Pouch

Abstract

To provide a pouch comprising a protrusion seal part for stably peeling.SOLUTION: A wing seal part of a pouch comprises a protrusion seal part. The protrusion seal part comprises a first portion extending toward a base part from a first wing seal part; a second portion extending toward the base part from a second wing seal part; a first connection part; a second connection part; and a third portion crossing with a central line, that is connected to the first portion via the first connection part, and is connected to the second portion via the second connection part. A distance from a center point of a storage part to an inner edge of the first connection part is represented by L1. A distance from the center point to an inner edge of the second connection part is represented by L2. A distance from the center point to an inner edge of the third portion is represented by L3. A distance from the center point to an inner edge of a third edge seal part is represented by L4. When a dimension of the third portion overlapping with a central line is represented by W1, L3<L4; L1-L3<W1; and L2-L3<W1 are satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pouch that includes a film and contains a content. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, many pouches made of plastic film are available on the market, filled and sealed with cooked or semi-cooked liquid, viscous material, or a mixture of liquid and solid. The contents are, for example, cooked foods such as curry, stew, soup, etc. In the pouch, the non-sealed portion, where the film is not joined to each other, defines the storage portion in which the contents are stored. Also, the sealed portion, where the film is joined to each other, seals the storage portion. Microwave ovens are widely used as a means for heating and cooking the contents.

[0003] However, when the contents in the pouch are heated using a microwave oven, the moisture contained in the contents evaporates as the contents are heated, and the pressure in the pouch's storage section increases. If the pressure in the pouch's storage section increases, the pouch may break, causing the contents to scatter and soil the microwave oven. In consideration of this problem, it has been proposed to provide a steam venting mechanism that communicates with the storage section and releases steam from the storage section to the outside when the pressure in the pouch's storage section reaches a predetermined value or higher. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that, as a steam venting mechanism, a protruding seal section is formed in a part of the seal section, protruding inward in a V-shape from a seal section that extends along the outer edge of the pouch. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-80072 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the pouch disclosed in Patent Document 1, if the position of the tip of the protruding seal part is shifted from the center of the heat-sealed band due to manufacturing tolerances, the direction of pressure applied to the protruding seal part is also thought to be shifted. In this case, the degree of peeling of the protruding seal part varies from one to another. For this reason, there may be cases where the protruding seal part does not peel properly.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pouch having a protruding seal portion that can be stably peeled off. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a pouch including a flexible film and configured to accommodate a content, a contour including a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge in a first direction, and a third edge and a fourth edge extending between the first edge and the second edge; a contour seal portion where the overlapping films are joined along the contour; a storage section that is located inside the contour seal section and includes a first non-sealed section where the overlapping films are not joined; a wing portion including the film, the wing portion being located between the first edge and the second edge and extending from the third edge to the fourth edge and including the overlapping film; the contour seal portion includes a third edge seal portion along the third edge and a fourth edge seal portion along the fourth edge, the wing portion includes a base portion extending from the third edge seal portion to the fourth edge seal portion, a wing first edge facing the base portion in the first direction, a wing seal portion to which the overlapping films are bonded, and a second non-seal portion located between the wing seal portion and the wing first edge and to which the overlapping films are not bonded; the wing seal portion includes a first wing seal portion located on the third edge side of a center line that passes through a center point of the storage portion and extends in the first direction, a second wing seal portion located on the fourth edge side of the center line, and a protruding seal portion connected to the first wing seal portion and the second wing seal portion and defining the second non-seal portion; the protruding seal portion includes a first portion extending from the first wing seal portion toward the base portion, a second portion extending from the second wing seal portion toward the base portion, a first connection portion, a second connection portion, and a third portion connected to the first portion via the first connection portion and to the second portion via the second connection portion, and intersects with the center line; When the distance from the center point of the storage portion to the inner edge of the first connection portion is L1, the distance from the center point to the inner edge of the second connection portion is L2, the distance from the center point to the inner edge of the third portion is L3, the distance from the center point to the inner edge of the third edge seal portion is L4, and the dimension of the third portion overlapping the center line is W1, the following relational expression is established: L3 <L4; L1-L3 <W1; L2-L3 <W1; It's a pouch.

[0008] In the pouch of the present invention, the inner edge of the third portion may extend linearly.

[0009] In the pouch of the present invention, an inner edge of the third portion may extend parallel to the wing first edge.

[0010] In the pouch of the present invention, the inner edge of the first portion and the inner edge of the second portion may extend linearly.

[0011] In the pouch of the present invention, an inner edge of the first portion and an inner edge of the second portion may extend in the first direction.

[0012] In the pouch of the present invention, an inner edge of the first portion and an inner edge of the second portion may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction so as to approach the center line toward the base.

[0013] In the pouch of the present invention, the length of an inner edge of the third portion may be 10 mm or more.

[0014] In the pouch of the present invention, the third portion may have an outer edge having a length of 5 mm or more. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, a pouch having a protruding seal portion that can be stably peeled off can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pouch according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a film constituting a pouch. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the pouch of FIG. 1 cut along the center line. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a wing portion of the pouch of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 5 is an enlarged view of a protruding seal portion of the wing portion of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method for measuring the dimensions of a pouch. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a layer structure of a film. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a pouch with contents contained in a storage section. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram showing how the pressure in the containing section of the pouch increases to form an expanded section. FIG. [Figure 10] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing an example of peeling occurring in a protruding seal portion. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing an example of peeling occurring in a protruding seal portion. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a modified example of the pouch. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the wing portion of the pouch of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 14 is an enlarged view of a protruding seal portion of the wing portion of FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the wing portion. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 shows a modified example of a pouch. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a film constituting a pouch. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 shows a modified example of a pouch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. In the drawings attached to this specification, the scale and aspect ratios may be appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for the convenience of illustration and ease of understanding.

