JP7357530B2 - Sterilization method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sterilization method, and more particularly, to a sterilization method that can be suitably used when packaging and sterilizing foods such as side dishes.

BACKGROUND ART Some packaged foods are foods that are cooked and processed in a food factory or the like and are stored in a container with an opening, and then distributed with the container covered with a top sheet or a lid. However, packaged foods using top sheets or lids are not completely sealed, so there is a possibility that outside air may enter the container. Therefore, the shelf life of these packaged foods is very short, approximately 1 to 2 days, and there is a problem that the waste loss rate is extremely high (product yield is poor).

Recently, as such packaged foods, packaged foods whose interiors are completely sealed, such as by heat-sealing the container and the lid to extend shelf life, have come into circulation. Some packaged foods can last for more than two weeks if kept refrigerated.

However, although it is possible to prevent bacteria from entering from the outside by sealing the container with a heat seal or the like, the inside of the molded container is not completely sterile. Therefore, it is quite possible that bacteria in the container will propagate due to changes in the environment during the distribution process. Therefore, in order to further extend shelf life, it is necessary to strictly control cleanliness in order to keep the working environment in food factories as close to sterile conditions as possible. Conventionally, a method has been proposed in which food is heated and sterilized in a container and then the container body is sealed with a lid member in a clean room (sterile room) (Patent Document 1). The cleanliness of the working environment where food is handled is sometimes controlled to a high level, such as the 10,000 or 1,000 level of the NASA standard clean room. However, when introducing such a clean room, there is a problem in that the installation of air conditioning equipment and its maintenance and management are costly.

In addition to foods, there are various objects that should be sterilized before being distributed as products on the market, and there is a demand for efficient sterilization of these objects.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-9937

An object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization method that can be suitably used when sterilizing the contents housed in a packaging container. The object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization method that can extend the quality retention period of foods.

The sterilization method according to the present invention is a sterilization method for sterilizing contents contained in a container body using a sterilizing gas, wherein the container body includes a storage portion having an opening at the top, and a storage portion having an opening at the top. A flange portion extending outward from the opening edge, which includes a primary sealing scheduled area that is sealed with a lid member that covers the opening in the primary sealing process, and a flange portion that is sealed with the lid member in the secondary sealing process so that the contents are sealed. a secondary sealing area to be completely sealed; a flange upper part whose upper surface is located at the uppermost part of the upper surfaces of the flange part; a flange lower part whose upper surface is located below the upper surface of the flange upper part; and a flange portion having a through hole located inside the scheduled sealing region and provided with a through hole passing through the flange portion, and the sterilization method includes accommodating contents in the accommodating portion. a through-hole forming step of forming a through hole in the intended penetration area of the flange portion; a primary sealing process of sealing the lid member and the intended primary sealing area; and exposing the contents to a sterilizing gas. and a secondary sealing step of sealing the lid member and a secondary sealing area of the flange portion, and in the primary sealing step, the A flow passage is formed between the lid member and the lower part of the flange to allow gas to flow between the outside and the inside of the housing part, and in the sterilization step, a sterilizing gas is introduced into the housing part through the flow passage. Gas is allowed to flow, and in the secondary sealing step, the lid member and the area scheduled for secondary sealing are sealed to close the flow path and completely seal the contents. .

According to this configuration, from the sterilization process to the secondary sealing process, the inside of the storage section only communicates with the outside world through the flow path, so the chances of bacteria etc. invading into the storage section are significantly reduced. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent bacteria from entering the container without introducing large-scale equipment such as a clean room, and to provide a packaging container with a sufficiently long expiration date and expiration date. In addition, since the secondary sealing area is configured so that the flow path is closed by sealing with the lid member, the packaging container can completely seal the contents by sealing with the lid member. The contents can be sealed without using any members other than the container body and the lid member.

Further, in the through-hole forming step of the sterilization treatment method, the through-hole may be formed by forming a tear in a part of the intended penetration area.

According to this configuration, when a through hole is formed in the planned penetration area, a part of the flange part is not broken and fragments of the flange part are not generated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fragments of the flange portion from entering the housing portion.

In the sterilization method, the area to be penetrated may have a curved surface that bulges upward, and the upper end of the curved surface may constitute the upper part of the flange.

According to this configuration, when the primary seal scheduled area and the lid member are sealed, the curved surface can support the lid member without damaging it.

Further, the planned penetration region may be a downwardly recessed portion, and in the through hole forming step, the tear may be formed within the recessed portion.

According to this configuration, when forming the through hole, by drilling the downwardly recessed planned penetration area from above, the drilled portion of the planned penetration area is directed downwardly relative to other areas of the flange portion. Therefore, the through hole can be prevented from being blocked by this portion.

Further, in the sterilization method, the flange portion may be provided around the entire circumference of the opening edge of the accommodating portion, and a plurality of the planned penetration regions may be provided, and may be arranged at opposing positions across the accommodating portion.

According to this configuration, since the planned penetration areas are arranged at opposite positions sandwiching the housing part, when the through hole is provided at this position, the sterilizing gas is caused to flow from both sides of the housing part through the through hole. , it is possible to suppress uneven heating of food.

Another sterilization method of the present invention is a sterilization method for sterilizing contents contained in a container body using a sterilizing gas, wherein the container body includes a storage portion having an opening at the top, and a storage portion having an upper opening. a flange portion extending outward from the opening edge of the opening, the primary sealing area being sealed with the lid member covering the opening in the primary sealing process, and the content being sealed with the lid member in the secondary sealing process. and a secondary seal scheduled area where the container is completely sealed, and the sterilization treatment method includes an accommodation step of storing contents in the storage part, and sealing the lid member and the primary seal scheduled area. The method includes a primary sealing step, a sterilizing step of sterilizing the contents by exposing the contents to a sterilizing gas, and a secondary sealing step of sealing the lid member and a secondary sealing area of the flange portion, In the primary sealing step, a flow path is formed between the lid member and the flange portion so that gas can flow between the outside and the inside of the housing portion, and in the sterilization step, a flow path is formed between the lid member and the flange portion. to circulate a sterilizing gas into the storage part, and in the secondary sealing step, the lid member and the secondary sealing area are sealed to close the flow path and completely seal the contents. It is characterized by doing.

According to this configuration, from the sterilization process to the secondary sealing process, the inside of the storage section only communicates with the outside world through the flow path, so the chances of bacteria etc. invading into the storage section are significantly reduced. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent bacteria from entering the container without introducing large-scale equipment such as a clean room, and to provide a packaging container with a sufficiently long expiration date and expiration date. In addition, since the area scheduled for secondary sealing is sealed with the lid member so that the flow path is closed, the packaging container can completely seal the food by sealing with the lid member. The contents can be sealed without using any members other than the main body and the lid member.

Further, in the sterilization treatment method, a through-hole is provided that penetrates the flange portion inside the primary sealing area of the flange portion and becomes a part of the flow path before the primary sealing step. The method may include a through-hole forming step of forming a through-hole configured as follows.

According to this configuration, in the state after the primary sealing process, the sterilizing gas flows from below the flange portion into the storage portion through the through hole that becomes a part of the flow path, thereby sterilizing the food in the storage portion. is possible.

Furthermore, in the through-hole forming step of the sterilization method, the through-hole may be formed by forming a tear in a part of the flange portion.

According to this configuration, when providing the through hole, a part of the flange portion does not break, and fragments of the flange portion do not occur. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fragments of the flange portion from entering the housing portion.

Further, in the sterilization treatment method, the flange portion has a flange upper portion formed by deforming a part of the flange portion upward with the crack as a boundary, and in the primary sealing step, the The flow path may be formed between the lid member supported by the upper portion of the flange and the flange portion.

According to this configuration, the through hole and the upper part of the flange can be formed at the same time by forming the crevice in the flange part.

Furthermore, in the sterilization method, a part of the flange portion that is deformed upward may have a curved surface that bulges upward.

According to this configuration, when the primary seal scheduled area and the lid member are sealed, the curved surface can support the lid member without damaging it.

Further, in the sterilization treatment method, the flange part has a flange upper part whose upper surface is located at the uppermost part of the upper surfaces of the flange part, and in the primary sealing step, the lid member supported by the flange upper part The flow path may be formed between the flange portion and the flange portion.

