Method for manufacturing pouch food

Abstract

Suppress the atmosphere improver from being buried in the food. 【Solution means】 In the method for manufacturing a pouch food, it includes a step of putting food into a storage part formed by an outer film, and a step of putting an atmosphere improver into the storage part after the food is put in. Also, after the atmosphere improver is put in, by pressing the opposing surfaces of the outer film in a direction approaching each other, the air in the storage part is discharged, and at the same time, the atmosphere improver is sandwiched and held by the opposing surfaces. Then, after the air is discharged, the inlets for the food and the atmosphere improver in the outer film are sealed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a pouch food containing a food and an atmosphere improver.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, when a food and an atmosphere improver are enclosed in a film-like bag container, in order to prevent the atmosphere improver from being buried in the food, a pocket for storing the atmosphere improver is formed in the film-like bag container. Here, an oxygen absorber is used as the atmosphere improver.

[0003] In Patent Document 2, in order to prevent a sachet (such as a desiccant) from mixing into the food inside the packaging bag, the upper edge of the sachet inserted inside the opening of the packaging bag is integrally welded to the opening edge of the packaging bag by clamping with a heat-sealing bar.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to suppress the atmosphere improver from being buried in the food inside the film-like container by means different from those in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The manufacturing method of the pouch food of the present invention includes a step of putting food into a storage part formed by an outer film, a step of putting an atmosphere improver into the storage part after putting the food, and after putting the atmosphere improver, pressing the opposing surfaces of the outer film in a direction approaching each other to discharge the air in the storage part and holding the atmosphere improver sandwiched by the opposing surfaces, and a step of sealing the inlets of the food and the atmosphere improver in the outer film after discharging the air.

[0007] As the atmosphere improver, an oxygen absorber can be used. Here, after sealing the inlets, the oxygen in the storage part can be absorbed by the oxygen absorber to closely contact the opposing surfaces with the atmosphere improver.

[0008] By using a pair of pressing members, the opposing surfaces of the outer film can be pressed. Here, each pressing member can have a concave part formed along the outer shape of the food stored in the outer film and a flat surface for pressing the area other than the food in the storage part.

[0009] The outer film can be provided with a pair of seal parts extending downward from both side edges in the width direction of the pouch food toward the center side. Here, when putting the food, the food can be put into the space below the position corresponding to the minimum distance between the pair of seal parts in the storage part.

[0010] Vibration can be applied to the outer film after putting the food and after putting the atmosphere improver, respectively.

[0011] On the other hand, as another invention, there is a pouch food. This pouch food has an outer film that forms a sealed space for storing food and an atmosphere improver. The sealed space is in a degassed state, and the atmosphere improver is sandwiched by the outer film, so that at least a part of the atmosphere improver is suppressed from moving in a state of protruding upward from the food.

[0012] The outer packaging film can be provided with a pair of seal portions that extend downward from both side edges toward the center in the width direction of the pouch food. Here, at least a part of the atmosphere improver can be disposed above the position corresponding to the minimum interval between the pair of seal portions. As the atmosphere improver, an oxygen absorber can be used.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, since the atmosphere improver can be positioned with the outer packaging film intervening therebetween, it is possible to prevent the atmosphere improver from being buried in the food.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] (Pouch Food) The structure of the pouch food according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pouch food 1 and also shows the internal structure of the pouch food 1. FIG. 2 is a side view of the pouch food 1 and shows the state in which the pouch food 1 is standing. The pouch food 1 can be made to stand on the placement surface PS as shown in FIG. 2.

[0016] The pouch food 1 has a film-like container 10, alpha rice AR and an atmosphere improver I contained in the film-like container 10. The film-like container 10 contains the alpha rice AR and the atmosphere improver I in a sealed state, and has a front exterior film 11, a back exterior film 12, and a bottom exterior film 13. In addition to the alpha rice AR and the atmosphere improver I, the film-like container 10 can also contain dried food ingredients. Various information regarding the alpha rice AR (for example, product name, ingredients, method of eating) can be written on the outer surfaces of the films 11 and 12.

[0017] The materials of the films 11 to 13 can be determined as appropriate. For example, polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, aluminum, etc. can be used. The materials of the films 11 to 13 may be the same as each other or different from each other. Also, each of the films 11 to 13 can be composed of a single film or can be composed of a plurality of laminated films.