[0018] In addition, terms used in this specification that specify shapes, geometric conditions, and the degree thereof, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," and "same," as well as values ​​of length and angle, are not to be bound by strict meanings, but are to be interpreted to include a range within which similar functions can be expected.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a front view showing a pouch 10 according to the present embodiment. The pouch 10 includes a storage section 15 for storing contents. Note that Figs. 1 and 2 show the pouch 10 in a state in which no contents are stored therein.

[0020] 1, pouch 10 according to the present embodiment includes a steam vent mechanism 25 for releasing steam generated when the contents contained in pouch 10 are heated to the outside. Steam vent mechanism 25 is configured to communicate between the inside and outside of pouch 10 to release steam when the steam pressure reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, and to suppress steam from escaping from places other than steam vent mechanism 25. The configuration of pouch 10 will be described below.

[0021] Pouch Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of films constituting pouch 10. Pouch 10 includes first film 11, second film 12 opposing first film 11, and intermediate film 13 arranged between first film 11 and second film 12 in a state where intermediate film 13 is folded back along folded back portion 13f. Fig. 1 shows pouch 10 as viewed from the side of first film 11.

[0022] It should be noted that the above-mentioned terms "first film," "second film," and "intermediate film" merely refer to divisions of the films constituting the pouch 10 according to the positional relationship of the outer surface of the pouch 10, and the above-mentioned terms do not limit the method of providing the films when manufacturing the pouch 10. For example, the pouch 10 may be manufactured using one film in which the first film 11, the second film 12, and the intermediate film 13 are continuously arranged, or may be manufactured using a total of two films, one film in which the first film 11 and the intermediate film 13 are continuously arranged, and one second film 12, or may be manufactured using a total of three films, one first film, one second film, and one intermediate film 13.

[0023] In the pouch 10 according to the present embodiment, it is mainly assumed that the pouch 10 is supported or placed so that the second film 12 is located below the first film 11, and the contents contained in the pouch 10 are heated by a microwave oven or the like. However, the use of the pouch 10, for example, the specific posture of the pouch 10 when the contents are heated, is not particularly limited. Examples of the contents include cooked or semi-cooked liquids, viscous substances, or contents in which liquid and solids are mixed, such as cooked foods such as curry, stew, and soup. In addition to foods, the pouch 10 may also contain contents that can be heated by a microwave oven or the like.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the contour 20 of the pouch 10 when viewed from the first film 11 side includes a first edge 21, a second edge 22, a third edge 23, and a fourth edge 24. The first edge 21 and the second edge 22 face each other in a first direction D1. The first edge 21 and the second edge 22 may extend in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The third edge 23 and the fourth edge 24 extend between the first edge 21 and the second edge 22. The third edge 23 and the fourth edge 24 may face each other in the second direction D2. The third edge 23 and the fourth edge 24 may extend in the first direction D1. The length of the third edge 23 and the fourth edge 24 may be greater than, smaller than, or the same as the length of the first edge 21 and the second edge 22.

[0025] 2, the first edge 21 is formed by the edge of the second film 12 and the edge of the intermediate film 13. The second edge 22 is formed by the edge of the first film 11 and the edge of the second film 12. The third edge 23 and the fourth edge 24 are formed by the edge of the first film 11, the edge of the second film 12, and the edge of the intermediate film 13.

[0026] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the pouch 10 has a wing portion 30 located between the first edge 21 and the second edge 22 and extending in the second direction D2 from the third edge 23 to the fourth edge 24. The wing portion 30 is formed by overlapping a part of the first film 11 and a part of the intermediate film 13. Figs. 1 and 2 show an example in which the intermediate film 13 constituting the wing portion 30 is folded back at the fold-back portion 13f so that the outer surfaces 13y of the intermediate film 13 face each other. Although not shown, the first film 11 constituting the wing portion 30 may be folded back so that the outer surfaces of the first film 11 face each other. However, the distances L1, L2, and L3 described later are defined in a state in which the intermediate film 13 is folded back at the fold-back portion 13f.

[0027] Wing portion 30 includes a base 31 and a wing first edge 32 facing base 31 in first direction D1. Base 31 is an edge of the film constituting wing portion 30 on the housing section 15 side. Base 31 extends from third edge 23 to fourth edge 24 along folded-back portion 13f of intermediate film 13 or folded-back portion of first film 11. Base 31 is located on the first edge 21 side of center point P0 of housing section 15. Wing first edge 32 is formed by the edge of first film 11 and the edge of intermediate film 13.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first edge 21, the second edge 22, and the wing first edge 32 are parallel to each other, and the third edge 23 and the fourth edge 24 are parallel to each other. The first edge 21, the second edge 22, and the wing first edge 32 are perpendicular to the third edge 23 and the fourth edge 24. However, as long as the protruding seal portion 50 of the wing portion 30, which will be described later, satisfies a relational expression which will be described later, the specific configuration of the outline of the pouch 10 and the wing first edge 32 of the wing portion 30 is not particularly limited.