According to this configuration, since the lid member is supported by the upper part of the flange during the period from the primary sealing process to the secondary sealing process, that is, when the contents are sterilized, the formed circulation The sterilizing gas can be more reliably circulated within the storage part through the passage.

Further, in the sterilization method, the flange portion may be provided around the entire circumference of the opening edge of the accommodating portion, and a plurality of the through holes may be provided, and may be arranged at opposing positions across the accommodating portion.

According to this configuration, uneven heating of the food can be suppressed by circulating the sterilizing gas from both sides of the accommodating part through the through holes arranged with the accommodating part in between.

Further, in the sterilization treatment method, the upper surface of the region to be primary sealed is located at the uppermost part of the upper surfaces of the flange portion, and the upper surface of the region to be secondary sealed is lower than the upper surface of the region to be primary sealed. and the flange portion is configured such that when the lid member and the primary sealing area are sealed, a gap is formed between the upper surface of the secondary sealing area and the lower surface of the lid member. The gap may be configured to become a part of the flow path.

According to this configuration, the top surface of the area scheduled for primary sealing is higher than the top surface of the area scheduled for secondary sealing during the period after the primary sealing process is performed until the secondary sealing process is performed, that is, when sterilizing food. Since the area to be primary sealed maintains the gap that becomes a part of the flow path, the area to be primary sealed reliably maintains the gap in an unoccluded state and enters into the storage portion through the through hole. Sterilizing gas can be circulated.

Further, the sterilization method may further include a gas replacement step of supplying an inert gas into the storage section through the flow path.

According to this configuration, the quality of the sterilized contents can be maintained for a long period of time by discharging air from the inside of the storage section using inert gas.

Further, the sterilization method further includes a gas replacement step of supplying an inert gas into the storage portion through the flow path, and in the gas replacement step, the inert gas may be supplied from the through hole. good.

According to this configuration, the through hole for supplying the sterilizing gas also serves as a part for supplying the inert gas, so that the gas replacement process can be easily performed on the packaging container after the sterilization process.

Further, in the secondary sealing step of the sterilization treatment method, a mold on which the container body is placed is used, and in the gas replacement step, the inert Gas may be supplied into the housing.

According to this configuration, the gas replacement process can be easily performed on the packaging container placed in the mold after the secondary sealing process.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sterilization method that can be suitably used when sterilizing contents and can maintain the quality of sterilized contents for a long period of time.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention, FIG. 1(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 1(b) is a plan view of the packaging container. FIG. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing each step in the sterilization method. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the packaging container after the through-hole forming step and the food storage step, FIG. 4(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 4(b) is a side view of the packaging container. It is. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the packaging container after the primary sealing process, FIG. 6(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 6(b) is a side view of the packaging container. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the packaging container after the secondary sealing process, FIG. 8(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 8(b) is a side view of the packaging container. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention, FIG. 10(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram of FIG. 10(a). FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the packaging container after the step of forming a through hole, FIG. FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram after the primary sealing process of another packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention, FIG. 12(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 12(b) is a 12(a) is a sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of FIG. 12(a). FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram after the secondary sealing process according to another embodiment of the packaging container, FIG. 13(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 13(b) is a diagram of FIG. 13(a). FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line XIII-XIII of FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the packaging container shown in FIG. 12 after the secondary sealing process, FIG. 14(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 14(b) is a FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view at the -XIV position. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram after the primary sealing process of another packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention, FIG. 15(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 15(b) is a 15(a) is a sectional view taken along the line XV-XV in FIG. 15(a). FIG. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram after the secondary sealing process according to another embodiment of the packaging container, FIG. 16(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 16(b) is a diagram of FIG. 16(a). FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line XVI-XVI of FIG. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of another packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention, FIG. 17(a) is a plan view of the packaging container before the through-hole forming step, and FIG. 17(b) FIG. 2 is a plan view of the packaging container after the through-hole forming step. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram after the primary sealing process of another packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention, FIG. 18(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 18(b) is a FIG. 18(a) is a sectional view taken along the line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 18(a). FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of the packaging container after the secondary sealing process, FIG. 19(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 19(b) is a diagram showing the position XXIX-XIX in FIG. 19(a). FIG. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram after the primary sealing process of another packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention, FIG. 20(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 20(b) is a FIG. 20(a) is a sectional view taken along the line XXX-XX in FIG. 20(a). FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram after the primary sealing process of another packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention, FIG. 21(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 21(b) is a FIG. 21(a) is a sectional view taken along the line XXI-XXI in FIG. 21(a). FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram after the primary sealing process of another packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention, FIG. 22(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 22(b) is a FIG. 22(a) is a sectional view taken along the line XXII-XXII in FIG. 22(a). FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of the packaging container after the secondary sealing process, FIG. 23(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 23(b) is a diagram showing the position XXIII-XXIII in FIG. 23(a). FIG. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of another packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention after the through-hole forming step, and FIG. 24(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 24(b) is a plan view of the packaging container. is a sectional view taken along the line XXIV-XXIV in FIG. 24(a). FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of another packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention after the through-hole forming step, and FIG. 25(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 25(b) is a sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV in FIG. 25(a). FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of another packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention after the through-hole forming step, and FIG. 26(a) is a plan view showing a modification of FIG. (b) is a partial plan view showing a modification of FIG. 25. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of another packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention after the through-hole forming step, and FIG. 27(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of FIG. (b) is a sectional view showing a modification of FIG. 25. FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of another packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention after the through-hole forming step, and FIG. 28(a) is a plan view of the packaging container, and FIG. 28(b) is a plan view of the packaging container. is a sectional view taken along the line XXVIII-XXVIII in FIG. 28(a). 29(a) is a cross-sectional view for explaining the step of forming a through hole in the packaging container, FIG. 29(a) shows the state before the step of forming the through hole, and FIG. 29(b) shows the step of forming a tear in the flange portion. , FIG. 29(c) shows the process of forming the flange upper part, and FIG. 29(d) shows the state after the flange upper part is formed. FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of another packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention, FIG. 30(a) is a plan view of the packaging container before the through-hole forming step, and FIG. 30(b) is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 30(a), and FIG. 30(c) is a cross-sectional view after the through-hole forming step. FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of another packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention, FIG. 31(a) is a plan view of the packaging container before the through-hole forming step, and FIG. 31(b) is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 31(a), and FIG. 31(c) is a cross-sectional view after the through-hole forming step. FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram of another packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention after the through-hole forming step, and FIG. 32(a) is a schematic diagram showing a first modification; (b) is a schematic diagram showing a second modification, and FIG. 32(c) is a schematic diagram showing a third modification.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a packaging container used in the sterilization method according to the present invention. Further, FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment of the sterilization treatment method according to the present invention, and FIGS. 4 to 9 are diagrams sequentially showing each step of this sterilization treatment method.

First, the structure of a packaging container used in a sterilization method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. This packaging container sterilizes food, which is an example of the contents stored inside, by exposing it to heated steam, which is an example of sterilizing gas, and then seals and packages the contents (for example, food). This is a packaging container for sterilization treatment for distribution as food. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the packaging container 1 includes a container body 4 including a storage section 2 having an opening 20 at the top and a flange section 3 extending outward from an opening edge 21 of the storage section 2.

Hereinafter, the vertical direction of the packaging container 1 corresponds to the vertical direction in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 to 9. Moreover, the inner side and the outer side of the flange portion 3 correspond to the side closer to and farther from the opening edge 21 of the flange portion 3.

The container body 4 is a container that can be closed with a lid member, as shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b). Although the container main body 4 of this embodiment has a tray shape, it can be of any shape such as a cup shape or a bottle shape. Further, the material of the container body 4 is synthetic resin. The thickness of the container main body 4 is non-uniform depending on the region, but may be the same in any region. In the container main body 4 of this embodiment, the thickness of the flange portion 3 is greater than the thickness of the accommodating portion 2. In addition, in the container main body 4 of this embodiment, the accommodating part 2 and the flange part 3 are comprised by one member. Specifically, the container body 4 is formed by molding a single sheet.

Moreover, the lid member of this embodiment has flexibility. The lid member is made of, for example, a synthetic resin film material. Specifically, the film material constituting the lid member is a biaxially stretched plastic film material.

The storage section 2 is a part that stores food. The accommodating portion 2 of this embodiment includes a bottom plate 22 located below. Further, the accommodating portion 2 includes a side wall 23 extending upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom plate 22 .

