JPH0744625Y2 - Aseptic container - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial field of application] The present invention relates to a container for directly storing and transporting objects to be stored such as seafood, meat, vegetables, and vegetables under cultivation, and particularly, semi-permanently in the container. The present invention relates to a sterile container that can be maintained in a sterile state.

[Conventional technology]

Conventional containers for directly storing and transporting seafood, meat, vegetables, and cultivated vegetables are usually formed by secondary molding a sheet obtained by extruding a thermoplastic resin with an extruder. ing. In addition, this container is made into a mixture by adding a foaming agent and a nucleating agent to a thermoplastic resin, such as polystyrene, to enhance the heat retention and cooling function, put this mixture in an extruder and extrude it under heating and pressure, and attach it to the tip of the extruder. The foam obtained by extruding into the low pressure zone from the die is secondarily molded. Containers made of these thermoplastic resin sheets and foams have passed the PL standard for some time, but since they do not possess anti-gold property, contamination by various bacteria is considered during transportation and storage of these containers. When packing food in these containers for hygiene management, it is necessary to thoroughly clean and sterilize the containers.

In addition, due to advances in plastic processing technology, those in which these plastics are always sterilized have been developed, and recently, by mixing into plastics (resin, film and sheet) or applying to the surface, Many antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, bactericides, and the like that exert their effects have been developed, and some of them are on the market.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

However, a container using plastic as a material having an antibacterial and bactericidal effect by mixing an antibacterial agent into these plastics or applying it to the surface is, for example, an elution type, and the antibacterial agent eluted from these plastics is used. Since the antibacterial property is exerted by such factors, the taste of food may be changed. Further, although the temperature reaches 250 ° C. or higher due to the processing of plastics, conventional antibacterial agents, especially organic ones, decompose and the antibacterial effect is diminished. Furthermore, in order to obtain the prescribed antibacterial and sterilizing power, a considerable amount, for example, 2.5% or more of the added amount is necessary with respect to the weight of the plastic. , The physical properties inherent in plastic are impaired. That is, the transparency, slipperiness, heat seal strength, air permeability, etc. are affected, resulting in problems in the processability.

Due to the above-mentioned problems, containers using an antibacterial agent mixed in these plastics or using plastics as a material coated on the surface are rarely used. For this reason, each food manufacturer is currently forced to make a large investment to maintain the hygienic condition of food, and make efforts to improve processing machinery, install a sterile room, etc. according to the scale. There is. As for the container that transports food as part of this, we also have equipment for cleaning and sterilization.
We are forced to invest heavily. In some cases, the sanitary condition is left to the other party and an unprotected case may be considered.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can exhibit antibacterial properties without elution of antibacterial agents, etc., and does not decompose the antibacterial components even at the temperature required for plastic processing, and the addition amount It is an object of the present invention to provide an aseptic container which requires less amount, has a long-term antibacterial property, and is easily processed.

[Means for solving problems]

In order to solve the above problems, the aseptic container of the present invention is a container for directly storing and transporting storage objects such as seafood, meat storage, vegetables, and vegetables under cultivation, wherein the container is in contact with the storage objects. The contact surface of the container is mainly composed of a thermoplastic resin and an antibacterial zeolite, and the antibacterial zeolite is 0.1 to 0.1 to the total weight of the thermoplastic resin.
It is composed of a multilayer sheet in which at least one thermoplastic resin sheet is fused or adhered to a sheet in the range of 5% by weight.

[Action]

According to the above configuration, since the contact surface of the container body in contact with the object to be stored is composed of the multilayer sheet or the foam containing the antibacterial zeolite, the contact surface of the container body by the sterilizing ions in the antibacterial zeolite. The microorganisms adhering to the container can be killed, the contact surface of the container body can be maintained in a sterile condition, and the container can be kept warm and cool.

〔Example〕

 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sterile container of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a multilayer sheet. In both figures, 1 indicates a sterile container, and the sterile container 1 has an antibacterial property on a contact surface of a container body 2 and a lid body 3 covering the container body 2 which is in contact with an object to be stored. It has been given.