[0029] (Sealed and non-sealed parts) Next, the sealed portion and the non-sealed portion will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the pouch 10 of Fig. 1 cut along the center line C0. The pouch 10 comprises a sealed portion where the inner surfaces of the overlapping films are joined, and a non-sealed portion where the inner surfaces of the overlapping films are not joined. The sealed portion is formed by joining any two of the inner surfaces of the first film 11, the second film 12, and the intermediate film 13. In front views such as Fig. 1, the sealed portion is hatched.

[0030] The seals include a contour seal 20a that follows the contour 20 of the pouch 10 and a wing seal 33 located in the wing portion 30. Each seal has an inner edge and an outer edge. The inner edge is in contact with the container 15 or a non-sealed portion that communicates with the container 15. The outer edge is opposite the inner edge.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the contour seal portion 20a includes a first edge seal portion 21a, a third edge seal portion 23a, and a fourth edge seal portion 24a. The first edge seal portion 21a extends along the first edge 21. The third edge seal portion 23a extends along the third edge 23. The fourth edge seal portion 24a extends along the fourth edge 24. As will be described later, in the manufacturing process of the pouch 10, the second edge 22 is used as a filling port to fill the content in the storage portion 15, and then the second edge seal portion is formed along the second edge 22 to seal the storage portion 15. In FIG. 1, the inner edge of the portion that will later become the second edge seal portion is shown by a dashed line. In the following description, the portion that will later become the second edge seal portion is also referred to as the second edge seal portion 22b.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the wing seal portion 33 includes a first wing seal portion 41, a second wing seal portion 42, and a protruding seal portion 50. The first wing seal portion 41 is located closer to the third edge 23 than the center line C0. The second wing seal portion 42 is located closer to the fourth edge 24 than the center line C0. The first wing seal portion 41 and the second wing seal portion 42 extend along the wing first edge 32. The protruding seal portion 50 includes one end connected to the first wing seal portion 41 and the other end connected to the second wing seal portion 42. The protruding seal portion 50 protrudes from the first wing seal portion 41 and the second wing seal portion 42 toward the base portion 31.

[0033] The center line C0 is a straight line that passes through the center point P0 of the storage section 15 and extends in the first direction D1. As shown in Fig. 1, the distance L5 in the first direction D1 from the center point P0 to the inner edge of the first edge seal portion 21a is equal to the distance L5 in the first direction D1 from the center point P0 to the inner edge of the second intended edge seal portion 22b. In addition, the distance L4 in the second direction D2 from the center point P0 to the inner edge of the third edge seal portion 23a is equal to the distance L4 in the second direction D2 from the center point P0 to the inner edge of the fourth edge seal portion 24a.

[0034] 1, the wing seal portion 33 may include a third wing seal portion 43 extending parallel to the third edge 23 and a fourth wing seal portion 44 extending parallel to the fourth edge 24. The wing seal portion 33 may include a fifth wing seal portion 45 including one end connected to the first wing seal portion 41 and the other end connected to the third wing seal portion 43. The wing seal portion 33 may include a sixth wing seal portion 46 including one end connected to the second wing seal portion 42 and the other end connected to the fourth wing seal portion 44.

[0035] The method for forming the sealed portion is not particularly limited. For example, the sealed portion may be formed by melting the layers constituting the inner surfaces of the films 11, 12, and 13 by heating or the like, and fusing the inner surfaces of the films 11, 12, and 13 together. Alternatively, the sealed portion may be formed by bonding the inner surfaces of the films 11, 12, and 13 together using an adhesive or the like. The "inner surface" refers to the surface of the film facing the storage section 15. The "outer surface" refers to the surface of the film located opposite the inner surface.

[0036] The non-sealed portion includes at least a first non-sealed portion located inside the contour seal portion 20a and a second non-sealed portion 34 located in the wing portion 30. The first non-sealed portion constitutes the accommodation portion 15. The second non-sealed portion 34 is located between the wing first edge 32 and the wing seal portion 33. The second non-sealed portion 34 is defined by the above-mentioned protruding seal portion 50. The second non-sealed portion 34 overlaps the center line C0.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1 , the non-sealed portion may include a third non-sealed portion 35 located between the base portion 31 and the wing seal portion 33 in the wing portion 30. The third non-sealed portion 35 is in communication with the accommodation portion 15. The non-sealed portion may also include a fourth non-sealed portion 36 and a fifth non-sealed portion 37. The fourth non-sealed portion 36 is surrounded by the first wing seal portion 41, the third wing seal portion 43 and the fifth wing seal portion 45. The fifth non-sealed portion 37 is surrounded by the second wing seal portion 42, the fourth wing seal portion 44 and the sixth wing seal portion 46.

[0038] A detailed description will be given of the wing portion 30. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the wing portion 30 of the pouch 10 in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the protruding seal portion 50 of the wing portion 30 in Fig. 4.

[0039] The second non-sealed portion 34 of the wing portion 30 extends from the outer edge of the protruding seal portion 50 to the first wing edge 32. When the contents contained in the storage portion 15 are heated and the moisture evaporates, the pressure in the storage portion 15 increases, and a force is applied to the protruding seal portion 50. When a part of the protruding seal portion 50 is peeled off, the storage portion 15 and the second non-sealed portion 34 communicate with each other. Steam in the storage portion 15 passes through the second non-sealed portion 34 and is exhausted to the outside from the first wing edge 32. In this way, the protruding seal portion 50 and the second non-sealed portion 34 can function as a steam release mechanism 25.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 4, the protruding seal portion 50 includes a first portion 51, a second portion 52, a first connecting portion 53, a second connecting portion 54, and a third portion 55. The first portion 51 extends from the first wing seal portion 41 toward the base portion 31. The second portion 52 extends from the second wing seal portion 42 toward the base portion 31. One end of the third portion 55 is connected to the first portion 51 via the first connecting portion 53. The other end of the third portion 55 is connected to the second portion 52 via the second connecting portion 54. The third portion 55 intersects with the center line C0.