The bottom plate 22 is, for example, a rectangular plate with rounded corners. Moreover, the bottom plate 22 has a bottom plate upper surface 220 that comes into contact with food, and a bottom plate lower surface 221 that is a surface that is placed on the placement surface when the container body 4 is placed on the placement surface.

The bottom plate upper surface 220 has an uneven shape. Specifically, a plurality of bottom plate protrusions 222 that protrude upward from the bottom plate top surface 220 are provided at the center of the bottom plate top surface 220 excluding the four corners. Further, each of the four corners of the bottom plate upper surface 220 is configured with a bottom plate inclined surface 223, which is positioned higher toward the top of the corner.

Each of the bottom plate protrusions 222 is arranged at approximately equal or uneven intervals, and a steam flow portion through which gas, for example steam, flows is formed between the pair of bottom plate protrusions 222 , 222 . The bottom plate protrusion 222 supports the contents accommodated in the container body 4, for example, in a point contact or line contact manner, so that the contact area between the bottom plate protrusion 222 and the contents is reduced as much as possible. It is designed to.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1(a), a plurality of steam flow sections formed between the bottom plate protrusions 222, 222 are arranged at substantially equal intervals. According to such a configuration, when the contents (e.g., food) housed in the container body 4 are sterilized with the sterilizing gas (e.g., steam), the contents pass through the steam flow path formed at the bottom. Steam can flow in not only from the top and sides, but also from the bottom of the contents. This allows more even and efficient sterilization of the contents by steam.

The height of the bottom plate protrusion 222 is not necessarily limited, but is, for example, 2 mm or more, 3 mm or more, or 4 mm based on the lowest inner surface of the container bottom (that is, the lowest height on the inner surface of the container body 4). That's all. Although the height of the bottom plate protrusion 222 is not necessarily limited, it is, for example, 15 mm or less, 13 mm or less, or 10 mm or less, based on the innermost lower surface of the container bottom. When the height of the bottom plate protrusion 222 is within such a range, steam can more easily flow into the steam flow path, and the lower surface side of the contents can be steam sterilized more effectively.

The height of the bottom plate protrusion 222 may be 10% or more and 40% or less of the depth of the container body 4 (that is, the distance from the opening 20 of the container body 4 to the lowest part of the inner surface in the vertical direction). preferable. According to this configuration, since the cross-sectional area of the steam flow passage increases, steam can more easily flow into the steam flow passage, and the lower surface side of the contents can be steam sterilized more effectively.

The bottom plate inclined surface 223 is provided to eliminate corners of the housing section 2. For example, the bottom plate inclined surface 223 prevents the food stored in the storage section 2 from accumulating near the corners of the bottom plate 22 when taking out the food, making it easier to take out the food from the storage section 2. Further, the bottom plate inclined surface 223 is arranged with a gap between the bottom plate protrusion 222 and the bottom plate protrusion 222 .

The side wall 23 is configured, for example, so that the higher the portion is located, the wider it becomes in plan view. The upper end edge of the side wall 23 constitutes the opening edge 21 of the accommodating portion 2 .

The flange portion 3 is a portion that is sealed with the lid member. The flange portion 3 is provided, for example, all around the opening edge 21 in the circumferential direction. The flange portion 3 of this embodiment has a substantially plate shape and is arranged in an annular shape so as to surround the accommodating portion 2 in a plan view. Specifically, the flange portion 3 has an annular shape having four corners in a plan view.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the flange portion 3 has a flange upper surface 30 facing upward and a flange lower surface 35 facing downward. Further, the flange portion 3 has a primary sealing area 31 that is sealed with the lid member that covers the opening 20 in the primary sealing process, and a secondary sealing area 32 that is sealed with the lid member in the secondary sealing process. Further, the flange portion 3 includes an upper flange 33 and a lower flange 34. The flange upper part 33 has a flange upper upper surface 330 located at the uppermost part of the flange upper surfaces 30. The flange lower part 34 has a flange lower upper surface 340 located below the flange upper upper surface 330.

The flange portion 3 of this embodiment has a planned penetration region 36 in which a through hole passing through the flange portion 3 is provided (see FIG. 1(a)). In this embodiment, the through hole, that is, the planned penetration area 36 is located inside the planned primary seal area 31 . The through hole provided in the planned penetration area 36 penetrates between the flange lower surface 35 and the flange upper surface 30. Further, in the flange portion 3 of this embodiment, a plurality of planned penetration regions 36 are provided.

Note that the number of planned penetration regions 36 provided in the flange portion 3 may be one, but it is preferable to include both the through hole through which gas flows into the flange portion 3 and the through hole through which gas flows out from within the flange portion 3. Since it is preferable to provide the flange portion 3, it is preferable that the number is plural. Specifically, this flange portion 3 is provided with the same number of planned penetration regions 36 as the number of corners of the flange portion 3 (for example, four in this embodiment).

The primary seal scheduled area 31 is a part of the flange part 3, and is an area for temporarily sealing the lid member and the flange part 3 in a primary sealing process. The primary sealing step is performed after the food is stored in the storage section 2 and before the food is sterilized.

The primary seal scheduled area 31 in this embodiment is located on the outer periphery of the flange portion 3 . Moreover, the primary seal scheduled area 31 is continuous in the circumferential direction of the opening edge 21. Specifically, the primary seal scheduled region 31 extends continuously in the circumferential direction inside the outer peripheral edge of the outer peripheral portion of the flange portion 3 . More specifically, the primary sealing planned area 31 extends continuously over the entire circumferential direction of the opening edge 21 inside the outer circumferential edge of the outer circumferential portion of the flange portion 3 .

The secondary sealing planned area 32 is an area where the lid member and the flange portion 3 are sealed in a secondary sealing process as a sealing process. The secondary sealing step is performed after sterilizing the food stored in the storage section 2. The secondary sealing area 32 is at least a portion of the flange portion 3 . Further, the secondary seal scheduled area 32 may include an area that overlaps (is the same as) the primary sealed scheduled area 31. The secondary seal scheduled area 32 in this embodiment is the entire area of the flange portion 3.

The position (height) of the flange upper surface 30 of the flange portion 3 in the vertical direction is uneven because the flange portion 3 includes the flange upper portion 33 and the flange lower portion 34 (see FIG. 1(b)).

The flange upper portion 33 is a portion whose upper surface is located relatively upward. The flange upper upper surface 330 of this embodiment is located above the flange lower upper surface 340 by, for example, 1 mm or more. The flange upper part 33 can support the lid member above the flange lower upper surface 340 after performing the primary sealing process and before performing the secondary sealing process.

Specifically, the flange upper portion 33 is a convex portion formed by partially extruding the flange portion 3 from below to above. As a result, the flange upper surface 330 protrudes upward. Although the flange upper part 33 of this embodiment is hollow, it may be solid.

The flange portion 3 of this embodiment is provided with a flange upper portion 33 having a different shape. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1(a), the flange upper part 33 includes a first flange upper part 33A having an elliptical shape in plan view, and a second flange upper part 33B having a circular shape in plan view. . Both the first flange upper part 33A and the second flange upper part 33B are convex parts whose flange upper upper surfaces 330 have a curved surface shape. Moreover, both the first flange upper part 33A and the second flange upper part 33B are convex parts whose height (dimension in the vertical direction) is smaller than the outer diameter in plan view.

Further, the flange upper portion 33 of this embodiment is provided near the intended penetration region 36. For example, at least one of the flange upper portions 33 is provided inside the intended penetration region 36. All of the flange upper parts 33 of this embodiment are provided inside the intended penetration area 36. Specifically, a plurality of flange upper portions 33 (for example, one pair each) are provided inside each planned penetration region 36 . One flange upper part 33 may be provided inside each of the planned penetration areas 36, but it is possible to support the lid member with a plurality of flange upper parts 33 after performing the primary sealing process. Since it is preferable, it is preferable that a plurality of them be provided.

The lower flange portion 34 is a portion whose upper surface is located relatively below. The flange lower part 34 of this embodiment is a portion of the flange portion 3 excluding the flange upper part 33.

The planned penetration areas 36 are arranged, for example, at opposing positions with the housing section 2 interposed therebetween. When the flange portion 3 is annular with corners at four locations, it is preferable that the intended penetration regions 36 are formed in a total of four locations, one at each corner of the flange portion 3 in plan view. . It is preferable that the shapes of the respective penetration areas 36 are the same.

