed by co-extrusion and cooling while applying tension in the curl traveling direction,
The sterilization packaging container according to claim 1, wherein the base material layer has a higher tensile elastic modulus than the heat seal layer.   The container for sterilization packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein heat fusion spots are formed at both ends of the gripping margin piece.

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