[0041] 4 and 5, the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 may extend linearly. For example, an inner edge 51x of the first portion 51 and an inner edge 52x of the second portion 52 may extend linearly along the first direction D1. Also, an outer edge 51y of the first portion 51 and an outer edge 52y of the second portion 52 may extend linearly along the first direction D1.

[0042] 4 and 5, the third portion 55 may extend linearly. For example, an inner edge 55x of the third portion 55 may extend linearly along the second direction D2. Also, an outer edge 55y of the third portion 55 may extend linearly along the second direction D2.

[0043] 4 and 5, the extending direction of the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 may be perpendicular to the extending direction of the third portion 55. For example, the extending direction of the inner edge 51x of the first portion 51 and the inner edge 52x of the second portion 52 may be perpendicular to the extending direction of the inner edge 55x of the third portion 55. Also, the extending direction of the outer edge 51y of the first portion 51 and the outer edge 52y of the second portion 52 may be perpendicular to the extending direction of the outer edge 55y of the third portion 55.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the first connecting portion 53 and the second connecting portion 54 may be curved. For example, the inner edge 53x of the first connecting portion 53 and the inner edge 54x of the second connecting portion 54 may be curved. The radius of curvature of the inner edge 53x and the inner edge 54x may be, for example, 3 mm or less. The radius of curvature of the inner edge 53x and the inner edge 54x may be 1 mm or more. In addition, the outer edge 53y of the first connecting portion 53 and the outer edge 54y of the second connecting portion 54 may be curved. The radius of curvature of the outer edge 53y and the outer edge 54y may be, for example, 3 mm or less. The radius of curvature of the outer edge 53y and the outer edge 54y may be 1 mm or more. The radius of curvature of the outer edge 53y and the outer edge 54y may be larger, smaller, or the same as the radius of curvature of the inner edge 53x and the inner edge 54x.

[0045] The protruding seal portion 50 is configured so as to satisfy the following relational expressions (1) to (3). L3 <L4···(1) L1-L3 <W1···(2) L2-L3 <W1···(3) L1 is the distance from the center point P0 to the inner edge 53x of the first connecting portion 53. L2 is the distance from the center point P0 to the inner edge 54x of the second connecting portion 54. L3 is the distance in the first direction D1 from the center point P0 to the inner edge 55x of the third portion 55. L4 is the distance in the second direction D2 from the center point P0 to the inner edge of the third edge seal portion 23a. W1 is the dimension of the third portion 55 that overlaps the center line C0. The dimension W1 is equal to the distance between points P31 and P32. Point P31 is the intersection of the center line C0 and the inner edge 55x of the third portion 55. Point P32 is the intersection of the center line C0 and the outer edge 55y of the third portion 55.

[0046] The distance L1 and the distance L2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Point P11 is the intersection point between extension line C1 of inner edge 51x of first portion 51 and extension line C3 of inner edge 55x of third portion 55. Point P12 is located on inner edge 53x of first connection portion 53 and is the closest point to point P11. Distance L1 is the distance between center point P0 and point P12. Point P21 is the intersection point of extension line C2 of inner edge 52x of second portion 52 and extension line C3 of inner edge 55x of third portion 55. Point P22 is located on inner edge 54x of second connection portion 54 and is the closest point to point P21. Distance L2 is the distance between center point P0 and point P22.

[0047] Similar to point P12 on the inner edge 53x, point P14 is also defined on the outer edge 53y. That is, point P14 is located on the outer edge 53y and is the closest point to the intersection of an extension of the outer edge 51y of the first portion 51 and an extension of the outer edge 55y of the third portion 55. Similar to point P22 on the inner edge 54x, point P24 is also defined on the outer edge 54y. That is, point P24 is located on the outer edge 54y and is the closest point to the intersection of an extension line of the outer edge 52y of the second portion 52 and an extension line of the outer edge 55y of the third portion 55.

[0048] The difference between the distance L4 and the distance L3 is, for example, 5 mm or more, may be 10 mm or more, or may be 20 mm or more. When the distance L4 is greater than the distance L3, the force applied to the third portion 55 when the pouch 10 is heated can be greater than the force applied to the third edge seal portion 23a. The difference between the distance L4 and the distance L3 may be 50 mm or less, or may be 30 mm or less.

[0049] The distance L3 is, for example, 20 mm or more, may be 30 mm or more, or may be 40 mm or more, and the distance L3 is, for example, 70 mm or less, may be 60 mm or less, or may be 50 mm or less.

[0050] The dimension W1 is, for example, 1.0 mm or more, may be 1.5 mm or more, or may be 2.0 mm or more. By making the dimension W1 1.0 mm or more, it is possible to prevent the protruding seal portion 50 from peeling off during transportation, etc., and the storage portion 15 from communicating with the second non-sealed portion 34. The dimension W1 may be 4.0 mm or less. Note that "peeling of the seal portion" means that peeling of the film occurs in the portion that was the seal portion.