Further, in this embodiment, the planned penetration region 36 is a downwardly recessed portion. Further, the planned penetration area 36 has a circular shape in plan view. Specifically, the planned penetration area 36 is a concave portion recessed downward into a substantially hemispherical shape.

A groove portion 360 is further formed in the recessed portion of the planned penetration region 36 in this embodiment. Specifically, the upper surface 361 of the intended penetration region 36 is recessed downward, and the upper surface 361 is provided with a groove 360 recessed downward.

The shape of the groove portion 360 is, for example, a cross shape that intersects at the lowest point, which is the lowest point of the planned penetration area 36 (for example, the grooves intersect at a substantially right angle at this lowest point). In other words, the groove portion 360 has a shape that radially spreads from the center of the planned penetration region 36 in plan view. The width of the groove 360 (the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the groove 360 extends) is, for example, 0.5 mm.

Next, a sterilization method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The sterilization method according to this embodiment is a sterilization method in which the contents contained in the container body 4 are sterilized using a sterilization gas. As described above, the container main body 4 includes the accommodating part 2 having the opening 20 above and the flange part 3 extending outward from the opening edge 21 of the accommodating part 2, and includes a lid member that covers the opening 20 and a primary sealing process. A primary sealing area 31 is sealed in the secondary sealing step, a secondary sealing area 32 is sealed with the lid member 5 in the secondary sealing step to completely seal the contents, and the upper surface is the upper surface of the flange portion. A flange upper part 33 located at the uppermost position, a flange lower part 34 whose upper surface is located below the upper surface of the flange upper part, and a through hole located inside the primary sealing area 31 and penetrating the flange part 3 are provided. The flange portion 3 includes a planned penetration area 36 and a flange portion 3 having a planned penetration area 36.

In addition, the sterilization method according to the present embodiment includes an accommodation step of accommodating the contents in the accommodating portion 2, a through hole forming step of forming a through hole in the intended penetration area 36 of the flange portion 3, and a lid member and a primary seal. a primary sealing process of sealing the scheduled area 31; a sterilizing process of sterilizing the contents by exposing them to a sterilizing gas; and a secondary sealing process of sealing the lid member and the secondary sealing area 32 of the flange part 3. , is provided. The sterilization method of this embodiment further includes a gas replacement step.

In addition, in the sterilization treatment method of this embodiment, in the primary sealing step, a gap is formed between the lid member supported by the flange upper part 33 and the flange lower part 34 so that gas can flow between the outside and the inside of the housing part 2. In the sterilization process, a sterilizing gas is made to flow into the storage part through the passage, and in the secondary sealing process, the lid member and the secondary sealing area 32 are sealed to prevent the gas from flowing. The tract is occluded to completely seal off the contents.

The sterilization method in one embodiment uses food as the content, and the main steps are a storage step, a through-hole formation step, a primary sealing step, a sterilization step, and a secondary sealing step. More specifically, as shown in FIG. S5), a cooling process (step S6), a gas replacement process (step S7), and a secondary sealing process (step S8) are performed in this order. Each step in this embodiment will be described below. Moreover, as a method of this embodiment, the case where the packaging container 1 of the said embodiment is used is demonstrated.

First, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), after performing a food accommodating step of accommodating the food F in the packaging container 1, a penetrating hole is inserted inside the primary sealing area 31 of the flange portion 3. A through hole forming step is performed to form a through hole 38 that penetrates the planned area 36. As the food F, for example, any food such as a daily food, that is, a food cooked and processed in a food factory or the like, or a chilled processed food can be adopted.

In the through-hole forming step of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the through-hole 38 is formed by forming a tear 380 in a part of the intended penetration region 36. Through the through-hole forming process of the present embodiment, the planned penetration region 36 is formed such that the outer peripheral edge 363 of the planned penetration region 36 is continuous with the area around the planned penetration area 36 of the flange portion 3 and is located below the surrounding area. Located in In other words, the planned penetration region 36 is located below the area around the planned penetration region 36 of the flange portion 3 with the outer peripheral edge 363 of the planned penetration region 36 as a boundary.

In the through-hole forming step of this embodiment, the tear 380 is formed by tearing the intended penetration region 36 from above. When forming the fissure 380, for example, a method can be adopted in which a piercing jig (not shown) equipped with a piercing needle at its tip is used and the piercing needle is pierced into the region 36 to be penetrated. The piercing needle is guided by a groove 360 provided in the area to be penetrated 36 and penetrates the lowest point of the area to be penetrated 36 , and the area to be penetrated is torn along the groove 360 . As a result, the planned penetration area 36 is divided into four parts with the cross-shaped crack 380 as a boundary.

Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), a primary sealing process is performed to seal the lid member 5 that covers the opening 20 of the accommodating portion 2 and the primary sealing area 31 of the flange portion 3. . The primary sealing step of the present embodiment is a step of linearly sealing the primary sealing area 31, which is the outer peripheral portion of the flange portion 3, and the lid member 5 in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral portion of the flange portion 3. Further, in this primary sealing step, the lid member 5 is thermally welded to the area 31 to be primary sealed by using, for example, a heat sealing machine (not shown).

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the heated steam S is caused to flow into the storage section 2 through the flow path R formed between the flange section 3 and the lid member 5, and the food F is exposed to the heated steam S. A sterilization process is performed to sterilize the food.

In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the sterilization process is performed using a short-time cooking sterilizer RIC (hereinafter also simply referred to as RIC) manufactured by Hisaka Seisakusho Co., Ltd. Here, the short-time cooking sterilizer RIC (not shown) includes a processing tank that can accommodate food in containers to be processed, a steam supply device that supplies steam to the processing tank, and a device inside the processing tank. It is equipped with a pressure reducing device that deaerates the water to create a vacuum state, and a heating device that heats the inside of the processing tank.

In the sterilization method of the present embodiment, a deaeration process is performed to deaerate the inside of the housing section 2 before the sterilization process. When performing the degassing process, a plurality of packaging containers 1 containing food F on trays and with lid members 5 temporarily sealed are arranged, and the trays are stacked vertically in multiple stages to form an RIC. Store in a tank. After closing the lid of the processing tank and sealing the processing tank, the inside of the processing tank is degassed to a vacuum state. When the inside of the processing tank is degassed to a vacuum state, the air inside the storage section 2 is also degassed through the flow path R, and the inside of the storage section 2 becomes the same vacuum state as the inside of the processing tank.

In the sterilization step, heated steam S is supplied as a sterilizing gas into the processing tank, and the temperature inside the processing tank is set to, for example, 100°C to 145°C. The heated steam S supplied into the processing tank flows into the housing section 2 from below the flange section 3 via the flow path R (the through hole 38 and the gap C). Thereby, the food F stored in the storage section 2 is sterilized by the heated steam S.

In the sterilization method of this embodiment, a cooling step of cooling the food F is performed after the sterilization step. In the cooling step, the inside of the processing tank is depressurized to discharge the heated steam S, and the inside of the processing tank is further brought into a vacuum state, whereby the moisture evaporates and latent heat is taken away from the food F, thereby cooling the food F. Ru.

Further, after the cooling step, the lid of the processing tank is opened and the packaging container 1 containing the food F is taken out together with the tray.

After that, preferably a gas replacement step is performed. In the gas replacement step, an inert gas such as nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide gas, argon gas, helium gas, or a mixture of a plurality of these gases is supplied into the storage section 2 through the flow path R.

Note that the gas replacement step and the secondary sealing step of this embodiment are performed with the packaging container 1 placed in a mold of a heat sealing machine. The mold is provided with a supply path through which inert gas can be supplied through the through hole 38 formed in the container body 4 when the packaging container 1 is placed. In the gas replacement step of this embodiment, an inert gas is supplied to any one of the four through holes 38 through the supply path of the mold. Further, the mold is also formed with an air exhaust passage at a position corresponding to the remaining three through holes 38, and the air inside the packaging container 1 pushed out by the supplied inert gas is It is discharged to the outside through the discharge path.

After performing the gas replacement step, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), a secondary sealing step is performed to seal the lid member 5 and the area 32 scheduled for secondary sealing. Thereby, a packaged food 6 composed of the packaging container 1, the lid member 5, and the food F is obtained.