The container body 2 is composed of a multi-layer sheet 9 containing antibacterial zeolite 6, and the multi-layer sheet 9 is molded in a box shape. A lid 3 is fitted to the upper end edge 2a of the opening of the container body 2. There is a projection 4 for mating and fixing. The wall thickness of the container body 2 has a slight thickness in terms of strength and durability.

As shown in FIG. 2, the multilayer sheet 9 of the container body 2 is mainly composed of a thermoplastic resin 5 and an antibacterial zeolite 6, and the total amount of the thermoplastic resin 5 is 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of the antibacterial zeolite 6. % Range and 0.03 mm
At least one thermoplastic resin sheet 8 is fused or adhered to a sheet 7 having a thickness of 0.1 mm. The box-shaped container body 2 is molded with the sheet 7 containing the antibacterial zeolite 6 of the multilayer sheet 9 inside. The reason for using the multilayer sheet 9 in this way is to impart antibacterial property to the contact surface on the inner surface of the container body 2, and to reduce the amount of the antibacterial zeolite 6 used and to reduce the cost.

The thermoplastic resin 5 can be mixed with the antibacterial zeolite 6, and is a storage object such as seafood, meat, vegetables,
Properties required as a container for directly storing and transporting vegetables during cultivation, for example, being able to withstand a certain low temperature or high temperature and having heat retention and cold retention, withstanding vibration during stacking and transportation Any material may be used as long as it has rigidity, does not smell food, and is water resistant and non-toxic.

The thermoplastic resin 5 is, for example, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, vinyl chloride, ABS resin, nylon, polyester, polyvinylidene chloride, polyamide,
Examples thereof include polyacetal, polyvinyl alcohol, polycarbonate, acrylic resin, fluororesin, polyurethane elastomer, polyester elastomer, rayon, cupra, acetate, triacetate, vinylidene, natural and synthetic rubber.

Of these, polypropylene (PP) is most suitable.

The antibacterial zeolite 6 may be such that some or all of the ion-exchangeable ions of natural zeolite or synthetic zeolite are replaced with antibacterial metal ions, such as silver, copper and zinc. -See Japanese Patent No. 181002).

That is, the zeolite is generally aluminosilicate having a three-dimensional skeleton structure, the general formula ^{_{XM 2 / n O · Al 2}} O 3
・ It is represented by YSiO ₂・ ZH ₂ O. Here, M represents an ion-exchangeable ion, which is usually a monovalent or divalent metal ion,
For example, each ion of sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, etc., n is the valence of a metal ion, X is a coefficient of a metal oxide, Y is a coefficient of silica, and Z is the number of molecules of crystal water. Such a general formula XM ² / _n O ・ Al ₂ O ₃・ YSiO ₂・ Z
The ion exchange capacity of zeolite represented by H ₂ O is 2.6.
^meq / g to 11.5 ^meq / g. Therefore, the antibacterial zeolite 6 is obtained by substituting the ion-exchangeable ions with antibacterial metal ions such as silver, copper and zinc. In terms of antibacterial properties, the antibacterial zeolite 6 preferably contains these antibacterial metal ions in the zeolite in an amount of about 0.1 to 15% by weight (shown by weight% on a 110 ° C. dry basis).

The antibacterial zeolite 6 may be a natural zeolite or a synthetic zeolite in which some or all of the ion-exchangeable ions are replaced with ammonium ions and antibacterial metal ions (Japanese Patent Application No. 61-290144). Of Priority Claim in Article 42-2, Paragraph 1 of the Japanese Patent Law
(See "Antibacterial Zeolite" filed April 4th). The reason why the ammonium ions are added in this manner is to effectively prevent discoloration of the antibacterial zeolite 6, and it is preferable that the ammonium ions in the antibacterial zeolite 6 are in the range of 0.5 to 2.0% by weight. Further, from the viewpoint of substantially preventing discoloration of the thermoplastic resin 5, it is preferable that the content of the antibacterial zeolite 6 containing the ammonium ion in the thermoplastic resin 5 is 0.1 to 3.0%. .