[0051] The dimensions of the protruding seal portion 50 and the second non-seal portion 34 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0052] The length L13 of the inner edge 55x of the third portion 55 is, for example, 10 mm or more, may be 15 mm or more, or may be 20 mm or more. The length L14 of the outer edge 55y of the third portion 55 is, for example, 5 mm or more, may be 10 mm or more, or may be 15 mm or more. The longer the third portion 55 is, the larger the dimension of the second non-sealed portion 34 in the second direction D2 can be. This widens the flow path of the steam, making it easier for the steam that has flowed into the second non-sealed portion 34 to reach the first wing edge 32. Meanwhile, the length L13 of the inner edge 55x of the third portion 55 may be 35 mm or less, or may be 30 mm or less. Furthermore, the length L14 of the outer edge 55y of the third portion 55 may be 30 mm or less, or may be 25 mm or less. The shorter the third portion 55 is, the more likely it is that peeling of the third portion 55 in the second direction D2 will reach the first connecting portion 53 and the second connecting portion 54. A length L13 of an inner edge 55x of the third portion 55 is defined as the distance between points P12 and P22. A length L14 of an outer edge 55y of the third portion 55 is defined as the distance between points P14 and P24.

[0053] The length L11 of the inner edge 51x of the first portion 51 and the length L12 of the inner edge 52x of the second portion 52 are, for example, 3 mm or more, may be 5 mm or more, or may be 7 mm or more. The larger L11 and L12 are, the more the inner edges 51x and 52x can be prevented from completely peeling off when the pouch 10 is heated. In other words, when the pouch 10 is heated, a part of the inner edge 51x and a part of the inner edge 52x are more likely to remain. The length L11 of the inner edge 51x of the first portion 51 is defined as the distance in the first direction D1 between point P12 and the inner edge 41x of the first wing seal portion 41. The length L12 of the inner edge 52x of the second portion 52 is defined as the distance in the first direction D1 between point P22 and the inner edge 42x of the second wing seal portion 42.

[0054] The dimension L15 of the second unsealed portion 34 in the first direction D1 is, for example, 10 mm or more, and may be 15 mm or more. Moreover, the dimension L15 is, for example, 30 mm or less, and may be 25 mm or less.

[0055] (film) Next, an example of the layer structure of first film 11, second film 12, and intermediate film 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 7, the first film 11, the second film 12, and the intermediate film 13 each include a base layer 62 and a sealant layer 61. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the base layer 62 constitutes the outer surfaces 11y, 12y, and 13y of the films 11, 12, and 13, respectively, and the sealant layer 61 constitutes the inner surfaces 11x, 12x, and 13x of the films 11, 12, and 13. The base layer 62 may be printed with letters, numbers, symbols, figures, pictures, and other markings to indicate product information.

[0057] For example, polyethylene terephthalate or nylon can be used as a material for forming the base layer 62. High printability of the outer surfaces 11y, 12y, and 13y can be ensured by the base layer 62. The base layer 62 also has high heat resistance during heat welding. The sealant layer 61 may be made of a material such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The thickness of the films 11, 12, and 13 is within a range of 20 to 250 μm, for example.

[0058] Although not shown, the films 11, 12, and 13 may further include an intermediate layer disposed between the base layer 62 and the sealant layer 61. An appropriate intermediate layer may be selected depending on the required performance, such as water vapor and other gas barrier properties, light blocking properties, and various mechanical strengths. For example, a vapor deposition layer of a metal oxide such as aluminum oxide or an inorganic oxide such as silicon oxide may be provided as the intermediate layer. In addition, a resin layer having gas barrier properties, such as an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), a polyvinylidene chloride resin (PVDC), or an aromatic polyamide such as nylon MXD6, may be provided as the intermediate layer. By providing such an intermediate layer, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of oxygen and water vapor into the inside of the pouch 10. In addition, a stretched nylon film may be provided as the intermediate layer. In this case, it is possible to increase the puncture resistance of the pouch 10.

[0059] It goes without saying that the layer configurations of first film 11, second film 12, and intermediate film 13 are not limited to those described above.

[0060] Although not shown, the films 11, 12, and 13 may be provided with an easy-opening means for easily breaking the pouch 10 to open the pouch 10. For example, a notch may be formed in the contour seal portion 20a, such as the third edge seal portion 23a and the fourth edge seal portion 24a, which is a starting point for breaking. In addition, a half-cut line formed by laser processing or a cutter may be provided as an easy-opening means in a portion that is a path when breaking the pouch 10. In addition, a stretched film may be included in the films 11, 12, and 13, and the stretching direction of the stretched film may be made to coincide with the breaking direction of the pouch 10. Usually, the stretching direction of the film coincides with the conveying direction T of the film in the manufacturing process of the pouch 10. In addition, the pouch 10 may be printed to indicate the position to be opened to the user of the pouch 10. Also, instead of notches, cuts or marks may be formed in the contour seal portion 20a. The marks may include, for example, a plurality of through holes formed through the films 11, 12, 13. Alternatively, the marks may include a plurality of holes formed in the films 11, 12, 13 so as not to penetrate therethrough.

[0061] (Pouch manufacturing method) Next, a method for producing the pouch 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0062] [Process for producing original film] First, an example of a process for preparing a base roll of a laminated film that is the basis of each of the films 11, 12, and 13 will be described. First, a base roll of one base material layer 62 is prepared. Here, the base roll means a rolled film. Next, while continuously conveying the long base material layer 62 unwound from one base roll, a printed display may be applied to one side of the film of the base material layer 62. For example, a printed display for the first film 11 may be repeatedly applied to one side of the film of the long base material layer 62, and a printed display for the second film 12 may be repeatedly applied to the other side of the film of the long base material layer 62. Next, a sealant layer 61 is laminated on the film of the long base material layer 62 using a dry lamination method or a melt extrusion lamination method to prepare a long laminated film. In this manner, a base roll of a laminated film for each of the films 11, 12, and 13 is obtained. The printed display may be applied to the laminated film without being applied to the film of the base material layer.