The secondary sealing step of this embodiment is a step of sealing the lid member 5 and the secondary sealing area 32, which is the outer peripheral portion of the flange portion 3, in a planar manner. In the secondary sealing process, the lid member 5 is thermally welded to the secondary sealing area 32 using a heat sealing machine (not shown).

In this embodiment, the heat sealing machine includes the mold (receiving mold) on which the container body 4 is placed and gas replacement is performed, and the mold (heat sealing mold) that presses the lid member 5 from above. In the secondary sealing step, the packaging container 1 is immediately sealed while being placed on the receiving mold after gas replacement, so that the oxygen concentration within the packaging container 1 can be maintained at an extremely low level.

In addition, since the secondary sealing area 32 of the packaging container 1 is the entire area of the flange part 3, when performing the secondary sealing, the entire area of the flange part 3 is pressurized from above and below, as shown in FIG. , the through hole 38 is closed, the flange upper part 33 is also crushed, and the gap C is also closed. In the packaging container 1 used in the sterilization method of this embodiment, the through hole 38 is closed only by the lid member 5 after the secondary sealing, but when performing the secondary sealing, the top surface With the flange part 3 placed on a mold with a flat surface, the entire area of the flange part 3 is pressurized from above and below, so that the through hole 38 is formed in the lid member 5 in the packaging container 1 after secondary sealing. In addition to this, it may be closed by a deformed (crushed) planned penetration area 36. Moreover, when performing secondary sealing, the entire area of the flange portion 3 except for the flange upper portion 33 may be pressurized from above and below. In this case, the gap C is closed while the flange upper part 33 remains unbroken.

In the above sterilization treatment method, from the sterilization process to the secondary sealing process, the inside of the housing part 2 only communicates with the outside world through the flow path R, so there is an opportunity for bacteria etc. to invade inside the housing part 2. Therefore, the packaging container has a sufficiently long expiration date and expiration date, and can effectively prevent bacteria from entering the storage section 2 without introducing large-scale equipment such as a clean room. 1 can be provided. In addition, since the secondary seal scheduled area 32 is sealed with the lid member 5 so that the flow path R is closed, the packaging container 1 completely seals the food F by sealing with the lid member 5. Since it can be sealed, the food F can be sealed without using any members other than the container body 4 and the lid member 5.

In the sterilization method of this embodiment, in the packaging container 1, if the through hole 38 is provided by forming a tear 380 in a part of the planned penetration area 36 (see FIG. 5), when the through hole 38 is formed, the flange portion A part of the flange portion 3 does not break, and no fragments of the flange portion 3 occur. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fragments of the flange portion 3 from entering the housing portion 2.

In addition, in the packaging container 1 used in the sterilization method of the present embodiment, the intended penetration area 36 is a downwardly depressed concave portion (see FIG. 2). By piercing the region 36 with the puncture needle, the perforated region 36 of the planned penetration region 36 is maintained in a position below other regions of the flange portion 3 (see FIG. 5), and the state in which it is located below is maintained. It is difficult to return upwards. Thereby, the through hole 38 can be prevented from being blocked, and the penetrating state of the through hole 38 can be maintained until the secondary sealing area 32 of the flange portion 3 and the lid member 5 are sealed.

Furthermore, in the packaging container 1 used in the sterilization method of this embodiment, the planned penetration area 36 is arranged at a position sandwiching the storage part 2 (see FIG. 1(a)), so the through hole 38 is formed at this position. When provided, heating steam as a sterilizing gas is distributed from both sides of the storage portion 2 through the through hole 38 (see FIG. 4(a)), thereby suppressing uneven heating of the food F.

The sterilization method of this embodiment includes a gas replacement step of supplying an inert gas into the storage portion 2 through the flow path R, and in the gas replacement step, the inert gas is supplied from the through hole 38, that is, Since the through hole 38 for supplying the sterilizing gas also serves as a part for supplying the inert gas, the gas replacement process can be easily performed on the packaging container 1 after the sterilization process.

Further, in the secondary sealing step of the sterilization method of this embodiment, a receiving mold on which the container body 4 is placed is used, and in the gas replacement step, the gas is passed through the gas supply path provided in the receiving mold. Since the active gas is supplied into the storage part 2, the gas replacement process can be easily performed on the packaging container 1 placed on the receiving mold after the secondary sealing process.

It should be noted that the packaging container used in the sterilization method of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and it goes without saying that various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment, and a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Additionally, some of the configurations of certain embodiments may be deleted.

Although the flange upper portions 33A and 33B of the above embodiment are both convex portions whose height (dimension in the vertical direction) is smaller than the outer diameter in plan view, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, it is conceivable that the flange portion 3 is provided with a third flange upper portion 33C having substantially the same height and outer diameter in plan view. The third flange upper portion 33C has a circular shape in plan view.

Although the through hole 38 in the above embodiment is formed by piercing the intended penetration region 36 of the flange portion 3 with a piercing needle (that is, by breaking the intended penetration region 36), the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is conceivable that the through hole 38 is formed by punching out the intended penetration region 36 of the flange portion 3.

When the through hole 38 is formed by punching out the intended penetration area 36 of the flange portion 3 in the through hole forming process, the intended penetration area 36 is formed by punching out the intended penetration area 36 of the flange portion 3, as shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b). Removed from Part 3. In this configuration, the flow of heated steam S as a sterilizing gas to the through hole 38 is obstructed by the penetration area 36 from the time the through hole forming step is performed until the area 32 scheduled for secondary sealing is sealed. Therefore, the heated steam S can smoothly flow through the through hole 38.

In the packaging container 1 of the above embodiment, the flange upper part 33 is located inside the intended penetration area 36 and the primary seal intended area 31 is located outside of the intended penetration area 36, that is, the flange upper part 33 and the primary seal intended area 31 are located outside the intended penetration area 36. Although they are separated from each other, the flange upper part 33 may also serve as the primary sealing area 31. Since the primary seal planned area 31 needs to be located outside the penetrated planned area 36, in this configuration, at least one of the plurality of flange upper parts 33 is located outside of the penetrated planned area 36. For example, the flange upper part 33 may include a fourth flange upper part 33D that is located outside the intended penetration area 36 and also serves as the intended primary seal area 31.

The flange upper part 33 may be a fourth flange upper part 33D having a convex strip. Further, in the flange upper part 33, the upper surface (flange upper upper surface 330) may be a flat surface like the upper surface of the fourth flange upper part 33D (see FIG. 12(b)). When the flange upper part 33 is a convex strip, it may be provided continuously in the circumferential direction of the opening edge 21, for example. Specifically, the flange upper part 33 may be a convex strip that is continuously provided all around the opening edge 21 in the circumferential direction.

In the packaging container 1 of the above embodiment, the secondary sealing area 32 is provided in the entire area of the flange portion 3, but may be provided in a part of the flange portion 3. In the above-described configuration in which the flange upper part 33 also serves as the primary sealing area 31 (see FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b)), FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b) show the state after the secondary sealing process is performed. As shown in b), it is conceivable that a region of the flange lower part 34 located inside the primary sealing region 31 also serves as the secondary sealing region 32 .

Furthermore, in the packaging container 1 of the embodiment described above, surface sealing is performed in the secondary sealing step, but line sealing that continues all around the opening edge 21 in the circumferential direction may also be performed. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b), line sealing may be performed. In this case, it is considered that the secondary seal scheduled area 32 is a convex strip that projects upward.

Further, in this case, the upper surface of the secondary seal scheduled area 32 is located below the flange upper upper surface 330 (the upper surface of the fourth flange upper part 33D that also serves as the primary sealed area 31). Furthermore, the flange portion 3 is configured such that a gap C is formed between the upper surface of the secondary sealing region 32 and the lower surface of the lid member 5 when the lid member 5 and the primary sealing region 31 are sealed. It is configured. As a result, after performing the primary sealing process and before performing the secondary sealing process, that is, when sterilizing the food F, the lid member 5 supported by the flange upper upper surface 330 and the flange lower upper surface 340 A gap C is generated between the two, and the first flange upper surface 230 holds this gap C to ensure that the gap C is not closed, thereby allowing the heated steam S to flow into the housing part 2 through the flow path R. circulate.