[0018] By bonding the outer edges of the films 11 to 13 to each other, a sealed space S1 for containing the alpha rice AR and the atmosphere improver I is formed inside the film-like container 10. Examples of the method of bonding the films 11 to 13 include welding. In the present embodiment, the film-like container 10 is constituted by three films 11 to 13, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any film configuration that can form the above-described sealed space S1 may be used.

[0019] The bottom exterior film 13 is bonded to the lower region of the front exterior film 11 and the lower region of the back exterior film 12. Thereby, a seal portion 14a along the outer edges of the films 11 and 13 is formed, and a seal portion 14b along the outer edges of the films 12 and 13 is formed. Also, the front exterior film 11 and the back exterior film 12 are bonded to each other in a region excluding the above-described lower region. Thereby, a seal portion 14c along the outer edges of the films 11 and 12 is formed. The seal portions 14a to 14c are integrally formed at these boundaries.

[0020] In addition to the seal portions 14c described above, a pair of seal portions 14d are formed at the same positions in the height direction of the film-like container 10 on each of the films 11 and 12. The seal portion 14d is integrally formed with the region along the side edges of each of the films 11 and 12 among the seal portions 14c, and is formed in a shape that protrudes toward the center of each of the films 11 and 12. The space S2 surrounded by the seal portions 14c and 14d is a sealed space.

[0021] The seal portion 14d has an upper region 14d1 and a lower region 14d2, and the upper region 14d1 and the lower region 14d2 are integrally formed. The upper region 14d1 extends downward while extending from the seal portion 14c toward the center side of the film-like container 10, and the lower region 14d2 extends upward while extending from the seal portion 14c toward the center side of the film-like container 10. As shown in FIG. 1, alpha rice AR is accommodated in the lower region 14d2 of the seal portion 14d and the space surrounded by the seal portions 14a and 14b.

[0022] Here, by accommodating the alpha rice AR along the lower region 14d2 of the seal portion 14d, the alpha rice AR can be formed into a triangular shape. Note that the shape of the alpha rice AR accommodated in the film-like container 10 is not limited to a triangular shape, and other shapes may be used. In this case, the seal portion 14d may be formed along the outer shape of the alpha rice AR.

[0023] A pair of first cuts 15a are formed at the upper portions of the side edges of each of the films 11 and 12. By cutting the film-like container 10 (each of the films 11 and 12) between the pair of first cuts 15a, the inside of the film-like container 10 can be opened. Then, by pouring a predetermined amount of water (hot water or cold water) into the inside of the film-like container 10, the alpha rice AR can be restored to cooked rice.

[0024] At the central part of the side edges of each of the films 11 and 12, a pair of second cuts 15b are formed. By cutting the film-like container 10 (each of the films 11 and 12) between the pair of first cuts 15b, the alpha rice AR (restored cooked rice) accommodated in the film-like container 10 can be exposed to the outside. Thereby, while holding the film-like container 10, the cooked rice with the alpha rice AR restored can be eaten.

[0025] At the lower part of the side edges of each of the films 11 and 12, a pair of third cuts 15c are formed. By cutting the film-like container 10 (each of the films 11 and 12) between the pair of first cuts 15c, the cooked rice remaining at the bottom of the film-like container 10 can be eaten.

[0026] In addition, in the present embodiment, although the cuts 15a to 15c are formed in the film-like container 10, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the film-like container 10 can be cut. For example, instead of the cuts 15a to 15c, a structure that makes it easy to cut the film-like container 10 (each of the films 11 and 12) can be provided. Further, a mark can be indicated at the position where the cuts 15a to 15c are formed so that the film-like container 10 (each of the films 11 and 12) can be cut with scissors or the like. The positions where the cuts 15a to 15c are provided can be determined as appropriate, and a part of each of the cuts 15a to 15c can also be omitted.

[0027] On each of the films 11 and 12, a pair of opening / closing seals 16 that engage with each other are provided respectively. By engaging the pair of opening / closing seals 16, the opening formed in the film-like container 10 can be closed, and by releasing the engagement of the pair of opening / closing seals 16, the opening formed in the film-like container 10 can be opened. Here, the above-described first cut 15a is located above the film-like container 10 with respect to the opening / closing seal 16.