[0063] [Film preparation process] Next, the original roll of laminated film is appropriately cut to prepare a first film 11, a second film 12, and an intermediate film 13 that is folded back along the fold back portion 13f and placed between the first film 11 and the second film 12.

[0064] Then, the films 11, 12, and 13 are overlapped so that a portion of the inner surface 11x of the first film 11 faces a portion of the inner surface 12x of the second film 12, the inner surface 13x of the intermediate film 13 faces the inner surface 11x of the first film 11, and the inner surface 13x of the intermediate film 13 faces the inner surface 12x of the second film 12.

[0065] 2, the films 11, 12, and 13 are shown separated from one another, but this is not limiting. Although not shown, the first film 11, the second film 12, and the intermediate film 13 can also be prepared by appropriately folding one or two films.

[0066] Although not shown, the films 11, 12, and 13 may be laminated together in the form of a long film with a large number of pouches 10 arranged thereon. In this case, the films 11, 12, and 13 are joined together to form the contour seal portion 20a, and then the long films 11, 12, and 13 are cut along the shape of the pouch 10 to obtain the pouch 10.

[0067] [Thermal welding process] Then, the first film 11 and the second film 12 are heated from the outer surfaces 11y, 12y along the contour of the pouch 10. As a result, a part of the inner surface 11x of the first film 11 and a part of the inner surface 12x of the second film 12 are heat-sealed, the inner surface 13x of the intermediate film 13 and the inner surface 11x of the first film 11 are heat-sealed, and the inner surface 13x of the intermediate film 13 and the inner surface 12x of the second film 12 are heat-sealed. In this manner, seal portions such as the contour seal portion 20a and the wing seal portion 33 are formed. As a result, the storage portion 15, the second non-seal portion 34, the third non-seal portion 35, the fourth non-seal portion 36, and the fifth non-seal portion 37 surrounded by the seal portions are defined. The heat-sealing process is performed so as not to form a seal portion on the second edge 22 of the films 11 and 12 at this stage.

[0068] [Cutting process] Next, the films 11, 12, and 13 joined to one another by the seal portions are cut along the contour of the pouch 10. In this manner, the pouch 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be produced.

[0069] [Filling process] Next, the contents are filled into the pouch 10 via the second edge seal portion 22b of the second edge 22. Thereafter, the inner surface 11x of the first film 11 and the inner surface 12x of the second film 12 are heat-sealed along the second edge 22 to form the second edge seal portion 22a. In this manner, as shown in FIG. 8, the pouch 10 in which the contents are sealed in the storage portion 15 can be obtained.

[0070] (How to heat the contents) Next, an example of a method for heating the contents contained in the container 15 of the pouch 10 will be described.

[0071] First, pouch 10 is placed inside a microwave oven with second film 12 located below first film 11. Next, the contents are heated using the microwave oven. This increases the temperature of the contents. When the moisture in the contents evaporates, the pressure in containing section 15 increases. As the pressure in containing section 15 increases, an expanded section 70 is generated in containing section 15, as shown in FIG. 9. Expanded section 70 expands the gap between first film 11 and second film 12. As the pressure in containing section 15 increases, expanded section 70 expands outward about center line C0.

[0072] When the expansion portion 70 reaches the inner edge of the third portion 55 of the protruding seal portion 50, a force that tries to peel off the third portion 55 is applied to the third portion 55. In this embodiment, as shown in the above-mentioned relational expression (1), the distance L3 from the center point P0 to the inner edge 55x of the third portion 55 is smaller than the distance from the center point P0 to the inner edge of the third edge seal portion 23a. Therefore, the force applied to the third portion 55 is larger than the force applied to the third edge seal portion 23a. This makes it possible to suppress the contour seal portion 20a, such as the third edge seal portion 23a and the fourth edge seal portion 24a, from peeling off before the third portion 55.

[0073] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of peeling occurring in the third portion 55. In this embodiment, as shown in the above-mentioned relational expression (2), the difference between the distance L1 from the center point P0 to the inner edge 53x of the first connecting portion 53 and the distance L3 from the center point P0 to the inner edge 55x of the third portion 55 is smaller than the dimension W1 of the third portion 55. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, peeling of the protruding seal portion 50 in the second direction D2 can reach the inner edge 53x of the first connecting portion 53 before peeling of the protruding seal portion 50 in the first direction D1 reaches the outer edge 55y. Also, as shown in the above-mentioned relational expression (3), the difference between the distance L2 from the center point P0 to the inner edge 54x of the second connecting portion 54 and the distance L3 is smaller than the dimension W1 of the third portion 55. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, peeling of the protruding seal portion 50 in the second direction D2 can reach the inner edge 54x of the second connection portion 54 before peeling of the protruding seal portion 50 in the first direction D1 reaches the outer edge 55y.

[0074] When the peeling of the protruding seal portion 50 reaches the outer edge 55y of the third portion 55, steam flows into the second non-sealed portion 34 through the peeled portion of the third portion 55. When the steam is discharged from the second non-sealed portion 34 to the outside of the pouch 10, the increase in pressure in the storage portion 15 is suppressed or the pressure in the storage portion 15 decreases. Therefore, after the peeling reaches the outer edge 55y of the third portion 55, the peeling of the protruding seal portion 50 becomes difficult to proceed. According to this embodiment, by configuring the protruding seal portion 50 to satisfy the above-mentioned relational expressions (2) and (3), it is possible to suppress the peeling of the protruding seal portion 50 in the second direction D2 from stopping before it reaches the first connecting portion 53 and the second connecting portion 54.