In the above embodiment, the flange portion 3 is provided with a convex portion such as the flange upper portion 33, but a concave portion recessed downward may be provided, as shown in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b). As shown, the flange portion 3 may be provided with a groove portion 39 as the flange lower portion 34. For example, the groove portion 39 may be continuous in the circumferential direction along the opening edge 21. Specifically, it is conceivable that the groove portion 39 is continuous all the way around the opening edge 21 in the circumferential direction.

In such a configuration in which the flange portion 3 is provided with a recessed portion, the intended penetration region 36 may be provided in this recessed portion. For example, it is conceivable that the intended penetration region 36 is provided in the groove portion 39 of the flange portion 3 . Specifically, it is conceivable that the intended penetration regions 36 are provided on a pair of sides facing each other with the housing section 2 in between, of the groove section 39 that is continuous all around in the circumferential direction of the opening edge 21 . In this case, the planned penetration regions 36 provided on each side are arranged, for example, at opposing positions with the housing section 2 interposed therebetween. In this configuration, when the through hole forming step is performed, the through hole 38 is provided in the groove portion 39 of the flange portion 3.

Further, in this case, it is possible that the primary sealing area 31 is provided continuously in the circumferential direction of the opening edge 21 on the outside of the groove portion 39 of the flange portion 3 (on the flange upper portion 33). Specifically, it is conceivable that the primary seal scheduled area 31 is continuous all the way around the opening edge 21 in the circumferential direction.

In the configuration in which the planned penetration area 36 is provided in the groove 39 of the flange portion 3 described above (see FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b)), as shown in FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b), two It is conceivable that the next sealing scheduled area 32 is provided continuously in the circumferential direction along the opening edge 21 inside the groove part 39 of the flange part 3 . Specifically, it is conceivable that the secondary seal scheduled area 32 is continuous all the way around the opening edge 21 in the circumferential direction. In the flange portion 3 having the above configuration, the groove 39 in which the penetration area 36 is provided is disposed inside the primary seal area 31, and the secondary seal area 32 is further arranged inside the groove 39.

Furthermore, the planned penetration area 36 may be provided only at some of the corners of the flange portion 3 . For example, as shown in FIG. 17(a), only one pair of planned penetration regions 36 may be provided at the corners of the flange portion 3 at positions sandwiching the housing portion 2 therebetween. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the through holes 38 are provided only at a pair of corners of the flange portion 3 at positions sandwiching the housing portion 2 therebetween.

Further, the flange upper portion 33 may be a fifth flange upper portion 33E having a mound-shaped convex portion such as a hemispherical shape. Note that the flange upper portion 33 may have other shapes such as a conical shape, a truncated conical shape, a cylindrical shape, a polygonal column shape, and a polygonal pyramid shape.

Although the bottom plate 22 of the accommodating portion 2 in the above embodiment has a substantially rectangular plate shape, it is conceivable that the bottom plate 22 has a substantially square plate shape. Note that the bottom plate 22 may have a polygonal plate shape, a disk shape, or the like other than the rectangular plate shape.

In the packaging container 1 of the above embodiment, the flange portion 3 is provided with the intended penetration region 36, and the through hole 38 is provided in the flange portion 3 by performing the through hole forming step. 36 may not be provided. As such a configuration, the configurations shown in FIGS. 18 to 21 can be considered.

The sterilization method according to this embodiment of the present invention is a sterilization method in which the contents contained in the container body 4 are sterilized using a sterilization gas. The container main body 4 used in the sterilization method of the present embodiment includes a storage section 2 having an opening 20 above, a flange section 3 extending outward from an opening edge 21 of the storage section 2, and a lid that covers the opening 20. It includes a primary sealing area 31 that is sealed with the member 5 in the primary sealing process, and a secondary sealing area 32 where the contents are completely sealed by being sealed with the lid member 5 in the secondary sealing process. There is.

Furthermore, the sterilization method according to the present embodiment includes a storage step of storing the contents in the storage section 2, a primary sealing step of sealing the lid member 5 and the primary sealing area 31, and a step of converting the contents into a sterilization gas. It includes a sterilization step of sterilizing by exposing, and a secondary sealing step of sealing the lid member 5 and the secondary sealing area 32 of the flange portion 3. Furthermore, in the primary sealing step, a flow path R is formed between the lid member 5 and the flange portion 3 so that gas can flow between the outside and the inside of the housing portion 2, and in the sterilization step, a flow path R is formed between the lid member 5 and the flange portion 3. In the secondary sealing process, the lid member 5 and the secondary sealing area 32 are sealed to close the flow path R and completely remove the contents. Seal.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b), the flange portion 3 has a primary sealing area 31 that is sealed with the lid member 5 in the primary sealing process, and It is considered that when the sealing scheduled area 31 is sealed, a flow path R is formed between the lid member 5 and the outside and the inside of the housing part 2, through which gas can flow. It will be done. In this configuration, the flange upper part 33 is a convex strip that extends in the circumferential direction of the opening edge 21 in a long shape with gaps provided at the four corners of the flange portion 3 . Further, the flange upper part 33 also serves as the primary sealing area 31. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 19(a) and 19(b), a portion of the flange lower part 34 that is continuously provided around the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the opening edge 21 forms a secondary sealing area 32. Also serves as

In this case, the upper surface of the primary sealing area 31 (for example, the upper flange upper surface 330) is located at the uppermost part of the flange upper surface 30, and the upper surface of the secondary sealing area 32 (for example, the opening edge of the flange lower upper surface 340) 21) is located below the upper surface of the primary sealing area 31 (for example, the flange upper upper surface 330). Furthermore, when the lid member 5 and the primary sealing area 31 are sealed, the flange part 3 is provided between the upper surface of the secondary sealing area 32 (for example, the flange lower upper surface 340) and the lower surface of the lid member 5. It is configured such that a gap C is formed, and the gap C is configured to become a part of the flow path R.

In the packaging container 1 of the above embodiment, the primary sealing step is performed by a line seal, but it may also be performed by a spot seal that seals at least one point. For example, as shown in FIGS. 20(a) and 20(b), the flange portion 3 is provided with a plurality of convex portions as the sixth flange upper portion 33F, and the sixth flange upper portion 33F also serves as the primary sealing area 31. It is possible that The shape of the flange upper part 33F is, for example, a truncated cone shape. Further, the flange upper portion 33F may be provided at the four corners of the flange portion 3 and at the center of each side of the flange portion 3. In this way, when a plurality of primary sealing areas 31 are provided with gaps in the circumferential direction of the opening edge 21, after the primary sealing process is performed, the heated steam S is applied to the gaps between the primary sealing areas 31 in the circumferential direction. , so that a sufficient amount of heated steam S can be circulated inside the housing section 2 .

For example, as shown in FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b), a plurality of recesses may be provided in the flange portion 3 as the flange lower portion 34. The flange lower portions 34 are arranged with gaps in the circumferential direction of the opening edge 21, and may be located at, for example, four corners of the flange portion 3. In this case, the flange upper part 33 is located on each side of the flange portion 3. In this configuration, the flange upper portion 33 also serves as the primary sealing area 31. In addition, in this configuration, after the primary sealing process is performed, a gap C is generated between the lower surface of the lid member 5 and the flange lower upper surface 340, and this gap C is located at the four corners of the flange portion 3. , heated steam S flows into the housing part 2 from the four corners of the flange part 3.

In the packaging container 1 of the above embodiment, the shapes and sizes of the through holes 38 formed in the flange portion 3 are the same, but may be different. For example, as shown in FIGS. 22(a) and 22(b), through holes 38A are provided in a pair of adjacent corners among the four corners of the flange portion 3, and It is conceivable that a through hole 38B having a different size from the through hole 38A is provided at a pair of corners other than the pair of adjacent corners. The diameter of the through hole 38A is larger than the diameter of the through hole 38B.

Moreover, the flange upper part 33 may be a U-shaped or arc-shaped convex strip in plan view. For example, the seventh flange upper portion 33G located outside the through hole 38A may be a U-shaped protrusion in plan view. The seventh flange upper portion 33G is provided along a portion located on the outside of the outer periphery of the through hole 38A. Note that a plurality (for example, three) of fifth flange upper portions 33E are provided along the opening edge 21 inside the through hole 38A. In addition, in this packaging container 1, the primary seal scheduled area 31 is the outer peripheral edge of the flange portion 3.