In addition, the antibacterial properties, durability of antibacterial activity, heat resistance, and safety of these two kinds of antibacterial zeolite 6 are described in detail in these publications or application examples. That is, the antibacterial property has been reconfirmed by an antibacterial activity test as described below, and the antibacterial activity is maintained by continuously packing the antibacterial zeolite into a glass column having an inner diameter of 22 mm and a packed bed volume of 10 mL. And tap water in this column at 25-30 mL / m.
Water is passed at a flow rate of in, and the antibacterial activity of the antibacterial zeolite after the water flow of 5000 L is still maintained, and the durability of the antibacterial activity can be said to be semi-permanent. In addition, it can withstand heat up to 550 ° C, and has also passed safety tests such as antibacterial metal elution tests.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the multilayer sheet 9 of the container body 2 is mainly composed of a foaming resin 5 ', an antibacterial zeolite 6, a foaming agent and a nucleating agent 10, and is based on the total weight of the foaming resin 5'. The antibacterial zeolite 6 is in the range of 0.1 to 5% by weight, the foaming agent is in the range of 5 to 15% by weight, and the nucleating agent 10 is in the range of 0.1 to 5% by weight, and the foam 11 may be replaced. The foam 11 is particularly excellent in heat retention and cold retention and is lightweight.
As the foaming resin 5 ', for example, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene and ABS resin are used, as the foaming agent, for example, Freon 12, butane, propane and pentane are used, and as the nucleating agent 10, for example, talc is used. , Calcium carbonate and clay are used.

Like the container body 2, the lid body 3 is composed of a multi-layer sheet 9 or a foam body 11 containing an antibacterial zeolite 6, and the shape thereof is also formed into a shallow box shape substantially like the container body 2. The container body 2 is provided on the side edge 3a of the lid body 3.
An attaching / detaching device 12 which is detachably fitted to the protrusion 4 is provided. Since the lid 3 has the same structure as the container body 2 in other respects, the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, a usage state of the aseptic container 1 having the above configuration will be shown.

First, the container body 2 of the stored aseptic container 1 is taken out, and the seafood, meat, vegetables, and vegetables under cultivation are put in the container body 2. Next, the lid 3 that is also stored is taken out, the lid 3 is placed on the container body 2 containing the food, and the attachment / detachment device 12 of the lid 3 is fitted on the protrusion 4 of the container body 2 to remove the lid from the container body 2. Make sure body 3 does not come off easily. At this time, since the contact surfaces of the container body 2 and the lid body 3 of the stored aseptic container 1 that come into contact with the objects to be stored have antibacterial properties, they are sterilized unless they are contaminated by dust or dust. Since the inside of the container 1 is kept aseptic, it is not necessary to wash or sterilize the aseptic container 1, and the above food can be put into the aseptic container 1 as it is. .
Further, the container body 2 and the lid 3 have heat retention and cold retention properties. In particular, the container body 2 and the lid 3 are made of foam.
When it is composed of 11, extremely high heat retention, cold retention and antibacterial properties can be obtained at the same time.

Next, regarding the sterility container 1 of the present invention, namely,
Antibacterial activity test of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella and Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

The test method is shown below.

1) Test strain Escherichia coli IFO 3301 (E. coli) Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P (Staphylococcus aureus) Salmonella typhimurium (Laboratory isolate) (Salmonella) Vibrio parahaemolyticus IFO 12711 (V. parahaemolyticus) 2) Escherichia coli IFO 12711 Coccus, Salmonella for normal agar medium with 0.2% meat extract For Vibrio parahaemolyticus 3% salt-containing normal agar medium with 0.2% meat extract 3) Preparation of bacterial solution Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella; in normal broth medium After culturing overnight at 37 ° C., it was prepared using sterile physiological saline so that the number of bacteria was 10 ⁴ to ⁵ per 1 mL.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus; After culturing at 37 ℃ overnight in normal broth medium containing 3% sodium chloride,
It was prepared by using sterile 3% saline so that the number of bacteria was 10 ⁴ to ⁵ per 1 mL.

4) Test operation Test piece of Example (4.8 cm x 4.8 cm) after washing with ethanol
A fixed amount of the bacterial solution was sprayed on one side of the test piece (4.8 cm x 4.8 cm) of the comparative example and stored at 37 ° C. After the start of storage 0 (immediately after spraying), 24 and 48 hours later, the surviving bacteria on the test piece were washed out with SCDLP liquid medium (Daigo Nutrition Chemistry), and the washing solution was subjected to a pour plate culture method using a medium for measuring the number of bacteria. (37 ° C
The number of cells produced was measured for 2 days) and converted into the number of viable cells per one test piece. In addition, after dispensing the same amount of bacterial solution as sprayed on the test piece into a Petri dish, store it at 37 ° C and immediately after 2
The number of viable bacteria after 4 and 48 hours was measured and used as a target.