[0075] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a case where the peeling of the protruding seal portion 50 has progressed further from the state shown in FIG. 10. After the peeling reaches the first connecting portion 53, the peeling of the first portion 51 starts. The first portion 51 extends in the first direction D1. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the component of the force applied to the protruding seal portion 50 in the first direction D1 is greater than the component in the second direction D2. Therefore, it is considered that the peeling of the first portion 51 progresses more easily than the peeling of the third portion 55 in the second direction D2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the peeling of the first portion 51 can be advanced to a position on the wing first edge 32 side with respect to the outer edge 55y. Similarly, the peeling of the second portion 52 can be advanced to a position on the wing first edge 32 side with respect to the outer edge 55y.

[0076] When the peeling of the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 progresses to a position on the wing first edge 32 side with respect to the outer edge 55y, the dimension of the peeled portion of the protruding seal portion 50 in the second direction D2 is sufficiently secured. For example, a flow path having a dimension represented by L14 in FIG. 6 in the second direction D2 can be formed. Therefore, the steam in the storage portion 15 can smoothly flow into the second non-sealed portion 34. Therefore, the steam can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pouch 10. Therefore, after the peeling progresses to the outer edge 53y and the outer edge 54y, the pressure in the storage portion 15 can be quickly reduced. This makes it possible to prevent the peeling of the first portion 51 from progressing to the inner edge 41x of the first wing seal portion 41, as shown in FIG. 11. That is, a part of the first portion 51 can be left in a state connected to the inner edge 41x of the first wing seal portion 41. Similarly, a part of the second portion 52 can be left in a state connected to the inner edge 42x of the second wing seal portion 42.

[0077] The contents in the storage section 15 may move due to convection or the like. For example, a part of the contents convects along the inner edge 41x of the first wing seal section 41 or the inner edge 42x of the second wing seal section 42. The remaining first portion 51 or second portion 52 can function as a shield that prevents the contents from flowing into the second non-sealed section 34. This makes it possible to suppress leakage of the contents to the outside of the pouch 10.

[0078] In addition, according to this embodiment, the stability of peeling of the protruding seal portion 50 can be improved. As a comparative embodiment, a pouch having a protruding seal portion protruding in a V-shape toward the center point P0 as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is assumed. The position of the tip of the protruding seal portion may deviate from the center line C0 due to manufacturing tolerances. In this case, the direction and magnitude of the pressure applied to the protruding seal portion change according to the amount of deviation. As a result, the dimensions of the peeled portion generated in the protruding seal portion also change. If the protruding seal portion is peeled excessively, leakage of the contents is likely to occur. On the other hand, if the peeling of the protruding seal portion is insufficient, the pressure in the storage portion becomes excessively high, and the pouch may burst. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the third portion 55 extends linearly in the second direction D2. Therefore, even if the position of the center of the protruding seal portion 50 in the second direction D2 deviates from the center line C0, the direction and magnitude of the pressure applied to the protruding seal portion can be prevented from changing. This makes it possible to prevent individual differences in the dimensions of the peeled portion that occurs in the third portion 55.

[0079] It should be noted that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment. Below, the modified examples will be described with reference to the drawings as necessary. In the following description and the drawings used in the following description, the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the above-described embodiment will be used for parts that can be configured in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. Also, if it is clear that the effects obtained in the above-described embodiment can also be obtained in the modified examples, the description may be omitted.

[0080] [Modifications of the first and second parts] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example of the pouch 10. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an enlarged view of the wing portion 30 of the pouch 10 of FIG. 12. The inner edge 51x and the outer edge 51y of the first portion 51 may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1. For example, the inner edge 51x and the outer edge 51y may extend so as to approach the center line C0 toward the base 31. The inner edge 52x and the outer edge 52y of the second portion 52 may also extend in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1. For example, the inner edge 52x and the outer edge 52y may extend so as to approach the center line C0 toward the base 31. In this case, the contour of the second non-sealed portion 34 becomes substantially trapezoidal.

[0081] The angle θ11 that the extension direction of the inner edge 51x of the first portion 51 forms with respect to the first direction D1 may be larger than the angle θ12 that the extension direction of the outer edge 51y of the first portion 51 forms with respect to the first direction D1. In this case, the dimension of the first portion 51 in the second direction D2, i.e., the width, increases toward the first wing seal portion 41. This makes it possible to prevent peeling of the first portion 51 from progressing to the inner edge 41x of the first wing seal portion 41.

[0082] The angle θ11 is, for example, 1° or more, and may be 3° or more, or may be 5° or more. The angle θ12 is, for example, 0° or more, and may be 1° or more, or may be 2° or more. The difference between the angle θ11 and the angle θ12 is, for example, 1° or more, and may be 2° or more, or may be 3° or more.

[0083] Similarly, the angle that the direction in which the inner edge 52x of the second portion 52 extends may be greater than the angle that the direction in which the outer edge 52y of the second portion 52 extends with respect to the first direction D1. In this case as well, the dimension of the second portion 52 in the second direction D2, i.e., the width, increases toward the second wing seal portion 42. This makes it possible to prevent peeling of the second portion 52 from progressing to the inner edge 42x of the second wing seal portion 42. The angle of the second portion 52 may be set similarly to that of the first portion 51.