As described above, since the flange upper part 33 is provided at both the outer and inner positions of the through hole 38A inside the primary sealing planned area 31, the flange upper upper surface 330 is provided at both the outer and inner positions of the through hole 38A. In order to support the lid member 5, a gap C is maintained between the through hole 38A and the lid member 5, thereby preventing the through hole 38A from being blocked.

In the above embodiment, the groove portion 39 was provided as a recess in the flange portion 3, but a spot-shaped recess 39 may be provided. For example, the recesses 39 may be provided at four corners of the flange portion 3. Further, a through hole 38B may be provided at the bottom of the recess 39.

Furthermore, after performing the secondary sealing step, a portion of the flange portion 3 including the through hole 38 may be removed. For example, in the configuration in which the through holes 38 are provided at the four corners of the flange portion 3 described above (see FIGS. 22(a) and 22(b)), as shown in FIGS. 23(a) and 23(b), After the secondary sealing area 32 is provided between the flange upper part 33E and the through hole 38 and the secondary sealing process is performed, a cutting line L between the through hole 38 and the secondary sealing area 32 is formed. , it is conceivable to cut the flange portion 3. In a configuration in which the through hole 38 is located between the primary sealing area 31 and the secondary sealing area 32, water droplets tend to accumulate around the through hole 38 in the flange part 3; By removing a portion including 38, it is possible to prevent such water droplets from affecting the packaging container 1.

In addition, in FIG. 23, the cutting line L was provided so as to cut off the four corners of the flange portion 3, but it extends between the through hole 38 and the secondary sealing area 32, and also cuts off the opening edge 21. It may be provided so as to be continuously cut out all around the circumference in the circumferential direction. That is, the cutting line L may be provided so as to cut the outer peripheral portion of the flange portion 3 including the through hole 38 .

Although the planned penetration area 36 in the above embodiment has a circular shape in plan view, it may also have an elongated shape such as an elliptical shape, and in this case, the through hole 38 may have a slit shape or the like. . Further, the through hole 38 in the above embodiment was formed by forming a tear 380 in the intended penetration area 36 provided with the cross-shaped groove 360 or by punching out the intended penetration area, but it could be formed by other methods. may be formed.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 24(a) and 24(b), each through hole 38 may be formed by forming a U-shaped crack 380 in the flange portion 3 in plan view. . In this configuration, the flange portion 3 is an eighth flange upper portion 33H formed by deforming a portion of the flange portion 3 (for example, the planned penetration area 36) upward with the crack 380 as a boundary, The upper surface has an eighth flange upper portion 33H located at the uppermost portion of the upper surface 30 of the flange portion 3. Further, a flow path R is formed between the lid member 5 and the flange part 3 by the eighth flange upper part 33H. Specifically, a U-shaped crack 380 is formed in the planned penetration area 36, The inner part of the U-shaped crevice 380 is bent upwards relative to the other area of the flange part 3, with the straight line 381 connecting the base ends of the flange part 3 as the boundary, thereby forming the through hole 38 and Eight flange upper parts 33H are formed. Further, a second flange upper portion 33B may be provided near the through hole 38.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 25(a) and 25(b), each through hole 38 may be formed by forming a single linear tear 380 in the flange portion 3. In this configuration, the through hole 38 is formed by lifting the planned penetration region 36 above the area other than the planned penetration region 36 of the flange portion 3 with the pair of straight lines 381 extending from both ends of the crack 380 as boundaries. At the same time, the eighth flange upper part 33H is formed.

In this way, in the configuration in which the through hole 38 is formed by deforming the planned penetration region 36 upwardly relative to the region other than the planned penetration region 36 of the flange portion 3, heated steam S When the gas flows into the housing portion 2, the intended penetration region 36 is likely to be held raised by the heated steam S, so that the through hole 38 can be easily maintained in an open state.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 26(a) and 26(b), the through hole 38 is formed by the intended penetration region 36 being located above the region other than the intended penetration region 36 of the flange portion 3. In addition, in the configuration in which the eighth flange upper part 33H is formed, a third flange upper part 33C may be provided near the through hole 38.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 27(a) and 27(b), when deforming the intended penetration area 36 upward, a jig is used from above at the boundary 382 between the flange portion 3 and the intended penetration area 36. It is preferable to form a recess with the recess and deform the planned penetration region 36 upward using the recess as a starting point. In this case, the boundary 382 of the flange portion 3 is easily bent, and the planned penetration region 36 is easily held in a raised state.

According to this configuration, the eighth flange upper part 33H is formed by deforming a part of the flange portion 3 with the fissure 380 as a boundary, and the circulation path R is formed by the eighth flange upper part 33H, so that the heated steam S can flow into the storage section 2 via this flow path R.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 28(a) and 28(b), when the through hole 38 is formed to become the eighth flange upper part 33H, the flange upper part 33H is formed in the flange part 3. 33, only the eighth flange upper portion 33H may be provided. According to this configuration, even if the flange part 3 does not have a separate flange upper part 33 in addition to the eighth flange upper part 33H, just by forming the crack 380 in the flange part 3 and forming the through hole 38, A flow path R through which the heated steam S flows can be formed.

In addition, in a structure in which the intended penetration area 36 becomes the eighth flange upper part 33H when the through hole 38 is formed, the through hole 38 may be formed by the following process, for example. First, as shown in FIG. 29(a), positioning is performed to form a fissure 380 in the flange portion 3, and as shown in FIG. 29(b), the fissure 380 is formed using a shearing jig. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 29(c), a jig for forming a depression is driven into the boundary 382 of the planned penetration region 36, and the impact causes the planned penetration region 36 to deform upward as shown in FIG. 29(d). The through hole 38 can be formed using the same method.

As shown in FIGS. 30(a) and 30(b), the planned penetration region 36 is a convex portion that protrudes upward, and the upper end of the convex portion may constitute the eighth flange upper portion 33H. . Further, the planned penetration region 36 may have, for example, a curved surface that bulges upward. In this planned penetration region 36, the upper end of the curved surface constitutes an eighth flange upper portion 33H. The planned penetration region 36 of this embodiment is bowl-shaped. The entire upper surface of this planned penetration region 36 is a curved surface. Further, the outer peripheral edge of the planned penetration region 36 has an arcuate portion and a linear portion. In the outer peripheral edge of the planned penetration region 36 of this embodiment, the arcuate portion is arranged inside the linear portion. In addition, in this configuration, a tear 380 is formed in a part of the outer peripheral edge (for example, an arc-shaped portion) of the planned penetration region 36, and the planned penetration region 36 is deformed upward, as shown in FIG. 30(c). As shown in FIG. 2, the planned penetration region 36 becomes a curved surface that is convex upward.

Note that when the planned penetration area 36 is a convex portion that projects upward, the entire upper surface of the convex portion may be a non-curved slope surface, or only a portion of the upper surface of the convex portion may be a curved surface. Good too. For example, as shown in FIGS. 31(a) and 31(b), the planned penetration area 36 is a convex portion whose upper part is a curved surface bulging upward, and the upper end of the curved surface is An eighth flange upper portion 33H may also be configured. Note that the lower part of the upper surface of the planned penetration region 36 is an inclined surface. The outer peripheral edge of the planned penetration area 36 has a rectangular shape with rounded corners. In addition, in this configuration, there is a tear in a part of the outer periphery of the planned penetration area 36 (for example, a portion of the outer periphery excluding one side located on the outside, that is, three sides and a pair of corners of the rectangular outer periphery). 380 and deforms the planned penetration region 36 upward, the planned penetration region 36 becomes a curved surface that bulges upward, as shown in FIG. 31(c).

In this manner, in a configuration in which a portion of the flange portion 3 that is deformed upward (for example, the intended penetration area 36) is a curved surface that bulges upward, the primary seal intended area 31 and the lid member 5 When these are sealed, the crevice 380 is formed in the flange portion 3 so that the upwardly bent convex curved surface can stably support the lid member 5 without damaging it.

In the above embodiment, in the packaging container 1 shown in FIGS. 24 to 31, the planned penetration area 36 was located above other areas of the flange portion 3 with the tear 380 as a boundary, but by being located below, A through hole 38 may be formed. In this case, a portion of the flange portion 3 other than the intended penetration region 36 may constitute the flange upper portion 33.