[0028] The atmosphere improver I contained inside the film-like container 10 together with the alpha rice AR is used to improve the atmosphere inside the film-like container 10. Examples of the atmosphere improver I include a deoxidizer, a desiccant, a bactericide, a preservative, a fungicide, a water vapor impermeable agent, and a growth inhibitor.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the atmosphere improver I is disposed above the alpha rice AR contained inside the film-like container 10, and at least a part of the atmosphere improver I protrudes upward from the alpha rice AR. Further, at least a part of the atmosphere improver I is located above the position corresponding to the minimum distance (the distance in the width direction of the film-like container 10) between the pair of seal portions 14. Here, the atmosphere improver I may be in a state of being placed on the upper part of the alpha rice AR, or a part of the atmosphere improver I may be in a state of being embedded in the alpha rice AR.

[0030] Before water is poured into the film-like container 10, the atmosphere improver I is taken out of the film-like container 10. Here, since at least a part of the atmosphere improver I protrudes from the upper part of the alpha rice AR, the atmosphere improver I can be easily taken out. Further, in the present embodiment, the atmosphere improver I is only contained inside the film-like container 10 together with the alpha rice AR, and a structure for fixing the atmosphere improver I is not provided as in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2, so the structure of the film-like container 10 can be simplified.

[0031] (Method for manufacturing a pouch food) A method for manufacturing the pouch food 1 by containing the alpha rice AR and the atmosphere improver I in the film-like container 1 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 3. First, after manufacturing the above-described film-like container 10, the process shown in FIG. 3 is performed. Here, at the upper end of the film-like container 10, the films 11 and 12 are not bonded together, and an inlet for charging the alpha rice AR and the atmosphere improver I is formed.

[0032] In step S101, a predetermined amount of alpha rice AR is put into the film-like container 10. Specifically, a feeding hopper (not shown) is connected to the inlet of the film-like container 10, and the alpha rice AR can be put into the film-like container 10 through the feeding hopper. After the alpha rice AR is put into the film-like container 10, vibration can be applied to the film-like container 10. Thereby, the alpha rice AR can be accommodated in the film-like container 10 without gaps.

[0033] In step S102, an atmosphere improver I is put into the film-like container 10. Specifically, a feeding hopper (not shown) is connected to the inlet of the film-like container 10, and the atmosphere improver I can be put into the film-like container 10 through the feeding hopper. Since the seal portion 14d is formed in the film-like container 10 as described above, when the atmosphere improver I is put into the film-like container 10, the atmosphere improver I can be moved along the upper region 14d1 of the seal portion 14d and guided to the region where the alpha rice AR is accommodated.

[0034] After the alpha rice AR is accommodated in the film-like container 10, by putting the atmosphere improver I, the atmosphere improver I will be arranged above the alpha rice AR. Here, after the atmosphere improver I is put into the film-like container 10, vibration can be applied to the film-like container 10. When the atmosphere improver I is put into the film-like container 10, there is a possibility that the atmosphere improver I may stay at an unintended position without reaching above the alpha rice AR inside the film-like container 10. Therefore, by applying vibration to the film-like container 10, the atmosphere improver I staying at an unintended position can be moved to above the alpha rice AR.

[0035] Note that if excessive vibration is applied to the film-like container 10, the entire atmosphere improver I may be buried inside the alpha rice AR. Therefore, it is preferable to apply vibration to such an extent that the atmosphere improver I is not buried in the alpha rice AR. Specifically, when vibrating the film-like container 10 into which the atmosphere improver I has been introduced, the vibration force can be made smaller than the vibration force when vibrating the film-like container 10 into which the alpha rice AR has been introduced in the process of step S102.

[0036] In step S103, the film-like container 10 containing the alpha rice AR and the atmosphere improver I is sandwiched between a pair of pressing members to apply a pressing force, thereby discharging (degassing) the air present inside the film-like container 10 to the outside of the film-like container 10. As a result, each film 11, 12 of the film-like container 10 can be brought into close contact with the alpha rice AR, or the films 11, 12 can be brought into close contact with each other in a region where the alpha rice AR is not accommodated.