Example 1 Polypropylene (PP) with antibacterial zeolite
A test piece is made by adding and mixing 0.7% by weight.

Comparative Example 1 A test piece is made of polypropylene (PP) only.

Table 1 shows the test results.

Example 2 Polypropylene (PP) with antibacterial zeolite
A test piece is made by adding and mixing 1.0% by weight.

Comparative Example 2 A sample piece is made of polypropylene (PP) only.

The test results are shown in Appendix-2.

[Effect of device]

As described in detail above, according to the aseptic container of the present invention, the microorganisms adhering to the container contact surface are killed by the sterilizing ions in the antibacterial zeolite, and the container contact surface is kept sterile. You can Therefore,
The structure is simple and the amount of antibacterial zeolite used can be reduced. Since it uses a composite material such as a multi-layer sheet or a foamed material, it is rich in keeping warm and cold. Furthermore, even if the container is not cleaned and sterilized and stored for a long period of time, the container can be maintained in a sterile condition, hygiene management of the container is facilitated, and the container is protected from dirt such as dust and dust. If stored, it is not necessary to wash and disinfect the container when packing seafood, meat, vegetables, and vegetables under cultivation in the container. Unlike conventional bactericides, antibacterial substances do not elute or vaporize from the antibacterial zeolite,
The taste of the food is changed by the antibacterial substance and there is no toxicity due to the antibacterial substance, and the antibacterial effect lasts for a long time (semi-permanently).

Further, since the antibacterial zeolite is strong against heat, it is not easily affected by the heat, and its antibacterial effect is not diminished unless a temperature of 550 ° C. or higher is applied during the production of the container.

Further, the amount of antibacterial zeolite added to obtain a predetermined antibacterial and sterilizing power may be small, and the processability is maintained without deteriorating the inherent physical properties of resin and the like, and its economic efficiency There is an effect that it can also retain the sex.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings show an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the sterilization container of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a multilayer sheet, and FIG. 3 is a foam. FIG. 1 ... Aseptic container 2 ... Container body, 3 ... Lid 5 ... Thermoplastic resin, 5 '... Foaming resin 6 ... Antibacterial zeolite 7 ... Sheet 8 ... Thermoplastic resin sheet 9 ... … Multilayer sheet, 10 …… Nucleating agent 11 …… Foam

Claims (6)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A container for directly storing and transporting seafood, livestock meat, vegetables, and vegetables under cultivation that are objects to be stored, the contact surface of the container being in contact with the object to be stored,
Mainly composed of thermoplastic resin and antibacterial zeolite,
A multilayer sheet in which at least one thermoplastic resin sheet is fused or adhered to a sheet in which the antibacterial zeolite is in the range of 0.1 to 5% by weight with respect to the total weight of the thermoplastic resin. Aseptic container. 2. The sterile container according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic resin is polypropylene. 3. The antibacterial zeolite, wherein a part or all of the ion-exchangeable ions in the zeolite are replaced with antibacterial metal ions.
Aseptic container according to paragraph. 4. The antibacterial zeolite according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a part or all of the ion-exchangeable ions in the zeolite are replaced with ammonium ions and antibacterial metal ions. Aseptic container. 5. The utility model registration claim 3 or 4 wherein the antibacterial metal ion is an ion of silver, copper or zinc.
Aseptic container according to paragraph. 6. The multi-layer sheet according to claim 1, which is mainly composed of a foaming resin, an antibacterial zeolite, a foaming agent and a nucleating agent, and the antibacterial zeolite is added in an amount of 0.1 to 0.1 with respect to the total weight of the foaming resin. 5% by weight, 5 to 15% by weight of the foaming agent, and 0.1 to 5% by weight of the nucleating agent as a foamed product in the range of utility model registration selected from claims 2 to 5.
Sterile container according to one section.