[0084] In this modification, the protruding seal portion 50 is configured to satisfy the above-mentioned relational expressions (1) to (3). As shown in Fig. 14, the method of determining the distance L1 and the distance L2 is the same as that in the above-mentioned embodiment shown in Fig. 5.

[0085] [Modification of the third part] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a modified example of the wing portion 30. As shown in Fig. 15, the third portion 55 may have a curved shape. In this case, the above-mentioned extension line C3 may be drawn as an approximation straight line of the inner edge 55x of the third portion 55.

[0086] Although not shown in the drawings, the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 may also have a curved shape. In this case, the above-mentioned extension line C1 and extension line C2 may be drawn as approximate straight lines of the inner edge 51x of the first portion 51 and the inner edge 52x of the second portion 52.

[0087] [Modifications of pouches] 16 is a front view showing a modified example of the pouch 10. As shown in Fig. 16, the pouch 10 may be a gusset-type pouch configured to be able to stand on its own with the second edge 22 facing down.

[0088] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the films constituting the pouch 10 of Fig. 16. In addition to the first film 11, the second film 12, and the intermediate film 13, the pouch 10 may include a bottom film 14 located at the second edge 22. The bottom film 14 is disposed between the first film 11 and the second film 12 in a state where it is folded back along the fold back portion 14f, for example.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 16, a first edge to be sealed portion 21b may be formed along the first edge 21. That is, in the manufacturing process of the pouch 10, the first edge 21 may be used as a filling port to fill the contents into the storage portion 15. In this case, after the contents are filled into the pouch 10, the inner surface 11x of the first film 11 and the inner surface 12x of the second film 12 are heat-sealed along the first edge 21 to form the first edge sealed portion 21a. This makes it possible to obtain a pouch 10 in which the contents are sealed in the storage portion 15, as shown in Fig. 18.

[0090] Although several modifications to the above-mentioned embodiment have been described, it is of course possible to apply a plurality of modifications in appropriate combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10 pouches 11 Film 1 12 2nd Film 13 Intermediate film 14 Bottom film 15 Storage section 20 Contour 20a Contour seal 21 First Edge 21a First edge seal 21b First edge seal portion 22 The Second Edge 22a Second edge seal 22b Second edge seal planned portion 23 The Third Edge 23a Third edge seal 24 The Fourth Edge 24a 4th edge seal 30 Wing Section 31 Base 32 Wing 1st Edge 33 Wing seal part 34 Second non-sealed part 41 First wing seal part 42 Second wing seal part 50 Protruding seal part 51 Part 1 52 Part 2 53 Chapter 1 54 Chapter 2 55 Part 3 P0 Center Point C0 Centerline D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction

Claims

1. A pouch including a flexible film and configured to accommodate a content, a contour including a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge in a first direction, and a third edge and a fourth edge extending between the first edge and the second edge; a contour seal portion where the overlapping films are joined along the contour; a receiving portion including a first non-sealed portion located inside the contour sealed portion and where the overlapping films are not joined; a wing portion including the film and positioned between the first edge and the second edge and extending from the third edge to the fourth edge, the contour seal portion includes a third edge seal portion along the third edge and a fourth edge seal portion along the fourth edge, The wing portion includes a base portion extending from the third edge seal portion to the fourth edge seal portion, a wing first edge facing the base portion in the first direction, a wing seal portion to which the overlapping films are bonded, and a second non-seal portion located between the wing seal portion and the wing first edge and to which the overlapping films are not bonded, the wing seal portion includes a first wing seal portion located on the third edge side of a center line that passes through a center point of the storage portion and extends in the first direction, a second wing seal portion located on the fourth edge side of the center line, and a protruding seal portion connected to the first wing seal portion and the second wing seal portion and defining the second non-seal portion; the protruding seal portion includes a first portion extending from the first wing seal portion toward the base portion, a second portion extending from the second wing seal portion toward the base portion, a first connection portion, a second connection portion, and a third portion connected to the first portion via the first connection portion and to the second portion via the second connection portion, and intersecting the center line; an inner edge of the first portion and an inner edge of the second portion extend in the first direction; The inner edge of the third portion extends linearly parallel to the first edge of the wing, The wing seal portion includes a third wing seal portion extending parallel to the third edge and a fourth wing seal portion extending parallel to the fourth edge, The wing seal portion includes a fifth wing seal portion including one end connected to the first wing seal portion and the other end connected to the third wing seal portion, The wing seal portion includes a sixth wing seal portion including one end connected to the second wing seal portion and the other end connected to the fourth wing seal portion, The fifth wing seal portion extends toward the first wing seal portion so as to approach the center line, The sixth wing seal portion extends toward the center line toward the second wing seal portion, When the distance from the center point of the storage portion to the inner edge of the first connection portion is L1, the distance from the center point to the inner edge of the second connection portion is L2, the distance from the center point to the inner edge of the third portion is L3, the distance from the center point to the inner edge of the third edge seal portion is L4, and the dimension of the third portion overlapping the center line is W1, the following relational expression is established: L3<L4; L1-L3<W1; L2-L3<W1; Pouch.

2. The pouch of claim 1 , wherein an inner edge of the first portion and an inner edge of the second portion extend linearly.

3. 3. The pouch of claim 2, wherein an inner edge of the first portion and an inner edge of the second portion extend in a direction oblique to the first direction so as to approach the center line toward the base.

4. 4. The pouch according to claim 1, wherein the length of the inner edge of the third portion is 10 mm or more.

5. 5. The pouch according to claim 1, wherein the third portion has an outer edge having a length of 5 mm or more.

Images