[0037] Thereby, inside the film-like container 10, it is possible to suppress the free movement of the alpha rice AR and the atmosphere improver I. Here, in a state where the atmosphere improver I is disposed above the alpha rice AR by the process of step S102, by applying a pressing force to the film-like container 10, the atmosphere improver I can be retained above the alpha rice AR.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows an example of the pressing member 20 used for pressing the film-like container 10. In FIG. 4, the surface of the pressing member 20 that contacts the film-like container 10 is shown. The pair of pressing members 20 have the same structure. The pressing member 20 can be formed of a material capable of elastic deformation such as a foam.

[0039] The pressing member 20 is formed with a recess 21 along the shape of the alpha rice AR accommodated in the film-like container 10. Here, when the pressing member 20 presses the film-like container 10, the alpha rice AR is positioned inside the recess 21. Thereby, while maintaining the shape of the alpha rice AR accommodated in the film-like container 10, a pressing force can be applied to the alpha rice AR. Here, the depth of the recess 21 can be determined in consideration of the thickness of the alpha rice AR accommodated in the film-like container 10.

[0040] Among the pressing member 20, the region 22 other than the recess 21 is composed of a flat surface. By the pressing member 20 pressing the film-like container 10, in the region 22, the respective films 11, 12 can be brought into close contact with each other. Here, the pressing member 20 can be brought into contact with the entire surface or a part of the film-like container 10. When the pressing member 20 is brought into contact with a part of the film-like container 10, the pressing force can be made to act on the region where the alpha rice AR is accommodated and the region located around this region (including the region where the atmosphere improver I is disposed).

[0041] In step S104, the inlet of the film-like container 10 is sealed. Thereby, the inside of the film-like container 10 becomes a sealed state, and the accommodation of the alpha rice AR and the atmosphere improver I is completed.

[0042] Here, when a deoxidizer is used as the atmosphere improver I, after the inside of the film-like container 10 is made into a sealed state by the process of step S104, the deoxidizer can absorb the oxygen remaining inside the film-like container 10. Thereby, the gas remaining inside the film-like container 10 can be further reduced, making it easier for the atmosphere improver I to be sandwiched by the respective films 11, 12, and thus suppressing the atmosphere improver I from shifting inside the film-like container 10.

[0043] When the atmosphere improver I is accommodated in a state of being positioned inside the film-like container 10, when the film-like container 10 is opened to pour water into the film-like container 10, the atmosphere improver I will be positioned above the alpha rice AR. Thereby, the atmosphere improver I can be easily taken out from the film-like container 10.

Explanation of Signs

[0044] 1: Pouch food, 10: Film-like container, 11: Front-side outer packaging film, 12: Back-side outer packaging film, 13: Bottom-side outer packaging film, 14a~14d: Seal part, 14d1: Upper region, 14d2: Lower region, 15a~15c: Notch, 16: Opening / closing seal, 20: Pressing member, 21: Concave part, AR: Alpha rice, I: Atmosphere improver, PS: Placing surface

Claims

1. A step of placing food in a container formed by an exterior film; A step of dropping an atmosphere improving agent into the storage section into which the food has been placed; a step of pressing the opposing surfaces of the exterior film in a direction toward each other while the food and the atmosphere improver are contained in the container to discharge air from within the container, thereby sandwiching and holding the atmosphere improver between the opposing surfaces; after the air is discharged, sealing the inlet while the atmosphere improver is spaced from the food and the inlet of the exterior film; A method for producing a pouch food, comprising the steps of:

2. The atmosphere improving agent is an oxygen scavenger, 2. The method for producing a pouch food according to claim 1, wherein after sealing the inlet, oxygen in the storage section is absorbed by the oxygen scavenger, thereby bringing the opposing surface into close contact with the atmosphere improving agent.

3. Pressing the opposing surfaces using a pair of pressing members; Each of the pressing members is A recess formed along the outer shape of the food contained in the exterior film; 2. The method for producing a pouch food product according to claim 1, further comprising: a flat surface for pressing an area of ​​the storage portion other than the food.

4. The exterior film has a pair of seal portions extending downward from both side edges of the pouch food in the width direction toward the center, 2. The method for producing a pouch food product according to claim 1, wherein the food product is placed in a space in the storage section that is below a position that corresponds to the minimum distance between the pair of seal sections.

5. 2. The method for producing a pouched food product according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: vibrating the exterior film after the food product is introduced and after the atmosphere improving agent is introduced.

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