In the packaging container 1 of the above embodiment, the through holes 38 were arranged at the corners of the flange portion 3, but as shown in FIG. may be placed. Furthermore, although the packaging container 1 of the above embodiment was provided with one accommodating section 2, it may be provided with a plurality of accommodating sections 2 as shown in FIGS. 32(b) to 32(c). In this case, the through hole 38 may be arranged between adjacent accommodating parts 2 (in a region sandwiched between accommodating parts 2).

In the packaging container 1 of the above embodiment, the intended penetration area 36 was provided in the flange portion 3, but instead of the intended penetration area 36, the through hole 38 may be provided in advance in the flange portion 3. In this case, the method for manufacturing the packaged food 6 does not include the through-hole forming process, but includes a food storage process, a primary sealing process, a sterilization process, and a secondary sealing process.

In the method for producing a packaged food according to the above embodiment, the food storage step, the through-hole formation step, the primary sealing step, the sterilization step, and the secondary sealing step are performed in order, but after the through-hole formation step, the food A containment step may also be performed.

Although the flange portion 3 in the above embodiment is provided all around the opening edge 21 in the circumferential direction, it may be provided in an interrupted state (at intervals) in the circumferential direction.

In the packaging container 1 of the above embodiment, the accommodating portion 2 and the flange portion 3 are configured as one member, but may be configured as separate members. For example, the container body 4 is configured by forming the accommodating part 2 and the flange part 3 as separate members, and by bonding the accommodating part 2 and the flange part 3 with adhesive, the accommodating part 2 and the flange part 3 are connected. It is possible that

Moreover, in the present invention, various contents can be accommodated as objects to be sterilized. The contents are, for example, items that do not want to come into contact with contaminants such as bacteria or dust or oxygen during storage or transportation, such as foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, medical equipment, sanitary supplies, and physical and chemical supplies. , bio-related supplies, etc. Among these, foods are preferred, and foods that can maintain their appearance and quality during steam sterilization under high temperature and high pressure (for example, foods that are solid during storage) are particularly preferred.

In addition, as the sterilizing gas used in the present invention, heated steam was used in the above embodiment, but depending on the contents, other sterilizing gases such as ozone gas, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, acetic acid, ethylene oxide, chlorine dioxide, etc. Gas may also be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Packaging container, 2...Accommodation part, 3...Flange part, 4...Container body, 5...Lid member, 6...Packaged food, 20...Opening, 21...Opening edge, 22...Bottom plate, 23...Side wall, 30...Flange Upper surface, 31... Primary sealing planned area, 32... Secondary sealing planned area, 33... Flange top, 33A... First flange top, 33B... Second flange top, 33C... Third flange top, 33D... Fourth flange top, 33E... Upper part of the fifth flange, 33F... Upper part of the sixth flange, 33G... Upper part of the seventh flange, 33H... Upper part of the eighth flange, 34... Lower part of the flange, 35... Lower surface of the flange, 36... Planned penetration area, 38, 38A, 38B... Through hole, 39... Groove (recess), 220... Bottom plate top surface, 221... Bottom plate bottom surface, 222... Bottom plate protrusion, 223... Bottom plate slope, 230... First flange top surface, 330... Flange top top surface, 340... Flange bottom top surface , 360... Groove, 361... Top surface, 362... Bottom surface, 363... Outer periphery, 380... Cleft, 381... Straight line, 382... Boundary, C... Gap, F... Food, L... Cutting line, R... Distribution path, S... heating steam

Claims (15)

A sterilization method for sterilizing contents contained in a container body using a sterilizing gas, the method comprising:
The container body includes an accommodating portion having an opening upwardly, a flange portion extending outward from an opening edge of the accommodating portion, and a lid member covering the opening and a primary sealing scheduled area to be sealed in a primary sealing step. , a secondary sealing area where the contents are completely sealed by being sealed with the lid member in the secondary sealing process; a flange upper part whose upper surface is located at the uppermost part of the upper surfaces of the flange; and an upper surface. a flange portion having a lower flange portion located below the upper surface of the flange upper portion, and a planned penetration region located inside the planned primary sealing region and provided with a through hole penetrating the flange portion; We are equipped with
The sterilization method includes:
an accommodation step of accommodating the contents in the accommodating portion; a through-hole forming step of forming a through-hole in a planned penetration area of the flange portion;
a primary sealing step of sealing the lid member and the primary sealing area;
a sterilization step of sterilizing the contents by exposing them to a sterilization gas;
a secondary sealing step of sealing the lid member and a secondary sealing area of the flange portion,
In the primary sealing step, a flow path is formed between the lid member supported by the upper part of the flange and the lower part of the flange so that gas can flow between the outside and the inside of the housing part,
In the sterilization step, a sterilization gas is circulated within the storage part through the flow path,
In the secondary sealing step, the lid member and the secondary sealing area are sealed to close the flow path and completely seal the contents.
A sterilization method characterized by: 2. The sterilization method according to claim 1, wherein in the through-hole forming step, the through-hole is formed by forming a rift in a part of the area to be penetrated. The planned penetration area has a curved surface that bulges upward,
The sterilization method according to claim 2, wherein the upper end of the curved surface constitutes the upper part of the flange. 3. The sterilization method according to claim 2, wherein the planned penetration region is a downwardly recessed portion, and in the through hole forming step, the tear is formed within the recessed portion. The flange portion is provided around the entire circumference of the opening edge of the accommodating portion,
The sterilization method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of the planned penetration areas are provided and are arranged at opposing positions sandwiching the accommodation portion. A sterilization method for sterilizing contents contained in a container body using a sterilizing gas, the method comprising:
The container body includes an accommodating portion having an opening upwardly, a flange portion extending outward from an opening edge of the accommodating portion, and a lid member covering the opening and a primary sealing scheduled area to be sealed in a primary sealing step. , comprising the lid member and a secondary sealing area where the contents are completely sealed by being sealed in the secondary sealing step,
The sterilization method includes:
a housing step of housing the contents in the housing section;
a primary sealing step of sealing the lid member and the primary sealing area;
a sterilization step of sterilizing the contents by exposing them to a sterilization gas;
a secondary sealing step of sealing the lid member and a secondary sealing area of the flange portion,
In the primary sealing step, a flow path is formed between the lid member and the flange portion to allow gas to flow between the outside and the inside of the housing portion,
In the sterilization step, a sterilization gas is circulated within the storage part through the flow path,
In the secondary sealing step, the lid member and the area scheduled for secondary sealing are sealed to close the flow path and completely seal the contents;
The sterilization method includes:
A through hole that penetrates the flange portion on the inner side of the primary sealing area of the flange portion prior to the primary sealing step, and is configured to become a part of the flow path. A sterilization treatment method comprising a step of forming a through hole . 7. The sterilization method according to claim 6 , wherein in the through-hole forming step, the through-hole is formed by forming a crevice in a part of the flange. The flange portion has a flange upper portion formed by deforming a portion of the flange portion upward with the crack as a boundary;
The sterilization method according to claim 7 , wherein in the primary sealing step, the flow path is formed between the lid member supported by the flange upper part and the flange portion. The sterilization method according to claim 8 , wherein a portion of the flange portion that is deformed upward has a curved surface that bulges upward. The flange part has a flange upper part whose upper surface is located at the uppermost part of the upper surfaces of the flange part,
The sterilization method according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein in the primary sealing step, the flow path is formed between the lid member supported by the flange upper part and the flange portion. The flange portion is provided around the entire circumference of the opening edge of the accommodating portion,
The sterilization method according to any one of claims 6 to 10 , wherein a plurality of the through holes are provided and are arranged at opposing positions sandwiching the accommodating portion. The upper surface of the primary sealing area is located at the uppermost portion of the upper surface of the flange portion,
The upper surface of the secondary seal scheduled area is located below the upper surface of the primary sealed scheduled area,
The flange portion is configured such that when the lid member and the primary sealing area are sealed, a gap is formed between the upper surface of the secondary sealing area and the lower surface of the lid member,
The sterilization method according to claim 6 , wherein the gap is configured to become a part of the flow path. The sterilization method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , further comprising a gas replacement step of supplying an inert gas into the storage section through the flow path. Furthermore, a gas replacement step comprising a gas replacement step of supplying an inert gas into the storage part through the flow path,
The sterilization method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein in the gas replacement step, an inert gas is supplied through the through hole. In the secondary sealing step, a mold on which the container body is placed is used,
15. The sterilization method according to claim 14 , wherein in the gas replacement step, the inert gas is supplied into the storage part through a gas supply path provided in the mold.